Oliver's Grumbles

Oliver's Grumbles by Yvonne Mes, illustrated by Giuseppe Poli  (Dragon Tales Publishing) HB RRP $22.95 HB ISBN 978-0-9944280-0-4

Reviewed by Kaye Baillie

Oliver is a boy who smiles and laughs at lots of things like a silly song or a passing train, but then there are times when things make him growl and grizzle and grumble. In 'Oliver’s grumbles', when Oliver gets the grumbles, he really gets them. His grumbles become so real that these pesky little creatures come to life. When the grumbles steal his favourite red snuggle blanket, Oliver ‘pops’ and decides he’s going to deal with the grumbles once and for all, but in a very nice way. 

In this picture book for younger readers, the author makes clever use of alliteration which enhances her playful action filled text as we ride the storm of Oliver’s bad day to his calming solution.

Children will be drawn to Giuseppe Poli’s attractive cover showing Oliver and his mischievous grumbles. The title font and cross-out word are also kid-friendly and clues us in to how the grumbles are taking over. The illustrations throughout are attractive and colourful and the grumbles have the right mix of being naughty but irresistible. The colour variations to the text work well to highlight mood and action.

This is a wonderful book to read and read again, especially at bedtime.

Gus the Asparagus

Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)

PB RRP: $19.95

ISBN 9780992523992

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

The Green family (made up of a selection of adorable vegetables) love their peculiar little Gus the Asparagus just the way he is. But when Gus starts school it becomes clear that Gus doesn’t quite fit in and doesn’t understand the rules. And now Gus no longer wants to go to school.

Mum takes Gus to the Doctor who diagnoses him with ‘Asparagus Syndrome’. There is relief when everyone finally understands why Gus is different, and how they are able to support him.

This is an attractive book; the illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn, featuring vegetables with googly eyes are fun and strangely endearing.

The page where the vegetables at school are having a rolling competition and Gus tries to roll lengthways made me laugh and it illustrates perfectly just how differently Gus thinks. 

This short picture book has relatable characters for those families who live with a child with Asperger’s syndrome, and especially for the child itself.

The story, inspired Kaylene Hobson’s own experiences, however, is not a story of woe, instead it uplifts and recognises and accepts the eccentricities of the asparaguses’ around us.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat

Anzac: The Story of a Little Goat by Jacque Duffy (Itchy Emu Press)

PB RRP $15.95

ISBN 9780646930497

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Anzac is an Australian story about a little goat. Won in a two-up game, his adorable Anzac eyes fail to win over the hearts of the cold family he comes to live with. In a case of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ Little Anzac finds that the family he ultimately belongs with is very unlikely indeed.

The story, set at a time where Australia is recovering from war, is heart-warming with its message and its lively illustrations will appeal to young children.

Jacque Duffy, a fine artist and children’s writer of several books, is based in Cairns.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Lulu

Lulu by Georgie Donaghey illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)

PB RRP: $17.95

ISBN 9780992523954

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Lulu is a bear with a creative soul needing to be expressed, so she moves from her icy lands to the big city lights. Here she is right at home dancing and singing and being adored by her fans until she realises how much she misses her friends back home. Luckily they know just what to do.

Written in rhyme that doesn’t miss a beat and beautifully illustrated, this adorable bear shows that you can have it all if only you reach for it.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Good Enough for a Sheep Station

Good Enough for a Sheep Station by David Cox (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781743319031

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

David Cox spent five years as a jackeroo on outback sheep and cattle stations before he became an author and illustrator.

Set in 1940s, the story follows a young boy’s upbringing on a Queensland sheep station. It shows its outback characters and understated humour as told in various anecdotes. The story is full of quirky details from how the boy completes his schoolwork via correspondence to learning stockman’s skills from his dad and learning to drive a truck from a young age.

This picture book documents a way of life that may be unrecognizable to many modern children raised in the city, but the story goes deeper than that; it tells of loss and handing down tradition but also, as David Cox writes in the foreword, it is a story about many kinds of love.

