Basketball Legends: Ben Simmons

Basketball Legends: Ben Simmons by Kit Cross and Leigh Hedstrom (Albert Street Books, Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN: 9781761181276

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Think you know a lot about basketball? Basketball Legends: Ben Simmons might have you thinking again. Not only is it jam-packed full of intriguing information about Australian basketball legend, Ben Simmons, but every fact and statistic you’d want to know about the sport in general is contained within a mere 123 pages.

For example, do you know what a double-double is? Or, for that matter, what a triple-double is?

And do you know where the Philadelphia 76ers got their name?

Perhaps – from the title – you can guess who was the first Australian to not only win Rookie of the Year in the NBA, but also receive an All-Star selection?

But, do you know which city has produced the most NBA Number 1 Draft Picks in the world?

No? You’ll need to get yourself a copy of this book then.

Fascinating facts and stats aside, author Kit Cross has done an amazing job of researching information that will really resonate with her audience and presenting it in a way that is accessible to younger readers – but she does not dumb things down. Leigh Hedstrom’s illustrations and the layout go a long way to supplementing the information, making the facts stand out and shine.

Full disclosure – prior to picking up this book, I knew a little about basketball (being a fan of the Canberra Cannons back in the day and, more recently, the UC Capitals), but I’d never heard of Ben Simmons! (Sssh – don’t tell anyone.) Moreover, I wondered whether the information in the book would be engaging enough to hold my interest.

I was pleasantly surprised. The blend of general sport facts and a closer and more personal look at one of the many legendary players means that the book is likely to resonate with a wider audience. Despite my initial hesitancy, I found that I devoured the facts in a very short time and was pleased to discover that there are at least three more books in this series by Kit Cross and Leigh Hedstrom – something for everyone with different sports represented, along with both male and female legends.

If you or your child are basketball fans, you’ll love Basketball Legends: Ben Simmons. If not, you will be by the time you’ve finished this easy but fascinating read. You may even be encouraged to head out and watch a game or sink some hoops. At the very least, you will be a walking factsheet about all things Ben Simmons and basketball.

Designed for independent readers aged 6–10, Basketball Legends: Ben Simmons is sure to be enjoyed by fans of all ages and is an excellent introduction to the world of factual texts. Readers may decide to read the book from cover to cover, or just dip in and out at will, and I fully expect to see some of these facts turn up at school trivia nights.  

The Most Amazing Thing by Ian Hayward Robinson (Allen and Unwin), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781761-180118

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Henry is bored and everyone in his family is too busy for him. When he tries to get Mum’s attention, she has a fabulous suggestion for him: draw a picture of the most amazing thing. That’s before she promptly shuts the door to her study with a “do not disturb” sign. 

 

Henry can’t imagine what the most amazing thing could be, but in trying to find it – depicted in the superb illustrations by Matt Shanks that add extra layers to the story – Henry’s imagination runs wild. Some of the pictures had my kids laughing out loud and others included intriguing details that prompted a myriad of suggestions from them for what the most amazing thing was going to be. 

 

The narrative nicely links possibilities of what the most amazing thing could be to the various hobbies of Dad, big sister and big brother and gets the reader thinking: is it life, the human mind or the universe? The answer is none of these. It’s something even more marvellous!

 

My only disappointment from this otherwise gem of a book is that Mum tells Henry the answer instead of him realising it for himself. 

Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky

Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky by Rebecca Lim (Allen and Unwin), RRP $17.99 Young Adult ISBN 9-781761-180224

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Hungry, frightened, homeless, and grieving for their ma, who has died of starvation and hard labour at the hands of the 1950’s communist China regime, 13-year-old Fu and 11-year-old Pei have only one direction that they can turn. South, to flee China, with only the hope that luck will somehow allow them to reach their father at the bottom of the world.

Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky is about a fictional family living in rural China. With the help of well-connected friend, the father of the family, who is a former Kuomintang intelligence officer and enemy of the new Communist state, flees to Australia in 1951. His wife, son, and daughter – Fu and Pei – are left behind, harvesting the land to deliver their required quotas while struggling to feed themselves. Knowing her time is near, Ma gives them the only documentation she has that may help them find their father – a menu, a letter, and a faded photo of him outside a skyscraper in Hong Kong.

