Reviews

Why do cats have tails? by David Ling

Ill. by Stephanie Thatcher. Starfish Bay Children's Books, 2016 ISBN 9781760360085
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Cats. Pets. Problem solving. Surrounded by their family's cats the little girls ask their Grandpa why the cats have tails. Grandpa thinks up some wonderful reasons which will bring gales of laughter to the listening crowd. He suggests that they might use them to swing through the trees, but the girls tell him that this is the reason monkeys have tails. He then suggests that they could use them to swish away the flies, but the girls tell him that cows use their tails in this way. Perhaps the tail helps them swim faster, he says, but no, cats don't like to swim. Suppose the cat uses his tail as a warning, but no say the girls, rattlesnakes do that. Grandpa then asks the girls to offer a suggestion and this is one the readers will discuss as they finish the book. The pastel illustrations add warmth to the story, but are a little washed out in my review copy. I do like the cat's paw endpapers. First published in New Zealand by Deep Creek Press in 2015.
Fran Knight

Animasaurus: Incredible animals that roamed the Earth by Tracey Turner

Ill. by Harriet Russell. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408884850
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Animasaurus is a prehistoric compendium filled with fascinating facts about the plant-eaters, sea creatures, predators and creepy crawlies that once inhabited the Earth. Discover amazing information, their statistics, habitats, diet, size and weight and compare these with photos of modern day relatives.
Unusual dinosaurs not commonly known such as the Therizinosaurus lived on the Mongolian Plains 75 million years ago scared predators away with its metre long claws. The fossils of Gigantopithecus or giant ape were discovered in India and Southeast Asia. They grew to three metres in height, had big teeth just right for their vegetarian diet. Deep under the sea Cameroceras, nine-metre long shellfish with metre long tentacles and sharp beaks used a jet-propulsion swimming style to stalk their prey. Animals that are more familiar are included as well -Giant Kangaroos, Woolly Mammoths and Megaladons great white sharks.
Each double-page spread includes an introduction, exploration of the animal's features, a map, timeline and size comparison to a human. Centred on bold backgrounds of earth, sea and sky tones are Harriet Russell's simplistic creature drawings.
As part of the Earth and Space Science strand of the Australian Science curriculum, Animasaurus links to geological processes and history, the fossil record and past environmental conditions and changes over time. This non-fiction volume provides information suited to student research projects and enquiry-based learning. Fans of scientific encyclopaedias and budding palaeontologists will also enjoy this book.
Rhyllis Bignell

The last beginning by Lauren James

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406358063
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Clove Sutcliffe is determined to solve the mystery of Katherine and Matthew who vanished 16 years ago only to be reincarnated at every key point in history. As Clove follows her quarry from life to life, historical era to historical era, it seems that she too is being stalked. Ella is as enigmatic as the mysteries Clove must solve to unravel the past and secure her future.
The sequel to The Next Together, Lauren James's debut novel, The Last Beginning, is a fitting follow on. The characters are believable and the literary devices used at the beginning of each chapter add credibility and interest. The book also provides satisfying links with its prequel allowing for a truly satisfying conclusion.
Ros Lange

Hilda and the Stone Forest by Luke Pearson

Hilda series, bk. 5. Flying Eye Books, 2016. ISBN 9781909263741
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Luke Pearson's fantasy adventure series stars Hilda the lively, blue-haired young girl, her pet deerfox Twig and Tontu a house spirit who can walk through walls. In Hilda and the Stone Forest she is swept up into the magical adventures of her house spirit's world, chasing little nisse-sprites through the forest of trolls. Hilda's mother becomes worried at her disappearances and her dishevelled appearances and suspects her daughter is lying. Sent to her room as a punishment, Hilda sneaks out of her window to take an enchanting flight on the back of the magic raven with her friend Frida. Grounded, for three days, Hilda watches the world from her bedroom window as the troll fires burn on the mountain.
While trying to stop Hilda from escaping through the wall with Tontu, mother, daughter and Twig fly through the air and land in the strange, shadowy forest of the trolls. Their journey takes them deep into the mountain inhabited by trolls, where they learn to rely on each other's abilities. Fantastical creatures, trolls with two heads, a baby troll, worms with giant teeth and threatening landscapes with rock falls, dead ends and dark caves prove dangerous for Hilda and her mother. With the help of Twig and surprising assistance from an unexpected character, they finally return to the safety of their home in Trolberg.
Pearson's graphic novels are dynamic and fast-paced with his creative illustrations displaying his understanding of connectivity to space, time and movement. There is an energy created by images that wrap around, with the unexpected placement of action panels and diagonal lines, which burst across the page pushing the action forward. The characters move across, up, down, defy gravity and burst out from the scenes with minimal speech bubbles; the reader is immersed in the drama. Pearson's use of a muted palette is visually engaging with swathes of colours, greys, reds, earth tones, leaf greens, colouring the characters and their backgrounds.
Hilda and the Stone Forest ends with the assurance of more magical stories to come.
Rhyllis Bignell

