George

George by Alex Gino (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-0-545-81254-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

George knows she is a girl. She doesn’t correct people’s misconceptions about her gender. Kelly, her best friend, accepts George as she is, as does her family. But when George auditions for Charlotte in the primary school production of Charlotte’s Web’ she is informed by the teacher that the role is only given to girls. And George was born a boy.

George does want the rest of the world to see that she is a girl, but she is not sure if she is quite ready to share her true inner self. She will need bravery, strength and the support of those close to her.

This is a beautiful and unique story of growth and blossoming awareness. There are no dramatic moments, or exploration of ‘issues’, just a simply told story of what it is like to be a transgender child in a conservative world. It shows the struggle Mom goes through to understand her child, the unquestioning acceptance of best friend Kelly and her brother Scott, and how the school helps George.

It is important for children to read about lives, emotions and problems which may differ from their own. It is also important for children who are facing these feelings to have access to literature in which they may recognise themselves and their feelings. This story addresses questions about transgender in a fast middle-grade read which is entertaining and non-confrontational. 

The more children can read stories such as this one, the more inclusive our communities have the potential to become. Perhaps the power of such stories is that they open up difficult conversations, paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance.

The Runaway Foal: Pine Valley Ponies

The Runaway Foal: Pine Valley Ponies by Kate Welshman, Illustrated by Heath McKenzie (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-431-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Autumn has arrived and all the ponies at Pine Valley Ranch are putting on their winter woollies. Maddy’s pony Snowy has grown his winter coat too and Pattie, the Ranch’s horse riding teacher, has decided now is the perfect time for the girls to learn some bareback riding. Although nervous at first, Maddy bravely joins her confident friend Iris in practising this challenging task, not realising how much her new skill will come in handy when a young foal, Sunny, becomes a runaway.

The Runaway Foal is the second book in the Pine Valley Ponies series which will appeal to young girls who love horses. Humorous, adventurous, and full of Heath McKenzie’s charmingly quirky illustrations, new readers will find this a satisfying story even without reading the first book. Although the text is straight forward, there are still loads of ‘big’ words and it doesn’t talk down to readers. Plenty of information about horses is imparted also.

Simple, fun and easy to read chapters make this good for independent readers.

Teacup

Teacup by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Matt Ottley (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-384-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Teacup is a beautiful story. It is soft and gentle, with words which almost fade off the pages, yet it tells an enormous story about being displaced, about isolation and about finding a new home.

A young boy sets off in a boat with almost no possessions to find a new place to live. On his journey he watches the waves, the clouds, the stars and the sea creature, all reminding him of what he has left behind.

The illustrations are stunning. They range from grand to simple and use great contrasts in dark and light to create an emotional reaction. They capture isolation, longing and change so well.

The words, also, make this an evocative and beautiful reading experience.

‘And the way the clouds slowly swam into view reminded him of how things can change with a whisper.’

The peaceful air of dreamy contemplation – along with the tree growing in a teacup – make me think of Michael Leunig's work, subtly exploring what it means to be a refugee.

From the wonderful front cover, to the soft and ‘barely there’ end papers, this is a visually appealing picture book. And with many layers to the tale it tells, this is a rich, subtle, satisfying story infused with great hope. 

Vietnam: My Australian Story

Vietnam: My Australian Story by Deborah Challinor (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-042-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It is the late 1960’s and young Davey Walker can see change happening everywhere. He is starting high school, his brother Tom has been drafted to fight in Vietnam and his mother is acting a little strange. But the surf is still great, and so with his new surfboard, his two best mates, and plenty of new pop songs to sing on the way, Davey spends as much time as possible biking to and from the surf beach.

Vietnam is the fictional diary kept by thirteen year old Davey between September 1968 and January 1970. It is not a story about the Vietnam War, although letters home from Tom with brief descriptions of the war are included in the pages, but rather a picture of Australian culture during this time. And this was a time of social change, anti-war protests, surf-culture, space exploration and music.

I particularly loved the record Davey kept of the songs which were at the top of, or climbing the charts. Davey’s comments about whether it was a song his father liked/hated, his sister loved or his mates were into, really helped form the characters in the story. As music was a very important part of this era, these inclusions gave the story a strong 60’s atmosphere as well as clearly showing the changing face of popular culture.

