Alice’s Shoe written by Julie Thorndyke tells the story of Alice Mary Betteridge (14 February 1901 – 1 September 1966) who was an Australian woman known as the first deafblind child to be educated in this country. Born in Sawyer’s Gully, NSW, Alice became deafblind at the age of two after a childhood illness.
The opening pages of this beautifully illustrated picture book with expressive and lyrical language, showcase the sounds and colours of the farm and surrounding forests experienced by a very young Alice: the green world of cedar forests, the golden world at sunrise, the crimson world at sunset, the noisy brown world of her brothers. One night though Alice falls ill with a fever. When she wakes everything is different for Alice. Sounds are muffled and images are dull. Alice is diagnosed in Sydney as deafblind and her mother takes her to the Deaf and Blind School at Darlinghurst where she is told to return when Alice is older. Back at home, Alice learns to rely on her sense of touch. In particular she loves the feel of textures beneath her feet and struggles to keep on her shoes.
At the age of seven, Alice returns to Sydney to begin at the Darlinghurst School. She is far away from what she knows and in particular cannot adjust to wearing shoes. Miss Reid, her teacher, makes four signs on Alice’s hand over and over again which Alice soon realises spells shoe. This is the first word Alice learns to finger sign and her learning begins. Alice masters the deafblind alphabet and then to read and write in Braille.
The striking illustrations by Jennifer Harrison in soft muted hues are full of detail and in perfect harmony with the era of the story. The sepia toned endpapers showcase important aspects of the Alice’s life journey. The author has thoughtfully included the Deafblind Alphabet and UEB uncontracted (grade1) Braille symbols. This gentle story is a joy to read and one that may encourage further research on Alice Mary Betteridge and deafblindness.
Riz Chester has highly tuned senses and notices things that most people don't, such as the brand of cheese being changed in the tuckshop lunches, the 10gram change in the size of the packets of chips, and the differences between identical twins Sabrina and Jenny. She keeps a note of the differences in her Weird Stuff Log because when she mentions them, people look at her funny.
But when she feels the difference in a $10 note that she is handed as change in a shop, she can't help but say something and so, sets in place an intriguing story of investigation that demonstrates the value of planning, thinking logically and recording what you discover in an organised way.
This is the first in a new series for newly independent readers - the second, The Fingerprint Code is due in November - that features ordinary kids working together to solve a puzzle using nothing but smart, logical thinking. No super powers, fantastic friends or timeslips so it will appeal to those who prefer to stay in the here and now.
With all the regular structures and strategies that support young readers, this is a series that will not only promote reading but with its back pages focusing on the what, why and how of forensics, might also inspire students to at least be more observant and appreciate the value of the research process, if not pursue a science career. One to earmark to get all the episodes.
Barbara Braxton
The little hardware shop by Hazel Lekkas. Illus. by Dasha Riley
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922833983. (Age:5+) Recommended.
First time author, Hazel Lekkas, has written a picture story book based on her parents’ years as owners of a hardware shop in the multi-cultural western suburbs of Melbourne. Each page shares the journey of an elderly man who tells his story across the years as he remembers how the hardware shop and its hardware were so important. The story begins with his birth and what was needed to prepare for his arrival, his early years, childhood, teenage years, adulthood, owning his own home, starting a family, and finally becoming a grandfather.
Every page has black and white line drawings with bright flashes of colour until the final double page where the hardware shop is revealed in full colour. The accessible text flows well and the author has cleverly labelled many of the hardware items in both English and one of the 18 languages spoken in the author’s suburb where she grew up: Maltese, Ukrainian, Chinese, Arabic, Croatian, Italian, German, Somali, French, Macedonian, Polish, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Greek, Spanish, Samoan, Armenian and Danish.
This is a simple, yet important book to share with young students as it highlights the diverse culture to be found in Australian schools and public libraries.
Themes Multicultural, Diverse Languages, Hardware, Family, Time passing.
Kathryn Beilby
I am, you are by Ashley Harris Whaley. Illus. by Ananya Rao-Middleton
I Am, You Are is a powerful, newly released book written and illustrated by two disabled people who are also disability activists. This book aims to encourage important discussion and foster growing understanding of the term disability.
