The Blinky Bill stories will be familiar to many of the older generation of readers. Dorrie is an ingeniously written and strikingly illustrated picture book by Tania McCartney that will reintroduce Dorothy Wall to a new generation of readers.
The story of Dorothy, or Dorrie as she was known, begins in New Zealand in 1894. Dorrie had an idyllic childhood where she was free to dance, sing, play the piano and create with paint, metal, fabric, paper, and a little bit of stardust. In 1914 Dorrie moved to Australia where she worked as a book cover designer and freelance artist. It was here that she began to write about a mischievous koala she named Blinky Bill.
Tania McCartney has created a beautiful tribute to Dorothy Wall who found her circumstances later in life very challenging. Dorrie is full of gorgeous and engaging illustrations with the text cleverly spread throughout the pages. At the end of the book there is more information about Dorothy Wall which may encourage readers to research further and seek out the Blinky Bill books.
This is a very special book and one to be treasured.
A drowning accident sees eleven-year-old Jake caught in a strange afterlife inhabited by animals waiting to be reunited with their former owners or Givers. He gradually befriends the huge and stoic Ursus, a dog that has been cruelly treated by humans, but who takes on the role of Jake’s guide and guardian.
Jake embarks on a quest, to find out what has happened to the dogs that have gone missing, and to save the animals from the cruel junk men, the Malbinocks or Bad-watchers who torture and kill at night. It is a quest that sees him recognise the roles that humans assume in relation to animals, the Givers, the Riders, the Keepers, and the Makers, and in the process, comes to understand how much humans misuse and ill-treat the creatures that are dependent on them.
Jake has to learn how to overcome his fears, restrain his anger, and give and accept kindness, lessons that he learns from his little group of companions, Ursus, Blue the horse, the little dog Gordon, and Azrak the rat, all admirable characters.
In his journey, Jake moves from one ordeal to another, learning kindness, compassion, trust, courage, and bravery. At the same time he is haunted by a recurring dream of a sad woman, waiting somewhere. Only when he has fulfilled his quest can he break through to find his place in the world again.
A place to run free is a story that would engage young adult readers who enjoy fantasy, but particularly readers who are dog lovers and pet owners as LaReaux’s depiction of each of the animal companions is so lifelike and captivating. They each have their own personality and quirks that just make you smile in recognition.
Themes Quest, Coming of age, Courage, Dogs, Abuse of animals, Fantasy.
Helen Eddy
Growing green: A first book of gardening by Daniela Sosa illus.
The beautiful embossed cover of Growing Green will be a drawcard for young children. The bright colours of all items garden related plus a number of busy, happy children will guarantee a growing audience.
The contents page has sixteen chapters beginning with a ‘Getting Started’ page with tips on what basic items will be needed to start gardening, followed by fifteen different fruit and vegetables to be grown. These include strawberries grown in Wellington boots, tomatoes, Dwarf French beans, new potatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkins, avocado pits, radishes, cress heads, tin can herb garden, salad leaves, nasturtiums and finally sunflowers.
Each fruit or vegetable has a double page spread with an introduction to the plant, a ‘You will need’ segment with illustrations plus a ‘How to Grow’ section with step-by-step instructions and clear images. On each page there is also a season, time and environment table. On some of the pages there is a ‘Did you know?’ bubble with further information about the fruit or vegetable.
The glorious illustrations throughout this book plus the vibrant final endpapers will appeal to children and engage them in the task at hand. With support from a trusted adult this book may provide hours of enjoyment. Teachers may find this a useful text when teaching procedure as it is clearly set out and easy to follow.
In Plume: festival seeker, Plume excitedly sets up a calendar of world festivals and invites all his penguin friends to join him on a festival tour of the world on the Albatross Express. Even after offering chocolate as an enticement, no one wants to join him, so he heads off on his own with Ava the albatross.
Their first stop is Scotland to celebrate the Up Helly Aa, where a Viking boat called a galley is set on fire. This celebrates the end of the Christmas season. Plume returns home to have a fire festival with his friends but fire and ice do not mix! A month later Plume flies into Brazil to celibrate the Rio Carnival where Portuguese culture is celebrated with colour, music and spectacular costumes. He tries to do the same in Antarctica, but it just does not work. Next Plume is off to India to celebrate Holi. The spreading of colour is everywhere but once again, it just does not appeal to his penguin friends in Antarctica.
