Ill. by Steven Lenton. Simon and Schuster, 2018. ISBN 9781471163838
(Age: 8-11) Recommended. Themes: Fantasy; Hotels: Magic. In a
rollicking and amusing way, Steven Butler has created a fantasy
holiday resort for magical creatures that can only be described as
disgustingly spectacular. The resort is filled with magical and
fantasy oddities, all hosted by Frankie Banister and his family (A
family that has a befuddled, hybrid-ish troll heritage, with some
human qualities too!) The normally smelly and idiosyncratic (and
invisible to normal folk) hotel is turned upside-down (not
literally) when a rather royal goblin decides to make a visit and
creates instant chaos, leading to holes in walls, hand-to-hand
fights, and piratical attacks. All in a day's work in the hotel
industry for the fantasy world!
Written and illustrated in a very humourous style, the author even
talks to his readers in digressions that poke fun at his own family
and at the action that is taking place. It is no wonder that the
book cover includes recommendations from "Tom Gates" author, Liz
Pichon as it will appeal to readers of her books for its silliness.
Certainly not "Harry Potter"-esque in the quality of the fantasy
writing, but absolutely light-hearted and warm imaginary nonsense
that will appeal to young readers.
Recommended for readers aged 8-11
Carolyn Hull
Hello horse by Vivian French
Ill. by Catherine Rayner. Walker Books, 2018 ISBN 9781406349948
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Horses, Overcoming fear,
Confidence. Through an afternoon spent with Shannon the horse owned
by the illustrator of this lovely story, a child learns to overcome
her fear of horses, and learns to ride.
With little steps, Catherine introduces the child to her horse,
Shannon, a horse she has owned for twenty years. The child is given
a carrot to feed the horse, reminded to place it flat on her hand so
the horse can tell what is carrot and what is fingers. She is then
allowed to lead the horse around the paddock, brush and groom her,
and finally to ride her. Each little step brings the child closer to
becoming a friend of the horse, riding her and feeling confident
with the large animal.
French's words tell us of the afternoon with the horse, telling the
reader of why things are done, giving background to the way the
horse is treated, and instructing the reader in the ways of a horse.
So on the pages where the horse is groomed, for example the reader
will not only see what is being done, and read in the story of the
child and Catherine doing this to the horse, but there is
information at the bottom of the page in a different font which
tells the reader the facts of the undertaking and h why it is done.
These facts are on most pages and an index at the end of the story
allows the reader to quickly find the page again.
This beautifully presented picture book with illustrations that will
make every reader want to go out and pat the nearest horse, has a
double page at the end which contains the index, a short piece of
factual information about the horse and its owner, and a reference
to more information along with small illustrations about the brushes
used for grooming.
Readers will love picking up this book, seeing the child take little
steps to overcoming her fear of the horse, and in this way the
reader may equate the role of little steps in overcoming others
worries they may have.
Fran Knight
Herstory: 50 women and girls who shook up the world by Katherine Halligan
Ill. by Sarah Walsh. Nosy Crow, 2018. ISBN 9781788001380
(Age: 8-13) Highly recommended. Themes: Women - Biography. 50
wonderful women feature in this fascinating and gripping book, women
who been leaders, creators, healers, problem solvers and ones who
have inspired and given hope to many. Each of the women is featured
in an illustrated double page spread, which gives a brief outline of
their early life, the challenges that they faced and what they
achieved. The illustrations include photos, quotes and documents as
well as colourful drawings by Sarah Walsh. The table of contents
includes an Introduction, and then lists women under the following
headings: Believe and lead, Imagine and Create, Help and Heal, Think
and Solve, Hope and Overcome. There is a wide range of women
included from ancient times (Hatshepsut, Boudicca) to modern times
(Theresa Kachindamoto, Rogoberta Mechcu, Cathy Freeman and Malala
Yousafzai), and from many countries and backgrounds.
