Caterpillar Books, 2017. ISBN 9781848575868
'We live under the same sky, in lands near and far...
We live under the same sky, wherever we are.'
The dedication to this gentle, lullaby-like book is 'For a united
world'. Using the softest palette, the creatures of habitats around
the world, rhyming couplets and clever cutouts, Teckentrup
emphasises this message of inclusivity perfectly.
With so much angst and anxiety that is focusing on difference, we
are reminded that despite the diversity of how we look, where we
live and what we do, nevertheless we all share this planet and have
so many things in common especially our dreams.
Hopeful, reaffirming and the ideal discussion starter for children
to focus on how they are the same and how they can live together in
harmony.
Barbara Braxton
The Adventures of Pelle No-Tail by Gosta Knutsson
Translated by Stephanie Smee and Ann-Margrete Smee. Piccolo Nero,
2017. ISBN 9781863959247
(Age: 7-10) Recommended. Pelle No-Tail is a classic Swedish
story that has been translated into English for a new audience. The
Pelle stories have been a favourite since the late 1930's and tell
the story of little Pelle, a cat whose tail has been bitten off by a
rat. He finds his way into a car and leaves the farm to live with a
new family in the city.
Pelle has to deal with the city cats, bully Mans and his friends,
but he always seems to come out on top. Pelle gets to experience
Easter, Christmas and a summer holiday on a farm with his new
family. He travels in the car and on a train and meets a variety of
animals on the way.
Little Pelle's innocence and kindness endear him to both humans and
animals.
These ageless stories are simple yet entertaining and appealing.
There are a few black and white illustrations in the book and the
cover shows a jaunty Pelle admiring a medal he received from his
family.
Mother and daughter translators, Stephanie and Margrete Smee explain
at the beginning of the book, that they have translated the story
into English but have kept a few Swedish words in the text to ensure
that children understand Pelle's Swedish background.
Gosta Knutsson wrote 13 Pelle stories and 3 have been translated and
are available to purchase. Further Adventures of Pelle No-Tail
is Book no 2 and Pelle No-Tail Pulls Through Book no 3.
I recommend this story to students aged 7 to 10 years old.
Jane Moore
Pelle No-Tail pulls through by Gosta Knutsson
Translated by Stephanie Smee and Ann-Margrete Smee. Piccolo Nero,
2017. ISBN 9781863959476
(Age: 6-8) Swedish author Gosta Knutsson wrote his series of twelve
books about the affable cat Pelle Svanslos between 1939 and 1972.
Pelle No-Tail is a friendly black and white cat whose tail was
bitten off by a rat when he as a kitten. Stephanie Smee and
Ann-Margrete Smee have translated Knutsson's anthropomorphic tales
for a new audience of young readers. Pelle No-Tail Pulls Through is the third book in the series,
here Pelle's nemesis Mans and his minions Bill and Bull repeatedly
try to trick and upset him. Mans organises a big Swing Fair for all
the neighbourhood cats, but all his tricks to embarrass Pelle
backfire and he ends up in a scuffle instead.
When Pelle's family get ready to take him on holiday to the
Bergslagen forest, where they can fish, relax and have fun Mans
warns Pelle about the fierce Bergslagen troll who lives in the
forest and likes to eat cats. Luckily, Pelle meets a local cat Sigge
who shows him around and quickly clears up the myth about the troll.
Each chapter is easy to read, there is fun and humour added as Mans
continuously tries to swindle and cause mischief to Pelle No-Tail.
Lovissa Lesse's sketches show the emotions both Pelle and Mans
experience. The use of Swedish phrases and locations add interest to
these junior chapter books, just right for a reader who enjoys
animal tales.
Rhyllis Bignell
Pretty girls don't eat by Winnie Salamon
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781925272772
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Pretty girls don't eat is a realistic
chain of events involving numerous real life debacles. Winter May, a
16 year-old fashion designer, has one dream and one dream only, to
pursue a long-awaited career in the fashion industry. While
fine-tuning her sewing skills, Winter comes across Mable's, a large
fashion shop designed for plus-sized girls to feel comfortable about
their weight. After landing a job, Winter started to think she
could lose a few kilos here and there, after all, it wouldn't hurt
to try, but she was wrong. The tables turn when she discovers that
she has a chance in pursuing her dream.
