When George admits he's afraid to go to sleep in case he has bad dreams, his family collaborate to tell him a bedtime story about Princess Peppa and Prince George and their adventures in a castle high in the sky. When Peppa adds a mysteriously hatching egg to the story, Mummy and Daddy Pig look slightly worried but she ends it well with a friendly dragon who take Peppa and George on a magical flight. George has wonderful dreams but in the morning the adventure meets real life when they spot a dragon outside their window. As it turns out, it's only Miss Rabbit's dragon robot (part of her castle tour), but it's just as fun to ride on!
This is a new addition to the extensive Peppa Pig book collection that will be cherished by many, especially those little ones who need a new narrative to keep the nightmares at bay or just those with a vivid imagination who love a good bedtime tale. This may also help to encourage imaginative play and collaborative storytelling.
Themes Imagination, Storytelling, Family, Fear.
Nicole Nelson
Crookhaven: The school for thieves by J.J. Arcanjo
Gabriel is a teenager with expert pickpocket skills who steals so he and his grandmother can survive. One day this skill is recognized by a headmaster from a school for thieves called Crookhaven and Gabriel is invited to visit. He realises that this is an ideal school for him but will mean he has to leave his grandma and not reveal what this school specializes in. At Crookhaven students are either Merits – those picked for their abilities from the outside world or Legacies – those who come from a family lineage of thieves. Gabriel is placed in a class with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. They have lessons, amongst others, in forgery, deception and crimnastics (gymnastics for criminals). He becomes close friends with twins who are accomplished computer hackers, the headmaster’s daughter, and Amira a shy Islamic young woman who wears the hijab. All students are set the task of breaking into the headmasters’ office and stealing something within their first year of school. As well as this there’s a mystery about why some of the star students are disappearing and Gabriel also tries to discover what happened to his parents.
There are a lot of comic and quirky characters to get to know in Crookhaven. The idea of teaching criminal skills to students is a lot of fun, especially since they are thieving, forging, or hacking to help the world. Gabriel is highly principled and supports Amira when she is bullied. He is loving and caring towards his grandma and befriends similarly good young people. It’s not saccharine sweet though. Gabriel exacts some just revenge. Every now and then a student goes rogue and becomes Nameless, which adds a satisfying sinister element. J.J. Arcancjo creates a setting with all the recognizable tropes of a traditional boarding school, such as uniforms, school meals and privileged entitled students, versus those who can only attend by scholarship. Quite a lot of the story is spent setting up the school situation. But then there’s a satisfying conclusion and the problem of the Nameless is left in the air. Not surprisingly a sequel is coming soon. This is a really entertaining read and the themes of working as a team, being kind and respecting others’ beliefs make this more than just a rollicking yarn.
Themes Respect, Family, Team Work, Friendship.
Jo Marshall
Joy's journey by Jacinta Farragher. Illus. by Manka Kasha
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922358554. Highly recommended.
When she hears about a magical paradise where wishes come true, Joy sets off to find it. Joy travels through the seasons, meeting friends on the way who help her with her discoveries.
Through the journey Joy became brave, strong, fast and nimble. She had adventures, made some friends and when she returned back home she realised that her dreams had come true and the teacher she was looking for was herself.
This is a beautifully written story with bright colourful illustrations that complement the story.
I highly recommend this book.
Themes Quests, Seasons, Self-perception.
Karen Colliver
Lockwood & Co.: The screaming staircase by Jonathan Stroud
The first in a series on Netflix, Lockwood and Co., this is a world in the here and now where things have got out of hand and ghosts have appeared. Their arrival has meant wholesale changes to society; curfews, fear of the dark, and the rise of ghost hunters with their guidelines and marketing strategies. Into this mix comes a new firm of rather disorganised ghost hunters, Lockwood and Co., young and eager but spied on with suspicion by the older more well known firms, lest they fail and so undermine the other companies, or succeed and take their customers.
