Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja 4: A Game of Chase

Diary of a 6^th Grade Ninja 4: A Game of Chase by Marcus Emerson (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 9781760295585

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

It’s another crazy week for Chase Cooper at Buchanan School, and it all starts off with the chess piece and anonymous note he finds in his locker. Somebody, who goes by the name ‘Jovial Noise’, threatens to expose his ninja identity if he doesn’t play along with their game. Er … what game? Chase is getting tired of the crazy behind-the-scenes activities at his school. (At one stage, he humorously dwells on how many years of therapy he’s going to need after he completes just one year at the school! He also blames James Buchanan, the school’s namesake and one of America’s most controversial presidents, for the madness.)

It seems Jovial Noise is out to sabotage the school science fair … by destroying people’s projects. The game of chess certainly becomes ‘a game of chase’ when Chase has to connect the chess pieces and clues together in order to save people’s science projects. Then Chase himself is framed for Faith’s ruined project and he knows he needs to find the real culprit, fast, before more projects (and friendships) are destroyed. Is it Carlyle? Wyatt? One of the red ninjas? Or that new hall monitor, Sebastian?

This is another fast-paced, entertaining read in the bestselling Diary of a 6^th Grade Ninja series by Marcus Emerson. There are lots of laugh-out-loud scenes, including a very funny conversation about ‘meese’ (the supposed plural of ‘moose’)! I particularly love how this series overturns the idea of a fist-fighting ninja and replaces it with a ninja who instead focuses on empathy, bravery and (above all) doing the right thing.

‘If you know me then you’d know I don’t fight no matter what,’ I said.

‘You don’t fight with your fists’ … ‘you’re a very strange ninja.’

This amusing series of books for 7–12 year-olds is definitely out to empower kids who want to deal with bullies … without getting physical. 

The Cardinal and the Crow

The Cardinal and the Crow written and illustrated by Michael Moniz (Simply Read Books)

HB RRP $21.99

ISBN 978 1927018583

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

With a dust-cover, this is a fine-looking picture book for older readers 7 to 10 years, produced by an English publishing house. The story goes that all the birds in the forest torment old Crow for his scraggly feathers and harsh call. He is especially mocked by their ringleader, the proud Cardinal which has ‘brilliant red feathers and a beautiful warbling voice.’  As a result, the Crow is alone and lonely.

However, when Cardinal gets into trouble with a scavenging cat, there is only one creature smart enough to get him out – the Crow, of course. However, will Crow come to the aid of the boastful bird?

Inspired by Aesop’s Fables, this thoughtful picture book reminds the reader that pride and foolishness often go hand in hand. It has a message for the younger reader, too, about bullying and how the bullied and the bully can sometimes find common ground, even friendship.

The watercolour illustrations of the birds and the landscape are set against a pale brown wash. The only bright colour is of the Cardinal, a few other birds and the cat’s green, greedy eyes. My only criticism of the book is that the typeface could have been larger, especially for small eyes.

Michael Moniz is a Canadian working at Artistic Director for a Toronto-based advertising agency.

The Flint Heart

The Flint Heart by Katherine Patterson & John Patterson, illustrated by John Rocco (Walker Books)

PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781406341492

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Katherine Paterson, author of Bridge to Terabitha, and husband John Paterson Sr. bring to life a ‘freely abridged’ version of Eden Phillpotts’ wonderful fantasy fairy tale, The Flint Heart, written in 1910.

The story begins during the Stone Age when the flint stone was fashioned then discarded because of its ability to make the owner evil. It moves forward to a hundred years ago, to Dartmoor in England.

The owner of Merripit Farm, Billy Jago, offers to help move some stones on a hill. As he digs at a grave with his son Charles, he unearths an unusual stone which he puts in his pocket. In no time, the flint has hardened Billy’s heart. He becomes cruel, abusive and violent to everyone he meets, but mostly to his family.

Charles wants his father back; the kind loving one. He visits the Pixie’s Holt to get his father a present in the hope that he will return to who he was. It takes repeated trips into fairyland before Charles finally manages to take back and dispose of the flint heart. Immediately, life returns to normal.

The flint heart passes through two other hands with the same result until the King of the pixies and fairies, finds a way to be rid of the flint heart forever. During the course of ownership, we meet many amazing characters that achieve great feats. But what stands out is the courage and philosophical approach of the children and the personified characters of Ship the dog, and Bismark, the hot water bottle, made in Germany.

The tales of the flint heart’s ownerships are themes of power, ambition, and jealousy, and the negative outcomes that these emotions bring. Point of view is a pivotal issue, so there are many twists and turns and changes in perception throughout this multi-layered fairy story.

