The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks

The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby (Puffin Books) RRP: $16.99 ISBN 9780241803455

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks is the ninth book in the Lottie Brooks series, an epistolary series that, in its format and illustration style, looks like Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls.

If you haven't read previous Lottie stories - and I hadn't - I found Lottie's age a bit difficult to place at first in this story. She's 12-13 years old, and she acts and speaks like a tween. The stick-figure drawings seem to appeal to a younger audience. Yet the story also refers a lot to boyfriends, kissing, wearing heels, bras, and so forth, with such familiarity that Lottie seems much older. She doesn't sound like a child who is only just discovering such areas of her life.

I don't think the content should worry adults, but they might find it a bit too grown-up. While Lottie has not only a boyfriend but also an ex-boyfriend, and her friends seem to have had a dating history, this isn't about explicit details. It's more about some silly fun with girls fighting over the cutest boy.

Lottie has the chance to go on a ski holiday with her friend, Amber. She's never skied before. The holiday is complicated when another family, including a snobby girl and her high-maintenance mother, joins them. Hilarity ensues not only on the ski slopes but with mean girl fights at the chalet and romantic misunderstandings and tussles.

The pretty simple cartoons do a good job of supporting the text and adding a little humour, though they are only basic, attempting to capture the flavour of a child's diary.

I wasn't completely taken by the prose style in which Lottie would "break the fourth wall" and acknowledge that the reader was reading her diary. To me, this felt a little strange, as if she might write her diary differently because it was being read, and one of the wonderful things about a diary is you feel the author is spilling their guts privately.

I suppose this leads to the next point - Lottie's diary is fun and entertaining. The hijinks with her friends read more like a description of a TV show, with slapstick or visual comedy and plenty of misunderstandings, than a diary at times. But I didn't feel like she was spilling herself to me. I felt the story lacked the secrets, emotions, and perspective that make a diary story so special. The intimacy was lacking.

However, I'm sure many readers - especially girls - will find a lot to enjoy in Lottie's adventures. It's very readable. Family, friends and enemies, competitiveness, fitting in, trying to keep up your image and are very relatable tween (and human) issues.

What’s Your Dream?

What’s Your Dream? by Simon Squibb (Puffin Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780241798140

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a workbook where young readers are challenged to ‘Discover your potential. Unlock you confidence’ and is written by the number one Sunday Times bestselling author. In this book, Squibb starts by posing the question, ‘What is your dream?’ If the reader has or doesn’t have a dream, the book asks them to write things in the book like what they look like, things they like to do, eat or read. It continues in a step-by-step fashion, giving reasons, for example, the reason why one ought to have a dream (‘it encourages us to take action – thinking about what we can do in our lives and how we can help other people.’)

Interspersed between the break-out sections, Squibb writes of other young people who have had dreams and how their dreams do things like focus on goals ‘that means we know exactly what we want to achieve’ and ‘gives us purpose – a powerful reason for pursuing our dream that keeps us on track to achieve it.’ It is clever how each section builds on the section before and after it.

Kids, aged 8 to 11 years are encouraged to write their answers into the book and to keep on reading. Chapter headings include ‘I’m Ready! How Do I get Started?’ ‘I’ve Started, Now What?’ and ‘I’m Stuck! What should I do?’ right through to ‘I’m Doing it. Am I there yet?’ and ‘I’ve finished! What did I learn?’

The book – printed on poor quality paper – finishes with Chapter 9, ‘The Dream Diary.’ In this section, the child reader is encouraged to open the book every six months and to note down how they’re getting on with their dream. This is followed by double page spreads in which the reader is invited to write down ‘one thing I’ve done,’ ‘One thing I’ve learned,’ ‘One thing I want to do next,’ and ‘One goal I’m setting myself.’

This is a useful, interactive and well-presented and well-designed book. Recommended. 

What’s Next, Spot?

What’s Next, Spot? By Eric Hill (Puffin Books) HB ISBN 9780241738597

This board book provides ‘Lift-the-flap choices for little learners’, and would suit children aged 3 to 6 years. It starts with Spot deciding what to choose for breakfast. Each of his four choices are cereal, toast, pancakes and bread. Under each word (and illustration) is a picture of Spot eating that food. For example, if he chooses toast, there’s a picture of him eating toast with the words, ‘Thanks for the tasty toast.’

