The Goblins' revenge by Andy Prentice and Tom Knight
Usborne, 2024. ISBN: 9781803706467. (Age:9+)
For 93 years the land of Sibele has been ruled by the evil wizard Darkmoon, and now he is hunting down the last few rebels who dare to oppose him, and the only one who can save them and end his reign is the reader. With a horde of undead warriors on the trail and a series of blood-curdling dangers ahead, it would be a terrifying task for anyone - but you're just a goblin, which makes things even more challenging. Confronted by menacing monsters, ghostly magic and a thrilling race against time in this spectacular fantasy adventure gamebook, the reader becomes the hero whose decisions and choices determine the outcome.
Decades ago the choose-your-own adventure genre hit the shelves and were an instant success with those who like to insert and immerse themselves in the stories, and this 21st century version combines that genre with the gaming craze, combining three loves of the current generation - video games, fantasy and a story in print which becomes a new adventure with every choice made.
It begins with instructions on how to play complete with items, weapons and abilities, a logbook to keep track of the relevant details of the quest as well as all the other things needed to play a game and complete a quest in this modern era. There are crucial picture puzzles to solve along the way, and although a computer is not needed to play, there are links to an online dice roller if physical dice (needed to play the combat system) aren't available as well as a printable logbook.
I am the first to admit that this is not my sort of game and my granddaughters gave up in frustration as they tried to teach me some of theirs, but nevertheless, this seems to be something that teacher librarians should be aware of so they can capture the imagination and minds of those engaged by this sort of activity, thus demonstrating that the library has resources that are relevant to them. In fact, while the publisher suggests this is suitable for 9+, it could be one to give to your gamers for feedback on suitability both for reading /comprehension age as well as future releases in the series.
Themes Wizards, Goblins, Good and evil, Magic.
Barbara Braxton
Island of Whispers by Frances Hardinge. Illus. by Emily Gravett
Two Hoots, 2023. ISBN: 9781529088076. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
I am a fan of Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge’s books (The lie tree,Cuckoo song and Unraveller) and was intrigued when I read that she and award winning illustrator Emily Gravett had collaborated in a picture book. And what a stunning collaboration! Hardinge’s wonderful authorship brings to life the story of Milo, a young boy who lives on the island of Merlank. His father is the ferryman who carries away the Dead who must not be allowed to linger as their ghosts can kill. When his father is killed, he must take over the job, and what a difficult job it is. All the shoes of the dead must be collected so the ghosts would follow onto the ship and then there is a hazardous journey though dangerous seas until the Dead could be left on another island to join their friends and family. Meanwhile a young girl has just died on the island and her father the Lord of Merlank is determined to bring her back to life. He follows Milo’s ship and with the help of two magicians tries to wreck it. Milo must use all his ingenuity to complete his task and evade the Lord and his magicians.
Accompanying Hardinge’s lyrical prose are Gravett’s black, blue and white illustrations that add depth and feeling to the story. The eerie atmosphere of the ghosts on the ship is perfectly captured and the headless bird is very frightening. I loved the gorgeous cover with its silver moths and the character of Milo is drawn with a few brushstrokes.
This is not a picture book for young children but one that will appeal to readers aged 12+ who will need the maturity to deal with the idea of the dead being ferried to their resting place. The themes of coming of age, kindness and use of imagination as well as dealing with grief will also appeal to adults and readers who enjoy books by Neil Gaiman.
Themes Death, ghosts, Magic islands, Coming of age.
Pat Pledger
Fall of ruin and wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Macmillan, 2023. ISBN: 9781035027408. (Age:Adult)
Calista spent her childhood struggling to survive, an orphan who was always hungry and always in danger. Now, at twenty two years old, she is ensconced in a very different world. Part courtesan, part advisor and part spy to the powerful Baron of Archwood, Calista spends her time trying to comprehend both the future and other people’s secrets because Calista has a gift that sets her apart from other mortals. She calls it her intuition and it allows her to read thoughts and glimpse the future. Her powers only have two constraints, she cannot divine her own fate and she cannot read those of the immortal Hyhborn beings that rule the land. Protected from the harshness of the world outside the baron’s estates, Calista is content to live her life proving her usefulness. That is until one night when she inadvertently stumbles across Thorne, a highborn prince close to death and finds herself entangled in a plot that will have repercussions for the realm. Calista intuits that their fates are irrevocably intertwined, and she will not be able to untangle herself from him, despite the danger she is now in.
