Saturday 30 June 2012
Invitation to a Stranger
Invitation to a Stranger by Margaret Pearce (Astraea Press)
Ebook RRP $2.99
ISBN 978-1-62135-036-1
Reviewed by Nina Lim
Before the arrival of the Demento family in town, Ronnie and her friends Katie and Jasmine lived completely normal lives. But when they meet Drake Demento they sense something special about him. He’s not like the other boys. He’s mysterious and intriguing but why is his family so strange?
Soon afterwards all of the animals in the district start disappearing. They find Jasmine’s cat again but its body has become floppy and its eyes are vacant. Then people start disappearing. And what has happened to Jasmine? She is now lying in a hospital bed, unable to recognize anyone, with the same vacant eyes as her cat. And why does the Demento mansion always look dark? And Drake seems distant and appears to be pushing them away.
Ronnie and Katie realize that something needs to be done, and done soon. They need to rely on Drake, but can they trust him?
This is a riveting story with a great cast of characters. The story unfolds fluidly and smoothly. Fans of the supernatural will enjoy this teen vampire fun.
Friday 29 June 2012
The New Jumper
The New Jumper (The Hueys) by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978000420650
Reviewed bySharon McGuinness
Award winning author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers introduces us to a new quirky group of characters, the Hueys, in his new picture book The New Jumper. Jeffers tells the story of the Hueys in his simplistic style, but that doesn’t mean his themes are ‘light’.
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978000420650
Reviewed by
Award winning author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers introduces us to a new quirky group of characters, the Hueys, in his new picture book The New Jumper. Jeffers tells the story of the Hueys in his simplistic style, but that doesn’t mean his themes are ‘light’.
The Hueys all look the same and all do the same
things until one of them called Rupert, knits himself a new jumper. Rupert
wears his new jumper everywhere, however the other Hueys are unimpressed – horrified
actually that someone dared to be different.
Gillespie, Rupert’s friend, thought about what
Rupert did and he found the idea of being different rather interesting and
knitted himself a new jumper so he could be different, too.
Rupert and Gillespie were no longer considered
different by the other Hueys – in fact, they start a trend and new jumpers
began to be knitted by more Hueys as the idea catches on.
Jeffers is able to celebrate difference on a level
easily understood by young children. However, the quirky drawings will also
appeal to older children and even adults.
Clever use of black and white with the addition of
only one colour until the last endpapers adds another layer to an enjoyable
simple story. Oliver Jeffers is certainly an author whose books are worthwhile
additions to anyone’s shelves.
Thursday 28 June 2012
Mosquito Advertising: The Crunch Campaign
Mosquito Advertising - the Crunch Campaign by Kate Hunter (UQP)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 0702239399
Review by Jo Burnell
Katie Crisp is seriously into advertising and not much
else, but her mother forces her to realise there's a lot more to the world and
living.
Katie's Mum falls in love with her boss who is raising
four young children on his own. The Prime Minister flags a ban on junk food in
her efforts to reverse childhood obesity and Katie's worst nightmare begins.
Not only does Katie have to contemplate sharing her
house with four little siblings, she has to face the possibility of and a world
without the soft drink company that began her passion for advertising in the
first place.
Katie is an annoying, opinionated teenager who simply
doesn't see other people's points of view, but she does have some redeeming
features. Her single minded focus is the thing that gets her into trouble. This
same characteristic somehow manages to help her save the day as well.
Although the dialogue was a little too life like, I
was caught up in the tale of the Crunch Campaign. What could possibly happen to
allow a happy ending?
Can Katie cope living anywhere else than the home she
has known all her life? Can Mosquito Advertising continue if there is no longer
a tree house office to hang out in? What about the advertising ban? Is there a
realistic way to reduce childhood obesity without banning junk food ads?
Read on if you want to know. It's worth it. Old
characters continue their quirky ways while new ones insist you either love or
detest them.
There is no sitting on the fence when you get involved
in Mosquito Advertising.
Wednesday 27 June 2012
Mountain Wolf
Mountain Wolf by Rosanne Hawke (HarperCollins)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 9780732293871
Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness
Rosanne Hawke uses her experience and knowledge as a former aid worker in Pakistan to write novels which include themes about refugees, multicultural issues and now the slave trade. Her writing lends an authenticity, even though she may be an Anglo-Australian.
It tells the story of Razaq who lives in the tribal area of Kala Dhaka, also known as Black Mountain, in Pakistan. The area is ravaged by an earthquake and Razaq’s family is lost. Told by his dying father to flee to his Uncle Javaid in Rawalpindi, Razaq is sold into slavery before he can even attempt the journey. He is kept a virtual prisoner washing dishes in a teashop, yet we are subtly aware there is another more sinister reason for his slavery and the reader is then on guard, expecting that prostitution and possibly rape will threaten Razaq. This fear is made real as we are aware that Hawke’s novel deals with facts, therefore thousands of children like Razaq in Pakistan are facing daily threats and conditions such as these.
Escaping to the streets where he meets other children like himself, his search for his uncle is again thwarted as he is betrayed and returned to the teashop. Razaq’s exotic looks, in particular his green eyes, catch the attention of a customer and he is again sold. Tahira, a girl he befriends is sold to a wealthy man and Razaq vows to free her.
Razaq and Tahira meet again and work in the same brothel and, with thoughts of finding his uncle fading, they eventually find a way out via an aid worker called Majeed.
Complementary to Razaq’s story is one told by his uncle Javaid, who becomes aware of the tragedy which has taken the lives of his brother’s family, yet spared his nephew. The interwoven story of Javaid’s desperate and frustrating search for his nephew mirrors the search by Razaq and heightens the suspense of the novel.
Will Razaq and Tahira be freed from their slavery and able to live safely – a fundamental right?
Rosanne Hawke delivers a confronting novel which simultaneously deals with the issues of child slavery and prostitution sensitively. Her novel explores the themes of social justice for those without power and is essential reading.
