Big Hug Books

Big Hug Books by Shona Innes, illustrated by Irisz Agócs (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $14.95

ISBN 978-1-76006-055-8 - Life

ISBN 978-1-76006-056-5 - Friendship

ISBN 978-1-76006-416-7 - Internet

ISBN 978-1-76006-415-0 - Playground

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

While waiting at a local department store I peeked into a package I had collected at the post office. What I saw made me gasp. I reached in and withdrew four beautiful books, I had only glimpsed the covers, but I was in love. I held them to my chest in a hug, and when I pulled them back for a better look I laughed. Each title is part of a collection called The Big Hug Book – how appropriate.

This series of books was created by Shona Innes, a qualified clinical and forensic psychologist with many years of assisting children. Don’t be put off by her qualifications; each book is presented in a way that is perfect for the young child to grasp the meaning within. Important issues of the playground, friendship, dangers of the internet,

and death, are each approached and handled in a friendly, fun, yet delicate way that truly imparts a strong message.

The Hungarian illustrator, Irisz Agócs studied cultural anthropology and ethnography at University; thankfully she gave that away and moved on to her passion, so becoming an illustrator.

These are marvelous books for an independent reader to enjoy in a quiet moment. They are perfect for parents of a younger child to assist in explaining why things aren’t going smoothly with friends and family, or the dangers of the internet, without being preachy. They would also work successfully if read by a teacher to her class group. Young children should ask many questions as the illustrations depict body language and facial expressions in such a way the characters come to life.

The illustrations, simple and soft, show a diverse group of animals each with a definite personality. They will assist children to identify themselves and their feelings. They are inviting, and as the title of the series suggests, they are like a big hug. Children with personal issues should not find them confronting at all.

These books would appeal to teacher librarians as much as to parents. They cover important issues that children deal with every day and are presented in a very reader-friendly format.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, two picture books and one local history book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

The Skunk

The Skunk by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-76006-782-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book reminded me of Dr Seuss, I couldn’t wait to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed, although, it is far removed from anything Dr Seuss and more like an Alfred Hitchcock story for children.

The illustrations and the writing go hand in hand, as a whole they work so seamlessly that it appears the writer and illustrator collaborated [I don’t know if they did or didn’t]. It is a quirky story of a man who discovers a skunk on his doorstep. The skunk appears to be following him. There is an increasingly frantic chase through the city, tension builds, the man has closure, but there is a twist… The artwork follows this outline by starting off with a very retro limited pallet of red, white, and black. After the climax, the primary colours of yellow and blue are added, imitating joy, then, with a thought provoking twist the illustrations revert back to the former limited pallet. It is very cleverly thought through.

This is a fabulous read-out-loud book either by an independent reader or an adult who likes a bit of fun. There are a few words that a young child might need explained which adds to the experience of the shared reading.

The author Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author of books for children including Extra Yarn which won the 2013 Caldecott Honour.

Patrick McDonnell the illustrator has over twenty books in print, including four New York Times bestsellers and the Caldecott Honour winning Me…Jane. He has a comic strip Mutts which appears in over 700 newspapers around the world.

Arthur and the Curiosity

Arthur and the Curiosity by Lucinda Gifford (The Five Mile Press)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-76006-838-7

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

Run your hand across the cover of this book and the three raised Egyptian sarcophagus illustrations will transport you to the Museum setting of the story.

Children and adults alike will identify with this story of a school excursion. On his class visit to the museum, Arthur notices something the others do not and is distracted. The teacher tries to keep the children together and moving through the exhibits only to be exhausted and require time out herself. This is a marvelous book for an independent reader, or perhaps a teacher with her class group. The exhibits that Arthur’s class visit will act as ideal talking points as young children should ask many questions, the adult reader will enjoy the explanations which only adds to the experience of the shared reading.

The illustrations which are simple and clean show a diverse group of children. I believe this will allow extra fun in the reading process as the children identify themselves and their friends in the pictures. The illustrations also add to the story by leaving unanswered questions giving children the opportunity to imagine what may happen next.

