My Super Uncle

My Super Uncle by Dannica Patterson, illustrated by Seantelle Walsh (Ford Street 2026) HB RRP $27.95 IBSN 9781922696540

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

My friends all love my uncle

when he jokes and fools around.

To me, he's super special

'cause he never lets me down.

I don't need X-ray vision

to see the way he cares.

I don't need super senses

to know he'll be right there.

My Super Uncle reads like a sweet little love song - narrated in the first person by a young girl - dedicated to her 'superhero' uncle. Dannica Patterson's warm, playful text is written in rhyming couplets with a metre that flows across the pages like the rhythmic accompaniment to that song. It tells the story of a child's love for her uncle - her mentor, her guide, and her all-around best buddy. 

Whether they're playing dress-up, hide-and-seek, or sports. Or at the beach or family gatherings, reading bedtime stories or dancing together, she knows that he will always be there to guide and support her, and keep her safe, and that he will never let her down. 

This picture book showcases the importance of role models and chosen family in a child's life - these super people are like sunshine and water to growing children. The benefits of receiving such care and devotion will flourish within them for life and be passed down to the next generation ... 

CBCA-shortlisted illustrator and Noongar artist, Seantelle Patterson's vibrant, energetic illustrations bring to life the pure joyfulness of the text. Delightful details add layers of social, emotional and cultural meaning for children to explore and decode. And the references to her culture, delicately woven into some of her illustrations, lend her work an aura of transience and wonder. 

I love the non-primary colours she has used - and how the figures are defined against washy tones and dreamy backgrounds with edges that often just fade into nothingness ... 

Alongside its ephemeral quality, her style has a strong sense of realism that allows the reader to feel the connection between the girl and her uncle. She has captured their body language and facial expressions so believably that at times the emotionality is almost palpable. Like when the young girl gazes adoringly into the smiling face of her uncle as he sings to her and plays his guitar ... 

Then there's the illustration of the family photo album, which I admit made me look twice - because I wondered for a second - are some of these actual photos?  I love the baby footprints image - and the endpapers with those child-drawn family figures and house are adorable.

My Super Uncle presents a feel-good story that will appeal to children and families of all kinds. It celebrates undiluted love, family bonds and everyday heroes. 

Books like this are important for fostering empathy, acceptance and respect, for gaining a wider, more inclusive vision of what a family 'should' look like - and for ensuring that all family structures get represented in literature - so that all children get to see their own family reflected in the pages of storybooks. 

At its heart, the message is - whatever the configuration - every family unit is as valid and vital as any other. We are all a bit different, but mostly we are very much the same. Love is love. We love who we love.

And love transcends differences. 

Highly recommended and suitable for children aged around 4-9 years.

Augustin and the Hot Air Balloon

Augustin and the Hot Air Balloon by David Metzenthen (Ford Street) ISBN 9781925804966 RRP $17.95

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

In 1783, around the time of the French Revolution, the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon made of silk near the palace of Versailles. The basket below contained a duck, a sheep, and a rooster. Augustin and the Hot Air Balloon takes this historical event and supposes what would have happened if there were a couple of young people who stowed away in the basket. And furthermore, what if the balloon flew off and crash landed somewhere? The result is an action-packed adventure story and an interesting re-imagining of life during this time.

An unlikely friendship develops between the main characters, a peasant boy named Augustin and a rich girl called Celine, who is a friend of Queen Marie Antoinette. They must return to the palace through the wild country of France, through villages where people are starving. At the beginning of each chapter there is an interesting historical fact related to the events of the chapter, for example there really was a priceless diamond necklace that went missing around the time the balloon was launched. Also, around that time there was a volcano in Iceland that erupted and affected the weather. As a result, crops failed, and people starved.  

Augustin is a likeable and brave main character who wants a better life, but he is also incredibly loyal to his family. Celine, who is from Austria like Marie Antoinette, is also courageous. She is clued into the intrigue in the court of Versailles and when she and Augustin get back there, she helps them to survive. As the events of the French Revolution come to a climax, Celine makes an escape plan. As we know from history, being a rich person at that time was very dangerous. But for Celine, at least, it is a happy ending. Augustin also must make a choice: to go with the girl he loves or stay and help his family.

If you look closely at the cover of Augustin and the Hot Air Balloon all the aspects of the story are combined, with the large balloon in the centre. This book of historical fiction is suitable for readers 10-15 years old. 

Frankie Goes to Kindergarten

Frankie Goes to Kindergarten by Peta Baxter and Connie Hemmens, Illustrated by Marjory Gardner (Ford Street) ISBN 9781925804676 (HB) and 9781925804683 (PB) RRP $24.95 HB and $16.95 (PB)

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

This story is told from the perspective of an enthusiastic dog called Frankie who goes to work with his owner Miss Peta, a kindergarten teacher. Frankie enjoys every moment of kindy including the car ride there, the games and the snacks, even the tidying up. Everyone else at the kindergarten also really enjoys Frankie. On the day of the story, it is not only Frankie who has gone to kindy. George the cat has stowed away and is present in most pictures, partly hiding. Frankie goes to Kindergarten covers a day at kindergarten, what it involves and importantly, how much fun it all is.

