Buzz Words Competition

Buzz Words Competition

Children’s author Roz Moriarty has kindly donated two copies of her picture book (Beach Song with Samantha Campbell) as prizes in a subscriber-only competition.

To win a copy, please send an original title for a very funny chapter book to dibates@outlook.com and include your postal address. Mark the subject heading as Chapter Book Title and include your postal address. The winners will be announced in the next issue of Buzz Words, 15 March.

Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost, a book launch

A TERRYFIC BOOK LAUNCH!

On an appropriately eerie, stormy morning, Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost, a chapter book by Jeanette Stampone (About Kids Books) was officially launched!

The event was held in Jeanette’s hometown of Waroona on Saturday 9 August and was a wonderful success. Waroona is a small town in Western Australia, similar to where Terry, the book’s protagonist, lives. And just like the start of the book, the local library was the venue for all things spooky.

The book was launched by Annette Mason who is a well-known and respected community member—and a brilliant librarian!

The author, Jeanette Stampone and illustrator, Jasmine Berry presented an insight into the book and how it was created.  Jeanette spoke about her inspiration behind the story. She shared photos of the three-hundred-year-old house she grew up in (which was most definitely haunted), as well as her parents’ bakery. These two elements were brought together to create the ghost-inhabited-bakery plot.

Next, Jasmine demonstrated her illustration process through a video recording of Procreate. The kids and adults were enthralled to see how it all came together.

Soon it was time to present the door prizes! George won a glow-in-the-dark Halloween bucket, haunted house craft, and ghost glasses. Phil won an extra-special prize—an original signed watercolour of Terry Fide and his friends, donated by Jasmine. Amazing!

The kids loved the spooky-themed craft. Cupcakes were decorated with edible ghosts, bones, bats, and oozy green icing. Bouncy spiders were created and jumped through the library! Swirly paper ghosts were decorated, twisting and turning from their strings.

What a spooktastic celebration of Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost!

Marlow Brown – Scientist in the Making

Marlow Brown – Scientist in the Making by Kesta Fleming (Celapene Press) PB RRP $14.95 ISBN: 9781925572186

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Marlow Brown – Scientist in the Making is the debut chapter book by author Kesta Fleming. Marlow is a feisty young girl who dreams of being a scientist, just like her uncle Quentin. However, her chaotic experiments are beginning to drive Mum crazy. With each new experiment, Marlow runs the risk of being banned from experimenting altogether. However, Marlow needs to find a way to stay on Mum’s good side while continuing to follow her dream.

Marlow and her dog, Rockstar come up with a list of experiments they can do at home. Unfortunately, most of their experiments have unexpected results that get Mum into a tizzy. It is only with the help of her uncle Quentin and her meticulous note-keeping, that Mum gives her Marlow last chance.  What could possibly go wrong?

This is a wonderful book to encourage young science-loving girls to follow their dreams. It is simply written, full of interesting facts and easy-to-follow scientific methods and procedures. Marlow is a great role model for young readers, even though her scientific endeavours aren’t always successful.  The book has lots of quirky illustrations by Marjory Gardner that enhance the text. I love the fact that, at the end of the book, the author has included an experiment for readers to try at home.

I definitely recommend this book for 7-12-year-old readers, particularly girls, although I am sure boys would enjoy the story just as much. The book is fun and easy to read. It is an excellent transition book from picture books and early readers, to junior novels.

Trouble for Toby

Trouble for Toby by Janet Reid, illustrated by Amanda Francy (Wombat Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781925563351

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Toby wants a pet more than anything. He isn’t fussy, almost anything will do, a dog, a rat or a hermit crab. His parent’s response to his request is always the same, “We’ll think about it. But only if you’re good at school.” And this is where Toby’s problem lies.

Toby finds it difficult to stay out of trouble. First, he leaves his friend Sam buried in the sandpit, then he knocks two girls off the playground equipment, there is the unfortunate accident at the flying fox and then the inquisitive spider at the tranquillity garden. It seems, no matter how hard Toby tries to stay out of trouble he ends up right in the centre of it, until one day, when his quick thinking and swift action saves Jenna from a snake bite.

Toby’s bravery is acknowledged and rewarded but best of all, his parents let him get a pet and he decides to choose a snake.

Trouble for Toby is a junior fiction chapter book for children of ages 6+ years. It is aimed at Australian audiences with Aussie references, and the story flows well from chapter to chapter. It is set primarily in the school and school yard with funny and entertaining adventures that children will be able to relate to and enjoy.

