Bone Gap

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9780571332755

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

The phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover’ need not apply to this one. I was drawn to this book as soon as I saw the cover, and I wasn’t disappointed. Cornfields, beehives and a dark horse … I couldn’t figure out how it all fit together, but I knew I wanted to find out.

This alluring novel is best described as magical realism – it is a little fairytale-like, at times, and starkly realistic at others. It targets readers aged 14–18, and raises themes of family, love and self-worth.

It is a highly original, unusual tale set in a town called ‘Bone Gap’, where ‘the bones of the world’ are ‘a little looser’ and where people can simply fall away and disappear. Finn O’Sullivan is a handsome teenage boy who the locals are fond of, despite declaring him nutty. They call him ‘Sidetrack’ and ‘Moonface’ because he won’t look people in the eye. Finn lives with his older brother, Sean, whom the town adores. 

When a young, beautiful girl called Roza appears in their barn, she charms the entire town with her beauty and playfulness. Then she is kidnapped and everybody is devastated. Finn was there but he can’t describe the kidnapper. Locals know that Bone Gap is full of magical ‘spaces one could slip into and hide’ … perhaps Roza simply disappeared as mysteriously as she arrived.

Finn is frustrated that nobody believes him – especially Sean, who was in love with her. When a magical horse appears in their barn one night, it leads Finn to Petey Willis, the beekeeper’s daughter, whom the townspeople taunt for her erratic appearance and behaviour. Finn and Petey fall in love, and she uncovers a remarkable truth about him. When Roza’s kidnapper turns up, Finn realises he himself needs to slip away from his world in order to find her.

Laura Ruby treats us to insights from Sean, Petey and Charlie Valentine (the town veteran), but the majority of the novel is told from Finn and Roza’s perspectives. She expertly overlaps the slow, mystical setting of Finn’s world with Roza’s frantic attempts to escape her captor. The effect creates a very gripping novel, making it a well-deserving winner of the 2016 ‘Michael L. Printz Award’.

Marvellous Me

Marvellous Me by Angela Boyle, illustrated by Carolyn Rose (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP A$14.95

ISBN 9781925117127

Reviewed by Rose Davies

Colourfully and imaginatively illustrated, with cute pen and watercolour double page spreads, this themed book is a very basic positive thinking book for young ones with the target 3-8 years old. Exploring the different facets of personality and what makes each of us different and uniquely lovable, the book encourages children to think positively. It doesn’t matter whether you are short or tall, whether you can count to 10, or how we are different, the important thing is to feel good inside and to love ourselves.

Angela Boyle is located in Sydney and works as a social worker. She is inspired to capture the power of the human spirit to change lives and overcome obstacles. Carolyn Boyle is an artist and musician and also describes herself as a dreamer, who enjoys the process of creativity and sharing creativity in its many forms, with others.

Rose Davies is an established non-fiction author of environment and nature books for adults. She also writes freelance for several publications, runs a consultancy business focussed on community nature and environment education. She has been writing reviews for a variety of publications for over 25 years. 

Koala Tails

Koala Tails by Lynton Allan (Sketch n' Tell Publishing)
PB RRP $18 plus postage
ISBN 9780646571287
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Koala Tails explores the the issues of self-acceptance and self-worth in a fun and non-didactic manner and would be useful in any home, pre-school or primary school to assist in the very important task of assisting children to develop a healthy self-esteem.

Grumbles the koala is a likeable character but believes he is ugly and that no one will want to play with him because he has no tail. In an effort to remedy this Grumbles heads off for the tail shop, 'an old gum tree covered in stringy pieces of bark'.

In a choose-your-own ending style, readers select a tail for Grumbles who then meets the owner of a similar tail. Grumbles soon discovers that he doesn't really desire the way of life the tails offer.

The stand-out feature of this book is Lynton Allan's illustrations. Full of the vivid colour of the Australian bush with striking blues, greens and oranges, and featuring the unique wildlife, the illustrations will be enjoyed by young and old.

