The 4th book starring DS Gemma Woodstock is a thrilling ride with many twists and turns and a very unexpected conclusion. Gemma has returned to Smithson with her family, baby Scarlett, her son Ben and partner Mac. When a young woman is involved in a car crash and her body stolen from the morgue, Gemma, although on parental leave, is intrigued by the case. Then a prominent citizen is murdered and Gemma becomes emmeshed in the intricacies of the clues and people surrounding the crime. She is devastated by secrets that involve her and danger stalks her and her family.
Gemma is a brusque and determined woman who confidently uses her intelligence to follow up leads. Family dynamics play a key role in Body of lies. I liked the fact that Gemma was operating as a detective and mother simultaneously. It was fascinating to picture her with little Scarlett strapped to her body, going about the business of interviewing witnesses and pursuing clues, determined to uncover the identity of the woman stolen from the morgue and the person who caused her death. Clues stack up and Gemma is left bewildered about secrets that unfold, leaving her wondering who she can trust. The denouement is mind shattering and almost unbelievable, although on reflection there are pointers throughout the book for astute readers.
I had read the first in the series, The dark lake, in 2018, and found that I easily picked up Body of lies as a near stand-alone, but readers who have followed all the books in the series would better follow the motivations of the characters. I will read up more books by Sarah Bailey, and readers may enjoy books by Simon Rowell, Chris Hammer and Christian White.
Themes Murder, Missing persons, Family relations, Detectives.
Pat Pledger
The secret doorway by Catherine Sheridan. Illus. by Andrew Mcintosh
Little Steps, 2023. ISBN: 9781922833297. (Age:7-10)
The Secret Doorway, the first book in the Four Go On An Adventure series is reminiscent of Enid Blyton books read long ago. Sister and brother, nine year old Anna and eleven year old Peter, have travelled with their parents from Australia to Ireland for a holiday. Before they leave Anna has a vivid dream of places unknown, danger and an old key.
After settling in, Anna begins to experience unusual happenings which she and Peter respond to as they both know Anna has special gifts. After making friends with local siblings, Liam and Cara, the four children find lots in common and enjoy camping in the back garden of the holiday house which backs onto a forest. After watching a mysterious fog roll in over a couple of nights and witnessing strange lights, the naturally curious group decide to investigate and with Anna’s old key, unlock a secret doorway that leads to a magical world full of crystals, mysteries and storybook folk including leprechauns, fairies and pixies. But there is trouble brewing and what danger will the children face as they try to help the folk in the enchanted forest?
The four children are certainly the heroes of this story. Each have their own unique personality and strengths to share when needed. The parents have a very minor role to play in the book and trust that the children will do the right thing at all times. All of the children are self-sufficient, reliable and responsible, and have impeccable manners! A wholesome story that will appeal to children looking for a gentle escape into a fantasy world all their own.
For those readers fascinated by electricity and renewable energy, this new release which is a companion to How to Save the Whole Stinkin’ Planet, will provide extremely valuable information. The book begins with a contents page and an excellent introduction that explains electricity, its uses, the problems with using it, how WE can change the negatives into positives, as well as introducing Imagineering 101 which is a combination imagination and engineer. There is a very handy page on how to use the book broken down into the following stages with individual graphic symbols to be easily identified; Switch on, Snapshot, Blink Forward, Get Active, Lightning Quoz, Level Up with Flash Facts included.
The journey for the reader begins with meeting superhero engineer, Captain Kilowatt in the Imagineering Academy. They will tell the journey in first person and fill the readers head with so much important information to ponder over, investigate and maybe act upon. There are questions, quizzes and opportunities to scan QR codes to consolidate knowledge.
This engaging and often humorous book is highly accessible for all middle grade readers with clear headings and significant white space surrounding the text. The graphic-style images and diagrams add to the visual appeal and reinforce understanding of the information presented.
I picked this up because it was an Aurealis Award Nominee for Young Adult Novel (2023) and quickly became hooked on the story of 17 year-old Declan, a young man who desperately wants to learn magic even though he has been tested as LAME, a person without magical powers. Destined to work a menial job, he instead applies to King’s College to be trained as a wizard, and is devastated when he is rejected. He is taunted by the school bully but his friend Ace stands by him. Then everything changes. His parents and other witches and wizards are encased in iron by the black coats, who pursue him. It seems that he does have magic powers, but they are too powerful to be contained. Narrowly escaping capture, he is rescued by a young woman, Ava, who carries a satchel holding magical objects. Danger faces him as he meets members of Kings College and tries to learn to control his magic.