Fall of Ruin and Wrath is a typical story by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the seasoned author of many fantasy romance novels. Big, brawny and bossy alpha males and self-effacing and submissive female leads generally typify her books, and this one is no different. While the plot and characters are interesting enough, most of the book seems constructed solely for the purpose of creating increasingly laboured circumstances to throw Calista and Thorne together. Nevertheless, Fall of Ruin and Wrath will likely satisfy fans of Armentrout’s particular style of dramatic writing. However, any potential reader must consider the extremely explicit language and themes that make this novel suitable for adult audiences only.
Saturday always means that pancakes are made and eaten in this household, but for once, Henry does not feel like pancakes. It is up to dad, Milo, and the twins to find out why. When they get to his room, he tells them he feels unwell, but when his temperature is taken, it is normal. The twins decide to make something that will appeal to Henry, and raid the pantry, the fridge and the freezer for the ingredients for their concoctions. And what concoctions! Readers will laugh and scream with disgust at the combinations the twins come up with to tempt Henry out of bed. Spinach and ice cream, pasta with sardines and hundreds and thousands, were amongst the creative recipes, but Henry was still unimpressed, hiding himself under the blankets.
They try all sorts of things, and it is only when they make a recipe using heart shaped cake tins, that Henry comes downstairs. He realises that he is loved and wanted and throws off the blankets to join the family.
Fabulous illustrations cover each page, some look like cameos, others full page spreads showing the family trying to help Henry to get back on track. Loads of humour will be found in the illustrations, amongst the incredible detail, shown in a different drawing style which is quite beguiling.
Fun, food and family are combined to give this funny tale its focus, as they all try to get Henry back with the family. The deeper meaning of inclusiveness, of being aware that some will be feeling out of sorts, that you can help them overcome their sadness, will hearten younger readers who perhaps see someone their family or friendship group feeling this way and now can see a way to help.
This disarming picture book will have wide appeal. And what young reader will not laugh out loud at the combinations of foods described and think about what would get them out of bed.
Themes Family, Depression, Food, Recipes, Humour.
Fran Knight
Amanda Commander: The Blues-day Tuesday by Coral Vass. Illus. by Heidi Cooper Smith
Amanda Caomhanach (aka Amanda Commander) is nearly nine and likes nothing more than hanging out with her two best friends Lucia Cazzoli (aka Rainbow Fudge) and Mai Le (aka Plum Flower). Together they make up the Dolphin Squad meeting at their beachside HQ and solving problems like why Amanda didn't receive an invitation to Eve's birthday, the only one in the class not to have one.
This time, Amanda has a tough time fitting back into the friendship groups at school after having a sick day, and so, when Eve has several days off, Amanda is determined she will not face the same issues, even if it means she, herself, is excluded.
This is the fourth in this series for the newly independent reader, particularly girls, which focuses on the sorts of issues that eight and nine year olds face as they navigate the world of greater independence and making and maintaining friendships. Thus, it will resonate with many who will see themselves in the stories, and start to think about what they might do in the same circumstances. If someone returns to school after an absence or is new to the school, how will they respond so the transition is smooth and welcoming.
Using all the textual devices that support those making the transition to novels, this is a series that will be a sound stepping stone.
Despite the image on the front cover, the glass house in Buist and Simsion’s book is the nurses’ station in a hospital’s Mental Health Service’s Acute Unit, but the image is very apt as the patients that go through the service are like exotic plants that may live or die according to the conditions they encounter. Hannah Wright is the new intern in the psychiatric ward, and she must make the decisions that could drastically impact people’s lives, comparable to the confronting edge-of-the-knife scenarios of the recent British medical comedy-drama television miniseries ‘This is going to hurt’.
We encounter the whole range of psychiatric cases - postpartum psychosis, suicide ideation, PTSD, morbid anorexia nervosa, schizophrenia, depression, histrionic personality disorder. It’s like reading short stories but they all link up and the reading becomes addictive as we go from one case to another. All of this is within the framework of a high pressure, underfunded medical service that has its own issues of bullying and unresolved trauma among the staff. And to keep us engaged there is also the subtle thread of a possible romance, if that’s possible between people working in the same pressure-cooker environment.
I really liked the way the authors give insight into the personal doubts and dilemmas of the main protagonist, Hannah, but at the same time we are shown how she steps up time and again to say and do the tough things required. She is a strong personality despite her misgivings, and all readers will wish her success in the career she has chosen. No doubt the authenticity comes from the lived experience of the author psychiatrist Anne Buist.
