Ella and Olivia: Country School by Yvette Poshoglian Ill. by Danielle McDonald
Scholastic, 2024. ISBN: 9781761292651. (Age:6+)
Designed for those young girls newly arrived at reading chapter books by themselves, these stories about two best friends, Ella and Olivia, will not stretch the imaginations of its readers. Simple stories, simply told, without too much complication will make these an easy read for newly independent readers, wanting to achieve quick success.
?In this the latest in a series of 36 books, Ella and Olivia go on an excursion to a country school. This school is lucky enough to have a number of farm animals, and the girls have the opportunity to feed the chickens, marvel at the horses in their paddock, collect the eggs and pat the lambs.
They have a lovely time, but are concerned when, the lamb goes missing. The gate to his enclosure is open, so the girls follow the trail, finding him in a basket of wool ready for knitting.
Attractively packaged, with clear, simple line drawings, these books (and yes, there are more to come) will have an instant audience in junior primary classes. At the end of the book is a list of all 36 titles, with the prod to collect them all!
A sturdy board book for the very young to bite and chew as a parent reads them the story, encouraging interaction, which promotes the development of language skills and many smiles. In rhyming pairs of lines, the reader is introduced to other babies and the things they love to do. First, we say hello to Jake who loves to make his rattle shake, then we move on to Nic who loves to give his ball a kick.
The book goes on in this vein, encouraging interaction, increasing the child’s comprehension and communication skills, and encouraging a physical response. All these skills are those that are part of a child’s development and reading this book will encourage all of these to be practised.
Bright colourful pages attract young children’s eyes, and the activity shown on each page can be copied by the child.
Baby Kate loves to flick food from her plate, or we say hello to Rory who loves to hear a story. Each pair of pages asks the child to say hello to the child drawn, and these continue to the end of the book when the instruction is turned around, so that the child reading the book can talk about the things they love to do.
The whole encourages participation and interaction. The words ‘say hello’ are used on each page so will become recognised, as do the simple words for the array of things each child loves: hat, food, train for example. Teacher's notes and an activity are available from the publisher.
Themes Interaction, Babies, Communication.
Fran Knight
The majorly awkward BFF dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Lottie Brooks is a slightly odd teenager, but she knows it. In this latest episode of the vagaries and dramas of her life she is enjoying spending time with her boyfriend, but must juggle his attentions and time with him, with maintenance of her group of BFFs (Best Friends Forever). She is also trying to develop a unique style, convince her parents to get a dog and recording the details of her life in her illustrated diary. Everything Lottie touches seems to go slightly awry, and her friendship with Jess seems to have hit a pothole. But Lottie has a heart of gold, and nothing can stay awkward forever… or can it?
This is a charming teen friendship tale, told from the perspective of the central character and illustrated with quirky stick figure characters (added by Lottie herself). Told as diary entry reflections, it reveals a lot about early teen life dramas. Lottie reflects with naive honesty about first kisses, being teased, juggling family experiences and friendship expectations, attending a live concert and hearing big ‘news’ from Jess (who identifies as gay) and Amber (whose parents have separated). The forgiving, humorous and open nature of Lottie and her friends makes this light-hearted journey into UK teen life a pleasure to read. Young readers aged 11-14 will find this an enjoyable reading journey.
Themes Friendship, Family, Relationships, LGBTIQ.
Carolyn Hull
Sleep like death by Kalynn Bayron
Bloomsbury, 2024. ISBN: 9781526641090. (Age:15+)
In a fantasy kingdom that resonates with many fairy tales known through the ages, lives Eve, a princess whose life has been overshadowed by a past deal, done by her mothers, with an evil and powerful oppressor. The deal has enabled them to nurture a daughter, but now they must face the awful consequence of their deal. Can Eve overcome what seems to be inevitable, or must she suffer like so many in her mothers' kingdom with the ruthless actions of the ‘Knight’. With threads of Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and other fairy tales woven into the fabric of the magical drama, there is also a modern day rendering of a robot-like castle that can relocate itself on its metallic legs. All these things create a very different retelling of the fantasy tales from the perspective of the feisty, almost angry, and magical Eve, who feels compelled to destroy the Knight and restore her kingdom and her family from his evil influence.
