Pippa and the troublesome twins by Dimity Powell and Andrew Plant
Ford Street Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922696298. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Andrew Platt’s illustrations stand out and many readers will pick up this book from the display recognising his distinctive style, and then be enthralled by the accompanying story of sibling rivalry.
This story has Pippa the pigeon having to contend with her twin baby brothers, Pepi and Penn. She cannot understand why her parents Peg and Percy are always at the beck and call of the twins, unable to answer her questions about the flight to the forest in the distance, a place she wants to go for its peace and quiet. When they go off to find even more food for the pair, Pippa is left to babysit. It is the last thing she wants to do but when she looks at the tree trunk she notices a predator climbing towards the trio. Pippa raises her wings and flies at the snarling cat, hitting it with the hardest part of her wing, the sound resonating around the tree. The cat runs off, leaving Pippa with two very grateful squabs. After that she has an idea of how to improve their skills at flying and they practise until all three can make the trip to the forest together.
This charming story of sibling rivalry, of familial relationships will resonate with younger children for whom this is an issue in their own home. Many children will have come across a situation where they and their brothers and sisters are at odds, so the story will be quite familiar and its resolution a neat conclusion that all can emulate. Pippa is unhappy about having to babysit but put into a position where she can save her siblings, she acts decisively.
A sequel to Pippa (2019) the plucky pigeon will win over even more fans with this new story. She parallels what many children feel when there is a new child in the home, or if they must take on new responsibilities, or their parents no longer have as much time for them, or they feel they have been sidelined. Pippa feels what they feel but put into a position where she can act on her siblings' behalf, she protects them, putting herself in danger.
A lovely story, beautifully illustrated, Pippa and the troublesome twins is an engaging read aloud, with repetition enough to keep them listening and predicting the up coming words, and a frisson of danger to keep them om their toes. Teacher's notes are available.
Nathan Lyon puts his name and face to this great new fiction cricket series written by Michael Wagner (Max Rumble, The Undys). In a Spin is the second in the series. The first, Bowled Over, introduced us to Garry, a ten-year-old with a special off-spin bowl that sees him start playing for the Youngstown Under-16s. Garry is a well-rounded character, full of nerves, on and off confidence and he makes mistakes that see him paralysed with embarassment. This vulnerability is what makes his experience during one of the first games of the cricket season so devastating. One of the kids on the opposing team thinks Garry calls him a 'loser' and to get revenge he posts a video of Garry getting hit by the ball three times during the match. Garry is shattered, vowing to quit cricket and actually following through for a short time. But he is surrounded by supportive family, friends and teammates who are fabulous in their ability to communicate with Garry, be understanding of his feelings but also encourage him to face back up to the team the next weekend.
One of the big themes is forgiveness, with Garry's grandmother in particular, imparting lots of wisdom about who really loses out when we hold grudges, take revenge or refuse to forgive. These sorts of strategies for both life and cricket are woven throughout the story. Michael Wagner has done this really well with this series: just enough cricket talk as well as making Garry a relatable character and adding some real guts with some cyber-bullying content and plenty of emotional responses and challenges. The role-modeling of how we can deal with these meaningful issues both on and off the field is well-written, helpful to those reading along but also remaning engaging and entertaining. A great series that will appeal to a large age-range and made more approachable due to a smattering of illustrations by David Williams.
Themes Cricket, Fear, Forgiveness, Teamwork.
Nicole Nelson
Logan's big move by Logan Martin with Jess Black, and Shane McG
Logans’ Big Move is an enjoyable and fast-paced picture book based on the life of Australia’s first BMX freestyle Olympic gold medallist, Logan Martin. The appealing characters in the story are drawn as animals with Logan and his family portrayed as lions and his coach Big Rex portrayed as a bear. The story begins with Logan and his family moving to new house and discovering an amazing skatepark close by. After watching the skateboarders and BMX freestylers, Logan decides he wants BMX bike for Christmas. His parents encourage him to have lessons first and Big Rex loans him one his bikes. Logan wants to ride and do tricks like the older kids, but his coach encourages him to learn the basics first and shows him how to do a Bunny hop, a Manual and an X-up. Logan practises on the grass so he has a soft landing if he falls which happens often! Finally, Logan is ready to try out his brand-new BMX at the park and off he goes. But …Logan has a big fall. Once his bruises heal his coach wants to teach him a new trick, the 180. Logan is scared but after some positive and inspiring words from Big Rex, he is ready to try.
