Two best friends, Merrin and Molly live at a seaside village, Merrin in the harbour because she is a mermaid, and Molly in a house in the town. They play together, surfing, diving to the sea caves, following the dolphins but Merrin cannot come to her friend’s house. But all is excitement in the village as the Mermaid Moon is coming which means that all sea creatures can be on land until the moon’s reflection disappears from the sea. The girls are so excited. Merrin thinks about the Mermaid Moon and finds herself flying with the fish into the decorated town, where Molly is waiting for her. Molly wants her to stay over but Merrin cannot do this, so the two go off together determined to fit lots of things into their night together. Merrin tries chocolate for the first times and Molly gives her a bracelet she bought for her. Then as the moon is beginning to sink, the girls go into Molly’s bedroom where they chat and laugh, but going into the garden, Merrin realises that the moon has almost gone. They race to towards the sea, horrified that Merrin may be caught on land, but she sings a song her mother taught her and a whale comes along to help her back into the sea. Merrin returns to the sea just in time while Molly watches form the harbour wall. The girls hug each other thinking about the Mermaid Moon next year when they can be together again.
This charming story of friendship will strum at the hearts of the readers, wanting the two girls to be together but knowing the constraints of their relationship. The idea of being friends with a mermaid is just wonderful and readers will recall stories of mermaids, to share. Older readers may like to read Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid to compare the tales, or watch the Disney version of this story. There are many Cornish stories of mermaids and some can be found here.
Children will be delighted with the wonderfully evocative illustrations. The girls are lovingly portrayed, and readers will love thinking about their similarities and differences. The setting is astounding, with the images of Merrin’s home almost believable. A number of double page images are outstanding: the opening image of the girls talking to each other, the girls flying over the lit up town and the girls flying over the village on the whale’s back, each is vivid and richly detailed, redolent of the Cornish countryside which the writer loves.
A wonderful read aloud, children will hang on to every word, wanting Merrin to return to her home in the sea before her scales deteriorate and she is stuck on land.
Themes Friendship, Mermaids, Cornwall, Myths.
Fran Knight
Logan's big move by Logan Martin with Jess Black, and Shane McG
Logans’ Big Move is an enjoyable and fast-paced picture book based on the life of Australia’s first BMX freestyle Olympic gold medallist, Logan Martin. The appealing characters in the story are drawn as animals with Logan and his family portrayed as lions and his coach Big Rex portrayed as a bear. The story begins with Logan and his family moving to new house and discovering an amazing skatepark close by. After watching the skateboarders and BMX freestylers, Logan decides he wants BMX bike for Christmas. His parents encourage him to have lessons first and Big Rex loans him one his bikes. Logan wants to ride and do tricks like the older kids, but his coach encourages him to learn the basics first and shows him how to do a Bunny hop, a Manual and an X-up. Logan practises on the grass so he has a soft landing if he falls which happens often! Finally, Logan is ready to try out his brand-new BMX at the park and off he goes. But …Logan has a big fall. Once his bruises heal his coach wants to teach him a new trick, the 180. Logan is scared but after some positive and inspiring words from Big Rex, he is ready to try.
This is an engaging story that young children will love. Many of them may have watched Logan’s amazing performance at the Olympics and how his passion for BMX Freestyling has encouraged a new generation of bike riders.
Head of Zeus, 2023. ISBN: 9781837931224. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
An astounding novel by Puerto Rican writer Melissa Coss Aquino defies expectations of the lives of poor, neglected young Latinx girls, Carmen and Grace, in the Bronx. The two girls are determined to make their own choices and carve the lives they want, together. Original plans for college get sidelined when Grace is taken into the fold of Dona Durka, the queen of an underworld crime gang. Grace is groomed to be her successor, and Carmen follows along Grace’s path. We know it doesn’t end well for Carmen as the first chapter opens with her in prison, but the story of their lives becomes a heart-stopping ride through a world of drugs and crime.
In the first section of the book told by Carmen, we appreciate the bond that ties the two girls, but it is when Grace’s voice takes over, that we come to understand how much of a leader Grace is determined to be; ruthless and hard, but a leader that empowers the women that work with her. She encourages them to develop their inner strengths, including mental focus, collective loyalty, and belief in themselves. Group conversations include discussion of ideas and philosophies, and each is encouraged to pursue their own dream.
