Tree

Tree by Danny Parker, illustrated by Matt Ottley (Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921714412

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

This book is an absolute graphic delight. Matt Ottley is a master of colour and perspective. I delighted in the range and depth of images presented throughout.

The story is simple yet powerful. It tells of a sapling that grows under the shelter of an older tree, within a forest of trees. Time passes and a storm changes everything. The tree must then stand a lone through the clean up, the growing urbanisation of its environment, changes in use and then happily becoming just one in a park. In the end tree is offering shelter to a new sapling.

Overall it’s a gentle visually pleasing book which speaks to the environment and resilience. I highly recommend it.

Super Baddies, Baddies vs Goodies

Super Baddies, Baddies vs Goodies by M.C. Badger and S. Swingler, (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 978-192184842-1

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang www.thestoryline.com.au

Scorcher and his friends attend Baddie Primary School, where super villains learn to be bad. In this topsy-turvy colourful comic book we meet the kids from Baddie Primary School. They all love school where they learn to be bad. Dirt, explosions, tricks are all just part of the learning. They are in constant rivalry with Goodie Primary School, which is just across the road.

The story is fun, full of colour drawing in the visually literate children of today. It is also aimed at those children who are in-between picture book and first reader stage and reluctant readers. The images are fun, attractive and support the text nicely. Each page has no more than one word that will need explanation.

This fast moving, visual story is bound to excite the younger children. If you have an ‘in-between’ kid or reluctant reader this is the series to expose them to.

Smitten: Unlucky Break

Smitten: Unlucky Break by Kate Forster (hardie Grant EGMONT)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781742972527

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

  

In Unlucky Break we meet Andie, as she is on her way to Hollywood. Her celebrity, Oscar-winning aunt has offered her a life line. It’s every girls' dream come true, although Andie really needs to get away from everything in Australia. Her mother has died of cancer, her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. Andie feels like she has lost everything and doesn’t know where to go or who she is anymore.

She takes an Australian view on celebrity; she smarts at the fake boobs, the wealth and fads of the Hollywood elite. A series of chance events leads her to fall in love with the number one celebrity bad boy of Hollywood. In her he finds a girl that is honest and different and she finds that not everything is what it seams.

As Andie experiences the world of sex, drugs and celebrity she makes mistakes and learns from them. Overall, she learns to stay true to herself, a good lesson for a teen.

Smitten is a new series of books released by HGE set in the ‘life after high school’ stage of life. Four titles have been released so far all involving glamour, adventure and, of course, being swept off your feet in new love.

All the Wrong Questions: Who Could That be at This Hour?

All the Wrong Questions: Who Could That be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Seth (hardie Grant EGMONT)

HB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1742972961

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

 This is the first book in the much-anticipated four part series from Lemony Snicket. His first autobiographical account of his childhood training, called All the wrong questions.

In this humorous fast-paced book we follow the young Lemony Snicket during the first moments of his apprenticeship and his first case. It starts with the unexpected act of his trainer taking him from the city (and his plans) to a seaside town that is no longer by the sea to find a valuable statue that wasn’t stolen.

It is an arresting case with many twists and turns. In classic detective style Snicket describes those around him, the situations, the people, and all of his questions (wrong and right). His language is precise and humourous which keeps a smile on the readers face and the mind racing.

Some of the most immediate examples of his fantastic descriptive language include:

• The Bombinating Beast which “looked like a sea horse like a hawk looks like a chicken.” (pg 45).
• “…with hair so black it made the night look pale.” (pg 131)
• “I am not a hairy person, but each one of my hairs stood up and showed off at the sound of his name.” (pgs 207/8)

My 9 and 11-year-old children were laughing out loud and re-reading passages to me throughout the book.

The story is made up of a range of wonderful characters, including the setting, which serves as one of the stronger characters in the book.  The graphics by Seth are blue, black and white prints that add to the classic feel of the book. There are graphic at the beginning of each chapter as well as random full-page offerings.

I enjoyed reading this first book of the series. It is a fun read for the summer months to come and would make a great Christmas present.

Girl V the World: Waiting for it

 Girl V the World: Waiting For It by Chrissie Keighery (hardie Grant EGMONT)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 978-1742971810

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

Girl V the World is a new series of books launched by HGE. Four titles will be released in 2012 and more to follow in 2013. This series is targeted at the “forgotten girls – the girls who have been pushed up from early fiction straight to paranormal romance.”

In Waiting for it we met Hazel, a very likeable and thoughtful teenager just starting high school. At thirteen years old she is young in some ways – she loves teddies, is a daddy’s girl and is upset by change within her household. She is also half way to growing up. She wants to be treated like an adult, wants to get her period and longs to feel comfortable amongst boys and her new friendship circle.