Frankie is not just a character in a book, but also a real kindergarten therapy dog in north Queensland. His owner Peta Baxter is co-author of the book with fellow childhood educator, Connie Hemmens. Using simple language, the story is ideal for parents to read to children getting ready for kindergarten and could relieve a bit of anxiety - possibly for both parties! Therapy dogs are sometimes found in kindergartens and help kids learn about caring for animals and each other, as well as providing emotional support.

The book covers lots of queries kids may have including what happens when the parents leave (‘they’ll be back later’) and shows this happen. There are also sensible tips about wearing sunscreen and hats and being kind and gentle. Bright, colourful illustrations by Marjory Gardner fill the pages with many details for the child to notice while being read to. There’s the huge variety of toys the kids can play with at kindy, the yummy food they eat and the interesting range of activities (Frankie joins in with each one.) There’s also a whole fun side story about what George the cat is up to.

Frankie goes to Kindergarten is suitable for children ages 3+ years, especially if they are dog lovers.   

Float or Sink?

 Float or Sink? by Kylie Covark, illustrated by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $24.95

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Float or Sink? is a delightful picture book for young children written in rhyming couplets. The story begins with a simple stick bobbing along a creek. The question is posed to the audience: Float... or sink? The cumulative tale technique is used as a variety of bugs land on the stick, one by one, and the same question is asked each time. In the end, it is not a bug that has its eye on the stick.

The illustrations and shimmering blue endpapers are uniquely glorious. The pictures are presented on double page spreads and alternate between monochrome sketches and brightly coloured artwork.

The rhythm, rhyme and repetition make this book an enjoyable read aloud for children aged 3-6 years old. Float or Sink? would be a great addition to any early years’ classroom and a thought-provoking prelude to a fun science lesson.

Creative Stars Collide to Shine on Wombat

A new children’s book hit the shelves on 1 October 2020. Combat Wombat to the Rescue is a picture book for Preschool to Primary school aged kids that fills a much-needed gap. It provides an opportunity to discuss with young children the sensitive topic of bushfire and Australia’s unique wildlife, and it’s done in an engaging and fun way. Such discussions can be challenging, but they are aptly assisted by comprehensive Teacher Notes that are available online to accompany the book.

The tale follows the journey of an unlikely hero, Combat Wombat, who saves his bush buddies from a raging bushfire, while overcoming many obstacles. But wait, it’s not what you might think - he doesn’t just lead them to the safety of his burrow as was much reported in the media recently! With his war-cry of Womba-rumbaaa, Combat Wombat is a true Wildlife Warrior of the Bush and he uses his wombat wits, strong claws and big behind to save the day.

The story was originally written six years ago by award-winning Canberra author, Dr Gina Newton, and commissioned early last year by Melbourne-based publisher, Ford Street. After the Black Summer of 2019-20, the arrival of this picture book is a timely one, particularly as it was illustrated in a time of hardship for our country. The book is dedicated to the brave firefighters who fought so tirelessly to keep us safe, to the hard-working wildlife carers, and to our wildlife who had to endure it.

Combat Wombat and his bush buddies are brilliantly brought to life by exceptionally talented local artist, Tiffanee Daley. This is Tiffanee’s first picture book and her skillful animated art style brings amazing three-dimensional and empathetic qualities to the characters and their personalities. While illustrating this book, clever Tiffanee also managed to bring her second child into the world!

Serendipity underlies the production of this beautiful book. Gina and Tiffanee met by chance at a Christmas dinner of the Canberran chapter of the Australian Society of Authors in 2018. Gina was so blown away by Tiffanee’s talent that she vowed to do a book with her one day. That opportunity came six months later, when a chance lunchtime conversation at a children’s book event led to the opportunity to send in the manuscript for Combat Wombat. But first, Tiffanee designed the character to send in with it. The creative stars aligned, and the rest is history.

The narrative of Combat Wombat to the Rescue also highlights the positive benefits of facing your fears, leadership and cooperating in a team effort – all aspects that help to build resilience in young children. As well as the important topic of the book, its vibrancy and visual appeal provide an enticing platform to enhance literacy learning for young children. Combat Wombat is a larger than life character who is sure to find his way into the hearts and minds of children and adults alike.

Further information: Contact Gina Newton 0413010753; or websites: ginanewton.com; tiffaneedaley.com; https://fordstreetpublishing.com/book/combat-wombat/

Achievement

Liz Ledden's picture book Tulip and Brutus, illustrated by Andrew Plant, is out via Ford Street Publishing on 1 October 2019.

Tulip and Brutus is about a ladybug and a stinkbug who live different lives in separate parts of a yard. They NEVER play together! But one day, a storm merges their habitats and a new threat looms. Will the bugs team up and save themselves? Tulip and Brutus is a fun (and stinky!) story for 3 to 6-year-olds about friendship, differences and teamwork.

