Tug of War

Tug of War by Naomi Howarth (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books) PB HB RRP $24.99 9780711284548

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Londoner Naomi Howarth is a costume designer as well as an illustrator/author. Her gorgeous picture book The Crow’s Tale was short-listed for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Tortoise wants a friend, both elephant and hippo scoff. Tortoise feels small and stupid until Bird squawks ‘Nonsense!’ Tortoise creates a plan to show where being bigger and stronger doesn’t always mean being better. A game of tug of war shows that friendship is what matters most of all.

The setting for this tale is on the banks of a great African river. In the first spread Howarth introduces what Tortoise is seeking. I think it’s the perfect day to make a new friend.’ The dialogue and questioning allow the reader to know what Tortoise is going to ask and then feel the rejection. ‘Be your friend?’ bellowed Elephant. ‘No thanks. I am the biggest and best beast in this jungle, and you are nothing more than a small, stupid old tortoise.’ The sting of those words is deeply felt. This then repeats with Hippo. The efficient use of two words allows the blue page to really sting. Poor Tortoise! I love that Bird shows that someone else’s kindness can have a huge impact. So, Tortoise thought…and thought… and thought… until he came up with a perfect plan. A word repeated and alliteration together show resilience and determination. It also creates a wonderful page turn.

Once again dialogue paces and moves the story forward. The words leave plenty of room for the illustrations to sing. This allows for the full message of the story to be absorbed and celebrated. The ending is satisfying not only for its message but its choice of words.

The illustrations are colourful and impactful, the setting has allowed wonderful scope for this book. The lush greens and bright foliage are delightful and the marbled green patterning on Tortoise’s shell is eye catching and interesting. I love how when Elephant and Hippo spray Tortoise with water it looks like paint splashes. The backgrounds on the spreads are interesting and bring bird and insect life into the story. The facial expressions and body language of each character strongly bring rejection to the reader even without the words. The different paint textures used not only create interest but help make the book beautiful. Humour plays when the two animals snap the vine on a double spread, and we see their big bottoms flying.

This picture book for children 3-8 years showcases friendship. It is funny, impactful, and delightful. I can see this book be popular with teachers in both preschools and primary schools.  It reads aloud well and visually it is strong.  This book is such a joy to read and share.

The Strongest Boy in the World

The Strongest Boy in the World by Jessica Souhami (Frances Lincoln/Walker Books)

HC RRP $27.95

ISBN 9781847804112

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The Strongest Boy in the World is based on a popular and well-known Japanese tale from the 13^th Century. A young boy, Kaito, dreams of becoming a champion Sumo wrestler, therefore rich and famous.  He sets out for Kyoto and the wrestling tournament, convinced he can win regardless of his puny build.

A meeting on the way with the strong and manly Hana changes his life. She carries carry water on her head without spilling a drop. In the short time remaining till the tournament, Hana teaches Kaito strength training, which foods to eat for muscle building, and how to hold his stances.

On arrival, he is ridiculed by the huge wrestlers that refuse to take him seriously. But will confidence and absolute belief in himself bring Kaito to victory? And will the skills and disciplines Hana has handed on help Kaito in his quest for fame?

This tale carries several themes, the most important being nothing is impossible, and believing in yourself can achieve miracles.

The fantastic illustrations are boldly presented with collage of Ingres papers hand-painted with watercolour, ink and graphite pencil. This mixed media perfectly portrays the Japanese setting, and gives an added dimension to the full page pictures. 

The Classics: Tales from Grimm

The Classics: Tales from Grimm by Antonia Barber, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain (Frances Lincoln)

HC RRP $ 27.95

ISBN 9781847805096

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Popular author of The Mousehole Cat and many other children’s books, Antonia Barber has retold 9 classic fairytales by the brothers Grimm. Companion to the gift edition of Tales from Hans Christian Anderson by Naomi Lewis, and published at the same time through Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, it is presented in an almost identical format with an outstanding jacket.

The stunning end pages are the first thing you see when you open the cover. It’s a welcome into the world of the imagination made immortal by these storytellers. The equally stunning illustrations transform the text into a visual feast to drag you back to your childhood when mystery, surprise and awe awaited on every page.

