Me and You

Me and You by Ellie Royce, illustrated by Penelope Pratley (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $27.95

ISBN 9781922696502

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Me and You is a sweet picture book for an early childhood audience that celebrates the special bond between grandchildren and grandparents.

The narrative is told with alternating perspectives from the grandchild and grandparent. The young child’s voice is in blue text while the grandparent's voice appears in black text. In the beginning, the story highlights differences between the old and the young. Later, the book depicts many ‘me too’ moments, highlighting the similarities between them. Despite any similarities or differences, all their interactions show how much they love spending time together.

The illustrations have been created using pencil and watercolour and appear as a combination of single pages, double-page spreads as well as spot illustrations.

Me and You may be equally enjoyed in the home or the early years classroom.

Me and You

Me and You by Ellie Royce. Illustrated by Penelope Pratley. Ford Street Publishing 2025. Hardcover picture book RRP $27.95. ISBN 9781922696502

Reviewed by Debra Williams

This is a gorgeous book that celebrates the relationship between a child and their grandparent by sharing in the everyday things of life.

The POV switches from the child to the grandmother seamlessly and beautifully. The child bursts out of bed ‘like a firecracker.’ Gran takes more time to ease herself into the day. Their shared time is enjoyed by both, creating empathy and caring from both sides, as one explains how they feel whilst walking, playing at the seaside, and eating ice cream. They tell each other about the things they love, their mistakes and fears. At the end of the day, they are both tired and grumpy, but after a rest, they are ready to spend more time doing things together. With a pared-back text, it’s a wonderful tale of the strong familial bond between child and grandparent. The illustrations convey the story without the need for too many words.

This book is beautifully and gently illustrated and celebrates the connection between generations. Both young and mature readers (parents and grandparents) will love it. Suitable for ages 3+ years.

Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream

A Student’s Experience Working on Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream by Palmina Vilone 

It’s not every day you get to work on a book as big important as Borderlands while still being a student. I am in the third year of my writing degree and working on Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream has been an eye-opening experience. With over 40 contributors who are all very well-known children’s authors and a whole stack of stories, I had my work cut out for me.

What I didn’t expect was to be completely blown away by the diversity the book offered. From talking dogs, unicorn farms, swoony love spells, spine-tingling horror and even poetry, this anthology has everything. I shouldn’t admit it, but I think I spent more time reading for fun than I did working! 

This was my first time working on an anthology, which meant I had to be prepared to continuously adjust to a new author’s voice and style. While some of the stories in Borderlands only span a few thousand words, the complexity of each story never lacked. In Dianne Wolfer’s ‘Shifting Edges’, a young Japanese girl leaves her home and faces her fears in a foreign country, while Shaun Tan’s ‘The Bird King’ explores a creation myth as old as time. The shifting genres and tones only allowed me to develop my skill set as a copy editor, and I found myself working in certain genres that I had never before such as Sci-Fi.

The ‘short story’ form is one that I believe gets overshadowed by novels. And yet there is so much joy to be found in them. As a child, I often read so ferociously it seemed as if my mother could never buy me enough books. Furthermore, my taste was constantly evolving, and I was at an age where escapism was at the forefront of my desire to read. An anthology of this size and variety only encourages this sort of childish exploration, where magic and reality meet in a union of wonder. Through each story, I learned something not only as a proof reader and copy-editor, but as a writer, and while the anthology is intended for young readers, one can’t presume they are completely naive. I believe this is a fundamental element to any good children’s book; an appreciation for the reader and a nod to their interests.

Most importantly, Borderlands allowed me to be part of a lengthy process that took time and commitment. With 560 pages, Borderlands is a hefty book that required multiple rereads and correspondence with a never-ending list of authors. This only highlighted the amount of effort that goes into publishing a book of this quality, and made the end result all the more worth it.

The cherry on top? My name in the special thanks at the beginning of the book. I think any student would find that absolutely incredible after months of work (although is it still considered work when you actually enjoy the job?).

