In a strangely cruel and violent story that is almost the love child of The Gilded Cage and The Hunger Games this compelling tale weaves through the moneyed USA class system and reveals its underbelly. Adina Walker is an outsider at Edgewater Academy, but she is brilliant and deserves to follow her dream of going to Yale, but an argument with one of the ‘moneyed-class’ has turned nasty and Adina is stripped of her dreams. A lifeline is offered by the wealthy and charismatic Pierce Remington IV, but it comes with a challenge and a competition that has deadly consequences. ‘The Finish’ is an awful combative contest pitting twelve young women against one another to win the affections of the elusive Pierce – a prize that may open doors to wealth and opportunity, if only they can survive the challenge.
This is a powerful piece of creative fiction, revealing classism, sexism and racism and the ways it might manifest itself in East Coast USA. It is also a compelling story with intense violence and moral fissures that make for intriguing contemplation. Should the wealthy be able to do what they like? Who can stand up against their power and twisted view of the world? Is naked ambition as ugly as cruel exploitation? Much of this story though is the insight into the sexist, classist and racist opinions of those who look down their noses at those who have not inherited their wealth or position. Adina, the feisty protagonist, is fighting to be seen and acknowledged, by both men and women at Edgewater. Unfortunately, she has been swept into the roiling mess of the Remington’s ‘Finish’ challenge and readers will want her to survive, but also want her to leave the competition unscathed. This is a book for mature readers who have loved The Hunger Games’; it is violent and confronting and quite compelling, but it is not for the faint-hearted. It would make a powerful M-rated movie script.
Rabbit loves being active and to this end, we see him on the see-saw with his friend on the other end, and we see him as he tries diving off the peer, or tries to ski down the slope and then slide down the slippery dip. The problem is Rabbit. He has lots of Uh-oh moments. He seems very accident prone. Everything he tries comes to a sticky end. On the see-saw he slips underneath and falls off. When he dives his dive turns into a bomb, and he splashes his friend who comes off the float she is on. He seems perfectly in control as he skis off the ski slope, but somehow his legs become twisted up and he falls into the snow. The last adventure is on a slippery dip, so the expectation is almost a forgone conclusion, but the prediction does not come to anything, turning the story on its head, causing lots of laughter from the young audience, and the readers.
Children from the start of each trio of pages, will be used to the first illustration showing Rabbit going up, followed by an 'Uh-oh' as he has an accident of some sort, then the last page shows Rabbit down. This is turned right around in the last sequence as he keeps going up. The hiccup in the predictable is wonderful, as both reader and watcher will laugh at the way the author plays with our expectation.
The illustrations add another level of humour as he does the right thing, the expected thing in each of the first frames. He looks to be skiing beautifully, and in the right pose for skiing and diving. Even on the slippery dip, all seems fine. By then the 'Uh-oh' alerts the readers to the change in fortune as he does something wrong to undermine his achievements but this is all askew on the slippery dip.
The stunning black and white illustrations are augmented with a spot of yellow, giving an intriguing highlight on some pages, while the 'Uh-oh' is always on a yellow page, contrasting with the black and white pages. The endpapers add another level of interest which young readers will love, scanning their eyes over the things they have read about but seeing a few more things that Rabbit tries out with similar disastrous endings.
A very funny book for the young toddler, strongly constructed and with thicker pages for them to look at time and time again, and offering a starter for talks about keeping yourself safe.
Yippee! Rabbit and Oops! Rabbit are also available.
Accident prone Rabbit is at it again, not content with falling off the seesaw or falling into the snow on the ski slope in Uh-Oh! Rabbit, in Yippee! Rabbit he is still trying out things inside the house and in the garden to his chagrin.
In this book, each of the trio of pages starts with Rabbit doing something physical, with Rabbit go, as he plays a game, then Yippee when he is happily involved, then Rabbit stop, when the activity fails. So kite flying seems to be going well until it wraps itself around a tree. Rabbit is on a swing, but swinging higher and higher, yippee, means he comes off and lands badly, Rabbit stop. Then riding his scooter through the rain seems great fun, yippee, but comes to a stop in the large puddle, Rabbit stop. Each time there is a recognition of the repeated lines, but the last activity, using a chair to launch himself in space, Rabbit goes.
