Ill. by Frane Lessac. Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 9781 921529 85 6.
(Ages: 8+) Recommended. Humour. Fable.
This extraordinary story is expounded on the pages by Greenwood and
Lessac in a brilliant retelling of the life of Louis de Rougemont and
is wonderfully illustrated with fantastical drawings of his adventures
and presentations on the stage.
Greenwood came across this tale of a media celebrity who made his name
in London, telling the most amazing tales of the adventures of his life
to packed theatres in mid Victorian times. He became a celebrity,
people flocked to his performances, a wax likeness was made and
displayed at Madame Tussauds, he met Queen Victoria but was questioned
by members of the Royal Geographical Society. When some journalists
investigated his life they found him to be Henri Grin, a man who had
been butler to the Governor of Western Australia in 1875, and who may
have heard many stories from the southern lands, but many were said to
be untrue. Despite then calling himself the 'greatest liar on earth',
he was jeered and heckled off the stage. So he fell from the celebrity
status he once held, fading back to the darkness of where he came from,
dying a pauper and buried in London.
Lessac's wonderful illustrations show the man and his stories in bold,
colourful gouache, and represent him participating in the adventures he
talked about: seeing a giant squid, being wrecked on a coral reef,
being marooned on an island with the bones of other shipwrecked
sailors, riding a giant turtle, wrestling a crocodile, almost eaten by
cannibals and finding gold.
The story underlines the momentary status of celebrity, their names on
everyone's lips for a while, then fading as more truth is brought to
light.The book also reflects the willingness of people to believe the
stories they are told, adoring the person about whom the stories are
said, but then dismissing them out of hand. The fickleness of the crowd
is shown clearly in the last few pages where the sparse audiences jeer
the man who recently was adulated.
Fran Knight
Soulbound by Heather Brewer
Legacy of Tril: Book one. Penguin Books Australia, 2012. ISBN:
9780143307181
(Age: Teens) Recommended. Heather Brewer sets her new series in a
quasi-medieval fantasy world, dominated by a secret war between the
Skilled and the seemingly immortal usurper King Darrick and all his
evil henchmen. The Barrons (warriors) and Healers of the Skilled are
controlled by the shadowy Zattai Council, while the ordinary people,
known as Unskilled are apparently totally oblivious to the ongoing
struggle for dominance.
Kaya is a Healer born of a forbidden romance between two Barrons. The
rules are not only severe, but sometimes unexplained and illogical. For
instance, why can't two Barrons fall in love? There's no clear reason
given. And how it is that Kaya is a Healer? What makes it so? There are
actually quite a few obvious plot-holes, so Soulbound isn't completely
engaging.
But in terms of characters and action, most of the time, this book
succeeds. Kaya is a feisty, unapologetic girl, determined to defend
herself (see, why can't Healers learn to fight?). The two boys who come
to care for her show their concern in different ways, and it is easy to
see why Kaya struggles with her feelings for them. The struggle between
the Barrons and the evil graplars is well described and suspenseful.
Once Kaya learns how to defend herself (which is perhaps just a little
too easy), the action intensifies and she is given a chance to prove
her worth. This is the most effective part of the novel.
The plot is a mishmash of high school teen melodrama and Harry Potter.
The popular girl guns for Kaya's Barron, and in classroom scenes crazy
or mean teachers lecture information about Kaya's new world. I'd have
liked the character of Maddox to be more consistent. As a Barron
without a Healer, she is untrained and is given the (lowly) job of
guarding Kaya. At times she is fiercely loyal and terrifically snarky,
yet, given the opportunity to train (secretly) with Kaya, Maddox
refuses, as she doesn't want to break protocol, and is scared she might
have to confront the graplars. These opposing behaviours didn't ring
true. Soulbound has a great premise, it just could have been better
executed.
It really only skims the surface of the ideas, instead of building in
depth and substance. But I am not sure teens will notice, the ones who
love their paranormal romances will devour this.
