The Library at Mount Char is a difficult book to review. For one thing, it encompasses multiple genres. It is an urban fantasy horror novel with strong elements of science fiction. For another, it is violent and terrifying while also being darkly and confusingly humorous.
The Library at Mount Char is also a difficult book to read. From the beginning, the reader is plunged into a story that seems to have started before the novel began. We meet the protagonist, Carolyn, walking down a deserted country road covered in blood. It is casually mentioned that the blood belongs to a detective Carolyn has recently killed but the audience does not know how, when, or most importantly, why. And if you think Carolyn is going to fill you in anytime soon, you can think again.
What follows is a slow-building nightmare of a novel where the reader must work to put together the scraps of information and clues that the author Scott Hawkins has left scattered throughout. The book seems both fragmented and tightly plotted; a contradiction that only makes sense once you are well into the novel. Through a series of horrifying flashbacks, the reader slowly pieces together what has happened in the past to drive Carolyn towards her bloody and bizarre present.
In a world that is both drastically different and eerily similar to our own, Carolyn and her siblings are on mission to find their missing father. That she has eleven siblings who are not related to her, her father kidnapped them all when they were children and that this surrogate father might just be God are just three of the details that make up Carolyn’s existence. Repressed and brutalised since her childhood, those around her think her cowed, compliant and complicit. But Carolyn has carried something within her for years, a burning hot core of rage. And now, Carolyn is ready to take her revenge.
The Library at Mount Char is a reading experience like no other but readers must be well aware of the adult themes and high levels of violence in the novel before deciding to read it. For those who make it through however, the payoff is well worth it.
A Blue Kind of Day is a thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated story about Coen, a young child who is having a day where he feels out of sorts. Author Rachel Tomlinson is a registered psychologist, and she has provided a simple yet powerful story that will resonate with parents, carers and teachers and provide support when dealing with unexplained feelings of despair in young children.
Coen is unable to articulate his feelings and chooses to stay wrapped up in his own world. 'Coen felt like a lost kite: loose in the breeze with feelings that tangled like string. He couldn’t find the words to describe why everything felt so wrong, so instead he tucked safely into himself like a turtle.'
His parents and sister Junie, who care deeply about him and his intense feelings, try very hard to engage with him and cheer him up. He does not respond and turns away from them. Finally, the family just quietly cuddles close to Coen until he reaches out to them of his own accord.
The stunning illustrations by Tori-Jay Mordey reflect a diverse family and truly enhance the text. In the final pages of the book, the author has provided further information about children and their feelings, examples of depressive symptoms to look for and how carers can help. A very valuable and important resource for home, schools and public libraries.
Eric Carle died in 2021, and The World of Eric Carle series is being published by Penguin. His The very hungry caterpillar was first published in 1969 and has been a favourite story, repeatedly published ever since. In this new book, the caterpillar takes the reader on a hunt for bugs in their garden. A lift the flap board book, the book will be a favourite as young children follow the caterpillar on its journey. Four double pages ask the reader to look up, look closely, look under and look inside in their search for bugs, while the last page reprises all the bugs seen in the pervious pages and shows young readers how all can care for the insect world. The cover shows a range of insects to be found inside the book and will support observation of what is on each page, encouraging the readers to observe and talk about what they see.
Brightly coloured illustrations recall the talent of this wonderful author illustrator and will lead younger readers to his other books, certainly The very hungry caterpillar amongst the seventy he wrote and illustrated.
Most definitely an ode to libraries, librarians and book lovers, this historical novel tells of the amazing little underground library established on the disused Bethnal Green train line during the London Blitz. A whole community was established in the bomb shelter, with rows of bunk beds, a cafe, a theatre, and of course the library. Thompson’s heroine, Clara Button, is the librarian, having retrieved books from the bombed out local library and establishing a thriving library service underground, one that inspires a love of books, and a shared community spirit.
