Faber, 2010. ISBN 9780571259489. The Moth Diaries by Rachel Klein is a book set in the nineteen
sixties
in an all girl's boarding school. The narrator is asked permission to
publish the diary written by herself at 16 by her psychiatrist, and so
the journal begins with her return to boarding school. This is probably
a form of abandonment by her mother as they both try to deal with the
suicide of the father, a noted poet. The journal records her emotions
as her close friendship with Lucy is disrupted by the arrival of a new
boarder. The girl's story slips in and out of reality, where dreams
might be real and observations a form of jealousy, obsession or even
delusion. Over time, the narrator comes to believe that Ernessa, the
interloper, is a vampire draining the life and energy from Lucy.
Through strange events, such as the violent death of a teacher's dog,
then a student and a teacher, the narrator believes that Ernessa's
consumption of Lucy is the true reason for the tragedies, and can only
end when Lucy dies. The paranoia and introverted voice of the narrator
is confusing and disturbing, and the fascination with death and suicide
suggests its suitability for mature senior female students. With a
movie about to be released, it would make a challenging senior study.
Margaret Clarke
Norris, the bear who shared by Catherine Rayner
Orchard Books, 2010. ISBN 9781846163098.
(Preschool - Year 1) Norris loved plorringes, and the plorringe on the
tree was very nearly
ripe. So, being wise, he lay down under the tree waiting for something
special to happen. But the something special isn't quite what you
guessed it would
be when you saw Norris lying on his tummy under the tree because Tulip
the raccoon and Violet the mouse also loved plorringes so they climb
the
tree to investigate it. While Norris watches and waits, they do much
more
than that, until -
Many authors for very young children explore themes of friendship and
sharing through animals and toys as characters, but this one has that
extra something that makes it stand out. It is very simple, but there
is so much scope for interaction between reader and listener that will
draw the
child into a cosy, rewarding experience. It's not all there in the text
- the illustrations are an integral part of the text in true
picture-book
style. And just what is a plorringe? And if you were to lie in wait
under a
tree, what do you think would be worth waiting for? Miss Almost-5 and I
had a lot of discussion about that one. We decided it would be a
rasbanango.
Catherine Rayner has a unique style of illustration, for which she was
awarded the Kate Greenaway medal in 2009. (For more information
about her work, see here).
This
is the first of her works that I've reviewed
but I shall be on the lookout for more.
Barbara Braxton
Mr. Badger and the Difficult Duchess by Leigh Hobbs
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781742374192.
Mr. Badger and the Difficult Duchess is a quirky story where the main
character is a badger and he is the Manager of Special Events at the
Boubles Grand Hotel. Mr. Badger is in charge of organising events and
looking after special guests. He is the most patient creature you will
ever meet. It is the day of the Philatelic Society's Annual Dinner and
Mr. Badger's patience (and the rest of the hotel staff) is put to
the test when an unusual royal guest arrives unannounced. The difficult
duchess ends up being the most demanding guest ever!
I love how the author has used an animal as the main character and how
the human characters treat him as an equal (plus he talks!). I would
recommend the book for readers aged 8-10 years. It isn't a long story
but there are black and white illustrations on each page to match the
text and add visuals for the reader. There is also a lesson or two to
be learned concerning the importance of patience and keeping calm
because amazing things can happen no matter what goes wrong!
Kylie Kempster
Kisses for Lula by Samantha MacKintosh
Egmont, 2010.
(Ages 13+) Tallulah (Lula) Bird is 15 years old and has never been
kissed! With five days until her birthday that is not her only problem.
Her dad is sneaking out of the house at night with a lady's handbag,
some one's stalking her, every boy in town thinks she is jinxed and the
documents that could save Coven's Quarter, Lula's favourite place, have
been stolen. When her friends go away for a few days Lula is left to
find someone to kiss without hurting him like she has hurt every
boyfriend she has ever had. Unfortunately her first choice doesn't like
her and her second choice likes someone else. When she attempts to help
Arns get a date with Mona he ends up getting hurt by her sister's dog
Boodle the Poodle.
