Reviews

An A to Z of Fairies by Caroline Stills

cover image

Ill. by Heath McKenzie. Little Hare, 2011.ISBN 9781921714504.
Do YOU know who's living at the bottom of your garden??? If you read this delightful book by Caroline Stills, then you might have a sneak peek, without having to wait for midnight on a still moonlit night. There might be brownies, elves, fairies, gnomes, leprechauns, pixies and nixies and a whole host of other little folk that you never knew existed, just ready to take you and your imagination away into a wonderful world of fantasy. And while you're meeting them all, if you look closely you will see three familiar fairy friends keeping you safe on each page. Can you find them? If not, there's help at the back of the book.
This is a companion book to An A to Z of Pirates and Heath McKenzie's artistry is just as enchanting, and, although perhaps not the conventional portrayal that you might expect, it is quirky and colourful and engaging in its detail. When Miss 5 comes to visit she is transported to fairyland - both in her bedroom and in her special fairy garden - and when she came to stay last week, this book went from first-read to favourite in five minutes. We read it over and over finding something new on every page, and then outside and over the bridge we went to see if there were any new residents hiding in or around the big gum tree that shades our fairy garden.
'Q is for the fairy queen, who, on the first of May, will whisk you off to fairyland, if you should glance her way.' But any day can be the first of May with this lovely book on your shelves.
Barbara Braxton

Popular by Gareth Russell

cover image

Razorbill, 2011. ISBN 9780141334530.
(Ages 15+) This is the first book in a new series by an Irish author. Set in modern day Belfast readers are introduced to the privileged world of Meredith Harper and her friends Imogen, Catherine and Cameron. The main motivation in life for these teenagers is to be popular and they ruthlessly manipulate the people around them to achieve this. They lie, scheme and gossip while attending parties and spending lots of money. Beautiful and rich Meredith is the Queen Bee and her callous treatment of her friends is particularly uncomfortable to read. The plot revolves mainly about one of the girls having two boyfriends at the same time and how this can be hidden.
The novel could be read as a satire by more savvy readers but my concern is that many teenage readers would not find themselves internally challenging the behavior of the characters as perhaps the author intended. At times the dialogue is amusing and the characters are well constructed if mainly unlikeable.
Fans of the Gossip Girl series may be interested in reading this series.
Chris Lloyd

The son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

cover image

Penguin 2011, ISBN 9780141335728.
I really liked this book. I have read other books in the Percy Jackson series and enjoyed them but this is the first I have read in the Heroes of Olympus and now I want to read the first in this series.
Percy is being pursued by two Gorgons, who refuse to die even though he has killed them a number of times. They are also wearing Bargain Mart uniforms and offering him samples off the tasting plate as they try to kill him. Hampered by a loss of memory Percy gets refuge at Camp Jupiter a Roman Camp. Here the old lady he has helped along turns into the goddess Juno and she reveals a prophecy. Percy befriends Frank and Hazel who have their own problems and prophecies to deal with.
As the story progresses we learn more about Frank and Hazel and how they become a part of the quest that Percy goes on to help save Camp Jupiter from the evil goddess Gaia.
There is plenty of action and fights along the way as well as humour which when combined make up a story that moves along at a cracking pace and keeps the reader entertained and keen to find out what happens next. I especially liked the joke about the Amazons and the way the friendship develops between Frank and Hazel. I'm sure fans of Percy Jackson will like this book and be looking forward to the next book in the series as Percy and his friends continue on their quest to save the world from Gaia.
David Rayner

Pearlie in Paris by Wendy Harmer

cover image

Ill. by Gypsy Taylor. Random House, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74166 380 8.
(Age: Junior and early Middle Primary girls) Well recommended. This is another of the enduringly popular Pearlie series and although a well known formula, none the less it's a style girls enjoy. From the colourful front cover depicting the Eiffel Tower and the title in glitter, the reader embarks on a Parisian journey of pure delight. Fifi's spring collection is in tatters until Pearlie saves the day with a clever twist! The smooth, colourful and exciting illustrations on smooth quality paper will delight the young reader. A little French is dusted through the text. As usual the font is well sized and clear. Even an Australian slang word, 'reckon' slips in. Some of Pearlie's exclamations are clever. For example she says 'roots and twigs' on p25 in response to seeing Fifi's collection in small pieces. Percy the snail's dilemma of eating Fifi's flower dresses and then find escargots on the menu makes for humorous reading. Young female readers will enjoy this fairy story.
Sue Nosworthy