Clara and her staunch friend Ruby take advantage of the new freedoms offered women with the men away at war, and step into the roles of librarians come caretakers and social workers. They are the heart of the community; the library is a place of conviviality and education, particularly for lost and lonely children. Both women are grieving, Clara for her husband killed at war, and Ruby for her sister suffocated in a desperate crush of people during the bombing. But the library gives them a purpose that helps them to overcome the past.
There is the inevitable romance, for each, and an amusing cast of stereotypical minor characters that include Clara’s heartless mother and mother-in-law, the sturdy shelter manager Mrs Chumbley, gentle bereaved Mr Pepper, and the officious library manager Mr Pinkerton-Smythe, all of whom add to the drama, for life does not run smoothly in the underground library.
Each chapter begins with a quote about libraries or love of books, a rich source of quotations gathered by Thompson in her research for the book, all useful material for a ‘Save our libraries’ campaign. Thompson is enthusiastic in her support for libraries, particularly in difficult times, during the war, and now with the Covid pandemic.
The Mr Men and Little Miss are heading down under – or 'up over' as Mr Topsy Turvy would say and I couldn't love this more. I have always liked the Mr. Men books and their simple stories that engage young readers so I really wanted this book to feel similar to my childhood memories and it exceeded my expectations and will be one that I keep on my shelf both at home and in the classroom.
This is the story of all the Mr. Men and Little Miss characters that children will be familiar with coming to Australia. They take a logical journey around our wonderful country - and by that, I mean that they start in Sydney, head to Tasmania before coming back to Melbourne and then heading west. They do not jump all over the country, which frustrates me as it minimises the size of the country.
The illustrations are amazing and the vibrancy of the colour palate make the Australian landscape come to life, as each character gets to do something they have wanted to do or that fits with their personality. The book includes something of interest for each place they visit, highlighting some of Australia’s most famous landmarks while also including others that might not be as well-known thereby introducing them to the young reader in a fun and interesting way. This is a book that is sure to delight Australian children and their international friends.
The familiarity of the characters and their personalities are perfectly reflected in the book from Mr. Greedy finding a food he won't eat, to Mr. Mean being upset there isn't gold to be found on the Gold Coast, the book felt like revisiting an old friend. This is a perfect book to introduce children to the Mr. Men characters as well as for adults to reconnect with childhood favourites. I highly recommend this book for both home and school use, as I can see many ways that it could be used in the classroom.
Themes Mr Men and Little Miss, Australia, travel, friendship.
This is a gem of a fantasy tale, suffused with anguish, power imbalances, romance and the struggle to understand a history that is veiled. Alizeh is the central character, a girl mired in poverty and servitude, but who has a past that suggests much greater things and must stay hidden. Her speech, demeanour and care for others though gets her into trouble and Prince Kamran becomes witness to her unusual actions as a servant girl, actions that defy conventional wisdom. The mystery and intelligence of the girl compels him and unnerves him, and slowly their lives and paths become woven together. Her ‘side line occupation’ as a seamstress gives her a reason to escape her servants’ quarters, and the occasional magical moment propels her into a royal intrigue. And all the while there is the devil’s prophetic words to unravel. Can she trust his words? What is truth and who can be trusted? And will her past as the rightful heir of her kingdom cause the connection to the Prince to shatter before love can take root? A truly magical tale on many levels.
I cannot say how much I enjoyed the quality of the writing in this Fantasy tale, it was beautifully rendered. The fantasy world was unfolded gently and with minimal detail, not unlike a diaphanous piece of fabric fluttering in readiness for a finished creation. As details emerged, they were just enough to explain the magical and lyrical quality of the story. The language use was mature and threaded with metaphor. Tension was felt all through the dramatic story and the author created a resonant and subtle mystery about the central character. The romance elements of the story were restrained and yet compelling, and the overall effect was breathtaking. Magic was never overused as a solution to problems, and would sometimes surprise as its existence was revealed. With a startling conclusion, this book leaves me in wonder. On the whole, I will be highly recommending this book to lovers of fantasy and romance. Its audience will cross from YA readers to adult fantasy enthusiasts… and all will be entranced and impressed.
