Taken Away

Taken Away by Celine Kiernan (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74237-772-0

Reviewed by Thalia Kalkipsakis

  

Not since childhood have I felt the need to hide a book under my bed, face down and beneath a pillow, in case the terrors lurking within somehow made their way out as I slept...

That is, until I read Celine Kiernan’s gripping ghost tale, Taken Away.

A small, pale hand grabbed the edge of Dom’s bunk. Little fingers curled around the mattress. I could see the indents of the fabric where they gripped tight. There was a pause, as thought it was frightened to look, and then a small, pale, dark-eyed face cleared the edge.

Taken Away tells the story of twin Irish boys, Dom and Pat, whose family has been displaced after their home burnt down. The effect of the fire is not only displacement; somehow, it also means that the ghost is able to see the twins. And when he does, he thinks he’s ‘found a home’.

Through Pat’s eyes we feel his horror and sense of helplessness as his twin, his partner in life, is possessed. Dom disappears, becomes a ‘whistling void’, and in his place is something that no longer belongs in this world. The situation is made all the more compelling because Pat is the only one who realises that something is wrong.

As with other truly terrifying ghosts, this one is not all that he seems. To save his brother, Pat realises that he must also help the ghost. And so, the twin’s plight becomes entwined with a tragic World War I mystery.

Recommended for readers from 13 to 16 years, Taken Away is much more than just a haunting. The mystery and suspense keep the pages turning, but it is the relationships that take this story to a higher level, not the least of which is the connection between twins and the resulting anguish when events cause their separation.

Thalia’s latest book is called Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain (www.thaliakalkipsakis.com). 

You Can Draw Anything

You Can Draw Anything by Kim Gamble (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74237-798-8

Reviewed by Thalia Kalkipsakis

  

Created by Kim Gamble, the much loved illustrator of the Tashi series, this appealing paperback reprint is both entertaining and highly informative.

Designed to teach young artists how to draw, the instructions are given in light-hearted, simple language, but it is also possible to learn the techniques simply by following the step-by-step visuals. My nine-year-old daughter opened the book, followed the illustrated instructions showing how to draw a lion, and then declared: ‘That’s the best drawing I’ve ever done!’

Any budding artist who takes the time to read Gambles instructions will not be disappointed. He clearly and deftly demonstrates the shapes that make up all objects around us, how to draw by following a grid, faces and expressions, perspective, shading and much more. He is encouraging, warm and full of useful tips; ‘Practise expressions in front of the mirror – look for the little lines that change, especially around the eyes.’

Despite the apparent ease with which he draws, the humour and character in each image makes it clear that we are in the hands of a true talent. Designed for children from eight to twelve, the dedication for this book reads: ‘For Mum, who kept me supplied with pencils and paper.’ Any parent of a budding artist would most likely already be following the lead of Kim Gamble’s mum, but they would do even better to add this book to the supplies.

  

Thalia’s latest book is called Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain (www.thaliakalkipsakis.com). 

Grumpy Little King

Grumpy Little King by Michel Streich (Allen & Unwin)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74237-572-4

Reviewed by Thalia Kalkipsakis

  

War is a topic that does not sit naturally in a children’s picture book, but Michel Streich’s Grumpy Little King handles its complexities in a way that is both accessible and touching. The ending may even make you smile.

When asked why he is grumpy all the time the little king explodes: ‘I am fed up with being the little king of a tiny nation! I want to be a big king, important, powerful and rich! I want to be famous and rule over an enormous country!’

His advisors recommend war.

And so follows the search for an enemy and the purchasing of ships, planes and guns. Parades are held, and the little king gives speeches. The men in the kingdom, who used to be bakers, teachers, farmers and builders, are given uniforms and rifles. ‘Everyone was a soldier now.’

The story is told in simple language, with honesty and humour, but its illustrations speak most powerfully. The grumpy king is at once terrifying and tragic, dwarfed by his advisors and almost disappearing at the end of his dining table. Every line in his face seems to simmer with fury.

The king’s advisors are bland, hidden behind empty spectacles. The general is almost faceless beneath his army cap, other than a smug smile. Most telling of all are the expressions on the soldiers’ faces as they march into war: their heads are tilted down, their eyes turned to one side. It’s a page that commands a pause.

Misdirected authority and its awful impact are at the forefront of themes in this story, but it also lends itself to more. For younger children, Grumpy Little King could be an entry to discussion about fighting and bullying. For older children it could be about the dynamics and consequences of war itself, as well as conflict resolution. Even adults will find themselves cheering at the outcome, and then rethinking the victims. Where, for example, are the king’s advisors during the final pages of the book?

The conclusion is indeed satisfying but, true to war, not all guilty players get what they deserve.

