Rudi Hooper's Super Pooper-Scooper

Rudi Hooper's Super Pooper-Scooper by Alan Horsfield (Big Sky Publishing)

 PB RRP $12.99   ISBN 978-1-925675-16-0

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

In the small town of Sandbar there is a big issue, and it's a little bit on the nose - poop. Well dog poop to be exact.

One day Rudi Hooper manages to ride through dog poop and gets in trouble by his mum. The whole encounter sets him on a course to clean up Sandbar, which just happens to be competing in the Tidy Towns scheme.

Taking his problem to council, Rudi soon finds himself appointed as Sandbar's "official doggie droppings ranger" and he sets out to clean the town of its dog poop problem once and for all.

Rudi's brother, Morris, is rather perturbed by the role and soon notices a problem with the idea. While Rudi is cleaning the town, dog owners aren't getting the idea of it being a problem, and instead see Rudi as an answer to their problems and there is soon more poop than before.

Rudi Hooper's Super Pooper-Scooper is an interesting story which involves some key issues for young readers - aged six to 10 years - including civic responsibility and following through on an idea. I particularly enjoyed watching Rudi expand on his ideas on how to best to pick the poop up and using his inventive ideas on how to pick it up easier and faster.

An interesting book with a completely different subject matter which I think will appeal to children and parents alike. The humorous idea, coupled with an easy to read writing style, will help engage young readers and create more than a few laughs along the way.

The Duke of Hinklewinkle

The Duke of Hinklewinkle by John Phillips (Big Sky Publishing)

 PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-925675-15-3

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

There is nothing chicken about The Duke of Hinklewinkle. The story is set in a small seaside town called Hinklewinkle where the main character - Bridget - lives. Bridget spends a lot of time with her Grandpa who breeds show chickens as a hobby, and it's something that the pair enjoy doing together. One day her Grandpa lets Bridget, who has been feeling a lonely, pick out a chicken of her own.

Bridget could have her choice of all the breeds, but in the end it's a bit of a strange looking rooster which she quickly names the Duke of Hinklewinkle. She loves her rooster, and he in turn loves her; it's a real friendship.

Grandpa's cranky old neighbour Mr Borewater also breeds chickens and he makes fun of the Duke of Hinklewinkle. But it's not long before the Duke comes to Mr Borewater's aid, helping to chase off a fox from his prized chickens.

The story is heartwarming and has a number of key themes including acceptance and learning to look beyond superficial appearances. I can see children learning a lot from this story about friendship and not judging a book by its cover.

The illustrations, also by Phillip, completed with a comic book feel, provide another  element to the story and stand out as something different than the norm.

An interesting book with a completely different subject matter which I think will appeal to children and parents alike.

Cat Spies Mouse

Cat Spies Mouse by Rina Foti and illustrations by Dave Atz (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781925675344

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

The struggle between cat and mouse is as old as time. Cat Spies Mouse is a fresh look at the age-old tale. The story can come across as deceptively simple at first glance, but it's the layers within the story where it really shines.

One day Cat meets a mouse and wants to eat him, but the fun really begins when Mouse asks Cat a very important question when Cat says he wants to "gobble you up Mouse" - why? Cat being rather bossy and impatient announces, "Because you're a mouse and I'm a cat and that's that". But should it be? Mouse continues his line of questioning until Dog arrives, and before he can even try and stop him Dog gobbles up Cat.

Mouse unperturbed starts his line of questioning again, this time with Dog who thought it was just the way things are to eat Cat. Dog begins to feel guilty and it's not long before he spits out Cat.

I adored this story and think it has numerous good lessons for children like not accepting the status quo and attempting to make the world a better place through one’s actions, it's also a good reminder that friendship comes in all shapes and forms.

The illustrations were clear and straight forward, and I felt helped add to the storyline. I believe children will really take a liking to the style of this book throughout.

