Kid

Kid by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9780702269257

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

‘Bravest goat in the world.’

Every kid needs a mantra. Something to say out loud several times a day. Something to strive towards. And something to believe.

‘Kid’ is a kid – of the baby goat kind. And like many human ‘kids’, Kid is determined, unstoppable, a little literal and sometimes in need of a hug.

Life on the farm is calm and happy. Kid has friends who care for him – Audrey the hen, Harriet the pig – but he misses his parents who left the farm in pursuit of a fox and never returned. Every night, Audrey tells Kid stories of his parents’ bravery and how they found happiness in ‘the wild ’, but after time, Kid starts to wonder why they never returned.

Kid wants to be brave, just like his parents, so every day he practises what goats do best – jumping, climbing and butting.

Eventually, with some encouragement from Cow and Bird, who live at the far end of the farm, just before the wild, Kid decides he’s going to leave and find his family. His friends warn him that, because of Ma the Maremma’s strict adherence to ‘Farm Law’, he’ll never be able to return, but the pull of family overrides everything.

There are many questions to be answered. How will a tiny kid survive out in the wild? Are Kid’s parents even there? Why are Audrey and Harriet so determined to accompany him? And who is that big, dark beast that seems to be following him?

While Kid is a goat, and while all the other characters – Audrey, Harriet, Ma, Cow, Bird and so on – are also animals, they are so human-like in their qualities that it is easy to draw comparison with the people you know and love (and are maybe slightly apprehensive of) in your life. For me, Audrey was the teaching colleague who took me under her wing when I was new to the game; it was her voice I heard as I read.

Peter Carnavas’ beautiful words, his ability to develop relatable, lovable characters and to simultaneously create a quiet but tension-filled plot really shine in Kid. This is a story that is going to become a firm ‘read-it-again’ classic.

The perfect book for independent readers, Kid would also be a delight to read as a bedtime serial or class novel. (Teachers – there are teaching notes on the UQP website.)

With its gentle narrative, pops of dry humour and characters you want to cheer along, readers aged 5 to 8 – along with their parents and teachers – are going to fall in love with Kid.

S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies

S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies by Tim Ayliffe (Affirm Kids, Simon & Schuster) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9781761636615

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

The opening sentence of Tim Ayliffe’s debut middle grade thriller, S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies, is simple, but telling (and subtly foreshadowing). Oliver Speed is indeed running – and spends most of the book doing so.

Ollie is training for the upcoming cross-country event. In Year 9, he’s determined to win after the previous year’s disaster when he neglected to put his Ventolin inhaler in his pocket. He finished – last – a fact which his arch rival, Tank, never fails to mention. He has a solid training regime and a strategy, neither of which include finding a body in the park.

Gruesome discovery aside, there is a lot more going on in Ollie’s life and, rather than being the ultimate climax, this discovery is merely a seemingly random incident that suddenly opens up questions that throw Ollie’s life into further turmoil.

Ollie’s father has been missing for ten months but now it seems there might be something more sinister about it.

Along with his drone-and-crime-obsessed friend, George, and wannabe journalist friend, Ella, Ollie unwraps a trail of clues and connections that make him start questioning the truth of his life.

Web of Spies is not author Tim Ayliffe’s first rodeo in the thriller genre, with at least six adult thrillers to his name, but it is his first venture into the world of middle grade fiction – and he’s nailed it.

Readers will connect with Ollie from the start – it is sporty but grounded, with solid friendships, realistic goals and a loss that all of us either fear or have experienced.

The tension is there in the opening chapter and keeps increasing, engaging readers and making them think, trying to work things out and becoming just as confused as Ollie about whom to trust.

My only gripe is that the story question I had throughout was not fully answered – then again, this is a series, albeit with a longish wait (September 2027) for book 2.

Tim Ayliffe’s background as journalist who chased global stories of political power games is evident in all of his novels, and his ability to make these kinds of stories accessible for a younger audience, without losing any of the intrigue or making it sound ‘dumbed-down’ is commendable.

