Reviews

by James Brown and Richard Platt

Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781406370843
(Age: 8+) Information, Non fiction. 'From cloud classification to Roman numerals, an essential miscellany of fascinating facts for curious minds', reads the sub title on the front cover of this over sized hard cover volume, reflecting a style of books from the past. Opening the covers reinforces that supposition, but an inquisitive child will linger over the miscellany of facts displayed here. The table of contents includes a wide variety of topics, The periodic table, Human skeleton, Phases of the moon, Music notation, Rivers and Knots. Each topic has a monochromatic double page devoted to it with one page of information and one page containing a diagram. The text is clear and the stylish diagrams well presented, both sure to attract the attention of inquisitive eyes. Even though children have access to the internet, some will also be attracted to this book full of wonder and interest as it presents such a diverse range of information, and could be used as a reference tool as well as a book of curiousities to satisfy eager minds. The stylised illustrations reflect much detail as the eye is drawn into the myriad of intricacies shown on each page. I enjoyed dipping into the pages. One that caught my eye was Impossible shapes, which shows the sorts of shapes that look as if they should be right as the mind tries to justify them but on closer inspection he reader can see why they trick the eye. Another page celebrates all the different types of pencils and brushes, while another shows the phases of the moon. Lots of interesting facts for those kids who love delving into things with an alert mind.
Fran Knight

The four legendary kingdoms by Matthew Reilly

Jack West Jr. bk 4. Macmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781743534953
(Age: Secondary) Recommended. Fantasy. Jack West is called into Pine Gap, the secret US base in outback Australia where he is told about a runaway galaxy hurtling through space coming straight for Earth and the Milky Way Galaxy. Jack West's adopted daughter Lily, Alby and Sky Monster and his two dogs are kidnapped and taken to a remote and secret location where Jack must fight to the death in a restaging of the Tasks of Hercules. Under the auspices of Hades, King of the Underworld, Jack and fifteen others are pitted against one another and only one will survive. Jack is at a disadvantage because he is one of the few who doesn't actually realise why he is there. Others have been training and have been well prepared for the contest.
Each contestant has a group of hostages to ensure that they give their all. Each contest becomes more difficult and dangerous as each stage proceeds.
The winner of each contest gains a golden orb which when placed in its correct position within the arena, transmits signals to the rogue galaxy, which proves there is still intelligent life on earth.
The odds are stacked against Jack with Hades' own son being one of the contestants, and who is able to gain unfair advantages in his father's realm.
Jack's knowledge of the ancient world and its myths and legends proves invaluable, giving him the leverage he needs to overcome his opponents despite all odds.
The readers of Reilly's books involving the heroic Jack West will be familiar with the engaging cast of characters and the lengths they go to survive and be more than satisfied that the ending sets up another book to follow.
Mark Knight

The mix and match lunchbox by Cherie Schetselaar and Britney Rule

Exisle, 2016. ISBN 9781942934660
Imagine opening your lunchbox and finding almond joy popcorn, cream cheese pinwheels and a melon and grape fruit salad. Or quinoa cookie bites, chopped Thai chicken salad and a homemade ranch dip. Or any one of the 27,000 three-course combinations embracing whole grains, proteins and fruit and veggies that can be made from this glossy mix and match flip book.
With Term 4 here and another 10 weeks of school lunches looming, this is a timely release that lit up Miss 10's eyes as soon as she saw it because there was nothing too difficult for her to make here.
Beginning with an explanation of why a healthy lunch is important and then the role that the four food groups play in achieving it, it continues with a section on the perfect lunchbox so that everything stays fresh and cool and then helps with time and menu management by helping to plan ahead and food preparation.
Each suggestion comes complete with coloured photo and the recipe at the side using simple, easily available fresh ingredients so that the lunchbox looks appealing, is healthy and satisfying. No more dumping soggy sangers in the nearest bin!!
Having looked at it thoroughly, Miss 10 and Miss 5 (who could easily help because of the simplicity of the suggestions) were heard to say that they wished school was back already! Definitely one to promote to parents not only looking for new ideas but also ways that will encourage the children to join in the preparation and perhaps start them on their cooking journey.
Barbara Braxton