Throughout the rest of the year, Plume travels to Guatemala to celebrate Easter, Algeria to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, South Korea to celebrate the Boryeong Mud Festival, in Spain, La Tomatina, in Costa Rica, the Day Of Masquerade, and Diwali in Fiji. Finally, it is Christmas Eve in Antarctica and Plume tempts his friends with all sorts of Christmas treats. When he wakes up, Plume discovers his penguin friends have a wonderful surprise in store for him.
As with the other earlier books in the series, these beautifully illustrated and engaging stories full of diverse cultural snapshots are a must have for all home, school and public libraries.
Themes Penguins, World Festivals, Culture, Diversity.
Australian pop artist Isaiah Firebrace is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River. His first picture book, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples is a wonderful introduction and reflection of First Nations People and their Culture. Perfect for both children and adults.
The book begins with an explanation of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country. This is followed by information about Ceremonies and their important connection for the author. Fascinating topics are discussed throughout the book and include Oldest Continuing Culture, First Inventions which highlights Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon, Caring for Country, The Dreaming, Creation Stories, Songlines, Elders, Clans and Languages, Totems, Flags, Seasons, Astronomy, Food, Music and Dance, Yidaki (didgeridoo), Dot Painting, Art, Marngrook which inspired AFL, Significant Annual Events such as National Reconciliation Week and Naidoc Week, and The Stolen Generations.
The bold and vibrant illustrations in earthy tones are by self-taught illustrator Jaelyn Biumaiwai of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry. They are simply stunning and reflect the uniqueness of this very significant publication. There is so much to learn and understand about First Nations People and the strong message in this book is that we can Come Together in harmony. It is imperative that this book is shared amongst all children and the caring adults in their lives. A must for all school, community and public libraries.
Themes First Nations People and Culture, Living in Harmony.
Kathryn Beilby
The sinister booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761180002. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
I am a fan of The left-handed booksellers of London and was thrilled to be given the sequel, starring Susan Arkshaw an art student with a magical heritage, the left-handed bookseller Merlin and his right-handed sister, Vivien. When they uncover a sorcerous map, Merlin vanishes, and Susan and Vivien must attempt to rescue him, battling statues that come to life and a serial killer, the Lady of Stone, who is determined to murder unsuspecting people.
This time Nix has moved from London and set his story in Bath, where Sulis Minerva rules the ancient hot spring. Readers who have enjoyed stories set in the Regency period in Bath will readily recognise the ancient buildings and parks. The mythical place that Merlin finds himself marooned in, is fascinating too, with its living statues made of Portland Stone, maze and old manor. Against this vivid setting, Susan, who had decided that she wanted to pursue her art, finds that she must leave her aspirations for a normal life and use her knowledge of art and magical powers to locate Merlin. There is also the mystery of all the disappearances of so many people over the centuries and the question of what the Lady of Stone intends for the inhabitants of Bath.
Susan and Merlin’s romance slows down in The Sinister Booksellers of Bath as Susan is afraid that she will be dragged into the supernatural life of her father who is due to rise in the New Year. She also fears that the booksellers may pull her into dangerous alternative worlds like the one which has captured Merlin. However their attraction for each other doesn’t fade, and Susan knows that she must rescue Merlin, regardless of the consequences for her aims to be normal. And the action and danger that she, Merlin and Vivien face will keep the reader rivetted to the page.
Garth Nix’s world building and characterisation are so good that readers are certain to want to read anything else that he has written, in particular The Old Kingdom series starting with Sabriel. Fans may also like books by Neil Gaiman, Diana Wynne Jones and Jaclyn Moriarty. A teaching resource is available.
Themes Fantasy, Bath, Magic, Monsters, Booksellers and bookselling.
Pat Pledger
No words by Maryam Master
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2022. ISBN: 9781760983529. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
This is a funny heart-warming story about friendship and acceptance of diversity. It centres around two young girls and the new boy in school, Aria, or Mute Boy, as he is teased by the others. Hero, named by her father after a Shakespearean character, and Jaz, her highly enthusiastic best friend, try to protect Aria from the school bully Rufus. The chapters fly by as Hero recounts embarrassing family situations and school mishaps. But gradually we also build up a picture of Aria, a refugee from Iran, as interweaving chapters tell of his family’s escape from persecution.