Trisha Buckley
Two little monkeys by Mem Fox
Ill. By Jill Barton. Penguin/Viking, 2012. ISBN 9780670076529.
(Age: 2-6) Highly recommended. Two little monkeys, Cheeky and
Chee are playing near a tree when along comes something prowling. Up
they jump, climbing to the highest branch. What are they hiding from?
The very talented Mem Fox has once again put her formidable talent to
good use in this engaging story of two little monkeys who are
frightened by something prowling nearby. Every word has been carefully
selected and reads out loud perfectly and will be easy for the very
young to remember and repeat along with the adult reading it aloud. It
would also be perfect for a young child to use to start learning how to
read - a wonderful story, repetition, easy to remember and lots of fun.
The illustrations by Jill Barton highlight the characters of the two
little monkeys, with their delightful facial expressions and complement
the text, helping the young reader to work out what is happening. The
leopard that is prowling nearby is fierce, but not enough enough to
frighten young children and the countryside, awash in pale yellows and
blues bring the monkeys' world to life.
As always Mem Fox has created a story that is sure to become a firm
favourite with young children who will love the love and repetition of
the story, the characters of the cheeky little monkeys and the gorgeous
illustrations. It is a keeper for me and an ideal present for
grandparents and new parents to buy for young children.
Pat Pledger
Birthday Girl by Meredith Badger
Go Girl series. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2012. 91 pages.
(Ages: 6-9) This is a simple early chapter book with large text, a
smattering of black and white illustrations and a simple yet engaging
storyline. Annabelle usually loves her birthday and her birthday party.
Her uncle is fantastic at helping her create and make her party
invitations. Her mum always makes a great cake and together they plan
interesting themed 'at-home' parties like her 'school pool' party last
year. Her friends always love Annabelle's parties. But Annabelle has
just been to her best friend Nicole's birthday party at the rock
climbing centre and they had a beautiful cake from the bakery with
chocolate curls on top. While everyone is gushing about how great
Nicole's party has been Annabelle is busy thinking about her own
birthday party . . . how can it possibly be as great as a rock-climbing
birthday party with a shop bought cake?
Feeling the pressure to conform and have a 'grown-up' party Annabelle
turns to the wisdom of the online 'party princess' which informs her
that 'mocktail parties' are 'so hot right now'. Her party promises to
be very mature this year but when the big day comes Annabelle realises
that her lovingly planned and created birthday parties are far more
special than a bakery cake, exotic foods and grown-up games.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Love notes from Vinegar House by Karen Tayleur
Black Dog Books, 2012. ISBN 9781742032191.
(Age: 11-14) Recommended. Freya is forced to spend her holidays
with her grandmother at Vinegar House when her parents have to go
overseas to visit her ill Nana. In one way it's not too bad because
there have been rumours about her on Facebook and she is happy to get
away from computers. However her cousin, Rumer, whom she doesn't get on
with, is there as well. Rumer is one of those people who always seem to
get what she wants and she wants Luke Hart, the only boy that Freya has
ever wanted.
When Freya arrives at Vinegar House she finds that things are even more
strange than usual. She spots a light coming from the attic window at
night, the attic that is always locked. When she finally goes go into
the attic, she spies a shadow in the corner of the mirror that stands
in the corner. Mysterious love notes are pushed under Rumer's door,
addressed to 'R' and signed 'L', and Freya is convinced that she will
never have a chance with Luke.
Tayleur's approach to the Gothic house, the ghostly light and the
romance is quite subtle and thoughtful. There are slight nods to
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, with a weird housekeeper, a desolate
beach and old family secrets. Freya, whose voice is often funny and
poignant, describes the love triangle, often coming up with the clever
thing to say when it is too late. She comes alive as a smart teen who
can see her own failings and prejudices and who ultimately does the
right thing for all the people in her family. She knows that she runs
away from trouble, instead of facing it and gradually gets the courage
to face her fears.