The Fastest Ship In Space

The Fastest Ship In Space by Pamela Freeman and illustrations by Yvonne Low (Second Look) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN 978-0-994528063

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

What young boy or girl doesn't dream about what it would be like to live in space? Well with Pamela Freeman's The Fastest Ship In Space, imagination is only a turn of a page away, and what an adventure it is!

The Fastest Ship in Space is a space adventure for young readers which follows brother and sister duo - Katie and Sam -- who live on a space station. A chance encounter with a meteorite sees part of their ship damaged which requires a docking at Space Station for repairs.

The pair's gran, who also lives with them aboard the space ship, thinks the accident was too close for comfort and wants to return to live with her daughter on Earth: the family drama begins when she also suggests Katie and Sam may be safer with her.

Gran decides to make a break for earth unbeknown to Katie and Sam's parents while at home station. Unfortunately for them, they find themselves aboard a ship destined for earth with smugglers, thanks to Gran's connections.

Will they make it safely to earth, and will they want to return to space again? Young readers will have fun figuring out the answers to these questions. The Fastest Ship in Space is a fun and adventure-filled story, with space pirates, smugglers and spaceships.

Boys and girls alike will enjoy this story, which is fast-paced and action-packed. The images throughout the book add to the story, helping to break up chapters and getting readers involved in the story.

The Lighthouse at Pelican Rock

The Lighthouse at Pelican Rock by Stephen Hart and illustrations by Kathy Creamer (Eagle Books) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN 978-0-994528056

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

The Lighthouse at Pelican Rock, geared towards young readers aged nine to 12, is a memorable story about a young girl - Megan Evans - who faces a health crisis and almost dies.

Megan is sent to live in a tiny coastal village called Pelican Rock with her aunt Rachel in a bid to recover after her near-death experience. On the long train ride, she encounters a man - Rhys - who not only grew up in Pelican Rock, but knows her aunt.

Upon arriving Megan learns a little about the history of Pelican Rock and becomes enthralled with the island’s pelican inhabitants and the mythical stories surrounding their place at Pelican Rock.

A day trip to visit the ruins of the old lighthouse leads Megan to wanting to discover more about its history and that's where the magic of this book really come into its own. It's not long before Megan finds out just how magical the pelicans are, and Megan finds herself back in time, or is it just a dream?

I really enjoyed the story, it evokes feelings as a reader as you learn more about Megan's home life and her yearning to find a place where she truly feels at home.

The scene that is set throughout the book feels historical and really lends itself well to the storyline. The writing is clean and easy to follow and keeps you guessing about what magic is happening on the little seaside town of Pelican Rock.

The images by Kathy Creamer help add to the storyline and give you a feel for Megan and what is being told.

To the Moon and Back

To the Moon and Back by Dianne Bates (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-0-925520-29-3

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Dianne Bates’ To the Moon and Back was not what I was expecting - in all the right ways. In the first few chapters I was captivated and very much a part of the story.

To the Moon and Back is aimed at readers aged eight to 12 years that deals with a sensitive subject - parental divorce and its impact on children. In the first two chapters alone I was taken on a ride of emotions and went from thinking how powerful the story was, putting myself in the shoes of young Claire, whose mum is having an affair and ultimately moving in with her lover.

Claire is taken on a roller-coaster ride, moving from her family home to a lodging in Sydney, and just when she is feeling comfortable, another upheaval and she's forced to move into Mum’s boyfriend Mac's house in the country.

Before long Claire begins to make friends, but she longs to be with her Dad who has gone missing. Can she begin to see Mac as a father figure, or will she resent him for taking her Mum away?

I adored the book. Its topic, which I think has been dealt with sensitively, makes it a unique niche read, and certainly something many young readers will understand. The story line is well written, and I could certainly emphasise with Claire which are some hallmarks of a beautiful story.

I think the target market will be enchanted with this heart-warming story, with a number of key themes really standing strong including change, forming new friendships, relationships and parenting struggles.

A beautiful and well-rounded story!

