Odd Dog Out

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph (Harper Collins – GB) HB RRP $16.99        ISBN 9780007594153

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

From the opening pages of this delightful, slightly retro style picture book, Biddulph gives his reader an illustrative explosion of colour and pattern, the perfect accompaniment to his rhyming text featuring sausage dogs.

Pages of sausage dogs, all the same, yet one stands out, ‘dancing to a different beat’. This ‘odd dog out’ longs to be like the rest, acknowledges her difference and decides to leave her home in  search of a place where she ‘fits’.

Travelling far and wide, she does discover a place where all the dogs look like herself – all except for one. This dog, though, does not feel odd: she celebrates her difference. ‘Stand tall, be proud,’ she tells ‘odd dog’.

Realising there is nothing wrong with herself after all, ‘odd dog’ travels back home where she is greeted warmly by the other dogs, as they have missed her. Looking closely at the dogs, many more are now behaving a little differently, now able to appreciate their differences, even celebrate them.

Biddulph’s final words, ‘So blaze a trail, be who you are’ will resonate with readers, regardless of age.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read that’s suitable for ages 3 years and up.

One Half from the East by Nadia Hashimi (HarperCollins) PBK RRP $16.99

ISBN 9780062421906

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for young readers is an emotional and moving coming –of-age story set in Afghanistan against the backdrop of war, its effects and gender inequality.

Obayda is ten years old and has already witnessed the horror of war – her father lost his leg in a bomb blast and refuses to leave his bed. The family, Obayda, her parents and sisters have moved from Kabul to a village closer to family for support while her father recovers – yet his recovery is slow. Hampered by the loss of his job, he has become depressed, depending on extended family for accommodation and food.

Obayda’s aunt has an idea which is believed to change the family’s luck – change Obayda into a bacha posh – a girl pretending to be a boy. A longstanding tradition in Afghanistan, the belief that by bringing a boy into the home, the family’s luck will change – perhaps Obayda’s father’s depression will lift, maybe her mother will become pregnant with a son. Only when the bacha posh reaches puberty do they resume life as a girl.

The village in which the family lives is a different world to Kabul – girls cannot work and the village is run by a warlord Abdul Kaliq.

Obayda struggles as Obayd – wearing pants, her hair cut short – yet it is liberating, too. Freed from chores, and given more meat to eat, s/he is also encouraged to play and explore. At school, Obayd joins the boys’ class and must participate in more physical games at lunchtime.

Luckily for Obayd, he is befriended by one of the toughest boys – Rahim, who reveals himself as a bacha posh as well. Together a firm friendship is formed and Obayd begins to adapt to his new life.

Time passes and as Rahim approaches puberty his mother indicates to him that it will be time to change again to a girl. Rahim, though wants nothing of it: ‘I only want to be what I am now.’

Rahim has an idea – based on a legend which told of the power of walking under a rainbow – girls are changed to boys and vice versa. Convinced of its truth and with the help of Obayd, Rahim is determined to locate a rainbow.  Both girls attempt a long walk to a waterfall, where a rainbow is often to be seen, but their attempt fails and Obayd is in trouble for arriving home in darkness. At school, soon afterward, Rahim does not appear and Obayd begins to wonder what has happened – particularly after hearing that Rahim’s father is mixed up with the warlord.

Obayd’s position as a bacha posh is changed when her mother becomes pregnant: now perhaps her father may also improve.

Yet bad news reaches Obayda that Rahim has been changed back to a girl – Rahima – who has also been married off to the warlord at 13 years of age.

While things improve for Obayda’s family – her father using a crutch that Obayd and Rahim had made some months prior, there is no news of Rahima. School resumes and Obayda returns to her class of girls and begins to form new friendships, just as her mother gives birth to a baby boy. 

Perhaps being a bacha posh created some luck after all. We see Obayda’s father recognise her strength and ingenuity, which perhaps being a bocha posh has given her.

The book ends on a positive note – for Obayd and her family -- yet leaves the reader with the unresolved story of Rahima. What is her life like as a 13-year-old wife? How will she cope when she was clearly identifying as a boy? While things have improved for Obayda, the opposite is not so for Rahima.

Hashimi’s first book, ‘The pearl that broke its shell’ is actually the prequel to ‘One half from the east’, yet it is also an adult novel as it explores the life of Rahimi after marriage.

