Reviews

On the free by Coert Voorhees

Carolrhoda Lab, 2017. ISBN 9781512429138
(Age: 15+) Themes: Survival. Disasters. Resilience. Santiago has elected to undertake the Bear Canyon Wilderness Therapy Programme in the Colorado mountains as a diversion from the juvenile justice system. A small party supervised by two counsellors sets off on a demanding trek designed to encourage the attendees to evaluate their lives and take responsibility for the future. Santi's character is brilliantly depicted. He's a good kid who has made a couple of poor decisions which lead to serious consequences. I found myself nodding at the entirely realistic portrayal of a lad lacking parental guidance whose ethnicity and socio-economic background limit his opportunities. When drug offences lead to criminal bad company and a custodial sentence, I groaned, not just because Santi's choices were so obviously flawed, but because this is daily reality for so many young people.
It was also refreshing to see the Wilderness Programme presented as a well-intentioned but slightly delusional attempt to help troubled youths who treated it with some derision. This was partly due to their adolescent cynicism and posturing but also because its organisation and staffing were imperfect.
Victor is another trekker and is a thoroughly unpleasant character who enjoys inflicting discomfort and humiliation on his fellows. Again, the revelation of his past steers the reader to understand and feel compassion for a young man whose future could have been so much happier and more fulfilling.
The interaction and tension between Santi and Victor and other party members is realistically portrayed and a natural disaster which leads the pair to fight for life in the company of Amelia, one of the camp counsellors is entirely plausible.
This is a good survival story which could have been brilliant. The crafting of characters, setting and events in the context of wilderness adventure created a fast-paced and satisfying read which unfortunately lost its way a little after the disaster. The inclusion of another aspect seemed contrived and unnecessary, cluttering a story which was developing nicely on its own.
This is still a worthy read and I know it will appeal to those who enjoy survival stories where individuals have to use skill and resilience to overcome significant physical and mental challenges.
I'd suggest this suits readers 15+ and the text contains some profanity which achieves a nice balance in presenting realistic teenage dialogue which the readership will identify with, but which is not particularly offensive or gratuitous.
Rob Welsh

Little Shaq: Star of the week by Shaquille O'Neal

Ill. by Theodore Taylor III. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781619638822
(Age: 6+) "Little Shaq has always wanted his own kitten, but his parents aren't sure he's responsible enough. When Little Shaq is chosen as his class's Star of the Week, he knows that this is his moment to shine, to prove to his parents that they can count on him. Will Little Shaq be able to show he's ready for his very own pet?" (Publisher)
Written by Shaquille O'Neale and illustrated in colour by Theodore Taylor III, the Little Shaq story is sure to turn into a popular series with young sports enthusiasts. This will fit nicely into the 'quick reads' section as it is set out like a chapter book and will not take the reader long at all to complete. The relatively large text with illustrations interspersed will act as a confidence builder for children striving to read the 'chapter book'.
The book celebrates family, friends and community and the simple language used is tailor-made to the target audience. Not only can Shaquille play basketball, I think he has also hit the nail on the head with this book. Suitable for students aged 6 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher

The untold story of Father Christmas by Alison and Mike Battle

Ill. by Lauren A. Mills. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408892343
"In olden times, when magic still filled the air, there lived a master toymaker and his wife . . ."
So begins this delightful retelling of the story of Father Christmas, beautifully illustrated and set in a land of deep forests, elves and magic.
The kindly toymaker and his wife discover that if you keep your heart full of love and wonder, dreams really do come true . . . .
Who doesn't love a traditional story at Christmas time? A beautifully illustrated and timeless story about how a toymaker and his wife became Mother and Father Christmas for children all over the world. The toy maker is a kind character, always seeing the best in situations, except for one thing - they did not have their own child. With similarities to The Elves and The Shoemaker, the old couple set about making toys for the children in their village. This is a truly beautifully written story that displays the true meaning of Christmas and the act of giving. It would be fantastic to talk to students about being selfless and what one can gain from displaying this quality. I can see the children shouting out 'it's Father Christmas' as I am reading the story as he is described as a toy maker throughout the book and not referred to as this until the very last page in the book. I am a sucker for a traditional story using traditional colours in the illustrations and this did not disappoint me. A welcome addition to the collection of Christmas books.
Kathryn Schumacher