Sam’s Surfboard Showdown

Sam’s Surfboard Showdown by Allayne L. Webster (text), Amanda S. Clarke (illus.), Scholastic Australia PP RRP $12.99

ISBN 9781742991894

Reviewed by Heather Gallagher

This easy-to-read chapter book focuses on a sporting competition; a relatable topic for middle primary students. Protagonist Sam Sumner is the best at most things at Robe Primary School – he’s the best cricketer, the best Nippers kid, the best mathematician and (according to his own assessment) one of the best-looking boys. But when new kid Finn Hester comes to town, Sam finds himself challenged on all these fronts. When a Nippers competition is announced with the winner receiving a surfboard signed by the legendary Mick Fanning, Sam becomes obsessed with beating Finn and winning.

The book is co-written by step-sisters Webster and Clarke and is part of Scholastic’s program of diversity in literature, featuring Indigenous creators and characters in contemporary Australian stories. Clarke, an Aboriginal artist, has created an attractive beach-themed dot painting cover complemented by decorative chapter headings and dinkuses throughout the book.

Aboriginal culture is backgrounded in the story with Sam’s Dad employed by the local council, working to protect the land and honour the original landowners, the Boandik people. I particularly liked all the aunts and uncles who appeared to cheer Sam on in the big race. The sub-plot about Sam and Finn’s mothers indulging in a little competitive baking was a lot of fun too – would’ve liked to have been one of the kid tasters!

I was curious to see how this tale would resolve given Sam’s desperation to win takes up most of the story. Without giving away the plot, the ending is both surprising and satisfying. Having had sporty children in the target age group, I know this idea of winning and losing in competitive sport can be a huge issue. (It’s not easy to forget the heartbreak that followed the third consecutive grand final loss for my daughters under 11s basketball team!) It’s great to see a story that shows you can grow and change and that winning isn’t everything.

The post Sam’s Surfboard Showdown appeared first on Reading Time.

Max Booth Future Sleuth: Selfie Search

Max Booth Future Sleuth: Selfie Search by Cameron Macintosh, illustrated by Dave Atze (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 9781925520880

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Max Booth escaped from a ‘Home for Unclaimed Urchins’ a couple of years ago and now lives/hides with his trusty robo-dog Oscar in the storeroom at the Bluggsville City Museum, where his best friend Jessie works.

The year is 2424 and Max assists Jessie by identifying old objects that come to the Museum, and earns himself a little bit of cash in the process. With the help of his beagle-bot Oscar, Max is able to problem solve like a professional. While Oscar’s favourite thing to do is to chase robo-rats he is truly Max’s ‘robotic super assistant’. Who wouldn’t appreciate an assistant who can project images into the air, make good use of their 3D printer, and activate their in-built metal detector whenever the situation calls for it?

Jessie comes across an old object she needs help with and Max’s initial disinterest turns to excitement when he discovers there’s more than meets the eye. They search through the ‘old’ 2017 phone’s photographs to find an abundance of pictures of a man who ‘definitely liked looking at himself’. The photos include one of the man holding a skateboard ‘an ancient one, with actual wheels on the bottom.’  Max and Jessie soon discover this photograph holds the key to a missing piece of Bluggsville’s past and a potential fortune…. and so, their ‘Selfie Search’ adventure begins.

Selfie Search is the second in a series of futuristic, humorous, fun-filled chapter books, suitable for readers 7+ years old. The book is written in the first-person and is set 400+ years into the future. A larger font, plenty of white space and scattered monochrome cartoon drawings target an audience just starting their journey with chapter books.

The future looks bright with the splinternet, zip-coasters, hover-skates and gigapixel cameras and no doubt young readers will be keen to follow more Max Booth adventures. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Book 1: Tape Escape and stay tuned for more books in the series.

See you when I see you

See you when I see you by Rose Lagercrantz, Illustrated by Eva Eriksson

(Gecko Press) PB RRP $15.99   ISBN 9781776571307

Reviewed by Dawn Meredith

Rose Lagercrantz is a popular Swedish author of books for children as well as adults. She has received many of the top Swedish literary awards, including the August Prize and the Astrid Lindgren Prize. Eva Eriksson is one of the world’s great illustrators. She has been nominated for the Hans Christian Anderson and other international awards.

