Ford St Publishing, Melbourne, 2010. ISBN 978 1876462963.
(Ages 4-6) Perfectly executed and intricate paper sculptures make up
the characters and their surroundings in this new picture book by David
Miller. Rufus walks out the bush and into mayhem as he finds his way
along the street of the town where a Chinese Dragon is
performing. No place like home resonates through the pages as
Rufus innocently cause chaos during his fleeting stroll, looking for
ants to eat. First he knocks over the painter, studiously painting the
roof red, and in turn the cafe owner and the coffee drinkers,
then the boy on the skateboard who runs into the dragon, while Rufus,
unknowingly walks on and back to the bush and home.
Placed on a background of fine line drawings filled with watercolour,
the paper sculptures stand out, giving a 3D effect which is
mesmerizing. Children will love touching the numbat to see if he is
real; will look for the small objects placed on each page - the smashed
dinner plates, the children's sneakers, the cake, the dragon's
eyelashes and so one. There are many little details that will grab the
attention of the readers travelling with Rufus across the small town.
Instead of people causing havoc to the animal world, the numbat seems
to take his revenge on the humans who are settling into his area.
Classes will revel in the book and will extend the joy, trying out the
paper sculptures for themselves.
Fran Knight
Heart of Gold by Michael Pryor
The Laws of Magic 2. Random House Australia. ISBN 9781864718638.
Without even a slight general easing into the book, Michael Pryor
resumes Aubrey Fitzwilliam's exploits.
Using an ornithopter, even though he had no night flying experience,
Aubrey casts stunning combinations of magic to stage a rescue from a
flaming Gallian dirigible. From there the reader is quickly whipped
into the fragile politics of a world nearing war. Aubrey and his loyal
offsider George, are sent to the Continent, given errands to do in
Lutetia by various members of the family. Aubrey is determined to do
everything himself, without calling on the fact that his father is an
eminent politician in Albion, even though he is still plagued by
extreme tiredness caused by his dabblings with Death Magic.
In Lutetia, Aubrey and ever present, ever loyal George meet up again
with the 'Formidably competent. Utterly presentable. Endlessly
bewildering' Caroline Hepworth. Aubrey feels the need to have Caroline
by his side so he connives to have her studentship terminated at the
university. Together the threesome tackle the errands given to
Aubrey whilst trying to come to grips with the strange happenings in
the town; people losing their souls roaming the streets wildly till
they are locked away; magic being used to manipulate groups of people;
the comings and goings of the Holmland spy von Stalick; the agitant
Sons of Victor; buildings becoming insubstantial and disappearing.
To top it all off, Lutetia starts to fall apart when the precious Heart
of Gold that has been ensconced in the care of the nuns for years, is
stolen. Aubrey and his friends seem to be the only ones who realise
what is going on, and it again seems to involve the damninable Dr
Tremaine and his evil magic.
Reinstating the Heart of Gold is essential to staving off the dreaded
war. Aubrey, using a little magic, untried by before, strives to save
the day. Unfortunately, just when everything seems to have been sorted,
his sabotaging of Caroline's studies comes to light.
Another great adventure, come mystery with magic attached.
S. Whittaker
Word of Honour by Michael Pryor
The Laws of Magic 3. Random House, 2008. ISBN 9781864718645.
Michael Pryor continues the adventures and misadventures of Aubrey
Fitzwilliam in this third book of the series. The paciness and
excitement of Word of Honour will not disappoint the secondary
reader, nor the more advanced upper primary or adult reader who want to
find out what happens next to Aubrey and his loyal friend George.
Even though he is adept with magic, and even though he feels it defines
who he is, Aubrey decides not to practice magic any more because of its
terrible effects on his health (fragile due to his previous experience
with death magic). This decision is tried very early in the piece.
