A curious tale about friendship and personal space, about being together and being alone, about things you can’t avoid and things you do not understand, Klassen’s latest book will have readers of all ages thinking about the imperfections of life while laughing out loud at the absurdity of the three friends seemingly playing out a scene reminiscent of Waiting for Godot.
The trio: Turtle, Armadillo and Snake all have a space they like to occupy. Their spot is the best and they offer their spot to their friends to come and join them. Each sings the praises of their own spot. But Armadillo is uneasy about Turtles' spot and is happy to remain where he is. Turtle after a while, joins him. Just in time as a huge rock falls onto his spot.
Chapter two, The Fall sees them looking at the rock, this interloper. Turtle defends the rock that has fallen, giving a reason for it being there, offering its shade to the others.
Chapter three, The Future, sees them imagining what the future may be like. They conjure up plants and trees around the space and are happy with what the future my hold. But into this space coms a creature that they do not understand. As it goes they decide not to try to see into the future.
Chapter four, Sunset has two watching a sunset as the sun disappears beyond the horizon. Turtle is intrigued and calls out to see what they are doing, but he cannot hear the answer and so must come closer to see what is happening. By the time he reaches them the sun has gone.
The fifth chapter, No More Room, is where Turtle is cross that the other two are sleeping comfortably by the rock. He cannot hear them and keeps moving closer until another rock falls on the place where he has been. Laughter will light up any class that reads this book, soaking up the absurdity of the situation, the incidents which occur and the responses that each displays. Readers will laugh at the discussion of who has the best spot, their discussion stopped by a falling rock, and laugh again at the conversations between them: illogical, nonsensical and going nowhere. Parallels will be recalled and shared, situations discussed and life lessons drawn out amidst the laughter.
And did I mention the illustrations! Wow.
To see Jon Klassen reading his story go here. And another about his book in which he talks about the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on his work can be found here.
Themes Humour, Future, Friendship, Imagination, Hitchcock, Theatre of the Absurd.
The cute little wombat of Swim, Little Wombat, swim! and Little Wombat's Easter surprise returns in another adventure that is sure to delight his fans. Little Wombat and his friends Rabbit and Koala are playing explorers when he suggests that they go hunting for a bunyip by the creek. His friends laugh and tell him that there is no such thing as a bunyip. When he cannot find one he decides to make his own to fool his friends. He piles up mud and adds pinecones for tusks and reeds for whiskers, but when his friends scare him with a great roar, he goes headfirst into his mud monster. Then to their shock a giant crocodile appears, but Wombat saves the day.
Young children will enjoy the humour of Watch out, Little Wombat and will love finding out about the mythic bunyip and producing a description or drawings for themselves. The text flows along smoothly and the colourful illustrations are delightful. The friends are all very distinctive with cute, happy faces until they are scared by the crocodile and then their fear is really expressed on their faces and body language. I loved Little Wombat’s version of a bunyip and the happy conclusion of the three friends rushing back to Mrs Wombat will leave young children with a sense of security. Minute details of things like a butterfly, a ring tail possum and little lizards appear in the drawings and will be fun to follow.
The book introduces the Australian legend of the existence of bunyips who live in rivers and swamps and will be an enjoyable read aloud for young children.
Andrew, seriously injured after falling into a bear trap in the woods struggles towards a dark cabin, desperately seeking food and rest. It is there that he meets Jamie, another solitary survivor of the drastic Superflu pandemic that has wiped out the world as we know it. Most of the world’s population has died, with bodies abandoned in the open, and the last survivors reduced to looting and pillage to find food and other necessities.
The budding friendship between Andrew and Jamie is jeopardised by Andrew’s reluctance to share a shameful secret, and while trust gradually builds between the two of them, Jamie is aware that there is always something held back. This is the story of a tentative LGBTQI relationship, set within a dystopian world. In an author’s note, Erik J Brown tells of how he was tired of not seeing ‘queer representations in post-apocalyptic stories’. So this novel is it – a post-apocalyptic novel with a love story at its heart.
It is also an adventure story, where the two set out in hope of reaching a rescue destination providing aid from EU nations that have overcome the pandemic. There is danger all along the way, with ruthless marauding gangs that loot and kill. But there are also kind people that offer help; for while some descend to savagery, others aspire to a better way of being. Love and friendship offer hope.