Diary form is an intimate way to tell someone’s story, but you do have to connect with the diarist for it to work well. It wasn’t hard to connect with Davey. He is involved with family, a loyal friend and a bit of a ‘lad’ - but he is also a complex character, very compassionate and a thinker, trying to make sense of what life has thrown up. After his brother Tom comes home from Vietnam – minus a leg courtesy of a land mine – Davey has to tell his mother Tom is not coming back to live at home.

She said, ‘He’s not our Tom any more, is he?’

I didn’t really know how to answer that. My Tom was probably always different from her Tom. So I said, ‘I think he still loves us.’

The writing is very good. The people, their motivations and their relationships, feel solid and realistic. There is a good balance between social issues, Davey’s inner life and action in the pages of his diary. There is also a good balance between the ups and the downs. While some parts of life turn out great for Davey, other parts are very sad. It did touch a chord with me and there were tears.

My Australian Story is a really solid series and a great way for teenagers and preteens to learn about different periods in Australian history.

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-600-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

What does it take to be a great big dinosaur? T-Rex knows. And he can teach little boys all about roaring, and stomping, and eating. But maybe one little boy can teach T-Rex all about being a boy.

This imaginative romp takes the readers through the activities which occupy a boy – and a dinosaur- over one fun day.

The text forms part of the appealing page layout of this picture book, with changes of size and strength. The words bounce among the colourful and humorous illustrations. I especially enjoyed the page where the dinosaur discovers that there is more to food than just meat.

Inside the front cover is a realistic picture of dinosaurs in the prehistoric era which is repeated at the back of the book but with a young boy’s addition. The touches of tie-ins to the story are very clever.

Can a dinosaur really play soccer? Is a dinosaur any good at video games? Read this playful picture book to find out. A great book for preschoolers, particularly those with a love of dinosaurs.

Farm Rescue: Pup Patrol #1

Farm Rescue: Pup Patrol #1 by Darrel and Sally Odgers (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-299-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Farm Rescue is the first book in a delightful new Australian series featuring Stamp - short for Barnaby Station Stamp of Approval - a Border Collie pup, and his master James, who are travelling around the country in the ‘Fourby’ 4WD.

As the story begins, so does the rain. It rains and rains and rains. The Fourby gets very muddy, James's hair is getting wet and Stamp starts to smell like damp dog. There is so much rain that they decide to seek shelter at nearby Pepper Plains Farm.

High and dry with the folk at the farm, James enjoys dinner with the Peppers while Stamp makes friends with Rusty the farm Collie in the barn. Rusty is worried about the sheep and is unsure if his master is aware of the impawtence of moving the flock away from the rising water. Can Rusty and Stamp alert the humans to the danger and save the sheep?

Pup Patrol is a new series by the creators of the popular Jack Russell and Pet Vet series. Told from Stamp's perspective, the language is playful with words such as pawsimistic and pawlite with Stamp's Glossary at the end of every chapter explains these dogisms, as well as farm related terms and any other words which may be new to a beginner reader.

Dog and puppy stories are always popular and the engaging characters, humour, excitement and bravery make this an appealing series. Short chapters and really sweet black and white illustrations add to the ease of reading for lower primary aged children. Readers will get caught up in the adventures of Stamp and James as they travel, meeting people and facing the challenges provided by the Australian landscape such as floods and bushfires.

Escape From Wolfhaven Castle: The Impossible Quest #1

Escape From Wolfhaven Castle: The Impossible Quest #1 by Kate Forsyth (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-406-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Tom is a kitchen hand, trained to scrub pots in Wolfhaven Castle under the watchful eye of his mother, the castle's cook. But after Lord Wolfgang ignores a wild man’s warning the castle is attacked, leaving Tom on the outside alone with Elanor, the lord's daughter, Sebastian, a knight in training, and Quinn, the witch’s apprentice. It soon becomes clear that it is up to these four children to fulfil an old prophecy to save Wolfhaven castle with their friends and family who are held prisoner inside.

Escape from Wolfhaven Castle is the first book in a series of five which mixes fantasy and adventure in an action-packed quest, which will enthral both boys and girls in equal measure.

The characters are strong, likeable and believable. They don't know each other at the beginning of the journey and often have disagreements about the best way to achieve the quest - or even if it is actually a quest - but it is this newness that helps the reader get to know the characters as the children grow into their relationships.