Sir Darius, the Prime Minister, and Aubrey's father takes them on a
secret rendezvous with Rokeby Taylor, (a money hungry, opportunistic
schemer). Disaster strikes them whilst on the experimental submersible
Electra, in the form of magic hitherto unknown to Aubrey. At great
imposition to his health Aubrey resorts to magic to save the boat and
its passengers. This is only the start of a series of happenings
involving strange magic, and incidents which seem to be provocative of
the war that threatens to come.
In spite of previously sabotaging her studies, and being humiliated by
the result, Aubrey asks the intimidating but lovely Caroline Hepwworth,
to join him in investigations.
As unlikely events (like Maggie and her Crew living in an underground
abandoned station being wiped out by a flash flood, and a train
falling into a great hole) reveal subterranean world of tunnels,
forgotten railways and parcel ways.Has Dr Tremaine something to
do with the under ground rumblings? How come no one else than Aubrey
can see him? What is their special connection? Aubrey has to
continually 'Look for the reason behind the reason' as events quickly
lead Aubrey, George and Caroline to a frightening climax where they are
captured, tortured.
Although this book could stand alone on its own merit for action,
adventure and novel magic, it is very much a continuation of Aubrey's
adventures in Blaze of Glory and Heart of Gold. Another
great read.
S. Whittaker
Miracle on Separation Street by Bob Graham
Series: Racing Read. Walker Books, London, 2010. ISBN 978 1406324617.
(Ages 8+) Mum works hard to get the money to buy the family a car. She
works at night, cleaning a store, and the boys, Jack and Duggie often
go with her to watch. She has decided that they need a car, after not
having one for many years, so that they too, can visit the airport and
watch the big planes go overhead, and drive to school or go on
holidays. The purchase of the car is a big decision within the family
so when it is stolen only days after they brought it home, they are
distraught. Jack looks suspiciously at the Mob, the basketballing group
of boys in the courtyard, while dad looks at the skateboarding boys in
the square, and mum asks Francesca, the grumpy woman upstairs, if she
has seen anything. They cannot claim it on insurance as they were
unable to afford the premiums, and when they tell the police, they are
told that this happens all the time. So when the car just as
mysteriously returns to its place by the flats, with a note attached
explaining its disappearance, the family is amazed, and mum uses the
word miracle, a word she never uses, to explain what has happened.
Told in Bob Graham's pared down prose, making the most of every word
and nuance of meaning, the story of this everyday family is at once
endearing and enlightening. Their very ordinariness underlines the
wonderful event which happens in their lives, and makes the readers
smile with recognition and wonder. Within the series, Racing Read, this
small book of about 90 pages, with well spaced, clear print, wide
margins and Graham's wonderful drawings on many pages, will have wide
appeal to those readers embarking on chapter books. The gentle
storyline told with humour will please all comers, as they recognize
the people in the story and the adage, don't judge a book by its cover.
Fran Knight
Zac jets on by H.I. Larry
Zac power. Spy camp Mission 7. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2010. ISBN
9781921690525.
(Age: Newly independent readers) Zac is off to Spy Camp to learn some
spying skills. After setting off in a jet propelled wheelie bin and
watching TV all the way, he lands at the camp. He finds out about maps
and mazes, echoes and tunnels with his training buddy Leon, code name
Agent Tech Head.
Young readers, especially boys, will enjoy this book, which contains
interesting spy information as well as some incredible gadgets. Not
only will they learn how to use the sound of echoes to find out if
there was a dead end in the tunnel and how to find north using the sun,
but they will also have fun imagining wearing the WOW boots, for
walking on water.
The large print, illustrations and interesting text styles are a boon
for emerging readers. Packed with interesting gadgets and full of
adventure, this series should prove popular.
Pat Pledger
Wyrmreweald: Returner's Wealth by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
Doubleday, 2010 ISBN: 9780385617345
Highly recommended for ages 11 and above. When Micah, the young
ploughboy, sets off for the high country in search of the wyrmes (the
name given to dragons in medieval times) and the Returner's wealth, he
cannot anticipate the events which will occur along the way. As he
meets various characters, Micah discovers that some people are not as
they appear at first sight and learns to question their motivations. He
follows his conscience and thus acts honourably, no matter what the
situation. With Eli Halfwinter as his mentor and guide, the young man
discovers truths about himself and begins to re-evaluate the things in
his life which truly hold the greatest importance.