This reviewer found the novel compelling reading and yet was shocked by the fact that child slavery exists on such a scale in Pakistan. Rosanne Hawke has again provided us with characters able to overcome harrowing circumstances, via a narrative which is both authentically written and thought provoking.
Mountain Wolf is confronting and not suitable for primary school libraries nor the children’s sections of public libraries due to some of its content.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
The Red Wheelbarrow
HB RRP $ 19.95
ISBN: 9780702249259
Reviewed by Jo Burnell
This picture book couldn't be more different in style
and substance from Briony Stewart's previous publications. While the Kumiko series dealt with mythical dragon
creatures and fighting the bad guy, the Red Wheelbarrow could happen in your
backyard.
Parallel tales are presented on each side of The Red
Wheelbarrow's double page layout. While both stories are about family,
relationships and a battle of wills, one is about chickens, the other, little
girls.
With not a single written word, Briny Stewart makes
very step of this delightful story clear. Her eye for detail is partnered
cleverly with spartan illustrations. Only that which adds to the tale is
included.
Two little girls discover a red wheelbarrow. It's a
perfect place to play and share a treat, but the fun stops when big sister
sneaks an extra lolly without sharing. While tears fall and shrieks of
indignation bounce off the page, another battle is being waged on the ground.
A baby chicken watches as a full grown chook extracts
a worm from the ground and eats it. When another worm surfaces, the two play
tug of war with the hapless worm.
The little girl's waling distracts the older chicken
who goes to investigate the noise, leaving a younger chicken to take over the
tug of war.
What will it take to appease the heartbroken toddler?
Will the tiny chick manage to wrestle the worm away from the others? The ups
and downs of relationships are beautifully illustrated with every page. The Red
Wheelbarrow is endearing in its simplicity and clever in the conversations it
can stimulate.
A timeless treasure for toddlers upward.
Monday 25 June 2012
The Phoenix Files: Fallout
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN
978-192150243-9
Reviewed by
Lillian Rodrigues-Pang
The Phoenix
Files are a high paced action series that keeps you involved and questioning the
whole way through. The series is a blend of action, conspiracy and the
supernatural.
Fallout is book five in the series. In this
book the time for pretending is over. The town of Phoenix is being held captive
in a concentration camp, security guards abound and people are being tortured.
The end of the world is scheduled – there is 14 days to go.
The few
that are free, including Jordan and Luke, are working hard to stay free and
defeat Shackleton’s evil plans. They also have to crack the secret weapon – named
Tobias.
I loved the
intrigue, guessing and movement of this story. Luke and Jordan are likeable,
strong, active characters. They play a lead role in terms of action and
decision-making. There is never a dull moment in this book.
Chris
Morphew maintains an interesting blog and website: www.chrismorphew.com. He describes himself as a writer, reader,
primary school teacher, Jesus follower and coffee enthusiast. I’m looking
forward to reading more of his writing.
Sunday 24 June 2012
For Pete’s Sake
For Pete's Sake by Margaret Pearce
by Margaret Pearce (Astraea Press)
E-book RRP $2.99 USD
ISBN: 9781936852499
Reviewed by Jo Wishart
Simone Henderby is fourteen; she works part-time at the local animal shelter and is given to the occasional crush on a cute boy. When she meets Pete the puppy, destined for ‘death row’, she falls in love and impulsively buys him. This lands Simone with a multitude of problems, ranging from her mum’s allergies to the fact that she’s just been fired and needs money to feed the hungry pup.
With help from her friends, Simone fakes her age to get a new job but it’s not long until her sham unravels. Dog lovers should enjoy the doggy friendship but Simone’s human love interests and problems with family and friends do take over the latter half of the book. Given this, For Pete’s Sake could be considered a transition book from animal stories into teen romance.
Pearce has captured the characteristics of certain dog breeds with affection – readers will recognise and be charmed by them. She has also created a varied and likeable cast of characters and placed them into novel settings. Despite feeling rushed at times and the occasional questionable expression or word choice, Simone and her friends’ youthful exuberance is well realised as are the onerous responsibilities that can come with a dog like Pete.
There are plenty of animal antics to get readers giggling and the more serious relationship stuff is handled with decorum. When Simone starts dating the boy we just know is wrong for her, the tension urges the reader on. With themes centering on friendship, authenticity and image, and a level of characterisation suitable for the target audience, For Pete’s Sake should please those looking for a light-hearted, upper-middle-grade read.
Labels:
Astraea Press,
dogs,
For Pete’s Sake,
Jo Wishart,
Margaret Pearce,
middle fiction
Saturday 23 June 2012
Steampunk: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories
Steampunk! an Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J.
Grant (Walker Books)
HC RRP
24.95
ISBN
9780763648435
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
The genre
of Steampunk is constantly being reinvented. This book is testament to that
statement with its absolute and wonderful writing. Mechanisation is the core of
every story around which all the characters and elements perform. This
extraordinary anthology is compiled of fourteen stories by authors of
Speculative Fiction which include Cassandra Claire, Garth Nix, Holly Black, and
M. T. Anderson amongst the talented contributors to the book. It is beautifully
bound in a rich burgundy hardcover with a title that says it all
–‘fantastically rich and strange stories’.
There’s not
a disappointing word in this finely-crafted collection. All the writing is as
crisp as starched linen ironed into sharp perfect lines. The content varies
from talking dolls, zeppelins, clockwork mechanised people, garden robots to
mechanical servants. The list is endless. The ingenious imaginations that have
come up with these creations reaffirm that anything is possible with imagination
and words.
There are
two illustrated stories included which break the writing sequence up early and
later in the book.
Everyone
that’s read an Anthology always comes away with a favourite that screams a
difference, whether it is theme, style or content that decides the reader. Clockwork Fagin by Cory Doctorow stands
apart as does Steam Girl by Dylan Horrocks.
This is a book that will be singled out by lovers of good writing. It comes
highly recommended by the reviewer.
Friday 22 June 2012
Lightning Jack
Lightning Jack by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Patricia Mullins (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $26.99
ISBN 9781741693911
Reviewed by Dawn Meredith
The striking cover of this beautiful book caught my eye immediately. A rearing black horse, its eye on the viewer, mouth open in terror was like a magnet. The poetic beauty of Glenda Millard’s prose draws the reader deep into the story, imbued with a sense of thrill and challenge.