Medieval in feel, and darkly ominous, the story follows these four children as they desperately try to outrun frightening bog-men and pursue treasures held by griffin, unicorn, sea-serpent and dragon – even though they do not fully believe in the existence of these mythical creatures.

Although dark and a little scary in some places, the structure of the traditional quest, and the age and motivations of the characters makes this series suitable for nine year olds and up.

This fast-paced adventure is hard to put down and I was eager to pick up the next one as soon as I closed this first book.

My Australian Story: Convict Girl

My Australian Story: Convict Girl by Chrissie Michaels (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-015-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Convicted for theft, young Mary Beckworth is transported in 1801, with her mother, to Australia. A spirited girl, Mary is determined to make the best of her new life as a convict, whatever obstacles it may bring. Working first on Quaker's Row sorting fleece, then as a nanny for Judge Atkins, and finally as an assistant to Commander Baudin on the French exploration ship the Géographe, Mary overcomes her problems with bravery, level-headed decisions and a warm heart. She is an interesting and enjoyable character to spend time with.

Whilst not ignoring the harsh realities of convict life at this time, the story does not dwell on them. It focuses rather, on the hope and possibilities of Mary's life, making it a story which is perfectly accessible for readers from middle primary school and up. Mary’s convict years are during a time of great exploration and expeditions, the establishment of the growing colony in New South Wales, and the occasional convict uprising.  This is an exciting part of our Australian history to read about.

The historical notes at the end of the book give an idea of how much of the story is fact. Mary Beckworth was a real person in Australian history, as were many other characters in this story. Most of the events described in her (fictional) diary, such as the Irish uprising, the tension with France, the attempted escapes and the return of Judge Atkins' wife, are all based on fact. Actually, after his wife’s death in 1809, the Judge married Mary's mother, who had been his housekeeper since 1801.

Written in diary form in a chatty, intelligent voice, this intimate account is easy to get caught up in. It covers the years from 1801 to 1803, and incorporates many aspect of Sydney’s early penal colony. Reading this story, and others like it, is a great way for children to explore Australia’s historic past.

Other titles in the My Australian Story series include The Hunt for Ned Kelly by Sophie Masson, The Bombing of Darwin by Alan Tucker, Our Don Bradman by Peter Allen, Voyage to Botany Bay by Chrissie Michaels, The Phar Lap Mystery by Sophie Masson and many more.

Tortoise and the Hair

Tortoise and the Hair by P. Crumble, illustrated by Louis Shea (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-528-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Tortoise is ready for his big day. He is going to play guitar on the big stage, in front of everyone. He is very excited about it until he discovers that his favourite wig is missing. Will he be able to perform without it?

This picture book is the story of the journey made by Tortoise's hair, a twist on the classic Hare and Tortoise tale which children know so well. The wig makes its way from bear, to zebra, to monkey and several other animals before being spotted by Hare, who then tries to get it to his friend Tortoise in time for the performance.

'He ran from the cafe clutching the hair,

“Tortoise will need it, I’ll get it there.''’

Is Hare fast enough to save the day? And does Tortoise really need saving in the end?

Shea's illustrations are fabulous, vibrant and luminescent with glowing colours which seem to leap off the page. I love the detail and character he draws into animals - the hippo with her mudpack, Bird at sunrise in her hair roller and Tortoise's sparkly leg-warmers.

I found the rhythm a little awkward and not easy to read aloud, but after a few reads this smooths out. Children will engage in the progression the wig makes from animal to animal and the ending, both in the text and illustrations, is great.

Tortoise and the Hair is a fun and playful book. Young children will enjoy the story and older ones will delight in discovering all the detail of the pictures.

Thelma the Unicorn

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-580-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Thelma the pony and her friend Otis the donkey live contentedly in a field. Well, Otis is content. Thelma wants to be different... She would very much like to be a unicorn.  But, becoming a unicorn and being famous do not turn out exactly as Thelma has imagined. Maybe she would be happier as her old self again?

The rhythm and rhyme is pleasant - without lines which sound forced - and rolls off the tongue easily. The text is clear and straight-forward with pure even rhyme, perfectly suited for the pre-schoolers who will enjoy this book.

'And that was when she saw it.

A carrot on the ground.

It gave her such a great idea,

She squealed and jumped around.'

The illustrations are delightful and full of colour.  In one, Thelma flicks through a magazine in a sun-lounger on the deck of a yacht called 'The Fairy Princess'.   In another, she’s hounded by paparazzi and fans.