The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud

Lockwood & Co. bk 4. Corgi Books, 2016. ISBN 9780552573153
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Ghosts. Horror. The fourth in this fabulous series about a group of intrepid ghost-hunters, sees Lucy hiring herself out as a freelance operative, after leaving Lockwood & Co. She had seen in a vision that she would be responsible for Lockwood's death and was determined to keep away from him. However a surprise visit from Lockwood convinces her that she can do one tough assignment with them finding the Source of the legendary Brixton Cannibal. When the talking skull is stolen and Lucy's life is threatened, she goes to Lockwood and Co for sanctuary and from there the team becomes involved in the sinister activities of the Rotwell and Fittes Agencies.
The creeping shadow does not disappoint. Lucy is an audacious girl, who goes about the business of listening to and securing ghosts in a very courageous way. The loss of the talking skull leads to complications and she and the dashing Lockwood as well as the rest of the team follow clue after clue trying to retrieve it.
There are some dark moments as they retrieve the Source of the Brixton Cannibal, as Stroud describes what the Cannibal did to his victim, but this is alleviated by the usual humour that pervades Stroud's writing. The feelings between Lockwood and Lucy are only slightly touched upon, but are an important thread throughout the book as Lucy tries her best to ensure that she doesn't harm Lockwood.
Some exciting moments in the final chapters of the book will have the reader on the edge of the seat, and a cliff-hanger ending will ensure that the next book is read as soon as it is published.
This is a series that is scary, funny and highly addictive.
Pat Pledger

A miscellany of magical beasts by Simon Holland

Ill. by David Wyatt and Kate Walker et al. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408881958
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Magic, Mythology, Legends, Monsters. A coffee table book with the most glorious of illustrations will not be out of children's hands for long. An enticing table of contents tells the reader that inside they will find information about a range of mythical beasts, including Harpies, Basilisks, the Chimera, Pegasus as well as Giants, Werewolves and Elves. Many are not well known so a double page spent on each is very welcome and most informative. Opening to the section on Merpeople, the information gives readers an idea of this mythological being from the perspective of several countries. In Japan they are called Ningyo and are said to be the bringer of bad luck, some European stories tell about Melasine, and in Canada the First People have a story about a half fish half person who creates storms, while many people have stories about the Selkie. The double page gives a fascinating overview of this being with rather touching illustrations by Helen Ward. Another page which I was most interested in is the one about the Basilisk. I have always associated this term with a hissing sound, but I found out that the Basilisk is a serpent with the head of a cockerel, whose stare can kill.
The slavering mouth of the Cerberus greeted me as I turned a page, and so I had to stop to read about this ferocious animal, noticing that the frightening illustration by David Demaret shows the animal with two heads. I read on, finding that this animal has three heads (I needed to flatten the book more) and is the keeper of the Underworld in Greek mythology. Over the page more information is given about other Gatekeepers, Ammut in Egypt, Yama's hounds in India and Garmir in Norse mythology.
At the end of the book is a glossary of terms, ending off an engrossing read about all sorts of beings accompanied by luminous illustrations which will capture the interest of all who read the book.
Fran Knight

Return by Aaron Becker

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406368437
(Age: 6-60) Highly recommended. Return concludes Aaron Becker's picture book trilogy that began with the 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Journey. His rich visual narrative once more explores a child's escape from their everyday life. The fantasy world in Return blends artistic and architectural styles, turreted palaces, fantastic flying creatures and extraordinary underwater scenes drawn from diverse cultures and imaginative worlds. Becker's dramatic pen, ink and watercolour paintings are intricate and multilayered; there is something to observe for all ages.
This story begins with a young girl escaping her dark, boring life by drawing a red magic door on her bedroom wall and entering a magic world. Her busy father finally notices her red kite by his desk and follows her into the colourful kingdom beyond. He soon discovers his daughter with a neighbourhood boy and all three are soon drawn into a dangerous quest. Using their magic markers to fashion a dragon for escape, they become immersed in exciting and perilous adventures, requiring their imaginations to survive. The dad becomes as invested as the kids in vanquishing the bad guys. After an amazing journey, they return to the magic door, where the girl expresses her love for her father with a big hug. The red kite flies high above the bright city in contrast to the darkened empty house and presents a poignant ending.
Aaron Becker's wordless picture books are wonderful tools for educators. They encourage learners to create their own narratives, write literary texts, and explore the fantasy genre - the narrative arc, characterisation and experiment with their own artworks. Return is a wonderful book for families to share as well.
Rhyllis Bignell

