The first in this highly entertaining series about sport and family, school and friendship, introduces Little Ash and her family as they prepare for Ashleigh’s first day in year two. She has her best friend, James with her and confides to him that her biggest problem is having to choose a sport that she likes and wants to do. They try out several games, but none gives Ash that tingly feeling that means it is her sport. Then James encourages her to try imagination-ball. All goes well until the paint incident, and they must clean up the paint for their teacher, Mr Howard.
Back home, Ash despairs of ever finding her sport and goes outside with her squash racket and tennis ball, hitting it against the brick wall in the backyard. James is amazed and calls the rest of the family out to see Ash’s skill. Dad gives her a tennis racket and Ash has found her sport, one she absolutely loves.
Each of the stories promotes open discussion between friends and family, they model supportive friends and family and promote determination and resilience. The stories are easy to absorb, do not preach and are attractive with informant about Ash Barty, and the writer, Jasmin and illustrator, Jade inside the back cover.
Themes Tennis, Sport, School, Family, Determination, Little Ash (series).
Fran Knight
The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer
Glass and Steele bk. 1. C. J. Archer, 2016. ISBN: 9780648214694. (Age:15+) Recommended.
London in the 1890’s is the setting for this easy to read historical fantasy. India Steele is frantic. Her father has left his watchmaker’s shop and business to her fiancé, who has cast her off and none of the other watchmakers will give her a job, almost appearing to be afraid of her. Then a mysterious man, Matthew Glass, from America comes looking for a watchmaker who had given him a strange watch that keeps him alive. India is employed by him to help in his search, but rumours of the Dark Rider, swirl around London and she is uncertain if Glass is that outlaw.
During their efforts to find the watchmaker, Glass and Steele face danger and deception while trying to ignore the chemistry that flows between them. The Glass household is an interesting one and each of the characters there are well developed.
This is the first in a long series and will appeal to readers who enjoy their fantasy set in the late 19th century.
Themes Historical fantasy, Watchmaking, Romance.
Pat Pledger
Haven by Emma Donoghue
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781529091144. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Scholar, priest, hermit, sage, soldier for Christ – these are all words used to describe Artt, the stranger who comes to a monastery in seventh century Ireland, seeking two followers to accompany him on a pilgrimage to found a monastic retreat on an island far from all the temptations of the world. It is a vision that came to him in a dream, and his two companions are to be the old hardworking monk Cormac, and the gangly young Trian. Cormac has skills in building, gardening and repairs; Trian is earnest and self-sacrificing, perhaps more clever than he appears; but Artt is most definitely the leader, the holy guide whose authority is never to be questioned.
Emma Donoghue is renowned for the book and film, Room (2010), the story of a boy and his mother held captive since a teenager by a child abductor. In Haven, Cormac and Trian are equally captive, beholden to the laws of their religion, and prisoners to the interpretation of those laws as provided by Artt, with his creed of abstinence, suffering and penances. The three are trapped together in a harsh unforgiving environment on a rocky almost uninhabitable island that sears upwards towards the sky.
The reader is privy to the unexpressed thoughts and questions that come to the minds of the two monks, trying to marry their observations and ideas with the pronouncements by Artt. It is once again a battle of science and religion, of questioning and wondering versus unwavering belief and fanatical faith; similar to the battle undertaken by Lib in Donoghue’s 19th century story of The wonder (2016) about a nurse trying to unravel the truth of the miraculous ‘fasting girl’.
In Haven, we explore the complexities of science and religion through the central characters, all brilliantly depicted and unforgettable. Trian has an inventive intelligence, and a natural infinity with nature, the world that God created; Cormac is honest, hardworking, a man of commonsense and compassion; while Artt is a driven visionary, unflinching in his righteousness. The novel raises questions about virtue, true values, and the fellowship of men. The conclusion is uplifting and a joy to the heart, yet still remains true to its depiction of each of the men. This is an unusual story that will remain in the mind long after the last pages.
