The classic tale of Jim Hawkins, Dr Livesey, Squire John Trelawney, Long John Silver, Ben Gunn and an assortment of other characters who set out on the Hispaniola to find Captain Flint's long-buried treasure is brought to a new audience in this adaptation by illustrator Jack Noel to graphic novel format.
Adapted into numerous films, plays and other productions, this epitome of pirate stories really belongs in every child's literary repertoire and using all the visual techniques that attract today's young readers, the once-difficult language of the late 19th century storyteller is now accessible to today's generation. So much of what we believe about pirates, their vocabulary and actions stems from Stevenson's imagination so even if the student can't manage the original, this interpretation will give them some insight and understanding of a story that they are expected to be familiar with in their later studies.
This is the second in this series - the first is Great Expectations - and it would be a worthwhile addition to any library collection that seeks to extend children's reading into the realm of stories to be read again and again.
Barbara Braxton
Space kids : Sabotage by Aleesah Darlison. Illus. by Nancy Bevington
Big Sky Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922387172. (Age:7+) Recommended.
This is the first in a new adventure series by Australian author Aleesah Darlison. It's the year 2088 and there are more than twenty space stations scattered across the Milky Way as tourist destinations. 11-year-old Nash jumps in a shuttle bound for Misty Space station, where his dad lives and works. Nash is not keen to be a 'space kid' and expects the two weeks on Misty to feel like forever, although he is looking forward to spending some time with his father.
On arrival he meets two other kids, Raj and KC, who live on the space station full time. The three children start a firm friendship and even welcome a fourth kid (a tourist) into their midst but it's not long before the group are tested with a series of strange and dangerous events. Is it just bad luck or could someone be deliberately sabotaging the space station? To have a chance at survival the kids must work together, trust each other, think quickly and solve the mystery of what is happening and who is responsible.
This is a clever story with chapters of around 10 pages each and plenty of cartoony illustrations. It's a great step up from series like Hey Jack or Sporty Kids and is a perfect book to read aloud to a younger or less confident reader, especially those who are interested in space or robots. There is also a nice progression in Nash's relationship with his father throughout the story, with a subtle reminder of the importance of telling loved ones how you feel.
Confident readers from age 7 will enjoy the challenge of a decent size chapter book with all the twists and turns of the friendships, danger and mystery along the way.
Gecko Press of New Zealand is an independent publishing house which focuses on carefully selecting, translating and publishing children's books from around the world. Leilong the library bus is a collaboration between two Taiwanese women: Julia Liu, author of many children's books and Bei Lynn, an award-winning artist. The book is translated into English, published by arrangement with Walker's Cultural Ltd/Pace Books through Bardon-Chinese Media Agency and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan).
Whether it is due to the translation or not, there is a quirkiness to this story. Leilong is a Brontosaurus. He has three friends - Max, Monty and Mo. Leilong loves the library and storytime. He becomes totally involved in stories and because of his size he doesn't fit in. A solution is found. The storyline is simple and narrated in third person. The lively dialogue between the characters would lend Leilong the library bus well to being read aloud.
The illustrations are cartoon-like and full of detail which invites time to be spent looking at all the different people depicted on each page. Many people and animals can be spotted reacting to the strange vision of a Brontosaurus transporting children and books around a busy city. The changing, very human emotions of Leilong are beautifully depicted as he moves from delighted expectation to confusion on his rejection to contentment and happiness on his inclusion and acceptance.
A sweet story with fun illustrations! Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Love of libraries and books, Dinosaurs, storytime.
Wendy Jeffrey
Forgotten Fairy Tales of Kindness and Courage by Marie Sebag-Montefiore
Usborne, 2021. ISBN: 9781474989657. (Age:7+)
In Children's literature: A reader's history from Aesop to Harry Potter ( 2008, Chicago, IL., USA: University of Chicago Press) Seth Lerer contends that "Ever since children have learned to read, there has been children's literature" and having children learn lessons about life through literature has been a constant thread. Didacticism has been a hallmark of children's stories from the 18th century moral tale to the modern problem novel as using realism to instruct its readers has always been its central aim. Although this has changed from trying to inculcate better, more mature behaviour to presenting a problem without suggestion of a solution, nevertheless for generations of readers education has always been placed before entertainment.
