Fox & Bird

Fox & Bird by Edwina Wyatt and Alice Lindstrom published by Little Hare Books, 2019. ISBN 9781760501464 Hardback 32pp RRP: $24.95

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Fox & Bird is a picture book that explores the dynamics of friendship. We all want to fit in and belong with our friends but at what personal cost? Within a friendship we each have roles. Sometimes one friend can try and please the other by doing whatever is asked of them just like Fox & Bird. Would you rather be lonely or be a friend-pleaser so that you do have a friend? This is a subtle way of exploring bullying. Both Fox and Bird do things that they are not proud of. Fox & Bird has a beautiful simplicity with many layers of meaning.

Both Fox and Bird experience loneliness and power-play within their friendship. When their friendship positions switch, both experience what the other one did. Fox gains self-assurance and finally says ‘no!’ when Bird goes too far with her requests. Bird then feels the same loneliness that Fox did. Although it seems they are good friends, in the end I was left wondering if they really were.

The illustrations in this book beautifully reflect the mood and tone of the story. The use of different shades of greens, pinks and orange depict the playground of their friendship. The facial expressions of both Fox and Bird show who is dominant and who is submissive at that point in the story. I particularly liked the use of Fox’s reflection in the water as it highlights Fox’s growth as a character and the strength found in saying no. The delicate flower work on each page is soft and exquisite and shows the lighter side of friendship in comparison to the greens that reflect the darker side. A closer observation reveals artwork that supports the narrative beautifully.

This book allows children to explore how they want a friendship to be and shows that they have the power within to create a friendship they are happy with. This book will appeal to all ages and each reader will have their own response to the story. This is a book that I would recommend highly for its powerful messages.

Not So Scary Bear

Not So Scary Bear by Ruth Waters HB RRP $25.99 ISBN 9781922081728 (Windy Hollows Books)                                               

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

The clues begin with the title on the cover – the bear in this book is really NOT that scary. He does try to be scary.  He has a traditional role to fill after all! – but he is lonely and wants to be friends with the other animals in the forest.  He cleverly solves this dilemma by using his own interests whilst staying true to his inner self.

Ruth Waters’ story is cleverly encoded – it is a meaningful story told with such delight and warmth.  Just a purely inspiring story that will be read over and over again.

Her completely handmade collages of paper, wool, ‘acrylic, glue and mess’ are warm,inviting and show mastery.  The use of collage creates tension between the individual parts as a comparative representation of a whole scene and fit perfectly into the concept of this book. They are also modern with clean-cut lines using a gorgeous palette of colours.

Brook Tayla writes a picture book review blog at telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and subscribe.  Brookis a CBCA BOTY judge who also offers editing services for beginning and emerging writers and is

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light by Pauline Hosking illustrated by Kat Chadwick

(Lilly Pilly Publishing) PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-0-646-98111-6

Reviewed by Stacey Gladman

Cinnamon Stevens Ghost Light is the second book by Pauline Hosking introducing young detective Cinnamon and her two best friends Cossy and Meera.

The three young girls attend school together in Mount Dandenong. The story follows a number of directions which all end in a ghostly connection with a once great actress Adelaide Glendenning from Walhalla.

Cossy, a young actress gains a role in a performance of Macbeth which begins the story and the links with Adelaide, when she thinks she sees the ghostly apparition of Adelaide in the theatre.

A change of school excursion to the home and resting place of Adelaide sees Cinnamon’s thirst for figuring out crime surface when classmate Snowy is attacked while on a nighttime - walk through the cemetery.

A second mystery emerges as ghosts continue to be seen at the theatre where Cossy’s play will be performed and then things take a turn for the more dramatic when damage to sets and costumes. The girls attempt to get to the bottom of the situation, but it appears both mysteries could be linked.

Will Cinnamon find out who attacked Snowy, or will the mystery go unsolved? Will Cossy get her big break on the stage? They were questions which kept me reading, I guess you will have to read the book to find out for yourself.

I loved the themes of friendship and determination to find the truth from the three protagonists that really shone through in this story. Faced with a mystery, they showed strength and courage - traits to be admired by young readers.