This fun story about finding out what really matters in life will appeal to young girls – especially with its unicorn, its pink and glitter, and its fantasy of fame.

Aaron Blabey wrote one of my favourite picture books of last year, Pig the Pug, and Thelma the Unicorn carries a smilar humour and likeable characters.

Monster Chef

Monster Chef by Nick Bland (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-825-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Marcel is a monster. It is his job to scare all the neighbourhood children. And although he tries very hard, he is just not very good at his job. To unwind after work he cooks and this is his real passion. Who knew this love of cooking could help with his night job.

Kids will love this light-hearted and fun rhyming story about Marcel. They will giggle at his attempts at giving kids a fright and delight in the grossness of what this monster cooks up in his kitchen.

    He made earthworm spaghetti and hot cactus pies,

    with smelly-sock soup and a cockroach surprise.

The illustrations are bright, bold and suitably icky, starting from the front cover where a huge green monster – Marcel – eats worms with lashings of slime from his lunchbox while a snail escapes, making his way over Marcel’s big toe.

This story has a fabulous twist in the ending and is perfect for preschool kids who delight in the gruesome and (not so) scary.

Nick Bland is the author of well known and popular Very Cranky Bear stories as well as King Pig, which was shortlisted this year for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year.

Snail and Turtle are Friends

Snail and Turtle are Friends by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-023-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Snail and Turtle are friends. They like to spend time with each other, doing things they enjoy, or just being quiet together. In this way they fill their day with each other's company.

With few words, this is a beautiful, gentle story about friendship, celebrating Snail and Turtle's differences as well as their similarities. Both aspects enhance their relationship.

Snail and Turtle are clever at hiding ... but never from each other.

The illustrations are lovely, full of bugs, insects, frogs, mushrooms and other things you may find in the back garden.  A soft humour runs through these pictures. When Snail and Turtle run, a flower petal in the breeze overtakes them. Turtle's crazy patterned shell and Snail's wild eyes make them characters you'd like to meet and they certainly have a close, comfortable friendship.

This picture book is full of colour, patterns and textures. The thick sturdy pages have areas of slightly raised illustration, such as a spider web and many, almost unseen, snail trails - just slightly glossier than the rest of the page. Young children will love this extra sensory element.

Perfect for pre-schoolers, this charming and funny story is a lovely bedtime read.

My Australian Story: Kokoda

My Australian Story: Kokoda by Alan Tucker (Scholastic Press)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-205-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Written in diary form, Kokoda tells the story of World War II from the perspective of a young boy living in Townsville. With two older brothers on the battle front – Harold in the 2/14 Battalion, and Des in the 2/39^th Militia Battalion – Archie is updated regularly on the action taking place off Australian soil from their letters home. Des (with Harold’s Battalion joining later) is sent to Port Moresby where his militia battalion has the task of defending the Kokoda Track from the advancing Japanese army.

This is a World War II story with a strong Australian feel. There is much focus on Archie’s life, and what it was like to live in the north of Australia during the war years. Townville was a base for the Americans and many of the local resented this. American soldiers enjoyed comforts local were unable to obtain due to rationing – even water was rationed at times. They lived in fear of Japanese invasion and bombing did occur occasionally in the parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland.

The diary entries show clearly how lack of information caused rumours to run rife. No-one really knew what was happening in the overseas theatres or where family members may be stationed at any given time. All this is recorded by fourteen year old Archie, through whose eyes everything seems a little exciting as well as a little frightening, but he is eager to learn about everything. And throughout the uncertainty of war, home life goes on and he has to deal with school, being the new kid, bullies, and getting a job.

This is a fascinating look at Australia’s war involvement between 1941 and 1942. It touches on peripheral subjects too, such as segregation in the US military and questions whether the Aussies treated Aboriginal recruits any better. It also raises the issues of leadership and what makes a good leader. 

While the focus is on Townsville and the Kokoda campaign, this is set in the context of the rest of the war. Mention is made of the Fall of Singapore, the Bombing of Darwin, Anzac Day services, the Battle of the Coral Sea and other relevant historical events as they happen. 

There are ten pages of historical notes at the end which help to explain the facts the author has drawn on to create this ‘darn good yarn’. Throughout the story, Australian humour, slang and values such as mateship and family shine through.

