Moon Fish

Moon Fish by Harry Laing with various illustrators (Ford Street Publishing) RRP $16.95 PB ISBN 9781925804256

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

Moon Fish is the second book of poems for children written by comedic performer Harry Laing and illustrated by eighteen different artists, including well-known illustrators Shaun Tan, Leigh Hobbs and Mitch Vane. Named after one of the poems (illustrated by Lucia Masciullo), Moon Fish states its aim on the cover:  'Poems to make you laugh and think’. The variety of illustrations accentuate each poem's individuality with colour and style.

The poems are mostly quite silly, which should appeal to the readership of primary school children. And as I found, they are funnier when read aloud. It would work well as an audio book. Some of the poems rhyme, others are more of a rap style, while others use much of repetition. There’s an Australian theme, with poems about goannas, emus (or he-mus), magpies and even a Diprotodon. Some are about creepy crawlies like spiders, ants, termites and snails. There are also a couple about a ‘Yumbie’ and a ‘Grack’ whatever they are!

This is the sort of book where every reader can choose a favourite poem, as the different styles and illustrations make them all unique. The pictures add character and vibrance to the writing and the cut-out style of the title on the cover is also effective. The Swooper Mag poem (illustrated by Tony Flowers) – ‘I’m a mean mean bird, I’m a bad magpie’ was my personal highlight. Anyone who has been attacked by one of these birds in Springtime will appreciate it! 

Moon Fish is a book written to be appreciated by kids. Reminiscent of Spike Milligan’s silly verses (although less rhyming), it’s a bit of fun with some high quality pictures, ready to be read and enjoyed by ages six plus.

Achievements -- Janeen Brian

Australian children’s author and poet, Janeen Brian, is currently having a flush of writing success. Check out the following works recently published or accepted for publication:

The Wizard on his Bike, a poem, accepted by Bloomsbury Publishing, UK, for an anthology, ‘Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble: Magical Poems chosen by Paul Cookson.

‘The Dilemma of a Dachshund’, a poem, illustrated by Tohby Riddle and published by The School Magazine; Countdown, Feb. 2019.

‘Jack and the Pelican’, a story, illustrated by Greg Holdfeld and published by The School Magazine; Touchdown, Feb. 2019.

‘Looking’ and ‘I Met a Man’, poems, illustrated by Tania McCartney, accepted for NLA anthology: ‘Essential Australian Poems for Children,’ selected by Jackie French

Mia’s Beach Secrets, a junior fiction accepted by Penguin Random House Australia for their new series, My Aussie Home for 6-8-year olds.

www.janeenbrian.com

Limelight

Limelight by Solli Raphael (Puffin) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780143793762

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

At 12, Solli Raphael is the youngest winner of the Australian Poetry Slam held annually at the Sydney Opera House. A budding humanitarian, he aims to become an inspirational leader among his peers. Now, at 13 and with this book published, he is using the platforms of performing and writing to tackle social issues.

There are two parts to this book: the first introduces Raphael’s ideas about poetry, writing and performing and what slam poetry is; part two is a collection of his poems. Raphael says he was nine when he learnt his first technical style of poetry, the haiku (some of which are in the book). As a high schooler, he is home-schooled, learning about rapping and slam poetry through YouTube clips. Taking part in his first slam poetry competition at Coffs Harbour (competing against his mother), he won, followed by second place in a state final – by one-tenth of a point (a fact he is keen to point out). At the national finals he won. So here we have a clever and accomplished child who now performs in front of thousands – and tells readers how to write and perform poetry!

No doubt the sight of a small boy in the spotlight in front of thousands impresses audiences. The first poem of Raphael’s in this book, read at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, shows a strong sense of rhythm and internal rhyme, and a genuine connection with athletes. Part of this verse reads, ‘I’m here because of you, I’m here because of me, but together we are greater than/what we could ever individually be.’ Overall, ‘To Unite, Like Uniting is a Sport’ is appropriate for the occasion and no doubt impressed the Games’ athletes and spectators.

There are over 30 original poems here in different forms, with the book featuring the viral video sensation 'Australian Air', which has been viewed 3.5 million times via Facebook. Raphael's work often tackles current social concerns for his generation, such as sustainability and social equality, all the while amplifying his message of hope. Other poems have titles such as ‘The Candle Flame’, ‘Drips and Drops’ and ‘On the Rainbow.’ Most of the poems rhyme and some are mere verse with cliched lines like ‘Life is for living’, ‘spread your wings’ and ‘get with the times’. The poems which work best and show Raphael at his best are those with strong beats and regular rhythms.