We travel in the dreams of a young boy, Sam Tully, who falls in love with the big, black, untamed stallion, Lightning Jack. As the horses rush past him, Sam grabs his whip and oilskin to ride the dangerous steed and together they drive five hundred steers. Then freedom beckons and they fly away, up among the storm clouds to Dead Man’s Leap, where Ned Kelly hides in a cave.
A hundred hoof beats on the highway, troopers, three rows deep,
A hundred metres down, the jagged rocks of Dead Man’s Leap.
A desperate man, a gleam of gold, a pistol aimed and cocked,
‘It takes a man with nerves of steel to take the Leap!’ he mocked.
From here Sam takes Lightning Jack to run in a race, beside Phar Lap. ‘The thronging thousands cheered as they passed the finish post. All eyes were on the midnight horse, the other was a ghost.’ Until finally, Sam is drawn back to the sound of traffic and the neon lights of a merry-go-round, where his midnight horse stands proudly, waiting for him to ride again.
Being a horse lover and owner myself, I was impressed with Patricia Mullins depictions of these noble animals, their necks proudly arched, their prancing legs fine and well drawn, their faces knowing. It’s so easy for an artist to get it wrong. Patricia uses mixed media with a deft hand, creating unique scenes filled with movement and colour. Among her hobbies she restores old rocking horses and I can see this love of horse in her depictions of them in this book. My favourite spread accompanies this text by Millard:
In a place like horses’ heaven where the grass grew green and sweet,
Where roses strewed their petals at the passing pageant’s feet,
Came a cavalcade of horses, all keen to seek their fame.
But amongst them was a legend and Phar Lap was his name.
Beside him pranced the midnight horse, the horse called Lightning Jack.
This book would have to be one of my favourites. The quality of the paintings, the sheer ease of the rhyme make it a treasured book to read aloud, to take a small child’s mind on a magnificent journey, not just into a world of horses, but a world in which legends of Australian history provide a glorious backdrop for this stunning horse, Lightning Jack.
Dawn Meredith writes from the Blue Mountains. She was awarded a May Gibbs Writer’s fellowship in 2011. You can follow her exploits here: www.dawnmeredithauthor.blogspot.com
Labels:
Australian history,
Dawn Meredith,
Glenda Millard,
Lightning Jack,
Patricia Mullins,
picture book,
rhyme,
Scholastic Press
Thursday 21 June 2012
Book Review: Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk
Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk by
Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (Walker Books)
HC RRP
$24.95
ISBN
9780763656928
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
It’s only
seven days before the release of Book 5 of Nightmare on Zombie Street and best friends Stink and
Webster can’t wait. The release of the book at the bookstore will be followed
by a midnight zombie walk through town. In combination with the Zombie
festival, their school aims to reach one million minutes of reading. But the boys have spent all their pocket money
and have to find a way to get funds to buy the books. Their attempt to sell
smells ends in destruction.
The boy’s
grossness has no end. Although they continue to read and rack up the minutes, their
world has become totally zombiefied. They
now communicate through zombie-speak. Their food is transformed into gruesome,
gooey and disgusting gruel if only in their imagination.
The whole
school is behind the reading target and is fully into the zombie swing of things.
Everything is green and slimy. The canteen is serving zombie food and the
children have gone through a temporary but grotesque transformation. Zombie
sleepovers are arranged. Stinky has redesigned his ventriloquist’s dummy into a
zombie doll which results in a frightening experience.
The
celebrations begin along with the countdown. Lots of surprises are in store for
everyone. The most important thing is that the children have read so many books
that they have reached the reading target. This means they will receive books
for the library donated by the townspeople while great fun has been had by all.
This is a
gross, highly entertaining book ideal for reluctant young readers, mainly boys,
which shows that reading can be fun. It has a profusion of equally gross
illustrations which will send the senses reeling and keep the pages turning.
The green cover depicts Stinky’s face in a zombie trance all over the place. It
also has an attractive and well designed half-jacket with Stinky and friends
doing the midnight zombie walk.
Wednesday 20 June 2012
My Father's Islands: Abel Tasman's Heroic Voyages
My Father's Islands: Abel Tasman's Heroic Voyages by Christobel Mattingley (National Library of Australia)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 9780642277367
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
What a fantastic book! I read My Father's Islands in one sitting. It is an account of the great Dutch explorer Abel Tasman’s journeys of discovery which took him into uncharted waters and led him to find islands previously unknown to Europeans.
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 9780642277367
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
What a fantastic book! I read My Father's Islands in one sitting. It is an account of the great Dutch explorer Abel Tasman’s journeys of discovery which took him into uncharted waters and led him to find islands previously unknown to Europeans.
The
book is told from the perspective of Tasman’s young daughter from his first
marriage, Claesgen. While Claesgen’s inquisitive and bright personality are
entirely fictional, the accounts of Tasman’s journeys are 100% accurate.
Claesgen gives a real sense of who her father was, not only as an accomplished seaman and navigator, but also as a man. She reveals Tasman’s triumphs and disappointments and the appalling treatment of people, both sailors and natives, by the Dutch East Indies Company which had thoroughly unrealistic expectations of what could be achieved on these voyages and only assessed success in monetary terms.
Christobel wrote My Father’s Islands when the National Library of Australia contacted her to ask if she
would write a children’s story around one of the items in its Treasure Gallery. When she spotted the
portrait of Tasman with his second wife Jannetje and Claesgen she knew this was
a way to tell the story of a giant contributor to modern Australia
through a child’s eyes. Remarkably, for a man whose achievements are integral to establishment of our nation, his efforts have been grossly undervalued by Australians. Very few books have been published here on his journeys.
Throughout the book, are prints of original maps and drawings of Tasman's voyages. The copious footnotes on the page are a boon to younger readers, clarifying sailing and Dutch terminology without having to flick back and forth and interrupt reading enjoyment.
