Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760630904.
(Age: secondary) Fantasy. Themes: The three musketeers, Magic,
Angels. Garth Nix has created a world where magic is the domain of
angels and those who are able to summon them. He begins by
describing the destruction of Ystara, brought about by the summoning
of powers too great for Liliath who thought she could control the
Archangel Pallenial. The surrounding kingdoms closed the borders of
Ystara and the beastlings that were created, but its people the
Refusers became slaves. Liliath survives and after 137 years wakes
to begin her devotion and worship of Pallenial once more. She needs
the special qualities of four special candidates all of whom have
come together in the Kingdom of Sarance. Agnes a newly fledged
musketeer, Simeon a young doctor, Dorotea a young icon painter and
Henri a clerk in the cardinals office are thrown together on a
dangerous path seemingly not of their making.
The tale reaches its climax with the return of Liliath, a large
group of Refusers, the four 'heroes', and troops from the Queen's
musketeers, the cardinals Pursuivants, the city watch to Ystara and
the Temple of Pallenial.
Those followers of Nix who are expecting another Sabriel or
Abhorsen I fear will be disappointed. I found it difficult to
engage with the narrative and the main characters, which somehow
failed to gel into an involving story line. For me it wasn't a page
turner.
The prologue is very important to understand where Liliath is coming
from and the attitudes of the Sarance population to the Refusers. Be
sure to read it carefully as it is an important key to unlock the
narrative.
Mark Knight
The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts
Chronicles of The One book 3. Piatkus, 2019. ISBN:
9780349415024.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Roberts completes her dystopian/fantasy
novel with a stunning conclusion that neatly reveals the fates of
all her characters from the previous books Year
One and Of
blood and bone. In The rise of magicks Fallon Swift,
The One, has to come to grips with the brutality of war as she and
other members of New Hope plan to overtake key cities that are held
by the enemy as well as facing her old nemesis Petra. Her biggest
challenge however, is to restore the shield that had once protected
Earth from the darkness. With Duncan and Tonia by her side and ably
assisted by her mother Lana, father Simon, Mallick, Mick, Fred and
Arlys she follows her destiny.
Roberts brings this series to a satisfying ending blending the
family unity and community living of New Hope with the intense
planning for the awful battles to take Washington and New York. Her
fantasy elements come together beautifully in the final scenes of
light battling against dark and of course the burgeoning romance
between Fallon and Duncan also features.
Roberts never fails to deliver a highly readable book and The
rise of Magicks will please her many fans.
Pat Pledger
I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
Nosy Crow, 2019. ISBN: 9781788003872.
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. Cosmo is an aging golden retriever
who has long accepted that his role in life is to 'doggedly' love
his human family and make them happy. Keeping them happy proves to
be a challenge when it becomes obvious that the marriage of Max and
Emmaline's parents is disintegrating. Max and Cosmo decide on a plan
that they hope will keep them together into the future, helped by
recently returned veteran Uncle Reggie.
Carlie Sorosiak's beautifully written book invites the reader in
from the very first page. I laughed at the antics of Cosmo and in
the process learned quite a bit of dog psychology including learning
about Cosmo's attitude to bacon and the evil sheepdog who lives down
the street. I hurt with Max as he watches his parents arguing and
tries to protect his sister Emmeline from the angst and confusion of
parents doing their best to parent as their own relationship fails.
Uncle Reggie provides stability and a safe place as he teaches Max
and Cosmo how to dance for an upcoming competition whilst grieving
for his own dog left behind in a war zone.
Children will learn about family dynamics, acceptance of tough
situations, enduring love, forgiveness, and how misunderstandings
can be resolved and relationships repaired, all whilst enjoying the
beauty and simplicity of Sorosiak's language and her enjoyment of
the simple things in life.
Such a lot of implicit learning packed into a book that both adults
and children will enjoy reading.
Jan Barwick
No more kisses! by Rebecca McGregor
Illus. by Olivia Godbee. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN: 9781925839401.
