Kid

Kid by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9780702269257

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

‘Bravest goat in the world.’

Every kid needs a mantra. Something to say out loud several times a day. Something to strive towards. And something to believe.

‘Kid’ is a kid – of the baby goat kind. And like many human ‘kids’, Kid is determined, unstoppable, a little literal and sometimes in need of a hug.

Life on the farm is calm and happy. Kid has friends who care for him – Audrey the hen, Harriet the pig – but he misses his parents who left the farm in pursuit of a fox and never returned. Every night, Audrey tells Kid stories of his parents’ bravery and how they found happiness in ‘the wild ’, but after time, Kid starts to wonder why they never returned.

Kid wants to be brave, just like his parents, so every day he practises what goats do best – jumping, climbing and butting.

Eventually, with some encouragement from Cow and Bird, who live at the far end of the farm, just before the wild, Kid decides he’s going to leave and find his family. His friends warn him that, because of Ma the Maremma’s strict adherence to ‘Farm Law’, he’ll never be able to return, but the pull of family overrides everything.

There are many questions to be answered. How will a tiny kid survive out in the wild? Are Kid’s parents even there? Why are Audrey and Harriet so determined to accompany him? And who is that big, dark beast that seems to be following him?

While Kid is a goat, and while all the other characters – Audrey, Harriet, Ma, Cow, Bird and so on – are also animals, they are so human-like in their qualities that it is easy to draw comparison with the people you know and love (and are maybe slightly apprehensive of) in your life. For me, Audrey was the teaching colleague who took me under her wing when I was new to the game; it was her voice I heard as I read.

Peter Carnavas’ beautiful words, his ability to develop relatable, lovable characters and to simultaneously create a quiet but tension-filled plot really shine in Kid. This is a story that is going to become a firm ‘read-it-again’ classic.

The perfect book for independent readers, Kid would also be a delight to read as a bedtime serial or class novel. (Teachers – there are teaching notes on the UQP website.)

With its gentle narrative, pops of dry humour and characters you want to cheer along, readers aged 5 to 8 – along with their parents and teachers – are going to fall in love with Kid.

My Mum is a Magician

My Mum is a Magician by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas  (University of Queensland Press, 2018) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 978 0 7022 5994 4

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

Some mums gulp green tea, with bitter barley blends.

But my mum is a magician ... her cup of coffee never ends.

This is a spellbinding picture book celebrating Mums everywhere. In My Mum is a Magician, you'll meet all kinds of Mums - each of them as wonderfully diverse as the next!  Pilot mums, superhero mums, chorus line mums and sword swinging mums. But nothing (it seems) tops magician mums!

Damon Young has created a highly entertaining, energetic and frivolous text using rhyme and alliteration. The rhythmic pacing is engaging and makes it a pleasure to read out loud.

Peter Carnavas's excellent illustrations cleverly add another layer of wit and vibrancy to the text. (Like the kid being sprung by magician mum with his hand in the cookie jar ... and the chorus line mum with a prosthetic leg!) While the various animals on every page are adorable, they add tiny narratives.

Some mums light lamps that hang low on weeping willows.

Some mums stick stars that sparkle over soft pillows.

After all the boisterousness and excitement of My Mum is a Magician, I love how the mood shifts and everything quietens down over its four final page turns. Here, the text and illustrations work seamlessly to create a soothing dreamscape where mums and their children are seen tucked closely together and the light becomes softly subdued in gentle sunset tones ... then, as the book comes to a restful close, the magician mum has the final say.

'Every day' mums may not be represented in this book (the lunch makers, the missing sock finders, and the mess cleaners). But when you think about it, alongside all the tireless, often thankless little things they do for us, they are our superheroes who will stop at nothing to nurture, protect and keep us safe. Even swing swords if necessary! They are extraordinary, and they show up for us every single day, regardless of how they might be feeling. So all mums are magicians in my eyes!