Cox’s fluid watercolour and ink illustrations create a colourful bush world. Dogs run in and out of the pictures as they would in real paddocks and the horses outnumber the sheep.

The longer word count makes it a picture book for primary school aged children.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her fpicture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Teddy Took the Train

Teddy Took the Train by Nicki Greenberg (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781760112134

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

This picture book with its alluring title and subject is certain to attract young children.

The story tells of little Dot who realises she has left her Teddy on the train after a day out with Mum. Shocked and horrified at first, she soon soothes herself by imaging just what her Teddy is getting up to on the train and how he will find his way home.

The book is written in rhyme and rolls along interspersed with the refrain of and repetition of the title. The illustrations paint an environment inclusive of different abilities and cultures.  The characters though depicted cartoon-like are softened by the warm textured backgrounds.

Young children will be able to relate to losing a treasured comfort toy and Dot’s highs and lows in being reunited with her Teddy.

Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Hop up! Wriggle Over!

Hop up! Wriggle Over! by Elizabeth Honey (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781743319987

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

From the lovely end papers to the bouncy text, you feel with how much care this book has been created.

A cast of Australian animals creates a vibrant family. Mummy Koala and Daddy Big Red Kangaroo have a big family of little bush children ranging from antechinus to quoll, and they show just how warm and loving a diverse family can be. As in many large families there is always something happening and someone wriggling, hopping, or zooming around. This bunch of lively animals seems to enjoy every part of the day from top to tail.

The story pictures a day in the life of what could be a human toddler, from waking up, breakfast to bath time and bedtime stories. The simple watercolour and pencil illustrations give plenty of room to breathe between large patches of well balanced white space. The illustrations exude the movement, fun and cosy chaos of large family domesticity and are utterly adorable.

The spare text which perfectly compliments the gorgeous illustrations consists mainly of onomatopoeia.

Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Good Enough for a Sheep Station

Good Enough for a Sheep Station by David Cox (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781743319031

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

David Cox spent five years as a jackeroo on outback sheep and cattle stations before he became an author and illustrator.

Set in 1940s, the story follows a young boy’s upbringing on a Queensland sheep station. It shows its outback characters and understated humour as told in various anecdotes. The story is full of quirky details from how the boy completes his schoolwork via correspondence to learning stockman’s skills from his dad and learning to drive a truck from a young age.

This picture book documents a way of life that may be unrecognizable to many modern children raised in the city, but the story goes deeper than that; it tells of loss and handing down tradition but also, as David Cox writes in the foreword, it is a story about many kinds of love.

Cox’s fluid watercolour and ink illustrations create a colourful bush world. Dogs run in and out of the pictures as they would in real paddocks and the horses outnumber the sheep. The longer word count makes it a picture book for primary school aged children.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her fpicture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Thunderstorm Dancing

Thunderstorm Dancing by Katrina Germein & Judy Watson (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781743314593

Reviewed by Yvonne Mess

From the lyrical, flowing language to the gorgeous illustrations, this was a sumptuous read. A little girl is worried about an approaching thunder storm which soon breaks into full force. The storm is gleefully received by her family. Each family member represents a part of the storm;

‘Lachlie is the lightning

flicking and flashing

tricking and dashing

crackling zap!

sizzling snap!’

The use of lyrical language, with its alliteration and internal rhyme make for an exciting and poetic text.

The girl’s anxiety is the thread that runs through the story, though in the end she adds in her own unique way to the family’s exuberance and delight in the weather.

The illustrations show lively playful characters full of charisma including the family pets. The brushstrokes and line work are loose and fluid. I loved the complementary shades of green and red sustained throughout and the cute end papers.

The illustrations not only complement the text, but extend it. Each family member is depicted in turn as larger than life natural phenomena to suit the mood of the scene.

There is a wonderful sense of a loving family which consists of parents, a set of grandparents, and three children. You get the sense that perhaps the family is visiting the grandparents at their seaside home, or the family is on holiday together but most of all how much they enjoy each other’s company.