Katherine, a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, has won the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award, along with a string of other awards including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for writing and the Astrid Lindgren Award for Lifetime Achievement. The Flint Heart, filled with adventure and fantasy, is ideal for the 7+ age group.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive Volume 1

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive Volume 1 by Kate Dicamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen (Walker Books)

HC RRP $19.95

ISBN 9780763663391

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

I’m a great fan of Kate Dicamillo’s work and always get excited when I read something new. This title had me laughing and turning the pages quickly it was so clever and moving. The characters are unique, lovable, and highly entertaining. Even the horse! Accolades go to Chris Van Dusen for his brilliant black and white artwork. It adds life and laughter to the story, and enhances the text significantly if that is possible with such clever word arrangements.

Leroy ‘is a small man with a big dream.’ He wants to be a cowboy. He currently lives in an apartment block and works at the Bijou Drive-in theatre where he pours drinks, butters popcorn and smiles. But he needs to own a horse to realize his dream. Opportunity knocks when Beatrice the ticket seller, shows him an ad in the local paper about a horse for sale.

Leroy has chosen the name Tornado for his dream mount. But old and toothless Maybelline is what he finds. Patty, the owner, wants her horse to go to a loving home to live out her remaining years. She lists the things that Leroy must know about his horse to keep her happy and faithful. Leroy accepts her unconditionally and discovers that life looks better from the top of a horse. But he forgets to consider where he is going to keep her.

This is the story of an unlikely friendship that begins with two beings that need love. It is filled with humour and highly emotive. The message that keeps repeating throughout the story is that all living things just need love regardless of their imperfections.

This novel is ideal for 7+ readers who love the challenge of new words and interesting language. Adults will adore this book. Everyone should read it!

A Game of Keeps

A Game of Keeps by Dianne Bates (Celapene Press)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN – 978-0-9873677-8-5

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Eight year old Ashley’s story gives a refreshing, non-judgmental view of one family’s struggles. Though she loves Froggie, her pet guinea pig, Ashley longs for a puppy. When she’s older, she wants to be a dancer. Right now, however, what she wants most is for Mum and Dad to get back together. She knows that Dad is away a lot with his band, and appreciates him visiting when he can, but she dislikes being left home alone when Mum goes out at night.

Fortunately for Ashley, Mum and Dad aren’t the only adults in her life. Nor are they the only ‘family’ she has. Though uncertain when first meeting Daisy and Will, a couple from an ‘Aunts and Uncles’ support program, she soon sees how kind, fun and understanding they are about what she needs. Their support helps her be confident as she manages emotionally unsettling situations.

In the past, kids like Ashley may have been lucky enough to have a supportive neighbour in their life. Nowadays, however, people seem less certain about stepping in and playing a role. Fortunately, ‘Aunts and Uncles’ programs allow people like Daisy and Will to support and nurture children like Ashley. Her story acknowledges some of the reasons that people like Ashley’s family struggle and shows how this need not always be to the detriment of the child.

Though Ashley’s tale doesn’t resolve itself the way she hoped for, Daisy and Will’s guidance and friendship establishes a starting point from which both she and her mum begin turning their lives around. This satisfying, believable ending will delight readers as they see how beautifully and simply people like Daisy and Will embrace making every and any child’s welfare our responsibility.

Pencil drawings illustrating moments within the story add extra charm to the book and the examples of how ‘family’ can be made up of a range of people who provide a sense of belonging are sure to spark conversation about how we can all care for others. The world we live in today needs more books like this one.

The Girl from the Great Sandy Desert

The Girl from the Great Sandy Desert by Jukuna Mona Chuguna and Pat Lowe, illustrated by Mervyn Street (Magabala Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 978-1-922142-05-4

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Known by her white name Mona, Jukuna Chuguna, a Walmajarri woman from the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia, worked with a white Englishwoman, Pat Lowe, to relate stories about the life of desert dweller Mana and her Walmajarri family. In the book’s introduction, Lowe tells of her experience with Jukuna who would visit her house, sometimes painting; together they co-wrote this children’s book. Jukuna also wrote her autobiography in Walmajarri language; it was translated in English and published in 2004, alone with the story of her sister, Ngarta, in a single volume titled Two Sisters.

This book, however, is for children aged 8 to 12 years. It is a series of short stories about Mana who was born under a tree and raised in the desert. A child reading this book would learn much about tribal life – how desert families hunted and camped, and about tribal relationships.  They would also learn about spirits such as spirit babies, known as wurrawurra’. Mana’s spirit is jarriny, named after a desert nut tree oozing with gum.

