Reviews

Peg + Cat : The camp problem by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson

Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9780763699222
(Age: 6+) Peg and Cat can't wait to go to Camp Niniwawa with their friends Ninja Girl, Aki and Richard. But Richard, a space creature, is really homesick. It's a big problem! A little pattern-making in arts and crafts helps him feel better, and so do the coolest counsellors around - the Teens! But Tessa and Jesse are so focussed on the battle of the bunks that Peg gets worried, winning isn't everything, which bunk - the Gophers or the Raccoons - will get to one hundred points first? And what about sportsmanship? Doesn't that count for something?
I was pleasantly surprised with this book and can see it becoming a firm favourite with many children. It will fit nicely into the section of our library that I call 'quick reads'. It is a great book for those that are testing the waters of chapter books. The story line is simple to follow and the benefit of a mix of text and pictures is a bonus. It does discuss the notion of winning at all costs which would offer teachers a chance to chat about this notion. Will certainly be highly sought after. Peg + Cat is the Emmy Award-winning animated TV series.
Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher

There's someone inside your house by Stephanie Perkins

Pan Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509859801
(Age: 15+) Themes: Horror. Teen slasher. Romance. Makani Young has settled in Nebraska, after leaving behind a dark past. She has made friends with Alex and Darby and has a crush on Ollie, the strange boy who has dyed his hair pink. Then there is a series of shocking murders, starting with the popular Haley, star of the school's drama club. How is Makani involved? Does it have something to do with the secret about her past that she is desperate to keep?
Stephanie Perkins is best known for her romances, Anna and the French kiss,  Isla and the happily ever after, and Lola and the boy next door, all of which are wonderful stories of love. There is certainly a strong element of romance in There's someone inside your house, with Makani and Ollie's growing relationship, but there are also all the elements of a teen slasher movie with some very gruesome murders, culminating in a rather violent chase. At the same time the reader is left wondering just what Makani did to make her leave Hawaii and her ability as a diver far behind.
Perkins is an adept writer, the relationships between the characters are very relatable and the reader is kept in suspense right to the end.
A relatively easy read, this will really appeal to teens who like the horror genre, as it is fast paced, exciting and hard to put down. It is not difficult to see this made into a horror movie and it is one to promote at Halloween!
Pat Pledger

How to hang a witch by Adriana Mather

Before I let you go by Kelly Rimmer

Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9780733639173
(Age: Senior secondary +)This is a stunning modern narrative evoking some of the hardest issues that humans face. With a 2am phone call, Annie is plunged back into her troubled sister's life, realizing that she is being called upon to help once more as she listens to her sister's despair. Kelly Rimmer has written this gripping story with an eye both on the past, and how it can so deeply and negatively effect one's future, while setting her story very much in the present. Annie is a successful young doctor, working in the same hospital as her partner, also a doctor, and planning to marry in the near future. Her sister's call not only evokes dark and disturbing memories of their childhood, but also forces her, and her partner, to respond beyond their expectations.
Stories of drug dependency are always going to evoke a sense of helplessness when a person is asked to respond to the care and needs of a family member, but this time, with a baby coming to her heroin-addicted sister, Lexie, Annie must be involved. The strong familial bond will be enough, Rimmer hints, early in the narrative, but she also raises the concerns of Annie's husband-to-be, her workplace, and quite simply, the time she will have to take off work to care for her sister and baby.
This novel is set in the USA, but shares the common story with the modern world of drug addiction and dysfunctional families. Rimmer extends her story back to the terrible events and cataclysmic effects of things that happened in childhood. When these are inconceivably bad, abusive and lastingly disturbing to the characters, then the writer is challenged to find a solution that makes sense to the reader. So we see that Rimmer carefully reveal the details of the past that explain the present, and suggests the best possibility for the future, evoking both deep familial love, forgiveness and tenderness that heal when life has handed too much to one with a broken spirit.
This is a riveting and beautifully crafted story, with the tragic and terrible events of the past acknowledged for their effect on the characters, yet evoking our empathy through descriptions of the deep love, support and care that families, at their best, engender. Rimmer deals with important and distressing issues so deftly that the novel is utterly captivating, while being 'heartachingly' sad. It would be acceptable for senior secondary reading but not for younger readers.
Elizabeth Bondar