The Non-Magical Declan Moore is an interesting combination of fast paced action with young adult main characters in the first part of the book, a slower paced section when Declan becomes depressive and introspective, and then an action packed conclusion. The plot as the black shirts try to grab Declan is very exciting, and it held my attention completely. Knowing that action will follow Declan even when he is in the depths of despair about not being able to use his powers, I pushed through this slower section quickly and was rewarded with a thrilling conclusion with engrossing twists and turns. I became involved in the magic that could turn witches and wizards into stone statues and the threat that magic might have on the country. I also related to Declan's attempts to gain magic and although I would have liked to have seen more of Ace his best friend, and Ava the owner of a magical bag, I hope to meet them in the second of the series, A warlock in a cursed kingdom, which carries on the story.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Coming of age, Witches and wizards.
Pat Pledger
Snow White's escape by Zhao Lihong. Illus. by Claudia Navarro
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922833242. (Age:5-8)
Author of Snow White’s Escape, Zhao Lihong, is a famous writer in China who has published more than 80 publications, many of which have been translated into different languages and published abroad. This simple and accessible tale about kindness is tells of a young boy called Liang who stays with his Grandmother during the summer holidays. Liang is often teased about his flapping ears and is called bunny goat by other children. While he does not like the name calling, he does love the three goats at his grandmother’s farm.
One day a circus comes to town and the children all attend. Snow White, a male goat, has been trained to walk along a tightrope. Sadly, at this performance Snow White falls and injures his leg. During the night, Snow White escapes to Grandmother’s farm and is placed with the other goats. Liang does not want Snow White to go back to the circus as he knows it is dangerous for him to perform that trick again. Grandmother talks to the owner of the circus and it all works out happily in the end.
The delightful graphic-style illustrations in tones of red, black, white and grey perfectly complement the written text. There are teaching notes available.
Constanta is saved from the brink of death by a stranger, and is transformed from a medieval peasant into a bride for a undying king, Dracula. Her life changes drastically, most of all, it is not her own. Their lives are long and relatively uncomplicated for many years, but when Dracula draws a cunning aristocrat into their lives, Constanta begins to realise there is more to their long years than she thought. When he draws another in, this time a starving artist, she realises that her beloved is capable of terrible things. Now, finding comfort in the arms of her rival consorts, she begins to unravel their husband's dark secrets...
Definitely not for the younger readers, this retelling of Dracula outlines an obsessive spouse, filled with desire that cannot be contained. The book comes with a content warning at the beginning, outlining that it has many dark places and there are too many to list here, suffice to say it is not for readers under 18. This is particularly so for the frequent sex scenes. While the book is well paced, it is not an overly compelling book - it is simple in its writing and has no sense of urgency or enthrallment. While there is much action and many things happen, it did not feel as though there was any real movement in the book. Having not read Dracula, I cannot compare it with the original, perhaps it was meant to mimic this.
When Billy is feeling sad, all he wants to do is talk to someone. But his best friend, Hippo thinks he knows what Billy wants, beginning a journey of doing things that perhaps make him smile but in the end do not get to the core of the problem. He initially suggests that they dress up, Hippo donning a rooster costume and Billy a dragon one. Billy feels a little less sad, but Hippo says he still looks sad, so tries something else. This time they go dancing in the falling blossoms, and yes Billy feels less sad, but trying again to tell Hippo what he really wants, he is cut off. Hippo takes Billy on a pirate ship for an adventure. That does not cheer him up, so Hippo takes him on a flying carpet. When this does not work he tries to throw a party, but Billy is nowhere to be seen.
Hippo finds him and when Billy says that he does not want a party or a dinosaur or a magic carpet or to dance in the blossom, he just wants someone to talk to. So Hippo goes off and collects his fluffy quilt, makes two hot chocolates with extra marshmallow and sits on the couch with Billy.
Billy talks and talks and Hippo listens. He tells him about how he feels, like autumn leaves about to fall or careering over a waterfall, his stomach feeling like midnight. When he finishes talking he feels a little better, his sadness like a distant echo. And the hug that Hippo gives him is the best antidote after all the talking.
Hippo promises to always listen and be there for his friend.
An easily absorbed tale about feeling sad will touch many kids’ hearts as they recall times they have felt sad and simply needed a friendly hug and someone to listen. A gentle, comforting read about sadness will appeal to readers as they identify with Billy and his feelings, and also feel sympathy for Hippo as he tries to comfort Billy, but missing the mark until Billy tells him to listen.
The beautifully understated watercolour and pencil drawings capture Billy’s time on the couch, just wanting someone to listen. I loved the title page with the range of toys, and the hippo in the middle, waiting to be of use, with the other toys being part of the solutions offered by Hippo.
