Tyenna: Through My Eyes

Tyenna: Through My Eyes – Australian Disaster Series by Julie Hunt and Terry Whitebeach, edited by Lyn White (Allen and Unwin) Paperback RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781760877019

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Tye spends summer holidays with her grandparents, in Tasmania, in the pristine wilderness of Clancy’s Point. Her relationship with her Mum, is up and down, and the time away in Tasmania offers her stability. Tye’s best friend Lily lives next door, and they share a love of the land and nature. Tye longs to take part in conservation projects and to learn more about taking care of the environment. This thrilling novel is about Tyenna’s experience of the terrifying 2019 Tasmanian bushfires.

Julie Hunt and Terry Whitebeach have developed a suspenseful and engaging text. The threat of a dangerous bushfire and a runaway boy keeps the reader on edge and wondering if they will survive. The characters are strong, and their voices are gripping. Each character is distinct and well developed. A range of character age groups are included, along with a wombat called Myrtle who creates havoc. This story builds empathy and understanding on many topics including – the elderly, bushfires, conservation, Aboriginal perspectives, education, friendships, family dynamics, LGBT and foster children are a few.

Tye is raw and honest with a believable teenage voice. ‘Why didn’t you tell her where you really are?’ Bailey looks down. ‘She might send me away.’ ‘Your auntie wouldn’t do that!’ Tye says. The text is educational and layered with lots of information about bushfire preparation and firefighting. Scientific names for flora and historical facts are included. Immediately a text comes in from Lukas. Hey, RUOK Just seen footage of burnt World heritage areas down your way. Ecological disaster. Are they going to wait till all the Gondwanian species are wiped out before they act? Or is it up to us? The text is a mix of short and long sentences that pace the story beautifully. What I particularly like about this text is that the reader is encouraged to think and question and be curious.

Tyenna: Through My Eyes is a wonderful story about family, friendship and community all working together during a bushfire emergency. I can see this book being used in schools because it’s a multilayered text that raises discussion about bush conservation and climate change. It is a book that will be a gripping read for children aged 11 – 14 years.

Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness

Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness written by Vikki Conley, illustrated by Penelope Pratley (EK Books) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 1 925820362

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Vikki Conley, captures being mindful in a quirky and wondrous way. Meet Tomorrow, a girl who is always in a hurry. She just might miss out on something. It’s not until Tomorrow trips over Yesterday that Tomorrow starts to slow down. It is poignantly clear Yesterday is stuck in the past. Then Tomorrow bumps into Today. She wonders why Today is standing there doing nothing. But is this really true? Tomorrow does slow down with Today and realises that she is missing out on things. And now her days are just that little bit slower.    

 

This is a picture book that is both current and topical. Its title captures the essence of the book and will command attention from a bookshelf. The natural dialogue and short sentences move the story along with haste as we travel along with Tomorrow. The questioning and answering allows the messages of the book to be told easily and simply. Vicki uses verbs to great effect and she captures the innocence of a child’s world. The ellipsis at the end of the story intentionally slows the character and the reader naturally down to bring mindfulness into play in the story.

 

Penelope Pratley starts this story with a mindful sky and clouds on the endpapers. Her realistic drawings and watercolours show the natural movement and speed of Tomorrow as she travels through the story. The body language of all the characters mirrors their personalities. The double page spreads with varying perspectives match the movement and flow of the story and its messages. I particularly love the double page spread of Today and Tomorrow with the creek, grass, and tadpole catching: it brings a smile.

 

Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness is a picture book with a timely message that’s for 3-8 years. This is a book that can be used as a tool for both parents and teachers. Tomorrow Girl A Tale of Mindfulness will gently encourage children to slow down and find magic in their everyday. It is a clever and sophisticated picture book.