(Age: Suit beginning readers) Flat Stanley is back, just not flat this time. The story begins with an introduction to Sarah Christmas, a likeable character with a dilemma to solve. Sarah's father is Santa, and he has decided he is not going to do the Christmas run this year. Knowing it must go ahead, Sarah uses a letter from Stanley as inspiration to try and save Christmas. When Stanley and his family arrive in Snow Town (somewhere in the North Pole) they are faced with a disillusioned and disinterested Santa. In an age old take on the problems with the festive season, it is up to the Lambchops to convince Santa that the world is a place deserving of Christmas cheer. Can the Lambchops convince Santa that not everyone is greedy, and how do they prove that Stanley was once flat? Young readers will enjoy this story, while hopefully receiving an unknown lesson about the true spirit of Christmas along the way. Zana Thiele
The Spook's Nightmare by Joseph Delaney
The Wardstone Chronicles series. Random House, 2010. ISBN: 978
0370329819.
(Ages: 10 to 14)
In the eighth book in the Spook's Apprentice series, Tom and
Alice
return from Greece to find the County under siege and the Spook's home
burnt to the ground, including his library containing all the
information related to his duties as a Spook. Like many others from the
County, Tom and Alice flee to seek refuge in the neighbouring island of
Mona. Unfortunately for Tom and Alice, Mona is under the control of a
malicious Shaman. Soon after arriving in Mona, Alice is accused of
being a witch and Tom of being in league with a witch. As a result,
they are both arrested and taken to the infamous Greeba Keep where
Alice is tested to be a witch by rolling her down a hill in barrel full
of deadly spikes. Surviving this, Alice and Tom aim to plan their
escape by fighting the famous transforming buggane monster and working
reluctantly with Alice's mother, the untrustworthy witch Bony Lizzie.
Tom's loyal canine companions Claw, Blood and Bone are turned against
him and each other for the brutal pleasure and entertainment of the
Shaman. There is plenty of action in this book to keep readers
entertained, and
Alice and Tom further explore their indecisive friendship with each
other tainted by Alice's relationship with her mother.
Adam Fitzgerald
India dark by Kirsty Murray
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 978174175858580
(Age 14+) Recommended. Historical novel. It is the year 1910 and 13
year old Poesy Swift's mother is determined, even in the face of
opposition from her grandmother, to have her daughter leave school and
work in the jam factory or the match factory. Poesy is thrilled when
she meets Tilly Sweetrick who persuades her to audition for a place in
the Lilliputian Opera Company. It is a wonderful way to leave the
family that she finds so oppressive, while helping out with some money
for her mother. However Poesy's dreams of sailing to America don't
eventuate as the troupe goes to SouthEast Asia and finally on to India,
where she is faced with a nightmare of abuse, lies and broken
friendships.
Based on a true story, Kirsty Murray has opened up an amazing portion
of history that will thrill readers who love historical fiction. The
idea of children as young as seven joining a performing troupe without
proper supervision is mind boggling for people today who are used to
children being protected and at school until they are 18. Murray
vividly describes the long sea trip, the dangers of cholera and the men
who wait at the stage doors for the girls. The way Mr Arthur Percival
treats the children, his harsh discipline and the affair he has with
one of the older girls is quite disturbing.
The tale is told from two viewpoints, that of Poesy, tiny and innocent
and Tilly, who has been in the troupe and is world-weary. Often the
viewpoints differ and Murray challenges the reader to work out what is
the truth, if indeed there is an absolute truth about the events that
led all but two of the children in the troupe going on strike against
Percival in Madras and leaving the show. In the Author's Note, Murray
states 'as Poesy says, there was more to the story than one person
could ever tell.'
This is a masterful expose of a strange and painful court case.
Murray's deft descriptions and wonderful characterisations brought the
historical period alive for me and left me thinking about the power of
truth, lies, loyalty, friendship and gossip.
Pat Pledger
It's a book by Lane Smith
Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 9781921720147.
(Age: Picture book for older readers) Recommended. It's a book is a clever, fun look at the power of the book in
the
digital age. Monkey is comfortably seated in a big lounge chair,
engrossed in his book. Along comes Jackass, carrying a laptop. He wants
to know what he has and Monkey replies 'It's a book'. Jackass wants to
know if it can blog or tweet, has a mouse or can play games, but Monkey
just calmly retorts, 'It's a book.' When Monkey reads out an exciting
section with Long John Silver unsheathing his cutlass, Jackass can't
resist reading it and the hours pass by quietly. Jackass refuses to
give the book back to Monkey so he goes off to the library, assuring
Jackass that the book doesn't need charging up.
Lane Smith's cartoon-like characters are amusing and each personality
comes through vividly. Mouse is very quiet and unassuming, Jackass is
fidgety and argumentative until he become immersed in the book, and
Bear is calm and confident. Pastel shades make a beautiful
backdrop to the story.