This book is great. I would recommend this book to anyone. You get to
see all the problems Lula faces in her last few days of being 15 and
how she solves them.
Tahlia Kennewell (student)
Zac and the Dream Pirates by Ross Mackenzie
Chicken House, 2010.
(Ages 7+) Zac has always felt like an outsider and is forever defending
his Grandmother when kids his own age accuse her of being a witch.
Imagine Zac's surprise when he follows Granny one night and tumbles
into another world on the other side of sleep. The land of
Nocturne is full of powerful magic that spills from peoples' dreams.
However, the Dream Pirates are trying to take control of Nocturne
through dark magic which is slowly poisoning the dream world. Only the
three Knights of Nod can save the day but their identity remains a
mystery.
It is up to Zac and his new friends to try and free Nocturne from the
evil grip of the Dream Pirates. With an airship pilot to help them
(shades of Less Scoresby in Northern Lights) and Vampires and
werewolves on their tail, they face Shadow, leader of the Pirates in a
thrilling adventure.
By the end of the story we know that Zac himself is one of the Knights
of Nod, but who are the others? A tantalising glimpse is offered when a
mysterious young werewolf (who should really be one of the bad guys)
helps Zac escape a sticky situation. Readers will have to await the
next in the series to learn more.
Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and Zac and
the Dream Pirates has certain parallels with Harry Potter and His
Dark
Materials. However, this is a story aimed at a younger audience.
The
unusual setting, magical realism and twin plot lines are very appealing
and it's especially good for youngsters who crave vampires and
werewolves, but are not quite ready for the likes of Darren Shan.
Already on the Long-List for the Stockport School's Book Award, I
predict this will be a strong contender for top prize in the 7-11
category.
Claire Larson
Spork by Kyo Maclear and Isabelle Arsenault
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2011. ISBN 9781921759741.
(Age Yr 2+) Spork was neither a spoon or a fork, but a bit of both. On
the surface, this story explores Spork's attempts to fit in with the
other kitchen utensils because of the loneliness of difference and
exclusion until he finds his niche. But it also works at so many other
levels of
difference - racial, sexual, medical - and its presentation of a
smaller-than-usual
font and subtle colourings suggests that this was what both author and
illustrator intended. Indeed the author dedicates it to "all the
amazing sporks and misfits in my life". On the surface, it is a picture
book,
but the text opens up many opportunities for talk.
If it were being read to a younger age group, it would be a perfect
vehicle for exploring the surface story of being and feeling different
and how others do and should respond to that, but there is also scope
for using
it as a springboard for thinking about those deeper issues. Its
audience
will respond to it at their own level of development and understanding,
and
if it is read by a spork, it will even offer comfort. There is a
perfect place for you in this world - it just might take a little while
to find it.
This book is like its title - a little bit regular, a little bit
different and a little bit difficult to define. But it definitely has a
place on school library shelves.
Barbara Braxton
Press here by Herve Tullet
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781742375281.
(Age 2-6) Highly recommended. Wow! What a wonderful picture book. Press
here is an original interactive book that is sure to have children
clamouring to follow the simple instructions and work out what is
happening on each page. The book begins by asking the reader to press
on a yellow dot and turn the page. This makes a second dot appear. The
reader keeps following instructions to press and rub the dots, tilt the
page and tap the dots. All sorts of wonderful things happen to the dot
when the book is manipulated. The book ends by asking if the reader
wants to do it all over again, and I am certain that there will be a
resounding yes to that question.
Reminiscent of touching on an iPad, this book is very interactive and
will have lots of appeal to children who are obsessed with digital toys
and those who haven't been exposed to them. It is equally as engaging
as looking at a digital book and has the added bonus of the reader
being able to
feel and turn the pages. The joy of blowing, rubbing, shaking, clapping
and tapping and seeing what happens is amazing. The book has a very
sturdy cover and thick shiny pages so it is sure to stand up to lots of
treatment by eager users.
It is an excellent book to stimulate the imagination and to have
fun with. In addition, the very young reader will learn new vocabulary
and have counting from 1 to 5 reinforced. The colours, red, yellow and
blue are introduced as well as size and order.