Beginning with the statement ‘We are all different’, the book discusses differences, how diverse all people are, and that disability is part of that diversity. The pages following are devoted to the question ‘What is disability?’ and give a range of examples as well as information about seen and unseen disabilities, examples of how diverse disability is and introduces the term neurodivergent. There are further pages dedicated to ableism: how it is found everywhere and how wrong it is to make assumptions. There is discussion around accessibility, inclusivity, limitations, adaptation and innovation with the excellent examples given providing an opportunity for greater understanding.
Encouraging the use of respect, thoughtfulness and consideration in relation to disabled people are shared with ideas for adults and children to act accordingly. There are many key points to come out of the book but two that resonated are that it is important to ask disabled people how they would like to be described and that so much can be learnt from each other’s differences.
This book is presented in bright bold colours with diverse characters showing a number of differing disabilities. There are images, text boxes, speech bubbles, highlighted text, and easily accessible information which will allow children to read it independently. In the final pages there is a glossary as well as three questions to prompt discussion and a note for adults. I Am, You Are is a perfect resource to start a significant conversation around disability beginning in the early primary years through to older primary/early high school years.
It's school photo day and, unlike Australia where students are encouraged to wear school uniform, Faizah wears a special red dress that belonged first to Mama and then handed down to her older sister, Asiya. Faizah adores the dress because of the kindness of family that has been woven into the fabric over time. To complete the picture, Asiya does Faizah's hair in a special style and Faizah pins Asiya's hijab with a special, sparkly pin.
When they get to school Faizah finds she matches with her friend Sophie, who is wearing a dress with red roses and a huge red sash. When their teacher, Ms. Ramirez, asks the class to imagine the kind of world they want and to draw it, while others want an ice cream world or a unicorn world, Faizah draws a kind world, and Sophie draws a superhero world. Then, throughout the day, they use their superpowers to make the world kinder, helping other kids by doing little things that seem little but mean much at the time, and brightening their days. By the time it is their turn for photos, everyone in class is smiling.
But when it's time for sibling photos, Faizah is upset when she sees that she and Asiya don't match, unlike all the other sibling pairs. She is in her special red dress, and looks nothing like Asiya. Can her friends find a way to help?
We first met Asiya and Faizah in The Proudest Blue and this story is another charming celebration of family and friendship woven together through the strong thread of helping others not only being just what you do, but that kindness can come in many forms, and does not need acknowledgement or reward. Being kind is an end in itself - it should never be accompanied by a "what's in it for me?" motive.
In The Proudest Blue, Mama advised her daughters, "Don't carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them." And in this story she tells them, "My kind, beautiful girls. Remember, you are strong and smart. You can do and be anything!" - again, wise words that should resonate with everyone, regardless of their ancestry or beliefs.
There are comprehensive teachers' notes available to support the book, but for littlies it might just be enough to explore Faizah's main point - a kind world is one where there is always a friend nearby to help each other - and let them share stories of how a friend has helped them or vice versa, to emphasise the point that kindnesses can be small, almost unnoticeable deeds and can permeate every minute of the day. Because, despite the subtitle of the book being "A Story of Hijab and Friendship" kindness is not restricted or limited by anything. It is universal.
Queer, autistic student, Waverly, has gained her place in a prestigious private school by way of scholarship and maintains that place by undertaking tutoring jobs and relying on the generosity of the dean. At a minimum cost of $10,000 per ticket, she has only ever been able to dream of attending the school’s extravagant annual masquerade ball.
That is, until the most popular girl in school asks Waverly to secretly attend the ball in her place. This is an offer too good to refuse, especially as Waverly’s ex-girlfriend will be there. And so begins a night of excitement, lies, confusion, murder, fear and action. What should have been a fun dance quickly turns into an absolute nightmare when the powers-that-be take charge during a devastating blackout event in a claustrophobic maze of a warehouse.
This novel demonstrates the huge advantage of those with power and privilege. The private school set is populated by wealthy white families, and it is immediately clear that Waverly and her friends represent the minorities: queer, autistic, disabled, Asian, orphaned, black. They are the outsiders who must band together to survive this crazy night.
With common themes of romance, high schoolers and unexplained crime, fans of One of us is lying will enjoy this fast-paced thriller/mystery. There is a lot to keep track of, and I raced through it as I couldn’t bring myself to stop in the middle of all the action. And, although there may be a point at which it all becomes a bit far-fetched, by then I was invested in the characters and on an exciting ride from start to finish. It is ultimately a battle of good vs evil, and about making the right choices no matter what the expectations of you might be.