Written for the 10–14 age range, S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies is accessible for the younger end of the range, but with enough believability and top-of-mind themes to appeal to an early secondary school audience. Whether or not you’re a fan of the Alex Rider series, if you’re after an edge-of-your-seat read featuring characters who you can identify with, and a teen crime without overt violence, this is the book you’re looking for.

The Casting Dilemma

The Casting Dilemma by Lynne Stringer (Rhiza Press) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761113246

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Insecurity at any age is hard to grapple with, but for teens who are often pulled between independent adulthood and the need to fit in, it can be debilitating.

For Year 10 student, Kate, it’s her appearance that causes her self-doubt – particularly her nose. Even with encouragement from her parents and best friends, Tash and Michael, she must force herself not to let it stop her from auditioning for the lead role in the school musical.

Kate knows she performed so much better than the others on the day – even top contender, Ashleigh – but then she overhears her teachers’ conversation and her initial hopefulness is once again muddied with doubt. Will she get the role? If she doesn’t, will she really want to settle for another role?

The weeks leading up to the performance are full of highs and lows as Kate continues to struggle with self-confidence and pride.

The Casting Dilemma homes in on the internal struggles that all readers, irrespective of age, will face at least once in their lives – the fear of failure, the feeling of never being enough, and the overwhelming desire to succeed.

A school musical is the perfect backdrop to explore these emotions, which could equally apply to other settings such as sport tryouts, job interviews and writing or art competitions – anywhere you must put yourself out there to be measured up against others.

Lynne Stringer has managed to capture this internal emotional hotpot, making Kate a relatable character we instantly connect with and want to cheer on as we ride the roller coaster of self-doubt, excitement and disappointment with her.

The Casting Dilemma is another addition to the Rhiza Press ‘Rhiza Shorts’ series of bite-sized but complete narratives with strong storylines for teens who may either be reluctant readers or time-poor booklovers.

In a world where our attention spans are in rapid decline at the hands of a technology obsession, the Rhiza Shorts series – with its Minimal Words Maximum Impact promise – aims to bring reading back on the agenda.

Mystery of the Missing Turtles

Mystery of the Missing Turtles written by Deborah S. Bower, Ricky-John Spencer, Michael B. Thompson, James U. Van Dyke and Elizabeth Hale, illustrated by James O’Hanlon (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9781486320288

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

If turtles aren’t already your favourite animal, they will be after reading this book.

Brooke lives on a farm and loves nothing more than exploring the creek where she spends her days watching the skinks, water dragons, rakali and all the other animals and birdlife. But the ones she loves the most are the different types of freshwater turtles.

One day she notices there are plenty of big, old turtles but no babies.

Determined to discover why, she goes exploring, only to discover plenty of nests that all contain broken egg shells. With her father’s help, Brooke sets up a trail camera to try and find out who the thief is.

That night, the camera captures the image of a red fox and Brooke realises she’ll need to do something if she doesn’t want the turtle population to die out.

Inspired by the work of Kamilaroi Indigenous scientist, Dr Brooke Kennedy, Mystery of the Missing Turtles not only brings awareness to the often-unnoticed fate of our wildlife but also shows children that there are things they can do to help – even if it’s only on a small scale at first.

A collaborative effort between researchers, scientists, universities and government departments, this picture book is part of the 1 Million Turtles Program. Beautifully illustrated by James O’Hanlon, the story is both compelling and packed with information, including a detailed backmatter section with everything want to know about Australian turtles (including the fun stuff) and a comprehensive glossary.

CSIRO Publishing has identified Mystery of the Missing Turtles for readers aged 5–9 years (and has comprehensive teaching notes on their website) but I personally think this book is the perfect read for people of all ages who love turtles and care about sustainability and the longevity of Australia’s wildlife.

Calm Your Farm

Calm Your Farm written and illustrated by Dale Baker (Little Big Sky Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923514256

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Has anyone ever told you to ‘calm your farm’? Settle down? Stress less? Just be quiet?

