Joe is playing pirates on the playground equipment and a loud voice calls, ‘You’ve only got one leg!’ Joe and the girl go on to examine the possible reasons for Joe having one leg, and others join in. Perhaps it was bitten off by a shark, perhaps it fell off, or was burgled, or a lion took it. Each time the expression on Joe’s face tells the reader how exasperating these questions can be, especially when they have been heard so many times before. The girl begins to understand.
Using his own experience, Catchpole captures the reality of questions in the playground and a child’s reponses to them.
The next day Joe is playing on the equipment again and this time the girl comes along and joins him in his game. They introduce themselves and she wants to know what he is playing. 'Pirates' he replies, and that is so cool, that Simone joins in, as do the others. This time, no one asks about his leg, and Simone has developed an understanding that perhaps he gets quite bored with people asking about his leg, and decides not to.
This is a very concise, apt and funny look at a problem some disabled people have: that of curiosity. Some people cannot separate the person from the disability, blurting out the obvious, without quietly reflecting that there might be a better way of talking to that person.
Simone develops empathy towards Joe, understanding that he is still Joe, no matter what has happened to him, and deciding it makes no difference anyway.
A very neat solution to a perennial problem: Catchpole reiterates some ways of tackling the issue in the endpaper, where he gives advice to an adult of how to deal with a curious child.
A wonderfully funny take on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy story, The emperor’s new clothes, this verse story will delight new readers as they follow the efforts of a canny pair of tailors aiming to bring the haughty king down a peg or two.
The king with the beautiful name, Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third has an enormous range of clothes. He changes his outfits readily, taking every opportunity to show off. Even going to the loo offers the chance to wear something different.
With his birthday imminent he asks for the very best new suit, rejecting all that he is shown but he is impressed when a pair of tailors arrive, promising the very best he could desire. The cloth they weave is so fine that it can only be seen by the wise and the clever.
They are hired and set about their business. The court, not wanting to be seen as stupid, praise the cloth they see being made. It is indescribable, nothing has ever been seen like it, it is unbelievable. The king likewise says similar things, no-one wanting to appear stupid in the eye of those around them.
The reader of course knows exactly what is going on and cannot wait for the denouement where the king appears naked in front of his whole court.
This rollicking tale beautifully told in rhyming couplets will cause the readers to laugh out loud. They will predict the rhyming word, offering others as suggestions, laugh at the many references to behind and red cheeked, loo and bum. But most of all laugh at the silly king, so wrapped up in himself and his appearance that he is unable to see through the duplicitous tailors and his fawning court.
The hilarious illustrations will entertain the audience as they pick out the huge amount of detail, wonder at the number of clothes he has and the range of people who fawn over him in his court.
I love the different courtiers in their array of costume, and touches of the indolent life led by them all. The endpapers with the headline news and their wonderful examples of puns will give another level of humour to enjoy.
Themes Clothing, Verse, Humour.
Fran Knight
My first book of sea creatures by Zoe Ingram illus.
This book has been beautifully crafted with a simple, colourful and modern design that would easily entice a young reader into the world of marine animals. Starting with a rich mix of creatures on the front cover the book presents double-page spreads of information about each of 20 animals.
The information is parcelled in simple easy to understand and interesting segments arranged around a rich and stunning illustration. Everything is provided for a young reader who might need to know about an animal’s individual features eg. size, habitat, weight, diet and lifespan.
From clown fish and hermit crabs to the deep diving narwhal and the blue moon fish, this book will provide much new and interesting information. The size of each animal is presented in an interesting comparison with known objects such as a football, bike or a bus. Also, each animal has a ‘Did you know?’ section with an interesting fact.
The author illustrator provides a rich, modern, simple and bright enticement for the young marine scientist.
Themes Marine animals.
Paul Pledger
Nick by Michael Farris Smith
No Exit Press, 2021. ISBN: 9780857304544. (Age:17+ - Adult) Recommended.