Winnie Salamon's book will leave its readers committed and involved
to changing today's perception of body image. The author has
carefully used her modern understanding of body image to create a
truly inspiring novel to raise awareness of the problem of eating
disorders. This book will entertain as well as educate nearly every
audience and will teach people to be themselves no matter what they
look like. Pretty girls don't eat will leave you inspired to
do more and change society's biased perception of body image.
Jasmine M. (student)
Marge and the great train rescue by Isla Fisher
Piccadilly Press, 2017. ISBN 9781848125940
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Marge and the great train rescue
includes three short stories about Jemima and Jake and their rather
unusual babysitter, Marge. Marge is not your usual babysitter.
Besides being very short, Marge has bright rainbow hair and is a
duchess. She is always telling Jemima and Jake about her royal
escapades.
In 'Marge and the missing tooth', Jake has a loose tooth. Marge is
willing to try anything to get the tooth out. Unfortunately, once
the tooth is out, Jake forgets where he put it. Will they find the
tooth in time for the tooth fairy?
In 'Marge and the great train rescue', Marge, Jemima and Jake are
taking the train to the zoo. While dressed in disguises, Marge and
the children solve the problem that caused the train to stop. Who
knew you could talk to cows?
In 'Marge and the zany zoo day', Marge and the children explore the
zoo. Thanks to one of Marge's stories, Jake is determined to set his
favourite orangutan free. Can Jemima distract him?
The stories in Marge and the great train rescue are quick
and easy to read. The zaniness of Marge's stories will have readers
wondering what is an exaggeration and what is true. The vocabulary
is easy to read and this collection of stories will make a great
first novel for girls aged 7+. It would also be a great before
bedtime read, whether read out loud or silently. Parents could even
create their own versions for their children. This is highly
recommended for readers aged 5+.
Kylie Kempster
The legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
Ill. by Adam Rex. HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9780008252397
In the ancient and distant realm called the Kingdom of the
Backgarden lives the warrior Rock. He believes he is the greatest
because no one can give him a worthy challenge that will prove his
superiority. While his battle with the clothes peg and the apricot
entertain the backyard dwellers, he feels unsatisfied so he leaves
the garden in search of a worthy foe.
Meanwhile in the Empire of Mum's Study, Paper is feeling the same
way. No one can outwit him and so he, too, leaves to look for a
worthy opponent. At the same time, in the Kitchen Realm, Scissors
has beaten both Sticky Tape and Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets so she also
goes on a quest to find something better.
And in the great cavern of Two-Car Garage, the three meet for the
first time...
Children (and adults) everywhere play the traditional game of Rock
Paper Scissors to help them make decisions and reach compromises and
now the mastermind behind The day
the crayons quit has brought us their true story. Told in
narrative and speech bubbles which make the most of bold fonts and
imaginative layout, and accompanied by fantastic pictures that bring
the most mundane objects to life and emphasise the action, this is a
story that will be enjoyed again and again. Children will love the
boldness and loudness that oozes from the pages and you can just see
them swaggering around like the characters as they take on their
favourite.
'Dramatic', 'raucous', 'bombastic', 'energetic', 'outrageous' - all
have been used to describe this story. Apart from encapsulating it
perfectly, what fun students can have suggesting their own
adjectives for it and investigating what those ones mean. Further teachers'
notes are available.
A superhero origin story of a slightly different type!
Barbara Braxton
Further adventures of Pelle No-Tail by Gosta Knutsson
Schwartz Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781863959391
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Further Adventures of Pelle
No-Tail is the story of a very adventurous and well-loved cat.