It’s wonderful to read of a young person who takes messages around the world which are meant to inspire, but it’s difficult to decide if the poems in Limelight would have been published if they were by an adult poet, or indeed a teenager who didn’t have the spotlight on him. Doubtless many of the messages will excite young readers with words such as ‘The future needs you and me to create equality across all levels of humanity.’ Typical of his ‘rap’ poetry are these lines: ‘I am a gamechanger. / I am a gamechange, a change game, low age, no rage, onstage arranger.’ 

It will be interesting to follow the boy’s career path.

Magic Fish Dreaming

Magic Fish Dreaming written by June Perkins, illustrated by Helene Magisson (GumBootsPearlz Press) PB RRP $17.99   ISBN 978-0-980731-18-7

Reviewed by Elizabeth Vercoe

Magic Fish Dreaming is a beautiful book of poetry, inspired by the people, creatures and country of Far North Queensland. To travel to FNQ through this delightful book of poetry is, quite simply, a treat.

Perkins is a Papua New Guinean Australian writer with a PhD on the topic of Writing Empowerment. She and illustrator Magisson have captured and delivered a series of age-appropriate vignettes that traverse clever, captivating poetry alongside divine pictures.

From dancing in the storm to finding ‘giggle poems,’ from discovering a secret fishing spot to glimpsing the flicker of a gecko, the ideas in this book encourage children to take time, to create space, to cultivate patience, to watch, to wait… to dance…

                                                                                        

‘Storm Dancers’ –

She said, “I’ll dance with you,”

as the cloud’s violent sneezes caused

a flood in her garden.

He said, “I’ll dance with you

One of those anti-rain dances

But we can’t dance too long

‘cause we don’t want drought.”

The text and illustrations intermingle, to weave their magic not just through the core ideas of the poetry, but in and around the very pages themselves. With gorgeous and sometimes surprising messages delivered in a unique and unselfconscious manner, this is a book that emanates joy in every reading.

Instant gratification, armchair travel and lightning-fast images and sounds are a way of life in 2017. Rich, nourishing books like this one that bring conversation and evoke spirit of place, country and critter not just one time but over and over again, are on a different space-time continuum.

This book is recommended for children of all ages (even really old ones!).

One Minute till Bedtime

One Minute till Bedtime edited by Ken Nesbitt illustrated by Christoph Niemann’s (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) HB RRP US$14.99 AU $39.99
ISBN 9780316341219

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a 176 page substantial compilation of new poems for children by over 130 poets including Americans Jane Yolen, Jack Prelutsky, Jon Scieszka, Mary Ann Hoberman, and Lemony Snicket. It is compiled by former US Children’s Poet Laureate Nesbitt, himself a frequent contributor, and consists of “60-second” poems designed to send children ‘off to sleep.’
Presented with over 140 new poems by many of today’s most prominent children’s poets including Australians such as Edel Wignell, Meredith Costain, Janeen Brian and Mark Carthew, readers are treated to lyric nighttime reflections on topics as disparate as relationships with favorite pets or grandparents, beloved “toasty, warm jammies,” post-dinner activities, and reflections on the moon. There is also plenty of nonsense verse sure to inspire wild dreaming “on the road to morning.” These pithy poetic observations and New York Times illustrator and award-winning artist Christoph Niemann’s engaging and witty illustrations present a collection for the average child -- poems are mostly simple and entertaining rather than challenging or educational. The target market for readers is children aged 5 to 9 years.
Here are links to the book on IndieBound, B&N, and Amazon:   http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316341219   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-minute-till-bedtime-kenn-nesbitt/1123210580   https://www.amazon.com/One-Minute-till-Bedtime-60-Second/dp/0316341215/

To This Day: For the Bullied and the Beautiful

To This Day: For the Bullied and the Beautiful by Shane Koyczan, illustrated by 30 various artists (Walker books)

HC RRP $19.95

ISBN 9781925081510

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Through tears, I read this poem and examined the illustrations on bullying and its detrimental lifelong effects. Consumed by sadness, with a heart pounding and filled with sorrow for all the people, especially children, that have been victims or perpetrators of bullying, I tuned into the YouTube video of the spoken edition of To This Day. Over twelve million hits and growing, this poem in all its forms, continues to make an impact on people worldwide.

