Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K Rowling
Illus. by Levi Pinfold. Gryffindor House Edition. Bloomsbury, 2020.
ISBN: 9781526618153.
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Collectors of the Harry Potter books
will rejoice in this latest offering featuring the courage, bravery
and determination of Gryffindor House. The book is handsomely
produced, from its bold red cover and sprayed red edges to the
gorgeous gold foils around the rising phoenix in the centre of the
cover and striking illustrations surrounding it. Inside the book,
Levi Pinfold, winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, has done an
outstanding job of portraying Godric Gryffindor, surrounded by
twining leaves, a rampant lion and slithering snake. Also, at the
front of the book is a beautiful map of Hogwarts School and an
introduction to the story. Right at the end there is a portrait of
Sirius Black and an outline of his life and achievements.
This is one in a series of highly collectable Harry Potter
books and fans will find it difficult to resist this edition.
Readers new to the series will be happy to have such a splendid
book, telling the tale of Harry finding that he has the Order of the
Phoenix at his back to fight Voldemort.
Pat Pledger
The blue giant by Katie Cottle
Pavilion, 2020. ISBN: 9781843654513. 32pp., pbk.
Meera and her mother are planning on a day at the seaside, something
they've done before often. But this time they are greeted by a
large blue giant who beckons them to follow him beneath the waves
and see the problems of the ocean creatures that have been caused by
human laziness and degradation. Both learn valuable lessons and
although they do their best, it is a job too big for one, so it's
time to call on family and friends for help.
As warmer days approach and the lure of the beach becomes stronger,
this is a poignant and timely picture book that introduces children
to the issues of pollution, waste management and the oceans, with
suggestions of lifestyle changes to help the world become a better,
cleaner place. As the worldwide lockdown because of the pandemic has
provided the planet with a brief breathing space and shown that it
can heal given help and time, perhaps this story will help students
start to see their favourite place through a new lens as they
consider what they can do (or not) to contribute to the health of
this vital resource.
Barbara Braxton
The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein
Code Name Verity. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. ISBN:
9781526601650.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Elizabeth Wein delivers another
stunning, engrossing story of war-time pilots and dogfights,
espionage and friendship which will thrill her many fans, but can
also be read as a stand-alone. Louisa Adair has been left an orphan,
her mother killed in the Blitz and her father at sea. Desperate for
a job, she hides her age and Jamaican background, and finds work
caring for Johanna von Arnim, a retired German opera singer, whose
niece lives near Windyedge Airfield in Scotland. There she meets
Jamie, the 19-year-old pilot who flies Blenheim bombers and Ellen a
driver for the RAF and becomes involved in a conspiracy to find a
codebreaking machine known as the Enigma.
Told in three voices, that of Louisa, Jamie and Ellen, the reader is
immersed in their lives and the stirring events that occur around
them. Louisa is the daughter of an English music teacher and
Jamaican sailor and must fit in, while Ellen hides her Traveller
background to avoid prejudice. Jamie's arguments with his commanding
officer mean that he is willing to hide the Enigma machine so that
he can get an advantage over the superior German aircraft.
Descriptions of the bombing raids, the intense pressure that the
pilots were under and the grief when friends are killed will keep
readers glued to the page as they follow the exploits of Jamie and
his comrades. They will also find it easy to identify with Louisa
and the growing bond she has with the old woman who has taken the
English name of Jane Warner, to fit in at the pub that her niece
owns.
This is an exciting and emotional story that I could not put down.
It was mesmerising to read about the youth of the bomber pilots,
their heart-breaking losses, the work of young women in World War 2
and the importance of breaking the German codes. The Enigma Game
follows The
pearl thief, and comes before the heart-breaking Code
Name Verity and Rose
under fire and readers who haven't yet read them can
expect the same compelling and outstanding stories of courage and
strong young people.
Pat Pledger
Baby Touch : Night-Night by Ladybird
Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241422366. Board book.
