Subtitled Real facts about the ocean, this is a funny and inspiring combination of two stories: one giving the reader a host of facts about the ocean and a parallel story of piratical Brownbeard and his parrot, Alan.
With sweeping images of the ocean, children will love looking at the enormous swathe of detail presented to them to enjoy. Each page offers a new breathtaking panorama.
Beginning and ending with an marvellous illustration of Brownbeard’s ship, every page between will entertain and inform the readers.
They will follow Brownbeard across the oceans, calling in at many different environments. A story about ancient Mariners sets the scene with Brownbeard now in a dingy after having to walk the plank, is besieged by a giant Kraken, one of the stories of old. He meets whales and dugongs, then finds a ship taking a submersible to the deeper ocean. With stones hanging around its base to take the vehicle to the bottom of the sea, we turn the page to find an images of a modern submersible exploring the deeper ocean levels where animals that glow in the dark live, there being no natural light at these depths.
He meets a scientist, and a submarine, a polar bear perched precariously on what is left of an ice floe, he watches as a catch of fish is pulled of the sea, and sees an oil rig, before coming back to his ship. In between all the fun of his trip, pages are devoted to facts about the seas which young readers will enjoy reading and sharing.
I loved reading this entertaining picture book scanning the pages for facts and fun, laughing along with Brownbeard and Alan, and poring over pages such as the one showing an ancient map of the sea, or the pages showing the model submersible scanning the bottom of the ocean.
Themes The sea, Oceans, Submersibles, Submarines, Kraken, Fish, Pirates.
Mind games is a compelling mixture of Roberts’ signature themes of mystery and suspense, family love and trauma, romance and the paranormal. Thea is twelve years old when a young man brutally murders her parents. She and her young brother are taken in by Lucy their maternal grandmother, with whom Thea shares the gift of the sight. This helps Thea identify the killer and have him put behind bars for life. But the murderer, Ray Briggs, also feels a connection with Thea and as she becomes an adult and wants to move on, he is unwilling to let her go.
The book is divided into three parts. Part 1, Tragedy, concentrates on the trauma of the murder of Thea’s parents, and is heart-rending, and often brings tears. Part 2 Living describes Thea as an adult, her gifts as an online game builder and her devastation when a boyfriend at college ridicules her gift. Here she returns to her grandmother’s country where she accepted and loved and meets Ty, a talented musician who has come with his young son to tie up his grandmother’s estate. Part 3 The Gift finds Thea coming to terms with her gift and what she must do to live a happy and fulfilled life.
As always, Roberts’ writing is addictive. Although I found the first part of the book heart-rending, it was over long and I was eager to see Thea grow up and find her role in life. I enjoyed the romance and suspense in the later sections. It was difficult to put the book down as the tension about the connection between Thea and Briggs grew. Would Thea be able to combat his excursions into her mind? How would she be able to do this? Would Ty accept her and her gift? The combination of thriller, romance and paranormal was great, and the reader will get to know the characters, including the minor ones, very well and will want the best for them. Ty’s role as a single dad and all the joy and hard work were brilliantly described and Bunk the dog was a main protagonist too!
Fans of Roberts’ books will not be disappointed in Mind games and will be sure to pick up any more future books that she writes.
Themes Murder, Mystery, Romance, Paranormal.
Pat Pledger
Tokyo dreaming by Emiko Jean
Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781529049756. (Age:12+)
Izumi Tanaka is a princess - she's found a place where she belongs. She's in Japan, living in the Imperial Palace, has the perfect boyfriend (previously her bodyguard, see book 1), her mum has come from America and brought their dog too - so her mum and dad are reconnecting too! Life is basically perfect... until Izumi's dad proposes to her mum, which should be the best thing ever, but the council may not approve it. Her boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship, and the pressure to attend university in Tokyo is extreme. It looks like everything is falling apart, but Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to get life back on track.
Following on from the first book Tokyo Ever After, Tokyo Dreaming concludes Izumi Tanaka's coming of age story in a well written, evenly paced book. While the novel does tie up all loose ends in neat bows in an almost expected way, it's still a really lovely book that is very enjoyable. Some readers may wish that the author had chosen a different ending for the main character, but the majority of readers will find comfort in the safe way the book ends. To add variety to the book, there are a different formats used through it such as newspaper articles, text messages and the standard novel format, providing readers that slight shift while not being too jarring in the story. Perfect for fans of the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot or even the Loveboat, Taipei book by Abigail Hing Wen.