Lynton Allan is a visual artist and storyteller who is available for presentations in schools and the community. He is available to paint on commission and original art, prints, and gift cards are for sale. For further information go to the Sketch n' Tell website.

Jake’s Concert Horror

Jake’s Concert Horror by Ken Spillman, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $10.95
ISBN 9-781-921-888-755
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Jake’s Concert Horror is a fast moving, fun and simple read for junior primary readers. At first, Jake thinks a school concert sounds like fun. They’re going to do the ‘The Little Mermaid’ and he waits quietly listening to who has what role when he hears his own name called out for the lead role, Prince Eric!

Jake imagined scampering across the stage in a monkey suit or clashing swords with his mate Jonah. But the lead role? Jake goes through a multitude of emotions before committing to do his best. A prince might be okay – as long as princesses are kept well clear. But Mrs Paul has other ideas. Jake is going to have to kiss a girl – in front of the whole school! Is his teacher really trying to ruin his life?

Jake embraces his role and with the help of his Nanna learns all his lines, facing his fears head on. During the play the crowd clap and cheer him and he finally realises – he’s good. He’s funny and they love him. Caught up in the moment, Jake hams it up and bravely and loudly kissing the Princess, bringing the house down with his performance.

Jake is an endearing and likeable character and his fearful experience is real and heartfelt. There’s a strong message about self-belief and having a go, all wonderful qualities that are fully embraced in this story. Ken Spillman’s writing is simple, eloquent and in touch with his choice of ‘junior primary’ language.

The talented Chris Nixon has drawn the illustrations in a unique black and white format that is delightful. They are realistic snapshots of each moment in this chapter book and you can see and feel all of Jake’s emotions: nervous, scared, uncertain, committed, brave and happy!

The illustrations will definitely resonate with junior primary readers and they compliment this story perfectly. This chapter book format will suit reluctant readers. The humorous illustrations throughout the book break up the text and add fun and quirkiness.

Jake’s Concert Horror is the fourth in a series and they have terrific, comprehensive teaching notes that are readily available on-line.

Neridah McMullin is the author of three books for children. Her latest book is an Indigenous folklore story called 'Kick it to Me'. It’s an ‘aussie rules’ story that’s being endorsed by the Australian Football League. Neridah loves family, footy, and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also just happens to love footy). 

Mozzie and Midgie

Mozzie and Midgie by Doug MacLeod, illustrated by Sandy Okalyi (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.95 

ISBN: 978 1 92150431 0

Reviewed by Jenny Mounfield

Mozzie and Midgie are a pair of spoonbills living with their family on an island off the Queensland coast. One day a vain parrot tells them they’re nothing special because they’re only black and white, not brightly coloured like him. “‘Let’s find a way of making ourselves beautiful,’ said Mozzie, who was three minutes older than Midgie and full of good ideas.” And so begins Mozzie and Midgie’s hilarious beautification project.

When I first encountered Okalyi’s blocky illustrations I confess to not being particularly fussed. However, seeing how much humour she has managed to infuse in these very simple pictures has convinced me of her incredible talent. I laughed out loud as Mozzie and Midgie made skirts from leaves and elaborate—and really quite lovely—crowns from soldier crabs. As the story progresses the pair’s creations get more and more outlandish, until finally they realise that they are perfectly special just as they are.

Humorous and succinct, MacLeod’s narrative is a seamless addition to Okalyi’s illustrations:

“‘Now we look beautiful,’ said Mozzie.     

‘No,’ said Midgie. ‘We look like spoonbills with butterflies coming out of our bottoms.’ “

Mozzie and Midgie is not only great fun, but it contains a wisdom that will impact on children and adults alike. Without hesitation I give this one five stars. Highly recommended!

Jenny Mounfield is the author of three novels for kids, her most recent title being: The Ice-cream Man (Ford St). She has been reviewing for Buzz Words since ’06 and also contributes to The Compulsive Reader: www.compulsivereader.com 

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.