Pandamonia

Pandamonia by Chris Owen, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925163339

Reviewed by Teena Raffa-Mulligan

One grumpy panda sets off a frenzy of wild partying at the zoo in this fun-filled picture book that is sure to become a family favourite.

There’s a light-hearted playfulness in both text and illustrations that will bring lots of smiles to story time.

The constant reminder not to wake the panda during the zoo visit is a page-turner and there are sure to be some breathless ‘uh ohs’ from young listeners when the final line of this rollicking tale is revealed.

The book is spot on for its target market of children up to eight years of age.

Adults too can’t help but be charmed by the chaotic cavorting of a lively menagerie, as hopping hippos, giggling geckos and jabbering jabirus set off a domino effect that leads to pandemonium.

Owen, whose first book My Superhero was shortlisted for a Western Australian Premier’s Book Award in 2014, has an excellent sense of rhyme and rhythm and makes good use of alliteration.

When the crocodile snaps, the lion will roar!

The bison and buffalo bellow for more.

A frenzy of animals flocks to the floor

and that’s when you know there is trouble in store.

His text is beautifully complemented by Nixon’s distinctive illustrations with their strong focus on pattern and shape.

While younger readers will enjoy sharing Pandamonia with a parent, grandparent or carer, the book would also have a place in the early primary classroom and teacher notes are available from the publisher.   

Near, Far

Near, Far by Silvia Borando (Walker Books)

HC RRP $17.99

ISBN 9781406363180

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Released simultaneously with its companion book, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, this very attractive wordless book for the very young offers joy and fun from its bright orange front and back cover to everything in between.

A crocodile, bird, rabbit, mouse, hedgehog, and rhino are the characters that fill and empty the vibrant coloured pages. It is a different game this time. Parts of the animal are shown on the page and the reader must guess or work out, which animal the part belongs to. These characters can be related back or forward to the ones in the companion book.

Silvia Borando has designed and created these books with developing minds as the target audience.  Interactive and entertaining like its partner, eye-catching colours are again at play and both books promise to bring a smile to the faces of early learners in a simple and challenging educational experience.

Poppy Cat

Poppy Cat by Sara Acton (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-016-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Poppy is a playful cat, a copy-cat, and this is just perfect for her young owner. She and her little girl spend the day doing things together but sometimes Poppy can be a little mischievous.

I love Sara Acton's picture books and this one is no exception. The companionship between the girl and cat are brought out wonderfully in the simplicity of the story, the gorgeous illustrations and the way the words roll off the tongue. 'Poppy is a copy cat. She follows me wherever I go.'

This would make a lovely bedtime story with it’s gentle nature and lovely rhythm. Also with the way the story 'holds' the day - beginning with the girl and cat rising to dress and ending with a calm cuddle; the little girl’s pink spotted pyjama's making lovely bookends to the story.

Acton's illustrations are painted and messy, giving a sense of movement and fun, but with gentle colours, not hectic. She doesn't fill the page with colour, but let's her pictures wander to any part of the page. A cheeky feather in the corner of a page teasing Poppy, or the delightful picture of a small cat followed by little blue paw prints after an incident with paint. This is a picture book where words and pictures come together to create the story a child experiences.

I think young children will respond to this book immediately, with affection and the intimacy that comes from relating to, and living in, a story.

A beautiful book for toddlers and up.

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. 

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’s Underwater Adventure

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’s Underwater Adventure by May Gibbs (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-928-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

On a hot summer's day Snugglepot and Cuddlepie visit the beach for the first time. The sand is very hot under their feet and they seek shade in an empty shell, not knowing it is the home of Mr Hermit. Mr Hermit very kindly helps them to the water’s edge and from there Snugglepot and Cuddlepie embark on a wonderful underwater adventure were they befriend the Fish Folk and meet the beautiful Princess Obelia.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’s Underwater Adventure is another of the sweet, safe adventures of May Gibbs’ endearing gumnut babies. Here it is repackaged into picture book form, bringing this classic Australian story and its characters to the next generation.   