This is a fairy tale rendering for a new generation. It contains an ominous tone, a romance and some violence in opposition to the evil Knight. There are many fairy tale tropes seen in different lights and this creative reimagining is quite compelling. The unlikely romance is almost the most unbelievable aspect of the story, but suspension of belief is obligatory for fairy tale readers. There is sadness, grief and familial love, as well as magical powers and the obligatory witch-like locals who defy logic. The author, Kaylyn Bayron, has written other fantasy retellings and is keen to introduce black characters and LGBTIQ considerations to the back stories of her characters and plots. For readers aged 15+.
A low-key family Christmas is in the offering until all the 'rellies' invite themselves to Lottie Brooks’ house. Lottie loves presents and the festive season but will she be disappointed this year? What about the strain it will be on her poor mum – the family workhorse. Will Lottie Brooks’ new diary, Volume 6 in this hilarious epistolary series, prove her mettle?
Like most of Lottie’s close friendship group, the popular tween queen is obliged to hold her entire family in contempt for their corny Christmas traditions like “Elf on the Shelf” and her siblings embarrassing smells and gaffs. When her aunts and uncles arrive with 3yr old cousin, Frankie, exhibiting dark behaviours, she has bigger worries, like what gift to buy her classmate for 'secret santa' or her failure to inform her family that she has inadvertently invited an entire French family to Christmas dinner. Despite the allure of handsome Antoine (her new love interest), she is unable to rescind the Christmas holiday offer due to their language barrier. Does she prefer good old Daniel afterall? What a mess!
Katie Kirby’s final book narrated by Lottie Brooks reads like a multimodal diary including dates, times, text messages, thought balloons, lists - even stick figure embellishments. The negative spaces for easy reading, and the quirky hilarious characters make this a quickly digested chapter book to add to the reading log.
Baby Bella shouting 'BUM' in public and Toby convincing Lottie that she had drunk his wee – thankfully a sibling prank, may take the shine off two weeks of no school! But Christmastime for Lottie is guaranteed her most chaotic and amusing diary to complete the series: The extremely embarrassing life, The catastrophic friendship fails, The mega complicated crushes, The totally disastrous school trip and The majorly awkward BFF dramas. Readers particularly 9-13yrs, anybody with a family really, will find this chaotic Christmas instantly relatable.
Sal wants to be a real cowgirl. At home, she feels safe and strong out riding with her pony through the paddocks, up the biggest hills, doing circus tricks and helping out around the farm. But at school she feels anxious, shy and isolated, even though she would dearly love to be brave, strong, wild, smart, kind, fierce, a good friend - like a real cowgirl.. And then one day, she finds the courage to tell the class about her life beyond the school walls, and things start to change...
Told from the perspective of her pony, this is a story to inspire those whose home life is different to their school life to open up to their peers because you never know who might be behind the school-face, particularly during this time when despite the connectivity of the online world, kids can be really disconnected, not popping in and out of neighbourhood homes of friends like previous generations did. There are likely to be all sorts of interests, abilities and talents hidden from view in the schoolyard where it is easy to be alone in a crowd.
Decades ago, when I first began my teaching career I was mentored by an outstanding colleague and I always remember the first lesson I watched her do - she made up a song about being special (I still recall the words and tune) and offered each child the opportunity to tell the class something about themselves that the others didn't know. The impact that it had as the kids shared the stuff that made them unique individuals was amazing, not just on the cohesion of the class but also on my own teaching. I was reminded that I was teaching students not subjects and my job, first and foremost, was to enrich and enhance the person already there by opening up new pathways for them to explore and learn. Perhaps there is a lesson for all of us in this story. Let us make it our job for the Sals to shine.
A book of firsts to make any adult reading it go weak at the knees as they recognise the firsts that their babies achieved. And children will love reading of the milestones in their lives, the same firsts for them and their friends as they learnt to navigate the world they live in.
