The prestigious Australian Archibald Prize for portraiture has had its share of controversy, with censure for the appropriateness of subject, residency of the artist, gender of the artist, and in 2004 the challenge to Craig Ruddy’s image of David Gulpilil was on the basis that it was a charcoal sketch rather than a painting. But the most outstanding case of all was the 1943 court challenge to William Dobell’s portrait of Joshua Smith on the grounds that his painting was a caricature rather than a portrait.
Anderson tells the story of the relationship of the two men, both artists, and how the case brought by more traditional artists, Mary Edwards and Joseph Wolinski, members of the Royal Art Society, on the grounds that Dobell’s portrait was a distorted and caricatured form, led to a questioning of the authenticity of modern art, and the relationship of realism to art in general.
The Prize will be of interest to students of modern art, and people interested in the history of Australian art more generally. The story is also a powerful depiction of societal attitudes towards homosexuality during that period of history, and reveals how men had to hide their feelings behind a veneer of respectability and convention. Unfortunately for Joshua, a man mercilessly controlled by his mother, the spirit of independence that Dobell so powerfully captured in his portrait became reduced to timid stubbornness. It is a very sad love story.
Themes Archibald Prize, Australian art, Court case, portraiture, LGBQTI+.
Helen Eddy
The Grizzled Grist does not exist by Juliette MacIver and Sarah Davis
Gecko Press, 2022. ISBN: 9781776574155.
It's the class trip to Dismal Hills wilderness. and the children are excited to show off their outdoor skills-foraging, climbing, trapping and hiking - under the leadership of the indomitable Ms Whiskersniff (who prefers to be called Ms Whisk). That is, all except quiet little Liam who would rather hide...
A hider moves with soundless ease and treads as softly as the breeze. At times, a hider barely breathes - but what is this the hider sees? But when what he sees is dismissed as non-existent let alone a threat, the class finds themselves in big trouble. Can Liam save them by being the world's best Hider?
From endpaper to endpaper (and including them) this is a brilliant story that should be shared just for the fun of it. It bounces along in rhyming language, mostly carried in the conversation between Ms Whisk and Liam, but superbly accompanied by the illustrations which are such an integral part of the story, as the best picture books are. Readers will delight in spotting the clues that observant Liam does and many will relate to being the more introverted, non-outdoorsy type so often not seen and not heard.
But as well as the clever wordplay and diverse characters, this story will appeal because it is just an entertaining, engaging read. There's no overt message of impending global gloom, doom and disaster (unless you count the fate of Ms Whisk and Liam's classmates) that seem to permeate so many recent picture books for young readers and while there is much to discover and discuss, there is not the sense that they must do something as a result of reading the story - except to read it again and again for the sheer joy of it.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068720. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
This is paws down one of the best Anh Do books ever!
JJ and the Giant Panther written and illustrated by mega talented Anh Do is the second book in the Smarty Pup series. Be entertained again by the humour and adventure throughout; this time delving into what is takes to be brave.
JJ is a super talking, genius dog, after purple goop fell on him a while back. Now, even NASA has him on speed dial! He has super sensitive senses in sniffing and hearing; making him a great detective when playing hide and seek!
He lives with a young girl, Lily and her family, and he is her best companion. So, when Mr Hasting, the sports teacher, announces there is a going to be a school camp, Lily insists that JJ attend too. While on camp, all the children are grouped in threes to tackle each task aimed to develop and assess their bravery. Each group will be allocated points for completing the tasks successfully.
Lily and JJ are paired with Timmy, but both Lily and Timmy don’t feel they have good bravery skills that will assist them. How will they even complete each task, let alone get bonus points for finishing first?
JJ, with his genius skills, takes the lead in the group but becomes a petrified and hiccupping mess when he thinks he sees a giant panther. Can Lily, Timmy and JJ’s team complete each activity and survive the school camp, or will the giant panther prove too much for all of them?
This fabulous short fiction novel is extremely fast paced with a highly energetic and engaging storyline. Filled with quick wit, humour and adventure, this story will keep its audience captivated until the very end. The vibrant and amazing full colour paged illustrations throughout will grab the reader’s attention, along with the interspersed jokes scattered amongst the storyline.