Itsy-bitsy animals by Margaret Wild and Jan Ormerod

cover image

Little Hare 2011. ISBN 9781921714429.
'This itsy-bitsy kitten likes to pounce and jump.
That itsy-bitsy panda goes bumpity-bump'
This is a delightful introduction to the world of baby animals for the very young, with all sorts of possibilities for acting the parts. And like its companion, Itsy-Bitsy Babies, it has a delightful message to wrap it up. I love the baby tigers curled up with Mother Zebra. The rhyme and rhythm of the language and the clear pictures in subtle colours are perfect partners. Simple, yet sophisticated - it's a winner.
Barbara Braxton

Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

cover image

Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780141338453.
(Age: 15+) Will and Asheley are siblings with a strangely intense relationship. Their father abandoned the family many years earlier and their mother is a chronic alcoholic who cannot be depended upon. As the eldest, Will feels responsible for keeping his sister safe, a task made harder when she begins to socialise with the trendy kids at school. Conversely, Asheley would like to entice her awkward, nerdy brother out of his solitary, reclusive existence. Their conflicting goals collide in a disastrous, unforeseen way resulting in them both trying to explain to the police their connection to a dead body.
This is a dark, psychological thriller with sinister undertones. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Will and Asheley leaving the reader struggling to gain a foothold on the truth. Interactions that are seemingly normal and reassuring are interspersed with disturbing episodes hinting at their dysfunctional dynamic. There is a surprising twist at the end which compels the reader to speculate on the integrity of both narrators.
Brother/Sister is a cleverly written and sophisticated story. The veiled allusion to incest may be off putting for some but others will find this a gripping, page turner.
Tina Cain

Small Change for Stuart by Lissa Evans

cover image

Doubleday, 2011.
(Ages 7+) Recommended. S. Horten is not the ideal name for someone who is small for his age and Stuart gets very annoyed at being mistaken for a seven year old when he's actually ten. However, When the Horten family return to live in the village where Stuart's dad grew up, Stuart discovers a role model. His Great Uncle was a magician known as Teeny Tiny Tony Horten, but he disappeared during world War Two and left behind a secret warehouse of magic tricks that no one has been able to find.
With help from next door's annoying triplets Stuart is in a race against time to solve the magic clues set by his Great Uncle and discover the warehouse before its contents fall into the wrong hands.
Lissa Evans has concocted a wonderful mix of original plot and traditional mystery. Young readers will easily identify with a host of memorable characters. Stuart's mixed feelings about his height are handled sensitively. His parents and other grown ups are delightfully vague and slow witted, and readers will take great pleasure in staying one step ahead of them. The initially irritating triplets reinforce the value of friendship and teamwork but these important principles are neatly tucked into an entertaining and original story. This would be great to read aloud to lower juniors and is well worth buying for your library.
Claire Larson

On Orchard Road by Elspeth Edgar

cover image

Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 9781921720291.
(Ages: 11 +) Highly recommended. As the story begins Jane is moving to the country with her dad, leaving her mother and premature baby sister in hospital in Melbourne. She is feeling resentful at the changes the intrusion of the baby has brought and is very fearful of being in a new school and town. At first her worst fears are realised and she is targeted by a bully at school. However a nasty run in with him and some of his mates results in her meeting a reclusive and intriguing old woman.
The story from here also involves a teenage boy Michael who with the old woman helps Jane to recognise the many blessings in her life. Teenage girls will enjoy the gentle romance between Jane and Michael.
The theme of coping with change is dealt with sensitively and the lovely descriptive prose makes it an ideal addition to any collection. It would be an excellent shared novel for upper primary and could be used by school counselors as well.
Chris Lloyd