This is a magical picture book, which is sure to win awards as well as
lots of appreciation from its young readers.
Pat Pledger
Prom and prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780143294572.
(Age 13+) Ideal for a quick, easy read especially for those who enjoy a
romance, Prom and prejudice gives Jane Austen's Pride and
prejudice a
modern feel. Lizzie Bennett, a musical prodigy and scholarship girl,
finds the elitist attitudes of Longbourn Academy difficult to take.
However she knows that she has to put up with the cruel antics of the
snooty girls there in order to gain the place she wants in a
prestigious university. Everyone is obsessed with the upcoming prom but
Lizzie knows that she wouldn't be able to afford an expensive designer
dress and shoes even if she had a partner to accompany her.
Meanwhile Lizzie's friend Jane is desperate to have Charles Bingley,
from the nearby Pemberley Academy, as her partner. Lizzie likes
Charles, but is not so impressed with his moody friend, Will Darcy,
whom she believes is a snob. There is however a spark of attraction!
I felt very familiar with the story having read Austen's wonderful
original and watched many film and television adaptations. I really
enjoyed the way Eulberg adapted it for a current teen audience and had
fun comparing the original scenarios with hers. Of course, there is
only one outcome for Austen's heroines and that is marriage. This is a
far cry from having a partner for a prom. In the original, Elizabeth
Bennett's birth and social class is not high enough for Darcy, whereas
not having enough money is the stumbling block for Lizzie in today's
world. Darcy is still the brooding, gorgeous hero who manages to rescue
his friends from disaster. Lydia is just as embarrassing to her sister
Jane in the 21st century as she was in the 19th while Charlotte is
content to have the boring Collins as a partner as long as she goes to
the prom. Wickham continues to ply his wicked wiles with Georgina and
Lydia, lying to get what he wants.
The novel examines today's emphasis on wealth and material goods and
having the right connections. It also looks at the importance of
getting to know people and their motivations before making judgments.
I really enjoyed this engaging romp, which is sure to be popular with
girls, who may go on to read the much more demanding original.
Pat Pledger
Just a Dog by Michael Gerard Bauer
Omnibus, 2010. ISBN 9781862918870.
(Age: 9 - Adult) Highly recommended. Mr Mosely, nicknamed Moe, is not
just any dog, he is the beloved dog of the Ingram family. He is not a
pedigreed dog, but he is the one that protects and loves his family. In
this story, Corey, the eldest child, tells of Moe's escapades and
adventures while giving an insight into the joys and hardships of the
Ingrams.
In 29 short chapters, Corey relates tales about Mr Moe, some very funny
and some very sad. He is a heart warming narrator, telling the story
about Mr Moe as he sees it, often missing things that are happening
around him. The more mature reader will pick up on these family
nuances; his father's anguish about being unemployed and the shortage
of money for the family and the fights between his parents. I felt I
knew the Ingram family very well by the time I finished the book and
was immersed in their story. As a dog owner, I identified with the joy
and frustration of owning a dog, but this book is one for everyone, not
just dog lovers.
I always find outstanding books to be very hard to write about. How can
a review convey the way that a book grabs your heart and makes you cry
and think about the world and the way it operates? Just a dog
should be
on every library shelf. It is a book to read aloud to children, to
recommend to individuals and to have as a class set. But be sure that
you have a box of tissues handy!
Pat Pledger
Hugless Douglas by David Melling
Hodder Children's Books, 2010. ISBN 9780340950630.
Picture book. Recommended. When Douglas, a young bear, woke up from his
long winter's sleep, he needed a hug and went in search of one. He
tried the biggest thing that he could find and then the tallest, but
they didn't feel right. He kept on searching until a kind rabbit lead
him to the best hug ever - from his Mum of course!
Douglas went on his quest for love in a most amusing way and children
will delight in the funny adventures that he has trying to find the
right thing to hug. The humour in this book stood out and I had a grin
on my face as I read it. Rhythmic prose also ensured that this was a
delightful picture book to read out loud.