See you when I see you is a beautifully illustrated chapter book for children aged 5 to 7.  The quality of the physical book is stunning with a heavy, semi-Matt cover and a good thick presentation which gives this age group the feel of a novella. The large print makes it easy to read and allows for a plethora of illustrations on almost every page. Erickson’s black-and-white sketches are full of emotion, action and character. She brings the characters to life, showing how they relate to each other with eye contact and facial expressions. It is obvious from the affectionate detail of these illustrations that Eriksson was in love with this story. The sheer joy on the faces of children on page 74 – 75 bear testament to this.

Set in Sweden, the story provides a unique snapshot into the life of Swedish children, showing the style of their particular houses and streets as well as indigenous animals such as moose. The names of the children are highly accessible to English-speaking speaking readers – Ella, Dani, Vicki, Mickey but with Swedish place names such as Solna and Skansen adding interest.

The central friendship between Ella and Dani (Daniela) is beautifully told, through the ups and downs, mistakes and misunderstandings and the affection and commitment they have to each other.

The teacher didn’t seem to be angry any more.

“And I thought you were making things up!” was all she said. “There’s still a lot for an old fox to learn.”

“Fox?” Dani looked at her.

“So they say,” answered the teacher.

Dani nodded.

It wasn’t always clear what people meant. But one thing was clear: Ella wasn’t happy. Ella was sad. And Dani was sad too.

Themes of loss and misunderstanding run like a thread through this story, adding a sense of desperation when Ella moves away and Dani’s mother dies. Dani misunderstands her father’s intentions when he falls in love again after losing his wife. Dani’s father misunderstands her friendship with Ella when Dani refuses to have a close relationship with any other children in her class. He doesn’t seem to realise his newfound love is a source of pain for his daughter. Ella’s class teacher misunderstands her need to reconnect with her old friend. Ella herself misunderstands when she realises the treasure the two girls buried is gone not knowing Dani has collected it. She is convinced the friendship is “in jeopardy.”

What is lovely about this story is the natural and very open way it shows conflict in a family in periods of stress. With the death of her mother Dani struggles to cope with the children in her class teasing her and her father’s newfound love. Her friend Ella moving away was the last straw, so finding Ella again on a class trip to the zoo and re-establishing that connection is extremely important to her sense of happiness and well-being. Eventually the adults in her life figure this out too.

Everyone wants a best friend. Everyone has high expectations of that friendship. But sometimes life interferes with what we want and perhaps that is the overall message of this book - when things fall apart there will be someone in your life who understands and is there for you, but you must communicate and trust them with your heart.

The only criticism I have of this book is the complexity of some of the vocabulary used in the text, perhaps due to it being a translation from Swedish. Some of the words are above a seven-year-old’s reading vocabulary, such as knowingly, hurried, meringue, quietened, hesitated. Therefore I would put the independent reading age of this book higher, 8 years+. It would still be a lovely book to read to a young child from age 6 years and up.

Goldie Makes the Grade

Goldie Makes the Grade (Little Paws series) written by Jess Black, illustrations by Gabriel Evans (Penguin Random House Australia) PB RRP $9.95

ISBN 978-0-14-378183-7

Reviewed by Elizabeth Vercoe

Goldie Makes the Grade is one in a series of four short chapter books about the puppies that train to become Guide Dogs and the families who look after them. If I were back in primary school now, I know I would have devoured every one of these! For reviewing purposes I have read just this title in the series.

Author Jess Black has penned all four books, and hopefully illustrator Gabriel Evans has also worked on each. The simple, black and white pencil sketches dotted throughout this story are wonderfully evocative and well-placed to support the narrative. The delightful storyline is engaging and very readable.

Goldie is a fourteen-month old Labrador who is due to leave eight-year-old Abby Agresta and her family soon, to begin her final Guide Dog training.

However, young Abby faces the urgent dilemma of clearing Goldie’s ‘name’ in order to ensure that she will be accepted as a service dog. An unfortunate incident in the Agresta household involving cupcakes, has cast some doubt on Goldie’s ability to control her Labrador eating instincts!

This short chapter book punches well above its weight in terms of providing thoughtful ideas for both individual pondering and further classroom discussion. Without being at all ‘preachy,’ it opens up issues of gender and cultural stereotypes, friendships, loyalty, standing up for what you believe in, self-empowerment and doing the right thing, and, of course, information about looking after a guide dog puppy.

