Max and the Midknights

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce (Macmillan) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781529029260

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

Power politics, feminism, egalitarianism, history, magic and satire: an unusual list of ingredients for a children’s book, but in Max and the Midknights, Lincoln Peirce mixes them with great effect to create a funny, absurd and fast-paced illustrated adventure story with multiple layers and broad appeal.  

Max is introduced as the long-suffering sidekick of her troubadour uncle Budrick. A twist at the end of Chapter 3 reveals Max to be a rebel against gender and socio-economic stereotypes and sets up the central conflict. Max is horrified by the injustices rife in Budrick’s childhood hometown of Byjovia and meets a cast of downtrodden and frustrated victims of tyrannical King Gastley’s regime. What follows is a rollicking adventure story, as Max and the motley band of highly engaging supporting characters seek to overthrow Gastley.

The medieval fantasy setting provides context for exploring the themes of the book as well as an excuse for absurd humour. The dialogue drips with puns and amusing archaic exclamations (gadzooks!). The central theme - giving everyone the chance to fulfil their dreams and potential, regardless of gender, class or origin - is a consistent undercurrent throughout the story before becoming a key element of the final resolution.

The book is made up of comic strips connected with passages of narrative text. This format will engage even reluctant readers, although it poses a challenge for anyone attempting to read the text aloud. The strips are assured and effective, in a style recognisable to anyone familiar with Peirce’s Big Nate comic series and books.

This is a book that will appeal widely to 8 to 12-year olds, especially those who enjoy a fast-paced adventure story featuring a plucky underdog. While younger kids may also enjoy the story, it’s worth noting that there are zombies rising from the dead and a few other hairy moments which may affect more sensitive readers.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Soggy Moor

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Soggy Moor by Martin Howard, illustrated by Andy Janes (Walker Books)

PB RRP $9.95

ISBN 9781406357721

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

In the second book of this terrific series from the TV show Shaun the Sheep, the zany sheep Nuts who is always getting into trouble, is introduced at the beginning amongst the other characters in the story, plus the map of Mossy Bottom Farm in intricate detail. We also learn that the farmer is clumsy and accident- prone and that the sheep are entertained by these short-comings.

A creepy shadow is sighted on Mossy Bottom Farm at night by Bitzer when he goes out to check the chickens. He’s convinced it’s a beast from Soggy Moor. When a cat goes missing soon after, Bitzer believes it is the work of the beast.

Scared senseless and fearing for all their lives, Bitzer ropes Shaun into helping him track down the beast that threatens. The ingenious Shaun designs an elaborate trap out of scraps of junk to catch the shadowy form. Only Nuts is crazy enough to offer himself as bait. This results in chaos, mayhem and misinterpretation.

Some of the story is told in pictures within comic strips without words.  The story addresses important issues frequently experienced by children such as fear of darkness, and false imaginings attached to the unknown. This book can be used to initiate discussion between parents/teachers and children when addressing such concerns. Or, it can simply be read and enjoyed for its clever construction, humour, and witty text. This series is ideal for the 6+ age group.