It has been many years since I read The Great Gatsby but the character Nick Carraway remains etched as the watcher, the one who is part of the essence of the story as the one who sees and narrates the excesses and social decline of the American dream amongst Gatsby’s social circle, while remaining firmly fixed on the edge of this life. In this book, Michael Farris Smith has created the prequel to this confronting story as he reveals the backstory of Nick Carraway’s life – a life that is scarred and hurt. Nick is portrayed as having survived the distressing childhood of living with a severely depressed mother and then trying to find his place in the world as an adult as the war breaks out. His war service, in combination with his passive personality, leaves him with psychological scars. A brief romantic interlude in France during the war adds to his wounds and there is more pain post-war as he struggles to find a place to anchor his life. A random choice takes him far from his parents in Minnesota to Frenchtown in New Orleans, into bars and brothels, and into the tortured life of another severely damaged war veteran. All along the journey to the shores of the lake that looks towards Gatsby’s mansion, we become familiar with the way that Nick’s life is moulded by powerful circumstances to create the man who watches in the margins and narrates The Great Gatsby.
This is an evocative journey and a powerful tale that is powerfully-written and reflective of the character of Nick Carraway – the man who watches the world. The journey into his pains and psychological suffering is compelling and insightful as he battles his inner passivity. There is immense power in giving Nick a backstory, and this book will be appreciated by those who have read The Great Gatsby. (This is better read after having read F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, and not before, as this would change understanding of the original Gatsby story.) Farris Smith has created a story that could stand on its own but the insight into Nick’s life adds extra pathos and power.
Themes World War II, PTSD, USA Culture - Post-war, The Great Gatsby.
Carolyn Hull
Malice by Heather Walter
Del Ray, 2021. ISBN: 9781529101287. (Age:13+) Recommended.
Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. Burdened by the curse. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though a power like mine was responsible for her curse.
The setting and plot of this novel felt like a crossover of Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. There was the wicked fairy, the war between humans and mystical beings, the romance, the wicked “step-family”; everything was there in perfect balance of hope and despair. Alyce was such a strong character, a woman burdened with an evil gift, determined to not become the monster that the people of Briar think she is. The connection between her and Aurora was so gentle and pure. Both finding solace in each other’s pain. The strong feminist trope shone through, women sticking together to take down the cruel men trying to take over the country. Who needs a handsome prince to save the day when you can have two powerful women? That is, until Alyce discovers her true power. The book ended on a big cliff hanger which will leave you desperately wanting to read the sequel. The biggest question is, can Alyce hold onto her humanity long enough to save, and keep, the love of her life?
It has been three long years for Victoria Aveyard fans. After publishing the last full-length novel in her bestselling Red Queen series in 2018, Aveyard is back with the first in a brand new young adult fantasy series. At over 550 pages, Realm Breaker is a fantasy adventure epic, fundamentally concerned with the classic trope of good versus evil.
The book opens with a vicious and bloody battle that will change the fate of kingdoms. Taristan, the forgotten second son of a long lost royal bloodline, is on a mission to unleash a great and ancient evil on the land. Though they do not know it yet, a group of unlikely strangers are the world’s only hope. Andry is a humble squire who believes that he is powerless in a world of powerful men and women. Erida is a queen whose position is much more precarious than would be believed. Dom is an immortal who knows only too well the unstoppable power unleashed by Taristan. Sorasa is an assassin, accustomed to only taking care of herself. Corayne, a pirate’s daughter, has a secret that could be the key to saving everyone.
Realm Breaker is a more mature story than the Red Queen novels and reflects Aveyard’s growing skill and confidence as a writer. There is a large cast of characters, diverse perspectives and detailed worldbuilding. At its core, Realm Breaker is an adventure story and will be particularly popular with fantasy readers who appreciate an epic and arduous quest. The Realm Breaker series promises to be as enjoyable and popular as Aveyard’s previous work.
Themes Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, War, Good vs Evil, Quests, Family, Friendship.
