This is another one for fans of Emery Lord’s books dealing with emotional issues such as suicide, grief and loss. In this latest novel, the central character Hannah is trying to come to grips with the death of her cousin and closest friend, Sophie, from a drug overdose. Hannah had no idea that Sophie was even taking pills, and is determined to find out who supplied the fatal dose. Slowly she comes to realise that while the two of them were inseparable, there were aspects of Sophie’s life she didn’t know about.
The story becomes like a detective novel with Hannah and another of Sophie’s friends, Gabi, piecing together the clues of who was last with Sophie on the night of her death, and who could possibly be a drug dealer. It is told in two time frames, Junior year leading up to the death, and Senior year where Hannah, disguised and hiding her true identity, enrols in Sophie’s school, and secretly investigates. There is also a romance, an enemies to lovers trope, where Hannah has to overcome her innate competitiveness to better appreciate the contribution of others.
Lord presents a convincing portrayal of the shock and denial that follows the death of a loved one, and the different ways that people try to cope. Hannah’s quest for vengeance becomes a gradual understanding of the complexities of drug addiction and the need for compassion. It is a worthy read, though the format of the two timelines can be confusing, and Hannah is not always the most likeable character. The values are positive and it is good to read a novel showing parents who, though divorced, are understanding and supportive.
Themes Drug abuse, Addiction, Grief, Detective story.
Helen Eddy
Ginger's big day out: A colouring book
Pan Macmillan, 2023. ISBN: 9781761262302. (Age:2+)
64 pages of showing many of the different Vegesaurs will excite younger readers as they get out their pencils to colour them in.
Children will love recognising each animal/vegetable and enjoy colouring them in using the colours they see on their TV screens as well as in some of the books in their libraries.
Most of the pictures are of Ginger and the baby Pea-Rexes: Minty, Split and Wasabi, while many other Vegesaurs make their appearance in Vegesaur Valley. Kids love sounding out the names of these animals, noting the similarities with other dinosaur names which they readily embrace. A greater recognition of the vegetable too will help with aiming for eating five vegetables a day.
Themes Vegesaurs, Colouring in book, Pre history, Dinosaurs, Vegetables.
Eleanor Jones is not a murderer is an absolute must read for fans of mysteries by authors like Karen McManus, Ellie Marney and Holly Jackson. The title is sure to catch the reader’s attention, and once the book is started it is very difficult to put it down. Eleanor Jones is an engaging young woman. She has been to nine high schools in less than five years, learning to stay on the edge of things, observing the students who are cool, the nerds and those who are isolated. The first person she speaks to at Cooinda Secondary College is Angus Marshall, who is stabbed and left for dead. The police are interested in her because she is the last person that he texted. Rumours race around the school that she is a murderer and she decides to investigate. When she becomes involved with Troy, the son of the local mayor, his sidekick, Alfie and brainy Namita, the group start to follow clues to who attacked Angus.
One of the highlights of the book was the friendships that Eleanor made with her little group. She has always been wary of making friends, knowing that her mother will want to move on sooner rather than later, and it was a new experience for her to have people who were on her side. Each brought a unique skill to the investigation and as events became more dangerous, they looked after each other.
Eleanor’s snarky observations about peer groups in high school and her reliance on making a judgement about people depending on their reactions to different books give an insight into her feelings and character. Her relationship with her single mum is also great, and she is tolerant enough to give bad boy Ethan a chance to prove himself.
The story is well paced with enough tension to keep the reader absorbed in this thrilling YA mystery. I can’t wait for more books by Amy Doak.
Themes Mystery, Crime, Friendship.
Pat Pledger
I spy treasure by Vikki Marmaras and Binny Talib
New Frontier, 2023. ISBN: 9781915167361. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
A wonderful book introducing pirates and treasure will enthuse younger children as they read about the rollicking adventure, and scan the detailed illustrations. Captain Snarkle Tooth arrives at Shimmertown again, convinced that there is treasure to be had. Billy watches the captain as he forages for any shiny things, the shimmering glass and shiny plastic that he finds on the beach.