There are stories here about Mana’s extended family, for instance her aunty Lilil and uncles Yinti and Kana. Mana has two mothers; her own mother was her father’s first wife; his second wife was blind; thus the book is a great way of showing young readers how disabled Aborigines are treated by their own people. The stories are episodic and have self-explanatory titles such as ‘Nearly Buried Alive’, ‘The Fight’, ‘Mana the Hunter,’ ‘A Trick’ and ‘Mana Loses her Father.’

There are a number of break-outs throughout the book with headings such as ‘Fire’, ‘Food and Fasting’, ‘Dogs’, ‘Dying in the Desert’ and ‘Digging for Water.’ These mini-articles provide factual information relating to the stories accompanying them. The break-out on ‘Body Scars’ relates to a story wherein Mana and her friends Tili and Kayi and three young boys are cut on their bodies so ‘the bad kukurr spirit’ won’t bother them. ‘Body Scars’ tells how desert people who were cut rubbed ash and ochre into the cuts to raise the scars into ridges.

The Girl from the Great Sandy Desert is a very interesting account based on events in Jukuna’s own life. Elucidating the rich cultural lives of pre-contact Aboriginal Australians, the book is a valuable resource for educators and young readers, and is accompanied by beautiful black and white wash illustrations by Gooniyandi artist Mervyn Street from the Kimberley’s Fitzroy River region.

In the 1950’s Jukuna Mona Chuguna left the desert with her husband to live and work on cattle and sheep stations in the Kimberley’s Fitzroy Valley. In middle age, she became a well-regarded artist, holding exhibitions of her work around Australia and overseas. She was a natural teacher and great storyteller. She died in 2011.

It should be noted that these authentic Indigenous Australian stories include notes that complement main text, glossary and pronunciation guide. There is a set of teachers’ notes linked to the new Australian Curriculum

Otis Dooda Strange but True

Otis Dooda Strange but True by Ellen Potter, illustrated by David Heatley (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74299-020-0
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Otis Dooda and his family are moving from a dinky little town called Hog’s Head to an apartment on the 35^th floor in New York City. Otis is excited about the move, unlike his older brother Gunther, but things don’t start so well... The first morning Otis is cursed by the potted plant in the lobby.

Not too worried about the curse, Otis goes about exploring his new domain and meeting the neighbours including Boris, Cat and Perry with his farting pony - although he insists it is just a large dog as keeping ponies in the apartment building is not allowed.

But it turns out his new friends are worried about the curse, all curses uttered by Potted Plant Guy come true and they don’t have much time. It is almost the full moon. Unless Otis wants all his bones broken they must find a way to break the curse. Unfortunately, every attempt Otis and his new friends make just seems to make the situation worse. It looks like the Dooda family’s first week in Tidwell Towers is going to be memorable.

Otis Dooda Strange but True is a fun story. Otis is immensely likeable and Tidwell Towers is full of wacky and wonderful characters. It is really easy to get caught up in their adventures, which are funny, quite ridiculous, but not too far-fetched. It leaves you with a ‘that could happen’ feeling.

Enticing chapter headings such as How I know that my Brother is a Doofus, Poodles of Mass Destruction and Why I Slept in a Box make the book hard to put down and the funny illustrations on every page enrich the story. Large clear type and short chapters make it perfect for primary aged children.

Hopefully there is a sequel planned. Readers will be eager for more adventures with Otis and his friends.

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney (Puffin Books)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9780143308591
Reviewed by Dianne Bates

You know the book is going to be a good read before you read the first page. The author has created one of the most successful children’s book series ever published; even Time magazine says that ‘Wimpy Kid is bent on world domination’, its author-illustrator named as that magazine’s choice for one of the world’s most influential people. So what makes the series, and this particular book, so phenomenal and best-selling?

For a start, the visual look of each of this book’s 217 pages is appealing, not just for the comic black and white illustrations, but because of the text which appears to be hand-written. There are never more than two sentences in any one section. After each block of text, there is either an illustration or a line space. Each page appears to be written in an exercise book because of the lines. The design lay-out therefore makes every single page look appealing, especially to the remedial reader. Yes, it makes for a longer book, but there’s another reason for it to appeal to a kid reader – he (and it will mostly be a boy) can say, when he finishes reading the book, that he’s read ‘a thick book’.

Surprisingly, there are no chapters in any Wimpy Kid book; the text is one continuous story narrated in first person by the protagonist, Greg Heffley, who writes about his life, his family and his friends, in an easy style that the average reader can relate to. All sentences are relatively short with no vocabulary beyond the readership of most eight year olds.