Lucinda Gifford is the author and illustrator of Arthur and the Curiosity. On her website she calls herself ‘emerging’ but having already illustrated six books for other writers and two of her own, it would seem she has already emerged. 

This book should appeal to teacher librarians as much as parents. I’m looking forward to reading my copy to some young children and being involved in a lively conversation afterward.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, two picture books and one local history book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat

Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat by Jacque Duffy (Itchy Emu Press)

PB RRP $15.95

ISBN 9780646930497

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Anzac is an Australian story about a little goat. Won in a two-up game, his adorable Anzac eyes fail to win over the hearts of the cold family he comes to live with. In a case of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ Little Anzac finds that the family he ultimately belongs with is very unlikely indeed.

The story, set at a time where Australia is recovering from war, is heart-warming with its message and its lively illustrations will appeal to young children.

Jacque Duffy, a fine artist and children’s writer of several books, is based in Cairns.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

The Book of Storms

The Book of Storms by Ruth Hatfield (Hot Key Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-4714-0298-2

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

Danny O’Neill is an 11-year-old boy forced to do many adventurous things when his storm chasing parents disappear.

I really wanted to like this book. I loved the cover, and found the blurb intriguing. But I didn’t love it all. While parts of this book were brilliantly thought out and had me on the edge of my seat, they didn’t happen early enough in the story for me to be hooked. Sadly, there are parts that are very standard middle grade to the extent of being overly simplistic.

There was far too much thinking going on in the first half of the novel and the recurring conversations between Danny and his disbelieving older cousin Tom (a difficult character to like) made the book an overly long read.

Some of the characters are excellently written -- their voices perfect. Mitz the cat, and Shimny the pony, both add to the story as do the voice of the river and the song of the worms, clever really. Then you have the disturbing character of Sammael, a truly unsettling villain. I’ve not seen a villain quite like him in children’s literature since Lord Voldamort, actually I think he is more vicious and abusive than Voldy. He is utterly immoral and clearly missing any human empathy. He is a very strong, overpowering character. I kind of enjoyed reading him but found his nastiness just didn’t sit well with the cutesy talking animals and the over explanation of each ‘happening’.

It is as though the book was written for two completely different audiences and mashed together. Sammael deserves to have his own story, possibly something along the lines of a Criminal Minds episode.

As children often read characters older than themselves I thought eleven was too young for most of the content. This story had all the right ingredients, just in the wrong quantities. The ending is not completely expected and gives room for sequels as indicated by the final half of this novel with its change in pacing.

The book, if read in a classroom situation, could raise discussions of death, immortality, and the soul.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the book series ‘That’s not a …’ used in all Queensland state primary schools, a picture book The Bear Said Please and one local history coffee table book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Harvey Drew and the Bling Bots

Harvey Drew and the Bling Bots by Cas Lester, illustrator Sam Hearn (Hot Key Books)
PB RRP $12.95
ISBN 978-1-4714-0248-7
Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

 This is a very clever follow-up to Harvey Drew and the Bin Men from Outer Space,

perfect for boys age 7 -10, and chocker-block full of writing to induce belly-aching laughter.

 Thanks to the cover illustration I was reaching for this book wanting to know more about the boy running from the aliens. Speaking of aliens, the narrator in the story worked very hard to keep the reader up to date with space information in a, “If you don’t want to know more about… stop reading now”, kind of way -- very funny indeed. The narrator constantly teases the reader and keeps the story flowing.

Harvey is the captain of the Toxic Spew, a garbage-collecting spaceship in Galaxy 43b. He has no experience of being a ship’s captain as he is an Earthling and only 10 years old. He and his crew of strange, yet wonderfully portrayed … umm… people face challenges not every human child would ever encounter but could easily relate to.

The layout of the book is clean and easy to follow. Hearn’s illustrations are a big part of the book and keep the story flowing nicely giving affirmation to the younger reader who may be a little unsure. Each black and white illustration is strong and appears to be full of life and colour.

