Oscar the Hungry Unicorn eats Christmas by Lou Carter
Illus. by Nikki Dyson. Orchard, 2019. ISBN: 9781408355824. 32pp.,
pbk.
Oscar the unicorn is always hungry and on Christmas Eve he is eating
his way through the palace Christmas preparations. The stockings,
the tree the presents . . . But the trouble really starts when he
eats the reindeer food meaning the reindeer no longer have their
magic power to fly. How will Santa deliver the presents?
This is a bright captivating tale that will enchant our youngest
readers as they continue the Christmas Countdown to that special
night. There is lots of humorous detail in the pictures,
particularly the one focusing on Christmas morning and this is
likely to be one that is requested again and again.
Barbara Braxton
The Princess Rules by Philippa Gregory
Illus. by Chris Chatterton. HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN:
9780008339791. 256p.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Three stories by award winning author
Philippa Gregory will be grabbed by readers who enjoy having their
fairy tales turned upside down. Those who love adventure and humour
too, will delight in the three tales in this book, 'Princess
Florizella', 'Princess Florizella and the Wolves' and 'Princess
Florizella and the Giant'. Princess Florizella is not your classic
fairy tale princess. She does not abide by the Princess Rules (eat
little, dress beautifully and have glorious hair) but is adventurous
and happy to spend lots of time riding her horse Jellybean and
working in the Palace office.
When Prince Bennett invites all the princesses to come to his
kingdom so he could choose one to marry, she decides to go to see
her friends and enjoy the party. She is not ready to marry.
First dedicated to her daughter, the stories have been presented
once again, this time dedicated to her grandchildren. They have not
lost their appeal and young readers will have a lot of fun following
the antics of Princess Florizella as she rescues Prince Bennett,
encounters a wolf pack and a giant. The illustrations by Chris
Chatterton are full of amusing details and give the reader a feeling
for the personality of Princess Florizella, her parents and Prince
Bennett.
This is a perfect book for the newly confident reader who wants to
embark on a book that is longer and more complex that the short
junior novel, but which is divided up into three stories so is not
as daunting as a longer novel could prove to be.
Pat Pledger
Rescue by David Long
Illus. by Kerry Hyndman. Faber and Faber, 2019. ISBN: 9780571346325.
hbk. 192p.
(Age: 9+) A book for fans of heroic deeds, Rescue will fascinate
readers who enjoy reading about the bravery of real people.
Subtitled Daring missions from on, under and above the earth,
there are 28 stories of incredible feats by people all around the
world, ranging from the rescue of a young child trapped in a well,
to diving into a lake to pull people out of submerged bus, Sully's
magnificent landing of an aeroplane in the Hudson River and a 9 year
old boy rescuing his classmates after an earthquake.
Each story is relatively short (5 or 6 pages long) and illustrated
with complementary coloured drawings, so it is ideal for the reader
who likes to have short bursts of reading with the opportunity to
come back again if individual stories appeal. And there is plenty of
information that is sure to grab the reader's attention.
I particularly enjoyed the story of 'Buster' Cain who rescued people
during the London Blitz and 'The Seebies: saving a family teetering
on the edge', had me holding my breath as a mother and her two
children were rescued from a car, hanging from a bridge.
There is a contents page with titles that give a good indication of
what the story might be about, and each story has captions that grab
the reader's attention and make you want to read on.
The epilogue states that 'you don't need superpowers or a mask and
cape to be a real-life hero,' and this book is sure to inspire young
readers with its stories of gallantry and heroism.
Pat Pledger
Twelve days of kindness by Cori Brooke and Fiona Burrows
New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594751. 32pp., hbk.
Nabila is the new girl in school and like many new kids, she's
finding it hard to fit in with the established crew, particularly
when she looks different to them and eats her strange lunches alone.
But Holly comes to her rescue as their common love for soccer takes
over. But when both Holly and Nabila are picked for the school team,
there is still disunity and the two girls realise if they are to
come together to play well, they need a plan . . .
