Vast expanses of different shades of blue urged me to open this book detailing the life of a humpback whale and her calf as they trawl the ocean. The calf hugs close to its mother, sheltering under her flipper, the mother alert to any possibility of danger. As the pair glides through the water looking for food, they swim and dive together, splash, breach the surface and sleep, their behaviour paralleling that of a mother and child on land.
The bond is warm and loving, reflecting that of the human child and her mother, holding hands as they run along the beach, play with the water, eat cake and hug each other close.
Each page shows a different example of the bond between mother and child. A human mother and child stand hand in hand on the hilltop overlooking a sheltered bay where the whale and her calf live while the calf is newborn. The calf hugs close to mum as she shelters the calf with her flippers, the animal as big as a school bus. The calf drinks milk from mum, growing bigger and stronger every day, just as the child is growing taller to reach the tree where her hat has become lodged. The whale and her calf play in the water splashing and beating, hitting the water with loud beats of their flippers. The child too plays in the water, splashing and the whale and her calf blow water from their blowholes, sending a plume of bubbling water into the sky, just as the child blows bubbles. The whale sings and the calf sleeps close under her flipper. And the mother and child snuggle together in bed.
Each new piece of information about the whale and her calf are duplicated by the mother and her child, showing the bond between mothers and their offspring that are replicated across the whole animal world.
The text gives snippets of information about the Humpback whale within the context of a story, adding new words to the vocabulary of the reader, reiterating the correct terms to use when talking about whales. Young children will assimilate these new words with ease.
Two pages of information support the story at the end of the book.
A beautiful offering, stunningly illustrated, presenting non fiction to children in an evocative way.
Themes Whales, Ocean, Mother and child, Parenthood.
Fran Knight
Drum roll please, it's Stevie Louise by Tanya Hennessy
Albert Street Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526412. (Age:8+) Recommended.
A great laugh-out-loud read. I can see kids reading this one with a smile or laugh on their faces at home or during silent reading lessons.
Drum Roll Please It’s Stevie Louise is a funny and light read by Australian much loved comedian, writer and media announcer Tanya Hennessy for middle years and beyond readers. Illustrations by Leigh Hedstrom are a great addition to the story which helps you visualise the scene.
In the book we get to meet and follow the adventures of eleven year old Stevie Louise Mason with her special bravery gold boots. She loves reading and watching musicals. Today she has come up with a great plan on how to make some money but needs the help of her Brooke Street kids gang. She decides to hold a show and she puts a theatre troupe together which she will have the starring role but wait…… a new neighbour, Addison moves into the street and threatens to derail her plans for the troupe.
Stevie takes us on a journey on how she is outgoing and full of confidence at home and with her friends but totally different at school. We read about her home life and friendship group that she wants to continue with at high school. We discover her insecurities and how she copes. There is a clear message at the end of the book that we and Stevie should just believe in ourselves and our abilities and accepting new and old friends and the importance of included people.
Definitely a great read for any school kid that will find the story relatable. Oh yeah, I loved Stevie’s mum and her crazy cooking abilities, thinking about trying some of them out on my family.
Themes Personality, Entertainment, Business.
Maria Komninos
Sky dragon : Ride the wind by Anh Do
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760879013. (Age:10+) Recommended.
SkyDragon: Ride The Wind written by Anh Do is the third book in one of the author’s latest series for middle grade and reluctant teen readers. The story begins where the second book Fly Free ended with Amber fighting to evade the clutches of the evil Agent Ferris. She has been knocked out but comes to and with support from her loyal friend Justin is able to escape. Amber hurries to the home of her kind-hearted carer Irene and fills her in on her adventures. Irene is ready to move away in order to keep Amber safe but Amber refuses as she desperately wants to find out if her nemesis Firefighter is her beloved brother. She heads back to her isolated cabin in the woods and fortunately her insect friends warn her of imminent danger and she is able to avoid capture again. Sadly, her cabin is torched, she is homeless once more and retreats to Irene’s house. They leave the town and head to another bigger city. Here they encounter Money Man, a greedy villain from the E-Boy series, as well as a new evil character known as Trouble, who combines forces with Money Man to wreak havoc on the city. Amber steps in to help the residents, E-Boy joins her and they try to outwit the villains.
This third book is full of excitement, nasty villains and quite physical confrontations. Book Four is coming soon and readers will continue to be intrigued by the growing connections between Skydragon, Firefighter and E-Boy. The graphic images by James Hart add to the appeal and engagement of the story.
