Simon and Schuster, 2018. ISBN 9781534438767
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Humour. Animals. Board book. Cut out
book. Counting book. Colours. A fun board book to delight younger
readers, the cut outs will mystify, amuse and maze as they learn to
pull out the slide at the side of the book to make the animal's head
move. And what an animal! From a very small green body appearing at
the top of the page, it grows through the book to an enormous
animal, multicoloured, taking up most of the last page. And when the
past page is turned, a surprise awaits.
The crocodile grows through eating other animals, and each page
counts these from one to ten. From one fish, then two otters, three
cranes, four beavers, five foxes up to ten hummingbirds, children
will be astonished at the variety eaten by the growing crocodile,
and learn about some animals they do not know.
Colours, numbers and animals are incorporated in this book, teaching
along the way about manners, verse and rhyme. Kids will love
predicting the rhyming word, reading the small print on the bottom
of each page, leading them to the animal overleaf, watching the
crocodile grow with each set of animals inside him.
A wonderful read aloud, I can imagine kids reading along, predicting
the rhyming word, asking questions about the animals shown, learning
the parts they really like, and go wow at the end when the surprise
page is revealed. On this page they will find more information about
the flora seen along the way and will be able to count over all
again the animals seen in the text. All great fun and a wonderful
teaching tool for younger readers.
Fran Knight
Hilda and the hidden people by Stephen Davies and Seaerra Miller
Flying Eye Books, 2018. ISBN 9781912497973
(Age: 6-9) Themes: Fantasy. Trolls. Elves. Giants. Moving house.
Hilda is a popular graphic novel character; she's a blue-haired
adventurer who loves to sketch the world around her, a valley and
mountains filled with trolls, elves and woodland creatures. This
novel is a retelling of the first Hilda comics, Hildafolk
and Hilda and the Midnight Giant. With the release of the
Netflix shows based on this series, British author Stephen Davies
was chosen to write tie-in chapter books. Seaerra Miller, the
illustrator, closely follows Hilda's original creator Luke Pearson's
style.
Hilda's character and fun-loving nature are faithfully presented.
She is independent, resourceful, attuned to the world around her and
curious about everything. Accompanied by Twig a deer fox, Hilda
spends her days hiking in the green valley and nearby mountains. She
sketches the landscape, labelling all the features based on what
they look like, Lamp Mountain, Beetle Mountain and Bobblehat
Mountain. On her way home one day, she stops to draw a troll rock
formation, that surprisingly turns to life and chases her. Twig and
Hilda roll down a hill and land next to a crater shaped by a giant's
footprint. After she helps remove a troublesome bell from the troll
and he returns her lost sketchbook, the little girl hurries home.
Hilda lives with her mother in a little cottage at the base of
Bobblehat Mountain. Unfortunately, their home is situated in the
middle of the elves' territory and they issue an eviction notice.
Mum is determined to move to the nearby busy, noisy town of Trolberg
but young Hilda doesn't want to leave her beloved countryside.
Hilda's unique ways of working through their problems, negotiating
peace with the very fussy elves and reuniting two ancient giants who
had lost each other for hundreds of years is wonderful. Hilda and the hidden people stays true to creator Luke
Pearson's story; adding a more detailed narrative to create a
chapter book is another way to keep readers engaged with these
whimsical fantasy stories. Miller's gold-toned illustrations capture
Hilda's unique style and the magical reality of Hilda's world.
Rhyllis Bignell
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
Cormoran Strike book 4. Sphere, 2018. ISBN 9780751572865
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary). Recommended. Themes: Mystery and
suspense. When Cormoran Strike is visited by Billy, a strange man,
who is convinced that he has seen a child murdered when he was
young, Cormoran is intrigued and with Robin his partner, sets out to
see if there is any truth in Billy's story. At the same time a
Member of Parliament comes to Strike asking to help him because he
is being blackmailed, and it seems that the two cases are linked
together. Along the way, the reader is taken through a maze
containing political machinations, members of Parliament, Robin's
post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic disputes and murder as well
as a setting upper class manor houses and horses contrasting with
squalid living quarters.