‘One half from the east’ explores the reality of gender inequality in Afghanistan – life as a bocha posh may enable a girl to see her potential and raise her confidence, but what happens when they are required to change again? This would be a valuable book to share with upper primary students – both girls and boys. It is a gripping story, charged with emotion and leaving its mark upon the reader.

I believe it would be suitable for children aged 12 plus years.

Gwendolyn!

Gwendolyn! by Juliette MacIver and illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton (ABC Books, an imprint of HarperCollins) HBK  RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780733335174

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Gwendolyn the penguin lives in the jungle and loves the humidity, the glorious flowers and her friends. She spends much of her time encouraging her friends to acknowledge the best of themselves and their surroundings.

So what if Monkey’s bananas are freckled with spots?

In Antarctica, Gwendolyn tells Monkey, penguins often go for days or even weeks without food. Her friend Jaguar says it’s too hot to hunt for food.

Gwendolyn tells Jaguar to look on the bright side – Antarctica is all snow and ice and freezing! At least in the jungle it’s hot and sunshiny.

But when Gwendolyn is asked by Parrot if she has ever been to Antarctica, she realises what she has missed and sets herself on a journey to not only find her way to Antarctica, but to find her own identity.

MacIver deals with themes of friendship and identity within the overriding theme of positivity, which young children will certainly understand and begin to appreciate. The ending is satisfying, with Gwendolyn feeling like a ‘real’ penguin, yet choosing to return to the jungle – her true home.

With detailed illustrations by Terri Rose Baynton, this will be a lovely picture book to share – whether one to one or with a class. It could initiate good discussion about belonging, being positive and proactive – certainly issues to introduce at an early age to promote resilience.

Appropriate for ages 3-6 years.

What Noise Comes From a Giraffe?

 What Noise Comes From a Giraffe? by Craig MacLean (Angus & Robertson, an imprint of Harper Collins) HB RRP $19.99                 ISBN 9781460752234

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Ever wondered what noise a giraffe makes? Craig MacLean makes his author/illustrator debut with this new picture book.

While books relating animal noises have certainly been around for years, MacLean gives this a new twist by focussing on an animal I’m sure we have rarely heard make a noise.

His simple rhyming text and bold, colourful illustrations will see younger children making the familiar noises but also thinking about the giraffe – and no doubt offering suggestions.

The answer at the end of the book fits and will see children making their own giraffe noises. MacLean often pondered the question himself and his young daughter came up with the answer.

Well suited to pre-schoolers, I still am wondering what other noises does a giraffe make – this might also lead onto some further investigation about giraffes with young children.

Perfect to read aloud – particularly with the larger, clear text .

Was Not Me!

Was Not Me! By Shannon Horsfall (Angus & Robertson, an imprint of Harper Collins) HB RRP $24.99                                                                      ISBN 9781460752463

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

‘I have a naughty twin brother, who only I can see. A cheeky twin brother. His name is Not Me.’

Horsfall’s debut as author illustrator introduces us to every child’s alter ego ‘Not Me’. From the opening pages we know that there will be mischief, stern denials and parents with hands firmly on hips, but eagerly turn the pages, looking for Not Me’s next bit of mischief.

From the first reading, every child will identify with Not Me – even older children. Horsfall has created a clever rhyming story with a perfect ending – matched with her own simple, illustrations. On every page of Not Me’s antics, we view part of his leg and foot – running to the next page to create more havoc!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story and one certain to be popular with anyone with children – mischievous or not.

Play School: the Useful Book

Play School: the Useful Book illustrated by Jedda Robaard (ABC Books, imprint of Harper Collins) HB RRP$19.99

ISBN 9780733334016

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Celebrate the 50^th anniversary of this iconic Australian television program with this new edition. Play School has been an essential part of the lives of Australian children and the Useful Book chronicles some of the most favourite songs, recipes, craft, ideas and games. With a nod to our multicultural communities, the book also contains a variety of greetings and counting in other languages.

Slightly retro in its treatment of washed out sepia like colours this book is bound to be a hit, not only with parents and grandparents, but pre-schools. It encourages active participation of the child through play – which recent research proves is beneficial to children throughout their school lives.

A perfect companion to the television program, yet it stands alone as a book to be enjoyed for another 50 years. It’s the perfect gift for new parents.