(Age: 0+) Recommended. What a lovely book to read at bedtime. Little
children are sure to love this touch and feel book, right from the
vibrant purple cover that has star cut-outs and a little touch and
feel circle. Opening the book up, the rhyming words will make for an
enjoyable read aloud, with the refrain 'Baby, say' repeated as the
child says 'Night-night' to flowers, tree, bird and bee. Then there
is a final line on the double page spread, "Time for bed, sleepy
baby."
The large star cut-out appears on each page, gradually getting
smaller as the story progresses and all coloured in different pastel
shades. The pages are made of strong board and the star cut-out is
sturdy enough for fingers to trace around it.
Each double page spread has not only the rhyme but pictures of
little creatures and objects with words and sounds underneath, which
will enhance the reading experience for a toddler. The final double
page spread is done in a deep blue with a gorgeous rocket ship
blasting off to the moon, its tail a pink soft fabric.: Baby, say. Night-night stars, And night-night moon. Night-night, baby . . . It's dream time soon.
A gorgeous bed-time story, perfect to read aloud, Night-Night
will have happy fans and make bed-time a restful and happy time.
Pat Pledger
Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan
Simon & Schuster, 2020. ISBN: 9781471194900.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Published in 2020, Sarah Vaughan's novel matches the unsettling
situation of this year, in which the world became almost universally
tense, with an abiding concern about the disasters of the outbreak
of the coronavirus, where we have begun to ask questions about our
competency to face the reality of a new and changing world. Placing
the narrative in the apparently comfortable social group of young
families, with parents who want to be 'the best' in this role, and
to do everything they can do to ensure that their children thrive,
Sarah Vaughan raises questions that are so much a part of coping for
many people in today's world.
Plunging us immediately into a home, a crying baby and a parent who
is tense with anxiety, questioning her capacity to be a good and
loving mother, we are alert to the possibility of her losing
control. Sarah Vaughan challenges us to make sense of the different
situations, as well as the central issue of a baby's well-being, by
moving us in and out of different times, and also focusing on
different characters and places. Through this device, the writer
enables us to seek to understand just why the situation that
dominates the narrative has occurred. As we are drawn into this
particularly difficult and tense time, we are challenged to see how
the expectations of parenthood in the modern world pose such a
challenge to families. We are led to question how, with their drive
to be involved in the education, social life and well-being of
children, they can cope. With their own well-being, their
questioning of their competency, and sometimes bearing the added
responsibility of ensuring the well-being of the older generation,
that is the grandparents, the parents must find the strength to make
a happy family while coping with every aspect of the fast-paced
modern world.
This is a vibrant, thought-provoking, and somewhat unsettling novel,
set very much in the reality of the modern world. It is not
appropriate for younger readers but it is a challenging, and
sometimes disturbing, read for older adolescents and adults.
Elizabeth Bondar
The Curator by M.W. Craven
Washington Poe book 3. Constable, 2020. ISBN: 9781472131959.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended for readers who enjoy
the mystery genre. Another engrossing mystery featuring Poe and
Tilly is sure to grab fans of this pair. In another unique plot,
following The
puppet show and Black
Summer, the pair are faced with a strange case. Why are
some women anaesthetised before they are killed and others not? What
is the mean of the message #BSC6 left behind and how is the killer
managing to leave his macabre messages behind with no one seeing
him? The intervention of the disgraced FBI agent who gets in touch,
brings even more information. She believes that Poe is dealing with
a man known as The Curator, more deadly than a serial killer.
Craven is an amazing writer who comes up with quite different plots
in his novels. This one is bizarre and engrossing and kept me glued
to the page right until the unexpected end. It left me thinking back
to the clue left early on for astute readers but which can easily be
overlooked.
After reading a couple of stories in a series, I am often a bit
fatigued by the sameness of the characters but this is not true of
Poe and Tilly. Their working relationship, trust and friendship
grows in The Curator, and DI Flynn, now heavily pregnant, is
a sympathetic character too. And the writing, full of suspense and
some humour, the bleakness of the Cumbrian landscape, flows along
smoothly and makes for a book that begs to be read in one or two
sittings.
Books by Craven are not to be missed by anyone who enjoys a good
mystery.