Mary’s Australia - How Mary MacKillop Changed Australia

Our Stories: Mary’s Australia - How Mary MacKillop Changed Australia by Pamela Freeman (Walker Books)

PB RRP $17.95

ISBN 9781922077905

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Our Stories, the wonderful series published through black dog books, presents the life of Mary Mackillop beginning from the time she was seven years old, until 1909 when she died. It is juxtaposed with the history of Melbourne’s settlement; its progression, growth through population expansion, social and economic change, and the effect of white settlement on the Indigenous people.

Learning about Mary’s life, her strength, determination and her unshakable faith, is inspiring. She worked very hard as a child to support her family when for years her father was unable to get work. As a young woman, all she wanted was to join the order of nuns in Penola, but took up the option to ‘bring education to the far-flung towns of the Australian bush.’ It would take years for her to fulfil her dream of becoming a nun.

Mary Mackillop became the founder and head of the order of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the first religious institute to be founded by an Australian.

This 32 page book rich in Australian history and culture, is a superb resource for educational and reference purposes. Its images from the SLV, the wonderful  presentation, illustrations in pen and ink, and colour fitted beautifully into the text, present an expansive history of our country from the goldfields to Federation and beyond. It includes a Glossary and Index of word definitions and references at the end.  

The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon

The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781406354331

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

David Almond’s work always carries strong, thought-provoking messages. Here, his delightful yet complex story of the lonely, shy child Paul carries mixed themes and a great deal of optimism and hope.

Young Paul’s world is dull. People at school think he’s strange. He lives in the basement flat of a high apartment building with his mum and dad. On a day when he can’t face school and is alone with his sadness, he decides to go the top of the building and touch the sky.

Leaving his apartment takes courage. But he meets Harry the Harrier, Mabel who is Molly, Clara, and Clarence her dog, and Molly’s brother, Benjamin who due to his shyness, spent many years with a paper bag over his head. The strangeness of these strangers makes Paul feel very comfortable. He embarks on an adventure with these curious, mixed-up people, to prove his strange theory that the moon is really a hole in the sky.

A profound exploration of happiness, and how beautiful it can be when you’re different, this story touches on human feelings and how others see you. It also explores fear that can be as debilitating as silence, finding courage to do what seems impossible, being brave, and learning that helping others also helps you.

The Lego Movie: The Official Movie Handbook

The Lego Movie: The Official Movie Handbook (Scholastic Inc)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-0-545-62462-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Emmet, a happy construction worker, lives and works in Bricksburg which is a well-constructed Lego city. It is a tidy and ordered place, with everything built according to the instructions. Then one day, something happens to challenge Emmet’s views.

Is it really so important to always follow the rules and stick solely to instructions? Or is it possible sometimes to branch out and construct with any Lego bricks lying around and use imagination?

Can Emmet help Wyldstyle and Batman defeat President Business and stop his evil plot to glue their world together? What will he tell Bad Cop, the meanest most ruthless policeman in all of Bricksburg when he asks Emmet: “How did you find the Piece of Resistance?!” And what is that strange red Lego piece anyway?

This fun movie handbook tells the story of the Lego Movie in full glossy colour. Formatted as a graphic novel and based on the screenplay by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller the book introduces many Lego characters, buildings and vehicles that kids will probably recognise from their own Lego boxes at home.

With 19 short chapters, large, clear text and wacky humour, this book is good for young fans of Lego and the movie. Suitable for beginning readers and older.

The Book of You: Jodie

The Book of You: Jodie by Randa Abdel-Fattah (Omnibus Books)

PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-010-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When clearing some boxes in the school library, three friends come across an old book, The Book of You. It seems to be a diary belonging to a girl Betsy Galt in 1878, but all the pages are blank. At least, they are at first.

Jodie is starting year six with her best friends Raina and Deyana and nothing much has changed. She is still being teased by Charlotte and her group, still getting called a giant and a nerd, and her parents are still separated. And things get worse when her Dad decides to propose to his girlfriend. Jodie will be gaining a step-sister Samantha and this does not sit well with either girl.

While Raina and Deyana are very supportive about most things, they don't seem too enthusiastic about Jodie's plans to make her dad and Carla split up. It is a perfect time for a little bit of magic to enter Jodie's life. Maybe the advice which magically appears on the blank pages of the mysterious diary can help Jodie make sense of her world.

