The Accomplice is another well written novel by Steve Cavanagh that keeps you going till the very end. When you feel like you know what is happening another twist is thrown in to make you rethink everything and wonder what is coming next.
Daniel Miller has been identified as the Sandman who killed fourteen people before his disappearance. His wife Carrie is now on trial for being his accomplice. Eddie Flynn has the hard job of proving that she was not involved in these murders and in fact she is a victim the same as all the others who had the misfortune to cross paths with the Sandman. As Carrie’s trial starts, she becomes scared and goes into hiding, and this makes it even more difficult for Eddie Flynn to defend her and prove her innocence. Everyone believes because she has run away, she must be guilty. When the Sandman reappears, killing witnesses to protect his wife, the challenges for Eddie continue to grow.
Eddie is finally able to convince Carrie to trust him and come to court so that she can testify to her innocence. But as the trial comes to an end and it seems like everything has been dealt with nicely another twist is thrown in to change the whole outcome.
This novel is written with different chapters from the various characters points of view, and this adds to the suspense within the story.
This novel will keep you hooked and guessing to the very end. I highly recommend this book.
Themes Lawyers, Murder, Runaways, Trials.
Karen Colliver
Amy's balancing act by Bjorn Sturmberg. Illus. by Laura Stitzel
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922678072. (Age:8-12)
On first read of this boldly illustrated picture book about the use of clean energy there was some initial confusion about the story. However, on reading the final pages where each new clean energy source is explained, it helped to clarify understanding of the story and the message being presented.
Young Amy delivers post on the island of Energia using an ageing packhorse named Clyde. Along her journey she finds her customers complaining about how destructive Clyde is for the local environment. As Clyde begins to find the workload too much, Amy is encouraged to use other sources of energy including a goanna, albatross and glider. Each of these Australian animals represents clean energy. The goanna presents photovoltaic solar panels, the albatross presents wind turbines, and the glider represents pumped hydroelectricity. This book sends the clear message that finding solutions to energy concerns plus teamwork will help human society in the future. For middle primary school and lower secondary students studying sources of energy, this book may be useful as an introductory text.
Well-known South Australian children’s author Katrina Germein has written her first information picture book in collaboration with illustrator Suzanne Houghton. Wonderful Wasps is a stunning read with ingenious rhyming text and striking illustrations and is all about a number of little-known wasps that exist in Australia.
From the detailed endpapers where eleven different wasps are displayed and labelled, to the double-page spread of facts and the glossary in the final pages, this delightful book will engage its young readers with its interesting information and colourful illustrations.
The book begins by asking the question: What do you know about wasps? It then mentions ‘not the plain European wasp’ but ‘colourful, wonderful, weird Aussie wasps.’ The text then goes on to explain about Australian wasps, what they do, where they are found, what might happen if they are no longer around, as well as giving a snapshot of some of their characteristics including this one of the Orange spider wasp:
Spiders are food that many wasps need. They paralyse spiders so larvae can feed. A wasp lays an egg right onto a spider. The baby wasp hatches and feeds from outside her! (Think that sounds gross? It’s what parasites do, and they need to eat, like me and you.)
When reading and sharing stories with young children the ability to connect them with the text is so important and this has been skilfully achieved with questions posed throughout. This entertaining new release is an outstanding book that will be enjoyed by all readers, both young and old.
Kate Ritchie, well know author, actor and radio personality, has written an honest and breezy account reflecting on the joy to be found in everyday life. The book begins with a personal note from Kate telling of her past happiness found from being in the garden and then not having a garden but finding delight doing a myriad of other enjoyable activities that are either free or inexpensive. Everyday Play does not have a contents page at the beginning but is set out in seasons beginning with Autumn and in the final pages there are a range of lists with different activities to do with the corresponding page numbers for easy access.
This attractively presented book is full of ideas such as writing a story, reading a book, making a worry doll or lollipop spiders, starting a collection of items from nature, even cooking up a storm with recipes such as pizza, rainbow fruit platers and shortbread. Complete with delightful photographs and illustrations, coloured pages and inserts, plus clearly segmented information, this easily accessible book is perfect for middle - upper primary school readers and their adults who might find themselves at a loose end during holidays, on a weekend or after school.
Back on country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. Illus. by David Hardy
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761065088. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Somebody’s land and Ceremony have showcased the collaboration between Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing with books that have informed and entertained younger children about the people of the First Nations. Now a third book has been added to their repertoire, one that explains in a story what the land means to this family.
Lucy and David travel to the Flinders Ranges, Adnyamathanha country in the Mid North of South Australia. Here Mum is going back to where she came from, showing her children the country, her relatives, the stories and the environment in which she was raised. With bright engaging illustrations the group goes camping to see what being on country is all about.