Pat Pledger
We're going on a treasure hunt by Martha Mumford
Illus. by Laura Hughes. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781408893395.
(Age: 1+) Recommended. Lots of fun can be had as four bunnies go off
on an exciting quest to find ten gold coins and a treasure chest.
Children will enjoy following the cute rabbits, all dressed as
pirates, as they prance along avoiding obstacles and uncovering gold
coins one by one.
The repetition of the refrain on every second double page spread
ensures that children will be able to join in as they hear it again
and again: We're going on a treasure hunt. Yo! Ho! Ho! Help us find the golden coins . . ARRRRR! Off we go!
Even very small children will enjoy the rhythm and repetition and
will love to see the cute little animals and birds on the way. Older
children will find the repetition of every second double page will
be a great help when they are just beginning to read and the story
is sure to be one that children who want to start to read aloud will
pick up. Sounds made as the cute little rabbits chase the coins add
to enjoyment of the narrative: Watch out for the Crabs . . .
Snip, snap, snip! and the parrots, squawk, squawk,
screech.
The lift the flaps are quite sturdy and reveal a gold coin with the
number written on it. This will enable older children to enjoy
counting from one to ten. Other lift the flaps reveal animals and
even a very hungry shark to delight all and bring smiles to faces.
Laura Hughes illustrations are very engaging. The rabbits are so
cute, dressed in pirate hats, bandanas and eye patches and the
bright colours of the beach, sea and vegetation are gorgeous.
This is perfect to read aloud for younger children and one that
older children can use to practise their reading as was the previous
book, We're
going on an elf chase, which followed a similar
format. It is sure to be a keeper.
Pat Pledger
Jacinda Adern: A new kind of leader by Madeline Chapman
Nero, 2020. ISBN: 9781760641818.
(Age: Senior secondary/adult) Highly recommended. There are few
women in powerful positions around the world, and this story of
Adern's rise makes for an amazing read, one which may excite other
young women to strive to follow their passion.
Adern came from an unusual background, a small farm in Muruparo the
daughter of Mormon parents. The book details her early foray into
human rights issues at school, then attending Waikato University and
volunteering at the New Plymouth by-election. From there she worked
for a grass roots MP in Wellington when she became attracted to the
Young Labour Movement, eventually becoming world president of the
International Union of Socialist Youth in 2008. A spectacular rise
for one so young, but as the book points out, she did not become
president through being naive. She was clearly cunning, astute and
clever, using her opportunities to perfection.
On leaving home her views of the world changed and she espoused
Maori rights and climate change action as well as championing gay
rights, bringing her into conflict with her family and her religion.
The Labour Party at this time was trying to bring more women into
leadership roles. She was in the right place at the right time. And
she is a worker. Through a series of quick leadership changes in
2017, she became leader of the party just a couple of months before
election day with Labour polling 23%. Tirelessly promoting a
positive position, using social media to perfection, her boundless
enthusiasm saw her party neck and neck with the National Party which
had ruled for the past nine years. The NZ First party backed Labour
and which led to Ardern becoming Prime Minister in a minority
government. Here she promoted climate change policy, gender equity
and Maori rights. She attended the UN world summit in 2018, the
first world leader to bring a baby into the proceedings. Her speech
promoted the need for gender equality around the world, trade and
climate change and was universally applauded. But, it was her
response to the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch in
2018 that has defined her. She received the news at 1:50 pm about a
situation in Christchurch on her way to speak at New Plymouth. She
went to the police station, by 4.20 pm held a press conference, and
by 7 pm gave an address to the nation. This speech, quoted in the
book named the killer as a terrorist, and called not for revenge,
but love and kindness. She flagged the changes to gun laws and
within the week this was being formulated. She attended the Muslim
Centre wearing a headscarf as a sign of respect, calling for peace.
Radio stations broadcast the Muslim call for prayer, and Adern's
names was broadcast around the world, showing a compassionate leader
putting herself on the line. Her speech is well worth reading.
The book gives hints to what makes her such a fine leader, that
fearless determination to do what she sees as right for New Zealand
and all of its population. Sometimes she appears naive and sometimes
it is hard to separate that from a born politician, but people do
not call her the 'smiling assassin' for nothing. Details about
election wins, take up many pages, but then it is a biography of a
politician.