My Father's Islands is Christobel Mattingley's 51st book. She has
been nominated for, and been the recipient of, many gongs for her books
including the Children’s Book Council of Australia inaugural award for a book
for junior readers, Kids Own Australia Literature Awards, International Board
of Books for Young People’s Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Alice Award
from the Society of Women’s Writers.
Labels:
Australian history,
children's non-fiction,
Christobel Mattingley,
Dutch explorers,
junior fiction,
My Father's Islands: Abel Tasman's Heroic Voyages,
National Library of Australia
Tuesday 19 June 2012
Early Readers Book Review: Little Witch
PB RRP
$11.95
ISBN
9781821720468
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
Here are
three stories in a compact book that will keep early readers entertained from
the first to the last word. In The
Wonderful Sorceress Little Witch’s parents decide to go out for the evening
leaving the hard-of-hearing Sorceress Monda to babysit. Little Witch anticipates an evening of
boredom. But the words that are lost in translation between being spoken and heard
cause a hilarious and anything but boring outcome for both Little Witch and her
baby sitter.
The Magic Word has more than one definition for
Little Witch. Her mother is trying to teach her to say the magic word ‘please’
which Little Witch keeps confusing with the magic word ALAKAZAM! Through trial
and error, confusion, correction, and finally clarification, Little Witch
finally learns which magic word is which.
Wixed up Merds is so funny that the reader won’t
stop laughing until they close the book. Mixed up or misheard words are the
pivotal part of all these stories and this one is the best! Little Witch gets
into her father’s spell room and casts a word-mixing spell on herself. Fourteen pages of non-stop laughter ensue
accompanied by an equal amount of complementary illustrations. Mention must be
made to the well- considered illustrations throughout this book which support
and add zest to the hilarious text. Keep this book handy for days when it’s
hard work bringing a smile to the lips.
Monday 18 June 2012
The Week at Mon Repose
The Week at Mon Repose by Margaret Pearce (Astraea Press)
E-book RRP $2.99 USD
ISBN: 978-1-62135-034-7
Reviewed by Jo Wishart
‘Dead enough to be the local cemetery’ is Jenny’s assessment of Mon Repose boarding house. She and her cousin, Allie, are stuck there for the week while their parents are working. Full of noisy families and elderly folks, there’s not much in the way of excitement for two teenagers. That is, until the girls meet goth-esque Marilyn and together they discover a dusty Ouija board in the attic.
The author evokes teenage boredom well and captures that sense of a building and surrounds as seen by young eyes – zoned according to entertainment potential. After the girls ask for something that will give them ‘what they all want’, they are led on a strange adventure ending up with a fledgling genie trapped in their dimension and a sinister houseguest who has doublecrossed them all.
After riding the genie’s horses in a national park and getting caught by rangers, the girls are landed with a hefty fine and the horses impounded. The story borders on wacky and gets even wackier when their genie friend also starts to fade away, prompting the girls to take action to save him and right everything that has gone wrong. With themes including friendship and trust, Mon Repose also raises questions about what we think we want versus what really brings us joy in life.
Margaret Pearce is a Melbourne author and self-confessed compulsive writer. Many of her books are available electronically and are aimed at middle grade readers. Mon Repose is an enjoyable read that evoked memories of staying with my own cousins for weeks on end, looking for things to do and enduring unfamiliar and occasionally unpalatable meals. Pearce has included sufficient backstory to give some depth to the characters and the fast pace, action and fairy tale elements should go down well with the target audience.
Sunday 17 June 2012
Picture Book review: Frank N Stan
HC RRP
$27.95
ISBN
9781847801302
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
Robertson
has added another incredible piece to his large body of illustrated and written
work. Fantasy is his genre and through it he brings his imagination to life.
Frank is an
only child who longs to have a brother or sister and is tired of his mother
saying ‘we’ll see’ each time he asks
about it. Frank decides to take matters into his own hands. He will build
himself a brother and call him Stan.
First he
goes to the scrap metal yard and gets the parts, the nuts and bolts. He works
deliriously in his workshop, soldering and screwing, wiring and joining. Things
start ‘coming together’. After some adjustments and fine tuning, the
unconventional Stan joins the family circle and from then on, Frank is never
alone.
But it’s
when the unexpected happens and mother gives Frank a baby sister named Mary
that things go a little crazy. Stan is slowly replaced by Mary until they all realize
that three can have as much fun as, if not more than, two.
This is a
terrific story about being lonely, being different, and being accepted
regardless of your differences. The outstanding artwork is produced using pen
and watercolour and fills each page with movement and colour.
The
illustrations and the text are perfectly synchronized and weave across the page
as one. The end papers carry images of Frank’s workroom and his
work-in-progress depicted in natural cream and brown shades. The colourful
jacket is a replica of the book’s hard cover depicting Frank ’n Stan.
Saturday 16 June 2012
Bink and Gollie
Bink and Gollie, Two for One by Kate
DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile (Walker Books)
HC RRP $
24.95
ISBN
9781406337396
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
The
creators of Bink & Gollie have a
list of successes behind them. From this band of highly talented people comes
the second book about two best friends that are totally opposite in every way.
One is tall, the other small. And that’s only where it begins.
They have
fun all the time. They have their strengths and weaknesses, individual
characters and tastes. Of the three comical stories in this book, the first, Whack a Duck, had me in stitches. The
girls decide to go the spring fair. Bink wants to whack a duck of which the
prize is the world’s largest doughnut. Three balls are on offer. The man tells
her she’s got winner written all over her. Bink looks for the sign on her
blouse. (Children take things literally which makes it even funnier)
She gets
ready, lines the ball up and sends it flying – right between the man’s eyes
breaking his glasses! He’s a bit
confused but hands over ball number two. Bink lines it up again and it flies
faster than the first, right against his nose. With glasses bound and nose bandaged
the man hands over the third ball. By now his words are jumbled and he’s
cross-eyed. With a bandaged head, broken nose and glasses, Gollie hands Bink
some money and off she goes to the doughnut stand. Bink returns with a bag full
of doughnuts and they sit and share them together with the comforting thought
from Gollie, ‘but we’re all still alive’.
