Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406381221. Hardcover, 32 pages.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Themes: Frida Kahlo,
Disability. Resilience, Artists, Belonging, Imagination. Fans of
Anthony Browne's wonderful books and fans of the artist Frida Kahlo
will welcome this gorgeous picture that pays tribute to the artist's
young life. When she was six Frida Kahlo contracted polio and from
then on walked with a limp. She was bullied at school and felt
lonely and isolated until she went on a journey and met an imaginary
friend who could dance beautifully. This figure would feature in her
art in her later life.
Browne has used Kahlo's diary entries describing the time she met
her imaginary friend beneath a dairy to write a poignant story about
Frida's early life. His illustrations, done in the style of Kahlo,
are very evocative and tell a touching tale about a young girl's
disability and quest for friendship. Browne has won The Kate
Greenaway Medal twice and Little Frida could well be another
winner of this prestigious award. His illustrations, done in the
bright colours that characterised Kahlo's work, are beautiful and
will strike a chord in the minds of young and adult readers as they
follow Kahlo's flights of fancy when she dons a pair of wings that
she has been given for her birthday. The resilience that Kahlo had
is inspiring and the richness of her imagination comes across as an
important factor in her journey to becoming a world famous artist.
Children are fascinated by the artwork of Kahlo: bookstores keep
popular bookmark souvenirs and mugs depicting her self-portraits, so
this book will resonate with readers who want to learn more about
her life and art. There is biographical information at the back of
the book, and a picture of The two Fridas (1939), showing
her imaginary friend, gives the reader an insight into her
paintings.
This exquisitely produced book with its moving story and superb
illustrations will be one that readers will want to keep and return
to again and again.
Pat Pledger
The cold eye by Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil's West bk. 2. Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN:
9781481429726.
(Age: 16+) Themes: Fantasy, Road trips, Western, Coming of age. In
the sequel to Silver
on the Road, Isobel is once again faced with the magic in the
land. This time something that is making the earth quake is
threatening everything and she must try to set the Territory to
rights. Accompanied by her mentor, Gabriel, she rides to uncover
what is destroying the land and making the animals and people flee. The cold eye has a slower pace in comparison to Silver on
the road, and concentrates on the gradual growth of Isobel's
strength and understanding of her skills and the responsibility that
the devil has laid on her shoulders. Isobel is a strong character,
and the reader will become immersed in her gradual coming of age.
Some more of the tantalising secrets that Gabriel has hidden come to
the surface, but Gilman still leaves enough uncovered that the
reader will look forward to the next book in the series.
Gilman's real strength is in her world building. The landscape of a
strange version of the old West is vividly described and the world
of the Territory, its magic, the wards that are used by everyone to
contain it and the different people come to life and make for a
unique read.
Although slow at times, The cold eye leaves the reader eager
to find out more about the quests that Isobel must undertake as the
devil's Left Hand and the secret powers that Gabriel hides in the
next in the series, Red waters rising.
Pat Pledger
Red Waters Rising by Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil's West bk. 3. Saga Press, ISBN: 9781481429757.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Western, Coming of age. In
the conclusion to The Devil's West trilogy, Isobel and
Gabriel ride to the great river, the Mud River, (aka Mississippi)
where Isobel will once again be tested not just as the Devil's Left
Hand but as a bone child. With strange threats to the welfare of the
Territory, it is up to Isobel to work out what is happening.
Meanwhile, Gabriel is increasingly drawn to the waters of the Mud
River.
The alternative world of the West has been a great setting for this
character driven trilogy, and the descriptions of the Red Stick, its
inhabitants and relations with the Native peoples all make for an
interesting reading experience. As the settler numbers increase and
the American fort across the river grows in size, there are tensions
about the Agreement that binds the people and allows them to stay in
the Territory. Isobel must arbitrate carefully to help calm the
unrest that is developing.
It was unusual to see the strong relationship between Isobel and
Gabriel, who acts so well as her mentor, teaching her the skills she
needs and ensuring that she takes the lead in solving the problems
facing the land. Isobel has developed from a young 16 year old to a
confident young woman who is prepared to think through issues and
act for the best of the people, while readers will be intrigued by
the pull that the water exerts on Gabriel.
The conclusion is complex and well developed, strange and
disturbing. Readers will be sure to pursue the novella, Gabriel's
road, for a further look at the world of the Territory and
Gabriel's quest for peace.
Pat Pledger
The City of Guardian Stones by Jacob Sager Weinstein
Walker, 2018. ISBN: 9781406368864.
