The Bushranger’s Daughter

The Bushranger’s Daughter written by Michelle Worthington (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922 765420

This is an adventurous, fast moving middle grade historical fiction about survival, second chances and searching for your place in the world. 

As a young girl growing up in an unforgiving land, Connie learns that sometimes good people need to do bad things to survive. When her pioneering family travels to outback Queensland to try and rebuild their lives, as their only surviving daughter, Connie struggles to fit into society’s expectations of her. 

The challenges keep mounting as the unforgiving climate threatens their happiness.  Devastating drought is followed by a flood that wipes out their entire flock. And then Connie uncovers the real reason behind why her father had to leave Scotland.

 When her father's past finally catches up with him, can Connie find the courage to find her own path forward and rewrite the future for her family?

A chapter book, this is aimed at readers aged 10+ years.

The Bushranger’s Daughter

The Bushranger’s Daughter by Michelle Worthington (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922765420

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

This is an adventurous middle grade historical fiction with themes of survival, second chances, and searching for your place in the world.

When her pioneering family travels to outback Queensland to try and rebuild their lives, as their only surviving daughter, Connie struggles to fit into society’s expectations. The challenges keep mounting as the unforgiving climate threatens their happiness. Devastating drought is followed by a flood that wipes out their entire flock. And then Connie uncovers the real reason why her father was forced to leave Scotland. When his past finally catches up with him, Connie needs to find the courage to forge her own path forward.

This is a novel for readers aged 10+ years.

Sass and Traz Save the Library

Sass and Traz Save the Library by Michelle Worthington & Naomi Greaves (Daisy Lane Publishing) PB MG RRP $12.99 ISBN 978 0 648819356

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sass and Traz discover that their beloved library is going to be demolished for a carpark. Mrs Burns the librarian says that there is nothing she can do about it. But the library has other ideas. It finds a way to get Sass and Traz and Mrs Burns to make discoveries with characters from books to save the library in the most clever and unexpected ways.  The library empowers Sass, Traz and Mrs Burns to act and stand in their own power.

 

This is award-winning author Michelle Worthington’s first junior fiction, and it ticks all the boxes. Sass and Traz Save the Library, has strong characters, a strong voice and an interesting plot. Most of the action takes place inside the library and the twins are both different as characters yet complimentary to each other. Worthington addresses diversity with Traz being in a wheelchair and each character is distinct and has depth. Sass is a strong female character and Mrs Burns is an adult who is trustworthy and quirky. Traz is a deep thinker who is super smart.

 

The unexpected twist of the library coming to life to help save itself is believable and imaginative. The sentences flow easily and smoothly for a young junior fiction reader. The sentences are a mix of both long and short sentences that pace the action to the storyline. The saving of the library is topical. Libraries are community spaces that provide not only books for people to read but are a safe place for members of communities to visit. The loss of libraries is being felt and this book brings the spotlight upon this issue. Michelle challenges stereotypical roles with Mum being the footy coach. This is a story that is both engaging and imaginative. The squeal of rusty hinges made her jump as down the middle row, a long drawer threw itself open, revealing a long stack of yellow cards. Then everything was quiet.

 

Naomi Greaves is an experienced illustrator, and her bright cover is not only eye catching but gives a good indication of what the story is about. Greaves has included small black and white images at the start of each chapter. This not only guides the young reader into each chapter but gives an idea what that chapter will be about. Greaves’ signature style matches this book perfectly.

 

Sass and Traz Save the Library is the first book in a trilogy that is also being adapted for an animated screen play. This is an added bonus that is sure to inspire young middle grade readers to dive into this clever book. It is a great read for seven years and up and empowers children to believe in themselves.

 

 

The Wind and The Mouse

The Wind and The Mouse by Michelle Worthington, Adyna Ferre (Daisy Lane Publishing) RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780648699873

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The Wind and The Mouse is a book that helps young children with anxiety understand and cope with change. This book is part of the Willing Kids Program and has an accompanying sensory friendly animation (Https://youtu.be/T3-iYtJ14vk). The Willing Kids Program was created by Georgia Phillips and Kym Haynes. The Wind and The Mouse is based upon the topic that Change is uncomfortable. There are four more books in this series.