There is also a spiritual element, with the traditional stories of the abuela, dream interpretation, and Goddess worship. All emphasize understanding of self and female empowerment, including life messages the reader might take away.
All this combines to make a highly original and powerful novel, with strong characters, confronting language, and violence. Nothing goes as expected; it makes for a surprising and exciting, but also intellectually rewarding read.
Themes Drug gangs, Crime, Violence, Matriarchy, Sisterhood, Female empowerment, Bronx, Latin American culture, Belonging, Diversity.
Olivie Blake was a self-published author of six books before her novel, The Atlas Six, went viral on social media giant TikTok in 2021. Blake was quickly signed by traditional publishers who began to republish her previous works, including the urban fantasy novel, One For My Enemy, in 2023. A retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, One For My Enemy is a dark and moody version of the ageless story.
Sasha is the youngest of the seven Antonova sisters, famous for their beauty, cunning and ruthlessness. Their mother, Baba Yaga, is one of the most powerful witches in New York’s underground magic community, controlling the majority of the drug and intoxicant scene. Baba Yaga’s only real enemy is Koschei the Deathless, leader of the Federov family and father to three sons, Dimitri, Roman and Lev. When Sasha and Lev accidentally meet and fall in love, it sets into motion a series of events that will lead to all out war between the two families. What Sasha and Lev do not understand is that there are dark secrets hidden in the history of the Antonovas and the Federovs. And once the truth is known, there will be devastating consequences for both sides.
One For My Enemy is an entertaining and well-written retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Blake skilfully leads readers through five acts of action and romance. Her characters are compelling, and her plot has enough surprises to maintain interest. Like the original story, readers should expect death, violence and general mayhem. There are also sexual references and drug use that makes this novel better suited to older audiences.
Multi talented Andrew Daddo has teamed again with award winning illustrator, Bentley to produce a very funny book about potty training, an event in a child’s life which seems to engross many parents, sometimes ending in unnecessary stress. This irreverent book will put all at their ease when creating a routine time in a child’s life … well … routine. Daddo uses a variety of animals to make his point; that this is a natural occurrence, coming along at least once a day, (except for pandas) sometimes more, but a common event in all animals’ lives from a lion to a hippo, a dog to a panda, a monkey to a kangaroo, a giraffe to a goldfish, each has something in common: a poo face which goes with the effort made to expel it.
Bentley’s laugh-out-loud illustrations will tickle your funny bone as each page is turned. The expressions on faces are wondrously created with just a seemingly small difference in an eyebrow or mouth position. Kids will love looking at all the poo that the animals leave behind.
Etta and the Octopus is a witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book. Zana Fraillon is known for her novels aimed at an older audience but this is wonderfully done by her and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner's illustrations, which are so fabulous they deserve to be in colour, but are nevertheless spectacular.
It all begins when Etta discovers an octopus taking a bubble bath in her house. And on the floor is his suitcase, with the name Oswald on it in fancy writing. Oswald isn't an easy house guest but Etta is surprisingly patient. She makes a list of all the things she discovers about octopuses, or Oswald in particular; 'octopuses do not like to be cuddled', 'octupuses can (sometimes) be very helpful'. Smiley Oswald doesn't talk but he gets up to oodles of mischief due to his lack of social etiquette. He kicks Etta out of her bed, locks her out of the house, stinks out the whole apartment with his suitcase full of fish and throws Etta's board games out the window when he loses. Taking him out of the house leads to just as much trouble. Her efforts in putting up a lost poster are unsuccessful until a mean lady named Marina Prinkle Esquire turns up at the door demanding her octopus. Can Etta really send Oswald away with this horrible person or will she decide to protect her new friend?
This is a charming story with only small chunks of text on each page and large, often full-page illustrations. A little more text than Joyner's Boris series but less than Hercules Quick and still very approachable for newly independent readers. There is a reference to this being a new series, so hopefully we see more of Etta and Oswald soon.
Themes Octopuses, Friendship, Humorous Stories.
