Reviews

Henry and the Yeti by Russell Ayto

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408876619
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Mythical creatures. Adventure. Exploration. Self belief. Russell really believes that yetis exist but some others do not share his strong belief, so he sets off to prove they really do exist.
So begins an adventure which sees him set off for the mountains far away to find one. He tells his headteacher who laughs but reminds him to bring back evidence. His Dad reminds him not to stay up too late. He packs his essential things: a telescope, waterproof hammock, compass, camera and rope. He goes through a dense forest and takes a ship over the sea, then finds the mountains, and climbs them in search of the yeti. Just as he begins to lose hope, he bumps into two tall legs. He has found the yeti, and he is much taller than he thought. He takes copious photos with his camera, for evidence, and after playing games with the creature, goes back home. Here he unpacks to give the laughing headteacher the evidence he wants, but Henry cannot find his camera. Without that he cannot prove that he saw the yeti.
The school students begin to laugh once again, but the yeti appears, giving Henry back his camera. Henry is vindicated.
This is a wonderful tale of believing in yourself, of questioning what others may say and of seeking something out for yourself. Henry is a most likeable character, with his large round eyes, huge backpack and unshakeable belief. The uncluttered illustrations will entice students to look more closely at each page, smiling at the path Henry takes in finding a yeti.
Fran Knight

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom

Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn

Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn

Books 3 and 4 in the Tale of Shikanoko series. Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9780733635151
(Age: 15+) Recommended. As the series title suggests, the story follows Shikanoko (Shika) throughout his quest to restore the rightful emperor (Yoshi) to the throne. After defeating the Prince Abbot in the first book, Shikanoko retreats to the Darkwood. His deer-mask has become fused to his face until someone who loves him removes it. Years pass and the reign of the imposter emperor continues. No one knows where Yoshi is, and the few that do keep silent. The river-people prove useful in harbouring not just the rightful emperor and Kiyoyori's daughter, Hina, but also, Akihime and Shikanoko's son, Take. But trouble starts when Kiku, one of Lady Tora's sons, grows restless. What can a young man with such a short life accomplish when he only knows the Darkwood? With five fathers his options are endless. While it seems that Yoshi will never be restored to the throne, they will all soon learn that they are simply pieces in a tengu's game - a game that has been paused for so long that it has almost been forgotten.
Picking up where its predecessor, Emperor of the Eight Islands, left off, Lord of the Darkwood serves to complete the prequel series to the highly-acclaimed Tales of the Otori. The prequels adds to the reader's understanding of the main series by giving a history of the prominent families and world of the Tales of the Otori series but does not necessarily need to be read in conjunction with the main series. Standing on its own, The Tale of Shikanoko, has a similar feel to a Japanese fairy-tale or myth. Recommended for lovers of fantasy and fans of the Tales of the Otori series.
Kayla Gaskell (umiversity student)

A girl called Owl by Amy Wilson

Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509832460
(Age: 9 -14) Highly recommended. A wondrous winter read, A girl called Owl is magical, with relatable characters, adventure and beautiful prose. With a strange name and a father she has never met, Owl is finding things difficult. Her best friend is also having a bad time with her parents separating and there is a strange new boy at school who has noticed that she has weird frost patterns on her skin. Then using her new powers she enters the mysterious world of winter finding links to her father, who has only been described by her mother as if he belonged to a folk story.
The author has written an engrossing story that combines the everyday problems that Owl faces, of fitting in, wanting to know her father, and supporting a friend in need with a wonderful winter world peopled with Jack Frost and the fay. Her writing also reflects these two different worlds: the everyday one is written in a straight forward way while the descriptions of the winter world are lyrical and memorable. Delightful sketches of an owl in different poses are on the chapters about Owl icicles and leaves adorn the chapters peopled by mythical creatures.
Owl is a feisty and caring heroine, who faces danger and adventure in a winter world, and readers will be engrossed with the way she finally meets her powerful trickster father and how she manages her powers in a cold world.
The combination of mythology, magic and a haunting landscape make this a memorable debut that is sure to entrance its readers.
Pat Pledger