What kid would not read this book with an opening line “I AM SO ANGRY I THINK MY BUM MIGHT FALL OFF”.
The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife is an awesome, hilarious read, exploding with humour and very, very BIG FEELINGS. Scarlett Fife will quickly become a friend of all readers. If you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s Matilda you will absolutely become a fan of Scarlett Fife.
Maz Evans the author of some of the funniest books I’ve read like Who Let The God’s Out? series has managed to bring us a modern day Matilda called Scarlett. Scarlett uses her own feelings of anger to affect things. She has no control over her feelings and mostly explodes things up instead of controlling them.
Scarlett gets into big trouble after her BIG FEELINGS episode at her auntie’s engagement when she makes a hamster run into the vicar’s trousers. You can just picture what happens. She is told by her mum that if she loses her temper one more time she will miss out her trip to Mega Awesome Sicky Fun World which is the best theme park on the planet.
From here, Scarlett tries very hard to control her temper and discovers that every time she bottles up her feelings inside of her things start to explode. Like, really explode. It’s hard for her to control her feelings especially when there is a bully around and family thing issues.
I found when reading we encounter real problems and frustrations that children experience. Both boys and girls will relate to Scarlett. The book is very diverse and readers will probably find situations they have experienced. Characters are great, my favourite was Scarlett and her friend Masie. Also, Chris Jevon's illustrations throughout the book were awesome to look at.
If you want a good laugh I highly recommend The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife. Just remember that you won’t want to put it down.
Grace’s Escape is the second in Louis Park’s time travelling adventure. Set in modern-day Scotland, 12-year-old Grace lives with her mother in Hotel Castle Faerie, their ancestral home. They left Broome, WA, where Grace was being bullied at school and are now running a castle for guests who want the experience of living in the Victorian era. However, Grace and her new friend Ellie get to have a real historical experience by means of an enchanted map that reveals places in the castle where they can time travel. In this story they travel to the 1890’s, along with pet dog Coco-pups. There they become involved in thwarting a dastardly scheme by evil Mr. Biggs-Grossly to swindle Lady Eliza, the owner of Castle Faerie. They must also save twin girls and Coco-pups, who have been kidnapped and locked in a lighthouse. Occasionally they must travel back to the present to fix things going wrong. Grace also pieces together more about her family’s history.
The story moves at a fast pace and has many commendable brave smart girls at its core. It has a light humorous tone, and the time travel works well. Young readers will undoubtedly find the cute dog, the stationery shop and the Willy Wonka party very appealing. Louise Park successfully recreates the 1890’s with attention to detail such as what women’s fashions were and slang phrases like ‘batty-fanged’. The other major plot line she uses is integrating literary greats Beatrix Potter, James Barrie and May Gibbs into the action. In reality Castle Faerie was a gathering place for writers in those times. The book is also littered with literary tidbits and author quotes. In this way readers can learn more about these classic authors.
Themes Victorian times, Classic authors, Time travel, Bravery, Family history.
Jo Marshall
Trick number two by Nick Bland and Stephen Michael King
Patience is the overwhelming theme of this tale as three little wizards try to develop their own magic skills, asking the Wise Old Wizard to pass on his knowledge. He does but not in a way that satisfies two of them, patience being a virtue that needs to be practised.
In this very funny tale the Wise Old Wizard gives his three proteges a piece of string and tells them it needs to be planted, watered and cared for until spring. Impatience is at the heart of the next stage as two of the trainee wizards pull up their pieces of string to make use of it in another way.
Wizard Blue uses his piece of string to tie up his shoes and marches away. In autumn, Wizard Yellow can wait no longer and pulls up her piece of string to fix her kite. Only Wizard Red stays with his string. He patiently waits through the winter rain, the wind and snow until spring comes around. The string sprouts a bud and that bud turns into a red balloon. Now that Trick Number One has been made his, his patience is rewarded as the Wise Old Wizard shows him Trick Number Two.
In easy to read rhyming pairs of lines, children will eagerly predict the rhyming word, offering many suggestions as the story is read aloud. They will rail at the impatience shown by the first two, congratulating the patience shown by Wizard Red as he tends his piece of string.
Illustrations by King are always a delight and the detail shown will intrigue readers as their eyes skim across the pages with all of its interesting variety.