I was especially interested in reading about women whose names were
unfamiliar to me: Theresa Kachindamoto, Malawi chief and children's
rights activist, Elizabeth Blackwell, first Anglo-American female
doctor, Rosalind Franklin, chemist who discovered the structure of
DNA and Katherine Johnson, pioneering NASA mathematician and
physicist. Even reading about those who were familiar to me gave
extra information, like Ada Lovelace's background and education.
Children will be inspired by these biographies, and reading about
the women's challenges and resilience will give them faith that they
too can overcome difficulties with hard work and self-belief.
This would make a welcome addition to the library or classroom.
Pat Pledger
To kill a kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Hot Key Books, 2018. ISBN 9781471407390
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Told in the first person present tense, "To
Kill a Kingdom" follows Lira, a siren princess who is only a few
hearts off ruling the entire ocean, as she rebels against her
mother's reign of cruelty. Having been encouraged most of her life
that human traits were a sign of cowardice, Lira's mistake of
protecting her cousin almost costs Lira her life. Instead she is
forever changed and forced to embrace her 'disgusting' humanity -
her only opportunity for redemption being to return with the heart
of Prince Elian, the notorious siren hunter and heir to the golden
kingdom of Midas. But is embracing her humanity such a bad thing for
Lira? Particularly when the prince is devastatingly handsome and
enchanted with her human looks. And what is Prince Elian planning
now that he's sailing with only half his crew? Is there another way
for Lira to return to her siren self?
Christo weaves a story which runs in parallel to "The Little
Mermaid", using many familiar plot points interspersed with the
murderous nature of sirens. "To Kill a Kingdom" is, as the cover
betrays, in the same vein as works by Sarah J. Maas and Leigh
Bardugo. It deals with coming of age issues, political games, and
the importance of compassion, loyalty, and kindness. While Lira's
mother is painted as an evil sea witch, the novel could also be
taken as a lesson in dealing with bullying and the pressures of
someone determined to inform the way you think. I would recommend to
girls aged twelve and up who like fantasy and fairy-tale retellings.
Kayla Gaskell
Leah on the offbeat by Becky Albertalli
Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780241331057
(Age: 14 +) Recommended. Themes: School friendships. LGBT. Sequel to
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. The story is set around Leah
and her friendship group in the last year of high school. Leah loves
her drawing, music and drumming but the tensions of finding her way
and conscious of being bisexual is constantly on her mind. She is
not sure about the attraction she feels to a girlfriend in her
group, especially when this girl has a boyfriend.
Leah's life as an only child to a single Mum is so different to the
privileged lives of her friends. This has no effect on her tight
friendship group throughout high school, even though she sometimes
feels it. Simon, her best friend, is openly gay and is in a
relationship within her group. A disagreement about racism with one
friend leads to fights and disharmony. The realisation of senior
year friendships coming to an end as they will be going their
separate ways after Prom adds to her confusion. Leah stuggles with
her feelings and emotions and the reader can sympathise and gain an
understanding of the issues she is facing with her sexuality.
This is an American teenage novel but we can find similarities with
the School Prom and our year 12 formal.
I enjoyed the pace of this book and it was engaging. It gave me a
clear insight into the issues and emotions of teenage sexuality. It
will certainly be picked up by the readers who enjoyed the first
book which has been made into a movie "Love, Simon". Rating: 8/10
Debra Pepper
Roald Dahl's 123 illustrated by Quentin Blake
Penguin Random House, 2018. ISBN 9780241330364
(Age: 1-5) Quentin Blake brings his unique illustrations to
this early counting book. He even borrows from his previous work,
with his distinctive enormous crocodile featuring on each page. The
word 'chiddler' (meaning child) as coined by Roald Dahl in The BFG
is also used. The board book counts chiddlers from one to five ('1
little chiddler going for a walk. 2 little chiddlers waiting for
their friend'). Each page also asks the reader to spot the enormous
crocodile that is badly hidden within the illustration ('Can you
spot 1 enormous crocodile hiding in the grass?'). The illustrations
are funny in parts: when the crocodile pretends to be a carousel
animal or a coconut tree for example. The numerals are large and
bold to help with number recognition and the pages are not too busy.