On the eve of the Great Leap Forward in 1958, Ma passes away and the state takes possession of her house, pig and chickens. The local official determines that Fu can go to a family that needs a young boy to work in the fields and that Pei be married off. Despite her belief in communist values, a female officer from Beijing is outraged at the thought of an 11-year-old girl being forced to marry, so personally helps them escape to the Southern Sea, where she entrusts them to a strong and savvy seawoman to sail them to Hong Kong. 

In the bustling city of skyscrapers and electric lights, they need to persevere through abuse and rejection, shouted at in a language they don’t understand by “ghost” people (Anglo-Saxons), in order to capture the attention of the acting Trade Commissioner who, luckily for them, is sympathetic to their plight. But with Australia’s tough immigration laws, vocal citizens not open to accepting newcomers with a different skin colour and a treacherous ocean voyage in typhoon season ahead, the reader’s fingers will be crossed to find out whether Fu and Pei are able to reunite with their father.

Two Sparrowhawks is an eye-opening read, not only for the target audience of 11 to 14-year-olds, but also for older readers including adults who may not be aware of the details around Australia’s racist attitudes and immigration restrictions in past decades: happy to take refugees escaping hard labour or wars in their birth lands, only to subject them to hard labour in Australia with limited prospects of longer-term settlement. This novel also gives the reader insights into the culture, practices, and changes in China in the 1950’s.

In addition to Fu and Pei capturing my heart and leaving me curious about how their future life transpires, the motivations of the supporting characters who helped Fu and Pei on their journey are also interesting and I’d love to know what happens to them as well.  A sequel, please, Rebecca Lim!

Lily Halfmoon: The Magic Gems

Lily Halfmoon: The Magic Gems by Xavier Bonet. Allen and Unwin 2023. Paperback RRP $16.99. ISBN 9781761180354.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Graphic novels have become increasingly popular, to encourage reluctant and struggling readers. Lily Halfmoon is a junior fiction graphic novel, delightfully illustrated throughout. When Lily starts a new school, mysterious things begin to occur, and it is discovered that she has magical powers. With the aid of new friends and the librarian from the Royal Library of Magic Studies, Lily must develop her skills, training in the ways of witchery. Each student at the Royal Library’s training school receives a gem, which they must learn to use, tapping into the stone’s power. The students also need to find their animal guardian.

Lily and her friends must protect the people of Piedraville from evil, which is made especially difficult by the appearance of a fierce creature which is on the loose. Can Lily, with the assistance of her friends, find the gem’s special power and stay out of the limelight?

Lily Halfmoon: The Magic Gems is suitable for readers aged 7-11.

We Could Be Something

We Could Be Something by Will Kostakis (Allen and Unwin), RRP $19.99 YA ISBN 9-781761-180170

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

We Could Be Something follows the lives of two 18-year-old gay boys of Greek descent, Harvey and Sotiris, whose dreams, fears and failings converge on the same street in inner city Sydney. Their respective stories are told, alternating, from the point of view of each boy. Harvey knows he is gay – he’s got two dads and acceptance is inherent. Sotiris is discovering himself and when he comes out to his strongly opinionated Greek mother, her initial reaction and subsequent supportive actions drew my tears.

 

There are many parallels between the boys – their close relationships and obligations to their Greek parent, yiayia (grandmother) and, in the case of Harvey, his proyiayia (great grandmother), each family works hard running a Greek café and each family has someone with a burning ambition to be a published author. Sotiris’s story is centred around his remarkable first published book at the age of seventeen, it’s fizzle, the impact of a typo, his blossoming relationship with bookstore owner Jem and his frustration at his inability to produce his next great work.  Harvey’s story is centred around the marriage breakdown of his fathers, his initial desire to escape family, the onset of dementia for his great grandmother and his realisation of the power of love for family. Readers will feel for the main characters in each of their extended families, and most-likely be angered by the selfishness of the antagonist in each story. 