This award-winning author/illustrator duo has delightfully created My Mum is a Magician, a timeless celebration of mums and caregivers everywhere. The book is a joy to read and suitable for preschoolers.   

 

 

Leo and Ralph

Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (UQP), RRP $16.99 Junior Fiction ISBN 9-780702-266218

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

‘Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it’s not there.’

Leo hates school. He has difficulty communicating with the other kids in Prep and he can’t make a friend. He feels the angst from his parents who are trying to encourage him with tips and he feels even worse when he realises that his younger sister attracts others with ease. He’s only comfortable when he’s thinking about space and the types of beings that might exist out there.

One day a white balloon floats into his backyard and he hears a crash outside his house. When he returns to his room, he finds a short shaggy creature with flappy ears, stubby horns and a nose like a bulgy mushroom. Mum’s wish for him to have a friend has finally come true!

Only Leo can see the creature, who he names Ralph, and they quickly become inseparable. Ralph has come to Earth in a soccer ball-shaped spacecraft from one of Jupiter’s moons and he’ll stay with Leo for as long as he needs him.

Initially Leo’s family is accepting of Ralph, understanding what he means to Leo. But Ralph is still with Leo four years later and Leo is yet to make a “real” friend. Too often Leo gets lost in his imaginary world with Ralph and a daydreaming episode lands him hospital with a broken arm and busted telescope. This is the catalyst for his financially struggling parents to move to the country. Leo is made to say goodbye to Ralph.

Their new home, in a remote town, hasn’t seen rain for years. Every day is sweltering hot, the only public pool is closed due to lack of funds, and the kids at Leo’s new school aren’t interested in him. Secretly, Leo had made a pact with Ralph that if he doesn’t have a friend within a week, Ralph will return. When the first week passes, Leo keeps his eye out for a soccer ball-shaped spacecraft and instead recovers the missing ball of a classmate, Gus. The ball is precious to Gus – it’s a reminder of his father who has been gone for two years.

Ralph returns to Leo’s side and Leo keeps Ralph’s presence hidden from his family. But with some encouragement from Ralph (which is Leo’s inner voice) and a challenge set by his teacher to raise funds to reopen the pool, Leo finds himself breaking through his own personal barriers and bringing happiness to everyone.

Packed full of space related metaphors and references, ‘Leo and Ralph’ is a tender story that has the reader rooting for both Leo and Gus and brings all the threads together for a satisfying ending. A small number of perfectly placed illustrations, drawn by the author, compliment the visual picture created by the words. Due to the length and language used, I’d recommend this book for confident readers in the target age range noted by the publisher as 7-8+ years, as well as for middle grade readers.

My Dad is a Dragon

My Dad is a Dragon by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas

(University of Queensland Press) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780702260490

Review by Wendy Haynes

My Dad is a Dragon is the sixth instalment of this series, a testament to the talent of this duo. The book bolsters the important role of fathers and how children thrive having a happy relationship with them.

The story tells of the many thing other dads can do, but the author Damon Young deliberately pulls the reader’s focus back to the relationship between father and child. My Dad is a Dragon is a representation, a celebration of fatherhood, and how fathers play a significant role throughout a child’s life.

The illustrator Peter Carnavas builds on the story with the characters having a togetherness throughout the pages. His illustrations are in pastel shades which gives a sense of calm.

The young girl is like an observer and a participator as the author moves the reader through the story. She can see what other dads do but her dad is a dragon!

                                                                     

My Dad Snores

My Dad Snores by John Williamson, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780143793793

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Narrated by a boy, this picture book story is basically a complaint, written in rhyming text, about Dad’s snoring. Its author is well-known Australian icon and singer-songwriter, John Williamson, who is pictured on the back cover and shown in a picture on a wall in the boy’s house.

Grandpa snores, too, but Dad’s snoring affects the whole house, especially Mum who’s ‘nearly insane/Though she kicks him again and again.’ Throughout the story Dad’s snoring is compared to other loud noises such as ‘an old steam train,’ ‘like thunder and rain,’ and ‘our old school bus.’ When Dad snores through TV shows, ‘we tried a peg on his nose’, but nothing works. The end of the book shows the final solution to the problem – the rest of the family relocating to a tent in the back yard!