Here I stand: Stories that speak for freedom edited by Amnesty International UK

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406358384
(Age: 12+) Recommended. This hard cover collection of short stories and poems edited by Amnesty International is not what I first expected. The focus is not so much on political issues and human rights so much as the commonly encountered issues of bullying, abuse, self-identity, LGBT rights, exploitation, loneliness, and similar issues experienced by many young people. The authors are 25 leading writers and illustrators inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, writers such as Neil Gaiman, John Boyne, Tony Birch, Sita Brahmachasi, Kevin Brooks and others. They are simple stories that quickly draw you in and create a connection, leaving you afterwards with much food for further thought. As author Bali Rai writes, 'My story is designed to make you think about what makes us human. I hope that it does.' And all of the stories do make you reflect on humanity.
The last story in the book is different, and is more political. 'Speaking out for freedom' is an interview with Chelsea Manning, an intelligence analyst imprisoned for 35 years for revealing what she had learnt about 'the secret reality of the way the Iraq War was being fought'. To this day she believes what she did was the right thing to do, and although she was very afraid she felt she had to take a stand and speak out.
This is the message of the book as a whole - making a stand for our common humanity, whether it is regarding the bullied child in school, the victim of racism or the child being abused. We have to care about rights and freedoms and speak up for them when they are under attack. In his introduction to the collection, human rights lawyer Jules Carey urges us all to care, question, and act.
Teachers' notes Using fiction to explore human rights are available.
Helen Eddy

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Pan Macmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781925479478
(Age: 13+) Recommended. A tale that is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Alice in Wonderland and fairy tale retellings, Meyer, the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, has given a unique backstory to the woman who was the Queen of Hearts. Catherine Pinkerton is a talented baker and even though she is desired by the unmarried King of Hearts, all she wants to do is to open a baker's shop with her best friend. However her mother is determined that she will be the next queen and having a daughter who owns a bakery is not what she wants. Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome court jester and the two begin to fall in love, but fate intervenes . . .
Readers will become engrossed in the setting of the strange fantasy world that Meyer has created, while identifying with the normality of Cath making delicious cakes and dreaming of opening her own shop. Catherine feels no attraction for the King of Hearts and doesn't want to be the Queen of Hearts, instead falling for Jest a most unsuitable man in the eyes of her mother. Readers will be swept away by the conflict that Cath faces, that of being a dutiful daughter and obeying her mother, while wanting completely different things for herself.
The idea behind the story is very clever, the writing is lyrical, Catherine's dreams and desires are very relatable and the ending will leave readers breathless. This is sure to appeal to people who enjoyed The lunar chronicles, and those who like books by Robin McKinley, Zoe Marriot and Frances Hardinge.
Pat Pledger

Marge and the pirate baby by Isla Fisher

Ill. by Eglantine Ceulemans. Piccadilly Press, 2017. ISBN 9781848125933
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Swashbuckling pirates and a mischievous baby cousin add to the fun and excitement of Isla Fisher's second junior novel Marge and the pirate baby. Marvellous Marge is a babysitter extraordinaire, no taller than 'seven packets of biscuits', with rainbow-dyed hair and a multitude of magical stories about her past child minding adventures. With Mum taking Auntie Sally out for her birthday, Marge returns to look after Jemima and Jakey as well as little cousin Zara.
Marge has previously worked on board a pirate ship 'The Poison Curse' for Captain Not-So-Jolly-Roger. Marge informs the children that pirates love babies more than treasure. With cottonwool beards and pirate jewellery made from buttons, Marge and the children make costumes and enjoy turning Zara's pram into a pirate ship. Even though they leave a mess all over the house and backyard everyone enjoys the pirate activities with Marge. A little magic happens when the adults arrive home and everything is tidy.
In 'Marge and the stolen treasure' the second story, Marge arrives on a very hot day to take Jemima and Jakey off to the local pool. With her rainbow hair hidden under a bathing cap, a pink dressing gown and gold sandals, she is ready to take charge. Jake's red wagon is loaded up with a big vase of lemonade and toy dinosaurs. Marge informs him that sunscreen scares away tigers and lions, so he slathers it on. Her marvellous tales of animal antics and inventive songs accompany their walk. Many adventures await the explorers at the pool, as they conquer their fears and outsmart baby Zara.
'Marge and the wacky wedding' is another humourous tale, filled with ring bearers, chocolate fountains and contrary children. Of course, colourful Marge and her unique rules turn Uncle Desmond and Annie's wedding into a marvellous day.
Eglantine Ceulemans' line drawings bring Marge to life with her crazy hair, creative costumes and her unique style of childminding. They complement Isla Fisher's amusing tales with her outrageously imaginative and engaging protagonist whose witty dialogue and amazing stories of her menagerie of pets and pirate life are enchanting. This is a brilliant read aloud story for junior primary classes and to share at home; children will love Marge's distinctive style of caring for Jake, Jemima and Zara.
Rhyllis Bignell