Cheerful, colourful and creative, this series definitely won’t disappoint!
Themes Bravery, Humour, Adventure, Problem solving, Friendship.
Michelle O'Connell
You need to chill by Juno Dawson and Laura Hughes
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008488284.
When Bill can't be found at school one day, the imaginations of the other children run wild. Is he on holiday? Is he lost in the park? Has he been eaten by a shark?! It's up to Bill's sister to explain.
This is a fun-filled celebration of family diversity that is filled with love, acceptance and humour as the suggestions of Bill's whereabouts are contemplated and the only response is, 'Hun, you need to chill'. But finally the answer is disclosed and it's not what a lot of readers will expect, but knowing little kids, one they will accept. It opens up the opportunity for discussions about not only Bill's new circumstances but also family diversity in general and the children will soon realise that no two families are the same. Such growth in tolerance in the years I've been teaching, led by books like this which expose our young readers to new situations so they are ready for them when they encounter them.
Themes Brothers and sisters, LGBTQI people, Transgender, Personal identity.
Barbara Braxton
Wolfsong by T.J. Klune
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781035002146. (Age:Adult)
Green Creek in the Cascade Mountains is a small, out of the way sort of place and Ox (Oxnard) Matheson lives there with his mum, Maggie, who works in the local diner. His Dad, a violent drunk left when he was 12. Ox is big, says little and does not lie; his father called him “dumb as an Ox” and before he left, told him “You know you are not the smartest boy” and “You’re gonna get shit, for most of your life” p2. Local mechanic, Gordo gives Ox a job and helps the family out. Down a lane towards some woods is an empty house, sometimes there is a car outside briefly but one day a man comes to the diner and introduces himself as Mark, from the family who own the house. Ox likes him and asks if they can be friends, Mark says “It’s always the ones who are the quietest who have the most to say. And yes, I think we’ll be friends.”p18. It was not until Ox is sixteen that Mark and his family move into the house in the woods. Ox is met in the road by ten year old Joe, a whirlwind of a boy who instantly takes to Ox, climbing up to cling to him chattering constantly as they go to meet the family. There is Carter, about Ox’s age, and Kelly, a bit younger and their parents Elizabeth and Thomas Bennett. Mark is Thomas’ brother and the Bennetts become more and more a part of Ox and his mum’s lives as they absorb them into their pack. “It should have been obvious what they were, but then I wasn’t looking for the incredible buried in the ordinary” p64. The family are werewolves, part of a wider community of werewolves constantly alert to the dangers of those who hunt them and to power struggles within the community. Not only does Ox find an extended, loyal, caring family he falls in love with Joe in spite of the six year age difference. As the story develops over ten years, Ox gains in confidence and supported by the family and Gordo, who turns out to be a witch, (an important “tether”) he becomes a leader, fighting against the villain Richard. This is a brick of a book, well over 500 pages, difficult to sustain, given that it is character, rather than plot driven, and while the development of the relationships of most of the secondary characters was beautifully realised I didn’t find the love story very convincing. There is an animal attraction between Joe and Ox from the beginning and it never seems to develop past Joe’s sexual possessiveness and need to mate. What we get are explicit sex scenes which narrow the readership regardless of the gender of the participants. This is a shame because there is much to love in this paranormal fantasy; I liked the emphasis on loyalty, support, friendship and how Ox’s perceived deficits become strengths. The werewolf relationships are more attractive than vampires, quite sensual with their touching, smelling wrestling and pack bonds, a shame about the sex scenes.
When Grandma tells Lee she will soon be 'going home,' Lee is confused. Isn't Grandma already home But as Grandma's health gets worse and her death approaches, Lee learns what it means to 'walk Grandma home' to heaven, while also reflecting on his good memories and dealing with his grief alongside his extended family.
Written by a child psychologist and counsellor this is a touching and relatable story about a young boy's grief to help young children understand what it means to lose a loved one and how to process their own emotions of fear, grief, and joyful remembrance. It includes a page that explains the child's perspective to help parents and caregivers to process the child's emotions in a healthy and loving way and personalise the story to the child's own experience.
