Song in the city by Daniel Bernstrom. Illus. by Jenin Mohammed
HarperCollins, 2023. ISBN: 9780063011120.
Sunday morning in the city, and Emmelene is accompanying her Grandma Jean to church where there is a choir singing and trumpets blowing and hand-clapping to hear and join in with. But Grandma Jean is getting cross because Emmelene is lagging behind because she is listening to the music of the city - the tap-tappa-tap, the yip-yippa-yip, the pitter-patter-drip and all the other sounds that her ears hear but her eyes can't see.
And in church, when Grandma Jean's music makes little impression on Emmalene , Grandma gets even crankier and just doesn't understand what Emmelene can hear - although she does try. And then Emmalene shows her...
A long time ago, I read a poem about the sounds of night falling and it made such an impression on me, that now, mosquitoes willing, one of my favourite wind-down activities is to listen to the dark creep across our bushland home. I have to admit that I'm a bit like Grandma Jean and haven't heard the music of the city so maybe I should sit in the park in town and close my eyes... Certainly, it is something we can do with our kids on a nice day - take them outside, let them lie on the grass in the sun and just listen to the music of the outdoors. And if someone falls asleep, that's fine - either they needed the rest or the activity had the desired effect of putting them in the zone for a while.
But, while this is a great book to inspire an awareness of our surroundings and be mindful in the moment, on a more practical level it is also one for exploring the concept of onomatopoeia as the sounds of the vehicles and other things that Emmelene hears are illustrated in a way that makes you see them as well as hear them. Another opportunity to explore and experience our language.
In lyrical writing, Costa Award winning author Frances Hardinge takes us into a unique world where 'The Little Brothers', sentient spider like creatures, give people the ability to curse those they hate or who have caused them harm. Kellen is a teenager who can unravel those curses, and had helped Nettle and her brother who had been cursed into birds by their stepmother. However his ability is beginning to come apart as fabric around him unravels and he realises that he too has been cursed. When he and Nettle are approached by Gall the owner of a vicious Marsh Horse to investigate Salvation a group that is spiriting away cursers, they embark on a dangerous quest. It takes them into the mysterious Wild here terrifying creatures haunt the waters and the Moonlit Market.
Although lengthy, some 481 pages, it was easy to become totally immersed in the world that Hardinge describes in detail. She also explores layers of complexity in her themes. Are some actions bad enough to justify cursing? are the cursers evil? What happens to those whose curses are unravelled and how do they cope? What is the difference between feeling anger toward someone and hating them? Both Kellen and Nettle, in amongst their exciting adventures, must come to grips with the ways that cursing and unravelling have affected them.
With wonderful world building, unique characters, an unexpected villain and cruel creatures, Unraveller is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy complex fantasy. They may enjoy Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy by D.M. Cornish.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068720. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
This is paws down one of the best Anh Do books ever!
JJ and the Giant Panther written and illustrated by mega talented Anh Do is the second book in the Smarty Pup series. Be entertained again by the humour and adventure throughout; this time delving into what is takes to be brave.
JJ is a super talking, genius dog, after purple goop fell on him a while back. Now, even NASA has him on speed dial! He has super sensitive senses in sniffing and hearing; making him a great detective when playing hide and seek!
He lives with a young girl, Lily and her family, and he is her best companion. So, when Mr Hasting, the sports teacher, announces there is a going to be a school camp, Lily insists that JJ attend too. While on camp, all the children are grouped in threes to tackle each task aimed to develop and assess their bravery. Each group will be allocated points for completing the tasks successfully.
Lily and JJ are paired with Timmy, but both Lily and Timmy don’t feel they have good bravery skills that will assist them. How will they even complete each task, let alone get bonus points for finishing first?
JJ, with his genius skills, takes the lead in the group but becomes a petrified and hiccupping mess when he thinks he sees a giant panther. Can Lily, Timmy and JJ’s team complete each activity and survive the school camp, or will the giant panther prove too much for all of them?
