Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Penguin Books) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780241672037

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

What can you expect when you belatedly discover that your mysterious absentee father is less dropkick and more Greek god? Adventure, danger, and chaos, if Percy Jackson is any indication.

The Lightning Thief is where the Percy Jackson universe started, the first in the five-book Olympians series featuring 12-year-old Percy. After Percy discovers that his father is Poseidon and survives being chased by a couple of monsters, he enters ‘Camp Half-blood’, a summer camp for children of the Olympians. Upon receiving an ominous-sounding prophecy, Percy and his new friends set off on a quest armed with little more than audacity, friendship, sarcasm, and some borrowed magic.

This mid-naughties book is now a classic, recently re-released as a companion to the television adaptation (although the series is an improvement on the earlier movie adaptations, the book, of course, is better). A fantasy set against the background of a familiar modern world, featuring a boy as the central character with a girl and a boy as sidekicks, the framework is familiar. But The Lightning Thief has complexity, richness, and depth of character of its own.

Rick Riordan has a talent for speaking to his audience in a pitch-perfect tone, with an irresistible balance of the life-threatening and the silly. Riordan is a master of opening lines, and chapter titles include ‘I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-algebra Teacher’ and ‘We Get Advice from a Poodle’. Percy is imperfect and awkward and eminently relatable, while also being able to pull off impressive stunts.

While Percy and his friends age as the series progresses, the reading level and appropriate audience age remain relatively stable, meaning it is suitable for binge-reading by even relatively young readers. Many fans of the Percy Jackson universe become experts on Greek mythology, as they seek out the full stories behind the myths and characters mentioned in the books.

Percy Jackson is a rip-roaring read for middle primary to adult and has the added advantages of being a multiple-series gateway and a classics primer. It is an essential in the middle-grade fantasy genre, alongside a certain bespectacled orphan wizard. If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favour - and read the books before you watch the show.

Walking the Rock Country in Kakadu

Walking the Rock Country in Kakadu by Diane Lucas & Ben Tyler, illustrated by Emma Long (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9781761067860

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

What would you miss if you went for a walk in Kakadu? Walking the Rock Country In Kakadu (or Karrire kundenge karribolknan kunwarddehwardde in the local Kundjeyhmi language) shows how much there is to notice and appreciate for those who know how to look.

The book has the feel of a guided tour of the country, with the authors pointing out the flora, fauna, geography and culture of significance along the way, adding personal anecdotes. The illustrations are rich and detailed, supporting the text and making the reader feel almost as if they are truly there. It is a very long text, however, and without any narrative to speak of, the book takes some reader persistence.

For language nerds, a special treat is the Kundjeyhmi words peppered throughout the text, highlighted in bold colours and illustrated with small vignettes to provide the English translations. This is supported by an illustrated glossary, and pronunciations can be found by listening to the authors read the text aloud via a QR code. 

This is a substantial non-fiction text supported by detailed, sophisticated illustrations, which may offer great value in an upper primary context with appropriate teacher support and guidance.

How to Measure the Ocean

How to Measure the Ocean by Inda Ahmad Zahri (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761180361

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

How would one measure the ocean? It’s a difficult question for most adults, let alone children. Yet it’s a question tackled from almost every perspective in this rich non-fiction picture book.

There isn’t a narrative as such to this book, but the illustrations follow three children at the seaside as they grapple with the ocean’s many dimensions. The text explores all the different ways it is possible to consider the titular question: through the mathematics of volume, length, width, and depth, as well as geography, shape, inhabitants, time, and space.

The book cleverly introduces the concept of a formula and invites children to treat the book as a formula, swapping in concepts such as courage or love for ‘the ocean’ throughout the text. It also includes origami instructions for a paper boat and suggests more achievable measuring tasks for readers to tackle.

The illustrations are fully saturated and immersive, some full of detail, others focusing on character and connection. Together with the text, readers are encouraged to open their minds to the physical and philosophical questions that the ocean - and our attempts to measure it - poses.

This book is a wonderful cross-curricular, interactive classroom resource for kindergarten through middle primary, that just might challenge the adults as much as the children.