Despite the crow of a rooster in the morning, the moo of cows, the cluckety-cluck of chickens and the occasional grunt of a pig, farms are not exactly known to be noisy and chaotic places. Busy, yes. Needing to be told to ‘calm down!’, no.

Welcome to Dale Baker’s farm.

A farm where the animals have, to put it simply, gone berserk.

Imagine the chaos caused by ducks with water guns, egg-throwing chickens and tractor-driving cows (who probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel). All the animals are running amok … except one little fella, and he just doesn’t know what to do … until it all gets too much!

The question is ‘why?’ What has caused this farm to lose its calm?

Dale Baker’s lively illustrations capture the pandemonium of farm life when things go just a little (or a lot) awry.

Children aged 4 – 8 years will delight in Calm Your Farm – the rollicking story of a farmer and one sensible duck who just want everyone to do their job.

I Love to Draw

I Love to Draw written and illustrated by Dale Baker (Little Big Sky Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923514263

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Do you love to draw?

Or maybe you love to write?

What if you could hone your skills in both – like Dale Baker demonstrates in I Love to Draw?

This fun concept book is part expository text aimed to convince readers how much fun drawing is, and part instruction manual with some fun (and easy-looking) drawing activities. The simple narrative, told by an unseen narrator who clearly wants to share his love of drawing, explores what is possible when you pick up a piece of paper and a pencil.

Are you sure that what you’re looking at is a penguin? Look at it another way, and maybe it’s a giraffe. What can you do with an ‘H’, a ‘U’ and an upside-down ‘7’?  What might a simple line drawing turn into if you let your imagination run wild?

With fun, encouraging text and simple yet engaging illustrations, children aged 4 – 8 years will surely want to pick up their own pencils and see what they can create after exploring this charming picture book.  

Calm Your Farm

Calm Your Farm written and illustrated by Dale Baker (Little Big Sky Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923514256

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Has anyone ever told you to ‘calm your farm’? Settle down? Stress less? Just be quiet?

Despite the crow of a rooster in the morning, the moo of cows, the cluckety-cluck of chickens and the occasional grunt of a pig, farms are not exactly known to be noisy and chaotic places. Busy, yes. Needing to be told to ‘calm down!’, no.

Welcome to Dale Baker’s farm. A farm where the animals have, to put it simply, gone berserk.

Imagine the chaos caused by ducks with water guns, egg-throwing chickens and tractor-driving cows (who probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel). All the animals are running amok … except one little fella, and he just doesn’t know what to do … until it all gets too much!

The question is ‘why?’ What has caused this farm to lose its calm?

Dale Baker’s lively illustrations capture the pandemonium of farm life when things go just a little (or a lot) awry.

Children aged 4 – 8 years will delight in Calm Your Farm – the rollicking story of a farmer and one sensible duck who just want everyone to do their job.

Casa~Mia

Casa~Mia by Josie Montano and Kristen Willis (IP Kidz) HB RRP $23.63 ISBN: 9781923435001

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

The bond between grandparent and grandchild can be nothing short of special.

When Carlo realises that his Nonno’s eyes have lost their twinkle because he’s desperately homesick, the little boy sets out to bring his grandfather’s casa mia to him.  

But what is Nonno’s casa mia? What does it look like? Feel like? Sound like?

So begins Carlo’s journey into his Nonno’s past and all the little things that make up his casa mia, from clothes to food and even his old piano accordion.

Author Josie Montano’s sparing narrative couples beautifully with Kirsten Willis’ delightfully warm illustrations. Children will enjoy exploring the pages, identifying all of Nonno’s prized possessions and discussing what they are, why they might be so special and how they can be used to create a feeling of ‘home’.

Reading Casa~Mia reminded me of my grandparents and the stories they told. about memories held in their belongings – whether a cherished bracelet, an old weather-beaten hat or fading photos. I would hope that this heartwarming story might evoke the same emotions in others as they read and remind them how important a sense of home and belonging is.

