Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9781408811511.
(Age 15+) Having previously enjoyed The Thornthwaite Inheritance
by the same author I was looking forward to reading this novel,
hoping it would have the same mix of humour and gothic themes. The
action starts with the return of 14 year old Mariel and her mother
to England from Australia for the funeral of Mariel's grandmother.
Mariel is introduced to her uncles, their wives, and her very
strange cousins. Lily and Amelia seem friendly but Oberon and
Elspeth are threatening and sinister. Mariel soon realises that
there is something very strange going on and is quickly in real
danger and afraid for her life.
Her mother is portrayed as a very ineffective woman and the lack of
help she gives to Mariel is quite unbelievable. The tone of the book
turns very nasty and the ending is very gruesome and morally
questionable. Of real concern is the cover image which would lead
potential purchasers and readers to think this would be a book
suitable for 9 -12 year olds. This is not a book that I would buy
for a school library.
Chris Lloyd
Bobo my superdog by Michael Salmon
Ford Street, 2011. ISBN: 978 1921665394.
Bobo is 'a very spoiled Shichon (Shih Tzu/Bichon Frise cross) who
lives with author Michael Salmon in Melbourne'. He spends half of
his life in much the same manner as other indulged pooches, residing
in his own elaborate doghouse, filled with cushions, eating at the
dining table, watching TV, going for walks and enjoying his own
personal possum patrol. Plagued by the cheeky cats from next door
and forced to attend Miss Tiggy's Puppy Training School, Bobo merely
tolerates these indignities. His secret life, however, revolves
around being a Super Hero crime fighter, able to assist with any
major emergency, whilst still making it home each night for dinner.
Although somewhat text heavy, this is an entertaining picture book
illustrated in Salmon's easily recognisable manner. With brightly
coloured cartoon style characters, the author's humour becomes
evident through the illustrations. For example, the line 'If he sees
any cheeky possums playing in the trees' is accompanied by the
depiction of a band of possums playing musical instruments amongst
the foliage. His transformation to Super-Bo is accompanied by an
illustration of a galah, feathers flying, looking distressed as the
dog flies past. Many other touches of humour abound, such as a
placard on the moon stating 'Moon. Keep Off!' and a great, green
slimy creature emerging from the river being covered by the contents
of a large can of Bubble-O detergent. For anyone who enjoys reading
imaginative tales of adventure, this is the perfect title.
Jo Schenkel
The Shadow Girl by John Larkin
Random House, 2011. ISBN 9781864718751.
(Age: 15+) It is often said that everyone has a story to tell and
John Larkin must have felt likewise when, on a school visit, he
encountered a homeless girl determined to continue her education.
Her extraordinary resilience inspired him to write The Shadow
Girl, a fictional biography that follows the experiences of a
thirteen year old forced to flee home to escape from her uncle's
sexual advances and brutality.
This book is more than a story about street kids. It is a gripping,
sophisticated, thriller complete with murder, mystery, terrifying
chases and heart stopping subterfuge. Sexual abuse, adultery,
violence, drug use and bulimia are also among the topics raised in
this book. However, despite the dark subject matter, Larkin manages
to leave the reader energised and uplifted. Woven into this fast
paced mix are themes of friendship, humour, questions of fate and
destiny and the will to survive. Confronting and captivating at
every level, this book is a page turner.
This is an excellent book that even the reluctant reader will find
hard to put down. The characters are sensitively drawn and add to
the richness of the plot but they are all secondary to the powerful
protagonist. She is a self sufficient, solitary individual and
accordingly, the story rests with her. Her journey challenges readers
to contemplate those values that really contribute to a meaningful
life.
Tina Cain
It's not summer without you by Jenny Han
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780141330556.
(Age 14+) Romance. Belly (short for Isabel) has always lived for her
summers at the beach. But this year it is different. Conrad is
ignoring her since his mother's illness and she has stopped
communicating with Jeremiah. When Jeremiah calls her to tell her
that Conrad has disappeared days before vital exams, she goes with
him to the beach house to see if they can find him.
In this sequel to The summer I turned pretty, Belly narrates
the journey that she has gone through since last summer. A typical
teen, she often seems selfish, as she describes the grief that
everyone is experiencing about Susannah's illness. She is still
obsessed with dour Conrad, even though it seems that his mother is
the one who is pushing the romance and who wants him to take her to
the prom. Jeremiah, too, although seeing other girls, seems to
continue to have feelings for Belly. At times I found the fact that
at least 3 boys were interested in her a bit difficult to imagine,
as she doesn't come across as having an attractive personality or
being the best friend available. There were times when I really
wanted to tell Belly to get over herself, but the elements of
romance and the teary moments during the book kept me going, and she
did seem to be growing up a bit by the end of the book.
