This story is a magical delight that resonates with power and intrigue! Filled with all the tricks that magic can provide, it also remarkably tells the story of the ‘Fairy Godmother’, aka Farrow, in the Cinderella tale in a completely different way. Imbued with a maturity and complexity that makes this more than just a retelling of the classic fairytale, it also stretches into a commentary on love, revenge and the nature of power and its propensity to distort and warp when selfish interests are in play.
Beginning as a tale of the role of royalty in the non-magical world in a fantasy queendom, it demonstrates that magic, as expressed by the characters in the Entente where Farrow has her place, has become a hated quality. The battle for survival of the magical Entente results in a complex and occasionally twisted and dangerous journey to overcome the power-hungry and bitter Queen Magrit. Farrow’s magical skills have let her down, and her magical sisters with their views of the Past, Present and Future weave a multi-faceted plan to overthrow the Queen. In doing so, they connect to Cinderella and the Prince, and Farrow also discovers that love and magic have a difficult connection. This is such a complex tale that it is very difficult to describe, but it is absolutely awesome! Teenagers and adults alike will fall in love with Danielle Paige’s wonderful wordsmithing. Lovers of dystopian worlds and fantasy romance will especially enjoy this book, but because of its complexity it is definitely for readers aged 14+ who love a little bit of challenge in their reading adventures.
Ask Aunty Seasons: An introduction to First Nations seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews and Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
Hardie Grant Explore, 2023. ISBN: 9781741178852. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Ask Aunty Seasons is a wonderful new release that beautifully tells the story of the seasons of Bardi Country in the Kimberley of Western Australia. Author Aunty Munya Andrews is an Aboriginal Elder who has a responsibility to teach others about her culture and Country. She also co-director of Evolve Communities where she runs cultural awareness training. This stunning book is the first in a series of books by Aunty Munya. The delightful front cover, the informative endpapers and the full page illustrations are striking. The use of traditional colours of land, sea and sky in soft tones adds a sense of gentleness to this engaging story of the seasons.
The traditional four seasons we are familiar with do not necessarily fit in many First Nations cultures. All over Australia, many First Nations people live and interact with seasons differently. In Bardi Country there are six seasons:
1. Mankal (pronounced Mung-al) wet season: January-February 2. Ngaladany (Ngala-dani) wet season ends: February-March 3. Irralboo (Irall-boo) big tides and mosquito season: April-May 4. Barrgan (Barr-gan) bush fruits and dugong season: May-August 5. Jalalay (Jala-lay) fat stingray season: September-October 6. Lalin (La-lin) married turtle season: November-January
As each season is introduced, the reader finds out what sets that season apart from others and its connection to Country. The language of the Bardi people is used throughout with a change of text colour and at the end Aunty Munya explains how to pronounce them and shares further information. There is also a list of two websites for useful information about Indigenous calendars and seasons as well author and illustrator acknowledgements.
This is a must-have book for all school and public libraries.
Themes Seasons, First Nations, Bardi Country, Connections.
With pop-ups, pull-outs, sliders, foldouts and detailed factual information The Sun and the Planets will provide hours of enjoyment for middle primary to early secondary school-aged children. Those readers who are fascinated by space will be intrigued by the interactive aspect of this book that will provide an important tool for further enhancing the understanding of our solar system.
The book begins with some interesting space-related questions and then takes the reader, who is dressed in a spacesuit, on a journey in a make- believe spaceship heading through various atmospheres into outer space. This is followed by a discussion about the Earth. There is information about the ISS (International Space Station) and then comprehensive facts about the sun, leading into day and night, the moon, stars, galaxies and the universe. Each topic that is introduced and discussed is accompanied by well-constructed interactive diagrams that, at times, may require an older person to manipulate and explain how it works.
The background colours used are predominantly black with white writing which adds a dramatic flair. Other bold colours are used throughout to highlight various images of the solar system. The pages discussing astronomy are particularly engaging. The information presented is both relevant and detailed with short interesting facts shared over various pages.
Themes Space, Sun, Stars, Solar System, Galaxy, Universe.
Kathryn Beilby
Space kids: Mars mission by Aleesah Darlison. Illus. by Nancy Bevington
Big Sky, 2023. ISBN: 9781923004047. (Age:7-12) Recommended.
This Sci-fi adventure for kids is set into the future when space investigation has reached another level – trying to find ways to populate and survive well in space. In the year 2088, Nash joins his father on Misty Space Station, but their stay is interrupted by a distress call from the colony of researchers on Mars who are facing extreme difficulties. 11-year-old Nash, plus the other two space kids, KC and Raj, join the small team that includes Nash’s father, all who will assist the Mars colonists, utilising advanced technology to enable transportation. The mission to assist does not go completely smoothly and lives are at risk in the hostile Martian environment.
