Sister Heart

Sister Heart by Sally Morgan (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978-1-92516-313-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Annie is taken away from everything and everyone she knows. Forcibly removed from her mother, stripped of her home, her culture, and even her name, Annie must make a new life for herself in a strange and cruel place without somehow losing hope that she will be reunited with her family one day.

This is a heart wrenching, poignant story about the stolen generation told from the perspective of a young girl removed from her family simply because she is of mixed race. It is told through verse, making the story so much more immediate, yet somehow lightening an emotionally heavy and hard subject. It is easy to connect to the young aboriginal girl as we are privy to only her intimate thoughts, her perspective and life through her eyes.

I want to go home

I want to smell warm rock

Run along a sandy creek

with my cousins

Watch flowers grow

after rain comes

Hug little sister

Understanding history is an important part of understanding our culture and ourselves. It helps us to be empathetic towards other people, accepting of different cultures and other lifestyles. The challenge is to engage children early and children are engaged by good stories. Sister Heart is a really good story, told well, with a fascinating main character and captivating plot.

Some middle grade readers may find it hard to get into because of its verse novel form which may be new to them, but persistence will reward them greatly. And the language is so evocative. One of the beauties of verse novel is that so much is said in so few words.

Everyone scatters

except the sun-bright girl

Sister Heart captures so much of what it is to be in the Australian landscape, the power of friendship, and the differences between the two cultures Annie has to contend with – her own and the one being forced on her.

I really loved this story. It is probably for the more mature middle grade reader, but the verse novel lends itself to less text which may appeal to others as well. I would encourage anyone with a love of history, Australian stories and beautiful poetic language to read this book.

Sister Heart was shortlisted in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the Victorian Minister’s Literary Awards, the Inky Awards, and was an Honour book in the CBCA Awards.

Twig

Twig by Aura Parker (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-76015-706-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Heidi is the new girl at Bug School but no-one, not even her teacher Miss Orb, notices her. She is shy and hangs about the edges, blending in with her surroundings. Heidi wishes someone would play with her and become her friend but it is not until Scarlett mistakes her for a twig for her project, that everyone finally sees her. And Miss Orb comes up with the perfect way for everyone to help Heidi feel welcomed and for her to not disappear into the background again.

Twig is a lovely story about gaining confidence in new surroundings, but it is also about being welcoming and accepting of others. Being a stick insect, Heidi does not stand out in the same way as the more sparkly, shiny or brightly coloured bugs and insects, but everyone has their own unique skills to share with a group.

The words used and their layout encourage fun reading out loud. The text is spare, but beautiful and full of movement and bustle.

The classroom was a flurry of counting and colour.

The illustrations, watercolour, pencils and pen, are beautifully enchanting and full of fun detail. They help tell the story, adding much left unsaid in the text. I can see children spending hours poring over the pictures, picking out different insects and activities. Some pages are less busy, especially the ones illustrating Heidi feeling left out, which emphasises the emotion of loneliness. The pages are full of soft colour, colours of nature – beetles, flowers and autumn leaves. Nothing in this story, words or pictures, is jarringly bright. It all flows harmoniously.

I think young children at the beginning of their school journey will identify with either Heidi, shy and trying to fit in, or the other bugs which perhaps need to slow down a little to see who around them may need a little extra help. Twig is a picture book which will appeal to children starting school, to insect and bug lovers and to those who love to ‘find’ items among the illustrations. There is a list of bugs to be found within the detailed end papers.

Twig was included in the recently announced Notables list for the 2017 CBCA Awards – Children’s Book Council of Australia

The Hungry Isle: Star of Deltora Book 4

The Hungry Isle: Star of Deltora Book 4 by Emily Rodda (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 978-1-74299-133-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All trades are completed, the contestants have done as much as they can, and it is now time to turn the Star of Deltora towards home. But the magic Staff of Tier has sensed Britta and her companions and is drawing them all towards the Hungry Isle. The shadowy wraiths who dance around Britta are growing in their excitement, becoming more visible, and increasing the tension between the ship’s crew and Trader Mab and her would-be Trader Rosalyn apprentices. What should Britta fear more, mutiny or the King of Tier? Is there any escape from the Hungry Isle?

The Hungry Isle is the fourth book in the wonderful Star of Deltora fantasy series, by popular Australian author Emily Rodda whose writing is varied and prolific. The Hungry Isle is a thrilling action-packed adventure, but it is also evocative and richly richly written.

