Here In The Garden

Here In The Garden written and illustrated by Briony Stewart (University of Queensland Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9780 7022 5010 1
Reviewed by Jo Antareau

Pets play a special role in a child’s life as they love the child unconditionally. But sadly, every child who has loved a pet will one day have to deal with the loss of their dear friend, playmate, confidante and partner-in-crime. Briony Stewart has captured the essence of a child’s wistful heartache beautifully. The story follows the bittersweet memories a boy has of sharing his garden with a fun little rabbit.

Briony Stewart’s words and illustrations bring the cute bunny to life – then gently remind us that he is no longer with his loving owner.

Written sparingly with a light touch and a lack of sentimentality, this book focuses on how the bereaved child rebuilds his love of the garden he and his much-loved pet once shared and played in, now that he is there alone.

This is a difficult topic for a book for young readers, but I think the author has managed it. I believe it would appeal to a wider age-range of readers than most picture books do, because the theme is not hammered as it may be in a more wordy text. The simple phrasing and soft illustrations carry the subject matter well.

Stunt Bunny: Tour Troubles

Stunt Bunny: Tour Troubles by Tamsyn Murray, illustrated by Lee Wildish (Simon and Schuster)

PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-184738728-8

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

Harriet Houdini: Stunt Bunny loves being the star of the “Superpets” TV show.  When she is invited to go on tour with her owner Susie, she can hardly wait.  Staying in posh hotels, meeting adoring fans and performing her famous bunny-backflips in front of live audiences is what Harriet was born to do.  But evil Miranda wants her opera-singing poodle, Doodle, to be the star of the show – whatever it takes.  She will even go so far as to hire The Great Muldini to try and kidnap Harriet for his magic act.  Harriet is going to need all her Stunt Bunny ticks to make sure she remains in the spotlight.

Stunt Bunny: Tour Trouble is the second book featuring Harriet Houdini, the Stunt Bunny.  The story carries on immediately from the first book, Stunt Bunny: Showbiz Sensation, however it can be read in isolation as well.  

This is a fast-paced and funny book told from the perspective of Harriet the bunny with her sometimes slanted view of the world.   She is a lovely character: feisty, fun and constantly thwarting the fumbling, ill-natured adults around her.

With large font and wonderful black and white illustrations by Lee Wildish throughout, the book would be suitable for younger readers aged approximately 6 – 8 years.

Overall, I found Stunt Bunny: Tour Trouble a really enjoyable book and I’m sure it will satisfy any Harriet Houdini fans.

Tamsyn Murray lives in London with her husband, daughter and several pets.   When she isn’t at work or writing, Tamsyn enjoys messing about on stage.  Shows she has starred in include Hello Dolly!, Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes.  She has also written the teen novels My So Called Afterlife and My So Called Haunting.

Stunt Bunny: Showbiz Sensation

Stunt Bunny: Showbiz Sensation by Tamsyn Murray, illustrated by Lee Wildish (Simon and Schuster)

PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-184738727-1
Reviewed by Peta Biggin

From the moment the Wilsons bring their new pet home, it is obvious that she is no ordinary bunny – and certainly not deserving of the name Flopsy. After she escapes (the first of many), she is renamed Harriet Houdini and the name suitsher perfectly.

After winning the village pet show, Harriet is whisked into the world of show business and finds herself competing in a talent show. If she wins, she’ll be a national star but there are other pets with their eye on first place. Can Harriet compete with an opera singing Poodle? And who is the mysterious man who offers to buy her?

Stunt Bunny:Showbiz Sensation is a fast-paced and funny book from the author of the teen novels My So Called Afterlife and My So Called Haunting.

Harriet the bunny is curious, feisty and devoted to her young owner Susie, if not completely enamoured with Susie’s dad (who is nicknamed Evil Edward throughout the book). Her never-say-die attitude and irreverent sense of humour will ensure Harriet is a character that kids will instantly relate to.
With the added fun of Lee Wildish’s black and white illustrations, Stunt Bunny: Showbiz Sensation is a really enjoyable book that will appeal to any animal loving young reader.

Tamsyn Murray lives in London with her husband, daughter and several pets. When she isn’t at work or writing, Tamsyn enjoys messing about on stage. Shows she has starred in include Hello Dolly!, Kiss Me Kate and Anything Goes. Occasionally, she auditions for Britain’s Got Talent. The next Harriet Houdini book, Stunt Bunny: Tour Trouble, is due to be released in 2011.