This is an engaging story that young children will love. Many of them may have watched Logan’s amazing performance at the Olympics and how his passion for BMX Freestyling has encouraged a new generation of bike riders.
Head of Zeus, 2023. ISBN: 9781837931224. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
An astounding novel by Puerto Rican writer Melissa Coss Aquino defies expectations of the lives of poor, neglected young Latinx girls, Carmen and Grace, in the Bronx. The two girls are determined to make their own choices and carve the lives they want, together. Original plans for college get sidelined when Grace is taken into the fold of Dona Durka, the queen of an underworld crime gang. Grace is groomed to be her successor, and Carmen follows along Grace’s path. We know it doesn’t end well for Carmen as the first chapter opens with her in prison, but the story of their lives becomes a heart-stopping ride through a world of drugs and crime.
In the first section of the book told by Carmen, we appreciate the bond that ties the two girls, but it is when Grace’s voice takes over, that we come to understand how much of a leader Grace is determined to be; ruthless and hard, but a leader that empowers the women that work with her. She encourages them to develop their inner strengths, including mental focus, collective loyalty, and belief in themselves. Group conversations include discussion of ideas and philosophies, and each is encouraged to pursue their own dream.
There is also a spiritual element, with the traditional stories of the abuela, dream interpretation, and Goddess worship. All emphasize understanding of self and female empowerment, including life messages the reader might take away.
All this combines to make a highly original and powerful novel, with strong characters, confronting language, and violence. Nothing goes as expected; it makes for a surprising and exciting, but also intellectually rewarding read.
Themes Drug gangs, Crime, Violence, Matriarchy, Sisterhood, Female empowerment, Bronx, Latin American culture, Belonging, Diversity.
Olivie Blake was a self-published author of six books before her novel, The Atlas Six, went viral on social media giant TikTok in 2021. Blake was quickly signed by traditional publishers who began to republish her previous works, including the urban fantasy novel, One For My Enemy, in 2023. A retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, One For My Enemy is a dark and moody version of the ageless story.
Sasha is the youngest of the seven Antonova sisters, famous for their beauty, cunning and ruthlessness. Their mother, Baba Yaga, is one of the most powerful witches in New York’s underground magic community, controlling the majority of the drug and intoxicant scene. Baba Yaga’s only real enemy is Koschei the Deathless, leader of the Federov family and father to three sons, Dimitri, Roman and Lev. When Sasha and Lev accidentally meet and fall in love, it sets into motion a series of events that will lead to all out war between the two families. What Sasha and Lev do not understand is that there are dark secrets hidden in the history of the Antonovas and the Federovs. And once the truth is known, there will be devastating consequences for both sides.
One For My Enemy is an entertaining and well-written retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Blake skilfully leads readers through five acts of action and romance. Her characters are compelling, and her plot has enough surprises to maintain interest. Like the original story, readers should expect death, violence and general mayhem. There are also sexual references and drug use that makes this novel better suited to older audiences.
Multi talented Andrew Daddo has teamed again with award winning illustrator, Bentley to produce a very funny book about potty training, an event in a child’s life which seems to engross many parents, sometimes ending in unnecessary stress. This irreverent book will put all at their ease when creating a routine time in a child’s life … well … routine. Daddo uses a variety of animals to make his point; that this is a natural occurrence, coming along at least once a day, (except for pandas) sometimes more, but a common event in all animals’ lives from a lion to a hippo, a dog to a panda, a monkey to a kangaroo, a giraffe to a goldfish, each has something in common: a poo face which goes with the effort made to expel it.
Bentley’s laugh-out-loud illustrations will tickle your funny bone as each page is turned. The expressions on faces are wondrously created with just a seemingly small difference in an eyebrow or mouth position. Kids will love looking at all the poo that the animals leave behind.