Roald Dahl's George's Marvellous Experiments by Barry Hutchinson

Ill. by Quentin Blake. Penguin Random House, 2017. ISBN 9780141375946
Once upon a time George Kranky decided it was time to get his gruesome, grouchy grandma who had a mouth pinched in like a do's bottom into a better mood by making her some special medicine. But being neither doctor nor scientist, George just combines and cooks things he has on hand - and the results are not as he expects.
Building on from this favourite Dahl tale of George's Marvellous Medicine is this collection of science experiments that might not have the results that George's concoctions had but which will be equally spectacular, just as much fun and importantly, they are all tested and safe (although some adult supervision might be needed.) With chapter titles such as Marvellously Messy, Excellent Eruptions and Vivacious Vehicles and full-colour illustrations by Quentin Blake, this is a science book like no other that is going to appeal to all those who like to explore what-happens-if and spark an interest in things scientific in those who are yet to discover the magic and fun. Experience has shown me that kids are entranced by the 'magic" of chemistry and having seen a result are keen to find out the how and the why so it's a superb one to add to the teacher toolbox too.
And if you're not sure yourself and are not confident following the easy-to-read instructions (which in themselves could serve as a model), start with these:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRksqzQtLY
Too cool for school. And put George's Marvellous Medicine at the top of you class read-aloud list for 2018!
Barbara Braxton

Where's Wally? The totally terrific tin by Martin Handford

Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406374926
A wonderful collection for children from 6 years and up. This Where's Wally? set contains the first 3 books and is beautifully presented in a colourful tin, making it a fantastic present for any young Where's Wally? fan. The three books are Where's Wally?, Where's Wally now? and Where's Wally? The fantastic journey.
Each book invites the reader to not only search the pages for Wally, but also for many of his friends including Wanda, Odlaw and the Wizard Whitebeard. This feature keeps Wally hunters amused for longer and as it's recurrent in the 3 books enables them to build character knowledge and maybe even create their own stories about what they are doing. The back of the book also provides 'The Great Where's Wally?' checklist giving extra objects and people to find.
I really like that each book has a theme, which carries throughout the pages. Each theme can also lead to extra investigation, such as letter writing from book 1 (Where's Wally?), going back in time in book 2 (Where's Wally now?) and fictional/mythical times from book 3 (Where's Wally? The fantastic journey). Each of these keeps Wally hunters interested and searching for more.
The illustrations are wonderful and it is amazing what you can find when delving deep into Martin Handford's drawings! I love the scenes he creates within the pictures - be it two people arguing or small children playing a game. Because you are scouring every inch of the page you come across them often, and they do bring a smile to my face.
Lauren Fountain

Affluence without abundance: The disappearing world of the Bushmen by James Suzman

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781632865724
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Non-fiction. Anthropologist James Suzman has spent many years living and working with the Bushman groups of Namibia and Botswana, southern Africa, providing us with a unique insight into the culture of these hunting and gathering people. He describes them as a group of people who had already discovered the Keynesian economic ideal of a life of satisfied needs without long working hours. He estimates that they may have spent about 15 hours a week securing their nutritional needs. The idea of working to cultivate extra food, or of storing for later, was completely unknown and unnecessary to the Ju/'hoansi. The land always provided for them in some way. The thought that the so-called 'primitive man' could actually have affluence without the endless toil for further wealth is unimaginable to Western society caught in the perpetual cycle of work and accumulation of things.
Suzman's book is fascinating. So many unusual concepts are revealed to us: the idea of equality moderated by jealousy; of empathy with animals but not humanised affection or compassion; a respectful and sharing relationship with predator lions; the environment as a set of relationships that includes everything even litter; satisfied instincts without greed or obesity. Whilst reading, it seemed to me that there may be some overlaps with the values of Australian Aboriginal peoples. There are also some shared problems brought on by loss of land to colonising powers.
There are many interesting characters, some of them revealed in a wonderful collection of colour photographs. The book also includes several maps of the region, an index, and a list of suggested further reading.
Helen Eddy

Safari Pug by Laura James

The adventures of Pug. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408866405
(Age: 7-10) Safari Pug is the third short novel in the series by Laura James, and follows the adventures of Pug who is the (somewhat) adventurous pet of Lady Miranda.
Pug doesn't want to meet a LION. But LADY MIRANDA insists. They've packed a picnic and now they're off on a SAFARI ADVENTURE - but what if wild animals like PUGS for lunch?
This book features a trip to the wildlife park and some encounters with wild animals and a TV celebrity named Arleen Von Bling! While on this adventure we learnt about Sedan chairs (who wouldn't want to arrive at the open range zoo in one of those!), running footman and the ferocity of lion parents when met with a threat to their cub. Pug tries to be a hero (whilst not ending up as Lion's lunch or sold by Arleen Von Bling) and attempts to help out his new cub friend - luckily a happy ending ensues.
I thought this was a great short story as did my 7 year old son. It was long enough to read over a few nights (2-3 chapters per night), and short enough to hold his attention. The main character Pug is very well written in this book, and I felt like he was possibly put in adventurous situations by Lady Miranda when he would probably rather just hang around his mansion snoozing! The illustrations by Eglantine Ceulemans added great insight into Pug's life and we enjoyed the expressions of the characters. They really add to the narrative and bring it all to life.
This book would be great for a beginner independent reader (approximately 7 years old); as the chapters are relatively short and the character names are repeated throughout the story often. We are keen to seek out the previous two books Captain Pug and Cowboy Pug to find out more about the luxurious life of Pug and Lady Miranda.
Lauren Fountain