This Sci-Fi space survival story for kids is exciting and literally ‘out-of-this-world’! Its science is simple for younger readers, but it does address some of the issues of space travel into the future. It also incorporates kid-focused drama in the complications of friendship, issues that are exacerbated by life in space while still being connected to normal life on earth. The children are also remarkably independent and resourceful. Comments are made about the wisdom of establishing a sustainable future for earth, especially in the light of the enormous difficulties of life on Mars. This is a relatively easy-to-read chapter book that could appeal to younger advanced readers with an interest in science, or for older readers up to the age of 12 that might not want to wade through dense text. Darlison is not ponderous about describing difficulties of life in space, and the survival threats and tension in the story are dealt with in a relatively swift manner that avoids alarming younger readers. The cover perhaps is a bit too cartoon-like to imply an older readership, but as the child characters are pre-teens, this would seem to be the target audience.
Themes Space travel, Sci-fi, Futuristic fiction, Mars, Friendship, Sustainability.
Jackie French AM, an acclaimed Australian author, was Australian Children' Laureate in 2014-15. As a teacher and Librarian, this writer has tended to recommend Jackie French for primary and middle school classroom teachers when they are selecting novels to enhance the teaching of history. French's historical fiction brings to life the periods of time that students learn about as they can immerse themselves, through the eyes of the protagonists, into different historical periods. Likewise when students come looking for a good read, this writer has tended to point out the Jackie French section in the library, as anything by French (who writes prolifically and across the genres) is bound to be good!
Secret sparrow is a thought-provoking book based on the undocumented work of young girls and women in WW1 as signallers in France. Such was the shame of the British army about its use of young women during WW1, that they destroyed all documents pertaining to such. As French is an historian, she unearthed references in poems, letters and information from an Irish historian with access to the archives of the Irish Postal Workers Union which had ignored the order to destroy all reference to the WW1 work of these women. Hence Secret sparrow is based on the truth and dedicated to "all the Jean McLains."
Positioning herself as third person narrator, French tells the story of Jean McLain's life with each chapter entitled with its own location and time setting. The story begins in 1978 in rural Burrangong, NSW, with a young boy called Arjun racing to outrun a flood. Jean McLain, our WW1 signaller, now an old lady, rescues Arjun and they endure a life-threatening night submerged in rising, freezing cold floodwaters. In order to sustain the will to survive, Jean tells her story - an excellent authorial contrivance. The following chapter flashes back to Jean's early life as a 16-year-old post-office assistant living in idyllic, rural Butterwood, England in 1917 and her recruitment as a signaller in France as a "21 year-old" to replace male signallers who had been killed. The narrative flashes back and forth from the night of survival in 1978 Burrangong to the trenches of 1917 Rouen and Cambrai and elsewhere/somewhere in France.
The bravery and loyalty of Jean and the soldiers in the trenches is depicted along with the horror of WW1 trench warfare. Woven into this story of adventure and heroism is a love story.
The gradual excavation of the crucial role that women signallers played on the front line in army signal units on the Western Front has been further developed by French in Secret sparrow. French describes in an author's note at the end of the book, the difficulty of finding any information about their work. Being described as "postal workers" the army did not have to give any compensation to these women for permanent incapacitations as a result of their war work. The fact that women did this dangerous work on the front was never made public and they received no commendations or pensions.
Secret Sparrow opens up to the reader the fact of female work on the Western front in WW1 and the crucial role of army communication in war time - both aspects which, as a focus of war documentaries and literature, have been overlooked. The unknown Frontline coder (a sub title) indicates the raison d'etre for Secret Sparrow.
An interesting and accessible read, Secret Sparrow opens up another previously unstudied perspective on WW1.
Themes WW1, Signallers in France, Women's war work, Loyalty.
Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering Ruby for the first time, this special edition is a must-have for any bookshelf. Promising a delightful escape into the enchanting world of Ruby Red Shoes, everyone will be captivated!
Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris by Kate Knapp is a delightful tale that has captured the hearts of readers for a decade, and now, in this special new edition celebrating its tenth anniversary, the charm of Ruby Red Shoes is still undeniable.
At the heart of this beloved book are the exquisite watercolour illustrations that adorn every page. Kate Knapp's artistic expertise brings Ruby's adventures to life with vibrant hues and intricate details. The visuals complement the narrative and elevate the overall reading experience, making it a visual delight for readers of all ages.