 

The blurb of this book sums it up perfectly: it’s a “part coming-out story, part falling-in-love story, part falling-apart story”. The blurb also tells us that the lives of Harvey and Sotiris will converge and I was waiting to see when and how in the story this would happen. Clues had been dropped along the way, but then the answer smacked me as though I’d been whacked across the face with Sotiris’s unfinished manuscript that he discards in the backyard wheelie bin. It left me overwhelmed by the revelation and marvelling at the subtlety of the writing which had held me back from being able to join the dots too quickly, thereby extending my reading pleasure. This book is going to be a hit and I recommend it as appropriate for 16+ readers due to some of the explicit content. 

Big Cat

Big Cat by Jess Racklyeft (Allen and Unwin), Picture Book, ISBN 9 781761 066580

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Catherine is a neat and organised 7-year-old with a keen attention to detail. She fancies herself as an investigator and decides to search for the mysterious BIG CAT which she has read about. Eventually she finds one, or rather he finds her. They become friends, despite their opposing personalities with BIG CAT being “chaotic” and “lawless”. BIG CAT helps Catherine forget her need for orderliness and detail, and helps her to open her eyes to the world around her.

The illustrations in this book are delightful and my 6-year-old kids had fun searching for the Big Cat hidden in the part of the story when Catherine was more intent on following her process than looking around her. But when I asked them at the end what the point of the story was, they couldn’t tell me. I had to read the explanation in the blurb on the back cover to understand what the author-illustrator was trying to convey. There are aspects of the story which are not built up enough – we’re just told that they happen. It’s not clear what Catherine and Big Cat have in common to start hanging out together. It’s not clear that Catherine didn’t have adventures in her own neighbourhood before meeting Big Cat.

After reading the story through a couple of times and with the help of the blurb and the author’s note, the end pages then made sense and were of interest to me as an adult. (The kids, however, had lost interest by this stage and they’d walked off.) The end pages are describing various sculptures to be found in parks and public places around Melbourne.

Overall, this book is a work of art with a great message about being open to exploring for treasures where you live. However, I feel this message will be lost on many kids and the book is more suited to an appreciative adult.

Defy the Stars

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray (Allen and Unwin)  PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781471406362

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

‘She’s learned how to fight. Next she has to learn how to die.’

Noemi, a seventeen-year-old soldier from the planet Genesis, has three weeks to live. Her assignment to strike and destabilise the gateway to her planet will buy her people time in the war against Earth … at the cost of her own life. When Noemi veers off-course during a sudden attack from Earth, she discovers an abandoned ship with somebody onboard: Abel. A robot.

Abel is the long-lost creation of Burton Mansfield, an Earth-residing scientist whom some believe is a genius, others evil. The only ‘A’ model mech he’s ever created, Abel’s skill and cognitive reasoning is outstanding but his 30 years of isolation have produced a flaw in his programming. He has developed an ability to feel. When Abel reveals he knows how to destroy the Genesis Gate, Noemi orders him to help her secure the required items before she sends him to his death at the gate. (He is only a mech, after all.) But as they traverse the universe, and form a loyal alliance, Noemi feels uneasy about destroying him. Plus, the more she learns about the other planets the less she agrees with her home planet’s choices.

This is a fast-paced, gripping read by bestselling YA author, Claudia Gray. Noemi and Abel’s stories are told in alternating chapters in third-person perspective, and the progression of their relationship is fascinating. Abel’s near-human conscience constantly grapples with Noemi’s orders and his loyalty to Mansfield, providing much suspense in the story as to how he will act. Abel undergoes quite an existential battle as he tries to understand the motives behind Noemi and Mansfield’s opposing requests and behaviours. When caught in a terrorist attack, he:

‘… finds it hard to comprehend that humans don’t share the same directives he does. That their innermost beings don’t demand that they help protect one another’s lives. Shouldn’t that matter to a human even more than it does to a mech?’

The book is suitable for science fiction fans aged 12–18 years, but I believe it will appeal to a wider and older audience also. Outside of its planetary attacks, galactic descriptions and battleship commands is an enthralling relationship between two engaging characters … and a heartrending moral reflection on human nature.