(Age: 9-12) Themes: London, Fantasy, Magical realism, Adventure. The
City of Guardian Stones is a hilarious, entertaining fantasy
caper that takes us deep down into sewers, art gallery and railway
tunnels, chasing the dastardly Minnie Tickle stone thief. Hyacinth
and her family and friends return for another fantastical quest to
save their city from evil forces. Someone is stealing the magical
heritage of London; ancient stones are disappearing from
underground.
Hyacinth's family are mysteriously connected to the magical rivers
that run under the city of London and the stones that hold the
ancient secrets of the city. They undertake an epic journey across
London, travelling with Oaroborous a giant pig wearing a swimsuit
who communicates succinctly with responses written on little cards.
They are also assisted by the Coade stone statues which are
strategically placed throughout the city, especially the stone lion
Hungerford who transports them and assists them in some dangerous
situations.
The young girl, her Mom and Little Ben Franklin find themselves
locked in jail, stuck in the Lost and Found Office and fighting in
magical foggy conditions. Here, Hyacinth's sword and dancing skills
utilising her 'Excalibrolly' prove useful fighting Minnie Tickle.
Can Hyacinth and her friends stop Minnie from resurrecting the old
London Bridge and stop the evil that wants to control the city?
Weinstein's epic story has a surprising array of quirky characters,
strange settings and magical moments that takes the reader on a
thrilling ride. His world building, architectural descriptions and
unique underground places add to the excitement. Each of the main
characters learn more about their capabilities, strengths and
working together as a team. For added interest, photos and
information of the real London sites are included.
Rhyllis Bignell
How to rob a bank by Tom Mitchell
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780008276508.
(Age: 11 and up) Recommended. Themes: Adolescents, humor, guilt,
bank robberies, fires. When I first read the title of this book
little alarm bells rang in my head thinking this may not be such a
great topic to allow into a teenager's hands. However, the story is
more about a young man's need to impress his first love than
stealing from a bank. Fifteen-year-old Dylan Thomas is competing
with annoying Harry for Beth's affections and giving her a Nepalese
candle for her birthday seemed a great idea at the time. But as with
many of Dylan's great ideas, his execution never seems to come up to
what he's envisaged. The candle smelled awful and trying to get rid
of it in a hurry when Beth's mum was on her way to catch him in
Beth's bedroom meant throwing it into the bin. Great idea, unless
the candle is still alight and causes a house fire.
Things turn from bad to worse when he realizes he has caused such a
catastrophe that Beth must move in with her Aunt and go to a
different school as the family can't afford the rent for the flat
they are forced to live in as a result of the fire. The idea that he
could somehow gift Beth the money her family needs gives him the
motivation to rob a bank. Watching movies with his dad, who is not
opposed to bending the rules when it suits him, has shown him that
there are many smart ways out there to get money without having to
go into a bank. In desperation to save Beth from her family's'
financial woes he decides to try a few out.
Again, his implementation lets him down on several occasions
providing the reader with a story that is very entertaining. Dylan
is a thinker and is determined to get this right and no unfinished
history homework, horrible Saturday job or nasty bank manager is
going to stand in his way.
Gabrielle Anderson
Adventure Duck vs Power Pug by Steve Cole
Illus. Aleksei Bitskoff. Orchard Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781408356838.
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Superpowers, Humour, Good vs evil.
Imagine a meteor lands and the impact creates a surge of energy that
transforms animals nearby into over-charged versions of themselves
with powers that defy reason . . . and that is the premise to this
book. When an ordinary duck, living an ordinary life in a local duck
pond, (A Duck, self-named as Adventure Duck) becomes the recipient
of this excessive burst of 'super' and supreme influence, he also
gets to team up with a mind-reading egg (with Eggstra-sensory
Perception) and a striking Neon Zebra to bring their evil nemesis,
Power Pug and his sidekick, Apocalypse Cow, to their knees.
This book does defy reason, but the extremely quirky characters with
their bizarre powers are entertaining. The story is filled with
mildly amusing puns and expressions that will appeal to young
readers. With a second book to follow, ready to incorporate
Adventure Duck's talents, young readers who enjoy humorous stories
will be recommending this book to their friends.
This is not great literature, and the illustrations are suitably
eccentric, but kids will be laughing as they read and will enjoy the
super-charged hapless superhero.
Recommended for readers aged 6+.
Carolyn Hull
Boy oh boy by Cliff Leek
Illus. by Bene Rohlmann. Quarto Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9781786033291.