Black water lilies by Michel Bussi

Translated by Shaun Whiteside. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2016. ISBN 9781474601757
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Mystery. Art. The beautiful setting of Giverny, the home of Claude Monet was what first caught my attention, and once I started reading, the complexity of the story was totally engrossing. Jerome Morval has been found dead in the stream that runs through the gardens. He has a postcard of Monet's painting of Water Lilies with the words 'Eleven years old. Happy Birthday' in his pocket. Entwined in the mystery are three women: an old widow who watches everything, a beautiful school teacher and a young girl who is an exceptionally talented artist.
The setting of Monet's garden is beautifully depicted, and the reader has a wonderful time imagining not just its wonders, but also the havoc that constant tourists can have on the small French village. The reader also gets to learn much about art, art awards and art collections which is a boon for anyone who enjoys learning about famous paintings and artists. The theme of the painting of black water lilies winds its way through the whole book, making its presence a second mystery in addition to the murders.
The mystery itself is very complex but the lives of the interesting characters seem so real that it is easy to become totally immersed in the story. And the final revelations were certainly a surprise to me, making the story even more engrossing as I had to go back through all the clues and think about all the implications of the murder.
This is an outstanding detective story, with a wonderful location and exceptional prose. It is one not to be missed by lovers of the mystery genre.
Pat Pledger

Du iz tak? by Carson Ellis

Ill. by Carson Ellis. Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406368413
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Language. Insects. Seasons. Read aloud. Insects will never look the same again after readers have wandered through this inviting book, eagerly sharing the language that the insects are given to speak. From the title, to every word on every page, children are encouraged to work out what is being said, and it is not that difficult for eager minds to do this, imagining what is being said and developing their own responses.
The amazing changes in a garden are explored with insects speaking to each other, many asking questions of the other about the garden they are in and what is happening in it.
Over the whole year, many things happen in the garden: a caterpillar strolls to the end of a stick where it becomes a chrysalis, eventually becoming a moth which has one bright night to find a mate, a small shoot appears above the ground and then grows into a plant which flowers and then dies when the snow falls, only for the seedlings to appear again the following year, ladybirds fly into the garden along with small insects, ants, spiders, birds and beetles, mushrooms rise up and then fall away, flowers appear then die, and all the while the insects make use of the plant in the centre of the garden, using their unusual language.
The arresting and highly detailed illustrations make full use of the white of the page, with the same plant and stick placed on every page, showing how they change over the year. Readers will have fun following images as they change, replicating the changes made through the seasons while reading the book aloud will add another level of humour to the classroom. A wonderful introduction to a class garden encouraging children to look more closely at what surrounds them and how things change over a year.
Carson Ellis' first novel, Home appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and her work can be viewed on her website.
Fran Knight

The wolves of Currumpaw by William Grill

Flying Eye Books, 2016. ISBN 9781909263833
Wolves. Hunting. Conservation of wildlife. New Mexico History. At the turn of the century in New Mexico, European settlers not only clashed with the native population but they also brought farming methods which displaced native animals. Wolves were particularly targeted for their attacks on stock. In the contest between man and beast it is inevitable that the wolves were hunted almost to extinction using cruel methods like trapping and poisoning. One of the last was a legendary wolf which came to be known as King Lobo. Wolf hunter and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton is called in, eventually trapping his cunning prey, but at the last moment he questions the killing of such noble animals. In this graphic retelling of Seton's short story, Lobo: The king of Currumpaw 1898, William Grill beautifully puts the story in perspective with a lovely sense of place and time. The pastel illustrations graphically tell the story both in series of small pictures and double page spreads. The text lightly links the images, inviting sharing the large format book and reading aloud; there is much to look at while listening to the story. Seton's legacy is that his changed attitude led to him devoting the rest of his life to conserving American wildlife especially wolves. His inspiration, nearly 100 years later led to the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.
Younger readers will find the pictures easy to follow but may need help with the text. Older readers may find a lot to discuss in the evolution of man's relationship with wild animals and how attitudes may be changed over time and through experience. There is a lot to learn too from the graphic storytelling in the illustrations.
Sue Speck