In The Long Haul, Greg and his family – mum, dad, older brother Rodrick, and toddler brother Manny – head off in the car on a holiday. Straight away there’s a problem when all the family’s belongings (including Rodrick’s drum set) doesn’t fit into the car. There is lots of humour along the way, for instance when Rodrick buys food for dinner from a grocery shop which includes frozen cinnamon rolls and a pizza. When they get to a motel, Rodrick solves the frozen problem by putting the food in a microwave. But – der -- it’s not a microwave, it’s a safe. And of course, Rodrick has locked the safe and nobody can open it. The family finishes up eating dinner from the motel’s vending machine – breath mints and sugar wafers! (Of course Mum is a food Nazi and this is totally not on her radar).

All the minor crises that occur when a family is crammed with their goods into a car on a long trip are here, and every reader can relate. This is the appeal of the story, its ability to have readers nodding with self-recognition and laughing. Kinney makes it all seem so page-turningly easy. The noisy kids (‘little punks’) from another room in the motel follow the family car next day, and of course there is an exchange of obnoxious faces from one car to another. At the next destination – a fair – Greg and his big brother enter the Foulest Footwear Competition; of course Rodrick wins first prize. But Greg gets 10% of the prize (‘deep-fried butter on a stick’) for being Rodrick’s agent. Meanwhile, Manny wins a baby pig. (What do you do with a pig on a family holiday?) And – what do you know – the noisy motel family seems to be following the Heffleys around.

So the trip continues, as does the stream of funny incidents and Greg’s amusing observations along the way. The whole book made me think of the Simpson family but in print. It’s no wonder that kids are still enjoying the ninth book in the Wimpy Kid series. And no doubt they’ll be waiting impatiently for the tenth – which is sure to come! The books deserve all of the accolades, especially for the fact they are getting kids away from their computers and instead diving into wonderful (thick) books that tick all of the right boxes. Ideal for readers aged 8 to 11 years.

 

 

All the Wrong Questions — Shouldn't You Be In School?

All the Wrong Questions — Shouldn't You Be In School? Written by Lemony Snicket, Art by Seth (Hardie Grant Egmont)
ISBN 978-107429-7298-5
HB $16.95 RRP
Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

This is the third installment in the All the Wrong Questions series by Lemony Snicket. Sporting a striking fluorescent orange cover, Shouldn't You Be In School? gets straight into the action with the opening sentence: 'There was a town, and there was a librarian and there was a fire.' The distinctive voice of the main protagonist (also Lemony Snicket) carries the reader through a mystery that twists and turns. Although it doesn't quite get solved at the end, in this book there are a couple of answers along the way.

In the town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea, there's a problem with arson, a crime which Lemony Snicket's chaperone, S Theodora Markson, attempts to solve. Starting at the very suspect Department of Education, an equally suspect Sharon Haines, directs them to a house that burns down. The innocent local librarian, Dashiel Querty, (the best name in the series so far) is accused and arrested. When the school goes up in flames as well, all the kids are transferred to the Wade Academy for a so-called 'top shelf education.' Lemony and his gang are found truanting and transferred to the school where they find out what is really going on. The old villain Hangfire is behind the whole thing.

The gang consists of friends from previous books -- Moxie Mallahan (journalist), Jake Hix (chef), Cleo Knight (brilliant scientist), and Pip and Squeak, two kids who between them, drive a taxi. A newcomer is Kellar Haines, son of the misguided Sharon. Lemony Snicket is a character with secrets but so is Ellington Feint, a girl Snicket is equally fascinated with and distrustful of. It is Ellington who gives the friends strong coffee to overcome the laudanum they are drugged with at the school. But then she is an accomplice to the attempted arson of the library, part of Hangfire's dastardly plan.

This return to the town with the Clusterous Forrest and Hungry's Diner is a slightly confusing but thoroughly enjoyable book for middle readers. Illustrations, complete with shadows, add beautifully to the quirky, fast-paced and clever story. The question is, whether the next book will have any answers, but maybe that is the wrong question!

 

All the Wrong Questions — Shouldn't You Be In School?

All the Wrong Questions — Shouldn't You Be In School? Written by Lemony Snicket, Art by Seth (Hardie Grant Egmont)
ISBN 978-107429-7298-5
HB $16.95 RRP
Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

This is the third installment in the All the Wrong Questions series by Lemony Snicket. Sporting a striking fluorescent orange cover, Shouldn't You Be In School? gets straight into the action with the opening sentence: 'There was a town, and there was a librarian and there was a fire.' The distinctive voice of the main protagonist (also Lemony Snicket) carries the reader through a mystery that twists and turns. Although it doesn't quite get solved at the end, in this book there are a couple of answers along the way.