Six couples at a secluded, private resort. Should be a lovely holiday for all of them, especially the couple there on their honeymoon. But after the bride, Jane Brinkwood, receives threatening notes, things escalate and when she storms off from dinner, the rest of the guests are left shocked. Then when she is discovered dead shortly after, all the guests are suspects - but they all have solid alibis, including the police couple who were the last to check in at the resort. They immediately start the investigation, but the resort has limited access points, and the only suspects were together at the time. It looks like an unsolvable murder. It's now months later and the case has been lost its momentum. Lucy, guest at the resort, who happens to be the ex-wife of Jane's newly widowed husband, is desperate for answers. She sends a letter to the murderer - but she doesn't know who it is, so she sends the letter to all the guests, reopening the investigation.
Set in England, this cozy murder mystery revolving around multiple couples is written from multiple perspectives. Moving from past to present, the story jumps seamlessly for readers to enjoy the added elements to the mystery. It is well written with plenty of twists and interesting characters. Part of the 'Spilling CID' series written by Sophie Hannah, this novel sees Detective Constable Simon Waterhouse and his wife, Charlie Zailer, Detective Sergeant, on holiday when the murder is committed. The novel doesn't indicate that it's part of a series, nor does not having read any detract from the experience. Good read for those who like a light, yet twisty mystery.
Thank you for the Little Things is a delightful, brightly illustrated picture book that celebrates the happiness the little things in life bring. It is also the perfect introduction to the concept of time and what may occur during a day, from morning to night.
The young diverse child in the story goes through the day giving thanks and recognising the smallest of things that bring joy even when feeling down. A ladybird, daisies, a dog, playground swings, squelchy mud, puddles, and a strong stick, are little things to be appreciated. As the day draws to a close, quiet time drawing, eating noodles, drippy ice-cream, bubbles in a bath, story time and finally bed with a favourite toy are all special pleasures to be grateful for.
The bold and colourful crayon illustrations combined with the simple rhyming text will appeal to very young children:
Thank you lovely playground swings, you make me fly, like I have wings. I love the cool wind in my hair as I swoop upwards through the air.
A beautiful book to share and read aloud with Early Years children in a home, childcare setting, school or public library.
Flick (Felicity) Lions lives with a disability – she is an amputee. But for Flick this is not the worst thing. What distresses her the most is the disappearance of her father, a magician who has developed a reputedly amazing magic trick with The Great Fox. The Great Fox is the patron of a new reality television show to find a worthy young magician, so Flick enters the competition in the hope it will lead to the discovery of the truth about her father. She meets and works in a team alongside another kid with magical talents (Charlie), who has his own sadness motivating his entry in the competition. Will Flick and Charlie win the competition, or will they miss out on the big prize and solving their family concerns?
This book has magical qualities and intrigues from beginning to end as the conjurors ply their sleight-of-hand and entertaining talents. With some magic tricks explained as the competition proceeds, it also has mystery and subterfuge woven through the story. With short ‘snappy’ chapters, this book has a fast-paced style woven with the Reality TV challenges. The conclusion may disappoint some readers, but it is still worth recommending to readers aged 9-14. I enjoyed the conjuring world and the magical characters who were endeavouring to overcome some serious issues in their lives.
Themes Magic and Magicians, Reality TV, Disability.
Years of devastating storms have ravaged Mina's homeland, with her people believing that the Sea God who was once their protector has instead cursed them, even abandoned them. In order to appease him, each year a young maiden is selected to be thrown into the sea as an offering. They hope the Sea God will select his true bride and end the suffering. The next maiden to be selected is Shim Cheong, but she is in love with Mina's brother, Joon. The night of the sacrifice, Mina follows her brother, who has followed Shim Cheong, which is forbidden by the rules of the sacrifice. To save her brother, and Shim Cheong, Mina throws herself into the water in her place. Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a city full of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina finds the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep.