Guinness World Records: Science and Stuff

Guinness World Records, 2018, ISBN 9781910561638
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Subjects: Science - Records, Earth Science, Robotics, Science Experiments. Guinness World Records: Science and Stuff is a big, bold dive into an amazing array of scientific records, from around the world, under the earth and into the sky. Catchy titles, fun facts and figures, close-up photos all engage the reader in an amazing array of scientific endeavours, amazing animals, robotics and Mad Science. Why go to Mars, what does Usain Bolt eat, what makes burps so loud are all big questions people want answered. The Guinness World Records team take us deep into the ocean to learn about octopus intelligence, into space to explore travel to Mars and hygiene and toileting on the International Space Station. With section of unusual animals, investigating science careers from dino-poop collection to becoming a pyrotechnician, there's something for everyone.
Mad professor Burnaby Q Orbax, and his lab assistant Sweet Pepper Klopek present ten cool experiments to try at home including the familiar Mentos and soda car, creating superslime and making a marshmallow catapult. Science is presented in a crazy, fun, exciting way capturing the interest of a wide reading audience. Of course there are the grossest, weirdest, most unusual and bizarre facts presented in a bright, bold format, layered photographs, double-page spreads packed with colourful text. There are backgrounds that pop and information written with an easy to read style.
Guinness World Records: Science and Stuff is an excellent resource for STEM teachers, a fabulous addition to a classroom or school library and for a scientifically minded reader from eight to eighty.
Rhyllis Bignell

Libby in the middle by Gwyneth Rees

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408852774
(Age: 9-12) Themes: Family life, Sisters, Moving House, Secrecy, Adolescence. Libby in the Middle is a realistic family story, centred around twelve-year-old Libby, her fractured relationship with her older sister Bella and her interactions with much younger Grace. Gwyneth Rees explores the impact of bullying on sixteen year old Bella and the consequent relocation of the family to dad's childhood home. This layered story explores sibling rivalry, there's secrets new and old that come to light and relationships are tested. Told from twelve year old middle sister Libby's point of view, her experiences, mixed emotions about moving and her fractured relationship with Bella is realistically portrayed. Libby also has a cute younger sister, Grace the baby of the family, who seems to have more of their parents' love and attention. Libby is definitely stuck in the middle.
Although dad doesn't want to return to the country, his sister Thecla overturns his decision by offering to pay for the girls' attendance at a private school near the village. Bella is furious about this decision and sneakily plans that Sam her boyfriend follows them and tries to find work as a mechanic. Hiding Sam, finding a place for him to stay, taking food and money from Aunt Thecla lead to arguments between Bella and Libby.
When Libby makes a new friend Tansy in the village whose father is linked to Aunt Thecla and her own dad's past, Libby begins to uncover hidden truths. Libby is a relatable protagonist, thoughtful, lacking in confidence, seeking the truth at all costs and beginning to find her way into her teenage years.
Libby in the Middle explores family dynamics and how the past can influence the present.
Rhyllis Bignell

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Pan Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781760555313
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Who doesn't want to be a superhero? Nova despises the Renegades that failed to save her family during the age of anarchy. Taken in by her uncle, the notorious Ace Anarchy, just before The Battle for Gatlon, Nova was raised with the ideals of the anarchists, however neither she, nor her alias Nightmare, were ever quite right for the anarchists. Having retreated underground with the survivors, Nova is thrust back into the fray when a plan to kill Captain Chromium leads the renegades directly to their hiding place. A new plan must now be set in motion, one which her uncle would have approved of - going undercover into enemy territory. Nova must become a Renegade to discover how they can be overthrown and how she can keep her anarchist family safe. However, being a Renegade means adopting a whole new world-view. Can Nova maintain her anarchist roots in spite of the comradery of the Renegades and the particular attentions of Captain Chromium's son, Adrian?
In a world where there are prodigies who can use their powers for good (joining the Renegades) or evil, social structures are threatened as the people go from anarchy to a reliance on superheros. Exploring ideas of loyalty, friendship, and open-mindedness, Nova discovers that no one side is entirely right or entirely wrong. I would highly recommend for fans of superhero or dystopian fiction aged twelve and up. I am certainly looking forward to the sequel!
Kayla Gaskell, 22

