Reviews

Coco: The essential guide by Glenn Dakin

DK, 2017. ISBN 9780241288412
Hundreds of young people are going to 'Coco' the latest holiday release from Disney Pixar, the story of a Miguel a young Mexican boy who loves music even though it is banned in his family. On the eve of Dia de los Muertos, the night ancestors return to the Land of the Living, a magical incident takes Miguel to the Land of the Dead where he discovers a family secret that explains the ban.
While Miguel doesn't want to fight his family, music is his passion and he needs to find a way to be able to express it in his home.
This new release from DK enables those young people to explore and understand the movie more thoroughly as it introduces the settings and the characters as it moves through the significant parts of the plot. It even has a double-page spread which sets up Miguel's dilemma - should he follow tradition or should he follow his heart?
One of the surefire ways to get young children to transition between screen and print is to offer them resources that feature their favourite screen characters so there is a feeling of familiarity and connection already, and when those resources enrich and enhance the screen experience as brilliantly as DK do, then they have to be valuable. From the popular sugar skulls which decorate the endpapers through to the vivid, full-colour illustrations, many using graphics from the movie itself, through to the enticing layout, small snippets of information in text accessible to the target audience and a voice that talks directly to the reader, this is a book that will extend the movie experience long after its 100 minutes on the screen.
Common sense media offer a review of this movie (and many others) so parents can determine if it is suitable for their child.
Barbara Braxton

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockheart

Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN: 9781760295936
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Jule is a liar. A liar and a thief. She's gotten by on her wits and her strength defies female stereotypes - something she is incredibly proud of. She is a dangerous woman and she loves it. Chance leads her to Imogen, but it is her own guile which keeps her by the heiress's side, quickly becoming one of Imogen's closest friends, so close that Imogen lends her the London apartment, not to mention clothes, money, and . . . identification. But Imogen's light doesn't shine on any one person for too long and soon it becomes clear that Jule must go into hiding to avoid Imogen's other friends, boyfriend, and even the boy, Paolo, who knows her by Imogen's name. Just when everything was going perfectly it begins to fall apart and Jule is once again forced to rely on her own resourcefulness to keep herself and her new life safe.
Power is a strong theme throughout the novel, purporting the message that women can be just as powerful as men. Jule's power comes from her unexpected physical abilities and use of her intellect. However, the novel also shows that power can corrupt as Jule will go to any lengths to retain the power gained through Imogen's wealth - even if it catches the attention of local detectives and alerts Forrest, Imogen's ex, of the possibility she might still be alive.
I would recommend it for people twelve and up looking for an exciting story with a strong female lead in the style of James Bond or Jason Bourne.
Kayla Gaskell

Hark, it's me, Ruby Lee by Lisa Shanahan

Ill. by Binny. Lothian, 2017. ISBN 9780734416568
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Responsibility. When the teacher, Mrs Majestic-Jones hands out the tasks or the week, Ruby longs to be the messenger, after all she can say Hark, it's me, Ruby Lee, very well, and often. But she is always overlooked, getting the task of being the rubbish monitor instead. One day the messenger is away and so Ruby gets the job, but in taking what appears to be a simple message to the front office, Ruby gets waylaid by her incredible imagination.
Avoiding the speckled forcklewockle, she forgets the message. So Mrs Majestic-Jones, gives the message on a piece of paper, but Lucy loses this too when she and George meet the Squinker, then the teacher gives the message to George who accompanies Lucy but still it gets waylaid when they run into the shlurgle. Lucy has the position taken away.
But that very afternoon, a pigeon flies into the classroom, and Lucy uses her skills to save the day, with funny results.
A warm hearted look at a child's eagerness to help, Lucy's attempts to do the work stipulated by the teacher seem to end in disaster, but in the end her skills are used to advantage. Readers will love the way she uses her skills to save the day, and the position her teacher gives her as a result will make the readers laugh out loud.
The irrepressible Ruby will worm her way into readers' hearts as she tries so hard to be useful. They will readily recognise the school setting and the pitfalls of an overexcited imagination causing lapses in concentration, but even this flaw in Ruby's world makes her a necessary part of the class makeup.
Fran Knight