A search for "Twelve Days of Kindness" on the Internet brings up a
number of projects and resources, mostly connected to Christmas but
this is something that could be developed by a group or an
individual at any time to promote kindness, compassion, empathy and
build something harmonious. Some schools like to take students on
camp in the early days of Term 1 to build bonds for a successful
year, but if this is not viable, organising something like Twelve
Days of Kindness could be an alternative. Having students directly
involved by having them articulate those things they don't like and
identifying how such behaviour can be changed and the environment
they would like to be in gives ownership and helps them understand
the power to change is in their hands. Promoting empathy
activities rather than always focusing on the 'don'ts' of
bullying can be a new approach that has an impact by making it
personal. Again, the solution is theirs to decide and implement.
Author of the CBCA shortlisted All I
Want for Christmas is Rain, (as appropriate now as it was in
2016) Brooke has again delivered a story that promotes thought and
inspires action. Teacher's
notes are available.
Barbara Braxton
Harry Potter and the goblet of fire by J.K. Rowling
Illus. by Jim Kay. Harry Potter, book 4. Bloomsbury, 2019.
ISBN: 9781408845677. hbk.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Readers will need no introduction to
the wonderful books by J.K. Rowling and fans and collectors will
certainly want to keep this fabulous illustrated version of the
fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the goblet of fire.
Jim Kay's illustrations open up a new world for readers which will
take them past the film images and let their imaginations work
overtime. Starting with the fabulous wrap around jacket featuring a
tiny Harry Potter battling an enormous beast, opening onto end
papers showing a strange and fascinating octopus-like creature and
then continuing with brightly coloured illustrations for lighter
moments in the book, and dark, intriguing pictures for darker
events, readers are in for a treat.
This is certainly a book for fans and for collectors and would make
a wonderful gift. I also think that the illustrated editions (Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling has also
been reviewed) would tantalise even the most reluctant of readers
Pat Pledger
Finding Chika by Mitch Albom
Hachette, 2019. ISBN: 9780751571936.
(Age: Older adolescents - Adult) Highly recommended. A dark mass on
her brain - this is what the MRI showed, following the examination
of little Chika by a neurologist, and there was no one in Haiti who
could help her. Brought to America by author Mitch Albom, the
operator of the orphanage in Haiti where he met Chika, the diagnosis
was a brain tumour with the survival rate of zero. Albom and his
wife Janine had to make to a decision - to take her back to Haiti to
spend the last few months of her life . . . or to fight it. They
decide to fight - because Chika has always been a fighter. She was
born just before the Haitian earthquake of 2010, and brought to the
orphanage at the age of three; they know her as a cheeky fun-loving
child with an indomitable spirit.
The book becomes a love letter to the little girl who captured their
hearts. Albom has written it as if he were talking to her still.
With each chapter he describes the different ways she changed their
lives; the laughter, the games, the hugs, and then sadly the
farewell. Every reader will love Chika as the Alboms did, and no
doubt every reader will also shed tears at the heart-breaking
conclusion. At the age of seven, she had to give up the fight. But
Chika lives on in the joy she brought to a family and the renewed
discovery of love and caring for others.
This is a sad but beautiful story, and a reminder to us all to
cherish the people in our lives, and to take time out to appreciate
what life offers us. Themes: Love, Grief, Childhood cancer.
Helen Eddy
Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl
Illus. by Lauren O'Hara. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406384406.
hbk.
(Ages 6-8). Recommended. Themes: Hotels, Girls, Villains,
Friendship, Trust. Madame Badobedah is a rather enchanting
story told by Mabel who lives in a bed and breakfast called "The
Mermaid Hotel". The hotel, which is managed by her parents, is next
to the beach. Mable is an only child who enjoys interacting with the
guests as they come and go. She calls herself an adventurer and
spends many hours barefoot exploring her surroundings but turns into
a spy when the newest guest arrives. The mysterious Madame Badobedah
(rhymes with oooh la la), who is very gruff and unfriendly, has a
mountain of very peculiar luggage and many pets. Mabel decides she
must be a super villain and sets about studying her subject to
uncover all her secrets. Mabel shows how observant she is as she
reports what she knows about the adults around her and everything
her new subject tells her during her visits with the Madame.