Footprint

Footprint by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Sally Soweol Han (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761180323

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath 

A meditation on the environment or a lesson on mindfulness - or perhaps both - this book is not your usual bedtime story. An exhortation to children to open themselves to the environment with its many different expressions and challenges, it encourages readers to walk forward, and breathe. 

This book’s greatest strength is its sumptuous yet gentle illustrations. Children are depicted enjoying and caring for nature and themselves in luscious landscapes ranging from desert to landscape to wintery night. The images are strong enough to stand alone and convey both a powerful message and a feeling of centred calm.

The book’s voice is clearly an adult one, with a clear instructional tone to the lyrical text. There is a repeated refrain of ‘Breathe... Yes, breathe’ which prompts the reader to do just that but feels awkward when reading aloud. There is a wealth of rich vocabulary to explore.

A book with great potential for joint exploration by adults and children, it is suited to an audience of primary school age. 

The Real Cowgirl

The Real Cowgirl by Isabelle Duff, illustrated by Susannah Crispe (EK Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922539687

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Making friends is tough and school can be a lonely place. For Sal, this is especially the case when you’d rather just be riding your horse alongside your family’s cattle than going to school. But as Sal learns, sometimes if you share just a bit of yourself, you can find connection.

The ‘twist’ in this book feels like it should be obvious from the outset but somehow comes as a lovely surprise around halfway through, as we realise that Sal’s horse is the narrator. This device manages to maintain a level of proximity alongside observations which don’t feel patronising.

The story reinforces rich imagery in the text with charming, pastel watercolour illustrations. While a predictable plot and flat characters mean it is unlikely to stay with the reader for long or have them picking it up again and again, it is a worthwhile expression of hope and the value of putting yourself out into the world.

This is a heartwarming book which offers value for junior primary students struggling to come out of their shell and make friends at school.

Bad Bunny the Pirate

Bad Bunny the Pirate by Jonathan Bentley (Scholastic) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781761299698

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

What should you expect from your Bad Bunny pirate captain when you’re set upon by a greedy croc? If you said, ‘the pirate will run off with the treasure’, you wouldn’t be far off, but not before dispatching the croc with a cunning trick.

This is one of a series of Bad Bunny books, which are plainly angling for the Pig the Pug market. While Bad Bunny doesn’t quite have the irresistible charisma of Pig, there’s plenty here to tickle the funny bones of a young audience. The slightly forced rhythm and rhyme, and absence of extra layers of meaning, mean it is unlikely to grab adult readers as much.

The illustrations are textured and bold, and although the characters’ expressions feel flat, there’s also an image of the insides of a crocodile’s stomach that is impossible to unsee and will hugely fascinate kids in the farts-and-poo stage of humour development.

A fun time - but probably not a long time - for little kids who enjoy a little naughtiness. Best for ages 3 to 6 years.

My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat

My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, illustrated by Remy Charlip (Enchanted Lion Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781592703852

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

There’s a saying that while dogs have owners, cats have slaves. Anyone who has had the privilege of being a slave to a cat has learned the lesson of this book: that possession is a fragile concept, and that we have no right to assume our authority over others.

The protagonist begins the story very much not having learned that lesson, asserting ownership and attempting to order his cat around. After a firm rebuttal comes the realignment of the relationship on an equal footing.

There is a certain feel common to picture books from American creators of the 1960s and 1970s, and My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat (this edition being a 2023 reprint) is a fine example. The text is spare and staccato, the illustrations bold and graphic. It often takes a couple of reads to fully appreciate them, but then they burrow into your soul.

In this case, the design uses only four colours, including a bright orange for the titular character. The text is rhyming and, in its repetition and call-backs, reads almost like song lyrics. Although there is a clear lesson, it is delivered with grace, humour and charm.

This is a layered book which uses inventive playfulness in language which, in tandem with evocative illustrations, has the potential to appeal to a wide audience, from the very young to the very old. (This review has been written with my very own ginger cat on my lap, and although I wouldn’t dare speak on his behalf, I’ll take that as a stamp of approval.)

Where is Cheeky Monster?

Where is Cheeky Monster? by Mike Lucas, illustrated by Heidi McKinnon (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761341984

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

While every monster is busy doing their own thing, no one can find Cheeky Monster… any guesses where they might be?