Dinosaur dash by Mo Farah and Kes Gray

Ill. by Marta Kissi. Go, Mo, Go! series. Hodder, 2017. ISBN 9781444934014
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Running, Dinosaurs, Adventure. Mo Farah, Britain's most successful long distance runner, has worked with author, Kes Gray to produce a series of books called, Go, Mo, Go! in which Mo and his four friends find themselves in some difficulty, and only by running can fin their way out. In this the first in the series, Dinosaur dash, Mo and Vern, Lily, Banjo and Lyra, decide to run backwards. They hold each other's hands but find that by running backwards, have run back in time, to the dinosaur era. Each time they turn around, they are about to be trampled or eaten, squashed or flown away by one of the dinosaurs. Young children will love reading about the dinosaurs as part of the story which subtly gives information about the dinosaurs' size, abilities and food they eat. Each time the quintet is found by yet another dinosaur, they must run to get away. But in finding themselves atop a mountain feeling safe, the mountain comes alive, spurting hot lava out of its top, making them run again, but this time, back home.
Easy to read, with an emphasis on running carefully added to the plot and the added interest in the dinosaurs, this series will be readily picked up by younger readers, particularly those who are newly independent. They will feel at ease with the larger print, different fonts underscoring the repeated words and phrases, the many illustrations and readable amount of text on each page. At 70 pages long, this series is most accessible to newly confident younger readers.
Fran Knight

Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross

Harlequin Teen, 2017. ISBN 9781489243768
Jek/Hyde is a modern retelling of the classic Stevenson novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Set in an industrial town called London, the novel follows Lulu, a seventeen-year-old who is worried about her best friend and crush, Jek. Jek is insanely smart for the seventeen-year-old and because of his mother's position at London Chem he has acquired enough equipment to have a fully functioning lab of his own. As he grew older his experiments became less and less family friendly and, unknown to his mother, his interest in psychoactive drugs grew. While Jek's science ensures he is a recluse this can be hard for Lulu who has been pining for him since they were children.
But Jek isn't the only boy around and Lulu soon meets Hyde. He is thrilling and dark. Completely anti-nice-guy. He's at all the London Chem Brat parties but also seems to be a friend of Jek. Despite their apparent friendship they are never seen together. After catching Hyde emerging from Jek's place Lulu confronts Jek only to find that, for once, this is not a subject they can talk about. Hyde's mystery remains and when Jek disappears it's Hyde that Lulu goes to to find him. But is she too late to save the boy she loves?
While this novel is a way to read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a modern setting its introduction of a love triangle strips back the inner conflict of Jekyll and Hyde. While the novel does touch on drug addiction it doesn't deal with it. I wouldn't recommend other than as a more accessible version of the original text.
Kayla Gaskell

I'll keep you safe by Peter May

Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781784294946
(Age: secondary - adult) Recommended. Themes: Crime fiction, Scotland, Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed, Weaving, Fashion industry. In the midst of the most important sales fair for his product, Ramish Tweed, Rory Macfarlane is killed, blown up in his car in the streets of Paris, with his lover, Irina Vetrov. His wife, Neave who has accompanied him to the fair, is mind numbingly shocked, especially when she is questioned as a possible suspect. She is eventually allowed to leave Paris and return home to the Isle of Lewis with a child's coffin containing what is left of her husband of ten years, the man who as a teen saved her life, promising to always keep her safe.
Upon return, she must put the funeral arrangements in place while dealing with her always bitter mother in law while an old school friend, Seonag, initially offering comfort outstays her welcome after slipping into her bed one night. Neave's parents have refused to attend the funeral, harking back to an incident which took the life of their younger son, while the arrival of Lieutenant Braque from Paris stirs the pot even further, with simmering tensions between the islanders forming a fascinating part of the mix.
With Braque working with Inspector Gunn on the island, trying to piece together some of the disparate clues, Neave returns home to her beautiful house, built by the couple intending to live out their lives there. Remote, but high on cliffs overlooking the ocean near a small bothy they built for walkers, the house is a stunning part of the backdrop to this novel, and it is to this house that Neave returns after the funeral, there to unknowingly confront the murderer, a murderer who has already killed Lt Braque.
As with Peter May's other stories, particularly the Lewis Trilogy and Coffin Road, the setting is tantamount to the story, the cold and bleak islands of the Outer Hebrides, a metaphor for the windswept, barren relationship between many of the protagonists. Readers will get a feel for the weavers in their crofts, looking back to a time when most crofts had a loom and the noise of its working would fill the days.
This is a highly readable and enjoyable crime novel, set in the bleak Hebridean landscape. Full of the sights and sounds of the people and their customs, language and traditions, I'll keep you safe is a story bound to further enhance the numbers of crime fiction tourists now visiting Scotland's shores.
Fran Knight

One, Two, Three, ROAR! Judy Moody and friends by Megan McDonald

Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763695767
(Age: 6-8) A bind up of three short stories, this book would appeal to younger readers between the ages of 6-8. Each of these simple tales focus on Judy Moody and her friends, Rocky, Amy and Jessica.
The first of the three stories, Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble is about a young lady who loves pigs and is desperate to be given one for her birthday. Children could easily relate to the concept of birthday wishes. Secrets are kept, and friendships are tested but the resolution is positive.
Rocky Zang in the Amazing Mr Magic begins with Rocky being keen to perform his magic tricks for an audience. Unfortunately, things don't go quite according to plan and Rocky is disappointed until, eventually, he manages to complete a trick which impresses Judy and makes him feel happy.
Amy Namey in Ace Reporter tells of a keen would be reporter endeavouring to find a great scoop which would merit being a front-page story. She shares her ideas with her friends and together they try to uncover a newsworthy story. Not only does she come up with a piece she deems fit for 'publication', she learns of a similarity between she and her mother and this creates a good bonding experience.
They are gentle and not at all challenging or threatening, providing positive messages about friendship and tolerance and the fact that different interests can unite people instead of dividing them.
Jo Schenkel