The Book of You is a story which touches on plenty of the worries girls approaching their teens can struggle with. Relationships, loyalty issues, split families, fitting in, cyber-bullying, mixed messages and conflicting advice. These themes are explored within the story in an easy way making it entertaining and readable. The girls are likeable characters, with flaws and specialties like any twelve year old.

Jodie is the first book in a four-book series (they will each feature one of the girls) and the mystery of Betsy Galt, who she is and her history, will continue throughout. This series, with its strong characters, touches of intrigue and supernatural twist, will hold great appeal for girls between 10 and 14. 

Black Warrior

Black Warrior by Tiffiny Hall (HarperCollins)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9780732294557

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Author Tiffiny Hall believes that the greatest superpower you can ever possess is confidence and self belief. 

Inspired to write the Roxy Ran series because many of her taekwondo students experienced bullying, ‘Black Warrior’ is the third and final in the series, which is aimed at upper primary and early high school students. Author Hall writes with authority as she holds a black belt in Taekwondo.

Black Warrior follows on from ‘White Warrior’ and ‘Red Samurai’ and having read both books will help as background to the series final. We are thrown into the story from the beginning, learning that  Roxy Ran and her sister Elektra must live together without killing each other – literally, as Roxy is a ninja and Elektra has just come out as a samurai, a sworn enemy of the Ninja clan. Hero, the school bully is being bullied himself and we identify that the school is divided into Gate One and Gate Two students.  Roxy has some unanswered questions about her father whom she has not met and her mother refuses to discuss with her, other than branding him as ‘poison’.

Trouble is near as there is a fire and crater in front of the school, then unrest increases as many citizens of the town Lanternwood disappear. A tiger dragon with blazing eyes threatens Roxy, then her friend Cinnamon disappears. When she eventually returns, however, she has changed. The Ninja and Samurai need to unite in order to save the town, leading Roxy to finally meet her father, who is intent on revenge. Just when Roxy needs her powers most, they are lost and she is a mere mortal. In the exciting climax, Roxy must face her fears and find the power within herself and lift the curse over her father. Only then are her powers restored.

Finally, issues from the previous books are resolved – we find out why Hero is often referred to as a mummy’s boy and Jackson  opens up about the illness of his brother Morgan. The symbols of difference and discrimination, represented by Gate One and Gate Two are finally destroyed.

“There are no bullies or victims, no samurai versus ninja, no cool and uncool – just kids.” 

Crooked Leg Road

Crooked Leg Road by Jennifer Walsh (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74331-693-1

Reviewed by Ann Harth 

  

David has gone missing. After seeing strange men lurking around his house, his friends, Kitty, Andrea and Martin are certain he’s been kidnapped. They join forces to find answers but are puzzled when David’s family is strangely secretive. They are hiding something.

Kitty becomes friends with the new boy at school but Skender has a few things to hide as well. He and his family know more about David’s situation than they admit. With teamwork, ingenuity and courage, the three friends enlist the help of Skender and embark on a mission to find David and rescue him. What they discover is bigger and more dangerous than they had suspected and they become embroiled in a fight for justice as well as the safety of their friend. 

In Jennifer Walsh’s second fast-paced adventure with Kitty, David, Andrea and Martin, she highlights the importance of friendship, loyalty and trusting your instincts. She peppers the story with hints, foreshadowing and just enough to keep the gears greased as the reader works through the mystery along with the characters. 10-12 year olds will enjoy the ‘aha’ factor in this book as the ending, although unpredictable, fills in even the tiniest gaps and every piece of the puzzle neatly falls into place.

Balmain, an old Syndey suburb, is the setting of Crooked Leg Road and also the home of the author. Her intricate knowledge of the area lends realism to the story with its authentic sensory detail.

Jennifer Walsh knew she wanted to be a writer at the age of six. Between then and now, she has filled many exercise books, raised a family and had a career writing computer manuals. Crooked Leg Road is her third book for children and features the same four characters she wrote about in The Tunnels of Tarcoola (Allen and Unwin 2012). She is currently planning another book in this series.

Ann Harth is a published children's author and writing tutor at Australian College of Journalism. She loves to read and is committed to creating children's literature that inspires, entertains and triggers a tiny twist in the mind. Her latest middle-grade novel, The Art of Magic, was released in 2012. 