I was new to this series when the book arrived to be reviewed and
decided that I should read at least one of the earlier books to
learn about the characters. After compulsively devouring The
cuckoo's calling and The Silkworm, I tackled the very
lengthy (649 pages) Lethal white, and even though it could
have been pruned back, was mesmerised by the intricate plot and the
relationship between Strike and Robin. Galbraith gives enough back
story for the reader to pick up where the third in the series,
Career of evil, ended, and the background of failing relationships
and class structures adds depth to the two mysteries that are
intertwined in the story.
I loved the descriptions of the upper class sisters nicknamed Izzy
and Fizzy, their feelings for their stepmothers and the world that
they and Charlotte, Strike's old girlfriend, occupy. The mysteries
too are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, with lots of red
herrings to confuse the reader along the way, and Strike and Robin's
feelings for each other appear to have inched forward slightly.
Fans of mysteries are sure to enjoy Lethal White, and I will
certainly be picking up future books in the series.
Pat Pledger
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Folk of the Air series, book 1. Hot Key Books. 2018. ISBN
9781471407031
(Age: Teens)I am an avid reader of books regarding magic, faeries
and the like. I have read quite a few dark fairy tales and I opened
this one with a bit of scepticism, but I needn't have worried. I am
a huge fan of Holly Black's books such as Doll Bones however the
Cruel Prince is next level. Talk about contributing to my stress
levels - it almost devoured me. From the first page to the last I
was very reluctant to put it down. Talk about perfectly capturing
what I imagine the world of magical beings like faeries would be.
Jude the main character is one of my favourite aspects of this story
and I have great admiration for her. But I loved the fact that this
story takes you on dark twists and turns that turned my admiration
for some characters to hate and vice versa as the story develops.
What a cruel start to the book that had me heart broken and fearful
to the sumptuous imagery The Cruel Prince gave me as I devoured this
book. I had many a late night thinking just one more page . . . It
is the perfect balance between light and dark. At times I could have
happily lobbed the book across the room and then wanting to hug it
close to my chest and not letting it go. I happily admit to reading
this book twice to take in all its glory.
What I liked about this book is that it is not so much a teenager
romance/fantasy novel set in the faerie realm but more a testament
to the mortal Jude who is trapped but wanting to do the best for her
family. She is a mortal out of place and in some aspects time, yet
she fiercely stands up for her sisters and is a survivor no matter
what is thrown at her. I love that Holly Black has given us such a
strong protagonist and I even tolerated the trite romantic interlude
which was a little distraction from the violent pace of the book.
My only disappointment is that I must wait until January 2019 for
book two The Wicked King to be released. I cannot wait.
Elaine Grottick
Echo after Echo by Amy Rose Capetta
Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763691646
(Age: Young Adult readers) Recommended. I must admit this is not my
usual type of book, but a few pages in and I was hooked. I literally
felt like I was part of the theatre observing the story so closely
that I was an eye witness. I love the fact the novel is set out like
a three-act play where the reader is drawn into this compelling
story. A dream come true for Zara but with a nightmarish edge that
makes the reader feel very deeply. I could vividly picture the
shabby theatre in New York where the story is based. Zara gains her
dream role as Echo in the Greek tragedy Echo and Ariston at the
Aurelia theatre. The eccentric but visionary director Leopold
Henneman ensures that Zara commits herself to the play and nothing
else.
It is a tale that has something for everyone: love, mystery, a
possible curse and murder. If I could have sat just reading this
from beginning to end and forgetting everything else, I would have
been a very happy reader. The leading ladies Zara and Eli are
relatable but what made this pairing very refreshing was they fall
in love with each other without the usual cliched struggle for
acceptance. I felt a little like Agatha's Christie's Miss Marple
trying to solve the murders that are plaguing the theatre, as the
story unfolds.