As they sleep under the stars, her father sings songs to the children, using words from his language, words reflected in the illustrations. At breakfast they are woken by the loud noise of a wdhingala and ready themselves for the day. Their day includes a walk to the wirra, the family’s special tree, one that has drawn their ancestors to its canopy for many years. Overhead they spy an eagle, and they move on to an ochre pit and paint their faces. Sheltering in a cave they see drawings done by the people who lived here years before, and the remnants of a shelter, now a pile of sticks on the ground. Adniyini tells them that they are part of the Ararru or Mathari, either the north wind or the south wind a delineation which tells them who they can marry when they are older. By the campfire that night, the children are impressed with the night sky so different from the one they see at home and they are told that the sky is like a map which shows them where to go and tells them about the seasons. The next day the children see their mother painting under a tree and come over to her. She unfurls a piece of canvas for them to draw their memories of being back on country. They have learnt so much about their country, its traditions and customs, the environment. Their efforts are shown on the last double page encouraging the readers to reprise their journey with them, adding the Adnyamathanha words they have learnt.
The illustrations show the sort of country in the mid and upper north of South Australia, with river red gums, dry dusty river beds, mountains and caves, ochre pits, and birds and animals that can be found thee. Readers will love spotting the detail on each page, asking for their faces to be painted, or a night out under the stars, as they to learn what it is like to be back on country.
Writers, Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing have produced a story that reflects what being on country means for people of the First Nations, encouraging empathy from all readers as they travel the same path. An activity sheet is available.
Act is the third book in the series about Olive and her classmates. In this book she is in sixth grade and life is starting to get complicated, her best friend has developed a crush and Olive is realizing that life is not always fair and equitable.
At the start of the book, Olive and her class are going to see a play in the city; however she soon realizes that not everyone attended the outing. When she discovers that the reason for one of her classmates not attending is because she can’t afford the fee, Olive decides to change the policy and so the story about social justice and politics in schools begins.
Olive’s aunt Molly encourages her to look at peaceful protests and historical incidents that have changed social policy. The story focuses on Olive running for student council and the issues that this raises not just with her friendship group but also within the wider school. Act is very much a realistic look at the school dynamics of school council elections and the wider issues of popularity, social disparity and evolving friendships.
I really enjoyed this book as the storyline moves quickly and in a way that doesn’t feel contrived or simplified. The characters are relatable and the issues they are all dealing with are real and ones that the reader will either have faced or will be dealing with as they are reading. The illustrations are great, I love the bright colourful nature of each strip and the fact that so much can be said without words.
This series is a brilliant addition to any book case and is definitely one I would recommend for a classroom library as it is great for all students as it will encourage thought provoking conversations between peers and their families.
Themes Family, Social injustice, Friendships, School, Politics.
Mhairi Alcorn
The Crayons Trick or Treat by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
The hilarious crayons from The Day The Crayons Quit are ready to celebrate Halloween! They want to go trick-or-treating, but they're not sure what to say!
So Purple Crayon tries to teach the rest of the box the magic words to say when they ring their neighbours' doorbells. (Hint: It's NOT "Boo!")
This is a story for young children who are noticing the preparations happening in stores for this not-so-traditional celebration in Australia but who are fascinated by it, its trappings and the concept of trick-or-treat. While it is growing in popularity here, there are still many who mutter about it being an American thing but in fact, it is much older than that, dating back to pagan times and the festival of Samhain which marked the end of the harvest season then gradually morphing into All Hallows Eve as the night before the Christian festival of All Saints Day as Christianity spread throughout Britain, and its familiar celebrations were taken by the Irish to the USA.
Written as a conversation between the crayons themselves, the font used means that this is one for adults to share with littlies, which opens up opportunities to talk about the origins of trick-or-treat as well as the importance of using manners.
Themes Crayons, Halloween.
Barbara Braxton
Rainbow Fish and the storyteller by Marcus Pfister
North South, 2022. ISBN: 9780735845008. (Age:3-8) Recommended.
The latest in the Rainbow Fish series, Rainbow Fish and the Storyteller, is about a fish called Humbert who befriends Rainbow Fish but tells very tall stories that frighten the other fish. The first story is about a plug at the bottom of the ocean that is going to be pulled out. Another story is about a huge blue whale who is going to eat all of the plankton so the little fish might starve. But for each story the hero is Humbert who is going to be the fish who saves them all.
Humbert is just looking for company and friendship, but he is going about it the wrong way. The other fish soon decide to leave Humbert alone and not listen to his stories anymore. Humbert is lonely and Rainbow Fish and Red Fin decide to help him by suggesting he tells stories to entertain his friends rather than frighten them.