This fabulous short fiction novel is extremely fast paced with a highly energetic and engaging storyline. Filled with quick wit, humour and adventure, this story will keep its audience captivated until the very end. The vibrant and amazing full colour paged illustrations throughout will grab the reader’s attention, along with the interspersed jokes scattered amongst the storyline.
Cheerful, colourful and creative, this series definitely won’t disappoint!
Themes Bravery, Humour, Adventure, Problem solving, Friendship.
Michelle O'Connell
You need to chill by Juno Dawson and Laura Hughes
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008488284.
When Bill can't be found at school one day, the imaginations of the other children run wild. Is he on holiday? Is he lost in the park? Has he been eaten by a shark?! It's up to Bill's sister to explain.
This is a fun-filled celebration of family diversity that is filled with love, acceptance and humour as the suggestions of Bill's whereabouts are contemplated and the only response is, 'Hun, you need to chill'. But finally the answer is disclosed and it's not what a lot of readers will expect, but knowing little kids, one they will accept. It opens up the opportunity for discussions about not only Bill's new circumstances but also family diversity in general and the children will soon realise that no two families are the same. Such growth in tolerance in the years I've been teaching, led by books like this which expose our young readers to new situations so they are ready for them when they encounter them.
Themes Brothers and sisters, LGBTQI people, Transgender, Personal identity.
Barbara Braxton
Wolfsong by T.J. Klune
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781035002146. (Age:Adult)
Green Creek in the Cascade Mountains is a small, out of the way sort of place and Ox (Oxnard) Matheson lives there with his mum, Maggie, who works in the local diner. His Dad, a violent drunk left when he was 12. Ox is big, says little and does not lie; his father called him “dumb as an Ox” and before he left, told him “You know you are not the smartest boy” and “You’re gonna get shit, for most of your life” p2. Local mechanic, Gordo gives Ox a job and helps the family out. Down a lane towards some woods is an empty house, sometimes there is a car outside briefly but one day a man comes to the diner and introduces himself as Mark, from the family who own the house. Ox likes him and asks if they can be friends, Mark says “It’s always the ones who are the quietest who have the most to say. And yes, I think we’ll be friends.”p18. It was not until Ox is sixteen that Mark and his family move into the house in the woods. Ox is met in the road by ten year old Joe, a whirlwind of a boy who instantly takes to Ox, climbing up to cling to him chattering constantly as they go to meet the family. There is Carter, about Ox’s age, and Kelly, a bit younger and their parents Elizabeth and Thomas Bennett. Mark is Thomas’ brother and the Bennetts become more and more a part of Ox and his mum’s lives as they absorb them into their pack. “It should have been obvious what they were, but then I wasn’t looking for the incredible buried in the ordinary” p64. The family are werewolves, part of a wider community of werewolves constantly alert to the dangers of those who hunt them and to power struggles within the community. Not only does Ox find an extended, loyal, caring family he falls in love with Joe in spite of the six year age difference. As the story develops over ten years, Ox gains in confidence and supported by the family and Gordo, who turns out to be a witch, (an important “tether”) he becomes a leader, fighting against the villain Richard. This is a brick of a book, well over 500 pages, difficult to sustain, given that it is character, rather than plot driven, and while the development of the relationships of most of the secondary characters was beautifully realised I didn’t find the love story very convincing. There is an animal attraction between Joe and Ox from the beginning and it never seems to develop past Joe’s sexual possessiveness and need to mate. What we get are explicit sex scenes which narrow the readership regardless of the gender of the participants. This is a shame because there is much to love in this paranormal fantasy; I liked the emphasis on loyalty, support, friendship and how Ox’s perceived deficits become strengths. The werewolf relationships are more attractive than vampires, quite sensual with their touching, smelling wrestling and pack bonds, a shame about the sex scenes.
When Grandma tells Lee she will soon be 'going home,' Lee is confused. Isn't Grandma already home But as Grandma's health gets worse and her death approaches, Lee learns what it means to 'walk Grandma home' to heaven, while also reflecting on his good memories and dealing with his grief alongside his extended family.
