Hotaka: Through My Eyes

Hotaka: Through My Eyes by John Heffernan (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99  ISBN 9781760113766

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

When media attention dwindles, we are left to merely imagine the after-effects of a natural disaster. How does a community recover from such a large-scale event? How do people unite to rebuild lives and towns when, in fact, so many are mourning their loved ones?

This novel, set in Japan, is the first in a promising new spin-off set of ‘Through My Eyes’ books (created by Lyn White) focusing specifically on natural disaster zones. The story is told from the perspective of a boy named Hotaka, and begins on March 11, 2011 – the day the northern coastline of Japan was struck by a tsunami that killed around 16,000 people. John Heffernan, who spent a month in the damaged Tōhoku region of Japan to research the novel, vividly describes the residents’ chaos and fear in a gripping, nail-biting introduction.

The story then cuts to 2014, three years later. The entire region is still a construction site. Many people are living in sub-standard accommodation. Hotaka is mourning both his friend, Takeshi, and his grandfather. Haunted by memories of that fateful day he tries to busy himself organising a memorial concert, enlisting the help of his two best friends (Osamu and Sakura). Sakura starts getting fired up about the seawall the government has arranged to build, and Hotaka doesn’t initially understand why. His beloved Uncle Yori explains it better: ‘We’re part of Nature. We can’t shut it out with walls. We have to live with it, not against it.’

Sakura, whose own tragic past is eventually revealed, starts a major community revolt against the wall, against the government and against the construction company. Together with Hotaka, Osamu, and the power of social media, their campaign reaches far and wide … but it seems the corrupt mayor will stop at nothing to silence them.

This uplifting work of historical fiction, targeting readers aged 11–14 years, is a compelling read in or outside the classroom. Its themes cover family, friendship, identity, community and government corruption. A glossary, timeline of events, and list of websites has been included. The novel is a wonderful exploration of the positive community forces at play when disaster strikes, delivering a beautiful message: ‘Sadness is not necessarily the enemy of happiness … for the dark gives the light a place to shine.’

The Last Thirteen Book 10:4

The Last Thirteen Book 10:4 by James Phelan (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-193-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

13 books. 13 nightmares. 1 destiny.

Beginning in Japan, where Sam and Issey were rescued in dramatic fashion in the last book, the action quickly moves to Cambodia. It is here Sam has dreamed the tenth Dreamer will be located. It seems that many of the world’s leaders are now united behind the Dreamers in the race to save the world, but rather than making the task easier for Sam and his team, the effect of increased exposure makes it harder for them to move about with the stealth and speed they need to stay under the radar of Stella, Hans and Solaris.

While Sam and Poh - the tenth Dreamer- evade poachers and bandits among the ruins of Angkor Wat in the search for the next gear, Alex is facing problems of his own. Heading for Antarctica with Hans and Dr Kader, their vessel is under fire, with missiles from an unknown source bearing down on them.

Meanwhile, it is time for Eva to enter the Dreamer Doors tournament with Zara and Xavier. Although nervous, Eva has confidence in her team and her destiny. Once inside the arena, however, it becomes apparent there is something very wrong. Can she find the right door and escape before it is too late? Can the rest of her team?

The Last Thirteen has a serialized story line which does need to be read in order, from 13 to 1. 4 is therefore the tenth book in this series, and ends in the customary tense cliff hanger with the knowledge that there are only 14 days left to save the world.

This is an action packed, addictive series for children 10 years and up. With its strong females characters - heroes and villains - girls will enjoy it at least as much as boys.

There is also an on-line companion page, www.thelast13.com, with VIP Access, e-newsletters, access code breakers and many more features.

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. 