The story uncovers the facts about the Madame slowly, drawing more
and more out with each small visit Mabel makes to this strange yet
intriguing person. This makes the story enjoyable and keeps the
reader interested. A friendship develops between Mabel and the very
lonely Irena through play and pretending games and the reader is
given a lovely insight into the special relationship that can exist
between the young and the very old. Perhaps Dahl making connections
to when her grandfather used her as the inspiration for his book the
BFG.
Parents and teachers could use this story to discuss the dangers of
judging people from first impressions and the wide variety of
friendships that work between many different people. The
illustrations are quite charming and whimsical and compliment the
story very well. However, I am not sure who this book is aimed at;
it would be a great first novel for younger children but is
presented as rather a long picture book format. Read over three
sittings using the three parts as a natural break is probably the
best way to introduce this story to the younger children.
Gabrielle Anderson
Hey Grandude! by Paul McCartney
Illus. by Kathryn Durst. Penguin Random House, 2019. ISBN:
9780241375655. hbk.
(Ages 4-8) Themes: Grandparents, Imagination, Magic, Adventure. This
book tells a charming story of four children who, while visiting
their Grandad (or Grandude), brighten their drizzly, cold day by
going on some exciting adventures. Using a magic compass and some
postcards, Grandude says the magic words and they are transported to
a variety of exotic locations, including a beach, the wild west and
a peaceful Alpine scene. At each location something goes wrong and
they need to be whisked away to safety. Grandude is always there
ready and able to perform the rescue just in time. The magic words
used by Grandude form an enjoyable opportunity for children to chant
with the reader as they are repeated for each scene.
The story is enjoyable but not fantastic. The children I read it to
like the idea of the story, but it is not one that will be a
favourite for years to come. It seemed a little disjointed and the
side jokes could have been left out producing a slicker read. Less
is more. The story finishes with the magic that every parent wishes
for; the children in bed and asleep without the rigorous bedtime
routine. Now that's magic!
The illustrations are appropriate and colourful with plenty to look
at for the audience if read aloud. Explanations of what a postcard
and a compass is could form an entertaining discussion at Junior
primary level in schools.
Gabrielle Anderson
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241422236.
(Age: Older adolescents and adults) Highly recommended. This is a
stunning novel that tells a narrative through short chapters
featuring many quotations from real people of the historical time
and telling the story of real and imaginary characters, both
American and Spanish, who lived in that time. The narrative features
two eras, the first and longest beginning in 1957 and set only in
Spain, the second much shorter and set in Dallas, Texas in 1975, and
Madrid, Spain in 1976.
While most chapters are very short, the narrative is clearly
revealed both through the inclusion of quotations, at the start of
many chapters, from American newspapers and statements about Spain
and Spanish issues. Thus we feel deeply connected and drawn into the
exposition of the reality of the communication between America and
Spain. The plot line is deeply embedded in the world of the
Diplomatic corps. Similarly, the interaction between the business
section of both countries, relating both particularly and directly
to oil, and the interaction between the Americans who resided in
Spain and the Spanish who were part of their world, is an intrinsic
part of this story. We are drawn into this world through the reality
of many extracts from official documents.
In this narrative, there is a sense of both an historical document
enabling a development of our understanding and our consciousness of
the reality of life in the country of Spain during this time, and of
the reality of that world for the people who lived in that era. The
dark secrets that underlie this narrative relate to Franco's
dominating Presidency and that of the compliance of the leaders of
the Catholic Church and its acceptable dominance in Franco's world,
revealing some details that are both surprising and some that are
deeply unsettling.
This novel would be particularly appropriate for older adolescent
readers and adults, and is indeed an inspiring and challenging novel
of events and principles observed during one of the unsettling
periods in history.
Elizabeth Bondar
Angel Mage by Garth Nix
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760630904.