In the town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea, there's a problem with arson, a crime which Lemony Snicket's chaperone, S Theodora Markson, attempts to solve. Starting at the very suspect Department of Education, an equally suspect Sharon Haines, directs them to a house that burns down. The innocent local librarian, Dashiel Querty, (the best name in the series so far) is accused and arrested. When the school goes up in flames as well, all the kids are transferred to the Wade Academy for a so-called 'top shelf education.' Lemony and his gang are found truanting and transferred to the school where they find out what is really going on. The old villain Hangfire is behind the whole thing.

The gang consists of friends from previous books -- Moxie Mallahan (journalist), Jake Hix (chef), Cleo Knight (brilliant scientist), and Pip and Squeak, two kids who between them, drive a taxi. A newcomer is Kellar Haines, son of the misguided Sharon. Lemony Snicket is a character with secrets but so is Ellington Feint, a girl Snicket is equally fascinated with and distrustful of. It is Ellington who gives the friends strong coffee to overcome the laudanum they are drugged with at the school. But then she is an accomplice to the attempted arson of the library, part of Hangfire's dastardly plan.

This return to the town with the Clusterous Forrest and Hungry's Diner is a slightly confusing but thoroughly enjoyable book for middle readers. Illustrations, complete with shadows, add beautifully to the quirky, fast-paced and clever story. The question is, whether the next book will have any answers, but maybe that is the wrong question!

Jumble Cat

Jumble Cat by Archie Kimpton, illustrator Kate Hindley (Hot Key Books)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN 978-1-4714-0278-4

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

  

Jumble Cat is a wicked romp of a story full of … well, wickedness. I can imagine boys 8 – 12 years rolling around on the floor in fits of laughter whilst reading this book.

Archie Kimpton’s Jumble Cat is fart humour with finesse. His way with words is nothing short of captivating. Not only are his words as poetically jumbled as the Cat but the way he describes certain characters is almost naughty.

The main character Billy Slipper is normal enough in a Cinderella kind of way but oddly enough, his best friend is a ninety something year old woman. Together they befriend a foul mouthed jumbled–up cat and win thousands in prize money only to have it stolen. They embark on an adventure scaling castle walls, stealing and crashing his monstrous mother’s car, so they can rescue the grungy rude cat from a demented taxidermist.

 Archie’s writing is a delight to read, and quite often I put my hand to my mouth in a No, he didn’t just say that kind of way. This excerpt is Billy’s mother Phillipa Slipper:

“Believe it or not, Phillipa Slipper was in a good mood. She was always in a good mood after her course. ‘Do you know what I learnt this evening?’ She twittered excitedly. ‘How to kill butterflies. Do you know the best way to kill a butterfly?’ She didn’t wait for an answer. ‘You could try a fly swatter, but you might leave a terrible mark on the wall. So you can either suck them out of the air with a vacuum cleaner, or if that doesn’t work, try catching them in a jar, put the lid on and watch them suffocate. Simple! And no mess.”

Jumble Cat is Archie Kimpton’s first book and I daresay not his last. The layout of the book is clean and easy to follow. Each black and white illustration is strong and gives a less confident reader a well-deserved rest.

Young readers will enjoy this book and I very much enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of The Bear Said Please picture book and the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor

Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor by Julie Anne Grasso, illustrated by David Blackwell and Samantha Yallope (Julieannegrassobooks)

PB RRP $10.00

ISBN 978-0-987372-54-3

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

  

First impression of this chapter book was that it would be perfect for boys age 7 -10. The cover illustration of our young detective Frankie, in front of a mysterious building, surrounded by ‘clues’, invites the reader to open the cover and investigate for themselves. I was reaching for this book over others in my ‘to read’ pile and I am sure the cover would have a similar effect on kids.

Julie Anne Grasso’s story of young Frankie and his search for his missing cousin Kat has many twists and turns, the ending is of course satisfying, but not at all expected. The setting for the story, Enderby Manor, is a strange building filled with strange characters and bumbling Inspector Cluesome whom I assume will be a consistent character in future Frankie Dupont stories. The story is written in a way that children will relate to. The lyricism in the text will sound wonderful to a read-a-loud ear and will capture a confident reader’s imagination.

Julie’s writing is flavoured with recognisable smells, sounds and sights and is a delight to read. “Frankie took a bite and his whole mouth tingled with delight as though his taste buds were giving a round of applause.”

The layout of the book is clean and easy to follow. The illustrations are a big part of the book and keep the story flowing nicely giving affirmation to the younger reader who may be a little unsure. Each black and white illustration is strong and appears to be full of life and colour.