There were also more serious themes to the book which I felt were introduced and dealt with quite well - including racism against Meera who is half Indian descent and bullying. The girls stuck together as friends and found a way to help Meera overcome the difficulties she faced at school.

The writing style through out is relatable to the intended reader age of nine and above and was an easy read that draws in the reader. The pictures, which were drawn in a  style which made you feel like you were reading a young girls diary really helped add to the scene and I think would add to the appeal for the intended age group as well.

Busy Izzy and Talkative Tess

Busy Izzy and Talkative Tess by Roxanne Kiely, illustrated by Jeesoo Kim (Busy Ink Publishing) PB ISBN 9780994551016

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Children across the globe enjoy songs, music and games, as well as rhythm and rhyme, which is why the CEO of the World Literacy Foundation says he highly recommends the books in the Busy Izzy series for children. 

The illustrated book suitable for readers 5 to 8 years starts with the words, ‘Do you have a friend who talks a lot?/Natters and chatters and doesn’t stop?’ Busy Izzy, the book’s protagonist, has such a friend who not only talks fast, but also last, sounding like one of those people who we say can talk under water. Tess is present while Izzy and her friends are working in the garden, but she ruins the activity with a series of accidents and her constant chatter.

Happily, Izzy patiently explains to Tess about taking her turn when in company and Tessa accepts she’s hogged the limelight: she apologises, and Izzy and her friends are better able to enjoy their friend. The group write stories which they share and then sing a song about friendship.

The Izzy series is aimed at creating and developing friendships among children. On the back page of this book is a list of ingredients for friendship, which includes patience, kindness, understanding, fun, listening and more. Without doubt, Busy Izzy and Talkative Tess manages to cover all the bases of friendship. The story is told in rhyming verse which would suit reading aloud, and the story could easily be adapted to theatre with young readers acting out the parts of Izzy, Tess, and their group of friends.

Not only is there a book, but there’s also a CD with well-known Australian actor Bec Hewett featured as the voice of talkative Tess. All songs have been written by the author and Stephen Kiely.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Busy Izzy books is donated to the World Literacy Foundation. You can find more about the books and related materials on busyizzy.com and on Facebook, YouTube and the Busy Izzy app.

Reena’s Rainbow

Reena’s Rainbow by Dee White, illustrated by Tracie Grimwood (EK Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781925335491

Reviewed by Anne Helen Donnelly

Reena is deaf but highly observant. She finds Dog at the park and immediately likes his playful nature. They both play hide-and-seek in the playground with the other kids. But when Reena finds herself alone in the park after not hearing the other children leave and calling out to her, she is sad. Her mother explains to her that we are all different, just like each colour of the rainbow. But, just like in a rainbow, despite our differences, we all have a place. Reena is not convinced: she feels that she does not belong, like the brown dog that does not have a home.

Then one day, Reena, with her keen eye, notices a tree branch about to fall onto one of the boys in the park. She calls out, but no-one hears her. Luckily, Dog leaps in and saves the day. The children at the park are shaken and nobody notices that Dog’s paw has been hurt from his heroic efforts. Reena takes Dog home and the pair finds they are perfect for each other. Dog is joyful with his new home and best friend and Reena’s heart is happy again. She finds her place in life’s rainbow.

Reena’s Rainbow is a picture book ideal for children 5 to 7 years old, beautifully finished with soft illustrations and a hard cover to couple with this gentle story of diversity and acceptance. Children will identify with Reena’s need to belong and to find their place.

Reena’s Rainbow, written by Dee White, illustrated by Tracie Grimwood (EK Books) HB RRP $19.99   ISBN 978-1-925335-49-1

Reviewed by Elizabeth Vercoe

This is a heart-warming story of friendship, diversity and acceptance.

When a deaf girl and a homeless dog form a unique bond at the local park, magic is sure to follow.

Reena’s ears might not work like the other children’s ears do, but her eyes see everything at the playground where she joins in with a game of hide and seek. Her eagle-eye vision picks out every hiding place when she is ‘he,’ but alas, when she herself is hiding her eyes cannot see that the game is over – nor can she hear the calls of the other children. Reena is left alone at the park because she cannot hear that the game has ended.