The description of the developing relationship between Andrew and Jamie is as tender as the friendships and relationships in the LGBQTI+ romance Here’s to us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, but Brown’s novel places its characters in a whole other world in a dark future. The combination of romance and adventure makes it a bold new novel for young adult readers.
Themes Dystopia, LGBQTI+, Quest, Pandemic.
Helen Eddy
Young Precious: The collected adventures by Alexander McCall Smith
BC Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781780277417. (Age:9+) Highly recommended.
Anyone in the know, that is anyone who has read any of the international bestseller series from the late 1990's The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, on seeing another book written by Alexander McCall Smith, would snatch it up eagerly as I did. What is the expectation? Why warmth and humour of course, more clever little adventures in Africa and more of that wonderful Mma Ramotswe hopefully...
This beautiful hardbacked omnibus edition of Young Precious The Collected Adventures, first published in 2021, contains three stories: Precious and the monkeys, Precious and the mystery of Meercat Hall and Precious and the zebra necklace. Who is Precious? Why Mma Ramotswe when she was a child, the same age as you, asking so many questions and getting tangled up in so many adventures and escapades amongst the people and animals of Botswana. Precious is not only smart, observant and very alert, she is also very kind. She is a champion of the bullied and a rescuer of animals. She solves little problems and each of these books contains a separate problem in need of a solution.
Iain McIntosh's illustrations accompany the stories perfectly. Only red, black and white are used and the page designs are so varied that in themselves they make reading a pleasure. On turning each page the question might be - where will the illustration be... will it be a wrap around, above or below the text, whole page, tiny etc... Meercats, Hippopotamuses, lions, cobras, elephants and ostriches abound.
I did not know that Alexander McCall Smith had written books for children but I can now vouch for the fact that children love the stories included in Young Precious The Collected Adventures. There is something very warm and comforting about McCall Smith's narrative style and authorial voice and the lovely messages that shine through. And of course who does not want to hear stories from Africa (particularly Botswana) and who doesn't want to go on a safari one day!
If you have enjoyed Rudyard Kipling's How the elephant got his trunk, here is another delightful read from Africa. Look out also for McCall Smith's acclaimed School Ship Tobermory adventures (for middle years readers.)
Highly recommended.
Themes Africa, Detective work, Adventure.
Wendy Jeffrey
Treehouse tales by Andy Griffiths. Illus. by Terry Denton
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781760987275. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
Treehouse Tales, written by world renown creators Andy Griffiths and his partner in crime, Terry Denton, have been entertaining their audience for years. This new novel is crammed full with 13 fun filled, action packed short stories to keep you enthralled and entertained. Griffiths and Denton have again combined together with amazing wittiness and jest. This latest book is, without a shadow of a doubt, another side-splitting sensation. And if you are unfamiliar with their Treehouse series, then you are certainly missing out on some fun, laughter and mayhem! All are a must read for anyone that loves a good laugh!
Featuring the same goofy characters, Andy, Terry and Jill, Treehouse Tales contains 13 chapters, each comprising of a short story. Each one is hilariously funny and will keep the audience captivatedly reading and wanting more. Who could have thought that after 11 novels in the Treehouse series you could find anything funnier than those, but I think Treehouse Tales beats them all! Packing a quick punch with every chapter, there are indeed gigantic laughs to be had. From magic wands, to chairs on noses, toilet capers to piano fiascos, you never know what Terry and Andy are going to get up to next. What other adventures could Andy, Terry and Jill possibly have…. and more to the point, what else could possibly go wrong?
Australia’s famously funny author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton are both hilariously witty and compelling creators. They have again worked together to develop another fast paced and highly entertaining selection of material that always keeps the audience wanting more. The written format of the book is cleverly interwoven with cartoon style illustrations and gives the reader plenty to be captivated by. The layout of the book makes for an easy and extremely engaging read for all ages. If you love a good laugh, enjoy a little fun and shenanigans then this story is not to be missed!
Fans of the Harry Potter books and the Harry Potter films will be thrilled with this movie scrapbook that shows friends and foes as well as some characters that could fit into either category.