His owner, Brigitta, treats Pelle like one of the family. Olle, her
brother, loves Pelle too but tends to get into a bit more mischief
where Pelle is concerned. Unfortunately, the other cats in Pelle's
life are very jealous of Pelle and are always trying to embarrass
him. Despite this, Pelle still tries to be friends with them all and
trusts them each and every time.
Each chapter in this novel is a new adventure starring Pelle.
Readers will find out how Pelle is a success at the Spring Fair, how
he beats the other cats at the quiz and how he is rescued from an
island. Further Adventures of Pelle No-Tail are lovely stories with
easy to read text. Even though they have been translated from
Swedish to English, the translations have kept the Swedish names as
well as the different ways the word 'yes' is used. Each story is
also an excellent lesson in pet care, friendship and accepting
others for who they are.
The stories are short, making them a good read out loud story for
classrooms as well as before bedtime reading at home. The theme of
trusting others is also very strong, making the events a good
discussion point for the Child Protection curriculum.
Kylie Kempster
The City of Secret Rivers by Jacob Sager Weinstein
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406368857
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Moving from Illinois to London was
hard enough but seeing her mother kidnapped has left Hyacinth in a
major predicament. On moving to London, Hyacinth's biggest issues
are a dad who is remarrying, a mum who seems to have no clue and
silly English taps that don't mix hot and cold water. Luckily,
Hyacinth has some plumbing experience but mixing hot and cold water
in England is huge no no! All of a sudden, Hyacinth is stuck in the
middle of magical waterways, her mum is kidnapped and Hyacinth is
chasing a glowing drop of water that could destroy civilisation. Her
grandmother told Hyacinth she would be well prepared so let's hope
so! The City of Secret Rivers is a quirky tale full of
descriptive vocabulary and exciting events. Readers will love the
mix of fantasy and real world while getting lost in this adventure
across London. It is a story of a strong girl who is determined to
find her mum and fix her mistake. Hyacinth's level of resilience is
extremely high, making her an excellent role model for girls.
Kylie Kempster
Morris Mole by Dan Yaccarino
Harper, 2017. ISBN 9780062411075
Morris Mole is the youngest of the eight mole brothers, and because
he is a little different - they go to work in their hard hats with
their shovels while he looks like the town dandy; they eat at a
communal bench while Morris prefers fine dining; and they share a
bed while he has his own - they tend to ignore him.
And so it is when the biggest brother announces that they have run
out of food. Even though Morris says he has an idea, he is ignored
and the brothers start to dig even deeper than before. Morris's idea
was to dig UPWARDS - and so he does. Even though it frightened him
he found his courage built on his belief that even though he was
small, nevertheless he could still do big things. And what a
wonderful world he discovered when he broke through the surface.
Full of treasures and treats until . . .
Young children will enjoy hearing this story where smart thinking
overcomes physical size but be prepared to answer their questions
about why the wolf left Morris alone. They might even be able to
predict answers - perhaps wolves don't have moles in their dietary
plan. The bold computer-generated illustrations are interesting,
contrasting the underground and above-ground worlds well and the
message of small things being able to achieve big things will
empower them.
Barbara Braxton
Alex Rider: Never say die by Anthony Horowitz
ISBN: 9781406377040.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Alex Rider: Never Say Die is book 11 in the
series for which Anthony Horowitz said he'd never write an another
action-packed novel. After a 5 year hiatus, and now 15-years old,
Alex Rider, is an ex-MI6 agent currently living in the United States
with his friend, Sabrina. One day, Alex receives an email from his
old caretaker and close friend, Jack Starbright, whom he thought was
dead. Alex then travels to Cairo, Egypt, Jack's last known
whereabouts. As the book progresses, Alex travels to many locations
across the globe, slowly finding out where Jack is. He also
discovers a plot to kidnap the children of the world's richest
people.
Throughout the book, Anthony Horowitz uses incredible description
and storytelling to make a story that is not only intriguing and
thrilling, but also engaging and thought-provoking. This
unbelievable book constantly entertains and seems to surpass all
other books in the Alex Rider series. Alex Rider: Never Say Die will keep you on the edge of your seat and
wanting more.