Themes Patience, Perseverance, Seasons.
Fran Knight
The upper world by Femi Fadugba
Penguin, 2021. ISBN: 9780241505618. (Age:13+)
Esso lives in a world where he's running out of time - then one day he makes a choice and learns he can see the future. A future that haunts him... Fifteen years later, teenager Rhia is lost and alone, wanting answers. On the cusp of signing with the Dons football club, with her grades holding her back, her foster parents arrange for a tutor. But this tutor has an obsession with physics and there might be more to him than meets the eye. Things are changing - luckily Rhia has her best friend and foster sister Olivia by her side to help her decipher the changes. With gang wars raging throughout the years, Esso and Rhia's fates collide but it's a race against time...
This mind bending sci-fi jumps between Esso and Rhia's perspectives, 15 years apart - the now and the 15 years later. With plenty of science and maths, as well as intense drama, this YA sci-fi has mixed theoretical with real life seamlessly. The author, Femi Fadugba, has written such an interesting story with two realistic protagonists - living life in hard times, with hardships and pain impacting every aspect of their lives. With a variety of supporting characters: family, friends, enemies; this time twist of a story looks at the impact of choices - even how not making a choice can be a choice. Fadugba has given readers much to think about, not only in science fiction but also human relationships. Good for fans of time travel theory and science fiction.
Themes Science Fiction, Relationships, Time Travel, Choice, Consequences, Gangs.
Melanie Pages
Dark rise by C.S. Pacat
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760875749. (Age:Young Adult) Recommended.
Bestselling Australian author C.S. Pacat is back with a new young adult fantasy series. Dark Rise is the first in a proposed trilogy set in an alternate early nineteenth century London. It follows Will, a sixteen-year-old dock boy who is on the run after the murder of his mother. Will does not know why she was killed or why the murderers are still pursuing him, he only knows that they are getting closer and time is running out. He is guided towards a mysterious organisation named the Stewards and discovers that he may be key to a brewing war of good versus evil.
Pacat made her name with the highly acclaimed yet controversial – and extremely sexually explicit – Captive Prince series. Dark Rise is a toned-down iteration of Pacat’s writing stye, more suitable for an older young adult audience. However, the characteristics that won Pacat so many fans with her previous work – clever dialogue, fraught and forbidden relationships and excellent world building – are also present in this novel.
While Dark Rise is most definitely not for the faint-hearted, or for younger audiences, Pacat has turned her hand very successfully to young adult fiction. Dark Rise is sure to win her a legion of new fans, eager for the release of the next in the series.
Themes Fantasy, Historical, Romance, London, Magic, Good vs Evil, War, Violence, LGBTQIA+.
Rose Tabeni
Kid President totally rules! by Jack Heath. Illus. by Max Rambaldi
Kid President Totally Rules!, written by Jack Heath is a story with humour and wit that will keep the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. If you enjoy reading David Walliams, Liz Pichon and Andy Griffith you are sure to love this story too.
Jaxxon Mauriz is not your average students by any stretch of the imagination and he certainly is the last person you would nominate as president of anything. He is forgetful, lacks focus and is all about finding the easy way to do something and having fun. However, when he is suddenly thrown into presidency of his country, he moves into action fast. From creating skate parks to free ice cream, redesigning the presidency residence as a go cart track to creating a laser skirmish fortress, everything he wants he can have and all his dreams have come true! Or have they?
When Jaxxon learns his new role has important responsibilities and there are some awful things happening that are damaging the world, he decides to take action. He is beginning to really enjoy his new role and embrace the new challenges as they arise. Even when world peace is in jeopardy, he manages to cleverly and creatively manoeuvre to diffuse the situation. Jaxxon begins to change the world for the better, much to the disgust of a young trillionaire who has been controlling the country and his own Vice President who wishes to gain power. He is in for the ride of his life and will need to use all his kid skills to outwit these two. Will Jaxxon be able to survive his time in power and right the wrongs that have already occurred or will others’ greed and evil triumph!
This is the second stand- alone comedy novel by Jack Heath. Again, he has created highly entertaining characters and intertwined many layers of humour. Combined with terrific illustrations by Max Rambaldi, readers will be thoroughly engaged with the storyline and adventures. This is a story that will keep readers eager to find out what will happen next and keep them amused and interested until the very end.
Themes Problem solving, Democracy, Rights and Responsibilities.