Nicole Nelson
Alight: A story of fire and nature by Sam Lloyd. Illus. by Samantha Metcalfe
In Australia we are unfortunately accustomed to the devasting effects of fire especially during the season of summer. However, what if fires were carefully planned and only burnt those areas needing to be controlled? Alight by scientist, Dr Sam Lloyd, thoughtfully answers this question and introduces children to the positive effects that a healthy fire can have on the natural environment.
The appealing cover with its pale tones, and the gorgeous endpapers depicting the plants and animals discussed in the story, provide a clue to where the fire will burn and what might be impacted. Each of the animal and plant characters mentioned are introduced in the beginning and the author has shared brief and interesting facts.
The story begins with Old Eucalypt becoming aware of the smoke but not worrying as people were working together and listening to the bush. The animals are warned to find shelter and the plants are reminded that it is time for new growth. Each of the plants and animals survive the fire in their own way and the rain brings newness to the landscape.
This is a fire that burns gently and in harmony with the bush ecosystems. The stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe show incredible detail and perfectly complement the text. In the final pages there is further important information about ‘Fire in the Australian Bush’ as well as a glossary to explain the highlighted words used in the text. A wonderful book to share with both children and adults.
Themes Australia, Planned Fires, Bush Habitats, Ecosystems, Plants, Animals.
Kathryn Beilby
Huda was here by H. Hayek
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068430. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Huda was here is the sequel to CBCA’s 2022 shortlisted novel, Huda and me. Created by talented Australian author, H. Hayek, this story is filled with beautiful connections and strong bonds. But, can Akeal endure another outlandish escapade with his sister, Huda (for the same goal…. to unite their loving family) or will this one really go too far?
Hooked in by a highly entertaining prologue, the reader is immediately captivated by Huda and her distraught brother, Akeal. Huda, with her usual sassiness and Akeal a complete wreck with worry are at the police station. How on earth could they have found themselves here! What plan has Huda come up with this time and more importantly, how can they possibly rectify it?
The story is told from the perspective of Akeal; an eleven year old who loves his family dearly. Huda, his pocket rocket, nine year old sister is strong willed and determined, yet sometimes a little too bold. She can be interchangeably bubbly and lovable or cranky and obstinate. Akeal is the calmer, gentler one; held back by hesitance and always thoughtful of others, he is torn between helping Huda and being caught out. However, their unwavering connection is undeniable.
Every reader will be instantly invested and pulled in by the strong connection; with Huda’s tenacity and sympathies with Akeal and what he must tolerate. As each chapter cleverly meanders back and forth in time, we discover how and why Huda and Akeal found themselves in this predicament…. And even more importantly how this will all end! Each twist and turn, keeps the reader completely invested and captivated.
H. Hayek has a great knack for writing a highly engaging story. The reader rides the waves of each emotion and scenario, as if they are watching it unfold first hand. You cannot help but spur Huda on; as her tenacity and drive are infectious and you just want both children to find the happiness and family unity that they so adore.
Themes Family, Friendship, Emotions, Problem solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Global by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin. Illus. by Giovanni Rigano
This is the story of two children, Sami, who lives in a coastal village in the Bay of Bengal, and Yuki, who lives in Northern Canada, inside the Arctic Circle. While they lead very different lives, both are impacted by global warming. Their stories alternate, ‘Here” Sami lives with his grandfather Solomon since his parents went missing during a cyclone which inundated their village. They have been forced to move along the coast and live in shelters built from debris since losing their village. Sami helps his grandfather fish for a living but they have to struggle with other displaced villagers, crowded fishing grounds and few fish. 'There' Yuki lives in a comfortable home with professional working parents. She goes to school, has a mobile phone, a best friend and a dog called Lockjaw. Yuki is concerned by the plight of polar bears, native to the region, which are encroaching on human settlements due to the shrinking ice fields that make up their hunting grounds. We learn that brown bears from the south have been expanding northwards and cross breeding with polar bears to form a new hybrid species called Grolar bears. Yuki sets out to capture a picture of a Grolar bear for the local Conservation Center in the hope that they will be protected. Both children want to play an active part in their futures, Yuki to highlight the effect of climate change and Sami to change his small family’s luck. Their stories are told through alternating chapters, with helpful colour coded text boxes to augment the speech bubbles. The stories are both dramatic with expert use of varying points of view and subtly different colour palettes for the two narratives but they sit awkwardly together, their lives are so far apart, not only geographically but in matters of survival.