This is not a ghost story that will make you quake with fear. Rather it
is a story that is based on the psychological insights that the reader
gains about the characters. Freya states that she doesn't believe in
ghosts, but the reader is left wandering who filled the bath late at
night and shone a light to beckon people in danger, home. And just what
did happen to Rumer's mother so long ago and why was no one prepared to
talk about it?
I enjoyed this story, which on first reading seemed quite simple but on
reflection would open up many more avenues on a second read. I think
thoughtful readers would find a lot to enjoy in it.
Pat Pledger
The year of the gadfly by Jennifer Miller
Text, 2012. ISBN 0781921922886.
(Age: 16+) What a fascinating novel! With an initial quotation
from Plato, and definitions of 'Marvellous Species' beginning each
section, Miller takes us directly into the story of Iris Dupont, a
quirky, and free spirited young woman, who moves to a smart preparatory
school in a leafy town in north-eastern United States in 2012 to allow
her a buffer after the death of her best friend. Iris is
suffering great anguish and her parents are concerned as she has been
heard talking to an imaginary, albeit famous, friend.
This is a novel of individual stories, the characters connected by time
and place, tell their stories, in the first person, in very personal
narratives. Given that a gadfly is an insect that annoys horses,
and is, metaphorically, a person who upsets the status quo, the title
is apt.
In his schooldays, in 1999, Jonah, a fiery red-head, was desperately in
love with Hazel, a manipulative, tempestuous red-head in love with
Jonah's twin brother, Justin, who was desperately in love with
Lily. Lily's early brush with horrendous sun-burn foreshadows the
dreadful abuse that she willingly endures later to fit into the cool
group. Jonah has returned to teach at his old prep school, to put
things right.
The narratives move between 1999 and 2013. We hear of
Lily's story through a video, Sacrificial Lamb, which
chillingly
suggests the pressures to conform and be liked in adolescent years,
even in expensive schools for intelligent students preparing for higher
education.
This novel is captivating in its characterisation and its revelation of
the thoughts and emotions of deeply-troubled young people.
Elizabeth Bondar
The Dead of the Night by Peter Lerangis
The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers series, Book 3, Scholastic, 2012.
Recommended for ages 9-13. Dan and Amy are back in this third
instalment of the follow on to The 39 Clues series. Written by
different authors the books do not suffer from a lack of consistency
and The Dead of the Night is just as readable, interesting and
filled
with intrigue as the first books of the original series. I cannot
pinpoint exactly why I enjoy these books so much but it may be a
combination of historical and geographical information, the warm and
relatable characters and the fast-paced adventure. Totally original as
a concept it is no surprise that these books have received the
open-armed reception that they have from avid young readers. The reader
is treated as intelligent but the series also encourages the asking of
further questions and promotes interest in different countries, history
and places.
In this title Dan and Amy are racing through Prague to Turkey and onto
Uzbekistan collecting items for the Vespers who have kidnapped seven
members of the Cahill family. Faced with the opton of meeting the tasks
Vesper 1 sets or being responsible for the death of their family Amy
and Dan have a lot to deal with. Throw into the mix Dan's best friend
Atticus also being captured and the pressure is really on. Amy and
Dan's characters continue to develop as they take on new
responsibilities and face new truths. Are the messages from AJT really
from their father? How will Amy deal with being thirteen and the head
of the family? Why has Ian disappeared and can he be trusted?
Packed full of adventure, filled with suspense and twists and turns
around every corner The Dead of the Night is certainly a book
to
recommend to those readers who need a fast-paced book to keep them
interested and engaged, but it is more than that. This is a series that
really can and will appeal to nearly every individual within its target
age range.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Secret safari by Susannah McFarlane
EJ12 Girl Hero series, book 12. Scholastic/Lemon Fizz Media, 2012.