The company's newest member, Lucy, recently dismissed from her post as psychic investigator at another firm is keen to do well, partly so she can live but also to dispel the stories about her that threaten her livelihood. She joins Anthony Lockwood and his employee, George, who takes an instant dislike to Lucy, trying everything he can to undermine and humiliate her. So the stage is set for tension to rub between the three as they endeavour to solve people's ghostly problems. Their first big case however, results in the burning down of a house, and the subsequent suing for compensation sees them take on an investigation which could result in their deaths. With the creepiest house to stay in for the night, a ghastly employer and a plethora of horrors awaiting them, the trio sets in for the night which could see their fortunes made or their lives cut short.
An auspicious start to a hair-raising adventure into the supernatural world, this series will have a legion of avid followers. There are plenty of strings to follow: just who is Anthony and why does he have this enormous house to himself? where has George come from? and just what is behind Lucy's abilities?
I can be a Socceroo accompanies I can be a Matilda but is aimed at boys. In this the same format is taken with similiar wording, following the children practising in the backyard.They practise all the same skills but the emphasis here is on team awareness, feeling part of a team, trying your best, tackling and cheering others on when they get a goal.
Both books are sturdy, colourful with clear print and show groups of children playing together with the ball and net clearly shown.
Themes Soccer, Football, Matildas, Socceroos, Sport, Family, Team work.
Fran Knight
Encore in death by Nora Roberts
Piatkus, 2023. ISBN: 9780349433875. (Age:Adult) Recommended for fans.
J.D. Robb has once again found a new setting for the 56th book in the In death series featuring Eve Dallas. This time the plot centres around celebrities from Broadway and Hollywood. Eliza Lane and Brant Fitzhugh two stars were hosting a party when Brant collapses with all the symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Eve is summoned to the party and with so many guests, servers and staff around it is difficult to find a viable suspect amongst the crowd. With her trusty sidekick Peabody and ably supported by Roarke her husband, Dallas swings into police mode, looking at motives and aliases as she tries to find the murderer.
As always, Robb’s easy to read writing style, her emphasis on police procedure and likeable characters make this an engrossing story to read. The mystery has many twists and red herrings that keep the suspense alive and add to the complexity of the plot, making it an enjoyable read for people who like to unravel the clues.
Readers who have followed this series will not be disappointed reading about familiar and favourite characters and are sure to pick up more books in this entertaining series.
Themes Murder, Detectives, Celebrities.
Pat Pledger
Little Lunch: The monkey bars by Danny Katz and Mitch Vane
The fourth I have read in the wonderful series of books by Danny Katz and Mitch Vanne first published to high acclaim in 2003 is just as funny and involving as the others, The school gate, The bubblers and The slide.
Set in a school playground at recess time, the fifteen minutes of respite from the classroom, the stories are full of drama, adventure and friendship.
This book, The monkey bars, contains three short stories, each about areas within a playground that children and teachers know well, the monkey bars, the bench beside the bin and the school shed. Each area is a scene where demarcation disputes sometime occur. Tamara hogs the money bars every recess time, stopping others from using it. When Melanie questions her a competition of who can hang on the longest begins. Melanie gives up, when the idea of her hanky sits in her mind, and Tamara elated at her win, does a more ingenious movement than usual, causing her to be very ill.
Manny is eating a very large sandwich at the bench near the bin. It contains almost everything he can think of, and all the children stop and look, in awe of each piece of meat, fish and votable matter that enters his moth. But one thing puzzles them all, the small purple balls. Through his full mouth he says it is beetroot, but they hear beetroop and so the fun continues as they try out various ways fo saying this new vegetable. When Mrs Gonsha slips on the tomato, the sandwich flies through the air, and the beetroot does what beetroot is known for, it stains.
Battie who dresses in a cape just like his hero, Batman, goes all the way in the last story when dress up day sees him arrive at school dressed as his favourite supehero, Batman. He is ready to emulate his hero and wants to help. He rushes around the school looking for someone in need but all to no avail until a small fluffy dog renders him helpless and Mrs Gonsha comes to his rescue.
Each of the three stories is full of humour and show incidents in the playground that are recognisable and familiar. A Little Lunch Bag rounds off the last few pages of the book and includes activities, games and puzzles to keep readers amused.