The beauty of the Rainbow Fish stories are the striking illustrations which always appeal to a wide audience. This story might have a valuable lesson for younger readers in not to act boastfully and to be honest with friends.
Dead Good Detectives by Jenny McLachlan is the first novel, in what will certainly be a popular new series for anyone who enjoys adventure and the supernatural. This brand-new adventure is one like no other. With a protagonist who is appealing and relatable, a plot that has twists and turns and an ending that will keep you guessing, the story has many appealing qualities. It is full of adventure, action and anticipation, and charmingly interwoven with concepts of self-identity, teamwork and determination.
Sidonie Jones is a twelve-year-old girl who is struggling to fit in with what she perceives as normal life. She lives in a small town called Fathom with her father and has a wonderful best friend called Zen. However, this beautiful friendship is tested as she questions how to fit in with other peers. She prefers to just blend in and go unnoticed, whereas Zen likes to be bold and stand out; he doesn’t seem to worry about what others think.
Her life is turned upside down when on an ordinary afternoon, Sid discovers she has accidently released a 300-year-old ghost who is trapped because of unfinished business. What is she to do? Dealing with these problems on her own, for fear with what others will think of her, causes life to be really difficult and Sid and Zen gradually drift apart. What is friendship really about? Can Sid embrace who she really is and help her new ghost friend, or will all be lost forever?
Jenny McLachlan has created an engaging and interesting novel. This story will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good adventure, some ghosts and a little bit of fun. Chloe Dominique’s illustrations fill pages with further engagement and entertainment to bring extra interest for the reader. With sequels to come, this is a novel that will be enjoyed my many!
Themes Friendship, Adventure, Teamwork, Problem solving, Ghosts.
Michelle O'Connell
The rabbit's magician by Shae Millward and Andy Fackrell
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696083. (Age:3-8) Highly recommended.
The Rabbit’s Magician is a beautifully illustrated picture book to share with younger readers who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Ziggy has always been the companion of a magician known as The Amazing Albertino. One day he disappears, and Ziggy patiently waits and waits for him. While Ziggy is waiting, some very caring Australian animals reach out to him and ask him what he is waiting for. Ziggy explains about all the wonderful tricks he and Albertino did together and how he is waiting for him to reappear. A very wise owl explains to Ziggy that Albertino will not be coming back but has been transformed into things that are all around him. Ziggy begins to realise that Albertino is in the flowers, the rainbows, the stars, and their favourite place, the moon. While Albertino is physically gone the memory of him is everywhere.
This book will provide comfort to those who are struggling with grief. A lovely read with striking illustrations. Worksheets and activities are available from the publisher.
Themes Magic, Love, Loss, Grief, Australian Animals, Phases of the Moon.
Kathryn Beilby
The trip by Paul Beavis
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781912678648. (Age:3-6) Highly recommended.
The trip looks at the concepts of mine, yours and ours and can be used to support the teaching of me, you, us, mine, yours and ours to young children. It shows that some things are mine, some are yours and some are ours to share. This is a good book for an early reader as the words are minimal, repetitive and simple. Teacher's notes are available.
It has bold uncluttered illustrations that support the story well.
A very simple story with a good message and I highly recommend it.
Themes Dogs, Space flight, Aliens.
Karen Colliver
Tarni's chance by Paul Collins and Jules Ober
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696052. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Don’t you just love a book that surprises. This beautiful hard cover book fits comfortably in smaller hands. It tells a familiar tale: that of a beloved parent leaving. Tarni waits for her mother to return, the air thinning, her world losing its colour as the days become weeks, then months. One night she hears a garbage truck in the lane and looking outside, sees a dog in its path. She rushes out to save it but when she calls it to her, it runs away. A while later, it reappears and follows her to school, waiting outside until she returns home. She calls it Chance. Chance brings colour back to Tarni’s world and she meets other children at the playground to have fun with Chance.
A wonderful final double page shows Tarni with her friends, blowing bubbles, playing amongst the trees in a city playground. Life is now full of colour.
Spectacular illustrations compliment the text as each scene seems like a stage setting against which Tarni’s life is played out. And what a setting. Each page is a purpose built miniature, each scene designed and made then photographed by Jules Ober. Her images are breathtaking, a world created by the illustrator to reflect the story, the scenes executed in minute detail. A photo on the publication page gives a tantalising idea of how the pages were developed, and more about her work can be found here.
I am sure readers will want to know more and perhaps try out her creative work for themselves. The background image of an inner Melbourne street is very recognisable, and many readers with help, will be able to create a small section of a street using found materials.