Just the Way We Are

Just the Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington and illustrated by Claire Robertson (ABC Books, an imprint of Harper Collins) PB RRP $14.99        ISBN 9780733331640

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Author Jessica Shirvington has moved away from her YA writing with her first picture book. Just the Way We Are fills a gap in the picture book market by creating a story which focuses on the varied family units which exist within our communities.

Anna, Chiara, Henry, Izzy and Jack are loved by their families and are perfect ‘just the way we are’. Anna lives in an extended family which includes her grandpa; Chiara’s family is special because she has two dads – this book crosses familial boundaries and reinforces the fact that all families may differ in structure or ‘look’ but they are still inherently the same ‘just the way we are’.

This is also reinforced in the typical activities enjoyed by the families and the children within them – playing tricks on siblings, going to the local fair, camping and the story neatly ends with the families from the street getting together as one.

Claire Robertson’s simple illustrations depict a variety of people from different backgrounds – the inclusion is subtle and is a natural part of the story – clearly mirroring many of our communities.

This is a lovely book to be shared with pre-schoolers and up.

What pet should I get?

What pet should I get? written and illustrated by Dr Seuss (Harper Collins) HBK RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780008170783

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Believed to have been written between 1958 1nd 1962, this previously unpublished story tells the story of Kay and Jay (from One Fish, Two Fish...) as they wrestle with the difficult decision of which pet to choose.

Written in typical Seuss rhyme, with unmistakable Seuss creatures we witness Jay and Kay’s decision dilemma as they consider an array of pets. 

Given a noon deadline by their father, the pressure mounts as the siblings must make a decision.

Decisively, Jay states:

 “ I will do it right now.

   I will do it, I said.

   I will make up the mind

   That is up in my head.”

Do they choose a rabbit, a cat, a fish or a dog? Or one of Seuss’s creations, perhaps? The story ends in a cliff-hanger – we can only guess what is contained in the basket balanced on Jay’s head, the pet’s eyes peeking at us, while Jay and his sister wear satisfied smiles.

Children will enjoy not only the rhyme and the typical Seuss illustrations, but guessing exactly which pet is being carried home.

At the end of the story are valuable ‘Notes from the Publisher’, which include photographs of a young Dr Seuss – Theophrastus Seuss Geisel and his pets. This gives the book an extra layer, enabling the reader to gain insight into the man (and child) behind the famous author.

This book is suitable for ages 3 years and up.

The ABC Book of Food

The ABC Book of Food  written by Helen Martn, Judith Simpson and Cheryl Orsini  (ABC Books) HBK RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780733334269

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

This is another useful non-fiction title in the series by this trio, which takes children on a journey to show them from a young age, the origin of the food they eat.

The book not only highlights food origins but introduces children to facts that some foods make people ill, thereby ‘normalising’ food intolerance issues and helping children to understand.

Mentioning farmer’s markets and kitchen gardens also shows adults’ interest in knowing and understanding where their food comes from and how it is produced.

Cheryl Orsini’s retro style illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text, enabling so much more to be said without the weight of words.

The book is great to share at home and in the classroom, and would suit children aged 3 years and older.

Scarlett Starlet

Scarlett Starlet written and illustrated by Emma Quay (Harper Collins) HB RRP $24.99                                                

ISBN 9780733331589

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

A self confessed ‘dance mum’, Emma Quay has hit the spot with her delightful new picture book Scarlett Starlet.

Like many young children, Scarlett has a love of movement – ‘she high kicked to the kitchen’ and ‘danced into her clothes’ are just two of the simple, yet expressive images Quay conveys.

With her faithful dance partner Jazzy Jo-Jo, Scarlett entertains her parents with her toe tapping moves. Yet all dancers need a stage and Scarlett wonders what it would be like to dance on a real stage before an audience bigger than two. With her costume and dancing shoes, Scarlett is ready, clutching Jazzy Jo-Jo – but dogs weren’t allowed on stage and Scarlett must dance without her. But does she?

Quay fills the pages with images of a diversity of children, each warming up, waiting their turn to shine.

Finally it is Scarlett’s turn and we feel her apprehension as the spotlight beams on the small figure. Then the music starts and we know that Scarlett will feel the rhythm and her feet will know just what to do. Scarlett shone and at the end, the audience clapped – ‘the sound of their claps joined together and made applause.’ The other dancers shone, too with their parents glowing with pride, just like Scarlett’s.