Now it’s time for him to leave home for nursery, he must decide what clothes to put on first. Will it be his hat, books, coat, or scarf? The next page shows Spot with his friends crocodile, tiger, hippopotamus, rabbit and monkey at nursery and has him deciding what activity to do first – paint, draw, build with blocks or play outside.

The rest of the book follows a similar pattern with Spot deciding on which costume to wear, and which book to read.

This is a bright, colourful book with simple illustrations. It is sure to be a hit with young readers.

The Far Out Five: Snot Jelly Island

The Far Out Five: Snot Jelly Island by Olaf Falafel (Puffin Books) RRP: $19.99 ISBN 9780241732618

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

This is a chaotically funny graphic novel, all a bit here, there and everywhere, which could be seen as part of its charm, problematic, or the pointless point of it all!

Our story starts with four normal kids, Stewart, Sophie, Zainab and Jeffrey, who meet an incompetent magician at a carnival. During an electrical storm, combined with out-of-date hotdogs, a butterfly's fart and the magician's utterance of a spell, the children and the magician are transformed into a rainbow-spewing unicorn, a magical grumpy koala, a musical walking bathtub, an intellectual seabird bird and a cool seal. They're now the Far Out Five.

Now, of course, it's time for them to go on adventures.

The scene's already set for wackiness and incoherence. The adventures are mainly opportunities to tell jokes and go crazy rather than follow logical storylines - the team itself is hodge podge. But that's not a bad thing, silliness is fun. The first adventure involves quick visits to lots of different lands. Falafel makes the most of it, poking fun at Chess Island, the Kingdom of Infinite Monkeys, Mudland, and the Island of Teachers.

The real story starts about halfway through the book when the Five visit Snot Jelly Island. Here, they find many people encased in green snot jelly, frozen as statues. One survivor, Craig the Cowardly, is there to tell the tale. He's recruited along to the Far Out Five, which is thus no longer Five, to help save the island from a Medusa creature who can snot-jellify everyone with her dangerous stare.

The visuals here are vibrant and fun in mucous green. I liked that they were simple, uncomplicated drawings, brightly coloured and very in keeping with the narrative style. Falafel clearly leans into the naughty, gross fun that delights young kids, with a "Plop Ness Monster" early in the book, and plenty of farts, poos, snot and butt jokes. Some parents may think it's too much, but it's the kind of humour that will probably engage kids in the 7-10-year age bracket, especially boys.

The same age group will probably love the weird, cheery chaos with different animals, magic, and action, much of it not making much sense, but anything for a joke.

The book also includes challenging words, including many obscure elements from the periodic table, and "find the difference" activities to keep kids engaged.

However, there are some areas where Falafel skates a lot closer to the edge of what might be considered acceptable for younger kids. For instance, a phrase repeated several times in a story for fun, "clucking fork" is meant to refer to an implement owned by a mythical chicken king, but the joke is clearly meant to be a pun on foul language that parents may feel isn't appropriate.

The book is a wild and ridiculous adventure. The general story is predictable, but the details are very imaginative. I'm sure many kids would love the naughty giggles, but parents should be aware that it does push limits.

 

 

 

The Daredevil Princess and the Grumpy Giant

The Daredevil Princess and the Grumpy Giant by Belinda Murrell, illustrated by Rebecca Crane (Puffin Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781761340475

This is the fourth installment in the princess series for children aged 6 to 9 years looking for a book filled with magic, adventure and daring … and a very sassy unicorn.

A princess must be brave and bold, clever and curious, and very determined. Thus, when Bodo the Giant awakes in a grumpy mood, can Princess Tillie face her and stop her gigantic troublemaking?

Illustrations throughout the book bring the castle and its characters to life, which is ideal for beginner and newly independent readers.

Author Murrell has been shortlisted multiple times for children’s choice book awards.

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.

Mr McGee and His Hat

Mr McGee and His Hat by Pamela Allen (Puffin Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761345050

New Zealander Pamela Allen, writer and illustrator, has over fifty classic stories for children, and here is her seventh book about Mr McGee. Like her other books, Allen’s artwork is distinctive with lots of white space on each page. And on each page, too, is rhyming verse to tell a simple story.