This picture book is perfect for children aged 4 – 7, but also for older children (and adults) as a reminder to cherish our older generation and value our origins.

Run Away With Me

Run Away With Me written (and illustrated) by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $34.99 ISBN: 9781339035529

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Where do I start with this book?

Run Away With Me is young adult fiction but it was Brian Selznick’s black and white illustrations that hooked me first. Pages and pages of them – featuring the architecture and scenes of Rome – before I even got to the written narrative. Illustrations that told a story before the story began.

Sixteen-year-old Danny is spending his summer in Rome. He’s been there before. In fact, he’s been in so many places that he hardly knows where ‘home’ is, such is the life of a child whose mother is a book conservator who must move to where the work is around the world.

This summer is different though – full of magic and mystery … and love.

Danny is a little lost. Never anywhere long enough to make firm friends, he tends to wander the streets to kill time while his mother works. But then he meets Angelo, a boy full of secrets and intrigue. They spend every day together as Angelo introduces Danny to Rome’s hidden history, and they develop a special bond.

This is queer fiction for young adults at its absolute best. It’s both gentle and slow, and tense and exciting. Like a picture book, the illustrations tell half the story, and you can be excused for losing yourself in them for hours on end.

While the central theme of Run Away with Me won’t be for everyone, it does offer a sensitive window into another world for some of us, while for others it offers a mirror, allowing them to see themselves in a beautifully rendered story.

There are other elements too – the detail about Rome’s history and culture, and a step inside the world of book conservation.

I absolutely loved this book for its unique approach and beautiful multi-modal storytelling. A must-read for this age group and beyond.

A Dog Called Hero

 

A Dog Called Hero by Katy Birchall (Scholastic) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761729577

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

If you’re as old as I am, you’ll probably remember the likes of Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, the Famous Five and the Hardy Boys, all adventures and mysteries with crimes to be solved. All featuring children doing the work that adults couldn’t seem to get their heads around. Some featuring canine sidekicks.

Fast-forward to 2026, and enter Haley and ex-police dog, Hero, and we have a more up-to-date version of the child sleuth ‘helping out’ when a crime unfolds.

Haley’s father was a successful detective until he was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind Haley and her mum, a caterer who employs young ex-criminals trying to reform.

Hero was forced into early retirement after his handler left the force, and Hero wouldn’t work with anyone else.

By chance, Haley meets Hero, and the pair form an instant bond – both loners who are selective about who they spend time with. In fact, Haley would much rather lose herself in her beloved mystery and crime novels than head out to parties and school fetes. When her mum agrees to adopt Hero, Haley decides to continue his training as a detective dog, and Hero shows he still has what it takes to sniff things out.

When Haley’s mum lands an important catering job – feeding an exclusive guest list at the private showing of the Whittaker Diamond – and the babysitter cancels at the last minute, Haley and Hero find themselves tagging along, somewhat reluctantly.

But then, when Amelie Whittaker goes to retrieve the diamond from the safe to show her guests one more time, she discovers the box is still in the safe – but the diamond is not.

Enter Haley and Hero.

In writing A Dog Called Hero, author Katy Birchall has tapped into the cosy crime trend – albeit for a middle-grade audience. Her characters are relatable, and the situations they find themselves in are somewhat believable (in the cosy crime world), and the story travels along at a nice pace as we find out about Haley, her mum and dad and, of course, Hero.

The promised excitement in the blurb, however, does not occur until a third of the way into the book – but the tension does ramp up from that point on with an intriguing cast of guests allowing the reader to make their own assumptions and accusations as they, along with Haley and Hero, try to discover ‘who stole the Whittaker diamond’.

Naturally, as expected in this genre, the head detective is rather incompetent, so it’s left for Haley and Hero to unravel the crime and guide the police to the truth.

Despite being set in London (where the author resides with her own retired service dog), Australian children will relate to the setting, and certainly to Haley’s connection with Hero.