Author/illustrator Gabriel Evans from Western Australia, has been published internationally. Blue Flower by Sonya Hartnett, was his first picture book with Penguin Random House, and was shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year in 2022. His second, A Friend for George, was published in 2023, and Listen, Hippo! released in 2024.
More about Gabriel and his work can be found here.
Joaquin Camp's colourful marker illustrations are youthful, simple and all kinds of wonderful. Three robbers, beautifully depicted without mouths and thereby allowing amazing expression through eyes and body posture, are off to rob a bank. Thief 1, Thief 2 and Thief 3 begin to dig and the reader is treated to lots of below-ground glimpses into their tunnel work. The illustration of their planned tunnel and the cross-section of the bank building showing the sleeping guard and the piles of money in the safe is particularly pleasing.
There is some lovely humour within the individual character traits of the three thieves, as well as in where their digging takes them. For something so simple as digging they manage to get it all very wrong. They end up in the middle of a wrestling match, on stage with an orchestra and in China. They even dig all the way through the sea and come up on a boat, which children will love for its absurdity. The reader is also privy to what they don't see in the dirt close to their tunnels: dinosaur bones and a mole family burrow. In the end they have all had quite enough of digging and Thief 3 says 'What if the treasure doesn't exist? What if it's a metaphor and it's actually in our hearts instead?'. The reader is again privy to what the thieves can't see - they are super close to the bank. But the thieves are done and they're off home to enjoy time with all their friends they found along the way. There is oodles of visual information here to support the text and to add extra layers of meaning. It is also a shining example of how simple illustrative techniques can convery great emotion and movement. The text is also short and snappy, giving it a crisp wittiness.
Themes Humorous stories, Friendship.
Nicole Nelson
Mia Megastar by Ada Nicodemou with Meredith Costain. Illus. by Serena Geddes
Mia Megastar written by Ada Nicodemou, a well-known Australian actor, is based loosely on her own childhood memories and her dreams of becoming a star. In this first book of a new series for primary-school aged readers, it is perfectly obvious right from the beginning that eleven year old Mia loves performing. She has a natural talent and is forever sharing her acting performances with her large extended Greek family.
Living above a shop filled with yummy Greek pastries as well as the more mundane everyday items, Mia exudes joy and passion for life. She is always on the go with best friends Ted and Brina, and after seeing a live theatre production Mia decides that they will create a drama club. With a little support from Mr J, the school drama teacher, Mia along with Ted and Brina audition students and form the Summerdale Stage Stars. While trying to work out what play to write, they settle eventually on improv theatre where a scenario is given and the actors improvise on the spot.
Throughout this story there are numerous illustrations and doodles as well as highlighted key words for emphasis. The strong characters are relatable and each bring their own special quality to the story. The introduction and discussion of Greek language, food and traditions is a wonderful way to expose readers to another culture. At the end of the book is a Q & A with Ada Nicodemou which is both enlightening and worth sharing with children.
Book 2 is out in June 2024 and Book 3 in October 2024.
Electric Monkey, 2024. ISBN: 9780008507268. (Age:15+) Recommended.
I am a fan of crime and mystery stories and I was very happy when I saw a new thriller by Holly Jackson especially as I had really enjoyed A good girl's guide to murder.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price is about 18-year-old Bel, whose mother had disappeared sixteen years before. Bel had been left alone in the back seat of her mother’s car, the only witness to the unsolved disappearance. When the Price family agree to a documentary about the disappearance, the past is dragged up and then Rachel Price reappears with a story that Bel finds hard to believe. What had happened to her? Where had she been and who abducted her?
The novel is unusual because it focuses on what it would be like for Rachel to re-emerge from captivity and how difficult it would be to make connections again with a daughter and husband not seen for sixteen years. Bel also finds it very difficult to relate to a mother who calls her Anna and who is a stranger to her. When small details don’t ring true, she begins to investigate as the film maker’s cameras continue to roll. Who is telling the truth? Should she trust her mother even though there are inconsistencies in her story? And what is the relationship between her mother and father?
A very suspenseful read, once I began this, I found it very difficult to put down. The background of a film documentary was very powerful and the family dynamics were fascinating. Jackson has plenty of red herrings strewn throughout the book but draws all the clues together in a surprising conclusion, some parts of which left me feeling slightly uneasy.
Triggers: The novel contains swear words and some violence, which may make it more suitable for older teens.
Themes Mystery, Thriller, Missing persons, Documentary film-making, Family relations.