Chronologica: the incredible years that defined history compiled by the Whitaker's Almanack team

Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781472932945
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a rather nerdy child. I had quite the obsession with books of 'general knowledge' and random facts and perused them for hours. Clearly, why I love trivia competitions so much now.
Since December 1868, the famous Whitaker's Almanack has been published in the UK chockfull of all the year's happenings. As an iconic publication, the work has been referenced in other literary texts from Stoker's Dracula to Fleming's Moonraker. This volume spans 100 years and devotes three pages to each year featured covering several topics. For example, 1789 - why was this year important? George Washington was elected as the first American president, sailors mutinied on HMS Bounty and the storming of the Bastille initiated the French Revolution.
I have had such fun 'dipping' into it over the past few days and I know that kids with similar tastes will love doing so as well.
There is something to fascinate all types of tastes from popular culture (when was Nintendo founded, the creation of the first pizza) to more serious historical events.
For your non-fiction reader, this would be a terrific addition to Christmas shopping and would certainly keep him/her absorbed for quite some time over the holidays!
Highly recommended for children from around ten upwards.
Sue Warren

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

Watch out for muddy puddles by Ben Faulks

Ill. by Ben Cort. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408867204
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Humour, Water, Rhyming story. English readers know well the author of this rollicking rhyming story, as he appears as Mr Bloom in the TV show for kids, Mr Bloom's Nursery. Australian audiences need not be concerned however as the story of a young boy splashing through puddles with his wellington boots, warned to watch out for what lies beneath the surface, will grab the readers' attention as he plays in the water. From crocodiles, to two frogs kissing, to pirates and polar bears, each thing lurking beneath the surface could be there to catch an unwary child.
But treading on the water sees the boy swirling down underneath the surface to find out what lies below. He goes through layers of all sorts of things including fossils and granite but the worst thing of all to find in a puddle is the big bad rubber ducky. The children run as fast as they can from this monster until they come to a puddle that is just their size, and splash around in it most unconcerned, but watch out for it may contain more than you think.
With rollicking rhyme to read aloud, great illustrations to ponder over, I can imagine kids calling out in anticipation of something that lurks beneath the surface of the puddle. And wouldn't it be fun to read this on a rainy day then go out with your boots and try it out.
Fran Knight

Let's go for a drive by Mo Willems

Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 9781406373578
(AGe: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Friendship; Creativity. Elephant has lots of good ideas . . . and Pig is good at seeing them through. With delightful repetition, the two friends come up with all they need for a drive. Almost! Fortunately Piggie is clever enough to come up with an alternate plan, and the two friends can enjoy their planning after all. With Mo Willems delightful and gentle humour, and simple illustrations, this is a book that young children will love. The winner in this book is friendship and creative thinking!
Recommended for aged 3+ (Older children will also love the quirkiness!)
Carolyn Hull

River Rose and the magical lullaby by Kelly Clarkson

Ill. by Laura Hughes. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008211806
(Age: 2-5) Themes: Lullabies, Adventures, Fantasy. Kelly Clarkson, American Idol and Grammy Award winner has authored her first picture book, based on a lullaby she wrote for her daughter River Rose. This whimsical rhyming story introduces a young girl who loves singing, dancing and her puppy friend Joplin. Tomorrow River Rose is visiting the zoo for the first time and cannot contain her excitement. Her mother sits beside her in bed and sings a special lullaby to her daughter.
Every night you lie with me.
When I wake you're still here.
I don't know if I ever could find
someone as kind and dear.
In the middle of the night, River Rose is awakened by the squeaky sound of magical balloons ready to sweep off to the zoo where the animals are having a fun party. She hops across lily pads, plays hopscotch with a hippo, takes a ride on a zebra, enjoys a giant fudge sundae and happily shares a carousel ride with Joplin. After a nap with the polar bears, River Rose remembers the soft refrain of her special song and ends her adventure tucked in her own bed.
Laura Hughes bright energetic paintings bring the enchanting story to life. Kelly Clarkson's gentle, soothing lullaby is available online. This delightful story is just right for sharing as a bedtime story. A link to Clarkson's song is provided on the back cover.
Rhyllis Bignell