The moon and the gecko : Patjuka wura Punu : story from Paakantji Community by Pajantji Community with Liz Thompson

cover image

Sharing our stories (series). Pearson Education. 2011 ISBN 978 1 4425 4691 2
(Ages 8+) Recommended. Aboriginal folklore. This charming Creation story from the Paakantji people of Wilcannia tells how the land came to be, through the tale of one jealous young man and his uncle and his two wives. The lad tricks his uncle into climbing high into a tree looking for grubs, but when his uncle is a long way up, the boy creates a wind which makes the tree sway. Uncle catches hold of the sky and the boy is able to get all the grubs for himself. The uncle becomes the moon and his image can still be seen there. The wives, angry with Punu, call their dingoes and they attack the boy, going off into the sandhills where they become bull ants. Punu turns into a gecko and lives behind the bark in the tree. Each part of the story tells how something came to be in the Wilcannia area, and reminds the listeners of the places in their area, the reasons behind the rules given by the elders and the plants and animals which exist there.
For students reading this book, a comparative study could be made of other Creation stories and the similarities and differences between them could be discussed.
As with the other in this fine series, Sharing our stories, the introductory pages tell a little of the place the stories are set, and where the Paakantji people live, before introducing the storyteller, Murray Butcher.
The vibrant illustrations by the students at Wilcannia Primary School are a visual treat, adding to the story. At the end of the book are several pages with the students' own words, and those of several of the elders. All is followed by the story retold in the Paakantji language, while each page has a few lines at the bottom explaining some of the words used in the text. A most useful addition to the classroom. More about this series can be found at this website.
Fran Knight

Stoner and Spaz by Ron Koertge

cover image

Candlewick Press, 2002. ISBN 9780763621506.
(Age: 15+) Ben Bancroft is a sixteen year old with cerebral palsy and a mindset that keeps him on the fringes of life. He is a movie buff and spends all his spare time in the local Rialto Theatre. Colleen Minou, is a larger than life, tattooed high school student with a drug problem and not the kind of girl Ben's grandmother and guardian, would like him to be around. When they meet Ben is entranced. Despite her troubled image, Colleen brings warmth and friendship. She sees beyond Ben's disability and gives him a new confidence to engage with the world. With the help of a family friend, Ben pursues an interest in film making but life with Colleen is a roller coaster. Ben is a positive influence, motivating her to become clean but can he really count on her?
There are many disenfranchised individuals in society behind the labels of disabled, drug addicted or homeless. This book gives the reader the opportunity to see the personalities behind these labels and hopefully develop insight and empathy.
Stoner and Spaz conveys important messages in a style that is both humorous and poignant. This is a book that could stimulate interesting discussion about stereotypes and preconceptions and a worthy addition to the school library.
Tina Cain

Now playing : Stoner and Spaz II by Ron Koertge

cover image

Candlewick Press, 2011. ISBN 9780763650810.
(Age: 15+) This equally entertaining follow up to Stoner and Spaz continues developing the relationship between Ben and Colleen. She is making headway in her fight against drug addiction and gaining some acceptance from Ben's grandma. She is the only girl that seems indifferent to his cerebral palsy and he loves how she makes him feel. However now he has met A.J. and not only is she clever, stable and ambitious, she also shares Ben's passion for movies. While Ben is trying to work out what he really wants, Colleen tracks down the mother who abandoned him as a child. Now he has another complicated relationship to challenge him.
This book has the same witty, fast paced dialogue as its predecessor and is an enjoyable read. It covers the same issues of drug addiction, disability, relationships and self acceptance however Ben's character is more mature and evolved. Readers who loved the first book will enjoy this one too.
Tina Cain