(Ages: 8-10) Emma Jacks can't wait for the school holidays so she can
get away from school for a while and stop worrying for two weeks. Not
only is she concerned that she won't make it into the A netball team
with her friends but her archenemy Nema now has an ally in the
unfriendly new girl, Laila. However, Emma's chances of a lazy holiday
spent on the couch are dashed when her mum wins a family trip to
Africa. What only Emma and her mother know is that the prize holiday is
a cover-up. Emma, known in the spy world as EJ 12, and her mother, SJ
45 are Special Agents for the Shine Agency and are being sent on a
secret mission to put a stop to an evil scheme being carried out by the
debauched spy agency, Shadow. Not only does EJ know that her mean
schoolmate Nema works for Shadow but by the end of the book she starts
to wonder whether the close relationship between Nema and Laila is
indicative of more than just a mutual nastiness.
This is a pleasant series as it fills a real gap left by the fairy,
kitten, princess and ballerina books which are targeted to females of
this age range. This is an easy to read novel which portrays the oft
fantasised 'double-life' of a child's dreams. The world of Shine and
spies is almost a fantasy world, filled as it is with camouflage charms
and animal food dispensers that magically produce bottles of milk
suitable for feeding to baby cheetahs. However this is exactly what is
required when you are transporting young girls into a parallel world
and transforming them into their super spy alter-ego!
Nicole Smith-Forrest
The Secret Promise by Paula Harrison
The Rescue Princesses series, Book 1. Nosy Crow, 2012.
(Ages:7-9) This is exactly what you would expect from a book
with this series title and cover. The only surprises here are the
somewhat odd combination of a traditional fairytale land of royal
kingdoms and castles with super fast jets and ex-undercover agent/ninja
maids. Very much in the vein of the 'tween' super series such as
Rainbow Magic and Magic Kitten this title is the first in what promises
to be a vast collection of stories about these four 'rescue
princesses'.
As this is the introduction to the series the reader is privy to the
meeting of the four princesses who have travelled to Mistberg Castle
with their respective King and Queen parents from their own lands.
Gathered together for the Grand Ball in which they are being presented
to the twenty royal families from around the world the four princesses
form a friendship over their love of all things exciting and
un-princess like, namely an outdoor obstacle course. So when they
discover a wicked plot to destroy all the deer in Mistberg Forest the
princesses get caught up in an adventurous rescue to save the day and
set things right. This is a chapter book for the slightly older rather
than beginning reader but will only interest a small age range within
its appropriate reading age. This being said the book is well within
the interests of its female target age range as it combines favourite
topics of princesses and animals. A real hit no doubt!
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French
Angus and Robertson, 2012; 311 pages; p/b. ISBN 9780732292096.
(Ages 14+) Highly recommended. From its opening pages, Pennies
for Hitler will hold the young (and not-so-young) reader within its
grasp. Pennies for Hitler is the latest in Jackie French's
impressive
list of works, and again she does not disappoint. For those familiar
with her bestselling novel Hitler's Daughter, Pennies for
Hitler is its
companion piece. French tells her story with artistry, and with such
poignant sensitivity for the small boy Georg, the reader cannot help
being drawn into his world.
Georg is the only child of his English academic father and German
mother. It is 1939 and he is happy attending the Adolf Hitler Schule in
Alfhausen - meanwhile Hitler is amassing his troops to the cries of
Heil Hitler. On graduation day at his father's University, Georg learns
that his great-grandfather was a Jew, and he witnesses the death of his
own father. Unwittingly he is caught in the rising power and terror of
Nazi Germany. His mother arranges an escape from Germany that enables
Georg to reach England and the relative safety of his auntie's home in
London.
However hatred has long arms, and this child who has already lost so
much, is soon facing a familiar foe in a new environment. Georg buries
his German origins deep within, and eventually, after surviving the
London blitz, he prepares for a journey across dangerous waters to
Australia. Soon however, a new foe emerges providing Georg with a new
perspective. Two years older, and not wishing to run anymore, he learns
a life lesson.