Another Lev Grossman marvel! This is the second book in The Silver Arrow series and I loved this adventure as much as the first. Kate and Tom are back in their normal lives auditioning for a role in the school musical or practising martial arts skills and waiting … waiting for Uncle Bertie to deliver a new Silver Arrow assignment to restore animals to their natural habitat using the magical and mysterious train line. When disappointment overtakes Kate, and her fears for her missing uncle start to weigh heavily on her, she takes matters (and the magical talking steam train with its appealing carriages) back onto the track and tries to do things independently. A near head-on crash and some other strange encounters leads her to join forces with Jag, a fellow student from her school and the Conductor aboard The Golden Swift, and continue the work of environmental restoration that is so important to the natural world. But has she meddled where she is not meant to be? And where is Uncle Bertie and is the odd and proper Jag a threat or a friend?
This magical fantasy world combines environmental issues and the challenges of human interference in the natural world with an adventure on board a train! The central character is about to turn 12 years old and also is coming to terms with friendship struggles and personal growth issues in her non-magical existence. This book has hints of the magic of Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree with its worlds of fantasy a heartbeat away, mixed with the drama of an epic David Attenborough nature documentary … and in combination with alternate modes of transport and childish delight in independent adventures, this is a somewhat unique reading experience. But the mixture just works! This is a great Primary years story and readers aged 8-12 will want to get on board and help save the animals in the natural world.
Themes Trains, Environmentalism, Fantasy adventure, Natural world, Friendship.
Carolyn Hull
Mister Fairy by Morgane de Cadier. Illus. by Florian Pige
Red Comet Press, 2021. ISBN: 9781636550008. (Age:4-7)
Translated from the French, Mister Fairy is a classic tale about finding your 'thing' and your place in the world. The woodlands where Mister Fairy lives are filled with fairies and they all have something they're great at. But not Mister Fairy; he's good at nothing and can't get any of his magic right and he's clearly grumpy about it. He leaves his home and ends up in the city, where everyone is grumpy and everything is grey. It's here where he shines, injecting colour, life and laughter into every dark crevice. On returning back to his woodland home he realises that the colours have faded. Could it be the effect of his absence?
There's a beautiful message here that sometimes it's not until someone is missing that we realise their true and unique value. This is overtly stated at the end: 'Mister Fairy realized that although he could not wake the forest or magic a kiss, he could make it all better in his own special way'. The illustrations are Jon Klassen-like with their muted colours and fuzzy edges. One particularly pleasing detail is that Mister Fairy has the 'he' pronoun but is wearing a dress like all the other fairies. This is a lovely story with a heartwarming message.
Themes Fairies, Ability, Magic, Self-esteem.
Nicole Nelson
Hug, cuddle, read and snuggle: Nursery rhymes for quiet times by Jenni Leece. illus. by Naya Lazareva
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922678799.
This is a collection of fun rhymes to enjoy with your little one.
The illustrations add to the rhyme on each page.
The text is easy to read, and the illustrations are bold and colourful.
These rhymes are unique and will engage the imagination.
This collection of original rhymes can be sung to traditional nursery tunes.
Themes Nursery rhymes.
Karen Colliver
A mirror mended by Alix E. Harrow
Tor Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781250878250. (Age:15+) Recommended.
A Mirror Mended is the next instalment in Alix E. Harrow's Fractured Fables series and follows A spindle splintered. Zinnia Gray has been spending time rescuing Sleeping Beauties and is beginning to tire of it all when she looks into a mirror and sees the face of an evil queen looking back at her. She is thrust into another story - that of Snow White – and has all her preconceptions about that story turned upside down. The evil Queen is desperate to avoid dancing to her death in red hot shoes, the ending that is in store for her, and Zinnia finds herself in danger as the Queen wants her help. The pair face many adventures and danger as Zinnia begins to realise that perhaps characters have different versions of the fairy stories.
