Dymitr comes from a long line of hunters whose souls are split in order to fight monsters. The distress of this role is hard and propels himself directly into struggle. Ala has inherited a curse that is slowly destroying her. Dymitr sets out on a quest to unburden himself, but needs the magical power of others to assist in the process. The conflict between magical forces and beings is fraught with multiple layers of pain, and Dymitr and Ala (as well as the intriguing Niko) must put themselves in danger before they can know some resolution to their pain.
This novella is not easy fantasy, it weaves Polish folklore and Slavic mythology (and some Polish language) in a complex dance of evil, pain and conflict, but with a tinge of compassion. The unusual nature of magical or mythical creatures and their dark powers adds some complexity to the story and this book does not have the clarity of Roth’s writing in the Divergent series. There are no true mortals or humans within this mythological world, and yet we recognise the struggle for those who feel uncomfortable in their place in their world and the way good can still rise from the mire of conflict.
This will require a reader with a heart for complex fantasy, aged 15+. There is some violence, but it is the unknowns of the mythology that create a cloudiness for understanding and thus only the persistent fantasy devotee that will appreciate this dark story.
Don't worry, Felix by Yohann Devezy and Katharine Alice. Illus. by Zoe Bennett
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781923145054. (Age:4+)
It is Felix’s first day at a new school. When he gets into the car with his family, he finds a red balloon, and as the family gets closer to the school, the balloon gets bigger. The balloon incorporates all the worries Felix has about starting his new school. Then when it is his turn to read, the balloon is so big it covers his mouth.
The balloon is a metaphor for Felix’s worries and concerns about change. And we see the little boy floundering as he wants to play with the others at break, but his balloon gets in the way. In bed that night the balloon is still there but when Dad comes in to say goodnight, he sees that something is upsetting the boy. He asks him about his worries, then tells him his trick for dealing with them. He gets Felix to try the trick of breathing in and out while pinching his fingers. Felix finds that it works, and he sleeps. Riding to school the next day the balloon reappears, so Dad and Felix practise the special trick, and the balloon becomes smaller and smaller as the day goes on.
At break Felix finds another child sitting by himself just as he had done. He goes up to the child, asking how he feels, and when he tells him, Felix shares his Dad’s special trick. Together the two practise Dad’s special trick, ensuring they feel calm and compatible.
This is a neat story about confidence, about overcoming anxiety and fears, with a proven breathing exercise that many people practise every day.
It is wonderfully coiled into the story, making it an easy way to acquaint children with the fact that many people feel the same way and practise this simple breathing exercise.
Illustrator Zoe Bennett draws beautifully presented children in a variety of poses, promoting their inventiveness, playfulness and courage. She uses water colour, gouache and digital methods to create her cheeky mob of children whose emotions are clearly obvious by the looks on their faces. Zoe is an animal lover and has included different animals in the background of her work. I loved the images set in the school, reminding children of their role in being part of the school cohort, not just there to learn, but also to advise, share and befriend others. Felix’s sharing of his new found skill with another child is a lovely end to this story and reinforces the fact that we all play a part in the school environment.Teacher's notes are available.
Lani Scrub is 11 years old, and in Year 6 at St Agatha’s. She is passionate about quantum physics and astronomy – and particularly obsessed with celebrity scientist, Kit Galway, and the upcoming Junior Interschool Science Championship Cup (which she has been looking forward to since Year 3). She is a quirky girl who deals with anxiety and only has one friend.
At home, Lani’s anaesthetist dad is so busy working long shifts that he’s become a virtual stranger, and her mum’s enthusiasm for nature (including getting backyard chickens and researching home permaculture gardening) couldn’t be more opposite to non-outdoorsy Lani.
But suddenly Lani and her mum swap their normal lives for a tree change – living with the ‘Folk’ of a nature-based community called Passing Waters. Lani very reluctantly agrees to participate for a two-week experiment, and initially does lots of judging and eye-rolling at the ceremonies, clothing, ‘skooling’ and food involved in the community. She is determined to just get through the fortnight and slot straight back into her previous life as if this was all a bad dream.
The Folk live in a simple, meaningful and environmentally responsible way. Every member of the community is expected to pull their weight, whether by caring for animals, preparing food, making candles and soaps to sell, or contributing to buildings and ceremonies. The lovely theme of environment is entwined with respect and acknowledgement for the traditional Indigenous custodians of the Passing Waters land.