A Dog Called Hero is a perfect introduction to cosy crime for readers aged 9–12 years – particularly those who want a break from fantastical worlds and magic with something a little closer to their own life experiences and grounded in contemporary reality.

Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones

Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones by Pauline Hosking (Lilly Pilly Publishing) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9780958038119

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Any book title that contains the words ‘prophecy’ and ‘bones’ sets off the wonder and intrigue synapses in my reading brain.

Then there’s the actual prophecy, which comes to light on page 2:

‘… four young shortlifes will stand against us. One who is wise, one who is foolish, one who is kind and one with royal blood.’

I am not a wide reader of fantasy, usually preferring other genres, so this instantly gave me Harry Potter vibes. (Sorry, that’s a bit cliché but you’ll know where I’m coming from.) These are good vibes though because I was, through a combination of the above factors, instantly intrigued.

The first chapter of Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones is spent worldbuilding and filling the reader in on a few essential details. For me, however, the story begins when we meet protagonist and magical prodigy, Ana, in chapter 2 and are invited into her world – that of a spellbinder in the Academia, an education institution for ‘bloom children’ who possess one of the three powers of magical protection, healing and technological invention.

In creating Ana, Pauline Hosking has given us a slightly unlikeable protagonist – one who is a little full of herself, thanks to being hailed as a prodigy from the start. I found this refreshing. Not all protagonists have to be likeable, and it paved the way for greater contrast between Ana and her two offsiders, nerdy and awkward Penn (a tek) and kind Gilly (a pothecary), and later, Tamin, a Pantheran who Ana saves from the clutches of the tyrant, Lord Karapaz.

Pauline Hosking does not leave us waiting for the action to begin. Led by hagwitch, Drabani-of-the-bones, the Var are ready to assist Karapaz and his band of seawolves across the swamplands with a view to vanquishing Academia, reclaiming their homeland and allowing the tyrant Lord to continue his quest for domination and power.

The staff at Academia swing into action, corralling the fourth years and sending home the younger students. Unfortunately, this includes Ana, who – as a prodigy with powers that rival the more experienced apprentices – is affronted at being asked to leave. To add insult to her injury, when she approaches her mentor, demanding to be allowed to stay and fight, she is granted the right to stay – but only as a helper to the pothecaries. No fighting allowed.

There is no love lost between the three groups of students, but despite her intentions, Ana finds that she needs Penn and Gilly.

Ana and the Prophesy of the Bones is an action-packed middle grade fantasy that also explores self-perception and acceptance. I can see readers aligning with one of the three bloom guilds, or possibly even the Pantherans, as they go head-to-head with multiple villains in the fight to save their island.

An enjoyable read that lends itself to a series … so over to you, Pauline Hosking!  

The Day the Bridge Fell

The Day the Bridge Fell by Coral Vass (Rhiza Edge – Wombat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761112799

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Fifteen-year-old Ray Johnston is at that awkward age – old enough to have certain privileges that his younger brother doesn’t have (like staying up late) but also old enough to be expected to behave in certain ways and put up with ‘unfair’ things when they happen … like his brother stomping all over the model bridge which took Ray six months to build.

Ray is also too young to be allowed onto the construction site of Melbourne’s new West Gate Bridge … but also too young to have his fears acknowledged when he overhears two workers express their concerns about the viability of the bridge and its safety as they question whether shortcuts have been made in the name of saving money.

This snippet of information would be concerning enough but Ray’s father is one of construction workers on that very bridge and suddenly warning people about it becomes very important,  but nobody will listen.

Set in 1970, The Day the Bridge Fell centres around the actual collapse of the West Gate Bridge. Australia’s worst-ever industrial accident took the lives of 35 workers and injured a further 18 when the nearly completed bridge collapsed while many of the men were on their lunch break.

