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!  

Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones

Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones by Pauline Hosking (Lilly Pilly Publishing)

The bones predict that only four young shortlifes can save their island from invasion: one who is wise, one who is foolish, one who is kind and one with royal blood. Ana discovers she is one of the four.

This novel is set on the island of Miran where the young spellbinder, Ana, lives. Due to her exceptional magical ability, Ana is fast tracked through her apprenticeship at the Academia. This makes her feel superior to others—especially folk with no magic. But it’s lonely at the top.

The prophecy of the bones is that only four young shortlifes can save their island from invaders: one who is wise, one who is foolish, one who is kind and one with royal blood. Ana discovers she is one of the four.

After she loses her magic, she must dig deep and find what she is really made of. She forms unexpected friendships and comes to appreciate that everyone has their own strengths and abilities. Oh, and yes. She and her new friends do save the island from the insect-like Var, a hag-witch, and the tyrant Karapaz.

This is a dark and dangerous fantasy for readers 9 to 12 years.

Ruby’s Glow

Ruby’s Glow by Louise Caithness, illustrated by Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki (Lilly Pilly Publishing) ISBN 9780645319804

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Ruby is a round red shiny apple which proudly hangs high in an orchard. She is desperately hoping to win the ‘Best Apple Award’ in an upcoming competition. Even other apples acknowledge how healthy she is! Anticipation for the day of the competition is growing but Ruby’s optimism wanes when she hears that Jack Frost is coming. If the cold front settles, she is sure to be ruined before the big day.

Ruby’s Glow is a delightful picture book that highlights one of the challenges that fruit growers face. This gentle narrative is enhanced by beautiful watercolour illustrations on single and double-page spreads. It offers a little-known fact (to us mere city folk) that helicopters can prevent damage to crops by circulating air above orchards to ensure that frost doesn’t land. This and other interesting facts can be found on the final pages. Ruby’s Glow is suitable for an audience aged 3 years and older. 

Bubbles and Puddle

Bubbles and Puddle written by Michelle Wanasundera, illustrated by Thana-one Yazawa (Lilly Pilly Publishing) HB  RRP $19.95     ISBN 9780648123804

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a beautiful book with bright and cheerful illustrations which make use of rich colours and patterns. On each of the twelve double page spreads there is a full-page illustration showing children at play, as well as animals, butterflies, fairies, and even a kangaroo (with a sleeping child in her pouch), and a koala and its baby. Not all children and adults depicted are white; some are brown or yellow. The talented young illustrator herself was born in Thailand.

On each of the left-hand pages is a long story poem (generally presented in three columns with small typeface) on a range of topics with titles such as ‘Rainbow Lotus’, Puddles around the World’ and ‘Rainmaker’. Small coloured vignettes (trees, frogs, waves, shells and so on) are scattered over the verse pages.

Bubbles and Puddles is dedicated by the author to her daughter, Amali, who Wanasundera says has experienced joy and comfort from reading the book. In the back are two pages explaining each of the stories. Some of them relate to Amali: for example, the author explains how she wrote ‘Belly Bubbles’ to help her daughter learn to share her worries which she tended to bottle up. ‘Silver Lining’ tells how mother and daughter love to find ‘the silver lining’ wherever they can, citing an experience where Amali coaxed her mother to walk when she was tired. ‘The Magical Feather Tail’ is based on a true story when Amali’s best friend found a lyrebird feather.

Each of the twelve poem stories are written in rhyming lines, sometimes in couplets. They don’t always scan, and often half or awkward rhymes occur, but generally the voice of each seems to be that of a loving, caring parent talking to his or her child. Some of the verses show a child using her imagination, creating (drawing on sand, making sandcastles), or simply having fun (splashing in puddles, jumping in fallen leaves).

Overall this a joyous book for parents to share with their children aged 4 to 7 years.  It is available through http://bubblesandpuddlesbook.com/

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light by Pauline Hosking illustrated by Kat Chadwick

(Lilly Pilly Publishing) PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-0-646-98111-6

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light is the second book by Pauline Hosking introducing young detective Cinnamon and her two best friends Cossy and Meera.

The three young girls attend school together in Mount Dandenong. The story follows a number of directions which all end in a ghostly connection with a once great actress Adelaide Glendenning from Walhalla.

Cossy, a young actress gains a role in a performance of Macbeth which begins the story and the links with Adelaide, when she thinks she sees the ghostly apparition of Adelaide in the theatre.

A change of school excursion to the home and resting place of Adelaide sees Cinnamon’s thirst for figuring out crime surface when classmate Snowy is attacked while on a nighttime - walk through the cemetery.

A second mystery emerges as ghosts continue to be seen at the theatre where Cossy’s play will be performed and then things take a turn for the more dramatic when damage to sets and costumes. The girls attempt to get to the bottom of the situation, but it appears both mysteries could be linked.

Will Cinnamon find out who attacked Snowy, or will the mystery go unsolved? Will Cossy get her big break on the stage? They were questions which kept me reading, I guess you will have to read the book to find out for yourself.

I loved the themes of friendship and determination to find the truth from the three protagonists that really shone through in this story. Faced with a mystery, they showed strength and courage - traits to be admired by young readers.

There were also more serious themes to the book which I felt were introduced and dealt with quite well - including racism against Meera who is half Indian descent and bullying. The girls stuck together as friends and found a way to help Meera overcome the difficulties she faced at school.

The writing style through out is relatable to the intended reader age of nine and above and was an easy read that draws in the reader. The pictures, which were drawn in a  style which made you feel like you were reading a young girls diary really helped add to the scene and I think would add to the appeal for the intended age group as well.

Cinnamon Stevens Crime Buster

Cinnamon Stevens Crime Buster by Pauline Hosking (Lilly Pilly Publishing)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-099439826-0

Reviewed by Kel Butler

Cinnamon Stevens wants nothing more in life than to be a crime buster, a super sleuth, the world’s greatest detective. Just like her dad…and her brother. So when classmate, Becki, disappears without a trace from school camp one night, Cinnamon sees it as her big chance to crack the case. Recruiting the help of friends Meera and Cossie, the girl brigade embark on a hapless adventure of twists and turns, chasing down criminals and steering themselves straight into the heart of danger. Will this team of amateur sleuths find Becki and save the day? Or has Cinnamon bitten off more danger than she can handle?

Cinnamon Stevens Crime Buster is a fun whodunit chapter book, for the 10 plus age group, with a definite skew towards girls. Written in a diarized format, complete with footnotes and diagrams, this book is Cinnamon’s own account of the case of the missing Becki.

Cinnamon is an interesting character, caught between a strong sense of purpose, a desperate need to prove herself and the insecurities teenage girls struggle with the world over. Before she can unravel the case and prove her detective skills, Cinnamon needs to face her own fears, overcome her anxieties and learn to trust herself. This is as much an everyday story of friendship, family and acceptance, as it is a kidnapping mystery.

Cinnamon Steven’s Crime Buster is Pauline Hosking’s first book but certainly not her first piece of writing for this age group. Pauline has a long history of writing plays for children, teens and adults and as I type this review she is writing Cinnamon’s next big adventure…