In this exciting new Mr McGee adventure – published in Allen’s 90^th year – Mr McGee is sleeping under a tree when a sudden gust of wind sends him flying -- his hat, his cat, and ‘his bed went too’. When the wind stops, however, he can’t find his hat. ‘It wasn’t anywhere he could see.’ He searches high and low without success. But it’s only when he goes back to bed does the hat come to light. (Blame the cat!)

Here is a book ideal for children aged 4+ years.

Ratbags: Dummy Spit

Ratbags: Dummy Spit by Tim Harris and Shiloh Gordon (Puffin Books) PB RRP$14.99 ISBN 9781761346088

The Ratbags have their hands full when a toddler ratbag crashes into town. But where did he come from? Between the muffin mayhem and hairy heists, can Jigsaw and his friends find the missing parents in time. Or will they have to deal with the dreaded dummy spit?

Award-winning bestselling author Tim Harris is back with the fifth instalment of the wildly popular Ratbags series. Readers are once again transported into the rat-tastically funny world of Jigsaw and his friends.

With lively black and white illustrations on every page, this is a book for children aged 7+ years.

Voice of the Sea

Voice of the Sea by John Williamson, Andrea Innocent, Jonathon Chong (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN9781761344237

The Voice of the Sea initiative began when iconic Australian musician and conservationist, John Williamson wrote and performed the song for AMCS to highlight the plight of our oceans and marine life. Thousands of school children have sung Voice of the Sea in school halls all over Australia, the beautiful animated lyric video has even won an ARIA Award.

Voice of the Sea is much more than a song; it is inspiring the next generation of marine conservationists.

 

In The Voice of the Sea comes a new national anthem of the sea, now a picture book.

Where did it go?
Where has it gone, your love for me?

We love our sandy beaches, our jewel seas and reefs brimming with life.
But our precious oceans are in trouble, and we all need to become part of the voice to save them.

Parcel for Turtle

Parcel for Turtle by Shelley Knoll-Miller (Penguin Random House, Puffin Books) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761046612

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Oh, the joy of receiving a parcel in the mail. Especially a surprise parcel – with your name on it. And today, it’s Turtle’s turn.

When a special postal delivery arrives for Turtle from his friend Koala, all his friends are excited to see what’s inside. Keeping the parcel away from the pesky pelican, Crab, Sea Snail and Octopus, together with Turtle, all try to guess what’s inside. Each of their guesses are either too big, too long, too heavy, or too rattly to fit in Turtle’s parcel.

Just open it!

When they discover what’s inside, they’re all a little disappointed. All except Turtle. Koala has sent him the perfect gift.

Parcel for Turtle is the fourth title in Puffin’s ‘Parcel for …’ series, written and illustrated by the talented Shelley Knoll-Miller who brings her skills as a cartoonist to the world of picture books with her bright, energetic, and lovable animal characters.

Preschoolers love guessing games and they love presents, and Parcel for Turtle is the perfect blend. Young readers, from 3–5 years of age, will love trying to guess what’s in the parcel along with Turtle and his friends.

A Life Song

A Life Song by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker (Penguin Random House, Puffin Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761047640

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Music is a form of storytelling. Songs are inspired by life events – the ups and downs, the joys, and the sadness – and can be added to, verse by verse, with a chorus, a (heart)beat and a melody. So, it makes sense that life could be seen a song.

This is the metaphor that Jane Godwin and Anna Walker use in their beautiful book, A Life Song. It’s a celebration of individuality and the precious nature of life and is skilfully rendered through Godwin’s uplifting words and Walker’s gentle, welcoming illustrations.

As the book explains, our stories start at birth. They grow and evolve over the years and capture all our memories. But when we leave, our story – our song – stays behind, a tribute to our time on earth.

A Life Song reminds me a little of the classic Dr Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! However, it is gentler. More lyrical. Quieter. Ultimately, I would go as far to say that it has the potential to be more powerful.

Share this book with your child from the first time you read to them. Then again as they grow. Encourage them to compose their song – one that is unique to them – to embrace the moments of joy and learn from the difficult ones.

This book is more than a story. It’s a journey, and a catalyst for inspiration that should be shared through generations.

Bedtime Stories with RA Spratt

Bedtime Stories with RA Spratt (Puffin Books) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781761340017

The full title of this heavy tome (381 pages) is The Ultimate Collection of Brilliant Bedtime Stories with RA Spratt but the stories are more competent than brilliant. Despite this, it is claimed that the children’s podcast of the same name has over three million downloads.