Author, Coral Vass, sets the tension up right from the start in the naming of her chapters ‘Five days before the bridge fell …’ and perfectly renders the quiet dread and sense of foreboding felt by Ray as he struggles to make the adults around him listen.

While The Day the Bridge Fell is a standalone book, it is part of a growing series of ‘minimal words, maximum impact’ teen fiction (or young adult) stories for readers aged from 10 years old who are not necessarily ‘reluctant readers’ but are time-poor but still want to read a great story. Known as ‘Rhiza Shorts’, this initiative from Rhiza Edge (Wombat Books) sees exceptional storytelling, with a single storyline of no more than 20,000 words.

Rhiza Shorts are stories with ‘oomph’ and heart, that speak to the interests and experiences of our youth (and beyond). Coral Vass has certainly met the brief with this historical fiction, coming-of-age story with a strong main character who readers will be able to resonate and connect with.

If you like historical fiction where the main character’s story is front and centre, The Day the Bridge Fell will not disappoint. Targeted at readers aged 13+ years, this story is a must-read not only for its inside knowledge of a key piece of Australian history but for its exploration of the in-between years – between child and adult.

Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet

Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet by Julie Murphy (Union Square Kids – New South Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781454956471

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

“No hissing. No scratching. No biting.” Those are the three key rules Catty Corner must abide by when she is out in public – but it’s sort of hard when you’re a half-cat.

Little Catty is in Year 3, but she’s been homeschooled by her mum – who’s also half-cat – her whole life. She’s quite happy with that arrangement, staying at home away from the judging eyes of other children, particularly the boy across the road. Catty has everything she needs.

Then, Catty’s world is turned upside down when her mother announces she has a new job that means she won’t be at home during the day. What’s more, it also means that Catty is going to have to start going to her local school – from Monday!

Catty worries that the other children won’t accept her. That with her cat ears and furry tail, she’ll be teased for being different. And, that she won’t be able to control her kitty-cat ways and will embarrass herself.

Unfortunately, she has no choice and, somewhat reluctantly, with her ears hidden under a hat and her tail tucked beneath her shirt, Catty boards the school bus. To her surprise, she quickly makes a friend who doesn’t care that she’s half-cat. Her teacher also turns out to be very understanding.

But not everyone is.

And not everything goes the way it should.

Filled with ‘kitty-cat’ puns and a few CAT-astrophes, Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet is a fun read with a quiet message of positivity and self-belief.

Author, Julie Murphy, has created an endearing protagonist in Catty, along with a cast of relatable characters in this character-driven novel for readers aged 6 to 8 years.

If you are a cat person – or even if you’re not – you won’t be able to help yourself from relating to Catty and cheering her on as she navigates her new school and accepting herself for who she is rather than who she thinks she should be.

The Butterfly House

The Butterfly House by Harry Woodgate (Affirm Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923135635

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

We all have that one house on our street, or in our neighbourhood that’s a bit wild. Maybe the garden is overgrown, or the curtains are always closed. Whatever it is, there’s something ominous about the house and, sometimes, mysterious about whoever lives there.

Stories about old houses with unknown inhabitants being the source of childhood fear and rumours are somewhat classic – and possibly a trope. The Butterfly House takes this outline and turns it into an uplifting story with a strong message about finding out the truth before making judgements, and the importance of helping others in need.

Holly is intrigued by Miss Brown’s garden, which, despite its wild appearance, she sees as something from a fairytale rather than a place to be feared. Against her brother Arlo’s warning, Holly sneaks in for a closer look – only to be surprised by Miss Brown’s appearance at the window.

Rather than being frightened, however, Holly realises that Miss Brown may just be lonely – or that she may need help. So, she organises a working bee to tidy up the garden.

For a picture book, The Butterfly House seems to be a bit wordier than what we’d normally expect – but Harry Woodgate’s words flow, with everyone needed to tell the story.