What Lani doesn’t expect is that she will be challenged and changed by this short experiment. That she’ll make friends, learn more about science and space (thanks to a resident astronomer), and come to care for the land, animals and Folk around her. This all sounds quite heavy but a thread of humour runs through the book, adding a light-heartedness that young readers will appreciate.
This is Victoria Carless’ second middle grade novel, following the popular release of Gus and the Starlight in 2022. Both novels share themes of science and family, and finding a meaningful place to belong. The book ends with just over two pages titled ‘sources and further reading about the science concepts in this story’ which is a fabulous resource for keen young STEM fans.
Riley Noodle is in Year 6 and she is always in a muddle or finding herself in trouble. She also thinks she's no good at anything, unlike her twin brother, Charlie, who is the best at everything and very highly regarded by all the teachers. She's about to leave primary school and every person except her has broken one school record. Time is ticking and she really wants to achieve her ultimate goal. Black and white line drawings support and break up the text. Those who love this type of easy reading format such as in Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Tom Gates will be likely readers.
There is quirky chaos around every corner for Riley Noodle. In the first four chapters alone, Riley swallows half of her friend Henry's earthworm and also manages to accidentally eat their class pet. Other unique characteristics abound: Riley's Dad wants to save the Earth so has given up eating meat, Riley's friend Henry is a hot dog eating champion and Riley is obsessed with meat to the point where she hides cheeseburgers in her school locker. It's done in humour, but some of the dialogue borders on insensitive or inappropriate. Riley's teacher says to her 'I gave up on you years ago' and sanctions Riley's clothes being cut off her in the middle of the schoolyard, despite her protestations. The year six children also say some pretty horrible things to each other and at one point the schoolyard bully takes a phone recording of Riley in an embarassing situation. There is no follow-up on this incident and it is portrayed as being quite a normal occurrence. Riley's dad also rips his pants up on a stage and everybody laughs at him. It wraps up with Riley becoming a bit of an unexpected hero and developing some self-confidence around who she is and what makes her special, but it all seems a bit forced. There is a lot crammed in and then no time or space to tie up all the loose ends.
Themes Humour, Embarassment.
Nicole Nelson
Astro Chimp by David Walliams. Illus. by Adam Stower
Unbelievably, this is bestselling author David Walliams's first graphic novel. Featuring full-colour, whole page illustrations, this takes the quirky humour of Walliams and makes it accessible to a wider audience than many of his text-heavy titles. Different format aside, his distinctive voice hits you from the get go: 'The rocket lifted off from the ground, and shot into the sky like a rocket. Oh, it's already a rocket. All right, then, it shot off into the sky faster than something else that was still really, really, really fast!'. You can tell while reading this that restraining his narration to a bare minimum was probably difficult for Walliams and I have to say it left me wanting this to be a longer, more fleshed out saga. However, what's there is still fantastic, humorous and infectiously fun to read.
Chump the chimpanzee is off on a rocket to orbit the Earth. All he has to do is sit in his seat and NOT push the red button...What could go wrong? Everything, it seems. The rest of the story takes place 50 years later, when, after being frozen solid in space like an icicle, Chump is accidentally awoken by Dmitri, the one and only dog space pirate. And then ensues a crazy journey through space as they meet many other animals shot off into space by humans, each with a crazy origin story: giant fruit flies, a space police force made up of nine cloned cats and the two tortoises of the space emergency rescue team. Witty dialogue between the animals is the highlight as is the inanity of Chump and the pure madness of the whole thing. A smattering of toilet humour keeps everything ticking alone nicely. There is also an intriguing and brief history of animals in space at the end of the book as all the characters are based on real animals that were indeed blasted into space by humans. This one will be thoroughly enjoyed by all David Walliams fans, graphic novel aficionados, lovers of space travel stories and anyone who just likes a quick laugh at a silly tale.
This visually stunning picture book is one to read by children and adults of all ages. The deeply thoughtful and compelling story about the loneliness felt firstly by the house and then the young child, shares unspoken moments that many readers may feel when all seems lost and hopeless.
The large, mystical house believes there is more to life than being isolated and alone. It magically releases itself from its foundations and travels through the dark and stormy sky to find what is missing. Happening upon a young girl whose own feelings of loneliness reach out to house; a strong shared connection is ready to be created. House anchors itself to the earth and the child finds comfort and safety in its beautiful quirky rooms.
