Electric Monkey, 2024. ISBN: 9780008518110. (Age:14+)
One for fantasy lovers, this latest book by Sarah Underwood mixes in Greek mythology, mystery and LGBTQI+ romance. Roughly drawing on the myth of Eros and Psyche, and adding in the monstrosity of a lurking empousa, a shape-shifting creature that feeds on the blood of humans, this story will have readers held until the last page. But the real evil in the story is Leandros, a descendent of the gods, who cruelly abuses the gifts of his trusting daughter Lamia to create a potion that causes imbibers to desire the person before them. In this way he manipulates all around him and maintains his power.
Early on we learn that Alexandra, wife of Leandros, has died a horrifying death, all blood drained from her body. Now, Leandros’ attention turns to the beautiful young Phoebe to become his next wife. However Eirene, Phoebe’s strong-willed twin sister, is determined to prevent that happening and undertakes four seemingly impossible challenges, in order to secure her sister’s freedom. In the process she seeks to find out the secret to Leandros’s magic, and put an end to his malevolent influence. It soon becomes apparent that his sweet disabled daughter Lamia may hold the key.
Underwood includes some content warnings at the beginning: emotional and physical abuse, consumption of blood, ableism, mild gore etc. but surprisingly does not mention self-harm. Lamia repeatedly cuts herself in order to induce tears and emotional angst. It is only through her tears that she is able to wield her magical powers. I found this aspect of her character to be troubling, particularly in light of growing evidence of self-harm among teenagers, and there is not a satisfactory resolution of this issue in the novel. However it is reassuring to see Lamia’s development from a scared and naive girl to become a more independent person confident in her powers, as she learns from her relationship with the headstrong Eirene.
Underwood's combination of mystery and romance is sure to attract readers of mythological fantasy, but for those who prefer a more faithful adaptation of Greek myths I would recommend the feminist retellings by Jennifer Saint and Laura Shepperson.
Mia's world by Amelia Donnelly. Illus. by Jennifer Bouron
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678300. (Age:6-9)
Mia and her classmates are asked to find out more about their cultural background. Mia is confused as to whether she is Spanish or Australian. Her mother responds to her question with 'You are divine.' This adds to Mia’s confusion and she and her mother visit a rabbi, a guru, a monk, an imam, a nun. Each person gives their version of what being divine is. And the answers of action, duty, stillness, mystery and charity leave Mia feeling she is still missing understanding what being divine is. A First Nations elder carefully and gently explains to Mia what she has learnt from the other religious people. Mia finally grasps the meaning of divine and is able to respond to her teacher’s question. On the final page the author has provided a section for adults in how to use this book. The colourful illustrations complement the text and add visual interest to the narrative.
Themes Divinity, Religions, Cultural Diversity, Ancient Teachings, Journey.
Kathryn Beilby
Sabina and the cats of Rome by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Laura Wood
Sabina becomes instrumental in rescuing the King of the Cats when she is visited by a talking cat that Sabina names Cleo. In an adventurous outing to the Circus Maximus to locate a wizard, Sabina must chase rats, avoid a deadly snake and somehow help to remove the spell on the ailing King of Cats. Cleo is also in danger, and they save each other in this risky adventure.
In a simple chapter book, Sophie Masson has created a captivating story set in Ancient Rome. It is exciting and action-packed and will be enjoyed by early independent readers aged 5-7. There are minimal clues about life in Ancient Rome, enough to pique interest but not enough to confuse a young reader. Mostly this is about a girl and a talking cat and their quest to rescue a royal cat, with the help of the family dogs. The illustrations are cartoon-like in simplicity and scattered through the chapters.
Themes Ancient Rome, Cats, Rats, Curses, Adventure.
Carolyn Hull
I'll look for you, everywhere by Cameron Capello
Pan Macmillan, 2024. ISBN: 9781035053193. (Age:Adult)
Described as a love story, this is probably a story of troubled attraction, with multiple layers of angst, between Magdalen and Theo whose families have been connected since their parents were students. They both struggle with their past and keep secrets that complicate any chance of their love moving forward. Their physical attraction though is passionately intense and being back home in Italy adds heat to the possibility of a ‘forever relationship’. Magdalen’s reserved nature is transformed by Theo’s attention and touch, but can he be trusted? Will their past secrets, their families’ involvement, and their own personalities impede their future?