Jackson Olds (student)
The Bagthorpe Saga - Ordinary Jack by Helen Cresswell
Harper Collins Australia, 2017. ISBN 9780008211677
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. First published in 1977 this is the
introductory volume in a new modern classics series from Harper
Collins. The Bagthorpes are, to say the least, one of the most
eccentric families you will encounter in a book. It's very English
and very funny with overtones of the even older Nancy Mitford books
with a very middle to upper class family who are all pretty much
bonkers. Father, mother, grandparents, aunt and uncle, and a swag of
children who are all pretty much above average - and then there's
Jack who is quite ordinary and in his own mind, inferior. With the
help of his Uncle Parker, who is easily one of the maddest in the
family, Jack sets about to impress his family by becoming a prophet,
seeing visions and making predictions. As you can imagine this is
quite disconcerting for the family and is not the easiest of
deceptions to pull off successfully.
With a pyromaniac four year old cousin, an attractive but
non-English speaking Danish au pair, a crusty old daily who is as
useful as 'a hedgehog' according to Mr Bagthorpe and some crazy
antics, this is a laugh a minute.
Suffice to say that in spite of its age, it is every bit as funny as
any contemporary family story and will no doubt appeal to many
readers who are looking for a simple humorous read.
Highly recommended for readers both boys and girls from around 8
years upwards.
Sue Warren
Big picture book of general knowledge by James Maclaine
Ill. by Annie Carbo. Usborne, 2017. ISBN 9781474917889
Miss 6 is at that stage where she wants to know "stuff". Inspired by
a teacher who not only encourages her endless curiosity but also
being independent in her quest for answers, she is always looking
through her growing collection of "fact books". And now she is all
but an independent reader, the thrill and affirmation she gets when
she can find the answers for herself delights her and inspires her
even further.
So this latest offering from Usborne will be a welcome addition to
her collection. With its double-page spreads of the sorts of topics
its intended audience is interested in - animals, the body, food and
drink, music, space, sports and many more - each double page spread
is packed with a plethora of short facts accompanied by lots of
hand-drawn illustrations. Rather than being an in-depth
encyclopedia, it is designed for those who love to dip and delve
into non fiction to see where what they discover will take them. And
for those whose interest is ignited Usborne have a page of
quick
links for them to investigate further.
Perfect for Miss 6 and that group of boys that we all know who like
to gather around a table in the library with this sort of book to
share and explore and discuss what they discover.
Barbara Braxton
The 91-storey treehouse by Andy Griffiths
Ill. by Terry Denton. Macmillan Children's Books, 2017. ISBN
9781509839162
(Age: 7-10) Highly recommended. Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton have
done it again with another book which is sure to enchant young
readers everywhere. The 91-storey treehouse is the seventh
book in their weird and wonderful treehouse adventures and they have
added another thirteen new levels, including the world's most
powerful whirlpool, a mashed-potato-and-gravy train and a human
pinball machine. Madam Know-it-all is there to tell the fortune of
anyone who asks her a question and when Andy and Terry are asked to
babysit their publisher's three children, they are all off to the
land of Banarnia after going through a wardrobe in a dump. Of course
Andy and Terry are not the best of babysitters and they all have
some amazing adventures, including flying down a cliff and being
stuck in a giant spider web. Not to mention that both Andy and Terry
lose their knowledge and have to have their minds retrained. At the
same time the big red button waits - will it be pushed or not and
what will be the result if it is pushed?
Readers will need no introduction to this fabulous series which is
hilarious. The illustrations are fabulous and children will spend
hours looking at them and laughing. I particularly loved the
alphabet that the children used to teach Andy and Terry how to read
and the number book was just as engaging.
The imaginations of Andy and Terry are wonderful and will stimulate
children to come up with their own weird and wacky storeys to add to
their own treehouses. Both text and illustrations will appeal to
people of all ages. Now wonder this series tops the best seller list
when a new book appears.