Caleb's cab by Sally Chomet

Ill. by Sylvain Chomet. Walker, 2016. ISBN 9781406342277
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Husband and wife team, writer Sally and comic-book illustrator Sylvain Chomet have previously collaborated on animated films - Belleville rendezvous and The illusionist. In Caleb's cab they have created another fantasy adventure story with the central character Caleb searching for his father in a dark world, where children have disappeared and hope has been lost.
Mopsy, Caleb's mother has given up hope; her husband has disappeared and she is at the mercy of evil loan sharks. Caleb is left to his own devices, forced to make meals like spam curry and take his dad's taxi out after dark looking for fares. He disguises himself with a large fake moustache, peak cap and trench coat. Their town Fethererham is rundown, municipal buildings closed, the airport abandoned and the only children and teenagers remaining are the SODs - Spoilt Over-educated Delinquents. Parents have been forced to sign their daughters and sons over to the Money Mongers for C.A.S.H. - Children Acquired to Settle Home Loans. Amongst this bleak setting, Caleb rescues strange Madame Zis from the SOD gang in his taxi, swings a hard left on the steering wheel and lands in an alternate world.
Time slips, Machiavellian enemies, eccentric characters, devious plots and a young hero and his sidekick Myra on a desperate quest to free Caleb's father, release the captive children and restore order to the city.
Sylvain Chomet's animated illustrations incorporate line drawings, painted backgrounds, expressive caricatures and entertaining scenes. Caleb's cab reads like a movie script, each setting ripe for showing on the big screen, with moody backgrounds and the play of evil characters pitted against the central cast.
Rhyllis Bignell

In focus: 101 close ups, cross sections and cutaways by Libby Walden

Little Tiger Press, 2016. ISBN 9781848575059
Twenty years ago one of the most popular series of books in my library featured the cutaway illustrations of Stephen Beisty as the children were fascinated by being able to look beneath the outside of things to see what lay concealed and how these things worked. In this fascinating book compiled by Libby Walden, ten illustrators have placed ten everyday subjects under the microscope to uncover what lies beneath their surface and produced 101 fascinating pictures that are familiar to children and which will fascinate them for hours.
Using the broad headings of Oceans, Home, Earth and Space, Landmarks, Nature, Everyday Objects, Buildings, Fruit and Vegetables, Animals and Transport, they can explore the workings of everything from a shark to the Statue of Liberty to the inside of a banana in close-ups, cross-sections and cutaways. They can even discover how their toilet works!
Even though the book nominally has 26 pages, each opens out to a double spread giving each topic six pages of fascinating information. On the exterior of the gatefold is an illustration of a number of objects and then by opening it, the interior of each object is exposed, a clever design technique that adds to the notion of peeking inside. Because the captions are brief and sometimes technical this is more suited to the independent reader who can use it as a starter to find out more, but nevertheless would still be good in the hands of an adult and child who is curious and just wants a simple explanation.
Another example of why and how we can keep our print collections vibrant and interesting. A perfect adjunct for those with a makerspace in the library.
Barbara Braxton

Zog and the flying doctors by Julia Donaldson

Ill. by Axel Scheffler. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781407164953
(Age: 4-6) Recommended. Princess Pearl, Gadabout the Great and Zog the helpful dragon fly across the kingdom assisting the sick. The flying doctors have special roles: 'Princess Pearl gives medicine, pills and vaccinations, while Gad the knight is an expert at field operations.' Zog the dragon is happy to ferry them to the ailing animals and creatures but unfortunately, he needs a little practice in landing. They assist a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with an extra horn and a lion suffering from the flu. Here Zog lights a warm fire to keep his cave warm and Pearl administers a special pill to stop his symptoms.
When Pearl and her friends visit her Uncle's castle, things change dramatically. Pearl is captured and locked up, allowed to sew pretty cushions and make floral arrangements, jobs suited to a princess. Zog and Gadabout try unsuccessfully to rescue her. When the king falls ill and none of the visiting doctors can make him better, it is time for Pearl to send her friends on a mission.
Julia Donaldson's rhyming text is easy to read, and children enjoy predicting the rhyming words - sneeze, cheese and unicorn, horn. When sharing this book with a young audience take time to stop at the scenes where Pearl is imprisoned. Ask them to think of the things that she will need to save her uncle. Astute readers will predict the importance of the Flying Doctor's previous stops.
Axel Scheffler's familiar illustrative style of working with ink, watercolours and coloured pencils brings the vibrant fantasy world to life. Hidden somewhere in the story is Donaldson and Scheffler's most famous character The Gruffalo.
Rhyllis Bignell