Not just a piece of cake, being an author by Hazel Edwards

Brolga Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9781922175809
Recommended for budding writers, adult fans and anyone who loves to read autobiographies. Memoir by author of best-selling There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake and author of over two hundred picture books and novels. Hazel Edwards' writing journey has taken her from Nepal mountaineering with spirited women, walking the Milford Track in New Zealand, to Antarctic adventures. Her approach to life's challenges shows her spirit of adventure and her passionate desire to encourage readers from a very young age. She loves to share her love of literature with all ages.
What a delight to read all the humorous hippo antics and adventures. Imagine being stopped by the police with a large stuffed toy hippo strapped in the passenger seat. Many little grubby hands cuddling the animal have required some very ingenious cleaning solutions. Hazel's one hundred random hippo memories are funny, poignant and show just how much the character is loved around the world. A country mum learnt to read sharing them with her Prep child whilst the Australian Government gifted a set of books to Princess Mary on the birth of her daughter. These much-loved books printed in Braille, shared in Auslan, became plays and even a film.
An important part of her writing career is publicity, packed days sharing her stories with parents and toddlers, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools. The carefully planned days are filled with author talks, book signings, question time - just how much does an author earn, and creative writing sessions. Book Week is one of the busiest times of the year, a logistical challenge, sometimes a navigational dilemma as well. Losing her voice is a common occurrence and Hazel even provides tips to soothe a sore throat - bananas perhaps.
This autobiography is an enjoyable read and provides motivation and gives insight into the life of a busy author.
Rhyllis Bignell

Phoenix burning by Bryony Pearce

Little Tiger Press, 2016. ISBN 9781847156709
(Age: Young adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Revenge; Junk-Punk; Dystopian; Religious cults; Survival; Challenge; Trust and betrayal. The first book in this series, Phoenix Rising, introduced the reader to the world of post-cataclysmic environmental disaster, where the ocean is a seething mass of caustic junk, roiling in the corrosive waters that take life rather than support it. In Phoenix Burning, the second book of the series, we join the junk pirates as they variously fight one another and work together to solve a mystery and to recover the missing component to enable their salvaged energy system to become functional. In the process Toby and Ayla must work through their sabotage and distrust of each other to complete the task that they cannot achieve alone. This takes them into the enclave of the sun-worshippers - a cult that engages in bizarre rituals as part of their religious fervour. They must work together to steal what they need, while being involved in complex challenges, where loss means they become silent monk-like devotees and winning means they become blind but 'holy'. (This is a little like a Hunger Games fight to avoid death and where winners bear the burden of their win.) Toby and Ayla's relationship is always going to be challenged because of their family history, but Pearce has cleverly woven a tale where we are able to detect a growing but fraught dependence on one another and a hint of closeness, but with trust in jeopardy.
The winner of this text is the very different setting, where normality has been so badly damaged by environmental disaster. The ocean is a chemical wasteland, detrimental to life. The problem this has created for the world and the survivors has created a fantasy environment that is unlike any other. Sailing on a pirate ship where everything is cobbled together using junk salvaged from the sea or the spoiled shores allows for some impressive imagination leaps. Pearce writes in a compelling and exciting way and from the prologue we realise that there is danger to follow.
This is a book that can be highly recommended to YA readers (male and female), particularly those who have enjoyed Hunger Games and other dystopian literature.
Carolyn Hull

