Lights Out Leonard

Lights Out Leonard by Josh Pyke, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978 0123793489

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Here is yet another picture book about a child who doesn’t want to go to bed, this time with the lights out. Leonard doesn’t mind the dark, but he’s afraid that monsters are there when the lights are out. Of course, his tired parents try all kinds of methods of getting him to bed with the lights out, but nothing succeeds until they find a clever trick.

This is a simple story with vivid descriptions by Leonard of the monsters he fears (such as ‘five-nosed, seven-tailed, eleven-handed, scaly-waily monsters’). Befitting the subject matter, the illustrations are all encased in dark blues with black spaces. The illustrator makes clever use of patterns with interesting shapes and spaces that perfectly capture the mood of the book.

Children with night fears will find this story helpful – and perhaps their parents will, too.

Pandamonia

Pandamonia by Chris Owen, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925163339

Reviewed by Teena Raffa-Mulligan

One grumpy panda sets off a frenzy of wild partying at the zoo in this fun-filled picture book that is sure to become a family favourite.

There’s a light-hearted playfulness in both text and illustrations that will bring lots of smiles to story time.

The constant reminder not to wake the panda during the zoo visit is a page-turner and there are sure to be some breathless ‘uh ohs’ from young listeners when the final line of this rollicking tale is revealed.

The book is spot on for its target market of children up to eight years of age.

Adults too can’t help but be charmed by the chaotic cavorting of a lively menagerie, as hopping hippos, giggling geckos and jabbering jabirus set off a domino effect that leads to pandemonium.

Owen, whose first book My Superhero was shortlisted for a Western Australian Premier’s Book Award in 2014, has an excellent sense of rhyme and rhythm and makes good use of alliteration.

When the crocodile snaps, the lion will roar!

The bison and buffalo bellow for more.

A frenzy of animals flocks to the floor

and that’s when you know there is trouble in store.

His text is beautifully complemented by Nixon’s distinctive illustrations with their strong focus on pattern and shape.

While younger readers will enjoy sharing Pandamonia with a parent, grandparent or carer, the book would also have a place in the early primary classroom and teacher notes are available from the publisher.   

Jake’s Concert Horror

Jake’s Concert Horror by Ken Spillman, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $10.95
ISBN 9-781-921-888-755
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Jake’s Concert Horror is a fast moving, fun and simple read for junior primary readers. At first, Jake thinks a school concert sounds like fun. They’re going to do the ‘The Little Mermaid’ and he waits quietly listening to who has what role when he hears his own name called out for the lead role, Prince Eric!

Jake imagined scampering across the stage in a monkey suit or clashing swords with his mate Jonah. But the lead role? Jake goes through a multitude of emotions before committing to do his best. A prince might be okay – as long as princesses are kept well clear. But Mrs Paul has other ideas. Jake is going to have to kiss a girl – in front of the whole school! Is his teacher really trying to ruin his life?

Jake embraces his role and with the help of his Nanna learns all his lines, facing his fears head on. During the play the crowd clap and cheer him and he finally realises – he’s good. He’s funny and they love him. Caught up in the moment, Jake hams it up and bravely and loudly kissing the Princess, bringing the house down with his performance.

Jake is an endearing and likeable character and his fearful experience is real and heartfelt. There’s a strong message about self-belief and having a go, all wonderful qualities that are fully embraced in this story. Ken Spillman’s writing is simple, eloquent and in touch with his choice of ‘junior primary’ language.

The talented Chris Nixon has drawn the illustrations in a unique black and white format that is delightful. They are realistic snapshots of each moment in this chapter book and you can see and feel all of Jake’s emotions: nervous, scared, uncertain, committed, brave and happy!

The illustrations will definitely resonate with junior primary readers and they compliment this story perfectly. This chapter book format will suit reluctant readers. The humorous illustrations throughout the book break up the text and add fun and quirkiness.

Jake’s Concert Horror is the fourth in a series and they have terrific, comprehensive teaching notes that are readily available on-line.

Neridah McMullin is the author of three books for children. Her latest book is an Indigenous folklore story called 'Kick it to Me'. It’s an ‘aussie rules’ story that’s being endorsed by the Australian Football League. Neridah loves family, footy, and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also just happens to love footy). 

Jake’s Great Game

Jake’s Great Game by Ken Spillman, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $10.95
ISBN 9-781-921-888-502
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin


Jake’s Great Game is a fast moving, fun and lively read for junior primary readers. 


Jake decides he wants to start playing soccer and his dad takes him to buy some footy boots. Jake likes the silver ones, and he just knows he’s going to be an awesome soccer star! But Jake’s enthusiasm soon takes a nosedive, as he finds out that soccer is not as easy as he thought it would be. When he isn’t tripping, he’s slipping. His dribbling looks like bad passing and his passing looks like bad dribbling. Will he ever get his great game? Everyone else seems to have the hang of it except him.


The moral of Jake's Great Game is that if you keep trying you'll be rewarded. It’s all about persistence and application. This message is delivered through the story of Jake trying to play soccer. His initial failure (despite his new silver footy boots) is compounded by the fact that Jake’s dad isn’t very knowledgeable about soccer either, as much as he tries to help Jake. However, things greatly improve when Jake's coach recognises Jake’s instinctive ability as a goalie. Jake’s Nana provides him with lots of practice in the backyard and his first game is a an absolute triumph. Jake is an awesome soccer star goalie!


Funny, wise and beautifully told, Jake’s Great Game is a fun story for kids who are starting to read books with chapters. Chris Nixon’s black-and-white illustrations can be found on every page. You don’t need to have to have read all the other Jake Series books to enjoy this one but if you have read the others, you’ll probably want to read this one, too—especially if you like books about sport.


The Jake series are terrific stories for boys and girls from five to ten years of age and they have a range comprehensive teaching notes readily available on-line at http://www.fremantlepress.com.au/resources/teachersnotes


Neridah McMullin is the author of three books for children. Her next book is an Indigenous folklore story called 'Kick it to me!'. It’s an ‘aussie rules’ story that’s being endorsed by the Australian Football League. Neridah loves family, footy, and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also happens to love footy!). www.neridahmcmullin.com

Jake’s Balloon Blast

Jake’s Balloon Blast by Ken Spillman, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press)

PB RRP $10.95

ISBN 9-781-921-696-558

Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Jake’s Balloon Blast is a fast moving, fun and lively read for junior primary readers. Jake is immediately likeable and his desire for wanting to fly is something we want all our children to believe in. His creativity and endeavour to do so are original and funny, as is his trusty side and kick and good friend Jonah. There are lessons to be learnt here, but Jake’s family are very fair and understanding, and in the end, laugh in the wake of Jake’s crazy courage.

Ken Spillman’s writing is simple, eloquent and very ‘today’ in his choice of ‘junior primary’ language. This chapter book format will suit reluctant readers. The humorous illustrations throughout the book break up the text and add fun and quirkiness.

The illustrations compliment this story perfectly. The talented Chris Nixon has drawn the illustrations in a unique grey lead format that is simple yet absolutely delightful. They are realistic snapshots of each moment in this little chapter book and you can see and feel all of Jake’s emotions: dreaming, planning, disappointment, joy, happiness, guilt, remorse and happiness again! The illustrations will definitely resonate and be identified by junior primary readers. The cover will appeal to the targeted readership with its colourful bunch of balloons.

Jake’s Balloon Blast is the third in a series and they have terrific, comprehensive teaching notes that are readily available on-line.