Carnavas, who has illustrated so many prize-winning picture books, shows his talent here with pen and watercolour pictures that are lively and fun. No doubt this book will be shown and read to all those dads of small children who keep the family awake at night!

A Quiet Girl

A Quiet Girl written & illustrated by Peter Carnavas HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780702260025

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Mary is a quiet child whose family is so noisy and occupied with mundane tasks that she is frequently overlooked. The small girl whispers quiet words, steps quietly and has quiet thoughts. At the same time, she is involved with the world around her, listening to the sounds of birds and enjoying the garden. She hears things nobody else does, buzzing and sighing and creaking, while her family use motorised tools and tell her to use a ‘nice, loud voice’.

Eventually Mary feels as though she is invisible. It is only when a bird lands on a windowsill that her family realises she is missing. When they eventually find her, she becomes the catalyst for them to finally stop their business and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature which so captivate their youngest member.

Carnavas has written many picture books including his most recent, The Elephant, which was short-listed for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. A Quiet Girl was, he says, his tribute to the introverts, who, it must be said, are rarely represented in children’s literature. This book, like The Elephant, is delicate and thought-provoking, a quiet voice in a noisy world.

The illustrations are in keeping with the theme of the book which is that one needs to be quiet and to look carefully at nature in order to be attuned to it. In its quietness, the book is powerful. It is suitable for all young readers, including the newly independent reader.

A Quiet Girl

A Quiet Girl, written & illustrated by Peter Carnavas (UQP) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN9780702260025

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Mary is a quiet child whose family is so noisy and occupied with mundane tasks that she is frequently overlooked. The small girl whispers quiet words, steps quietly and has quiet thoughts. At the same time, she is involved with the world around her, listening to the sounds of birds and enjoying the garden. She hears things nobody else does, buzzing and sighing and creaking, while her family use motorised tools and tell her to use a ‘nice, loud voice’.

Eventually Mary feels as though she is invisible. It is only when a bird lands on a windowsill that her family realises she is missing. When they eventually find her, she becomes the catalyst for them to finally stop their business and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature which so captivate their youngest member.

Carnavas has written many picture books including his most recent, The Elephant, which was short-listed for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. A Quiet Girl was, he says, his tribute to the introverts, who, it must be said, are rarely represented in children’s literature. This book, like The Elephant, is delicate and thought-provoking, a quiet voice in a noisy world.

The illustrations are in keeping with the theme of the book which is that one needs to be quiet and to look carefully at nature in order to be attuned to it. In its quietness, the book is powerful. It is suitable for all young readers, including the newly independent reader.

My Mum is a Magician

My Mum is a Magician by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (UQP)

HB RRP $24.95  ISBN 9780702259944

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

This book is filled with fun and frivolity from beginning to end and is sure to delight pre-school children. It is full of amazing Mums in diverse and unusual roles who get up to all sorts of antics both in the workplace and at home. The main Mum is a magician and will keep children wondering how mothers just seem to know what’s going on – even when you think they’re not looking!

The rhyming text is well written, making the flow an easy out-loud read. The illustrations are funny and will have children laughing.  There are a lot of animal characters to discover on each page and they are placed in very comedic situations.

This is a light-hearted, fun book that is the latest release in the family series: My Sister is a Superhero, My Pop is a Pirate, My Brother is a Beast and My Nanna is a Ninja. I predict that Dad will be next and wonder what he will get up to !

This would be a great book to share with young children. I can imagine teachers using this for Mothers Day prompts or discussions about mothers.

Brook Tayla writes a picture book review blog at telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and subscribe.  Brook also offers editing services for beginning and emerging writers.