I found the book a little hard to get into at first; there seemed so many people to keep track of, but as I read on I became more and more engaged, as the evidence behind the cases is built up and the discussions between the young professionals and their personal experiences are elaborated. The patient scenarios are dramatic and one can’t help wondering how they will be resolved. It’s a book for the general reader but would also be of especial interest to anyone considering a career in psychiatry or related field.
One thing I have overlooked mentioning is the humour. Despite the serious issues, it is actually very funny, a modern tragicomedy. Buist and Simsion know how to toss in the humorous remark that undercuts the tension, the secret thoughts that belie the spoken words, and the mad-cap scenarios that escalate in the psychiatric communal areas. So there is much laughter amid the tears.
When James went to the museum with his class, he spied a triceratops on the shelf in the museum shop. James loved dinosaurs and he loved miniatures, so this little dinosaur was just what he wanted to fill a space on his shelf. But he had no money, so when no-one was looking, he put the little model into his pocket. At lunchtime, he found he could not eat his sandwich and on the bus going home, the dinosaur in his pocket seemed to get bigger.
He had to put it into his back pack, and run to his room when he arrived home to hide it in his wardrobe.
But when the family were together they heard a loud noise coming from the bedroom and opening the door found a triceratops as big as the adults. James had to explain. Hie parents did not shout or yell, but instead were very disappointed and they decided that the next day the little toy would be returned to the museum. Overnight it grew even bigger and it just fitted into dad’s truck ready to be take back to the museum.
James had to tell the assistant what he had done, and the dinosaur became smaller. And James’ guilt was diminished.
This lovely story of problem solving will be taken to heart by the readers. James’ guilt grows just like the dinosaur that he stole, making his guilt feel overwhelming. The solution, to return the stolen toy, cost him his pride, but his guilt was lifted from his shoulders, as the dinosaur shrank.
The story underlines the idea of owning up to things you have done, reassuring the reader that people will not be angry but supportive in solving the problem. Problems that seem overwhelming can be solved when working together, to find a simple solution. Readers will be enchanted by James’ miniature collection, perusing all the detail in the illustrations, poring over the endpapers, and saying the names of his collection out loud, following the words in the book. The problem presented is one which most children will recognise, as they all will have wanted their parents to buy something for them and been disappointed. They will not all have followed James’ example but they will see that his guilt at doing something wrong is palpable and encourage them to see what the right course of actions should have been. Teacher's notes are available.
Murray the cat enjoys living the good life with Fumblethumb the wizard, a life made even better when Fumblethumb accidentally turns one of Murray's favourite buns into a bunny, complete with a cherry for a tail. But when he messes up again and turns the cat flap into a gateway to adventure, instead of just the garden, then the fun really starts...
In this new series for newly independent readers consolidating their skills, the cat flap takes Murray and Bun back to the times of the Vikings where they are given an important mission to travel to Troll Island to rescue Eggrik the Viking. if he hasn't already been gobbled up by the trolls, that is.
Simple text, humour and full of illustrations that carry the story along at a rapid pace, this is a great stepping stone between everyday readers and novels that will have wide appeal because of its outlandish characters and original adventures, as well as introducing them to historical fiction, perhaps sparking an interest in the time period. Something new to offer those moving forward on their reading journey as they go through their own cat flap of adventure to the world of stories.
Emotions are equated with colours in this timely book, beautifully written and illustrated by Duckbrill and Child.
The text relates the child’s feelings on waking. Today is a grey day, not sunshines yellow or treetop green, not nighttime black or new idea white, but grey. The text then tells us what the child feels like, again, likening the emotions to things around her. The greyness is the scribbles on the page, the overhead storm in the clouds, the puddle in the road.
We are told again ‘I am grey today. I just am. I am grey.'
The child sits alone on the play equipment, bemoaning the fact of being lonely, but this is what the child feels when grey.
Mum tells her child that it is OK to feel grey, but this is not the whole story. Just because the colours have all gone today, they are still there and may reappear tomorrow. Tomorrow those stormy clouds may make it rain and so tomorrow when the yellow sun shines there are puddles tp play in. Today the child may be grey like the pavements but tomorrow when chalk is given, drawing on those pavements will overcome the grey.
A reassuring big red hug shows the child that love surmounts the greyness every time.
A wonderful series of images are created by the text, ensuring readers will think about the image developed in their minds, and think about the way they could describe the colours the child is feeling, or equate the colours to times when they too feel grey.
The illustrations powerfully reinforce the text, adding a new dimension with cut outs and an emphasis on colour. The colours from the text, sunshine yellow, treetop green, lullaby blue, are splashed across each page, making a statement about how the child is feeling, and making sure the readers will articulate how they feel.