From Healthy Monster eating veggies to Busy Monster always working, the colourful illustrations accompany an exploration of stereotypical character types and associated tendencies, in a manner reminiscent of the Mr Men series. The book concludes (spoiler alert!) with a reflective final page reveal of the missing Cheeky Monster in the mirror, a trick that is guaranteed to amuse little ones.

The monsters are full of life and expression, their settings dotted with recognisable elements of modern daily life like smartphones and exotic yoga poses. The illustration style will be instantly familiar to any fans of McKinnon’s I Just Ate My Friend.

The playful exploration of different character traits, together with the rewarding payoff, makes this ideal for carers to share with young children from birth to 6 years.

Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth

Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth by Steve Mushin (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $34.99 ISBN 9781760292812

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

How can we save the planet? This is a question on the minds of many, as we stare down the potentially catastrophic consequences of greenhouse gases and environmental destruction. That said, not many would have come up with the kind of answers offered by Steve Mushin in Ultrawild. 

From poo cannons to giant walking animatronic megafauna composters, this colourful large format hardback is an ultra-wild glimpse into the powerful industrial design imagination of the author. What it isn’t, is particularly realistic - as the author acknowledges in the afterword.

But pragmatism isn’t the point. The book’s clear aim is to engage and excite a younger generation in thinking about the out-of-the-box solutions we may very well need to tackle climate change. And crazy contraptions, animals and poo are pretty good tools to get kids’ attention.

Presented in graphic strip format, most spreads are utterly packed with text bubbles tracking in every direction, detailed diagrams, and coloured drawings - to the point where it gets a bit overwhelming. It is possible to dip in and out of pages and still follow the thrust of the text, but the occasional full-spread illustrations in the pastel tones used throughout are a welcome relief.

A book to keep curious 10- to 14-year-old minds busy for hours, this would make a great gift or classroom tool. Just don’t try anything at home, kids.

Scary Girl

Scary girl by Nathan Jurevicius (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781761069277

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

A girl is abandoned with little memory of her past before being adopted. After some of those memories re-emerge, she decides to seek out the place from whence she came. After surviving dangers along the way, she discovers her origin story - but it isn’t at all the happy homecoming she’d imagined, leading to a dramatic escape.

Well, that was my interpretation of the graphic novel that is Scarygirl. As a book with no words (other than some introductory character profiles), there is a lot of room to choose your own reading of the adventure. This re-release of the 2009 work is a companion to the recent major film release.

The images are bold, fully saturated, and often quite creepy. They convey atmosphere and action, as well as depth of character and emotion. The panels aren’t necessarily that clear in their meaning, so it can take some puzzling to figure out what is happening.

The narrative of the film departs from that of the book, although the characters and basic plot arc remain consistent, as is the art style. It’s a joy to hear Australian voices in a big screen children’s animation, but the film does lack some of the mystery and looming atmosphere of the book. The Scarygirl universe also takes the form of video games and various other expressions for super fans.

While the publisher suggested an age range of 8 to 18 years, both book and film probably skew slightly younger in appeal. Younger readers will likely need adult assistance to interpret both the flow and meaning of the graphic novel, but the lack of words makes it accessible for beginner readers - and the guessing game is part of the fun.

In times of bushfires and billy buttons

In times of bushfires and billy buttons by Steven Herrick (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $19.95 ISBN 9781922696366

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

The final years of school mean a lot of decisions about what comes next. The challenge of working out what to do, where and with whom is daunting for everyone. But add in drug-dealing parents due for release from prison, the first blossoming of young love, and a sky glowing orange from the bushfires surrounding your home.

A coming-of-age character study of Year 11 student Ethan, this novel contains layers to occupy the reader’s mind well after the last page. We follow Ethan wrangling with his future and coming to terms with his past, while trying to find a way to reach through to a new kid at school who clearly has trouble at home. Then there’s the girl he likes and his best mate whose dad is away volunteering as a firefighter.

The cover art belies the complexity of themes and the delicacy of Herrick’s touch in dealing with such gritty, confronting subject matter. Aside from a few overwrought descriptions and overt political messaging, readers should also be conscious that domestic violence is a key narrative theme rendered in explicit detail.