Themes: Masculinity, Activism, Racism, LGBTIQ. Subtitled 'From boys
to men', inspired by 30 coming-of-age stories of sportsmen,
artists, politicians, educators and scientists, Boy oh boy
is a collection of biographical entries to highlight the way that
different young men from around the world have expressed their
strength, individuality and their influence in the world. The
variety of expressions of what it is to be a man is deliberate in
showing that there are many ways to do this. From Nelson Mandela,
Mohammed Ali, Gandhi to Prince and LeBron James, there are many
examples of activists, politicians, musicians, artists and sports
stars that have changed the world in some way. Many of the men will
be unknown to young readers, but do make interesting
reading. There are also individuals whose fame has also given them
opportunity to serve and impact the world and a number of LGBTIQ
individuals whose stories of overcoming discrimination are told in
this collection.
Illustrated with a Pop Art style bright design for each bio page,
there is a youthful and non-realistic representation for each man
depicted. This is ironic for a non-fiction biography and perhaps
will attract some, and dissuade others from reading this book and
may make it difficult to be used as a reference book.
Carolyn Hull
Willow Moss and the lost day by Dominique Valente
Illus. by Sarah Warburton. Starfell bk. 1. HarperCollins,
2019. ISBN: 9780008308391.
(Ages 8-12) Recommended. Themes: Magic, Witches, Time, Fantasy.
Dominique Valente's debut fantasy novel conjures up a magical world,
filled with witches and trolls, controlled by an evil time spell. In
the village of Starfell everyone has a magical talent, some are more
exciting than others. Unfortunately, Willow Moss has a simple one,
she can find lost things, wooden teeth, lost glasses, and the
townsfolk line up and pay a spurgle for her help. Then powerful
witch, Moreg Vaine, requests that Willow accompany her on a quest to
find the missing day - Tuesday. The pace picks up as Willow leaves
her home town with her carpet bag and Oswin, a very opinionated
kobold (a green furry cat-like creature) and ventures out into dark
forests and magical towns. Journeying by broomstick, they are guided
by the Storypass, and stopped by the menacing Brothers of Wol, Moreg
who want to rule the world. Danger lurks at every turn, who can they
trust, where will their journey take them?
The young witch grows in confidence as she travels far from home.
Feathering the dragon joins the travellers transporting them up to
Cloud Mountain, meeting a forgotten teller (not fortune teller)
Nolin Sometimes, who reveals more of the mystery to them.
The impact of losing a weekday seems insignificant, until Willow
thinks about all the births, deaths, special appointments and events
that are lost, as history's course is changed. One young witch and
her quite sarcastic sidekick Oswin the kobold finds hidden
strengths, learn resilience and find courage on their dangerous
mission.
Dominique Valente's imaginative world building, cast of unusual
crazy characters, fun conversations, humorous and dangerous
encounters and fast-paced actions make Willow Moss and the lost
day an exciting and enjoyable novel. Middle Primary students
will enjoy diving into this magical world, overflowing with witches,
wizards, trolls and monsters. What's next for Willow Morse and her
caustic kobold?
Rhyllis Bignell
Don't let go by Harlan Coben
Cornerstone, 2017. ISBN: 9781780894249.
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Mystery, Revenge, Secrets.
Best-selling author Coben writes a compelling thriller about the
death of two teenagers, Leo and his girlfriend Diana, who were found
dead on train tracks. Nap Dumas, Leo's twin brother, now a detective
in New Jersey, has never been convinced of the official verdict
especially as his girlfriend Maura disappeared at the same time.
When her fingerprints turn up in the case of a suspected murder, he
is even more determined to find the truth.
Coben is a master at keeping the suspense going in a tightly woven
plot that kept me reading until the twist at the end of the book.
Nap Dumas was a complex and interesting character, and the
exploration of his first love of Maura, adds to the plot. His
investigation of secrets, those of his high school friends, his
colleagues and the government and the notion of revenge make for a
highly readable story, and the short chapters and crisp dialogue
make it a quick read as well.
I had not read books by Coben for many years but will seek out more
books written by him. I really enjoyed this suspenseful, tricky
stand-alone story. A great read for lovers of mysteries and
thrillers.
Pat Pledger
You ain't seen nothing yeti! by Steven Butler
Illus. by Steven Lenton. Nothing To See Here Hotel bk. 2.
Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN: 9781471163852.