I love the way that Amy Rose Capetta has woven the story, it is like
coming to a fork in the road and not knowing where it will take you
but having no choice but venture forward.
I found this an utterly delightful book and at last a Young Adult
romance with SUBSTANCE. It may be the novel to turn around my
opinion of Romance as a genre.
Elaine Grottick
Birthday Drama! by Rachel Renee Russell
Dork Diaries book 13. Simon and Schuster, 2018. ISBN
9781471173158
(Ages 9-12) Themes: Family life, Birthdays, Friendship. Birthday
Drama is the thirteenth book in the very popular Dork
Diaries series by Rachel Renee Russell. 'The Private Diaries
of Nikki J. Maxwell' take us into the high and lows of her teenage
life, friendships, frenemies, parents, bullying and her teenage
crush. Presented in a notebook format and illustrated with line
drawings, doodles and comic strips, fourteen-year-old Nikki's world
is filled with drama, tension and emotion. Russell and her daughter
Erin's Nikki are excitedly planning her ultimate birthday party with
her two BFFs Chloe and Zoey; this will be the social event of the
year. After lots of fun discussions they decide a POOL PARTAY - a
tropical island theme at the local pool. Nikki's must-haves include
a DJ, lots of delicious food and exciting decorations, with a
hundred guests invited. Will this impress Nikki's crush, handsome
teen Brandon?
One major problem with the expensive party plans is Nikki's lack of
funds, her secret sock contains only $8.73, not quite the $500 Chloe
needs for the budget. Mum's plans are also problematic, her $100
offer includes their neighbour Mrs. Wallabanger's accordion music
and two ladies performing from her senior's belly-dancing class. Her
little sister's offer to make the birthday cake is fraught with
disaster as well. She decides to cancel her party; however, Chloe's
already posted the invitations. The girls decide to retrieve the
letters before they are sent out. Their hunt for the posted
invitations leads to the Mail Room where the Mail Man is nearly
wiped-out by three 'birthday-party-obsessed psychotic girls.'
Nikki's summer plans are also causing problems, should she tour with
Brandon and the Bad Boyz band or join the trip to Paris? Luckily,
her sister Miss Bri Bri's unusual flavoured dog cookies help save
the birthday party in a special way.
Russell's series is extremely popular, tween readers love the
excitement, drama and fun that makes up Nikki's life. Birthday
Drama is aptly named and will be enjoyed by Dork Diaries
fans.
Rhyllis Bignell
The dodo made me do it by Jo Simmons
Ill. by Sheena Dempsey. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408877777
Recommended. This is a hilarious tale of wish fulfilment gone wrong
that every child will relate to and is perfect for fans of My
Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons.
A funny book with plenty of set-pieces that fans will giggle their
heads off at sees scenes with the characters dealing with Dodo poo
and attempting to teach a flightless bird to fly. There is also a
lot more going on, not least the yin-yang relationship between the
cool-headed Scientific Susie and the feet-first think-later Danny.
The remote Scottish Village of Kinoussie is also awash with
eccentric characters.
I would like to see more stories set here (and to find out a bit
more about porridge-mad Granny Flora's backstory.
Donna Isgar
Trouble on the Farm by Chris Higgins
Ill. by Emily MacKenzie. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408868874
(Age: 5-7) Themes: Farms, Friends. Trouble on the Farm is a
delightful easy-to-read story for the newly independent reader.
Chris Higgins captures all the sights, sounds and smells of the
countryside and she voices the excitement felt by young Bella and
Sid as the visit the farm.
On a sunny Saturday two children who've never been to a farm before,
can't contain their excitement. Since Bella and her younger brother
Sid and their parents moved from the city a month ago, they've
enjoyed all the new country experiences. Tom, a boy from Bella's
class has invited the children to spend a day on the dairy farm.
After several changes of clothes, Bella is ready. Mum loads them up
with a bunch of flowers and some iced lollies for Tom and his sister
Kizzy. Magda their next-door neighbour invites herself along for
their farm day, Magda is a force to be reckoned with and doesn't
always listen to instructions.