This collection contains favourites made new, but with a taste of the old flavouring the tale through Antonia Barber’s retelling. They include The Frog Prince, Hansel and Gretel, Briar-Rose, Rapunzel, Little Red-Cap, The Golden Goose, Snow White, Sweet Porridge and the Elves and the Shoemaker, one of my favourites.

This gorgeous publication to own or gift, has many full page illustrations. Some smaller ones are placed at random within the text, others at the top or bottom. A creation of great beauty, this book of fairytales suits all ages. It can be read alone, read to younger children, or enjoyed for its beauty and content by older lovers of fairytales. 

The Classics: Tales from Hans Christian Andersen

The Classics: Tales from Hans Christian Andersen by Naomi Lewis, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark (Frances Lincoln)

HC RRP $27.95

ISBN 9781847805102

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Nine of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales are translated by Naomi Lewis for a general ageless audience. Classic tales of incredible imagination and beauty transport the reader into a child’s world, and simultaneously an adult’s world where messages lay hidden and lessons await to be learnt. They come presented in a beautiful gift edition.  Stunning illustrations are by popular English children’s author and illustrator Emma Chichester Clark who studied graphic design before she studied book illustration under Quentin Blake.

This excellent collection contains some well known tales such as The Nightingale, The Little Match Girl, The Princess and the Pea, The Shepherdess and the Chimneysweep, The Happy Family, and The Money Box Pig.  Two rare ones included are Elf Hill and Little Ida’s Flowers, although I confess I have read the last one before.

Entering Andersen’s stories is like entering a magical cave filled with valuable objects. You don’t know what you will discover. Nor can you choose a favourite thing for everything is priceless. This will be enjoyed by the junior reader or for a younger audience to be read to and shared. Look out for its companion collection of Tales from Grimm, retold by Antonia Barber.

Song of the Golden Hare

Song of the Golden Hare by Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln/Walker Books)
HC RRP $27.95
ISBN 9781847804501
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

I confess that I’m a passionate fan of Jackie Morris’ work. Her art is beguiling and there is a sense of complete union with her subjects reflected in everything she creates. She seems to become one with nature. Everything she sees stays with her to be turned into something unforgettable for the world to enjoy.

Song of the Golden Hare is a singular and breathtaking book. The poetic prose tells of a family that adores hares. Their magical song is sung once in fifty years when a new queen is to be chosen. When others are setting their hounds on them for sport, the family is dedicated to keeping the old queen safe to ensure she will cross to the Island of the Golden Hare.

But the boy longs to hear the song of the golden hare; to catch the sound and play it on his harp. This is the tale of when the hares moved and the children followed from east to west, to catch the song of the golden hare. The boy ‘listened with his ears… and with his heart’. He wanted to replicate the sound, but he had left his harp at home.

But as with all invaluable things, someone wants to own the golden hare’s pelt.

With tears in my eyes I end this magnificent book. Not since Margaret Wild’s Fox have I been so deeply moved by a picture book. It is a stunning work of art in every sense.

After writing this book ‘Jackie discovered there is a real island off the shores of Britain… Rathlin Island, where golden hares can be found. It is believed that there are only two of them’.

Greek Myths: Stories of Sun, Stone and Sea

Greek Myths: Stories of Sun, Stone and Sea by Sally Pomme Clayton, illustrated by Jane Ray (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)
HC RRP $ 32.95
ISBN 9781847802279
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Here again are wonderful tales of Ancient Greece, eternal myths and legends used throughout time to enrich many writings. Told in a warm and simple way, the stories are supported by the stunning artistry of acclaimed illustrator, Jane Ray. This exciting new production in a deluxe edition with jacket cover is the ideal introduction to Greek Myths for children.

Tales of Creation, told and retold tales about gods, giants, great feats and challenges, include the greed of Midas, the defeat of Medusa and Chimera. Each is inspired by the Greek sky, sea, sun and stone.

At the end of each chapter there is a fact on the still existing places that can be visited and explored. These are not only informative, historical and educational facts, but they give birth to a longing to be there, and see what has been described; to experience the invisible aura that surrounds these places.

There is an Index of Gods and heroes, and a list of sources for further reading.

The author, Sally Pomme Clayton, founded the Company of Storytellers and tours Britain performing.