 This story is completely entertaining yet supports real life problems .i.e. space trash. Lester has included an interesting interview with a space specialist in regards to the clean-up operation being undertaken to remove space trash.

Young readers will enjoy this book.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, The Bear Said Please picture book and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Shiver the Whole Night Through

Shiver the Whole Night Through by Darragh McManus (Hot Key Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-4714-0409-2

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

Wow, what a powerful book. As the cover suggests the story is a little dark and ‘edge of seat’, the first chapter had me wondering just what I had picked up, so I took a deep breath, and continued reading. I soon discovered I couldn't put it down.

I normally am not a reader of paranormal, and confess to not realizing that’s what this story is at first, but I read late into the night, turning pages in a way that would have gratified the author. His writing transported me to a very unnerving place in Ireland (the guide to pronunciation of Gaelic words also helped take me there). If my experience is anything to go by, genre preference has little to do with captivating a reader.

The story begins with a boy about to end his life and the death of a school friend, uplifting, not really, but not depressing as I thought it would be. The story touches on Irish history and folklore and has some very surprising twists and turns making it a book that is difficult to put down.

Darragh McManus is an author, journalist, playwright, and screenwriter. Shiver the Whole Night Through is his first YA book. He has previously published two crime novels and a comic novel.

The book if read in a senior classroom situation would raise healthy discussion. I found it thought provoking, the serious matters of suicide, bullying, revenge, and peer pressure, are raised in this story. The characters are fully formed and each supports the main character well.

The story gives room for sequels and I am sure each would be an enjoyable read, in fact, I see a movie.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of picture book The Bear Said Please and the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

The Perfectionists

The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard (Hot Key Books)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 978-1-4714-0434-4
Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

This is one of those non-put-downable books. It is well written, the main characters are likeable, and the pacing is fast, but I have a problem.

Sara Shepard is the author of many popular books including the Pretty Little Liars series, which I confess to not having read but have heard quite a lot about. Pretty Little Liars has sixteen – yes, sixteen -- books in the series. Don’t get me wrong, I like a series, I don’t mind a little breathing space between books. I like to let the characters have a rest too, especially after a fast-paced book like this one.

But here is my problem. The Perfectionists has a lot of characters, starting with five girls plotting revenge against the school’s most popular boy slash bully; each of those girls has her own group of secondary characters, some of which are crucial to the plot. That is a lot of characters to make mental notes about.

I was enjoying this book immensely; not only are these girls managing to get themselves into all kinds of trouble - most of the time not of their own doing - but there has been a murder. Towards the latter half I found it hard to put the book down. I read faster and faster, needing to know who the bad guy/girl is and if the girls were going to be safe.

Then it ended.

Just like that.

I have no idea if these girls whom I had become so fond of were safe.

Looks as though I will have to wait for book number two; I hope it comes out fast.

The book, if read in a classroom situation, would raise healthy discussion. The serious matters of sex, drugs, bullying, suicide and revenge are raised in this story. The characters are fully formed and each has their own story to tell.

The story obviously gives room for sequels and I am sure each would be an enjoyable read.

 Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …’ learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools, a picture book The Bear Said Please, and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

 

The Bear Said Please

The Bear Said Please by Jacque Duffy (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $18.99

ISBN 978-1-921632-94-5

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

A hungry bear wakes with a rumbling tummy. After looking everywhere for some food, he jumps in his car and goes in search of a hive.  Happily, he finds one but there are also bees and they aren’t going to allow him to just take their honey. Pretty soon, the hungry bear learns that it’s better to ask nicely than take what isn’t yours.

The Bear Said Please is a lovely book that teaches the importance of good manners with gentleness and humour.  Written in rhyme, there is a good rhythm that helps the story bounce along and makes this a great read-out-aloud book. 

         “Hmmmm,” said the bear.

         “I need a hive.”

         He hopped in his car,

         And went for a drive.

         He went into the forest…

         Into the trees.