Prediction comes to an abrupt stop as he succeeds on his last activity. Another cute emphasis on prediction, as Rabbit faces the expected, but then the book comes to an unexpected end. Again as in Uh-oh Rabbit, the book is a great impetus for talking about keeping oneself safe.
Themes Activity, Adventure, Humour, Safety.
Fran Knight
Roobee Roo: Sunny day treats by Nico and Candy Robertson
Another in the highly entertaining series of board books about Roobee Roo and her magic pouch is presented in this book, Sunny day treats in which Roobee Roo decides to make some treats for her friends. She goes to the garden where she picks five strawberries to put in her basket. Then she pops to the fridge in the kitchen to get some orange juice. She places the juice and a strawberry in each of the ice block moulds then pops it in the freezer. In the meantime, her friends, Wes, Perri, Quizzy and Kala have each made a treat for all their friends. They can have a crunchy, smiley, wobbly and fizzy treat from each stand. Then Roobee Roo takes them into her kitchen where the freezer has done its work and they each have a strawberry ice block to eat.
A sunny story of friendship and sharing of food will appeal on many levels to young readers.They will love predicting what is in the pouch and what this shows about Roobee Roo’s day. They will love working out what each friend has made from the description. And they will love watching Roobee Roo making the ice blocks.
Themes Food, Friendship, Sharing.
Fran Knight
Payback in death by J.D. Robb
Piatkus, 2023. ISBN: 9780349433912. (Age:Adult)
The 57th book in the In Death series, sees the return of Eve Dallas and her team, investigating the murder of a retired captain who had once headed the internal affairs department of the force, probing into crooked police officers. Although the crime scene had been set up to look like suicide, it was apparent that Captain Martin Greenleaf could not have killed himself, and as the investigation continues Dallas must examine the backgrounds of the many bad police officers that Greenleaf had exposed. Who could want payback for a past grievance against the officer?
Once again Robb has written an engrossing police procedural, outlining the research methods that Eve and her team use to eliminate the many suspects. Eve also uses her experience and expertise to identify suspects and works hard to find evidence to support her suspicions.
Although this is the 57th book featuring Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the team, Robb always manages to bring a fresh mystery for the reader to enjoy. Her characters are engaging, Dallas is honest and forthright and Peabody is a delight to read about. And of course, Roarke is as likeable as ever.
Fans of the series will be happy to have another book to devour, while readers of mysteries may like to start with the first in the series, Naked in death, where the characters are introduced, and then follow their growth throughout the series, although each book has a stand-alone mystery to solve.
The second in the Harper Hall of Pern series, following Dragonsong sees Menolly in the Harper Hall, where she must learn not only how important her music is but how to fit in the apprentices and girls who reside there. Harpers are important in the world of Pern, as their music tells the story of what has happened and can influence the thinking of the people who listen to their songs.
This is a story about the new girl at school, one where Menolly is unsure of her place and her talent. At the sea hold of her father, she had been forbidden to sing her songs or to play music, so a place where she is encouraged and expected to grow her talents seems strange to her. However, with the encouragement of Harper Robinton, new friend Piemur and journeyman Sebell, Menolly gradually begins to realise how much she must learn, but also to appreciate what she has already accomplished. She must overcome the envy of the girls from the holds and the jealousy of some of the apprentices, learn to control her little fire dragons, and cope with cranky teachers, but overarching this is her love for music and her desire to play.
Unlike many of the fantasy books published today, this is shorter (288 pages) and easily accessible for readers. The Harper Hall of Pern series is one that would make an excellent introduction to science fiction/fantasy as it is easy to read and the characters are very engaging.