Ori’s Clean-Up

Ori’s Clean-Up by Anne Helen Donnelly (self-published) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-0-646984131

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Ori’s Clean-Up gives young readers an introduction of the importance of recycling. Set under the sea, Ori the octopus asks his friends to help him clean up his home. Before long however the sea bed is a mess again, this time, Ori and his friends decide instead of just tidying the rubbish, they would find ways of recycling the items, including papers, bottles and containers.

The writing style uses repetition such as “The food scraps can feed the plants,” said Cathy Clownfish. "Pick, pick, pick up food scraps for the compost,” which will appeal tohe target audience of three to six year-olds. The story is easy to read, and imagery - also created by Anne Helen Donnelly -- is bright and colourful and stands out.

I like the message of finding new uses for rubbish which is very in-trend right now, and I think it’s a good message to send home to children to clean up and recycle to make “their home a healthier place, now and for later”.

This is an enjoyable read, with an important message and a good tool to use with young readers.

When I’m Shining with Joy by Wendy Mason and Lisa Maravelis, illustrated by Kayleen West (Kids Light Up) PB   RRP $12.90 ISBN 978-0-6482065-0-7

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

When I’m Shining with Joy is a young children’s book designed essentially to put a face to joy. The authors describe joy as a ‘stable emotion that is a deeper sense of contentment than happiness. Joy allows one’s true self to shine through’ and work through how joy feels like, and how you look with joy in your heart.

On the flip side, it also describes what it feels not to have joy and how it can impact on your life - for example, “when I feel grumpy or sad/ then I just cannot see/ the light has turned off/ and joy fades from me”.

When I’m Shining with Joy is all about teaching children to find the inner joy in themselves. It uses the descriptor of a switch within oneself and using it to turn on the lights to find joy again if life gets you down. 

The story is easy to relate to and a cute way to teach children about inner resilience. The imagery is also sweet and eye-catching; I think the use of bears was a nice touch to tell the story. This is fantastic learning tool for young children, and adults alike who may need a reminder to shine bright.

Spy within a Ruby

Spy within a Ruby by Stefan A. Nicholson (Envirosupport) PB RRP $18

ISBN 978-0-9804604-9-0

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Spy within a Ruby is the perfect book for those who love a little crime and mystery in their life.

The story centres around the Mayfair Mews hotel, where 16 year-old Eric lives with his parents who run the hotel. Eric and his childhood sweetheart Ruby - who unfortunately for him, hates him, as she hates life in general - get recruited by MI6 operative James Batholomew Watt, AKA Roger Davis, to perform a secret mission.

Living within the Mayfair Mews Hotel, Eric is a prime candidate to gain access to hotel guests - specifically two - who happen to be Russian and Chinese spies who are negotiating to buy classified defence from the Cigar Club.

He decides to enlist Eric to help keep an eye on the guests after deciding any of his fellow operatives would be uncovered in their espionage attempts. The agreement starts of well, with Davis questioning his decision to ask two teenagers for help in a situation of national intelligence. “All I am asking is that you note the time of day these people come and go…but only if you happen to notice…note no deliberate spying on them…and maybe if you can tell me who picked them up…or a car registration. Absolutely no more than that! Do I make myself clear?”

Unfortunately, the warning could have been too late for Ruby, who is shortly after abducted as a bargaining chip of sorts against Davis. Surprisingly, it’s the very people that the pair are spying on in the first place who attempt to come to Ruby’s rescue, but the questions is, will they make it in time to save Ruby?

From exploding boats, to suspense and international secrets, Spy within a Ruby has it all. I would recommend for those who like to think about their stories and try and predict the plot.

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light by Pauline Hosking illustrated by Kat Chadwick

(Lilly Pilly Publishing) PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-0-646-98111-6

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light is the second book by Pauline Hosking introducing young detective Cinnamon and her two best friends Cossy and Meera.

The three young girls attend school together in Mount Dandenong. The story follows a number of directions which all end in a ghostly connection with a once great actress Adelaide Glendenning from Walhalla.