East of the Sun, West of the Moon

East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Jackie Morris (Walker Books)

HC RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781847802941

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

East of the Sun, West of the Moon is inspired by a fairytale which could be Beauty and the Beast intertwined with something more. It is an exquisite retelling of a tale of love, loyalty, trust and daring; a dedicated quest that takes years to accomplish.

The girl is on the cusp of adolescence when the bear calls her to join him on a journey beyond her comprehension. Yet she is beguiled by him, and knows that this is what she has been born for. Without hesitation, she leaves her parents and home to travel with him to a castle east of the sun and west of the moon. She soon recognizes love as her motivation.

Her quest is filled with dilemmas and dangers, questions, challenges and choices, and a supreme evolution of self. The girl will be forced to examine herself, the bear, and a greater love. She will follow her dream and her heart, making an unexpected life-changing choice that will finally set her free.

This outstanding publication from Frances Lincoln Children’s Books is simultaneously an adventure and a coming-of-age story. It is filled with mystery and romance, and written in lyrical prose by artist Jackie Morris whose scenes are painted canvases - vivid and bewitching. Magical and mysterious, the story will remain unforgettable as will the beauty of the artwork that accompanies the text. 

Catherine’s Story

 Catherine's Story by Genevieve Moore, illustrated by Karin Littlewood (Frances Lincoln/Walker Books)
PB $RRP 16.95
ISBN 978-1-84780-402-0
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

At first glance Catherine looks like any other child although her claps are noiseless and she walks in boots that no one else can walk in. Her cousin Frances decides to try walking in her shoes – literally. But she can’t. She just falls down from the weight of them.

Catherine’s parents see her as special and tell her so. They also tell her that she is a good listener. And when her father kisses her, he reminds her how special he feels to have a child like her.

This is Genevieve Moore’s first book; thoroughly researched and written from personal experience. She has chosen the delicate but seldom approached subject of children with disabilities for her debut story. This is a valuable and informative book, and belongs in libraries and other accessible book areas. It serves to educate the young, and helps develop an understanding about children that are different to themselves.

The message is presented in a gentle and sensitive way through the sparse but clear text, and the beautiful illustrations produced in watercolour by Karin Littlewood, three times nominee for the Kate Greenway medal.

There is a note at the end of the book referring to how the book came about, and refers also to symptoms that cause children like Catherine to be the way they are.

The Blue-Eyed Aborigine

The Blue-Eyed Aborigine by Rosemary Hayes (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 978-84780-078-7
Reviewed by Heather Zubek

There was almost a sniff of indignation when I learned that not only was the writer of this book not a Western Australian but not even an Australian. Indeed! After reading the book though all is forgiven. The Blue-Eyed Aborigine is based on the diaries of the Commander of the ship Batavia. Those who are unaware of the story are not prejudiced when reading the book. The background story is cleverly and subtlety revealed.

Rosemary Hayes, from Cambridgeshire, UK, recaptures some of maritime history’s most horrific moments through both factual and imagined events. These events are viewed through the eyes of young Dutch sailors Jan Pelgrom and briefly through Wouter Looes.

Those interested in Australian history will be fascinated by the story and the theory that some of today’s Aboriginals in Western Australia are descendants of the survivors of the Batavia. At the time of going to press initial DNA tests confirm that some of these Aboriginals carry Western European blood raising the question about the legacy of the shipwreck survivors. Rosemary Hayes fills in the missing years intuitively and sensitively. We follow the fate of young Jan as he takes to the way of life of the Aboriginals effortlessly and wholeheartedly. The reader begins to feel sorry for the sailor and views his actions during the mutiny as ones borne of survival rather than of a dark heart. 

After reading The Blue-Eyed Aborigine I read a story about the Batavia describing Jan Pelgrom as murderous and cruel. I felt an injustice had been done describing him in this way. It seemed as though they were describing someone else. One will never know I guess. I would like to think that Jan did survive on the shores of Western Australia and become part of the Aboriginal culture. I enjoyed the way the writer concluded the story with visions of blue-eyed Aboriginals coming home from the hunt. It was a fitting end to a rather gruesome tale.

Note: The publishers suggest a reading age of 13+ but I feel that parents should be aware of the adult themes contained in the book.