Random House, 2022. ISBN: 9781529100921. (Age:16+) Recommended.
The final book in the trilogy that began with A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate sees Galadriel 'El' Higgins determined to re-enter into the hell which is the Scholomance to find Orion who she suspects has been eaten by a maw-mouth. She and the other People in the Scholomance had managed to escape but Orion stayed behind and El is heart-broken, knowing the never-ending suffering that he will face inside the maw-mouth. Her mother is unable to console her, but she is shaken out of her depression by her friends who want her to help save the London enclave and the other enclaves that are disintegrating. El knows she needs much mana before she can face the maw-mouth in the Scholomance, so she sets off with her friends to solve the mystery of the destruction of the enclaves and gain mana on the way.
The golden enclaves is full of action as El and her allies face the real world. Her life with her mother who is such a calm person, is described, and could not be more different to life in the Scholomance. The readers sees what it is like to live in an enclave and experiences the difficulties of the people who work for the wizards but are excluded from their lifestyle. It is easy to understand why El wants to build golden enclaves that will include these outsiders. Meanwhile the prophecy that her grandmother had made about El’s dark magic destroying enclaves seems to be wrong as she works out what happens to ensure the security of the enclave and makes some difficult moral decisions on the way. There are many surprises for the reader especially about the New York enclave and the magic of Orion’s mother, and El must face some hard truths in her quest to rescue Orion and her desire to build golden enclaves.
I look forward to reading any future novels by Novik, the author of The Temeraire series, Uprooted and Spinning silver.
Alice Sun attends a highly prestigious academic school in Beijing. She’s the only scholarship student among her rich, elite peers and she often feels invisible. Then, to her surprise, one day she actually turns invisible! She can’t control it and it usually only lasts a few hours. She decides to benefit from this strange circumstance and creates an app, with the help of her academic rival, classmate Henry, in which students pay her to uncover secrets, or keep information hidden, completely anonymously. Alice is hopeful she can earn enough money to pay her upcoming school fees. However, her ambition and desire to rise out of poverty means her morals start to slip and she is soon accepting unethical jobs that have real world consequences. Meanwhile her rivalry with Henry soon develops into something more romantic.
This book grapples with self-identity, morals, class division and what it means to be successful. Alice is a sympathetic character, who grapples with knowing right from wrong. The backdrop of China provides a beautiful insight into Chinese culture and the slow romance building between her and Henry, while predictable is very endearing. This book is great for ages 13+.
Themes Magical realism, Romance, Coming of age, Multiculturalism.
Jade Goudie-Hall
Smarty Pup: Friends Fur-ever by Anh Do and Anton Emdin
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526399. Recommended.
Life is a little ordinary for Lily right now, particularly as she has lost her mum, but things change when her Dad decides they could be a family of three again by getting a dog - something both Lily and her mum had wanted for ages.
At the animal shelter, Lily chooses JJ, who is kind of clumsy, but something about his smiley face makes her really happy inside. They change even more when Lily discovers that JJ can talk and is actually super smart. He can speak a number of languages, and knows the answers to maths and geography questions. This could be the answer to her constant dilemma about having something interesting for show-and-tell, but then things get complicated. It's one thing to be the centre of attention for a few minutes, another to be accused of something you didn't do.
Anh Do is one of Australia's most popular and prolific authors, and this new series is somewhat of a cross between a picture book and a novel. Told by Lily herself, highly illustrated in colour with conversations in speech bubbles and different fonts, it is an ideal stepping stone between basal, instructional readers and the novels newly independent readers are aspiring to. The story is grounded in the familiar situation of what to share for Show and Tell, and the characters are relatable, although of course there is the usual Anh Do twist. Reading a popular author loved by older peers and siblings is an added bonus!
A new series that will have a lot of fans and followers.
Themes Dogs, Show and tell.