Jen Wilde is a queer, disabled Australian author living in the US. Their author bio says “they write unapologetically queer stories about unlikely heroes, awkward romantics and chosen families”. This information is absolutely accurate regarding This is the way the world ends, and it will not disappoint YA readers.
Themes Identity, LGBTQIA+, Privilege & Power, Social Media, Autism.
Kylie Grant
Wake up Lionel! by Sian Turner. Illus. by Rebecca Cool
Little Steps, 2023. ISBN: 9781922833907. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Poor old Lionel walks in his sleep and on his Granny’s farm this causes some hilarity. Readers will laugh out loud at the sight of Lionel wandering around the farm in his pyjamas, clutching Ted. First he tries to sit on the rocking chair, but finds this is the cat’s sleeping place so he must find somewhere else. Next he finds the dog and tries to share his bed, then rebuffed he goes outside to the stable, where he snuggles into the horse’s hay. The horse says neigh and so he moves on to the pigsty. Again he must move and he finds the henhouse.
Ted becomes hooked up in the wire so must be freed before the pair perch on the roost with the hens.
Leaving the henhouse he is followed by the animals he has shared a bed with and as he goes back to his own bed, the others do the same. They stay a little while then leave Lionel to his own bed, where he is woken by Gran at 7 o’clock with a sunrise.
Black outlined, bold and colourful illustrations cover each page. Readers will be drawn to the images of the animals, recognising each in their turn, and learn the name of each shelter the animal inhabits. Images of the farm will also draw their attention, and the detail shown of the animals and their sounds will entreat readers to say them out loud. Reading the book aloud to a young audience will see them joining in, repeating the sounds made and predicting the rhyming word at the end of each pair of rhyming lines.
A laugh out loud story which begs the reader to be involved, this tale of the animals’ attempts to wake Lionel will be a read it again picture book.
Themes Read aloud, Animals, Sleepwalking, Farm life.
When 12-year-old coding whiz Zoey goes from home-schooled by her software-programmer parents to real school where there are teachers and other students, in an attempt to fit in, she develops an app called the Cool Code with a cute pink llama avatar called C.C. that she hopes will tell her everything from what to say to what to wear based on pop culture algorithms she's uploaded. But although C.C. may be cute, it's also bossy and starts to give her ridiculous advice, such as running against her new friend Daniel in the school election, and things get awkward. With a few upgrades and a bit of debugging from the coding club, the app actually works - Zoey gets really popular . . . and gets her pulled in all kinds of directions, including away from her real friends.
Even though the new school year is some months away, nevertheless enrolments are open and for many students about to make the transition from primary to high school. the anxiety is starting to grow as they grapple with the changes involved, particularly the aspect of meeting and making new friends at a time in their lives when social acceptance and peer pressure is starting to dominate relationships. So while this is a path well-trod in many stories by numerous authors, nevertheless each one has a place to help reassure those about to embark on a similar journey. It's graphic novel format means it is one to be read individually, but that same format could be the hook that gets the reluctant reader in.
One to add to a display on the theme, including the CBCA shortlisted August and Jones, that might allay the fears of some and also spark conversations about what is concerning them most and how to prepare to overcome that. At the very least, it will demonstrate that their worries are common and shared, and that, in itself, can help.
Themes Mobile apps, Computer programming, Friendship.
Barbara Braxton
Mother Earth by Libby Hathorn. Illus. by Christina Booth
This is a gorgeous collection of timely poems about the wonder of nature, the human effect on the earth and what we can do to protect it. Christina Booth's (Welcome Home) illustrations are rich and poignant, her use of light and depth a particular strength. The poems within are varied in form and focus. There are some haikus, rhyming poems, a rap, a riddle and some with context provided (rescued koala after bushfire). There is a poem about some plant species that need protecting in each state and territory ('Small tufted bush pea with reddish stalk slender, you're tough and you're vibrant and yet you are tender'), one about the danger of cane toads ('We're dangerous to wildlife with our poisonous glands, haven't you heard to dogs and to birds?'), one about rubbish and recycling ('Learn the trick to sep-a-rate, you can do it, sort it, mate!') and another about the Gundungurra people of the Megalong Valley ('The song of songs was there, the heartbeat of the earth, the oldest story known of life, of death, re-birth'). Birds, storms, sounds of nature, trees, deforestation, wildlife, native flora, icebergs, coral reef exploration and water are also covered.