Samurai Kids Book 7: Red Fox

Samurai Kids Book 7: Red Fox by Sandy Fussell, illustrated by Rhian Nest-James (Walker Books)
PB RRP $ 15.95
ISBN 9781922077509
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The Sea Dragon is shipwrecked and Sensei and the Little Cockroaches, working as crew, are cast into the sea. Niya awakes alone. With a sprained ankle, and having lost his crutch, he drags himself and whatever useful debris that has washed up, to a place of shelter.

Beneath his makeshift cover, he imagines the worst about his friends. He believes he is being taken prisoner when men come and carry him away to their village nearby.  But relief replaces anxiety when Chen appears and hospitality is offered. Sensei’s teachings regarding respect for the customs of the people they encounter are adhered to in return.

Youke, a princess that has chosen not ‘to live life as a caged bird’ is passing through the village with her companion Somnang, who chooses not to speak. The two samurai believe if their companions are alive, they’d be headed to the temple at Angkor. Youke offers to show them the way. Unexpected adventures and many dangers challenge the group from the outset of their journey, beginning with Niya being bitten by a snake in the forest. During his delirium, Sensei’s voice in his head directs him to the monks’ temple.

Niya’s hopes soar when a passing traveller informs the group that another boy wearing the same clothes, who is ‘blind, but it’s as if he can see’, is in his village.

Chen makes a friend of the silent Somnang through their mutual interest in drawing and the journey is filled with creating maps and images of the birds they encounter.

At the temple they reunite with Sensei and the others except for Yoshi, who is now receiving medical treatment at the King’s palace after being hurt while saving a girl from a tiger.

But a new threat enters the lives of the Little Cockroaches and Sensei in the form of Chan-Zen, a noted physician visiting the temple. The group is immediately uncomfortable in his presence and sense he is not what he appears to be. They are forced to accept his company as they travel towards Yoshi in Udong. There are challenges and moral dilemmas for the group to work through, while Chen makes a life-changing decision. They must look to Sensei’s teachings to do the right thing at all times, adhering to the samurai code of chi, jin, yu – wisdom, benevolence and courage.

EJ12 Girl Hero: Kimono Code

Kimono Code (EJ12: Girl Hero) by Susannah McFarlane (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-1-92193-115-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Emma Jacks has a secret. This seemingly average ten year lives a double life. She is a spy in the under 12 division of SHINE, an agency devoted to stamping out evil plots designed to harm the world. Recruited after winning a maths competition, EJ12 (Emma’s spy name) specialises in cracking codes and thinking logically under pressure. While EJ12 is out in the field on a mission she is confident, brave and holds her own. But back at school, Emma has trouble dealing with the mean girl Nema and her constant taunts.

EJ12 Girl Hero is an adventure series for girls, full of secret agents, secret tunnels, evil plots and fabulous spy gadgets. But it is also full of everyday problems, friendship groups and loyalty. And as each mission takes place in a different location around the world, when SHINE battles the evil agency SHADOW, each book also offers interesting cultural facts.

Kimono Code, the 14th in the series, takes place in Japan where EJ12 must do battle with the SHADOW operative behind a string of geishas who infect cherry trees with blossom block. While she is on this mission she learns about Japanese culture, traditions and even picks up a little of the language.

Each book starts and finishes at school, with a problem that Emma needs to address. In Kimono Code she is coming up against Nema in karate competition. Although the mission (which is the middle section of the book) does not solve this problem, it does indirectly help her to manage the issue with Nema, giving Emma a fresh way to look at the situation.

This simple structure works well. It will appeal to 8 to 12 year olds as a fast paced and exciting read for girls. The book has large type and is bound in an attractive and eye catching silver cover which should stand out well on the shelves. For readers who like to be actively involved in solving the mystery, the codes are achievable.

The writing is bright and fun. I really enjoyed the disguises, the plot, the villains and the concept of the charms on Emma’s bracelet. The gadgets are so marvellously over-the-top that I can’t help but think of James Bond.

This book would be fine read as a standalone, but there are plenty in the series for those who get hooked. I’ll be looking at the backlist now.