Themes YA, Romance, Tokyo, Coming of Age, Relationships, Expectations, Japan, America.
The 4th book starring DS Gemma Woodstock is a thrilling ride with many twists and turns and a very unexpected conclusion. Gemma has returned to Smithson with her family, baby Scarlett, her son Ben and partner Mac. When a young woman is involved in a car crash and her body stolen from the morgue, Gemma, although on parental leave, is intrigued by the case. Then a prominent citizen is murdered and Gemma becomes emmeshed in the intricacies of the clues and people surrounding the crime. She is devastated by secrets that involve her and danger stalks her and her family.
Gemma is a brusque and determined woman who confidently uses her intelligence to follow up leads. Family dynamics play a key role in Body of lies. I liked the fact that Gemma was operating as a detective and mother simultaneously. It was fascinating to picture her with little Scarlett strapped to her body, going about the business of interviewing witnesses and pursuing clues, determined to uncover the identity of the woman stolen from the morgue and the person who caused her death. Clues stack up and Gemma is left bewildered about secrets that unfold, leaving her wondering who she can trust. The denouement is mind shattering and almost unbelievable, although on reflection there are pointers throughout the book for astute readers.
I had read the first in the series, The dark lake, in 2018, and found that I easily picked up Body of lies as a near stand-alone, but readers who have followed all the books in the series would better follow the motivations of the characters. I will read up more books by Sarah Bailey, and readers may enjoy books by Simon Rowell, Chris Hammer and Christian White.
Themes Murder, Missing persons, Family relations, Detectives.
Pat Pledger
The secret doorway by Catherine Sheridan. Illus. by Andrew Mcintosh
Little Steps, 2023. ISBN: 9781922833297. (Age:7-10)
The Secret Doorway, the first book in the Four Go On An Adventure series is reminiscent of Enid Blyton books read long ago. Sister and brother, nine year old Anna and eleven year old Peter, have travelled with their parents from Australia to Ireland for a holiday. Before they leave Anna has a vivid dream of places unknown, danger and an old key.
After settling in, Anna begins to experience unusual happenings which she and Peter respond to as they both know Anna has special gifts. After making friends with local siblings, Liam and Cara, the four children find lots in common and enjoy camping in the back garden of the holiday house which backs onto a forest. After watching a mysterious fog roll in over a couple of nights and witnessing strange lights, the naturally curious group decide to investigate and with Anna’s old key, unlock a secret doorway that leads to a magical world full of crystals, mysteries and storybook folk including leprechauns, fairies and pixies. But there is trouble brewing and what danger will the children face as they try to help the folk in the enchanted forest?
The four children are certainly the heroes of this story. Each have their own unique personality and strengths to share when needed. The parents have a very minor role to play in the book and trust that the children will do the right thing at all times. All of the children are self-sufficient, reliable and responsible, and have impeccable manners! A wholesome story that will appeal to children looking for a gentle escape into a fantasy world all their own.
For those readers fascinated by electricity and renewable energy, this new release which is a companion to How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet, will provide extremely valuable information. The book begins with a contents page and an excellent introduction that explains electricity, its uses, the problems with using it, how WE can change the negatives into positives, as well as introducing Imagineering 101 which is a combination imagination and engineer. There is a very handy page on how to use the book broken down into the following stages with individual graphic symbols to be easily identified; Switch on, Snapshot, Blink Forward, Get Active, Lightning Quoz, Level Up with Flash Facts included.
The journey for the reader begins with meeting superhero engineer, Captain Kilowatt in the Imagineering Academy. They will tell the journey in first person and fill the readers head with so much important information to ponder over, investigate and maybe act upon. There are questions, quizzes and opportunities to scan QR codes to consolidate knowledge.
This engaging and often humorous book is highly accessible for all middle grade readers with clear headings and significant white space surrounding the text. The graphic-style images and diagrams add to the visual appeal and reinforce understanding of the information presented.