Young readers will enjoy this book and I very much enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

  

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of The Bear Said Please picture book and the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

The 39 Clues Cahill vs Vespers Book 5: Trust No One by Linda Sue Park (Scholastic Inc)

HB RRP $17.99

ISBN 978-0-545–29843-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Thirteen year old Dan Cahill and his older sister Amy are in a race against time. Their elusive enemies, the Vespers, have requested an impossible task in return for the lives of Dan and Amy's family and friends whom the Vespers have kidnapped. Now, they also know that there is mole amongst them. And it could be someone very close to Dan and Amy.

What will they have to do to find the missing ancient manuscript and keep Atticus safe from the deadly Isabel Kabra? And who is Vesper One, the leader of the terrifying group who are pulling the strings of the Cahill's life? This time the mission may just be too much for the children to complete.

This is the next instalment in the muti-platformed popular series The 39 Steps. It is an action packed thrilling adventure which begins and ends in the thick of the roller coaster ride. The story line is full of intrigue and feels like a young spy story with likeable, resourceful, brave main characters and their darkly evil nemesis.

The book comes with six clue cards which can help intrepid readers become part of the adventure on line at www.the39clues.com. 

Spirit Animals Book 3: Blood Ties

Spirit Animals Book 3: Blood Ties by Garth Nix & Sean Williams (Scholastic Inc)

PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-000-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Conor, Abeke, Meilin and Rollan are four children who have bonded with some of the Great Beasts of Erdas; a wolf, a leopard, a panda and a condor. They are the Chosen Ones, the children and their spirit animals who protect their world from the Devourer and his Conquerors. But they have not yet learned to work as a team, they have not learnt to trust one another, and they all have doubt about their abilities and whether they deserve the honours bestowed on them.

Meilin is only just beginning to appreciate her Spirit Animal but her impatience with the slow, peaceful lumbering Jhi -a Great Panda - still bubbles to the surface often. A girl of action, Meilin is unwilling to be stillfor long enough to learn what Jhi is offering. Instead, she rushes back to her homeland of Zhong to find her father. But Zhong has been overthrown by the Conquerors and Meilin finds herself lost in the bamboo maze with only Jhi to help.

Conor, Abeke and Rollan travel to find Meilin and then continue on their way in search of the ‘Slate Elephant’ talisman hidden deep in the heart of a jungle. This quest may cost the lives of those dear to the children.

Once again, the authors of this instalment are well established in the fantasy genre. Blood Ties is an extremely well written book. The characters are not just vehicles for the action, they grow internally and learn more about themselves, others and their world. As a reader I am growing more attached to them as the series progresses and each book offers something new, rather than just action.

This is a fabulous series. Erdas is a wonderfully built world, with countries different in landscape, setting, people and cultures. All the characters, not just the main ones, are really well fleshed out, interesting and real. The action is fast and gripping, but there is reflection time as well to slow the pace occasionally.

I think this is a series which will captivate and inspire lovers of fantasy, action, animals and storytelling. It will suit middle school readers mostly, between grades five and eight.

Read the book, and then discover the action role-playing game online, complete with a spirit animal of your own, at www.spiritanimals.scholastic.com

The Obelisk Trap

The Obelisk Trap by Margaret Pearce (Kayelle Press Australia)

PB RRP $11.95 E-book $2.99

ISBN – 978-0-9875657-2-3

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Told from Charlie’s viewpoint this middle grade reader sees Charlie, his sister Billie and Uncle William sucked through a portal into The Place of No Name, where fruit and vegetables of every kind are in season 365 days a year and nobody dies of disease. Residents can live forever … so long as they do all that’s expected of them by The Traveller. If not, they risk being ‘Disintegrated, unloosed, unbound, liberated, gone to God, or whatever you want to call it.’

The Traveller, who rules the land, is a parasite. He inhabits a host body and after using up every ounce of life it holds he moves to another. The only thing he fears is young girls. The biological make up of their bodies will kill him if he tries to inhabit them. Consequently, young girls sucked into this land are instantly killed. To keep safe till she can return home, Billie must parade as a male.

Being a feisty type, her less than low key attitude often means Charlie must pull her into line to keep her safe. In their efforts to find a way out, the trio learns more about the land, the obelisk that transports people in, and how they may use it to get home. But everything must be done as secretively as possible, because The Traveller has surveillance set up all around. When they are just about to leave he discovers their plan and tries to stop them.

But all is not lost! Billie is ‘sacrificed’ and as The Traveller attempts to take over her body, which he thinks is male, he is destroyed. Before the trio leave they ask if any of the remaining inhabitants wish to leave with them. Without The Traveller around, those who live in The Place with No Name say it’s peaceful and question why anyone would want to return to a place where wars still exist.

The action and dialogue in this story is easy to follow and moves things along quickly. It takes readers into a world that, on the surface, seems different to ours, with simple explanations where needed to ensure clarity. It will, hopefully, encourage readers to reflect on issues of segregation, surveillance, and discrimination.