We feel Reena’s sadness and sense of bewilderment about her own difference when she speaks in sign language to her mother:

‘Why am I different? Reena asked.

       ‘Her mother’s fingers danced back. ‘We are like the colours of the rainbow. We are all different. But when we stand together we are one.’

The idea of us each being a unique part of a larger whole is a simple but effective one that plays out through the story.  By the end of the book Reena, the homeless dog and the other children at the park do all ‘come together’ as one.

Friendly, colourful and joy-filled illustrations work beautifully to bring this story to life.

Reena’s Rainbow, with its clear and simple message, reminds us that people’s differences can certainly be something to celebrate.

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.

Ori the Octopus

Ori the Octopus by Anne Helen Donnelly (Self Published) PB RRP $17.99
ISBN 9780646962207

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Ori the Octopus is fun picture book written for preschool aged children. The text is simple and the illustrations are bright and bold with cartoon-like characters. The first page invites children to join in the actions of Ori and his friends during the story, and sets the tone for a playful reading experience.

Ori is a friendly octopus who likes helping his sea creature friends. When it’s Sally Starfish’s birthday he decides to make a cake for her. ‘Mix, mix, mix the cake.’ What starts off as a simple act of kindness slowly becomes a difficult task as his friends drop in, one by one, to ask for Ori’s help or attention. He does his best but soon realises that, even with eight legs, unfortunately he can’t assist everyone. Eventually things go wrong, and the tasks get muddled up. Fortunately for Ori, none of his friends like to see him tangled so they all pitch in and work together to get everything done. Then, at last, they can celebrate Sally’s birthday!

At the end of the story there are notes for teachers and parents, offering discussion points for a young audience. Following this are three pages of Ori the Octopus puppets to cut out. These puppets are a great inclusion, as re-enacting the story is excellent for young children’s language development and to consolidate their understanding of the book. If children are still keen after their puppet show, there are many more activities to download from the author’s website (annehelendonnelly.com) including dot-to-dots, mazes, spot the difference, matching and counting activities.

This 40-page paperback offers themes of friendship, kindness and teamwork. This book is suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years.

Brothers from a Different Mother

Brothers from a Different Mother by Phillip Gwynne, illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall (Viking) HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 9780670078486

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

It’s not often there is a tapir in a children’s story so it’s a refreshing change to see one on the cover of this picture book, knowing it’s sure to be a main character!

Every day two animals see each other playing down at the waterhole - Tapir, from the jungle, and Pig, from the village. Both animals look very similar and, at first, they are curious as to whether they are in fact the same. When eventually they notice some differences, they decide that they are ‘Brothers from a Different Mother’ and develop a special bond.

This new friendship sees Tapir and Pig happily playing together every day until their fathers get involved and forbid the friendship due to their prejudices. The separation naturally causes sadness for Tapir and Pig, who are both their parents only offspring. Both miss their new ‘brother’. Will Tapir and Pig find a way to be together again or will others’ misconceptions force them apart forever?

The life-like illustrations are presented in a combination of single page images, double page spreads and vignettes. The text is very repetitive with both animals having the same thoughts, the same conversations and the same experiences, however the repetitiveness also highlights just how similar both characters are...perhaps even Brothers from a Different Mother!

This picture book is suitable for children aged 5-8. This story can be a great addition to the primary classroom and form a great conversation starter about friendship, similarities, differences and prejudices.

Running From the Tiger

Running From the Tiger by Aleesah Darlison (Empowering Resources) PB RRP $15   ISBN 9780994501066

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This is a story of true friendship. When ten-year-old Ebony meets Teena the new girl at school, she can’t believe her luck. A real friend at last. Follow Ebony and Teena as their friendship and trust for one another grows.

Darlison draws on Ebony and Teena’s growing friendship to give the reader a message of how friendship and encouragement can lead to overcoming a difficult family life.

This book for 10 -12 years old girls comes with a warning. It has a purpose of empowering those living with domestic violence. This social issue is woven tastefully throughout the narrative and encourages children to have a voice.