Much of the humour comes from scenes involving Hero’s father who seems to have bi-polar disorder. It is when he is UP with determination and drive that he inspires the trio of friends to overcome their fears and take on a challenge that will free Aria from his silence.
Maryam Master, an Iranian Australian, has written an uplifting story that has many funny moments, but also manages to deal with serious issues of bullying, refugees, and mental health, in a way that is easy to read and understand. The chapters are short and the print is broken up with different text highlights; a format that is sure to appeal to young readers. As a whole it makes for a fun and rewarding read with really positive messages about overcoming fear and finding inner strength.
A lively colourful look at a neighbourhood and all of its inhabitants will catch the eye of early readers as they peruse the detailed illustrations and listen to the spare text. A neighbourhood is a community of different people, and when new children move in the local children take them around the streets to show them what is there but also to tell them that everyone is welcome. The refrain, ‘we are all neighbours here’ appears every few pages, marking the end of a stanza of rhyming lines which tell the newcomers about the community in which they now live.
Words like meet and greet, work together, smile and laugh, belong, sharing and so on set the tone of a cooperative community in which everyone shares. A diverse community is shown with a range of ethnic backgrounds depicted, making up a community where support and kindness, sharing and love is apparent as everyone is welcome.
This gloriously positive book shines with possibilities as children appreciate the sentiments shown. They will look at their own neighbourhoods alive with the thought of being inclusive and welcoming, friendly and sharing. They will look again at what their community offers them and new comers, assess how welcoming they are when new people join them, and think about ways they can encourage everyone to feel part of their neighbourhood.
An engaging positive model of good neighbourly behaviour will be part of any school’s promotion of inclusivity and community.
Lively illustrations promote those places within a community which are shared places, encouraging people to join in: libraries, schools, playgrounds, cafes, community centres, all figure prominently.
And there are pop up cars, lots of balloons and street music to enjoy.
This book follows on from two others, All are welcome, and Big feelings, which promote similar themes of positivity.
It's up to us: A children's Terra Carta for nature, people & planet by Christopher Lloyd
What on Earth Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781913750558. (Age:6 - Adult) Highly recommended.
This beautiful non-fiction release for children is… 'based on the Terra Carta – a road map that was created by HRH The Prince of Wales and his Sustainable Markets Initiative to put Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation.' The forward by HRH The Prince of Wales talks about children being connected to Nature and he hopes that this book will inspire them to discover, celebrate, support and care for our Planet.
The book is divided into four sections: Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta and has been stunningly illustrated in vibrant colour by 33 artists from around the world. From Australia is well known Aboriginal artist and environmentalist Blak Douglas. His double page spread is striking in concept and reflects the statement on the page about the use of carbon dioxide and the threat to the environment by changing weather conditions. Throughout the first three chapters the emphasis is on how the decisions and actions of humans have brought about great changes in our natural world and the consequences that are being felt now and will continue to be felt if positive change does not happen. The fourth chapter, Terra Carta, shows the reader that we can bring Nature back into balance and highlights a number of 'WE WILL' statements with the final page sharing the declaration: 'We Can do this. We Must do this. And we have to do it Now. Because…… IT’S UP TO US!'
The final pages of the book contain further details about the Terra Carta, a brief bio about each of the 33 artists, information about The Prince’s Foundation as well as a Glossary, a statement about Carbon Footprint and a mention of the Fibonacci spiral that occurs in Nature.
This wonderful resource for all schools and public libraries is a perfect book to share with children in the upcoming Harmony Week March 21-27, 2022.
The Robber Girl has no name and can only speak when someone first speaks to her. Claimed by the outlaw Gentleman Jack when she was very young, she cannot remember any other life and remains loyal to him, even when he is captured and sent to jail. Taken by the Judge to his home the Robber Girl has only her dagger to keep her company as she tries to navigate a world that is very different to the one she shared with Gentleman Jack’s outlaws, living in a cave in the hills. She is a wild thing who cannot read, has no table manners and talks to her Dagger. In the Judge’s house she discovers a dollhouse and two dolls who give her three tasks to perform, while the Judge encourages her to give herself a name. She chooses Starling and gradually settles into the house, going to school, learning to read but never forgetting Gentleman Jack.