Two more
stories follow of equal enjoyment and laughter guaranteed: You’re Special aren’t You? and
Without Question. The conversation/dialogue throughout the book is
incredibly clever and entertaining. The illustrations, full of movement and
expression, give a more potent translation to the text. The two together are
priceless!
This book
can make an adult laugh out loud. It has interesting and valuable themes
running through them such as being different can be fun, and opposites attract.
There is a lot for the adult reader to discuss with the young listener. It is
produced with a hard, durable and attractive cover with vibrant colours which
continue onto the end pages. It will most surely be available in paperback
later as was the first book.
Friday 15 June 2012
Picture Book Review: Cloth From the Clouds
Cloth from the Clouds by Michael Catchpool, illustrated by
Alison Jay (Walker Books)
HB RRP
$29.95
ISBN
9781862337992
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
A boy spins
thread from the clouds – gold in the morning, white in the afternoon and
crimson at evening – to weave cloth on his loom, but only as much as needed.
His mother’s words are always foremost in his mind as he works, ‘Enough is
enough and not one stitch more.’ He weaves two scarves, one to protect his head
when it is hot and another to wrap around his neck when it is cold.
The King
notices the uniqueness of the cloth and orders the boy to make a longer scarf
for him. The child tries to explain that the king doesn’t need it. This angers
the royal who commands the boy to do what he’s told. The finished item is
breathtaking. So much so, he then commands clothing for his wife and daughter.
Slowly the
precious resource is exhausted. There
are no clouds, therefore no rain for the farmers and their flocks and crops. It
is not until the princess, believing ‘there is still time’, rolls up the
garments and returns them to their source, that the clouds and a natural
balance is restored once again.
Awareness
between need and want, greed and excess, is the theme of this poignant, and
delicately illustrated book. The illustrations throughout are created to
identify with cracked china, symbolic of the fragile state of nature, and the
outcome of misuse by humankind. The joyous fact that children have the wisdom
to see things clearer than the adults projects hope and optimism for the future.
This is
definitely a book that will be shared and discussed by adult and child readers
because of the significant messages it carries.
Labels:
Alison Jay,
Anastasia Gonis,
Cloth From the Clouds,
conservation,
environment,
Michael Catchpool,
picture book,
walker Books
Thursday 14 June 2012
Busy Boats
Busy Boats by Susan Steggall (Walker Books)
PB RRP
$16.95
ISBN
9781847801982
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
Illustrated
with collages of torn paper, Busy Boats is
rhythmic text with full page artwork. The pictures are outstanding and
detailed. Yellow cranes are loading. Fishermen are preparing their ropes,
fishing nets and lobster crates. All sorts of boats are moving along deep blue
water with a decoration of white foam.
There’s so much for a child to observe, discover from flags on the masts
or flying from ropes, to windows in the houses being passed by. There are
letters and numbers on the boats, shops and noticeboards. It’s like a Where’s Wally search with so much to see
and learn.
The thick
grey stones that hold up the jetty are caressed by the water as it laps against
it. The tug boats are tugging; the seagulls are screeching and squawking.
Helicopters are heading out over the sea. Islands and rocks are passed by
sailing boats with their masts full blown; sheets to the wind.
On the
streets beside the water, people are riding bikes, driving cars and walking.
There is so much activity on every page that you must look carefully to absorb
all the details.
Then the
fishermen are coming home. Full nets are placed on trolleys then pushed along
the quay. Others are unloading boxes onto their utes; others into trucks. Women
are trying to see if they can buy fresh fish. Even the seagulls want a share.
This is a
delightful book to be shared by adult and child. Fun and learning is a pleasurable
combination for the nursery bookshelf. Susan Steggall is the author of The Life of a Car, On the Road and Rattle and Rap. Trains, cars and boats!
With this medium, everything looks unique. Highly inventive and beautifully
executed work!
Labels:
Busy Boats,
On the Road,
picture book,
Rattle and Rap,
Susan Steggall,
The Life of a Car,
walker Books
Wednesday 13 June 2012
Picture Book Review: The Baby That Roared
The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Nadia Shireen (Allen and Unwin)
PB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-0-85763-018-6
Reviewed by Ann Harth
Mr and Mrs Deer desperately want a baby. When a bundle of baby lands on their doorstep they are thrilled. A note is attached to the baby’s blanket.
I am a dear little baby. Please love me and cuddle me and read me lots and lots of stories.
Mrs Deer cuddles the baby and makes him a bed. The baby ROARS. Mr Deer thinks he’s hungry but the baby refuses everything he offers. The baby roars and roars. The Deers approach many of their neighbours for help, but the baby keeps roaring. Nothing seems to work.
Simon Puttock keeps the reader turning pages in this picture book as Mr and Mrs Deer search for a way to stop their new baby from roaring. Varying font size is appealing, creating emphasis and adding humour and the imaginative twist at the end will inspire a gasp and a giggle and have the kids turning back to page one to start all over again.
The vibrant and humorous illustrations created by Nadia Shireen are uncluttered and her use of white space is effective. The pictures enrich the story and portray each character with a unique expression and personality.
This picture book will be enjoyed by children 3+ and adults will get a laugh as well.
Simon Puttock is the author of around 30 books. He has lived in many places all over the world and now resides in Scotland. His books have won a number of awards and, when he was a child, he had a beanbag frog called King Suey. For 12 more interesting facts about Simon Puttock visit his website www.simonputtock.com.
Nadia Shireen is a brilliant illustrator who brings her characters to life with simple and effective strokes. She not only illustrates other writers’ books but she has recently illustrated her own. You can find more information on Nadia Shireen on her website.
Ann Harth is a published children's author and writing tutor at Australian College of Journalism. She loves to read and is committed to creating children's literature that inspires, entertains and triggers a tiny twist in the mind. Her latest middle-grade novel, The Art of Magic, will be released in 2012.