Dominated by the bold colours of red and yellow, Quay captures the best of a dance recital, where all children shine through a combined love of dance and fun.

From a self confessed ‘non dance mum’, Quay made me smile throughout as both the text and illustrations belie the stereotypical dance recital!

Well suited to ages 3-5 years.

Danny Best:Full On

Danny Best:Full On written by Jen Storer, illustrated by Mitch Vane (Harper Collins) PBK RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780733333330

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

If you are a fan of WeirDo, Wimpy Kid, Big Nate or even Captain Underpants, you will enjoy Jen Storer’s latest series featuring nine year old Danny Best.

Brilliantly illustrated by Mitch Vane, this compilation of five stories is packed with appeal to young boys. Danny and his pals Fab (Fabrizio), Sticks, Clancy, Mae, Dylan and Pugsley the dog don’t solve mysteries or rescue small children. Storer’s characters play games of cops and robbers, and make obstacles courses and racetracks for bike riding. These stories delight in the daily play and activities of kids – or perhaps the play that kids should enjoy.

At the end of each story is a fun quiz – possibly a kid’s version of a comprehension? The book is also filled with other interesting bits about Danny and the other characters – for example, a record of all the (mostly) disgusting things that Pugsley has done, a list of what Danny collects and even a story by Danny himself.

Younger children aged 7 and over will delight in the antics of Danny and his friends, but it is also a book which could easily be shared in the classroom, prompting some similar story writing and illustrating.

Bound to be a hit.

Wombat Wins

Wombat Wins written by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley (Harper Collins)

HBK $24.99

ISBN 9780732299576

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Mothball, everyone’s favourite wombat returns in French’s latest adventure, again featuring the illustrations of Bruce Whatley and set against a sporting backdrop.

Mothball, in her never ending search for carrots, joins in a school athletics carnival, where her obvious lack of training is not a hindrance as she races the ‘small humans’ to the finish line. Using her wombat digging skills, she has only one thing on her mind. 

Next stop a swimming carnival, then a rugby game where Mothball dodges a horde of black boots in a scrum and tackles the ball, depositing it near the goal posts, winning again.

Finally she spies a shopping bag and the best prize is won – not carrots after all.

Suitable for pre-schoolers and up.

Ophelia: Queen of Denmark

Ophelia: Queen of Denmark written by Jackie French (Harper Collins) PBK   RRP 

$16.99   ISBN 9780732298524                                                                                                                     

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Following on from her interpretation of Juliet Capulet, Jackie French now presents another imaginative view of one of Shakespeare’s female characters – Ophelia from ‘Hamlet’.

Usually presented as the tragic maiden betrothed to Prince Hamlet, French presents us with an alternative view of Ophelia, which certainly proves a useful accompaniment to Shakespeare’s play.

King Fortinbras’ ghost presents himself to six-year-old Ophelia and tells her how his kingdom was lost to a man who tricked him into betting his kingdom on a sword fight. He must now roam the world until avenged. ‘Revenge is a dish that sits bitter in the stomach, even if the first taste is sweet.’

Fortinbras tells Ophelia the qualities of a good queen and tells Ophelia that she would make a good queen, thus sowing that desire within the girl. Ten years later she is on a path to achieving this after the death of King Hamlet and in her developing relationship with Queen Gertrude and Gertrude’s son, Hamlet.

When Hamlet discovers his new stepfather Uncle Claudius murdered his father he is set on a path of revenge, enhanced by his pretended madness – a cover to protect his own life.

Ophelia is unsure of Hamlet’s sanity and his love and a series of deaths occur, beginning with Ophelia’s father Polonius, the Lord Chancellor.

If Hamlet is able to feign madness to divert his suspicious uncle, then Ophelia can do the same – even faking her own death.

With the deaths of Hamlet, Ophelia’s brother Laertes, the king and queen, we are left with a final scene of hope – of Ophelia becoming Queen of Denmark after all with the new King Fortinbras. The story has turned full circle, the throne restored.

With Shakespeare’s play as the background, French overlays another story, one which celebrates the ingenuity and power of women. The book resonates with history and within it French weaves titbits of cheese recipes and references.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, which lends itself easily to student book club or class study. Readers of I Am Juliet and Ophelia will certainly look forward to French’s continuation of the series in 2016 with The Diary of William Shakespeare, Gent and Third Witch in 2016.