Cossy, a young actress gains a role in a performance of Macbeth which begins the story and the links with Adelaide, when she thinks she sees the ghostly apparition of Adelaide in the theatre.

A change of school excursion to the home and resting place of Adelaide sees Cinnamon’s thirst for figuring out crime surface when classmate Snowy is attacked while on a nighttime - walk through the cemetery.

A second mystery emerges as ghosts continue to be seen at the theatre where Cossy’s play will be performed and then things take a turn for the more dramatic when damage to sets and costumes. The girls attempt to get to the bottom of the situation, but it appears both mysteries could be linked.

Will Cinnamon find out who attacked Snowy, or will the mystery go unsolved? Will Cossy get her big break on the stage? They were questions which kept me reading, I guess you will have to read the book to find out for yourself.

I loved the themes of friendship and determination to find the truth from the three protagonists that really shone through in this story. Faced with a mystery, they showed strength and courage - traits to be admired by young readers.

There were also more serious themes to the book which I felt were introduced and dealt with quite well - including racism against Meera who is half Indian descent and bullying. The girls stuck together as friends and found a way to help Meera overcome the difficulties she faced at school.

The writing style through out is relatable to the intended reader age of nine and above and was an easy read that draws in the reader. The pictures, which were drawn in a  style which made you feel like you were reading a young girls diary really helped add to the scene and I think would add to the appeal for the intended age group as well.

Parmesan the Reluctant Racehorse

Parmesan the Reluctant Racehorse by Jacqui Halpin, illustrated by John Phillips (Little Pink Dog Books) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 9780994626929

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

In life there are adversities and challenges around every corner, the real challenge is how we deal with them. Parmesan, the Reluctant Racehorse introduces the reader to a racehorse, with a rather unique problem. 

Parmesan is a racehorse, or is he? As far as Parmesan is concerned he very well could be a dog, and since birth he has done everything like a dog, from stretching like a dog to even fetching like a dog.

Unfortunately for Parmesan, he is not a dog and with champion heritage parents, his owner expects big things for him on the race track. One day Parmesan's owner came to visit him at the stables expecting to see a champion racehorse in training, but what he finds is a horse who thinks he is a dog. 

His owner threatens to sell Parmesan if he is not race-ready, which is upsetting for his trainer, Joe. Joe tries and tried to remind Parmesan he is a horse, but nothing is working. From tying a carrot to a stick in front of him, Joe tries everything until inspiration strikes: what if he makes the race like a game of fetch, which Parmesan adores? 

It seems that dogs can be champion racehorse; well at least for Parmesan they can. For the first time in his life, Parmesan feels like a racehorse. "He ran like a horse. He won like a horse. He even fetched like a...dog." While racehorses might not be well known for their fetching skills, Parmesan shows that you can be more than what's expected of you and to test boundaries. 

Parmesan, the Reluctant Racehorse is a charming story of testing boundaries and embracing your differences, no matter what your quirkiness may be. I loved the use of humour in the story, and it was a subject matter slightly different that I think will appeal to younger children.

The picture book is beautifully illustrated with colourful imagery that grabs the attention of readers both young and old alike. 

Jemma Short Stories

Jemma Short Stories by Stefan Nicholson (San Publishers) PB RRP $19 ISBN 978-0-9804604-4-5

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Stefan Nicholson’s Jemma - Short Stories contains four short stories in sequence from the first short story ‘Jemma’s Blues’. Subsequent stories are Jemma and the Red Seal, Jemma’s White Horse and Jemma and the Golden Eagle.

The four stories each reveal more about the central characters in the Palette family, with the lead protagonist, daughter Jemma, sister Deidre and Mum and Dad. Dad is a writer and his creative writing and influence Jemma’s life and goals for the future.

In 'Jemma’s Blues' - and my favourite of the four stories, Jemma and her sister are arguing about the boy next door who Jemma has a crush on. Dad uses the opportunity to tell a story about two unlikely people who happen to find love.