Sadly, this is a situation that many of our young ones face - just this week there was a request for suggestions for titles for a child who was angry that her grandfather was in a wheelchair and succumbing to dementia when her friends' grandparents weren't - and thus any books like this that can be added to our collections to help ease and explain the situation have to be welcome. And while each incidence is unique and can be overwhelming for the child involved, perhaps being able to read such stories and have their experience and emotions validated will help a little.
Welsh schoolboy, Jason, lives with his 19 year-old brother, Richie; recently orphaned, they are trying to survive on their own. Richie is valiantly trying to work to earn enough money to keep a roof over their heads, but he has made an unwise choice under duress, and this has put the boys under further pressure. Jason has a few good friends, but grieving is hard, and now he is really worried about the future. A plan to make some extra pounds from the local paper by catching a photograph of an elusive big wildcat wandering through the Welsh countryside sets Jason and his three friends on an adventurous trek. Avoiding local bullies, and a rampaging bull, the children discover true friendship as they battle cold, danger and their own fears, and demonstrate resourcefulness as they pursue the prize.
This is another heart-warming story from Lesley Parr, a writer who is not afraid to explore tough issues, but does so with gentleness and warmth. Set in the 1970s, it is during a time of industrial struggle that impacts local miners and cuts income, and all families must struggle with limited access to power and an uncertain future. Because of the Welsh setting, she also scatters Welsh language through the text. This will confuse some Aussie readers, but it is lovely to see the consonant-rich words, and also the rich vernacular words (eg lush = great/awesome). I used an online translator to assist on several occasions. If young readers aged 9-12, can get past this occasional use of Welsh, they will grow in appreciation of other cultures and language, other histories, and the painful struggle of hardship. The grief of the central character is revealed with understanding, and the reactions and support of his friends is occasionally uncomfortable. This is a ‘show-don’t-tell’ guide to how to support someone dealing with intense grief. This makes this a powerful story on many levels. The choices that Richie makes that get him into trouble are not given any glory – quite the opposite - crime doesn’t pay at all. The characters in this story are all delicately developed and I absolutely loved the huge Tam – the Rugby-loving, gentle giant with a faith-influenced view of conflict resolution, but who also struggles with how he should support Jason.
Themes Orphans, Financial hardship, Family, Friendship, Wales, UK – 1970s.
Carolyn Hull
The settlement by Jock Serong
Text Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922458797. (Age:16+ - Adult) Highly recommended for mature readers.
This is an intensely moving, stunning and uncomfortable story based on real history. The convict settlement of Tasmania and the settlers who took landholdings for themselves were not the first inhabitants of the island state. The indigenous people of Tasmania became victims of the violence of the colonisers and their own struggles with different clans as they were pushed into each other’s territory. Into this historical background came ‘the Protector’ George Augustus Robinson, a man whose plan for the protection of the remnant indigenous population was initially motivated by good intentions (and the possibility for his own personal advancement) but did not really empower the people he was trying to protect. The plan was to take the remnant community off Tasmania onto a smaller island refuge (away from their own lands), and to provide them with a Christianising influence; and utilising Convict labour and servitude to enable the hard labour to be carried out . The relationships between colonisers and indigenous Australians were complex and sometimes violent and occasionally amiable, and at other times profoundly condescending. Sadly, the new settlement became a torment for all, with illness and abuse, hypocrisy and contemptible behaviour towards the indigenous residents overriding any of the original good intentions. The focus on two children, Whelk and Pipi, and their pain at the hands of the ‘professional Catechist’ will bring even a hardened reader to tears.