Although ostensibly about fractured families, climate change and growing up, more than anything the book follows the maturing of Ethan’s sense of perspective and how he manages to balance the competing forces acting on his life in a way that feels right to him.

This is a thought-provoking, grounding read for mid-teens, which, with the oncoming El Niño, could not be more timely.

Meanwhile Back on Earth

Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins) HB RRP $27.99 ISBN 9780008555450

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

A treatise on our place in time and space in picture book form, this is another stunning instalment in Oliver Jeffers’ set of books that kicked off with Here We Are.

A dad takes his kids on a trip through the solar system, equating the time it would take to get to each landmark to what would have been happening that amount of time back in human history. So, in the time it takes the family to pass Venus, looking in humanity’s rear-view mirror takes us to WWII.

Accompanied by Jeffers’ trademark illustration style, this book puts a lot of things in perspective. It also shows, sadly, just how much fighting colours our shared past. Travel guides for life, this book and its siblings are must-haves.

That said, the purported audience of 5 years and up seems to be skewed a little young. There are big numbers and big concepts throughout this book, so it is probably best for readers aged 8 to 12.

First Tackle

First Tackle by Ricki-Lee Arnold (Wombat) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781761110818

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Dani’s passion is rugby league, but her protective grandmother and father refuse to let her play. With the help of older brother Jimmy and some inspiration from an older girl at the club - and despite the hindrance of her troublesome twin little brothers - can Dani make her sporting dream come true?

Unlike some sport-themed books we’ve reviewed, this one really needs an appreciation of rugby league to fully appreciate what’s going on. It has a clear agenda and pushes its ‘Girls with Game’ series message in an unabashed - sometimes slightly too overt - manner.

There are some attempts to introduce sub-plot, and enjoyable warmth in the family dynamic, but this book really does just do what it says on the tin. It is a fun, easy read and will resonate with its core target audience.

Rugby league fans aged 7 to 10 will have a ball (pun intended) ripping through this fast-paced story. While it will obviously appeal more to girls, boys will also enjoy the fun family antics - and might gain a bit of insight while they’re at it.

Wild Bush Days

Wild Bush Days by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Virginia Gray (Midnight Sun) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9780987380906

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath 

The early-20th century life of Jessie Hickman was fascinating: circus performer-turned-cattle rustler, she hid in a mountain cave to hide from police, earning her the tagline ‘Lady Bushranger’. This book seeks to bring that story to life, using two modern children echoing Jessie’s movements in search of her cave. 

This is a beautifully designed and illustrated book, a joy to the eye on each generous spread. The reader is left with a deep appreciation of the landscapes along with the sense of freedom and loneliness Jessie must have felt.

Point of view interchanges between the modern children and Jessie throughout. While it is understandable why this device has been used, together with the lyrical text, it is a challenging read. The language is heavy with literary devices, making it both rich and beautiful, but light on narrative. It would be difficult to understand the story without the benefit of the blurb.

With some guidance, this would be a useful companion to a mid-to-upper primary level Australian (or feminist) history inquiry.

Wooolf!

Wooolf! by Stephanie Blake (Gecko Press) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781776574834

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

A reinvention of the classic cautionary tale boy who cried wolf, a little rabbit enjoys tricking his parents with cries of ‘Wolf!’ and using their distraction to do even more naughty things - until the tables are turned.

The cheekiness of this version keeps the reader engaged right to the end - with a final surprise that will make everyone giggle.

Translated from French by Linda Burgess, the text is punchy and doesn’t appear to have lost anything in the way of impact from the original. The illustrations are bold and each page is saturated in deep colour. This feels a bit busy on some pages and dilutes a key moment in the story, despite highlighting the white rabbit characters.

A fun book to share with 2- to 5-year-olds, who will enjoy the naughtiness of this subversive take on a classic.

Tiny Wonders

Tiny Wonders by Sally Soweol Han (UQP) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780702263477

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

In a grey, sterile world full of busy, rushing people, a little girl wonders where all the colour is. Gently encouraged by her grandmother, she sets out to make a difference - one dandelion seed at a time.

A commentary on pessimistic, perpetually distracted adults, the book is a testament to the power of nature to reconnect us with our world and the people around us.