Written by a child psychologist and counsellor this is a touching and relatable story about a young boy's grief to help young children understand what it means to lose a loved one and how to process their own emotions of fear, grief, and joyful remembrance. It includes a page that explains the child's perspective to help parents and caregivers to process the child's emotions in a healthy and loving way and personalise the story to the child's own experience.
Sadly, this is a situation that many of our young ones face - just this week there was a request for suggestions for titles for a child who was angry that her grandfather was in a wheelchair and succumbing to dementia when her friends' grandparents weren't - and thus any books like this that can be added to our collections to help ease and explain the situation have to be welcome. And while each incidence is unique and can be overwhelming for the child involved, perhaps being able to read such stories and have their experience and emotions validated will help a little.
Welsh schoolboy, Jason, lives with his 19 year-old brother, Richie; recently orphaned, they are trying to survive on their own. Richie is valiantly trying to work to earn enough money to keep a roof over their heads, but he has made an unwise choice under duress, and this has put the boys under further pressure. Jason has a few good friends, but grieving is hard, and now he is really worried about the future. A plan to make some extra pounds from the local paper by catching a photograph of an elusive big wildcat wandering through the Welsh countryside sets Jason and his three friends on an adventurous trek. Avoiding local bullies, and a rampaging bull, the children discover true friendship as they battle cold, danger and their own fears, and demonstrate resourcefulness as they pursue the prize.
This is another heart-warming story from Lesley Parr, a writer who is not afraid to explore tough issues, but does so with gentleness and warmth. Set in the 1970s, it is during a time of industrial struggle that impacts local miners and cuts income, and all families must struggle with limited access to power and an uncertain future. Because of the Welsh setting, she also scatters Welsh language through the text. This will confuse some Aussie readers, but it is lovely to see the consonant-rich words, and also the rich vernacular words (eg lush = great/awesome). I used an online translator to assist on several occasions. If young readers aged 9-12, can get past this occasional use of Welsh, they will grow in appreciation of other cultures and language, other histories, and the painful struggle of hardship. The grief of the central character is revealed with understanding, and the reactions and support of his friends is occasionally uncomfortable. This is a ‘show-don’t-tell’ guide to how to support someone dealing with intense grief. This makes this a powerful story on many levels. The choices that Richie makes that get him into trouble are not given any glory – quite the opposite - crime doesn’t pay at all. The characters in this story are all delicately developed and I absolutely loved the huge Tam – the Rugby-loving, gentle giant with a faith-influenced view of conflict resolution, but who also struggles with how he should support Jason.
Themes Orphans, Financial hardship, Family, Friendship, Wales, UK – 1970s.
Carolyn Hull
Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning Stef Murphy
Bloomsbury, 2023. ISBN: 9781526627964.
What happens if you live in a world of blue -
ONLY BLUE ALLOWED, by Blue government demand Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned
- but your favourite colour is yellow?
What if your favourite toy is a little yellow rubber duck but you have to hide it even from your family? This is a story that not only champions diversity, difference and pride but encourages those who are different to have the courage to come forward and celebrate that. In a world that is hopefully disappearing rapidly - despite those in some US states clinging to the "old standards" by banning books and educators facing criminal charges for breaches - and conformity was the key, there were always those who preferred yellow in a world of blue whether that was colour, religion, political or gender identity, or any of the millions of other ways that humans differ. And it's been a theme in many children's books now for some time, but this one stands out for its simplicity in explaining the concept. Liking yellow in a world of mandated blue is something even the youngest readers can understand and they can start to think of things that they like that perhaps others don't, like Brussel sprouts and broccoli, then consider if that is necessarily something to be shunned for. A friend recently posted a message to social media about a daughter who "marches to the beat of her own drum" (whatever rhythm that might be) and my response was that it was wonderful that she now lives in a world that is willing to accept and embrace so many different tunes because while it might sound like a cacophony, it is actually the harmonious sound of humanity. So it doesn't matter how many times our little ones hear this vital message about being yourself, of celebrating difference, of having the courage to stand out, because now we are finally reaping the benefits. A guide is available.