Hotaka: Through My Eyes

Hotaka: Through My Eyes by John Heffernan (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99  ISBN 9781760113766

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

When media attention dwindles, we are left to merely imagine the after-effects of a natural disaster. How does a community recover from such a large-scale event? How do people unite to rebuild lives and towns when, in fact, so many are mourning their loved ones?

This novel, set in Japan, is the first in a promising new spin-off set of ‘Through My Eyes’ books (created by Lyn White) focusing specifically on natural disaster zones. The story is told from the perspective of a boy named Hotaka, and begins on March 11, 2011 – the day the northern coastline of Japan was struck by a tsunami that killed around 16,000 people. John Heffernan, who spent a month in the damaged Tōhoku region of Japan to research the novel, vividly describes the residents’ chaos and fear in a gripping, nail-biting introduction.

The story then cuts to 2014, three years later. The entire region is still a construction site. Many people are living in sub-standard accommodation. Hotaka is mourning both his friend, Takeshi, and his grandfather. Haunted by memories of that fateful day he tries to busy himself organising a memorial concert, enlisting the help of his two best friends (Osamu and Sakura). Sakura starts getting fired up about the seawall the government has arranged to build, and Hotaka doesn’t initially understand why. His beloved Uncle Yori explains it better: ‘We’re part of Nature. We can’t shut it out with walls. We have to live with it, not against it.’

Sakura, whose own tragic past is eventually revealed, starts a major community revolt against the wall, against the government and against the construction company. Together with Hotaka, Osamu, and the power of social media, their campaign reaches far and wide … but it seems the corrupt mayor will stop at nothing to silence them.

This uplifting work of historical fiction, targeting readers aged 11–14 years, is a compelling read in or outside the classroom. Its themes cover family, friendship, identity, community and government corruption. A glossary, timeline of events, and list of websites has been included. The novel is a wonderful exploration of the positive community forces at play when disaster strikes, delivering a beautiful message: ‘Sadness is not necessarily the enemy of happiness … for the dark gives the light a place to shine.’

Stories from Stella Street

Stories from Stella Street by Elizabeth Honey (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $19.99   ISBN 9781760292256

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

It has been 21 years since readers were first captivated by 11-year-old Henni Octon’s friendly narrative voice, as she told us about 45 and 47 Stella Street and everything that happened. The 1996 CBCA Honour Book for Younger Readers is about the arrival of some lavish, rude and snobby new residents to 47 Stella Street, who disrupt the friendly, down-to-earth culture of the neighbourhood. When their actions start affecting the happiness of the much-loved residents at number 45, the Stella Street kids band together to discover a solution … and also wind up discovering what their new neighbours are hiding.

The sequel, Fiddle-back, is about the Stella Street gang’s summer. Budding writer Henni, types up the story of what happens when they discover an untouched paradise out in the bush … then realise they aren’t the only ones who know about it. The story beautifully demonstrates the importance of preserving our environment and how nature can help people connect and find their place in the world.

A third story in the series, The Ballad of Cauldron Bay, tells of their Easter holiday at a remote beach location. Henni uses her new computer to type up what happens when moody Tara gatecrashes their holiday. Elizabeth Honey beautifully captures the emotions Henni feels at the difficult age of 13. It’s a wonderful story about growing up, about giving people the benefit of the doubt and about helping people change the course of their lives.

Readers aged 8–12 years will love seeing how Henni constructs her novels, playing around with fonts on her computer and interrupting the story with her amusing, handwritten prayers to God. Henni is self-conscious about her writing, often interrupting herself to draw attention to principles of the craft, or to pay homage to her writing idols (such as Gillian Rubinstein and Roald Dahl). The novels are also scattered with Elizabeth Honey’s detailed black and white sketches, adding further humour to the whirlwind events of the stories.

Stella Street fans, new and old, will love this 21^st anniversary edition, featuring three books in one. (And those who feel sad upon its completion can always track down a fourth novel featuring Henni –To the Boy in Berlin. Phew!)

