The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere

The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere by Jaclyn Moriarty, illustrated by Kelly Canby (A&U Children’s) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781760526368 

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Oscar, a 14-year-old Sydneysider, is busy avoiding school at the skate park when he just happens to stumble into a parallel universe. Technology is oddly old-fashioned, but that seems to be more than compensated by the magic in the air - and the elves, genies, gnomes and other fantastical creatures. When Imogen and her siblings and cousins sweep Oscar into a desperate quest to save an elven village, Oscar is faced with a dual challenge: fit into the bamboozling world of Kingdoms and Empires while figuring out just how he is going to get home.

This is a real page-turner: between alternating point-of-view and the urgent quest, there is no chance to get bored. From the very first, the reader is plunged into the disorienting experience of Oscar, and we feel very much from elsewhere along with him. Earnest Imogen and streetwise Oscar are very distinct characters, and their sections play off each other as a narrative conversation, adding a layer to the already intriguing relational dynamics between the various characters.

Oscar is pitch perfect, both in his internal and external dialogue and actions. Imogen, brusque and bossy, is interesting but not as relatable, and her formal speech pattern sometimes seems to slip. The supporting characters are also well-rounded, contributing both to the plot progression and the emotional complexity of the book.

Black-and-white pencil illustrations are dotted throughout the pages in a distinctive, modernist style. Both vignettes and whole-page scenes contribute to building the kooky atmosphere. This is echoed by a playfulness with language and narrative style, emphasising the sense of the main protagonists as both characters in the action and self-aware narrators.

This fourth instalment in the Kingdoms and Empires series needs no prior knowledge of the series to enjoy. A great read for 10- to 14-year-olds to dive into and allow themselves to be swept away.

Rodney

Rodney written and illustrated by Kelly Canby (Fremantle Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781925815320

Reviewed by Julie Dascoli.

“Come and play,” screeched the monkeys.

“We can see the ocean from our homes, come up and take a look,” sang the birds.

Poor Rodney dreams desperately to be high above the trees but he is a turtle. His efforts to climb the trees result in disappointment and has him feeling very, very small. It’s not until he wanders sadly off and leaves his friends behind that something happens. His surroundings begin to change. As this happens, his friends, his perception of himself and his place in the world changes, too.

This story made me smile. Straight away I fell in love with Rodney and felt empathy for his plight. I was so happy when he realised his happiness in a different environment and comes to understand that size is just a matter of perspective.

Kelly Canby has created a beautiful story in a simple, thoughtful way both with her words and pictures. The message is subtle but powerful, perfect for children aged 3 to 5.

The illustrations seem to be very different to Canby’s other works in that they are hand-painted and then cut out and made into collages. This gives this 32-page, read-aloud picture book a 3D effect. The green and brown of the grass and the trees with the animals entwined in the leaves and splashes of colour everywhere else is visually appealing. The satin finish hard cover also gives Rodney a luxurious feel. 

Kelly Canby, born in England, came to Australia as a small child, (That means we claim her as ours now.) She now has over a dozen published books to her credit including, The Hole Story which was a big hit, selling all over the world.

Canby is very busy in the children’s literature world: when she is not illustrating or writing, she is on the committee of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. WA branch and on the Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists’ judging panel. She is also The Regional Advisor for SCBWI, WA and is an active blogger, and Instagramer with over 3,500 followers.

Canby is available for primary school and book shop visits: you can contact her through her publisher, Freemantle Press.

“Rodney” will be a welcome addition to any kindergarten or community library

and indeed any home collection.