The lyrical prose is full of descriptive imagery and the spacing and movement of words across the pages add to the imaginative quality of the story. The astonishing illustrations in dark tones for the journey and vibrant colour when the young girl is safely cocooned in and exploring this wondrous place, perfectly complement the text and add their own deep layers to this delightful narrative.
For parents, carers, teachers and librarians this is an exquisite story to share and discuss with children who may be struggling with deep feelings of loneliness. It is a story full of hope that friendship and connection can be found in unexpected ways. Teaching notes and a teaching activity are available from the publisher.
Well-known author/illustrator Jennifer Cossins has added to her impressive collection of books with another fascinating look at animals. This time though, the animals mentioned are some of the record holders in their category with some very unusual habits. There is the biggest category which include the blue whale, elephant, ostrich as well as the goliath beetle which is the world’s heaviest insect. The slowest moving category mentions the sloth, the Gila monster and the slowest of all, the sea anemone which rarely moves but if it does it is one cm per hour!
There are so many more interesting record holders included. Some of these are the most epic migrations, the most venomous, the strongest bite, the most babies, the fastest wingbeats and the very interesting, most unusual mating ritual with the bowerbird mentioned.
This is an engaging book to pour over with so many varied creatures and their quirky behaviours discussed. The muted colour palette changes for each page with the text well-spaced amongst the labelled beautifully drawn illustrations of the chosen creatures. There is a contents page at the beginning along with an introduction and a glossary at the end.
Another wonderful addition to a home, school or public library. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Extraordinary Animals, Facts, Habitats.
Kathryn Beilby
Brave Kahu & the Porangi magpie by Shelley Burne-Field
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781991006608. (Age:9+) Recommended.
For her first children's fiction book, Shelley Burne-Field from Te Matau-a-Maui (Hawke's Bay) in New Zealand, wanted to write an adventure story in the vein of the classic Watership Down, that included love, hope, danger, birth and death. She says, "Kids can handle that sort of information. It is part of their lives and so we should talk about it. The best authors who write the best books don't dumb down their readers or take them for idiots." Her idea for this story came from watching a hawk get attacked by a small group of magpies and this is essentially the crux of the story - a flock of magpies have killed Poto's mother and are now threatening the harmony of the valley where her hawke family live. Adding to the drama is the prophecy of an impending earthquake and resulting flood that is going to hit the valley in just three days.
The bird's eye view of the world, combined with Burne-Field's poetic language and rich description make this an absolute joy to read. Tangible and relatable sibling relationships and feelings make the characters come to life to the point that you almost forget you are taking on the viewpoint of a bird rather than a human (if it wasn't for the obvious bird behaviours!). If you don't come away from this book watching birds and trying to work out their internal monologue and their backstory it would be surprising, as the author paints such rich and complex lives for these characters. There are no perfect prototypes here - everyone is flawed and troubled to some degree. There is also a lot of drama, both within the family group as well as violent fighting between the birds and other animals.
The use of Te Reo Maori language is fantastic but it is quite heavily used and it's often not possible to pick up the meaning of the word from the context clues alone. Reliance on flipping back to the Glossary is a reality of reading this, so it becomes quite a complex read, hence the slightly older age recommendation. Even the word 'autism' is given in Maori, used in reference to Poto's brother Ari.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story full of heavy drama. While not one for the lover of light-hearted tales, this will be enthralling for those who can handle a more serious read and who can cope with the constant language switch up. It also makes a good read aloud, but due to the constant need for translation probably more suited to a one or one than a class novel. Teacher's notes and activity notes are available from the publisher.
Themes Birds, Adventure, Family.
Nicole Nelson
Taronga presents: Baby boom by Kristin Darell. Illus. by Laura Wood
The third book in the Taronga Presents series written by author Kristin Darell has the title Baby Boom. Best friends Ollie and Sophia are now fully trained Taronga Zoo volunteers and undertake lots of jobs throughout the day where they are interacting with the zoo animals. At all times they are under supervision from adult zookeepers who trust Sophie and Ollie to do the right thing and listen to their instructions.
In this story there is a real baby boom at the zoo and the children are fortunate to observe some of the newest additions. These include three baby Sumatran tiger cubs, meerkat pups, a surprise kangaroo joey, bearded dragon offspring, chimpanzee baby and a pygmy hippo calf. They also are able to help feed and look after a baby wombat that has no mother. For Sophia there is a bit of an uncomfortable moment when she has to share Ollie with his younger sister Katy, but eventually she is able to work through her feelings and all is sorted out.