This engrossing, entertaining adventure is written in a style easily
accessible to even the younger readers of fantasy, particularly due to
the double spaced print and black and white illustrations taking up
either full pages or adding interest in the margins on the first page
of each chapter. Due to the age of the main character, however, some of
the content would possibly make it better suited to upper primary
students and secondary students as it could fit the genre of the coming
of age novel as well as simply being a quest novel. Themes of loyalty,
trust, friendship, love, responsibility, acceptance and values are all
explored to various degrees in this title and I eagerly await the next
installment in the series.
Jo Schenkel
The Vintage and the gleaning by Jeremy Chambers
Text, 2010, ISBN 9781921656507.
(Age: Senior Students - Adult readers). Highly recommended. Set in a
small
country town in a wine-growing district, the novel is about regret,
about looking for kindness and a longing for beauty, values not easy to
express in the rough and hard world of the labourer. The main
character, Smithy, regrets the decades spent drinking and his neglect
of his wife. Now forced to stop drinking, though he is still respected
as a gun shearer and for his work on the vines he is aware that his
strength is fading, and that he is mocked for signs of age. As he works
or watches others drink in the pub he reflects on his life, his
childhood with the nuns in an orphanage, his marriage with Florrie, his
son, Spit. He notices light, birds, a dog snuffling, interactions
between others with the intensity of newly awakened awareness. He
offers a muted kindness and protection to a young woman whose husband
has bashed her, partly to help her, partly to redeem himself. In a long
monologue she shows him that the pattern of her life has been set, just
as his was many years ago. As a gleaner finds a few fallen grains after
the harvest, so when she leaves his mind turns back to a fleeting
experience he had as a child with a beautiful woman, and the
possibility of a life lived quite differently from his own.
The language is simple and restrained but intensely evocative of place
and person. The dialogue is accurate and believable, capturing the
characters of the boss, the vineyard workers and the women of the town.
The writer creates a palpable tension when Charlotte's husband returns,
and the tight-lipped disapproval felt by other townspeople when Smithy
intervenes. The voices of both Smithy and the self-obsessed young woman
are authentic and powerfully different. The novel is both believable
and memorable, and is recommended.
Jenny Hamilton
The trouble with dogs by Bob Graham
Walker Books, 2010. (c2007.) ISBN 978 1 4063 2601 7.
Picture book. Told with brevity and panache, this story which follows
Let's get a pup, tells how the family copes with their new
acquisition.
They brought home two dogs from the Rescue Centre, eights months ago,
Rosy, the older, large dog, soft and comfortable as an old sofa and
Dave, the much younger, smaller and boisterous dog. Both dogs are much
loved in their new home, the family makes way for the older dog so that
she can lie on their sofa in the sun, but Dave jumps, springs, runs and
chases all the time. He is impervious to any attempts to curb his
behavior and so in desperation, the family rings Pup Breakers. The man
who turns up tries to curb Dave's exuberance and almost succeeds, but
the family misses his sparkle and animation.
A delightful story of the personalities within a family, be they animal
or human, Bob Graham perfectly captures the push and pull of daily
life. The family is at the centre of all of his books, solving problems
which arise. His drawings are readily recognized showing all members of
the family in all their glory, trying to cope with the everyday
occurrences. Kids will love this offering from Bob Graham all over
again, and seek out his other books from the shelves, after the success
at reading this.
Fran Knight
Send Simon Savage by Stephen Measday
Little Hare Publishing, 2010. ISBN 9781921541339.
(Ages 10+) When Simon returns home to find his mother in tears and
police all around the house, the worst he could imagine has happened,
his father has disappeared, presumed drowned. But 2 sunglassed men turn
up and ask strange questions and do a quick search of his study, then
leave without a murmur. What is going on? Simon is then given the
opportunity to go to a prestigious school in Britain while his family
will be well looked after, and as they are almost destitute, they
accept the offer. But once a the school, Simon is let into a few
secrets, the biggest one being that he is destined to be a time
traveler, and that his father was instrumental in working out the
details of this fabulous discovery.