Splish, Splash, Ducky! by Lucy Cousins

Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406376791
(Ages: 1-3) Themes: Rain, Rhyming Books. Lucy Cousins (Maisy) brings her distinctive style to a new picture book about a duckling and the joys of a rainy day. She uses the same bold black outlines and vivid colours that have made her such a standout in the world of toddler books. As in most of her books, animals, birds and flowers are abundant and there is minimal background detail or fuss. Also true to her past form, it has good rhythm and sounds great read aloud. It uses simple and short rhymes with a repeated "quack, quack, quack", which children will love joining in with. Duckling loves playing out in the rain with his friends ("Into the pond to play with the swans", "We shake our feathers in the rainy weather") but when the rain stops he is feeling sad and heads off to find his dad. This is a great change from the numerous books that use a mother figure as the go-to parent. Dad makes him see that the sun can also be fun, especially for some other creatures. There are lots of action words (hop, squirm, hug, swim, shake) and water sound words (drip, drop, plip, plop, splash, splish) and young children will be able to relate this to their own experiences with the rain and how it feels and sounds. This is simple, cheerful and vibrant and will be a hit with the toddler crowd, especially those who are fans of the Maisy books.
Nicole Nelson

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

Penguin Books 2018. ISBN 9780141386836
(Age: 12+) Marie Lu brings Batman into the twenty-first century as an eighteen-year old coming into his inheritance. After an impulsive joyride, Bruce Wayne finds himself doing community service at Arkham Asylum where he meets Madeline Wallace, a ruthless killer with a soft spot for billionaire orphans. Unwilling to talk to anyone else, Bruce and Madeline soon strike up a strange, distrustful relationship as they try and understand one another. Bruce allows her to dupe him multiple times, even getting him arrested for her escape. But Bruce Wayne isn't the kind of man to simply sit in a jail-cell when his friends are in danger - it is time for Batman to emerge and save the day.
This portrayal of Batman is a lot more pacifist than I remember from previous stories. Bruce acts in self-defence or else contains threats with as little violence as possible. While I feel that the films and comics are still superior, this is a much less violent take on a well-known story. Bruce is not only less violent but more moral, weighing up many of the decisions which could lead him into disaster before making them. He is wary and apologetic, yet still impulsive and strong.
With hesitation I recommend this for a mainly male audience age twelve and up. I hesitate only for the violence portrayed throughout, while it is toned back quite a bit, there is a lot of emphasis on punches to the head which should not be encouraged.
Kayla Gaskell, 22

Butterfly Wishes: Tiger Streak's Tale by Jennifer Castle

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781681193731
(Age: 6+) "Sisters Addie and Clara have just moved to a new house where they discover that their backyard is a gateway to an enchanted realm of magical butterflies. These special butterflies - called Wishing Wings - have the power to make wishes come true!
A new butterfly named Tiger Streak has just emerged, but something isn't right. She's under a curse that has her confused - she thinks she's a bee because of her beautifully striped wings! Now, only Addie and Clara can help her break the spell. But they have to do it before the day is over or she'll lose her magic forever." (Publisher)
Well who does not like a girlie book? With the eye-catching cover, I am sure this will be a hit with young girls who are moving onto chapter books. The text is reasonably large and set out like a novel for the skilled reader. This will sit along-side the likes of Juliet, Nearly a Vet, Clementine Rose and Violet Mackerel. The storyline follows a traditional narrative but in all good books, it has a happy ending! This is sure to become a popular series. Suitable for ages 6 and up
Kathryn Schumacher

I'm a duck by Eve Bunting

Ill. by Will Hillenbrand. Candlewick Press, 2018. ISBN 9780763680329
Highly recommended. Little duck is scared of the water, and worried he will sink. Sometimes we all need to be brave to face something that we know we should be able to do and this book looks at the bravery needed by little duck to overcome his fear and the satisfaction that he feels when he is successful.
This is a lovely story of how little duck with the support of his family and friends is able to overcome his fear. This book can be used to talk with children about their own fears.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and they support the text in telling this story.
I highly recommend this book for young children.
Karen Colliver

A skinful of shadows by Frances Hardinge

Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509869305
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Caught between Catholics and Protestants in the seventeenth century and wielding a dangerous supernatural power, Makepeace must make herself as inconspicuous as possible to have any chance at surviving in her father's family and her Inheritance.
The night is dark and full of terrors for Makepeace, even more so when she finds herself alone after her mother's death. Alone and fool-hardy, the girl is desperate to learn more about the ghosts she has always been told she must keep out. In doing so she soon finds herself in more than one dangerous situation as something which is scared and frightened finds itself trapped within her own mind. Sold to her father's family to offset the burden of housing an insane girl, Makepeace finds herself caged, a position both she and her animal friend detest. Soon she learns to be one with Bear and conceals him from her Elders and Betters. It is with Bear's help, and that of her cousin, James, that she survives three years with the Fellmottes and avoids her inheritance, or at least part of it. Stronger than most of the family, Makepeace's fear of ghosts keeps her wary and prepared to deal with those that would possess her, as well as open minded to the possibilities and uses of saving those souls she deems worthy. But is that enough to save her from the dreaded inheritance?
Illuminating and engaging, Hardinge's novel draws the reader right in alongside Bear and Makepeace as they fight for their freedom and the freedom of the people. Highly recommended to lovers of fantasy, particularly featuring animals or a medieval setting.
Kayla Gaskell, 22