In this lyrical and very original novel the reader is asked to follow Starling’s pursuit of the mystery of her upbringing and the mystery that surrounds Gentleman Jack’s pursuit of Grandmother’s command: Fetch unto me the mountain’s gold, to build our city fair. Fetch unto me the wingless bird, and I shall make you my heir.
Told in the voice of the Robber Girl, the reader is taken into the town of Blue Roses, which first appears to be set in the pioneering West. But soon magical elements appear and the reader is plunged into a scenario of part realism and part magic, as Starling tries to navigate her new world. Her conversations with the Dagger often provide some light relief as the trauma that is Starling’s background comes to light with the gradual regaining of her memory. The reader is kept guessing whether she will remain as the Robber Girl, desperately trying to free Gentleman Jack, or whether she will be tamed and settle into life with the Judge and Mrs De Salto.
Readers who enjoyed this may wish to read others by this National Book Award finalist, The Folk keeper and Chime, and those who like the Western setting may enjoy Walk on Earth a stranger by Rae Carson and Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson.
Themes Historical fiction, Magical realism, Finding a home, Mystery.
Inquisitive Little Bat wants to know what happens in the daytime. After all he sleeps through each day, only coming out at night to search for food. He meets a squirrel who saves him from the hawk circling overhead, and the pair become friends spending most of the day together. Little Bat has some difficulty however with the sun and seems to want to go to sleep, only to be wakened by the squirrel, Rusty. Rusty shows him over the neighbourhood which seems quite familiar to Little Bat who sees it only at night. They play in the fountain, Rusty surprised that bats know about this place, but Little Bat becomes so warm he begins to fall asleep. Ruse wakes him and they play on the swing, play with the soccer ball, play on the post box, all the while Squirrel telling Little Bat what it is like to be around during the day. But Little Bat dozes off and Squirrel is concerned that they cannot be friends as they both are awake at different times. Their waking hours do not correspond. Rusty watches over Little Bat, his practical measures keeping the bat safe, while Little Bat is eager but unprepared for what the day may bring.
In the end a very neat resolution gives their friendship a solid grounding.
This story is a subtle look at friendship and making friends and what friends bring to the relationship. It shows in the end that some sort of compromise may occur if their friendship is to continue, which they both want.
One of a group of books about Little Bat, this one gives readers a great deal of information about bats and squirrels as they read the fictional tale. A YouTube clip gives readers an interview with Brian Lies and more information about Little Bat.
The illustrations exude realism and warmth as the pair do things together, cementing their friendship. Several others of award winning author/illustrator Brian Lies’ books offered Little Bat as a background figure but now he takes centre stage in several recent books.
Little Brown, 2022. ISBN: 9780356512716. (Age:14+) Recommended.
This sequel to The city we became (2020) sees the New York city avatars reunite to save the world from annihilation by the Woman in White who is providing support to the racist xenophobic elements in society. The idea of human avatars representing different sections of New York was introduced in Jemisin’s first book, with each of the distinct boroughs of the city having a definable character represented by the personalities of Manny (Manhatten), Brooklyn (Brooklyn), Padmini (Queens), Bronca (Bronx), and Aislyn (Staten Island). Aislyn has timidly aligned herself with the Woman in White so Veneza (Jersey City) has taken her place in the team alongside Neek, New York’s primary avatar. The six of them have to use all their powers to convince other cities in the world to unite against the evil that threatens them.
People familiar with the boroughs of New York will probably find the characterisations easy to recognise, but for others, it may be advisable to start with the first book to slowly put together the whole picture. But the main themes are ones that will resonate with all who are concerned about the rise of fascism, racism and bigotry, and the intolerance of diversity. In The world we make, Panfilo, the mayoral candidate for New York, is a Trump-like demagogue who incites racial violence. Brooklyn puts herself forward as an opposing candidate, standing for the downtrodden, the poor neighbourhoods, the immigrants and diverse gender groups. In many ways this is an expose of similar issues to Vincent Tirado’s Burn down, rise up, with references to historic events such as the urban planning that saw homes of Black and Hispanic people destroyed. It is a political conflict between the powerful corporations and the powerless, something that is familiar to many countries around the world. Jemisin’s novel, though set in a sci-fi future, puts a spotlight on current issues and proposes a solution that involves courage, communication, and collaboration.