Themes Dragons, Harpists, Music, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger
Mini & Milo: The big flappy ears by Venita Dimos & Natashia Curtin
The first book in this new series, Mini & Milo: The teeny-tiny voice, introduced the two friends, one much larger than the other as they roam around their friendship.
In number two in the series, The big floppy ears, the duo is concerned about Mini’s hearing. In class she is warned about leaning back on her chain but does not listen, so falling as the chair topples under her. She does not hear Milo giving her one lick of her ice cream and gobbles down the lot. Despite her extra large ears, Mini misses the information about the class excursion. Milo is super excited about a trip to the museum thinking about all the things she will see there. Mr Scott asks Mini if she heard the instruction and Mini said yes, but next day when she arrives at school, the classroom is bare.
She spends the day wondering where everyone is until she remembered the excursion. The next day she asks Milo to help her heard things, and together the two try to solve the problem. They think of a number things to do but they do not seem to work. Mini then suggests that perhaps she needs to remember things, so uses sticky notes to recall important information.
Trial and error helps support decision making, while working together on a problem supports friendship and cooperative behaviour. The Mini and Milo series create situations where cooperation is at its centres and children reading will see that problems can be solved through cooperation and trying things out, particularly after asking a friend for help.
The illustrations give a solid grounding for the story, showing the two friends as they work together solving the problem. Details will draw readers into look more closely, and they will laugh out loud at some of the things they see. The illustrations roam all over the pages, using a variety of design features to stimulate the reader. And I loved the images of Mini as she tries to be a good student.
Themes Cooperation, Friendship, Problem solving, Teamwork, Humour.
Fran Knight
Picasso and the greatest show on earth by Anna Fienberg
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781760296988. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth by Anna Fienberg is a gentle story about friendship, human fragility and finding happiness. Exploring emotions and relationships, this story will engage the reader to reflect and enjoy the meandering storyline. Delving into the different ways, we as humans, deal with loss, blame and embarrassment, the reader shares in the beauty and power of art and nature triumphing overall.
The story's protagonist, Frances, finds herself in a new place, new high school and new home. Her family have recently been through the trauma of losing a loved one and are all dealing with it in their own ways. Frances has been gifted a troubled puppy called Picasso. She doesn’t know how to interact properly with the puppy and finds his germs unnerving. Frances is passionate about all germs. She draws them, researches them and is fascinated by their properties, and dogs can have lots of germs!
When Frances meets and befriends a boy at school, Kit, their love of art ignites a strong connection. But both characters have their own issues that they are dealing with. Slowly they begin to share snippets of their past, and their love of art draws them together. Sharing time together and exploring the beauty of the natural environment, Frances finds comfort in their friendship.
When given a task to create a large wall mural at the school, they both immerse themselves in the task of bringing their love of the natural world and art together. However, as things get rocky for them both, will their relationship be strong enough to withstand the challenges. Will they be able to really trust each other, or will their deep secrets tear them apart?
Anna Fienberg has created an engaging and thought-provoking storyline. Beautifully written to capture the emotions and feelings, this novel would appeal to those who enjoy exploring the human interactions and the importance of communication and understanding. Dealing with personal relationships, adversities, feelings, complexities and more, this novel has everything to keep the audience engaged. Teacher's notes are available from the publisher.
Vesper only wanted to help, and yet by going out to save others from the Storm, which curses everything it touches, she caused her father to have to come to rescue all of them, and now the queen's soldiers have caught wind of where he is. After years of hiding, her revolutionist father is found and imprisoned. Desperate to save him, Vesper does the only thing she can think of - disguising herself with ikonomancy and finding work in the palace. Attempting to find the hidden prison, all the while hiding her father's book of ikonomancy as he is a gifted ikonomancer. Problem is, he never taught her, and only those deemed worthy to take on an apprenticeship by the Palace are meant to undertake the study. Finding herself working for the Prince's right hand man, Vesper must watch herself carefully, as her continued attempts to learn ikonomancy in secret are dangerous, as are her attempts to find her father. All while the Storm continues to close in on the city, and threaten all their lives.