The book comprises 28 short stories, all of which end with a fun fact. For example, the first story ‘Medusa’ as told by Nanny Piggins, ends with information about Medusa’s image being featured on the flag of Sicily. The stories are related by the author herself (aka Mum), and Nanny Piggins. The latter is the protagonist in a series of books by Spratt who has also written a series about a girl detective Friday Barnes, another series about the Peski Kids, and several other books of short stories.

This latest book features another never-before-seen Friday Barnes mystery, as well as tall tales from Spratt’s own domestic life.

This Camp is Doomed

This Camp is Doomed by Anna Zobel (Puffin Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN97817611047565

Sub-titled ‘A Dennith Grange Misadventure’, this 309-page novel for children aged 9+ years, starts with Mr Berg and Ms Malatesta in charge of a busload of students headed for four nights to Camp Buttress which is run by the Klock family. Portraits of the ten children from year 7, with their names, are shown before the story begins. For some reason, the publisher has chosen to write under their names she/her, he/him, and they/them (irritating and unnecessary). During the story, the teachers are referred to as Michael and Maggie.

It turns out that the Camp in the woods is run-down and there’s no phone reception. Celine is seeing conspiracies everywhere. Fionn has a bad premonition about the colour blue, and Mr Berg is horrified at the camp’s questionable safety standards. There’s a mystery which will have readers guessing as the students and their teachers try to solve it – and survive.

In her first upper-primary novel, Anna Zobel turns her knack for writing diverse characters to the task of creating an engrossing adventure-mystery story for imaginative readers. The kids of Dennith Grange School inhabit a world where coming-of-age challenges include not only the social vagaries of pre-adolescence but also the spontaneous onset of one’s individual ‘powers’ (anything from premonitions to shapeshifting), which are as much emblems of growth, transition and individuality as they are superpowers. But this isn’t a fantasy novel; it’s a journey into a world only slightly different to ours, where ghosts are still mysterious and school camps a labyrinth of challenges (for teachers and students alike!).

One of the book’s strengths is its refusal to pander to predictability at any level, from character construction to relationship dynamics, plot progression and the ultimate resolution—yet the narrative decisions never feel self-conscious or forced. An example is the relatable, believable tensions between the kids on camp, which aren’t simplified into formulaic scenarios such as bullying but are based on more interesting inner qualities and needs. All the characters have vulnerabilities, challenges, strengths, and passions, and all are worth getting to know. (The third-person limited perspective shifts between one teacher and two students, but the second teacher and eight other children are all equally unique.) Whimsical, a tiny bit spooky, affirming, engaging, sincere, insightful, and occasionally funny, This Camp is Doomed surely won’t be the only Dennith Grange Misadventure Puffin publishes. This novel has been described as ‘a deliciously spooky mystery with magic, mischief and mayhem.’

Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue

Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue by Jacqueline Harvey (Puffin Books: an imprint of Penguin Random House Australia) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN 9781761043345

Reviewed by Kerry Gittins

Summer has finally arrived in Hibiscus Gardens, which means it's wedding time! Willa is super excited about her Aunty Jane's upcoming wedding but not so excited about her dress, which she tells her best old-age friend Frank, makes her look like a meringue. Still, it will be loads of fun and her dog, Woof, has the very special job of being the ring bearer.

But summer also means bushfire season, and Willa is worried by the smoke rising from the mountains behind the town. Dad tells her not to worry as they head to the beach with her best same-age friend Tae. The wind seems to be changing though, and by the time they are back home, the smoke is bigger and closer. It starts raining - not water - but fire sparks - and they all spring into action packing backpacks, food for Woof and checking to make sure neighbours are safe.

Suddenly there's a loud rumbling and raindrops, not fire sparks, fall from the sky. Everyone gathers in the middle of the road clapping and cheering and thankful they are safe. But not everything in the town was saved. Brookside Barn where the wedding was to take place, and where all the wedding dresses were being kept, has burned down, so the wedding is called off. Willa is worried about the koalas near the showground too. With the help of Tae and Frank, Willa hatches a plan to save the koalas and orchestrate the biggest surprise wedding Hibiscus Gardens has ever seen!