In this story, Hazel has made it into the cool group but is unsure of her position there. She is the last of her friendship circle to get her period and she spends agonizing girl talks hearing about the others and how much more advanced they are. Boys and their developing body is the topic of the moment and this story navigates it all with humour and tenderness. Hazel discovers that staying true to herself brings the best results.

Waiting for it is written in a straightforward honest manner. This is a welcome series covering real life topics. The series is written by a collection of authors already well known within the field, having penned Go Girl and Girlfriend Fiction. In 2012 there are two books by Chrissie Keighery, followed by one by Thalia Kalkipsakis and one by Meredith Badger.

How To Keep A Boy As A Pet

 How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro (hardie Grant EGMONT)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 978-1-4052-5816-6

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au 

  

How To Keep A Boy As A Pet is the blog journal of Circe Shaw. The story begins with Circe explaining that her two best friends have hooked up and try to include her but all they really want to do is ‘get meaningful behind the bushes’. In fact all people in her school have relationships and participate in a snog fest at the school gates at the end of each afternoon.

Circe has recently moved to this neighbourhood, which she calls “The Middle Of Absolutely Nowhere" after a family breakdown. Circe has made some good friends in her new school although is being bullied by the most popular girl. Overall it leaves her facing a long summer holiday alone. In her desperation to fill the long boring hours she decides to become “…a fabulously sophisticated journalist and reveal the actual scientific truth about dating boys . . .” The result is this blog (book). Her blog attracts one reader who gives her the advice to treat any boyfriend with the confidence she treats a pet.

This is a coming of age story in which Circe learns to have confidence in herself. In the process the relationship between Circe and her Mum repairs and grows. The premise is sweet and there are some humourous moments and perspectives.

Personally I have a problem with the concept of a teenage girl blogging everything she feels rather than talking to a person but that’s probably more a statement about my age. The overall message is a strong and positive one.

Of Poseidon

 Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (hardie Grant EGMONT)

PB RRP $22.95

ISBN 978-1-74297287

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

Of Poseidon is captivating, funny and thrilling. It holds all the elements of a well-structured story with page turning adventure, strong individual characters, funny and exciting situations including an exciting twist at the end.

I had to read this book twice before I could even think about composing a review. The first time was an obsessive, can’t put down, stay up to the wee hours of the morning kind of read. The second time continued to be an absolute joy as the humour and wonderful moments in the story shone through.

I love the blend of the modern world and ancient myths that run in this storyline. Emma Banks has drawn on Greek Mythology of Poseidon and presented it in a believable modern day setting. Poseidon is the Olympian God of the sea, rivers, horse (he produced the first horse in Athens during a battle with Athena), drought and earthquakes. He is also known as a seducer. Whilst Emma Banks’ Poseidon isn’t as broad she does include elements and adds her own intrigue.

This is essentially a forbidden love story, containing a strong, funny, lovable teenage lead in Emma. We feel her strength of character and unique voice right from page one. Of course the ‘man from the sea’, Galen is depicted as a thoughtful, well-built and utterly attractive outsider. The two hold a physically electric chemistry and have some seemingly insurmountable obstacles to overcome. Although some serious events are encountered it is done so with gentleness and consistent humour.

Anna Banks has a blog and can be found on Facebook and twitter. You can start at http://byannabanks.blogspot.com.au/

I highly recommend this book. The only problem I can see is we have to wait till 2013 for the sequel Of Triton. 

The Phoenix Files: Fallout

 Fallout (Phoenix Files) by Chris Morphew (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-192150243-9

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au 

  

The Phoenix Files are a high paced action series that keeps you involved and questioning the whole way through. The series is a blend of action, conspiracy and the supernatural.

Fallout is book five in the series. In this book the time for pretending is over. The town of Phoenix is being held captive in a concentration camp, security guards abound and people are being tortured. The end of the world is scheduled – there is 14 days to go.

The few that are free, including Jordan and Luke, are working hard to stay free and defeat Shackleton’s evil plans. They also have to crack the secret weapon – named Tobias.

I loved the intrigue, guessing and movement of this story. Luke and Jordan are likeable, strong, active characters. They play a lead role in terms of action and decision-making. There is never a dull moment in this book.

Chris Morphew maintains an interesting blog and website: www.chrismorphew.com.    He describes himself as a writer, reader, primary school teacher, Jesus follower and coffee enthusiast. I’m looking forward to reading more of his writing.