  

Thalia’s latest book is called Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain (www.thaliakalkipsakis.com). 

Only Ever Always

Only Ever Always by Penni Russon (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 987-1-74175-044-7

Reviewed by Thalia Kalkipsakis

When faced with the prospect of losing a beloved uncle, Claire retreats into a dreamscape. It is a parallel place layered behind Claire’s but crumbling and rotten. The objects, even the people, are broken or ‘half used up’.

Here we find Clara, the dreamer’s self and phantom other, who is faced with her own loss, not only of her friend and carer, but also of her refuge in this eerie and unsafe world.

Doubles such as these, or two sides to a coin, permeate the story, adding layers and bringing potency to the people and objects in both worlds.

It is reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, in the way that characters slip between mutually existing words that are layered behind one another, in this case via toxic silvery bubbles of music that seem as dangerous and beautiful as mercury. Clara’s resourcefulness in the face of adults bent on their own agendas is also reminiscent of Pullman.

But it is Russon’s depiction of the dreamscape that makes this story stand apart. Her language is both poetic and unsettling, very much like a dream. Objects become potent with weight of emotional symbolism in this place where everything, even the very ground, is slimy and uncertain.

Claire’s passages, set in the ‘real’ world, are written in second person, which has the effect of making the reader feel that she, in turn, is dreaming Claire’s story. This is both powerful and deliberate, to the point where Russon momentarily brings herself into the story, addressing her character directly and telling her, ‘I am a dreamer too.’ How fortunate are we as readers to witness such a dream.

Recommended for readers twelve and over, there is much to be discovered in Only Ever Always, depending on what the dreamer, or reader, brings to the story. It might even offer solace for anyone facing grief of their own. At its heart, this story is ultimately about hope, grief and love, and finding the courage to accept all three.

Thalia’s latest book is called Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain (www.thaliakalkipsakis.com). 

Pocket Rocket Go Girl: Dancing Queen

Pocket Rocket Go Girl: Dancing Queen by Thalia Kalkipsakis (Hardie Grant Egmont)

PB RRP $5.00

ISBN 978-192184887-2

Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

www.thestoryline.com.au

Pocket Rocket books are a new concept from Hardie Grant Egmont. They are small format books that cost only $5. The size makes them very convenient for carrying in a handbag (my 8 year old daughters or mine), or leave in the car/school bag for any situation that arises. Pocket Rockets include books for girls and boys; titles from Zac Powers, Go Girls, Naughty Stories, Space Scouts and From Your Diary With Love. They provide a low cost alternative so that kids can choose to buy books with their own pocket money or parents can try a new author/series.

I like the size format. I found it handy to have a small book that is an interesting read for my children and readily available. It makes for a quick special gift that I can read aloud with my kids as well - without being stuck for months!

I have previously quoted a “Go Girls” aim of producing refreshing and ‘real’ stories – no vampires or fairies anywhere. Once again this book offered exactly that.

Dancing Queen is a great little story using the first line of that wonderful ABBA song. The main character Charlie has worked hard to try her first ever dance class at a proper dance school. When she arrives she finds she does not fit in with the trendy dance class girls. However she also finds that she loves to dance. She persists past all the uncomfortable, teasing or shy moments

She holds on to her love of dance, a lot of practice and help from her best friend she becomes good enough to perform with the trendy girls at the concert. She has a believable and enjoyable friendship at school that adds light and humour to the story. She has to learn to have confidence in herself to be able to perform well – a great message for all girls.

Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain

Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain by Thalia Kalkipsakis (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $15.99

ISBN 9781742373454

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

Head Spinners is a collection of six short stories, each with a unique kind of twist. These fun tales are written for middle primary aged children who will relate to characters very much like themselves — to begin with anyway. Divided into short chapters, this page turner has humour, a bit of irony and a healthy dose of imagination.

Catchy titles include Tick-Tock Time Machine and Evil Eye. There are ghosts, out of body experiences, strange deformities of the body and things coming back to life. Sound interesting? There's certainly a lot in here to catch a kid's attention. The snappy writing and action packed chapters work together to sustain this attention until the twist is revealed at the end of the story. 

In each story there is a character (boy or girl) who seems quite normal, until something unusual arises. The character must then rise to the occasion in order to deal with this difficulty. Although adults are present in the stories it is the kids who are responsible for the turn of events. Ultimately, they learn something along the way.

The cover makes a statement with a dog wearing glasses in the  middle of a brightly coloured vortex. The tone of the writing is conversational and there's a smattering of science to make some of the situations seem more plausible. Suitable for both boys and girls, this combination of reality with a splash of fantasy will be a hit with even not-so-avid readers.