This novel highlights the hardships, hatred and horrors of war. Jackie
French weaves her story through these sensitive waters admirably. While
factual incidents have been her inspiration, it is a work of fiction
nonetheless. In the author's notes, French has included background
information supporting the origins of some of the scenes used in her
narrative. I highly recommend this novel for middle and senior school
students of history and literature.
Colleen Tuovinen
The very hungry bear by Nick Bland
Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9781742831701.
(Age: Preschool - 7) Recommended. Environment. The very cranky
bear is back and this time he is hungry. He goes on a fishing trip and
catches nothing until something huge goes on his hook. It is a large
white bear who has an armful of fish and is happy to share if only the
very hungry bear would help him find a home. His iceberg is
shrinking and his home is very far away. The very hungry bear is keen
to have the fish so off he goes with the polar bear to find a home. His
cave is too hot, Mole's hole is cooler but too small, the croc is not
helpful, but finally they find him a home on top of a snow covered
mountain.
This captivating verse story will delight its young readers. The rhymes
make it an ideal book to read aloud, and will also help the emerging
reader predict what is coming next. Bold print emphasise words and
using these for emphasis when reading aloud will make the story even
more appealing. In a very subtle way, Nick Bland is pointing out what
happens to animals when their habitat is destroyed. In this case the
polar bear's iceberg has melted and he has no way to get home. This
could lead to an interesting discussion about why the polar ice is
melting and whether anything can be done about it.
Bland draws great expressions on the face of his very hungry
bear. There is no doubt of what he is feeling when he is grumpy -
the frown on his face leaves no doubt about that. The smile on the face
of the polar bear shows his willingness to be friendly and cooperative
without the need for words to describe this character trait. And the
face of the croc, busily gulping down Polar Bear's fish and eyeing him
evilly, leaves the reader is no doubt about the nature of that animal.
This will be a welcome addition for fans who have enjoyed reading about
the cranky bear.
Pat Pledger
Adorkable by Sarra Manning
Atom 2012 . ISBN 9781907411007.
(Age: for teens 15+ ) Jeane Smith is a 17 year old dork and proud
of it. So proud of it she's made a successful career out of it. As
'Adorkable' she blogs, Tweets and texts her way to overseas
conferences, newspaper columns and interviews. She's an authority
on her generation but one who disdains their conformity. She's a loner,
and her friends are the Internet, her iPhone and her iPad. She wears
clothes from Jumble sales (read orange tights), lives on her own, dyes
her hair grey and survives on Haribo jelly sweets. Her separated
parents live abroad and her guardian older sister is a doctor in
Chicago. Jeane is confident, witty, clever and bitchy. But is she
really a dork or is it all an act to be noticed?
Jeane's dork status is sorely tested when the most popular, straight
and desirable boy in the school falls for her and before they know it
they are in a sexual relationship. The sex here is honest, open and
believable. The book alternates chapters from his point of view with
hers. This captures the way the same event can be totally differently
interpreted by the two people involved. Jeane persuades Michael to lie
to his parents and fly with her to New York for a weekend. Naturally
trouble then brews. Eventually Jeane is alone on Christmas Eve,
in difficulty, and with no-one to turn to but Michael and his family.
When she then experiences his happy family life she has to decide who
she really is and what she really wants.
This is a witty, entertaining book full of punchy come-back lines.
Themes of identity, family influence, social norms and growing up are
explored, and the character of Jeane, despite her voicing
authorial-sounding insights on her generation, is memorable.
Girls will love this very contemporary look at Gen Y set in England.
Michael is perhaps too good to be true but the theme of celebrating
difference is refreshing and 'dorky maybe the new cool.'
Kevyna Gardner
Rainbow Street pets by Wendy Orr
Allen and Unwin , 2012. ISBN 978174237 9081
(Ages: 8+) Highly recommended. Short stories. Animals. The author of
the books about Nim, again reveals her skills at teaching young readers
about animals and how to look after them in this book of 6 stories
about the Rainbow Street Shelter. The stories may be about animals and
finding a human to look after them but each story contains a
considerable amount of information about the animal and its care, as
well as showcasing the range of animals suitable for homes and families
of various types.