What not to do if you turn Invisible by Ross Welford

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008156350
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Genres: Fiction, Comedy, Magic. There are many reasons to love this funny, playful, yet emotional book. Some may know the author of this book through another of his creations; Time Travelling with a Hamster. This book undeniably conforms to its reputation. Its light and adventurous themes didn't fail to entertain me, as much as it would a middle grader, or for that matter - an adult. The reader follows a girl who has 'horrendous' zits, and who just wanted a way to cure them. With a sunbed and a mixture of untested medicines to cure her acne, she may have found the secret to invisibility (You'll have to read it to believe it). You cannot help but love the protagonist, Ethel, as she develops in many ways through the book.
Ethel has come from a rocky past and lives with her Grandmother in London. She is bullied for her excessive amounts of acne and deals with many matters in her search for identity. She makes close friends with a boy named Elliot, which is a testament to her personality. Only through this cautionary tale, does she uncover a mystery and discover her enlightened self.
I became consumed in the predicaments that you can imagine follow a girl who can become invisible. I was constantly torn between anxious suspense and guilty cries of laughter. The journey of the Ethel was very fast paced, but the author didn't fail to carry me through each scene and surround me with all of his heart-warming characters. The character development was definitely a dominating feature, and overall sold the story to me. The ending wrapped the story up perfectly, without being too heavy, or conversely unstated.
The character of Ethel has certainly earned a place in my heart. I would recommend this book to anyone from ages 10 to 100. You can only benefit from enjoying this tale.
Ethan Russell (Student)

Frazzled: Everyday disasters and impending doom by Booki Vivat

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780062663665
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Confidence, Brothers and Sisters, School Life, Emotions. Booki Vivat's debut novel Frazzled introduces the emotion-charged writings and drawings of Abbie Wu, a Chinese-American girl about to journey into the great unknown - Pointdexter Middle School. Abbie suffers from middle child syndrome, Peter her older brother is good at everything and he has all the trophies to prove it. Sweet six-year-old Clara is her confident little sister, a wonderful artist who is all ready to start kindergarten. Then there is Abbie whose anxiety is overwhelming her life; she believes 'nothing good ever happens in the Middles.' Even her mother brushes off her daughter's concerns, busy with being a single parent she does not really understand Abbie's anxieties.
Even her best friends are looking forward to middle school: actress Maxine is excited to join the drama elective and Logan is excited to hone his skills as part of the computer gaming and programming group. Abbie however is so concerned with her lack of talents - she is uncoordinated, prone to stage fright, tone-deaf and technologically confused, she believes that everything is hopeless.
Abbie's hopes and dreams of delicious school cafeteria lunches are crushed. While the eighth graders enjoy tasty meals, the rest of the school lines up to receive standard soggy vegetables and bland mystery meat meals. Without an elective choice, Abbie joins all the loners and troublemakers in study hall. Here, Abbie finally discovers her special abilities.
Vivat's fun pencil and ink illustrations perfectly display Abbie's emotional lows and highs. They are complimented by the expressive text sizes and styles ranging from bold and vibrant to tiny-labelled diagrams. The contrast of black and white explodes off the pages, especially when Abby pictures her school life as a gigantic black hole.
Booki Vivat's enjoyable novel develops well-being themes including self-esteem, growing in confidence, discovering your own talents and finding your own place in the world around you.
Rhyllis Bignell

Duck gets a job by Sonny Ross

Five Mile Press, 2017. ISBN 9781760405359
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Work, Following your dream, Humour. When Duck realises that he needs to get a job, he looks at his friends, all of whom have jobs in the city. They love their spreadsheets and encourage him to apply for a job like theirs. So he follows their lead and applies for a job and getting an interview must decide how he will look. After several swaps, he puts on a hat and takes a briefcase with him, opting for the professional look. Following advice from his friends, he gets the job and begins his work in the city. But he finds the work boring and falls asleep and so decides to quit.
He thinks hard about what he should do. He has always loved art and done well with his art work, so he puts his work into a portfolio and applies for a different job. The interviewer hires him and so he has work which he loves, and he never falls asleep.
This delightful story based firmly on the author's own experiences, will have younger children loving hearing it read aloud, or read themselves, absorbing the message of following your dreams, of not being influenced by others. The tale will be a wonderful springboard for children to share ideas about their own likes, dreams, abilities and futures. I love the illustrations, with humour for kids to find and laugh about, offering differing visions of city life, showing an obvious delineation between the job that Duck hates and the one he loves. The colours reflect Duck's mood and the duck motif is repeated in the glorious endpapers. With deceptively simple but beguiling text I loved working out just how the author had achieved his aims through the text and his illustrations.
Fran Knight