Keep an eye out for the animals EJ12 seems to acquire in each of the adventures.

Billie B Brown:The Copycat Kid

The Copycat Kid (Billie B Brown) by Sally Rippin (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $7.95

ISBN 978-174297141-4

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

Billie B Brown is a wonderfully strong honest character. We meet her dressed to impress and excited about having a new student in her class. The new girl has come from Japan and Billie has been assigned the important role of being the new girl’s buddy. She is excited and enjoys her first day of being a special friend. The second day brings a new and upsetting challenge for Billie – the new girl is copying everything she does. We follow Billie as she tries to deal with the situation.

Billie B Brown is an exciting, active and open little character. She loves colour (not just pink), has a boy as a best friend and serves as a positive role model. I recommend this story and series. The language throughout is age appropriate with new or difficult words printed in bold, encouraging readers to pay attention and determine their meaning. New concepts, such as writing in Japanese, are introduced and reinforced with graphics and an appropriate amount of repetition within the story. The narrator also speaks directly to the reader asking questions and encouraging thought and interaction.

Billie B Brown books have sold over 220,000 since their launch only 12 months ago. This story was a good read, encouraging and interesting. It is also accompanied by a colourful and easy to use website – www.BillieBBrown.com

Aoki

Aoki by Annelore Parot (Hardie Grant Egmont)

Padded HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-174297003-5

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au 

Aoki is a visual and textual delight. It is a padded hardback with the image of Aoki stitched onto the cover. I have enjoyed just having my hands on this book it has such a unique and enticing design.

Aoki is a Japanese Kokeshi doll. Kokeshi dolls were traditionally made from left over wood with sculpted hair and little rounded bodies. Now they are coloured. This book centers on Aoki who is one of a family of dolls. They are a cute set of dolls, with attention to the little details such as rosy cheeks, cherry hair bands and matching lunch cloth bags and dresses.

In this story Aoki is off to visit her friend Yoko who lives in Tokyo and “is one of the most kawaii (cute) of kokeshis!” The story is sweet and the images are typically Japanese – attractive, high use of colours and patterns and very cute. The book incorporates Japanese language throughout and various culturally significant concepts such as the search for beauty, cherry blossoms, the high speed train, bento lunch box and relaxing in Zen gardens.

The internal pages incorporate a wide range of visual discovery and presentation, from peep windows, to lift flaps of all shapes and orientations and raised graphics on the final spread. All of my children (and I) enjoy holding the book and moving through each double page spread. Even the youngest child (3 years) could enjoy this story and the overall book without my supervision. It is a delightful, positive and satisfying story of discovery and adventure. I recommend this absolute delight of a book.

Kensuke’s Kingdom

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-4052-4856-3

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

I picked this book for the title – Kensuke’s Kingdom. I gravitate towards Asian titles/influences and in general it has paid off, think Samurai Kids and Dragon Keeper recently. Kensuke’s Kingdom turned out to be a wonderful, enthralling read that I could not put down. This book is at the top of the highly recommended list. In fact I am looking forward to reading it again – a bit slower this time – if only I could get it back off my children!

I will make a full admission of my ignorance here - when I picked up this book I had no idea of its history. Michael Morpurgo has written over 40 books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children’s Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. This is one of Michael Morpurgo’s best selling books and I can see why. It is brilliant.

This book is a page turning adventure. Michael is an 11-year-old boy who gets lost at sea with his dog. They are rescued by a mysterious Japanese elder and live together on an island amongst the Orangutans and Gibbons. This book has all the makings of a grand tale of adventure – a boy, his dog, a near deserted island, forests, wilderness, mosquitoes that eat Michael alive, a desperate search for water/survival, loneliness and friendship.

This is a re-release of Kensuke’s Kingdom including full colour artwork by the original illustrator, Michael Foreman. The colour and graphics do add to the story. They are gentle, well placed illustrations that add to the feel and beauty of the story.