Borderlands: Riding the Slipstream is out now and waiting to be read!

 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing. ISBN: 9781922696403

Available at all good bookshops or via the publisher’s website: https://fordstreetpublishing.com/book/borderlands-riding-the-slipstream/ RRP $29.95

Borderlands – Riding the Slipstream

Borderlands – Riding the Slipstream, edited by Paul Collins and illustrated by Anne Ryan (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $29.95 ISBN 9781922696403

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Borderlands – Riding the Slipstream is an anthology for readers aged 14+ years. It features over forty short stories and poems by some of Australia’s best-loved authors, including Ursula Dubosarsky, Bill Condon, Justin D’Arth, David Metzenthen, Dianne Wolfer, Juliet Marillier, Sophie Masson, and Sue Bursztynski.

Illustrated with black and white pictures by a quirky artist, this unique collection spans a kaleidoscope of genres and themes. Stories are listed under genres, from science fiction (writers such as John Larkin and Ian Irvine), fantasy (Shaun Tan, Pamela Freeman), horror (Sophie Masson and Trinity Ryan), and historical (Gary Crew and Pamela Rushby), and more. Poets include Sherryl Clark and Harry Laing), but it is Steven Herrick’s poignant poem, ‘A Tattoo’ about an elderly woman in a cream-coloured cardigan with a tattoo of a swallow in mid-flight on her forearm and underneath it the name DAVID, which I most enjoyed.

It is difficult to comment on all the stories in this hefty 560-page anthology, but here is a smattering of stories: In a spiritual acceptance about the nature of life, Susanne Gervay writes in ‘Faith and the Elephant God’ about two friends surfing, one of whom luckily escapes from an attack by a great white shark. Bill Condon’s touching story ‘A Dog of His Own’ is of a boy who takes his skittish dog for a run: the dog vanishes, and he feels he will never see it again. In the humour stories (including Elizabeth Fensham and Victor Kelleher), Barry Jonsberg’s amusing story, ‘Mr Postlewaite’s Class of Exceptionally Gifted Children’, is of a of a Year One teacher of ‘the brightest, the cleverest, the most amazing children in the entire city, possibly the whole country’: his students are filled with curious, difficult-to-answer questions which makes reading a story to them prolonged, an agony.

This is a book which rewards one who dips into stories and poems and enjoys the wide breadth of subject matter. Its compiler, Paul Collins, is to be commended for not only finding the many stories but by publishing it.

Pidge’s Poppies

Pidge’s Poppies by Jan Andrews & Timothy Ide (Ford Street Publishing) PB HB RRP $27.95 9781922696380

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Jan Andrews is former Chair of Australian Poetry, the national body for that art form. She is deeply interested in language, history, and children’s development.

Timothy Ide is an Adelaide based illustrator. His published works include Medieval Monsters and other Creatures, Born to Fly and The Lanternist.

This story is based on a true story about a pair of pigeons at the Australian War Memorial. It remembers the vital role pigeons played in both world wars.  Andrews has crafted a delightful story about Pidge and Henry who are best friends. The title Pidge’s Poppies uses alliteration, and including the word poppies is clever because poppies are a symbol for those who never returned from war. The words are efficient and poignant at the same time.

Andrews encourages the reader to think deeply about the role pigeons played in both world wars. Do they only remember people, or other animals too? Her words allow the illustrations to speak, and the story building is well done. The setting -- at the Australian War Memorial -- is central to the story. History is expertly woven into the text, and I like how the years are stated to define the different world wars. Then she remembered stories about her even-more-times great-grandfather who had gone to the First World War in 1914. The story is strengthened by the facts that are included. Pigeons can always find their way home. I love how Andrews simply and clearly explains things to the reader yet still moves the story along. I can remember the pigeons at the Australian War Memorial being in the news: Jan Andrews has crafted a heart-warming well researched story.