At the Time Bureau, Simon meets a number of other young people, all
chosen for their skills and their DNA structure which shows that they
would not be affected by the transmission of their bodies as others
would be. They are trained in every aspect of the hazardous journeys
they will undertake, and so are sent back and forth to various places
in time. Simon's partner in all this is the very odd Danice, who he
later finds is from a different time altogether. But at the same time
Danice's brother is a time traveler from the future back to where he
can
steal gold for the leader. All the while, Simon has a hidden agenda, to
find out what really happened to his father.
A past master at science fiction stories, Measday has written another
book which uses scientific terminology to a sophisticated degree,
making the reader almost believe in what he is saying and what the
children are doing. So well written that the story seems quite
credible, the belief in what is happening is never stretched, and the
story grabs the reader with unbounded ease.
Fran Knight
Young Sherlock Holmes: Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
Macmillan Children's Books 2010.
(Ages 11+) If James Bond can have an adolescence celebrated in fiction,
then why can't Sherlock Holmes too? Andrew Lane, a lifelong Holmes fan
worked with the Conan Doyle Estate to create Death Cloud, the
first of
three novels that will star the young detective.
Lane hams it up to the heights of devilry and gothic horror with a
preposterous plot to kill British soldiers and so destroy the power of
the British Empire. It works because we already know that Sherlock
Holmes is larger than life and because the outlandish storyline is well
constructed and steeped in a lovingly researched and historically
accurate setting.
Lane really brings Victorian London to life with all its gruesome
sights and foul smells. At one point Sherlock is trying to escape the
ruffians chasing him through tunnels beneath the Thames, with hair
raising action and descriptions that made my skin crawl.
Baron Maupertuis is surely one of the most grotesque and outrageous
villains ever created and the fact that he escapes undefeated sets the
scene for Sherlock's next adventure, due later in the year.
Sherlock himself is a delightful melting pot of idealistic, arrogant
and heroic youth. At fourteen years old we are offered glimpses into
his future character as he first experiences the doubtful pleasures of
Laudanum. Also hinted at are the obsessive and addictive personality
streaks that become apparent in adulthood. Dr Watson is represented by
Matty Arnatt, a street urchin with whom Sherlock develops a close
friendship. With help from Sherlock's American tutor, his feisty
daughter and Matty, the quartet wreak havoc on the Baron's attempts to
bring down the British Empire.
My only complaint is that I doubt a Victorian girl (all be it an
American one) would refer to her Father and friends as 'You guys.'
However, it's a quibble really and I'm sure able readers of 11 plus
will enjoy this foray into the life of young Sherlock and will
hopefully seek out Conan Doyle's stories as a result.
Claire Larson
The princess and her panther by Wendy Orr
Illustrated by Lauren
Stringer. Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781742374246.
Picture book. Trekking off into the wilderness to camp for the night,
the princess and her panther clad friend set up their tent. The
princess erects her red silken tent while the panther drinks from the
wide blue lake, and as night settles in, the princess lights the
lantern and tells the panther stories. Although the princess remains
brave, and the panther tries to emulate her, she becomes more and more
fearful as the night wears on. Things outside the tent make noises:
they hear the slimpering of snakes, the too-whit-too-whooing of the
owl, the moaning of the frog monster and pant panting of the great
dog-wolf. Each child becomes less brave, until they both leap out of
the tent and cry 'enough'. The girls go back to bed and sleep
comfortably and panic free for the rest of the night.
Beautifully illustrated with acrylic on water colour paper, the detail
on each page lures the eyes to see what things can be found. Throughout
the book, hints are given as to where they might be and the last pages
show this clearly, which will delight younger readers. A story about
being afraid, of assertion, of staying calm in the midst of panic, this
story will be widely used in classes as a picture book to entertain and
as a book to take discussion farther.