The real heart of this book lies in the illustrations, which are gloriously joyful and carry the narrative and the emotional impact. The text is almost superfluous but plays an effective supporting role with repetition and call-backs.

The final spread features a flower glossary, showing that dandelions mean ‘let’s spread happiness’ - an apt description of this lovely book, which will be enjoyed by 2- to 8-year-olds.

The Violet Veil Mysteries: A Case of Misfortune

The Violet Veil Mysteries: A Case of Misfortune by Sophie Cleverly (HarperCollins) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780008517601

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

In the second instalment in the Violet Veil Mysteries series, Violet, and her sidekicks (canine and human) are swept up in a new mystery involving missing jewellery and an uncanny fortune teller. Will Violet be able to save the day again?

The setting, with its Victorian England feel, allows scope for exploration of themes of female education and vocation as Violet attempts to capitalise on the recognition she gained by solving the mystery in the first Violet Veil Mysteries novel, A Case of Grave Danger. This, together with her ability to sense spirits of the dead, prompts her to launch a private investigation business.

Her first client job results in her becoming involved in a much more complex, threatening mystery than she had bargained for. But, as well as having imminent danger and paying clients to contend with, Violet is challenged to turn her focus on herself, as she discovers what it means to be a good friend.

This is a fantastical, feminist Sherlock Holmes for readers 9 and up who enjoy a fast-paced, adventurous mystery.

The Book of Stolen Dreams

The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr (Usborne) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781801310840 

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath 

In an authoritarian dictatorship which detests children above all, siblings Rachel and Robert are left to take over a dangerous mission after their father is arrested. Having grown up largely confined to their small apartment, with only their father’s lively imagination as escape, the children now need to decode a mystery and foil the heinous plans of the dictator.

This is a devastatingly difficult read in parts, perhaps more so for adults than the target 9-and-up audience. Reading it as Russian forces entered Ukraine, while the characters reminisced on their childhoods led in hiding and the even more difficult paths awaiting them, was particularly heartbreaking. A testament to the emotional impact of the character building, together with some genuine narrative tension.

While there are fantastical elements, the tale feels grittily real, and combines adventure, quest and war story in a way that feels very up to date. Note there are descriptions of violence, including the use of guns, but otherwise nothing challenging from a content perspective.

With its echoing, poignant beauty, this book will linger in the hearts and minds of mid-to-upper primary readers long after they turn the final page. The upcoming sequel will be anxiously awaited.

Wombat Can’t Sing

Wombat Can’t Sing by Katie Stewart (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781760991456

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

‘Always be yourself. If you can’t be yourself, be a wombat.’ Lovely advice on the dedication page and a clear indication of the theme of this simple picture book. 

When Fantail invites Wombat to sing with her, Wombat initially brushes her off - after all, wombat’s can’t sing. Or can they? After having second thoughts, Wombat seeks advice from a series of ‘singing’ animals of the bush. But each time, he fails, finally escaping the rain in his burrow. On emerging to find a sopping wet, miserable Fantail, Wombat comes to appreciate what he can do, and stops worrying about what he can’t.

This book has a familiar structure and few surprises, with the wonderfully realistic yet characterful illustrations providing humour and emotional depth. There are also some fun sound effects which will entertain a read-aloud audience.

A gorgeous entry point to a discussion of accepting our strengths and weaknesses for children aged 2 to 5.

A Good Place

A Good Place by Lucy Cousins (Walker Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781529501254

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Have you ever considered how hard it would be to find a good place to live - if you were a bug? Four insect friends search for a good place to live, but in a modern world filled with people, traffic, and pollution, it proves almost impossible. Until, that is, they find a beautiful garden full of flowers with a caretaker who appreciates them. 

This is everything you would expect of a Lucy Cousins picture book: bold, colourful illustrations, simple text and childlike styling. The book engages all the senses and uses repetition effectively to drive home the simple but important themes of home and environment. The reader connects emotionally with the characters as well as having the chance to notice the broader message. Even the endpapers reinforce the journey from urban to garden.

Addictive and engaging, this will be on heavy rotation for toddlers and preschoolers as well as their carers and teachers.