Melling beautifully drew Douglas as a gorgeous cartoon-like bear, which
has lots of appeal for the young child. The illustrations provided
enormous amounts of humour as Douglas tried to hug a stone, a tree and
a flock of sheep. I particularly enjoyed the two page spread at
the back of the book, with their cute drawings of the rabbit trying out
lots of different hugs: a sandwich hug between two sheep, a group hug,
a come-and-get-it-hug and many more. I can imagine families sharing a
lot of love and laughter as they try these out!
This picture book is certainly a worthwhile addition to a library or
home collection because of its humour and moving story line. As an
additional bonus it could also be used for displays for Mother's Day
and comparisons of sizes.
Pat Pledger
Editor's note: Hugless Douglas is on the CILIP Kate Greenaway
Medal longlist 2011 and the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2011
shortlist
The King of Tiny Things by Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward
Puffin, 2009. ISBN: 9780141502380.
Picture book. When two little girls stay with their Nana and Grandad,
they are allowed to camp out in a tent in the backyard only to find
that, when bed time comes, neither can sleep. The noises of the night
keep them both awake. When 'Something mothy crept in through the flap'
they were ready to kill it, until it sings them a lullaby, introducing
itself as the King of the Tiny Things. Nervously, the girls follow and
are introduced to slugs, worms, caterpillars, daddy-long-legs, weevils,
grubs, badger cubs and baby bats. When they fall behind the King of
Small Things, they get a big shock when they catch up.
This is a delightfully written and illustrated picture book for all
children from the very young to those in older classes at school. Its
environmental themes are strong enough to provide a good basis for
talking about our responsibilities and regeneration in nature, whilst
its rhyme and rhythm are gentle and accessible enough to help younger
children overcome their fears of the night. The illustrations are
similar to some works by both Stephen Michael King and Alison Lester
and this title could be used as one in a series of comparative texts as
students are encouraged to look at the styles of different illustrators.
Jo Schenkel
Editor's Note: This is on the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal longlist, 2011.
Lost by Colin Thompson
The Floods: Book 10. Random House, 2011. ISBN: 9781864719468.
Here, we find the Floods having returned to Transylvania Waters as the
rulers of the country. Considering that the area has never before been
mapped, it is decided that Maldegard, Winchflat's wife and Edna
Hulbert, who are both 'outsiders from the world of humans',
having previously been in a position to use maps, would be the ones to
undertake such a task. The only place names having been used to date
are more descriptions of the various locations and applicable to
multiple places in the country, hence, the women have a large task
ahead of them. Whilst the women are off exploring and mapping the land,
King Nerlin is endeavouring to set up a Parliament back at home. Both
tasks prove to be filled with their own sets of issues and
difficulties.
Thompson's attitudes are hilariously expressed throughout the story as
he talks about the ban on cardigans, his opinions on politics and the
importance (or lack of it) of technology and social networking.
'Wizards are intelligent enough to realise that going to the toilet is
a lot more interesting, rewarding and important than anything to do
with politics.' Likewise, given his attitude toward reality TV, one can
only wonder whether the choice of Transylvania Waters as the
setting
for this book is in any way related to the 1992 series Sylvania
Waters. The Floods titles are definitely written with humour as a key
element
and should appeal to children who enjoy fantasy, gross snippets and
humour, although a certain amount of the humour would perhaps be more
applicable to older readers.
Jo Schenkel
Neighbours by Colin Thompson
The Floods Book 1. Random House, 2005. ISBN: 978142751009.
(Ages 10+) Definitely not an ordinary family, The Floods are more than
just a little different - a family of witches and wizards, living in a
suburban neighbourhood. Having had six very unusual children, Mordonna
convinced her husband, Nerlin, she would like a 'normal pretty little
girl she could do cooking and sewing with.' This lead to the arrival of
Betty, a normal looking girl possessing magical powers which don't
always work as planned.
Unfortunately, the family in the house next door leaves a bit to be
desired and much of what they do irritates the Floods and upsets their
everyday activities and routines. Gradually, the actions of the Floods
bring about the demise of the Dent family, thereby restoring order to
their own lives.