Rose Tabeni
The man with the silver Saab by Alexander McCall Smith
Detective Ulf Varg has returned for his third novel-length escapade. The creation of prolific British author Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street), Detective Varg is back for another perplexing and perhaps trifling crime investigation.
Detective Varg is a very likeable character. Unlike so many of the angry, broken and functioning alcoholics that people contemporary crime fiction, Detective Varg is a calm, ordered and cultured intellectual. He enjoys modern Nordic art, teaching his deaf poodle Marten to lipread and driving his ancient silver Saab. As a member of the Department of Sensitive Crimes in the Swedish city of Malmo, Detective Varg is responsible for solving some of the police’s most baffling offences. In The Man with the Silver Saab, Detective Varg and his trusty team are approached by an art historian who reports that he is the victim of a series of trivial and bemusing crimes. Before he knows it, Detective Varg is drawn into a serious investigation where he may just lose his career, his dog and his heart.
There is a reason that McCall Smith has spent decades as a popular and successful author; his writing style is straight forward and always humorous. There is nothing Scandinavian noir about the Detective Varg series; the plots are light, witty and easy to read. McCall Smith’s characters do have a tendency to ramble on unnecessarily and avid readers of the crime genre may find the plot structure of this novel a little unusual. Nevertheless, The Man with the Silver Saab is an undemanding and entertaining read.
Once Upon Our Planet is an interesting and engaging book showcasing twelve original stories related to many amazing wilderness areas on Planet Earth. Nearly every story has Once Upon as its beginning title and is then finished with an aspect of the natural world - reef, tundra, mountain, forest, paradise, savannah, riverbank, salt-lake, wind, sun, island and top of the world. The stories are written in the style of a myth and use various animals and plants throughout. The first story, 'Once Upon Two Suns', tells of the animals who perform together and are left bereft when crocodile refuses to take part anymore as the suns are too hot and drying him out. The other animals devise a plan to get rid of one sun and night is born. 'Once Upon A Forest' shares with the reader the story of Captain Whitehead, an enterprising monkey, who was able to solve problems and had a special way with plants. To the forest creatures great dismay their habitat is being destroyed by a metal machine and it is up to the Captain to find a solution. He cleverly does this and becomes a legend in the forest.
Each story has a message about caring for the planet as well as friendship, cooperation and problem-solving. This book would make an excellent class read-aloud especially around World Environment Day or when discussing themes of sustainability. The book has a striking cover with embossed gold imprinted in the images and a sub-title: Rewild bedtime with 12 stories. The beautiful illustrations throughout the book will keep the reader connected to each story. A perfect gift for those children who love stories about nature and a welcome addition to a home, school or public library.
Themes Planet Earth, Wilderness, Short Stories, Mythology, Animals, Plants, Harmony.
The chance discovery of a tender note in one of her mother’s books leads Izzy and her friends to connect the dots, and amazingly Izzy discovers her unknown father is actually the Crown Prince of Japan, which of course makes Izzy herself a princess! It sounds cliche, and the opening pages with their descriptions of Izzy’s Asian Girl Gang are particularly brash and upbeat, but the story develops well and the reader is drawn in, especially as Izzy is such a warm and likeable character, a person who 'leads with her heart'.
Izzy goes from being the out-of-place Japanese American teenager growing up with her single mum in California, to being the out-of-place American Princess Izumi trying to adjust to royal life in Japan, when she travels to Tokyo to meet her father. Emiko Jean provides descriptions of Japanese life, food and culture that enrich the story and add another level to what would otherwise be a light read.
It’s a lot of fun; there’s a bad boy cousin who befriends her, horrible enemy Shining Twins, and a scowling but enormously attractive body-guard who has romantic potential. And maybe, her father, the Crown Prince of Japan, still holds a candle in his heart for her mother.
Readers who enjoy this book will be pleased to know that there is the promise of a sequel in 2022.
Themes Japan, Identity, Conflict of cultures, Romance.