(Age: 8-11) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Trolls, Hotels, Yetis,
Families. Steven Butler's fantastical Nothing to See Here Hotel
series returns with more eccentric characters, hilarious scenes and
a magical mystery to solve. In You ain't seen nothing Yeti
the hotel owners are busily preparing for 'Trogmanay' the midsummer
festival. Amazing food is being cooked in the kitchens, unusual
floral chandeliers hang from the ceilings, and even the walls have
ears that really listen. It's exciting pandemonium! When Nancy the
eight-armed Giant Brittle-back spider returns from food shopping,
she brings news of a freak blizzard sweeping across Asia and Europe;
even the Eiffel Tower is frozen solid.
Swept in by the snowstorm the Kwinzis arrive. The family of yetis
have ridden across continents on their ulk ready to spend time with
Frankie's family and renew their friendships. What does this mean
for the rest of the guests expecting sunny summer activities?
Frankie the owner's son steps up to sort out the problems, caused by
an influx of unexpected visitors and to try and solve the mystery of
a missing relative. Evil comes in some strange forms when Maudlin
Maloney the leprechaun and her lepre-caravan land in a cloud of
feathers. The tension builds dramatically, as the snow radically
changes the landscape. Then as night falls, the walls whisper
secrets of the stranger in the storm and the hotel's imminent
destruction.
Steven Lenton's illustrations cast an eeriness over the scenes, add
heightened tension and bring a liveliness to Butler's unique
characters. With such a fast-paced plot, so many twists and turns,
secrets uncovered and humourous scenes, You ain't seen nothing
yeti delivers another fabulous magical read just right for
ages eight plus.
Rhyllis Bignell
A girl called Justice by Elly Griffiths
Quercus, 2019, ISBN: 9781786540591.
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Themes: Boarding schools, Girl detectives, Mysteries. Adult crime writer Elly Griffiths presents a
1930s' mystery with twelve-year-old Justice Jones as an amateur
detective, who's been lovingly home-schooled by her mystery writer
mother. When her mother passes away, her father Herbert Jones QC
sends Justice off to Highbury House Boarding School for the
Daughters of Gentlefolk, set amidst the bleak landscape of the
Romney Marshes. What an ideal setting for a little mystery, mayhem
and murder, an isolated Gothic school, with creaky stairs, hidden
rooms, turrets, attics and a creepy basement! Of course, Griffiths
sets the scene with an icy winter snowstorm cutting communication
off to the outside world, the students and staff are locked in and
tensions rise.
Justice's analytical mind, keen sense of observation and her
meticulous journal writing assist with her crime-solving, even when
overwhelmed with feelings of grief and loneliness. The austere
school environment is dominated by a slightly terrifying
headmistress Miss de Vere. Everything seems strange to the young
girl who's been very close to her mother, from the limited food
choices, the strict rules, the icy-cold bathrooms and the grim
dormitories. With the help of new friend Stella, a scholarship
student, Justice navigates school life and seeks answers to the
mystery of the disappearing maid.
Surreptitious notes passed inside books, leads to midnight forays on
the way to the haunted tower and secret meetings in the maid's room.
The tension builds as the feisty young detective delves into the
backgrounds of the staff, takes risks and keeps up with her
schoolwork. Through coded messages she keeps her father informed
about the dangerous environment.
Elly Griffiths' A Girl called Justice combines a
dramatically tense action-packed plot, quirky characters and a
resilient protagonist. Her setting of an isolated school on the icy
marshes is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie or Enid Blyton novel.
An entertaining mystery suited to readers from ten plus who enjoy a
dramatic school story in an English period setting, with a dash of
mystery and adventure.
Rhyllis Bignell
The assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
Candlewick Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780763698225.
(Age: 10-15) Highly recommended. The old-style gold embossed front
cover of this novel gives a strong indication of the story to
follow. The collaboration between M.T. Andersen and Eugene
Yelchinhas has produced a book that harks back to an older world
where goblins and elves live apart and are wary of each other.
The story opens in a manner similar to Brian Sleznick's (The
Invention of Hugo Cabret and The Marvels) style where
illustrations are whole chapters and tell the story visually. These
Gothic style drawings feature throughout the book and are
intricately woven into the story.
Brangwain Spurge is an historian elf. He has been selected to
deliver a gift to the kingdom of the goblins. He believes he is a
messenger of peace and agrees to stay with his host, a fellow
historian, a goblin named Archivist Werfel.
At first Brangwain's superior attitude is a struggle for the
friendly Werfel and gets them both into some dangerous situations
due to Brangwain's total disregard and disdain of Goblin cultural
and social mores.
Although set in an ancient world, the storyline has strong
connections to modern politics and the 'spin' that each group or
country places on events.
Both elf and goblin argue and disagree about their versions of
historical events and wars but as the story unfolds a more mutual
purpose exists between them and they need to work as a team to deal
with treachery and danger.