Spirit Animals Book 2: Hunted

Spirit Animals Book 2: Hunted by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Inc)

PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-999-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Hunted, the second book in the Spirit Animals series, follows Wild Born, where the four young heroes of Erdas - Connor, Abeke, Mailin and Rollan - found the ‘Granite Ram’ talisman, the first of the lost talismans they are searching for. Now they are back at Greenhaven, an island fortress which serves as the headquarters of the Greencloaks, guardians of Erdas. Here they train hard to come together as a team and bond with their spirit animals, the Four Fallen Great Beasts.

But when word is sent that the next Great Beast, Rumfuss the Boar has been traced to a remote castle in the wilds of Eura, the children must set off in a hurry before the Conquerors learn of the location and beat them to the talisman. Rumour is growing also, of the Devourer using Bile to force bonds between his followers and spirit animals.  And that this unnatural bonding gives humans more control over their animals, making them even more powerful.

The books in the Spirit Animals series are all written by different authors. Hunted is by Maggie Stiefvater, author of many popular fantasy novels for children and teens. She continues the quest of the children and its many threads with great skill. The writing is fabulous and evocative, with the relationships - both between the four children, and with their animals - coming to the fore.

As the children grow they are tested. Themes such as loyalty, trust, rules and leadership are all explored within the context of an exciting adventure story where it is the children themselves directing the path while still learning where they need to accept adult help.

The Spirit Animals Series will suit middle school readers mostly, between grades five and eight and is Scholastics’ new multiplatform release. Read the book, and then discover on-line the action role-playing game, complete with a spirit animal of your own, at www.spiritanimals.scholastic.com

The Saddle Club: Horse Sense/Horse Power

The Saddle Club: Book 2: Horse Sense/Horse Power by Bonnie Bryant (Random House Australia Children’s)
PB RRP $12.95
ISBN 9780857980649
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

Book 2: Horse Sense/Horse Power continues the stories of the three main characters of The Saddle Club: Carole, Stevie and Lisa. Once again there are two stories per book, so that sense of loss that you feel when you finish a story turns to joy when you have another fully formed tale to read at the flick of a page.

In Horse Sense, each girl has a mission at Pine Hollow Stables. Carole’s is to be at the birth of a foal, Stevie’s is to plan the games for the gymkhana and Lisa has to work out the rules for The Saddle Club.

As usual, the delightful, sensory descriptions of riding and jumping lessons position the reader in the saddle.

There is trouble ahead for The Saddle Club members when a new French girl, Estelle, joins. It takes a while for Carole, Stevie and Lisa to find out that Estelle is the ‘ultimate pretender.’

Meanwhile, the mare Delilah goes into labour. It’s a challenging situation as the three girls are alone at Pine Hollow Stables. Through combining their skills of nurturing, creativity and organisation they rise to the challenge and help the foal to be born.

To buffer the stories, there’s a great article on the logistics of transporting horses to the Olympics. It’s a compelling package of fact and fiction.

In the second story Horse Power, the gymkhana gets underway as Carole, Stevie and Lisa work to create the best horse-riding games. Two new characters are introduced. One is Stevie’s brother Chad, who takes riding lessons to be near Stevie’s best friend Lisa, his latest crush. Will their first date be a dream or disaster? In the layering of the story, the three girls have another problem to solve, why has the champion rider Kate Devine, the latest member of Pine Hollow Stables, lost the joy of riding.

Bonnie Bryant’s writing creates not only multiple plot lines, but her style is so personal that young readers 9 – 12 will feel that they too are part of The Saddle Club going through their ups and down, jokes and squabbles.

The Saddle Club: Horse Crazy/Horse Shy

The Saddle Club: Book 1: Horse Crazy/Horse Shy by Bonnie Bryant (Random House Australia Children’s)
PB RRP $12.95
ISBN 9780857980632
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

The Saddle Club is a hugely popular series for girls aged 9 – 12. In its new format of two stories per book, young readers will fully immerse themselves in all things horsey.

The series follows the lives of three girls on the cusp of adolescence: Carole (obsessed with horses), Stevie (tom-boy and practical joker) and Lisa (loves school and learning). They make an awesome team as their love of horse riding at their beloved Pine Hollow Stables brings them together to form The Saddle Club.

Throughout the series, readers follow these three girls, plus many extra characters, through adventures, rivalry, gymkhanas, friendship problems and family dramas. There are some tough issues and personal obstacles, but through teamwork and loyalty, the girls’ bond of friendship grows even stronger.

At the conjunction of both stories, there’s an interesting segue into the reality of the horse world, with a short piece about how horses took part in the Olympics 2700 years ago, as well as interesting facts about show jumping and dressage.