The story follows Ruby Red Shoes, a lovable hare with a fondness for her distinctive red shoes. Ruby embarks on a captivating journey to the enchanting city of Paris with her grandmother, Babushka Galushka. The narrative unfolds with a sense of wonder and excitement as Ruby explores the City of Lights with her cousin Felix, encountering its iconic landmarks and savouring its delectable foods.
Ruby records all her adventures along the way and even sends postcards home to her beloved pet chickens. Capturing the excitement of Paris through the eyes of an adventurous hare, readers will be envisaging their own travels and delighting in each of the five senses.
Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris is a celebration of curiosity, friendship, and the joy of exploration. Kate Knapp's storytelling is gentle and captivating, making it an ideal read for both children and adults. The book's enduring popularity over the past decade attests to its timeless appeal for the endearing magic of Ruby Red Shoes.
The fourth book in the Ratbags series continues to entertain young readers with humour, excitement and an action-packed adventure. The Ratbags are on their way to Scum Island for a holiday and before they arrive there they must take a long boat trip. Along the way they encounter seagulls, whales, seasickness and fight off sharks as well as listening to the constant “Are we there yet?”
The checking-in scenario is full of exhausting action and rat-filled enjoyment but finally the Ratbags settle in for the evening. They begin exploring the next day and fortunately the astute and alert Jigsaw is onto the problem of the Falcons, especially Fifi who also fancies Cracker the cat who has followed the Ratbags to the island. A battle for survival ensues, and who will succeed: rats, cats, or falcons?
Throughout the story, humour abounds and with the clever graphic illustrations, the reader is drawn into the mood of the story as well as through some clever tourist icons: the Grand Can-yon (made of cans), the Great Wall of China (teacups), the Empire Plate Building (plates), Bonehenge (bones) and Mount Ever-messed (a mountain of rubbish). In the final pages there is an introduction to the author and illustrator plus a step-by-step guide to drawing the calm and sensible Jigsaw.
Beasts of the Ancient World by Marchella Ward and Asia Orland
DK, 2023. ISBN: 9780241569078. (Age:7+)
The myths, legends and folklore of civilisations, generations and destinations are peppered with stories of brutal beasts and mysterious monsters, and, on the surface, this is a collection of those stories from around the globe. There are stories about fantastic creatures such as the Japanese baku, which had the power to devour nightmares, the wise Egyptian Sphinx, and the fearsome Minotaur who went head-to-head with Theseus in Greek mythology, and a map that shows just how widespread the stories are. Stories are collected under the headings of Our Worst Fears, Battles with Monsters, Kind Beasts and Harnessing the Power of Beasts, and accompanied by colourful illustrations that are not too scary.
But there is also an analysis of why people believe in these creatures, why they evolved and what they actually represent that can persuade the reader to read them through a different lens, seeing the similarities between the stories and the differences in how the beasts were vanquished - if indeed they were. The concept of a monster has been used over time to represent the unknown, dangers and even feelings, particularly fears, often serving as a warning. There is also the suggestion that rather than defeating the beasts that we could perhaps learn to live with them as we begin to understand the origins and purpose of the stories, because "things are never really as simple as brave human defeats monster."
Thus, while younger readers can learn the stories surrounding the monsters so often associated with mythology, more mature readers can start to analyse the back story - what circumstances might have promoted the invention of such a creature, how it might be similar to other stories and why the imagery persists today. Are today's generations very different to those who have gone before?
Stars and Smoke is a thrilling escapist read for anyone who likes fast paced stories about secret agents and pop stars. Winter Young is a global star, with hits all over the world. When the Panacea Group, a covert operation, approach him to infiltrate the inner circle of Eli Morrison, suspected of criminal activities, he knows that this might just give him something worthy to aim for outside of his stardom. Winter has been asked to perform at the birthday party of Morrison's daughter, Penelope, who is a big fan, and Panacea know that this will be the best way to infiltrate the group and gather information to convict him. Sydney Cossette, a young spy, is assigned to Winter as his bodyguard, and they team up to thwart Eli Morrison and his entourage.
The combination of background about the performances and hard work of a touring pop star and the machinations of a spy group make this a riveting read. There is excitement galore as Winter and Sydney attempt to find evidence about Morrison while many twists and turns will keep the reader glued to the page. Winter is charismatic and Sydney feisty and the simmering attraction between the two adds to the allure of the novel.
Fans of Bodyguard and Mission Impossible are sure to love this easy to read thriller that I could visualise being made into a film. I was thrilled to see that there will be a sequel, Icon and Inferno.