Genie in Charge: Tweenie Genie

 Genie in Charge (Tweenie Genie) by Meredith Badger (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 978-192184883-4

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

I have to admit I love this series. It is a well written, easy to read series that is positive and set in the world of young genies that is bound to capture young hearts. Throughout the series we follow Poppy, a genie in training at Genie High School. The series delivers a host of personable characters, both boys and girls, as they confront the problems and excitement of being a genie.

Genie in Charge is the third book in the series. Polly and all of her friends are in their final year of Genie High School. This is the year that all genies get to make their own wish rather than granting wishes to others.

Their final task before graduation is to mentor a second year genie. If they succeed they will be granted their wish for the job of their dreams. If they fail their wish may be distorted.

Poppy is assigned a very unusual second stage genie, she doesn’t wear her uniform correctly, she doesn’t like fun parks and she doesn’t like to fly magic carpets. At first Poppy believes that they have nothing in common and there is no way that she can mentor, her. Her wish and her future are at risk as the two of them argue, fall out and then find a way to understand and help each other.

For a fun, easy to read story I definitely recommend Tweenie Genie.

Chill

 Chill by Carol Thompson (Little Hare)

HB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-192154173-5

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

Dolly is a cute little pig that loves to play on her own for some games and with her best friend, Jack Rabbit, for others. We follow the pair as they play and laugh and paint. 


Unfortunately, one friend takes offense to a portrait and they argue. The argument escalates and the friendship breaks down. When alone, both characters are angry, then upset and then sad. They both learn to chill and concentrate on the things that matter the most to them, leading them back to friendship.

This is an endearing little story. The language and situation are accessible and easy to relate to. The graphics are simple and highly complimentary. It is a good book to teach the very young to chill and focus on friendship not anger.

YA Review: Revived

Revived by Cat Patrick (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $22.95

ISBN 978-192169063-1

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

This is the second book from author Cat Patrick. Her first was Forgotten, about a teenage girl who overnight forgets everything that happened that day. It is a fantastic premise and story.

Revived does not disappoint. Cat Patrick has a wonderful imagination. Once again she manages to build an intriguing medical world. In this story we follow Daisy, who is a medical trial participant for a drug called Revive. The drug brings healthy people back from death and it is imperative that it is kept a secret. Daisy has officially died on five separate occasions, with each death and revival she has to move state and reinvent herself. Each move proves to challenge all of her previous thoughts and assumptions about living, friendships, romance, trust and death.

This is a great coming of age story. The medical aspects of it make it a great read that takes the familiar teenage issues and sets them side by side with science, intrigue and action.

Cat Patrick has announced her third book on http://www.catpatrick.com/ and I am looking forward to getting a hold of it. This is an author to follow.

Why We Broke Up

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler, illustrated by Maira Kalman (hardie Grant EGMONT)

PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-1-174297097-4

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang  

Why We Broke Up is a teenage novel written at the point of ‘recovery’ from a break up. The story portrays a rather obsessive teen girl, Min and her relationship with the high school jock, Ed. She has collected a multitude of items from their six-week relationship. Min seems to recognise that the relationship is unlikely to succeed but commits herself wholeheartedly in a world of fantasy and hope.

In this book we go through each item of her “Ed box”. She writes one chapter per item to Ed reminding him of the object and the event, what she had hoped for at the time and why they broke up. She has an obsession with movies so most scenes that are replayed or that she describes are related to a range of movie scenes and actors. She enjoys making long lists and long statements.

Min is a likeable character with a strong voice. We follow her on her fantasies – like tailing an 80-year-old woman to her home because she believes she is an aged movie star. We feel for her awkward school and sports moments – becoming a basketball girlfriend and not fitting in. We relate to her desire and heartbreak as she losses her virginity and then her man. On the positive side, she comes full circle into accepting herself and her true friends.

The story is written by Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket and includes a piece of artwork at every chapter. The artwork is by Maira Kalman and is full colour and quirky – just like the main character Min. The art is a lovely addition throughout adds a tangible feel to the story.

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber (Egmont)

PB RRP $22.95

ISBN 978-1-4052-5943-9

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang 

  

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick is an extremely fast paced action story that will keep you turning pages. This is a quirky story that takes action to its limit. The action and pace are faster than a speeding bullet and more outrageous than a Die Hard movie. Thankfully it has a good deal of humour and is so fast paced that there is no time for logic. This story is fun to read.

The main character, Pery is a daddy’s boy. He is getting good grades at school and obeying all that his father asks of him. Into the family balance comes an unremarkable exchange student, Gobi who is a let down on all young male fantasies – or so Perry thought. For one night at the end of the year she becomes a wild, gun swinging action woman who has some vicious debts to repay. She drags Perry through a night of murder, violence, fast car chases and dodging police.