Grug's Big Book of Fun by Ted Prior

cover image

Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 9780731815020.
(Ages 4+) This is a well produced picture and activity book. It has 160 pages of colour and black and white pages and includes some stickers as well. The book has an Aussie theme and young people will enjoy learning about Grug and Australia. I learnt that Grug is a Burrawang. This is a tree mainly found on the coast of New South Wales. This would be an ideal gift for a young person about to travel around Australia for an extended holiday.
Chris Lloyd

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

cover image

Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9781408808511.
(Ages 15+) As a longtime fan of Louis Sachar I was very keen to read this new title. The main character Alton is 16 and not looking forward to his long summer holidays. His girlfriend is now going out with his best friend and he is expected to spend to drive his old, very rich and blind great Uncle to bridge tournaments four times a week. His parents are hoping that time with Alton will result in Uncle Lester giving the family some of his wealth.
Unexpectedly Alton finds himself enjoying the challenge of learning about bridge and also coming to understand the circumstances that have made Uncle Lester the way he is. He forms an alliance with teenager Toni whose family has been connected with Uncle Lester through tragedy for many years. The book has many explanations of the rules and playing strategies of bridge and these can become a little intrusive. Sachar does often give the readers warnings that explanations are coming and it is not essential that they be read.
The characters are engaging but I feel it is mainly a book about bridge rather than people. It comes as no surprise to learn that Sachar is an avid bridge player. Young people may not persevere till the end unless they also have a love of card playing.
Chris Lloyd

The dead I know by Scot Gardner

cover image

Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781742373843.
This book is unusual in that it deals with death, not usually a topic dealt with in society. More specifically, it touches upon the funeral industry and the disposal of the dead. It does this sensitively and respectfully and this is one of the strengths of the book.
Aaron Rowe has dreams and sleepwalks. He often wakes up in unexpected places and doesn't know how he got there. He lives with his Mam in a caravan and is bullied by another resident of the caravan park. Aaron's life begins to change when he starts a job as an assistant to a funeral director. Through the care and understanding of John Barton, Aaron begins to take hold of his life and to confront his dreams and sleepwalking. At the same time, he has to deal with his Mam's descent in dementia.
This book can be read and enjoyed on many levels.  Aaron is a likeable character who has a lot to deal with. Ultimately the dreams and sleepwalking are resolved and Aaron is able to deal with the problems in his life realistically and satisfactorily. His Mam's dementia is explained as all the parts of the puzzles in the book fit together. I particularly like this book and would recommend it to secondary students.
David Rayner

Wildwood by Colin Meloy

cover image

The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1. Ill. by Carson Ellis. Penguin, 2011. ISBN: 9780670075157.
Recommended for ages 9+. Living a quiet, uneventful life in Portland, things change for Prue when her baby brother, Mac, is abducted by a murder of crows. She watches him being carried into the Impassable Wilderness, a section of the map of which no-one is prepared to speak or visit. Naturally, Prue decides to rescue him and, chatting to herself as she tries to create a plan, is overheard by her classmate, Curtis. The following day, having hidden her brother's disappearance from her parents, Curtis follows Prue as she goes in search of Mac. Gaining entry to the woods, they meet an assortment of human and animal characters, some of whom they find they can trust and others whose motives are questionable. There is more than a touch of the Chronicles of Narnia in this title, as magical elements abound, battles are fought and blood is shed in the process of overcoming the evil forces.
With this being the first title in the series, Meloy has spent much time introducing the setting and characters; therefore, at times the action is somewhat slow. Nonetheless, Wildwood is competently written, perhaps with the aim of being accessible to both children and the young adult audience, as some of the language tends to be more complex. The dissension between the different groups living within Wildwood, their pre-conceived notions of one another, the desire for supremacy of each group and the political battles in which they are involved could be paralleled with issues in many other countries. Simpler themes such as tenacity, loyalty, family, friendship and the importance of team work could also be drawn out if this series were to be used in the classroom. The quality of the paper makes this a book you wish to have and hold, as do the illustrations which are integral. With six colour plates and multiple maps, in addition to many full page and smaller black and white illustrations and silhouettes scattered throughout, one's imagination is fired but there is also much portrayed for the reader's pleasure.
Jo Schenkel