Written with great intensity and from the perspective of each of the main characters, this has all the feel of an impossible romance with an X-rating. The physical connection between Magdalen and Theo is described in excessively intimate detail! This transforms the love story to a lustful, erotic narrative … more R-rated than M-rated.This is a very adult book and not for under 18 readers. It has intense moments and some difficult personal issues. I would not recommend this book to any school-aged reader.
Fans of Jeffers’ picture books starring a boy, a star, a Martian and a penguin, Lost and Found (2006), How To Catch a Star (2004), The Way Back Home (2008), and Up and Down (2010), will be delighted with Where to find a star, meeting once again a little boy in a red and white striped pullover, a penguin and a star. This time the trio are playing hide-and-seek, a game that they love. The star is always easy to find, but one day the boy can not find it anywhere. He asks his friend the Martian for help and soon they are on their way to the North Pole in the Martian’s flying saucer. But a surprise awaits them there. A little girl has found the star, something she has always wanted for a friend. What will they do?
The illustrations are beautiful, from the beguiling cover with its beautiful pink and blue sky, to the blues of the North Pole, the dark and frightening blue black of the sea during a storm and the little figures at home against a white background.
The narrative is easy to read aloud and young children will be intrigued by the dilemma of who is going to keep the star as a friend. Can there be a solution that will make them all happy? The theme of loving and letting go could be discussed after reading the book.
Jeffers is an award-winning author and illustrator and Where to find a star is sure to be a hit with young readers. Those new to his books will want to read some of the other books in the series.
Themes Stars, Love, Friendship, Hide-and-Seek, North Pole.
Pat Pledger
Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra by Cassy Polimeni and Hykie Breeze
UWA Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 9781760802899. (Age:5+) Recommended.
Life is a tad tough for Ella right now - her family has just moved house and, as she unpacks, she's finding it hard to let go of her old room and its familiarity, particularly her BFF Viv living next door. No matter how hard her dad tries to make things fun, the constant rain and mess are really getting her down. So when the rain does stop, she takes the opportunity to go outside into the fresh air and open space.
Outside the garden seems full of promise for the future, but when she hears a strange crick-crick sound it's seems the future is near. What could be making that noise? Bending down, by her gumboot she sees a tiny frog, no bigger than her thumb and it seems to be wanting her to follow it. And so she does - and finds herself in the midst of something so special she is entranced. For in front of her is an abandoned, overgrown pond full of an amazing variety of frogs, all calling to each other and creating her private frog orchestra.
But when she starts at her new school, Ella learns that protecting the local frogs is a major focus of her classmates and she discovers so much more about the species as her new friend Mai shows her the school's frog bog. With her new knowledge and respect, Ella is devastated to discover her neighbour's yard being dig up and her frogs have disappeared...
This is a new series for newly independent readers that not only has characters that they will resonate with - so many will recognise the anxiety and other emotions that come with moving house and starting a new school - but which also has an original storyline that offers new insight into a common curriculum focus. Who knew that frogs have a homing instinct that means they can find their way home because they know just where they belong?
As well as being one of the most common species investigated when it comes to learning about life cycles, frogs are also an indicator species, demonstrating that the local environment is healthy, although sadly, in Australia alone, there are more than 40 species listed as endangered or vulnerable. Thus, building awareness of their importance through an engaging story, including instructions for building their own frog pond in their backyard, young students can begin to appreciate that while Ella's frog orchestra may be the turning point in her new life, they have a critical role in the bigger picture.
An excellent story to springboard to greater investigations.
Themes Frogs, Ponds, Friendship, Environment.
Barbara Braxton
The best present ever by Zoe Foster Blake. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford
Imaginations will soar as this book is read to younger children or read by those more proficient at reading for themselves. What to give a friend for a present is the task, and some hilarious options are perused which are shot down with imaginative flair by something quite extraordinary. An almost toothless smile greets the reader as the child tells us that they are making the best present ever.
Wonder filled illustrations colourfully fill each page as the imaginings of the narrator explode. Many words are in large print and brightly coloured, prompting readers to try them out for themselves.