Each page, with its softly pastel images of a small children soaking up all the things they need to know, practicing and watching, laughing and smiling, seeing what is in the world around them will recall for all readers the steps they have made as they approach one and for older readers they can recall the steps they made in their young lives.
We see a baby being welcomed into the household, that first kiss and first hold. Then the first cry, and the first eye contact, first bath and the first laugh. Celebrations such as the first time grandparents are involved, or the first Christmas, are followed by the first swim and the first flight. Meeting animals is always a first, and meeting friends comes along as the baby learns to interact. Pages of firsts are followed by pages of lasts: the last time you need help to hold the bottle, or the last the baby was swaddled, and the last time they fitted into their onsie.
And at the end of the book, images show what the child will achieve in the future. Today you walk, but tomorrow you will run.
This time goes very quickly, as the last page says, ‘our precious newborn, suddenly one’. The baby has achieved so much in that first year, and birthdays when they come around are precious, but seem to come upon the family suddenly, no matter what age is achieved.
This is a warm hearted look at what a baby achieves during its first year of life. We easily forget the huge range of things they learnt to do, the steps they master, the growth they go through. The gentle words are easily read out loud and older children will love looking at the milestones of their lives as well.
Themes Babies, Development, Humour, Verse.
Fran Knight
Gentlest of wild things by Sarah Underwood
Electric Monkey, 2024. ISBN: 9780008518110. (Age:14+)
One for fantasy lovers, this latest book by Sarah Underwood mixes in Greek mythology, mystery and LGBTQI+ romance. Roughly drawing on the myth of Eros and Psyche, and adding in the monstrosity of a lurking empousa, a shape-shifting creature that feeds on the blood of humans, this story will have readers held until the last page. But the real evil in the story is Leandros, a descendent of the gods, who cruelly abuses the gifts of his trusting daughter Lamia to create a potion that causes imbibers to desire the person before them. In this way he manipulates all around him and maintains his power.
Early on we learn that Alexandra, wife of Leandros, has died a horrifying death, all blood drained from her body. Now, Leandros’ attention turns to the beautiful young Phoebe to become his next wife. However Eirene, Phoebe’s strong-willed twin sister, is determined to prevent that happening and undertakes four seemingly impossible challenges, in order to secure her sister’s freedom. In the process she seeks to find out the secret to Leandros’s magic, and put an end to his malevolent influence. It soon becomes apparent that his sweet disabled daughter Lamia may hold the key.
Underwood includes some content warnings at the beginning: emotional and physical abuse, consumption of blood, ableism, mild gore etc. but surprisingly does not mention self-harm. Lamia repeatedly cuts herself in order to induce tears and emotional angst. It is only through her tears that she is able to wield her magical powers. I found this aspect of her character to be troubling, particularly in light of growing evidence of self-harm among teenagers, and there is not a satisfactory resolution of this issue in the novel. However it is reassuring to see Lamia’s development from a scared and naive girl to become a more independent person confident in her powers, as she learns from her relationship with the headstrong Eirene.
Underwood's combination of mystery and romance is sure to attract readers of mythological fantasy, but for those who prefer a more faithful adaptation of Greek myths I would recommend the feminist retellings by Jennifer Saint and Laura Shepperson.
Mia's world by Amelia Donnelly. Illus. by Jennifer Bouron
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678300. (Age:6-9)
Mia and her classmates are asked to find out more about their cultural background. Mia is confused as to whether she is Spanish or Australian. Her mother responds to her question with 'You are divine.' This adds to Mia’s confusion and she and her mother visit a rabbi, a guru, a monk, an imam, a nun. Each person gives their version of what being divine is. And the answers of action, duty, stillness, mystery and charity leave Mia feeling she is still missing understanding what being divine is. A First Nations elder carefully and gently explains to Mia what she has learnt from the other religious people. Mia finally grasps the meaning of divine and is able to respond to her teacher’s question. On the final page the author has provided a section for adults in how to use this book. The colourful illustrations complement the text and add visual interest to the narrative.