From the My Australian Story series, this story about the Kokoda campaign and Australia’s battle for the home front is a great tale for any child, ten years and up. The writing is very accessible, easy and entertaining and will suit those interested in war stories, adventure or Australian History. It is an absorbing coming of age journey, particularly for boys.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli by Kerry Greenwood, illustrated by Annie White (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-129-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Anzac Day honours the Anzacs who, among other campaigns, fought for a small area of land on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. Written by Kerry Greenwood, Gallipoli tells the story of Bluey and Dusty, close mates who are among the lucky ones to make it home at the end of the campaign. 

This is a well-written and wordy story which explores the issues of bravery, hardship, fear, humour and mateship. With much more text than is usual in a picture book, this is suitable for primary aged children. It includes interesting detail such as Simpson and his donkey Duffy, the Roses of No Man's Land (nurses), and the battles at Gaba Tepe and Lone Pine. 

The writing creates a little distance between the events and the reader. The story is more about what happens than a more personal account:

In between the fighting, an unexpected bond began amongst the exhausted enemies. They worked together to bury the dead and swapped gifts instead of gunfire.   The diggers offered bully beef, and the Turks gave fruit and sweets in return.

The emotion is in the pictures. Annie White's illustrations are watercolour, unusually soft and gentle for depictions of war. And it is the people who dominate these illustrations. Here, human emotions are beautifully expressed and shine strongly through. As well as full paged illustrations, White has painted sepia photographs, complete with photo corners, which run throughout the story, creating a feeling of a personal photograph album. These begin inside the front cover and continue all the way to the end pages where more recent photos of family round out a life story.

Between the text and the illustrations, a story of Aussie mateship, humour and stoicism is portrayed, making this a tale of Australians at Gallipoli with memories which can be shared with younger children as well as older.    

My Merry Christmas

My Merry Christmas by Rosie Smith, illustrated by Bruce Whatley (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $16.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-801-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

As Christmas approaches, everyone prepares in their own way. And although we may all get ready differently, the end result is much the same. When Christmas comes we all gather to share the joy together.

My Merry Christmas is a deceptively simple story told with sparse, well chosen text. There are three to four words on every double spread, accompanied by beautifully illustrated animals – bold, yet gentle and soft. The text and illustrations go hand-in-hand, with as much of the story is told through the pictures as through the words – just as I’ve come to expect from this well known author/illustrator team.

My Merry Christmas is perfect for the very young. It expresses a wonderful message about the festive season. If you only buy one Christmas book this year, make it this one!

King Pig

King Pig by Nick Bland (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-495-5
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

King Pig can make his subjects, the flock of sheep, do anything he wants them to do. Except for one thing. He can’t make them like him. He has tried everything he can think of but: ‘They never listened properly, no matter how loudly he shouted.’

Then finally, one little sheep speaks up and suggests King Pig could try being nice. And after sulking for a little while, King Pig does feel a little sorry for his actions and begins to try to make amends.

King Pig behaves like a child might when trying to make friends or impress others; from showing off his fancy clothes to the annoying way he tries to attract the sheep’s attention. He has a lot to learn.

King Pig is a clever story with a simple message children will recognise. It is fun to read and Bland’s illustrations are beautiful, humorous and imaginative, making this a picture book well worth sharing with kinder aged children.

Nick Bland is the author/illustration of the popular The Very Cranky Bear and The Very Hungry Bear and many others.

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker by Gina Newton, illustrated by Christina Booth (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-959-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Koala Claws has fallen asleep beneath the gum tree after his last stop on Christmas Eve and Blossom Possum cannot wake him. What will happen if he sleeps through Christmas? Can Blossom and her buddies save Bush Christmas?

Blossom Possum and the Christmas Quacker is a fun picture book filled with Australian animals who all have different suggestions about how to help Blossom Possum wake Koala Claws. The story does not always have an even rhythm, or pure rhyme. But the rhyme exists within the sentence structure; the rhythm is exposed as the story builds with lovely intermingling of rhyme, prose and repeated verse:

But Koala Claws wasn’t stirring,
he stayed sleeping like a log.
Stuck in the Land of Nod was he.
So who would do his job?

As the story develops and animal names are added, a wonderful tongue twister is created. Echo Gecko, Neville-the-Devil, Good Luck Wood Duck and many more – try saying them fast.