Gemina: The Illuminae Files_02

Gemina: The Illuminae Files_02 by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $22.99  ISBN 9781925266573

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Drone attacks, double agents, dangerous parasites and damaged wormholes: Gemina is a worthy sequel to the award-winning international bestseller, Illuminae. As per its prequel, the novel is presented as a file comprising communications in various forms – emails, radio messages, tribunal transcripts, instant messages and surveillance footage summaries. (Fans of the flawed artificial intelligence system from Illuminae will be pleased to recognise AIDAN’s input too!)

The Gemina file also contains pages from the private journal of its protagonist, Hanna Donnelly, whose artistic black and white sketches (by bestselling author Marie Lu) grace the pages of the novel throughout. The novel’s creative design truly renders it a work of ‘science fiction meets art’. The text can be mirrored, upside-down, circular … even sideways. There are graphic explosions and artworks comprised of binary numbers. This is a novel that will catch the attention of all your fellow commuters on the train (who will crane their necks, curiously, for a glimpse of the title)!

The Illuminae file explained the atrocities committed by BeiTech on Planet Kerenza. The Gemina file is about BeiTech’s assault on the space station Heimdall and the approaching Hypatia (with Illuminae survivor, Kady Grant, onboard). The story commences with the trial of the BeiTech Industries director (and an immediate dawning on the reader’s part of who was behind the attacks). It is very much the story of two new characters, Hanna and Nik, and their attempts to save themselves during the attack on Heimdall. Plus their station crew. And the Hypatia survivors. Oh and, as it turns out, the entire universe. Easy, right?

This fast-paced, 659-page thriller is bound to leave you wanting more. I’d highly recommend reading Illuminae first – not everything is explained in the sequel. It’s also nice to feel an attachment to the report writers, as well as have an appreciation for AIDAN’s eccentricities! Author team, Kaufman and Kristoff, have written another superbly layered novel, calling on us to analyse the reports in our own way … all the while remembering that we’re only being shown what somebody else wants us to see. The amusing banter between the characters is quite enjoyable … as is the moment when the authors kill off a couple of other bestselling YA authors. (Gasp!)

A Most Magical Girl

A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781848125742

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Imagine a perfectly proper girl, Annabel Grey, living in London in the Victorian era. She attends ‘Miss Finch’s Academy for Young Ladies’ where she learns how to walk demurely, how to feign a smile when discontent and how to display a ‘graceful countenance’ at a dinner party.

Remove her from that world.

Send her to live with some long-lost aunts, who inform her she’s a witch. Explain that she needs to go on a quest to retrieve a powerful wand in London’s underworld. And that she needs to do it quickly, before the evil Mr Angel turns the city (and its inhabitants) to dust. Tell her she’s a most magical girl – a Valiant Defender of Good Magic.

Imagine her disbelief, her reluctance to assume the role, the personal journey she must undertake before she can succeed … and you will have the premise of this book. 

Karen Foxlee, author of Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy, has written another terrific middle grade story about an unlikely hero. Another magical girl, Kitty, and an unusual troll named Hafwen join Annabel in her journey. Together, they must defeat Mr Angel, a villainous, power-hungry wizard who has created a machine to build an army of evil ‘Shadowlings’. The machine has been fed with items of sadness for almost 13 years – booties and bonnets of dead babies and feathers from extinct birds. He created the machine with the grieving tears of Annabel’s mother … and now he wants Annabel herself. 

The story is divided into three parts. Each new section features a stunning double-page, three-dimensional, black and white illustration by Elly MacKay. We also note the level of the dark-magic gauge in Mr Angel’s machine – a creative way to build suspense!

The writing is beautiful, evoking all the senses – especially in its descriptions of Under London. The chapters open with a lesson from Miss Finch’s Little Blue Book (1855), creating a wonderful juxtaposition between Annabel’s former life and her new one. Annabel’s self-acceptance is cleverly illustrated in the final chapter, which opens with a lesson from a different role model. It also begins with the same line that opened the novel, along with another one of Annabel’s puddle visions … but it’s a much stronger, likeable Annabel who closes the story.