The illustrations, also by Harry Woodgate, reflect the mood of the story – shifting from dark despair when we get a peek inside Miss Brown’s house, to an explosion of joy when her garden returns to its former glory. I could have pored over the illustrations for hours and I’m sure young readers will do the same, discovering more about Holly and Miss Brown as they go. (And don’t forget to check out the end pages, which act as ‘before and after’ shots.)

As a main character, Holly is delightful, proving that it doesn’t take much to draw a community together and make a difference in someone’s life. Society needs more Hollies!

The Butterfly House is a lovely story that will be sure to engage its intended readership of children aged from 4 to 8 years of age (and beyond, in my opinion as the themes are rich and varied, allowing the story to be read on many different levels).   

50 Ways to Die in Space

50 Ways to Die in Space by Eileen O-Hely and Nico O’Sullivan (Hawkeye Publishing) PB RRP $29.99 ISBN: 9781923105416

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

There are a lot of books out there about space – but none quite like this one. If you’ve ever thought you might like a holiday on Venus or a trip to explore Mars, you may think again after reading 50 Ways to Die in Space.

Not quite as tongue-in-cheek as the title and illustrated characters might suggest, Eileen O’Hely’s graphic novel is full of facts about all aspects of space – intermittently peppered with the warning, “You will die!”

Venus alone has multiple ways to enter nirvana – choose from being fried to a crisp, asphyxiation or sulphuric acid inhalation.

Or you might like Uranus where the smell of methane – yes, this book does contain a little toilet humour – would literally kill you.

Radiation from Sagittarius A (a black hole) is another option.

Or, if you survive your journey, you might be interested to know that the landing back on Earth is also fraught with danger and potential death.

With this degree of dark and ominous thought, some lightness is required, and Nico O’Sullivan’s simple and clever illustrations provide just that – particularly in the moustached antagonist who, as the innocent protagonist points out, is ‘a bit negative’, not to mention cranky and disturbingly preoccupied with all the ways a human can die in space.

Then again, without this character’s depth of knowledge, we wouldn’t have this enlightening, fact-filled and funny book, would we?

Written for an upper primary and middle school audience (readers aged from 10 to 14), 50 Ways to Die in Space is an engaging graphic novel, providing a great read in digestible chunks for space buffs and those of us with a bit of a darker side.

The Only Branch of the Family Tree

The Only Branch of the Family Tree by Sherryl Clark (University of Queensland Press) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9780702268915

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Imagine growing up not knowing that an important member of your family was not only alive, but living just down the road from your house?

Gemma’s teacher has given the class a project – researching and putting together their own family tree. Great – except Gemma’s only family that she knows about is her mum. It’s just been the two of them for as long as Gemma can remember, and the only thing she knows about her Nan (let alone anyone else) is that she died some time ago.

Or did she?

Through her research, Gemma discovers that not only is her Nan still alive, but she lives close enough to visit one day after school. Nervous but curious, Gemma decides to pay her Nan a visit. The older lady is pleased and concerned in equal amounts. She’s happy to finally meet Gemma – but her relationship with Gemma’s mum has been non-existent for years and neither of them know how she will react to having her secret (and lies) uncovered.

The Only Branch of the Family Tree is a verse novel, which is perfect for this story given the ability of this form of writing to probe deep into the narrator’s interior thoughts. Readers are able to understand exactly what Gemma is thinking, how she is processing the ‘return’ of her Nan and how she is feeling about her mother’s ‘betrayal’.

While readers may not necessarily relate to the return of a ‘missing’ relative – although some will relate to the family estrangement scenario – they will certainly relate to the sometimes-rocky relationships we have with our parents as we are maturing and wanting to be treated as adults, while our adults just want to protect us from harm and disappointment.

Through Sherryl Clark’s careful choice of words, we feel Gemma’s anger at her betrayal, and smile at her happiness when events start taking a turn for the better.

With themes of family reconciliation, identity, forgiveness and hope, this midgrade verse novel, for readers aged from 9 to 12, is a must-read for anyone who has to deal with family secrets and occasionally tumultuous relationships.

I absolutely loved this verse novel and could happily dive in again.