Ide’s illustrations show a deep understanding of the text. The multi-layered illustrations create the visual story with much skill. The illustrations really shine a light on the story. The pigeons are lifelike in appearance and movement. The colours used vary according to the time frames. I love the sepia effect when the story travels through the world wars. The vivid red of the poppies sing and pop on the spreads they appear. Visually many poppies together show the sad loss of life without one word needed. I love too how the many poppies are the pigeons’ nest as they welcome new babies.

My favourite illustration is the page that dramatically shows many pigeon feathers flying in the air with splashes of red to symbolise the bombs and flying bullets for loss of life. It dramatically shows the impact of war without it being too much to a child reader. The front cover is striking, Pidge is front and centre with a poppy in her beak and the going down of sun is powerful.  This story reminds us of all of the vital role pigeons played in both world wars and their sacrifice. The endpapers have a lovely pale sky blue with many pigeons in flight.

Pidges’s Poppies is a picture book that’s a perfect choice for schools to use on Anzac or for Remembrance Day. The history captured is important and the War Memorial is beautifully represented along with the war history.  It is suitable for 4 - 8 years and it will appeal to children, parents, teachers, and librarians. This book is a good fit with the Australian school curriculum and shows some important history of our wonderful nation.

The Secret History of the Rainbow Trout Private Hotel

The Secret History of the Rainbow Trout Private Hotel by David Metzenthen (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $19.95 ISBN 978192269627

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Country boy Andy Lightfoot is on his gap year and, upon a recommendation from a fellow backpacker, sets his sights on Lake Grace as his next destination. After a two-hour bus trip, he arrives in the wilderness at a place with no village, no backpackers’ hostel, and no phone reception. What Lake Grace does offer is the Rainbow Trout Private Hotel, a heritage-listed building that seems to be in a state of hibernation.

The hotel is run by the McGinn family who offer Andy work in exchange for food and board. During his four-month stay, Andy gets to know each member of the McGinn family as well as meeting a diverse range of visitors that stay at the hotel. While he doesn’t make any money during his time at Lake Grace, he earns a whole lot more in life experience.

The Secret History of the Rainbow Trout Private Hotel is a beautifully written young adult novel with a strong sense of place and an eclectic cast of characters. Its themes include conservation, greed, family dynamics, and differing world views.

This Spells Trouble

This Spells Trouble by Paul Collins and Sean McMullen. Ford Street Publishing, 2023. Paperback RRP $17.95. ISBN 9781922696311

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Fourteen-year-old Winston is an apprentice wizard a position arranged by his father. The senior wizard, Faramond Erris, to whom Winston is under obligation is, an aging, grossly overweight member of the Countercasts’ Guild of Wizards, and is, (in his own opinion), powerful and respected. The truth, however, is quite different, and the young apprentice is rather somewhat smarter (and much fitter), than his master.

When the young student of wizardry gives a demonstration to his peers at a Young Magical Apprentices conference, he and Faramond (as his senior), are summoned before the Guild Elders to explain Winston’s behaviour. The apprentice has used a way of balancing spells by using energy from other apprentices: a practice which is frowned upon and forbidden by the guild. They undertake a lengthy journey to appear before the elders, a group headed by the wicked sorceress Yolantha. Impressed with Winston’s abilities, she issues the task to retrieve the Imperium Key from Blackstone Tower, which is a portal to another world. In this other world dwell creatures known as iffryts. Power flows from their world into that of the wizards.

The iffryts are imps, who can transform from tiny beings into gigantic and powerful creatures. They can devour humans, destroy in an instant and their power is used to advantage by Yolantha and the Summoner wizards, whose spells outclass Faramond’s genre of wizardry. The wizards use the iffryts as slaves. Yolantha needs the key to control both the portal and the iffryts.