The language is very much Australian. They 'set off down the track, round the back of the beyond and go past the black stump'. And the story plays out in an Australian setting too. The soft watercolour illustrations bring the gum trees to life, making the landscape very much a part of the story. They show the procession of animals getting longer and longer, stretching across the page and emphasising the vastness of the country around them. Then on alternating pages, the pictures draw closer to very busy animals in a group.

I especially love the image of the animals on their way back, their silhouettes throwing purple shadows, as the trees on the distant hills do, emphasising the passing of time. This is echoed also at the end with Claws and his reinroos silhouetted in the sky as Santa Claus is often depicted at the end of Christmas stories.

This is a Christmas story with a difference, very Australian and, with its balance of repetition and action, and its humour, it should catch the imagination of preschool aged children.

Omar the Strongman

Omar the Strongman by Gregory Rogers (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-436-8
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Omar is the odd jobs man at Circus La Fleur. He is very busy - there is always plenty to do in a circus - and happy. His favourite job is looking after Mavis the elephant, a good friend. But Omar starts to wonder what it would be like to be in the spotlight. Then one day, by accident, he discovers he does have a special talent of his own after all.

Omar the Strongman is full of fabulous circus characters: Ringmaster Rosie; Cobber and Clonkers the clowns; and of course Mavis the elephant. With pencil and watercolour in pastel colours, Rogers has created delightfully warm illustrations, full of life and emotion. One look at the picture of Omar sitting among the empty seats, his magnificent moustache spread across the seat tops and a sorrowful expression in his eyes and you can imagine his feelings.

With only a small amount of text, so much is conveyed through well chosen words and soft illustrations. Omar the Strongman is a story about discovering hidden strengths - a gentle story with a powerful message.

Heart-warming, humorous and encouraging, this is a beautiful book for all children to enjoy.

Mouse in Space!

Mouse in Space! by Geronimo Stilton (Scholastic Press)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-0-545-48191-5
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A wave of burglaries has swept over Mouse City and frightened mice are turning to Safe Squeak antitheft systems to protect themselves. Unfortunately, as Geronimo Stilton, editor of The Rodent’s Gazette discovers, these security camera are creating an even bigger danger to Mouse City and its rodents.

Once again, it is up to Stilton to join forces with Kornelius von Kickpaw, 00K, secret agent for the government of Mouse Island, and the beautiful and charming 00V, to save their city from the evil Dr Wicked. This time Geronimo’s tasks involve intensive astronaut training and then a fur-raising shuttle flight to outer space. Geronimo is not sure if he is up for this mission.

The Geronimo Stilton series is a great series for the lower to mid primary ages. Full of colour illustrations, jokes, word play and danger, and sprinkled with fabulous spy gadgets and facts about space, Mouse in Space is a fun addition to the series.

Mouse in Space is an entertaining read and will appeal to both boys and girls. There is also plenty of variety to keep readers engaged within the wider series – from books narrated by Geronimo or his sister Thea, to their caveman ancestors, and also a fantasy series and graphic novels.

The Very Brave Bear

e    

The Very Brave Bear by Nick Bland (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-800-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Very Cranky Bear is back in a wonderful new picture book by Nick Bland. In this adventure Bear challenges Boris Buffalo in a battle to see who is bravest. They climb trees, cross raging rivers and chase porcupines. However... when faced with a quiet dark cave, neither feels particularly brave.

Bland’s smooth rhymes and expressive language – they ‘wear a beard of bees’ – is lovely to read. The rhythm jumps along, rolling beautifully off the tongue as it is read aloud.

There is great humour in the interplay between the words and pictures.

Boris wandered up a hill

The steepest he could find

Then tumbled down the other side

...and Bear was right behind.

Bear has landed on top of Boris Buffalo as they both look surprised at the position they have ended up in. They pick themselves up and march, heads held high, on to the next challenge.

The pictures are fabulous. The detail makes them come alive - Boris Buffalo’s tongue out a little when he is concentrating, Bear’s face, nose in the air, as he balances like a butterfly ready to dive, and the frog on nearly every page, unnoticed at first (by the reader) but eventually becoming a very important character.

This story makes me think of the primary school playground and the casualness of the challenges thrown around – who can climb highest, run fastest or be the best. The Very Brave Bear is a fantastically engaging picture book for all preschool and early primary children to have on their bookshelves. They will laugh at the antics and love the adventures of Bear and Boris Buffalo. And they will relate to rising to the challenge of wanting to be the bravest.