Emu’s Halloween

Emu’s Halloween written by Anne Mangan, illustrated by David Cornish (Harper Collins) HBK RRP $14.99   ISBN 9780732298906

                                                                                                           

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Poor Emu was having a Halloween party but couldn’t seem to come up with some scary ideas. Luckily, Cockatoo overheard his dismay and rallied the other animals to help.

With Echidna dressed as Dracula, Koala as Frankenstein’s monster and Kangaroo as a zombie, the party was sure to be a success.

As a team, the animals set to work making a witches brew, dips with pretend flies, cutting out paper ghosts and bats to ensure a thoroughly scary party.

David Cornish’s brilliant illustrations are the perfect complement to this rhyming tale. 

It gives an Australian flavour to a usually American holiday and will be a hit in the lead up to Halloween. The party game and craft ideas enjoyed by the animals could also be replicated easily, should families or even a class decide to hold their own Halloween party.

The Peony Lantern written by Frances Watts (Harper Collins) PBK RRP $16.99                                                                                                                                ISBN 9780733332920

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

It is 1857 Japan and European ships have arrived just four years earlier – a time of change – not just for the strict norms of Japanese society but also for Kasumi, a fifteen year old girl intent on becoming her own person.

Kasumi has keen powers of observation which, in her small village and family are an advantage – something which may have previously earned rebuke from her father, but has been noticed by the visiting samurai, Lord Shimizu. Realising the benefits Kasumi may bring to his household, in addition as a companion for his new, young wife, Lord Shimizu offers her a position.

Shimizu takes her on the journey back to Edo (Tokyo); they are accompanied by his adopted son, nephew Isamu. On leaving her village Tsumago, Kasumi wonders to herself ‘perhaps in Edo I would find a life that suited me’.

Kasumi becomes part of the household and enjoys the friendship offered by Shimizu’s wife Misaki. She begins to feel that all is not what it seems and that Misaki is hiding something about her background. Instantly attracted to Shimizu’s nephew Isamu, Kasumi’s insecurity leads her to believe that he is in fact in love with Misaki, fuelled when she overhears Misaki and Isamu talking.

Mystery and intrigue surround several of the characters and set against a backdrop of the tension between the ruling Shogun and the Europeans as they vie for power, the intrigue is heightened when Kasumi’s futon is slashed. Who would want to hurt her?

Through Misaki, Kasumi is given opportunities usually only reserved for the privileged. Trips to the theatre and weekly lessons in ikebana and painting prove to her that she will not be content with an ordinary life.

Her keen observation and intellect enable her to uncover the mystery behind Misaki’s background and the truth behind Isamu’s secrecy. When Taro, Shimizu’s closest friend is killed, Kasumi solves the intertwined puzzles of the political threats and the secrets of the household.

We are left at the end of the story feeling that Kasumi will not let her lowly class prohibit her from not only being with the man she loves, but that she will follow her own aspirations to live a life of her own choosing.

Watts plunges her readers into her historical narrative about a society which is a polar opposite to 2015 Australia. Is it really, though? Political intrigue, family secrets and a desire to push the boundaries of both class and societal norms are themes which are timeless.

The beauty of Watts’ writing leads us through an exciting narrative, the mystery’s solution only revealed at the end. The reader revels in themes of identity, the position of women, honour in Japanese samurai culture and Japanese history while noting the symbolism of the natural world versus the controlled. It is a novel full of references to Japanese literature, art and theatre which readers will willingly absorb in their quest to solve the mysteries within.

Destined to be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 12 and bound to be a favourite to be shared within a class, an added advantage is  its ‘usefulness’ as a text aptly aligned to the new English curriculum.

Captivating.

Daddy Cuddle

Daddy Cuddle written by Kate Mayes, illustrated by Sara Acton (Harper Collins)                                  

HBK RRP $19.99                                                                                                                                 ISBN 9780733334054

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

This is a gentle story about a bunny who just wants to play – no matter how early her day starts. Daddy is still in bed as the young bunny peers around the bedroom door. 

‘Daddy up?’ she questions, before disappearing to grab a bouncy ball.

Daddy sleeps on as bunny brings in other items one by one, each will surely entice daddy to wake.

Only one thing left to do: ‘Daddy wake up!” she shouts.

The young early riser is common in all households with children. The soft illustrations by Sara Acton are the perfect accompaniment to Mayes’ light text.

