Bad Bunny the Pirate

Bad Bunny the Pirate by Jonathan Bentley (Scholastic) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781761299698

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

What should you expect from your Bad Bunny pirate captain when you’re set upon by a greedy croc? If you said, ‘the pirate will run off with the treasure’, you wouldn’t be far off, but not before dispatching the croc with a cunning trick.

This is one of a series of Bad Bunny books, which are plainly angling for the Pig the Pug market. While Bad Bunny doesn’t quite have the irresistible charisma of Pig, there’s plenty here to tickle the funny bones of a young audience. The slightly forced rhythm and rhyme, and absence of extra layers of meaning, mean it is unlikely to grab adult readers as much.

The illustrations are textured and bold, and although the characters’ expressions feel flat, there’s also an image of the insides of a crocodile’s stomach that is impossible to unsee and will hugely fascinate kids in the farts-and-poo stage of humour development.

A fun time - but probably not a long time - for little kids who enjoy a little naughtiness. Best for ages 3 to 6 years.

Mr Grumblebum and the Graffiti Gang

Mr Grumblebum and the Graffiti Gang by David Graham and illustrated by Salvador Capuyan (self published by the author and Xlibris Books.) RRP $16.99 ISBN 979 836949477 651399

Community-minded Mr Grumblebum notices lots of graffiti being sprayed around his home town of Farleigh as he rides and walks around town. He decides he should try to do something about removing the ugly graffiti. 

Mr Grumblebum gains support from the Farleigh Council who after a long meeting decide to supply him with a “Graffiti Buster” van which would hold all the required equipment. After a while of cleaning off graffiti and painting  out  “hot spots’ Mr Grumblebum  soon realises that much of his work is in vain as a couple of days later the Graffiti Reappears.

Mr Grumblebum then decides to catch the Graffiti Gang “red-handed”  and sets about  various plans to catch up with the gang and confides  with his loyal cat Foo.

About the Author                                                                                                                                                                          David Graham was born in Wollongong and trained at the Wollongong Teachers College gaining his primary school teaching qualifications. David and family left the south coast and  took up a number of Executive Positions at small Central schools in western NSW. During this time David began to write children’s stories. Now in retirement a number of these stories have been revisited and published.

The latest book Mr Grumblebum and the Graffiti Gang is part of a series featuring the clumsy yet kind and loveable Mr Grumblebum. It can be purchased from Amazon or by contacting the author on daggy52@hotmail.com

The first book in the series, Mr Grumblebum at the Lighthouse, is available at Kiama Bookstore, Thirroul Bookshop, Albion Park Newsagency as well as contacting the author for purchase at daggy52@hotmail.com

Reviewed by Jill McKinnon

 

 

 

My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat

My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, illustrated by Remy Charlip (Enchanted Lion Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781592703852

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

There’s a saying that while dogs have owners, cats have slaves. Anyone who has had the privilege of being a slave to a cat has learned the lesson of this book: that possession is a fragile concept, and that we have no right to assume our authority over others.

The protagonist begins the story very much not having learned that lesson, asserting ownership and attempting to order his cat around. After a firm rebuttal comes the realignment of the relationship on an equal footing.

There is a certain feel common to picture books from American creators of the 1960s and 1970s, and My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat (this edition being a 2023 reprint) is a fine example. The text is spare and staccato, the illustrations bold and graphic. It often takes a couple of reads to fully appreciate them, but then they burrow into your soul.

In this case, the design uses only four colours, including a bright orange for the titular character. The text is rhyming and, in its repetition and call-backs, reads almost like song lyrics. Although there is a clear lesson, it is delivered with grace, humour and charm.

This is a layered book which uses inventive playfulness in language which, in tandem with evocative illustrations, has the potential to appeal to a wide audience, from the very young to the very old. (This review has been written with my very own ginger cat on my lap, and although I wouldn’t dare speak on his behalf, I’ll take that as a stamp of approval.)

Where is Cheeky Monster?

Where is Cheeky Monster? by Mike Lucas, illustrated by Heidi McKinnon (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761341984

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

While every monster is busy doing their own thing, no one can find Cheeky Monster… any guesses where they might be?

From Healthy Monster eating veggies to Busy Monster always working, the colourful illustrations accompany an exploration of stereotypical character types and associated tendencies, in a manner reminiscent of the Mr Men series. The book concludes (spoiler alert!) with a reflective final page reveal of the missing Cheeky Monster in the mirror, a trick that is guaranteed to amuse little ones.

The monsters are full of life and expression, their settings dotted with recognisable elements of modern daily life like smartphones and exotic yoga poses. The illustration style will be instantly familiar to any fans of McKinnon’s I Just Ate My Friend.

The playful exploration of different character traits, together with the rewarding payoff, makes this ideal for carers to share with young children from birth to 6 years.

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet by Ashleigh Barton and Peter Cheong (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9780734422903

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

We’ve all met someone who knows everything about their passion topic – maybe that person is even you! But, you may not have met a child quite like Freddie Spector, Fact Collector.

Freddie loves facts; he loves collecting them, he loves leaving them on sticky notes all around his house, and he loves sharing his knowledge with everyone around him. Not everyone is as enthusiastic about Freddie’s facts as he is – except Mr Lahoud who runs the newsagency and keeps Freddie supplied with sticky notepads – but nobody really seems to mind too much.

When Freddie finds out that his school, Becker Heights, is going to be treated to a virtual visit with Astronaut Lilly Jun from the International Space Station, he naturally becomes obsessed by everything space-related. His fact-finding ramps up a notch when Freddie becomes one of only five students chosen to ask Astronaut Lilly a question.