Throughout this book are delightful illustrations that provide valuable visual images to further engage readers. There are facts cleverly interwoven through the narrative and quite a few puns add a touch of humour. Ollie’s Fun Fact File in the final pages of the book are an added bonus.
This series would be a wonderful classroom read aloud for junior to middle primary children.
The Imagineer by Christopher Cheng and Lucia Masciullo
National Library of Australia, 2021. ISBN: 9780642279682. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Penny loves to build things: she draws up plans, gather bits and pieces and builds. In her tiny apartment, she has built a spaceship with interstellar communications, and a submarine to explore the deep oceans. She plans and builds then takes things apart to try again. One day she visits her grandpa who lives a long way away in a vey big house. Penny is delighted and tries out the things she finds in his rooms. She tries the harmonium while he peddles, she turns the handle of the butter churn. Grandpa tells her that everything has a purpose, and when she discovers his shed, stacked full of purposeful things, she is flabbergasted. She takes a close look at all the things before her, convinced that she will be able to build something very useful for her grandpa, and she does.
This beautiful book delights in encouraging the imaginations of the readers, with pages full of fascinating bits and pieces which can be found in old sheds. Children will be full of awe at the things they have heard about, and take a cue from the book to try to adapt things for themselves.
Masciullo’s wonderful pencil and watercolour illustrations will capture the reader’s attention as their eyes peruse the wondrous array of old things, now no longer in use, but which could still be repurposed. They will be amazed at the old things in the shed roof, or in Grandpa’s house, and delight at the planning that makes place to make something useful out of the old stuff.
The fold out drawing of the gizmo that Penny makes will keep children amused as they work out just what Penny and Grandpa used to make the machine. I loved the fold out image of the machine built to help Grandpa, and the way Penny’s ideas are pegged to a clothesline across the pages.
At the end of the book are a number of pages devoted to the things that an imagineer can use, and two pages giving details about some of the old things spotted in the rooms. And the endppapers too hold interest for those who would like to see more of Penny’s plans. This wonderful book not only encourages reusing things, but also highlights the relationship between a child and her grandfather, and her willingness to try something new, to repurpose things found in the house.
Penguin Random House, 2024. ISBN: 9781761342257. (Age:9-14) Highly recommended.
For Oliver Wormwood the calling to a profession in his magical world is layered with uncertainty and the pressures of family expectations. His anxiety does not easily disappear once he takes on the role as 113th Library Assistant, and then almost immediately replaces the Librarian in difficult circumstances. This Library is not a boring, quiet place of dust and dullness, but it contains the wonders and dangers of knowledge. And some of this knowledge is extremely dangerous. Oliver finds a new friend, some helpful cats and eventually works out ways to protect the library from threats internal and external.
This is a wonderful, whimsical, magical, radical and risky adventure that will appeal to all who love libraries and the treasures hidden within. There are magical elements, coming-to-maturity moments, overcoming fear and threat, and the wonders of a world that is a mystery. I loved this joyful step inside a different world and will be looking forward to another library adventure from Stuart Wilson with Oliver Wormwood as Librarian, restricting, cataloguing and controlling the books and those who seek to exploit knowledge. This is the kind of book that fantasy and book lovers will appreciate. For avid readers aged 9-14 this will be a loved journey of discovery. It has a few elements of the Harry Potter sorting hats, but the location in the world of words and books is a different kind of magic.
Alice Oehr, author of Off to the Market and Artichoke to Zucchini, has written a third book all about home gardening. It is spring and families are off to the local nursery to spend their time searching for the most suitable vegetable plants, herbs, fruit trees and flowers to create a sustainable home garden.
This trip is very organised and the family has enough boxes and bags to carry their purchases in. They have prepared the garden beds so just need advice from the experts at the nursery about what to buy. Each expert provides them with some excellent ideas and the family listens carefully. They purchase plenty of veggie seedlings, seeds, herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes and flowers. Added to the list is a bag of manure, seaweed spray, secateurs, hat, gloves, pea straw, and some pots. What an amazing collection ready for family time in the garden.
This delightful book is full of bright and vibrant illustrations with fluoro orange adding an engaging pop of colour. As well as the narrative, the book also provides wonderful facts about plants, how to grow and use them, as well as helpful environmental tips. The glorious cover and delightful endpapers will entice readers to find out more.