Bloomsbury activity books

Bloomsbury, 2017.
My first French words. ISBN 9781408876794
My first Spanish words. ISBN 9781408873700
(Age: 4-6) Sticker activity book. With bright bold illustrations, thematic pages looking at the young child's world, these sticker books are interesting educational tools for introducing a second language or supporting the foundations of developing a mother tongue. Initial introductions, sounding out the noun then finding the corresponding sticker allows for interaction and vocalisation of the new words. These learning opportunities make it fun to learn new words.
My first French words introduces transport, things in a mother's handbag, clothes, things in the garden and animals everywhere. After matching more than 200 stickers, to familiar environments including the bathroom, school and bedroom there's time to check their memory on the 'I knew my French words' pages.
My first Spanish words is set out in a similar format, with lively illustrations and large easy to peel colourful stickers. Familiar topics include things that go, animals, animals everywhere and numbers and counting.
These Bloomsbury Sticker Activity Books give the young reader a chance to experience new vocabulary in a fun way.
Rhyllis Bignell

Greta Zargo and the death robots from outer space by A.F. Harrold

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408869475
(Age: Middle primary) Greta Zargo is an eleven year old orphan who hopes to become famous in her chosen career as an investigative journalist. As an unpaid employee of the local paper, Greta believes that she needs a great scoop to ensure that she will finally have one of her articles on the front page. Instead, she is sent out to investigate what she deems to be the least exciting events ever, including the disappearances of several cakes. Independent, resilient and determined, Greta lives alone, receiving only the odd visit from her Aunt Tabitha to ensure that she is safe and happy.
Meanwhile, as Greta is focused on uncovering the truth behind the cake thefts, a silver death robot is plummeting towards earth, determined to wreak havoc. Who will be able to stop the destruction of earth? Will Greta be able to write her prize-winning article about the amazing creature? You need to read this book to discover the answer.
Initially, I found myself disliking this book intensely, but the more I read the more humorous I found the story. I quite liked the interjections on the sides of many of the pages and was quickly reminded of The Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Double spaced type and lots of illustrations will undoubtedly make this an easily accessible title for middle primary students with a sense of humour. I look forward to seeing the finished product.
Jo Schenkel

How to feel awesome every day by Elly Awesome

Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780143786085
(Age: 9-14) Despite my initial 'cringe' when this book arrived for review, I was quickly converted to see it as a positive title for young girls from the age of 9 to 14 to read. A combined activity book and journal, it was written by an author previously unknown to me. I soon did a little research and realised that Elly Awesome is prolific on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and 'Toasted TV' and discovered that the book is filled with positive suggestions as to how girls could spend their time. The book could easily have become preachy and sanctimonious but, instead, it is a rather delightful little 'how-to' for young girls wishing to keep active.
From mental health and wellbeing quizzes to goal setting, recipes, exercise suggestions, colouring and creative DIY ideas, this book ticks off a multitude of topics which would give any reader a boost. Even as an adult, I went away from reading feeling somewhat uplifted, merely thinking about some of the topics and how I would have answered the questions the author posed. Initially, I was confused as to the age of the target audience but I believe the book would hold a relatively broad appeal.
With well-being coordinators and growth mindset a big part of the curriculum, this book ticks a lot of boxes and I can see some tasks possibly being included in the classroom programme too. This is a great title for young girls to assist them with boosting their self-esteem and general well-being.
Jo Schenkel

Peter Pan and Wendy by James Barrie

Ill. by Robert Ingpen. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781760650254
Over a century ago James Barrie wrote a story about a boy who could fly and who never grew up; who had adventures on an island called Neverland and introduced us to characters like Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the croc with the clock!
Since then it has become a classic, republished many times, made into a stage play and movies and now it has been reworked into an abridged version superbly illustrated by Robert Ingpen so that another generation can delight in it.
With its modern language and stunning pictures, new life is breathed into Barrie's words making it the perfect bedtime read-aloud story to introduce young children to the original tale, or the be read alone by the newly independent reader, and is a must for both the library's collection and the Santa Sack. Given her grandfather is named Barrie after this author because of the impact of the story on his parents, I know just whose tree this will be under.
Barbara Braxton

Dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures by Matt Sewell

Pavilion, 2017. ISBN 9781843653509
If there is one section of the library that can never have too many items, it is 567.9 - the home of the dinosaurs. There seems to be an eternal fascination with these long-ago creatures that has been the door into reading for so many children, particularly young boys who like to get the biggest and thickest books and pore over them with their mates. So this new addition by Matt Sewell that introduces favourites and familiars and also some first-read-abouts will be welcome as it is targeted at those who want to know something but not so much that it is overwhelming. Who knew there were so many - but then they were on the planet for 170 million years! Each creature has a one or two page spread dominated by the illustration, an illustration that is somewhat different from the norm as they have been inspired by new ideas from palaeontologists that the creatures were not only colourful but some may have had feathers rather than the traditional scales and hide.
Each entry includes the length and weight which can always lead to some interesting maths activities and well as the time period (delve into history and create a chart) and their diet with 'proper' descriptors like 'carnivorous' to extend the vocabulary. There are other basic facts written in a conversational tone that makes the language accessible to those early readers. Given that not every dinosaur is included, perhaps they could produce an extra page exploring and explaining their favourite dinosaur as an initial information literacy exercise.
Produced in conjunction with the Natural History Museum in the UK, this is a worthwhile addition to that critical section of the collection.
Barbara Braxton

Healthy Kids Cookbook

Dorling Kindersley, 2017. ISBN 9781740331289
So many cooking shows get huge ratings on television and so much has been written about the 'obesity crisis' amongst our students that it is clear that food is a dominating force in our lives and the interest in it has never been higher. Gradually the tide is swinging towards the healthy end of the scale as we try to nourish our bodies but still cope with the hectic lifestyle we impose on ourselves and our kids. Even the famous 'Golden Arches" is now producing healthier fast foods that are getting a nod, if not the tick of approval, from nutritionists.
But if we are going to make and have sustainable change in our diets, we need to start from the beginning and get children knowing and appreciating what they are putting into their mouths. If they are actively involved in the growing and preparation of their food (A patch from scratch by Megan Forward) they are more likely to build habits of good nutrition that will last them a lifetime. Experience has shown me that those children who are subjected to a healthy food regime imposed on them by well-meaning parents are usually the first to grab the "naughties" at parties as they seek to taste the 'forbidden fruit'.
So to have a cookbook that is directed specifically at children cooking for themselves is very appealing and as usual with DK publications, both the content and the presentation are directed squarely at the child. Beginning with a brief explanation of why a balanced diet is critical and other things that all budding cooks need to know, it is set out with lots of photos, simple captions and just the right amount of information to inform but not bore. The recipes follow a similar sort of presentation with stunning full colour photos to help understanding but also to make the most ordinary food look good - we know we eat with our eyes first. Who knew a rainbow salad could be so tempting? Or how many good things could be packed into a pita pocket? Or even that so many vegetables could be included in yummy cakes? Parents will love this book!!!
With plans for the new school year already on the horizon, this could be the centrepiece of a display encouraging our students to nourish themselves throughout the year, and perhaps even encourage the establishment of a cooking group so they can learn and hone their skills and tastes in a community atmosphere.
Definitely one for the two budding chefs in my life . . .
Barbara Braxton

The Slime Book

Witchfairy by Brigitte Minne

Ill. by Carll Cneut. Book Island, 2017. ISBN 9781911496076
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Fairy stories. Fairies. Witches. Growing up. Born a fairy Rosemary must put up with the expectations of her family: she must remain neat and clean, tell stories with her honeyed voice, never spill crumbs upon her clothes, and wave her magic wand about. For her birthday that is precisely what she has been given, but she would have much preferred a pair of roller skates or a boat. In fact she would much prefer to be a witch, so she packs her bags and flies off to the witches' wood. Here she is accepted without hesitation and learns to fly a broom. In her treehouse, a little lonely she looks at the moon wondering what her mother is doing. Back at the castle, mum is also lonely without Rosemary and looks at the moon. She flies off to the witch's wood with her handbag and there the two affect a compromise and all is happy once again.
This delightful tale of growing up, of expectations, of finding out what you really want to be, is an absolute treat. Written with the ambience of a fairy tale by Flemish author, Brigitte Minne, and beautifully illustrate by Belgian illustrator, Carll Cneut, the book will be read and reread by teachers, parents, carers and kids drawing the listeners into talking about what they expect of the world in which they live, and of course, looking closely at the good and bad points of being a fairy or a witch.
The illustrations are simply stunning, with the fairies in their wonderful nineteenth century smocks and delightful tall hats reminding me of the Scandinavian Santa (nisse)and his wife found in people's homes at Christmas.
Each page demands closer inspection as Cneut uses an array of media to create his images: crayon, watercolour and pencil can be seen. Faces of the fairies and the witches dot the pages and the images of the castle and the woods demand closer inspection.
Fran Knight