This will enable readers to easily count the children (or chiddlers)
on each page. The ending is clever as it is implied that the
crocodile eats the children but the last page lifts out for a double
spread to show the children all fleeing from the enormous crocodile
who just missed them with his snapping jaws. This is a simple but
fun counting book and a nice introduction to the illustrative genius
of Quentin Blake.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Roald Dahl's opposites ill. by Quentin Blake
Penguin Random House, 2018. ISBN 9780241330555
(Ages: 1-5) Board book. Opposites. Lift-the-flaps. Each double page
spread of this concept board book features one set of opposites
(big, little; empty, full; tall, short; right way up, upside down;
day time, night time; etc.) The words are accompanied by illustrated
and often humourous examples (e.g., the enormous crocodile with his
jaws wide open and then with them closed upon the feathers of a
shocked bird). There are interactive flaps on some pages but not
all.
The distinctive Quentin Blake illustrations (with his signature
enormous crocodile featured on several of the pages) are delightful
as always, with many familiar characters from his popular works
(elephant, pelican, giraffe).
This is a light-hearted introduction to opposites for young
children, not unique in its field but pleasant due to its simplicity
and wit.
Nicole Smith-Forrest
The astonishing colour of after by Emily X. R. Pan
Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781510102965
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Themes: Depression, grief, friendship,
magic, art, culture. Leigh's mother commits suicide and leaves very
little clue as to why. As far as Leigh knew, everything seemed
normal. Or was it? Looking back there may have been signs but
nothing that stood out. Leigh and her father are devastated and try
desperately to find out why Dory (mum) could not stay.
The night before the funeral Leigh's mum comes to her in the form of
a red bird and speaks to her in her mother's voice, a voice she
would know anywhere. And so starts a voyage of discovery for Leigh
which leads her and her father back to Taiwan, her mother's place of
birth in search for answers.
This book addresses depression, immense grief and a myriad of other
emotions, which are described by the use of colours and art right
throughout the book. Leigh and her friend Axel even describe their
moods to each other by referencing colour.
This is a gentle, beautiful story overshadowed at the beginning with
sadness, but as the journey continues, there is hope and
understanding. Leigh's heartbreak is softened by being reunited with
her mother's parents in Taiwan with whom she had never met. Dory had
left the family home under a cloud and the divide had never been
healed before she died. Leigh's connection with Waipo and Waigong
(her grandparents) teaches her about who her mother was and the
culture she grew up in before moving to America. Questions are
answered for Leigh through discovery and persistence.
The connection with her best friend Axel is another beautiful
dimension to the story. Leigh was with Axel at the time her mother
committed suicide and Leigh often dwells on the fact that she may
have been able to stop her mum had she been at home instead. Theirs
is a true friendship that endures the grief and pain right to the
end.
I would recommend this book to those 12+
Gerri Mills
Going to the Volcano by Andy Stanton
Ill. by Miguel Ordonez. Hodder Children's Books, 2018. ISBN
9781444933444
(Age: 3-6) Themes: Rhyming stories, Volcanoes - fiction. Follow
Dwayne and Jane and a cast of colourful and quirky characters on
their journey across the globe to see a volcano. Andy Stanton's
super rhyming story gathers a cast of silly characters, aliens,
rabbits, cheerleaders, dinosaurs and a marching band, together with
two intrepid explorers determined to see an active volcano.
Down the lane-o, riding the Great Dane-o, sitting on the train-o,
jumping on a plane-o, the rhymes and ways of travelling become
bigger and funnier as we see their adventure unfold. Even the rain-o
doesn't dampen their enthusiasm. There is a pause in the rhythm of
the story as they gather on the volcano's rim, a perfect opportunity
for the reading audience to predict what happens next. Yes the
ending involves a lesson in safety and a sensible warning!