The spell of Yoal was designed to bind wizards together into something that could even defeat the power of dragons. It was lost centuries earlier. It is a spell that worries Faramond greatly, as he would prefer that the spell remain lost. The key has lain for those centuries in the skeletal fingers of a dead, foolish apprentice who learned the spell of Yoal and stole the key.

Winston releases a female iffryt by the name of Elvar who assists him, only because he is kind to her. (Iffryts are naturally suspicious, having been used to constant abuse and misuse.) When Winston destroys the tower and releases the imprisoned creatures, Yolantha is furious. Winston lies and blames Faramond, claiming that he blacked out and when he awoke, the tower had disappeared under Faramond’s hand. Yolantha issues an order for the two of them to meet her at Highport, where she will unleash another plan: to build another tower and portal. Thereby begins an arduous journey and assignment for Winston, Faramond and Elvar, involving an ensnared large green dragon, members of Winston’s family, a would-be knight called Larissa and numerous, apparently insurmountable challenges. 

Together Elvar and Winston unite (morphing into each other on and off), to complete the task, but there is a whole lot of trouble ahead, and Faramond is on the receiving end of more than one painful and humiliating lesson. Can they outwit, outclass, and outsmart the evil Yolantha and her plans?

 Using a lot of humour throughout the story, the authors have woven a detailed adventure which spreads over 363 pages. This is an amusing and entertaining YA tale for the 10-14 age group.

In times of bushfires and billy buttons

In times of bushfires and billy buttons by Steven Herrick (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $19.95 ISBN 9781922696366

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

The final years of school mean a lot of decisions about what comes next. The challenge of working out what to do, where and with whom is daunting for everyone. But add in drug-dealing parents due for release from prison, the first blossoming of young love, and a sky glowing orange from the bushfires surrounding your home.

A coming-of-age character study of Year 11 student Ethan, this novel contains layers to occupy the reader’s mind well after the last page. We follow Ethan wrangling with his future and coming to terms with his past, while trying to find a way to reach through to a new kid at school who clearly has trouble at home. Then there’s the girl he likes and his best mate whose dad is away volunteering as a firefighter.

The cover art belies the complexity of themes and the delicacy of Herrick’s touch in dealing with such gritty, confronting subject matter. Aside from a few overwrought descriptions and overt political messaging, readers should also be conscious that domestic violence is a key narrative theme rendered in explicit detail.

Although ostensibly about fractured families, climate change and growing up, more than anything the book follows the maturing of Ethan’s sense of perspective and how he manages to balance the competing forces acting on his life in a way that feels right to him.

This is a thought-provoking, grounding read for mid-teens, which, with the oncoming El Niño, could not be more timely.

Follow the Rainbow

Follow the Rainbow by Juliet M. Sampson & Anne Ryan (Ford Street Publishing) PB HB RRP $26.95 9781922696335

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Juliet M Sampson is an award-winning author. Her debut picture book Grace’s Mystery Seed was a finalist in the international book awards in 2019.

Ruby really wants to know what’s at the end of the rainbow on the family farm. So along with her best friend Tavish the dog, she explores the great outdoors and makes all sorts of discoveries, with the last discovery being the most important one of all.

Sampson’s strong opening page captures reader attention. Ruby leaned back and gazed up at the sky. ‘Look, Tavish, there’s a fairy with a wand!’ This is something a child would say. Dialogue is used in just the right places. Sampson shows that rainbows appear after rain and young children do like to learn things from books. Her use of questioning with no responses means that Ruby and Tavish venture further to seek answers themselves. ‘What’s at the end of the rainbow, Scarecrow?’ she asked. Scarecrow didn’t say a word. This lets a child know that they too can keep on seeking answers even when there is no response.

Sampson’s words have captured that divine innocence of childhood - how a child thinks and acts. Ruby splashed through puddles as she ran across the paddock. Soon the rainbow was right overhead. The story building is delightful and once at the end of the rainbow there is no surprise. So just like that Ruby and Tavish decide to try the other end. This shows how a child will seek to know something until satisfied.