I picked this up because it was an Aurealis Award Nominee for Young Adult Novel (2023) and quickly became hooked on the story of 17 year-old Declan, a young man who desperately wants to learn magic even though he has been tested as LAME, a person without magical powers. Destined to work a menial job, he instead applies to King’s College to be trained as a wizard, and is devastated when he is rejected. He is taunted by the school bully but his friend Ace stands by him. Then everything changes. His parents and other witches and wizards are encased in iron by the black coats, who pursue him. It seems that he does have magic powers, but they are too powerful to be contained. Narrowly escaping capture, he is rescued by a young woman, Ava, who carries a satchel holding magical objects. Danger faces him as he meets members of Kings College and tries to learn to control his magic.
The Non-Magical Declan Moore is an interesting combination of fast paced action with young adult main characters in the first part of the book, a slower paced section when Declan becomes depressive and introspective, and then an action packed conclusion. The plot as the black shirts try to grab Declan is very exciting, and it held my attention completely. Knowing that action will follow Declan even when he is in the depths of despair about not being able to use his powers, I pushed through this slower section quickly and was rewarded with a thrilling conclusion with engrossing twists and turns. I became involved in the magic that could turn witches and wizards into stone statues and the threat that magic might have on the country. I also related to Declan's attempts to gain magic and although I would have liked to have seen more of Ace his best friend, and Ava the owner of a magical bag, I hope to meet them in the second of the series, A warlock in a cursed kingdom, which carries on the story.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Coming of age, Witches and wizards.
Pat Pledger
Snow White's escape by Zhao Lihong. Illus. by Claudia Navarro
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833242. (Age:5-8)
Author of Snow White’s Escape, Zhao Lihong, is a famous writer in China who has published more than 80 publications, many of which have been translated into different languages and published abroad. This simple and accessible tale about kindness is tells of a young boy called Liang who stays with his Grandmother during the summer holidays. Liang is often teased about his flapping ears and is called bunny goat by other children. While he does not like the name calling, he does love the three goats at his grandmother’s farm.
One day a circus comes to town and the children all attend. Snow White, a male goat, has been trained to walk along a tightrope. Sadly, at this performance Snow White falls and injures his leg. During the night, Snow White escapes to Grandmother’s farm and is placed with the other goats. Liang does not want Snow White to go back to the circus as he knows it is dangerous for him to perform that trick again. Grandmother talks to the owner of the circus and it all works out happily in the end.
The delightful graphic-style illustrations in tones of red, black, white and grey perfectly complement the written text. There are teaching notes available.
Constanta is saved from the brink of death by a stranger, and is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride for a undying king, Dracula. Her life changes drastically, most of all, it is not her own. Their lives are long and relatively uncomplicated for many years, but when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat into their lives, Constanta begins to realise there is more to their long years than she thought. When he draws another in, this time a starving artist, she realises that her beloved is capable of terrible things. Now, finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets...
Definitely not for the younger readers, this retelling of Dracula outlines an obsessive spouse, filled with desire that cannot be contained. The book comes with a content warning at the beginning, outlining that it has many dark places and there are too many to list here, suffice to say it is not for readers under 18. This is particularly so for the frequent sex scenes. While the book is well paced, it is not an overly compelling book - it is simple in its writing and has no sense of urgency or enthrallment. While there is much action and many things happen, it did not feel as though there was any real movement in the book. Having not read Dracula, I cannot compare it with the original, perhaps it was meant to mimic this.
When Billy is feeling sad, all he wants to do is talk to someone. But his best friend, Hippo thinks he knows what Billy wants, beginning a journey of doing things that perhaps make him smile but in the end do not get to the core of the problem. He initially suggests that they dress up, Hippo donning a rooster costume and Billy a dragon one. Billy feels a little less sad, but Hippo says he still looks sad, so tries something else. This time they go dancing in the falling blossoms, and yes Billy feels less sad, but trying again to tell Hippo what he really wants, he is cut off. Hippo takes Billy on a pirate ship for an adventure. That does not cheer him up, so Hippo takes him on a flying carpet. When this does not work he tries to throw a party, but Billy is nowhere to be seen.