This is an extraordinarily compelling story, and yet it is so hard to be anything but horrified by the way the story proceeds. Every colonist displays incredible hypocrisy – almost as if their clothes are all that defines them as civilised. The story is divided into the story of the gathering of the island’s aboriginal people with leaders from their own community involved, and then their life in the island ‘refuge’ settlement. No one escapes the torch of scrutiny in this book – the surgeon appears incredibly barbarous and incompetent from our 21st Century viewpoint, but he too is more interested in his own career prospects. The Catechist, as the professional Christian, is just horrific and as a Christian myself I am appalled at his depths of hypocrisy . Even the indigenous people display their own double standards, but sadly their story is really just their attempts to survive. But for all the tragedy of the story, it is beautifully written, with a gentle touch and an absorbing style that draws the reader in. The sadness of this fictional account of real history is that we really do feel the pain, and can see that our nation’s history is marred horribly by selfish vagaries and violence and that it is this that demands a spotlight, no matter how uncomfortable. This is a book for mature readers, 16+ - adult, and is highly recommended, particularly for readers of Aboriginal history. As a 21st Century reader I am ashamed of this history, and so grateful for the opportunity to have read this story of the ‘voiceless’ first inhabitants of Tasmania at the time of early European colonisation.
The useless tune by Chris Uhlmann and Paul Uhlmann
Walker Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781760653729. (Age:7+)
A young magpie, Maggie, has left her parent’s nest in search of her own tree and a new home. Along the way, the magpie shares her special song with a number of trees, but is rejected by a rude Mountain Ash, an angry Ironbark and an unkind Red Gum. These trees feel that a magpie’s song is not able to offer them anything but trouble and cannot protect them from natural and manmade disasters such as bushfires, drought, flood or logging. Poor Maggie feels that she really has nothing to offer, is exhausted, and finally sleeps overnight on the ground. When she wakes, a small Scribbly Gum asks to hear her song and convinces Maggie to make her nest amongst its branches.
This thoughtful and calming story is set in a barren Australian landscape captured by the simple and subdued illustrations. The poignant text is asking the reader to really listen to the sounds around us and think deeply about what is being said.
Themes Magpies, Nature, Trees, Australian Bush, Song, Harmony.
Kathryn Beilby
Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning Stef Murphy
Bloomsbury, 2023. ISBN: 9781526627964.
What happens if you live in a world of blue -
ONLY BLUE ALLOWED, by Blue government demand Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned
- but your favourite colour is yellow?
What if your favourite toy is a little yellow rubber duck but you have to hide it even from your family? This is a story that not only champions diversity, difference and pride but encourages those who are different to have the courage to come forward and celebrate that. In a world that is hopefully disappearing rapidly - despite those in some US states clinging to the "old standards" by banning books and educators facing criminal charges for breaches - and conformity was the key, there were always those who preferred yellow in a world of blue whether that was colour, religion, political or gender identity, or any of the millions of other ways that humans differ. And it's been a theme in many children's books now for some time, but this one stands out for its simplicity in explaining the concept. Liking yellow in a world of mandated blue is something even the youngest readers can understand and they can start to think of things that they like that perhaps others don't, like Brussel sprouts and broccoli, then consider if that is necessarily something to be shunned for. A friend recently posted a message to social media about a daughter who "marches to the beat of her own drum" (whatever rhythm that might be) and my response was that it was wonderful that she now lives in a world that is willing to accept and embrace so many different tunes because while it might sound like a cacophony, it is actually the harmonious sound of humanity. So it doesn't matter how many times our little ones hear this vital message about being yourself, of celebrating difference, of having the courage to stand out, because now we are finally reaping the benefits. A guide is available.
Sixteen-year-old Clara Lucas' magic is wild. She longs to be accepted by the Council of Magicians as a healer. Her friend Xavier is already a wizard but she has been left behind because she cannot control her magic. When she accidentally causes poisonous flowers to bloom in her father's chest she knows that she must learn a complex healing spell to save him. Xavier is the only wizard who can help her, but on one condition, she must give him her magic when her father is cured.
The gorgeous cover will entice the reader to open the book and learn about the magic of flowers. Bakewell gradually reveals a gentle fantasy and a slow burning romance. The voice in Clara's head is one that readers may well recognise; it torments her with thoughts of failure, and the pair strive not only to find a cure for Clara's father but a potion that will help people with mental health issues and anxiety.
Although the conclusion seems a little rushed this unique look at anxiety combined with an engaging friend to lovers romance is sure to appeal. Readers who enjoyed this may also like books by Margaret Rogerson.
Lou has an important job . . . as the neighbourhood toilet for dogs on their walks, particularly as he is across the road from a doggy day care centre.. All day, every day, they come and sniff, and twirl and twist and lift and...