Jacqueline Harvey tackles some important concepts for younger readers in this fourth installment of Willa and Woof including bushfires, bullying and wildlife rescue, which she approaches in a way that is meaningful but not confronting. The metaphor of the fire as a dragon is a masterful use of language to impress upon the reader the danger of the bushfire situation. The gravity of rescuing and looking after injured wildlife is portrayed with tension and understanding, with the reader given the opportunity to see the other side of a bully. Seriousness is balanced with humour, and descriptions like 'Ginger Biscuit, the serial killer (cat)', '. . . a giant carrot that looked like it had legs' and 'Her caterpillar eyebrows, Bert and Hilda, . . .' will have readers laughing out loud.  Another highly entertaining adventure filled with heart, friendship, compassion and fun, from one of Australia's best known authors. 

Supporting teaching themes could include bushfires, seasons, friendship, bullies, wildlife rescue, koalas, intergenerational friendships and dogs.

Ratbags: Naughty for Good

Ratbags: Naughty for Good by Tim Harris, illustrated by Shiloh Gordon (Puffin Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780143777441

Reviewed by Grace Power

Tim Harris’ writing style has seen his books receive multiple awards, including two KOALA Honour books, and a CBCA Notable. Now he publishes a humorous book for middle grade readers about a cartoonish rat, Jigsaw, so named because he does not fit in with other rats. ‘He is like a puzzle piece that will not squeeze into place, no matter how hard it is pressed.’ Other rats are ratbags, always up to no good. They clog up city sewers, chew through power lines, poop on the footpath, and cause all manner of trouble.

The main problem with Jigsaw is that he likes rules, in fact lives his life full of rules. For example, every morning he makes his bed, brushes his teeth, dusts his books, and practises piano (for exactly thirty minutes.) On the other hand, there are two typical ratbags, Ripple and Onion, who have just escaped from a science lab where humans did cruel experiments on them. They are anti-rule and try to get Jigsaw to follow their lifestyle of mayhem and chaos.

When a new pizza restaurant opens, there’s an opportunity for Ripple and Onion to encourage Jigsaw into a life of ratbaggery, which includes stealing a whole pizza.

This is a book filled on every page with lively, engaging illustrations which are sure to draw in even the most reluctant reader. There are plenty of speech balloons and type fonts of all different sizes. Reading the text means that the reader’s eyes jump all over the pages. It’s a lot of fun and the story moves along at a cracking pace.

Friday Barnes Last Chance

Friday Barnes Last Chance by RA Spratt (Puffin Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780143779247

Here is yet another book in the Friday Barnes’ popular, bestselling detective series for readers aged 9+ years. Previously, Friday and her friends Melanie and Ian have just solved the mystery of a major European art smuggling operation. The suspects were handcuffed to a bench, awaiting their transport flight back to the mainland.

This is when Friday discovers someone stole the famous painting the Mona Lisa. Yes, it was over 100 years ago, but a recently uncovered letter reveals that the thief forged a copy. This means that the painting in the Louvre now is a fake. And the real Mona Lisa could be anywhere!

Friday Barnes, girl detective, needs to find the truth – and the genuine painting. This time she’s going undercover as an art student, along with her partner-in-crime-solving, Melanie, and her staggeringly good-looking boyfrenemy, Ian.

As they watch the comings and goings of France’s most famous art gallery, they see some very strange things. Amid digital pickpockets, guerilla graffiti and projectile perfume, Friday soon discovers that the Paris art scene is a hotbed of crime.

Zola and the Christmas Lights

Zola and the Christmas Lights written by Melina Marchetta, illustrated by Deb Hudson (Puffin Books by Penguin Random House) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978014377749

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Zola and the Christmas Lights is a reflective and heartfelt exploration of family, diversity, community, light, hope and love.

It is nearing Christmas and Zola’s class is about to break for the summer school holidays. Just before the bell goes, Ms Divis, Zola’s favourite teacher, encourages the class to reflect on their learnings about the various traditions and celebrations held by different cultures. Reminding them that ‘not all’ celebrate Christmas but poses the question ‘What do they all have in common?’ Zola is left pondering the answer.

Walking home with her Nonna Rosa and younger cousin Alessandro, she enquires if they will be putting up Christmas lights. But Zola’s Nonna withdraws from the conversation, Christmas hasn’t been the same since they lost Nonno. But Zola remembers…

Then, a few short days before Christmas, Zola is in the kitchen helping her Mummy and Nonna prepare meals for the people in their local community who have fallen on hard times. She is sent to the cellar to fetch some bottled sauce. She collects the sauce but becomes distracted and forgets to close the door behind her. Time passes while they have been out and return home to discover that their two dogs (Monty and Gigi) have been into the cellar, to which chaos has ensued.

