So Wrong Uncensored

So Wrong Uncensored by Michael Wagner illustrated by Wayne Bryant (Billy Goat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9780994251756

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This book is the first in So Wrong, described by the publisher as ‘a humorous, hyperactive kind of series that targets 10-13 year old reluctant readers’. The series even has an accompanying website,  www.sowrongbooks.com, and book club that hopefully will attract kids who wouldn’t ever normally join a book club.

The first sign that this book is ‘different’ is on the first page with its message, ‘HEY YOO! Wee need to tork.’ It then asks the reader, ‘Isnt it tyme yoo stopped reeding boring books onse and for all?’

The invented spelling continues for some pages with cartoon heads inviting the reader to ‘…gon on… reed it now… youll luv it.’ This is followed by ‘segments’ from the book’s hero, Mitey Mikey, who is supposed to have filmed the following stories.  The first story -- in conventional spelling -- is titled ‘The Nappy’ and of course there is reference to a pooey nappy that at one stage flies through the air aimed at a dad.

As this is said to be a film, there are, of course, a number of (satirical) ads, the first being one for a ‘very private school’ (clothing not necessary). Other stories are titled ‘Soccerhead’, ‘The Veree Hungree Caterpooper’ and ‘Mitey Mikey’s Sampel Lyfe Lesson.’ Throughout the book there are black and white cartoon illustrations, some of which make use of speech balloons.

It’s all very over the top, but in what the publisher describes as ‘a bit naughty but always good-natured.’ As two former reluctant readers themselves, the author and illustrator (both Australian) have created the book (and eventually a series) they wish had existed when they were kids. It would be good to have the opinions of today’s reluctant readers. One imagines they will be attracted to the book, not just for the ‘Uncensored’ label on the front cover and the zany adventures with the frequent plot twists and surprises, but for the one-on-each page lively illustrations.

So Wrong titles are due to roll out every six to nine months; the expected audience is reluctant readers (principally boys) aged 10 to 13 years.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney (Puffin) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN9780143309000

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

What more can you say about the tenth book in a series which will make history by being published simultaneously in more than 90 countries around the world than it’s going to be another best-seller. The series by American Kinney has sold close to five million copies in Australia alone so hip hip hooray to an author who has got middle-grade (and older) children reading.

Like all of the books in the series, the first book of which, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, was published in 2007, the story is about Greg Heffley, an ordinary boy who has a real talent for mischief and misadventure. The lined pages with hand-written text and frequent cartoons give the illusion that Greg is its author, especially as they are written in diary form. The only speech is depicted in speech balloons in the cartoons; the rest of the story is related in first person present tense which give immediacy to the story-telling.

In this latest book, Greg tells how his town (‘let’s unplug to reconnect") has voluntarily unplugged and gone electronics free. Is Greg cut out for an old-fashioned world, is the question. After all, it’s only for one weekend. Greg gets involved in community work and discovers how difficult life ‘in the good old days’ can be.

Written in a child-friendly style with black and white illustrations which are all humorous, this book is yet another world-wide winner. As Time magazine once said, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid is bent on world domination.’

The Ogglies Go to School

The Ogglies Go to School by Erhard Dietl (Starfish Bay Children’s Books)

HB RRP $25.99

ISBN 9780994100719

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9780994100214

Reviewed by Leigh Roswen

The Ogglies Go to School is the second title in the Oggly series created by author/illustrator Erhard Dietl. The Ogglies are green creatures with big noses, horns and super-strength. The Oggly family live in a rubbish tip and love everything dirty and stinky. One day Oggly-Grandma takes the Oggly twins to school on their dragon, Firebottom (complete with rear-end exhaust pipe). When the human teacher is called away Oggly-Grandma is left to look after all the children. What ensues is a wonderful day of mud and mayhem. But how will the children clean up before Mrs Lucy returns? The Mud-Puddle Song forms part of the text and the music score is included on the last page.

The Ogglies Go to School is a quarto-sized book. On every large spread there are busy colourful cartoon-like illustrations. When children have looked at all the school-children and quirky Ogglies themselves there are still more creatures in the background to discover.

It is a little difficult to put an age-range to this story. The text itself is quite lengthy (over a thousand words) hence would suit an older independent readership of age 7-10. Also there is occasional bottom humour that this age range seems to love. However, younger children (aged 4-6) being read to by a willing and time-enabled adult will enjoy the funny pictures, and the setting which is more like a pre-school than a school.

The Ogglies are bound to become favourite characters. They are weird-looking but lovable, family-orientated but chaotic, fun-loving and happy. The Ogglies Go to School is a scrumptiously rebellious tale and an antidote to notions of cotton-woolling, over-scheduling and vanity.

Reviewer website: www.leighroswen.com

Made by Raffi

Made by Raffi by Craig Pomranz, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

HB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781847804334

Reviewed by J Wishart

This cheerful picture book was written by American singer/actor Craig Pomranz, teaming up with British illustrator Margaret Chamberlain. The author’s first book, it was inspired by his godson. Made by Raffi was published in the US and UK in 2014.

The story centres on Raffi, a quiet, thoughtful boy who prefers creative endeavours over boisterous playground games. Although this means Raffi is often teased by the other children, he doesn’t let it stop him. Eventually his perseverance is rewarded by opportunity – to which Raffi responds with flying colours, literally and figuratively.

Chamberlain has depicted Raffi’s days with simple, cartoon-like drawings featuring familiar scenes of school and home. The artwork is mostly lively double-page spreads, with a few close-up moments focused on Raffi and his thoughts.

The narrative pace is steady and the tone optimistic. In addition to the main story text, Raffi sometimes speaks via speech bubbles which lend a fun and friendly feel that may also help to engage younger readers.

Although the book touches on themes of individuality and acceptance, they are given a fairly light treatment. The book’s message seems more about ingenuity and the joy of making things. Raffi will appeal to children as it acknowledges and applauds the (child) creator, and even contains elements of instruction to inspire the reader.

The decorative end-papers are a nice touch, featuring a range of inventive garments and speaking of the endless possibilities for anyone with determination and an open, creative mind.

Wheelnuts! Craziest Race on Earth: Desert Dust Up

Wheelnuts! Craziest Race on Earth: Desert Dust Up by Knife & Packer (Scholastic Australia)
HB RRP $6.99
ISBN 978-1-74362-526-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

From the creators of Freak Street (Knife & Packer) comes Wheelnuts!, a new series full of wacky racers and their quest for winners glory on the extreme race tracks dreamed up by eccentric billionaire Warren Wheelnut. Desert Dust Up kicks off the series with an action-packed race through the desert filled with adventure, danger and the evil Waylon ‘Wipeout’ Wheelnut who will stop at nothing to disrupt these races his successful older brother runs.

Beginning at Wheelie City, a glitzy holiday resort in the middle of the desert, six teams compete for first place, roaring through checkpoints as well as hazards such as the Mountains of Doom, the Gulch of a Thousand Mirages and huge robotic scorpions with enough rust venom to disable sixty cars.

Teams such as the Wheel Deal, super star couple Myley Twinkle and Dustin Grinner from boy band One Way Traffic, will appeal to the young readership this series is written for. The action and sneaky cheating is fun and non-stop. Reader will be barracking for their favourite team and booing the villains, Wipeout and his sidekick Dipstick.

The full glossy pages, with cartoon like illustrations, are colourful and vibrant.

It reminds me of the TV cartoon ‘Wacky Races’ that I loved as a child and I’m sure young, beginner and reluctant readers are going to devour this series.

As it’s the first in the series, Desert Dust Up has a very low price. Look out for the next extreme race in Spooky Smackdown. May the best team win!