This non-fiction book is full of (mostly) positive stories and starts out with an introduction by Lady Gaga. Each story is from someone new, with different themes in each story. They include anything from heartbreak to poverty, harassment to art or self discovery to love. And each story has a form of kindness – such as inclusivity, protection or self kindness. The individual story tellers have either experienced great kindness that inspired them, or saw a need and filled it with their own kindness. There are some truly sad and rough stories in the book, but the overall message is of hope and kindness.
While the stories are universal in their message of hope and kindness, it’s worth noting that the book is American and the listed suggestions for helpful groups are American groups. That’s not to say there aren’t Australian equivalents, or even that readers in Australia might see a need for a particular group in their own hometown, and be challenged to create one. There are calls to action throughout the book and comments on each story by Lady Gaga. While reading this book, you’ll laugh, cry, be inspired and challenged.
The reader needs to be familiar with Pullmans’ fantasy series, The Dark Materials and The Book of Dust, in order to read Serpentine. This is set in a short period of time when Lyra is working in the Northern Lands. Prior to this story, in The Amber Spyglass, Lyra was on the shores of the World of the Dead and she had to separate from her Daemon, Pantalaimon. This was highly traumatic and since then they have mistrusted each other and been unhappy. During her time up north Lyra goes to get advice from Dr Lanselius who is Consul to the Witches. She wants to know how the witches and their daemons cope with separation. This leads to a better relationship between Lyra and Pantalaimon, but not directly as a result of Lanselius’ advice.
This is a handsome novella and Duxbury’s lino cuts add to the feel and design of the book beautifully. There is a lot of conversation which engages your attention. However, you really need to be familiar with the characters and events for the story to make sense. If you are a fan of Pullman’s series then Serpentine is a short read and effectively transports you back to his wonderful, deeply intelligent and creative series.
Themes Fantasy, Relationships, Trust.
Jo Marshall
Into the wild by Robert Vescio and Mel Armstrong
New Frontier, 2020. ISBN: 9781925760651. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Into the Wild is a thoughtfully written story that will bring a sense of a calmness and peace to its reader. With stunning illustrations, this picture book shares the story of Roman who wanders alone enjoying and discovering amazing things among nature. At times he would love to share his findings with someone special and one day comes across a surprise. He investigates and follows, and then stumbles upon something that will change his way of looking at things.He realises that he does not have to be alone to enjoy his nature wandering and wonder of the world.
This is a perfect book to encourage both children and adults to observe the natural environment around them and see how the simple things in life can bring great joy and contentment.
Continuing on from the end of the first book, Ulla and Pan set out on a journey to find the kidnapped Eliana, as well as continue the quest for Ulla’s birth parents. Their expedition reveals a possible long-lost father for Ulla, and a Troll secret society. Joined by their colleagues, Dagny and Elof, they continue their journey to learn more about this secret society, Eliana’s kidnapping and Ulla’s heritage.
The Morning Flower is the second book in The Omte Origins, and is a contemporary urban fantasy, where Trolls live hidden among humans, as well as having Troll only towns (think Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter series). This novel is filled with descriptive writing and delves deeper into Troll society, which was detailed thoroughly in the first book. Following Ulla’s lifelong quest to learn more about her heritage after being abandoned as a baby, readers will enjoy a few twists and turns as she learns more about herself along the way, and develops connections with new friends and even a possible romance. Several mysteries emerge through the book, which may be connected to the secret society, or Ulla's heritage. While learning more about her past, more questions arise, leaving readers wanting to know more. At the end of the book, there is an extensive glossary for Troll terms used in the book.
Themes Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Self Discovery, Relationships, Folklore/Myths and Legends.