I really enjoyed the fact that although child and dog share a very close bond (Goldie even sleeps on Abby’s bed), the story doesn’t delve into the sadness that the two will feel at the time of separation. It rather focuses on the gifts that will be brought to both Goldie and her future vision-impaired owner.

A section with interesting facts and further information is included at the end of the story. An added bonus is that ‘Buying this book helps me become a Guide Dog!” as claimed by the gorgeous golden Labrador on the front cover.

Both girls and boys of primary school age will enjoy, and be informed by, this book.

Lucy’s Pet Dilemma

Lucy’s Pet Dilemma by Kate Bennett (Celapene Press) PB RRP $14.95 ISBN 978-0-9924414-7-0

Reviewed by Margaret Warner

Most children, at one time or another, want to have a pet. Parents know that caring for a pet encourages responsibility, awareness about the needs of living creatures and a sense of compassion.

Lucy has had two pets plus a pet rock. Unfortunately, she forgot to feed her goldfish and they died then she overfed the budgie, she abandoned her pet rock and re-homed it in the garden and she’s not very fond of the family dog.

When Lucy’s second best friend, Charlotte asks her to take her pet mouse, Albertine since she can’t take the mouse with her when she moves, Lucy is desperate to show her parents that she can now be a responsible pet carer. They agree on a two week trial and Lucy does try extra hard and all goes well until the pet mouse accidentally escapes. The way in which Lucy deals with Albertine’s temporary escape indicates to her parents that she is definitely becoming a much more responsible pet carer and also brings an unexpected bonus to Lucy.

Lucy’s Pet Dilemma is 42 pages long with six chapters and suitable for independent readers aged six plus years. The cover by illustrator Jenny England will attract young readers and the interspersed small b/w illustrations break up the text which makes for easier reading.

Archie Appleby: The Terrible Case of the Creeps

Archie Appleby: The Terrible Case of the Creeps by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Krista Brennan (Wombat Books) PB  RRP $10.99 ISBN 9781925563016

Reviewed by Pauline Hosking

This slim chapter book tells what happens when Archie has to spend two days with his scary Aunt Ruth.  He’s a boy with a vivid imagination who likes making up stories. She’s a keen gardener who knows a lot about poisons and weird plants. Her husband, Uncle Jock, seems to have disappeared.  

Late at night Aunt Ruth takes food down to something in her deep, dark basement. Archie is convinced she is keeping Uncle Jock down there a prisoner and bravely decides to rescue him. After two failed attempts he manages to discover what is really in the basement. Not his uncle --  who arrives fit and well from a fishing trip -- but a monstrous plant, a Venus Flytrap Gigantus. (Shades here of The Little Shop of Horrors, although this plant isn’t a man-eater.)

Luckily everything ends well. Archie and Aunt Ruth are reconciled and he goes home considering the possibility of another visit.

The carefully chosen language, clear print and short sentences make it an easy read. Newly independent readers will enjoy the building sense of suspense and the humorous way Archie misinterprets events.  The book would also be good to read aloud.

Krista Brennan has contributed a number of delicate line-drawings. There is a mismatch, though, between the pictures of Archie smiling mischievously as he enters the basement, and the descriptions in the text of what he felt: ‘his heart pounded,’ and ‘he shuddered at the thought of going to the basement in the dark.’  

Jinny and Cooper: Revenge of the Stone Witch

Jinny and Cooper: Revenge of the Stone Witch by Tania Ingram (Puffin Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780143308997

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is the fourth in a series of chapter books suitable for readers 7 to 10 years. The narrator of this book is Jinny (short for Jinnifer) while Cooper is her scruffy, teleporting and talking guinea pig – a very greedy one at that with a preference for junk food.

During the school holidays too-polite Katie comes to stay next door to Jinny which is nice at first but soon Jinny is feeling jealous. Even brother Tyrone (who calls himself Super Booger) thinks Katie is ‘super awesome’. More trouble arrives when Miss Morgan moves into the nearby house last occupied by a witch: is the new neighbour a witch, too? (In the previous book, there is an adventure about a teacher who is a witch living in this house.)

Suspicions are aroused when a cloaked woman is seen digging in Jinny’s front garden at night. Who is the woman? Jinny and Tyrone discover a series of knotted strings where the woman dug. This is a clue which they follow – only to find that Miss Morgan was the culprit. She reveals much information to the children about a coven of witches and lets it be known that there is mischief afoot. Who is the real witch?