Miguel Ordonez adds colour and fun with his delightful digital
illustrations, simple characters with silly expressions, aliens,
robots and dinosaurs. Take time to look at the line-up at the end of
the story and see if you can find them on the previous pages.
Andy Stanton's Going to the Volcano is just right for
sharing, the rhyming endings are easy to guess and this fun story is
one that can be re-read and enjoyed.
Rhyllis Bignell
Peg + Cat : The Eid al-Adha Adventure by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson
Candlewick Books, 2018. ISBN 9780763699321
(Age: 3-7) Recommended. "Peg + Cat : The Eid-Adha Aventure" is a
simple, yet interesting story that could be used in so many
different ways. The basis of these stories surround Peg and her
sidekick Cat, who always come across really big problems, and they
generally need to fix them using basic mathematics. As it is also a
TV show on a children's channel many children will be familiar with
the characters and the format of the story. This particular story
has the added features of 2 new friends Yasmin and Amit, and their
favourite cultural holiday Eid-Ahda. This particular holiday
surrounds the notions of giving to those with less, making a smooth
transition to the mathematical themes of less and more (and their
signs < and >).
The friends also have to divide meat into thirds, and use scales to
ensure that their servings are the same. On top of the math concepts
that can be discussed and taught through this book,
teachers/carers/parents could also use this story to look at
different cultural traditions and holidays, how to decipher needs vs
wants and also learning about helping those that need assistance
through illness or hardship.
I really like books that can be both simple, fun stories and a
teaching tool. This enables the listener to purely listen, and
through the enjoyment of the story pick out extra learnings and
understanding. My children (3 and 7) loved this book as they knew
the characters and the format, as well as some of the predictable
phrases. We give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Lauren Fountain
Jake Atlas and the hunt for the Feathered God by Rob Lloyd Jones
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406377712
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Action, Adventure, Twins, Mystery,
Aztec - history. Hunted by international police and hiding from the
evil People of the Snake, treasure hunters and tomb raiders Jake
Atlas and his family are in danger. During this enforced stay in an
English stately home twins Jake and Pan hone their martial art
skills, train in using new developed technology, learn ancient
languages and bicker, argue and question their parents' motives. Why
aren't they searching for the second emerald tablet? When their
friend and tech whiz Sami is poisoned, they are forced by the People
of the Snake to undertake a dangerous mission to discover the tablet
in exchange for a cure.
Their destination is a legendary Aztec tomb dedicated to the god
Quetzalcoatl, hidden in the Honduran rainforest. The Atlas family
must face traitors, bandits, big cats, tarantulas and crocodiles and
learn to rely on other's abilities to help them. Their arguments and
squabbles lead them into deeper trouble as they face monsoon rains
and arduous conditions on their lengthy trek in the jungle. They
barely survive ancient Aztec snares, climb a cliff built from
skulls, leap over a huge waterfall, escape from a trap made out of
swinging blades as the momentum builds to a crescendo.
Rob Lloyd Jones channels Indiana Jones, Lara Croft Tomb Raider and
Alex Rider in this fast-paced action adventure. Each of the main
characters are relatable, Jake's gung-ho attitude means he's quick
to jump into dangerous situations while his sister Pan is a thinker,
skilled in linguistics and a student of history. A family of tomb
raiders and treasure hunters is unique in this fiction genre and
adds a different and realistic perspective. The author's
historically accurate facts are fascinating and eye-opening - the
Aztec's religious practices of human sacrifices and worship of
Quetzalcoatl. Filled with exciting new technology - nano-drones,
smart-goggles and satellite trackers and Biosteel reinforced jungle
suits, "Jake Atlas and the Hunt for the Feathered God" will
appeal to a wide range of readers.