Themes Divinity, Religions, Cultural Diversity, Ancient Teachings, Journey.
Kathryn Beilby
Sabina and the cats of Rome by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Laura Wood
Sabina becomes instrumental in rescuing the King of the Cats when she is visited by a talking cat that Sabina names Cleo. In an adventurous outing to the Circus Maximus to locate a wizard, Sabina must chase rats, avoid a deadly snake and somehow help to remove the spell on the ailing King of Cats. Cleo is also in danger, and they save each other in this risky adventure.
In a simple chapter book, Sophie Masson has created a captivating story set in Ancient Rome. It is exciting and action-packed and will be enjoyed by early independent readers aged 5-7. There are minimal clues about life in Ancient Rome, enough to pique interest but not enough to confuse a young reader. Mostly this is about a girl and a talking cat and their quest to rescue a royal cat, with the help of the family dogs. The illustrations are cartoon-like in simplicity and scattered through the chapters.
Themes Ancient Rome, Cats, Rats, Curses, Adventure.
Carolyn Hull
I'll look for you, everywhere by Cameron Capello
Pan Macmillan, 2024. ISBN: 9781035053193. (Age:Adult)
Described as a love story, this is probably a story of troubled attraction, with multiple layers of angst, between Magdalen and Theo whose families have been connected since their parents were students. They both struggle with their past and keep secrets that complicate any chance of their love moving forward. Their physical attraction though is passionately intense and being back home in Italy adds heat to the possibility of a ‘forever relationship’. Magdalen’s reserved nature is transformed by Theo’s attention and touch, but can he be trusted? Will their past secrets, their families’ involvement, and their own personalities impede their future?
Written with great intensity and from the perspective of each of the main characters, this has all the feel of an impossible romance with an X-rating. The physical connection between Magdalen and Theo is described in excessively intimate detail! This transforms the love story to a lustful, erotic narrative … more R-rated than M-rated.This is a very adult book and not for under 18 readers. It has intense moments and some difficult personal issues. I would not recommend this book to any school-aged reader.
Fans of Jeffers’ picture books starring a boy, a star, a Martian and a penguin, Lost and Found (2006), How To Catch a Star (2004), The Way Back Home (2008), and Up and Down (2010), will be delighted with Where to find a star, meeting once again a little boy in a red and white striped pullover, a penguin and a star. This time the trio are playing hide-and-seek, a game that they love. The star is always easy to find, but one day the boy can not find it anywhere. He asks his friend the Martian for help and soon they are on their way to the North Pole in the Martian’s flying saucer. But a surprise awaits them there. A little girl has found the star, something she has always wanted for a friend. What will they do?
The illustrations are beautiful, from the beguiling cover with its beautiful pink and blue sky, to the blues of the North Pole, the dark and frightening blue black of the sea during a storm and the little figures at home against a white background.
The narrative is easy to read aloud and young children will be intrigued by the dilemma of who is going to keep the star as a friend. Can there be a solution that will make them all happy? The theme of loving and letting go could be discussed after reading the book.
Jeffers is an award-winning author and illustrator and Where to find a star is sure to be a hit with young readers. Those new to his books will want to read some of the other books in the series.
Themes Stars, Love, Friendship, Hide-and-Seek, North Pole.
Pat Pledger
Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra by Cassy Polimeni and Hykie Breeze
UWA Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 9781760802899. (Age:5+) Recommended.
Life is a tad tough for Ella right now - her family has just moved house and, as she unpacks, she's finding it hard to let go of her old room and its familiarity, particularly her BFF Viv living next door. No matter how hard her dad tries to make things fun, the constant rain and mess are really getting her down. So when the rain does stop, she takes the opportunity to go outside into the fresh air and open space.
Outside the garden seems full of promise for the future, but when she hears a strange crick-crick sound it's seems the future is near. What could be making that noise? Bending down, by her gumboot she sees a tiny frog, no bigger than her thumb and it seems to be wanting her to follow it. And so she does - and finds herself in the midst of something so special she is entranced. For in front of her is an abandoned, overgrown pond full of an amazing variety of frogs, all calling to each other and creating her private frog orchestra.