What is a winner with this story is when Ruby makes the greatest discovery of all by herself - family. This message is clear and important.  Sampson’s Ruby and Tavish are warm and engaging characters that will capture young hearts.

 Anne Ryan is the second part of this picture book team. She grew up in Ballarat Victoria. This makes her a wonderful choice because the book is set on a farm. You can tell she knows how a farm looks and feels. She has creatively played with the storyline and used collage and bright primary colours to great effect. I absolutely love Ruby’s red gumboots which are a clever inspiration from The Wizard of Oz. Ruby and Tavish are shown as determined and curious characters by their movements and body language. Ryan’s illustrations really show the innocence and joy of a child given freedom to be able to explore and play. I particularly love the collaged rainbow on the cover with Ruby and Tavish marching determinedly across the top. It draws immediate attention to the book.

Follow the Rainbow is a picture book for children 3-8 years that magically brings play, imagination, and discovery together. The book has a strong storyline and children are curious about what’s at the end of a rainbow. This book is sure to resonate with children, parents, teachers, and librarians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Country Town

Country Town by Isolde Martyn and Robyn Ridgeway, illustrated by Louise Hogan (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $19.95 ISBN: 9781922696359

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

The settlement starts as a First Nations river camp in 1822, and grows through boom times and gloom times to become a bustling country town. Along the way, the residents experience the best and worst of life: a gold rush, a flood, the building of the railway, the Great Depression and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. Through it all, the townspeople discover the strength that comes from a united community.

Brimming with an incredible amount of comprehensive and compelling text, Country Town is suitable for children aged ten to fourteen. Using an imaginary town as their subject, Isolde Martyn and Robyn Ridgeway depict a wide range of circumstances found in rural regions of Australia, and tackle deep themes including colonisation, migration and climate change. Subheadings split the text into easily-to-absorb sections, while also allowing room for information about real-life people, places and events.

Louise Hogan’s beautiful bird’s-eye-view illustrations reveal the ebb and flow of the town over the decades. The warm and inviting colour palette heightens the nostalgic charm of the images. Interesting vignettes help to break up the text and bring to life specific elements for the reader.

A perfect book for older kids who are fascinated by Australian history, Country Town is a unique learning journey through time and space. The intricacy of the words and artworks will inspire repeated readings of this book. 

Downtown Sewertown

Downtown Sewertown by Tull Suwannakit (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $17.95 ISBN: 9781922696250

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When the animals’ woodland home is destroyed by diggers, they need to find a new place to reside – so they move into the dirty Downtown Sewer. The animals sweep and rub and mop and scrub until the sewer becomes ‘a haven full of promise’ that they name Sewertown. But when the humans find this underground paradise and threaten to evict the animals, one brave girl speaks up for the creatures. Soon the ‘furries’ and the ‘smoothskins’ learn to live together peacefully.

Told in rhyming couplets, Tull Suwannakit’s imaginative story scurries along like a rat up a drainpipe. It’s brimming with brilliant themes for kids aged four to eight years, from the importance of empathy and kindness to the value of caring for the natural realm. Youngsters will be emboldened by the brave girl to stand up for their own beliefs and make a positive change in their world.

Tull has used watercolour paint and coloured pencils on cotton-rag paper to render his illustrations, and this gives his images both depth and texture. Dainty hues dance whimsically across the detailed spreads, while large animal eyes draw young readers directly into the centre of the emotion on each page.

Glowing with hope and happiness, Downtown Sewertown is an ode to the joy of living life in harmony with nature and with one another. The merry medley of text and images is sure to keep kids coming back to the book again and again.

Our Mob

Our Mob by Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton, illustrated by Seantelle Walsh (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $17.95 ISBN 9781922696236

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Our Mob introduces its audience to 14 proud Aboriginal children from 14 different traditional countries. Each child greets the reader in their traditional language and tells them which country they are from. Then they describe something they and their family like to do together, including playing music, cooking, storytelling, fishing, painting, smoking ceremonies, and bushwalking. The full colour illustrations that complement the text have been beautifully created by contemporary Noongar artist, Seantelle Walsh.