Five-year-old Sid is surprised by the funny looking chickens and
even more surprised when Kizzy explains they are turkeys raised for
Christmas dinners. Megan, Tom and Kizzy's mother carefully explains
what the children can do on the farm and where they can go. She's
very specific about not driving the new tractor or riding horses
bare-back. Bella's visit soon turns into a major disaster, with
Magda leaving gates open, the cows escaping and an unexpected
tractor ride.
Chris Higgin's adds lots of fun and drama when the runaway cows are
herded into the Farmer's Arms carpark just before a big wedding.
With cow poo everywhere, the bride refuses to walk down the red
carpet. Bella saves the day which results in a grand entrance on the
farm's shiny new red tractor and Megan's farm-style pasties are a
winner at the wedding reception.
Emily MacKenzie's energetic drawings show the highlights and the
dramas involved in Bella and Sid's farm day. Trouble on the Farm
is an engaging story about friendship, being responsible and
understanding the consequences of your actions. Young readers will
enjoy reading this fun farm story.
Rhyllis Bignell
Angry Cookie by Laura Dockrill
Ill. by Maria Karipodou. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406383089
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Themes: Anger, Friendship, Feelings,
Self-worth. The cover on this book is an intense fluoro orange! It
will shout at young readers from the shelf, and ironically, the
central character does just that towards the reader. Angry Cookie is
aptly named . . . he is fuming and really does not want the reader
to keep poking their nose into his business and turning the page.
However, of course we do! Eventually getting rid of the reader seems
like a waste of time, so he tries to explain why he is angry in
order that we understand the reason for his poor temper. A recorder
playing incessantly, an embarrassing haircut, an attack on his
'cookie' body, a missing ice-cream treat all compound his ill
humour, but eventually he realises that they are all symptomatic of
feeling ignored and unheard. The persistent reader is of course
still 'paying attention' and 'listening' so is able to restore Angry
Cookie's sense of self-worth and give him a change of humour and a
new way of dealing with life.
This book joins many others of similar ilk (Don't let the pigeon
Drive the Bus by Mo Willems; Don't Open this Book by
Andy Lee) with the book's characters engaging with the reader and
almost teasing them to make a response. Young children will enjoy
this almost inherent interactivity. The colourful and quirky
illustrations by Maria Karipidou will also appeal, not because they
are detailed, but because they are cartoon-like and most characters
are food items. (Cookie's hairdresser is a banana!) Cookie's defused
anger also gives an opportunity to discuss with children about their
own responses to feeling angry.
Recommended for ages 4 - 8
Carolyn Hull
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Nevermoor book 2. Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9780734418227
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Magical realism, Fantasy,
Coming of Age, Missing Persons. Jessica Townsend's second book is a
richly rewarding read, fast-paced, brimful of powerful magic,
foreboding dark forces and amazing wonderfulness. Twelve-year-old
Mog's life is about to change, she's beginning her academic journey
at the elite Wundrous Society. Her confidence and loyalty are tested
as she develops her Wundersmith powers and tries to make friends
with her Unit 919 brothers and sisters. Luckily her best friend
Hawthorne Swift's part of the unit, his unswerving belief in her
helps during some of the most difficult times she faces.
Morrigan's left to fend for herself, as she struggles with her
school life. She only has one class, the History of Heinous Wundrous
Acts which frighteningly relay all the 'missteps, blunders and
fiascos' enacted by former Wundersmiths. With her patron Jupiter
North busy investigating the mysterious disappearance of Wunsoc
members, she doesn't have any adult to confide in and help her in
the difficult times. There is a dark side to the city of Nevermoor,
villain Ezra Squall and his eerie Hunt of Shadow and Smoke return,
holding Ghostly Markets selling the most frightening goods. A
devious blackmailer is determined to break up Unit 919 and lure
Morrigan away from safety, delivering her into Squall's clutches so
he can use her for his nefarious plans.