What could be considered as a quiet story is swept up in the noise of the storm and the family fun it generates.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Oksa Pollock: The Last Hope

Oksa Pollock: The Last Hope Anne Plichota and Cendrine Wolf (Puskin Press)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 9781782690351

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Stubborn, smart, and impulsive, 13-year old Oksa suddenly develops special powers at the same time as a star-shaped mark appears on her stomach. She is going to need her developing powers when she discovers that she is a Gracious, princess of Edefia, and member of a small group fleeing from harm and now locked outside the realm of Edefia. As the last hope of her people, Oksa gets plenty of opportunity to test her new powers when the evil Ocious, also locked in the outside world, needs Oksa to get back in.

Luckily she is not alone; she has a caring but over-anxious father, her grandmother who is also a Gracious, a very normal and unsuspecting mother, her best friend, Gus, and a range of magical creatures with a very high ‘Dobby’ quality, and even more magical family members.

There are potions and lotions made from plants brought in from Edefia such as anxiety-stricken plants prone to fainting. Every self-respecting Edefian has a Granok-Shooter, able to shoot a variety of magical beans with a range of spectacular spell-like effects and soon Oksa has her own arsenal.

The story is action-packed, there are mysteries to be solved, there is a school, there are bullies and villains and life and death situations, and loyalties and magic. Does this remind you of something?

I couldn’t help but to compare it to Harry Potter which only got stronger as the book progressed. No wonder this story was a big hit with readers when it was originally self-published. It was the fans, apparently looking for the new Harry Potter, who demanded this book be recognised.

This is the first book in a six-part series which has now sold over half a million copies in 27 countries and was written by two Strassbourg librarians.

This female Harry Potter set in a elaborate fantasy setting is sure to delight and enthral young readers.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her fpicture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Any Questions?

Any Questions? by Marie-Louise Gay (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP: $17.99

ISBN 9781760113179

Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

If you don’t ask questions, how on earth will you get any answers?

This book embraces the curiosity of children, their endless questions and the never ending quest to know more. Starting with the type of questions author/illustrator Marie-Louise Gay hears at author signing and events, the questions move on to questions that relate to how stories start, how stories are told and what inspires them. This segues into a story within a story while giving an insight into the author/ illustrator’s creative process.
 

Told from the author’s perspective, this meta-fiction is also told by three curious (and totally adorable) children, and various capricious animals via a series of speech bubbles.

The mixed media artwork in pencil, watercolour and touches of collage feels light and airy and is gorgeous while adding fun with its many doodles and scribbles and adorable animal characters.

Marie-Louise Gay is a Canadian author/ illustrator of over 60 picture books which have been translated into many languages, including her well known Stella and Sam series and has several prestigious awards.
 

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

This Shattered World

This Shattered World, Book 2 in the Starbound Trilogy, by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (Allen & Unwin)
YA RRP $18.99
ISBN 9781743319703
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

This Shattered World is the second sci-fi romance novel in the Starbound Trilogy and set in the same universe as These Broken Stars. We meet Captain Jubilee Chase, leader of the Trodairi on the planet Avon where she is admired, respected and feared by all. We also meet Flynn Cormac one of the leaders of the planet's rebels, smart, charismatic, and prefers to solve problems without violence.

Soldiers and rebels are fighting for control over the planet. The rebels, also known as the Fienna, are long ago decedents of the Irish and fight for a better life for their people. Outsiders, including the soldiers, don't last long on Avon as they are vulnerable to the Fury, a sudden state of violent behaviour, though for unknown reasons Captain Lee is immune.

Avon is a low-tech planet hindered as by its atmosphere and Avon is little more than a swamp. Flynn knows the planet should have advanced further through the terra-forming process and wants to know why this hasn't happened. He also wants to know more about a mysterious facility he has discovered in the swamp.

The story is told from both Flynn's and Lee's perspectives interspersed by short, dream segments often featuring Captain Lee as a child.

The romance between Flynn and Lee seems impossible; Jubilee's had a tragic history with rebels during her childhood and Flynn is learning to live with the execution of his sister by the Trodairi. Lee and Flynn are pushed together in a quest to save the lives of citizens, rebels and soldiers. Their strong physical attraction increases into something more as they are forced to see each other as real people and not the caricatures they had expected.