(Age: 4+) Themes: Touching, Kissing, Comfort, Family, Likes and
dislikes. When Sam turns five, he declares that he is past the
kissing stage: those hairy, air born or smoochy kisses, hair
ruffles, chicken pecks or snogs, cheek scrapes or snotty kisses,
nuzzles or wet, sloppy bone breath licks. All of these will never
lighten his cheek again, ever. He is adamant and tells everyone so,
drawing attention to his declaration with signs, sky writing, bill
boards and notes on his door.
Readers will love attaching the style of kiss to the kiss planter:
Grandma with her sticky lipstick kisses, the dog with the bone
breath lick, Mum with a smooch, nuzzles from the aunts and cheek
scrapes from the uncles. Air kisses and hair ruffles get a mention
which will be recognised by many readers as things they do not like.
Funny illustrations show Sam in situations where these kisses are
given, and will be instantly recognised as places to be avoided by
the readers.
But towards the end of the story something happens which makes Sam
change his mind for now, and places him in a situation where hugs
and kisses are acceptable, even wanted.
A neat story of childhood, of growing up and therefore growing out
of some behaviours seen as childish, this story will enable children
to talk about behaviour that belongs at home or in the classroom, or
in the playground, seeing a difference between what is acceptable in
one place but not the other.
Kids will get a thrill out of listing all the names they can find
for kisses, and attaching these names to the person who gives it.
Fran Knight
Gregory Goose is on the loose! On the Moon by Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley
New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594867. Board book, 20pp.
(Age: 0-3) Recommended. Gregory Goose is having a ball swooping
around in space and little children will love to follow his
adventures. He zooms around in a rocket, tries to catch a falling
star, bounces around the planets, and hides out in Mars. Finally he
lands on the moon for a very special picnic.
A great read aloud, the narrative by Robinson flows easily
and children will have lots of fun finding Gregory Goose where he is
hiding in each double page spread. Sometimes he jumps out at the
reader who will chortle with glee at finding him, other times, both
adult and child will need to take a little time to find him as he
hides out in space.
The illustrations are delightful, the little alien creatures have
happy expressions on their faces, Gregory Goose is outfitted in an
incredible spacesuit and the bright colours are alluring.
Adults and children will enjoy this book and time could be spent
looking at the different colours and talking about space and the
planets. Teacher's
notes are available.
This would be a lovely book for a toddler, making for a happy
bedtime experience.
Pat Pledger
Beverly, right here by Kate DiCamillo
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406390704.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Homelessness, Running away,
Bingo, Old age. When Beverly, aged fourteen, leaves home, catching
a lift with a neighbour after the burial of her beloved dog, Buddy,
she has little idea of what she will do. She knows that life with
her indifferent mother is not what she wants, and wants to set out
on her own, without needing other people. Meeting Iola at the local
caravan park sees her having a bed for the night. She finds work at
a local fish cafe, clearing the tables. Here she must deal with
Freddie the waitress always on the lookout for her opportunity and
the sad Mr Denby the owner. She meets Elmer at the local Zoom City
and they become friends, and she eats with Iola each night, taking
her to the bingo once a week, driving her in her big old Pontiac.
Slowly Beverly becomes a part of the community she has found,
becoming part of the lives of the people she meets, allowing them to
see a little of herself.
Readers will readily follow Beverly's journey to self
understanding, seeing the connections she makes with others,
allowing herself to reveal a little of what is inside her. She is
bristly and rude, short on words and keeps her feelings to herself,
and as the story unfolds we learn to love her as a character, flaws
and all. Those she meets along the way too are full of interest and
will keep readers alert to their traits.
A dance allows Beverly to learn some steps and dance with Elmer,
finding that is the best night of her life. But more is to follow as
Iola wins the turkey and everyone who Beverly has met is invited to
Christmas dinner in August.
This charming tale will bring smiles to the readers, as Beverly
finally rings her friend back home, Rayma, to ask to be picked up.