         There he found

         Some busy bees

Visually, I found the book really charming.  The illustrations are beautiful - simple and engaging – and I personally love Jacque Duffy’s particular artistic style.  The layout and placement of the text also contributes to the visual appeal this book: sometimes going up, diagonally or in circles.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Bear Said Please and would recommend it to anyone with a young person that needs to learn some manners (or learn what not to do around bees).

Jacque Duffy is the creator of the That’s Not A… series of children’s books.  She is an active member of various writing and illustrating organisations in Australia and Internationally. Her artwork has won many major awards and is in galleries and private collections around the world.  She lives in Far North Queensland with her husband and sons.  She can be found online at: http://www.jacquesartandbooks.com/

Marlo Can Fly

Marlo Can Fly by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921632-41-9

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book invites you to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed when I did. It is not only beautifully illustrated but beautifully written. It is the story of Marlo a young magpie that doesn’t want to fly. Instead she tries to copy the movements of various animals with humorous results.

The author Robert Vescio has managed to tell a story of this young magpie’s fear of failure, and the overcoming of this fear in a way that is not at all didactic and one children will enjoy.

Sandra Temple, the illustrator, is an award-winning artist with a love of conservation. Her illustrations are beautiful; they are soft but show the strength of the Australian bush and animals with the use of clean and crisp coloured pencils. This softness adds to the sensitivity of Marlo not wanting to fly and discovering it is something she can and should do.

 

With all of these positive elements rolled into one hard cover, this story shared by parent and child will make this book a favourite.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Motive Games

Motive Games by L.D.Taylor (Wombat Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-921632-25-9

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

Sadly for me, my teen years are forever behind me. With this in mind I would not be a target reader for this book. In fact, when I first picked it up, I groaned inwardly. Not only is it aimed at teens but it has a slight religious flavour too. I took a deep breath, and started reading. I soon discovered I couldn't put it down. This book is great read for kids aged twelve to kids aged ... well, much older than thirty five.

The book presents well with an interesting cover design and the screamer on the back cover almost dares you to read the book. 'When practically everyone you know hated your dad, where do you start to search for his murderer?' Why wouldn't you pick it up?

This story has everything in it to interest a young teenage reader, video games, movie line reference games, intrigue, murder, weird old guys... the list goes on. The language in the story is very now: texting, acronyms and words used specifically within computer technology is quite understandable (even for an oldie) and it moves the story along, possibly helping young readers enjoy it all the more. If help is needed with the jargon a glossary appears in the back of the book.

As I read this book for review I kept telling my son how much he is going to love this book. It contains everything he is interested in. L.D.Taylor has crafted a well written story that moves along at a comfortable pace keeping the reader interested and guessing as to who the murderer could possibly be right till the end.

The book if read in a classroom situation would raise healthy discussion. I found it refreshing, compelling and in places a little heart wrenching. Computer game design and physics are the stories spine supporting the serious matters of death and murder, these issues are handled in a modern yet sensitive way without being condescending or preachy. Teacher's notes are available. The characters are fully formed and each has their own story to tell.

The story gives room for sequels and I am sure each would be an enjoyable read.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Marty's Nut-free Party

Marty's Nut Free Party by Katrina Roe, illustrator Leigh Hedstrom (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-36-2

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

  

This book is suitable for pre-school aged children learning to read, older children and families. Marty's Nut-free Party is a fun looking book with colourful, clear illustrations inviting the reader to join the fun of the party.

The main character Marty loves going to parties. He is invited to all of them; he is always the first to arrive and the last to leave. That is until Marty discovers that peanuts make him sick, very sick. The story is well written and easy for young children to comprehend the dangers those children with allergies face and how easily they can find themselves in trouble. There is a extremely important message in this story wrapped in a very enjoyable read. The illustrations in this book are such that a non reader could understand the message in this story without it read to them.

Whilst reading this book to young children those parents (like myself) who have not come in contact with food allergy sufferers will now hopefully put more thought and care in the preparation of future party foods and school birthday cakes and lunches.