Yum Yum Yoshi

Yum Yum Yoshi (Little Mates) by Susannah McFarlane, illustrated by Lachlan Creagh (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $4.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-742-0
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Yoshi has many friends. He hangs out with Yolanda, Yuri, Yasmine and Yang. Of all these Yellow-bellied gliders it is Yoshi who loves food the most. He’ll eat anything from Yams to Yum Cha. One day, however, Yoshi wakes up feeling yicky. All his friends try to help suggesting many activities which may help him to feel better. Nothing seems to be helping. Then they remember his favourite food. Will that do the trick?

I have been enjoying this pocket-sized series of alphabet books. Featuring a great variety of Australian native animals these stories have such a great flavour of our bush, outback and other Aussie settings.
I love the tongue-twisting alliteration. And although this must be hard to construct for some of the curlier letters towards the end of the alphabet such as Y, the author does well.

‘And yummy yum cha whilst yachting?’ suggests Yasmine. 
‘Yum Yum!’ yells Yoshi.

With just one more to go, what does Z have in store for us?

The Captain Underpants Super-Silly Sticker Studio

The Captain Underpants Super-Silly Sticker Studio by Dav Pilkey (Klutz)
PB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-022-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Captain Underpants Super-Silly Sticker Studio is both a sticker book and an activity book. Packed with stickers that glow in the dark, stickers to colour in (with the textas provided with the book), funny gags and things to do, this book will keep kids entertained for hours. The glow in the dark stickers will be especially appealing for Dave Pilkey fans as the messages change when the lights are switched off.

As well as the recognisable illustrations, Pilkey’s brand of humour is evident in activities such as using charts to find silly names for your friends and creating characters by swapping heads and bodies. The characters are all from Captain Underpants books and kids will have great fun colouring, sticking and leaving glow in the dark messages in the bathroom.

For all fans of Dave Pilkey whatever the age.

CRUNCH The Small White Shark

CRUNCH The Small White Shark by Charlie Olsson, illustrated by Ryan Jones (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN – 9781921928635

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Though life for a small shark in a huge ocean may seem simple to us, it isn’t all too safe. This book uses facts to introduce Crunch, a very young great white shark, and show what a day in his life can be like. Varied vividly illustrated scenes show the environment, dangers and habits relevant to this species and a simple world map in one spread highlights where the species is found.

Each double page spread includes white text across the top to tell readers specifically about Crunch, as well as a ’Shark Bite’ – a yellow rectangle with a shark bite in the corner. The bites, packed with interesting information about the species, are sure to enthrall young readers. While these bites suit the targeted readership of 8-12 years perfectly the text in white will be easily understood by younger readers, giving the book wide appeal and great longevity.

The white text tells how Crunch lives his day, keeping out of reach of threatening creatures while himself snatching life from others so he can eat. Using humour to tell readers that sharks don’t learn by going to school, it then places perspective on the fact by showing how the ocean is the classroom. A bloody feeding frenzy where a hammerhead is chomped brings home this reality most powerfully.

There’s lots in both the information and illustrations that is sure to get kids thinking about many aspects of sea life and will, no doubt, encourage conversations, sharing of knowledge and perhaps even questions that may lead to further investigation. All in all this book works on many levels and is sure to be a hit, especially with young nature lovers.

The Big Book of Dinosaurs

The Big Book of Dinosaurs by Robert Irwin (Random House Australia Children’s)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781742750958
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

Young readers may have already devoured the many books in the Robert Irwin Dinosaur Hunter series where Robert and his best friend Riley time travel back to the age of the dinosaurs. To complement the fictitious story lines, dinosaur fans can find out even more about the most famous and obscure dinosaurs that roamed the earth in The Big Book of Dinosaurs.

Starting with its green, dinosaur-skin-textured cover through to its soft-focus pages with their earthy-frames, there’s interesting information to absorb and enjoy. The layout is impressive and the illustrations are so animated I can almost imagine the horned, armoured, frilled and parrot-beaked Albertaceratops strutting off the page and onto my desk. It’s a book waiting to be dipped into by young, inquisitive minds.

