The Two Acrobats

The Two Acrobats by Jeanne Ryckmans, illustrations Pierre Ryckmans (Piccolo Nero) HB RRP

ISBN 9781863957892

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a small (13 x 17 cm) illustrated book about best friends Basil and Frederick (one a short man, the other tall) who work together at the Winter Circus in Paris. Both are world famous trapeze artists who work seven nights a week, 365 days a year. However, after eating two dozen snails at a birthday party, Basil is hospitalised. This causes problems for Frederick and the circus (‘the show must go on!) The result is a comedy act which involves the circus strongman and the French President.

This is a slight but quite enchanting story; however, the publishers have used text in hand writing, which might be difficult for young readers who are used to typed font. The illustrations are comic, the illustrator using black pen outlines and coloured pencil.

If they can read it, the book is suitable for children aged 7+ years.

Olivia's First Term: Stage School

Olivia's First Term: Stage School by Lyn Gardner (Nosy Crow)

PB RRP $16.95

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

There are other books in this series about Olivia, daughter of Jack and sister to Eel, whose family has a circus background. Olivia is skilled in tightrope walking, which is her passion. Thus she is sorely disappointed when Jack takes her and Eel to enrol in a stage school. The school is run by the girls' maternal grandmother, Alicia Swan, who has previously cut all ties from her daughter and son-in-law. Now Olivia's mother is dead and Jack is desperate for his girls to have a home. Alicia accepts the girls into the school and Jack departs. The story then proceeds, telling of life for Olivia and Alice in Swan's Stage School.

This is an odd book insofar as the narrative viewpoint shifts constantly throughout the story. It's almost as much poor, talented Georgia's story, spoilt, rich, bitchy Katie's story and enthusiastic, gifted dancer Eel's story. Their stories, and the stories of other students such as the school captain Aeysha and Olivia's friend Tom are played out throughout the book.

As I read Olivia's First Term, I had a sense of reading a book by Enid Blyton. The story's characters are all 'types' with jealousies, infighting and occasional kindnesses depicted from the numerous students of the school. Olivia struggles to fit in as she has no stage talents: instead she rigs up a tightrope and finds joy from walking on it in secret. Meanwhile, Eel flourishes and is chosen to dance in front of the Queen, and Jack attempts to renew a relationship with the girls' grandmother.

An average read, the book is easy to read and would most likely maintain the interest of a reader aged from eight to twelve years.

Wild Boy and the Black Terror

Wild Boy and the Black Terror by Rob Lloyd Jones (Walker Books)

HC RRP $19.95

ISBN 9781406341409

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Darker and more dramatic, this sequel to Wild Boy draws us into Mayfair in West London, 1842. Wild Boy the circus freak and his best friend Clarissa Everett have been hidden away by their guardian Marcus these last months after they helped him catch a murderer. This was due to Clarissa’s nimbleness and Wild Boy’s perceptive observational skills, which have become finely tuned assets to the children.

There is a great and sinister threat to all of the surrounding area which includes the Palace and Queen Victoria. A dark pervading presence that carries horrible symptoms has begun to envelope everyone. Its mysterious power causes past memories to resurge and its terror grotesquely transmogrifies the victim. This all consuming blackness in body and soul ends only in death.

Wild Boy and Clarissa are called upon to use their detective skills and particular gifts to track down and destroy this dark monster. Will they succeed? Can they do so before Marcus succumbs to the black terror? And what role, if any, does Wild Boy’s nemesis, Augustus Finch, play in this frightful story?

This is a fast-faced, heart-pounding mystery of great proportions suited for the 12+ age group, although it’s listed as 9+. Scary and graphic at times, its gothic horror will appeal to readers of this genre. It has a pit full of suspects, and just when you think you’ve guessed who the culprit is, another more convincing choice appears. It will be read in one sitting for there’s no way it can be put down before the last page.

Elizabeth Rose on Parade

Elizabeth Rose on Parade by Jaquelyn Muller, illustrated by Kathryn Zammit (Jaquelyn Muller Books)

HC RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780646921266

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Following I Love You 5 Lollipops, Elizabeth Rose and her extraordinary and talented family are back again with more circus entertainment on parade. The delicate watercolour illustrations, superb cover and end pages by Kathryn Zammit, add to the elegance that is this ensemble’s trademark. There are also additional exciting and daring performers introduced to readers.

In clever rhyming verse we are introduced to the talents of the clown, dog, showgirl, strongman, stilt walker, and the hoop-throwing Gypsy. But none of those, or the elephants, cannon man, lion, high walker, fire blower or the acrobats can ‘excite or amaze like Elizabeth Rose.’ She is the star that shines around and above all the other circus performers, regardless of their abilities.

This delicious publication is as soft as fairy floss, as gentle as love, and as refreshing as a cool icy-pole on a hot day. Delightfully presented, it promises to be the main feature on any young girl’s book case due to its attractive and sparkling characters. It is an ideal book to be shared and examined together with an adult at bedtime, for the 6 months to 6 year age group.

Omar the Strongman

Omar the Strongman by Gregory Rogers (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-436-8
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Omar is the odd jobs man at Circus La Fleur. He is very busy - there is always plenty to do in a circus - and happy. His favourite job is looking after Mavis the elephant, a good friend. But Omar starts to wonder what it would be like to be in the spotlight. Then one day, by accident, he discovers he does have a special talent of his own after all.

Omar the Strongman is full of fabulous circus characters: Ringmaster Rosie; Cobber and Clonkers the clowns; and of course Mavis the elephant. With pencil and watercolour in pastel colours, Rogers has created delightfully warm illustrations, full of life and emotion. One look at the picture of Omar sitting among the empty seats, his magnificent moustache spread across the seat tops and a sorrowful expression in his eyes and you can imagine his feelings.

With only a small amount of text, so much is conveyed through well chosen words and soft illustrations. Omar the Strongman is a story about discovering hidden strengths - a gentle story with a powerful message.

Heart-warming, humorous and encouraging, this is a beautiful book for all children to enjoy.