Goldenhand

Goldenhand by Garth Nix (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781741758634

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Sound the bells (…erm, not the Abhorsen’s) because the highly anticipated fifth novel in the Old Kingdom series is here! Once again, it is Charter Magic versus Free Magic in the flawlessly detailed and intriguing fantasy world created by Garth Nix.

The novel begins in the Sixth Precinct of Death, where Sabriel and Lirael are seeking Chlorr of the Mask. Lirael has a replacement hand, crafted by Sameth and imbued with charter spells that give it a golden glow. We meet a new character, the brave and mysterious Ferin, relentlessly chased by a host of Free Magic creatures that do not want her to deliver an important message to the Clayr (or, specifically, Lirael). Lirael is unaware of the situation and has gone south of the wall to respond to Nicholas Sayre’s request for help in investigating a magical creature. There is much suspense in the novel about where Nick’s allegiance now lies, given he has a fragment of Orannis (Free Magic) inside him.

The chapters in the novel alternate from Ferin’s story, to Lirael’s, until the message is delivered. After that, the stories merge into one. The action pinnacles at the Ninth Precinct of Death and the simultaneous battle at Greenwash Bridge, in a spellbinding mission to destroy Chlorr of the Mask.

There is much personal growth in the character of Lirael, especially when she returns ‘home’ to the Clayr. Being the Abhorsen-in-waiting improves their level of respect for her, but it doesn’t shield her from her memories of past insecurities. It is wonderful to see the way she works through her awkwardness and embraces her new role, especially in the absence of Sabriel. She also realises – and acts upon – her feelings for Nick.

Garth Nix has a lovely, succinct way of recounting the past and explaining principles of magic without really breaking from the story or drama at hand. Because of this, he is able to retain the attention of familiar readers, and draw in those completely new to the Old Kingdom. He has once again delivered an alluring, magical story for young adults!

Readers who feel sad upon its completion will delight in the new, exclusive Old Kingdom short story included at the back, along with a great interview with the author.

Escape to the Moon Islands

Escape to the Moon Islands by Mardi McConnochie (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $14.99  ISBN 9781760290917

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

I’m grateful nobody took a photo of me reading this novel for I must have looked a funny sight … eyes wide open, face alarmed (though I wouldn’t have noticed if they had because I could barely look away from the page!) This fast-paced novel, the first in a new adventure series titled Quest of the Sunfish, is delightfully intense.

The story, for 9–12 year-olds, is set in a dystopian future where a terrible Flood (caused by rising sea levels) has altered the world. Will and Annalie, twin siblings, set off on a dangerous sea adventure in a quest to find their missing father, Spinner. Annalie’s friend from school, Essie, accompanies them, along with Graham (their talking parrot). They also pick up another crew member along the way – the mysterious Pod.

The world is under the control of the Admiralty, a powerful navy that governs and patrols the oceans. The children discover their father has allegedly stolen something from the Admiralty, and is hiding from them. As a result, they themselves are at threat, and they learn that the Admiralty is not as trustworthy as it seems. While trying to find Spinner, the children seek clues and crack codes to work out what it is that he has stolen and why.

The short chapters are full of action and suspense as they escape from pirates, cannibals and navigate stormy seas, all the while trying to keep out of sight of the Admiralty. Each character is very different, providing much tension in the novel. Their friendships and loyalties are challenged.

Mardi McConnochie, well-known scriptwriter and author of several books (including Melissa, Queen of Evil, a winner of an Aurealis award) has delivered a gripping new adventure story. A second novel in the series will be published in April 2017.

Me, Teddy

Me, Teddy by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760291334

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Me, Teddy is instantly recognisable as a new picture book offering from wonderfully quirky author illustrator, Chris McKimmie.

In this, his vibrant, joy-filled scrapbook, Teddy – a big, black Labrador – shares his journey from tiny puppy to boofy-headed dog as a much-loved member of the McKimmie family.

He is cheeky, loyal and adorably comfortable as top dog in a house full of humans where he revels in meal times, shoe theft and snoozing on his half of the king-sized bed.

In his own words, Teddy is no goody-two-shoes, but there’s a strong sense that no matter what mischief he might get into, he will always be loved.