A story of loneliness and friendship, the use of the word chance will intrigue readers as they think about the place chance has in their lives. Tarni is transformed by chance, by a dog that happens along, recovering her equilibrium, bringing hope back into her life, making her feel happy and content once again.
Finally, fans of The inheritance games and The Hawthorne Legacy will have all the questions that came up in these first two books answered, as well as some twisty riddles to try and solve and a powerful opponent to face in the final book in the series.
Avery has lasted almost a year at Hawthorne House and is almost set to inherit the billions that Tobias Hawthorne has left her. Then a familiar face turns up and she knows that she must solve the last problem that Tobias has left. With the help of the Hawthorne brothers, she pits her wits and intelligence against an unknown adversary, prepared to lose everything in the game.
As with the first two in the series, the reader is kept immersed in the riddles that surround Avery. In her determined way she goes about solving the clues to the mystery of the identity of the ruthless person who is threatening everything, and in a thrilling chess game she tries to outwit her opponent.
All the Hawthorne brothers, with Rebecca and Thea, and Avery's sister, play a part helping her to solve the mysteries surrounding Hawthorne House and her legacy, each growing in strength and understanding of themselves. Such a lot of characters to love! The themes of grief, not belonging to a family, and feeling unloved by parents, are managed sensitively by Barnes and bring depth to the story.
And of course, the readers who have been following Avery’s love life will enjoy the growth of her relationships, and those who have been asking themselves what they would do with billions of dollars, will follow the theme of the power of the very rich and how they manipulate money markets and adversaries.
This has been an engrossing series, well worth reading and recommending and The final gambit is a thrilling conclusion. Fans of other books like The Westing game by Ellen Raskin and One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus and We were liars by E. Lockhart will be sure to enjoy the series.
University of Queensland Press, 2022. ISBN: 9780702265426. (Age:12+) Highly recommended (but with sensitivity).
Roller Derby is a sporting pursuit that few know well, except perhaps for the classic Roller Derby nicknames that are part of the community culture. ‘Fred or Dead’ is a pre-teen girl (and Fred is genuinely her name!), the only child of a loving, semi-nomadic family who have regularly relocated, but have recently made Brisbane their home. Fred has joined her mother in the Roller Derby community as a Jammer in competitions, and she is a tough participant. Her mother Sarah ‘Scarer’ has been a passionate participant and coach in the quirky sport. When this story begins, we know that Sarah has just died after a fairly rapid cancer journey. Fred is deeply distressed and her sadness pervades the entire story and also undermines her opinion of Roller Derby and destroys her joy in skating. Fred and her grieving Dad take a road trip to Melbourne to rediscover Sarah’s story from her past, and it is in this journey into Sarah’s past and her beginnings as a Roller Derby participant that Fred finds healing and restoration and a possible climb out of the depths of her grief. The irony of her Derby name – ‘Fred or Dead’, is not meant to be funny, but instead is a deeply moving reminder of the tragedy in Fred’s life.
This story is powerful on many levels. There is the fascinating insight into the Roller Derby culture, but also the incredibly raw revelation of grief for a young girl and her father. This book is not easy to read because of its emotional rawness. But there is love amidst the tears, and wisdom (despite the pain of grief) in coming to Melbourne to learn about the mother who will no longer be able to speak of her own history. I know that this book will be incredibly hard to read for the sensitive reader or the one who has known their own grief, but at the same time there are small moments of humour and incredible sensitivity in peeling back the layers of a young girl’s grief response. The reality of a first period without your mother to support you through that, or of the constant reminders of loss when contemplating Roller skating or Roller Derby are potent messages of loss. This is a book that needs to be read and promoted, but as it is not fun or entertaining to be immersed in someone else’s tragedy, be cautious about who this is given to or who borrows this book. This incredible story will perhaps best be recommended for mature readers aged 12+. Caution:There may be tears as you read. Teacher's notes are available.
Daniella (Dani) Murphy is determined to play rugby league, but she keeps getting the message that girls don’t play footy. She is determined to play like her brothers, but since her mum passed away her grandma says no, and her dad says nothing. Dani is determined to show them that she is as good as any of the boys and can play. She has been training with her older brother and is getting good until a terrible accident that threatens her dream.
Dani doesn’t give up and with the inspiration of another local girl playing footy she is determined. Her brother comes up with a ploy to help her prove to her family that she has what it takes. Once her family see how passionate she is and that she can play they are reluctant but willing to let her have a go. Dani realizes that her family are not being mean when they say no, they are just overprotective since her mother passed away. In the end Dani is able to follow her dream and prove that girls can play footy.
This book highlights that you can achieve your dream if you are willing to work for it. Teacher's notes are available.