This is an eminently readable, sometimes frustrating, book which
gives a broad look at a woman who has made a difference.
Speeches are quoted at the end of the text, with pages of sources
and a useful index. Themes: Jacinda Adern, Biography, Christchurch
NZ, New Zealand, Politics, Terrorism.
Fran Knight
The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde
Hodder & Stoughton, 2020. ISBN: 9781444763638.
(Age: Adult). Recommended. Jasper Fforde is back with a satirical,
absurd but surprisingly relevant novel, The Constant Rabbit.
Known for his Thursday Next series helmed by The Eyre
Affair, Fforde is no stranger to outlandish and humorous
stories. What he has managed to do with this book however is to
intertwine the ridiculous with the less savoury aspects of recent
times.
Set in an alternate England where rabbits have anthropomorphised
into six feet tall talking humanoids, The Constant Rabbit
centres on Peter Knox, a mild-mannered father living in a small
village who is forced to make a moral choice. Peter works for the
Rabbit Compliance Taskforce and his job is to ensure the largely
segregated rabbits are following human laws and living peaceably in
society. When Prime Minister Nigel Smethwick of the UKARP (United
Kingdom Against Rabbit Population) party announces a plan to
forcibly move all rabbits into a facility in Wales, Peter is torn
between his job and the concerns of his fellow villagers and his
increasingly complex relationships with rabbit neighbours and
friends.
The novel paints the picture of a society where xenophobia, paranoia
and "fake news" are the norm. The story is an irreverent but clear
dig at contemporary British society where racism, anti-muslim and
anti-immigration sentiments and Brexit concerns have dominated the
social and media landscape in recent years. It is a challenging
though excellent read and the reader will be constantly pulled
between the witty, dry jokes and the realisation that the plot is
hitting too close to home. This book is recommended for fans of
Fforde's previous work as well as those who enjoy cutting but
humorous observations of human life. Themes: Rabbits, Xenophobia,
Humour, Satire, United Kingdom.
Rose Tabeni
When she was good by Michael Robotham
Cyrus Haven Bk 2. Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9780733644849
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended. Following Good
girl,
bad girl, comes a thrilling instalment in the lives of
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac. At the end of Good girl, bad girl
readers were left pondering the mystery of just who Evie was and why
she had been hiding for so long. She has been safe in a secure home
when Cyrus is called in to investigate the murder of Detective
Superintendent Hamish Whitmore. As he follows the trail left by the
detective, he gradually grows closer to finding out the secrets of
Evie's past. However, Evie knows that it is very dangerous for Cyrus
to be uncovering what has happened in the past and both she and
Cyrus are in peril from some very powerful people in high places and
the evil hitmen hired by the leader.
Told in alternating chapters by Cyrus and Evie the story of Evie's
past gradually unfolds. The tension was so great that I devoured
this book in a few sittings as I followed Cyrus' investigation of
what has happened, heart in my mouth as I saw how dangerous it was
for Evie and appalled at the child abuse, manipulation and murder
that she had witnessed. It was horrifying but totally engrossing to
find out Evie's background, while also seeing Cyrus develop as a
person and to find out more about his broken childhood.
Evie's ability to tell when a person is lying is a strong thread in
the story, as is the question about whether the past should stay
buried and monsters left alone. The ability of powerful people to
manipulate the police and the justice system was also highlighted.
Robotham's clever plotting, character development and twists and
turns keep the suspense alive the whole way through to the
unexpected and exciting conclusion. Although the main mystery of
Evie's past is uncovered for the reader in When she was good, fans
will be happy that some options have been left open for Cyrus and
Evie to continue working together, using their unique skills and
backgrounds.
Pat Pledger
LEGO Batman : Batman vs. The Joker by Julia March
Dorling Kindersley, 2020. ISBN: 9780241409404.
If you are a fan of LEGO and Superheroes, then this book is for you!