Only read this book if you have a day free, as you will not be able to put it down. I highly recommend Kensuke’s Kingdom.

Moonshadow 3: The Twilight War

Moonshadow 3: The Twilight War by Simon Higgins (Random House)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-8647-1977-2

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Moonshadow returns in his most deadly mission yet in The Twilight War. It is a novel for younger readers that focuses on Grey Light Order, a clan of samurai caught up in a feud with the Fuma Clan.

Fans would have noticed Moonshadow’s friend Snowhawk, an ex-member of the Fuma Clan is now accepted by the Grey Light Order, but there are still lingering doubts. Is Snowhawk really a double agent? 

The Fuma Clan attack the Grey Light Order’s headquarters and snatch Snowhawk, but no one knows for sure if she was kidnapped or willingly left with them. Moonshadow is determined to find out the truth. He is sent to track Snowhawk down and see which side she’s really on.

Higgins’s expertise in Japanese martial arts and ancient history adds an extra layer to this exciting story. Like with other books in the series, there’s a glossary with Japanese terms. I’d recommend it to anyone who is learning about Japan at school or just interested in Japanese culture. The action is relentless as Higgins gives detailed descriptions of all the moves and strategies. It’s like reading a manga without the pictures, though it’s easy to really picture this like it’s an anime adaptation.

The characters have their quirky personalities. I loved reading more about Groundspider as he accompanies Moonshadow on the mission. He’s a dependable guy with a wicked sense of humour. He supplies most of the lighter moments in a tense story. Regular favourites also return but essentially this is all about Moonshadow.  

The Twilight War sets things up for another heart-thumping book. You don’t need to read the previous books. However, I’m sure new fans will want to read them all after this latest instalment. Highly recommended for ages 9 and up.  

Yumi

Yumi by Annelore Parot (hardie grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921690358

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This amazing book introduces the Japanese kokeshi doll. It is an ingenious concept for a picture book and is aimed at teaching children about Japanese culture in an interactive way.

The character’s name is Yumi. She introduces herself from inside a cut-out framed image. Another full length Yumi follows surrounded by her accessories: sashes, fans, umbrellas, kimonos, socks, handbags, teapots, hair combs and more. Yumi’s name written in Japanese edges the left-hand page.

A double page depicts a large horizontal Yumi. In her head space are pictures in square caption form of her pet Bamboo, her best friend Sakumi, and a plan of her house. In the top part of her chest is the framed form of the city. On her sash are the shops, and on the lower part of her kimono is a picture of the dream garden and two pictures of Kimi’s party. These are labelled in English and Japanese. This sequence of frames are the events ahead.

Yumi’s kimonos fill the page. She peeks out from behind a partition of dialogue about her clothing. She invites suggestions about what to wear.

We must find her best friend Sakumi amongst the rows of kokeshi dolls on the page or under two additional flaps, and her pet, Bamboo, hidden amongst a forge of vivid colour and design against a black background.

Kimi’s having a party. Beautiful coloured kites in fish designs are floating in the wind as it gains force and the petals from the cherry blossoms float competing with the kites.

The costume shop is Kimi and Yumi’s destination. They must follow the detailed signs to find their way. Two pages of horizontal fold-outs exhibit all the costumes available. They return to Kimi’s house where they change and move toward the buffet meal of delicious, mouth-watering Japanese food.

They leave while the cherry blossoms and the trees are still visible. Then night is upon Yumi. ‘The animals have all gone to sleep and the trees are full of dreams’. The little kokeshi doll salutes the day inside a folded envelope of the same beautifully spotted design as her favourite kimono and the back cover.

This magnificently presented book has a padded hardcover decorated with Japanese prints. A sewn on character of Yumi wearing a red spotted kimono with a patterned waist band is depicted on the front against a sea-green background. The end pages have identical pictures of all the characters appearing in the book but with a different background colour. A second book, Kimonos, is also available.