Melanie Pages
Mind the gap, Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn
Allen & Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760526214. (Age:Young Adult)
New Yorkers Dash and Lily are looking forward to pursuing their individual goals while maintaining a healthy relationship. For Dash, this means becoming a student at Oxford University while 18 year old Lily is not so sure of her pathway. She has a successful dog walking business which has expanded to include online sales of dog merchandise but there is family pressure for her to take up the offer of a position at a prestigious university. While the couple are prepared for a long distance relationship, after six months apart Lily is upset to learn that Dash is not coming home for Christmas. She decides to surprise him by flying to London where she hopes to sort out her future and reassure herself that Dash is ok. This is the third in the series and reprises the theme of puzzles and books in an Advent calendar Lily has made for Dash and some great literary references. The characters are relatable, but the plot is contrived and stilted, relying on a series of unlikely coincidences as the characters’ internal struggles take centre stage in the alternating first person narratives. The London setting is explained for a US audience; Barbican, 'an arts place like Lincoln Centre' p. 126, and a Twickenham thatched house is 'an ordinary English house' p. 91. There is the feel of a film script which suggests it might follow the recent Netflix series adaptation of the first book.
It might have been helpful to have read the previous books, Dash and Lily's book of dares and The twelve days of Dash and Lily but while Dash and Lily say they are a couple, there is little sense of it in this story. They are both wrestling with issues of identity and the conflict arising from making personal choices while maintaining important connections. These characters come from privileged backgrounds and their affluence makes the whole angst seem self-indulgent but young adults who have seen the Netflix series or read the previous books and Sam and Ilsa’s Last Hurrah by the same authors will hopefully find that 'what a great book does, right? It traps you into feeling something important. Whether it’s about yourself, or society or ideally both' p. 222, and that has to be a good thing.
A delightful read set in Victorian London, this historical romance stars a smart heroine and a swoon-worthy hero. It is 1861 and Lucinda Leavitt has just come home from finishing school. Her father does not want her to use her outstanding mathematical ability in his counting house and her only solace had been a novel serialised in Wheathill’s Magazine. When it is announced that the author has died with no conclusion to the story, she is determined to find out what happened to her.
Lucy has little to do and it is not until David, her father’s young business partner, overwhelmed by the amount of work he has, gives her some of his mathematical work to complete that she able to use her ability with numbers. In return she engages his help in seeking out the unknown author and the reader will have fun following the pair as they travel around the country going to Bath, country estates and churches.
The setting feels very authentic and readers will learn much about life in Victorian England. It is a time of great class divides, and Lucy must withstand being ostracised from London society because her mother was a maid and her father a self-made man. At the same time many of the aristocracy are suffering from loss of income, and American heiresses are flocking to London in search of a title in exchange for their fortune. A note by the author at the end gives additional information about novels published at the time, the Tooley Street Fire of 1861, and the fire hazards of crinolines and dress reform by Amelia Jenks Bloomer
The last word is a fascinating introduction to historical romance for teens, with a feisty heroine who loves maths, an interesting mystery to solve as well as an authentic background to Victorian times, all written in an easy to read and witty style.
Another easy-to-read compulsive thriller from McManus will be welcomed by her fans. Author of the best-selling One of us is lying, McManus is a master at writing mysteries that are very hard to put down. This time, three cousins Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are invited to work for the summer on the island resort of their rich grandmother, whom they have never seen. She had disinherited their parents before they were born so it is very surprising to hear from her. When they arrive, it is clear that she doesn’t welcome them and the longer they stay the more they learn about their family and the secrets their parents have harboured for years.
The book is written in alternative chapters in the voice of the three cousins and their backgrounds and personalities are easy to follow, while at the same time, many questions about why their parents were disinherited are raised. Readers will be tantalised by the information revealed in the chapters by 18-year-old Allison, mother of Milly, and wonder if murder has been committed and if so by the parents of the cousins.
The class divisions between the very rich Story family and the towns people, the mansions and holiday homes, parties on the beach and a Gala all form a background that adds depth to the story. The characters are equally as richly described, and it was easy to sympathise with each of the cousins as their strengths, flaws and vulnerabilities are revealed.
I read this in one sitting, eager to find out why the cousins’ parents were disinherited, trying to guess what happened and totally satisfied with the stunning ending.
Alexandra Bracken knows how to begin a story with a bang. The first few scenes of her standalone young adult fantasy Lore feature a clash between gods, a murder and an illegal basement boxing match. Bracken begins as she means to go on and delivers a fast-moving novel with just the right amount of action, intrigue, girl power and romance.