Lovers of print books everywhere will be cheering about the advantages
of the book that Lane Smith so cleverly lists. Teachers could have a
lot of fun discussing the benefits of a print book in comparison to
books on e-readers or computers and even list more of their own. Its
positive reference to libraries will be sure to please all the
librarians out there.
The word 'jackass' could offend, according to some comments I've
read, but I devoured the story simply the way it was presented. A
dictionary definition says, 'Jackass is a male ass or donkey, a foolish
or stupid person, another name for kookaburra'. People could always
substitute the word 'donkey' when reading aloud to a younger audience,
but I prefer the original!
A book trailer is available,
as
well as a teacher's
guide.
Pat Pledger
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner
Allen and Unwin, 2010.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. Goldie Roth has lived her entire life in chains. She has never walked down a street alone or raced in a field with the wind in her hair. All the children in the city of Jewel wear a silver chain, joining them to either parent or Blessed Guardian for protection until their Separation Day. On that day the Protector removes the chain and frees them forever. On her Separation Day Goldie escapes the Guardians and finds herself inexplicably drawn to the tiny old building that is the Museum of Dutt. Here she meets four Keepers and several unusual but mystical creatures who reveal hidden secrets of the Museum. She discovers there is evil coming and must join the Keepers to fight the evil, protect the Museum and defend the city of Jewel.
Lian Tanner's gripping fantasy is set in a future world where fear dominates the adult population and leads to the creation of chains, militia, guardians and soldiers who exist purely for the 'protection' of the children and who are manipulated by the evil Fugleman. She has created the Keepers as the chief characters who are all different but steadfastly brave and who join together to train the new recruit, Goldie. We watch as through a window while Goldie discovers an unlikely new friend called Toadspit, finds her inner courage and realises all is not as it seems in the city of Jewel.
Although easy to read and uncomplicated for children of ten and older it is a riveting slightly different spin on the well worn good versus evil plot. The young female protagonist caught my attention from the beginning as I identified with her rebellious nature and her desire for freedom. I highly recommend this book and look forward in anticipation to the next instalment in the trilogy that is The Keepers.
Vicki Nunn
Inner City: Stories from the thick of it. Edited by Tony Bradman
A and C Black. ISBN 978 1408113769.
Highly recommended for upper primary and early secondary students.
Tony Bradman, who grew up in London says, 'living in the inner city
can be hard, but it can be interesting and lively and a lot of fun,
too, and the people who live on unloved estates or in old tower blocks,
in run-down houses and flats, are just as human as those who are lucky
enough to in more comfortable circumstances'. p.8. This
collection, mainly set in London is varied and shows a fascinating
insight into a world unknown to most Australian students. Young
people feature prominently but their fears and anxieties are all part
of living and growing up. Particularly moving is A
Thousand Acres of Sky, where moving to the city because their
mother
has died from cancer creates many miserable but ultimately satisfying
situations for Luca. What We Love centres around Suna and
her family relocating to the city. Friendship
features strongly in this short story. In It's All Right I have
a List That Helps to Make Everything Clear and It's Real Easy to
Follow is a very clever piece of writing. Robbie is bullied by
Danno
and his cohort but when alone and bullied himself Danno behaves
differently. In Truant, Jackson regularly wags school until
Tiff turns up at school and Jacko learns that going to school is fun.
Each story takes a short time to read and if a teacher read to the
class the discussions following the story would be most interesting and
valuable for teachers and students.
Sue Nosworthy
So that's where I came from by Gina Dawson
Black Dog Books, 2010. ISBN: 9781742031019.
Recommended. 'So That's Where I Came From is the result of
continuing
requests for an accurate, up-to-date book to explain modern family
structures, male and female body parts, conception, both natural and
assisted, and birth.' With this as the end note to parents and
caregivers, this book certainly does cover each area accurately,
adequately and sensitively. Even families with 'two mums or dads' are
mentioned but not dwelled upon and the 'Facts of Life' appear in such a
way as to be easily understood and to create open discussion between
parent and child. Beginning with a few myths, these are soon dispelled.
Different terms for body parts and intercourse are mentioned but the
proper names are given in each case, too.
There is a large amount of text in a smallish font, but it is not
overly difficult, particularly if the book is shared by parent and
child. The illustrations are simple but effective and, being placed on
the white background of the page, are clear and well interspersed
throughout the text. This is probably better suited to the earlier
Primary children if it is to be shared by child and caregiver, as the
language may appear to be a tad juvenile to the more 'worldly' upper
primary students. Given Gina Dawson's background in teaching,
counseling and sexuality education, this is an informative book, which
could be used to answer a broad range of children's questions.
Jo Schenkel
Flyaway by Lucy Christopher
Chicken House, 2010. ISBN 9781905294763.