Rhyllis Bignell
The making of Martin Sparrow by Peter Cochrane
Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780670074068
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Set on the Hawkesbury river, a community
struggles to survive in the early years of the New South Wales
Colony.
Emancipated convict Martin Sparrow has led a disastrous life but has
been granted the standard thirty acres of land to farm. Having no
knowledge or experience, Sparrow's agricultural endeavours are
hopeless and he appears to have been set up to fail in the sense
that he cannot possibly meet the Government's produce requirements
or repayments to his creditors.
In 1806, a monstrous flood completely destroys all of his miserable
possessions and produce, prompting him to fantasise about bolting to
the fabled paradise West of the Blue Mountains. Aptly named, Sparrow
is revealed to be physically weak, unremarkable and unable to assert
himself. Lacking a strong sense of identity or purpose, he is
susceptible to suggestion and manipulation by violent men with no
scruples. Naively accepting tales of easy living in nature's bounty,
surrounded by exotic, affectionate women, Sparrow agrees to
accompany desperate men on a shambolic expedition to cross the
mountains to the mythical land of plenty.
Cruelty and suffering appear on many levels in this story. Convicts
struggled in freezing cold and blazing heat to build roads and
infrastructure in a colony clawing for survival. Military overseers
mistreated convicts, free settlers and each other whilst government
administrators profited from the labour and hardship of the convicts
and settlers.
The treatment of the local Dharag people by vicious soldiers and
bloodthirsty settlers is extreme. Foraging for food on their
traditional land is considered theft by settlers who respond with
unspeakable brutality, torturing, raping and murdering without any
consideration of moral or legal restraint.
Some of the female settlers also lead brutal lives, subjected to
sexual violence and exploitation, illegal imprisonment and even
being traded and sold by men who consider them property.
In a landscape filled with harsh individuals trying to eke out an
existence, Sparrow embarks upon his ill-conceived journey and for
the first time in his life comes into contact with solid, decent
people. These include a Romany girl who has been grossly mistreated,
the local constable charged with trying to sort out complex and
dreadful crimes, an eccentric explorer and a kindly landowner.
Fighting to survive in the bush, Sparrow stumbles from one disaster
to another, yet the extreme nature of his adventures and reaching
the point of no return cause him to commence thinking for himself
for the first time in his life. Part of Sparrow's awakening involves
consideration of the welfare of others and he develops a capacity
for moral consideration and altruism which he had not previously
possessed.
Grim in places, this novel is still instantly appealing to those who
enjoy historical fiction. I knew I would enjoy this book from the
outset and was captured and taken on a long, dark journey.
Recommended for age 16+
Rob Welsh
Running on empty by S. E. Durrant
Nosy Crow, 2018. ISBN 9780857637406
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Disability. Athletics.
Family. Grief and loss. Persistence and perseverence. AJ is a pretty
normal kid, trying to work out life after the death of his loving
and gracious grandfather - a man who was a mentor and an inspiration
in his life. This grandfather had created a passion for running in
AJ's life and he was desperate to honour his grandfather's memory by
continuing to run. And... his parents have learning difficulties.
Because of this AJ is very much missing his grandfather's support,
because now he has to take on even more responsibility and try and
avoid any bills that 'have red' on them. AJ also has an Aunty, Uncle
and young cousin, Aisha, in his life. None of them have a problem
with AJ's parents - they are all just people trying to do their very
best; and Aisha just brings joy wherever she goes with her innocent
enthusiasm and honesty. This is the story of the pre-teen AJ as he
adjusts and strives and copes with supporting and caring for his
parents, while trying to make them proud and protecting them from
the worst of reactions from those outside the family, including his
school teachers. AJ also has the added fear that if anyone finds out
that Grandfather can no longer help them, that he might have to be
taken into care. His growth and budding maturity is hinted at in his
insights into how others may react, and in his own misdirected
responses to those around him, but he lacks the discernment that
would save him from some pain.