Michelle O'Connell
The three happy lions by Louise Fatio. Illus. by Roger Duvoisin
A new edition of a classic tale, the last in a series of three, is all about family dynamics, as the parents wonder what their child will be when he leaves home.
With its mid century illustrations, full of movement, colour and humour covering each page, the wit of the text will engage readers as they follow the tale of the baby lion and the careers he attempts. Called Francois after the zoo keeper’s son, at first he becomes a rich lady’s pet, but in growing to be a big strong animal, can no longer jump onto her bed as he has in the past. So he is given to a circus, where despite the efforts of the ringmaster, his nature is not one that can frighten the circus crowd.
As a result he comes back to the zoo, where his parents welcome him warmly. He spies Francois doing his work, that of gardening at the zoo, and decides that this is the job for him. So the two Francois plant, mulch, nurture and weed all the gardens at the zoo. And are watched by happy, proud parents.
A wonderfully warm theme of families and their concerns, the parents go through a list of jobs their offspring could do, but many of them are simply not for him, while the two careers he does take up proving incompatible with his nature and size, so it is back to the zoo to find a niche.
Children will love thinking about what they might like to do in the future and the pathways open to them, thinking about the skills they have and how they can be useful. They will also see a happy family unit with needs and concerns, contentments and happiness just like their own families, following the path of a young lion working out what is best for him.
Scallywag Press was founded in 2018 with the purpose of bringing entertaining and memorable books to a worldwide audience.
They publish distinctive, amusing and quirky art, publishing work by talented newcomers as well as some from the past.
Three happy lions is a joy to hold, read and savour. And I loved the French background and sprinkle of French phrases.
Themes Careers, Lions, Zoos, Circus, Gardening, France, French language.
Fran Knight
The man who died twice by Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club Book 2. Penguin, 2021. ISBN: 9780241425435. (Age:Adult - Senior Secondary)
Those who enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club, as I did, will welcome The man who died twice. Elizabeth’s old colleague and ex-husband turns up at the retirement home living in a safe house and enlists her aid to stay hidden from a mobster, whose diamonds have been stolen. Elizabeth of course enlists the help of the old gang, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, and together they face a killer and must solve a murder.
Readers familiar with the first book will be happy to see more of these retired sleuths. Elizabeth, exceptionally canny and intelligent, leads the group, while Joyce narrates what is happening, and this time, comes into her own, making some remarkable insights. Ibrahim, who is mugged, struggles to leave his home; Ron is still a risk taker and even involves his grandson Kendrick, while Bogden shines. Chris, Donna and Patrice also have a role to play.
The writing is witty and amusing and Joyce’s entries will have readers laughing out loud, while the action moves along at a swift pace, with more violence than in the first book. I was kept guessing about what the Thursday Murder Club participants would come up with next and just who they could trust. Their constant friendship and regard for each other stood out while they all used their various skills to solve the mystery. Could they ensure that Ibrahim’s mugger went to gaol, and would Ibrahim ever leave his home again? How could they catch the murderer and get rid of the mobsters? And what happens to the diamonds?
An easy to read, humorous story that is sure to be as popular as the first in the series, and fans will be clamouring for more to be written.
Themes Murder, Theft, Secret Service.
Pat Pledger
Fire truck Santa by Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom
Albert Street Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526894. (Age:Age 3+) Highly recommended.
A great Aussie Christmas book that everyone will appreciate! Fire Truck Santa is a beautiful picture book that readers of all ages will enjoy throughout the festive season. Encapsulating kindness, care and love, this book is dedicated to all our wonderful volunteers around Australia.
Beginning with the traditional verse “Twas the night before Christmas….” it diverts off into a great Australian adventure. Santa, in his old and worn out fire truck, is delivering presents to all the children around the town. Each time something on the truck breaks, but every time the children work out how to solve the problem to fix his truck. They each provide Santa with something to help, offer him luck and of course he can’t go any further without a yummy cookie. The children are in the Christmas spirit and so is Santa! But what is he to do when suddenly an almighty POP seems to have completely broken the town truck for good? What will the town do without a truck and how will Santa deliver his presents in the future?
Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom have combined together to create a great Christmas story for everyone to enjoy. Sharing the true essence of Christmas, this story is sure to remind us of kindness, hope and goodwill throughout the festive season. The painted illustrations beautifully support and compliment the story line. This picture book is sure to be highly engaging and enchanting for all young children when read aloud. As they listen and enjoy the rollicking and rolling rhyme and rhythm, this is an Aussie Christmas tradition with a twist!