(Age: secondary) Fantasy. Themes: The three musketeers, Magic,
Angels. Garth Nix has created a world where magic is the domain of
angels and those who are able to summon them. He begins by
describing the destruction of Ystara, brought about by the summoning
of powers too great for Liliath who thought she could control the
Archangel Pallenial. The surrounding kingdoms closed the borders of
Ystara and the beastlings that were created, but its people the
Refusers became slaves. Liliath survives and after 137 years wakes
to begin her devotion and worship of Pallenial once more. She needs
the special qualities of four special candidates all of whom have
come together in the Kingdom of Sarance. Agnes a newly fledged
musketeer, Simeon a young doctor, Dorotea a young icon painter and
Henri a clerk in the cardinals office are thrown together on a
dangerous path seemingly not of their making.
The tale reaches its climax with the return of Liliath, a large
group of Refusers, the four 'heroes', and troops from the Queen's
musketeers, the cardinals Pursuivants, the city watch to Ystara and
the Temple of Pallenial.
Those followers of Nix who are expecting another Sabriel or
Abhorsen I fear will be disappointed. I found it difficult to
engage with the narrative and the main characters, which somehow
failed to gel into an involving story line. For me it wasn't a page
turner.
The prologue is very important to understand where Liliath is coming
from and the attitudes of the Sarance population to the Refusers. Be
sure to read it carefully as it is an important key to unlock the
narrative.
Mark Knight
The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts
Chronicles of The One book 3. Piatkus, 2019. ISBN:
9780349415024.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Roberts completes her dystopian/fantasy
novel with a stunning conclusion that neatly reveals the fates of
all her characters from the previous books Year
One and Of
blood and bone. In The rise of magicks Fallon Swift,
The One, has to come to grips with the brutality of war as she and
other members of New Hope plan to overtake key cities that are held
by the enemy as well as facing her old nemesis Petra. Her biggest
challenge however, is to restore the shield that had once protected
Earth from the darkness. With Duncan and Tonia by her side and ably
assisted by her mother Lana, father Simon, Mallick, Mick, Fred and
Arlys she follows her destiny.
Roberts brings this series to a satisfying ending blending the
family unity and community living of New Hope with the intense
planning for the awful battles to take Washington and New York. Her
fantasy elements come together beautifully in the final scenes of
light battling against dark and of course the burgeoning romance
between Fallon and Duncan also features.
Roberts never fails to deliver a highly readable book and The
rise of Magicks will please her many fans.
Pat Pledger
I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
Nosy Crow, 2019. ISBN: 9781788003872.
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. Cosmo is an aging golden retriever
who has long accepted that his role in life is to 'doggedly' love
his human family and make them happy. Keeping them happy proves to
be a challenge when it becomes obvious that the marriage of Max and
Emmaline's parents is disintegrating. Max and Cosmo decide on a plan
that they hope will keep them together into the future, helped by
recently returned veteran Uncle Reggie.
Carlie Sorosiak's beautifully written book invites the reader in
from the very first page. I laughed at the antics of Cosmo and in
the process learned quite a bit of dog psychology including learning
about Cosmo's attitude to bacon and the evil sheepdog who lives down
the street. I hurt with Max as he watches his parents arguing and
tries to protect his sister Emmeline from the angst and confusion of
parents doing their best to parent as their own relationship fails.
Uncle Reggie provides stability and a safe place as he teaches Max
and Cosmo how to dance for an upcoming competition whilst grieving
for his own dog left behind in a war zone.
Children will learn about family dynamics, acceptance of tough
situations, enduring love, forgiveness, and how misunderstandings
can be resolved and relationships repaired, all whilst enjoying the
beauty and simplicity of Sorosiak's language and her enjoyment of
the simple things in life.
Such a lot of implicit learning packed into a book that both adults
and children will enjoy reading.
Jan Barwick
No more kisses! by Rebecca McGregor
Illus. by Olivia Godbee. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN: 9781925839401.