There are many fights to be fought, hardships to endure, and many intriguing mysteries to be solved. This was a good read, though the plot took its time to develop.

Tarver and Lilac, the main characters from These Broken Stars make a brief return but are not the focus of this novel which may have surprised and possibly saddened some readers. This Shattered World could be read on its own, but the return of the whispers and the involvement of the LeRoux company and what may follow in the next novel make it worthwhile reading These Broken Stars first.

Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (author of the Skylark trilogy) have made some great world building choices including an emphasis on the connection to culture, doing away with gender inequalities, and acceptance of same sex relationships.  The divide between rich and poor is still strong and the main cause for conflict. The authors' collaborative effort has been built over many years of writing together, and its shows.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Isaac's Dragon

Isaac's Dragon by Kaylene Hobson, illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9780992523909
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

This charming chapter book with its quirky dragon-loving hero is the first in a series. Isaac is desperate for a dragon. He is convinced they exist, no matter what anyone says or thinks and he is determined to get one, preferably before his birthday. But when even his fairy hunting skills and the tooth fairy are not able to help him, he has to think of another way to get his dragon, and soon, it is almost his birthday!
 
Kaylene Hobson has created an enjoyable character; an optimist with a go-get-em attitude, a big dose of self-confidence, no lack of determination and a unique view of the world. Children will find him admirable and will be able to empathise with his everyday struggles of being a child trying to fit into a world of adult's logic.

I found Isaac's determination, persistence and unwavering self-belief in the face of obstacles  a great read for children who perhaps do not feel as much in control of life, after all Isaac has a solution for everything.

 The illustrations by Ann-Marie Finn compliment the story; she has done a great job bring Isaac's character to life visually.

Isaac's dragon was conceived as a bedtime tale to help Kaylene's son deal with self-confidence issues. I think she has done so superbly and created a fun confidence boosting story for any young reader. It is recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Cooper Bartholomew Is Dead

Cooper Bartholomew Is Dead by Rebecca James (Allen &Unwin)
YA PB RRP$19.99
ISBN 9781743319239
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Cooper Bartholomew is dead. His girlfriend is devastated and not convinced it was suicide. Cooper was much loved, popular and an all-round nice guy. His friends adored him. So why is he dead? From the developing romance between Libby and Cooper and the relationships with their respective friends and parents the story builds to an unexpected ending.

The story is told from multiple perspectives and takes you backwards and forwards in time. Rebecca James pulls this off to great effect and flips between first and third person point of views for her main and minor characters respectively. This complex way of story telling works amazingly well and adds to the suspense and enjoyment of the story.

Her characters are wonderful, multi-faceted and feel like real people. Between all the mystery of how and why Cooper died, the characters struggle with finding their way as young adults after finishing high school. They discover how the groups that define them in high school change as they grow and they struggle with the choices to make for their futures.

There were quite a few references to sex without it being overwhelming and there was a lot of casual drugs use which made for an edgy read.

Referred to as the new J.K. Rowling in the Wall Street Journal after a bidding frenzy for her novel Beautiful Malice in 2009, Rebecca followed this up with Sweet Damage, another successful, edgy young adult novel. Both novels are now on top of my to-read list.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

 

 

 

 

My Dad is a FIFO Dad

My Dad is a FIFO Dad by Jo Emery, illustrated by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523923
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

The author Jo Emery knows about the FIFO family lifestyle intimately. She uses her experience to share this heart touching story with other FIFO families. The first print run sold out fast.
 
The story shows a young girl and her father engaged in fun activities. It moves on quickly to:

               BUT ... A lot of the time my Dad is not at home.

Mum explains why:

               "Your Dad is a FIFO Dad, which means Fly In, Fly Out Dad."

 

Some children will be able to recognise themselves in their relationships with a parent who for whatever reason has to be away for longer periods and offers support by validating children's feelings. The story shows how father and daughter stay connected and maintain their relationship. It also explains the importance of FIFO work in terms a child will be able to understand.