I watched it twice then went into Shane Koycznan’s site to uncover any other work. Words fail me. I have been inspired and profoundly affected alongside the countless others, by his courage and commitment to his fight against bullying.

Shane was bullied unmercifully as a child. These painful experiences gave birth to this book. A spoken word poet, he admits that ‘writing was a way to escape my real life, a way to cope with cruelty and indifference.’

Illustrated by 30 artists, this book is extraordinary and powerful in every sense. These words have been life-changing for many readers and listeners. Included are testaments from several of the contributing artists on their experiences with bullying. To This Day is seen as one of the most influential books on this heartbreaking issue that continues to plague so many people all over the world.  

Bulling facts from bullying.org and bullingstatistics.org

Requiem: Poems of the Terezin Ghetto

Requiem: Poems of the Terezin Ghetto by Paul B. Janeczko (Candlewick Press/Walker Books)
PB RRP $16.95
ISBN 9780763664657
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

‘I saw many of the poems in it as solemn songs to the memory of the people who died within the walls of Theresienstadt’.

This powerful and profoundly moving collection of 35 poems has been informed by the writer’s research. Based on historical events and facts, the poems concentrate on the Czech village of Terezin (or Theresienstadt), which was used by the Germans as a way station to house the Jews of Prague on their way to the gas chambers.

The poems cover amongst other subjects: last goodbyes, letters from lovers, suicides, words of love, partings, the unbearable act of sorting the collected bundles, and several that describe the feelings of guards towards their prisoners. Included to accent the poetry are 9 historical illustrations by the inmates, three of which are double spreads.

This book is a valuable documentation on the tragic lives of the people at Terezin concentration camp. Readers interested in the subject can also refer to the extensive online information about this time in history, the area and its people.

A bibliography is listed with website information, foreign words and phrases and other resource references.

Literary Lunch: Society of Women Writers

The next meeting of the Society of Women Writers NSW Inc will be held on Wednesday, September 11

Venue: Dixson Room, State Library of NSW, Macquarie St, Sydney

Workshop (10 am – 11.50) Presenter:  Rebecca Huntley on Writing Non-Fiction: Migrant Experiences in a New Land. (No Need to book - everyone is welcome).

Literary Lunch:   (12.30- 1pm)

Poetry Awards & Judge's comments:  Mark Tredinnick 

'Poetry Without Borders'  with Guest Poets Carmel Summers, Beverley George, members of the Society and guest poet from Canberra, Kathy Kitual, presenting a variety of poems to prove that 'poetry is for  everyone'.

Cost: $50 for members or $55 non-members. Workshop only:  $20 members or $30.00 non-members. Special  Lunch & Workshop price: $65/80.  NB Please note new price changes and earlier booking time.

Bookings required before 10am Thurs. 5th September:

PLEASE BOOK BY EMAIL 

Contact Name: SWW Lunch Booking

Email address: swwlunchbooking@gmail.com 

Mobile phone: Text message to 0403 177 208

Your text message should be addressed to swwlunchbooking or swwlunch and should contain: date, your name and number.  More information on website: www.womenwritersnsw.org  

Enquiries: Felicity Pulman: 9948 5914

Lucky

 Lucky by Roger McGough (Walker Books)

PB RRP $15.95

ISBN 9781847803214

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Welcome to another superb, lively and witty book of poetry. I avoid saying ‘for children’ because everything written for children is always enjoyed by older readers as well. Roger McGough is an observant and wondrous wordsmith. He writes for the stage and has been awarded an OBE and a CBE for services to poetry. He is the author of Dotty Inventions and the other superlative poetry collection, An Imaginary Menagerie who gives readings all over the globe.

It is books like these that bring words to life. Poetry becomes reborn through this entertaining form and enters the mind like a beat from a drum. Each poem is better than the one preceding it.

There are poems about hay fever, the stars, snails, a burp, granny’s canary. From this short list the reader can gauge how versatile and zany the subject matter is in this little book. There are forty-eight poems on ninety pages. The writer has also illustrated the book with pen and pencil.

‘Is sandpaper used for wrapping up sand?