(Age 10+) Highly recommended. One day when
Isla and her father are birdwatching they see a flock of swans and try
and trace their path. Her father suffers a
heart attack and collapses and Isla manages to get him to hospital.
There she meets Harry, a boy
who has leukaemia and together they watch a lone wild swan, separated
from her flock, on the lake
near the hospital. The swan seems almost magical and Isla is convinced
that saving her will help her father and Harry get well.
Christopher has beautifully portrayed her cast of characters, and I
felt as if I knew them all personally. Her descriptions of family life,
especially the sibling rivalry between Isla and her brother Jack
and the broken relations with her grandfather, who can't get over the
death of his wife, made them come alive. Especially poignant was the
loving father and daughter relationhip. Harry's patient acceptance of
his
illness and his relationship with Isla, who is just starting to become
interested in boys, is handled well.
The theme of flight and the idea of a swan song, where the birds take
the soul of a dying person into the sky, dominates the story. Isla is
determined to rescue the swan that has become detached from its flock,
and is sure that its rescue will mean her father and Harry will become
well. Her school project for art, called Flight, also carries through
the theme of dying swans, as she uses the wings of a stuffed swan to
recreate some of Leonardo da Vinci's ideas for a flying machine. Some
of the most memorable scenes in the book are when Isla runs with the
lost swan, flapping the wings on her machine and hoping that it will
take flight.
Christopher's writing is superb, the chapters are short, and the prose
is full of imagery and vivid descriptions. I won't easily forget this
heart-wrenching story of friendship, love between a father and daughter
and the glory of swans.
Pat Pledger
Poison plate by M. Sobel Spirn
School Mysteries series. Raintree, 2010. ISBN 978 1406216066.
Recommended for Upper Primary and older students, who find reading a
challenge. Quite topical with the Master Chef series just completed,
this crime is set in a country kitchen. Mark has lost both his parents
and has come to live with Red, Della and their son Tim who is Mark's
age. Tim is determined not to like Mark until he
helps Tim with his homework. A food critic has been
poisoned with the bacteria E. coli and the restaurant has been closed
down. Mark feels he's under suspicion for he observed a light on in the
restaurant at three am when he was looking for a drink. Events
follow quickly and Mark is determined to find out what happened.
It's a fast paced story with a 'feel good' ending. Type face and
spacing are very helpful. Again the Glossary, Discussion
Questions, Writing Prompts and Author Information are interesting and
catchy.
Sue Nosworthy
Maisy Goes on Holiday by Lucy Cousins
Walker, 2010. ISBN: 9781406323702.
Maisy and Cyril are going on holiday to the beach and the reader
follows them through their packing, travel and to their hotel then
joins them in their experiences at the beach. As part of the Maisy
First Experience series, this book is perfect to share with the very
young child. Each part of the preparation and the journey is included
and the ideas are easily accessible.
Lucy Cousins uses predominantly strong, vibrant primary colours in her
illustrations and they hold a great deal of appeal. With a maximum of
three short sentences to a page, concentration is held to the end of
the story. There is plenty happening in the pictures and one can search
for different animals and perhaps count the number of clouds and so on.
Children may even find a book about Maisy being read by another
character. They could discuss the safety precautions which should be
taken at the beach, with some characters being portrayed as having hats
and flotation devices. Likewise, one could talk about confidence in the
water as both Cyril and Maisy react differently when it comes to
swimming in the sea. This is another delightful title to share with
very young children.
Jo Schenkel
Mr Badger and the missing ape by Leigh Hobbs
Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781742374185.
(Age 6-10) Highly recommended. Algernon the Ape has been standing in
his
glass cage in the lobby of the Boubles Grand Hotel for as long as
anyone can remember. Children absolutely adore him and Sir Cecil
Smothers-Carruthers, the owner of the hotel, refuses to have him
removed when his wife want to renovate the hotel. But one day he
disappears. Will Mr Badger be able to find him?
I enjoyed this story even more than the first in the series, Mr
Badger
and the big surprise. The idea of a large ape being the focal point
of
an exclusive hotel is a good starting point for a hilarious story
featuring the capable Mr Badger. I loved exploring the hotel with Mr
Badger as he searched for the Algernon and really enjoyed seeing all
the little rooms with hotel crockery and furnishings and the gloomy
tunnel. Once again the naughty Sylvia Smothers-Carruthers makes an
appearance and children will delight in her tantrums. The language is
very funny and reads aloud really well. I can imagine children
clamouring to read it themselves after a librarian or parent reads it
out loud.
This book will make an excellent addition to books for the newly
emergent reader.
Pat Pledger
Sensational survivors, an illustrated guide to New Zealand's remarkable wildlife by Sandra Morris
Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 978 1 921150 66 1.
Highly recommended. This beautifully illustrated book is a stunner.