The first, Lost Dog Bear is about a family breakup. Mum and her
son move to the city, leaving dad to work on the farm. Much discussion
occurs about where Bear the sheep dog will be and eventually he moves
to the city too. But he gets lost. During his first day at school,
Lachlan is about to tell about his lost dog when a girl in his class
tells a story about finding a dog during the holidays. So all is
resolved, the two becomes friend and the dog is found.
The next story continues the tale of the two friends, while the third
introduces a new family living in a flat and wanting a small pet. The
next story is about Mona's feelings for animals and tells an amusing
tale of her encounters with a lion cub. Mona's childhood interest has
led her to set up the Rainbow Street Shelter.
Each of the stories is positive and informative, engaging and neatly
resolved, and will be highly appealing to middle primary people wanting
a story to read or to read all the stories as one novel.
Fran Knight
Preloved by Shirley Marr
Black Dog Books, 2012. ISBN 9781742931903.
(Age 12+) Recommended. Amy always feels as if her glamorous friend
Rebecca sidelines her. To add to her woes she has a Chinese mother
who is always coming out with strange superstitions. She is obsessed
with stuff from the 1980s, and helping her mother in their vintage
store is not a great chore. When she comes across a silver locket
with a photo of a boy dressed in authentic 80s clothes, her life is
turned upside. Logan is the ghost of a boy from the Eighties and
even though it is obvious that he was meant to haunt Rebecca, Amy
becomes obsessed with this annoying and persistent ghost.
Preloved is a really interesting story with fabulous characters that
were quite different to many found in young adult books. The loving
but sometimes irritable, relationship between Amy and her Chinese
mother, who is a firm believer in ghosts and has many stories about
them, comes across as real and authentic. Rebecca is a strange girl
and seems to be a poor choice for a best friend, and Logan's
character and story are fascinating.
I loved the humour in this book. Amy's smart comments were a joy to
read and kept me entertained throughout the book. Readers who like
the 80's period, will love the references to The Princess Bride and
the clothes and culture of the period. They will also enjoy the
references to the contents of the vintage shop and the idea that
preloved things can be loved again
It is difficult to categorise Preloved. It is not a standard ghost
story or a standard adolescent novel. It is part a coming of age
story, part romance and part an exploration of family and succeeds
very well as an unusual and interesting read.
Pat Pledger
Winter's light by M.J. Hearle
Winter Saga, book 2. Pan Macmillan, 2012. 9781742611037.
(Age: 15+) Paranormal. Blake has sacrificed himself to save Winter.
He has gone and she is left alone. Hunted by the Demori she has to
fight for her survival. She is haunted by nightmares of Blake and
the Deadlands. After two Demori viciously attack her, she makes an
uneasy alliance with Sam, one of the Bane. Together they travel to
the Bane's stronghold seeking out the solution to the mystery of the
Deadlands.
When I received this book to review I immediately bought the first
in the series, Winter's shadow and read it very quickly as I
loved Winter's character, her angst over her relationship with Blake
and the action packed suspense. I was able to continue on with the
second in the series without the usual wait of a year or so and this
increased my enjoyment of the books.
Hearle's world building makes this series stand out. He is able to
describe the everyday life of an orphan and her relationship with
her sister and best friend, while at the same time bring in a
paranormal world that seems equally real and quite different to many
of the series that abound at the moment. Winter's strength and
belief in herself grows during the second book. Left alone she must
take action and think for herself. With Blake gone, the romance of
course plays a minor role, while the action and suspense builds into
a crescendo that was very enjoyable. There are enough hints that
Blake may be somewhere to keep the ardent romance fans happy and
looking forward to the next book in the series. The cliffhanger at
the end will also help to get fans hooked into picking it up. Winter's light is an entertaining paranormal that fans of the
first book will surely enjoy. A book trailer is available
.
Pat Pledger