Our Mob is a picture book for early childhood that celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal culture and their connections to family and Country. It encourages everyone to tell their story and be proud of who they are. Our Mob is highly recommended for kindergarten and lower primary school students. The book has been printed in both hardback and paperback.

 

 

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins by Dimity Powell & Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) PB HB RRP $26.95 9781922696298

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Dimity Powell is an award-winning children’s author who writes and reviews books exclusively for children. This is her second book about Pippa, the adventure seeking pigeon.

Pippa loves her new twin brothers, Pepi and Penn but their constant cries and need for attention is more than she can bare. She longs to fly away from her babysitting duties and seek adventure. How can she be a big sister and still have fun?

Dimity Powell has created a child-relatable story that is not only well told but filled with delightful language. Pippa loved her treetop home with its swaying branches and dancing leaves. The page turns ensure the reader wants to know what’s next and the story is well paced. Pippa is a well-formed character, and her voice is distinct.  Powell allows her carefully chosen words to show character and add flavours to the text. They looked like chunky little sacks of wheat, but all they did was squeak and eat! Her experience as a writer really shows with a tight word count and a story arc that builds, leads the reader and surprises. The simplicity of the story shows how well-crafted it is as a picture book. Strong verbs are paired with onomatopoeia and dialogue that’s used in all the right places.

Andrew Plant is an experienced illustrator with more than a hundred books under his belt. He is the second part of this successful picture book team. His use of vibrant colour is eye catching and joyful. The bright green cover with Pippa centre and her twin brothers squawking behind lets the reader instantly know what this book is about. He has cleverly crafted movement and personality to the three birds. Their faces, particularly their eyes visually speak to the reader with much emotion. My favourite double page spread is when Pippa is babysitting the twins. There are only eleven words used and this has allowed Plant’s illustrations to show how pesky and annoying the twins are. Plant uses a mix of single-and double-page spreads and changes perspectives by zooming in and out from their tree. The scary page with a close-up of the prowler’s face expertly showcases a pivotal moment in the story.

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins is a picture book for children 3-8 years that showcases being true to yourself, being adventurous, and family. The book sings as a read-aloud and is appealing to children. It relates to a small child’s world and reflects what happens in families when new siblings arrive. I love that the role of becoming a big sister is showcased. This is a book that will appeal to children, parents, and schools.  Teacher notes accompany this lovely book.

Subbie and His Mate

Subbie and His Mate by Corinne Fenton, illustrated by Mark Wilson (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781925804980

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera 

Subzero was a famous Australian racehorse – but few people know the joy he brought folks after his retirement. A man named Graham Salisbury purchased Subzero, and the affable horse became a favourite among the students at the Apprentice Jockey Program. Children were drawn to Subzero’s gentleness, so Graham took him to visit schools; later, the duo cheered up sick and lonely people in hospitals and aged-care homes. Graham and Subzero were best mates for twenty-six years.

Corinne Fenton’s narrative non-fiction picture book gallops through Subzero’s remarkable life, focusing not on the horse’s fame and fortune but on his ability to connect with and comfort the humans around him. Kids aged seven and older will adore Subzero’s cheeky side and discover the uplifting nature of unadulterated kindness.

Mark Wilson has illustrated Subzero’s story using a wide variety of media, from coloured pencils and watercolours to oil pastels and acrylic paints. This ensures that each spread explodes with visual excitement and energy, as well as a unique dynamism that reflects the racing gait of the thoroughbred.

 

Subbie and His Mate celebrates the bond that can form between humans and animals when love and trust lead the way. Children will cherish the friendship between Subzero and Graham, and no doubt wish they had a neighing mate of their own.