The reader is taken on a prehistoric adventure with Robert through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Robert counts down his 10 favourite dinosaurs with pictures, fact files and dino-paws containing snippets of intriguing info.

Robert gives out Dino Awards for those having the: most teeth, weirdest body, longest claws and most armour. There’s even an award for the best Hollywood dinosaur. He visits the world’s renowned fossil sites and museums of natural history. There’s a good section on the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.

Dino fans might also like to draw their own mighty creatures of the Mesozoic era like Robert has drawn with all their spines, armour, jagged teeth, scales and feathers. And if you’re still not sure of something, there’s a handy glossary for that last minute fact check.

Robert Irwin Dinosaur Hunter – The Big Book of Dinosaurs is a great addition to any young dinosaur fan’s collection. Recommended for 6 and up.

The Poppy

The Poppy by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing)

HB RRP $26.95

PB RRP $16.95

HB ISBN 9781925000313

PB ISBN 9781925000320

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

The Poppy is a war story close to home, but a war story largely untold. Poetic language wraps around this historical story, delivering a picture book that is full of importance and remembrance and tells of the soldiers who have given up their lives to protect people and places.

The Poppy is an ANZAC story. Andrew Plant tells of the desperate night counter-attack in the small French village of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918. On this night, Australian soldiers fought hard to protect the village and its people, stopping the enemy breaking through and pushing them back. It was one of Australia’s greatest victories, as soldiers succeeded in recapturing the village from the Germans. But it was also a victory, like many in war, which came with great loss. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers, mostly Australian, died holding the line, their blood shed across the fields.

Plant tells the story beautifully. He tells of the battle, but he also speaks of the unbreakable bond forged between Australia and France during the battle. Statues, crosses, woodcarvings of Australian plants and animals and many unnamed plaques of all the unknown soldiers, pepper the landscape and dot the hills. The children of the village know the stories. Australian and French flags fly side by side. These stories are painted throughout the pages; bright and vibrant illustrations lyrically depict the village resurrected after the war.

Plant’s language is accessible, simple in its retelling but poetic in its delivery. The visual imagery he creates with his words is impeccable, like the vision of the poppies and their petals that “turn the fields red where once they were stained with the blood of the fallen.”

The Poppy is a book of remembrance and togetherness; a book about the sacrifices that are made in war and the people that never forget these. It’s a book perfect for primary school readers and one that belongs in the history section of every library. With ANZAC Day fast approaching, this book will be an imperative read in schools across Australia.  

A Cyclone is Coming!

A Cyclone is Coming! by Darlene Oxenham (Fremantle Press)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 9-781-922-893-342
Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

The Waarda Series are wonderful little books. In Waarda, Nyungar is the word(s), for talking and sharing stories. Initiated by renowned Aboriginal artist and writer, Sally Morgan, the series is designed to support the literacy needs of Indigenous children in primary school by making books available to them written by Indigenous authors. Of course, at the same time, it will introduce non-Indigenous children to the richness of Indigenous storytelling.

Annie lives with her family in a small coastal town in Western Australia, called Useless Loop. Her aunt, uncles and grandparents all live next door and everyone in town knows everybody. Annie’s grandfather is in charge of bringing drinking water for everyone and when he returns with his truck, Annie visits him along with her dog, Patches. As Pop observes the sky and the sea he tells her a cyclone is coming. They’re not unusual at Useless Loop and everyone knows what to do. But Annie has never been through one before and she’s about to find out how to prepare for it.

Annie’s father explains the damage cyclones can cause, but reassures Annie that all will be okay if they prepare for it and think of it as an adventure. They tie their caravan to a scraper so that is doesn’t blow away. They also tape up the windows and gather up any loose items left lying around. Together, Annie and her family carefully prepare for what’s to come. Then there is nothing left to do but wait.

When the cyclone, finally hits Useless Loop, the family gathers in the kitchen, which is the safest place in their caravan home. The sky darkens and the rain gets stronger and louder. Although Annie is scared, her family help her stay calm. They eat, read and watch movies while the wind howls and the caravan sways. Patches and Annie eventually fall asleep – and when she wakes up - it’s all over. The wind and rain have stopped. Together with her family, they explore the damage caused by the cyclone. Back at school the next day, the children all recount the events of the great cyclone adventure.