At the back of the book is a page where children can write down where their Dad works and what their favourite things are to do together, though it may have been nice to acknowledge the FIFO mums out there.

The illustrations are hand-drawn and finished digitally, adding a fun collage feel by adding photos in some of the backgrounds. The back cover talks about resilience: 'This book forms the first of many support resources for children and families to build and maintain strength, resilience and unity.'  I like that promise.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.co

A Trip to the Moon

A Trip to the Moon by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523916
Captain Kieron by Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780992523930
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Ann-Marie Finn is a talented Brisbane based illustrator and now author. The two books reviewed here  are dedicated to her children Liam and Kieron who share the same names as the characters in the books.

A Trip to the Moon is a gentle story of Liam who longs to travel to the moon and wonders what it would be like up there. His wish comes true when a rocket suddenly lands outside his house. He and his stuffed toy travel all the way to the moon only to find out the moon isn't quite what he expected it to be.  
 
This story will appeal to young boys and girls with a healthy dose of curiosity and a fascination for the moon, rocket ships and aliens. The illustrations are fun and lively, creating a warm atmosphere with an added visual narrative involving some cheeky aliens. I loved the use of complementary colours with vivid red-oranges and emerald greens, and there was great use of dark and light. The design added to the overall look.

In Finn’s other picture book, Captain Kieron, a little boy day-dreams on the beach. When he goes for a cooling swim in the sea he finds a submarine to take him on an exploration of the ocean. He finds ocean creatures, a sunken shipwreck and haunted pirate treasure. The dream-like quality of the story and underwater adventures make for a fun reading experience.

Again the colours are gorgeous and the illustrations fun and playful. Captain Kieron with its longer text may appeal to slightly older children then A Trip to the Moon, and will be enjoyed by all adventure-loving children.  

Both stories are told in rhyme and follow the same pattern of a little boy, (I expect inspired by two little boys close to Ann-Marie Finn's heart), who go on a dream-like fantastical adventure making the reader wonder at the end if it all really happened.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

 

Pandora Jones: Deception

Pandora Jones: Deception by Barry Jonsberg (Allen &Unwin)
PB RRP$17.99
ISBN 9781743318126
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes

Deception is the second novel in a three part series. In the first novel Admission we learn that a virus has wiped out most of the world's population.  Pandora wakes up disorientated in the grounds of The School where teenage survivors from around the world have been brought together.

Every teenager is encouraged to develop a skill or ability in order to contribute to the new world and everyone is trained in survival skills. Pandora's special skill is rather unique, a kind of sixth sense, which allows her to find lost items but as the novels progresses this develops into something stronger.

Pandora tries to adjust to life within the isolated grounds of The School but  discovers there are many secrets kept from the group of teens by the few surviving adults.

While in Admission Pandora gets close to her team mate Nate, hinting at a developing romance, in Deception the focus shifts to Pandora and her tough ass-kicking team mate Jen. The girls who are opposites in many respects, and without much affection for each other, grudgingly learn to rely on and earn each other's trust with Jen finally sharing some of her personal story. 

As in the previous novel a lot of attention focusses on escape attempts from The School. When they finally do escape, it is certainly a worthy thrill ride, needing perhaps a little suspension of disbelief from the reader.

 Though the first two novels raise plenty of questions that need to be answered,  the novels are a satisfying read. Deception's twist at the end is even bigger than the first novel making it long wait to the final in the series due out in May 2015.

 If you love your dystopian YA combined with strong female characters, and a world where teenagers have to fend for themselves battling their wits and strength against uncertainty and possibly evil adults, you won't be disappointed. This is an easy read that keeps you guessing while staying engaged with the story line and the main characters.

If you read this book recovering from a bad flu, as I did, and with cases of Ebola rising, the start of Admission with its violently dying population and frequent gruesome flashbacks to the pandemic in Deception, the novels can be a little confronting.

Jonsberg is not new to the YA novel and I was glad to see his My Life As An Alphabet receive multiple awards.

Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator. Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com