The bold illustrations stand out on each page, the playground equipment, once grey now shown with colours, the bedroom with its comforting blues, Mum’s red jacket, surrounding the child with love. Colours are used as a way of showing how the child feels, grey to icing sugar pink, to a big red hig.
A wonderful contribution to the growing number of books which support children’s feeling of wellbeing, the story is apt for every child, and more particularly those who feel out of sorts. The book reinforces the value of a hug, while telling the reader that many feel grey sometimes but the grey is alway overcome by the colours and it is the colours in a child’s life that should be pursued.
Two rabbits by Larissa Ferenchuk. Illus. by Prue Pittock
EK Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781922539656. (Age:4+)
On a dark rainy night, in a cold wet field, Little Grey Rabbit and Little Brown Rabbit had an argument, their words carried away on the wind. And as you do when you have had an argument, each stormed off - Little Grey Rabbit into the street towards her home, and Little Brown Rabbit into the lane towards hers... Will they be able to come back together and find a way to save their friendship?
Using a clever textual technique where the actions and thoughts of each are mirrored in the text, this is a charming story for little ones who are still feeling their way with forming friendships beyond the family and learning that you can still be friends even if you disagree on some things. Yes, there is anger and sadness and even loneliness, but these become reasons to mend the friendship rather than destroying it. Apologising is being smart and grown up, not a weakness, and with the reason for the original argument not disclosed, the focus is on those feelings and the coming together again.
The endpapers are interesting - see if the child can spot the difference - and they will have fun spotting places and tracing journeys of the map.
One that is perfect to add to the collection exploring how to make and maintain friendships, particularly in those early months of school.
From the author of Better the Blood, comes a thrilling second novel featuring Maori detective Hana Westerman, who has turned in her badge and is living in her hometown of Tata Bay with her father Eru. When her daughter Addison uncovers the skeleton of a young woman buried in the dunes where another young woman had been buried twenty years previously, Hana is convinced that the Maori man who was convicted of the earlier crime may have been innocent. She cannot stop herself from investigating the murders even though she is not currently a member of the police force and has no official capacity.
Return to blood is told from multiple viewpoints that keep the reader glued to the page. There is the haunting voice of Kira, a young woman who is a drug addict, told in separate chapters and different print. She had disappeared four years earlier and is believed to have been found in the dunes. The ongoing investigation is told from Hana’s perspective, while Addison who found the body is having dreams of a young woman who cannot let go.
Maori culture features strongly in the story with words being explained in footnotes. The title Return to blood is evocative of Hana’s need to return to her Maori roots, but she is unable to discard her skills as a police officer. Can she blend the two? And can Addison discover why she is having vivid dreams about the victim?
The police procedures and the investigative skills that Hana displays will keep any lover of mysteries satisfied with an unexpected denouement while the relationships in the book between the strong women and Hana and her father Eru, will add emotional depth. Readers would gain a deeper insight into the characters if Better the blood is read first and those who enjoyed The lovely bones by Alice Sebold may find Kira’s narrative compelling.
This brightly coloured and visually appealing set of 20 readers for young children will provide home and/or individual support for children who are continuing to master the skills of reading. With a range of diverse characters and settings as well as a variety of entertaining storylines, these readers will support and meet many of the needs of young readers.
The 20 readers are coded into five levelled colours with the earlier levels having five readers each and the final two levels having three readers. Each band gives a description of the ability level:
1. Turquoise Book band – Engaging, phonically-decodable stories 2. Purple Book Band – More complex stories for understanding 3. Gold Book band – Longer stories for reading stamina 4. White Book Band – Challenging stories for reading confidence 5. Lime Book Band – Stepping stones to longer chapter book
The stories and their accompanying vibrant illustrations include themes about everyday life, animals, friendship, families and problems. Each book begins with Tips for Grown Ups, Word Explorers which lists new, unfamiliar or groups of words plus a Thinking Ahead question. There is also QR code where you can listen to the audio of the story and teaching notes. On the back cover is some Fun Time activities which will support comprehension of the text.
Themes Levelled Readers, Oxford Levels 7-11.
Kathryn Beilby
The cryptic clue: A tea ladies mystery by Amanda Hampson
The tea ladies are back in another cosy mystery set in Sydney in the mid 1960’s. Hazel, Betty and Irene are again plunged into danger and need all their wits to solve the cryptic clue that Irene’s husband has left her and to avert a disaster that involves national security. Will Irene and Co find the proceeds of the robbery before a crooked police detective? Will young Maude survive working as a housekeeper for Father Kelly and two unlikely Catholic brothers? And what is going on with the building of the new Sydney Opera House? And how long will the tea ladies survive with the threat of a CafeBar replacing them hanging over their heads?