Where's Wally by Martin Handford

30th Anniversary edition. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406375695
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Wow - 30 years ago Where's Wally first appeared and the book has lost none of its appeal over the years. When it arrived on my desk I immediately spent quite some time going through and finding the picture of Wally on different pages as he travelled around the world. I was thrilled when I did find him, but needless to say I had a few pages that completely baffled me and even returning again couldn't find the little figure with the red striped jumper and hat.
After the initial browse I went back and read the new letter from Handford to his fans and discovered some more things that the reader could search for, including the tail of Woof, making the book even more enjoyable. As the search goes on, there are lots of fascinating and humorous little figures, details and scenes which are so enjoyable that hours could be spent perusing the pages.
This is a wonderful book to give children as a gift and it will also keeping the family occupied for hours. In the library make sure that no one marks where Wally is and spoils the fun!
Pat Pledger

Freeks by Amanda Hocking

Pan Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509807659
(Age: 15+) Freeks by Amanda Hocking is an exciting and fast paced novel about a young girl called Mara and her life in a travelling circus alongside her mother and friends. Set in 1987, Mara's colourful travelling companions are desperate to find their next short stop as they scrounge for their livelihood going from town to town and looking to attract large crowds. Their main appeal to the public is their one-of-a-kind circus performances which includes fire dancers, tigers, magic tricks, a house of horrors, the sideshow, a Ferris wheel and more. But these are not the ordinary attractions of just any circus, half of the population whom live with the travelling show have abilities that breach the border between the natural and supernatural. On their way to their next stop (like it or not for Mara and company), many members of the troop get bad feelings about the upcoming town which put many at unease, and these feelings worsen when one of their own wanders from the camp for longer than her usual spells of absence. It's up to Mara to interpret the signs shown to her and take care with the inhabitants of the town, and find if the town brings out more in Mara than she first anticipated.
Freeks is a captivating story that indulges its readers to the engaging internal dialogue of Mara which helps add to the mystery and thrill of the story as we interpret the events that unfold both through our own eyes as well as hers. This novel is better suited for an older teenage audience due to both adult and violent themes. Overall, Freeks is an exciting read that is refreshing and leaves the reader looking for more fantastic writing by Amanda Hocking.
Sarah Filkin (University student)

Silver in the blood by Jessica Day George

Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781681190242
(Age; 13+) Recommended. In the peak of youthful society of 1890's New York, two young cousins, Lou and Darcia, are at their social prime with constant attention turned on them as they are the mixed blood of a wealthy New York family and an ancient Romanian line. With vague warning, both girls are caught up in a whirlwind trip to finally engage with their Romanian relatives and connect to their ancient heritage. The trip is long and with it, more questions and strange situations appear and are discussed in letters and journal entries from both girls. Once in her home country, Darcia is frustrated by her Aunt Kate's sudden change in personality; what could make someone go from being like a mother, to a prison guard. Darcia demands to find out what is the real reason they were suddenly brought back to Romania and why everyone she knows and loves is starting to act incredibly strange. By the end, neither girl will ever be the same again.
Jessica Day George writes Silver in the Blood in such a way that captures the reader's attention and really makes the 1890's in America, Paris and Romania burst with life, painting a very relatable and realistic scene for her characters to interact. With reference to another well-known novel from the time, Silver in the Blood is exciting for readers of fantasy and mystery. This novel is recommended for an teenage audience (13+) due to themes of violence and romance. A fantastic read that leaves readers hoping for more stories about the two cousins, Darcia and Lou.
Sarah Filkin (University student)

Captain McGrew wants you for his crew! by Mark Sperring

Ill. by Ed Eaves. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408871034
(Ages: 3-7) Captain McGrew's in need of a crew to assist him with hoisting the sails, digging for treasure, 'splooshing' down the poop deck and even squeezing lemons for his lemonade. With his bushy red beard, eye patch, parrot on his shoulder and his four teeth, he is an awesome character. Even his ginger tabby cat has a matching patch. What adventures await his four child crew?
Author Mark Sperring's amusing rollicking rhymes are great to read aloud, filled with pirate vernacular and direct questioning speech. Each page demands a response; children will enjoy engaging with the story and predicting the rhyming words.
'Are you good with a spade? Do you complain if you're hot? Can you dig for long hours while others CANNOT?'
Ed Eaves brings Captain McGrew and his young crew to life, with a broad range of emotive facial expressions, as they complete their duties. Colourful settings of the sea, sand and aboard ship are amusing; look for the cat licking the dishes and cleaning the hull in a snorkel and mask.
Captain McGrew wants you for his crew is an entertaining picture book, filled with all the delights of a pirate's life.
Rhyllis Bignell