With Cooper’s help, the children find themselves in the home of elderly Mrs Goodfellow, Katie’s grand-mother. Females are turned to stone! Can the salt and potatoes – said to ward off witches – help save the day? And how does Cooper work to prevent more trouble?

There are lots of possibilities in this story which are sure to have young readers guessing, and too there is a lot of humour. The action moves quickly and the characters, especially Cooper, are idiosyncratic and engaging. 

Lily in the Mirror

Lily in the Mirror by Paula Hayes (Fremantle Press) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781925163872

Reviewed by Teena Raffa-Mulligan

From the minute I started reading Lily in the Mirror I was won over. This chapter book for middle readers has heart, humour and charm. It also has magic, mystery and a family secret for Lily to unravel when she goes to stay with her grandfather.

Her paranormal investigation of the ‘Rosy Room’ at Grandad’s house leads to the discovery of a magical mirror and the excitement of finding a new and unusual friend who needs her help.

Lily, who loves words, Grandad’s ganache cake, and all things dark and mysterious, come vividly to life through the pages of her journal. She’s an absolute delight as she documents her family life and her Rosy Room discoveries.

Paula Hayes’ writing is fresh, lively, original and insightful. There’s plenty of humour throughout yet this book also deals sensitively with the impact of a grandparent’s dementia on a child.   

I highly recommend it for mid to upper primary readers and every grownup who is a kid in disguise. I do hope I meet Lily again soon in the pages of a new adventure.

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist by Julie Anne Grasso, illustrated by Alexander Avellino (Julieannegrassobooks)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9780994321602

Reviewed by Ashling Kwok

This exciting new chapter book is the latest in the Frankie Dupont series. The book follows the adventures of Frankie as he sets out to solve another crime, even before it is committed. This time the story takes place on a luxury cruise liner filled with chocolate sculptures, devious chocolatiers and more twists and turns than you can imagine.

The lively adventure sees Frankie and his friends set out to solve a mystery on board the ship by following a trail of clues and investigating suspects using DNA tracking machines, famous chocolate recipes and a trusty dogs nose.

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist is perfect for middle grade readers aged 7-10 or anyone who enjoys a well-written book filled with fun, laughter and intrigue. Readers will learn the value of friendship, teamwork and perseverance and how anything can be achieved if they don’t give up.

Julie’s writing is fast-paced, animated and creative. And although this is another installment in the Frankie DuPont series, it is an original and entertaining story that will have readers dying to turn the page.

The cover of the book is enticing as it is brightly coloured and features cool images to hook young readers. The text is easy to read and the sentence structure clear and concise. The illustrations add a nice touch and break up the text.

Frankie DuPont and the High Seas Heist is an excellent book that starts strong and manages to maintain the reader’s interest throughout. It is a smart, well-written adventure and the perfect book to encourage kids who don’t love reading to give it a go.

My big fat Zombie Goldfish – Jurassic Carp

My big fat Zombie Goldfish – Jurassic Carp By Mo O’Hara (Pan Macmillan)

RRP $9.99

ISBN 9781447263838

Reviewed by Ramona Davey

What is there not to love about two boys and their zombie goldfish having to attend a medieval day? Throw in two evil older brothers with a suspicious plan and an evil kitten, a rogue knight and a scientist with the name Dr McDoom!

Each chapter, filled with mystery, disaster and hope ends with an intriguing question or cliff hanger urging the reader to turn the page.

This is number six of a series based on Frankie the big fat zombie goldfish who loves to eat green things, and his owner Tom who could tell you five reasons why it is good to dress up as a peasant. To find out how Frankie became a big fat Zombie goldfish read one of the previous titles.

There is a surprising twist at the end and this highlights how you must not judge a doctor by her name or a Jurassic fish by its grumpy face!

The digital comic style illustrations, in black and white throughout the text are great for those readers that enjoy visual aspects to reading or find too much text confronting and off putting.

A humorous chapter book for 6-9 year olds or anyone who likes to read about zombie or Jurassic animals.

Escape from the Overworld

Escape from the Overworld by Danica Davidson (NewSouth Books)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-634501-03-3

Reviewed by Peta Biggin

Eleven-year-old Stevie doesn’t feel like he belongs in the Minecraft world.  He’s very good at building or fighting – even though his father is great at these things -- a legend, in fact.  Then one day, Stevie discovers a strange portal.  Stepping through, he finds himself in a new and weird world, our world.  He meets Maison, a bullied girl his own age who loves to build and create.  Stevie wants to learn all about this new world but when Maison takes him to school they discover that the portal has allowed more than just Stevie to come through.  The school is getting attacked by zombies, creepers and giant spiders from the Minecraft world. Together they must save the school and this world from the monsters that have been unleashed.