Billy is puzzled and uses his binoculars to see what Captain Snarkle Tooth does with his collection. He sees a lamp made from bottles, a drum kit made from old large drums and saucepans and bottles, a sparkly chair made frrm forks and a flat iron griddle, a solar papered exercise bike, all made from the rubbish the captain has collected from their bay. Billy is enthused to try this out for himself and collects some of the captain’s left overs. He and his friends make a variety of things from the recycled rubbish: a walk talkie, a telescope, and a rocket ship. Soon the whole town has joined in making wind chimes, and flowerpots, bird feeders and candle holders. They are so busy they do not see that Captain Snarkle Tooth has returned. They brace themselves for his disapproval and are surprised when he congratulates them on reusing the shiny things in the bay to make treasure.
Kids will love to learn about how to recycle the many things our society discards and pore over the illustrations to see what can be made from rubbish.
No reader could avoid the lesson learnt by Shimmertown and cleaning up the bay becomes something they all achieve together.
This books offers a wonderful introduction to the theme of recycling as they see the difference between the old messy bay and the new. Author and illustrator make it clear just what can be made from recycled material, and children will be able to stretch their imaginations to add further ideas. Teacher notes are available.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761180057. (Age:8-11) Recommended.
Flax is a minch-wiggin (a fairy-ish creature from Hallow) who has a secret, and a small satchel of magic. She travels with an enormous pup (he is a Spellhound - but that is supposed to be a secret) and they are on a quest to rescue Hallow from dragons and witches. They form a friendship with Felicia (who chooses an alias and more appealing name - Rose); she also hides a secret and is trying to escape her onerous position as Queen, and her Aunt Delilah, the somewhat forbidding Regent of the realm. Together, the unlikely friends wield magic to rescue and release relatives and to restore the land and the magical country from the scourge of oppression.
This is a whimsical tale of magical possibilities, secrets revealed, and humble but determined characters, but it also a tale that recognises the power of the young. Initially the book flits and rests in a somewhat haphazard manner, so young readers will need to have a little staying power (like Flax herself) in order to connect to the unusual setting and plot and character permutations. The chapters are very short initially, but after a while the magical world starts to coalesce and make sense. There are some delightful moments when the narrator (who will remain nameless as they are a secret, somewhat omniscient recorder of the details of the quest) enters into a dialogue with the reader, keeping secrets (badly) and toying with a reader’s expectations. This adds moments of refreshing humour amongst the tension. Although this is a dramatic quest, with fearful moments for the characters, young readers will not share their fear. The narrator seems to be able to lighten the burden. This is a book for fantasy lovers aged 8-11.
Themes Fantasy, Dragons, Royalty, Lies, Honour.
Carolyn Hull
Rotten! Vultures, beetles, slime, and nature's other decomposers by Anita Sanchez and Gilbert Ford
Imagine a world in which everything that ever lived remained as is forever, even when it was long dead! Every plant, every dinosaur, every human...
Thankfully, Mother Nature has ensured that this doesn't happen and in this fascinating book readers can learn about decomposition - the process of breaking something down into its pieces (like packing away a completed jigsaw) and regardless of the smell that often accompanies things that are rotting, decomposition is not Nature's end game, but just another step in the cycle of life because all those bits are released, ready to combine again and complete new patterns.
This is a fascinating book that looks at what happens to things when their life is over, and how they are assisted by Nature to decompose - such as sharks and vultures feasting on animal carcasses or worms, maggots and beetles devouring decaying plants - demonstrating that things are rotting away all around us all the time. There are fascinating excerpts with titles like "Having Lee for Lunch" which could spark conversations about what happens to humans after they die, and Killer Litter which shows the impact of plastic that doesn't decompose on wildlife. Readers are also encouraged to carry out their own experiments so they can observe and understand the process better, while gaining an even greater appreciation for the miracle that is Mother Nature.