The novella length is welcome and can be read in one or two sittings. Its brevity does not take away from the author’s ability to tackle some challenging themes like facing up to responsibility and what friendship means while taking the reader into the land of fairy tales. The snarky narration keeps the reader immersed in the story and provides some lighter moments in amongst the dark perils that face the pair. Zinnia is coming to terms with the fact that she has to face up to her own destiny while her relationship with the Queen is very believable.
With its blend of tales of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, A Mirror Mended is perfect for fans of fairy tale retellings. Harrow has a unique approach to her stories which are engaging and well written. And the reader is left at the end of the story pondering the thought of ‘Living happily’ instead of the usual ending, ‘Happily ever after’ .
Fans of Shannon Hale, Laini Taylor and Neil Gaiman are sure to enjoy this series.
Themes Fairy tale retelling, Princesses, Folklore, Queens, Women.
Maggie is a seventeen-year-old, scholarship student at a convent boarding school in country Victoria in the 1960s, escaping from the poverty and violence of her home life with an abusive alcoholic father. Lonely and in need of affection, she is immediately drawn to the charming new priest Father Lloyd Nihill who seems to recognise her neediness and her intelligence and enjoys drawing her into conversation. It becomes a taboo relationship, as he draws her into ever more intimate situations.
The story is told completely in Maggie’s voice, her point of view, and while we as readers may recognise the selfishness and self-interest of Lloyd, Maggie is completely naive. They are 'in love'. She wants the closeness with him. As she becomes more entangled, she risks the future she had planned for herself, of being independent, going to university and becoming a scholar.
But, perhaps against the expectations of readers, Johns does not present Maggie as a victim. Maggie remains clear about what she wants, and she remains as honest and truthful as she can be in the situation she finds herself in. Perhaps it is that transparency of her character that draws people to generally act kindly towards her despite their intrinsic disapproval.
Johns has not written a moral tale, it is not the harrowing story of a woman’s downfall, but rather it is an account of a young woman finding her own path, despite societal disapproval, and staying true to her values. She is a quiet hero that draws our empathy.
Catherine John’s writing style though spare includes beautiful descriptions of Maggie’s appreciation of light, art and scenery around her. Much of the book also includes conversation that is natural and authentic. The chapters move quickly and it is easy to keep reading to discover how Maggie is going to navigate the challenges she faces.
The themes of this novel, though set in the 1960s, lend themselves to discussions of modern day issues of consent and responsibility, as well as reinforcing values of honesty and caring for others.
Theodosia has an unusual life and unique skills, talents, and interests in Egyptology. It helps that her father is a museum curator with a significant Egyptology collection and that her mother is an archaeologist. In this second book of the series involving this feisty and intelligent young 11-year-old, she is again inveigled into an investigation involving a powerful and magical Staff that she has discovered in the museum basement, that has power to both animate and destroy. It even has the capacity to enable London’s collected mummies to ‘waken’ and relocate! If the ‘Serpents of Chaos’ get their hands on the staff before her own investigative team (already introduced in Book 1, in their role as secret protectors of society) can uncover the truth of their nefarious plans it could mean world-wide conflict.
This is the second book in the Theodosia series (the book has been re-released for a new audience who will have been introduced to the main character via the TV series that has been produced in 2022). It is action-packed, and filled with Ancient Egyptian myths, curses and superstition over-laced with supernatural possibilities and secret societies. A truly exciting journey into the past and as Theodosia is a girl from 1907, there is very limited intrusion of technology! Information is gathered remotely using a local friendly ex-pickpocket recruited ‘for good’. Interestingly, her heroics are also designed to protect the world from war. The museum has its own difficulties and her family is intriguing - especially her grumpy and stuffy grandmother. Learning who can be trusted is also a challenge. The fast-paced action will appeal to young readers aged 10-14, and those who love ancient cultural intrigue and magical fantasy will be especially interested. I really enjoyed the journey into social life of the early 1900s with the complications for an intelligent female, but also the fascination of Ancient Egyptian mythology. This is exciting and full of potential interest. ( Those who enjoy the Percy Jackson series may also enjoy this mythology fantasy.) Ancient cultures are part of the Australian Year 7 curriculum, and the mythology of the ancient Egyptian culture makes for captivating content in this fantasy adventure.