(Age: 4+) Themes: Touching, Kissing, Comfort, Family, Likes and
dislikes. When Sam turns five, he declares that he is past the
kissing stage: those hairy, air born or smoochy kisses, hair
ruffles, chicken pecks or snogs, cheek scrapes or snotty kisses,
nuzzles or wet, sloppy bone breath licks. All of these will never
lighten his cheek again, ever. He is adamant and tells everyone so,
drawing attention to his declaration with signs, sky writing, bill
boards and notes on his door.
Readers will love attaching the style of kiss to the kiss planter:
Grandma with her sticky lipstick kisses, the dog with the bone
breath lick, Mum with a smooch, nuzzles from the aunts and cheek
scrapes from the uncles. Air kisses and hair ruffles get a mention
which will be recognised by many readers as things they do not like.
Funny illustrations show Sam in situations where these kisses are
given, and will be instantly recognised as places to be avoided by
the readers.
But towards the end of the story something happens which makes Sam
change his mind for now, and places him in a situation where hugs
and kisses are acceptable, even wanted.
A neat story of childhood, of growing up and therefore growing out
of some behaviours seen as childish, this story will enable children
to talk about behaviour that belongs at home or in the classroom, or
in the playground, seeing a difference between what is acceptable in
one place but not the other.
Kids will get a thrill out of listing all the names they can find
for kisses, and attaching these names to the person who gives it.
Fran Knight
Gregory Goose is on the loose! On the Moon by Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley
New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594867. Board book, 20pp.
(Age: 0-3) Recommended. Gregory Goose is having a ball swooping
around in space and little children will love to follow his
adventures. He zooms around in a rocket, tries to catch a falling
star, bounces around the planets, and hides out in Mars. Finally he
lands on the moon for a very special picnic.
A great read aloud, the narrative by Robinson flows easily
and children will have lots of fun finding Gregory Goose where he is
hiding in each double page spread. Sometimes he jumps out at the
reader who will chortle with glee at finding him, other times, both
adult and child will need to take a little time to find him as he
hides out in space.
The illustrations are delightful, the little alien creatures have
happy expressions on their faces, Gregory Goose is outfitted in an
incredible spacesuit and the bright colours are alluring.
Adults and children will enjoy this book and time could be spent
looking at the different colours and talking about space and the
planets. Teacher's
notes are available.
This would be a lovely book for a toddler, making for a happy
bedtime experience.
Pat Pledger
Beverly, right here by Kate DiCamillo
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406390704.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Homelessness, Running away,
Bingo, Old age. When Beverly, aged fourteen, leaves home, catching
a lift with a neighbour after the burial of her beloved dog, Buddy,
she has little idea of what she will do. She knows that life with
her indifferent mother is not what she wants, and wants to set out
on her own, without needing other people. Meeting Iola at the local
caravan park sees her having a bed for the night. She finds work at
a local fish cafe, clearing the tables. Here she must deal with
Freddie the waitress always on the lookout for her opportunity and
the sad Mr Denby the owner. She meets Elmer at the local Zoom City
and they become friends, and she eats with Iola each night, taking
her to the bingo once a week, driving her in her big old Pontiac.
Slowly Beverly becomes a part of the community she has found,
becoming part of the lives of the people she meets, allowing them to
see a little of herself.
Readers will readily follow Beverly's journey to self
understanding, seeing the connections she makes with others,
allowing herself to reveal a little of what is inside her. She is
bristly and rude, short on words and keeps her feelings to herself,
and as the story unfolds we learn to love her as a character, flaws
and all. Those she meets along the way too are full of interest and
will keep readers alert to their traits.
A dance allows Beverly to learn some steps and dance with Elmer,
finding that is the best night of her life. But more is to follow as
Iola wins the turkey and everyone who Beverly has met is invited to
Christmas dinner in August.
This charming tale will bring smiles to the readers, as Beverly
finally rings her friend back home, Rayma, to ask to be picked up.
She has decided what she wants. We first met the abrasive Beverly
in Raymie
Nightingale. Teacher's
notes are available.
I love DiCamillo's work, subtle and plausible, showing characters
from backgrounds not usually seen in books, engaging and
entertaining.
Fran Knight