The wraiths swooped around him, wild in their mourning, bright as exotic birds in the rainbow light. Their grief had made them daring. The king knew     he had to quell them.

Britta and her companions continue to grow throughout the series. As secrets are uncovered, intricate webs of untruths are picked apart.

Britta, Jewel and Sky were all characters I wanted to keep reading about when the story ended. In fact, I wanted to follow their lives beyond the pages of this book, even though the ending was totally satisfying with a wonderful twist I did not see coming.

The Star of Deltora is an absorbing and spellbinding series for middle grade readers. Its occasional links with other series by Rodda are subtle but add a depth to the stories and will delight Rodda fans when they come across them.

Secret Cooking Club

Secret Cooking Club by Laurel Remington (Chicken House) PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-910655-24-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Scarlett is sick of being the butt of everyone’s jokes at school. One of the stars of a mummy-blog that her mother writes every week, Scarlett can’t tell her mother how she feels about her personal life being broadcast for all. Rather than being anonymous (as her mother believes this blog to be), everyone knows Scarlett is the blog’s star. Feeling more like a victim than a star, Scarlett retreats into her loneliness until one evening she discovers the neighbour’s deserted kitchen, with ingredients left out just waiting for someone to cook.

Scarlett then begins a magical journey of discovery. Cooking, friendship and family bonds are all explored along the way and Scarlett discovers that some things are worth fighting for, worth the hard work.

This is an absorbing novel for middle grade readers. Cooking, a popular subject currently, takes centre stage as Scarlett learns to create and have confidence in the kitchen. She is an enjoyable character to spend time with, and one who grows and changes throughout the story.

I liked how friendship was portrayed in this story, not just between friends Scarlett and Violet, but also between the old lady and the girls, and between the family members. I particularly enjoyed the different view presented on the ‘mean girls’ clique. It was refreshing to see such a perspective on social interactions without resorting to stereotypes and laying blame.

Scarlett is a girl with inner strength and a heart in the right place. She knows the difference between right and wrong but is not always sure how to go about achieving it.

Although there is a boy in the Secret Cooking Club, this is really a book that girls will enjoy, especially those who love their cooking with a splash of mystery and a dash of romance.

Out

Out by Angela May George, illustrated by Owen Swan (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-74362-900-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A young girl and her mother flee the dangers of their home country and travel by boat to safety. They begin to feel happier and safer but the young girl still misses her Dad and hopes he can join them soon.

Out is a powerful, sensitive and touching story about asylum seekers. It cleverly illustrates the hardships of a family’s new life without being heavy or dark. Beautifully written, it is full of hope and optimism.

Now that we’re here, life on the boat seems so long ago.

These days, I run to win races.

These days, we camp for fun.

A traditional picture book, the text is sparse with carefully chosen words. The short, simple sentences make for easy reading but are wonderfully evocative.

The illustrations, soft and gentle, are integral to the story and add information which the words do not provide. To begin with the pages are mostly black and grey, with small glimpses of colour used to emphasise the emotions of the story. The happier and safer the young girl feels, the more colour is incorporated, until the last few pages are full colour illustrations. A yellow ribbon on every page, ties in with the emotions also.

This is a timely book. Refugees, asylum seekers and freedom are important and current issues right now. Out provides an insight into the lives of asylum seekers for young children in a relevant and age-appropriate way – through the magic of story and without talking down. Any book which may encourage tolerance and care for others is an important one.

Out is suited to the preschool age, from 4 years and up, but will also interest and resonate with primary age readers. 

Ducks Away

Ducks Away by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Omnibus Book)

HB RRP $19.99   ISBN 978-1-76015-851-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A mother duck is taking her five ducklings for a walk when a gust of wind blows one little duckling off the bridge and into the water below. One by one, as these curious little ducklings peek over the edge, they tumble into the water also, until the mother duck is left by herself wondering what to do. Her babies suggest she jump to join them, but it’s a long way down. What is Mother Duck to do?

The last book Fox and Horacek created together was Where is the Green Sheep? a delightful picture book full of humour, quirky characters/sheep, colour and entertainment. Ducks Away is just as enjoyable and engaging.

This simple story is perfect for the very young. The illustrations are entertaining and colourful, yet simple, with nothing distracting from the central storyline. It has a comfortable, story-telling voice, with repetition in the story structure as well as a repeated, rhyming refrain quacked by the mother duck.

‘What shall I do?

Where should I go,

With four on the bridge

And one below?’