This is a beautiful story of unconditional love, of people doing
their absolute best in the most trying of circumstances and of one
young boy's fierce loyalty in the face of loss and great difficulty.
This is a book that will inspire, as AJ only knows the richness of
the love he shares in his family. AJ and his parents' honourable
simplicity and naivete will be evident to an older reader, and this
makes this a book that can be enjoyed by older readers. Just as the
two books, The boy in the striped pyjamas and
Wonder communicate complex ideas through a naive
narrator, this book speaks with incredible power through the
youthful voice. A pair of running shoes becomes a powerful symbol of
love, hope and care. This is a 'must read' book, and will be enjoyed
by all who pick it up to read. And please allow young teenagers to
read it too, because they will recognise the themes, but also be
buoyed by the persistence of AJ and his parents despite their lack
of privilege.
Highly recommended for ages 10+
Carolyn Hull
Tropical Terry by Jarvis
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406378627
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Difference. Friendship. Coral reef.
Fish. Terry is an unexciting blue fish swimming amongst the coral of
a coral reef. His large eye watches as the beautiful, differently
coloured coral fish swim by and longs to be with them. They seem to
have all the fun as they swim by in a large group, showing off their
plumage and colours. But Terry's friends, Cilla the crab and Steve
the sea snail, tell him not to worry but to keep playing with them.
They play hide a fish (which Terry is very good at as he blends into
the background so well) and dodge a dolphin, while the coral fish
above swirl around and around. Terry is dismayed, so he takes a fish
net and gathers up a lot of seaweed, asking his friends to help make
him look more interesting.
When they finish making him up, he looks stunning, equaling the coral
fish in appearance and they accept him as one of their own.
The brilliantly coloured illustrations reveal the secrets of a coral
reef with its large numbers of brightly coloured fish, the corals
and seaweed alongside the other sea animals. The colours are
engaging and younger readers will enjoy picking out all the
different things they can see.
But with Terry gamboling amongst the coral fish, going around and
around, a hungry eel passes by targeting the brightest fish he can
see, Terry. Terry must avoid being eaten and his friends Cilla and
Steve call out to him helping him escape the eel.
All ends happily as the coral fish come to realise that appearance
is not all it's cracked up to be, and readers will be able to
discuss concepts such as difference, envy, friendship and keeping up
with the crowd.
Fran Knight
Hello, Horse by Vivian French
Ill. by Catherine Rayner. Nature Story Book. Walker Books,
2018. ISBN 9781406349948
(Age: 5-10) Highly recommended. Themes: Horses, Fear. Another in the
highly successful and exceptionally well produced series, "Nature
Story Book", comes a heart-warming story from popular author Vivian
French and illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine
Rayner. With two such talents, the book can only be beautiful!
The little boy featured in the story meets Shannon, a big brown
horse. Initially he is intimidated by the size of Shannon but
Catherine reassures him that the horse is very friendly and gentle.
As the story develops the boy learns much about horses and gradually
overcomes his fear. By the end of the story the reader sees the
little boy riding along a leafy lane.
On most double page spreads, not only is there the fiction story,
but in different print, there is information about horses'
behaviour, their size, what they eat and how to groom them. At the
back is an index that tells the reader to look at both sets of type
when finding a word, and there is a 'More Information' section.
As a lover of horses, it was immediately evident to me that the
author and illustrator knew and loved horses and this was confirmed
by the 'Author's Note' at the end of the book, which states that
Shannon the lovely bay mare featured in the book is real and has
belonged to Catherine for more than twenty years. Catherine's water
colour illustrations of Shannon the horse are delightful and the
horse's gentle inquisitive nature comes to life as the little boy
gradually gets to know her.
This such a beautiful story that begs to be read aloud at home and
in the classroom. Readers will not only learn about horses but the
story would help children who are fearful of such a large animal and
those familiar with horses will revel in the details found in the
book.
Pat Pledger