Themes Egyptology, Spells and curses, Secret organisations, Museums, Magical fantasy.
Carolyn Hull
Loki A bad god's guide to taking the blame by Louie Stowell
Walker Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781529501223. (Age:8+)
Loki is a mighty god (of trickery), in the body of a puny mortal, sent to earth to learn how to be good - but he has to go to school! With his intellectual diary, in which he must record all his actions and the diary will provide a running tally of his point score, Loki makes many attempts to be good. Then he's accused of theft, of his brother's hammer no less - his brother is Thor, god of thunder and the sky. When no-one believes Loki that he didn't steal the hammer (including his own diary!), he sets out to discover who has framed him and make them pay! Or, make them tell the truth at least. Can a god of mischief and trickery become good?
The second in Louie Stowell's hilarious series (Loki: A bad god's guide to being good), this light hearted novel is perfect for fans of Marvel (where movies have been dedicated to these characters) and the series by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Not to be taken too seriously, there are still a few hidden morals about how to treat others and about being a good friend. Filled with illustrations throughout, the story is written evenly and the images assist with moving the story along. Told from the point of view of Loki, with the diary throwing in its perspective, readers will enjoy the silly fun that the author has infused throughout the story.
Themes Humour, Fantasy, Comedy, School Life, Friendships, Families, Truth.
Melanie Pages
Where? by Jordan Collins. Illus. by Phil Lesnie
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526382. (Age:All) Highly recommended.
The question, ‘where are you from’ was so often asked of the author, that while a teenager they wrote a poem underlining the commonness of us all. In this poem they highlight the beginnings of the universe, the big bang, the void and cosmic dust, the cataclysmic creation, the clouds, the oceans and the earth. We share common ancestors who decided to get up on two legs and walk, we shared voyagers and men and women who painted on cave walls and created their religions. The timeline of humanity includes all of us.
But they is often asked ‘where are you from’ because of the colour of their skin and hair, and affronted they say, ‘you see skin and I see supernovas, you see hair and I see nebulae’, impelling people to see that we all from the same place, so there is no need to ask again.
The word ‘where’ implies an overtone of racism as the questioner sees this person as not belonging. They are being questioned not about where they are from, but more why are you here? They are an ‘other’, someone not part of us, someone who does not belong.
This passionate poem draws readers’ attention to the idiocy of the question often heard. We are all born from the same seismic happenings in our universe, we share a common ancestry. For readers the story opens a slew of questions and observations. They will question the notion that people are ‘from’ somewhere other than the place they are at right now. The question of inclusivity and diversity will pop up, but overall the main thrust will be our common source. They do not want to be seen as ‘other’ but a human being like everyone else.
Performing this poem at a poetry event led to its publication, and along with the stunning illustrations by Phil Lesnie, will have an assured place in all school libraries. And I came across a new expression, slam poetry or poetry slams, where poems are performed to an audience, often loudly, and then judged by a panel. Typing ‘slam poetry’ into the internet gives you a range of performed poems at a slam.
For a wonderful synopsis of the book coupled with some heartfelt comments about its themes see here.
Lesnie’s illustrations are awe inspiring, as they show the universe in its magnificence, from the big bang to the swirl of cosmic dust, nebulae, moons, planets and suns, the seas and then the land upon which we first walked. He is able to give the impression of the sweep of the universe with his digital illustrations done on an iPad!. And the touches of Jordan’s lonely walks are heartfelt as he wanders along the highway or sits on a playground swing, walks along the beach leaving his single footprints on the sand. Through his journey his black cat is by his side, oblivious to the questions being asked of him, but a loyal and constant companion. The other child on the swing shows in his facial expressions the antipathy the question often reflects, while the faces on the audience at the poetry reading reflect sympathy and solidarity. An interview with Phil Lesnie can be found here.
This stunning contribution to the discussion about racism will draw in teachers and adults wanting to reconsider and discuss, while children will sympathise with Jordan and their journey tackling the big issue in all of our lives. An interview with Jordan can be found here.
Themes Racism, Inclusivity, Universe, Big bang, Loneliness.