This is a wonderful collection that deserves a place in every Australian school library. 'Keep the forest, green gold place, the glow of hope on this earth's old face'. Libby's website even has some tips and prompts for writing poetry that could be adapted to any age as well as offering poetry workshops for teachers. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Nature, Poetry.
Nicole Nelson
When dark roots hunt by Zena Shapter
Midnight Sun Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922858061. (Age:14-18) Recommended.
For lovers of alternative worlds with hints of our own, or worlds and communities which have degraded and fractured, this is an amazing journey! This story follows the main character Sala, whose own heritage puts her at odds with her village community. She tries desperately to live well and still get the locals to consider innovation and new ways of existing in their lakeside community. The waterways of her alt-world are ringed by Wyann trees that are vicious and inclined to attack anything that enters the water. There are also brutal giant water-ants that hunt anything on the water surface. Neighbouring communities and trade links must overcome a host of problems to enable survival, but it is the arrival of a crashed spacecraft and its alien (but humanoid empath) that sends the known world into chaos as they each seek to steal any technology that might help their own community. Violence and partisanship rise to the fore and Sala must determine whether she aligns with her alienated and autocratic mother and her community, or her father’s democratic village and her childhood friend, or does she readjust to see her world through the eyes of her new alien friend and possible romantic interest, who always seems to understand her every concern and hope for the future.
At first I struggled to align my understanding and imagination to this alt-world, but as the book progressed I warmed to the journey, the struggles of the lead character and the possibilities offered by the alien presence and technology. Lovers of sci-fi and speculative fiction will love this story. But even those who are more attuned to adventure and conflict will be charmed. The addition of a sprinkle of potential romance will also win over a completely different audience of Young Adults. Because there is a wide potential audience, I can recommend this story, and especially to those who have enjoyed books like The Hunger Games or other dystopian fiction as there are traces of a dystopian genre mingled with the sci-fi threads. This author has created a unique new world, adventure, conflict and turmoil with unusual creatures, weapons and threats, for readers aged 14 –18.
Themes Sci-Fi, Speculative fiction, War and conflict, Aliens, Technology, Friendship.
When Sam lets in a little fear one night, he's sure it won't be any bother. But before he knows it, the fear has grown and grown and grown. Until even the sunniest of sunny days doesn't feel very sunny any more. There's only one thing for it. Sam must try and be a little bit brave .
It's not so long ago that if we wanted books that addressed the mental health of our youngest readers we would be searching the shelves, possibly in vain. But with the growing recognition and understanding that the well-being of our teens and young adults begins with their ability to cope with their earliest fears - fears that all children have as they start to navigate the road to independence - then books like this are not only becoming more common but, sadly, more necessary.
Sam's particular fear is not identified but it is given shape, form and colour so that it seems real, and that in itself is important because it acknowledges that for Sam, and other children, whatever it is is a real concern so the story has wider applicability. In Sam's case, the fear grows so large it follows him around like a big black cloud until he decides that to be brave, he just has to put one foot in front of the other. There is no indication that he tells anyone about it or seeks adult help, so if this book is used in a class program perhaps those steps should form part of any ensuing discussion. To give the impression that something that has grown as large as it has is something the child could/should deal with alone is perhaps instilling even more anxiety especially if using Sam's strategy doesn't work. So while facing our own individual demons, regardless of their size, shape and colour, all of which can keep changing, is something we ultimately have to do ourselves, there needs to be a strong message that we don't have to do it alone. So while I'd recommend it as part of your mental health collection, it is one that should be shared in the first reading.
Themes Fear.
Barbara Braxton
How to draw the Gruffalo and friends by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Award-winning illustrator Axel Scheffler has created a wonderful step-by-step guide to learning how to draw images based on the popular books by much-loved author Julia Donaldson. Celebrating 30 Years of Favourite Stories, this colourful and well-presented book, is a treasure trove of characters and scenes from The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on a Broom, The Snail and The Whale, The Smartest Giant in Town, A squash and a Squeeze, Monkey Puzzle and Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book.