Ebony loves to run; it gives her freedom from her father and the abundances of chores and responsibilities he saddles her with at home. Both she and Teena among other classmates gain a spot in the zone carnival. With training commences after school Ebony dares to ask her father for permission. As the reader, you can’t help but have empathy for Ebony as she finds herself and strengths.

The climax comes when Ebony gets a chance to slips away with the encouragement of Teena, to compete at Zone level.  This book has a marvellous way of raising a difficult subject.

The Grand, Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler

The Grand, Genius Summer of Henry Hoobler by Lisa Shanahan (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $14.9   ISBN 9781760293017

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Henry Hoobler’s mother suggests he make a little room for his worries by acknowledging them. Henry can’t help but wonder, though …‘Couldn’t he be good at making a tiny bit of room for the worry, without giving it the whole house?’

This heartwarming story is about an anxious boy called Henry, aged 8 or 9, whose worries often prevent him from enjoying himself. The upcoming family camping trip at the beach, for instance, terrifies him. Then he makes a friend who shows him what life can be like when you’re open to adventure, and he winds up having a very different summer to the one he expected.

By the end of the summer, Henry will have learnt how to work through some of his niggling anxieties and fears. He’ll realise that oceans don’t always bring tsunamis, that camping trips don’t necessarily include snakebites and that stingrays (barbless ones named Heathcliff, anyway) can be friendly. He’ll learn about self-confidence, especially in the face of older siblings. He’ll learn how to stand up to people who tease him … and forgive them. He will set out on a daring, nightly expedition to rescue a toy pony. He’ll meet a bold, adventurous girl – Cassie – who’ll inadvertently motivate him to find his courage. And he’ll not only learn to ride his bike without training wheels, he will ride it like she does – freely and fearlessly. No wonder it’s a grand, genius summer!

Lisa Shanahan, the award-winning writer of My Big Birkett, has created a touching novel that will appeal to readers aged 7–11 years. Henry’s family members and their camping holiday dynamics are so believable that it might feel as though you’re observing them all from a neighbouring tent! Their alternating feelings of frustration, sadness and support for Henry’s emotions are very realistic. I particularly liked the way Henry’s anxieties crept up on him, rather than being the central focus of every scene. 

The book covers themes of family relationships, friendships and anxieties. By the end of the story, armed with a new friend, a powerful bike and a firm sense of adventure, Henry adopts Cassie’s philosophy in life: ‘the best things always happen on the way to somewhere else.’ 

Remind Me How This Ends

Remind Me How This Ends by Gabrielle Tozer (Harper Collins Children’s Books)  PB RRP $17.99   ISBN 978000734285

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This is one of those books you just can’t put down: you are hooked from beginning till end. Tozer is past winner of the prestigious Gold Inky Award and has produced a rip-roaring read on so many levels.  This book delivers in a rad way for YA readers and adults, too.  

It is so much more than just a boy meets girl story, touching upon so many themes:  love, friendship, change, grief, parents, the end of school, university, travel and survival.  Staying true to yourself proves to be the hardest challenge of all. 

Milo is smart and clever but since finishing high school, he hasn’t been able to make a decision about the next step to take in life.  He is left behind while his cohort is off at university, travelling and working. Milo is frozen with the inability to make a choice.  He is stuck at home, in a small town working in his parent’s bookshop feeling pressured not to waste an awesome UAI and feeling like a loser.

Sal his girlfriend is living away at uni, studying and partying hard.  The gap between Milo and Sal widens more and more each day. Quirky Layla has suffered a great loss in life. She is back in town, hoping to find the grounding and healing that she needs. Milo’s older brother Trent is the loser of the family and is secretly pleased that the golden boy of the family is losing his halo.   The characters are believable, annoying and lovable.

‘I rattle through the boring stuff – eighteen, from Durnan, Sal’s boyfriend of two years, doing the long distance thing while she’s studying in Canberra – to disguise the fact that I don’t have answers for most of her other questions.’

This is a summer that starts in a tangled mess and ends leaving the reader wanting to know more about what happens in the lives of these teenagers.  Keep your Fingers and toes are crossed and hope that Tozer writes a sequel to Remind Me How This Ends.