More for independent readers, particularly those with curious minds, this is a fascinating insight that could spark the most intriguing STEM unit you have ever done!
Ash Barty’s memoir My Dream Time: A memoir of tennis and teamwork first appeared in 2022 and in the following year a Young Reader’s Edition was published which will definitely appeal to many of Ash Barty’s legion of young fans. This highly accessible and relatable non-fiction novel begins with a contents page and pre-Chapter One is a timeline of Ash’s journey from 2016 when she was ranked #623 to being the World’s #1 female tennis player from 2019-2022.
In Ash’s trademark friendly and personable manner, she talks about her journey from her birth in 1996 to her retirement in 2022 after winning the Australian Open. Throughout Ash’s story, she is open and honest about her struggles with her mental health, body image, self-doubt, her fragmented schooling, loneliness on tour in her early years as well as the debilitating homesickness she suffered. Ash shares with her readers the proud story of her First Nations heritage and the amazing support she has had from her wonderful family, her coaches such as Jim Joyce, Jason Stoltenberg and Craig Tyzzer, and two of her incredible mentors and friends: Casey Dellacqua and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
As well as reading about Ash Barty’s story, this book provides the opportunity for readers to learn about many of Ash’s memorable matches and how she was feeling at the time, her opponents, and what was happening behind the scenes. With support and understanding from her incredible team, Ash was able to overcome injuries, self-doubts and achieve so much.
Ash Barty: Champion is an outstanding and inspirational autobiography and worthy of a place in all school and public libraries.
The striking midnight blue, pink and white front cover of Raised by Moths will draw readers to this beautiful picture book. The front and back endpapers are just as gorgeous and showcase a luminescent fluttering of moths across the pages.
The story begins with an evening visit by Willow and her Mum to the amusements at a fairground. Willow joins an unknown boy on the Ferris Wheel and they set off into the sparkling night sky. There is a sudden stop while they are at the top and the young boy reassures Willow all will be ok. He claps and rubs his hands and there is a magical display of silver moths. The boy tells Willow he was raised by moths until he was three and then adopted by a human family whom he loves. He will always love the moths and be at one with them. They return to the ground safely and Willow and her mum head over to the fields near the fairground and greet the horses that always come willingly to Willow. Will Willow remember the time before she was adopted?
This wonderful book is pure fantasy and brings a sense of joy to the reader with the thoughtful and engaging text. The stunning illustrations add to the imaginative quality of the story and will delight readers, both young and old.
In the second book in the Glass Library series, Sylvia Ashe has been enjoying her job at the Glass Library and is thrilled when an old manuscript is uncovered in the attic. The silver clasps on the wooden cover contain magic and the book itself is written in code. The book appears to have belonged to the powerful Medici family, and Sylvia and Gabe, with their friends, are determined to decode the book and perhaps find some answers to Sylvia’s quest to find her family.
I loved the idea of a magical book belonging to the Medici and it was fun to watch the clues that the group uncovered while trying to work out the cryptic code. There was danger too for Gabe and Sylvia when the book is stolen, and new characters are introduced as they trace suspects who knew the value of the book. Sylvia grows in confidence as she begins to trust the group, and readers will learn more about Gabe and his wartime trials. The romance between the two continues to grow slowly and no doubt more will be revealed in the next in the series, The untitled books.
Lovers of historical fiction set in the 1920’s, with its nightclubs and dancing, motor cars and shorter skirts, and those who enjoy a slow burning romance, magic and a mystery will enjoy this series. I especially enjoyed the plot revolving around a library and ancient books and will continue with the series.
Random House, 1982. ISBN: 9780552118040. (Age:10+) Recommended.
The third book in the Harper Hall of Pern series centres around Piemur, the cheeky boy who befriended Menolly in Dragonsinger, and who helped her learn how to fit into the ways of the Harper Hall. Piemur is devastated to learn that his glorious soprano voice has broken and he can no longer sing the leading part in the latest Harper Hall production at Lord Groghe's Gather. Harpist Robinton sends him off to learn how to play the messenger drums and he tries to come to terms with his changed circumstances. Bullied by the other apprentices, he tries to fit in, while secretly working for Robinton. During one misadventure, he finds himself on the Southern Continent and knowing that he would not be welcome by the dragonriders there, hides in the forest, where he faces danger and adventures, including finding the admired fire dragons.