My Sister is a Superhero

My Sister is a Superhero by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (UQP) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 978 070225398

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This picture book for young readers is the third book in what has proved to be a much-loved series celebrating the diversity of family. The bright cover and fly pages are filled with illustrations of a supergirl (wearing undies over tights) flying in all directions alongside a flying bunny. The unnamed narrator – a brother or sister – imaginatively tells how his quirky sister is totally different to other (ordinary) sisters insofar as his sister ‘races rockets around stars’, ‘punches robots in the nose’ and ‘bench presses burly trolls’. However, the little brother narrator says, the best thing about sister is ‘she reads me stories in the skies.’

Australian Damon Young, whose other books are for adults (about philosophy, exercise and martial arts) writes this fun-to-read book in rhyming verse with lots of alliteration (sisters dancing in denim booging with a band, for example) which is excellent for reading aloud to children from 3 years and up. 

The watercolour illustrations, also by an Australian, Peter Carnavas, who won the 2009 CBCA prestigious Crichton Award for emerging illustrators, are light and bright and full of joyous fun. The final illustration in the book shows a sleeping boy being held in the sky by sister who is urging the reader, with a finger to her mouth, to be quiet – a great way for a parent reading this book to a child in bed to go to sleep.

The two previous books by this talented author-illustrator team are My Nanna is a Ninja and My Pop is a Pirate.

Oliver and George

Oliver and George written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059083

Reviewed By Rose Davies

The two main characters of this very simply illustrated book are extremely cute. There is young Oliver, who always manages to be wearing at least one roller skate as well as fancy dress, and there’s the gorgeous chubby, rather intellectual looking George, a huge teddy bear. George has a small ‘pince nez’ on his nose and always seems to be reading!

Oliver wants attention. He wants to play, but George is too engrossed in his reading. Whatever ways George chooses to try and distract George does not work. Oliver throws a paper plane at George, he pushes him and breaks the stool George is sitting on, but George reads on, totally absorbed in his book. Oliver even tips porridge on George.  That does not even work for Oliver to distract George and he does not even get mad.

Oliver tries a new tactic. Oliver pulls George’s ears, he tickles George’s nose with a feather, still nothing happens, so he snatches George’s book from him and scoots off.

Suddenly he is hit on the head with a paper plane, and then there is an almighty ROAR from George. Oliver apologises for making George mad. Suddenly the tide turns.  Now George is ready to play but the book Oliver snatched away seems extremely interesting to Oliver now. “Shall we play now?” asks George. “Okay”, “In a minute” replies Oliver, as he walks away with his nose in a book.

This is a cheerful storyline with an unexpected ending. Not only is the story a good read, perhaps subtly it also shows early readers and pre-readers that books can be really exciting and interesting.

Writing now for over six years Peter Carnavas is an established author/ illustrator, with his first book Jessica’s Box shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award and with this book he won the Speech Pathology Book of the Year in 2008. Peter also received the Notable book award by the CBCA and was shortlisted for the Crichton Award.  When Peter is not writing he is teaching, reading books with his daughters, drawing and trying to play the mandolin.

Rose Davies is an established non-fiction author of environment and nature books for adults. She also writes freelance for several publications, runs a consultancy business focussed on community nature and environment education. She has been writing reviews for a variety of publications for over 25 years. 

My Nanna Is A Ninja

My Nanna Is A Ninja by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9780 7022 5009 5
Reviewed by Jo Antareau

This is a colourful, lively picture book celebrating the special bond children have with their nannas.  A great story to read aloud with its rhymes and rhythms, it describes the unique antics of the child’s own Ninja nanna, dressed in her black outfit and doing the cool things Ninjas do.

But other Nannas are not forgotten - the three non-Ninja nannas are anything but conventional and certainly do not suffer in comparison to the Ninja nanna. The Nannas’ various eccentric, adventurous and fun activities would resonate with preschool-aged children everywhere. The author was inspired by a book describing somewhat conventional grandparents which were utterly unlike those he knew. So he created a funky set of nannas instead that grandmothers everywhere will appreciate him for.