This book would be suitable for ages 14+ years.  Definitely, put it on your hit list for 2017 for teenage readers.

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Trollhunters

Trollhunters written by Guillermo Del Toro and Daniel Kraus, illustrated by Sean Murray (Allen and Unwin)  PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 9781471405181

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

‘There are times when you have to do the right thing, no matter how scary.’

Meet Jim Sturges Junior – high school outcast by day, brave ‘Trollhunter’ by night. Jim lives with his dad, a terrified, overprotective man who has been that way since his big brother went missing 45 years earlier. His extreme anxiety and strange behaviour doesn’t exactly help Jim in the popularity stakes at school, where he struggles with bullying, unrequited love and being athletically inept. At least he has a best friend, ‘Tubby’ … though their friendship is about to be tested.

Jim’s Uncle Jack had been the last of 190 kids to go missing in the ‘Milk Carton Epidemic’ 45 years earlier, and things have been pretty quiet in San Bernardino, California, ever since … until children start to go missing once more. It turns out the Sturges’ family name is connected with a long history of troll hunting, and Jim is going to learn his destiny the hard way – by encountering a troll in the flesh.  

This fantasy adventure story is targeted to kids aged 12–18, and will likely appeal to fans of Derek Landy’s Skulduggery Pleasant books. Even readers who don’t normally read fantasy will find elements of the story to relate to, given it’s grounded in a realistic high-school setting. The novel can be rather gory – there are detailed descriptions of human flesh being eaten, and internal organs spurting – but I found the gruesome scenes were often pleasantly offset with some extremely amusing writing! (This book also has, hands down, the best tirade of back-to-back Scottish insults in a single paragraph that I have ever come across!)

The novel has been written by an award-winning duo – well-known director, Guillermo del Toro, and Daniel Kraus, author of several fantasy novels. There are a handful of full-page black and white illustrations also, rich in detailed linework, by Sean Murray. The book is the inspiration behind the Netflix ‘Trollhunters’ series by DreamWorks. 

Blue Sky, Yellow Kite

Blue Sky, Yellow Kite written by Janet A. Holmes, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781760124229

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Daisy spots a yellow kite dancing in the sky. She ventures over a hill to discover it belongs to a boy called William. The two meet, and William teaches Daisy how to fly his kite. Daisy runs and runs with it, and ‘She does not look back once’.

This beautifully illustrated picture book contains an intriguing premise of taking something that’s not yours, and the emotional fallout. The reader is taken on a journey from the depths of Daisy’s despair to joy in the final scene. Friendship, forgiveness and owning up to your mistakes are all cleverly conveyed. Scenes portraying Daisy’s guilty feelings are suitably darker in colour, and then brighten as she attempts to convey her remorse to William.

The story has quite a unique feel – taking something that’s not yours (whether accidental or not) is a childhood experience I’ve not often seen touched upon in picture books.

As a bonus, Blue Sky, Yellow Kite contains a colour print of one of Bentley’s beautiful scenes of Daisy and the kite, wild in the wind.

Ida, Always

Ida, always by Caron Levis, Illustrated by Charles Santoso (Koala Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-190-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Gus is a polar bear who lives in the New York City Zoo. Ida is his best friend. Every day they swim together, play together, sit together, cuddle, watch and listen to the world around them from their home. Then one day, Ida is not there when Gus emerges from his sleeping quarters.

Based on a pair of real polar bears in New York City’s Central Zoo, Ida, always is a stunning, poignant, breath-taking picture book about friendship, love and death.

The writing is beautiful:

Gus lived in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city. Buildings grew around him and shifted the shape of the sky. Zookeepers poked in and out. Visitors came and went.

The words have a lyrical and rhythmic quality,  and evoke strong images and powerful emotions. They read smoothly and portray the noises of the city, ‘the city’s heartbeat’, the connection between the two bears as well as with the keeper, and with the visitors as well.

The illustrations glow. The emotion of the story is emphasised by these beautiful and moving pictures. The bond between the two friends can be seen strongly and these illustrations capture their togetherness, their care, and the eventual loneliness of Gus, not only through the images but also with the use of colour throughout the pages.