Yawuru creator Brenton E McKenna, based around Broome in WA, has created a wild and frenetic story based on two monstrous hairy holers, Begley and Redley who live in the Australian bush. A lost ‘skinny’ tourist named Joplin is headed towards Adelaide, mistakenly ends up in the wrong place and is captured by the hairy holers. They debate about whether he will become a delicious meal but is deemed too small and they release him. He tries to escape but faces dangerous animal predators and is eventually saved by the brothers. He becomes fascinated by Begley and Redley and sets about trying to help them find their parents by introducing them to the Internet. What follows is both confusing and hilarious. The darkly coloured graphic illustrations show a number of frightening characters in unusual situations, but it is all in good fun. Children will enjoy the slapstick humour and at times ‘rude’ comments. This is a short story and for reluctant readers with a sense of humour this book will hold great appeal. There will be further books in this series as the search for the parents continues.
Etta and the Octopus is a witty, illustrated tale that bridges the often difficult gap between picture book and chapter book. Zana Fraillon is known for her novels aimed at an older audience but this is wonderfully done by her and lovingly brought to life by Andrew Joyner's illustrations, which are so fabulous they deserve to be in colour, but are nevertheless spectacular.
It all begins when Etta discovers an octopus taking a bubble bath in her house. And on the floor is his suitcase, with the name Oswald on it in fancy writing. Oswald isn't an easy house guest but Etta is surprisingly patient. She makes a list of all the things she discovers about octopuses, or Oswald in particular; 'octopuses do not like to be cuddled', 'octupuses can (sometimes) be very helpful'. Smiley Oswald doesn't talk but he gets up to oodles of mischief due to his lack of social etiquette. He kicks Etta out of her bed, locks her out of the house, stinks out the whole apartment with his suitcase full of fish and throws Etta's board games out the window when he loses. Taking him out of the house leads to just as much trouble. Her efforts in putting up a lost poster are unsuccessful until a mean lady named Marina Prinkle Esquire turns up at the door demanding her octopus. Can Etta really send Oswald away with this horrible person or will she decide to protect her new friend?
This is a charming story with only small chunks of text on each page and large, often full-page illustrations. A little more text than Joyner's Boris series but less than Hercules Quick and still very approachable for newly independent readers. There is a reference to this being a new series, so hopefully we see more of Etta and Oswald soon.
Themes Octopuses, Friendship, Humorous Stories.
Nicole Nelson
Alight: A story of fire and nature by Sam Lloyd. Illus. by Samantha Metcalfe
In Australia we are unfortunately accustomed to the devasting effects of fire especially during the season of summer. However, what if fires were carefully planned and only burnt those areas needing to be controlled? Alight by scientist, Dr Sam Lloyd, thoughtfully answers this question and introduces children to the positive effects that a healthy fire can have on the natural environment.
The appealing cover with its pale tones, and the gorgeous endpapers depicting the plants and animals discussed in the story, provide a clue to where the fire will burn and what might be impacted. Each of the animal and plant characters mentioned are introduced in the beginning and the author has shared brief and interesting facts.
The story begins with Old Eucalypt becoming aware of the smoke but not worrying as people were working together and listening to the bush. The animals are warned to find shelter and the plants are reminded that it is time for new growth. Each of the plants and animals survive the fire in their own way and the rain brings newness to the landscape.
This is a fire that burns gently and in harmony with the bush ecosystems. The stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe show incredible detail and perfectly complement the text. In the final pages there is further important information about ‘Fire in the Australian Bush’ as well as a glossary to explain the highlighted words used in the text. A wonderful book to share with both children and adults.
Themes Australia, Planned Fires, Bush Habitats, Ecosystems, Plants, Animals.
Kathryn Beilby
Huda was here by H. Hayek
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068430. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Huda was here is the sequel to CBCA’s 2022 shortlisted novel, Huda and me. Created by talented Australian author, H. Hayek, this story is filled with beautiful connections and strong bonds. But, can Akeal endure another outlandish escapade with his sister, Huda (for the same goal…. to unite their loving family) or will this one really go too far?
Hooked in by a highly entertaining prologue, the reader is immediately captivated by Huda and her distraught brother, Akeal. Huda, with her usual sassiness and Akeal a complete wreck with worry are at the police station. How on earth could they have found themselves here! What plan has Huda come up with this time and more importantly, how can they possibly rectify it?