The book begins with a warm introduction from Axel Scheffler and in each of the eight sections he gives personal thoughts and ideas. He also includes an important orange-coloured Top Tip bubble for the reader. Each character is cleverly introduced with instructions provided in an easy-to-follow manner. There are starting points and extra support with guide lines being added. As an additional bonus is the opportunity to design and create scenes for some of the characters.
For readers of Julia Donaldson’s books this a wonderful addition to a home library or for a teacher to share with their students. It gives a valuable behind-the scenes look at how Axel Scheffler brought these popular books to life.
Kathryn Beilby
The blue umbrella by Emily Ann Davison and Momoke Abe
Andersen Press, 2023. ISBN: 9781839132520.
It wasn't supposed to rain the day the little girl found the blue umbrella on her doorstep with a note that said, "For you." But she took it with her to the park just in case, and sure enough the rain started. As it got heavier, she realised her mum was getting wet, and even though it was just a little umbrella she told her mum to get under it. And, miraculously, they both fitted. As they noticed more and more people getting wet, they invited them to shelter too, and the umbrella grew to embrace them all. But the biggest miracle was yet to come...
This is a heart-warming story of the power of community coming and working together that will delight young readers, particularly. Somewhat reminiscent of the story of the magic pot that kept multiplying the food so all the peasants could be fed, but without the didacticism, it shows just how the ripples of kindness can spread into unexpected corners - how a simple act might be the shining light in a person's struggle, as it was for the old man on the park bench. Perhaps the children might not have a mysterious, magic umbrella but they do have a smile that can spread just as widely.
Themes Umbrellas, Rain, friendship, Community life.
Barbara Braxton
Where's Wally? Days out colouring book by Martin Handford
Walker Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781529507386. (Age:5+)
Young fans of Where’s Wally? will enjoy this latest colouring book of destinations including an art gallery, restaurant, parade, doggy day care and even a Jurassic scene. With detailed drawings in black and white, and Wally hidden on the page, there is the opportunity for the young reader to make each double page their own. There are items to search for and also black and white stickers to colour in.
Cat lives in Kent with her parents and is two years older than her more sensible, tree-hugging sister, twelve-year-old Luna. The two main influences in Cat's life are Taylor Swift and “The Bible to the Stars”, her astrological guide to everything. Her secret main obsession is classmate Alison Bridgewater, ‘the Prettiest Pisces Princess” p15 and she dreams about kissing her and decides to write her a poem. When Alison asks her to meet after school Cat is ecstatic but when she sees Alison talking to a boy, she is so distracted she steps in front of a bus. Cat is not badly hurt and her friends rally round to cheer her up. Best friend Zanna is her main supporter and knows about her crush but Cat is part of the popular, pretty group at school ruled by queen bee, Siobhan who gets to decide who is in and who is out and Cat wants to fit in so keeps her preference secret. The girls know Siobhan is a bully but want to be included in her group for protection. At weekends Cat’s mother has a sewing group and her best friend’s son, Jamie Owasu, regularly spends time with Cat though they have nothing in common. When Cat accidentally mentions she thinks he is good looking Jamie starts gazing at her in a different way and then she tries to hide her crush on Alison from Siobhan and her group by saying she likes Jamie. Before she knows it, they are boyfriend and girlfriend and Cat’s life gets even more complicated. When new girl, Morgan Delaney, a Gemini and not one of Siobhan’s group, rescues Cat’s journal from the river things start to change and Cat must reassess the horoscope assertion ‘never trust a Gemini”. Packed with fun alliteration like ‘brutal broomsticks” and ‘dancing dingoes divine” Cat’s is a fun story for young middle school girls (the characters seem much younger than their stated age). Racism and casual xenophobia are called out with a light touch, a bit too light really, and it does shine a light on peer group bullying and the importance of standing up for others; again, rather weakly and late in the piece, similarly with homophobia. I was a bit disturbed by the disappearance of Jamie on page 147 with no follow up on his welfare, and the lack of any good male characters was a shame. The fast-paced dialogue-rich narrative is broken up with occasional poems and group chats. This is very much a girls’ book, a bit shallow and thoughtless but it will no doubt appeal to its intended audience.