She has decided what she wants. We first met the abrasive Beverly
in Raymie
Nightingale. Teacher's
notes are available.
I love DiCamillo's work, subtle and plausible, showing characters
from backgrounds not usually seen in books, engaging and
entertaining.
Fran Knight
Through the animal kingdom by Derek Harvey
Illus. by Charlotte Pepper. DK, Penguin Random House, 2019. ISBN:
9780241355442.
Recommended for library collections for younger Primary students.
Themes: Animals, Environment. In this book the globe and all
continents are traversed, revealing the animals that reside in
various environmental regions in the world from the Arctic Tundra to
Antarctica. With small paragraphs to describe behaviour or
adaptations that enable survival, this is a book that provides an
overview only, with little benefit for inquiry learning or research
for younger students.
The illustrations by Charlotte Pepper combine collage and
photographic representations to realistically represent the
environment and array of animals that can be seen in the different
habitats.
Carolyn Hull
Blood in the water by Jack Flynn
Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781447298281.
(Age: 15+) Recommended. 'Homeland Security agent, Kit Steel, is
committed to avenge terrorism. And she's after the blood of her
nemesis, one of world's most ruthless and dangerous criminals,
Vincente Carpio. He has the blood of her husband and young son on
his hands, and Kit is unwavering in her determination to see him
kept behind bars forever. . . Harbour Union chief, Cormack
McConnell, has lived his life close to the wire above and below the
law, and he controls everything that happens on Boston's waterfront.
Someone wants him out of the way, fast.' (Publisher)
The easy to follow storyline and highly readable text make this
action packed story very enjoyable. It brings up terrorism and
criminal behaviour.
This is recommended for older YA from 15 onwards and is most
suitable for those who like thrillers as there are many twists and
turns.
Vincent Hermann
The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760876685.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. An engrossing retelling of the
ancient ballad of Mulan will have fans of historical stories and
martial arts with a dash of romance, grabbing this story as soon as
it comes their way. It is China, 484 A.D. Mulan has trained to win a
duel against her family's enemy, but when the Rouran invaders come
into the north each family has to send one soldier to fight. Mulan's
brother is too young and her father paralyzed, so disguised as a
man, she sets out to join the army. Then she meets up with a young
princeling with secrets, and together they cross the Great Wall of
China, trying to find a traitor who is betraying their army.
Thomas is an author who previously has written award winning adult
historical and romance novels, including two featuring a skilled
Chinese heroine with a martial arts background, so she is eminently
suited to writing this novel. Her descriptions of life in the
Chinese court, the buildings and the upper class provide an in-depth
background to the feud between the two families. The life of a
soldier too, with all its trials, is vividly described and the
readers will find themselves holding their breath as Mulan and Kai
try to find where the enemy is camping and identify who is the
traitor. Lots of twists and turns, deception, friendship and loyalty
make this a great read.
It was interesting to find that the story is based on the real Ballad
of Mulan, translated here.
Thomas has also provided an interesting Author's note and Notes on
language and historical miscellany. Teacher's
tips are available from the publisher's website.
Anyone who enjoys a grand adventure with lots of action, great
characters and splendid setting will love this story. Fans of
Kristin Cashore, Robin Lafevers and Rachel Hartman will be happy to
find another author who writes about a young woman who loves her
family but is strong enough to break the stereotypes of her society.
Pat Pledger
The scholar by Dervla McTiernan
HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9781460754221.
(Age: Secondary-adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Crime, Ireland,
University, Corruption. When Cormac Reilly and his girlfriend, Dr
Emma Sweeney move to Galway they are hoping to put the past behind
them and build their relationship, at the same time establishing
their careers. But Reilly has a past and the new police department
keep him tethered to cold cases until Emma comes across a body on
her way into her lab one night at Galway University campus. She
rings him and as he has made his concerns about his relegation to
cold cases an issue, is given this case. But her involvement becomes
more deeply entrenched causing him anguish and putting him in the
spotlight of the police tribunal.