Lore Perseous is a descendant of the Ancient Greek gods. She lives in a modern New York City where, unbeknownst to the human population, these ancient titans and their progeny live, scheme and do battle. Every seven years a hunt known as the Agon is held. Nine gods are made mortal for one week and if they are captured and killed, their murderer can claim their powers and immortality. Lore’s family was killed seven years ago in the last Agon and she has since immersed herself in the human world, refusing to do anything but survive. However, when Lore is approached by the goddess Athena and offered an alliance, she finally sees a way to exact revenge and escape from the Agon forever.
It is refreshing in young adult fantasy – where trilogies are increasingly the norm, regardless of whether a series warrants a third or even second book – to find a standalone novel. Rather than stringing her readers along or padding her writing to fill up pages, Bracken has delivered a succinct and complete product that is particularly satisfying for tying up all loose ends within one book. Lore is confident writing from a seasoned young adult writer and will particularly appeal to audiences who enjoy Ancient Greek mythology and strong female characters.
Themes Identity, New York City, Ancient Greece, Gods, War, Warriors, Friendship, Love.
Rose Tabeni
Love giraffes can't dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
A board book for the very young featuring all the characters from the very popular Giraffes Can't Dance is a boon and sure to be a favourite bedtime story. Starting with the gorgeous yellow end papers festooned with red hearts, the reader knows that they are in for a treat as Gerard the Giraffe describes how love comes in many forms. Written in lyrical rhyming language, this is a delightful expression of love and happiness and is beautiful to read aloud.
I love you like the swaying grass … I love you like the trees. I love you like the sound of branches Blowing in the breeze.
The illustrations are exquisite. I especially liked the expressions on all the animals’ faces and the picture of the lion and lioness dancing is a treat. Little stars, butterflies, flowers and insects lurk on the pages and will delight children who like to find small details.
The board book is exceptionally sturdy and should allow some heavy use from toddlers. It is also small enough for little hands to manipulate.
This is a gorgeous ode to love, great for Valentine’s Day and lovely to read aloud and remind a child how much they are loved. And children who have not yet been introduced to Gerald in Giraffes Can't Dance are in for a treat, enjoying the story while learning about tolerance and acceptance of difference.
Pat Pledger
The Magpie Society : One for sorrow by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch
Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241402481. (Age:13+)
One for Sorrow is the first volume in a new YA series set at Illumen Hall – a UK boarding school. Audrey Wagner’s just arrived from Georgia, USA, to complete her senior year - but her roommate Ivy Moore-Zhang is a popular school leader having started there back in Yr 7. The girls clash in the beginning but soon become unlikely friends when Theodore tries to hook up with them separately but at the same time. Teaching Teddy a lesson is an amusing bonding experience.
Audrey alludes to leaving her country to escape one tragedy, only to move into a room of a recently deceased student. On her first day, an anonymous podcaster dramatically broadcasts claims regarding how and why Lola was killed. Ivy & Audrey each have good reasons for staying at school over the mid-term break, and both are keen to investigate further. The magpie tattoo found on the dead girl leads them to delve into the school’s mythical secret society.
The two authors’ perspectives are almost seamless, and most readers wouldn’t realize there was more than one author. This technique is particularly good for telling the reader exactly how each main character is feeling in response to all the twists and turns. During the research phase, we’re mindful that libraries are sometimes superior to a web browser! Clover, Araminta, Patrick and Mr Willis provide plenty of complications before the narrators clarify, if not complete the mystery….
The book ends on the mandatory cliff-hanger but there is plenitude when Audrey finally remembers to show Ivy the letter Lola had hidden in the secret compartment of their room – this oversight and the initial description of the letter as being very old, detracts from the plausibility of the plot. Nevertheless, fans of YA gothic crime fiction should enjoy cutting their teeth on this crime series.
Themes Gothic thriller.
Deborah Robins
The very hungry caterpillar's first 100 words by Eric Carle
Sure to entice any young child, this beautiful board book will be a boon for any parent. Not only does it introduce many words around the themes of Home, the Sea, The Zoo, the City, the Park and the Picnic, it has lift-the-flaps that will keep children engaged and interested as they guess what is under them.
Commencing with At Home, eager fingers will lift the flap of a brightly coloured tree and find a bird’s nest, then there is a dog behind the kennel, and granddad sitting in a chair behind the walls of the house. All the objects are labelled clearly, and a young child will learn the words, car, cat, bird, tree, kennel, boy, girl window, house, garden, chair and clock just on the first double spread. And to add to the fun, the very hungry caterpillar must be found as well.