Barbara Braxton
The very hard book by Idan Ben-Barak and Philip Bunting
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526221. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
A book to deter readers from turning the pages, a book which encourages them to stop and think about what they are seeing, to talk about the words and images on each page, and pause to reflect. From the Escher style construction on the front cover to the invitation to the gallery as the book is opened, to the last endpaper containing a glossary of all the things seen in the book, this is an incentive to think, to muse, to inspire, to stimulate, to think about the thinking that goes on when a word and image is placed in front of them which confuses, delights, intrigues and befuddles. Can you be in an empty room, or be somewhere else for a minute, do something you don’t want to do, create a new colour? All of these and more are placed in front of the reader, stimulating them to think about their response and how they got to that response. Can you not think about purple turtles, or stop thinking for a minute, or stop you hair growing. All of these will stimulate discussion amongst the readers, strengthening their own metacognition, helping them to think about their own thoughts.
The last endpaper contains a catalogue of what the reader has seen in the gallery with further discussion prompts.
Philip Bunting’s illustrations will tease and delight, as readers follow the small creatures with antlers that lead them through the pages. Each page demands attention with its quirky illustration and pithy comment. It challenges the reader to take notice, not to turn the page but stop, sometimes laugh and think about what they are reading and seeing. Brain food in a book, designed to enhance the thinking skills of younger readers will also help to calm them, as quiet moments rule.
Themes Metacognition, Thinking, Mental health, Thought processes, Humour.
Fran Knight
Wild is the witch by Rachel Griffin
Fire Reads, 2022. ISBN: 9781728257617. (Age:14+) Recommended.
Lovers of books about witches and wildlife will be immediately drawn to this story about 18-year-old Iris who accidentally casts a spell that could have dire consequences not only on Pike Alder, the annoying intern at the wildlife refuge, but on the surrounding countryside. Iris has been hiding her ability as a witch after her best friend’s magic was taken away from her by the Witches’ Council, and her father refused to move away with her and her mother. Now settled happily working with animals and birds, the only thing that upsets her is Pike’s attitude. She is used to getting rid of her frustrations by writing curses and sending them into the earth but when writing one about Pike, an owl swoops down and flies away with it. She knows that she must recover it by following the owl’s flight path, and her mother insists that she takes Pike along as a companion on her journey.
The story follows the familiar trope of enemies into friends as Iris and Pike find out about each other’s fears and strengths as they hike through mountainous country. Readers who enjoy romance in their reading are sure to like the growing feelings and understanding between the pair.
The author has cleverly joined the fantasy aspect of witchcraft, spells, and magic with the reality of working in an animal refuge, while creating a world that feels real to the reader. The owl and Iris’ wolf, Winter, are appealing characters, too, while Iris’ relationship with her mother is strong.
This is an easy-to-read fantasy. Older readers might enjoy Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher and The lost witch by Melvin Burgess.
Imagine opening a page in a book and finding yourself staring into a lifesize eye of a baby blue whale. There's not much more of the whale on the page, but nevertheless, it gives an idea of its overall size.
From the tiny baby honey possum about the same size as a fullstop, young readers are taken to visit various animal babies all portrayed in the same scale so they understand the difference in size, inviting them to think about how they compare with these amazing creatures. From baby zebra seahorses that look like comma-sized squiggles on the page to the amazing four-page spread that is as tall as a baby elephant, young readers can compare themselves in all sorts of ways suggested by the text as well as learning the concepts of measurement and scale as they work out the dimensions of the adults using the book itself as their measuring tool.
This is one of three in this fascinating series which includes Dinosaurs (already published) and Deadly Animals (due April 2023), each of which is intriguing in itself but also an opportunity to show how the library can support the maths curriculum making them relevant to a much wider audience than early readers. Imagine a collaboration between older and younger students where they actually mapped the real sizes of creatures, first using the book's size as suggested, and then converting this to more formal measurements. As well as bringing the concept of scale to life in a meaningful way for the older students, they could compare the babies to the adult versions and determine which grows the greater amount both in proportion and percentage, and compare that to human growth. Younger students would have lots of fun consolidating the vocabulary of measurement beyond just comparing themselves to their peers, as well as mapping their own growth since birth or comparing the length of their bones or even trying to find an accurate way to measure around their head.