The identification of the body is simply the first of their
problems, and mistakes are made from the start. Cormac finds a web
of intrigue beginning with the relationship between the dead girl,
Della Lambert, an exceptional student who dropped out after the
first semester, and Carline Darcy, the granddaughter of the
laboratory's benefactor, John Darcy. A missing laptop may hold the
clues to what exactly is going on, but first Cormac must combat the
mine field of pressure from above, pressure from the tribunal, and
legal representatives from the pharmaceutical company which feels it
owns Carline and Della's work.
Meanwhile, a disgruntled member of his team, is spreading rumours
abut Emma causing people to look more closely at her involvement,
and before Cormac can sort this out, her credentials are questioned
and her involvement scrutinised. Cormac is taken off the case
because of the conflict of interest and investigated, not before
putting Emma offside with his questioning. Her past puts her in the
frame, and it takes another of Cormac's team, Fisher, to unravel
what is going on, despite the risk he is taking on Cormac's behalf.
An exciting crime story, the involvement of big pharma companies and
the lengths they will go to protect their discoveries is paramount
to the crimes committed, leading the investigators down paths that
question the integrity of the laboratory work at undertaken at the
university.
Large amounts of money are involved and where there is money, lies
power and influence, so Cormac and his team must tread with utmost
care. The location of this fine series makes for a fascinating
backdrop as the isolation has a part to play, as well as the
problematic relationship between north and south.
The first novel featuring Cormac, The ruin was very well
received and offers an introduction to his character, along with a
gripping story of neglect, so is a good read to have under your belt
before the third appears in 2020.
Fran Knight
Lie with me by Philippe Besson
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241987094.
(Age:16+) Highly recommended. Philippe Besson is a French author and
this novel (originally in French) is translated by Molly Ringwald.
This book is a compelling read and impossible to put down. Told in
three sections the narrator speaks of his first love. Philippe and
Thomas are 17 and at school in a very small village in France. Their
love is secret and passionate. The vulnerability of Philippe and
Thomas is poignant as they both live the lie of appearing
heterosexual while their love for each other occupies their hearts
and minds.
Social class is also explored. Philippe is the son of the headmaster
of the school and Thomas the son of migrant labourers. Thomas is
aware from the beginning that Philippe will leave the village, and
him, to make his way in the world.
As an adult Philippe meets a young man who resembles his first love.
The young man is the son of Thomas. From this point in the novel we
hear how this first love has shaped the lives of Thomas and
Philippe. While they did not stay together - they were always in
each other's lives. The reader discovers the outcomes of secrecy and
self-deception, combined with the oppressive prejudice and
discrimination they faced, as both poignant and thought provoking.
Although this novel is short it is a powerful story beautifully
told.
Linda Guthrie
More by Matt Preston
Pan Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781760781828.
(Age: Adult) This may just be the book for anyone who is trying to
add more vegetable into the daily diet. Subtitled More Recipes
with More Veg for More Joy, Matt Preston presents a huge
variety of recipes (over 100) that feature vegetables with a variety
of flavours and colours. The Contents page includes the headings:
Salads, barbeque, Pasta, noodles and rice, Bakes, Tray bakes,
Braised and Fried and Meat appendix for the meat lovers who can't
bear to not have meat but want to add more veggies to their meals.
There is a handy Index and an extended index. Each recipe is
illustrated with a full page colour photo of the dish, making the
book not only very attractive to the eye, but helpful for the final
presentation of the dish. The list of ingredients is easy to follow
as are the instructions.
There are plenty of recipes here to make the taste buds water. If
you like rich and creamy, 'The Decadent brie, leek and almond honey
pie' recipe would make an excellent entree served with sourdough
bread and red grapes, not to mention the 'Decadent vego souffles
with creamed leek, cheddar and jalapeno'.
