Reviews

Dotty Detective: The paw print puzzle by Clara Vulliamy

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008132453
(Age: Beginning independent readers) Inspired by their favourite television character Fred Fantastic, Ace Detective, Dotty and her best friend Beans have formed the Join The Dots Detective Agency. They have special badges that they wear underneath their coat collars so they don't blow their cover and are ably assisted by Dotty's dog McClusky to solve mysteries that seem to occur. They are guided by Fred Fantastic's tenets of :
1. Stay Frosty. Always be on the lookout.
2. Follow That Hunch. If you've got a funny feeling you may be onto something important.
3. Use Your Noodle. Think.
4. A Light Bulb Moment. A sudden genius idea.
5. Get Proof. You must have the evidence before you can solve your case.
6. Jeepers Creepers. Use your Peepers.
In this episode they set out to solve the strange noises that Dotty hears in her hallway at night. When she opens her door and can't see anything she is almost convinced to believe in ghosts and that her house is haunted. But by using the clues, conveyed through secret notes written in invisible writing, they are able to identify what is really going on . . .
This is a series that is perfect for the newly independent reader with its layout, illustrations, larger font, shorter chapters and humour. The pace is rapid and the use of a variety of fonts highlights key ideas and actions without the need for a host of words. Girls will relate to her feisty nature but boys will also find the situations familiar and appealing. Others in the series are The Midnight Mystery, and The Lost Puppy.
A worthwhile new series to get for those who are beginning their independent reading journey.
Barbara Braxton

The last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

Orion, 2017. ISBN 9781473218130
(Age: 14+)Fantasy. In a well-written and well-constructed narrative, Ciccarelli draws us into the interconnected lives of the royal family, the slaves, the cousins and the dragons. This world resembles our world in its jealousies, love, family feuds, its enmity towards those outside 'our' world.
We are plunged into the intimate world of Asha, the Iskari, whose recent action, slaying a dragon, must be concealed, as should the burn she bears as a result of her killing this dragon. Controlled yet passionate, beautiful and unattainable, she is in a state of fear, of tension and of anxiety about what she has done, in her transgression, and what she must do to both cover this up and be ready for the next stage in her life.
These characters are drawn so finely, their world so rich in detail, the presence of the dragons as willful, strong aggressors that must be tamed or silenced, that we conceive of this world as possible. Not unlike our world, this world is full of envy, of family disruption and jealousy, of the normal human frailties and love, of honour and betrayal. It is a good read for those who love a story that rings so true and that lifts us out of our world for a brief time, to both puzzle and entertain us.
Liz Bondar

Build the Dragon by Dugald Steer

Wolf children by Paul Dowswell

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408858516
(Age: 13+) It is July 1945, Hitler's Third Reich has fallen, and Berlin is in ruins. Living on the edge of survival in the cellar of an abandoned hospital, Otto and his ragtag gang of kids have banded together in the desperate, bombed-out city. The war may be over, but danger lurks in the shadows of the wreckage.
Caught between invading armies, ruthless gangs and the constant threat of starvation, Otto and his friends must learn to stay alive.
But the Nazi regime left psychological wounds that are slow to heal: rifts arise in their little group and terrible secrets surface when a sinister figure emerges from the darkness.
Dowsell has created a masterpiece that draws on themes such as searching for the truth, friendship and survival against the odds. After living through the horrors of war, the children are now trying to find a life that resembles some sort of normalcy in Russian-occupied Berlin. There are a number of strong characters in the book, none more so than Ulrich. He is in constant turmoil between the brainwashing he received in the Hitler Youth and the reality of how he is now forced to live. Ulrich still clings to the ideology of the 'Master Race' but, in reality he is beginning to question this.
This is definitely a YA novel as it tackles some issues that would not be suitable for readers younger than 13. It would be a positive addition to the library collection on World War 2, particularly as it exposes experiences of children on all sides.
Kathryn Schumacher