Stardiving

Stardiving by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781922696021

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When two dolphins chitter excitedly about the stars in the sky, Fluke – a sperm whale calf – is desperate to see them. But that night, the stars are hidden by clouds. An enormous bull whale called Cachalot encourages Fluke to look down rather than up – to dive ‘where no star has ever shone’. Fluke descends to the depths and discovers an underwater world brimming with glimmering and shimmering creatures that ‘no dolphin has ever seen’ … all twinkling like stars.

Andrew Plant’s tranquil tale is perfect for six- to twelve-year-olds who are drawn to the splendour of the sea. Elements of natural history – such as the way whales breathe – are enfolded into an entrancing narrative that touches on themes of identity and exploration. Evocative phrases place the young reader right in the moment, especially when Cachalot’s voice vibrates ‘like soft thunder through the water’.

Rendered in acrylic paints and watercolour pencils, Plant’s illustrations flow effortlessly across each spread. Shades of azure and teal transition to the deepest midnight blues as Fluke plunges to the bathypelagic zone, allowing the brilliance of bioluminescence to glow on the final few pages.

A stunning ode to the boundless wonders of the sea, Stardiving is ideal for quiet bedtime reading. It inspires kids to stay true to themselves as they seek the glittering gems in their own environment.

Scorpion Falls

Scorpion Falls by Martin Chatterton (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $18.95 ISBN 9781922696090

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Fourteen-year-old Theo is having a hard time reconciling the peculiar happenings in his hometown lately. He admits that nothing noteworthy usually happens in the small mining town of Scorpion Falls, but things have recently changed. Theo is convinced that he has witnessed the disappearance of two teenagers, which has him most unsettled. In addition, a creepy man is staying at the local motel where Theo works after school, not to mention Theo keeps seeing a mysterious white van around town. Theo and his girlfriend Ari are on a mission to piece it all together.

Scorpion Falls is an intriguing young adult novel narrated in the first person by the teenage protagonist, Theo Sumner. It is suitable for readers who enjoy spine-chilling stories with mystery and suspense.

The New Dog

The New Dog by Chris McKimmie (Ford St Publishing) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 9781922696038

Reviewed by Kerry Gittins

Chris McKimmie has a knack of being able to capture the essence of a story with language and images that are simple yet also have an underlying complexity that goes beyond what is on the page. His latest picture book is no exception.  

In The New Dog we meet Kiddo. Kiddo is very happy with the two snuggly futon beds, the water and food bowls, the king size bed he shares with his humans and the box full of stuff that Teddy has left behind. From this very first page Chris McKimmie reveals another layer to the story and gives us a subtle insight into the reason Kiddo has become part of this family. Kiddo loves to chew, dig, play, bark and eat anything left lying around or within reach on the kitchen bench! He’s also afraid of storms, hates baths and loves lying in the warm patches of sunshine in his yard. All the things you would expect from a loveable canine.

McKimmie’s illustrations are a joy with bright colours and a slightly imperfect perspective that children love and see reflected in their own artwork. There are clever plays on text direction and font changes which add to the fun and involvement for the reader. This warm and engaging story is a must have for anyone who has ever lost a canine friend and then experienced the delight of welcoming a new, playful, mischievous and instantly loveable family companion.

Chris McKimmie is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and artist whose book I NEED A Parrot, won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award in 2020. His stories are always quirky, eye catching and totally relatable for younger readers. The New Dog, aimed at readers aged 4 +, could almost be seen as a sequel to Me, Teddy, the story of the family’s beloved black Labrador, and would make a wonderful addition to any collection of animal stories.

 

Supporting teaching themes could include animals, dogs, loss of a pet, families, and grief.

Zombies Vs the Illuminati

Zombies Vs the Illuminati by John Larkin (Ford Street Publishing) RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781925804867

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Can Nicholas and his friends save the world from the Zombie Apocalypse? This page turning story first has 12-year-old Nicholas and his nerdy funny friends Josh and Callum holed up in Nicholas’ treehouse hiding from Zombies. The whole country is in lockdown but Nickel-ass as he is also known and his friends have been planning for an event like this.

