Only Ever Always

Only Ever Always by Penni Russon (Allen & Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 987-1-74175-044-7

Reviewed by Thalia Kalkipsakis

When faced with the prospect of losing a beloved uncle, Claire retreats into a dreamscape. It is a parallel place layered behind Claire’s but crumbling and rotten. The objects, even the people, are broken or ‘half used up’.

Here we find Clara, the dreamer’s self and phantom other, who is faced with her own loss, not only of her friend and carer, but also of her refuge in this eerie and unsafe world.

Doubles such as these, or two sides to a coin, permeate the story, adding layers and bringing potency to the people and objects in both worlds.

It is reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, in the way that characters slip between mutually existing words that are layered behind one another, in this case via toxic silvery bubbles of music that seem as dangerous and beautiful as mercury. Clara’s resourcefulness in the face of adults bent on their own agendas is also reminiscent of Pullman.

But it is Russon’s depiction of the dreamscape that makes this story stand apart. Her language is both poetic and unsettling, very much like a dream. Objects become potent with weight of emotional symbolism in this place where everything, even the very ground, is slimy and uncertain.

Claire’s passages, set in the ‘real’ world, are written in second person, which has the effect of making the reader feel that she, in turn, is dreaming Claire’s story. This is both powerful and deliberate, to the point where Russon momentarily brings herself into the story, addressing her character directly and telling her, ‘I am a dreamer too.’ How fortunate are we as readers to witness such a dream.

Recommended for readers twelve and over, there is much to be discovered in Only Ever Always, depending on what the dreamer, or reader, brings to the story. It might even offer solace for anyone facing grief of their own. At its heart, this story is ultimately about hope, grief and love, and finding the courage to accept all three.

Thalia’s latest book is called Head Spinners: six stories to twist your brain (www.thaliakalkipsakis.com). 

All Through the Night

All Through the Night by Dean Jones (black dog books)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781742031521
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

A young boy is tucked into bed at night after playing with his toy train. But nothing is ordinary in All Through the Night. He is transported on a magical night time journey as a passenger on a train, flying past boats and nets full of fish, a giant cloud Sandman lighting their way with their safety assured as they pass through a storm by travelling in a giant bubble until, on the first hint of light, they head for home.

The minimal text is rhythmic, like a lullaby, and perfect to read out loud as a reassuring bedtime story. Rather than being something to fear, the night is full of magic and wonder and no harm can come one's way. Jones' illustrations are vibrant with a hint of nostalgia. It was hard for me to decide on my favourite: was it the one when the boy is woken by a seagull landing on his head; or that of the snails nibbling on the moon; or the new day with its city of toasters, eggs, milk jugs and orange slices?

I was fortunate to have my have my four-year-old niece and two-year-old nephew's assistance in reviewing this book. My nephew was mad on the train and kept flicking back and forth through the pages to show me each drawing of the train, including those on the end pages. While I was delighted in his enjoyment of the book, I was even more so with my niece's. Normally one to favour stories of fairies and princesses, she asked me to read and re-read All Through the Night. 

This beautifully presented picture book with its padded cover and special ticket to ride in its own pocket is a quality production and one for all young children. It is sure to become a family favourite.