Each of the four stories, while being based in a lighthearted family setting, offers a life lesson for the reader woven into the background. As you read through the four stories the family’s character quirks become more apparent.

Jemma: Short Stories would suit young readers in early teen years as the writing style is at times intricate, and I feel the themes and lessons would suit that age group.

Fergus the Farting Dragon

Fergus the Farting Dragon by Monique Mulligan, illustrated by Veronica Rooke (Serenity Kids) PB RRP $12.99    ISBN 978-0-9954104-3-5

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

In life there are adversities and challenges around every corner: the real challenge is how we deal with them. Fergus the Farting Dragon introduces the reader to a sweet little dragon named Fergus, with rather a smelly little problem. 

Young Fergus the dragon was dropped on the head as a wee little dragon, and it soon becomes clear not all is well with Fergus. Unlike the other dragons, Fergus can’t breathe fire – he only snorts. Fergus’s uncle tries to teach him to create fire, but rather than coming out of his mouth, he notices smoke coming from his bum!

Fergus is mocked and teased by the older dragons, much to the dismay of Fergus who continues to try and breathe fire. However, Fergus does have one skill the older dragons don’t have - he can produce the most horrendous smells from his bum, with a fart even worse than a “sweaty old sock”. 

One day a cheeky young knight in a fire-proof suit manages to steal one of the dragons golden eggs much to the dismay and embarrassment of all the dragons. Protected from fire, the dragons have no hope of getting their treasure back, or do they? Fergus, knowing his skills are different comes up with a plan to retrieve the egg. But will it work? 

Fergus the Farting Dragon is a funny story which utilises lots of fart words which I think will appeal to children as they giggle their way through the story. But it also has the key messages of embracing one’s differences and figuring out a way to make them work for you in the end, much like Fergus did. 

The picture book is beautifully illustrated with colourful imagery that grabs the readers attention - both young and old alike. I also enjoyed have key words and phrases highlighted in colourful text as well, it added to the story in a number of sections to emphasise key parts. 

Gorinjas - the beginning

Gorinjas - the beginning by Mark Lancaster, illustrated by Inma Vassar (Moshpit Publishing) PB RRP $13.50   ISBN 978-1925529715

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Throughout life we face adversity and challenges: the real challenge is how we deal with them. Gorinjas - the beginning introduces the reader to two young characters - Gonga and Jemma - with a twist. Both Gonna and Jemma and all characters in the book are gorillas. Much like humans, the gorillas attend school and have their own problems to deal with, such as bullying.

Gonga and Jemma have been bullied throughout their lives. A chance sighting of a legend among the gorillas - Shintu - sets them on a path to self-discovery through martial arts. Shintu was himself trained in martial arts by monks and begins to teach the two young gorillas the intricate nature of martial arts.

The fast-paced action story has everything for young readers aged eight to 12 year-old including martial arts, secret tunnels and life lessons. The story flowed well throughout, with readers getting a good sense of understanding what was happening without stagnating for young readers. A more serious undertone of determination and hard work pays off in the end for Gonga and Jemma, with the pair eventually coming face to face with their bully, but will their training be enough?

The book is written in easy-to-read chapters, interspersed with monochrome drawings throughout at key scenes which add their own element to the story experience. The idea of writing from a gorilla’s point of view is interesting and comes across well, which I believe helps the reader relate to the central characters.

Gorinjas - the beginning appears to be part of an ongoing series and I can see young readers wanting to read on and find out what adventures Gonga and Jemma go on next. The book has the potential to be used as a learning tool on how to deal with adversity in a non-violent manner and how to learn about the inner peace and calm that martial arts is centred around.

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course by Rachel Barnett (Holus Bolus Books) HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978 0 9946468 3 5

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course is a bright and colourful children’s picture book - both in text and images. Croc, the aptly named Crocodile, is a golf fan and is trying to get a hole in one.