Joe Schreiber has written a number of books, including some of the Star Wars titles. He is a New York Times best seller. He has produced a book that is easy reading and likeable characters – despite their actions! The dialogue and wit is enjoyable throughout. I think young teenagers and above will enjoy the ‘virgin hero’, the ‘female assassin’ and the strong father figure being taken down a notch or two. It has everything a reluctant teen could want in a book. 

Winnie-the-Pooh (and friends) Hide and Peek

Winnie-the-Pooh (and friends!) Hide and Peek based on the “Winnie-the-Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard (Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $12.95

ISBN 978-140526119-7

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang 
www.thestoryline.com.au

Winnie-the-Pooh is an old favourite and this book is created true to the classic form. It has a gentle pace and spacious illustrations. The illustrations are gorgeous with a rounded edges and soft colours used throughout.

Hide and Peek is a board book for those aged 1+ with unfolding flaps on every double spread. Children are to find the four friends in the forest. There is only one sentence to read on each double spread allowing the child to take the story and graphics wherever they choose. They could race through and find every friend or they can saunter through creating stories to go with the illustrations.

The animals they are seeking are all in the same repeated, predictable place allowing children to feel confident with this book. The materials are durable so I can leave it with my three year old and be confident that it will not be in shreds when I return. If you like the Hundred Acre wood and its characters this is certainly one to get.

The Boy and the Crocodile: the legend of East Timor

 The Boy and the Crocodile: the legend of East Timor illustrated by children from the Familia Hope Orphanage (Affirm Press)

PB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-098713262-8

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au 

This book is an absolute inspiration. It is a creation tale about how East Timor the island came into being, how it got its shape and how kindness and friendship can create great things.

This is particularly apt as the story of the book creation is a magnificent one. It came from collaboration between Australia (Affirm press), Familia Hope Orphanage and Arte Morris in Dili, East Timor. Familia Hope Orphanage is home to 30 children, many of whom lost their parents in East Timor’s violent struggle for independence. They are now at an age where they must look to personal independence in the near future. This book was designed to give them a helping hand. All proceeds of this book will go to the orphanage.

The artwork was produced through workshops with the children of the orphanage and Arte Morris. Arte Morris is a free Fine Arts and Cultural Centre in Dili. It was established to use art as a building block in the psychological and social reconstruction of East Timor, a country devastated by war. It has a particular focus on the young. Its story alone is fascinating - www.artemoris.org

This book goes beyond helping those in the orphanage alone. Copies of this book were presold to finance the production and distribution (free) of a Tetum version of The Boy and the Crocodile. 5000 copies are being given out in the hope to foster an understanding of their own culture, legends and language, something sorely missing in East Timor presently.

All up this book is a gorgeous creation tale. The illustrations are beautiful and offer a variety that is true of a communal production. It teaches of friendship and kindness. It allows those who purchase it to assist others less fortunate. What more could you want in a book for yourself or as a gift for others?

Adventure Classics for Boys; Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, Kidnapped!

Adventure Classics for Boys; Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island, Kidnapped!  (Egmont)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-140525465-6

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

This book offers three classic adventure stories. It is all boy in presentation with a blue mock cloth cover, a shipwreck image on the front and gold gilding around the edges. It is an attractive hard cover book. The original images are used throughout which are a delight.

A few months ago my son’s teacher suggested he start reading the classics. I gave him Treasure Island after finding it in a second hand bookstore. It began well enough although the language was a major barrier - he came to me so often with English phrases that are out of date and that I had no idea what they meant. Some we looked up, most were too difficult even to guess at and in the end we had to give up on the story. Thankfully this abridged version takes some of the harder classical English out while retaining the feel of the story. The stories are accessible in this format and I am glad as I felt a huge loss at not being able to get through the original.

The first story is Robinson Crusoe. The concept of a shipwreck and living completely alone on an island is one many good tales have come from. If you can put aside the fact that native peoples are portrayed as cannibals and inferior it is a grand adventure tale of survival and determination.

The second story is Treasure Island. I really enjoyed this story. I like the fact that the protagonist is a boy who makes bold decisions. He is wonderfully capable and adventurous and a great judge of character. He fights against the odds and in the end gets a share in the treasure.

The third and final story is Kidnapped. It is an intriguing story that shifts and changes but contains a strong friendship at its core. The story is quick moving and resolves well.