This is a coming-of-age story. It is fascinating to watch Piemur’s growth from a troublesome young boy to a strong, confident young man. While working as an apprentice, Piemur’s mischievous personality ccame to the fore, and he was often in trouble. When he must survive in the wilds of the Southern Continent, he learns to use his intelligence and canniness to live alone.
Readers will learn more about the Harper Hall, fire dragons and music, in particular messenger drums, as Piemur goes on some secret missions for Robinton. Although some readers may be disappointed that Menolly features only briefly in Dragondrums, the story fleshes out much of the background of the secret work that the harpists undertake as well as fleshing out life on the Southern Continent.
McCaffrey’s classic trilogy has stood the test of time and still has much to offer young readers today.
Themes Dragons, Harpists, Music, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger
History FACTopia! by Paige Towler. Illus. by Andy Smith
Britannica Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781804660409. (Age:7+) Highly recommended.
History FACTtopia! is the fifth book in this clever and very entertaining non-fiction series for children (and the adults in their lives). It is full of incredible information that is easily accessible for younger readers and is told with humour and colourful engaging images. The format of the book encourages the reader to follow the trail of 400 historical facts, beginning with the discovery by archaeologists in China of a pair of trousers 3,300 years old to the very last fact about a group of claqueurs who were hired by theatres in 18th century France to clap, cry and laugh to inspire audience participation.
The reader is able to read this book and follow the dotted or broken lines to view items of their own interest. There is no chronological link as such, but random interactions with semi-connected areas. For example, information about a 3000 year old artificial toe made of wood and leather attached to an Egyptian mummy and is the oldest known prosthetic body part, leads to either more information about mummies or information about the world’s oldest pillow made of stone 9000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Which then leads to running-water toilets discovered in a 2000 year old tomb and added as a ‘restroom for the afterlife’ which then leads to further information about the topic of pee… The path is endless!
Children will enjoy the humour, graphic-style illustrations and photographs throughout and will be offered hours of entertainment. It is a wonderful book to pour over and for those who prefer a more structured path there is an index at the end as well as a detailed glossary of historical terms, credits, picture sources and information about the Factopians.
The Modern is Anna Kate Blair’s first novel. It is set in New York and is all about Sophia. Sophia is an Australian from Sydney who is a fellow at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Sophia is a passive participant in her own life and appears to sleep walk through life. She finds it difficult to articulate what she really wants from life and allows circumstance and others to determine her fate. Her fascination is with what it means to be modern.
In Sophia’s working world, her research centres on Grace Hartigan. Grace is an abstract impressionist painter who moved to New York and was recognised for her work that explored the societal expectations placed on women. Of particular reference for this novel are her paintings Grand Street Brides, June Bride and Wedding Day.
At the beginning of the novel, Sophia accepts an impromptu marriage proposal from Robert who immediately sets out on a 5-month hiking trek. Alone, and with time on her hands, Sophia becomes introspective and obsesses with the aspects of her life, past and present, to the extent that her ruminations present a daily struggle.
Sophia is also ambitious. Her career is important to her, provides her with focus and has the driving seat. At the same time, Sophia is conflicted about her sexual identity. It is this that drives the narrative as Sophia wrestles with her changing perceptions of marriage, her engagement, desire and love. The reader will at times feel compassion for Sophia and at others deep frustration or exasperation.
Is this obsession with self what it means to be modern? This is something for the reader to decide.