Book 1: Horse Crazy/Horse Shy

Stevie has a problem. Her parents won’t pay her fees to attend the Mountain Trail Overnight Camp unless her grades improve. Studying seems too hard for Stevie so she decides instead to do odd jobs and earn the money herself. That is until things start to go wrong. It is Lisa who comes up with the compromise that has been in front of their eyes all along. Meanwhile, Lisa, who is new to the stables, has parent problems. She’s doesn’t want to be a rider, it’s her mother’s ambition, but ‘Lisa knew that once again, she would just do what her parents wanted her to do.’ All Lisa really wants is to ‘escape into her homework.’ When Carole’s favourite horse, Cobalt, has to be put down, she retreats into herself as her own story of the loss of her mother weaves through. Carole becomes horse shy and doesn’t want to ride any more, until she gains her emotional strength from her best friends.

The joy of these stories is that you don’t have to own a horse, or even go horse riding. Through the descriptions and horse vocabulary such as: tack rooms, bridles, grooming, saddle soap, breeches and phrases like ‘rise and sit with the beat of the horse’s hooves’ young readers can connect to the world of The Saddle Club.  And if the opportunity to go horse riding comes about; readers will be off with a flying start.

Puppy Pie

Puppy Pie by Sam Jasper (Palmer Higgs)

PB RRP $19.95

ISBN – 978-192502777-8

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

The story opens as nine year old city girl Gull joins country cousins one school holidays during hemp harvest time. Someone has just dumped another lot of puppies off to the Hepplewhite’s. That’s what every neighbour does with offspring that are the result of the Hepplewhite’s dog, Useless, impregnating the area's dogs. Gull is horrified at Uncle Harry’s joke about turning them into puppy pie.

The farm’s relying on this hemp crop to clear a huge overdraft. When the hemp lies down, mid-harvest, Uncle Harry thinks it’s his fault that the district’s farmers might lose their crops too. Harry’s wife Helen’s psychic powers seem to be draining her more than usual and she keeps falling asleep. With the help of Shirley, a CWA neighbour, Gull and cousins hide Helen’s ‘sleeping sickness’ from Harry because he has enough to worry about.

They send her to stay with relatives. But minus her psychic help, how can they work out why the hemp keeps falling over? Filled with many mysteries and scenes of constant chores, meal breaks, and neighbours helping one another the tale’s unusual characters include a flea named Ma. While a family prophecy says a girl named Gull will save the farm, Ma and her flea family play a vital role.

Ma’s large family, who readers are all introduced to, need lots of attention. And Ma’s worried about what’s happening to the hemp too. When she takes action it puts Gull and company on track to work out what evil forces are at work to destroy the community. Once they know, Gull steps up to the mark. Fortunately, Shirley is working at the local bank, which means she can let Gull gain access to the computers in order to copy some vital evidence.

Just as the bank announces that land owners must sell up, Gull and Shirley manage to get what they need to expose the evil force and his accomplice. All is saved and the town can rest easy. Crammed with facts about farming, food, insects, dogs and cats, the story’s multiple viewpoints let readers see how a farmer on the brink of failure is reduced to grief as well as how a flea thinks. Fortunately, all ends well and, despite the worries they all face, there is still much rib-poking and joking going on.

Spirit Animals Book 1: Wild Born

Spirit Animals Book 1: Wild Born by Brandon Mull (Scholastic Inc)
PB RRP $6.50
ISBN 978-1-74283-997-4
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Wild Born is the first book in a new series Spirit Animals. Much like The 39 Clues or Infinity Ring series, each book in this engrossing series will be written by a different author with Brandon Mull kicking off the series. In Eras, having a rare bond with a spirit animal means great power, for both human and beast. And, as Connor, Abeke, Meilin and Rollan discover, with this power comes great responsibility. These four have summoned the animals of legend and their path is set – only they have the power to stop the dark force which is rising in the land. The fate of the world rests on their young shoulders.

Wild Born is an exciting ride. It is action packed all the way and ends on a cliff hanger which leaves the reader wanting more. Although I found the writing a little strained at times, the premise of the storyline and the exciting action scenes easily kept me involved. The world Mull has created is fabulous, the fantasy plot intriguing, and the characters make me care about what is happening to them and the world the live in.

For fantasy or animal lovers, this is a series well worth investing some time in. Popular fantasy author Maggie Stiefvater has written the second book and I can’t wait for that one. The Spirit Animals Series will suit middle school readers mostly, between grades five and eight and is Scholastics’ new multiplatform release. Read the book, and then discover the action role-playing game online, complete with a spirit animal of your own, at www.spiritanimals.scholastic.com