The Flying Orchestra

The Flying Orchestra by Clare McFadden (UQP) PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9780702249297

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

Music has a way of weaving through our being and permeating our souls.  We associate times, happy and sad, joyous and devastating with songs and music and words.

This book introduces classical music pieces with everyday occurrences.  The words lead the way through life scenarios and the musical suggestions at the back of the book for each situation gives readers the hook – the hook to ‘music’ their whole life – to a cognitive and accessible symphony that they can always refer to. 

It also provides the knowledge that this is possible.

The illustrations (which won the CBCA Crichton Award for Illustration in 2011) are exquisite and dreamily float the reader along through the story.

At the back of the book is a list of all the musical pieces to listen to for the page scenarios. This book is a meditation in love and life on many levels.  It’s meaning will be individual to each reader and each reading will add depth.

I want to lie under a tree and study each page whilst listening to the suggested music.  I want to imagine ‘The Flying Orchestra’ in the trees around me – and I’m sure you will too!

…and the next time a baby is born I will play ‘Aria ‘Schafe konnen sicher weiden’ (‘Sheep May Safely Graze’) from Cantata (BWV 208) by Johann Sebastian Bach.

…when I see a child learning to ride a bike I will hum Waltz in D-flat major ‘Minute Waltz’ No.1 (op. 64) by Frederic Chopin in my mind

…and the next time my husband misses the train, I will tell him to listen to 5^th Movement ‘Chaconne’ from Partita in D minor for solo violin (BWV 1004) by Johann Sebastian Bach, instead of getting stressed.

…and all the other musical teamed scenarios will now have a song of reference!

Enjoy the soundtrack of life through this delightfully unusual book.

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.  Brook also offers editing services for beginning and emerging writers.

Littlefolk

Angie Who has released an album called ‘Littlefolk’, a parent/family friendly (kids) album. 

Angie says, ‘I think there’s definitely a market for music that parents can enjoy with their kids. I never saw myself doing kids’ music until we had one! I’ve become passionate about music being something that brings parents and children together, it’s a simple thing, but such a strong bonding tool! I also just want to help the mamas and papas who are new to parenting…

’

Angie released this album as an independent artist as she believes she’s sure who she is if she’s not singing or writing.  

Here’s a link to the album if you want to check it out: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/littlefolk/1063014335

Baby Band

Baby Band by Diane Jackson Hill, illustrated by Giuseppe Poli (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99  ISBN 9781925059779

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

When a new baby arrives in apartment 8A his crying annoys everyone on level 8. Then he discovers the joy of crashing together pots and pans. In their separate apartments each neighbour contributes their own sound to the baby’s pots-and-pans performance. The formerly reclusive neighbours finally fling open their doors and shimmy to the apartment block’s rooftop to play together in a makeshift band.

Poli’s delightful illustrations include musical quirks for the observant reader. (I particularly liked the treble clef in the street light’s frame, and the manuscript paper on the outside walls of the building.)

The endpapers give us the story in miniature — at the front we see the neighbours at a park, enjoying the day but not interacting with each other. At the end of the book the endpapers show the same park with the neighbours jamming together (including the noisy baby, pan in hand) and dancing.

Baby Band is great to read aloud.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. When she’s not writing or reviewing, she is kept busy as the managing editor at Alphabet Soup’s website. rebeccanewman.net.au

Digby and the Yodelayhee… Who?

Digby and the Yodelayhee… Who? by Renee Price, illustrated by Anil Tortop, Published by Create It Kids HB RRP $22.95

ISBN 9780992345754

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The fly pages one sees when opening this picture book are simply lovely peachy-pink colours covered with musical notes and sounds. This is appropriate really, for the story is about music, specifically that made by a number of children who play instruments such as sticks, double bass, drums and keyboard. But what most attracts Digby’s attention about the music being played is the extra loud sounds of yodelling.

Followed by his musical friends, Digby uses his noise-o-meter to track down and find the offending noise. When a door is opened, there is Maisie on stage with a microphone and huge amplifiers filling the room as she yodelayhees repeatedly. In a gloriously colourful scene, Digby and his mates, including Maisie, play their instruments and jive happily.

In the last act of this joyous story, the children hear another sound: ‘rumble gurg.’ They follow its source and finish up having more great fun.

This simple, engaging story is full of energy and fun. The illustrations are most attractive with colour which glows from the pages. A special bonus at the end of the book is a song written by the author in collaboration with her husband, Aaron Hipwell. A recording of the song can be downloaded via the QR code featured in the book.

The book is sure to be enjoyed by children aged 3 to 6 years.

Scarlett Starlet

Scarlett Starlet written and illustrated by Emma Quay (Harper Collins) HB RRP $24.99                                                

ISBN 9780733331589

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

A self confessed ‘dance mum’, Emma Quay has hit the spot with her delightful new picture book Scarlett Starlet.

Like many young children, Scarlett has a love of movement – ‘she high kicked to the kitchen’ and ‘danced into her clothes’ are just two of the simple, yet expressive images Quay conveys.

With her faithful dance partner Jazzy Jo-Jo, Scarlett entertains her parents with her toe tapping moves. Yet all dancers need a stage and Scarlett wonders what it would be like to dance on a real stage before an audience bigger than two. With her costume and dancing shoes, Scarlett is ready, clutching Jazzy Jo-Jo – but dogs weren’t allowed on stage and Scarlett must dance without her. But does she?

Quay fills the pages with images of a diversity of children, each warming up, waiting their turn to shine.

Finally it is Scarlett’s turn and we feel her apprehension as the spotlight beams on the small figure. Then the music starts and we know that Scarlett will feel the rhythm and her feet will know just what to do. Scarlett shone and at the end, the audience clapped – ‘the sound of their claps joined together and made applause.’ The other dancers shone, too with their parents glowing with pride, just like Scarlett’s.