Themes Christmas, Volunteers, Kindness, Problem solving, Community.
Michelle O'Connell
The school between winter and fairyland by Heather Fawcett
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526542. (Age:11-16) Highly recommended.
Autumn is 12 years old and lives as a beastkeeper for the neighbouring school for trainee magicians. Sadly, her life has been ripped apart since her twin brother, Winter, went missing the year before. Autumn holds out hope that he will reappear, even though most around her assume he is dead, the victim of the Hollow Dragon. Into her world of sadness arrives Cai Morrigan, a young student magician who has been prophesied to save the neighbouring forest and the magician’s world… and defeat the Hollow Dragon, and maybe even restore Winter to his sister. Cai becomes a true friend and Autumn’s determination and fierce attitude links with his gentle nature to reveal truth and solve the magical mystery of his life. Autumn’s beast-husbandry skills are not in the same echelon as Cai’s star-wielding magical skills, but they grow to depend on each other in their quest to find and release Winter and to solve the prophecy that rules like a cloud over Cai’s life.
This is a fantasy saga that is full of incredible monsters and magical powers and it is written with a dusting of humour, intrigue and the power of family and friendship. For lovers of fantasy this will be another enigmatic escape. It is written well, with monsters and magic that do not dominate but have their own ‘charm’. It is the interpersonal drama between the young protagonists that is the strength of the story, with friendship across class lines explored. This is a powerful fantasy and could be recommended to readers aged 11-16 who have enjoyed the Harry Potter and Morrigan Crow series.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, Dragons.
Carolyn Hull
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021. ISBN: 9781760983031. (Age:Young Adult) Recommended.
Lakesedge is the story of Violeta and Arien Graceling, a brother and sister who have clung to each other through a lifetime of uncertainty, loss and pain. Found abandoned in the woods as young children, they are raised by an adoptive mother who quickly turns abusive once she learns of Arien’s strange and dark abilities; abilities that he cannot control.
This darkness has been a secret shame binding the family together for years until it is discovered by Lord Rowan Sylvanan, a man with his own violent and shadowed history. Whisked away to Rowan’s manor, Violeta fights for Arien’s safety and her own growing feelings for the mysterious lord.
Lakesedge is a dark fantasy that ticks all of the Gothic boxes: isolated location, young and vulnerable heroine, recalcitrant hero with a tragic past and a mysterious evil force which threatens to keep them apart. It is authored by debut young adult writer Lyndall Clipstone, a former youth librarian who lives in the Barossa Ranges of South Australia. While at times Clipstone pushes the Gothic stereotypes just a tad too far – from atmospheric to histrionic – Lakesedge is an enjoyable monster mystery with a good dash of romance thrown in. It is recommended for young adult readers.
Frankie goes to Kindergarten by Peta Baxter and Connie Hemmens. Illus. by Marjory Gardner
Ford Street Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781925804683. (Age:3+) Recommended.
A charming story of what kindergarten means is shown to readers through the eyes of Frankie the dog, who goes to kindie each week day morning. Based on a real life dog, Frank, who goes along to a real kindergarten in Queensland with his owners, Peta and Connie, the image of a happy friendly dog on the cover will intrigue readers, especially when thy spot a cat in the background, looking equally happy and pleased with itself. Readers will know that in the main dogs and cats do not mix, so with have a frisson of excitement as to how the two get along.
It is a bright sunny day and Frankie is keen to go to kindergarten. The first thing he does is greet all the pets, so readers will see the array of other animals that live the kindergarten: mice, fish and chickens, and then Frankie greets the people bringing their children to the rooms.
Each page shows a different activity done at a kindergarten, with Frankie joining in. Astute eyes will have spotted the cat’s appearance and then try to discover this animal on each successive page. Readers will love discovering the wealth of things to do at kindergarten and for younger readers this will acquaint them with what will happen next in their lives. After all the activity it is time to pack things away and have a rest period, before tidying up and preparing for home.
For all readers this overview of what happens at kindergarten, told through the dog’s position there, will add to their knowledge of the things they learn there without really being aware that they are learning. The subtle learning of getting along, of being inclusive and non threatening, all have a place in this kindergarten where Frankie is a focus for children to learn these skills.