I found this little book to be quite scary at times, and my young one wanted to know if this was really a true story. Yes! I told him. But was scary as it was, Annie’s people knew just how to get through it and there was some very practical and re-assuring advice in this story.

Beautifully told, I highly recommend ‘A Cyclone is Coming!’ The Waarda series are ideal first chapter books for new readers.

Elephant Jam

Elephant Jam by Sam Jasper (Palmer Higgs)

PB RRP $19.95

ISBN – 978-192502778-5

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Eleven-year-old twins Demi and Semmy, whose grandparents and great-grandmother live with them, miss their parents who have been travelling the world for the past year in search of the original beat. When the twins become haunted by a different yet familiar sound, as well as strange dreams, they have a mystery to solve.

Demi’s brother asks his school mates at the Con, who belong to a band named the Elephants, to help track down what the sound is. At the same time, Demi finds the new girl Pixie, who she’s been paired up with to practice a music duet, very annoying. Pixie believes “Everything is my business” and Demi doesn’t want her to know anything about the noise she hears, or her dreams.

As the mystery unfolds, readers are treated to many mini-lessons about music, instruments, artists, science, animals, gardening and food. Descriptions give readers a clear picture of each scene, including in-depth details about what is on the menu each meal. The cast of quirky characters all add their own flavor to the story. Grandma even chooses musical backdrops to accompany dinner!

The author has used omniscient viewpoint and, to ensure readers can follow what each character is thinking, placed their thoughts in italics. I think young readers may well enjoy this. They are also likely to take pleasure in the varied use of adverbs and adjectives which align with what they are learning in school, as well as the occasional puns that appear in the text.

Solving the mystery sees Demi and Semmy having to harness all their bravery. They are also fortunate to have a caring great-grandmother who helps them along the way, ensuring their safety. The story reaches a wonderful climax that sees all issues that arise along the way being solved, including Mum and Dad being drawn back home as they are lured by the original beat. I won’t tell you what that is, as that would spoil it for you, but they should have known that what they were searching for was at home all along!

See You at Harry’s

See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles (Walker Books)
PB RRP $ 16.95
ISBN 9781406346077
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Fern at twelve years old feels invisible to her family, especially since the arrival of her brother Charlie, three years ago. When Charlie dies after a fall whilst in Fern’s care, guilt and anguish swallow her up. How does one cope with grief when they are invisible and unable to get the comfort they need?

Fern’s brother Holden is bullied mercilessly on the bus and at school because of his sexual orientation. Sara her older sister, shields herself behind a bad attitude while searching for her place in life. Dad is filled with dreams and plans to expand the restaurant he inherited from his father, while mum has a room she escapes into to find her inner peace.

All these singularly interesting family members are drawn together by their grief. This grief gives birth to hope when they realize that life continues through the desolation of loss, and that love is the only answer.

Beautifully written and held together by fantastic characters, this novel places emphasis on the conflict and issues that confront most families, and their resolution. It simultaneously concentrates on what it is that holds a family unit together.

Often alternately humorous and tragic, this novel has much to say. But it’s what’s left unsaid that gives it a delicate and deeply moving touch.

Alice-Miranda 2014 Diary

Alice-Miranda 2014 Diary by Jacqueline Harvey (Random House Australia)
HB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9780857980526
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

Seeing this gloriously pink 2014 diary sent me searching for my own diary secreted away from prying eyes all those years ago. Mine wasn’t fancy; it was purely for personal, secret thoughts of my life as an eight-year-old. Fans of Alice-Miranda will delight in this hard-back, pink-spotted, gorgeously illustrated A5 diary. Perfect for a Christmas present or for a new start to the school year.

It has a week-by-week calendar for all the special occasions in the year including Australian holiday dates. It is filled with plenty of space for personal details, the reader’s family tree and favourite activities. There are quotes from the Alice-Miranda series, quizzes, drawing instructions and even an “Application for Enrolment” to fill in for Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. Young diary-keepers can also try their hand at the assortment of recipes, like “Nana Jones’s Marble Cake” and “Easy Spaghetti Bolognaise.”

This beautifully detailed, pink-ribbon-bookmarked diary is just waiting to have a name printed in ‘This Diary Belongs To …”