The princess in black: Three smashing adventures by Shannon and Dean Hale

Ill. by LeUyen Pham. Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763697778
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Humour. Monsters. Adventure. Superheroes. Getting a monster to return underground where it belongs is not a task allocated to a pretty Princess in Pink, Magnolia, replete with tinkering glass slippers and a tiara. But it is just the right task for the Princess in Black, her alter ego, who can change her clothes in an instant, and leap onto her charger, a few minutes before a unicorn in the paddock calmly chewing the grass. But things do not have quite the same ring as a superhero, for the princess must change into her new guise in the broom closet, slide down a channel built into the castle walls to meet her horse outside the castle walls. Once on the go, she meets up with the goat boy, Duff, trying to protect his goats from the blue monster which has appeared above ground. It cannot remember just why it should not go outside the underground cave where it belongs but soon recalls the reason when the Princess in Back forces a reminder. While she is away the nosey Duchess Wigtower snoops around her castle, adding another layer to the story, with humorous results. The illustrations add to the story, splitting up the text for newer readers, and adding a level of visual literacy that is inviting and fun.
This series turns around the idea of superheroes, with Princess Magnolia changing from her pink outfit to the black to defeat her enemies. The princess in black is the first in the series, followed by The Princess in black and the perfect princess party and The Princess in black and the hungry bunny horde while at the back of the book there are pictures of several more in the series.
Each is funny, adventurous and involving. They will appeal to younger new confident readers.
Fran Knight

Discovery Globe: Build-Your-Own Globe Kit by Leon Gray

Ill. by Sarah Edmonds. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406378474
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Themes: Geography, Globes, Exploration. A beautifully designed and constructed model of a world globe comes complete with a book, A world explorer's guide, which will give many happy and profitable hours of fun for any avid model maker or person who is interested in the world and Geography.
The explorer's guide is what the reader will find when the sturdy box is first opened and on reading will discover many topics including information about the earth, its biomes, water, natural wonders, animals, megacities, sports and arts just to mention a few in the easy to follow Contents page. Instructions are given how to use The explorer's guide and how to make the globe. The globe itself is made out of sturdy cardboard and will spin around. Adult assistance will probably be needed when constructing the globe but it is well worth spending the time to make it as it opens the doors to much new and interesting information from natural wonders to famous people and the book can then be used to find further information.
Children will enjoy making the globe and spending time with a helpful adult, learning lots of new information and skills along the way. This would make a wonderful gift for the curious child and any adult who enjoys model making will love it as well.
Pat Pledger

Don't let go by Michel Bussi

Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 2018. ISBN 9781474601795
(Age: secondary to adult) Recommended. Themes: Crime fiction, Reunion, Murder, Tourism. Don't you love new settings for crime fiction? Set on an island east of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Reunion is a multi racial department of France, once home to many French, lured there by tax concessions, as well as Indian, Muslim, African and Creole inhabitants.
Martial is on holidays with his second wife, Liane and their daughter, Sophie, but suddenly, Liane disappears. Everyone has seen her walk through the lobby to the elevator in the up market resort, but when Martial goes looking for her, she is nowhere to be found. Theories abound, but the Chief Inspector, Aja Purvi, focusses on the husband whose behaviour is odd to say the least. When she finds that his son died in suspicious circumstances ten years before, things begin to escalate, especially when Martial takes off with his young daughter in tow. A police hunt ensues, made more impossible for Purvi by the arrival of her superior from Saint-Denis, wanting to put his stamp on the investigation. Her off sider, Christos further complicates things when he tells his partner of the investigation and she becomes involved, unravelling a thread which leads to her death.
A police chase over parts of the island sees Martial planning his escape with precision, even down to the arrival of a temperature inversion bringing fog across the mountains, giving him protection form spying eyes.
But not all is at it seems, as the narrative is told from several perspectives, and Bussi keeps us guessing all the while with clues as to what is actually going on.
I found the background to this cat and mouse story fascinating. Reunion is not a place I had known about so to read about it as the setting of this story held my interest, and had me checking Wikipedia for more information.
Bussi puts in translations of some of the often used words for people according to their backgrounds, and a map at the start is a guide to identifying the places spoken of, although I sourced a more detailed map on the Internet.
This is a translation, which may explain some of the awkward expressions, but the characters are fully developed and interesting, while the main story with its peaks and valleys is easily addictive.
Fran Knight

