Read at Your Own Risk

Read at Your Own Risk, written & illustrated by Remy Lai (Allen & Unwin Children’s) PB, Graphic Novel RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761180934

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Read at Your Own Risk by Remy Lai is a captivating and spine-tingling graphic novel that pulls readers into the supernatural misadventures of Hannah and her friends.

The story begins with a seemingly innocent game, "Spirit of the Coin," that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. Hannah finds herself haunted by an evil presence, triggered by her actions in the attic. The novel effectively blends elements of horror and mystery, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

Lai's storytelling is engaging, skilfully building suspense and dread as Hannah navigates a series of unfortunate 'accidents.' The stakes are high, and the eerie atmosphere is heightened by the intriguing plot twist of Hannah's journal coming to life, communicating with her. This unique narrative device adds depth to the story and keeps readers guessing about the true nature of the curse.

The illustrations in Read at Your Own Risk are striking and compliment the dark and ominous tone of the narrative. Lai's artwork enhances the overall reading experience, bringing the characters and their harrowing journey to life.

Overall, Read at Your Own Risk is a thrilling and chilling graphic novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It's a perfect read for fans of supernatural horror and those who enjoy stories filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Hannah's quest to escape the curse is a compelling and unforgettable adventure that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Recommended for readers aged between 8 and 12 years of age, but at your own risk.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox by Remy Lai (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761068621

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Abby is tired of being the responsible big sister to four annoying siblings, especially when she’s not even allowed to wear make-up or go to the movie rental store by herself. So, when they all come down with chickenpox and have to quarantine at home for two weeks, Abby feels like she’s been locked in a zoo filled with wild animals. On top of this, friendship issues, boy problems and her mother’s constant disapproval are making her cranky – or is that just puberty kicking in? Eventually, Abby realises that it’s possible to be a sensible sister, a dependable daughter and a true friend through caring, compassion and communication.

Although eight- to twelve-year-olds are unlikely to have experienced the curse of chickenpox (thanks to the development of a vaccine), they will still enjoy Remy Lai’s humorous graphic novel from start to finish. Short chunks of text and brief speech bubbles will encourage hesitant readers, and interesting information about the stages of chickenpox will ensure that children understand what the protagonist is going through. The focus on the ups and downs of sibling relationships is a highlight of the story and will certainly appeal to anyone who butts heads with a brother or sister from time to time.

Remy’s full-colour cartoon panels are eye-catching, and there are plenty of dramatic starbursts, interesting patterns and changes in perspective to make each page dynamic and exciting. Feelings are conveyed well through the choice of hues (for example, red for anger, blue for sadness); this helps young readers to comprehend the complexities of the emotional journey in the story.

Heart-warming and hilarious, Chickenpox scratches the surface of family pandemonium to find the love, light and laughter within. Along the way, kids will discover that kindness is contagious.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox by Remy Lai (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781761068621

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Imagine being the oldest sibling with two sisters and two brothers. Imagine always being told, “You’re the big sister,” by your parents and being the only one who gets into trouble when things go wrong. Imagine your only escape is going to school and spending (limited) free time with your two best friends – who then see another side of you when you lose it with your siblings.

Welcome to 12-year-old Abby Lai’s life in ‘the wild zoo’.

And, if you think all of that is bad enough, now imagine being quarantined at home, with your siblings, for at least seven days when one of your best friends unknowingly gives you all chickenpox!

It’s enough to make Abby want to leave and live on her own – except she can’t set foot out of the house, so maybe she’ll take over the guest room. Unfortunately, the ghost stories she told her siblings may just be truth.

In Chickenpox, author Remy Lai has delved right into the thinking of a 12-year-old, with Abby’s desire to be seen as grown up but not exactly enjoying all the responsibility. We also see the insecurity and need to be liked that is common at that age, along with self-doubt and somewhat unreasoned assumptions flying left, right and centre.

Central themes in Chickenpox include sibling rivalry, growing up and the trials and tribulations of pre-teen friendships (and budding relationships).  