Author of the Glass and Steele series, C.J. Archer brings the first in a new series, The Glass Library, featuring Gabe, a war hero with a secret and Sylvia, a young woman on the search for her past. Sylvia’s mother had moved them from place to place, never talking about her father or past events. When Sylvia finds an entry in her brother’s diary that indicates there might be silver magic in family, she is determined to find out about her family history. She encounters Gabe, a consultant for Scotland Yard, when he is investigating a theft of a magical painting, and together they become embroiled in uncovering the mystery of the missing paintings. When Gabe inadvertently makes Sylvia lose her most recent job as a librarian, he secures her another position in the Glass Library which houses books about magic.
Set in 1920, the author brings the post war period to life. Young women like Sylvia, a journalist during the war, has lost her job now that men have returned from the war, and men like Gabe are suffering from the trauma of the battle scenes. The pace of life is fast, as young people try to put the past behind them and concentrates on having fun.
The pace of the novel is slow, and the mystery of the art heist is interesting, but it is the interaction between the main characters that kept me engaged. The main characters, Syliva and Gabe, Syvia’s best friend Daisy, and the members of the Glass household came alive for me and I will follow up their stories in the next in the series, The Medici Manuscript.
This is a solid introduction to the series and will please fans of the 1920’s historical period, as well as those who enjoy a mystery laced with magic.
Themes Mystery, Magic, 1920's, Art heist, Books, Libraries.
Pat Pledger
The busy garden by Mary Luciano. Illus. by Nandina Vines
Little Steps, 2023. ISBN: 9781922678553. (Age:3-8)
The Busy Garden is a colourful and beautifully illustrated picture book telling of life in the garden of a big house. The creatures in the garden all have a job to do each day to keep their home a safe and thriving place. There is Alma the ant, Wilma the worm, Beatrice the bee, Lenny the lizard and Sienna the spider. Their day begins early as they go about their business of weaving, darting, organising, burrowing, building, searching and gathering. During the morning the two energetic children of the house enter their domain and the creatures are disrupted by heavy footprints, the picking of flowers, webs being destroyed and worm holes being covered over. Once the children leave, the creatures go back to their work helping each other to get things right again.
The story is told in clever rhyme and each creature is introduced across a double page spread with delightful and detailed illustrations to engage the reader:
Lurking on the leaf of a willowy palm, a spider sat perfectly still. This was Sienna, all elegance and grace, preparing to unleash her skill.
She surveyed the garden, then began her work, weaving a thread so thin. A beautiful pattern with a hidden motive - to catch unsuspecting guests in.
This is an enjoyable story which would be perfect to share and discuss with younger readers before a garden exploration.
Themes Nature, Gardens, Insects, Collaboration.
Kathryn Beilby
Kill for me kill for you by Steve Cavanagh
Hachette, 2023. ISBN: 9781035408160. (Age:Adult - Young adult)
Amanda’s 6-year-old daughter was abducted and murdered; husband, Luis, couldn’t forgive himself for taking his eyes off her for a moment and commited suicide. Her life imploded in loss, once a law abiding, anti-gun New York liberal Amanda is now a planning to kill the man she believes took her child. The police have a suspect but not enough evidence for a charge so she is meticulously planning to shoot him on a crowded subway train and disappear into the crowd. Her attempt fails but when she meets Wendy at a compulsory grief counselling session, who has similarly had a child murdered, they hatch a plan. Both fixated on the perpetrator, like in Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train they agree, “Kill for me Kill for You”. The point of view shifts to Ruth, attacked at home; another family’s hopes and plans are erased; she survives but won’t be able to have children and her mental health has become fragile. The other point of view is the detective, Farrow, whose failed investigations haunt him. How these points of view interweave takes a while to sort out but after about the first third of the book the plot takes off, twisting and turning in unexpected ways.
Steve Cavanagh is expert at tapping into our fears of being randomly and brutally attacked at home, of having a child abducted and murdered, the suicide of those meant to offer support and failure of the justice system leaving perpetrators out there waiting to get us. His detailed descriptions are effective and the plot quite fast paced but I found none of the characters had depth beyond their need for revenge and ultimately didn’t care what happened to them. A clever, plot driven read that will appeal to thriller fans.