The girl with the lost smile by Miranda Hart

Ill. by Kate Hindley. Hachette, 2017. ISBN 9781444941364
(Age: 8+) Recommended. "Chloe Long has lost her smile. She's looked everywhere for it. (Under her pillow. Under her bed. Under her nose. Obviously.) She's tried everything to bring it back. (Her favourite cake. Her favourite gran. Her favourite joke. Obviously.) But nothing seems to be working!
Until one night, something utterly magical happens - and Chloe finds herself on an adventure that is out of this world . . . "
Miranda Hart (you may be familiar with her from Call the Midwife), has constructed a book that is certain to make you laugh and cry at the same time. She takes us on a magical, adventurous journey that celebrates the imagination and the strength of true friendship. Although the book is quite long (361 pages), the text is fairly spaced out and reasonably large.
There are still so many messages that can be taken away from this book. Chloe, the main character, struggles with her own issues, allowing herself to escape to her 'magic land' where she battles 'shadow bandits'. I believe this actually parallels with Chloe fighting her own inner thoughts and worries. I think the author may have quite cleverly intertwined some of her own childhood memories into the storyline.
I can see children aged eight and up loving this heart-warming book which has such a positive message. An added bonus are the gorgeous illustrations by the very talented Kate Hindley interspersed throughout the story. A welcome addition to the fantasy collection that will very quickly become a favourite for many.
Kathryn Schumacher

Diary of a wimpy kid: Double down by Jeff Kinney

Puffin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780143309338
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Diary of a wimpy kid: Double down finds Greg Heffley continuing his hilarious journey through middle school. In Double down, Greg starts his diary by reflecting on what it would be like if his life was a documentary being watched by TV viewers everywhere. Greg's thoughts are funny and readers will be drawn into his crazy daydreams. Greg continues to reflect on his mum seeing him as gifted and he ended up in a so called champion group which was all about him learning to speak properly.
In Diary of a wimpy kid: Double down, every few pages is a new story in Greg's life; from talking about his pet pig to winning candy and his sneaky brother getting out of doing chores. Each entry has an accompanying cartoon that is as funny as the text.
This series of books sells itself and all fans will want the next instalment. The vocabulary continues to be enticing and exciting. It is highly recommended for readers aged 9+. Old fans and new fans will enjoy it and won't be able to put it down.
Kylie Kempster

Beatrice Zinker upside down thinker by Shelley Johannes

Hachette, 2017. ISBN 9780734417336
(Age: 6-9) Recommended. Themes: Individuality. Self-perception. School. Friendship. Humour. 'Beatrice Zinker did all her best thinking upside down.' Life in the Zinker family proves difficult for middle child Beatrice, everyone else 'likes boxes and boundaries, they follow the rules and prefer to fit in with their friends'. In first and second grade Beatrice and her best friend Lenny loved wearing costumes, playing pirate games and testing the limits. Over the summer holidays, Beatrice waits for her best friend to return from the Philippines; she has big plans involving ninja suits, reconnaissance and spying.
On the first day back, Lenny has transformed into a normal third grade student, new sparkly shirt, a skirt, and no more glasses. What a shock for Beatrice, but instead of accepting the changes, she concentrates on still trying to be friends. While Lenny, her new buddy Chloe and their classmates are playing veterinarians at recess, Beatrice creatively tries to fit in. Could she be a bat, hanging upside down, or a sticky gecko? When an accident happens and Beatrice spends time in the nurse's office, her creative mind works on a possible solution to her friendship and classroom dramas.
Shelley Johannes' gentle story encourages young readers to think positively and celebrate their different styles and personalities. Her creative language uses alliteration, humour and sensory experiences to build a picture of Beatrice's journey. Beatrice Zinker upside down thinker is a wonderful read aloud novel for years 2-4, one to stop and ponder the sage advice, the creative thinking and discuss the valuing of individual differences. Johannes has drawn from childhood experiences and this is beautifully crafted in this junior novel as she explores emotional wellbeing, friendship, self-perception and anti-bullying.
Rhyllis Bignell

The Nutcracker, a colouring book ill. by Jill Tytherleigh, Lydia Coventry and Sophia O'Connor

Macmillan Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9781509853601
(Age: 7+) A delightful gift which combines a wonderfully traditional story with detailed outlines ready to be filled. At this time of year, the book could be used for mindfulness activities with middle years classes, but could also be enjoyed by adult and children alike. The colouring book is an adaptation of the short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A Hoffman. While the colouring book is interspersed with quotes from the original story, the artist repeats themes of rats and ballerinas with a magical holiday theme which does not depend on the reader to know the plot. The detailed drawings are not too complex, though some are more simplistic, which means no need to concentrate on filling in tiny shapes for hours. There is within the pages, enough detail for those who consider themselves expert with the colouring trend, although some of the simpler pages would be a great starting point for a novice. The quality of the pages mean that pencils, felt tips or connector pens can be used, though I would check for bleeding ink on darker colours. I look forward to seeing this one available in shops ready for the Christmas season, with a festive cover highlighted with red and gold it is sure to be a popular gift.
Clare Thompson