Sixteen-year-old Clara Lucas' magic is wild. She longs to be accepted by the Council of Magicians as a healer. Her friend Xavier is already a wizard but she has been left behind because she cannot control her magic. When she accidentally causes poisonous flowers to bloom in her father's chest she knows that she must learn a complex healing spell to save him. Xavier is the only wizard who can help her, but on one condition, she must give him her magic when her father is cured.
The gorgeous cover will entice the reader to open the book and learn about the magic of flowers. Bakewell gradually reveals a gentle fantasy and a slow burning romance. The voice in Clara's head is one that readers may well recognise; it torments her with thoughts of failure, and the pair strive not only to find a cure for Clara's father but a potion that will help people with mental health issues and anxiety.
Although the conclusion seems a little rushed this unique look at anxiety combined with an engaging friend to lovers romance is sure to appeal. Readers who enjoyed this may also like books by Margaret Rogerson.
Lou has an important job . . . as the neighbourhood toilet for dogs on their walks, particularly as he is across the road from a doggy day care centre.. All day, every day, they come and sniff, and twirl and twist and lift and...
Useful as he may be, he gets the feeling that deep down inside, there might be more to him than that. He just doesn't seem to know exactly what yet. When disaster strikes, will Lou find out what he's made of and save the day?
Young readers will giggle their way through the start of this book as the recognise a very familiar scenario, but the astute ones will also be looking at the pictures and discovering a whole different scenario playing out in the background while Lou is musing about his lot in life.
This is one to encourage young readers to read the pictures as well as the words because in quality picture books they are integral adding to both the plot and the meaning. Like Lou, this story shows that there is more to each of us than first meets the eye, and that each of us has hidden qualities that others might not appreciate at first. Little ones who are usually the least empowered can have fun identifying just what it is that makes them unique and special, perhaps adding to a group collage that shares their particular talents. Who knows what future hero or champion might be lurking.
Themes Dogs.
Barbara Braxton
Duckling runs away by Margaret Wild and Vivienne To
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761065804.
Duckling is angry with her mother and declares she is running away and "never coming back. Never, ever." And off she goes - past the chickens, puppies, kittens, piglets, lambs and bunnies who are all playing games together and having fun. Even though they invite her to join them, she refuses saying that she is running away. But as she is running, day turns to dusk and not only is Duckling unsure of the dark but she can't remember why she ran away in the first place! She may not know where she is but she knows where she needs to be...
There are a handful of authors whose name on the cover of a book is a guarantee of a great story, and Margaret Wild is one of those. Together with Vivienne To, (the team who gave us The Sloth Who Came to Stay) she has created an engaging, familiar story that you can imagine evolved from a foot-stamping, tantrum-throwing toddler saying exactly the same thing. Not only has Wild captured such a common occurrence in the lives of our little ones and turned it into a story that resonates but doesn't threaten, To's soft illustrations add to the atmosphere, particularly as the sun starts to sink and we wonder what Duckling will do when night falls. There is as much atmosphere and drama in the illustrations as there is in Duckling's announcement!
While there is a subtle underlying theme of unconditional love between parent and child, this is a pure celebration of story reflecting real life that will endear our youngest readers to the printed word and strengthen those special bonds they have.
Themes Ducks, Mothers.
Barbara Braxton
The great Aussie Easter egg-and-spoon race by Sophie Sayle. Illus. by Daron Parton
After the Easter Bilby leaves eggs for the bush babies, they paint the eggs and then hurry off to participate in the Great Easter Race. Wombat, Kangaroo and Bandicoot collect colourful things from their environment to decorate their eggs, but Echidna is still asleep. Kookaburra doe his best to wake her up, reminding her about getting ready for the race. The three animals share their decorations with Echidna and they all rush to the beach to start the race. Running off Echidna drops her egg, but Kookaburra urges her to get up quickly and finish the race. Kangaroo hops back and opens her pouch for her to get in. Several leaps later they cross the finishing line, Echidna winning by a nose.