Labels:
Allen and Unwin,
Ann Harth,
Nadia Shireen,
picture book,
Simon Puttock,
The Art of Magic,
The Baby that roared
Tuesday 12 June 2012
The Ghost at the Point
The Ghost at the Point by Charlotte Calder (Walker Books)
PB RRP $ 16.95
ISBN 9781921977732
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis
It is the time of the Great Depression. Twelve year old Dorrie lives with her grandfather, Gah, who has left his solicitor’s practice and now fishes and supplies the inhabitants surrounding Ned’s Point with a food source. Gah’s sister, Dorrie’s late great aunt Gertrude, had related tales of a ghost roaming the cliffs above the point.
But someone or something is there on the point. When Gah falls off the ladder while clearing the spouting and is taken to hospital, Dorrie refuses to go to horrible Aunt Janet’s place in town. She remains determined to stay alone at home by any means possible. Aunt Janet owns dogs and would never allow Dorrie to bring her cat Poppy with her. Furthermore, her Aunt sees Dorrie not as the free spirit she is, but as bad mannered and uncultured wild thing.
Dorrie hides and evades, runs away and lies to stay at home. Her lone survival is aided by Jacky, an adult with a child’s mind, the result of a blow to the head at a young age. Jacky and his father are loners, but it was to them that Dorrie turned for help when Gah was injured.
Aunt Janet is not the only threat to the Dorrie’s independent life. Two strangers have appeared claiming a friendship to the late Gertrude. They have a treasure map, spades and sinister intentions, and are determined to dig up Dorrie’s house in their quest for world travel. Fighting off these threats is a challenge to Dorrie’s courageous and independent spirit.
A great adventure unfolds and the mystery of the ghost at the point is unravelled. Jacky also sees the shadowy figure and shares in the discovery which is accompanied by amazing revelations.
All the characters play a significant role within the book. They serve as a conduit to the lifestyle, lack, and strength needed to survive during those hard years of the Depression. The surroundings: waters, cliffs and Stringybarks, clearly bring to view the Australian landscape and the harsh but challenging environment.
Monday 11 June 2012
YA Review: Red
Red by Libby Gleeson (Allen and Unwin)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN 978-1-74175-853-5
Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com )
She wakes in pain, covered in mud and with no memory of who she is or why she is lying in a scene of flooded devastation.
Written from the viewpoint of a young girl with amnesia, Red is the captivating novel of her struggle to piece together the past after a devastating cyclone tears apart the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Befriended by Peri, a compassionate but troubled boy, she agrees to be called Red until they can discover her true identity. The two develop a strong friendship as they search for clues about her family and her place in the world.
Snippets of Red’s memory begin to return after she is reunited with Jazz, an old friend from primary school and Red and Peri move in with Jazz’s family until they decide on their next move.
While staying with Jazz, the discovery of a locket containing a memory stick with a message from Red’s father triggers the start of a dangerous mission for the three friends. The information on the memory stick must be delivered into the right hands. Red’s life depends on it, her father’s too – if he’s still alive.
Throughout the book, the strength and courage of Red’s character shine through as she overcomes numerous obstacles. Her loyalty to her father and friends is inspiring as she battles to achieve her goal.
Libby Gleeson has created a fast-moving plot filled with conflict, suspense and with a cast of believable characters. She plunges into the story from the first sentence and keeps the intrigue and emotion high until the very last page.
Younger readers will be riveted by this compelling story as they follow Red on her quest for the truth. The writing is rich with sensory images and invites the audience to enter the world of post-cyclone Sydney.
Award-winning author, Libby Gleeson has published over 30 books for children and teenagers. She is the winner of the 2011 Dromkeen Medal, awarded for her significant contribution to children’s literature. For more information about Libby Gleeson, please visit her website: www.libbygleeson.com.au
Labels:
Allen and Unwin,
amnesia,
Ann Harth,
Dromkeen Medal,
Libby Gleeson,
Older Readers,
Red,
YA
Sunday 10 June 2012
Broken
PB RRP $
19.95
ISBN
9781921529887
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
This book
is remarkably clever and powerful in its structure. The style of the text
changes as the character Zara shifts her thoughts and this device is used very
effectively in several other areas within the prose. It is full of metaphors
and strong messages on the power of love, and the ability of humans to change,
regardless of the occurrences in their life.
Zara sees
and hears from the silent world of a coma unaware that her brother Jem with
whom she has a very strong bond, has died in the accident that damaged her, after
swerving to avoid hitting a toddler.
While the
family is supportive and encouraging, sharing their life and happenings with
her to prevent her floating into nothingness, none of these conversations are
enough to draw her back. Zara’s mind is totally preoccupied with finding Jem
whom she believes is trapped inside his comic book collection, which meant
everything to him.
In her
mind, Zara travels in and out of situations searching corridors and chasing
Jem’s comic book hero in an attempt to trace the whereabouts of her lost
brother. These scenes are brilliantly accompanied by black and white comic book
illustrations which reinforce the strength that is keeping Zara from
relinquishing her hold on life.
Her best
friend, the Gothic looking Trace, is her strongest lifeline. While Zara is distanced
from reality and hears each person’s voice but is unable to respond, Trace is
experiencing a metamorphosis. She shares this amazing journey with Zara on a
daily basis, and through this, the reader also shares the thoughts of both
girls during the process. Trace’s crazy and unhappy life at home evaporate
under the change creeping into her life.
But
although the comic captions and illustrations lend the story another dimension,
it’s the tantalizing thread of a past horror in Zara’s childhood that propels
the reader forward to learn what and how.
This
superbly crafted novel is extraordinary in that there is so much to admire
about it. The main characters and their stories are outstanding. It also has a
beguiling cover that would entice you to buy it just on its merit alone. The
book comes highly recommended.