Hippo finds him and when Billy says that he does not want a party or a dinosaur or a magic carpet or to dance in the blossom, he just wants someone to talk to. So Hippo goes off and collects his fluffy quilt, makes two hot chocolates with extra marshmallow and sits on the couch with Billy.
Billy talks and talks and Hippo listens. He tells him about how he feels, like autumn leaves about to fall or careering over a waterfall, his stomach feeling like midnight. When he finishes talking he feels a little better, his sadness like a distant echo. And the hug that Hippo gives him is the best antidote after all the talking.
Hippo promises to always listen and be there for his friend.
An easily absorbed tale about feeling sad will touch many kids’ hearts as they recall times they have felt sad and simply needed a friendly hug and someone to listen. A gentle, comforting read about sadness will appeal to readers as they identify with Billy and his feelings, and also feel sympathy for Hippo as he tries to comfort Billy, but missing the mark until Billy tells him to listen.
The beautifully understated watercolour and pencil drawings capture Billy’s time on the couch, just wanting someone to listen. I loved the title page with the range of toys, and the hippo in the middle, waiting to be of use, with the other toys being part of the solutions offered by Hippo.
Author/illustrator Gabriel Evans from Western Australia, has been published internationally. Blue Flower by Sonya Hartnett, was his first picture book with Penguin Random House, and was shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year in 2022. His second, A Friend for George, was published in 2023, and Listen, Hippo! released in 2024.
More about Gabriel and his work can be found here.
Joaquin Camp's colourful marker illustrations are youthful, simple and all kinds of wonderful. Three robbers, beautifully depicted without mouths and thereby allowing amazing expression through eyes and body posture, are off to rob a bank. Thief 1, Thief 2 and Thief 3 begin to dig and the reader is treated to lots of below-ground glimpses into their tunnel work. The illustration of their planned tunnel and the cross-section of the bank building showing the sleeping guard and the piles of money in the safe is particularly pleasing.
There is some lovely humour within the individual character traits of the three thieves, as well as in where their digging takes them. For something so simple as digging they manage to get it all very wrong. They end up in the middle of a wrestling match, on stage with an orchestra and in China. They even dig all the way through the sea and come up on a boat, which children will love for its absurdity. The reader is also privy to what they don't see in the dirt close to their tunnels: dinosaur bones and a mole family burrow. In the end they have all had quite enough of digging and Thief 3 says 'What if the treasure doesn't exist? What if it's a metaphor and it's actually in our hearts instead?'. The reader is again privy to what the thieves can't see - they are super close to the bank. But the thieves are done and they're off home to enjoy time with all their friends they found along the way. There is oodles of visual information here to support the text and to add extra layers of meaning. It is also a shining example of how simple illustrative techniques can convery great emotion and movement. The text is also short and snappy, giving it a crisp wittiness.
Themes Humorous stories, Friendship.
Nicole Nelson
Mia Megastar by Ada Nicodemou with Meredith Costain. Illus. by Serena Geddes
Mia Megastar written by Ada Nicodemou, a well-known Australian actor, is based loosely on her own childhood memories and her dreams of becoming a star. In this first book of a new series for primary-school aged readers, it is perfectly obvious right from the beginning that eleven year old Mia loves performing. She has a natural talent and is forever sharing her acting performances with her large extended Greek family.
Living above a shop filled with yummy Greek pastries as well as the more mundane everyday items, Mia exudes joy and passion for life. She is always on the go with best friends Ted and Brina, and after seeing a live theatre production Mia decides that they will create a drama club. With a little support from Mr J, the school drama teacher, Mia along with Ted and Brina audition students and form the Summerdale Stage Stars. While trying to work out what play to write, they settle eventually on improv theatre where a scenario is given and the actors improvise on the spot.
Throughout this story there are numerous illustrations and doodles as well as highlighted key words for emphasis. The strong characters are relatable and each bring their own special quality to the story. The introduction and discussion of Greek language, food and traditions is a wonderful way to expose readers to another culture. At the end of the book is a Q & A with Ada Nicodemou which is both enlightening and worth sharing with children.
Book 2 is out in June 2024 and Book 3 in October 2024.
Electric Monkey, 2024. ISBN: 9780008507268. (Age:15+) Recommended.