His story is a celebration of unconditional love that is sure to resonate with anyone whose family life has been enriched by a treasured pet.

Me, Teddy oozes warmth and humour, and the drawings of Teddy contributed by family and friends enhance McKimmie’s lively collages and further pull the reader in Teddy’s glorious world.

A feel-good read for the whole family and a must for dog lovers.

Game Theory

Game Theory by Barry Jonsberg (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781760290153

Australian Barry Jonsberg has won a swag of literary awards for his numerous books for children so one comes to his latest YA book, sub-titled I Have Your Sister with high hopes of a great read. Notwithstanding Jonsberg’s credits, I was somewhat disappointed but I do give him credit for his storytelling prowess and ability to write.

The book’s protagonist Jamie Delaware is a mathematically-gifted sixteen year old high school student with an obsession with Game Theory – the strategy for prediction based on any given facts. When his older sister Summerlee asks him for numbers to use in Lotto, he gives a random set, not expecting any positive result. The numbers in fact result in Summer winning first prize – of over seven million dollars. Wild and unpredictable, Summer divorces herself from the family and goes on a drug and alcohol-fuelled spree. Sometime later Jamie’s beloved younger sister Phoebe is kidnapped. It is here the story really begins.

The kidnapper makes contact with Jamie via his mobile phone, not just once but numerous times, his/her voice distorted. The police are called in. For me this is where I almost gave up on the book. Jamie is constantly self-analytical; everything has to be pondered and dissected. He gives full descriptions of everything he sees and experiences, including his thoughts on Game Theory. Nothing is left for the reader’s imagination. At one stage Jamie says, ‘You think I’m full of shit... Over-complicating.’ Der, yes. The reason I continued reading is to find out if Phoebe is rescued. And to a lesser extent to find out who the kidnapper is, for Jamie is determined he knows who it is, thanks to Game Theory.

There are readers who like to be told everything, and others who prefer to fill in gaps in the story. For those who like the detailed picture, this is, as the back cover says, ‘a brilliant, page-turning novel from a superb storyteller.’ For the others, be warned. This book is suitable for readers 13+ years.

Bear Make Den

Bear Make Den by Jane Godwin, Michael Wagner and Andrew Joyner (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781760110017

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Meet Bear, a lovable, can-do kind of a guy sporting a broad smile and a pair of blue overalls. Bear has a simple plan to build himself a den. He has a reference book that tells him how to go about it, but he also has a problem. No matter what he does, his den just never feels done.

Something’s missing from Bear’s new home, but it takes him a while to figure out exactly what…

Bear Make Den – a new picture book from Jane Godwin, Michael Wagner and Andrew Joyner – will delight readers and listeners alike as Bear leaves no stone unturned in trying to solve his problem.

He crafts bespoke furniture, bakes swoon-worthy cakes and paints his walls with fine works of art before he finally realises exactly what his den needs.

He yells into the seemingly lonely woods: “DEN NEED BEARS!”, and when his new-found bear friends arrive in droves to share his hospitality, Bear finally feels satisfied that his den is done.

I’m always blown away by the deceptive simplicity of a good picture book and this creation is no exception. The language provided by Godwin and Wagner plus Joyner’s vibrant and playful illustrations enhance Bear’s journey and the happiness and warmth he finds in companionship.

When read aloud, I have little doubt that Bear Make Den will be a hit with pre-schoolers as they guess what Bear might try next and simple, rhythmic language and effortless appeal make this a terrific choice for encouraging new and reluctant readers.

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise by Ursula Dubosarsky and Sue deGennaro (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN: 9781760113025

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise is a beautiful picture book that’s bound to capture a child’s imagination. Written by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Sue deGennaro, this book conveys a sense of spirit and warmth, and is perfect for sharing.

Reindeer with his red and white striped skivvy and bauble-adorned antler, is adorable.

He delivers cheer to his special friends – Cat, Dog and Guinea Pig – with the loveliest, most thoughtful gifts, but when he returns home to sip on his iced chocolate and gaze at his perfect tree, he finds that there’s still something missing...