Having previously written under her nom de plume Ruthie May, Cuddle Daddy is Mayes’ first title under her real name, the separation of her work as a nonfiction sales manager and children’s author has now disappeared.

This book is suitable for sharing with pre schoolers.

The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made

The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made written and illustrated by Fiona Katauskas (Harper Collins) HBK RRP $19.99                                                                                                           ISBN 9780733333880

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Prompted by her young son’s questions about the origin of babies, Fiona Katauskas began searching for a recent title. Surprised that she could only find the 1973 classic by Peter Mayle Where Did I Come From?(the same book her own mother shared with her), she decided to write her own.

The Mayle titles are classics for their humorous approach, serving to put parents at ease when dealing with those tricky questions that all kids ask. Yet it was published more than 40 years ago and scientific developments have meant that there are now more answers to that simple question of how babies are made.

In Katauskas’ book, IVF and sperm donation are treated with the normality both deserve, which will ensure that children view these as simply another way that babies are made. Katauskas’ skills as both a cartoonist and illustrator allows humour to be again at the forefront, enabling laughter as parents share the book with their child.

Common sense, facts, the delightful humour and illustrations will enable this book to be universally accessible and a joy to be shared.

A must buy for all parents.

Zombiefied

Zombiefied written by C M Gray (HarperCollins)                                                             PBK $14.99 ISBN 9780733334214

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Benjamin Roy is an 11 year old with a passion for zombies – movies, video games and zombie comics take up most of his leisure time. Together with his best friend and sidekick Sophie, they spend many afternoons after school doing their own brand of ‘homework’, immersed in their zombie games and movies.

After Ben is knocked down by the school bully Tank, he escapes to the boys toilets to wash his scraped knee, things take on a mysterious turn however, when Ben stumbles on a secret doorway at the back of the toilets. Just when he is about to investigate, one of the teachers Mr Slender, startles Ben from behind and he falls down for the second time that morning, grasping a wooden shelf in an attempt to save himself. Not only does the secret doorway then disappear, but he is given an afternoon detention for his trouble.

Ben confides in his friend Sophie and together they try to find the secret doorway, but are unsuccessful. Later when he is again at her house Sophie’s dad, a writer, overhears them talking and calls Ben to the kitchen where he tells Ben he has known about the secret doorway, warning him not to investigate further. Was Sophie’s dad spying on them? Ben’s suspicion is aroused and as he leaves for his house, he can’t help but look inside the bus that Mr Knight used as a study to write. Slipping in via the back window, Ben is intrigued to find corkboards lining the walls with notes and pictures of zombies. Surprised to learn that Mr Knight was interested in zombies, Ben is astonished to see a plan of the school. He could even see the staircase which led to the hidden room. It had been marked with a red cross!

Now Ben is undeterred to find out more about the secret doorway and hidden room, which had obviously been an interest of Mr Knight. Maybe he was intending to write a book about it, but Ben was determined to find out.

Ben does investigate again, joined by Sophie and is successful in locating the secret to the hidden doorway. It leads to rooms filled with cages of rats, another with dogs and the last for ‘Homo Sapiens’. One cage is even labelled ‘Benjamin Roy’.

Ben and Sophie are horrified to learn that mild mannered teacher Mr Crumpet is responsible and has an evil plan. Corvus, Mr Crumpet’s raven attacks Ben, digging his talons into his skin and begins pecking at his neck. Ben is forever changed – he now craves to eat meat.

Here, the story becomes a little gruesome, with Mr Crumpet encouraging Ben to kill his friend Sophie and eat her. Then the dogs are let loose and turn on Mr Crumpet, devouring him.

Ben saves Sophie and they escape to the waiting arms of their parents, yet Ben has changed. Suddenly everything flashes blue and he seems to have the power to look inside people’s bodies. Corvus, the raven follows Ben and his parents home where Ben is greeted by his brother Michael, who tells Ben he thought his brother was lost forever. ‘No such luck,’ Ben replies. ‘I plan on being around forever’.

This story contains simple illustrations and larger print – giving the impression it has been written for younger readers. As the story reaches its climax with Mr Crumpet urging Ben to kill, however, it takes a more sinister turn, before ending on a lighter note with Ben’s acceptance of himself as a zombie.

It is obviously the first in a series devoted to Ben’s zombie adventures and I believe children aged nine and above would enjoy reading it – hopefully without any nightmares!