At first the idea develops around a magical creature. But which one to choose? A dragon, pixie or unicorn, but just as the decision is made, a wicked witch comes by and with one magical word, Zap, causes everything to disappear. On to the next idea: a swimming pool full of candy! Sounds great but a gang of possums comes in the night and gobbles them all up. Next idea! A baby animal farm. What could go wrong? A heap of baby animals are shown in all their cuteness, but just as the narrator is set to pay for the animals, a baby goat eats all their money. But never mind, another idea is in the offing.
And so it goes on until an idea occurs that is neither outrageous, nor unattainable, one that will appeal to us all. But getting there is a barrel of laughs as the increasingly mad ideas take root across each page. The text uses different fonts, and highlights longer words, and is nestled inspiringly amongst the hilarious illustrations.
Lots of ideas float across each page: a huge trampoline, hundreds of ice cream filled balloons, an amusement park, a trip to the moon, a transforming scooter just for a start. Kids’ imaginations will ignite as they read of some fo the zany ideas and perhaps think about how cool they would be, and come up with their own preposterous ideas.
A glittering cover will encourage kids to pick up the book, and they will find it just as luminous inside as the ideas come thick and fast, supported by bright, vivacious illustrations.
Themes Presents, Gifts, Imagination, Humour.
Fran Knight
Billy's brilliant butterflies by Jacquie Ward. Illus. by Winona Kieslich
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678324. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Billy loves his time at home. He spends his time outdoors having his own adventures. When things become too noisy or busy he quietly retreats to his tree house where he can watch the world go by. Billy’s life is about to change, as it is time for him to start school. He is unsure and worried and the butterflies in his tummy are tumbling around. The school uniform is unfamiliar and scratchy. The playground is noisy and he wishes his mum could stay longer.
At lunchtime, Billy is overwhelmed and the butterflies around him flap even louder. He is upset but Amelie joins him and they walk out to the playground together and explore. Amelie becomes Billy’s friend and they spend time together. Even when the classroom is too much for Billy, Amelie is by his side. Their wonderful teacher accepts all her students’ talents and personalities and encourages Billy to be himself.
This is a very gentle story with delightful illustrations about change and learning new ways to cope for children who are highly sensitive. The author has provided information on High Sensitivity and strategies for support in the final pages.
Themes New Beginnings, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP’s), Butterflies, Friends, School.
Sally Tinker is the world's foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and she just knows she can build a better brother than the messy, smelly version she has. Sally's invention - Brobot - is fantastic, until the remote breaks and Brobot careens out of control. Sally realises that maybe there's more to a sibling than just inconveniences.
One of the most popular activities I did during my face-to-face teaching days was to share Shel Silverstein's poem, Sister for Sale and get students to not only create an advertisement to sell their sibling - ensuring they pointed out all the good things so it would seem like an attractive buy - but also to then advertise for a new one. They had to consider what would be the essentials, non-negotiables and compromises they would accept and were often surprised to discover that what they wanted was what they already had!
The premise of this graphic novel for independent readers is somewhat similar - students could design their own brobot (or sisbot) using either their imaginations or the activity sheet, perhaps discovering, as Sally did, that their relationships with their siblings is deeper and more important than they thought.
Bad liar is the third in a series featuring Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade, married detectives who work in Bayou Breaux, in Louisiana. It follows A Thin Dark Line (1997) and The Boy (2018). Nick is not impressed at being called out to the horrific scene of a man murdered, his face and hands obliterated by a shotgun blast. Meanwhile Annie’s first day back on the job after a horrible attack is taken up with investigating the claims of B’Lynn Fontenot, who insists that her son Robbie, a recovering addict, has gone missing. During the course of the murder investigation it seems that Marc Mercier, a popular businessperson and former high school football star, has also gone missing. Is there a link between the two?
Hoag is a master at building up suspense. She uses the swampy setting of Bayou Breaux to great effect. Her first chapter is riveting, with a brief but searing introduction to alligators in the dark waters, a mother who cannot let go and a wife who celebrates her birthday alone. It is easy to imagine the family jealousies, the lonely wife and the small-town inhabitants clinging to the past. Domestic violence, drug addiction and jealousy are major themes in this dark mystery. The plot is clever and all strands come together in a gripping conclusion.
Nick and Annie are a formidable pair of detectives, Nick is intelligent and tough, while Annie follows her investigations with compassion. I look forward to another book by Hoag featuring this pair.