The usually quiet town of Serenity is under attack and the only weapons they have to fight the Zombies is a lightsabre that doesn’t have any batteries, a sack of doorknobs, and a non-existent Pegasus.

Soon they are joined by Nicholas’ dog Shake who surprises everyone with his knowledge, and a sassy teenage girl Phoebe-Rose who wouldn’t normally be seen dead with nerds.

Before long they must flee the treehouse and are on a quest to save the world. They trek to Canberra to see the Prime Minster and deliver what they believe is an anecdote to save humanity.

The story for 9–12-year-olds is humorous, and the author sometimes jumps into the story to comment. The similes used throughout are unique, fun, and witty, and the play on words and situations will have you laughing in this fast-paced story.

Boris Goes Berserk

Boris Goes Berserk by Robert Favretto, illustrated by Janice Bowles (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781925804867

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Boris the huntsman wants to eat his dinner in peace. But when Dad tries everything to get rid of Boris, the hairy spider goes crazy! He crawls down Dad’s back and up Mum’s leg; chased by a broomstick-wielding Dad, Boris scuttles wildly around the house. He finally hides in the safety of Dad’s shoe. Until the vacuum comes out …

Robert Favretto’s hilarious rhyming text scurries along as speedily as a spider scooting across the floor. Kids aged five to nine years will giggle as the madness of Dad’s antics ramps up with each turn of the page. But there is room for empathy as well – although Boris ‘looked a little scary’, Robert reveals to the reader that the spider is actually frightened of Dad.

Janice Bowles adds fun and flow to the spreads with her clever use of coloured pencils and watercolour. The images are bright and appealing, with plenty of detail to keep small eyes busy. Her characterisation of Boris is particularly charming, and makes it easy for youngsters to feel sorry for the harassed little arachnid. 

Boris Goes Berserk uses a healthy dose of humour to inspire a respect for spiders. Kids will love to read the rollicking rhymes again and again, as they will discover new facets to the themes of fear and problem-solving each time.

Banjo Tully

Banjo Tully by Justin D’Ath (Ford Street) ISBN 9781925804904 RRP $17.95 PB

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

This upper-middle grade story is about a 15-year-old boy called Banjo, who decides to ride his horse on Ride to School day and ends up riding 800km to Canberra. In the drought-stricken town of Big River, Banjo is unaware that his parents have decided to sell his horse Milly. When he finds out, he hides away in the abandoned caravan park. A girl from school, Mei Le, who is a ‘conservation nut’ convinces Banjo to ride to Canberra, to raise awareness of climate change and to talk to the Prime Minister there. At first Banjo just goes to try to save his horse, but eventually he warms to the cause and completes the challenging journey.

Banjo is a resourceful and believable character, with lots of doubts about what he is doing, which makes him easy to relate to for the reader. His journey is full of difficulties as he runs out of water and food, tries to look after his horse and avoids his parents. Tied together are his worries about how the drought is affecting his parents’ farm and his will to keep the horse that his grandmother said was his. Descriptions of the effects of a constant lack of rainfall, serve as a very Australian and sobering backdrop to the story.

There are heart-warming moments, where Banjo meets people along the way who help him. Mei Le is very instrumental in the trip to Canberra: she sets up a crowdfunding site and buys him equipment. The fact that Banjo (who almost turns around part-way into the trip) wasn’t really that into the idea at first, makes it even more admirable when he does get to Canberra. In the end it is his decision to do something about the situation he is unhappy with. It’s a heart warming ending which could bring tears to the eye of some readers!

The cover tells the story with a black silhouette of a horse and parliament house in the background, a big yellow sun above. Author Justin D’Ath has written over fifty books for children and young adults. His latest, Banjo Tully, is suitable for children aged 10+.