If you lay down your arms, can you still lend a hand?

Is a sick bed a bed that is feeling unwell?

Is a crime wave a criminal’s wave of farewell?’

Then there’s The Book Borrower who borrows a book from a lender who knows it won’t be returned. ‘I’d give her a piece of my mind, but I’d never get it back’. Everything Touches is outstanding and meaningful; No Peas for the Wicked is clever and funny. The title poem Lucky is extraordinary in rhyming verse. The list goes on. If you want a good laugh, or to be amazed at what acrobatics words can do, pick up this book and fill your mind with impressions through poetry. It is a treasure to be treasured and a word lover’s ideal possession. It comes highly recommended.

Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns

Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns by Doug MacLeod, illustrated by Craig Smith (Working Title Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 978-1-921504-43-3
Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

This is a new full colour hardback release to celebrate the 26th anniversary of its first publication. Now, back by popular demand, a new generation can become acquainted by the sisters of Our Lady of Immense Proportions.

This book is a collection of funny, weird, warped, hilarious, mirthful, amusing, chuckle-worthy and even funny poetry.  Doug Macleod’s comic verse introduces us to Sister Madge Mappin and her fellow nuns. From Sister Bossy and her descent to warmer climes, to Sister Cristabel and the Cushion of Joy. ( I will never think of nuns in the same way.)

With the artwork of Craig Smith, detailed pen, ink and watercolour; the book is alive with colour. My favourite is the image of Sister Isobel in the pool with the ‘deadly fishes’.

A great picture book to read out loud. Suitable for the older reader, 7 and up. It will become a favourite for children that like ‘silly and naughty poetry’.

There was an Old Sailor

There was an Old Sailor by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Cassandra Allen (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781921720765

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Winner of the Crystal Kite Member Choice Award, Australia and New Zealand Division, SCBWI, 2011, There was an Old Sailor is a joyful tale written in verse of a gluttonous sailor. It begins and ends with laughter on the reader’s lips.

The feast began when ‘he swallowed a krill’. That it will make him ill didn’t seem to bother him so he ‘swallowed a jelly, that wriggled and wriggled and jiggled his belly’ to catch the krill. It seems his appetite was whetted for then he swallows in turn and in rhyming verse, a fish, then an unbroken chain of other fishes of sorts to catch the previous one. But he ‘had to kneel to swallow the seal’ and ‘it must have been dark when he swallowed the shark.’

His tummy is growing and growing and it appears that so is his hunger. It’s when he swallows ‘the whale to catch the seal’ that the biggest burp exits his cavernous tummy and he sets sail.

What joyful galloping rhyme and rhythm this book has with its accompanying, beautiful and subtle coloured illustrations. The fly pages show a swirling aqua sea with fish swimming. The title page has the Old Sailor looking out to sea through his hand-held telescope.  The front cover depicts the sailor and his rotund upper body, with a krill sitting on his rounded shoulder.  The back cover is a replica of the sea and fish depicted on the fly pages. The book is perfect for reading out loud; for listening to, and for the simple pleasure of reading by young and older aged readers

It was extremely satisfying to see the listing of the media used for the excellent illustrations – gouache and pencil, on the publication page. I have longed for this information to be included for interested readers/collectors of picture books since I wrote about the exhibition of children’s books at Birrarung Marr long ago.  Good for you Walker Books! May all the publishers of illustrated books follow in your footsteps.

The Language of Cat and Other Poems

The Language of Cat and Other Poems by Rachel Rooney, illustrations by Ellie Jenkins (Walker Books)

RRP $15.95

ISBN 9781847801678

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Every now and then I ask myself, ‘how did this outstanding book find me?’ The poetry comes from an English woman trained as a special needs teacher who currently works with children with Autistic Spectrum Condition. She also does workshops for West Sussex’s Gifted and Talented programme. In November 2011The Language of Cats was long listed for the Carnegie Medal. The book contains 54 poems and has illustrations in pen and ink.

 

This is a brilliant compilation of poems in changing poetical styles, from sonnets to rhyming verse and written for children of no specific age group through to readers of any age. They are sometimes edgy, are always inventive, and more than frequently moving and profound. They could be enigmas, riddles or mind-benders, but every single one is thought-provoking.

Moved, I felt the need to contact Rachel Rooney. She was generous enough to tell me a little about her work. When I asked her how she learned to use words in this way; what experiences in her life brought about this skill, she replied frankly.