The story is told from the perspective of Akeal; an eleven year old who loves his family dearly. Huda, his pocket rocket, nine year old sister is strong willed and determined, yet sometimes a little too bold. She can be interchangeably bubbly and lovable or cranky and obstinate. Akeal is the calmer, gentler one; held back by hesitance and always thoughtful of others, he is torn between helping Huda and being caught out. However, their unwavering connection is undeniable.
Every reader will be instantly invested and pulled in by the strong connection; with Huda’s tenacity and sympathies with Akeal and what he must tolerate. As each chapter cleverly meanders back and forth in time, we discover how and why Huda and Akeal found themselves in this predicament…. And even more importantly how this will all end! Each twist and turn, keeps the reader completely invested and captivated.
H. Hayek has a great knack for writing a highly engaging story. The reader rides the waves of each emotion and scenario, as if they are watching it unfold first hand. You cannot help but spur Huda on; as her tenacity and drive are infectious and you just want both children to find the happiness and family unity that they so adore.
Themes Family, Friendship, Emotions, Problem solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Mizuto and the wind by Kay Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki
Midnight Sun Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922858023. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
There are times when a picture book reaches into the heart of the reader. Mizuto and the Wind written by Kaye Baillie is one such book. This is a gentle story based on real events that will touch deeply all readers but especially those that have suffered insurmountable grief yet can find through something to believe in a sense of hope to move forward.
Mizuto is a young boy living in Japan who one day loses his father in the 2011 tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan earthquake. His whole life becomes a dark and aching void where no joy is to be found. His mother no longer smiles, his father’s garden is neglected and Mizuto feels trapped. One day Mizuto hears of the ‘Kaze no Denwa’, a phone connected to the wind, and a way to reconnect with missing loved ones. His mother does not believe in such a thing, so Mizuto travels alone to the phone box and finds a sense of peace after the wind takes his words to his father across the sky. He goes home and talks to his mother, and they slowly begin to heal.
The spectacular illustrations by Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki add drama and meaning to the powerful words. The wild seas are striking and perfectly complement the roll of the words across the page. The flattened and battered landscape after the tsunami will leave the reader with a feeling of emptiness. During the darkest times the colours are mostly black, grey and white but when the healing starts, the colour begins to reappear. The beautiful endpapers show the leaves floating on the wind.
The author has included an Author’s Note to explain the story behind the book which is so important to share with children and adults. A wonderful book for all libraries - home, school or public.
This is the story of two children, Sami, who lives in a coastal village in the Bay of Bengal, and Yuki, who lives in Northern Canada, inside the Arctic Circle. While they lead very different lives, both are impacted by global warming. Their stories alternate, ‘Here” Sami lives with his grandfather Solomon since his parents went missing during a cyclone which inundated their village. They have been forced to move along the coast and live in shelters built from debris since losing their village. Sami helps his grandfather fish for a living but they have to struggle with other displaced villagers, crowded fishing grounds and few fish. 'There' Yuki lives in a comfortable home with professional working parents. She goes to school, has a mobile phone, a best friend and a dog called Lockjaw. Yuki is concerned by the plight of polar bears, native to the region, which are encroaching on human settlements due to the shrinking ice fields that make up their hunting grounds. We learn that brown bears from the south have been expanding northwards and cross breeding with polar bears to form a new hybrid species called Grolar bears. Yuki sets out to capture a picture of a Grolar bear for the local Conservation Center in the hope that they will be protected. Both children want to play an active part in their futures, Yuki to highlight the effect of climate change and Sami to change his small family’s luck. Their stories are told through alternating chapters, with helpful colour coded text boxes to augment the speech bubbles. The stories are both dramatic with expert use of varying points of view and subtly different colour palettes for the two narratives but they sit awkwardly together, their lives are so far apart, not only geographically but in matters of survival.
As I was writing this review another cyclone hit the Bay of Bengal area highlighting the plight of children like Sami. One review stated that the children were 'equally affected by global warming' but there is nothing equal about their stories and I would have enjoyed them more as two separate books. There is graphically presented information at the end about global warming that could be useful for teachers. A follow up to Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin's Illegal, this beautifully presented book successfully puts an accessible and personal face to the issue of global warming.