A gentle story of cooperation and working together, the Great Easter Race is more about the friends sharing, than eggs and chocolate, which makes a wonderful change from the books usually offered at Easter. .
The illustrations remind readers of the range of animals that are found in Australia, along with some flora they will recognise. The text alludes to games played in the past, egg and spoon race as well as the old tradition of decorating and painting your own Easter eggs. Classroom and homes may copy the hints given in the book to try it out for themselves.
Themes Australian animals, Easter, Bilby, Sharing, Cooperation.
Another book in the Little Wombat series, (Swim, Little Wombat swim!) by Charles Fuge Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise is a lovely story to read aloud for young children just before Easter. Little Wombat is having fun collecting Easter eggs when he spots somebody rushing past, someone with great big ears and long bouncy legs, a long nose and tail. He thinks that it is Rabbit in disguise. A pull on the tail and the nose of the little creature prove that they are not false – in fact it is Bilby who has been looking for Easter eggs too. Then Rabbit comes along, and the three little animals compare what they can do. Bilbies have long noses for sniffing things out, both Rabbit and Bilby have long legs for jumping high, but it is Little Wombat who is the best digger of all. The three friends decide to camp out for an Easter party and invite Koala along too, all enjoying singing and munching Easter eggs.
As well as being a very attractive book with bright colours and very engaging animals, youngsters will enjoy learning about the differences between Bilby, Rabbit and Little Wombat. They could find out about the Bilby being a symbol for Easter in Australia and may even find they are given a chocolate Easter Bilby instead of an Easter Rabbit. The value of friendship and sharing is also emphasised but not in a didactic way, as Bilby, who has a very large basket of eggs, puts some into her friends’ burrows as a surprise.
An engaging story, Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise is sure to become a favourite Easter story for families and in the classroom.
Themes Australian animals, Bilby, Rabbit, Wombat, Koala, Easter, Eggs, Sharing.
Pat Pledger
Peppa Pig : Peppa loves Easter
Ladybird, 2021. ISBN: 9780241476406. (Age:3-5)
These Peppa Pig picture books hit on all the themes most beloved by young ones: Christmas, birthdays, mermaids, dinosaurs and Easter! They are much longer than the Peppa Pig board book series so are perfectly suited to the upper age group of Peppa fans. In Peppa Loves Easter Miss Rabbit has planned an Easter Eggs-travaganza for all the playgroup children. The eggs-travagana isn't an egg hunt and it isn't a bonnet competition, but an activity trail. The children follow the signs to all the creative stations, including cupcake decorating and Easter card making. Finally they arrive at the end of the trail with a basket full of their creations. What's the surprise in the giant egg? It's Miss Rabbit of course!
This would make a perfect Easter gift for little Peppa enthusiasts, especially those who love all the fun and excitement of Easter. The glittery front cover and the colourful easter bonnets worn by the children will entice and engage again and again. The story cleverly takes the focus off chocolate and the often competitive egg hunt and will hopefully inspire some creative and collaborative Easter endeavours or traditions in the form of making bonnets and cards and decorating egg cups.
Themes Easter.
Nicole Nelson
The Easter rush by Alexandra Yap
Little Steps, 2021. ISBN: 9781922358257. (Age:3+) Recommended.
This delightful story will entertain younger children with its Easter theme and clever references to the now all too familiar use of technology. Easter Bunny is finding it very hard to cope with the stress of getting everything organised for his delivery of eggs all over the world on Easter Sunday. He has so much to do and cannot go out to play when his friends ask him. He has Post-it notes with reminders, a map on the wall with his route planned out and ready to be programmed into his GPS as well as lists of allergies he needs to check. Unfortunately, his technology breaks down and that leaves him feeling absolutely shattered. His three loyal friends, Henrique the Hare, Brooklyn the Badger and Marianna the Mole are worried about him and all pitch in to help. They work together to make sure Easter deliveries happen on time all over the world.
Valery Vell’s beautiful illustrations especially the expressions on the faces of the characters add to the endearing nature of this enjoyable story.