Unfortunately for Croc, his golf game leaves a lot to be desired and with a swing that is “downright silly”, his friends Goanna, Quoll and Frilly are trying to help him out. At times he loses his patience as his ball goes wild - or even lands in a plover’s nest which sees Croc running for his life.

But in the end, hard work and a little bit of perseverance and help from his friends goes a long way and Croc manages to hit a hole-in-one. The story uses the comical idea of a crocodile playing goal to instill some key messages in young readers about patience, friendship and perseverance. The story is written in a clear way, with easy-to-read sentence structure that utilises Australian slang - like mozzies and midges to give it a quintessential Australian feel which I think helps set it apart in the children’s book sector.

There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course is set on the Alyangula Golf Course, where a large crocodile can often be spotted swimming the beach along the course - or even closer for unsuspecting golfers on the second hole. The bright Australiana theme lends itself well to the story and is eye-catching to draw the younger readers in.

Overall, this is a fun tale that will have kids and parents enjoying reading along together. I feel young children will particularly enjoy the bright illustrations, with  Australian wildlife really starring in this tale.

Gorinjas - the beginning

Gorinjas - the beginning by Mark Lancaster, illustrated by Inma Vassar (Moshpit Publishing) PB RRP $13.50

ISBN 978-1925529715

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Throughout life we face adversity and challenges: the real challenge is how we deal with them. Gorinjas - the beginning introduces the reader to two young characters - Gonga and Jemma - with a twist. Both Gonna and Jemma and all characters in the book are gorillas. The gorillas, much like humans attend school and have their own problems to deal with, such as bullying.

Gonga and Jemma have been bullied throughout their lives. A chance sighting of a legend among the gorillas - Shintu - sets them on a path to self discovery through martial arts. Shintu was himself trained in martial arts by monks and begins to teach

the two young gorillas the intricate nature of martial arts.

The fast-paced action story has everything for young readers aged eight to 12 years including martial arts, secret tunnels and life lessons. The story flowed well throughout, with readers getting a good sense of understanding what was happening without stagnating for young readers. A more serious undertone of determination and hard work pays off in the end for Gonga and Jemma, with the pair eventually coming face to face with their bully, but will their training be enough?

The book is written in easy to read chapters, with interspersed monochrome drawings throughout at key scenes which add their own element to the story experience. The idea of writing from a gorilla’s point of view is interesting and comes across well, which I believe helps the reader relate to central characters.

Gorinjas - the beginning appears to be part of an ongoing series and I can see young readers wanting to read on and find out what adventures Gonga and Jemma go on next. It has the potential to be used a learning tool on how to deal with adversity in a non-violent manner and learning about the inner peace and calm that martial arts is centred around.

Songlines - The Sentinels of Eden

Songlines - The Sentinels of Eden by Carolyn Denman (Odyssey Books) PBK RRP $23.95  ISBN 978-1-922200-60—0

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Songlines is an enchanting story set in regional Victoria which leads to Eden - a hidden secret world. Songlines is very much steeped in Aboriginal heritage which unfolds as the reader meets leading character Laine, a young girl who lives on a sheep property with her Aunt. Laine has a secret, but she doesn’t even learn the true nature of her biblical heritage until a mining company threatens her family land.

Before long it is revealed Laine is a Cherub, a person with special powers, charged to guard the gate to Eden. Laine must battle with her soul-mate - Bane - by her side, who she has spent much of her life despising to protect the gateway to Eden. Twists and turns keep the reader interested, including learning that Laine’s mother is alive, and Noah’s mother isn’t what she appears to be.

Songlines, set in an everyday Australian background, is not only relatable to the reader, but it utilises engaging central characters in Laine, Noah and Bane. It is very much a quest for discovery and truth about Laine’s heritage as well as a struggle to stop a large company conquering a piece of Australia. The story line flows very cleanly and is engaging enough to keep the reader wanting more.

This innovative and book will best suit young adults as they are sure to relate to the characters and the feelings evoked throughout the story. Songlines left me wanting more: has Laine made the ultimate sacrifice to save Eden?