The beginning of the novel is slower than expected, especially as is starts with an action scene - the story itself seems somewhat disjointed, with characters lacking proper development. By the end of the book, readers might feel like they know some of the characters, but still feel unsure about the majority. The main character, Vesper, has lots of self-doubt and guilt, which can be relatable, though also drags the story down continuously. With as many fantasy books as there are on the market, and the high caliber of writing, this has not quite met the mark. Still an interesting concept and a well built world, with some twists, though readers will have to be patient reading to discover them.
Another in the highly entertaining series of board books about Roobee Roo and her magic pouch is presented in this book Under the stars in which Roobee Roo and her friends go camping.
Her pouch is full of things that people take with them when going caping, so the young readers will be excited to see what happens. Some may have been camping and so predict what might happen to Roobee Roo and her friends, while for others it will be a new experience. Over the pages, Roobee Roo and Quizzy collect sticks nad leaves and make their own bush stew, and are very grateful when Mum makes a real one. Quizzy is with her family in a campervan, a different way of camping than Roobee Roo who has put up her tent by herself. The two sing and dance before meal time and are thrilled when Dad gives them roo-mallows to toast over the fire. When it is dark a torch is shone into the night sky to see the stars. And Roobee Roo goes to bed in her sleeping bag zipped up tightly with fluffy parrot in her pouch.
Themes Camping, Tents, Night sky, Humour.
Fran Knight
Nature's song by Robert Vescio. Illus. by Nicky Johnston
New Frontier, 2023. ISBN: 9781922326782. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Aiming to bring the outside world inside for her housebound brother, a little girl sets out into the garden and foreshore nearby. She has been impatient to go, aware of the neighbourhood calling her, but she must wait for her mother to say so.
At last she is allowed to roam outside: she wallows in the comfort of the outside world, breathing in the blooms, looking at the myriad of tiny things she spies along the foreshore. Life is not only smells and comforts, but it creeps and crawls, skips and bounces towards the sea. She sits on the jetty watching the fish and the birds and dolphins, then begins to collect things to make her brother smile again. Her little dog brings in some seaweed, she collects driftwood and shells, flowers and leaves. She takes the things back home, using them to make a map of where she has gone, marking the spots where she found the things she collected. A map he can treasure.
A warm hearted story of love between siblings as the boy is holed up inside and his sister collects things to keep him in touch with the outside world. She scours the wild places outside and then the foreshore where she adds to her collection of things often overlooked. In taking them back to her brother, children will see what has happened to him and talk about the restrictions such an injury has on someone.
They will love looking for the variety of different things illustrated in the book, perhaps adding a few more things to her collection as they make up their own treasure map.
Nicky Johnston’s use of pencil and watercolour give a soft edge to her illustrations, inviting readers to share their own experiences of collecting things, particularly by the sea, and marvelling at the vistas she sees along the way.
The end papers give readers an exercise in following maps and will encourage them to make their own.
After seeing Dragonsong listed in A Mighty Girl's 2023 Summer Reading List I decided to revisit Anne McCaffrey’s classic books which I had read when they were first published. I was not disappointed with Dragonsong, the first in the Harper Hall of Pern series, and which was written by McCaffrey for adolescents.
Menolly is fifteen years old and lives in a hold close to the sea, where her father oversees the people and the fishing industry. She has been allowed to work with the hold’s Harper, creating music, singing and playing and dreaming of one day becoming a Harper, but when he dies her father refuses to allow her to play or sing because she is a girl, and she is left to the drudgery of menial work. Finally, when she can no longer bear not to make music, she runs away but is caught in the dreaded Thread fall which could destroy Pern, as there are fewer and fewer dragonriders to obliterate it. Seeking shelter in a cave she discovers a clutch of fire lizards, who imprint on her and change her life forever.
This is a classic science fiction story that has stood the test of time. Menolly tries to be a dutiful daughter, but eventually she can no longer suppress her musical talent as demanded by her father and the only way out seems to be to run away. Her courage and determination is inspirational, and the setting of Pern, a world full of dangers, dragons, and wondrous little fire dragons brings a story of bravery and adventure. Readers can expect to enjoy a feel-good, escapist and motivational book, and will be quick to recognise like me, the influence that McCaffrey has had on later stories featuring dragons.