As I was writing this review another cyclone hit the Bay of Bengal area highlighting the plight of children like Sami. One review stated that the children were 'equally affected by global warming' but there is nothing equal about their stories and I would have enjoyed them more as two separate books. There is graphically presented information at the end about global warming that could be useful for teachers. A follow up to Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin's Illegal, this beautifully presented book successfully puts an accessible and personal face to the issue of global warming.
Themes Global warming, Displacement, Polar bears, Climate change.
Sue Speck
Your story still untold by Andy Martin. Illus. by Valery Vell
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922358509. (Age:3-6)
This first children's book by Andy Martin is inspired by his son Archie who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. The main character in the book, a dog, has a visible scar above his upper lip. As the blub says this is a uplifting book that aims to inspire children 'that they can turn to the love and comfort of their loved ones to support them through life as their story unfolds'.
Directed at the child listener the text begins, 'Life is precious, my little one, and your story's still to unfold. I hope these lines can help you through, the moments when it's told'. It talks about how things will sometimes be easy and happy and sometimes they won't, using weather as a visual analogy (sun-storm-rainbow). It also talks about how sometimes we feel disappointed in ourselves or what we can't do but that we need to take time out to appreciate the unique skills we bring and 'strive to be the best person you can be'. Then it goes on to gives some 'dos' for life: ' 'help others live positively', 'be kind and humble always', etc. The puppy is nearly surrounded always by family and friends (an array of animals), leading their support and their smiles, except for a few pages where he is scared and lonely. 'But don't be afraid of these moments, you don't just need eyes to believe. Trust in yourself and take your own steps, be the person you're destined to be'. This is a beautiful letter from a parent to a child, that will be relevant and heartfelt to all and make a wonderfully gentle bedtime story that will help everyone to reset for the next day. It is also a great one to read to children starting school or setting out on a new challenge.
Gorilla and his jungle friends are hungry. Their tummies are rumbling and they cannot get the coconuts down from the tree. A perusal of the endpapers will show younger readers just how hungry little Gorilla is as he dreams of all sorts of things to eat.
But Elephant brings in a parcel, tied sturdily to his back. All the animals are agog, what could it be? Snake comments on its size while the monkeys dare to think that the parcel is full of bananas. But this cannot be as it does not smell like bananas. Hog thinks it may be full of peanuts, but Gorilla says that his friend would not send peanuts as he is allergic to them.
'Maybe it is full of coconuts' whispers Snake just as the parcel slides off elephant’s back. All the animals come closer to help open the parcel just as the monkeys begin to tear off the wrapping.
The surprising present will make readers laugh even more, and Gorilla finds a way of using the gift to bring down the coconuts for them all to eat. A fun filled guessing game as to the contents of the parcel will keep readers intrigued as they will all want to know what might be inside. The surprise gift will cause lots of laughter as they realise just how strange it is for animals in the jungle, but Gorilla works out a way to use it to satisfy their needs.
Themes Problem solving, Animals, Jungle, Gifts, Humour.
Fran Knight
Backyard footy by Carl Merrison. Illus. by Samantha Campbell
Backyard Footy is a vibrant, fast-paced picture book, set in the Kimberley region of Australia and tells of a number of First Nations children joining in a game of backyard footy. Beginning with Jy playing football on his own, the story explores what happens as more children join in the game as the football is kicked over fence after fence. Sometimes the football is not always kicked true and straight and ends up disrupting other family members! Jy’s footy is finally popped when it lands in a fire but fortunately Shane has a new one, so they all go to the oval together and Jy lines up and kicks a goal. The children discover that while footy is fun on your own it is much better playing together.
This is an entertaining and fun read by author Carl Merrison and is the first in a sporty series titled Backyard Sports. This story moves along with the highlighted key words adding more drama to the story. The bright and bold illustrations perfectly complement the text, and the reader can feel the action and enjoyment of the children. A very enjoyable read.