From a user's
perspective, there is a friendly Contents page, a wonderfully
informative Glossary, a packed Index, and References to more books and
web sites at the end. Any middle school researcher will find this book
inviting and easy to use.
The information is straightforward, easy to access and readable, put
into small enough paragraphs to make the take up of information a
pleasure and with enough headings and sub headings to make the
information easily accessible. At first we are shown the Echoes
of Gondwanaland, employing an easy to follow time line of the events
over the last 500 million years, leading to the animals found in New
Zealand today. Over the page is a double page spread of the New
arrivals, those animals that have arrived in the last century or so,
then onto information about Ancient survivors. Each double page spread
gives more information told in an easily digested way and with some
humour.
And on we go, finding out about the long journeys flown by some birds,
the food they eat, how they care for their offspring and so on. All
interesting, informative and told with detail but not overloaded
scientific fact. I found the pages on those animals which have
disappeared, Gone forever, cheerless, as will the readers, but
this is
balanced with the wonderful pages at the end, Helping hand,
showing the
young readers how they can help these animals survive. I found this
book a pleasure to read, hold and look at. I read it from cover to
cover and then turned to the front and began again, this time looking
more closely at the illustrations. The beautiful water coloured
pictures are stunning and take this book to a level beyond most books
of this nature.
Fran Knight
Zinc alloy series by Donald Lemke
Ill. by Douglas Holgate. Graphic sparks series. Raintree, 2010.
(Age 7-10) Recommended. Zac Allen loves comics and has always wanted to
be a comic hero. He has created his own robot suit to wear if bullies
are bugging him or if he needs to save the world. He manages to do
wonderful things when he's wearing the suit, but it doesn't always work
and sometimes he just has to rely on his brains to get out of trouble.
This set of funny graphic novel readers is sure to be a hit with young
readers. Each book starts off with a list of characters and tells the
story in traditional comic book format. The stories are really
interesting and the cast of characters varies from book to book.
Information about the author and illustrator is given at the back of
the books, as well as discussion questions and writing prompts.
I enjoyed reading the stories and loved the illustrations by Douglas
Holgate, who has created an image of a most appealing, cheeky and
vulnerable hero in Zac Allen.
Books in the series.
Coldfinger by Donald Lemke ISBN:978 1 40621 671 4
Revealed by Donald Lemke ISBN: 978 1 40621 672 1
Super Zero by Donald Lemke ISBN: 978 1 40621 673 8
Zinc Alloy vs Frankenstein by Donald Lemke ISBN:978 1 40621 674 5
Pat Pledger
Roman Holiday by Kathy Buchanan
Scholastic, 2010. ISBN 978 1 74169 390 4.
(12+) Light romance. Two very different girls enroll at an exclusive
drama school in Rome
for the summer holiday semester, the Giovane Drammatico Collegio.
Veronica a spoilt brat from the USA, used to getting her own way,
derides the rules given out on the first day, so the reader knows from
the start that this young girl will be trouble. The Australian girl,
Natalie, on the other hand is there to learn everything she can,
wanting to make the most out of her summer. The two are bound to clash.
Veronica cons others to do her chores, usually divided equally between
the students, she takes all the room in their shared bedroom, is
derisive of the teachers and what they are teaching, and stays out
after curfew. She is simply not a nice person, and is avoided by all
the other students. But at their very important performance, Veronica's
father turns up, expecting to see his daughter do well. Veronica is
amazed, because she rarely sees him, and is even more disconcerted when
she fails to be included in the final performance of the semester.
Natalie comes to her rescue.
Middle school readers will love the tale of the two girls, swanning
around Rome with all the panache of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
The
story
of
the school has its share of drama, and is credible and
involving as the girls learn to accept each other and their foibles,
meeting some pleasant young men along the way.
Fran Knight
Puggle's Problem by Aleesah Darlison
Wombat Books, 2010. ISBN: 9781921633072
Pipp the Puggle was a baby echidna with a problem: his spikes still
hadn't started to grow. Despite his efforts to visit each of the bush
land creatures in turn to seek advice and trying to act on it, there is
nothing to be done about making his spikes appear sooner to make him
more like his friends. Mother echidna finally provides the best advice
of all, he needs to be patient!
Darlison's simple storyline is definitely complemented by Sandra
Temple's illustrations. From the end papers, which are decorated with
cartoon style ants, to the simple, colourful pictures displayed on an
all white background, text and illustrations are well matched and
appealing. The Australian creatures depicted are simple but
recognizable and their diets and peculiarities are discussed as part of
this gentle tale. Revolving around themes of wanting to fit in, growth,
development and change as well as promoting the virtues of practice,
patience and the belief that everything will happen in good time, this
could be a title to fit in with many aspects of the Junior Primary
curriculum.
Jo Schenkel