And that is the central thread of this collection of forgotten fairytales, as common in their time as those of Snow White, Cinderella and their ilk today but lost throughout the years. With their focus on the many ways we can be courageous or kind, they feature both genders as heroes and diverse cultures demonstrating that essentially, children are the same the world over. With their message of being kind to ourselves, having the courage to stand up for what we believe in, and being compassionate towards others, even though the stories themselves are over a century old, their message today is as applicable as ever.
Fairytales remain a part of the study of literature across the age groups and this collection offers some "new" stories to compare to the more well-known ones to investigate whether they have a common structure, theme or message that children in 2021 can learn as well as those in 1821. Have things changed so much?
Noa loves to watch the elephants play in the water near his small village in East Africa. One day tragedy strikes and the baby is left all alone, his mother killed by poachers. When Noa and his village adopt the lonely orphan, a beautiful friendship is born. Until one stormy night when Noa may need his friend to save him too.
Who doesn't love a story about baby elephants? In this one, in association with Tusk, the African wildlife conservation charity, the plight of elephants is highlighted as, despite the efforts of government rangers and the global ban on trading ivory, their tusks make them prized targets of poachers. Foreman's sensitive text and gentle illustrations make this a compelling story to read and share and give hope that there will still be elephants for our little ones to see in the future.
Imagine being able to walk to the woods at the bottom of your garden where the leaves of the trees whisper to each other that you are there and find yourself at the bottom of a tree that has the most remarkable inhabitants like Moonface, Silky and Dame Washalot living in its branches and a revolving world of magical lands at its top, high in the clouds. That is what Joe, Beth and Frannie (PC'ed from the original Fanny) discover when they move to the countryside and discover that their new house lies next to the Enchanted Wood! And in that wood stands the Magic Faraway Tree where they have so many amazing encounters and adventures.
This collection comprising all three books in the series - The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Folk of the Faraway Tree - is now, once again, on offer to parents, teachers and independent readers to share. Over my 50+ years in teaching, I've lost count of how many children I have shared this magic with. Apart from transporting the children to new worlds of imagination and wonderment, it was my go-to read-aloud when they were ready for a serial that had continuous characters and settings so they were familiar with the background, but still needed a complete story within each session.
There is a reason that Blyton's stories (over 700 books and about 2,000 short stories) have not dated and have sold over 500 million copies and have been translated into other languages more often than any other children's author and remain in print more than 50 years after her death. Apart from being childhood favourites of previous generations and thus handed down through families like fairytales, her imagination gave her readers the wings to fly away from whatever circumstances they were in to a world where anything was possible, anything could happen and usually did. In series like The Magic Faraway Tree, The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, Malory Towers and Noddy, there were no everyday constraints on the characters and they could become heroes in the most mundane of circumstances, resonating with the audience in ways many authors have envied and tried to emulate since.
Visiting a new world every read, this is truly a perfect collection for this year's CBCA Book Week theme of Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds and because my own grandchildren have had this series on their bookshelves for many years, I know just which family needs this copy to start their tradition.
Barbara Braxton
Love Monster and the extremely big wave by Rachel Bright
Love Monster is going on an exciting adventure with his friends to the beach! He can't wait to be THE BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD! But as Love Monster gets closer to the extremely big waves, the less sure he is. Will he even have the courage to dip a toe in the ocean? Of course he does - after a bit of trepidation and consideration. But that first wave dumps him so does he have the courage to try again?
This is a story featuring a character who now has his own series on CBeebies, thus making him familiar to many young readers and encouraging them to read. It has a familiar theme of being afraid to try something new but having the courage to eventually have a go, perhaps inspiring those same young people to tackle something that has seemed like a mountain to them so they too, can feel the thrill and empowerment of achievement.
From the author of The Adventures of Pug series comes this new doggy series perfect for young readers. Short chapters, lots of bright, full-colour, adorable illustrations and large font (as well as a simple, yet engaging storyline) will keep independent readers turning the pages.