When I finished this I felt that I had been left up in the air and
read the ending several times, trying to make sense of it. It wasn't
until I went to Jenny Han's website
that I realised that there is a third book to come, so no doubt
Belly's dilemma about who she really loves will be resolved in that.
Girls will enjoy the romance and the popular eternal love triangle
of two boys and one girl in both The summer I turned pretty
and It's not summer without you, and will grab We'll
always have summer when it is published.
Pat Pledger.
Gilbert the Great by Jane Clarke
Ill. Charles Fuge. Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 9780857072238.
'From the time Gilbert the Great White Shark was a tiny pup, Raymond
the Remora stuck to him like glue.' A true friendship is suddenly
shattered when one morning Gilbert wakes to discover his best friend
Raymond is gone.
Gilbert's mum does all she can to help her son recover from the loss
of his friend, as do all his other friends, but Gilbert is sad as he
recalls the good time he spent with a friend now gone.
Beautifully illustrated, Gilbert's sorrow is clearly shown on his
toothy face. It is only when his mum suggest a junk food snack
at the wreck when we see Gilbert's smile slowly appear, and widen
when he discovers a Remora in need of a shark friend.
A sweet story of friendships lost and found. This board book
would appeal to younger readers.
Zana Thiele
The Fear by Charlie Higson
Penguin Books 2011. ISBN 978 014 132505 7. The Fear is the third book in the series The Enemy. In the
series, everyone over 14 has either died or turned into a zombie
that is only interested in eating either children or anything else
they can get hold of, including each other. There is plenty of
action if you like fight scenes, cannibalism and violence. I found
the gore disturbing but especially the way the children are
dehumanised and used as toys and amusements before being killed and
eaten in quite horrific ways.
It is hard to identify with the characters as they are killed off
almost with total indifference. The author seems more
concerned with gore and violence than in characterisation and
telling a story. I found the character, the Collector,
particularly unpleasant in a book full of unpleasant characters and
situations. The description of his death was horrible.
Yes, I know it's a horror story but it was so unremittingly grim
that I could not get involved. There are echoes of Lord of the
Flies and other post-apocalyptic stories but this one seemed more
determined to shock rather than anything else. I would have
some serious concerns about putting it in a school library.
David Rayner
Djulpan: A story from the Yirritja Clans of north-east Arnhem Land by Liz Thompson
Pearson, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4425 4695 0. 24pp
(Age: Lower primary to be read to and upper primary and lower
secondary for research) Well recommended. An amazingly complex but
beautifully presented story of the Yolnu people and their
relationship with their ancestors and their connections to the land.
The Contents clearly describe the shape of the book, from the
introduction by a Yirritja man to sharing the story of the Djulpan
(the Yolnu word for the constellation Orion, shaped like a canoe) to
reading the stories of individuals, both the children and the
elders' who live there. Glorious descriptive and
detailed paintings from the children of years Four and Five give the
story authenticity and strength as well as clearly conveying the
story being told. Each page has a glossary which is very helpful as
well as the pronunciation in brackets after the word. The text
is large and well spaced and each page well balanced with text and
pictures both from the children and expressive photographs taken by
the author Liz Thompson. The Index covers the main points and
as the glossary is at the bottom of each page the whole work is
cohesive and well structured. As part of a unit of work this and The
danger Seed give non aboriginal children a detailed and very
loving introduction to another culture. The story is also written in
the Djambarrpuyna (Dhuwa) language. The number of pages is
appropriate. Liz Thompson has captured the story with joy and
respect.
Sue Nosworthy
Freak Street Bumper Super-Freaky Activity Book by Knife and Packer
Scholastic, 2011. ISBN: 987 1 74169 557 1.
Containing puzzles, word searches and crosswords, step-by-step 'how
to draw' instructions, cartoon strips, Freak Street facts, spot the
difference pages and a sheet of stickers; this would make the
perfect title for children who love the previous books in the
series. With full colour illustrations and comics, this would suit
the children who are independent readers yet still enjoy graphic
novels and the concept of creating their own characters and stories
using this as scaffolding. As they test their knowledge of the
novels from the series, this would provide them with some engaging
activities.