Nothing by Annie Barrows

Greenwillow Books, 2017. ISBN 9780062796516
(Age: Senior secondary) Strong language. Drug and alcohol references. "Really, this book is about me, Charlotte, and my friend, Frankie, and some stuff that happened to us last Christmas. It wasn't anything amazing. Trust me on this one. But I, personally, am tired of reading about abused/drug-addicted/depressed/alien-infested teens. And-also personally-I think Frankie and I are pretty funny. Actually, I think we're hilarious, but that could be a me-thing. So if you want to read about some not-incredible-but-not-entirely-basic fifteen-year-old girls, then this book is for you!" Publisher.
Written by the bestselling co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the author of the award-winning and bestselling Ivy + Bean books the reader would expect some hilarious moments and interesting writing and they won't be disappointed. In an article on Goodreads, the author states that the theme of all her books is the message that: 'You don't need to get better. You're already fine the way you are' and the reader will find that is true as they read about the life of 15 year old Charlotte and Frankie in Nothing.
The theme of friendship is a very strong one and the reader will become engrossed in how Frankie and Charlotte support each other, and how their families support them as well. There is a refreshing realism to the story that teens are sure to appreciate and much to smile about.
Pat Pledger

The wolf, the duck and the mouse by Mac Barnett

Ill. by Jon Klassen. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406377798
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Animals, Survival, Interdependence. When the wolf eats the mouse he finds in the forest, he is at a loss as to understand what is going on in his stomach. The mouse finds a duck in its bed inside the stomach and on enquiring finds that the duck lives there quite peacefully, safe from any nasty things which may want to eat him outside. After all, he may have been swallowed but he has no intention of being eaten. Together the two have breakfast and mouse asks if he can stay. Life looks quite good. When their rousing keeps the wolf awake, they ask for more things, some wine and candles to celebrate their companionship. Wolf obliges but when he falls down through the pain in his stomach he is seen by a hunter who fires at him.
The mouse and the duck realise that they must do something to keep the wolf safe, after all their lives depend upon his safety.
With all the hallmarks of a fable, the wolf learns that the three are dependent upon each other for their survival. The duck and the mouse cleverly work out how to live without fear and the wolf must put up with the occasional rumble in his stomach to have them help him in return.
The illustrations are glorious, a mix of media presents the sepia colours of the forest and the animals. An occasional bright spot of colour appears in the dark of the stomach with a tablecloth contrasting with the gloom, and the check of the hunter's shirt standing out against the muted shades of the forest. I loved looking at the small details contained within the stomach, laughing out loud at the situation of a wolf swallowing a variety of things to keep his guests happy.
Their interdependence will intrigue younger readers and they will laugh at the situation where the wolf must go to great lengths to survive.
Fran Knight

Dotty Detective: The paw print puzzle by Clara Vulliamy

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008132453
(Age: Beginning independent readers) Inspired by their favourite television character Fred Fantastic, Ace Detective, Dotty and her best friend Beans have formed the Join The Dots Detective Agency. They have special badges that they wear underneath their coat collars so they don't blow their cover and are ably assisted by Dotty's dog McClusky to solve mysteries that seem to occur. They are guided by Fred Fantastic's tenets of :
1. Stay Frosty. Always be on the lookout.
2. Follow That Hunch. If you've got a funny feeling you may be onto something important.
3. Use Your Noodle. Think.
4. A Light Bulb Moment. A sudden genius idea.
5. Get Proof. You must have the evidence before you can solve your case.
6. Jeepers Creepers. Use your Peepers.
In this episode they set out to solve the strange noises that Dotty hears in her hallway at night. When she opens her door and can't see anything she is almost convinced to believe in ghosts and that her house is haunted. But by using the clues, conveyed through secret notes written in invisible writing, they are able to identify what is really going on . . .
This is a series that is perfect for the newly independent reader with its layout, illustrations, larger font, shorter chapters and humour. The pace is rapid and the use of a variety of fonts highlights key ideas and actions without the need for a host of words. Girls will relate to her feisty nature but boys will also find the situations familiar and appealing. Others in the series are The Midnight Mystery, and The Lost Puppy.
A worthwhile new series to get for those who are beginning their independent reading journey.
Barbara Braxton