Themes Plants, Nursery, Home Gardening, Family, Diversity, Sustainability.
Kathryn Beilby
Imagine a time by Penny Harrison and Jennifer Goldsmith
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781922326966. (Age:3+) Recommended.
A stunningly illustrated book shows what can happen if everything stops, promotes the idea of being slow, of slowing down, of not taking things for granted. The Slow Movement grew out of the Slow Food Movement as well as a battle in Rome in 1986 to stop a MacDonald’s opening.
This book epitomises the Slow Movement as it prompts children’s imaginations to think about what could be achieved when things slow down.
The first double page shows a very crowded street of people with quizzical looks on their faces as things just stop. We are asked to imagine if the world’s maps begin to fade, and all the ships sail into the harbours the trains and buses stop running and return to their stations. All the people now will be forced to slow down and forget hurrying, and bustling, and forget all about fast.
When everything slows down, things happen. Nature unfurls, calmly, sending its green tendrils over the buildings, having flowers bloom in the most unexpected of places.
An idyllic world where animals go safely through the empty streets, where once shy sea animals return to the shore, where honey drips from hives in the trees, fewer people crowd the beaches, shows the children what a slow world means.
Changes have occurred but with their new knowledge, a slower world is there for all to enjoy. Beautiful pencil and watercolour images fill the pages, showing things we may have missed in our efforts to keep ahead of everyone else. Ethereal images of forests and creatures, the moon and the fields show readers what they are missing.`
Wow! The Ledge is a gripping thriller that kept me guessing right up to the end. When human remains are uncovered in a Victorian forest, old secrets are about to be unveiled. A group of three friends, now adults, begin to worry about what the police might uncover. In 1999 four teenagers had a tight friendship, vowing to be blood brothers. It was after 16-year-old Aaron had run away from home that his three best friends were pulled into his misery with terrible consequences.
The Ledge is told in a dual timeline narrative from the point of view of one of the friends in the present and in 1999 from the diary of Justin Smith, another friend. White seamlessly brings the past and present into play. Gradually the events of the past come alive and mesh with what is happening in the small town as the police investigate what had happened to the body that was lying at the bottom of the Ledge, deep in the forest. I found myself holding my breath trying to work out the sequence of events, what the friends were covering up and what the police were uncovering. And the final twist was breathtaking, and one that I didn’t see coming. To reveal more would spoil the suspense.
The Ledge was not easy to put down and will thrill readers who love psychological mysteries set in rural Australia.
Themes Psychological thriller, Murder, Country towns.
Three thieves decide to dig a tunnel to rob a bank. They go to a class where they learn about digging tunnels. But Thief 1 takes notes, Thief Two sleeps and Thief Three simply does not understand the lessons being taught. Undeterred they begin to dig. But they come out in the middle of a symphony orchestra, where Thief Three shows his ability with the violin. They dig again, this time turning up in a boxing ring, where their black belts come in very handy. So they dig again and again, hoping to strike the bank but coming up in the oddest of places, bypassing the likes of a dinosaur, The Titanic, the other side of the world, Japan, until Thief Three cries "Enough!".
He suggests to the others that finding a treasure may be a metaphor for something they already have in their hearts. The other two dismiss this as corny but, as they keep digging, come to realise that perhaps what he said is right and, as they are sick of digging, go home. At home they find many of the friends they have met along the way and share a meal with them, finding real treasure in the company of friends doing things together.
In this book, the three are taken on a journey, looking for treasure and realising that the real treasure is already there in their grasp. The real treasure is the friendships and connections people make and the coming together to maintain those friendships. Readers will understand that a metaphor is a word that stands for something else, as the word treasure and searching for treasure is a metaphor for friendship.
The text is augmented with wonderfull illustrations, full of life, humour and colour. The three thieves stare out at the readers, using only their eyes to show us what they are feeling, their striped t-shirts a signature on each page. Each page is different, intriguing the reader as they search for clues about the trio and their quest. At the end they find their treasure, a host of friends, dining with them at their table, friends they have met on their journey, which reprises the story for the reader.
Children will love the friends they meet along the way, and the various places they find themselves. Children will laugh out loud at the things they pass by in their dig, and find pleasure in the idea of making friends. And some will talk about the results of digs around the world, and what has resulted from these digs.