In this brightly coloured comic-ish style book fans will see the
ultimate list of superheroes vs villains and be able to choose for
themselves who is the final winner!
In the never-ending saga, Batman wants to show The Joker that he is
the boss of Gotham City and brings his friends Robin, Nightwing, The
Flash, and Wonder Woman (to name just a few) to help him out. The
Joker also has a team behind him comprising of bad guys such as Lex
Luthor, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow (plus many more). They also bring
their trusty vehicles along which many kids will love.
As children move through the book, they will see a huge range of
LEGO Batman sets and minifigures which are used to create the
illustrations for this book. All of which are said to be the latest
toys - making it the perfect book for LEGO Batman fans!
This book is full of facts and information about the characters and
their nemeses, pitting them up against each other in 4 different
sections: vehicles, Gotham City, wider world, and loyal friends.
As a LEGO fan from my childhood, and now with LEGO loving children
this was a great read. Although it was limited on words, it meant
that both my 10 and 6 year old could enjoy it together and were able
to both get enjoyment out it. They loved the 'Did you know?' section
and often had to get up to tell Daddy (another LEGO fan) what they
had read about. When I asked what their favourite part was they both
loved the real LEGO sets and figures (especially their facials),
with the only criticism from Master 10 who would have loved a list
of the actual sets with item numbers so he could look them up to
purchase! The two added LEGO figures (Batman and The Joker) were
fought over for days, but a lovely tactile addition none the less.
Overall, this would be a great book/gift for a LEGO or Superhero
loving child.
Lauren Fountain
The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff
Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526620538.
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Highly recommended. I am a great fan
of Meg Rosoff's books (particularly There
is no dog and Picture
me gone) which are complex, challenging and
unforgettable. The great Godden is no exception, a book that
highlights manipulation and loss of innocence. One large messy
family stay in a holiday house by the sea every summer, but this
year there is a difference, the Goddens, charming Kit and morose
Hugo, are staying with older cousins nearby. It is a summer when
unexpected consequences will unfold, told in the unforgettable voice
of the unnamed narrator. Everyone talks about falling in love like it's the most
miraculous, life-changing thing in the world. Something happens,
they say, and you know . . . That's what happened when I met Kit
Godden. I looked into his eyes and I knew. Only everyone else knew
too. Everyone else felt exactly the same way. pg. 1.
There are four teenagers in the family, beautiful Mattie who
immediately attaches herself to Kit, Tamsin who is obsessed with
horses, younger brother Alex, who loves bats and wildlife, and our
unknown narrator, who loves to draw and observes everything that is
going on. Initially life continues as normal with swimming and games
and then there is a wedding to plan for Mal and Hope (known
affectionately as Malanhope), but Kit is an unexpected storm on the
family's horizon. Mattie is not the only one who comes under Kit's
influence, even though the morose but ultimately surprising Hugo
tries to warn the narrator about his nature.
Rosoff's description of the way that Kit manipulates Mattie, playing
on her emotions, attentive one moment and cold the next, will be a
lesson for all about the manoeuvres of a master controller and the
devastating consequences of sex without feeling. There are some
shocking revelations about Kit's actions and how he sways the whole
family. The great Godden has been compared to Rumer Godden's The
Greengage Summer, a tale of loss of innocence. It is a coming
of age story that will linger in the memory, ideas to be brought out
again and again to examine and think about. The manipulation here
could also be compared to that in The
lost witch by Melvyn Burgess.
Rosoff is a skilful writer and it is easy to see this story becoming
a modern classic and it would also make an ideal TV series.
Pat Pledger
Kitty is not a Cat: Teddy's Bear by Jess Black
Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9780734419774.
(Age: 6+ years) Recommended. Kitty is not a Cat: Teddy's Bear
by Jess Black is one of four books being released this year by
Hachette. The book series is based on the Australian animation
television series which has been sold around the world. Orange is
the theme colour of this book and the other remaining books are
blue, purple and pink. The story begins with a brief introduction to
the characters and an explanation of the context of the story. Kitty
is a girl who is dressed in a bright orange costume with ears, a
tail and paws. She joins the clutter of cats that live in the
mansion on the hill. Each cat has its own name and special qualities
it brings to the group. In this particular story the cats decide to
find a teddy bear for Kitty. Each cat brings what they think a teddy
bear is to the others but one interpretation causes absolute mayhem.