This format is followed through out the rest of the book, and as always, the illustrations are delightful, brightly coloured and enticing. The book is very sturdy, and the flaps hold up to much tough treatment by eager hands.
A superb way to teach and reinforce familiar words, while keeping a toddler entertained, The Very Hungry Caterpillar's First 100 Words is sure to become a household favourite.
Pat Pledger
The secret explorers series by S.J. King. Illus. by Ellie O'Shea
The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales bk. 1. ISBN: 9780241440643. The Secret Explorers and the Comet Collision bk. 2. ISBN: 9780241442258. The Secret Explorers and the Tomb Robbers bk. 3. ISBN: 9780241442265. The Secret Explorers and the Jurassic Rescue bk. 4. ISBN: 9780241442272.
The first four books in The Secret Explorers series by S.J. King are a perfect introduction for younger readers to different environments, both past and present. Each of the eight children from different places on Earth are highly gifted and talented in a particular area:
When a glowing shape matching the badge on their shirts appears on a door then the explorers are able to step through to the Exploration Station and receive their next mission. Not all of the eight explorers go on each mission - they are carefully chosen so that their specialist skills best match the problem needing to be solved.
In the first book, The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales, Connor must use his skills and understandings of the marine world to try to turn around a pod of Humpback Whales who heading in the wrong direction. He is accompanied by Roshni whose expertise is in the field of space and who wonders why she has been chosen. However without her knowledge of navigation by the stars the whales may not be saved. The two explorers have to problem solve and use their amazing skills to succeed in their first mission.
In the second book, The Secret Explorers and the Comet Collision, Roshni and Ollie travel to space to attempt to fix a space probe near Jupiter but are unaware a comet is heading towards them. There is danger both in the space craft while dodging asteroids and outside for Roshni when trying to fix the probe but Ollie's cool head and skills learnt in the rainforest enable her to return safely to the space craft.
In the third book, The Secret Explorers and the Tomb Raiders, Gustavo and Kiki travel back in time to Ancient Egypt as they discover the Cairo museum by the River Nile is to close down due to theft. The two Secret Explorers must outwit tomb robbers as well as learn Egyptian hieroglyphics and stop Pharaoh Khufu's tomb being raided. A long the way they enlist the aid of a young Egyptian boy, Bek, who helps them to succeed in their mission and safely escape.
In the fourth book, The Secret Explorers and the Jurassic Rescue, Tamiko who is the dinosaur specialist and Cheng the Geology specialist are transported back one hundred and fifty million years in time to save a precious dinosaur egg. Throughout their journey they come across familiar creatures from this Jurassic period: a pterosaur, Compsognathuses, a plesiosaur and Cetiosauruses to name just a few. They even find a baby Stegosaurus with a thorn stuck in its foot and help to pull it out. They are chased by the Allosauruses who are after the egg and hide in caves. They manage to rescue the egg and a baby Archaeopteryx hatches before its mother returns. Eventually the mother and baby are reunited and Tamiko and Cheng realised they have saved this species from extinction.
In each of the stories, the Explorers have a craft in which they travel. The craft is able to transform into a vehicle to suit the time and environment. It is known as the Beagle and was named after the ship that carried the famous scientist Charles Darwin. While the two chosen Explorers are fulfilling their mission, the remaining Explorers are able to watch and listen to their adventures and support them when needed. While these books are considered fiction, they are filled with interesting information throughout and keep the reader highly engaged. There are detailed facts relating to the story at the end of each book as well as a quiz (with answers) and glossary. The illustrations by Ellie O'Shea are perfectly pitched at the 7-9 years age group and add complementary visuals to these excellent early novels.
There are more books in the series, The Secret Explorers and the Rainforest Rangers, The Secret Explorers and the Smoking Volcano and The Secret Explorers and the Missing Scientist which will be valuable additions to this fascinating series.
Themes Friends, Climate Change, Environmental Issues, Gifted Children, Marine Life, Space, Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Mysteries, Problem Solving.
Death Sets Sail is the final novel in the best- selling, award winning series: Murder Most Unladylike Mysteries.