This wonderfully written story is a feminist retelling of a classic Korean legend, and has been written descriptively and full of relatable characters. Told from Mina's perspective, following her journey to find a way to break the enchantment on the Sea God, as well as to recover her soul and determine her own fate, Mina proves to be a relatable and endearing character. The book moves seamlessly, moving between action, intrigue, twists and romance. The city beneath the sea has been envisioned clearly and readers will be able to picture themselves there, moving between the streets, Houses and the palace. Containing plenty of traditional practices for honouring ones elders, this novel demonstrates certain aspects of Korean philosophy in different ways. Perfect for fans of the Manga series 'The Water Dragon's Bride' by Rei Toma and for fans of the popular anime 'Spirited Away'.
Ross Montgomery, master storyteller, takes his readers into the realm of faeries, in this case, Hallowfall, in his latest page-turning fantasy novel for ages 8+. In The chime seekers, depths of horror, dangerous quests, wicked trickery and grotesque, evil creatures from the hinterland are faced down by the protagonists: Yanni, Amy and a changeling. Montgomery doesn't shrink from presenting the reader with vile characters and settings.Thankfully, humour and cleverness lightens the load.
Faeries spring from ancient folktales and myths of England and Ireland. They are otherworldly, unpredictable, evil, unfriendly and dangerous. From neolithic times, (Montgomery places a dolmen reeking with evil portent in the village) people have believed that faeries carry off children to worlds resembling pre-Christian abodes of the dead. Montgomery does not spare the reader the horror of such things as piles of bones, ghostly galleons, ghostly skeletons and rivers and oceans of blood. These worlds are made of all the nastiness and tears that fall from the human world. When Yanni, on All Hallow's Eve (when the veil is thin between the human and faerie world), says to his new baby sister, 'I hate you and I wish you were dead...' that's when everything changes. The room shifts, Lorde Renwin, the most powerful of all the evil faeries enters, takes baby Ari and substitutes her with a changeling. Yanni, the previously nasty, angry little boy who had been feeling unloved and unwanted is plummeted into a quest to enter Hallowfall and try to retrieve his sister before All Hallow's is over and the way back into the human world closes forever.
Yanni is set three tasks by Lord Renwin. Against all the odds, he and his increasingly close knit 2 friends achieve each task only to have Lord Renwin shift the goal posts. This most evil of all faeries has no moral compass and Yanni has to find all the courage that is within him plus practise a little trickery himself. On the way he learns how to discern what is worth fighting even to the death for and what has to be let go.
The chime seekers has the neat text structure of a quest. The cover and interior illustrations by David Dean (award-winning children's illustrator) perfectly match the timing, content and tone of the story. Detailed drawings of the gnarled trees, HallowFall, the twisted tower, the signpost, Gustiver, the raven, the toad, the faeries and goblins are beautifully depicted on the back and front cover together with the children and the changeling. Each major section of the quest is opened with a whole page illustration which cleverly signposts the coming events and, when viewed as a whole sequence, reveal the pattern of the story. Being a quest, the structure is circular and ultimately perfectly satisfactory.
Montgomery has given us, in The chime seekers, a contribution to children's literature beginning with a capital L. Perhaps the alert to that came right at the start with the quote from W. B Yeats 'The Stolen Child'...
Come away, O human child! To the water, and the wild With a faerie, hand in hand...
The chime seekers would work as a class novel as a highly engaging read aloud and as a springboard for delving into the ancient world of faery tales and mythology - an imaginative world that has been neglected for some time in the lives of our young people.
Daddy’s Rainbow is a beautifully written and illustrated book about love and loss. Erin’s Daddy is the person who saw colour all around. He and Erin explored their world along with Mum and the baby. They saw blues in summer, oranges and browns in autumn, greens in spring and whites in winter. They shared precious and happy memories in a scrapbook which they filled with colour, photographs and Erin’s pictures. Sadly Erin’s Daddy becomes ill and all the colours turn to greys. He passes away and Erin’s life is turned upside down. There is no joy or colour in her life and she and her Mum miss Daddy terribly. Erin remembers the scrapbook she and her Daddy made and she shares the memories with her mum. Colour begins to reappear as Erin and her Mum start to find joy in life again.