Pat Pledger
Britannica's encyclopedia infographica by Andrew Pettie & Conrad Quilty-Harper. Infographics by Valentian D'Efilippo
Britannica Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781913750459. (Age:All from 5+) Highly recommended.
The striking dark green cover with gold lettering and colourful images, will draw the eye to this very appealing encyclopedia. This highly visual book contains thousands of facts and figures about many things with the cleverly presented contents pages using the headings of Space; Land, Sea, Sky; Living Planet; Animals; Human Body; Human World. Also included in the final pages are Sources; Glossary; Scavenger Hunt Answers, Find Out More!; Index; Meet the Team.
In the beginning of the book, the reader is welcomed with the important fact: ‘that around 70 percent of the way our brain perceives the world is visual.’ Within the encyclopedia are 200 infographics and these infographics are a vital way to reveal information to encourage children and adults to remember. The writers have included a vital double page spread explaining how the infographics are organised to clearly present information.
All information is easily accessible and well-spaced; surrounded by infographics in the form of tables, pictures, charts, diagrams, scales, graphs and photographs that are clearly labelled. For example, on page 110 is a table showing the many different shapes of leaves plus the interesting fact that the edge of the leaf is called a margin and there are many different types of margins. On the following page is a table showing the nine very different vein patterns with the arrangement of the veins inside a leaf called venation. Both pages clearly display the information being shared.
Throughout the book are some astounding facts that will capture the interest of young readers. Did you know there are about 1,300,000,000,000,000 earthworms on Earth with the longest measuring 6.7m? Or that tongues have a similar structure to an elephant’s trunk and the arms of an octopus? A surprising fact is that LEGO minifigures overtook the world’s population in 2016 and is steadily growing. In fact there are over a billion more LEGO figures than humans on the Earth!
This colourful and beautifully presented book will be a wonderful asset to a home, school or public library.
Themes Facts, Infographics, Experts, Data.
Kathryn Beilby
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
This special 25th anniversary edition of The Gruffalo with its shiny gold cover is an absolute winner with young children, who may already be familiar with the Gruffalo from the original story, and other books (The Gruffalo’s child and Gruffalo growl) as well as the television series. The text is an absolute joy to read aloud:
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.
And the clever little mouse is a delight as he manages to outwit a fox, an owl, and a snake. But faced with a real Gruffalo what will he do? Can he be clever enough to outsmart such a huge scary animal?
The story with its rhythm and rhyme, as well as the repetition of 'Silly old …! Doesn’t he know? There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo' will have children singing out the refrain. Alex Scheffler’s illustrations bring the narrative to life. The Gruffalo with his claws and horns and tusks is a fabulous monster, while the other creatures are equally engaging.
This edition has extra information at the end, with Julia Donaldson writing about her inspiration for the story, when she read ‘an old Chinese tale about a clever girl who tricks a hungry tiger,’ while Alex Scheffler’s inspiration for the Gruffalo was the idea of a buffalo. There are also instructions for making cupcakes to celebrate the Gruffalo’s birthday, and a QR code will bring up The Gruffalo’s song to listen to, and children will have enormous fun yelling out the last line “He’s a Gruffalo.”
This is a must have children's classic, ideal for home and classroom.
In this second book of the Conjuror series, Ella returns for another year at the Arcanum Training Institute, the amazing magical school for Marvellers, and is reunited with her friends Jason and Brigit. In this instalment there is an even more diverse multicultural mix, with not only the two Conjurers Ella and Jason of African American heritage, but Anh from Vietnam, Luz from Brazil, students from the Navajo nation, and others including some LGBQTI+ not explicitly defined. Commenting on the obvious contrast with Hogwarts, the magical school in the Harry Potter series, Clayton says in a ‘Books for Keeps’ interview that her book ‘includes all the children J.K. Rowling marginalized, stereotyped, and frankly, forgot.’
The Conjurers series is a very magical sparkly world that readers of fantasy will delight in, but at the same time, Clayton introduces some contemporary themes with the school becoming highly policed as ’protection’, and then subject to a close-down due to a strange sickness that seems to gradually overcome the students. When they return there are heightened hygiene and spacing requirements, along with suspicion about the alien group who might be the source of the contamination. In the background there are news articles complaining about Conjurers being allowed into the exclusive Marvellers’ school, posters proclaiming ‘Make the Marvellian World Light Again’, and an election being contested between the current hijab-wearing president Al-Nahwi’s voice calling for uniting people, and the charming Johan Fenris Knudsen I and his message of ‘A Time for Marvellian Greatness is Here!’ Early on Ella had been warned by her mentor Masterji Thakur that ‘the truth is malleable. There are some who look at blue sky and want the world to say it’s green because there’s power in getting people to follow you without question . . . even if it’s a lie.’