The numbers in the refrain change each time another duckling falls, adding a new dimension to the traditional counting book.

Mem Fox is one of Australia’s best loved story tellers for the very young and with this new twist to the ‘Five Little Ducks’ classic it is easy to see why. This is a wonderful book to read to babies, toddlers and preschoolers at bedtime - or anytime of the day. The ending satisfyingly tips the mother/child bond on its head and sees the ducklings giving mum the confidence she needs to make the leap from the bridge.

The Seven Signs, Book 1: Skyfire

 The Seven Signs, Book 1: Skyfire by Michael Adams (Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $7.99   ISBN 978-1-74362-801-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Seven Signs is a new explosive and action packed series for middle grade readers by Australian author Michael Adams. Skyfire kicks the series off with the seven winners of the mysterious DARE competition all meeting for the first time and receiving amazing prizes. But this group of 15 year old geniuses are about to discover that there is something sinister lurking beneath the glitter, wealth and prestige of the award. That something will not only put their own lives in peril, but also the lives of those close to them. Will their combined intelligence be enough to solve the cryptic ‘signs’ being texted to them? And is there a connection between these signs and the shocking public attacks which are throwing whole countries into chaos?

By combining thrilling adventures, edge-of-your-seat action, exotic locations and unshakable friendship bonds, this series promises to deliver the same satisfying ‘teens save the world’ experience as The Last Thirteen series. The seven central characters are all likeable, not perfect and quirky enough to be interesting. Once you suspend your disbelief enough to allow for the post apocalyptic world which includes Space Skimmer ultra fast-jets, driverless taxis and other futuristic advances, it is not a big leap to fifteen year-olds who can save the world. And within this context, they do act in a believable way.

Jumping from character to character and location to location, keeps the action tight and constant. This is a book to speed-read cover to cover, with cliff hangers making it hard to put down. Skyfire is a thrilling read, perfect for adrenaline junkies and lovers of mystery, good versus evil plots and epic races to save the world.

The Great Barbie Disaster

The Great Barbie Disaster by Tania Ingram, illustrated by Christina Miesen (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-124-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Dad wants to make a barbeque. He comes from a long line of barbie builders and thinks shop bought barbies are for wimps. The trouble is Dad’s not very good at building things. The Great Barbie Disaster is a very funny story about all of his attempts to construct the perfect backyard barbie and what goes wrong – very wrong – each time.

There’s nothing more Aussie than a backyard barbie in the summer and this story captures the essence of summer and family. I related strongly as my father was a backyard builder and I suspect there are lots of kids out there who have watched or helped as Dad constructed a chicken coop, barbeque, cubby or outdoor furniture with varying degrees of success who will relate to this tale as well.

Part of the Mates series, this title is filled with the humour, Australian culture and entertaining storylines these Great Aussie Yarns are known for. Written for the eight year old age range, short chapters, large varied font and illustrations - which break up the text, filling the pages with colour and appeal - make this a perfect tale for beginner and young readers. The text is clear and uncomplicated and explains concepts such as the waste station within the story.

The voice of the girl who narrates the story is engaging. She is laid-back with just a tinge of sarcasm, but clearly loves and admires her Dad.

Using soft colours, the illustrator has created pictures which echo the humour of the words, enhancing the story and adding the enjoyment of the reading experience. These pictures, large and small, fill the pages and bring the characters to life.

Pig the Winner

Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-428-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Pig the Pug and his good friend Trevor are back. This time it’s Pig’s need to win at all costs that is highlighted. And as always, it is up to Trevor to save the day, and the Pug, but does this long suffering sausage dog get any thanks? Well, no, not really. But Pig does learn his lesson and the two dogs emerge as close as they were in the beginning.

Pig the Winner is a hilarious look at fair play and sportsmanship. 

Told in rollicking, rhyming verse which is a joy to read aloud, this cautionary tale will be an instant hit for those, young and old who have already fallen in love with these two dogs, and for those who are meeting them for the first time.

Trevor would say to him

‘Let’s just have fun.’

But Pig would reply –

‘It ain’t fun till I’ve won!’ 

The illustrations support the tone and humour of the story. Bright, glossy pages feature fabulous expressions on the two friends, taking the meaning of the text a step further. 

Fabulous fun for three year olds and older, Pig the Winner is the third Pig the Pug book. Each is as enjoyable as the last.