The last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

Orion, 2017. ISBN 9781473218130
(Age: 14+)Fantasy. In a well-written and well-constructed narrative, Ciccarelli draws us into the interconnected lives of the royal family, the slaves, the cousins and the dragons. This world resembles our world in its jealousies, love, family feuds, its enmity towards those outside 'our' world.
We are plunged into the intimate world of Asha, the Iskari, whose recent action, slaying a dragon, must be concealed, as should the burn she bears as a result of her killing this dragon. Controlled yet passionate, beautiful and unattainable, she is in a state of fear, of tension and of anxiety about what she has done, in her transgression, and what she must do to both cover this up and be ready for the next stage in her life.
These characters are drawn so finely, their world so rich in detail, the presence of the dragons as willful, strong aggressors that must be tamed or silenced, that we conceive of this world as possible. Not unlike our world, this world is full of envy, of family disruption and jealousy, of the normal human frailties and love, of honour and betrayal. It is a good read for those who love a story that rings so true and that lifts us out of our world for a brief time, to both puzzle and entertain us.
Liz Bondar

Build the Dragon by Dugald Steer

Wolf children by Paul Dowswell

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408858516
(Age: 13+) It is July 1945, Hitler's Third Reich has fallen, and Berlin is in ruins. Living on the edge of survival in the cellar of an abandoned hospital, Otto and his ragtag gang of kids have banded together in the desperate, bombed-out city. The war may be over, but danger lurks in the shadows of the wreckage.
Caught between invading armies, ruthless gangs and the constant threat of starvation, Otto and his friends must learn to stay alive.
But the Nazi regime left psychological wounds that are slow to heal: rifts arise in their little group and terrible secrets surface when a sinister figure emerges from the darkness.
Dowsell has created a masterpiece that draws on themes such as searching for the truth, friendship and survival against the odds. After living through the horrors of war, the children are now trying to find a life that resembles some sort of normalcy in Russian-occupied Berlin. There are a number of strong characters in the book, none more so than Ulrich. He is in constant turmoil between the brainwashing he received in the Hitler Youth and the reality of how he is now forced to live. Ulrich still clings to the ideology of the 'Master Race' but, in reality he is beginning to question this.
This is definitely a YA novel as it tackles some issues that would not be suitable for readers younger than 13. It would be a positive addition to the library collection on World War 2, particularly as it exposes experiences of children on all sides.
Kathryn Schumacher

The princess in black: Three smashing adventures by Shannon and Dean Hale

Ill. by LeUyen Pham. Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763697778
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Humour. Monsters. Adventure. Superheroes. Getting a monster to return underground where it belongs is not a task allocated to a pretty Princess in Pink, Magnolia, replete with tinkering glass slippers and a tiara. But it is just the right task for the Princess in Black, her alter ego, who can change her clothes in an instant, and leap onto her charger, a few minutes before a unicorn in the paddock calmly chewing the grass. But things do not have quite the same ring as a superhero, for the princess must change into her new guise in the broom closet, slide down a channel built into the castle walls to meet her horse outside the castle walls. Once on the go, she meets up with the goat boy, Duff, trying to protect his goats from the blue monster which has appeared above ground. It cannot remember just why it should not go outside the underground cave where it belongs but soon recalls the reason when the Princess in Back forces a reminder. While she is away the nosey Duchess Wigtower snoops around her castle, adding another layer to the story, with humorous results. The illustrations add to the story, splitting up the text for newer readers, and adding a level of visual literacy that is inviting and fun.
This series turns around the idea of superheroes, with Princess Magnolia changing from her pink outfit to the black to defeat her enemies. The princess in black is the first in the series, followed by The Princess in black and the perfect princess party and The Princess in black and the hungry bunny horde while at the back of the book there are pictures of several more in the series.
Each is funny, adventurous and involving. They will appeal to younger new confident readers.
Fran Knight

Discovery Globe: Build-Your-Own Globe Kit by Leon Gray

Ill. by Sarah Edmonds. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406378474
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Themes: Geography, Globes, Exploration. A beautifully designed and constructed model of a world globe comes complete with a book, A world explorer's guide, which will give many happy and profitable hours of fun for any avid model maker or person who is interested in the world and Geography.
The explorer's guide is what the reader will find when the sturdy box is first opened and on reading will discover many topics including information about the earth, its biomes, water, natural wonders, animals, megacities, sports and arts just to mention a few in the easy to follow Contents page. Instructions are given how to use The explorer's guide and how to make the globe. The globe itself is made out of sturdy cardboard and will spin around. Adult assistance will probably be needed when constructing the globe but it is well worth spending the time to make it as it opens the doors to much new and interesting information from natural wonders to famous people and the book can then be used to find further information.
Children will enjoy making the globe and spending time with a helpful adult, learning lots of new information and skills along the way. This would make a wonderful gift for the curious child and any adult who enjoys model making will love it as well.
Pat Pledger