Dominated by the bold colours of red and yellow, Quay captures the best of a dance recital, where all children shine through a combined love of dance and fun.

From a self confessed ‘non dance mum’, Quay made me smile throughout as both the text and illustrations belie the stereotypical dance recital!

Well suited to ages 3-5 years.

The Wilderness Fairies: Daisy’s Takes Charge

 The Wilderness Fairies: Daisy’s Takes Charge by Jodie Wells-Slowgrove, illustrated by Kerry Millard (Puffin Books) PB RRP $9.99 ISBN9780143307471

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Here is the third in the series set in an Australian wilderness forest that focuses on the adventures of Daisy, a finger-sized fairy who has recently earned her wings. 

In another gentle and charming story, the reader learns how Daisy helps her musically talented older sister, Maggie, get ready for a concert. Maggie is to go into a Songbird Duet with the magpie Melody, so Daisy, trying to surprise her, decides to embellish a beautiful black dress made by Aunt Acacia with corella feathers. Unfortunately, this proves to be a disaster – but aunt steps happily steps in to remedy the problem.

Just before a performance, Daisy’s friend Pea – a recurring fairy character in the series – introduces her to musicians including Boronia, Grebe, Lark and Ash who are all to perform as well. As events progress, Daisy is forced to use her wand to smooth events which threaten to spoil the rehearsal. Then, when Grevillia -- Boronia’s overzealous mother -- threatens to sabotage Maggie's duet with Melody the Magpie, Daisy has the chance to save the day and redeem herself.

Once again, the Australian bush setting brings a unique aspect to the story and the characters are real and lovable, and unlike many book series for children – they are memorable. 

For a reader aged 6 to 9 years, especially a girl, this book is a page-turner with lots of action and adventure. The whimsical ink sketches by one of Australia’s leading illustrators capture the delightful tone of the book. Highly recommended.

My Band

My Band by Elizabeth Lea, illustrated by Chantal Stewart (National Library of Australia)
HB RRP $17.99
ISBN 9780642278364
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is a musical book full of fun and movement that educates and informs. The focus is on the introduction of ten instruments that any child would learn if they were to join a band. Each instrument is introduced by the letter that it begins with set in large font on the outside of the lift-the-flap section. Underneath is the instrument with information on how to play it, what it is made of, how it is held, what the major pieces are called and the family it belongs to: woodwind, brass, percussion or string.

The pages are made of sturdy but light plasticised cardboard that will easily wipe clean. The illustrations are enchanting – light-hearted and joyful, surrounded by notes and filled with colour. After the ten instruments have been presented, it’s time for the whole band to play together.

At the back of the book there are eight craft activities to make: a guitar, French horn, castanets, tambourine, panpipes, violin, oboe, and a kazoo. The method is easy and most households would have the things that are needed for these projects. Below each activity is a picture of, and information on, each instrument in the project section.

All NLA books are specifically created with combined learning and entertainment in mind. They are produced with great insight and meticulous preparation and thought.

Where She Went

Where She Went by Gayle Forman (Random House)

PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-0-8575-3028-8

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Where She Went is a novel for teenagers and young adults. It’s a sequel to Forman’s If I Stay, which was about a high-achieving classical student Mia and her relationship with Adam, a jaded guitar player. After a turbulent accident rips Mia’s life apart, she leaves Adam to go to New York City.

Where She Went happens three years later and it’s from Adam’s point of view. He uses all his unresolved anger into writing songs for his band and they have blown up into one of the world’s biggest rock groups. Adam hogs the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and is a permanent fixture in the gossip magazines.

So Adam is in New York City, ready to embark on a massive world tour. He’s isolated from the other members who resent his overbearing rock god status. He feels trapped in the music industry bubble and is looking for a way out. He finds Mia instead. It starts out as an awkward catch up and turns into an enchanting night. Adam finally gets some answers but he’ll have to revisit his tormented past first.

Adam’s voice hooks you in straight away. Forman takes you knee-deep into the world of being in a rock group. Adam’s as insecure as any young adult thrown into the media machine. Adam’s self-deprecating humour shines but he’s utterly powerless against Mia. New York is a perfect backdrop for this story and you can make up your own soundtrack as you read. There’s a love of music that’s appreciated from both Adam and Mia that reaches out to the reader.

Where She Went is a haunting tale about meeting your ghost love and taking that second chance. Highly recommended for ages 15 and up.  

Rabbit's Year

Rabbit's Year by Melissa Keil, illustrated by Jedda Robaard (black dog books)
HB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74203-175-0
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Rabbit's Year is an absolutely gorgeous picture book that young children are bound to delight in. The story is simple and written with restraint. Nothing is overplayed in either the text or the illustrations.

Rabbit knows he would be a great friend. He is generous and kind and 'usually happy'. Rabbit is also shy and lonely and consoles himself by playing music. One day, when Rabbit loses himself in his tune, its strength reaches out to the other characters of the Chinese zodiac (who all play music together) and one-by-one they join him.

The first double-spread pulls at the heart strings. In the top left hand corner there are three words: Rabbit was sad. On the opposite page in the bottom right hand corner is the saddest rabbit you will ever see. White space is used to great effectiveness focusing the reader's eye on the absolute core of the story. The illustrations are gentle and comforting and Robaard is skilled in portraying the personality and emotions of each character.

Rabbit's Year has been released to coincide with Chinese New Year and the characteristics of each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac is expanded upon in a reference at the end of the story. This book would be a charming gift for any young 'rabbit' and one which highlights friendship and self-worth.