Aaron Blabey is a multi-award-winning author/illustrator and his genius is not in picture books alone. The Bad Guys is a very funny graphic novel series for middle grade readers which I would highly recommend as well. 

Outback Lullaby

Outback Lullaby by Sally Odgers, illustrated by Lisa Stewart (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-76027-648-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Outback Lullaby is a sweet, gentle, and rhythmic picture book depicting outback animals and their young sleeping in their natural settings. Many of the Australian animals in this book are used less often in stories - the Brolga, Thorny Devil and Numbat to name a few.

The language is lyrical and rolls beautifully off the tongue with calm, soft words making it perfect for reading aloud at bedtime.

The illustrations are also soft, with the colours of the Australian outback showing the landscapes these animals sleep (and live) in. They have a luminous quality to them, which evokes beautifully the twilight hours of bedtime for the young.

Outback Lullaby is the third picture book created by this talented author/illustrator team featuring iconic Australian animals in their landscapes. Rainforest Lullaby and Bushland Lullaby provide the same gentle, rhythmic bedtime reading with different animals to explore.

Clear rhyming text makes it perfect for preschoolers.

My Perfect Pup

My Perfect Pup by Sue Walker, illustrated by Anil Tortop (New Frontier)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-92505-960-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Milly and Max are looking for a puppy. One Milly can primp and preen. One Max can teach tricks to. When they see a tiny puppy at the pet shop they think have found their perfect pup. But has this little puppy found his perfect family?

This delightful story turns the idea of picking a perfect pet on its head. Here, it is the dog which picks the family he wants. And it is very clear why this family is more suited to him than his previous family.

The language the author uses is clear and simple, appropriate for the three to six year old age group. ‘...and Max’s tricks were always just a little too tricky’. It is also lively, ‘Collie pups bounced, and Pointer pups pranced, but the tiniest pup waited politely’ lyrical and fun to read.

The illustrations are bright and bold and full of humour. They enhance the text, telling parts of the story the text does not. This brings even more character to the dogs and children, adding to the appeal and helping to make this an engaging and entertaining picture book for preschoolers.

Little Bear’s First Sleep

Little Bear’s First Sleep by Lesley Gibbs, illustrated by Lisa Stewart (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99    ISBN 978-1-74362-401-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little Bear is ready for his first ‘big, big sleep’. Mum and Dad are settled in their cave, curled up for their long winter hibernation but Little Bear cannot get to sleep. As he tosses and turns, he wonders what the big sleep will feel like. As he sits, wide-awake, in the snow he decides he will have to be brave and put himself to sleep. As he watches his parents sleep he tries snuggling, singing and softly stroking his own ear. Will he ever be able to get to sleep before the soft spring breeze comes knocking on the door?

Little Bear’s First Sleep is a gentle story which will resonate with all young readers who have trouble getting to sleep - along with their parents. Little Bear is brave and determined and solves his own problem while his parents sleep on, illuminating this adorable little bear’s strength and character which children will be happy to relate to.

The text is lovely to read, combining Little Bears thoughts and actions beautifully with the illustrations.

Maybe it would be soft like his mother’s fur.

He waited with his legs curled high.

Evocative words create a calm tone for the story which is mirrored in the illustrations. Soft brushstrokes and pencil bring movement and expression to the pages. Little Bear is adorable. The muted colours of winter at the beginning, contrasts with the fresh bright colours of spring at the end, and both are highlighted by the dark pages in between while the bears are in the cave. But even here, a circle of glowing light surrounds Little Bear, making the dark cosy.

The illustrations also bring strongly the emotion of isolation bear feels when he is awake, alone, then the connection with family when he snuggles in to sleep.

This is a lovely bedtime story for four year olds and older, particularly perfect for those who struggle to sleep.

Marvin and Marigold: The Big Sneeze

Marvin and Marigold: The Big Sneeze by Mark Carthew, illustrated by Simon Prescott (New Frontier) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-92505-965-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Marvin the Mouse has a cold. This causes quite a problem for all those around him, especially for Marigold, his next-door neighbour. Marvin’s sneezes cause everything in Marigold’s house to clatter and crumble. So Marigold needs to come up with a solution. And quickly, before Marvin leaves.

The Big Sneeze is a delightful story told in lyrical rhyme. Although there are perhaps, more words than many picture books for this age, it is so rhythmic and fun to read aloud it’s hardly noticeable. The light-heartedness and meter of the words had me almost singing each page.

She built her house strong.

She built her house long –

With a bed made of feathers and sticks.

