A Duck is Watching Me: Strange and Unusual Phobias

A Duck is Watching Me: Strange and Unusual Phobias, commentary by Bernie Hobbs (National Library of Australia)

PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9780642278647

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Do you know what Anuptaphobia, Ablutophobia, Scopophobia or Nelophobia means? The NLA never ceases to surprise with its original and diverse range of publications. In this one the approach to phobias is highly entertaining and amusing. Some are repulsive, and others verge on the impossible or incredible. There is even a name given to a phobia for a duck that is watching someone.

Details taken from fantastic photographs and posters, in black and white and colour, present a visual for each subject. (Full images can be found in the NLA online catalogue) The subjects range from phobias connected to animals, activities, nature, objects people, places, and the unbelievable.

It is hard to allocate a readership for this unusual but fascinating book. The content will interest people of all ages especially children that love words or that want to impress others with unusual knowledge. It is a book to flick through or, a unique and collectable item for bibliophiles. The pictures paint a thousand words, and the commentary is priceless! It deserves a look and is definitely different and highly attractive.  Suitable for readers aged 12+ years.

In the Beech Forest

 In the Beech Forest by Gary Crew, illustrated by Den Scheer (Ford St)

HB RRP $29.95

ISBN 9781921665578

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

A boy retreats from the beasts and heroes, unconquered and other, from within his computer games to venture into the forest for the first time to experience a real adventure. The beech trees are as unfamiliar as the untrodden path: primeval and haunting. This journey through the unknown is a test of courage for the boy.

Although imaginings flood through him, heightened by the strange sounds, and the images of bones created by the fallen branches, his courage pushes him forth. He recalls his fear of the darkness, and the dread of his computer characters coming to life when he closes his eyes to sleep. But his mind calms his fears by rationalizing each sight and sound.

A vibration beneath him rises and reaches him like a living, breathing thing; the heartbeat of nature. He comes across what he sees as ‘basalt runes from the dawn of time’. He could be within one of his games were it not for the heartbeat. He touches the earth and acknowledges the surrounding massive stone formations and the history of life they hold.

He now has seen things more powerful than those in his games and he connects with the primal force of the forest. He has conquered his fears.

There will be many interpretations of this story. Only the writer knows the truth. But does it really matter? The preciseness and beauty of Gary Crew’s prose remains unquestionable. He has aptly chosen Den Scheer, three times winner of the Artist of the Year Award from 2009 onward, to interpret his work in black and white using graphite and woodcutting. That she began this work at sixteen years old is testament to her great gift which hasn’t yet reached its full potential.

Den’s preference for her art work is graphite. The bold, exciting illustrations are framed within what appears to be stone. It’s a dark, macabre interpretation, gothic in its images, but breathtaking in its detail and expression. In the Beech Forest is another collectable work of art.

Tobias Blow

Tobias Blow by Zachary Jane and Rosalie Street (UQP)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN:9780702238765
Review by Jo Burnell

Move over Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Watch out, Tooth Fairy. You have competition. Tobias Blow doesn’t wait for teeth to fall out. He is busy all year round. Every time a strong wind blows, Tobias is riding the currents and depositing treasures for children to find. Now there is a reason to search the garden for the best of surprises: Nature’s Gifts.

Zachary Jane and Rosalie Street have joined forces to create the best sort of magical friend. His trail of evidence is everywhere, waiting to be found outside your door. Not only is the tale of Tobias Blow believable, but his name is part of the essence of nature. Tobias is as the wind ‘Blows’.

Children will have a reason to wander outside in search of treasures, far from electronic entertainment. They will also have a reason to smile when storms are at their scariest. It means that Tobias is especially busy.

Rosalie Street masterfully depicts the colours of sunset and hope, contrasting these with dark shades for the most ferocious storms. Throughout, Tobias brings his cheeky grin to brighten the darkness.

Tobias Blow will be a forever treasure on my shelf. I hope his tale takes off around the world, because he deserves a place in every home.