The book can be found here: https://fordstreetpublishing.com/book/tulip-and-brutus/

More about Liz can be found here: http://www.lizledden.com You can also find her Facebook page @LizLeddenAuthor, and she's on Instagram and Twitter: @liz_ledden  

Dragon Apocalypse

Dragon Apocalypse by D.C. Green (Ford Street) PB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9781925272680

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Dragon Apocalypse is the third book in D.C. Green's City of Monsters series. One of the quotes on the back of this book reads, “Nothing you've experienced will prepare you for this.” That is seriously true. And having not read the first two books in the series made it three times as true. In the first two chapters we meet a formidable ogre bodyguard, a harpie, a giant talking skunk and a vampire – and they are by no means even close to the strangest characters in the story. 

The heroes of this story are the Dead Gang and they have a mission to save the last Dragon, who has been poisoned and is hiding out on the Isle of Giants. They must reach the island and defeat two separate armies of monsters and cyborgs intent on the dragon’s demise. To make matters worse, the health of the dragon is linked to that of the world. So, the stakes for success are certainly high.

D.C. Green’s writing is fast paced, visual and eccentric, with a unique tapestry of slang dialogue and humour that takes some getting used to. But once you do, the story flows and the crazy-weird cast of characters come into their own. I would recommend reading the first two books in the series before attempting this book. I did end up enjoying this book much more than I thought I would. In the beginning I struggled to work out the story-line and the characters, but by midway through I had caught up and the story thundered by at a break-necked pace.

This series would suit readers from about ten years of age and up into the young adult market, especially those readers who like their stories fast and quite a bit weird.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon by Tricia Oktober (Ford St)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781925000887

Reviewed by Emily Meldrum

For something to occur in a “blue” moon it is something very special indeed. For Cat, at the centre of this story, it is the time when her fellow felines come together to share a dream that lasts all night long. It is a magical and extravagant event that is able to be as wild or eccentric as her dreams permit. It is all about Cat’s favourite smells, the gardens and places she loves to visit, it is about the famous cats she wants to meet and the things she would do if her imaginings could come true.

As with all the best illustrations, Oktober has supported the story with a beautiful collection of artworks that complement the story but then add that extra level of storytelling all on their own. The reader follows Cat meet many of her idols including Cat in a Hat, Puss in Boots, Hey Diddle Diddle’s cat with a fiddle, the Cheshire Cat plus many more. 

The impossible becomes possible for Cat as she rides a sea horse and crowns herself queen. At each point in Cat’s journey, a meerkat is seen searching – is he lost or just trying to find his way? Perhaps he is Cat’s visual contrast, a serious soul who is not enjoying his journey merely worrying about where they are going to next.

Our dreams are powerful influences on our lives and inspire and rejuvenate us in daily living. If your night imaginations were able to define what you did each day what would it say about you? Oktober’s book Blue Moon was gentle and thought-provoking. It is recommended for school-aged readers and above.

The Burning Sea

The Burning Sea by Paul Collins and Sean McMullen (Ford St)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 9781925000924

Reviewed by Emily Meldrum

Dantar and Velza are siblings aboard the mighty warship ‘Invincible’. As in many families sibling rivalry exists hand-in-hand with high levels of competition. This family is no exception. Their father is the emperor’s battle warlock Calbaras, Dantar a lowly cabin boy and Velza a female shape-caster and officer with magic fire powers that do not work at sea. 

The story begins with this fleet of warships close to enemy soil but under attack from a lone dragon – Dravaud. The dragon’s motives are simple, he is searching for confirmation of a dragon chick or egg that he suspects is within the ships below.

Dantar learns that dragons only attack the stronger side prior to battle and so he braces himself for his first encounter with a dragon. It appears to come in for a direct attack but the force of its flames land upon a nearby warship instead. The dragon then mysteriously flies back to his overhead vantage point observing all below. What is the dragon doing?

The reader learns that traditionally those who were called Dark Hands developed great power but not the sense in using it forcing dragons to intervene to break human magic into four parts – earth, air, water and fire. These days it was only the almighty dragons who wielded the complete power of all the parts enabling their magic to work enough across the deepest oceans. Such power was to be respected and guarded forcefully. Based on the notion that Savarian wizards were trying to join the four magics back together their emperor has ordered Dravinia at war with Savaria.

Told from alternate perspectives between brother and sister, and three from the dragon flying above their heads, The Burning Sea is a compelling introduction to a six part series entitled – The Warlock’s Child. It is a short book by fantasy standards with 119 pages and consequently many questions are left unanswered. What will happen to the invading fleet? Why does Dantar seem to be developing powers to protect him against heat and fire? What and where is the dragon chick Dravaud is so certain that is on-board the ‘Invincible’?

Readers who become entangled in this latest series published by Ford Street will be relieved to know that throughout 2015 there is to be a staggered monthly release of each volume from April through to September. It is recommended for ages ten and above.