Jack Fortune and the search for the Hidden Valley by Sue Purkiss

Alma Books, 2018. ISBN 9781846884283
(Age: Primary 8+) Highly recommended. Themes: Adventure, Orphans, Botany. Sue Purkiss drew inspiration from the British botanist Joseph Banks and the 'plant hunters' who ventured across the globe often in dangerous situations to search of rare vegetation, seeds and cuttings. In Jack Fortune and the search for the Hidden Valley, a young orphan boy travels with his Uncle Edmund to the Himalayas in a difficult and dangerous quest. This is reminiscent of a Boy's Own adventure, filled with quintessentially British characters who learn to rely on each other and develop mettle in the face of challenges.
When Jack is orphaned he's sent to live with his Aunt Constance, who despairs of his boyish pranks and mischievous actions. She's promised his mother that Jack won't be sent off to boarding school, so Uncle Edmund is called in to help deal with the situation. His uncle is a naturalist about to embark on a plant gathering mission to the foothills of the Himalayas and he reluctantly agrees to take him along. Jack finds solace drawing in his father's sketchbook, touching the picture of his mother's face. These secret skills become very important as he records their travels, the plant specimens they discover and the myths and customs of the people he encounters on his journey to the hidden valley.
Along the way they meet with a maharajah, journey with Sherpas and deal with monks who guard the sacred mountain, all the while maintaining their very British habits. Through Jack's eyes we see the wonder of others' lifestyles. He observes the young monks at the monastery and hangs a prayer flag before he starts his search for the blue rhododendron. Resilience, courage, overcoming grief and growing in self-worth develop within Jack along the way.
The author creates scenes rich with imagery, colourful landscapes and adds a quirky and interesting mix of characters. Jack Fortune and the search for the Hidden Valley is an enthralling read, opening up a new historical horizons.
Rhyllis Bignell

Bird builds a nest by Martin Jenkins

Ill. by Richard Jones. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406355130
Highly recommended. This book about bird building a new nest ties in science themes into the story in a way that they can be read as part of the story or left out depending on the age of the audience.
Bird has a task that has to be completed, bird persists until the job is finished.
This book could be used with primary age students when looking at the topic of forces. Students could attempt to make their own nest and see what forces they need to make the perfect nest. It gives a different way to introduce STEM to students, that can make it easier to relate to the topic.
I highly recommend this book for use in STEM.
Karen Colliver

The Malice of Waves by Mark Douglas-Home

Cal McGill, Sea Detective book 3. Michael Joseph, 2016. ISBN 9780718182762
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Mystery. Missing persons. Oceans. Islands. Criminal investigation. For five years Priest's Island has guarded the secret of Max Wheeler's disappearance. For five years Max Wheeler's family gathers on Priest's Island to mourn for the boy who disappeared without trace. Cal McGill, an oceanographer who is expert at finding bodies at sea is called in after numerous investigations have failed to discover what has happened to the boy. He finds himself in the middle of the angst on the island because the community had been accused of murder and a father who is so involved in the disappearance of his son that he ignores his three daughters, Joss, Chloe and Hannah.
Told from multiple viewpoints the reader soon becomes engrossed in the happenings and personalities of the people on the island. Intertwined with the story of Max's disappearance is a thread about Stanley Pryke, a bird egg collector who desperately wants to add a unique egg found on Priest's Island to his collection. Add to this the information about how bodies float in the sea, where currents will take them, a sea detective with unique skills, and an undercover Detective Sergeant, Helen Jamieson, and lovers of mysteries are in for a treat.
The atmosphere that gathers around the arrival of the Wheeler family is tense and the author gradually builds up the suspense keeping the reader engrossed and wondering if another murder is going to take place. This is an intelligent and gripping crime story.
Although the third in the series about the Sea Detective, there is sufficient background information and in-depth portrayal of the characters to make it a comfortable and engrossing stand-alone read. After reading The Malice of the Waves, readers will also feel encouraged to pick up other books in the series as they would want to follow the cases of this unique detective.
Pat Pledger