For anyone who cut their teeth on Agatha Christie murder mysteries, it is pleasing to see that the Murder Mystery genre might be reemerging for young readers. Fingers crossed! It can segue into a lifelong love of fiction.
Death Sets Sail is a very upper class English, preppy romp-spiffing! The main protagonists are three teen-age girls who are experienced sleuths. Together they have formed The Wells and Wong Detective Agency. The narrator is Hazel Wong, aged 15. The setting for the murder is a cruise-boat on the Nile in the 1930s. Knowledge of Egyptology, History and Geography are enriched as readers are immersed in locations like the Karnak and Edfu temples, the lives of ancient pharaohs and the activities of a religious society of reincarnation believers.
The plot unfolds reminiscently of a game of Cluedo. Maps, to-do lists, plans, notes, letters, clues, and re-enactments abound, representing logical solution finding through the process of elimination. What great organisational thinking strategies this book supplies for the Tween/YA reader!
The detective schoolgirls, who are boarding school friends, are of Chinese, English and Egyptian heritage. Being a coming of age story to boot, Stevens manages to naturally include multiculturalism and budding diverse sexual identities. These are comforting things to read about when one is a tween or young adult.
This book and series is a most satisfying introduction to the murder mystery genre which has been somewhat underdone for tweens. Capitalizing on individual strengths, the young detectives solve the crime. There is (of course) an unexpected twist.
The packaging of the book (the bright gold cover and the purple edged pages) is unusual and attractive.
A riveting, addictive page turner - highly recommended for upper primary and YA readers.
Wendy Jeffrey
The inheritors by Hannelore Cayre. Translated by Stephanie Smee
Black Inc., 2020. ISBN: 9781760642662. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Revenge is a dish best served cold in this story set in France in two different eras, that of 1870 and the modern day. Following on from her earlier book, The Godmother, Hannelore Cayre again introduces us to a strong female character who is definitely out of the mainstream . . . Blanche de Rigny is a difficult and prickly person - disabled, furious with the world she sees around her, and fiercely loyal to those closest to her. She refuses to settle with the expectations that the world has of her, instead using the few means at her disposal to take it on.
The author juxtaposes 21st century Paris and Brittany with their social issues and criminal underworld against that of the 19th century and the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War and Paris Commune to comment on the cycle of power and inequity. She explores the family relationships of the main characters and their outsider status within their own social milieus focussing on the contrasts of idealism and pragmatism and the impact on both character's self-esteem and estimation in their families and wider communities.
The book also contains a strong thread of feminism in a modern and an historical context. It suffers at times from an awkwardness of language (which may be a result of translation) and unevenness of pace but this does not impede the storyline.
Recommended for both an observation of French politics, society and culture, as well as a wider global view, and as a book with a strong female protagonist.
This book is a delightful, warm and thought provoking story about an alien who comes to Earth as a cat! That just sounds just stupid. However . . . Leonard is the narrator and a thoroughly likeable alien/cat. The story unfolds from his point of view. Aliens from his galaxy live in an efficient manner within "hives". Every three hundred years they can travel to Earth to live as a human. They train for this, choose what type of human existence they would like to experience and most importantly they must be at a certain place on Earth at a precise time in order to return safely to their galaxy. The consequence for not being at the meeting point is to lose immortality and remain forever on Earth.
Leonard was intrigued by the lifestyle of Park Rangers in Yellowstone National Park but he made a mistake on his journey to Earth. Instead of arriving in the form of a Park Ranger, he arrived in a cat's body, stuck in a tree, in a flood, in Florida. He was rescued by a friendless young girl called Olive, who because of difficulties with her mother's new boyfriend, was staying with her grandmother.
A strong relationship develops between Olive and Leonard. The reader is held in suspense as Leonard thinks his way through problematic situations as he tries to maintain the pretense of being a cat. He needs to find a human who he can trust with his life.
The story is about the nature and qualities of trust and friendship, choices and what is important in life. Other topics include family breakdown, mental illness, loneliness, individuality, friendship and the human relationship with animals.
My Life as a Cat is a beautiful and unusual book which would be enjoyed by Primary and Middle year students. I will never look at cats the same way again! Possibly they are all aliens!