Amanda Hampson immerses the reader in the 1960’s, a time of great social change. The mini dress is revolutionising the fashion industry, there are crooked coppers and the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House are beginning to show up over the Harbour. It was fascinating to read about Utzon and his wonderful design, and fun to see Hazel having a little romance with a sound designer from Denmark, who is working on the acoustics for the Opera House. The plight of the tea ladies and the threat that the CafeBar was to their livelihoods also provided a fascinating view into the changing workplace of the 60’s. I held my breath as I wondered what would happen to Maude, only 18 years old, housekeeping at the Catholic Presbytery, something that would never happen in modern times.
There were many twists and turns to keep the interest alive and the descriptions of the differing characters of the tea ladies was delightful. Irene’s capers and dialogue kept a smile on my face while Betty proved that she could help the investigation. Hazel with her commonsense and calm was the glue that kept the teamwork of the tea ladies on task and it was great to see her recover from her disappointment with Bob.
The final denouement was unexpected and thrilling. Fans of the first book The tea ladies will not be disappointed and readers who fondly remember the 1960’s and enjoy a cosy mystery will be charmed by The cryptic clue.
Themes Cosy mystery, Murder, Tea ladies, 1960's, Fashion, Sydney Opera House.
Pat Pledger
Lilliput the kangaroo by Sarah Bellman. Illus. by Krista Brennan
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833617. (Age:4-7)
There is a definite echo of Alice in Wonderland in Lillipit. The main character Alyce has long blonde hair, is wearing a blue dress with a white collar and ventures into a rather magical world in her own backyard. There is even a tea party. While this is a sweet story, the writing is quite prescriptive and straightforward, lacking the magic or spark that this sort of tale deserves. Five-year-old Alyce and her younger brother have just moved to a new house on a farm in the Macedon Ranges. Alyce is worried about starting school and finding friends but she has no trouble making friends with the local kangaroos. One day while playing she reaches out to pat a friendly kangaroo and is surprised to find it talking to her: "'My name is Lillipit. It is lovely to meet you, Alyce,' said the kangaroo." A pouch tour of the farm and meeting all the resident animals is followed by a tulip tea party in the forest with Cherry the white echidna. The setting is quintessentially Australian and the watercolour illustrations are sweet. Lillipit the kangaroo delivers Alyce safely back to her house and tells her how to contact her if she needs her. "You are very special, Alyce, and I am here for you if you need me." There is a slightly worrying tone of secrets and talking to and going off with strangers, but this is alleviated at the end of the story by the following line: "Alyce ran inside to tell her mum and dad all about Lillipit and her home". This is definitely something to clarify with young children after reading this though - that we wouldn't just tell people we have just met outside our house about our lives or go off with them on an adventure. A nice story about new adventures and the magic of the Aussie environment.
Themes Adventure stories, Australian stories.
Nicole Nelson
Wurrtoo: The wombat who fell in love with the sky by Tylissa Elisara. Illus. by Dylan Finney
This beautifully written debut novel by First Nations author Tylissa Elisara is an engaging read full of humour, friendship, courage, and important teaching and learning traditions of our oldest culture. Set in the stunning environment of Kangaroo Island located off the South Australian coast, the story is about the adventures of Wurrtoo, a lonely hairy nosed wombat and Kuula, a bubbly adventurous koala.
Wurrtoo is desperate to travel to the Forest of Dreaming on the mainland to marry his one true love, the Sky. Kuula and the other animals encountered along the way are amused and sceptical of this but offer support in all sorts of ways, both helpful and unhelpful. The two friends face danger from other animals and deadly natural disasters but does Wurrtoo eventually achieve what he set out to do?
The animals in the story take on human characteristics and the black and white illustrations of the main characters in familiar items of clothing, as well as drawings of moments on their adventure, adds visual appeal that complements the narrative perfectly. As part of their journey Wurrtoo and Kuula share meals showing the interesting use of traditional foods, and visit various places on Kangaroo Island, all wonderfully described in rich expressive language.
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky would make a wonderful class novel for Year 3 or 4 students. The thoughtful wisdom shared about caring for Country and the growing friendship and trust between Wurrtoo and Kuula enable this book to offer so much deep learning for the classroom. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes First Nations, Kangaroo Island, Australian Animals, Courage, Dreaming Stories, Humour, Friendship, Adventure, Environmental Issues.