Themes Aussie Rules Football, First Nations, Kimberley Region, Friends, Family.
Kathryn Beilby
Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761180132. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
Freya’s co-parenting parents have moved from Eltham for work to two different places. Her architect Dad has moved to Broome and Freya and her Mum have moved to Abbotsford in inner-city Melbourne. The change is huge for Freya who leaves behind her best friends, Raffie and Gemma, her basketball team, and the joy of living between two houses side by side. She and her Mum now live on the 11th floor of a high-rise apartment building with the café below where her Mum works and opposite one of Melbourne’s most iconic symbols, the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign, which is an important element of the story.
Freya’s first experience on the local basketball court near her apartment block sets the tone for the start of her life in a new place. Her beloved basketball is taken off by two mean girls who are unfortunately in her new class at school as well as being on the basketball team that Freya joins. The relentless bullying by these girls is central to the story and impacts heavily on Freya’s inability to settle in and affects her performance on the basketball court - the one place where she usually shines. Added to this is her fear of elevators and the problem that causes being on the 11th floor.
Eventually Freya does begin to make friends, play school netball, visits Gemma and Raffie and unknown to her Mum keeps a pet mouse. However, the mean girls, IVF babies and the problems on the basketball team take longer to resolve. Finally, Freya’s Dad comes back for his first visit, and it is during this time everything comes to a head for Freya.
Author Karen Comer has a written an astonishing verse novel with so much packed into a clever use of word shapes, text changes and highlighted words, as well as plenty of basketball and netball references. For older primary school students this would make a wonderful class novel.
A celebration of all grandfathers is captured in this rhyming text as Ben Faulks shows that grandfathers from many generations do the same thing in cherishing, loving and supporting their grandchildren. At the Grandad’s Summer Picnic the little girl asks to sit on her grandfather’s knee, asking about the grandpas that came before. Each of the grandpas tells a story in a stanza which shows the range of grandpas and their work. One grandpa is a baker, well known for his cakes, one is a builder who has built a hundred homes and now retired, building one for his grandson, one is an explorer who has travelled widely, another an inventor who has made an extraordinary set of popcorn powered wings. Each man has excelled in his profession, surprising the grandchildren with their diversity. No two are the same. Another is a barber, astounding the children with the range of haircuts he has done, one is a fisherman, telling tales of mermaids and sea creatures and whales, but while her grandpa does not tell a mesmerising story like some the others, he is the best as he sits at home, reading books to his granddaughter, singing songs with her, helping her get her act together when she gets in a muddle, giving lots of cuddles, and most importantly showing her love just like all the other grandpas.
This lovely story of the presence of grandpas in a child’s life will enchant younger readers as they recall the place their grandfather has in their life. They will recount stories of walks in the park, songs and books, cooking and sharing, of being with him and sharing the love that binds them together. Charmingly illustrated by Nia Tudor, a freelance illustrator who lives in the UK, children will love checking out the detail, looking for the animals, comparing the grandfathers depicted, and perhaps set up their own Granddads’ Summer Picnic and invite them all along to show how much they care.
Melissa was born and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations.
Drawing on this heritage she has written a charming bedtime story about the passage of sunshine throughout the day, easing the passage to sleeping time. Mother and child journey through the day and night, visiting elders, places that are special to them, watching the night sky, waking in the morning to a new day of adventure.
Soft muted illustrations fill each double page, accompanied by a rhyming pair of lines each set preparing the child to a particular time of the day. While the sun is up it is time to play, but sunset in the evening means it is time to say goodbye. The moon Giidany, now rises, and we thank the gift of the night sky. The evening helps children recall their ancestors, feeling the hugs they give. A brand new day with lots of new adventures await. There are waterholes to visit and cuddles from mother who loves her sunshine, her barlaagany.
The last pages of the book give the poetic words used in the text in both English and Gumbaynggirr languages giving the opportunity for children to learn some of the words to describe things like sunshine, moon and special place, amongst others.
This page is followed by information about Melissa and her upbringing, emphasising her closeness to her community, a closeness heralded by the story of barlaagany.