Townsend's fast-paced narrative is powerful; the world of Nevermoor
is wonderfully detailed and descriptive. Travelling by brolly rail,
delicious feasts and the quirky, funny Deucalion Hotel characters
will be delightfully familiar to the fans of Nevermoor. As we
venture down Tricksy Lanes and discover evil forces at play, the
author opens our eyes to the malevolent powers at play. Wundersmith:
The Calling of Morrigan Crow continues to reveal the strength
of the protagonist's character, her depths, insecurities and her
determination to right the wrongs she encounters.
Jessica Townsend's much awaited second novel is powerful and
relatable, resonating with themes of friendship, loyalty,
inclusiveness, activism, happiness and humour and the power of good
and evil.
Rhyllis Bignell
An absolutely remarkable thing by Hank Green
Trapeze, 2018. ISBN 9781473224193
(Age: Young adults+) A recent graphic design graduate working in New
York comes across a larger than life sculpture on the sidewalk on
her way home from a late stint at the office. The robot sculpture so
impresses her that she rings a friend and together they name it Carl
and make a YouTube video. By the morning their video has gone viral
and 23 year old April May and her friend Andy Skampt are famous, not
just because they made the video but because they were the first to
name and publicise the sculptures which have popped up all over the
world simultaneously and are now universally known as 'the Carls'.
All of their training in visual engineering comes into play and
Andy's lawyer dad ensures they get paid for the use of their
material and all their media appearances. April begins the process
of 'intentionally converting myself into a brand' p. 83 and as
their fame grows so do the compromises she makes trying to stay in
the front of the internet storm. One of the casualties of their fame
is April's relationship with her partner Maya and it dawns on her
that life will never be the same again. As it becomes more and more
apparent that the sculptures are not of this world April finds that,
while her audience still strongly link her with the Carls, they
start to polarise into either loving her or hating her. 'People all
over the world whom I had never met and would never meet hated me.
Hated. And what they thought about me was completely out of my
control' p. 168. As the plot unfolds April bravely tries to counter
the negativity and fear using the power of collaboration and open
communication with the online community, harnessing human talent and
ingenuity beyond individual possibilities and beyond borders.
Hank Green, with his famous author brother John Green, and his own
internet fame as a blogger and YouTube science educator understands
celebrity and contemporary culture better than most and the
technical side of the story was refreshingly thorough. April is an
engaging narrator, wryly acknowledging the compromises and mistakes
she makes but sometimes the author's commentary on the strengths and
weaknesses of contemporary culture gets in the way of the story.
Set in today's globally connected world this is a relevant book for
a wide range of readers, from young adults who might be warned of
exploitation, to older readers who might discover the true extent of
the online world and how it impacts our lives.
Sue Speck
The funny life of pets by James Campbell
Ill. by Rob Jones. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408889947
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Pets; Humour. Written with the
potential for choosing your own path through the muddle of
information and complete fabrication related to pets and owning
pets, this is essentially a book of nonsense. Campbell obviously has
a great sense of humour that would appeal to the generation that
loves fart jokes and stories about poo and is mildly interested in
animals. Note: serious interest in animals should automatically
preclude you from reading this book, and certainly it should never
be used as a source of reliable information for a school project!
But this information is clearly spelled out in the introduction. The
quirky illustrations (similar in style to Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
would instantly reveal that this book is designed to amuse and not
educate. Young people will probably enjoy the silly humour, but this
is not a work of great literature, and the constant references to
the disgusting things that animals do may offend animal lovers and
some adults. There are certainly many times when the 'facts' are
fake and the animals are the work of an active imagination.
Recommended with caution, as diversionary reading material for the
reluctant reader who likes animals and who says they want a funny
book. But if you want them to avoid reading material that mentions
poo, bottom-burps and bums this may not be a book to put in their
hands. But don't be surprised if their best friend shares it with
them!