The value of books like this that go far beyond their intended purpose and audience, including building connections between children, cannot be underestimated. IMO, this a must-have.
Themes Baby animals, Size.
Barbara Braxton
The sun and the mayfly by Tang Tang. Illus. by Zhang Xiao
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922678041. (Age:5-8) Highly recommended.
The Sun and the Mayfly is a beautifully written story about a curious mayfly who begins and ends life in a single day. She is the happiest of creatures and when she sees Sun rising in the sky she begins her questioning of Sun and all whom come into contact with her. She is keen to learn as much as she possibly can about everything around her. She tells all that she interacts with in nature that she only has one day to live as they tell her about their own life cycles. Mayfly asks Sun to tell her what it is like living beyond one day and Sun explains about night and day, the seasons, the weather and the whole world. Mayfly realises that her time is running out and she tries to fly to the sun.
The illustrations in this story are quite stunning and brilliantly complement the text. There is so much that can be discussed and shared in this gentle story especially about finding the positives in every day. A worthwhile book for a school or public library. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Mayfly, Sun, Nature, Questions, Positive Thinking, Life Cycles.
Kathryn Beilby
Finding you by Robert Vescio and Hannah Sommerville
New Frontier, 2022. ISBN: 9781925481495. (Age:4+) Recommended.
A story of few words that pulsate with meaning and layers of interpretation, Finding you tells the tale of a boy and a dog coming together. Either character could be the focus of the story, someone lost and friendless finding another to be with, to be safe, to feel at home.
The boy sees the lone dog in the crowd and the two create a bond, walking the city together, roaming thought the parks and gardens. Sometimes others are friendly, sometimes they are shunned. They find each other, playing together until night falls and a decision has to be made. It is here that the twist in the story develops which children will find absorbing, turning the story on its head, making them want to read it again with clearer eyes.
The story of refugees, of abandoned children, of newcomers, of people in need will bubble to the surface in classrooms where this tale is read.
Differing perspectives will intrigue readers as they realise that the story can be read on different levels of meaning, and applied to many people in our society who many of us chose to ignore. Be it the homeless, marginalised people, refugees or those new to the country, each deserves our compassion and support, just as the dog owner shows to the dog’s friend.
The dreamy illustrations, created with water colour and gouache using digital techniques will appeal to readers as they delve into the lives of the two characters, seeing what they see, using the city as their home.
More can be found about Hannah here. While more can be read about Sydney author, Robert Vescio here. Teacher's notes are available.
Just as Ana and Louis are about to sit down after a long day at school and watch a new episode of their favourite movie, Mum rushes in all dressed for action. Just five minutes she pleads wanting her children to play Battle with her. They are exhausted but are willing to give her five minutes, reminding her that she must be careful, because last time she broke the vase Dad gave her. As she parries across the couch she bangs her knee. Not to be daunted she invents a crane move to accommodate her wounded knee, and keeps them to their promise. But they become testy with her as the rules are changed and she dons new personas with different sets of skills, making it hard for them to keep up. Exasperation written all over their faces, the children put up with Mum’s battling until she begins to tickle them, breaking a rule they all agreed to. When Dad comes home, the two look to him for help, but he is definitely not helpful as he rushes to the bedroom to put on his new Battle clothing to join the fun.
Fantasy Battle has begun in earnest as the pair roams through space firing their lasers at each other.
A laugh a minute, the sight of Mum looking in the mirror, imagining just what she looks like in her Battle gear is infectious as are her eye rolls at her children’s indifference to joining in the fun. The tables are turned in this hilarious outing for the family, as Battle is a fantasy game that Mum wants to play, much to the chagrin of the children. And just when they think Dad will help them, he becomes involved as well.