Helen Eddy
Ribbit Rabbit by Candice Ryan. Illus. by Mike Lowery
Board book. Frog and Bunny are best friends. They do everything together. They go swimming, eat peanut butter sandwiches and even fight monsters. But sometimes they don't get along and they have to work out how to stay friends.
In an original and unusual picture book, Ryan has written a rhyming story that will appeal to children who like mechanical toys and robots. The repetition of the words 'Ribbit, rabbit' with variations following it like 'Zip it, zap it' and 'Trip it, trap it' make it a fun book to read aloud. It is a story that will make the young listener and reader become aware of the intricate patterns of words and want to try out new rhymes for themselves.
The ups and downs of friendship are effortlessly included in the story as they fight over little and big things but realise what they have to do to make up. Ryan manages to convey in very few words how lonely it can be when you have had a fight with your best friend and also how difficult it is to make up.
The quirky drawings by Mike Lowery are cartoon like, and Frog and Bunny are endearing characters, their facial expressions bringing the meaning of the text to life. The young reader is challenged to follow the illustrations as they show what is happening to the two main characters and are an integral part of the story.
This is an intriguing picture book that I will keep for my young grandson.
Fans of The Crown? Then you will definitely be a fan of Pamela Hart’s new book The Charleston Scandal. I love historical fiction especially when the author makes you think you're actually there in the era they write about. Being a fan of Pamela Hart and a massive fan of jazz in the roaring 20s, I was looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint.
The Great World War has ended and we are taken into the Roaring 20s Jazz era.
The Charleston Scandal is a story about a girl from Australia, Kit Scott and a lad from Canada, Zeke Gardiner, who travel to London to follow their dreams of being actors and dancers on stage in the West End. They both get cast in a show alongside each other as partners. We follow their stories of their past and present and the adventures they have and survive in an era so different from ours. Kit and Zeke have a great chemistry between each other but they both have said they will remain as friends because they working together.
Kit Scott whose real name is Katherine Scot, has left her family and home in Sydney to follow her dream to be on stage. She is the daughter of Agatha Scott (from a well-known prominent family) who left England to marry and The Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney. Her parents did not want her to become an actress, it is something high society does not do.
Zeke Gardiner moved to London from Canadian province of British Columbia. He was leaving behind his mother who was in hiding from her abusive husband. Zeke travelled to another land to find work and support his mother by sending her money to pay her rent with the vision that she will follow him to London as soon as he could afford it.
Once in London, Kit and Zeke are thrust into a world of poverty while also trying to find steady work. We read about them mixing with high society and the world of the stage while at the same time mixing with the greats of that time. They meet and befriend Noel Coward, Fred Astaire and his famous sister Adele, as well as Royalty.
The Charleston Scandal is a great easy read which any historical fiction lover will enjoy learning more about the Jazz Era and the way different people lived in the past. We learn about the diverse group of people and the way the world looks upon them.
Now I feel like dancing, where are my jazz albums . . .
Themes Jazz, Dance, Royalty.
Maria Komninos
The Great Barrier Reef by Helen Scales. Illus. by Lisk Feng
The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent information book written about this stunning World Heritage Site right on Australia’s doorstep. As a Natural Wonder of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is closely monitored by scientists, ecologists and concerned individuals for changes and damage to its environment. This book provides the reader with detailed facts about its discovery, history, size, wide variety of sea creatures and their place in reef life, complex ecosystems as well as threats and possible solutions. The contents page clearly sets out the topics discussed and a glossary at the end helps with unfamiliar words and explanations.
There is an important section sharing information about the human inhabitants beginning with the Aboriginal peoples who lived harmoniously with the reef and respected what it provided for them. This then leads into white settlement and the lack of care initially taken by these new inhabitants. Fortunately this misuse is slowly changing through the knowledge and passion of people concerned about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The author also provides valuable ideas on how we can begin to protect the reef in everyday life. The colourful illustrations are muted in tones but are both detailed and striking. The information is easy to digest and well explained.
A wonderful addition to a home, class, school or public library.