Labels:
Anastasia Gonis,
Angus Gomes,
Broken,
Elizabeth Pulford,
Older Readers,
walker Books,
YA
Saturday 9 June 2012
Letters to Leo
HC RRP
$19.95
ISBN
9780763636951
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
Leo is
Annie Rossi’s new dog. Annie’s dad worries about her too much and doesn’t like
dogs. But Leo came to her in an unexpected way, and after longing and pleading
for a dog for so long, Annie was surprised when her father said, ‘the dog in
the doorway can stay.’ Annie loves
writing letters. Her letter of welcome to Leo is the beginning of a long list
of correspondence to her new mate which opens a door for the reader to view
Annie’s life and thoughts.
When
Annie’s mother died, all the life and joy seeped out of father and child. Leo
brings interest, joy, and adventure to Annie’s life, and slowly but surely to
her father’s as well. His presence and affection finally fill the cracks that
her mother’s absence created. But there are a lot of interesting and comical
lessons learnt with lots of letter-writing taking place covering eight months
of school and home life. Unexpected occurrences bring growth and personal
change for both Annie and her dad as their grief and loneliness is replaced by
optimism and hope.
Although
this is a story about loss and grief and living again; about friendships and
change, it is not a sad story. It is entertaining and comical with the sad bits
entering like shy visitors into the text.
The black
and white illustrations in crayon, pencil and paint, complement the characters
and their antics. This is the second book on Annie which follows Remembering Mrs. Rossi and is suitable
for 8+ readers.
Labels:
Amy Hest,
Anastasia Gonis,
dogs,
grief,
Julia Denos,
Letters to Leo,
walker Books,
younger readers. junior fiction
Friday 8 June 2012
Love Notes from Vinegar House
Love Notes from Vinegar House by Karen Tayleur (black dog books)
PB RRP $18.95
ISBN 978142032191
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis
This well-crafted and compelling mystery incorporates family secrets, misunderstandings, teenage dilemmas and a ghostly presence. It is told in first person narrative by Freya, who speaks directly to the reader; a device that works extremely well with this style of writing.
Freya’s parents have gone to visit her ailing Nanna and Freya must go and stay at Grandma Kramer’s house close to the sea where all the family gatherings have taken place throughout her lifetime. Unfortunately her bossy and manipulative cousin Rumer is also staying there. Since childhood, no love has been lost between the two girls for Freya uncovered Rumer’s failings early. Since then they have merely tolerated one another for the sake of common courtesy within the family circle.
Freya’s long, close friendship with Luke is on the rocks because of a Facebook prank. His interest seems to have turned to the attractive and flirty Rumer. He has also turned up to work in the garden at Grandma Kramer’s house and Freya’s agony at seeing him interested in her awful cousin, churns inside her like the rough sea that surrounds them. Quite out of character, Freya finds herself taking notes left under Rumer’s door supposedly from Luke. These lead to an even more disturbing discovery which is linked to the mystery the house holds tightly to within its walls.
But the old house holds more secrets than anyone is prepared to talk about and is said to be haunted. But by whom and why? During her stay there, Freya starts to notice that the bath tub fills with water by itself. There are sounds which have no logical explanation. The lights in the house stay on during a power blackout and the attic is always kept locked and out of bounds.
Freya is also troubled by the fact that nobody ever talks about Rumer’s mother, especially Rumer herself. Even crabby Grandma Kramer keeps quiet about her daughter. She is determined to find answers at any cost. This search brings about astonishing results and closure for more than one person.
This is a moving story that weaves through many sub-stories and plaits themes together beautifully. It is a book will be read in one sitting for there’s no putting it down once you start.
Labels:
Anastasia Gonis,
black dog books,
ghosts,
Karen Tayleur,
Love Notes from Vinegar House,
Older Readers,
YA
Thursday 7 June 2012
Happy Like Soccer
by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by
Lauren Castillo (Walker Books)
HC RRP
$29.95
ISBN
9780763646165
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
Sometimes
words are not enough to describe beauty and excellence. That is the case with
this book.
Soccer
makes Sierra happy and sad. She plays hard at soccer and loves it. Sierra
lives with her auntie who works at a restaurant that is busy on the days Sierra
plays soccer. ‘When she hugs me goodbye, I know she can feel me low around the
edges’. That is her sadness, that there is no one to cheer her on or watch her
play when ‘every girl has someone there but me’. Sierra longs for her auntie to
be at the game; to hear her name and not her number being called from the
crowd.
Something wonderful
happens to turn an unhappy situation into a dream come true for the
hard-playing Sierra and her hard-working auntie.
This is a
beautifully written book with amazing illustrations produced in ink and
watercolour with acetone transfer. The artwork is unique and appears in
landscape across the page giving a wonderful sense of space – open and
limitless. On the single picture pages the images are large and lively and
filled with detail. The backgrounds that are painted in watercolours add
substance to each page on paper of extraordinary quality. There is an excellent
jacket depicting Sierra playing on the field across the back and front, and if
the covers are opened up, it produces an expansive landscape image again. This
is another extraordinary picture book to look out for.
Labels:
Anastasia Gonis,
Happy Like Soccer,
Lauren Castillo,
Maribeth Boelts,
picture book,
walker Books
Wednesday 6 June 2012
Monster High 4: Back and Deader Than Ever
Monster High 4: Back and Deader Than Ever by
Lisi Harrison (Little, Brown Atom/Hachette)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 97819074410666
Reviewed by Hilary Smillie
ISBN 97819074410666
Reviewed by Hilary Smillie
The
latest book in the Monster High series is full of familiar weird characters and
one or two new ones. Frankie Stein's ambition to have the RADs accepted by the
Normies has at last been successful, but no sooner has this happened, Draculaura
(Lala) discovers her dad is intent on splitting Salem students apart by building
another high school specifically for the RADs. Lala is determined this won't
happen and when she hears about a glamorous contest which will fund the winning
high school, she infuses everyone with her own passion. This isn't hard, because
the T'eau Dally contest also includes a chance for a couple to star in a
national ad campaign, complete with glamorous clothes and photo shoots. The
fight is on to save Merston High.
Meanwhile, Melody Carver is catapulted into a singing gig, which quickly
leads to bigger things, upsetting her boyfriend, Jackson who had other plans for
them over the coming school vacation. Granite, another member of the band, is
seriously challenging Melody's and Jackson's relationship.