The Contents page gives an introduction, and then the three categories: Friends, Foes and Friend or foe? Fans will immediately recognise the friends, starting with Ron Weasley. There is a profile, some background on the real-life friendship of Harry and Ron and some photographs from scenes from the films. This format is repeated throughout the book. The Friends pages contain information about Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and many others, while the foes include Voldemort, Dolores Umbridge, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. Severus Snape and Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody are among the friend or foe group.
As well as the fascinating information and gorgeous photographs, readers will get a glimpse of how the characters developed over the series, with interesting little sections that make for great reading. In addition, there are stickers, posters, and postcards that fans and collectors will love.
Beautifully produced, this hard back book will be a boon for fans and a perfect gift for lovers of the Harry Potter books and films. It is a perfect companion to Harry Potter - Magical creatures: A Movie Scrapbook.
Award winning author and activist, Onjali Q. Rauf, has written an engaging and practical book about helping the younger generation tackle issues of concern. Growing up in today’s fast paced and digitalised world, young people are constantly bombarded with so much information that they often lose focus on what really counts in their own lives. This book explains, with honesty and humour, how they can go about making a difference and become a change maker when they feel something is unjust.
Hope on the Horizon begins with a very personal note to the reader about some issues discussed in the book which could cause concern and may need a trusted and understanding adult to be supportive as topics related to discrimination, injustice and prejudice are raised. Following this is the introduction, where the author asks the reader to answer some questions about themselves. Once this is completed, Onjali shares all kinds of information about herself which is enlightening and refreshing to read. Above all else, Onjali believes kindness is the most important of all things to be considered.
Throughout this non-fiction handbook are stories and suggestions from a variety of different places. Each of the ten chapters is based on one or more of the attributes of kindness: empathy, compassion, offering friendship and hope, and creating change. There are discussions, ideas presented and the opportunity for the reader to learn valuable skills in making a difference, however big or small. Included are graphic images throughout, text bubbles, highlighted words and sayings plus the chance for self-reflection. The final pages include an excellent reading and viewing list, a detailed glossary and links to resources and charities including Australian organisations, Kids Helpline and headspace.
This new release could be used as a valuable class discussion text when looking at life skills or well-being concerns.
A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery. Penguin, 2018. ISBN: 9780141373782. (Age:10+) Highly recommended.
The sixth mystery from the bestselling, award-winning author of Murder Most Unladylike is a must read for lovers of the series and the mystery genre.
When Hazel’s grandfather passes away, she and Daisy set sail for Hong Kong. When they arrive, Hazel is astonished to find that she has a new baby brother, and it seems as if she is now passed over as less important in the family. When Hazel is framed for a murder, the two girls must use all their ingenuity and intelligence to find out who is threatening Hazel’s family and who kidnapped Teddy her baby brother.
The setting of Hong Kong in the 1930’s makes this stand out from the others in the series. It is fascinating to see Hazel in her own milieu and to see the differences between her standing in her Hong Kong family and how she is treated in England. It is a shock for Daisy to find that she comes second in Hong Kong, and the fact that she an Honourable is not very important. Hazel comes into her own, with her knowledge of customs and people while Daisy must come to grips with the fact that Hazel’s father has two wives, and that family life is very different.
The book is very well written, and readers will be captivated not only with the descriptions of Hong Kong but with the notion of gangsters, private detectives, British parties, and a very sinister murder. This is an outstanding series and A spoonful of murder is a wonderful read.
Themes Murder, Hong Kong.
Pat Pledger
Take a breath by Sujean Rim
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761066597. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Through the image of a young bird attempting to fly, flapping its wings ferociously and not getting anywhere, Rim presents the reader with a scenario that all of us can identify with - that of life getting just too hard. The little bird flaps its wings in vain. It tries again, and again, saddened by the thought that it may never learn to fly. Readers will laugh out loud at the many attempts the bird takes to get into the sky. But a passing crow shows it how to get over its despondency, and it learns to fly with the other birds.
But first it must learn to breathe. Illustrations show the crow teaching the younger to breathe correctly and deeply, expelling all of its worries and fears. Once the little bird masters this skill, it is ready to take another shot at flying, and it does, getting better and better with each attempt.