The socio-political themes are nevertheless subtle, and the emphasis is most definitely on magic, mystery, and adventure, with the young students racing against time to expose the evil manipulators working against them. This is an exciting sequel for readers who enjoyed the first book The Marvellers, and they may rest assured there will be more instalments to come, and meanwhile there is the online Conjureverse to explore.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Identity, Diversity, Racism, School story.
A much beloved cat which figures in many of the Provensen's works, is now given his own picture book.
The Provensens lived and worked for many years at Maple Hill Farm in the state of New York , producing over forty picture books, half of which they also wrote. Many of these won accolades around the world and are considered classics in the pantheon of American children’s literature.
In this book we are introduced to Max, a big, bold cat who was ever hungry, so much so that he grew and grew and grew.
He was also a teasing cat standing on the tail of his long suffering mother, Gooseberry. And he teased the other cats and dogs on the farm, but drew the line at the goats and horse. He loved hunting, setting his eyes upon the chicks, but he was told in no uncertain terms that they were not to be touched.
The wonderful illustrations evoke the personality of this singular cat, big and bold, as he roams the farm, the king of all he surveys. A cheeky face peers out of the pages, only the swinging of his long fat tail betraying his mood.
When night descends we see his natural urge coming to fruition as he goes away from the farm changing his demeanour to be that of a tiger as he sets out on the evening hunt. We have already seen the results of his right time activities in the squirrel tails littering his bed in the stable.
The lovely sepia style illustrations, show a large yellow eyed cat, doing all the things cats do: helping make the bed, upsetting the other animals, strolling though the farmyard, and washing himself all over.
Four pages at the end of the book by the Prevensen’s daughter, Kare Provensen Mitchell talks about her dealings with the cat when she was a child, and talks about life at Maple Hill Farm, giving a warm family togetherness to the story.
Readers may like to check on their library shelves for other examples of the Provensen's work, Our animal friends at Maple Hill Farm, The year at Maple Hill Farm and so on are just two of the many titles.
Themes Alice and Michael Provensen, Cats, Farm life, Family.
Terry Pratchett is a well-known writer of humorous fantasy tales and his creative genius has launched the Discworld series and fantasy worlds with a humorous tinge. Although Pratchett is well known, this book reveals stories that have been well hidden (under pseudonyms or in places that are seldom re-read) and now they are being re-released to the world in this collection of fun. Some of the stories hint at worlds that are precursors to his later works, but they are independently delightful. With magic and quirky characters in tricky circumstances and multiple stories set in the ‘impossibly weird’ location of Blackbury, these are wonderful examples of the short story genre.
I can recommend this anthology of fantasy short stories and would not be surprised if it piqued an interest in Pratchett’s other works. In almost every story there is a smile, chuckle or giggle waiting to escape from the reader. His slightly naughty and eccentric view of humanity and the world will delight young readers aged 15+, but adults would also love this light-hearted reading journey.
Creeping Beauty presents a twist on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. The main character Bitsy is 17 years old and a princess in a land where the expectation is that she will soon marry. Pricking her finger on a spindle, Bitsy enters another world.
This book introduces the reader to a host of unpleasant and fallible characters that lack depth and appear superficial. The context in which they live is not fully developed and the promise of a rich alternate reality is unfulfilled. While aspects of the content would sit better with a YA audience (including the description of extreme violence), the story lends itself to a much younger audience and this ultimately leaves the reader feeling dissatisfied.
The inclusion of the journal writing of the King (Bitsy’s father) provides the reader a window into the world Bitsy has left behind. The reader sees the King as leading the search for princes who will save the princess by waking Bitsy from her slumber.
It is difficult to connect with Bitsy as a main character. Her observations and impressions of the world she has entered are simplistic and do little to expand the understanding or experience of the reader. The use of language is uneven, with Bitsy using turns of phrase that jar and appear disconnected with the time and place.
A persistent theme in the book is the importance of the personal appearance (beauty, youth and clothing). The theme not only remains unchallenged but appears to be confirmed across the story. While Bitsy is not a passive princess, at times the reader feels discomfit with the degree to which Bitsy conforms to gender norms and needs to be saved from fates determined by male behaviour, both in her real life and the alternate reality she falls into.
What has been posited as a feminist take on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale falls short of the mark.
Themes Good and evil, Relationships, Beauty, Multiverse.