The third book in the Two Rivers series, following The long call and The heron’s cry, sees the return of Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his two off-siders, Jen Rafferty and Ross May, this time investigating the murder of Jem Roscoe, a celebrity sailor, who has been found in a boat anchored in Scully Cove. The local Greystone lifeboat team had been called out in a raging storm answering a mayday call and found his body. Jem, a local celebrity sailor and adventurer, had arrived in town, telling the townspeople that he was waiting for a mystery visitor. And it is up to Venn to find out who that was and why Jem was murdered.
Cleeves’ setting on the Devon coast, with its violent storms, high seas and tall cliffs, and superstitions surrounding Scully Cove, is described vividly and adds to the brooding atmosphere of the mystery. Matthew Venn is a quiet man, described in a work appraisal as lacking charisma, but one who immerses himself in the background characters and geography surrounding the murder victim. He is uncomfortable in Greystone, a town he had visited in his youth, and one that is populated with the Brethen, the sect that he has left behind, but he knows that he could find the motive for the murder by investigating Jem’s past. With help from his team, Venn gradually uncovers clues that help unravel the mystery surrounding the death and when another man is found dead in Scully Cove, it is apparent that the two are connected.
Readers will need to connect subtle red herrings to work out how the murders were committed and who killed the victims, making the story enjoyable. The series does not fall into the cosy category but is not dark enough to make some readers uncomfortable. Cleeves writes clever and atmospheric mysteries and The raging storm is sure to please her fans.
The strongly constructed hand sized board book is an episode in the highly acclaimed and popular ABC series called Ginger and the vegesaurs,which will ensure kids will pick it up. Brightly coloured, with funny images of a variety of fruit and vegetables as the main characters whose story we follow, the book has instant appeal.
The second book in the series: Dinner time, evokes laughter from the cover as two bananas and a carrot peer out at the reader. Again, a dense text means an older person is needed to read it out loud, but the images will keep younger children laughing their heads off as Ginger and the two Pea-Rexes search for a chilli snack. Unbeknownst to them, they are headed for a collision course with some Bananaraptors.
I love the images of the different fruit and vegetables as dinosaurs, so melding two things that kids love, fruit and veg and dinosaurs.
Great fun, lots to laugh at and a tie in with a beloved TV series will ensure these books are never left on the shelf.
Themes Dinosaurs, Humour, Friendship, TV tie in, Read aloud.
Defy the night is a fabulous read for fans of stories like Robin Hood and other tales of masked outlaws breaking the law to assist the helpless and poor. In the kingdom of Kandala, a virulent sickness is spreading and there is not enough medicine made from the rare Moonflower to go around. Tessa Cade has been trained as an apothecary and she does her best to illegally obtain medicine and get it to those who need it the most. She is assisted by Wes, whose face she has never seen. When danger overcomes the pair, Tessa makes the terrifying decision to steal into the palace and face King Harristan and his brother Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice, who metes out harsh punishments to those breaking the law.
Defy the night is Kemmerer writing at her best, with a beautifully described world, court intrigue and a potential rebellion of people who need the medicine for their families. Tessa and Wes are engaging characters who will have the reader breathlessly reading as they undertake their dangerous missions and their slow burn romance helps to keep the reader immersed in the story. The tension really ramps up when Tessa enters the castle and meets the King and Prince Corrick. She learns more about the pair and begins to understand some of the complexities of ruling a country and navigating jealousy and ill-will. Will she be able to influence the King to help her people?
I really enjoyed the author’s Elementals series beginning with Storm, which is still in print, and for fans of outlaws seeking justice, readers might like to read Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley, Murmuration of starlings by Franny Billingsley, Mask of mirrors by M.A. Carrick and Outlaws Scarlett & Browne by Jonathan Stroud.