Michelle has taken great care with this story and the needs of the children who will be reading and experiencing it. I particularly enjoyed that the book links to the Seasons and how each has a purpose and a place in our world. Little Mouse didn’t want things to change. The wind spoke to her with scent and warmth and helped Little Mouse see that the world changed, and it was wonderful. A child can then see that change can’t be stopped and that it is okay.

The sentences paint vivid images that are clear and precise. This is important for children who suffer from anxiety. The cycle of nature and how all the plants and animals and elements work together is gently shared. Michelle has used rhyme throughout the text, and this adds beautifully to the flow and pace of the story.

Adyna has used soft blues and greens and browns that are subtle and allow space on the pages. The animals are endearing and friendly. I love the simplicity of the illustrations that allow the characters to shine. The swirling lines depict the movement of the wind as warm and friendly.

This is a story that will be enjoyed by children 3-8 years and the sensory animation is a delightful accompaniment. It will be well received by children that are part of the Willing Kids Program.

Achievement

The release of a Christmas anthology, It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas embraces a wonderful collection of festive stories and poems.

Margaret Joy Gibb’s poem ‘The Magical Fairy Wish’ and story, ‘The Musical Christmas Tree’ captures the family and magic that the season brings.

Editor Michelle Worthington encouraged and supported all the writers and this book raises money for bicycles for trainee teachers in Tanzania. There was a special book celebration at the Grand View Hotel, Cleveland, USA.

Johnny’s Beard

Johnny’s Beard by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Katrin Dreiling (Little Pink Dog Books) PB RRP: $24.95 ISBN: 9780648256304

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Johnny’s beard was his pride and joy. It was glorious and splendiferous. But this didn’t happen by itself: Johnny spent hours washing it, drying it and combing it. He loved the feel of his beard, keeping him warm and feeling the breeze blowing through it.

One winter morning Johnny met a mouse, a twitchy mouse whose house was too cold for the winter. Johnny offered to share his warm home with the mouse, so the mouse climbed into Johnny’s beard for a ride. Then Johnny picked up a rabbit, a raven and a family of hedgehogs. His beard was getting to be a very busy place!

He took them all home where they huddled by the fire. But how was Johnny going to house all these little critters? Where could they sleep and what did he have to keep them all snug and warm all winter?

This is a fun story for children aged 4 – 8 years. The illustrations are colourful, lively and full of character. And who wouldn’t like a word such as “splendiferous!” My children liked this “funny story” so it comes recommended by experts!

Achievements

Marg Gibbs (M.J. Gibbs) is happy to report that her poem, ‘Christmas Fairy Wish’ and short story, ‘The Musical Christmas Tree’ have been accepted for publication in the Share your Story Competition run by Michelle Worthington.

The book launch for the anthology, It’s Beginning to look like Christmas is in Cleveland, Brisbane Saturday 1 December. Marg will be attending this launch with her family and friends.

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Rebecca Colless is delighted to have received second prize in the Novels category of the 2018 Rate Your Story Awesome Openers Writing Contest for her YA speculative fiction ‘The Demon Bells’, which was shortlisted for last year’s Ampersand Prize.

‘This is my first test with an American audience and it’s encouraging to receive such positive feedback,’ says Rebecca.

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Jo Mularczyk says, ‘I’m very excited and grateful to have had two stories included in The School Magazine’s October edition. Dear Mr Alien is included in Blast Off and “Hope” is included in Touchdown. A reading of an extract from Hope is also featured on The School Magazine Youtube channel.’

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas: Book Review

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Cecilia Johansson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781925594034

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Tom is told that when he goes to stay with his Aunt Roz there’ll be a new friend for him to play with. Tom is excited, until he actually meets this potential new playmate…. Ellie, his Aunt’s pet pug! Tom is not happy. Does Ellie bite? Does Ellie snore? Does Ellie poop where she’s not supposed to? No, no and no. Ellie receives privileges that most pets don’t. Ellie does things most pets don’t. Ellie wears pyjamas, eats at cafés, wears hats and rides a skateboard. She is beyond spoilt and Tom is far from impressed, especially because Ellie gets all the attention wherever they go. Will they ever be friends?