Even though this book contains a serious message reading this book together before lights out will be an enjoyable experience for the parent and the child. For Parents and Carers there are notes in the back of the book explaining more about allergies.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Imagine We Were

Imagine We Were by Renee Bennett, illustrated by Claire Richards (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-63-8

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

On first impressions this book is inviting, it begs for you to pick it up and have a read. I was not disappointed when I did. It is not only beautifully illustrated but beautifully written. A rhyming adventure for a mother and her baby, they imagine themselves to be a variety of animals always a mother and baby with the mother confirming her love.

The author Renee Bennett has managed, in a simple rhyme, to express a very important message, and one that shared by parent and child would make this book a favorite.

Claire Richards, the illustrator has illustrated six books. She works in watercolour, coloured pencil and crayon. The illustrations in this book are peaceful and comforting yet still loose, colourful, and full of fun.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book. www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Jac of Hearts

 Jac of Hearts  by Jenny Mahoney (Even Before Publishing)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 978-1-922074-13-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

With my teen years forever behind me, I am not a target reader for this book. In fact, when I first picked it up, I groaned inwardly. Not only is it aimed at teens but it has a religious flavour too. I took a deep breath, and started reading. I soon discovered I couldn't put it down.

I did have to push past a slightly awkward start, but then the story enveloped me like a warm shawl on a chilly evening. I read late into the night, turning pages in a way that would have gratified the author. As I mentioned, I am not this author's target audience but her writing transported me in a way few books have. And I read a lot of books. If my experience is anything to go by, preference has little to do with captivating a reader.

This is author Jenny Mahoney’s first young adult novel and with it being this good, I can't wait to read her next installments, she has a fan in me. Jenny has written a beautiful story of love, betrayal, strength and conviction of self. Jac, the main character wakes in a hospital bed after a car accident from which she is left an orphan. An estranged aunt and step cousin deliver her to her new home where she discovers that her spikey personality and attitude are no barriers to the friendship on offer.

The book, if read in a classroom situation, would raise healthy discussion. I found it refreshing: the serious matters of sex, drugs and death are raised in this story and handled in a modern yet sensitive way without being condescending or preachy. The characters are fully formed and each have their own story to tell.

The story gives room for sequels and I am sure each would be an enjoyable read.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Jade and El-Sea

Jade and El-Sea by J. W. Dickinson, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

PB RRP $18.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-24-9

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

The screamer on the back cover of this book had me reaching for it straight away; “When evil stalks the world, even dragons have to take sides”.

This is John W. Dickinson’s first young adult novel and is the story of El-Sea, a young penguin princess and her quest to save the world. The story begins when Jade, the ‘Guardian of the Mountain of Fire’ saves El-Sea’s life. She was dying at the entrance to his hidden fortress and needed his help to find the ‘Sacred Masters of the Deep’. Ancient text from the Hall of Knowledge in Jade’s cave fortress foretells of this quest although it is understood to be a myth until things happen to Jade and El-Sea to make them believe otherwise. A rough friendship blossoms as together they face dangers both man made and of El-Sea’s natural predators.

El-Sea is not an easy character to like and I had hoped as each stage of their quest progressed she would become more likeable. Sadly she did not. Jade however is an amiable and clever dragon and after being locked in his cave for two hundred and three years prior to El-Sea’s visit is more than happy to finally have a friend how ever difficult she may be. I must admit to finding it a little odd that El-Sea found the dragon attractive rather than seeing him as a friend and partner in battle.

The book is a chapter book, with each new chapter written in close personal third person told by either El-Sea or Jade. About a third of the way through the book another character La Roc is introduced and he has his own chapters. Occasionally I found I was re-reading several pages as I thought I had missed something. On one occasion El-Sea was trapped and facing certain death at the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next she was safe with no mention of how she escaped. However the story moved on at a reasonable pace and I soon forgot questions had not been answered. It is a loosely environmental story with reference to hunters (man). Perhaps it is an animals understanding of global warming and whale hunting.

I believe it would be a good book to read in upper primary classrooms. It would create interesting discussions on the environment and on behaviour. The story has all the elements of a great story, intrigue, adventure, action, environmental issues and a touch of romance; it had me turning the pages all the way to the end.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com