Dance with me by Penny Harrison

Ill. by Gwynneth Jones. EK Books, 2016. ISBN 9781925335231
The ballerina lived in a little wooden box and every day she stood straight and tall and danced for the little girl who would laugh and clap her hands and dance like the ballerina herself. But as the years passed, the little girl grew up and the ballerina danced for her less and less, until, eventually, she danced no longer.
So one day she jumped down from her box, skipped out the windowsill to find a new dance partner. But the bee in the flowers was too busy; the turtle on the seashore wasn't a dancer; and the leopard on the island wanted her for his lunch! So the ballerina hurried home to her box and danced one last time for the little girl. But sadly, it was not enough and the lid was closed and the box stored away for many years. Until one day another little girl opened the lid...
This is a poignant story about growing up and the treasured keepsakes we grow beyond as we do so. For while it is the story of the ballerina wanting to do what she loves, it is also the story of those things that we always think of when we think of our childhood and which we know we will pass on to our own children in the hope they will get similar joy. Gwynneth Jones's illustrations are charming - gentle pastels while the ballerina is happy dancing for the girl and a bolder palette as she gets bolder - and feed right into the vision we have when we think about musical boxes with their magic tucked inside.
A great opportunity to talk about memories with our children as well as what they love enough to want to keep for their children, creating bonds across generations.
Barbara Braxton

Penguin problems by Jory John

Ill. by Lane Smith. Walker, 2016. ISBN 9780553513370
(Age: 4-8 and adults) Recommended. Always look on the bright side of life, have an attitude of gratitude, don't worry be happy,
wait, this penguin had definitely not embraced these pearls of wisdom. He addresses us in a bold and in your face manner. His life in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica is a constant cause for complaint; too early, too cold, too noisy even the sea is too salty! This grumpy bird informs us of all the inherent difficulties living in this freezing environment. Underwater there are predators like sharks and leopard seals to avoid; even finding your parents is difficult because every penguin looks the same.
Mr. Walrus stops the little penguin with a monologue filled with sage advice, reminding him about the beauty of his surroundings, the blue of the sky and the warmth of the sun. When Penguin stops to observe the snow capped mountains, he pauses and realises that 'maybe things will work out after all.'
Jory John's penguin character is relatable, as some days children can fall in to the habit of complaining and self-absorption. Lane Smith's icy blue and white landscapes and black underwater settings bring the character to life. The tempo of the story halts when the walrus appears and begins to speak. Is this full page of conversation necessary?
Penguin problems is suitable for families to share and as part of health and wellbeing class activities. Discuss positive thinking, appreciating your everyday surroundings and by showing kindness to others and accepting yourself.
Rhyllis Bignell

Magpie murders by Anthony Horowitz

Orion Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781409158370
Themes: Murder mystery; Truth and Lies. Horowitz is a masterful writer of mysteries and in the Magpie Murders he weaves two stories together - the mystery of the unfinished manuscript by Alan Conway, the renowned Murder Mystery writer, and then the death of that writer in unusual circumstances. Those circumstances though have parallels to the book that he has written. Susan Ryeland, the editor who would normally rework the manuscript making it suitable for publishing, becomes embroiled in the mysteries and her normal joy in having the narrative denouement revealed by the clever but mysterious private detective character (comparable to Hercule Poirot) is hijacked as she takes over the detective role herself in uncovering the missing chapters. The consequence is that we see woven together two stories with many parallels and the reader is forced to predict and disentangle red herrings and attempt to solve the mystery. The original Conway work (and its missing chapters) are set in Post-War England and are very reminiscent of Agatha Christie style murder mysteries; but the work of Ryeland in uncovering the missing chapters and determining if Conway's passing was at his own hand is more contemporary, but still a formulaic Murder mystery tale with an inquisitive and untrusting 'detective' very keen on bringing to light the truth.
For everyone who has enjoyed an Agatha Christie novel or loved watching a British Murder mystery drama on television, this book will entice and appeal. I cannot believe how disappointed I was (joining Ryeland) when the Magpie Murders was not initially solved . . . I too wanted to find a solution. The fact that this occurs half way through the tome should have given me more insight that this book was more than a straightforward story, but don't be surprised with the twists and turns; that is the nature of a murder-mystery!
Carolyn Hull