I haven’t read the first book in Jemisin’s The great cities duology, but I suspect that the first one is the one that really captures the imagination with its portrayal of human avatars of cities, and The world we make, while it can be read on its own, is really a more satisfying read for enthusiastic fans of the first novel.
Themes New York, Cities, Avatars, Racism, Xenophobia, LGBQTI+, Science fiction.
The World's GREATEST Spy - Furball, is truly amazing - just ask him! Though, he'd rather be napping, or maybe having a nice snack. After yet another amazing, and rather spectacular, saving of the world, it's back to the office. Along with his spy friends, Jade and Kit, they visit the waterpark on a rare day off, a treat from their boss. BUT, something is fishy - and not the snack bar. One of Furball's worst enemies from the evil organisation, Klaws, is at the waterpark and he's using the waterpark as a secret base! Can Furball and his friends stop the baddies before they destroy the city?
This delightful, light book is highly illustrated and is a great introduction to chapter books from picture books for younger readers. Puns abound throughout the whole book, some of which may go over young readers heads, but any adults assisting in the reading will appreciate. The characters are all a variety of animals, primarily cats, they are the spies and using gadgets and saving the world. Told from the point of view of one of the sidekicks (Kit), the humour and action are consistent throughout. Fans of the series The Bad Guys will enjoy this new series. Can see this taking off as other series in this particular niche have, as it is that right mix of light hearted and action packed.
Little Brown, 2020. ISBN: 9780316418423. (Age:14+) Recommended.
Seventeen-year-old Aderyn (‘Ryn’) is a gravedigger in a small village, but with the disappearance of her father and uncle and the villagers cremating their dead, both her family and her job are in jeopardy. Meanwhile in the forest the dead, known as Bone Houses, are starting to rise and seem to get worse when Ellis, a young mapmaker, arrives in the town. When Ellis offers Ryn money to guide him through the mountains, she hopes that it will help the family’s finances and perhaps solve the problem of the Bone Houses. Together they embark on a perilous quest to find the mythical cauldron that if destroyed, could stop the dead from rising.
Fans of horror will relish The bone houses, with the descriptions of the terrifying zombies rising, but will love the zombie goat, whose appearance lightens some of the dark action. Ryn and Ellis face the dangerous journey with courage, each helping the other overcome weaknesses, and both grow in knowledge about themselves. Ryn’s loyalty and love for her family shine through the book and her hope to find her father is heart-rending. Ellis must work through the chronic pain in his shoulder as well as the emotional pain of not knowing why he was found alone as a child in the forest. Their journeys to maturity and understanding are just as riveting as the quest to find the cauldron.
The slow burning growth of feelings between the two is handled sensitively, while the perils that the two face keep the reader in suspense. Can the pair find the cauldron and stop the dead?
This is an ideal book to promote to readers who like horror mixed with mythology and was awarded a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2020. The cover with its wonderful gold skull will entice readers, who may like to read The drowned woods, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2023 and a companion novel by Lloyd-Jones also set in Wales.
Mereid is running from the prince. The last water diviner in the kingdom of Wales, she unwittingly located wells for the prince, who had them poisoned, killing hundreds of people. She knows that she must disappear or he will use her again, but when Renfrew, the sorcerer who took her from her parents as a young child, appears and offers her one final job - destroy the prince by taking down his magic well – she cannot refuse. Renfrew gathers more allies to his cause, including the fae-cursed Fane, his Corgi, Trefor and Mer's ex-girlfriend thief Ifanna. This motley crew go on a quest to gain peace for the kingdom and freedom for themselves.
Imbued with Welsh mythology and magic, Lloyd-Jones maintains a cracking pace, as this unlikely group set out find the magic well and bring down the prince. Mer is a fascinating character, beset with guilt about how her power has been misused and determined to escape and finally settle down. The growing feeling between her and Fane, and the angst over her failed romance with Ifanna, are handled well by Lloyd-Jones, and the author brings some slippery characters to life as well. Not least is the cute little Corgi Trefor, who provides comic relief and will appeal to dog lovers.
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2023 and a great escapist read The downed woods is sure to appeal to lovers of adventure and heist novels. Readers may like to read The bone houses, a companion novel or Spindle and dagger by J. Anderson Coats which is also set in Wales.