In this midgrade graphic novel, Lai explores some serious issues in a lighthearted but not trivialised way that induces laughter, ‘been-there-done-that’ sympathetic groans and perhaps a few eye rolls in every chapter.

The anime-like comic strip illustrations add to the light touch and energy of the book, which is an easy and enjoyable read. Remy Lai, who also illustrated the story, captures the emotions of the child characters perfectly and, combined with the text, every reader will find themselves making connections with the characters in that they’ll remind you of yourself or someone you know.

While reading the story, I did have cause to wonder how much of it was true and indeed, reading Lai’s author note at the end reveals that (as with most narratives) it was based on actual events – although she has changed the names for privacy. It just makes it all the more enjoyable trying to work out which character is based on Lai herself – maybe the middle child who is suspiciously named ‘Remy’, although I’m wondering if it’s actually Abby herself who is based on the author?

Wondering aside, Chickenpox is a fun and fabulous read that I believe will be thoroughly enjoyed by its target audience of readers aged from 8 to 12.

Ghost Book by Remy Lai Allen & Unwin. PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761065477

Reviewed by Kerry Gittins

It’s Hungry Ghost Month and thanks to her new ghostly (and actually her only) friend William Xiao, July Chen discovers there’s an opening in her school to the Gates of the Underworld and dangerous ghosts are escaping. July’s yin-yang eyes have enabled her to see ghosts from when she was little, which is why she is able to see William who is a wandering soul, an 'almost ghost' caught between the living and the dead.  But July can also see all the other ghosts breaking loose from the Underworld, and these ones are determined to find souls to eat and to wreak havoc and mayhem in the human realm. This includes Oxhead and Horseface, the King of the Underworld’s ghostly assistants. Every time the assistants come to collect someone whose name is on the Death Register, William’s name also appears, but vanishes again as soon as it is seen. William enlists July’s help to figure out why this is happening to him, and together they embark on a perilous journey deep into the Underworld. What they discover there is a never-ending supply of dumplings, surprises, unexpected revelations, and the unavoidable impact on both of their lives of what it means when there is a Nobody missing from the Birth Register.  
 
Inspired by Southeast Asian tradition and beliefs surrounding the seventh lunar month commonly known as Hungry Ghost month, this deliciously creepy graphic novel is a must for readers who love books with a supernatural element. Sprinkled with humour, heart, and levity, the writing is clever and crisp, and effortlessly weaves the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and kindness into the storyline. The sometimes dark, spooky illustrations are balanced by those that create lightness and emotional connection to memories and family. Fans of tales like Spirited Away from Studio Ghibli will be spellbound and enthralled by this latest graphic novel from Remy Lai.

Teaching themes could include friendship, family, ghosts, the supernatural, beliefs and traditions, mythology, food, fantasy and resilience. 

 

Highly recommended for ages 8+

 

Ghost Book

Ghost Book written & illustrated by Remy Lai (Allen & Unwin Children) PB, Graphic Novel RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761065477

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Ghost Book is a rich and delightfully crafted graphic novel for children and teens from author-illustrator, Remy Lai.

Known for her previous titles, Pawcaso, Pie in the Sky and the Surviving the Wild volumes, in Ghost book, comes a Chinese folklorist fantasy with luminosity, magnetism, and comedy.

It’s Hungry Ghost month, and July, a 12-year-old girl can see ghosts. She finds a ghost boy called William who isn’t a ghost at all, yet, but his life does flicker between the living and the dead.

July and William fast become friends, and together they decide to take on the Underworld to return William back to his body. This of course is made impossibly difficult when there are dangerous ghosts about with an insatiable hunger for wandering souls.

Remy explores serious themes, such as grief, death, loss of a parent and betrayal, and all are masterfully interwoven, without the heaviness you might expect. The balance between light and dark is just right. Accordingly, each page is also feast for the eyes, illustrations are energetic and colourful. Young readers who pay attention to the comic strip will be rewarded with tasty dumpling sized hints that foreshadow important plot twists to July and William’s destination.

Ghost book is a lush, spooky treat that champions the power of friendship.

Recommended for readers aged between 8 and 12yrs of age.