High paced fantasy illustrations will entertain the reader as they watch the antics of the children and their parents, noting the variety of fantasy creatures in the background.
Themes Play fighting, Family.
Fran Knight
Violin and Cello by Catherine Greer, Joanna Bartel and Alexander Lau
EK Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781922539274.
While a high brick wall might separate the balconies of the two apartments and prevent the players from seeing each other, it doesn't stop the music. One played a violin and the other a cello, and while each practised alone and at their own pace, both lonely, the music mingled. And then the violinist had an idea and sent a secret message to the cello player.
Cello from a backpack. Violin from a case Each musician still played at their own pace. It was tricky. It took some time. Then music flew from the violin and from the cello, too.
And then the cellist made a paper plane and sent her own secret message to her new friend. And together they played music from their balconies and connected many more than themselves.
Learning and playing music can be a solitary activity, bringing pleasure to the music-maker but even greater isolation than has been enforced over recent times. With between 45% of children (Australia) and 70% of children (UK) currently playing a musical instrument and even more (as many as 9 out of 10) wanting to learn - most beginning their classical music education with piano, violin or cello lessons - this is a story that will resonate with many young readers and show them that music is indeed a universal language and can indeed "act like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens" as Maria Von Trapp declared in The Sound of Music.
The score for the allegro and adagio movements of "The Mystery Friends", the music which brings the children together, is an original duet for violin and cello composed for the book by Australian composer, Alexander Lau, are printed in the book as well as being available via the links in this review. Thorough teachers' notes are also available so that even the most non-musical person like me can bring this book to life well beyond the words and pictures on the page.
Themes Music.
Barbara Braxton
This is a school by John Schu. Illus. by Veronica Miller Jamison
An invitation to the very best of schools: inclusive, diverse, entertaining, fun and a place of learning, greets readers as they open the pages of this book. John Schu, a well known and promotional teacher librarian from Illinois pours all the positive aspects of going to school within these pages. And even a few negatives are thrown in to show that sometimes life does take a small turn: like dropping the fish bowl. But all is good - a solution is found and the fish survive. The first few pages are an introduction to kids going to the school, welcoming them as they step inside the building. Parents drop them off, and they sit on the floor listening to a teacher or librarian, or helper as they learn the routines of being in a classroom. Each line gives a positive aspect of learning: sharing, asking questions, helping, sharing, speak, learn, grow and heal, reminding the reader that the school is a community. Each few pages this line is repeated along with other words which delineates some aspect of school: celebrating, welcoming, growing, transforming, while the push is for children and staff to work together. Readers will love looking at the different things they can expect at school; a library, science experiments, music lessons, celebrations, art lessons, gardening and dressing up. All facets of school life are included, making the place more than just a building, but a humming communal space where all are welcome. Readers will enjoy looking at the different things being experienced in this school, and compare it with their own experience in Australian schools.
Themes School, Inclusivity, Diversity.
Fran Knight
My best friend is a giraffe by Roger Priddy. Illus. by Sian Roberts
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781838991395. (Age:Pre-school) Recommended.
Another in the Priddy Books series, My best friend is a giraffe is just as warm and funny as My best friend is a dinosaur. Both books use a variety of materials for younger readers to touch and feel as the rhyming lines are read to them. They will enjoy the sensory attraction. and join in with the reading, predicting the rhyming word and eventually joining in with the text. The giraffe’s face on the front cover is covered in a furry material, making it instantly attractive to younger readers. Their hands will roam over the whole front cover as they take in the extent of the material. A small bird flies over his head and as the best friend describes the giraffe as the book is read. This singular giraffe likes to wear a red bow tie, and likes to try anything, especially skating. She loves cake, she plays the saxophone at night, but other residents do not seem as keen as she. The two friends do a lot of things together, and even though they are quite different get along very well. The soft touching on each double page will draw readers in as they listen to the book being read to them and the humour on each page is sure to draw plenty of laughs.
Themes Giraffes, Best friends, Friendship, Humour.
