The Great Barbie Disaster

The Great Barbie Disaster by Tania Ingram, illustrated by Christina Miesen (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-124-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Dad wants to make a barbeque. He comes from a long line of barbie builders and thinks shop bought barbies are for wimps. The trouble is Dad’s not very good at building things. The Great Barbie Disaster is a very funny story about all of his attempts to construct the perfect backyard barbie and what goes wrong – very wrong – each time.

There’s nothing more Aussie than a backyard barbie in the summer and this story captures the essence of summer and family. I related strongly as my father was a backyard builder and I suspect there are lots of kids out there who have watched or helped as Dad constructed a chicken coop, barbeque, cubby or outdoor furniture with varying degrees of success who will relate to this tale as well.

Part of the Mates series, this title is filled with the humour, Australian culture and entertaining storylines these Great Aussie Yarns are known for. Written for the eight year old age range, short chapters, large varied font and illustrations - which break up the text, filling the pages with colour and appeal - make this a perfect tale for beginner and young readers. The text is clear and uncomplicated and explains concepts such as the waste station within the story.

The voice of the girl who narrates the story is engaging. She is laid-back with just a tinge of sarcasm, but clearly loves and admires her Dad.

Using soft colours, the illustrator has created pictures which echo the humour of the words, enhancing the story and adding the enjoyment of the reading experience. These pictures, large and small, fill the pages and bring the characters to life.

The Towers of Illica: Star of Deltora Book 3

The Towers of Illica: Star of Deltora Book 3 by Emily Rodda (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-064-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When the Star of Deltora docks in the harbour at Illica, Britta knows this will be her most important trade in the quest to win the Rosalyn Contest and become mistress of her own trading ship. But the Collectors, who make their home on this island, are slippery hosts and the shadows which swirl and haunt Britta, press even closer. It becomes more evident to her that she is reluctantly following in her father’s final footsteps, increasing her anxiety that someone will discover her true parentage.

The Towers of Illica is the third instalment in the adventurous and fast- paced fantasy series, Star of Deltora by well loved Australian author Emily Rodda. It has a thrilling plot and an edge of foreboding darkness throughout, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Britta is likable, strong and feisty heroine whose relationships with others aboard the ship are building as the story progresses.

Lovers of fantasy and great storytelling will become engrossed in this entertaining series –especially fans of previous Deltora books. A great read for middle-grade through to early teenagers.

Readers can collect cards – six come with every volume – and share in the trading experience.

Two Moons: Star of Deltora Book 2

Two Moons: Star of Deltora Book 2 by Emily Rodda (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-062-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Two Moons continues the journey of Britta’s quest to win the right to become apprenticed to Mab, the head of the Trader Rosalyn fleet. The four finalists learn of the ports they are to trade in and settle into life on board. 

But the four cannot quite trust each other and Britta knows one of her rivals is trying to eliminate her from the competition. As the quest becomes more dangerous, the shadowy wraiths which watch her every move are noticed by more people. Britta is unaware of them, however, and suspects her apprehension comes from the fact that she cannot seem to steer away from following in the footsteps of her disgraced father’s final journey.

The Star of Deltora series is an absorbing one. Mysterious, with a wonderful sense of anticipation and adventure, Two Moon builds on the atmosphere of foreboding and inescapable destiny which surrounds Britta in the first book, Shadows of the Master. It is becoming harder to keep secrets, some are beginning to spill, and others are becoming bigger.

Set in the well-constructed and already well known world of Deltora, this is an exciting companion series to Rodda’s earlier series’. Magic, monsters and excitement leap from the pages and readers from middle grade through to early teens will be immersed in this spellbinding story-telling.

I look forward to the third, The Towers of Illica, later in the year.

Readers can add the trader cards from the back of the book to those collected from the first volume.