The illustrations match this bright, breezy, funny story. With the cracks and crumbles in everything around the two mice, the mice’s attire and the occasional subtle detail – like a cat’s tail glimpsed though a window – the pictures add to the enjoyment and comprehension of the story being told. And the twist at the end is told wholly by the illustration.

This is a picture book full of appeal and well suited to four to eight year olds. Older readers will also gain enjoyment from reading it aloud to their younger audience. 

The Midnight Possum

The Midnight Possum by Sally Morgan, Illustrated by Jess Racklyett (Omnibus Books) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-104-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Possum always begins his adventures at midnight. He loves to travel through the trees and grasses to get to the flowering gum where he can eat its flowers for dinner. On this night, however, before he can begin to nibble, he hears a cry for help. Can Midnight Possum help rescue Mother Possum’s baby? What further adventures await him now?

The Midnight Possum is a lovely picture book about bravery and helping others. The story is told simply, through both text and illustration, with a sense of movement and adventure created by active words as well as font and page layouts.

The blues and purple of the Australian bush at night fill the pages and highlight the different colours inside the house when possum performs his daring rescue. The effect of the acrylic painting and digital collages gives the story a soft atmosphere and adds a textured element.  

Sally Morgan is an Australian Aboriginal author, dramatist and artist who is widely known and published. She brings Australian animals, landscapes and Aboriginal culture and myths to life in many of her children’s and picture books. 

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-76015-906-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Turtle woke to play with his friend it was raining and when he knocked on Snail’s shell, he did not come out. Turtle tried to entice Snail out with all the fun tricks Snail usually loved: dancing, juggling, spinning, but still Snail stayed inside his shell. So, as the rain continued, day after day, and Snail continued to stay inside his shell, Turtle waited patiently and built a wonderful surprise for his friend.

This is a beautiful picture book story showing the warmth and importance of loyal friendship. Turtle is exactly the sort of friend everyone would love to have, one who stays true until you feel like coming out of your shell.

The words used are simple, full of movement, full of repetition and a joy to read aloud. ‘He added shapes and blobs of paint. Everything looked spooshy and bright and runny and wet’ The shapes and blobs of paint are dotted about the pages, twining in and out of the pictures, which moderates the speed and the rhythm the story is read at: ‘He gathered, ripped, bent, chewed ..’ with the author-illustrator providing space for the reader to stop and look at the illustrations.

The illustrations are instantly recognisable as belonging to King. The pages have a glow about them, even through the rain, with leaves forming frames around some pictures, and the detail of little animals among the foliage. The wonderful quirky character of Turtle comes out in his expressions, his hat and his beautifully patterned and brightly coloured shell.

Snail too, even though he is mostly curled up in his shell, has a sense of character shining through in the lean of his shell, in the way single raindrops seem to find his back, and through Turtle’s interaction with him.

A sequel to Snail and Turtle are Friends, Snail and Turtle Rainy Days is a subtle look at depression, and we can all help those who are feeling a little down and out at times.

This is a gorgeous picture book for a snuggly read with preschoolers. It will promote discussion about friendships and how we can help each other.

Ella Diaries: Worst Camp Ever

Ella Diaries: Worst Camp Ever by Meredith Costain, Illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-718-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

In the safety of her diary pages, Ella writes about her life, events, fears, triumphs and biggest secrets, many of which will be totally recognisable for the young girls – between the ages of seven and eleven years – who will read the Ella Diaries series. From her struggles at school to tackling the complicated tangles of social relationships and navigating the currents of friendships, Ella bares her soul on the pains of growing up and grade six.

In Worst Camp Ever, Ella goes on school camp with her class and discovers it is not all fun and excitement. Firstly, she has to share a cabin with scheming Peach Parker and her mean girl clique. Then there are scary noises at night. Not only that, she has to face the flying fox, one of her greatest fears.

And then it was my turn next.

And then the butterflies started fluttering around inside my stomach.

And whirlpools started whirling around in my ears.

And my brain went all fizzy, like it was going to explode into a gazillion trillion pieces.

So I swapped places in the line with Zoe. And then with Cordelia. And then with all the other Barracudas who hadn’t had a go yet.

Filled with doodles, drawings and the occasional poem, this is a light and humorous look at just how hard primary school can be. Ella has a delightful and entertaining voice and the intimacy of the diary text comes off naturally.

A popular series already, Ella Diaries is similar in feel to the well-known and loved series for boys, Tom Gates.