Carnavas’s illustrations burst with colour and movement, and feature cute details about each of the four nannas described such as their pets, which although are not mentioned in the text, add a level of humour and intrigue that a child will have lots of fun following.

This is the first picture book by Young. Let’s hope it’s not his last.

Jonathan

Jonathan by Peter Carnavas, illustrated by Amanda Francey (New Frontier Publishing)
HB RRP A$24.95
ISBN 97811921928611
Reviewed by Rose Davies

Jonathon is a beautifully illustrated, full colour picture book for the 3- 5 year old age group. This is one of those books that is a pleasure to read to younger children as it has plenty of opportunity for sound effects  as we move through the story.

Jonathan disguises himself as various creatures.  ROAR! calls Jonathan the lion.  SNAP!  he calls when he’s dressed up as a crocodile.  GROWL! calls Jonathan when he is dressed in a blanket like make believe bear. Jonathan tries to scare Dad, his sister and Mum, but no one is interested.

Jonathan goes for a walk, he meets to his surprise a friendly dinosaur, so they team up to go to Jonathan’s house to see if they can scare anyone there this time. BOO! says the dinosaur when the front door is opened by Dad, Mum and his sister. The family scream, then flee the house. Jonathan thanks the Dinosaur and tells him he can go now when suddenly the dinosaur says BOO! The dinosaur takes off what turns out to be a costume and reveals…it’s Jonathan’s grandad!

He didn’t scare Jonathan!!

A simple story, a happy ending, this is a lovely book for parents, grandparents and early readers to read and enjoy.

Rose Davies is an established non-fiction author of environment and nature books for adults. She also writes freelance for several publications, runs a consultancy business focussed on community nature and environment education. She’s also been writing reviews for a variety of publications for over 25 years.  

The Boy On The Page

The Boy On The Page written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN – 9781921928468

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

‘One quiet morning, a small boy landed on the page.’  This story’s opening is as captivating as the image of that small boy landing all alone in all that white space. Instantly drawn into this unnamed character’s world I travelled alongside him as pages turned and black pencil combined with watercolour, unfolding his life. His time is filled with the mundane as well as the magical and, because of this, that small boy represents every one of us.

Carnavas has created a perfect balance between the whimsy and humour found in the visual and the written deep life question of why we are here and what life is all about. At first, being so young, the boy observes what is around him. As he grows he embraces life all the more. He gardens, rides horses, paddles canoes, catches fish, plays in a band. He grows up to climb mountains, fall in love, make a family, build a home, care for pets. He provides so much for so many others. Yet he’s still puzzled by one thought.

Trying to work out why he is here he jumps off the page! If you think kids won’t get the deeper aspects of this work, you’ll see that they do as the power of this moment hits home. Readers become immersed in stillness when they see the man’s two ever-present companions, a little bird and a piglet, confused and deflated in the far corner of a wordless double page white spread once he’s jumped off the page. Turning to the next page, however, satisfies readers and the man, as it answers his question.

How so? I’m glad you asked. The next spread shows the man has tumbled straight back, finding himself surrounded by ‘everything he had ever made, every animal he had ever cared for and every person he had ever loved.’ The realisation that we are all here to be loved and to love others right back is clear and this work is a masterpiece to be enjoyed at any and every age.

The Children Who Loved Books

The Children Who Loved Books written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN – 9781921928161
Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Angus, Lucy and their family don’t have much in the way of a grand home. They live in a caravan with no TV and don’t own a car. They do, however, own oodles of books. These are stacked and piled everywhere. There is even a tower of them propping up their outdoor table. No room in the caravan for a table! Filled to breaking point, the caravan is unable to hold anything more and one day spills hundreds and hundreds of books all over the place.

Dad’s solution is to ferry them all away. All that lovely space sees the family no longer snuggled together sharing stories. They grow further and further apart. They learn that a life without books, the closeness they bring to the family and the worlds stories take them to, is no life at all. When a book tumbles from Lucy’s school bag one day, Mum asks where it’s from. Lucy says “The library.”