Escape from the Overworld is an unofficial Minecraft adventure by American author Danica Davidson. It’s a fun, fast-paced chapter book that leverages off the hugely successful computer game.

The characters are likeable and easy to relate to, both dealing with feelings of rejection, inadequacy and a sense of loneliness.  This, in part, is what helps them to bridge the obvious gap between them, become friends and work together when danger presents itself.  It is this friendship that also what helps them confront and deal with their own individual problems and become stronger.

While enjoyable just on its surface there are several sub-plots around bullying, friendship and acceptance.  Although not explored to their fullest extent, they do provide authenticity and some depth to the story. 

There is a lot of explanation throughout the book to reduce the need for an intimate understanding of Minecraft, but it would certainly be an advantage if the reader was familiar with the game.  On the other hand, for the young enthusiast, this is a successful blend of the game and an exciting adventure story that also touches on important issues facing kids today.

Danica Davidson is a professional writer from the US who has written for about fifty different magazines, newspapers and websites. Escape from the Overworld is her first unofficial Minecraft book with a sequel, Attack on the Overworld, currently available for pre-order.  She can be found online at: http://www.danicadavidson.com/

Kizmet and the Case of the Tassie Tiger

Kizmet and the Case of the Tassie Tiger by Frank Woodley (Puffin Books) PB RRP $9.99  ISBN 9780143308546                                                            Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Most will know author Frank Woodley as a comedian, storyteller and artist; now he has branched into writing for children with this book series about a child, a currawong and a detective.

This story begins with a prologue set on a dark page with a partly hidden moon; it tells of a creature, its breath ‘wet and crackly as it crept through the dark’ intending to attack a goat. Then the story segues into a first person tale which begins, ‘we had arrived home from Scotland after solving the riddle of the golden badger’s bum hole.’ The narrator here, and for the rest of the book, is Gretchen, the cheeky bird who enjoys a diet of blowflies. She and her partner, Kizmet Papanicillo, an inquisitive young girl, have solved a string of crimes and are about to embark on yet another case.

This chapter book, aimed at children aged 7 to 10 years, is fast-paced and abounds with episodes where adults have slapstick misadventures where they come out looking foolish. The author obviously feels children will laugh at; perhaps they will, though the episodes come across as ham-fisted to this adult reader. Action, however, is non-stop and Kizmet and Gretchen work together happily as a team.

One aspect of the book some young readers might find troublesome is reading speech by one of the main characters who suffers from a lisp. Neverthless, for readers who enjoy mysteries, especially when they can, like Kizmet, work out clues to reveal the culprit, this is sure to be a good read. 

Woodley is a talented illustrator and his line-and-wash, well-placed pictures help to make this book appealing.

My Life and other Massive Mistakes

My Life and other Massive Mistakes by Tristan Bancks, illustrated by Gus Gordon (Random House)

HB RRP $15.99

ISBN 978-0-85798-529-3

Reviewed by Jaquelyn Muller

Warning: Do not attempt to read this book in church, during a board meeting or if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome; and you’re kidding yourself if you expect to be able to sneak in a few pages while waiting in a doctor’s surgery; you are likely to be politely redirected to the psychologist down the hall!

Because it is not just the laughing, giggles and chortles that are likely to draw odd glances from onlookers, but your contorted facial expressions that may also breed concern for your mental state. Yes, thanks to Tristan Bancks’ latest book in the My Life series, you are likely to find yourself alone on bus seats and in elevators (oh hang on; I see what he did there)!

                                             

My Life and other Massive Mistakes is a chapter book, however when teamed with illustrations from the brilliant Gus Gordon it transforms into a vivid out of control billy cart ride (and we all know how those end).  The short story nature of the chapters will appeal to 8 – 12 year olds and those who find longer form stories more painful than picking a broken nose.

Each chapter is its own hilarious tale recounted by Tom Weekly, a primary school revolutionary hell bent on mischief and taking down any administration within a 15 minute recess, but in a disarming loveable, larrikin kind of way.

Similar to the appeal of the Wimpy Kid or Treehouse books, the My Life series contains many fun ponderings along the way, including Nine Reasons Why Sloppy Food Should Be Banned and 15 Things You Won’t Hear Your Mum Say Anytime Soon.