But from the chaos something unexpected appears that leaves Zola and her family filled with wonder and memories.

Melina Marchetta has woven the perfect story this festive season, Zola and the Christmas Lights is a true celebration of togetherness. The illustrations by Deb Hudson simply dazzle and delight with every turn of the page.

 

 

 

 

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Overlode

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Overlode by Jeff Kinney (Puffin Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN9780143778417

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

The thing to know about American author Jeff Kinney is that he has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Which is some acclaim for a children’s author!

Here is yet another book in the famous Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, sure to be a strong favourite especially of boys aged 8+ years. In this book, protagonist Greg Heffley is finding out that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks.

When he decides to tag along with his teenage brother Rodrick’s band, Loded Diper, Greg doesn’t realise what he’s getting into. But he soon learns that late nights, unpaid gigs, fights between band members, and money troubles are all part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. The question is: can Greg help his older brother Rodrik’s band become the legends they think they are?

Metallichihuaha won the Battle of the Bands last year, but will Loded Diper take out the award this year?

Like the style of all Wimpy Kids’ books, this latest book appears to be handwritten on lined paper, with strong black and white cartoon illustrations on every page. Visually it’s appealing, and, too, the tone of the storytelling is just right for today’s young readers.

Meerkat Christmas

Meerkat Christmas by Aura Parker (Puffin Books) HB RRP  $19.99 ISBN978043777229

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

Hip hooray! It’s Christmas Day! For ten meerkats it’s time to play. In rhyming couplets, a story is told of each of the meerkats as they celebrate. One is dressed as a reindeer, another is doing tricks, one is even lighting up the Christmas tree. All the meerkats are wearing sweaters numbered one to ten which would help a small reader learn his numbers. Finally, the ten animals create a human pyramid (shaped and decorated with electric lights) so they look like a Christmas tree. However, one of the meerkats sneezes and the whole of them topple (‘Meerkats falling down, down, down! CRASH! Giggling, laughing, rolling around.’)

This simple story is accompanied by lively illustrations including the opening fly pages which show meerkats on assembly lines preparing gifts for children at Christmas and on the closing pages showing meerkats around a Christmas tree and enjoying a lunchtime feast.

A Walk in the Dark

A Walk in the Dark by Jane Godwin (Puffin) Paperback RRP $16.99 ISBN 978 0 734 420770

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

 

Five teenagers set off on an overnight school hike. 'It's just a walk in the dark. What is there to worry about?' That’s what head teacher, Johan says. But what he doesn’t know is that a storm is brewing. The teens head into the forest late afternoon, unaware of what will unfold. Yet, what happens will change them forever. To survive, each must use their own individual strengths and learn to trust each other. Set in the rainforest of Victoria’s Otway Ranges, A Walk in the Dark is about friendship, family, trust, identity and setting boundaries.

Jane Godwin has written a unique, enthralling read with a strong plotline and characterisation. The story is both fresh and modern. For example - same parent families, not fitting in, self-acceptance, family dynamics and home situations are explored. The voice is strong and believable. The reader is constantly surprised as each teen grows and changes.

‘I’ll catch you before your ankle hits the ground. Trust me,’ said Elle, the water rushing so close to them. ‘Hold my hand.’ As the storm builds, dangers unfold, and relationship dynamics increase. They stood in a little circle, soaked through, shivering, frightened and exhausted. ‘What do we do now?’ said Ash.

 

Godwin has created tension in each chapter and the dialogue moves the story along. The sentence lengths vary according to the tension and story pacing. Chrystal hummed. Looked up. ‘Where are the birds now?’ There are no adults which is attractive to its readership. I love the fact that lots of information about various topics is shared by each character which lets a reader learn things informally. This book has a strong Australian environmental element too.

 

A Walk in the Dark is a brilliant read for children aged eleven and up. I would highly recommend this book to teenagers, parents, schools, and librarians because it’s so well written and captivating. Just as the highly acclaimed book Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden (1993) captivated a middle grade audience and still does today A Walk in the Dark will gain a young readership today.