But when she starts at her new school, Ella learns that protecting the local frogs is a major focus of her classmates and she discovers so much more about the species as her new friend Mai shows her the school's frog bog. With her new knowledge and respect, Ella is devastated to discover her neighbour's yard being dig up and her frogs have disappeared...
This is a new series for newly independent readers that not only has characters that they will resonate with - so many will recognise the anxiety and other emotions that come with moving house and starting a new school - but which also has an original storyline that offers new insight into a common curriculum focus. Who knew that frogs have a homing instinct that means they can find their way home because they know just where they belong?
As well as being one of the most common species investigated when it comes to learning about life cycles, frogs are also an indicator species, demonstrating that the local environment is healthy, although sadly, in Australia alone, there are more than 40 species listed as endangered or vulnerable. Thus, building awareness of their importance through an engaging story, including instructions for building their own frog pond in their backyard, young students can begin to appreciate that while Ella's frog orchestra may be the turning point in her new life, they have a critical role in the bigger picture.
An excellent story to springboard to greater investigations.
Themes Frogs, Ponds, Friendship, Environment.
Barbara Braxton
The best present ever by Zoe Foster Blake. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford
Imaginations will soar as this book is read to younger children or read by those more proficient at reading for themselves. What to give a friend for a present is the task, and some hilarious options are perused which are shot down with imaginative flair by something quite extraordinary. An almost toothless smile greets the reader as the child tells us that they are making the best present ever.
Wonder filled illustrations colourfully fill each page as the imaginings of the narrator explode. Many words are in large print and brightly coloured, prompting readers to try them out for themselves.
At first the idea develops around a magical creature. But which one to choose? A dragon, pixie or unicorn, but just as the decision is made, a wicked witch comes by and with one magical word, Zap, causes everything to disappear. On to the next idea: a swimming pool full of candy! Sounds great but a gang of possums comes in the night and gobbles them all up. Next idea! A baby animal farm. What could go wrong? A heap of baby animals are shown in all their cuteness, but just as the narrator is set to pay for the animals, a baby goat eats all their money. But never mind, another idea is in the offing.
And so it goes on until an idea occurs that is neither outrageous, nor unattainable, one that will appeal to us all. But getting there is a barrel of laughs as the increasingly mad ideas take root across each page. The text uses different fonts, and highlights longer words, and is nestled inspiringly amongst the hilarious illustrations.
Lots of ideas float across each page: a huge trampoline, hundreds of ice cream filled balloons, an amusement park, a trip to the moon, a transforming scooter just for a start. Kids’ imaginations will ignite as they read of some fo the zany ideas and perhaps think about how cool they would be, and come up with their own preposterous ideas.
A glittering cover will encourage kids to pick up the book, and they will find it just as luminous inside as the ideas come thick and fast, supported by bright, vivacious illustrations.
Themes Presents, Gifts, Imagination, Humour.
Fran Knight
Billy's brilliant butterflies by Jacquie Ward. Illus. by Winona Kieslich
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678324. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Billy loves his time at home. He spends his time outdoors having his own adventures. When things become too noisy or busy he quietly retreats to his tree house where he can watch the world go by. Billy’s life is about to change, as it is time for him to start school. He is unsure and worried and the butterflies in his tummy are tumbling around. The school uniform is unfamiliar and scratchy. The playground is noisy and he wishes his mum could stay longer.
At lunchtime, Billy is overwhelmed and the butterflies around him flap even louder. He is upset but Amelie joins him and they walk out to the playground together and explore. Amelie becomes Billy’s friend and they spend time together. Even when the classroom is too much for Billy, Amelie is by his side. Their wonderful teacher accepts all her students’ talents and personalities and encourages Billy to be himself.
This is a very gentle story with delightful illustrations about change and learning new ways to cope for children who are highly sensitive. The author has provided information on High Sensitivity and strategies for support in the final pages.
Themes New Beginnings, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP’s), Butterflies, Friends, School.