I couldn't resist trying out the delicious 'Zucchini slice version
5.0' which adds asparagus and dill in a variation of the old popular
recipe. 'The creamiest coddle egg' looked amazing, and the 'Dadaist
sausage rolls for Barry Humphries' contain no sausage meat but a
delicious combination of zucchini, nuts and panko breadcrumbs
amongst other ingredients and would make for a great conversation
starter at lunch. Recipes for 'Singapore noodles' and 'Vegan
Bolognese' will also give an alternative for family favourites. More would make a very useful addition to a family's
collection of recipes and is sure to extend the use of vegetables in
daily meals.
Pat Pledger
Mum's jumper by Jayde Perkin
Book Island, 2019. ISBN: 9781911496137.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Grief, Loss, Death. Loss and death
are never too far from many children's lives and so a book helping
children accept the death of a loved one will have a place in a
classroom or home, where quiet time reading a book together can help
children understand, in a small way, what has occurred.
In this the young girl visits Mum in hospital, and later when her
Mother dies, the routine of the death process is shown. People come
and go, expressing sorrow, crying, saying a range of things which
sound like platitudes, they offer support, flowers are given, but
the girl finds it hard. She cannot concentrate at school, she feels
like a large black cloud is hanging overhead, and despite all her
friends around her she feels angry and alone.
When she and Dad go through Mum's things she finds a jumper, a
favourite and puts it on. She wears it for a long time, and when Dad
washes it, he tells her that grief is like that jumper, she will
grow into it, the jumper will get smaller.
And it does, the girl eventually packing the jumper into the drawer.
She knows it is there, but no longer needs to wear it everyday.
In wonderfully evocative illustrations, the story of acceptance
unfolds. The book was written with the support of the Let's Talk about Loss,
and the Cruse Bereavement
Care Centre in Bristol and more information can be found at
these sites.
Fran Knight
Messy, wonderful us by Catherine Isaac
Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN: 9781471178054.
(Age: 17+) Recommended. Catherine Isaac provides a heart-warming
read that reminds us that life is short.
Allie, the narrator, is a scientist working on a cure for cystic
fibrosis and her life is ordered. When Allie unexpectedly comes upon
information that calls into question the family ties she relies on
to keep her life in order, Allie takes a trip to Italy to find
answers. She is accompanied by her best friend Ed who has secrets of
his own. He has recently separated from his wife Julia, and she
phones Allie each day searching for answers for the sudden
separation.
The reader is encapsulated in the world that is Northern Italy as
Allie peals away the layers that surround Ed and unpacks her untold
family history. We gradually discover two stories that are often
left untold - domestic violence and unplanned pregnancies. The
characters are well drawn so the reader can see the characters
clearly, and empathise, as they wrestle with their dilemmas. The
reader is drawn in to the life histories that have delivered Ed and
Allie to their current circumstance and is left feeling invested in
the developing outcome.
This is a story about love. Catherine Isaac deftly describes the
love that can bind and the love that can destroy. The author
skilfully leads the reader to see that life and love are messy. This
messiness can be wonderful.
Linda Guthrie
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Macmillan Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781509896899. 356p. bkp.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. What happens to the heroes when
they've won the war? They should be on top of the world, right? In
Rowell's sequel to Carry On, living happily ever after
hasn't quite happened. If Hogwarts was in an alternative, slightly
edgy, world it might be the school that Simon, Baz and Penny
graduated from but time has moved on and things have changed. The
Mage has been destroyed and the friends are living a 'normal'
university student life. Simon has no power (but a nifty pair of
dragon wings and a tail) and Baz is despairing about their
relationship. Penny wants to shake things up with a road trip across
the American West with a visit to her boyfriend on the way. However,
best-laid plans go awry and then the friends are faced with having
to save the world yet again, while coming to terms with who they are
and where they're heading.
In this engaging story we might be immersed in a world of magic and
vampires but Rowell's characters face the same intensely personal
challenges of friendship, love, direction and change that we mere
humans deal with. Themes include self-esteem, self-evaluation, gay
and straight relationships, diversity, and of course, what life
looks like when the major goal has been achieved. A great follow-up
for fans of Carry On and Fangirl.
Gaye Howe