This is not a book which I would be quick to purchase for a school
library as I know it would (eventually) be returned filled with
writing or colouring and minus the sheet of stickers! Students would
not be able to refrain from 'filling in the gaps'. I would encourage
the parents of children who love the series to purchase this,
however. With more and more students creating their own comics and
publishing their work electronically to the internet, this could
provide some additional ideas.
Jo Schenkel
Silvermay by James Moloney
Angus and Robertson, 2011. ISBN 9780732292034.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Winner of the Gold
Inky 2011, Silvermay is the first in a new fantasy trilogy by
James Moloney. The disturbing prologue demands that the reader
continue with the book as Silvermay says:
'Or should I tell you, instead, that I've held a blanket over a
baby's face to smother it, and to this day I'm not entirely sure I
was wrong to do it?' pg 1.
I was totally hooked and had to read to find out if Silvermay did
smother a baby and why she would do such a horrendous act. Silvermay
is a young woman living quietly in her village when a handsome young
man, Tamlyn, and a young woman Nerigold with a newborn baby Lucien,
arrive at her home seeking aid. Nerigold is ill and Silvermay's
mother insists that she rests and recovers from the birth. However
the wizard Wyrdborn, Coyle Strongbow, is determined to find the
child and use him to gain power. When his men arrive in the village,
searching for Lucien, Silvermay leads the others on a bold quest to
find the secrets that the baby holds. There is much danger,
adventure and death defying moments as Wyrdborn magic is used to
follow them.
This is an enthralling story of good versus evil. The medieval type
setting is perfect for this original quest novel and Moloney has
come up with an original and sweeping story. Silvermay is the main
character in this novel, with the books, Tamlyn and Lucien to follow.
She is a courageous and generous young woman who is prepared to face
danger to look after the small baby, who is at the centre of an
age-old prophecy. Her goodness spills over to Tamlyn, who is
influenced by the way she thinks and acts. He faces the torment of
wondering whether he can overcome his Wyrdborn upbringing and begin
to feel and love like a normal person. This dilemma is a central
theme: Can Tamlyn overcome his genetic traits and be able to allow
his mother's beliefs and Silvermay's influence to help him become an
more empathetic person?
The growing romance between Tamlyn and Silvermay will satisfy those
who enjoy a romance in their fantasy. It is a rocky road for the
pair however as there are many twists and turns in the novel and
Silvermay is never sure whom she can trust.
This is a book that fantasy readers will lap up and teens have voted
it the book that they have most enjoyed in the Inky Awards, 2011. It
is a wonderful change from the vampires and werewolves and deserves
to be promoted in libraries and reading groups.
Pat Pledger
Note on the door and other poems about family life by Lorraine Marwood
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 9781921720611.
(Age 8+) Highly recommended. This is a delightful collection of
poems that describe many facets of Australian family life with
humour and insight. It is well organised into themes such as
holidays, school and friends. Particular favourites for me are a
poem describing a messy bedroom turned to compost and another from
the point of a view of an older sibling describing the impact of a
new baby.
Collections of Australian poetry suitable for many year levels are
not easy to find and this collection would be ideal for both
classroom browsing shelves and library shelves. The quirky
illustrations add fun and interest to the pages. Lorraine Harwood
won the 2010 Prime Minister's Literacy Award, Children's Fiction for
her verse novel Star Jumps which is also well worth
purchasing. This novel and the Note on the Door collection
would be suitable for class or individual study from Year 3 upwards.
Chris Lloyd
City of fallen angels by Cassandra Clare
Mortal Instruments 4. Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 9781406328660.
(Age 14+) Clary Fray is back in New York, training to
be a Shadowhunter and happy to have Jace as her boyfriend. But all
is not well. Shadowhunters are being killed and no one knows who is
doing it. It creates tension and Clary is afraid that war will break
out between the Downworlders and Shadowhunters. Then Jace begins to
act strangely. Does he still love her? And what is Sebastian up to?
Clare has built up an atmosphere of fear and the possibility of
betrayal by friends with a real cliff hanger ending which will
ensure that following books are picked up. The romance between Jace
and Clary is not clear-cut and Clary is afraid of what is happening
to Jace. Magnus and Alec are more of a feature in this book and
there is still room for the development of Simon's new character in
future books.