Reindeer’s Australian home is a long way from his family in the snowy North Pole, and without them, his heart can’t help but feel a little empty. But at a time of wonder and heart-filling surprises, a special visit from the North Pole is just what Reindeer needs.

Dubosarsky and deGennaro have successfully balanced a sense of wonder and magic with a poignant reminder of what a challenging time of year Christmas can be for those who spend it alone.

With its catchy refrain and festive red-spotted end papers, this book is bound to become a holiday favourite, and I have a feeling that readers of all ages will particularly enjoy guessing just what Reindeer’s family have left on his doorstep in that big, velvet sack…

“What’s inside –

What can it be?

Open it and

You will see!”

Lara of Newtown

Lara of Newtown by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760112325

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Lara of Newtown is a strikingly quirky picture book about a cat trying to find a forever home. Not just any cat, but a beautifully unique, hand-drawn cat in a unique, hand-drawn town.

The first time I read this story I found it so sad, and it is in many ways. Upon a second and third read though, it struck me that this is a story of hope. McKimmie doesn’t pull any punches in conveying the cat’s abandonment. Her loneliness and desire to be loved is palpable. Things might not work out with Nana Banana or Noni Nice, but McKimmie’s endearing feline protagonist ultimately finds her happy place with the eccentric Kafoopses. She is happy as Larry, or Lara, as named by her forever family.

McKimmie tackles themes of identity, belonging and love in such a fresh and imaginative way. His bustling collages and array of erratic font choices can be overwhelming, but hidden elements of humour help to soften the harsh reality of Lara’s situation.

As this story has the potential to evoke many questions and feelings from younger children, and there are many references within the collages with adult appeal, it is a good one to read together. It will leave everyone feeling safe and warm like the lovely Lara, who thinks she is a ‘lucky boots’.

Trickstars Triple Magic

Trickstars Triple Magic by Karen Wood (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN: 9781743319055

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Life on Windara Farm is not always perfect for eight-year old triplets Ruby, Kit and Lexie, but riding their beautiful gypsy cob horses never fails to bring them joy. They are natural riders with an ability to read each other’s minds, and before long their Grampy reluctantly shares the secrets of their family’s famous Romani trick riding heritage.

Enter a mysterious trunk full of sparkling costumes, their late grandmother’s magical diary of trick riding secrets and three unique and powerful Boswell gold pieces, and the talented trio are on their way to fulfilling their death-defying trick riding destinies.

Trickstars Triple Magic is the first of six Trickstars chapter books by Karen Wood.

Certain sadness shrouds the farm where the triplets live with their mother and Grampy due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of their grandmother. However, the lively and resilient nature of the triplets shines through.

Wood’s research into the Romani trick riders adds authenticity to the story, and concern over the potential discovery of the Boswell gold pieces by other Roma families adds an element of intrigue.

With horses, acrobatics, glitter and magic, Trickstars Triple Magic has all the ingredients to hit the mark with girls aged seven to ten years.

Splosh for the Billabong

Splosh for the Billabong by Ros Moriarty, illustrated by Balarinji (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN: 9781760112127

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Splosh for the Billabong, by Ros Moriarty and Balarinji, is a playful picture book that gently intertwines the natural environment of northern Australia with Indigenous art.

In fewer than one-hundred words, Moriarty’s simple, rhythmical descriptions are brought to life by Balarinji’s bright, dynamic illustrations.

Set in the tropics of northern Australia, each spread depicts another natural wonder. Ants march in the sunburnt earth, crabs dig in the lushness of the riverbank.

Ripples swirl, birds whoosh and mud squishes. A child protagonist collects squelchy finger-paint to paint a picture of the water hole by the oozy-squidgy river bank.

The blurring of the lines between nature and art subtly introduces the cultural significance of the natural environment to Indigenous Australians, and the importance of storytelling through painting.

Pre-schoolers and early primary school aged children will love Moriarty’s onomatopoeic descriptions and will no doubt will want to crack open the paint pots or squelch about in the mud.

A translation is included in Yanyuwa, the language spoken by Aboriginal families in

Borroloola, Northern Territory.