Time Stoppers by Carrie Jones

Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408872581
(Age: 9-11) Recommended. Annie Nobody's life is truly sad; she has survived placements in eleven foster homes, and now she is placed with the Wiegles in their filthy trailer with their pack of dogs. Her carers treat her like a slave and make her sleep outside into the snow, where she is forced to sleep with the dogs. Things become worse for her, when an evil force chases her through the forest. In the same town Mount Desert, twelve-year-old Jamie Alexander's family life is also difficult. His grandmother and father are really trolls, waiting for him to turn thirteen because trolls love to feast on human's bones and brains!
At the very last minute, Annie and Jamie are rescued, then swept away on snowmobile-hovercraft to the magical city of Aurora. Their rescuer is a dwarf called Eva, who is rather opinionated and sassy. This supernatural place is filled with magical creatures protected by a woman named Miss Cornelia. Annie Nobody has a purpose, a special role - she is a Time Stopper with magical powers. The townsfolk expect her to save them from the evil Raiff.
Carrie Jones' novel is one of darkness and light, of action-packed adventures, fantastical creatures and is filled with a range of quirky characters. The protagonists rise up to meet the challenges, as they begin to draw on their inner strength, their resilience and start to believe in their own capabilities. The story ends with a cliff-hanger and sets up the beginning of the Time Stoppers series. The exposition and rising arc of the narrative are extremely dark and confronting, and this may be of concern to a younger reader.
Rhyllis Bignell

How to Survive in the North by Luke Healy

Nobrow, 2016. ISBN 9781910620069
Themes: Arctic exploration, survival, Inuit/Eskimo women, resilience. This graphic novel interleaves three stories, two based on factual accounts of expeditions to the arctic and one contemporary fictional thread about a disgraced academic who happens to find the arctic accounts in the university archives. All three are about poor decision making, endurance and survival by taking control and making the best of a bad situation. The book opens at the lowest point of each storyline, differentiated by colours which help the reader throughout the book. The two arctic exploration accounts are linked by Wrangel Island somewhere between Canada and Russia (a map would have been informative). The first captained by Bob Bartlett who heroically trekked over the ice to Russia to get help when their ship was crushed and the crew marooned on the island. The second expedition 7 years later was to claim the island for Canada. Again the group was trapped on the island and the Inuit seamstress, Blackjack, was left to look after an injured member of the party (who later died) while the others went to get help. Her story makes this worthwhile reading, with only a cat for company she endures extreme hardship, teaching herself to use a gun to hunt for food, resilient even though she has no idea if anyone knows she is there. The account of the first expedition was less well articulated and the fictional thread has the complication of the academic being disciplined for having had a homosexual relationship with a student, not something a young reader may understand. Older students might find some life messages in these flawed characters and the book is interesting for its graphic design and accessible illustration style.
Sue Speck

The twelve days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily bk 2. Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760293826
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Following the success of Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, Cohn and Levithan have collaborated again to bring the likeable pair back in a Christmas tale. Lily has had a very tough year with her grandfather suffering a heart attack. She has taken on much of his care, and her usual optimism has begun to flag. She has had no inclination to do the usual Christmas planning that she loves so much, and her romance with Dash seems to be flagging as well. Dash, her brother Langston and her friends decide to get together to help Lily recover the Christmas spirit.
With typical humour, Lily and Dash tell their stories in alternative chapters. It is not as light hearted as Dash and Lily's book of dares, as this time the story concentrates on the themes of change and communication. Lily is finding it very difficult to come to terms with the change in her grandfather's health, as are her parents who are arguing seriously about where to live for the first time. She is also finding it difficult to communicate her feelings to Dash, who also doesn't make his feelings known either, so the two of them seem to be at odds at times. But Dash is determined to cheer Lily up and with the help of his friend Boomer, brings in a Christmas tree to start off the twelve days of Christmas. From then on, there are quite a few adventures around New York told in the authors' humorous style and which will really appeal to anyone who likes reading about stories set in that city.
Some of the advice about communication, change and love will also resonate with readers, as they follow the plight of the two young people.
This is sure to be a hit with readers who like to enjoy the holiday season with a Christmas story that is engrossing and enjoyable.
Pat Pledger

My Lovely Christmas Book