I loved the Mortal Instruments books and thought that City of
Glass was the last in the series. I loved the way that it
ended and felt thoroughly satisfied with the series and was happy to
read her new series Infernal Devices, so I was surprised
when City of fallen angels came out. I didn't enjoy it as much as
the others in the series, probably because in my head I had put Jace
and Clary to rest. The series, however has been a
great hit with teens.
Pat Pledger
Neville No-Phone by Anna Brandford
Ill. by Kat Chadwick. Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 978-1-921529-96-2.
Australia has more mobile phones than people so they are definitely
a must have item which explains why primary school aged Neville and
his friend Enzo are so desperate to have one. At first they harass
their parents for a phone but are knocked back. Enzo's parents think
it is hysterically funny and Neville's suggest he use the baby
monitor or Styrofoam cups with string. How will they cope!
So the two boys are determined and as luck would have it, they
discover a lost phone in a bus shelter. Of course they will return
it, won't they?
I particularly liked the joke at the end of the book, about the one
girl in the class who actually owns and flaunts her mobile phone.
Everything is not how it seems.
A fun read with a light hearted look at consumerism, Neville
No-Phone will appeal to 8 to 10 year olds who will understand
the problems of trying to obtain your 'must have' item.
Illustrations by Kat Chadwick are perfect for the story and the
cover will appeal to young readers.
Jane Moore
Grumpy little king by Michel Streich
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781 74237 572 4.
(Ages 7+) Recommended. Picture book. When the little king is bored,
he becomes grumpier than usual. He tries golf, walking the dog,
buying clothes, going for a drive, but nothing satisfies him. When
his advisors ask him why he is grumpy, he tells them that it is
because he is a little king in charge of a little nation. The
advisors advise to make war upon another nation, and in that way he
would become a big nation and world famous. So he takes their
advice, calls for the general to make plans, declares war on his
cousin in the next country and waits. Meanwhile, a great deal of
money is spent arming the nation - soldiers are trained and
ceremonies put into place to thrill the populace.
But once war is happening, the soldiers ask why their king is
nowhere to be seen, and on scouring the nation, both sides find
their kings a long way behind the fighting. The two are dragged to
the front, where they refuse to fight each other, and so the
soldiers disperse and go home. Once back in his palace, the little
king is grumpy all over again, but this time, nobody cares.
A delightful book extolling the virtues of peace and understanding,
of making love not war, of not following the machinations of those
in power who are only out to engrandise themselves, this funny book
should be read and reread by all politicians, every night. It is a
marvellously funny book to read aloud to a class, to use as an
introduction to a unit on war and peace, to have in the classroom at
all times, to have when talking to students about fighting and
bullying. It would be a wonderful companion to The duck in the
gun by Joy Crowley, reprinted in 2009, 25 years after its
first appearance.
Fran Knight
Lazy Daisy, busy Lizzie by Mary Ellen Jordan
Ill. by Andrew Welden. Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74237 429
1. 20p
(Age Early Learning Centres and Junior Primary). Well recommended.
The colourful soft feel of the cover entices the young reader to
open the book and find endpapers revealing the daytime scene of a
normal farm. But all is not normal! The cow eats jelly, the
pig doesn't like mud, chicken Lizzie dances through the air, and
Frankie the dog sits in the armchair watching television while
eating cake and drinking tea. What an unusual group of animals! The
final night endpapers reveal all are peacefully sleeping which seems
to be the only usual activity they do. The paper has a smooth
tactile feel and with the cover is very pleasant, both on the eye
and to the touch. The clear illustrations are boldly painted in
water colours. This story could easily encourage young writers
to make up their own versions.
Sue Nosworthy
Mini Racer by Kristy Dempsey and Bridget Strevens-Marzo
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9781408800386.
'Start your engines! Time to race, round the corners. Take your
place.' And they're off! A dozen or more little critters on
the craziest of cars are off on the BIG race. And with more
action than Bathurst, and just as much carnage, we follow them out
the gate and down the hill, over, under, in and through . . .
Who will be the winner? Will it be Giraffe who gets
stuck going into the tunnel? Perhaps Rabbit on his racing
carrot? Maybe the cheeky cats who take a shortcut? Or is there
a quiet contender, a black sheep who surprises?
The rhythm of the rhyme really portrays the speed of the story and
the illustrations are quirky and engaging. Kindy loved it, and
all we can say is Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup better watch
out. Mini Racer is here!
Barbara Braxton