The wonderful pencil and watercolour drawings create an image in the readers’ minds of a despondent bird, frustrated after many failed attempts to fly, scrunched on the ground. Anyone seeing the bird and its situation would recognise a moment in their own lives. But the intervention of someone probably older and wiser saves the day and the illustrations show clearly the way to breathe. Just as taking a breath could simply mean to take a little time out, so too it means breathing correctly, and in doing so, being able to do things that before seemed too difficult.
Carnegie Medal-winner Kevin Crossley-Holland and former Children's Laureate Chris Riddell have collaborated in a breathtaking retelling of the Arthurian legends, from Arthur’s early childhood, the sword in the stone, the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, the love of Sir Lancelot and Guinevere and Merlin in his house of glass. The contents page sets out eleven key chronological events commencing with Arthur’s childhood and continuing to last of the legends. It also contains portraits of the twelve knights of the Round Table, each with distinct features and having a shield with an emblem behind.
Crossley-Holland’s language is lyrical and beautifully descriptive: “Arthur! called the knight across the dark and shining water, “You will live, and live for ever. Our always king.” The pageantry, the castles, the magic, and the chivalry all come alive for the reader. The author’s retellings are not simple stories for young children and will appeal to an older audience. They could well become a valued part of an adult’s collection.
Each legend is complemented by Riddell’s wonderful illustrations. Many are stunning full page or double page drawings, all in vivid colours, giving the reader an insight into the characters in the stories as well as a background of the castles, clothing, and happenings. Other drawings form borders, some in full colour, others in black and white and the horses in particular stand out. Readers will want to flick through the pages repeatedly to look at particular illustrations, each time finding more details to marvel at: beautiful castles, blood and gore, a fierce Green Knight and a Fisher King in agony.
Arthur: The always king is a sumptuous production and a must for fans of the King Arthur legends. It is one that will be treasured by those who are lucky enough to own it and will be sought after in libraries for its outstanding retelling. Readers interested in Arthurian legends may enjoy The sword in the stone by T.H. White or the Merlin series by Mary Stewart.
Themes King Arthur, Legends, Folklore, Middle Ages.
Wow! I found myself chuckling aloud as I read Lionel eats all by himself. Every parent and grandparent who has watched toddlers learn how to wield a spoon and feed themselves will really relate to the very funny portrayal of Lionel learning how to eat his meal all by himself. He is not interested in having his father help him but of course Daddy’s praise, ‘Well done, Lionel’ as he eats his peas and ‘Good job, Lionel’ as he eats his pumpkin all spur him along to make a big effort with cake, banana, and pudding, leaving so many food remnants on his face that he can no longer be seen. With a huge roar of a burp, he gets the last bits of his food off his face and then says ‘Linel wan gedarn.’ And the readers and listeners will have fun working out what he is saying.
Lionel is an engaging little character. Eric Veille has drawn a very cute little lion, with amazing expressions, just with a few black lines. The text is short, done in bold black print on a bright yellow background and is very easy to read aloud and hold the interest of very young children.
Like Lionel poops, this board book will be a delightful addition to a family’s collection of books, and one that grandparents may love to give as a gift.
When war is declared between Germany and the Allies it creates a storm for everyone in England as new regulations and plans are introduced to protect the residents of London in the face of the threats of attack. For Noah, the difficulty of farewelling his father to serve and the likelihood of evacuation is compounded by the Government’s demand that his dog, Winn should be put down, along with the other pets in London. Time pressures means that there is little time to come up with a plan to save Winn, but Noah and his intelligent and wise friend Clem, desperately want to save their pets. Noah always has ideas, some of them good, that Clem seems able to iron out using her reasoning skills and intelligent responses. But this time, commandeering his father’s dilapidated river boat and finding a haven for the animals he has gathered along the way (including the local bully’s pet python, a donkey and some rescued kittens) comes with all sorts of dilemmas that even Clem with all her wisdom cannot solve. But persistence and team work give them a chance to attempt to save their ‘Noah’s ark’ of animals and leads them to discover that the bully, Col and his python, can help too.