Then, the unbelievable happens.

Hearing a huge bang from his neighbours’ house, Freddie investigates and discovers a huge hole in their backyard. If that isn’t weird enough, strange things start happening in the following days and Freddie, along with his sister Henrietta, are convinced it can only be one thing – and I’m sure you can guess what that might be – and they secretly, and a little nervously, set about finding out as much as they can.

Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet is action-packed and space-fact-filled right from the first page. Author Ashleigh Barton has really captured the thirst for knowledge and the powerful imagination of children, and has crafted relatable and likeable characters – from Freddie and his sister, through to Aunty Lou and Mr Lahoud. Peter Cheong’s simple but expressive illustrations complete the story.

If I was still teaching, I would have loved to use Space Cadet to introduce and supplement a unit of work in the Earth Sciences. Space is a subject that fascinates a wide audience of children (and adults) and Ashleigh Barton has approached the topic in a fun way that is suitable both for space novices and the more ‘informed’ reader. With its imaginative appeal and upbeat pace, the story will also engage readers who may not otherwise be interested in the subject matter.

Perfect for independent readers aged 7–10 years and beyond, Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet will also make a fun read-aloud that can be enjoyed by parents and their younger children, or teachers with their class, and spark many discussions and new fact-finding missions.

 

The Fairfleet Affair

The Fairfleet Affair by K. H Saxton (Union Square Kids) ISBN: 9781454950134 RRP $16.99

Reviewed by Melissa Wray

Missing millionaire. Secret Clues. Historical artefacts. Four suspects. Two tenacious detectives. This book has the perfect mix for a mystery that needs to be solved! Each clue links to the next one and will keep the reader guessing about how they are all connected and what each clue means. Because no sooner is one clue solved than another one demands to be uncovered to ensure all the clues blend together.

When Dr. Alistair Fairfleet disappears, it soon becomes clear this is not a normal missing person case. Not only do four people (soon to become suspects) each receive a letter about the disappearance, so to do Asha and Alex of A&A Detective Agency. These two twelve-year-old sleuths must use their wit and knowledge of the Fairfleet Institute, as well as their significant investigative skills, as they decode clues and interview the suspects likely to be behind the disappearance.

Saxton weaves an intricate web of mystery as each character involved solves specific clues through their own personal knowledge to try and help solve the mystery. However, each suspect has some kind of motive. Along with a little help from Asha and Alex who are very good at their detective work, these motives are slowly revealed as the story unfolds.

Alex and Asha work well together, and it was enjoyable to get to know each character and their personality as they both committed to solving the disappearance. They are mature for their age and Saxton creates a good balance between including adult support and having the young detectives use their strengths to interpret the clues.

There are terrific turns and tantalising twists until the story arrives at the dramatic conclusion. So, who is responsible for the kidnapping of the eccentric director of the Fairfield Institute? You will just have to read this delightful mystery to find out!

This book is a fabulous blend of action, mystery, friendship and perseverance. The Fairfleet Affair is suitable for a 12+ years readership.

A is for Ability

A is for Ability: An alphabet with a difference, because we are all different, (Lothian Children’s Books) Sarah Rose with Alley Pascoe & Beck Feiner PB HB RRP $24.99 9780734423023

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sarah Rose is a three-time Paralympian swimmer, medal-winner, and disability advocate.

I was born with dwarfism and I’m proud to be a little person. It’s okay to say ‘dwarf’, ‘little person,’ and person of ‘short stature,’ but it is most respectful to use people’s names. You can call me Sarah, Sar or legend!

Alley Pascoe is a journalist, editor, and co-writer. She is the former Features Editor of Marie Claire magazine and has written for the Australian Women’s Weekly, Gourmet Traveller, Qantas magazine, Stellar, Body+Soul, Primer and Women’s Agenda.

Beck Feiner is an illustrator, designer, and author whose illustrations shine a spotlight on social issues. Her creative style has evolved from her graphic design and art director experience in the advertising industry. Her first book Aussie Legends Alphabet has received nation-wide recognition.

Sarah Rose and Alley Pascoe have created a big-hearted guide to disability with a touch of humour. The text gives insight into life for people with disabilities and the difficulties they encounter. The use of the alphabet is a brilliant way to learn about disability. The information is shared in a reader friendly voice. We can change the style of jeans we wear, but we can’t change the genes we are born with. Genetic disorders – such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and Downs Syndrome – are health conditions caused by a difference in someone’s DNA. Questioning is used to spark curiosity, which is followed by the facts that give an understanding. Did you know the human brain can generate enough power to run a lightbulb? Because Sarah has a disability, this book is both authentic and real. Creating understanding leads to more inclusivity and this book is a wonderful tool to use.

Beck Feiner has her own unique and recognisable award-winning illustration style. Her use of bright bold coloured artwork is eye-catching.. She has cleverly included the Auslan sign for each letter of the alphabet. Children love learning how to sign and this adds another layer of depth to the book. Bright blues, pinks, yellows, oranges, greens and blues sing out at you. The endpapers are joyful with butterflies, rainbows, hearts, stars, bubbles, watermelon, music notes, flowers, balloon dogs, bubbles, and triangles. The cover is bright and captivating. Each spread is full of detail and is a celebration of disability.

 

ABC Disability is a picture book that would make a perfect addition to any classroom. It is an interesting way to learn about disabilities or conditions. This thoughtful, informative book is suitable for 5- 9 years and is an ideal book for school libraries.