There is humour and fun when these two different characters buddy up
and unwittingly embark on a perilous adventure together.
The reader needs to process all the information that is presented in
the novel in both illustrations and words, to discover the real
truth and knows more than both of the hapless historians.
This is a wonderful story that will appeal to those who love
fantasies such as Lord of the Rings.
I highly recommend this book to students aged 10 to 15 years old,
but this will also appeal to fantasy genre lovers of any age.
Jane Moore
Arthur and the tiger by Sophie Beer
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143791836.
(Age: 4-7) Recommended. Visually exciting with bold colours, vistas
filled with light and shade, strong linear definitions and bright
patterns, Arthur and the Tiger explores overcoming fears and
prejudices, developing courage and creatively meeting challenges.
A happy little circus perches on the edge of a smog-filled city.
Inside the bright orange and yellow tent are fire-breathing
jugglers, a soaring acrobat and the Strongman capable of balancing a
car on one finger. On the side of the circus ring sits Arthur the
Ringmaster's son who's 'tried to learn all kinds of daring circus
tricks' to no avail. He's happiest picnicking with his little mice
friends.
When his father announces the arrival of a new circus animal a
fierce tiger, poor Arthur is told he'll be the tiger's trainer. All
of the other circus performers are afraid, 'the jugglers jittered'
and 'the strongman shivered.' Tensions build, as the townsfolk show
their anger and fear, with banners and shouts they protest. How does
Arthur face his fears, gather himself and bravely tame the huge,
growly beast? Will the townsfolk overcome their prejudices and
realise they need to accept differences in their world? Arthur and the Tiger is a wonderful story to share, filled
with gorgeous alliteration, some fun descriptions and phrases to
extend vocabulary combined with a tension-building storyline. Sophie
Beer's artworks and text create an energetic and visually appealing
story. Take time to investigate all the animals' activities, find
the little mice and discuss the ranges of emotions shown. Use as a
springboard into creative writing with a Junior Primary class.
Themes: Circuses, Tigers, Courage, Prejudice.
Rhyllis Bignell
Star Wars: Meet the villains (series)
DK, 2019. Darth Vader by Ruth Amos. ISBN: 9780241392089. Stormtroopers by Emma Grange. ISBN: 9780241392096
(Age: 7-9) Dorling Kindersley presents Star Wars: Meet the
villains, two easy-to-read question and answer books filled
with colourful stills from across the original movies, prequels and
sequels.
Ruth Amos investigates the powerful Sith Lord Darth Vader, why he's
so powerful, his family members and why he makes that strange
rasping noise. Pitched at new fans and younger family members who've
been brought up with the franchise, Darth Vader is packed with
factual information including his wars with the rebel forces, his
castle on the planet Mustafar and his powerful forces. What are his
evil plans? Is there any good left in Darth Vader?
In Stormtroopers Emma George provides a wealth of
information, continuing the question and answer format with images
captured from across the franchise which started in 1977. The
Stormtroopers wear armour designed to help them on missions in
different environments, sand dunes, swamps and snowy landscapes.
They march in formation, travel on speeder bikes for spying, use All
Terrain Scout Transports and use tanks to trample everything in
their path. Stormtroopers' helmets are specially designed with
padding, communication links and breathing devices. Star Wars: Meet the villains is a thrilling series that
explores the popular characters, their roles, uniforms, powers in a
galaxy far, far away. Each book concludes with a glossary to help
understand key terms including empires, orders and forces. Written
with the younger audience in mind, these books are suitable for ages
seven years and up.
Subjects: Star Wars - Characters
Rhyllis Bignell
Star Wars: Meet the heroes: R2-D2 by Emma Grange
DK, 2019. ISBN: 9780241387740. 63p
(Age: 8+) Themes: Star Wars, Heroes, Cinema. Devoted to a single
character in the Star Wars franchise, R2-D2 is
illustrated with colourful movie stills from the original trilogy,
prequels and sequels. This hardback about a fictional character
takes the form of a Q and A or 'fast-fact' reference book, complete
with a glossary of regular concepts in addition to Star Wars jargon.
The arbitrary lesser known facts are intriguing: What language does
R2-D2 speak? Which worlds has R2-D2 visited? There are a few well
known plot questions such as: Does R2-D2 ever save a Queen? The
enthusiastic and detailed explanations reinforce the fame of this
pop culture icon.
With more Star Wars heroes planned, this series promises to
explain the strengths and foibles of the major characters to a
legion of new Star Wars fans.
Deborah Robins
