Trouble and the Missing Cat

Trouble and the Missing Cat by Cate Whittle, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $

ISBN 978-1-74299-077-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Georgia’s life has become more exciting since Trouble came into her life. After all, not every young girl gets to have a dragon for a playmate, or a taxi ride to school. But unfortunately Trouble manages to leave skid marks on the school oval, scorches in the playground and tends to frighten a few students (and teachers) as well. And when the principal bans Trouble from school, Georgia is the one who has to break the news to him.

What is he going to do with his days now? Will he be lonely? Maybe Georgia can convince Trouble to spend his spare hours looking for Mrs Jones’ missing cat Tibbles.

This is the second book about Trouble and his adopted family. It is a humorous and whimsical story just right for stretching emerging readers. The chapters are longer and more involved than beginner reader chapter books, but still simple enough for the younger readership.

Stephen Michael King’s recognisable illustration style graces the pages, breaking up the text and adding character to the people and animals in the story. The pictures also make for a less daunting prospect for the intended young readership transitioning into chapter books.

Trouble and the Missing Cat will appeal to both boys and girls wanting a funny, adventurous story with a hint of mystery. It is not essential to have read Trouble at Home, but the first book in this series tells the story of how Trouble came to live with Georgia and gives insight into the personality of the dragon and his adopted family.

Trouble at Home

Trouble at Home by Cate Whittle, illustrated by Kim Gamble (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-076-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Georgia’s family home was stolen – with baby brother Godfrey inside – she saw it happen. But no-one believes that she witnessed a dragon swoop down and fly off with the house and Godfrey. So Georgia and her brother Henry go in search of the dragon, following the only clues they have -- sarsaparilla and potato chip crumbs. But even if they find the dragon, can he be persuaded to give up their house and brother?

This is a fun story about family unity and a troublesome dragon. While the family can make do without the house by cooking on the barbeque and sleeping in the garden shed or car, they do miss Godfrey. And Georgia’s teacher doesn’t believe she actually did her project (or that a dragon carried it off with the house) and Mum is very weepy (being constantly worried about Godfrey).

Georgia’s voice is fresh, young and very entertaining. She is a spunky girl, determined and full of bravado when she faces the dragon. The secondary characters are well rounded, too, especially Henry and the dragon. Dragon is a huge personality; he and Georgia play off each other delightfully.

‘Now what are we supposed to do?’ I said, feeling a bit crazy.

The dragon looked thoughtful.

‘I could make you a cup of tea,’ he suggested.

‘...But you just stole our house!’

‘The cave was getting a bit dull.’

‘Our house!’ I repeated.

The dragon shrugged, his big wings shuddering. ‘I always take what I want. I have to. What else can I do?’

‘You don’t even fit inside!’ I shouted, while Henry tugged my arm.

‘Georgia,’ he whispered, ‘you’re shouting at a dragon.’

Of course, he had missed the bit where I had – possibly- vanquished the dragon in the staring contest, because he had fainted.

Enhancing this text are the illustrations of Kim Gamble, who many will recognise from the hugely popular Tashi series. These pictures show not only the action, but also give clues to the emotions and motivations of the characters.

They also help to create an appealing chapter book which is a great tale for boys and girls seven and up. Trouble at Home is the start of a new series so there will be plenty more adventures with Georgia and Dragon to be enjoyed.

The Burning Sea

The Burning Sea by Paul Collins and Sean McMullen (Ford St)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 9781925000924

Reviewed by Emily Meldrum

Dantar and Velza are siblings aboard the mighty warship ‘Invincible’. As in many families sibling rivalry exists hand-in-hand with high levels of competition. This family is no exception. Their father is the emperor’s battle warlock Calbaras, Dantar a lowly cabin boy and Velza a female shape-caster and officer with magic fire powers that do not work at sea. 

The story begins with this fleet of warships close to enemy soil but under attack from a lone dragon – Dravaud. The dragon’s motives are simple, he is searching for confirmation of a dragon chick or egg that he suspects is within the ships below.

Dantar learns that dragons only attack the stronger side prior to battle and so he braces himself for his first encounter with a dragon. It appears to come in for a direct attack but the force of its flames land upon a nearby warship instead. The dragon then mysteriously flies back to his overhead vantage point observing all below. What is the dragon doing?

The reader learns that traditionally those who were called Dark Hands developed great power but not the sense in using it forcing dragons to intervene to break human magic into four parts – earth, air, water and fire. These days it was only the almighty dragons who wielded the complete power of all the parts enabling their magic to work enough across the deepest oceans. Such power was to be respected and guarded forcefully. Based on the notion that Savarian wizards were trying to join the four magics back together their emperor has ordered Dravinia at war with Savaria.

Told from alternate perspectives between brother and sister, and three from the dragon flying above their heads, The Burning Sea is a compelling introduction to a six part series entitled – The Warlock’s Child. It is a short book by fantasy standards with 119 pages and consequently many questions are left unanswered. What will happen to the invading fleet? Why does Dantar seem to be developing powers to protect him against heat and fire? What and where is the dragon chick Dravaud is so certain that is on-board the ‘Invincible’?

Readers who become entangled in this latest series published by Ford Street will be relieved to know that throughout 2015 there is to be a staggered monthly release of each volume from April through to September. It is recommended for ages ten and above.

Sylvia and Bird

Sylvia and Bird by Catherine Rayner (Little Tiger Press — Hardie Grant Egmont)
ISBN 978-1-84506-857-8
PB $14.95 RRP
Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

This delightful picture book, written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner, is about a friendship between a dragon and a bird. Sylvia, a shimmer-shiny dragon who lives on a high mountain-top, is terribly lonely until she meets an unlikely playmate, a small yellow bird known as 'Bird'. Despite their obvious differences, the two have fun together and keep each another company. But while Bird is able to go off and play with other birds, Sylvia has no one else, as she is the last of her kind on earth. This makes Sylvia quite sad.

For anyone who knows about dragons (and there are a few out there) Syliva is not a hot, fire-breathing variety, but a cool, mountain one with beautiful ice crystals decorating her large body. The diminutive Bird is a complete contrast to her oversized friend. But the crux of the story is that none of this matters. When Sylvia tries to go to the moon to find other dragons, and she realises Bird can't go with her, she decides to stay on earth. There's no way she wants to leave her friend Bird behind. 

As in her book about a tiger, Augustus and his Smile, Catherine Rayner has presented a large scary creature in an non-threatening, affectionate way for small children. Sylvia's face shows a vulnerable, friendly expression and her actions through the story show her gentleness, particularly when she saves Bird from falling, when she flies too high.

 The concept of the story, that difference is no obstacle to true friendship, is certainly admirable and worth conveying to children as early as possible. Sylvia and Bird, which won the 2014 Greenway Medal in the UK,  is a lovely book for adults to read aloud and everyone can enjoy the superbly drawn illustrations. This book is suitable for preschool children and up into early primary.