Merry Christmas, Mary Christmas! by Laurie Friedman

Ill. by Kathryn Durst. Carolrhoda Books, 2017. ISBN 9781467792615
(Age: All) Highly recommended. With a name like Mary Christmas how could you not like Christmas? The problem is Mary does not like Christmas. The whole Christmas family are especially happy at Christmas time, except poor Mary. The Christmas family do Christmas in a big way but Mary does not feel merry at all.
When the family go to visit Santa, Mary believes that Santa can make Christmas merry for her. After visiting him Mary thought a lot about what he had said. She finally had an idea of how she could make Christmas merry for everyone and with her family's help Mary Christmas finally had a Merry Christmas.
This is a great Christmas picture book for children of all ages, and I would highly recommend it.
Karen Colliver

Rory the dinosaur needs a Christmas tree by Liz Climo

Rory the dinosaur series. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. ISBN 9780316469678
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Christmas, Celebration, Fatherhood, Family. Following the success of the two previous books, Rory the dinosaur: me and my dad, and Rory the dinosaur wants a pet, this new story about Rory will be most welcome. Rory and his dad are excited about the coming festivity, as is everyone else on their island. They have put up decorations, made a wreath, made cookies, hung their stockings, wrapped their presents and hung up Christmas lights, but one thing is missing. So Rory and his dad go off hunting for a Christmas tree. They search all over the island, finding many trees, but none is the right one to have in their home. Disappointed they return and make some cocoa, and listen to the people singing carols outside their window. But when Rory goes to put his present for his dad under the tree, there is not one there. He falls asleep where the tree should be, but when he wakes he is in for quite a surprise.
Another delightful outing for Rory the dinosaur, this one like the others is replete with warmth and expressions of love shared by Rory and his dad. They do everything together, each supporting the other, and dad dressing up for his beloved son so he is not disappointed on Christmas Day. The simple yet direct and uncluttered illustrations suit the story perfectly, and younger children will love seeing Rory in all his glory as he presents all the customs that surround Christmas and its celebration in the west.
And the main theme is pulled together on the very last page. Hopefully Rory and his father will have many more adventures, warmly expressing a homage to fatherhood and the love shared by father and son.
Fran Knight

Create your own Christmas by Isabel Thomas

Ill. by Katie Abey. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408882207
Have you spent all year dreaming of turkey, tinsel and Christmas trees? Christmas is FAR too important to leave to the adults to get right - so take control and create your own Christmas. Make a sleigh launcher to start Christmas with a whizz? Paint a festive scene with leftovers from your Christmas dinner. Build your own Christmas cracker to celebrate with a BANG.
Well this book was right up my alley - anything to do with craft, making, construction - my ears prick up! This book would be a great Christmas stocking filler - children would love to have their own copy to pick and choose which activity to choose next. I love the introduction of the book and the little annotations throughout it allowing the children to follow the directions. It is bright and colourful, utilising the traditional Christmas colours and extremely well set out. It clearly lists the items required and have simple step by step instructions to follow. While the children are completing the activities, they will also be able to learn about many of the history surrounding Christmas traditions. Priced with a RRP of $14.99 it would also make a great boredom buster leading up to Christmas.
Kathryn Schumacher

Father Christmas heard a fart by Olaf Falafel

HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9780008244316
(Age: 3-7) Christmas. This is comedian Olaf Felafal's first picture book. It is set to the tune of Old McDonald Had a Farm and is about a Christmas fart mystery. "Father Christmas heard a fart . . . E-I-E-I-O! He thought that fart came from a bird . . . E-I-E-I-O! With a Pffrrp Pffrrp here and Pffrrp Pffrrp there . . . ". It even tells the reader how to make each of the fart sounds, complete with instructions and facial diagrams showing Santa making the noise (e.g. "Fill one of your cheeks with air, and play it like a bagpipe!"). As all this farting is going on we see Santa preparing for his Christmas run. Finally, the culprit is discovered. "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house rang the sound of a fart . . . from an overfed mouse!".
This is completely silly but the shiny illustrations show the wonderful Christmas world of a child's imagination (lots of toys, snow, presents, Christmas trees, elves, reindeers) and it is easy to sing. The instructions for making the fart noises are fun and children will love joining in.
Nicole Nelson