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas is a cute picture book about a pet being treated like one of the family. It is a brightly illustrated book that includes a combination of single page images, double page spreads and vignettes. The simple lilac end papers beautifully sum up the indulged pooch’s life. This book is suitable for children aged 3-6. It would particularly appeal to dog lovers and any young families who’ve ever referred to their pet as a ‘fur baby’.

Malibu and the Naughty Elf

Malibu and the Naughty Elf by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Dave Atze (Big Sky Publishing)  PB RRP $14.9   ISBN 9781925520644

Reviewed by Kate Simpson

Malibu and the Naughty Elf is the Christmas-themed follow-on from The Three-Legged Kangaroo from Uluru. In this new instalment, Santa and Mrs Clause have donned their cozzies and come to spend Christmas in Australia with their friend Malibu the kangaroo. The elves and the reindeer are enjoying the fun and sun on Bondi Beach, but one elf isn’t happy. There is nothing that Bobby the elf likes about Christmas and while the other elves are enjoying themselves, he is grouchy, miserable…and naughty. Soon Santa is tearing his hair out and it is up to Malibu to figure out why Bobby is spoiling Christmas for everyone.

Full of surfing Santas, skateboarding reindeer and elves playing in the sand, Malibu and the Naughty Elf sets itself up as a classic Christmas down-under tale and, certainly, there’s plenty to satisfy on that front. The story itself, however, is less about Christmas and more about the struggles of an elf trying to fit in and the unhappiness that comes from pretending to be something you’re not. The illustrations by Dave Atze are bold, colourful and packed with humour, surely a winning combination for any pre-schooler.

With Christmas just around the corner, Malibu and the Naughty Elf is one to consider for the stocking.

Possum Games

Possum Games by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-925139-13-6

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

Late at night on a rusty tin roof, just near an old mango tree, the possums compete in games of skill.  Riley has always wanted to join in, but he is not a fast runner, a high jumper or a strong thrower.  Until one particular noisy Possum Games night, Riley discovers he has some amazing skills after all.

Possum Games is a lovely book about finding your talents and a gaining sense of self.  It is told from the perspective of Riley who just cannot keep up or compete with his other possum friends.  He is slow and clumsy and often left out by the other possums.  It’s only when the humans start throwing green mangoes at the noisy group of possums that Riley learns that he can do something well; he can dodge.  Not only is he good at it, he’s better than anyone else!

This book demonstrates a situation that most children (and adults) can relate to: feeling inferior to those around you.  Despite his best efforts, Riley just isn’t as good as his friends.  It lowers his self-esteem and causes him to remove himself from the games being played.  When, by chance, he discovers he does have a talent, he not only finds the respect and admiration of the other possums but, more importantly, of himself.

Sandra Temple’s illustrations are fun and lively.  The possums have lots of personality and present as a great blend of cartoon and realism.  With possums throwing, jumping and skidding down rooves, there’s plenty of action from page to page.

Michelle Worthington was born in Brisbane and currently works and lives in the Redlands.  Winner of the 1988 Little Swaggie Award and other Australian poetry competitions, she has been published in numbers local and international poetry anthologies.  She has written several books for children including The Pink Pirate, Each The Same and Yellow Dress Day.  She can be found online at http://www.michelleworthington.com/. 

Sandra Temple has been a professional artist, illustrator and author for more than thirty years.  The winner of many prestigious awards, she has paintings in private, corporate and government collections nationally and internationally.  She can be found online at http://www.sandratemple.com/.

Yellow Dress Day

Yellow Dress Day by Michelle Worthington Illustrated by Sophia Norsa (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9782921928291

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Being a fan of dresses and colour means Ava’s heart only needs one look outside each morning to know what colour dress is right for that day. As pages turn readers see different types of weather meld with desires for particular colours. The day in this book’s tale is a ‘whisling, whirly, windy day’, requiring a yellow dress. But said dress is not in the cupboard, or drawer, or under Ava’s bed!