The
time comes for Principal Weeks to choose a couple for the leadership of Merston
High. Frankie is hoping she and Brett will win, but so are Cleo and Deuce and
Haylee and Heath. All have been drumming up voter support and the competition
has been fierce. Will it all be worth it? And will their school be chosen by
T'eau Dally?
As is
typical of this series, there is an overlay of gloss and glamour, the freaky and
the fantastic. A newcomer, an Australian called Blue infuses the scene with
Ocker slang, including the term "iced sammies" which is a complete mystery to
me. And since when did prawns come from a reservoir? But then again, everything
is at least slightly over the top and imaginative, including the offbeat
language.
In this fourth book, I feel the plot and purpose is not as well
defined as the previous three titles. It didn't capture my interest nearly as
well and I find it hard to imagine the series expanding further. But it is
lively and quirky, and many fans, to borrow a term from Frankie, may think it
Voltage!
With the heavy focus on relationships, I think Monster
High 4 is more likely to be enjoyed by over twelve year olds, however,
the Mattel toys and games will no doubt attract the target age group of ten
plus.
Labels:
Atom/Little,
Brown/Hachette,
Lisi Harrison,
Mattel,
Monster High 4: Back and Deader Than Ever,
Older Readers
Tuesday 5 June 2012
Event: Society of Women Writers NSW
The next meeting of the Society of Women Writers NSW Inc will be Wednesday, June 13
Venue: Dixson Room, State Library of NSW, Macquarie St
Workshop (10 – 11.50) Amanda Hampson: "Five
First Pages " - workshop: $15.00.
Bookings for workshop: Beatrice Yell - 9452 2299 or email: ybeatrice@hotmail.com
Literary Lunch: (12.30- 1pm)
Member Talk: (1- 1.20 pm) Sandy Fussell:
The Accidental Author
Guest Speakers: (1.25 - 2 pm) Sonia Goernitz:
Write, Publish & Market your Own Book
Book sales: 2pm onwards
(conclusion 2.30pm)
Cost: $30 for non-members, $25 for members, $15
(workshop only)
Bookings required before 10am Mon 11th June
to:
Eunice Lovell—9959 5568
or email: ealovell@bigpond.com
OR
Sandra:
4296-1182 or email: sgdavis@ozemail.com
Labels:
Amanda Hampson,
Sandy Fussell,
Society of Women Writers NSW,
Sonia Goernitz,
State Library of NSW
Book Review: Dotty Inventions and some real ones too
Dotty Inventions: And Some Real Ones Too by Roger McGough, illustrated by Holly Swain (Walker Books)
PB RRP $
16.95
ISBN
97881847803320
Reviewed by
Anastasia Gonis
If you want
children to learn things, make learning fun. If you want them to remember what
they’ve learnt, make it funnier. That’s what’s going on in this wonderful book
full of fun and learning. The main characters are Professor Dotty Dabble and
her robot Digby. Digby has a screen across his tummy on which he searches for
the real truth about inventions, for Dotty loves to claim inventions belonging
to others as hers. They travel in a Gizmobile that also has wings attached
which open when they need to fly high.
Dotty is
invited to enter a competition for the best invention at the National Science
Museum. The prize is ‘the holiday of a lifetime’. But which invention should
she submit? There is the chocolate cup in which you add hot water and drink
before it melts; the voice-activated socks, the nasal floss and the thermal
dentures. And there are more to choose from and Dotty is getting dizzy trying
to decide.
The types
of inventions that enter the competition are: pens that correct spelling as you
write, umbrellas with a built in stereo, and edible school scarves, amongst
others.
The
marvellous real inventions that readers will learn about with Professor Dotty
Dabble are: when and why windscreen wipers were invented, how the parachute
came to be, and how and by whom was the Biro created. Then there is Velcro, the
name originating from the two words, velour
and crochet. But the story behind
it is so amazing, funnier even than how the Frisbee came to be.
Dotty wins
the competition for her claim to having invented Digby. But what are his real
origins?
This
vibrantly coloured book is entertaining with knowledge at centre stage to
excite the reader’s mind. Roger McGough also has a wonderful book of poetry due
out next month titled Lucky, created
for children and young adult audiences. He was the illustrator of his highly successful,
previous collection of poetry, An Imaginary Menagerie.
Monday 4 June 2012
The Ruby Bottle
PB
RRP $17.00; E-book $8.00
ISBN
9 781921 8691402
Reviewed
by Margaret Warner
The
bright colours and bold style of the cover of The Ruby Bottle invite readers to open the book to start the story.
When Amber finds a dusty red glass bottle in the shed of her elderly neighbour,
Mrs Heggety she feels certain that the bottle is meant for her to keep. It
doesn’t take long before she discovers a secret: a curious djinn named Jimell
lives in the beautiful red bottle. As she gets to know his story, he tells her
that she must perform an important task but cannot say what it is.
While
the story of the djinn in the bottle unfolds and the history of the bottle is
revealed through Roger Heggety’s diary, another story interweaves through the
narrative. Amber is lonely since her best friend, Bethany moved house and she is being bullied
at school by Marissa and her friend, Rachel.
The
two stories merge in a tale of mystery and adventure that subtly explores the
theme of friendships and relationships: new and old friends as well as young
and old friends. Jimell encourages Amber to believe in herself and through his
friendship and that of a new friend, Ricco she gains confidence to be independent
and achieve by herself … not by magic.
Readers
aged 9 to 12 will be drawn into the intriguing mystery of The Ruby Bottle from the first pages till the final pages.
Margaret Warner is a children's author whose books often have an environmental theme. Her latest book is Lone Pine published by Little Hare Books. Margaret's website is www.margaretwarner.com.au
Margaret Warner is a children's author whose books often have an environmental theme. Her latest book is Lone Pine published by Little Hare Books. Margaret's website is www.margaretwarner.com.au
Labels:
friendship,
genies,
IP KIdz,
Janet Reid,
magic,
Margaret Warner,
Michaela Blassnig,
The Ruby Bottle,
younger readers. junior fiction
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