Famous Classics for Girls; Heidi, What Katy Did, Black Beauty

Famous Classics for Girls; Heidi, What Katy Did, Black Beauty (Egmont)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 978-140525466-3
Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang
www.thestoryline.com.au

This book offers three lovely classic stories. This collection has something for all girls and mothers – who grew up loving these tales. This abridged version takes some of the harder classical English out while retaining the feel of the story. The book is covered in mock cloth and the cover images contain silver gilding, which adds to the classic feel.

The first story is Heidi. Heidi is an endearing story of love that I have always enjoyed. I love the character of the grumpy uncle and the power of good outdoor living for healing.

The second story is What Katy Did, a classical story that pays tribute to more traditional values. In this story Katy and her impetuous nature lead to a major spinal injury. During her confinement she is changed from impetuous and selfish to giving and humble – the centre of the hearth and home.

The third and final story is Black Beauty. I remember when I first read Black Beauty, I was surprised by the fact that it is told from the horse’s point of view. I find that my eight-year-old daughter loves stories with strong animal characters and this held true for Black Beauty. It is a powerful and sad story that stays in the imagination long after it has been finished.

This collection of Famous Classic for Girls was first published in the 60’s and the original black and white illustrations are included. I enjoyed looking at these images, the hairstyles, the clothing, the presentation of poverty is interesting and makes for a discussion in its own right with younger readers.

Fluff and Billy do everything together

Fluff and Billy do everything together by Nicola Killen (Egmont)

PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 978-140525425-0
Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang
www.thestoryline.com.au

Fluff and Billy are best friends. The two penguins do everything together. When Fluff climbs up, so does Billy, when Fluff slides down so does Billy, they have a great time playing, yelling and copying each other. When Billy hits Fluff with a snowball Fluff is hurt and not impressed and their friendship takes a turn for the worse. Thankfully their playful attitude overcomes any problems and the friendship resumes.

Bright blue, a lot of white and yellow are used liberally throughout this book. The graphics are entertaining and easy on the eye. The layout of text and the placement of graphics is fun. It adds another level of enjoyment for young readers.

This is a heart-warming story. The text includes a high level of repetition, which young readers to actively engage. The graphics compliment the story and allow independent interaction with the story. My three year old enjoys reading this book with me as she understands the pattern of the text and can say her lines with ease. It is already a bedtime favourite in our household.

The Perfect Baby

The Perfect Baby by Tony Bradman, illustrated by Holly Swain (Egmont)

PB RRP $6.00
ISBN 978-14052755-1
Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang
www.thestoryline.com.au

Little Lucy gets a brand new baby brother. While everyone else is excited Lucy finds it hard to be happy about a baby that just sleeps, cries and makes disgusting noises and smells. Her solution is to take him back to the hospital and get a new one. 

We join Lucy and her family as they trial a range of new babies. They get a baby tortoise, a baby baboon, a baby elephant and others, all of which presented different problems for the family. In the end Lucy decides that the first baby was actually perfect.

This book presents a fast paced humourous approach to all those parents struggling to encourage older siblings to accept and love their newborn siblings.

The graphics are fun, full of colour and detailed. The images and colour scheme interplay with the word layout and enhance the story nicely.

Stew a Cockatoo My Aussie Cookbook

Stew a Cockatoo My Aussie Cookbook by Ruthie May, illustrated by Leigh Hobbs (Little Hare)

HB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-192154151-3

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

This book is a breath of fresh air. You can learn Australian culture, lingo, history and food recipes. There is even a recipe on how to stew a cockatoo – page 21.

This is a cultural offering for all the family. Ruthie May describes iconic Australian speech such as rhyming slang and offers interesting facts such as the number of meat pies consumed at an AFL Grand Final day in the MCG. From this book I learned the history of many iconic Australian dishes, including a few of our family favourites. The lamington, which was accidently created by Lord Lamington and the creation of the pavlova in Western Australia to honour the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova – I wonder if anyone called her pav for short?

Some of the introductions are priceless – “Thighs, breasts and eggs – chooks have it all…” (pg 20), “The Aussie barbeque is the natural habitat for many Aussies…the shielas make salads…the blokes guard the barbeque…and everyone swats flies.” (Pg 24)

Over recent years my children have received or borrowed many childrens cooking book and one of the things I dislike are the ridiculous recipes. Usually they are colour and sugar filled concoctions that I do not want my children making let alone eating. This book offers healthier recipes as well, on page 16 there is the Dinky-di Icy Pole recipe made from blended kiwifruit, oranges apples strawberries and passionfruit – yum!

The graphics are by Leigh Hobbs – really how could it get any better? The pictures of Uncle Daz tenderizing the meat, Dame Melba inspiring peaches and cream and bush pig fairy bread are hilarious. Highly recommended as gift for visitors, children and anyone inbetween.