Themes Detectives, Murder, Domestic violence, Drug addiction.
Helen Milroy in telling a story of the natural environment and its interdependence, parallels the history of the First Nations people and their understanding of the environment in which they live.
Helen a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, has written eight books published by Fremantle Press, and her books have been short listed for awards in Australia. Her stories tell a tale which kids will love reading, and woven through that tale are lessons to be learnt about country, the interdependence of the fauna and flora within the environment and directions about living with each other.
With The boab tree, Helen tells a wonderful story about this magnificent tree, and tells us where it belongs in the environment, how it reproduces, its dependance on the leaf litter and the work of small animals beneath the canopy. And entwined with the story readers will learn of belonging, kindness and bravery as the tree finds its way home.
A pod is about to fall from the Boab tree. As it does a large eagle flies beneath the tree and the pod lands on its back. Unbeknownst to the eagle, it flies off and eventually the pod rolls off into an unknown forest of large trees, unlike those the pod has ever known. He is alone and calls out for help. Mice answer his call and ask him where he has come from. The mice offer their help. But the pod must open and release his seeds to propagate the next generation of Boab trees. The mice scrape away a little hole for the seeds and wait and wait for the green shoots to appear. This takes longer than expected and the tree grows very slowly. The soil is the wrong sort of soil, and the climate and surroundings are very different from where the Boab tree comes from.
One day a storm is predicted, and the mice help the little tree cling onto the surrounding branches and pile up the soil near his trunk, so that he survives. He wonders how he can help the mice who have been so kind to him. They tell him that one day they may be able to use his help. And of course, a time for help does come around. Foxes have returned to the forest. Usually the dingoes help the mice but they are not here, so the tree tells the mice to come inside his hollows. They do and the foxes run straight past.
One day a white feather falls to the ground and Boab recognises it. It is from an osprey, a large bird from his county. He sees Osprey is injured and calls the mice for ideas about how to restore him to health. The mice call the old possum and help him bring Osprey down to a makeshift nest formed in Boab’s branches, where he can rest and recover.
In return Osprey will help Boab move to his home. He flies back and tells everyone that he has found the little Boab tree. Together the community works to tie Boab to the eagles, ospreys, cockatoos and crows who are there to help. They fly off, lifting Boab into the sky. They find his place and position him on a ridge where he can look out over his country. And he does, growing to a large old tree, remembering his friends from the forest, and now and again the mice think they can hear Boab’s singing from a long time ago.
Paintings face each page of text, reflecting the story being told in dots, masses of colour and images of the animals. Young readers will love poring over the paintings, finding the things mentioned in the story, sharing the tale and what it tells them of the Boab tree and its place in the environment. Teaching notes are available.
Themes Aboriginal stories, Boab tree Environment, Kindness, Bravery.
What more could mystery aficionados and lovers of the paranormal want than a murder to solve, with a detective team of a girl who turns into a werewolf at the full moon, a handsome warlock and a poltergeist who is a great cook? All set in Manchester, with its Upside for people who are normal and Downside for those with supernatural powers. Sage lives with her poltergeist friend P and is trying to make sense of her life. Oren Rinallis is a warlock, notorious for the way he upholds the law for the Arcanum, the institution that keeps order in the supernatural world. He is sent to investigate the murder of a young woman in her apartment and there encounters Sage who has come to visit her. Together with P they set out to discover who is murdering young werewolves in the city.
This is a clever combination of crime, the supernatural and found family. The twists and turns of the plot around the murders will keep readers glued to their seats, wanting to find out who the murderer is. Who is leaving a bunch of the herb sage as a warning? Will Sage be the next victim? The Downside, the home of the supernatural creatures is vividly described, with a Yuletide Ball as a fascinating culmination, while the everyday activities of Sage’s teenage friends contrast with the grisly murders that she and Oren are investigating. The back stories of Oren who is feared by everyone in Downside and Sage who is unable to accept her werewolf side will tug at the heart strings and readers will want to see their personal growth as much as they want to solve the mystery.
All the hidden monsters is a riveting novel and I look forward to the next in the series All the lost souls. Readers who enjoy books by Cassandra Clare are certain to want to pick this up, while readers might like to try the Edinburgh nights series by Tendai Huchu or Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch.
Themes Werewolves, Warlocks, Murder, Found family.