Themes Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Ecosystems, Sea Creatures, Natural Wonder of the World, Aboriginal Culture & Story, Conservation.
Kathryn Beilby
Earth's aquarium by Alexander Kaufman. Illus. by Mariana Rodrigues
Earth’s Aquarium is a stunning over-sized reference book which gives an amazing insight to fifteen natural aquatic aquariums from around the world. The foreword by Will Millard gives a passionate plea for understanding our water environments and the pressing need to change how we look after them. The contents page clearly labels each section and the opening chapter, Variables in Aquatic Habitats, explains the components of water life such as waves, currents, tides, acidity as well light penetration. Included in the fifteen natural aquariums are the following: mudflats, mangrove forests, estuaries, kelp forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, oyster reefs, open water, sea ice, salt marshes, slow and fast-moving fresh water, wetlands, vents and seeps and deep water. Each water habitat focuses on one particular place and importantly the coral reef chapter discusses Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Delving deeper into each environment is quite a remarkable journey for the reader.
The first of two double pages within each chapter are devoted to a visually impressive pictorial display of creatures found in that habitat. Underneath is information about the area as well as the dangers presented by humans and climate change. The following double page clearly identifies each creature inhabitant from the previous page and gives other important information about this particular environment. At the end of the book is a very detailed index as well as a sources page. The illustrations in this book are really quite striking and will engage the reader time and time again. The cover is a delight with foil inserts which will add to the appeal of the book for readers of all ages.
Themes Water environments, Global habitats, Natural aquariums, Ecosystems, Aquatic life, Climate change.
Kathryn Beilby
A way with wild things by Larissa Theule and Sara Palacios
With the front cover depicting butterflies, ladybirds, bees and dragonflies, the wild things of the title refers clearly to those living things found in one’s garden. Poppy just loves bugs and insects and this is her story about what she can see, encouraging readers to stop and take a look themselves. She often sits amongst the wildflowers in her garden, talking to the many insects and bugs around her, quietly camouflaged by the colours of the flowers. She does not feel comfortable indoors with people and when she is inside becomes like the wallpaper, blending into the background of the event. So she becomes a tree, a curtain, a wall, blending her clothing with what is behind her, being as inconspicuous as she can, camouflaging herself to avoid contact with other people.
But one day at her grandmother’s birthday party a dragonfly lands on her cake. Poppy claps her hands with excitement giving away her position. The dragonfly, startled by the noise lands on Poppy’s hand and all are amazed, telling each other that Poppy has a way with wild things and closing in for a look at the insect. Poppy tells them what it is called, and they listen, no longer the recluse, but a real wild thing.
The images presented will draw the reader’s attention to the many bugs and insects that live in their garden. They will be encouraged to look more closely at what is around them, comparing the camouflage of the insects with that used by Poppy to avoid being seen. The bright colours will intrigue and delight younger readers and the issue of shyness will appeal to many who would prefer not to be noticed.
This is a debut novel – an emotional thriller which has been compared to works by writers such as Meg Rosoff and Patrick Ness. Cory Anderson was born in Idaho and writes about her home in the Rocky Mountains.
High school student, Jack, makes a shocking discovery in the early pages of this startling, clever book. We learn that he and his younger brother, Matty, face homelessness after their father is imprisoned serving time for robbery. The boys decide to go after the unrecovered money, which leads to a ruthless and dangerous hunt for treasure.
What emerges from this picture of a rather troubled young man is one of a caring and loving brother who will do anything to ensure that Matty is out of harm’s way. They are joined by Ava, a friend of Jack’s, who also plays her part as a narrator for the story with her words opening each chapter and leading the reader onwards, really quite beautifully. Ava is there to help them survive: she comes from her own troubled space – a father who is damaged and has taught his daughter to love no one. His role is pivotal to the story as he knows where the stolen money is; this game is dangerous.
Along with a fast paced storyline, the gripping characters and striking language make for a terrific read. I add a cautionary note as the subject matter is challenging with considerable violence and a suicide.