It is not often that a picture book moves me to tears. This one did every time. Even on today’s fourth read I sobbed. An adult reader may like to read it to themselves first, before sharing it with a younger reader. But please do share it; there is so much to gain from this story. It is not just sad; there is friendship, love and hope offered.

This is one of the best picture books I have read all year. Its text and illustrations work together to create an amazing reading experience.

My Best Friend is a Goddess

My Best Friend is a Goddess by Tara Eglington (Harper Collins Australia) PB RRP $19.99   ISBN 978-0-7322999-0-3

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Australian Tara Edlington has written a powerful novel that is seriously smart, having a unique appeal that highlights the turmoil of self-discovery with all the hurts and triumphs of growing and changing as a teenage girl. 

The book’s theme is more than friendship: it also covers bullying, death, family, self discovery, boys, school, parents, and change. In doing this, it touches the hearts and souls of its teenage readers.

An addictive read that celebrates girlhood with Emily and Adrianna, both in the role of narrator, the story seamlessly moves along with each girl’s perceptions and experiences. 

Emily and Adrianna have been friends since Year One and have a strong friendship bond that is threatened by the inevitable challenges of not only boy crushes but learning to love and to accept themselves.  One girl is confident, outgoing, and tackles life head on, while the other is stunningly beautiful but feels like an ugly duckling. Each girl envies the qualities of the other.   

“I don’t want it to get to me. Happiness shouldn’t have anything to do with ‘pretty’ or ‘not pretty’. And yet none of that logic stops me from falling into the oh-so predictable trap of looking in the mirror and wishing I was different.  And with that, I let ‘pretty’ rule my world, too.”

The two best friends suffer a crush on the same cute guy, Theo James, but sadly one girl will be left heart-broken.

Unique to the book are references in Emily’s art class to artworks, culture and mythology which adds further interest for the reader.  Character, drama and the information blend together seamlessly so that the reader learns as she reads. My Best Friend is a Goddess is a must-read for young people – especially girls -- aged 13 years and over.

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-76015-906-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Turtle woke to play with his friend it was raining and when he knocked on Snail’s shell, he did not come out. Turtle tried to entice Snail out with all the fun tricks Snail usually loved: dancing, juggling, spinning, but still Snail stayed inside his shell. So, as the rain continued, day after day, and Snail continued to stay inside his shell, Turtle waited patiently and built a wonderful surprise for his friend.

This is a beautiful picture book story showing the warmth and importance of loyal friendship. Turtle is exactly the sort of friend everyone would love to have, one who stays true until you feel like coming out of your shell.

The words used are simple, full of movement, full of repetition and a joy to read aloud. ‘He added shapes and blobs of paint. Everything looked spooshy and bright and runny and wet’ The shapes and blobs of paint are dotted about the pages, twining in and out of the pictures, which moderates the speed and the rhythm the story is read at: ‘He gathered, ripped, bent, chewed ..’ with the author-illustrator providing space for the reader to stop and look at the illustrations.

The illustrations are instantly recognisable as belonging to King. The pages have a glow about them, even through the rain, with leaves forming frames around some pictures, and the detail of little animals among the foliage. The wonderful quirky character of Turtle comes out in his expressions, his hat and his beautifully patterned and brightly coloured shell.

Snail too, even though he is mostly curled up in his shell, has a sense of character shining through in the lean of his shell, in the way single raindrops seem to find his back, and through Turtle’s interaction with him.

A sequel to Snail and Turtle are Friends, Snail and Turtle Rainy Days is a subtle look at depression, and we can all help those who are feeling a little down and out at times.

This is a gorgeous picture book for a snuggly read with preschoolers. It will promote discussion about friendships and how we can help each other.

Ruby Red Shoes goes to London

Ruby Red Shoes goes to London by Kate Knapp (Angus & Robertson) HB RRP $19.95   ISBN 978-0-732297-62-6

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London is the third book in Australia’s popular and most well travelled series that 4-8 year old children are sure to love.