Eventually a teddy bear is found for Kitty and peace reigns once
more.
This book is a very readable story that will entertain young
developing readers who are ready for short novels. The fact that it
is series will also appeal to those students who will benefit from
word repetition. The book contains very detailed illustrations and
highlighted text where emphasis on a specific word is important to
the flow of the story. Themes: Cats, Friendship, Bears.
Kathryn Beilby
Baby touch : Opposites by Ladybird
Illus. by Lemon Ribbon Studio. Ladybird, 2020. ISBN: 9780241427408.
10pp.
(Age: 0+) A bright colourful touch-and-feel book, Opposites
is sure to make any baby happy as they explore the vivid pictures
and find the areas that they can touch and feel. Right from
the front cover, which has a touch-and-feel pale blue felt circle,
the young child will have a sensory experience. They will be able to
feel the fur on the dog and giraffe, the cut-outs and corrugated
cardboard on the balloon and car, the soft texture on the elephant,
the rough on the snail and feel and see the iridescent purple
of the fish. At the same time, they will begin to learn new words:
short and tall, up and down, big and small, above and below, slow
and fast.
The colours of this very sturdy board book are gorgeous; the animals
all have smiles on their faces, and I loved the little baby soaring
up in a balloon, while a monkey drives a car.
Babies are going to love exploring the textures and parents will
have fun talking about the things that are opposite to each other.
Pat Pledger
Lockdown by Peter May
Riverrun, 2020. ISBN: 9781529411690.
(Age: Senior secondary - adult) Highly recommended. D.I. Jack
MacNeil treads on many toes in his investigation into the discovery
of a child's skeletal remains. In normal times this crime would have
hit the head lines, however, this is London under martial law,
dealing with an epidemic of a deadly virus.The discovery of a bag
and its contents mean that the excavations for a new emergency
centre in Lambeth is a crime scene and work must stop, which upsets
the government and the workers, who are getting good money to get
the job done.
The bones of a small child have been stripped of flesh and cleaned
and are quite fresh.They also reveal she has had the virus but one
which has been developed in a laboratory. She also has,
surprisingly, a severely cleft palate that has had no corrective
surgery.
Amy Wu, a forensic odontologist, is called in to give her opinion on
the remains and she feels a bond with the child that may well have
shared her ethnicity. She makes the decision to do a facial
reconstruction. She names the child Lyn and her empathy grows for
this 10 year old with her terrible deformity.
Meanwhile as MacNeil begins his investigation, based on the most
basic evidence he finds he has a guardian angel. When following a
lead, he heads into an ageing housing estate where he encounters a
gang of youths armed with baseball bats and lengths of pipes and
only escapes with his life when two of the gang are shot. This
recurs when he finally tracks down his lead, a worker in the old
Battersea Power Station which has now become a crematorium on an
industrial scale. During his confrontation he is attacked and again
is saved by the anonymous sniper. It would seem the shooter is not
protecting MacNeil but eliminating any links to the young girl.
As the investigation proceeds it becomes evident that a large
pharmaceutical company Stein-Franks is involved. They were the
producers of an anti-viral drug, Flu-Kill, in which they had
invested huge capital and built manufacturing centres, but which in
the end had not proved effective against the virus and orders had
dried up leaving the company financially vulnerable.
Peter May began researching and writing Lockdown in 2005 but
the story was consigned to a folder in his dropbox. His publishers
didn't believe his version of London in lockdown could possibly
happen, and as some of his other novels were published the story was
shelved. How prophetic it was to become.
May has woven his murder mystery around the fear and apprehension
created by a deadly virus, and the race to develop and market a cure
by the major pharmaceuticals a story all so believable with
the on going pandemic at present. Lockdown is a great read
which also provides plenty of food for thought. I most heartily
recommend it.
Themes: Pandemic, Fear, London, Pharmaceutical companies.
Mark Knight