In this first instalment Gizmo the sausage dog has just moved from the big city to the country with his journalist human...and he isn't too impressed with what he finds: fresh air, mud, bugs and big dogs! When he meets his new next door neighbour Jilly, he is sad to learn that her puppies are about to be sold off and sent far away. Gizmo just has to help, and using his superb writing skills (and his human's typewriter and photocopier) he manages to do just that. At the end of the story the town pups decide to start up a newspaper, with Gizmo at the helm as editor. This sets up the context for the ensuing books in the series, hence the News Hounds series name. The Puppy Problem contains lots of character development for each of the pups and the inside of the cover also profiles each one, their personality traits and their role in the newspaper crew: stylish Bruno lives at the hair salon, Bob is the station master's dog and loves to travel, Lola is sports mad and Bunty has a nose for rain.
This is a charming new series, complete with dashes of humour and doggy mischief, perfect for Pug fans and animal lovers in general.
Themes Problem solving, Dogs, Friendship.
Nicole Nelson
The Wind in the Willows Graphic Novel by Russell Punter and Kenneth Grahame. Illus. by Xavier Bonet
Usborne, 2021. ISBN: 9781474968867. (Age:8+)
In 1908 British author brought children the story of Mole, Rat and Badger and their efforts to reform the friendly but conceited and mischievous Mr Toad of Toad Hall who is fascinated by the latest fads, particularly motorcars. But Toad is not the best of drivers and after many mishaps, finds himself in prison for 20 years for stealing a car. Even though he eventually escapes, during his absence his magnificent Toad Hall has been overtaken by weasels and stoats, and it becomes a battle to get it back.
Now, over 100 years on, it has been interpreted in graphic novel format to appeal to a new generation of readers, offering them an introduction to this classic story which has delighted so many before. This is the latest in this series which includes The Wizard of Oz and The Three Musketeers which opens up a new world of literature from past generations, inspiring independent readers to seek out the original versions. It is fast-paced and funny and has all the ingredients that have enabled it to endure for so long.
Written in a friendly conversational style, with lots of highlighted phrases and graphics, this book is targeted primarily at budding young sportspeople, but could appeal to all young achievers, providing inspiration and advice to keep heading towards their goals. Rashford writes that it is the book that he wishes he could have read when he was young.
Coming from an underprivileged background, Rashford went on to become a stunning football player for Manchester United, staunch campaigner for school lunch programs, and ambassador for the importance of books and reading.
The advice and encouragement he provides could be applied not only to sports, but to other academic endeavours and to teenage social action groups. He instills a strong sense of individual self-esteem and the drive to persevere. The writing is bold, to-the-point, and includes chapter summaries and practical tasks to keep on target. With his image on the front cover, it could be just the right book to be picked up by a reluctant reader or an adolescent in need of a confidence boost.
Themes Sport, Self-esteem, Perseverance, Social action.
This non-fiction newcomer to the area of children’s feelings and mental health is designed and presented in an appealing and popular format to engage young readers. The comic-strip illustrations are easy to read and successful in portraying each different scenario. The feelings covered include anxiety, sadness, jealousy, shyness, fear, hate, loneliness and anger. Each double page spread follows the same layout with an explanation of the feeling being discussed, a comic-strip story with text underneath and a series of top tips from the character mentioned in the story.
The colourful and engaging illustrations show a diverse range of characters from different family and cultural backgrounds. There are two pages with children telling the reader what makes them happy which is followed by a double page of a First Aid Box for Feelings. The Dear Reader letter on the beginning endpapers from the author, Marcia Williams, gives a wise and thoughtful insight into feelings and keeping healthy. On the back endpapers is the index and a More Help information box with a UK child line link which could be easily covered over with a sticker highlighting the details of the Australian Kids Help Line.
A worthwhile addition to home, school and public library.
Pan Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781529040418. (Age:Young adult and adult)
Marina is adopted, she has always known this but she also knows she was abandoned at birth, left in the foyer of a house on Streatham High Road nearly thirty years ago. When visiting a nearby client, whose book she is editing, she is drawn to the house and finds there is a flat to let in the run down mansion. On impulse she arranges to see the flat and decides to move there to find out more about the people who lived there in 1964 when she was abandoned. The narrative shifts to 17 year old Connie in April 1964, finding herself pregnant to boyfriend Johnny who has left to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist in Paris. It is a year since Connie’s mother died of cancer leaving her father bereft, retreating into the world of second hand books in his small shop so she has no one to confide in. The narrative shifts from Marina, who keeps her identity secret as she learns more about the people who lived in the flats, tracking down leads and considering possibilities, to Connie as she struggles with the fact of her pregnancy and what options are open to her, concealing her swelling body by binding the bump and wearing loose clothing. We slowly piece together their stories and those of the people in the house until their secrets are revealed.