Themes Global warming, Displacement, Polar bears, Climate change.
Sue Speck
Your story still untold by Andy Martin. Illus. by Valery Vell
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922358509. (Age:3-6)
This first children's book by Andy Martin is inspired by his son Archie who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. The main character in the book, a dog, has a visible scar above his upper lip. As the blub says this is a uplifting book that aims to inspire children 'that they can turn to the love and comfort of their loved ones to support them through life as their story unfolds'.
Directed at the child listener the text begins, 'Life is precious, my little one, and your story's still to unfold. I hope these lines can help you through, the moments when it's told'. It talks about how things will sometimes be easy and happy and sometimes they won't, using weather as a visual analogy (sun-storm-rainbow). It also talks about how sometimes we feel disappointed in ourselves or what we can't do but that we need to take time out to appreciate the unique skills we bring and 'strive to be the best person you can be'. Then it goes on to gives some 'dos' for life: ' 'help others live positively', 'be kind and humble always', etc. The puppy is nearly surrounded always by family and friends (an array of animals), leading their support and their smiles, except for a few pages where he is scared and lonely. 'But don't be afraid of these moments, you don't just need eyes to believe. Trust in yourself and take your own steps, be the person you're destined to be'. This is a beautiful letter from a parent to a child, that will be relevant and heartfelt to all and make a wonderfully gentle bedtime story that will help everyone to reset for the next day. It is also a great one to read to children starting school or setting out on a new challenge.
Gorilla and his jungle friends are hungry. Their tummies are rumbling and they cannot get the coconuts down from the tree. A perusal of the endpapers will show younger readers just how hungry little Gorilla is as he dreams of all sorts of things to eat.
But Elephant brings in a parcel, tied sturdily to his back. All the animals are agog, what could it be? Snake comments on its size while the monkeys dare to think that the parcel is full of bananas. But this cannot be as it does not smell like bananas. Hog thinks it may be full of peanuts, but Gorilla says that his friend would not send peanuts as he is allergic to them.
'Maybe it is full of coconuts' whispers Snake just as the parcel slides off elephant’s back. All the animals come closer to help open the parcel just as the monkeys begin to tear off the wrapping.
The surprising present will make readers laugh even more, and Gorilla finds a way of using the gift to bring down the coconuts for them all to eat. A fun filled guessing game as to the contents of the parcel will keep readers intrigued as they will all want to know what might be inside. The surprise gift will cause lots of laughter as they realise just how strange it is for animals in the jungle, but Gorilla works out a way to use it to satisfy their needs.
Themes Problem solving, Animals, Jungle, Gifts, Humour.
Fran Knight
A Giant’s Trek by Nick Stella
Text Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922330703. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
A Giant’s Trek written by debut author Nick Stella is an entertaining, fast-paced fantasy novel. What initially began as a bedtime story for the author’s young children, is now a wonderful adventure full of strong likeable characters and fantastical settings.
Giant twin brothers, Ash and Oak, are like chalk and cheese. Ash is smaller and quieter, not as good at things as his brother and not his father’s favourite. Oak is big and loud, able to do everything well and is definitely his father’s son. The twins and a girl giant named Mithra have turned 12 and are ready to complete a coming-of-age quest known as the Trek, in order to pass out of childhood into adulthood. The Trek involves leaving Haven-Home with an adult mentor and travelling many miles to search for something that will help to protect their village from wolves. Oak and Mithra choose to search for strong weapons, but Ash chooses to search for incantations in the magic form of stone, wood, water and fire. Ash’s mentor is known as Avalanche and has been ostracised from the village due to a serious injury to his previous young charge. He does though know incantations so is a perfect match for Ash. The journey for Ash and Avalanche to find each of the four elements is full of danger and challenging situations. Joining them part of the way is Marshall Sypender, one of the pocket folk soldiers, who must guide them through his land. He is not as brave as the giants, but his true worth is shown over and over again during their eventful journey.
This is an exciting story full of descriptive language and amazing challenges with the reader left wondering what could possibly happen next. It is also a story of finding one’s own place in the world and being the person you are meant to be.