Ruby the hare loves to travel and this time, wearing her ruby red shoes of course, she’s off to London with its red phone boxes, red letterboxes and red buses.  Maybe she’ll meet the Queen? Maybe she’ll have a delightful afternoon tea?  But there is more to this clever book than travel tales. It warms your heart from the inside out with family love and an understanding of death.  This book shows that we are all connected to the vast universe.  Ruby is full of wonder as she embraces the magic of living in and exploring London.  Most of all, there is gratitude for the place she calls home.

Kate Knapp’s illustrations shine with a whimsical touch that has superbly illustrated the story.  The soft colours have a very English feel and show life in London so well from the trains that run along burrows and swoosh alongside platforms to the hop on, hop off, red buses and all the London sights along the way. There are little snippets of information through the illustrations which help add to the story.  The sheer wonder of Buckingham Palace is so beautifully illustrated with detail.   London looks truly delightful.

The text paints London accurately with descriptive words and verbs -- for example ‘Ruby receives their affections with open arms, so much so that she is soon off-balance and sitting in a joyful pool of corgi cuddles and kisses.’

The book touches upon the topics of adventure and travel, family and friends, the universe, our global connection to the world and so much more.   Ruby Red Shoes is a book to be loved and treasured forever.  It is well worth a read for both children and adults.

The Tales of Mrs Mancini

The Tales of Mrs Mancini by Natalie Jane Prior, and illustrated by Cheryl Orsini (ABC Books) HB RRP $19.99  ISBN 978-0-733335-65-5

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The Tales of Mrs Mancini’s Cat tells the story of a cat which runs a gorgeous cake shop full of yummy treats, with her friend Filippina. Alongside her passion for creating cakes, Mrs Mancini loves her customers and knows them well.  She can sense when something is wrong and her watchful eyes don’t miss a thing.  With some tail magic Mrs Mancini helps her friends in some unexpected ways.

This little book is a collection of three fully illustrated short stories that intertwine through Mrs Mancini and the cake shop.   The stories would suit the ages 4+ years.  They are based around the themes of friendship and loneliness.  A younger child will enjoy being read the stories that have names that roll off the tongue, like Mrs Mancini, Filippina and Claudette. 

Mrs Mancini is a wise and clever cat that uses just a little magic to help solve friendship problems. You just feel like giving Mrs Mancini a big cuddle.

Older children will love the support of the illustrations and the fact that the tales are three stories in one book that connect. The illustrations are delightful, with soft colours that feel safe and friendly, and have an innocent appeal. The pictures support the text beautifully, just like best friends.  The pastel colours remind me of delicious cake treats and Europe.

Children need to know that their problems can be solved and that they are not alone.  This little book shows simple solutions to friendship problems, loneliness and bullying.  It is recommended for its educational value, too. 

Gus’s Garage

Gus’s Garage by Leo Timmers, illus. and original text  James Brown (Translation) Gecko Press NZ, 1 Sept 2016, 32pp., $16.99 (pbk),  ISBN 9781776570935

 In the opening of this story, Gus the pig appears to be a bit of a hoarder, with all sorts of bits and bobs stacked beside his garage – old fridge, bathtub, armchair, drums, tyres and the like. But as his animal friends come to his garage for help, it becomes apparent that Gus is an amazing engineer, devising incredible creations from his stash of junk to modify his friend’s vehicles for their comfort.

The illustrations in this book take centre stage. Painted in acrylic, the full page illustrations are rich both in colour and humour. There is so much fun to be had in the visual narrative, from Gus’s amazing creations to many smaller quirky details that will have children poring over each page and guessing what Gus might use next.

This is a beautifully balanced book, with Gus’s garage on the left of every page and his friends driving their vehicles up to, and away from the garage on the right side of alternate pages. Subtle illustrative changes mark the passing of time, like the sky darkening and Gus getting greasier as the day progresses, and the addition of a different bird hiding amongst the junk. At the end, Gus is left with a handful of things –will he be able to help himself after helping everyone else? Children will love the hilarious conclusion.

The text is sparse, allowing the illustrations to shine. Originally published in Belgium, the English language translation by James Brown features simple, short rhyming couplets and a repetitive refrain that perfectly match the humour of the pictures.

A showcase for recycling, inventiveness, engineering and friendship, this book is highly recommended. For ages 3-8 years.