Pat Pledger
Eyes that weave the world's wonders by Joanna Ho and Liz Kleinrock. Illus. by Dung Ho
In the annual family photos where everyone gathers in matching clothes and shoes and laughter, everything is the same for everyone - except for one. Because no one has eyes like hers - eyes that kiss in the corners. Despite their shape, she sees the wonder of the world through her eyes and those around her, but who gave her those eyes? And where and why and what if and what happened? Questions that every child who is adopted asks eventually, and even though there may be no immediate answers, she understands that sometimes 'love must look like letting go'.
This is another wonderful story from the author of such masterpieces as Eyes that Kiss in the Corners and Eyes that Speak to the Stars, and once again Joanna Ho has used her gift of language to create something that brings a common situation into the spotlight. This time it is that of the adopted child and co-author Liz Kleinrock focuses on this in a note to the reader at the beginning of the book. Between them, authors and illustrator have created another story of awareness, understanding and acceptance not just by the protagonist but also the reader and I know that whenever I pick up a title with Joanna and Dung Ho's names on the cover I am going to be changed by the reading of it. And this is no exception. It's not the shape of our eyes that matters, it's what they see that counts.
Themes Adoption.
Barbara Braxton
Counting miracles by Nicholas Sparks
Sphere, 2024. ISBN: 9780751585551. (Age:16+)
Three lives are drawn together in the little town of Asheboro: Tanner, the highly trained ex-military agent searching for his biological father, Kaitlyn the attractive doctor and divorced parent of Casey and Mitch, and Jasper the reclusive burn-scarred old man living alone in his cabin. Gradually the threads draw together, romance brews, and a mystery is solved.
The writing is unadorned, and the plot predictable. There seems to be a lot of ‘filler’ episodes, memories and other bits and pieces, which really don’t add anything of value, as though to bulk out what would otherwise be a much shorter story; it is slow reading and the pace only picks up towards the end.
Jasper draws on Bible readings to guide his life. Basically if you know the story of Job in the Bible, the good and devout man stripped of everything he holds dear to test his faith, you have the story of Jasper. Thrown into the mix is a beautiful white deer, a symbol of spirituality, that haunts the forest, and that Jasper is determined to protect. It leads to much suffering for him, but the reward is there in the end.
This is definitely a ‘feel-good’ story which would appeal to readers who ascribe to the Christian faith, and who enjoy moral stories with a little bit of romance and mystery thrown in.
Themes Bible story, Christianity, Moral values, Family, Romance, Mystery.
Helen Eddy
The daughter of Auschwitz: The girl who lived to tell her story by Tova Friedman
The Daughter of Auschwitz: The girl who lived to tell her story by Tova Friedman is a moving and heartfelt memoir that recounts the author's extraordinary survival as one of the youngest Holocaust survivors. Adapted for young readers, by children's author Hilary Freeman, this book is a truly compelling and sensitive tale for a younger audience. Based on Tova’s vivid memories of the atrocities she endured as a child, growing up amidst the horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, this story will captivate and give the reader a greater understanding of an important part of history.
Tova was only a baby when her family was forced into a Jewish ghetto, where they faced starvation, violence and daily fear. At the vulnerable age of five, Tova and her mother were sent to Auschwitz, the infamous death camp. With her father sent to another camp and separated from them, they were left alone to be strong to survive. With harrowing detail, she describes the unimaginable cruelty they witnessed and endured; and the daily fight to stay alive. Her mother’s strict rules of survival - such as remaining as inconspicuous as possible and following instructions - were essential in protecting Tova from the continual threat of death.
What sets this memoir apart is Tova's remarkable ability to reflect on her experiences with both the clarity of a survivor and the perspective of a child who had to endure far more than anyone should. Her brave and determined stance to share her story so others learn and do not repeat history is remarkable.
Friedman’s detailed recollection of life in Auschwitz gives readers a heart-wrenching glimpse into the brutality of the Holocaust, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience, hope, and humanity. She speaks not only for herself but for the millions who perished and those who survived, stressing the need for tolerance, peace, and the acceptance of others in today’s world. Her story is not only a testament to survival but a call to action to ensure people learn from the past and history is not repeated.
Themes History, Survival, Auschwitz, Holocaust, Second World War, Courage.