Pat Pledger
Sea by Sarah Driver
The Huntress series. Egmont, 2017. ISBN 9781405284677
(Age: 9-12) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Adventure stories,
Sailing Ships, Tribes and tribal systems, Families. We rove! We rove to trade, to meet, for the restlessness in our
bones; we rove at one with the sea!
The intricately designed, foil embossed cover with scrolling waves
and shiny fish encircling the title, the detailed map of the island
kingdom of Trianukka and the cutaway of the sailing ship Huntress
entice the reader into Sarah Driver's lyrical fantasy adventure.
Spirited hero Mouse lives aboard The Huntress with her
one-eyed grandma Wren, the ship's captain and her younger brother
Sparrow. Their tribe worship the majestic whales who protect them
and come when summoned by Sparrow's singing to help defeat the
bloodthirsty attacks from the flying terrodyls. They are on a voyage
to the great Tribe-Meet, and Mouse, who celebrates her thirteenth
moon, is her grandma's apprentice training to take over as Captain
of the Huntress. Their father, Da has disappeared and he has left
Mouse with a special quest to find the sea opals and restore them.
This is a complex and exciting story, set in an icy bleak world with
scary undersea creatures, and dangerous attacks from the Fangtooth
Tribe and their polar dogs. Trouble and danger ramp up when Grandma
Wren unfortunately allows Stag, a long-lost tribe member to rejoin
their crew. Mouse's resilience and courage is repeatedly tested as
the crew face serious threats from all sides.
Sarah Driver's debut novel is beautifully crafted with fast-paced
narrative, elemental forces driving their journey, good and evil
fantastical creatures and lyrical music her brother sings to the
whales. Her creative language is delightful to read: Mouse's heart
skip-skitters when she's in danger but she keeps her spine
arrow-straight and she is not afraid to face down a land-lurker
with iron-hard eyes. There are fun visual details added
throughout, shadowy whales, black merwraiths diving, moon-sparks
twinkling and terrodyl beasts soaring. Sea is the first in The Huntress trilogy and readers
who enjoy a challenging fantasy adventure will look forward to Sky.
Rhyllis Bignell
The tale of Angelino Brown by David Almond
Ill. by Alex T. Smith. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406358070
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Perception, Schools, Angels,
Education. When grumpy bus driver, Bert, finds an angel in his top
pocket, he takes him home to his wife, Betty and together they name
the little fellow, Angelino. Betty, a cook a the local school, takes
the angel to enroll him at the school, but the school at the moment
is in some disarray. Their head teacher is on leave because of his
nerves, and has been replaced by Acting Head Teacher, Mrs Mole,
anxious to be seen to be doing well. Angelino is a hit with the kids
at school, but not with Mrs Mole, who sees the angel causing some
relaxing of the straight lines and hands up approach she wants.
Into the mix comes a mysterious stranger, set on getting the angel
for himself, ready to sell him to the highest bidder: a bishop,
soccer team or artist.
A chaotic story ensues, with the angel getting bigger as he eats
custard from the school canteen, learning to say a few apparently
meaningless sentences, endearing himself to all those who see him,
except perhaps Mrs Mole. A few side remarks about education, a
smattering of lessons about grammar, with lots of funny situations
make this a quirky read which children will heartily enjoy: the
story of an angel who makes a difference in people's lives.
When Angelino is kidnapped by two almost men with troubled pasts, he
is able to endear himself to them, and when found by trio of
students from the school, Betty and Bert decide that all the
kidnappers need is some good parenting, so take them home as well.
A delightful read all the way to the end, Almond always manages to
disarm the reader, attaching them to a story which swerves into
fantasy and yet we want to believe that such things can happen, that
Bert and Betty can get a new son, that the kidnappers can be
parented back to being good citizens, that the acting head can be
rehabilitated into a teacher of children not of department policy.
The vision of the department heads squirreling themselves away in an
office with the shades drawn and a no entry notice on the door,
making policies about the school without seeing one child is
hilarious and should make every school administrator rethink their
purpose.
Fran Knight