This is a brilliant story of the courageous actions of young people in the face of the awfulness of the war’s impacts on a community. The friendship between Noah and Clem is powerful, but the promise that Noah made to his father to protect Winn drives the young boy to action. This story reminds me of Michael Morpurgo’s war stories written for children. It is mature in its thoughtful dealing with a difficult time in history, but child-focused in that it deals with the children’s love for their animals and their impetuosity to save them, and is written in a child-friendly style. There is a quest-like aspect to the journey along the Thames that is exciting and action-packed, and some decisions made are ill-conceived and potentially life-threatening. The courage and quick-thinking of Noah and Clem are woven into the 1939 historical period, and yet the story has a fresh contemporary feel that will appeal to young readers aged 10-14. I loved this story and it is worth promoting to young readers who will definitely recommend it to their friends.
Themes World War II, Evacuation, Animals, Friendship, Perseverance.
This is a dramatic story from a debut author that will appeal to teenage readers, particularly those that like gentle mystery and romance combined. Clarissa (also known as Reece) is in a world of pain. She is broken. The cause is a secret to the community in her new home town. Having left her old High School behind, where her pain is most potent, she has to resettle into a new school for her final school year. Her family is now living within the community where her Grandmother was well-known. She has had to leave everything (including her other best school friend, Nina, behind), but carries her struggles and pain with her. Sadly, the death of her Nan, a former renowned surgeon, adds to her pain and Reece is a shadow of her former self. The inheritance of some unusual gifts leads Reece into some strange historical territory, but it is the connection to the hunky Gideon, who pulls her from the ocean rather than leave her drowning in her own grief, that ultimately gives her an opportunity to see a way forward. The new friends that she makes help her to see a future that deals with the past and builds new connections.
For a first-time author, this is a well-crafted story dealing with teenage friendship and romance as well as a psychological journey into grief and the struggle of dealing with trauma. The secret carried by Reece remains suitably ‘hidden’ for a considerable part of the novel, which magnifies the psychological difficulties for the central character and leaves the reader wondering. It is good that she has a strong and loving family (her younger brother is a gay teen who is comfortable with his sexuality and accepted by his family, but is exploring his own romance journey). The romance aspect of the story will appeal to lovers of teen romance fiction, and there are a number of slightly steamy scenes but without extreme description. Beware though giving this to very young readers, it is targeted to readers at the end of their High School journey when exams, future decisions and romance complications may collide, sometimes uncomfortably. The difficulties of trauma and grief and the psychological impacts for a teenager would best be appreciated by readers aged 15+.
Lionel Poops, a small board book, could become a very welcome and humorous addition to a family’s collection of books, this one tackling the fun and games of training a toddler to use a potty to poop in. Lionel is a cheeky little lion with the most delightful grin on his face. He is having lots of fun bouncing on the trampoline ‘when all of a sudden he needs to poop.' Then begins the fun when he poops on some cows, some wild cats, some tennis balls, some polar bears, a bus, the Eiffel Tower, mountains, and the sun, all before he finally poops in his potty.
Toddlers will enjoy singing out the refrain, ‘No, Lionel, No’ as Lionel poops in the most inappropriate places and will love seeing the triumphant expression on his face as he finally uses his potty and takes a bow to the applause of ‘Well done, Lionel.’
The illustrations are very engaging, and Lionel is a delightful character, his actions full of mischief and enjoyment. The board book is sturdy and brightly coloured and will appeal to its toddler audience, while adults will enjoy the amusing depiction of toilet training.
A fun gift for the family, Lionel poops would also be very useful in childcare centres. Take a look inside the book here.
Themes Humour, Toilet training.
Pat Pledger
Where's Wally? Through History activity book by Martin Handford
Walker Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781529503159. (Age:7+)
Where’s Wally books are favourites with children and adults of all ages. Often the most sort after books in both school and public libraries for certain age groups, they both entertain and challenge readers to find that tiny hidden character. This latest activity book takes the readers through times in History including dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, and even a gold mine. Children have the opportunity to draw, memorise, sequence items, find out facts, use a word wheel, complete a word search, find flags and colourful characters, and even do a cross word puzzle. There is also a page of over 100 stickers. A welcome gift for a Where’s Wally fan.