I am a fan of crime and mystery stories and I was very happy when I saw a new thriller by Holly Jackson especially as I had really enjoyed A good girl's guide to murder.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is about 18-year-old Bel, whose mother had disappeared sixteen years before. Bel had been left alone in the back seat of her mother’s car, the only witness to the unsolved disappearance. When the Price family agree to a documentary about the disappearance, the past is dragged up and then Rachel Price reappears with a story that Bel finds hard to believe. What had happened to her? Where had she been and who abducted her?
The novel is unusual because it focuses on what it would be like for Rachel to re-emerge from captivity and how difficult it would be to make connections again with a daughter and husband not seen for sixteen years. Bel also finds it very difficult to relate to a mother who calls her Anna and who is a stranger to her. When small details don’t ring true, she begins to investigate as the film maker’s cameras continue to roll. Who is telling the truth? Should she trust her mother even though there are inconsistencies in her story? And what is the relationship between her mother and father?
A very suspenseful read, once I began this, I found it very difficult to put down. The background of a film documentary was very powerful and the family dynamics were fascinating. Jackson has plenty of red herrings strewn throughout the book but draws all the clues together in a surprising conclusion, some parts of which left me feeling slightly uneasy.
Triggers: The novel contains swear words and some violence, which may make it more suitable for older teens.
Themes Mystery, Thriller, Missing persons, Documentary film-making, Family relations.
Pat Pledger
Extinctopedia by Serenna Quarello. Illus. by Alessio Alcini
Red Comet Press, 2024. ISBN: 9781636550725. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
This striking large hard cover collaboration with Smithsonian is a treat for those readers who enjoy finding out about often unknown facts related to the animal kingdom. In this book, there is information from the past - those animals that are extinct like Martha the last passenger pigeon and George the last yellow-tipped tree snail whose personal stories are particularly sad as their demise was due to human incompetence, and the present where many creatures are endangered.
Without a contents page, the reader is encouraged to browse each double page section to discover their own facts and interests. There is information about the Dodo, extinct since mid-1600 mainly caused by invasive species brought to Mauritius; and the last Australian Thylacine (Tasmanian Devil) that died in 1936 in the Hobart Zoo.
Some of the topics covered include information about those creatures declared extinct but rediscovered such as the mountain pygmy possum and the Adelaide pygmy blue-tongue lizard; preserving animals; legendary creatures such as the Quetzal, the bird-snake of the Maya; reasons for extinction: keeping track of endangered species; strange animals like the Axolotl; unusual and unique animals such as the purple frog from India; bugs; marine animals; Oceania which mentions in detail the koala, wombat, bilby and numbat; and importantly information about what we can do now to protect the animal kingdom. In the final pages is a detailed index which is followed by a handy glossary.
Extinctopedia is a fascinating read with stunning illustrations in both black and white and soft colour tones, which will captivate both young and old.
Themes Extinction, Animal Kingdom, World Habitats, Survival, Endangered Species, Diversity.
Kathryn Beilby
Big Gorilla: A book of opposites by Anthony Browne
Anthony Browne is one of my grandchildren’s favourite authors, and when another wonderful book of his appeared across my desk I seized it immediately. And what a joy it is! It is a fascinating way to learn about opposites and primates while delighting in Browne’s exquisitely detailed illustrations.
Children who are familiar with Browne’s drawings of primates (Gorilla) will be thrilled to revisit his fascinating drawings and those new to Browne’s work will want to seek out more of his books.
Big Gorilla: A Book of Opposites is deceptively simple. It shows the opposite of old, sad, heavy, alone, big, and the opposite of opposite. For example, the question is posed ‘What’s the opposite of old?’ on one side of a double page spread and on the other side is a picture of a very old gorilla. Turning the page is another double page spread, the left page with the single word ‘Young’ and the most exquisite drawing of a baby brown gorilla with a thumb in his mouth. The expressions on all the faces are very moving, especially the illustration of the primate who is sad. His downward mouth, his frowning eyebrows and miserable eyes will have readers feeling so sorry for him while the opposite word ‘happy’ showing a gorilla smiling at a bright yellow flower is such a contrast. The hundreds of primates illustrating ‘Together,’ all with different expressions on their faces will provide hours of fun for young children looking each detailed drawing and picking the ones they love the best.