‘I didn’t start writing until I was 40, although I loved writing as a child. Initially I wrote very light-hearted stuff for children’s anthologies but after some fairly heavy life events in my mid forties, I felt the urge to write more questioning, fibrous stuff. The collection The Language of the Cat combines some earlier work with the latter writings.

‘I think I don’t specifically write for children these days, I write “with the child in mind”. So I hope that the concerns I’m addressing are as relevant to adults as they are to older children; questions about identity, desire, independence, etc. And I try to use references that don’t alienate either audience. These days I only write if there’s something I want to say or work out in my own head. Therefore I’m a slow worker!

‘I think I made a conscious effort to try a variety of styles as a way of cutting my teeth and learning the craft, although I do lean towards form and patterns in my work. How did I learn this? I’m not sure, other than reading and looking closely at poets I admired, i.e., Carol Ann Duffy’s poems for older children.’

I want to know if her work with autistic children shaped her view of the world and her writing in any way.

‘There are a number of poems in the collection that are influenced by my teaching of autistic children such as Tornado and The Trouble Is to name a few. Also I tap into my mildly autistic nature when I write – focused, attention to detail, the feeling of being “other/outsider”.’  I then query the possibility of new work.

‘I have a picture book, A Patch of Black, coming out in September. It’s pretty much a poem about fear of the unknown and was inspired by the same earlier mentioned life events. I’d love to write a follow-up poetry collection. At the moment I’m too busy teaching. I’m hoping that will change fairly soon.’

For something impressive, different and unforgettable, read Rachel Rooney.

Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes

Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes: Poems for Children by Richie Cotton, illustrated by Rhonda Cotton (Billy’s Books)

PB RRP $19.95 inc. P and H

ISBN 9780646522302

Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes No 2: Picture Book Poems for Children by Richie Cotton, illustrated by Rhonda Cotton (Billy’s Books)

HB RRP $29.95 inc. P and H

ISBN 9780646541747

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

These two delightful books are evidence that creativity originates from many sources and through many daily life experiences. The first book was born through a father’s need to entertain his young child. He created rhymes, some nonsensical, all simple rhymes in varied lengths, about everyday situations and all kinds of animals. The second book is an extension of the first.

Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes incorporates pirates, rabbits, maths on a blackboard, garden fairies, jelly beans, and a whole range of exciting and naughty situations and animals. The natural world is alive throughout the book which entertains and educates.

In Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes No 2, the layout of the pages and the rhymes adhere to the style of the previous book with a change in subjects and characters. Also, this hard cover comes with a jacket identical to the cover of the book.

There are frogs and falling donuts, cactuses to cuddle and a truckie duckie amongst other cheeky, happy, characters. The rhymes again have a strong entertainment quality. They are funny, silly, and very appropriate for young children.

It is the illustrations that make these books special. They are outstanding, have the minute detail that children look for in their world of books, and the characters are portrayed in an expressive and colourful way. For an illustrator without any formal training, Rhonda Cotton has translated the text perfectly. The front and back covers are fully illustrated with all the characters that appear inside. The title pages are identical, showing Billy blowing blue bubbles all over the red title. Both back end pages have the naughty rabbits from the rhyme, Naughty Rabbits, driving away in a green ute leaving ‘see you next time’ behind them!

Mention must be made to the durable and excellent quality of the paper used in the books’ production. 

Note on the Door

Note on the Door and other poems about family life by Lorraine Marwood (Walker Books Australia)
PB RRP $15.95
ISBN 9781921720611
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Award-winning poet Lorraine Marwood's newest collection of poems is full of astute observations of the intricacies and eccentricities of family life. The poems are organised into sections titled: Family Notes, Holiday Notes, School Notes, Extended Family Notes, and Playtime Notes. All the ups and downs of growing up are represented by a poem - from being sick and stuck in bed to friendships to beach holidays and everything in between. There is something that everyone can relate to and the poems are accessible to all.

The title poem is a standout and one that will be read aloud in homes across Australia. The fate of the child's bedroom is one that many will relate to with the news that a "bedroom rotted away at 9.15 am this morning'. Another favourite of mine is Almost a Circus where the older sibling is so besotted by the baby brother that he is equated with a "crowd-stopping circus extravaganza".

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and highly recommend it.