Connie’s story is a sad reflection on the times and her vulnerability and Marina’s is one of someone who has enjoyed love and security from her adoptive parents who are there to support her as she tries to fit the missing piece into her life. I didn’t feel the house itself carried any great significance and the narrative was too slow paced for me. The denouement was anticipated yet sudden and incomplete. I felt that finding excuses for the perpetrator was a mistake. This may have appeal to young adult and adult readers of Quintana’s other books and lovers of women’s fiction.
Themes Identity, Adoption, Secrets, Teen pregnancy.
Sue Speck
Never grow up by Roald Dahl. Illus. by Quentin Blake
Never Grow up is a picture book inspired by the works of Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. The actual writing is a collaboration between Al Blyth, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter, and Stella Gurney, who has worked as both a copywriter and an editor and now writes full time. They are an experienced and talented team who have captured the style of Dahl’s work incredibly well.
The story talks directly to the reader in the hope of guiding us to live the kind of life Dahl appreciated most, with magic, mischief and adventure galore and people who appreciate those who are not “run of the mill”. It celebrates adults who can hold on to all the childhood wonder of the world and push their skills to the limits by being bold and striving for the wackiest life possible.
The rhyme and rhythm of the book capture the Roald Dahl classics and combined with the familiar illustrations of Blake we could almost believe Dahl still lives. This book will be enjoyed by all fans of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake.
CWA Dagger in the library Award winner Griffiths has written another mystery featuring Dr Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist. Ivor March, a convicted murderer, has offered DCI Nelson a deal. He will tell him where the bodies of other young women are buried but only if he brings Ruth into the investigation to do the digging. She agrees to supervise the digging, but why is Ivor March so keen to have her back at the fens?
Ruth has made a change in her life. She has made a break with Norfolk and is now living in Cambridge with her daughter Kate and Frank. Although no longer the police’s forensic investigator she cannot resist the enticement of coming back to the place she loves and doing the work that she has been so good at.
The fens are always mysterious and the legend of the Lantern Men, who shine their lights and lure travellers into the marshes to their deaths, is a frightening one. When the investigation finds that March and his friends had acted as Lantern Men, supposedly rescuing young women, suspects abound as another young woman is killed. March could not have done it as he is in prison, and this casts suspicion on the people who surrounded him at the house where they had all lived.
There is excitement and danger ahead for Ruth in this engrossing and clever mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The lantern men was a suspenseful, nail-biting read, not just for the mystery but for the relationships described, and I look forward to following Ruth’s exploits in The night hawks, the next in this outstanding series.
Themes Mystery, Norfolk, Legends, Murder.
Pat Pledger
While you're sleeping by Mick Jackson. Illus. by John Broadley
Pavilion, 2021. ISBN: 9781843654650. (Age:4+)
Night time. Time to snuggle down under the covers, think briefly about tomorrow and drift off to the land of sweet dreams.
But night is not a time of peace and quiet for all. There is much that happens. Weather changes, animals hunt and there are many many workers who ensure that the wheels of modern life keep turning, and on the other side of the world children are going about their daytime life.
With its highly detailed imagery, which are fully explored in the excellent teachers' notes, this book introduces the young reader to another world which exists side by side with their own.
This world of the night-time worker will either acknowledge what they already know because they have a family member who works then (and thus they see their own lives in print), or expose them to a whole new concept helping them to understand how the world works and appreciate those who make it so. Either way, it opens up a realm of possibilities to explore from children sharing their own experiences to investigating what causes night and darkness. Starting with a focus on things that are close to the child, it gradually encompasses a broader perspective to show that there is always much life and activity happening somewhere, and even though they might be asleep another child will be sitting in class. Perfect for this year's CBCA Book Week theme.
This is an original concept that will capture the imagination with its intriguing cover - why is there a bed floating over the town? - and the calm, undramatic text will soothe and comfort.
