Shadow Play

Shadow Play by Kate Forsyth. Illustrated by Rosalie Street. Wombat Books  August 2024. PB Hardback 32 pages RRP $26.99. ISBN 9781925563740 

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Young Minnie May is afraid of everything, including her own shadow. It follows her everywhere, swirling in the water, crouching under her bed, reaching with black claws from the trees and looming large and terrifying in the tall buildings around. Minnie’s only way of escape is to hide, crouching low under a large parasol until the shadow shrinks away.

One day when Minnie is hiding, she spies another shadow, larger than her own. The shadow belongs to an older boy called Ziggy. Ziggy isn’t afraid and shows Minnie many things that can be done with shadows, such as telling the time and casting shadow puppets on the wall. They swing high together and make their shadows fly through the air. Now Minnie isn’t afraid of her shadow any more, in fact, she likes her shadow.

The key points from the publisher are that the story is one of self-acceptance and emotional awareness in young children. It embodies strong themes of overcoming your fears and uses vibrant illustrations to encourage imaginative play with others. These themes will resonate with young children in a wide range of settings.

The author, Dr Kate Forsyth, is an award-winning poet, author and storyteller.

Wolves of the Witchwood: The Impossible Quest #2

Wolves of the Witchwood: The Impossible Quest #2 by Kate Forsyth (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-407-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

After freeing a unicorn from the gloomy castle of Lord Mortlake, four frightened children flee into the dense and foreboding Witchwood. Tom, Quinn, Elanor and Sebastian - the four prophesized to free the kingdom - are surrounded by the howling of wolves, alone and unsure about what to do next. The existence of the unicorn by their side is proof that the mythical beasts they seek are definitely real – or at least one is. But where can they begin the search for a griffin, a dragon or a sea serpent?

The appearance of the wise witch Wilda seems to be a blessing, but can she really be trusted? And will the horrific bog-men, agents of Lord Mortlake, find the children in the depths of these dark woods?

Wolves of Witchwood is the second in an exciting new fantasy adventure series for middle grade readers. The action is fast-paced, but the storyline itself is steeped in magic and old world atmosphere. The four children are solid characters with realistic intentions and are easy to spend time with. As the story progresses, they change, grow and learn to use and harness the power of their magical gifts, make better decisions and learn to work together as a team.

There are many surprises waiting within the pages but they are logical and you can always see, in hindsight, that of course that was going to happen. The suspense builds well with cliff-hangers at the end of short chapters, causing the reader to speed up, keep pace with the action, and reach for the next book in The Impossible Quest series.

Escape From Wolfhaven Castle: The Impossible Quest #1

Escape From Wolfhaven Castle: The Impossible Quest #1 by Kate Forsyth (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-406-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Tom is a kitchen hand, trained to scrub pots in Wolfhaven Castle under the watchful eye of his mother, the castle's cook. But after Lord Wolfgang ignores a wild man’s warning the castle is attacked, leaving Tom on the outside alone with Elanor, the lord's daughter, Sebastian, a knight in training, and Quinn, the witch’s apprentice. It soon becomes clear that it is up to these four children to fulfil an old prophecy to save Wolfhaven castle with their friends and family who are held prisoner inside.

Escape from Wolfhaven Castle is the first book in a series of five which mixes fantasy and adventure in an action-packed quest, which will enthral both boys and girls in equal measure.

The characters are strong, likeable and believable. They don't know each other at the beginning of the journey and often have disagreements about the best way to achieve the quest - or even if it is actually a quest - but it is this newness that helps the reader get to know the characters as the children grow into their relationships.

Medieval in feel, and darkly ominous, the story follows these four children as they desperately try to outrun frightening bog-men and pursue treasures held by griffin, unicorn, sea-serpent and dragon – even though they do not fully believe in the existence of these mythical creatures.

Although dark and a little scary in some places, the structure of the traditional quest, and the age and motivations of the characters makes this series suitable for nine year olds and up.

This fast-paced adventure is hard to put down and I was eager to pick up the next one as soon as I closed this first book.

Two Selkie Stories from Scotland

Two Selkie Stories from Scotland retold by Kate Forsyth, illustrated by Fiona McDonald (Christmas Press)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9780992283827

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Following the success of Two Trickster Tales from Russia, Christmas Press presents their second book, Two Selkie Stories from Scotland. These two magical fairytales are retold by the gifted storyteller Kate Forsyth, with stunning illustrations by the hugely talented Fiona McDonald.

In The Selkie Bride, Forsyth applies her gift to the tragic tale of a shape-shifting Selkie whose skin was stolen and hidden by the man that fell in love with her, thus keeping her from returning to her home in the sea. Her anguish and heartbreak at being confined to land is later assuaged by her daughter who discovers the skin, and facilitates the Selkie’s escape.  The cost of this choice is the separation of mother and child.

In the Kingdom of the Seals is a mesmerising tale of death and reinvention. A seal hunter is drawn down into the sea after he wounds a bull. He becomes as one of them; views their life and the beauty of their existence. But only he is capable of healing the wound he inflicted. Again, choices must be made. His old life is buried and a new one is born.

These two stories have mythological origins drawn from Scottish folklore. They are something far more magical than fairytales. This is due to Kate Forsyth’s insightful and poetic retelling, combined with the beauty of Fiona McDonald’s equally insightful illustrations. These two creators have links to Scottish ancestry. This connecting thread adds a personal and authentic element to the translation.

The print and pages are delicate as is the content and overall design. This is the second publication by the new Christmas Press, with two more books planned for release before the end of the year. Collectors, be on the alert, as these productions are works of art in every sense.

Grumpy Grandpa

Grumpy Grandpa by Kate Forsyth, illustrated by Annie White (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-175-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Grumpy Grandpa is a humorous story, told in rhyme, about a young girl’s visit with her grandfather. She is a little scared of him and his gruffness, but by the end she overcomes this fear and comes to the realisation that he is, as her mum says, ‘a funny old teaser’.

I am immediately drawn to the title and the first page – both text and illustration – is an enticing start to the story plunging the reader straight in. It does take a couple of read-throughs to get the rhythm right but it is worth it. The language is rich and descriptive, Grandpa ‘honks like an elephant into a hanky’ giving her ‘ghastly nightmares’.

The illustrations are fabulous and focus mainly on the girl – with her braid always flying backwards – and her grandpa in his flannel shirt and braces. Although the words make Grandpa seem harsh and scary especially when he asks ‘are you grizzling? Or are you singing?', the pictures give away the suppressed grin beneath his bushy eyebrows and crinkly eyes.

This story presents a unique view of a grandparent/grandchild relationship and is one that I think many young children will find reassuring. And they will respond also to the cheekiness of the story.
A great picture book to add to any collection.