Before long the family gathers around it as Dad reads. Even as darkness falls their caravan shines bright, long into the night. The next morning, closer than ever, they head into town. Though nobody says where they are going, Angus and Lucy know their destination. Turning the page confirms that a library visit means they have all the books they need, and further ensures readers will easily embrace the celebration of books that this story brings.

Watercolour and ink illustrations show so many things that are never spoken of in the text. The warmth and togetherness of shared interests in reading are felt in each scene, as are the sadder moments when the family grows apart, no longer held close by the power of books. The community around the library expands on the value that books hold for all of society and the story told in pictures, alongside simple yet charming text, will see the book become a favourite.

Mr Darcy

Mr Darcy by Alex Field, illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921042836
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

As a lover of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice it was a no-brainer I would love Alex Field's picture book Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy is a duck who lives by himself at Pemberley Park 'where the trees blossomed and the lake sparkled'. Although he is lonely he feels too important to accept an invitation to tea from Lizzy and her sisters. Disaster occurs when Mr Darcy falls in a puddle (a little smile crossed my lips with visions of Mr Darcy from the BBC series emerging from the lake!). Lizzy, her sisters and their friends (including Bingley the horse) help free Mr Darcy and, realising the value of friendship, he accepts Lizzy's invitation.

The text and illustrations combine perfectly to bring this delightful story to life. Peter Carnavas once again shows why he is an award-winning illustrator. The illustrations are uncluttered yet full of energy, movement and emotional integrity. Mr Darcy is the stand-out character and his journey is brilliantly portrayed. Plenty of white space keeps the focus on the characters and does not distract the reader, ensuring that the message of the text is conveyed but never in a didactic manner.

Children and parents will both love this gentle and amusing story.

The Great Expedition

The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781921042812

Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

The Great Expedition is inspired by the story of Burke and Wills who led a party of the first Europeans to traverse the Australian continent from south to the north. In The Great Expedition two young explorers led a group on a great mission to deliver a very important parcel. Like the original expedition, they encounter mishap and misadventure and achieve their ultimate goal. Fortunately, there is no tragic ending to this tale.

Carnavas’ text drew me in immediately and had me travelling the ups and downs of the expedition with the young explorers. There is plenty of humour and the gentle pastel illustrations extend the text contributing an alternative aspect to the story. The text is viewed completely through a child’s perspective. There is no ‘pretend play’ while the illustrations show reality.

This is the beauty of the story. It revels totally in the child’s world and has no adult ‘voiceover’. I loved this book and its reference to the historic Burke and Wills’ expedition and young readers are encouraged to further investigate Burke and Wills. In addition to its literary merit, The Great Expedition is perfect for introducing history to young children.

Last Tree in the City

Last Tree in the City by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921042218
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

There is one word for Peter Carnavas's Last Tree in the City; outstanding. The story is beautifully simple. Edward lives in a beige world of 'concrete and cars' where, for a few moments each day, he finds refuge in the tree at the end of his street. It is the last tree in the city. Edward is shattered when the tree is cut down but when he discovers a small branch, plants, waters and nurtures it, the city ultimately undergoes an environmental transformation bringing life and joy. Last Tree in the City is a reminder that individual efforts can lead to great changes.

The uncluttered illustrations complement and extend the story. With plenty of white space and the use of bright colour restricted initially to Edward, his bike and duck, and the tree, the reader's focus remains on the little boy and his reactions. Carnavas has managed to portray emotion with a brush stroke or two. The illustration of Edward when he finds the tree gone is heart wrenching. Importantly for young children, the text, and illustrations in particular, finish on an inspirational and hopeful note.

Last Tree in the City brings to my mind two of my favourite picture books of recent years: Bob Graham's How To Heal a Broken Wing and Stephen Michael-King's Leaf. Peter Carnavas is bound to be around for a long time to come and I am sure he will continue to garner awards for his exceptional work.