In this title, Thompson has echoes of his picture book The Short
and
Incredibly Happy Life of Riley. As was Riley, the rat, the Floods
are
happy with the simple life and don't feel the need to be constantly
trying to outdo other people to have the 'biggest and best' of
everything, despite the fact they could go and create anything they
desire for themselves. Having only previously read and enjoyed The
Floods Family Files, I found this to be incredibly amusing and was
thoroughly entertained by the cleverly written footnotes. Thompson's
attitude toward reality television programs made me laugh out loud. The
addition of his clever illustrations, including tombstones announcing
'Here lies Chapter', small sketches and full page drawings, add
to the
humour and take away the need to rely on one's own imagination to
visualise the different characters. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Jo Schenkel
Crown of acorns by Catherine Fisher
Hodder Children's Books, 2010. ISBN 9780340970072.
(Age 14+) Recommended. Three stories weave their way in this
fascinating mystery by Catherine Fisher. A 17 year-old girl has arrived
anonymously in Bath. Giving herself a new name, Sulis, she goes to stay
with a new foster family, but lives in fear of being discovered by a
mystery man from her past. A parallel story in the 18th century tells
of Zac, the teenage apprentice to architect Jonathan Forrest, who
dreams of building a circle of houses based on druidic
principles. Working only because his father has gambled away
their family fortune, Zac is destructive and consumed with envy. Then
there is the voice of Bladud, a mythical figure, who has been cured of
a leprous disease by the healing waters of the sacred spring of Sulis.
Fisher gradually builds up the suspense around the teen, Sulis, who is
convinced that someone is following her. She is very frightened and I
was intrigued by the mystery surrounding her fear, never being sure if
she was delusional or actually was being stalked by the person who
murdered her young friend. There is suspense too in the relationship
between Zac and his employer, Forrest, and I was kept on the edge of my
seat, hoping that Forrest's great architectural dreams would be
fulfilled and not foiled by Zac's mean machinations.
It was interesting that one of the main protagonists, Zac, is not an
attractive character at all and this added spice to the story. However,
Josh, Sulis' co-worker is a wonderful caring person and her foster
parents are portrayed very sympathetically.
The magical setting, Bath, will enthral anyone who has ever visited
that wonderful city with its golden stone. Those who are new to the
setting will long to visit it. An afterword by Fisher gives information
about John Wood, architect of the King's Circle in Bath.
Pat Pledger
Editor's note: Crown of acorns is on the CILIP Carnegie Medal
longlist,
2011.
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780141333663.
(Age 14+) Recommended. In this thought provoking science fiction book,
the reader is taken on a trip aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed, as it
goes in search of a new planet to colonise. Seventeen-year-old Amy
leaves her life on earth behind and joins her parents, as part of the
100 specialists who are frozen and stored aboard the ship. She
expects to be woken up after a 300-year journey, but is traumatised
when she is thawed too early and discovers that someone has tried to
kill her. Not only that, but life aboard the ship is strange and
frightening. Eldest, a Hitler-like dictator, leads the ship and is
training a young man named Elder as his apprentice. The behaviour of
the ship's inhabitants is passive and weird.
Told in alternative chapters by Amy and Elder, Revis builds up a
fascinating picture of life aboard a spaceship and the dilemmas that
face the people who live there. Interspersed is the mystery of who is
trying to kill the people who have been frozen. Amy is an intelligent
young woman and together with Elder and his friend Harley, set out to
discover who is taking out the frozen bodies and leaving them to die.
At the same time Revis explores the morality of the ways that leaders
have tried to keep people hopeful about their chances of survival and
the use of drugs to keep them compliant. Elder is challenged by Amy's
approach to people and what is happening on the ship. She is a strong
independent young woman who is not intimidated by authority and who
makes Elder look at his actions in a different light. The
responsibility of leadership and the right of people to know the truth
are explored.
Teenage girls will be attracted to this book because of its beautiful
cover. The engaging characters, exciting plot and a touch of romance
will keep them reading.
Pat Pledger