Carolyn Hull
Mirror Mirror by Cara Delevingne (with Rowan Coleman)
Trapeze, 2017. ISBN 9781409172758
(Ages 16+) Highly recommended. Red, Naomi, Leo and Rose are four
misfits who become the closest of friends upon the formation of
their band, Mirror Mirror. Band rehearsal is an escape for all four,
giving them momentary freedom from the hardships they face in their
regular lives. Red has an alcoholic mother and often absent father,
Leo's criminal brother encourages him to follow in his footsteps,
Rose uses alcohol and boys to numb her painful past and Naomi runs
away from home to finally be free. Just as the band are coming to
terms with their group identity and feel as close as a family, Naomi
goes missing and subsequently turns up half dead in the Thames. The
police believe that she did this to herself but Red begins to find
clues suggesting that things are not as they seem. The trio decide
that they must take matters into their own hands to truly find out
what happened to Naomi.
A tale of determination, mystery and friendship in the face of
adversity, this novel reminds its reader that they are stronger than
they know and can make a difference in this world. In her debut
novel, Delevingne presents realistic characters, deep emotional
twists and an all-round inspiring story. Through Red, the reader is
brought on a journey of self-discovery while learning some powerful
messages along the way.
A beautiful yet sorrowful story that truly captures the turbulence
that is our teenage years.
Daniella Chiarolli
Girls of paper and fire by Natasha Ngan
Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781473692190
(Age: senior secondary) Highly recommended. Not suitable for young
readers. Contains scenes of violence and sexual assault (not
described but heavily implied). Themes: YA, fantasy, LGBT+.
Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted
class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by
the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are
back and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl with the golden
eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and
eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's
consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her
forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that
threatens her world's entire way of life and Lei, still the
wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she's willing
to go for justice and revenge. Girls of Paper and Fire is an intriguing analysis of
significant societal issues including racism, abuse, and consent,
with Ngan's writing opening many pathways for discussion. The
characters come from various Asian backgrounds and are diverse and
complex, a brilliant example of well-rounded representation. Their
unique, masterfully crafted backstories and motives allow the reader
to connect and identify with the struggles of both main and minor
characters. Lei's characterisation and continued defiance of the
oppressive ruling system emphasised the importance of continuously
opposing injustice and never giving in to despair. Ngan's
description of the way Lei fell in love was beautifully written and
philosophical, revealing the great lengths people will go to for
people they care about. While the story is confronting, it critiques
and challenges these issues and starts much-needed discussions. Ngan
writes with elegance and poise, handling these serious topics with
grace.
Despite the story's dark nature, it conveys positive messages for
people who have experienced traumas similar to those of the paper
girls, detailing the value of healthy relationships, the power of
female strength, and reminds the audience of humanity's ability to
find hope in darkness, to not just survive, but to live through
struggles.
This novel was an engrossing read which, while dark, aims to lift
its readers and remind them of their own power and ability to create
change.
Stephanie Lam
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408889930
(Age: 10+) 'Set your sails east with this stunningly original new
history of the world. Peter Frankopan, number one bestselling author
and historian, explores the connections made by people, trade,
disease, war, religion, adventure, science and technology in this
extraordinary book with a remarkable voyage at its heart - the
journey along the Silk Roads. From ancient world laws laid down by
Kind Hammurabi and the mighty Persian empire, to terrifying Huns,
the rise of Europe, two world wars and politics today, The Silk
Roads moves through time and history sewing the threads from
different peoples, empires and continents into a phenomenal history
of the globe.' (Publisher)
This book is absolutely exquisite. The illustrations are to die for
and the detailed accounts of the times in history are informative
and easy to read. The book centres around Europe and the Middle
East, with other countries being mentioned briefly. It begins with
Medieval times and passes through centuries finishing in the 2000s.
Each chapter is divided into an historical period and the
significant events that influenced it. The book does not provide
indepth information about each time, but it does entice the reader
to seek more information. The book is unique in that it delivers the
historical content from an Asian perspective, rather than the
traditional USA and English.
This would be a welcome addition to the collection for readers 10
and up or it would make a beautiful coffee table book.
Kathryn Schumacher