Fran Knight
The Amazing Bike Ride by Lorin Nicholson
Wombat Books, 2010. ISBN 9781921633126
Recommended. Not only has Lorin Nicholson told an inspiring story of an
amazing achievement but he is sending a message to all young people,
that success can be achieved despite any disability, if you want it
badly enough. The dream of riding a bike from his home in the
country to the coast was met with scepticism by his school mates. His
parents however supported him and his father planned the three hundred
kilometre trip and drove along with him. Each page relates the
frustrations and exhilaration Lorin felt each at each turn of the
pedal. David Emerson illustrates this courageous story with colourful
graphics that will appeal to ten to twelve year olds.
Vicki Nunn
The Indonesia Book by Sadriani Wayan Kerta
Cultures of the World Series. Black dog books, 2010. ISBN 978 174203093
7.
(Ages 7+) Non fiction. Recommended. In 30 bright and enthralling pages,
this book gives a sound and fascinating introduction to our nearest
neighbour, Indonesia. Each double page spread introduces the reader to
a new topic; Jakarta, Bali, School, Papua, Transport and Etiquette to
name a few. Each page is jam-packed with bright full colour, recent and
clear pictures, snippets of information relevant to the theme of the
page and in some pages are boxes with one of the many myths of the
region.
At the start of the book is an excellent contents page, giving a sub
heading under each heading, further helping the young researcher, at
the end is a brief glossary and index supporting the development of
research skills amongst our younger library users. A large colourful
map signals the beginning of the book and on the same page is a fact
box containing snippets of information which will give students some
quick basis on which to start their research. Subtitled, 'A people, a
place, a culture' this book is a page turning treat, and so The
Indonesia Book will be a happy addition to all libraries.
Fran Knight
Look out Leon by Jez Alborough
Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 9781406319927.
(Ages 4+) Picture book. Subtitled A magic changing picture book,
this
large
format book has a sturdy pull tab on each page which changes the
picture on the page. The chameleon, Leon, goes exploring in the forest,
but must change his appearance to blend in so avoiding being another
animal's dinner. He must avoid the snake, the crocodile, the hippo
(aren't these vegetarians?), the eyes in the deep forest. Each time,
the tab can be pulled for Leon to blend in with the forest.
This book will thrill younger readers, particularly when read to by an
older person who might pull the tabs for the younger readers. The
discussion will revolve around the animals in a forest, where they
might be found, the qualities of a chameleon and why an animal may need
to be camouflaged. This then could lead to other discussion about other
animals which change their appearance to be safe. The book has a
tactile quality which will bring pleasure to its readers.
Fran Knight
There are no cats in this book by Viviane Schwarz
Walker, 2010. ISBN 9781406316896.
(Age 3-8) Highly recommended. Picture book. Following on from her award
winning book There are cats in this book, Viviane Schwarz has put her
cats, Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre into another book but this time they are
determined to leave the book and explore the world. They are all
packed and ready to go and see the world, but they have some trouble
getting out of the book. They push and jump but can't leave until Andre
gets a brilliant idea. He decides to wish them out of the book and Tiny
asks everyone to close their eyes and wish for them. Will they get out?
This fabulous interactive book begins on the cover. From the moment
that the book is first opened, the reader is engaged with the story.
The cats speak directly to the reader from the dustjacket flap, asking
if she/he has 'come to play with the cats in this book?' The cats say
that they have gone out to see the world - or have they? The reader is
then led on an adventure with the cats asking questions and making
statements. I was so involved with the story that I found myself
following the cats' instructions and closing my eyes to wish them out
of the book.
The illustrations are in bold colours, with black outlines and each cat
has a distinct character. The desperation of the cats to leave the book
is graphically portrayed when Moonpie really stretches his body and
Andre makes a huge leap trying to get out. Fold out tabs and a
wonderful pop-up, as well as engaging dialogue, make this a wonderful
book to explore.
Pat Pledger