Essentially the book conveys a sense of living life to the fullest and embracing creativity, which is what childhood should be. I remember a time when my younger brother embraced his creativity when he decided to make money by selling statues of dead cane toads, but not before storing them in the freezer and giving my mother a nasty surprise when she took out the frozen chook for a Sunday roast! I think we all know someone like Tom Weekly.

In addition to the My Life Series, Tristan Bancks has also released the Mac Slater, Coolhunter books. His YA novel Two Wolves was recently shortlisted for the 2015 CBCA Book of the Year Awards for Younger Readers.

Double Trouble: Dinosaur Danger

Double Trouble: Dinosaur Danger by Sarah Fraser, illustrations by Louis Shea (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-376-3

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Seven year old twins Tommy and Coop are known for their love of  pulling pranks. They collect all sorts of gadgets from a joke shop and use them to play tricks on their family, friends and class mates. But on a school excursion to the museum with Mr. Crotchet, the boys know they will have little opportunity for pranks. The button and knot exhibition is shaping up to be as boring as they expected until they see a sign which reads "Dinosaur Danger! Do Not Enter." Maybe there is a way to pull the best prank ever? Or will they get pranked themselves?

Double Trouble is a new Australian series for boys, pitched to the five plus beginner readers market. The boys are cheeky, funny and full of surprises. Each title is slim, with short chapters, large font, easy words and plenty of pictures.

Louis Shea is well-known for illustrating many children's picture books and this series features his humorous illustrations and expressive characters which emphasise the naughtiness and boy humour throughout.

Double Trouble: Midnight Mischief

Double Trouble: Midnight Mischief by Fiona Regan, illustrations by Louis Shea (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-377-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Twice the fun. Double the trouble.

Tommy and Coop are identical twins. They are very excited as school camp is coming up and these seven year olds know it will be a fabulous opportunity for pulling pranks. They have been to Joking Jo's, their favourite joke shop, for supplies and are ready to pull off some of their best pranks. The only problem is that they have promised Mum and Dad they will behave on camp and not prank anyone.

These cheeky brothers, who have never let something like this stand in their way, work out a way to get around the consequences of breaking their promise (or so they think) and soon there is mayhem at midnight.

But the pranks always get the boys into trouble. And every now and then, they may even be out-pranked.

This new Australian series is well suited to young boys who love an entertaining prank and cheeky fun. The structure and text of the story make this a good series for beginner readers while the entertaining and funny illustrations add to the appeal of these stories, enhancing the 'boy humour' throughout.  

Is the Secret Safe?

Is the Secret Safe? by B. Cashel-Smith, illustrated by Jasmine Hobbs (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN: 9781925117325

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

An unusual book in so many ways! A chapter book of over 100 pages is not normally targeted at pre-schoolers and early primary readers. This is definitely a chapter book for confident, persistent and independent readers in that age group.

The style is equally unusual and features significant sections of authorial intrusion via direct address to the reader from a wise old rabbit narrator. This kind of feature is not currently in vogue, probably because it needs to be handled with exceptional humour and subtlety to pass muster with the tech-savvy kids of today. In addition, the grammar and punctuation surrounding the dialogue, while not wrong, is certainly different with its frequent run-ons.

Those minor reservations aside, this is a rabbit-warren of a book that romps along in a nostalgic style, reminiscent of the golden era of late nineteenth century children’s literature. The story is perky and unexpected, and follows the adventures of George and Matilda, who, having encountered Oscar, the son of the Easter Bunny, are invited to the secret town of Bunny-Hop. Jumping into a bush and down a dark hole, they come to an old door with an Easter Egg handle.

The Easter Bunny is crosser than a hot-cross bun when he sees them. Oscar has endangered the secret location of Bunny-Hop. Worse still, he’s lost the Easter key – the key that can open any door anywhere to allow the Easter Bunny access to any home to deliver chocolate eggs.

Oscar denies all knowledge of the disappearance of the key.

It soon transpires that a wicked duo of hares want to take over and replace the Easter Bunny with the Easter Hare.

Will they succeed in their dastardly scheme? Can Oscar stop them before it’s too late? What role will George and Matilda play? Why does the fairy helper keep fainting when she’s needed? And is the secret of Bunny-Hop safe?

For the answers, turn to Is the Secret Safe? The book also contains simple recipes. Its lustrous illustrations will appeal to fairy fans.