This is a sensitive and gentle story with gorgeous water colour images. A special book to share with children who may have suffered the loss of a parent in their family. The book acknowledges the deep sadness being felt but also promises a hope for happiness in the future with loving memories and the appearance of a beautiful rainbow.
Themes Family, Loss, Death, Seasons, Grief, Hope.
Kathryn Beilby
Rules for vampires by Alex Foulkes. Illus. by Sara Ogilvie
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781471199554. (Age:9+) Highly recommended.
Rules for Vampires is a debut novel for Alex Foulkes. Filled with spooky and ghoulish adventure, it is sure to keep many readers entertained. Creatively illustrated by Sara Oglivie this story is full of suspense, and at times horridness. However, the underlying thread of friendship, determination and teamwork, leaves this story with a lot of merit. If you enjoyed Wizards of Once, by Cressida Cowell, and don’t mind some vampires, bats and ghosts, this book is sure winner for you!
Protagonist Leo is one hundred and eleven-years undead and is learning how to be a good vampire. Now being a vampire can be pretty cool, but it does come with strict rules. Leo is still coming to grips with the whole thing, and she hasn’t had the best of luck so far! So, she is a little nervous with the immense pressure she is put under by her mother, Lady Sieglinde Von Motteberg, a formidable and intimidating vampire. She must uphold the family name and complete her first successful mission; to hunt a human and complete her Waxing Moon on her birthnight.
Leo sets off with a great idea to target the local orphanage and find her victim. Unfortunately, all her carefully thought-out plans go off course when she runs into the Orphanmaster; the nastiest and most horrid man you will ever meet! Now everything is turned upside down. Not only has she broken so many vampire rules in one night, she has also created two very angry ghosts. A vampire’s true enemy!
When orphan target, Minna turns up and demands Leo help her avenge the Orphanmaster, Leo doesn’t know what to do. How can she possibly work with a ghost? What will she tell her mum about the unsuccessful Hunt? And how can she possibly rid the town of the grisly ghosts she has created?
With more twists and turns than you can imagine, this book has great suspense and thrill. The chaotic and catastrophic ending will leave any reader gasping for breath. Undead vs Undead, how can they compete and who will be the winner?
Themes Adventure, Problem solving, Friendship, Gothic.
Michelle O'Connell
The witchling's wish by Lu Fraser and Sarah Massini
Little Witchling is all alone, she longs for a friend and searches her spell book for a solution. The only problem is she needs one special ingredient that means she has to leave her home and find it.
This beautiful story that is told in rhyme is an absolute delight and will become a childhood favourite. Little Witchling’s search for the fur from a one-eyed teddy bear and the kindness that Lilly, the owner of said bear shows, allows for conversations about friendship, kindness and how to make friends, but also the importance of our special things and sharing to be introduced.
The Witchling’s wish is a wonderful story with amazing illustrations that really brings the story to life and engages the reader no matter the age.
This is a book that is sure to become a class favourite as it is wonderful for reading aloud and has so many conversation points. It will also be a bedtime favourite as it is a true feel-good book. I absolutely loved this book and have read it to a large number of students since receiving it. I would highly recommend adding this to a school, classroom, and home library.
Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.
These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: They've all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up -Valentine's Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they've all been stood up by the same man.
Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they let him back into their lives and are in serious danger of falling in love with a man who seems to have not just one or two but three women on the go....
Is there more to him than meets the eye? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?
This book is a tale of love, friendship and heartache with an element of mystery. Each of our three leading ladies, Siobhan, Miranda and Jane are incredibly unique and I never felt myself wanting to hear from one character more than another. Each with their own quirks and individuality, I loved their journeys and how they evolved throughout the novel. My feelings about Joseph however were up in the air until the very end. Do I love him, or do I want to punch him? There is an answer to that question, but I cannot say without spoilers.
I will say the twist had me reaching for the tissues and my heart to the point of shattering. The plot was so perfectly written, I’ve never read anything like it. Many are saying this is Beth’s best work. Laughing, crying, utter shock, this book is a roller coaster of emotions and I cannot recommend it enough!