Useful as he may be, he gets the feeling that deep down inside, there might be more to him than that. He just doesn't seem to know exactly what yet. When disaster strikes, will Lou find out what he's made of and save the day?
Young readers will giggle their way through the start of this book as the recognise a very familiar scenario, but the astute ones will also be looking at the pictures and discovering a whole different scenario playing out in the background while Lou is musing about his lot in life.
This is one to encourage young readers to read the pictures as well as the words because in quality picture books they are integral adding to both the plot and the meaning. Like Lou, this story shows that there is more to each of us than first meets the eye, and that each of us has hidden qualities that others might not appreciate at first. Little ones who are usually the least empowered can have fun identifying just what it is that makes them unique and special, perhaps adding to a group collage that shares their particular talents. Who knows what future hero or champion might be lurking.
Themes Dogs.
Barbara Braxton
Duckling runs away by Margaret Wild and Vivienne To
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761065804.
Duckling is angry with her mother and declares she is running away and "never coming back. Never, ever." And off she goes - past the chickens, puppies, kittens, piglets, lambs and bunnies who are all playing games together and having fun. Even though they invite her to join them, she refuses saying that she is running away. But as she is running, day turns to dusk and not only is Duckling unsure of the dark but she can't remember why she ran away in the first place! She may not know where she is but she knows where she needs to be...
There are a handful of authors whose name on the cover of a book is a guarantee of a great story, and Margaret Wild is one of those. Together with Vivienne To, (the team who gave us The Sloth Who Came to Stay) she has created an engaging, familiar story that you can imagine evolved from a foot-stamping, tantrum-throwing toddler saying exactly the same thing. Not only has Wild captured such a common occurrence in the lives of our little ones and turned it into a story that resonates but doesn't threaten, To's soft illustrations add to the atmosphere, particularly as the sun starts to sink and we wonder what Duckling will do when night falls. There is as much atmosphere and drama in the illustrations as there is in Duckling's announcement!
While there is a subtle underlying theme of unconditional love between parent and child, this is a pure celebration of story reflecting real life that will endear our youngest readers to the printed word and strengthen those special bonds they have.
Themes Ducks, Mothers.
Barbara Braxton
The great Aussie Easter egg-and-spoon race by Sophie Sayle. Illus. by Daron Parton
After the Easter Bilby leaves eggs for the bush babies, they paint the eggs and then hurry off to participate in the Great Easter Race. Wombat, Kangaroo and Bandicoot collect colourful things from their environment to decorate their eggs, but Echidna is still asleep. Kookaburra doe his best to wake her up, reminding her about getting ready for the race. The three animals share their decorations with Echidna and they all rush to the beach to start the race. Running off Echidna drops her egg, but Kookaburra urges her to get up quickly and finish the race. Kangaroo hops back and opens her pouch for her to get in. Several leaps later they cross the finishing line, Echidna winning by a nose.
A gentle story of cooperation and working together, the Great Easter Race is more about the friends sharing, than eggs and chocolate, which makes a wonderful change from the books usually offered at Easter. .
The illustrations remind readers of the range of animals that are found in Australia, along with some flora they will recognise. The text alludes to games played in the past, egg and spoon race as well as the old tradition of decorating and painting your own Easter eggs. Classroom and homes may copy the hints given in the book to try it out for themselves.
Themes Australian animals, Easter, Bilby, Sharing, Cooperation.
Children of all ages will love this bright and colourful rhyming new release, just in time for Easter. When rain keeps a family inside, one of the children happily sets about the job of cheering them up. She enlists the aid of Easter Bunny whom she hears creeping around the house at night delivering eggs and creates mayhem for her family. Each family member is delivered eggs in a humorous way with a story to match:
Liv loves playing pirates. With a hook in her hand. So we buried her treasure Deep down in the sand. EGGS marks the spot!
Finally Easter Bunny has had enough of the jokes and the pranks that have gone too far and are no longer funny. The prankster realises she has spoilt Easter for her family and sets about making things right. Eventually her family is able to celebrate a happy and fun filled Easter. Young readers will love the witty jokes, clever pranks and the use of EGG-stremely…EGG-stra…EGG-static words!