Ava recalls that yesterday was a windy day too, which saw her jumping and tumbling through piles of leaves. She checks the laundry to find the dress is in the wash. Her heart sinks. Luckily Mum finds old dress-up clothes. Various possibilities, all yellow, emerge. Ava has choices and, dressed as a daffodil, heads outside.

The wind is still present though its strength has pushed all clouds away and Ava is tugged about by the gusts till she tumbles happily in the sunlight. At the day’s end she sits on a tree branch with her mum and puppy to conclude that this was ‘the best yellow dress day ever’. Young girls are sure to agree and find much in this sweet tale to identify with as well as talk about, especially as they peruse the illustrations.

Whimsy abounds in vivid, distinct and attention-grabbing water colour by a young artist who knows how to capture the world through the eyes of an even younger audience. Colour and lots of movement capture the overall mood of characters and story. Facial expressions of Ava and her puppy tell so much, hers in relation to her own emotion and the pup’s in response to Ava’s feelings and the overall situation that is obviously puzzling to him.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation on behalf of Ava Lardes and the book is sure to be a very welcome addition to all libraries.

The Pink Pirate

  The Pink Pirate by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Karen Mounsey-Smith (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $17.95

ISBN 9781921928932

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Six-year-old Georgia, the daughter of Ginger John who captains the Jolly Jellyfish, can “swim like a dolphin, do backflips off the gangplank, climb the rigging like a monkey” and does sword practice daily. Though without a son who he’d hoped to pass his ship on to once too old to pillage and plunder, John refuses to teach Georgia how to steer the ship. He makes her wear a pink dress, with buttons, and bows and says girls can’t be captains!

A caring father, he bundles her below deck as Captain Blackboots and his crew arrive. From the galley, Georgia hears Blackboots and gang invade, and her father’s crew scattering. The ship drifts with the tide and Georgia realizes nobody is steering. It is her chance to prove herself. She dons Dad’s spare hat and sword and sneeks out, hiding behind the ship’s wheel. In her fiercest captain’s voice she orders Blackboots to “surrender or suffer the consequences.”

He turns on her but she climbs the rigging, slashing the canvas so it falls on top of Blackboots and gang, trapping them. Dad and his crew toss them back onto their ship and Dad declares Georgia to be the best pirate ever. Wearing a purple pirate suit, complete with hat, she “sails away into the sunset, knowing that you can be anything you want to be, as long as you believe in yourself.”

Bright, lively, Illustrations combine with strong text to show a wide array of character emotions. They make it obvious that Georgia’s father is her hero and that she is the apple of his eye. Readers will sympathise with how gutted she appears when he has no choice but to order her below deck. Likewise, images of her frustration when she hears Blackboots get the better of her father’s crew and her joy when she is recognised for her success and finally allowed to be herself will connect with readers. The ship’s cat and mice appear in every spread: in fun battles with each other, unified in sorrow when the ship is taken over, sharing their joy by giving each other high-fives when it’s won. Publisher’s notes say this is for 2-6 year olds though it will appeal to older readers too.

The Bedtime Band

The Bedtime Band by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Sandra Temple (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-57-7

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

This book is suitable for pre-school aged children learning to read. The rhyme and rhythm of the words with the repetition of sounds will make ‘sounding out’ easier and enjoyable.  First impression of this book was that it would be perfect for bedtime reading too as is suggested in the title.

Michelle Worthington has captured night noises that most children in suburbia as well as the country should recognize from their own backyards. The other night time animal noises that they may not recognize will add (without frightening) to the excitement and adventure that will surely invade their dreams after this story.

The book is beautifully printed and bound; the hardcover opens fully assisting in reading to children while showing and discussing the illustrations. Sandra Temple the illustrator is an award winning artist with a love of conservation, this love of conservation shows through in her illustrations of the animals.  The layout of the book is easy to follow and Temple’s illustrations are beautiful with her coloured pencil over soft back ground colour. Although the colours in the illustrations are true to the strong Australian colours they remain soft and calming helping to make The Bedtime Band a marvelous book for peaceful bedtime reading.

  

Reading this book together before lights out will be an enjoyable experience for the parent and the child.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com