Pat Pledger
Extinctopedia by Serenna Quarello. Illus. by Alessio Alcini
Red Comet Press, 2024. ISBN: 9781636550725. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
This striking large hard cover collaboration with Smithsonian is a treat for those readers who enjoy finding out about often unknown facts related to the animal kingdom. In this book, there is information from the past - those animals that are extinct like Martha the last passenger pigeon and George the last yellow-tipped tree snail whose personal stories are particularly sad as their demise was due to human incompetence, and the present where many creatures are endangered.
Without a contents page, the reader is encouraged to browse each double page section to discover their own facts and interests. There is information about the Dodo, extinct since mid-1600 mainly caused by invasive species brought to Mauritius; and the last Australian Thylacine (Tasmanian Devil) that died in 1936 in the Hobart Zoo.
Some of the topics covered include information about those creatures declared extinct but rediscovered such as the mountain pygmy possum and the Adelaide pygmy blue-tongue lizard; preserving animals; legendary creatures such as the Quetzal, the bird-snake of the Maya; reasons for extinction: keeping track of endangered species; strange animals like the Axolotl; unusual and unique animals such as the purple frog from India; bugs; marine animals; Oceania which mentions in detail the koala, wombat, bilby and numbat; and importantly information about what we can do now to protect the animal kingdom. In the final pages is a detailed index which is followed by a handy glossary.
Extinctopedia is a fascinating read with stunning illustrations in both black and white and soft colour tones, which will captivate both young and old.
Themes Extinction, Animal Kingdom, World Habitats, Survival, Endangered Species, Diversity.
Kathryn Beilby
Big Gorilla: A book of opposites by Anthony Browne
Anthony Browne is one of my grandchildren’s favourite authors, and when another wonderful book of his appeared across my desk I seized it immediately. And what a joy it is! It is a fascinating way to learn about opposites and primates while delighting in Browne’s exquisitely detailed illustrations.
Children who are familiar with Browne’s drawings of primates (Gorilla) will be thrilled to revisit his fascinating drawings and those new to Browne’s work will want to seek out more of his books.
Big Gorilla: A Book of Opposites is deceptively simple. It shows the opposite of old, sad, heavy, alone, big, and the opposite of opposite. For example, the question is posed ‘What’s the opposite of old?’ on one side of a double page spread and on the other side is a picture of a very old gorilla. Turning the page is another double page spread, the left page with the single word ‘Young’ and the most exquisite drawing of a baby brown gorilla with a thumb in his mouth. The expressions on all the faces are very moving, especially the illustration of the primate who is sad. His downward mouth, his frowning eyebrows and miserable eyes will have readers feeling so sorry for him while the opposite word ‘happy’ showing a gorilla smiling at a bright yellow flower is such a contrast. The hundreds of primates illustrating ‘Together,’ all with different expressions on their faces will provide hours of fun for young children looking each detailed drawing and picking the ones they love the best.
The last book in the series, following Defy the night and Defend the dawn will make readers happy to see a satisfying finale to an engrossing fantasy series with great characters, moving romance and political intrigue. Destroy the day continues straight on from Defend the dawn and readers should read the series beginning with the first book to fully understand the characters and plot. Prince Corrick and the rebel leader Lochlan have been captured by Oren Crane and must keep their wits about them if they want to survive. Meanwhile Tess believes that Corrick is dead and is mourning him. Although not wanting to trust Rian, she is drawn into a plot to oust Oren Crane in return for a journey back to Kandala. And Harristan is on the run, supported by Quint and desperate to save his kingdom.
The story is told in alternate chapters from the point of view of Tessa, Corrick and Harristan. Readers who have been heavily invested in the romance between Tessa and Corrick may find it difficult to read about their separation but will be engrossed in the way they manage their grief and use their skills to find a way out of their predicaments. Harriston’s story features much more heavily in Destroy the day, and readers will learn about his feelings and longing for freedom. Minor characters come into focus and it was fascinating to see how Lochlan and Corrick overcame their prejudice about each other to work for their country, while Eric is a major help for Tessa, and Quint’s helpful character comes alive.
Tess has been determined to find a cure for the sickness that plagues the kingdom and her skills with herbs helps her work out how the seeds of the Moonflower can be used. And both kingdoms realise that it is important to help each other for the good of the people.
There is plenty of action to keep the reader engrossed, and while the book is over 500 pages, it is so well written that readers will find it difficult to put down and will be sure to look for any other books written by Kemmerer.
Themes Fantasy, Romance, Rebels, Political intrigue, LGBQTI+ people.
Pat Pledger
Frog Squad: Dessert disaster by Kate and Jol Temple. Illus. by Shiloh Gordon
Frog Squad: Dessert Disaster by Kate and Jol Temple is the first in what will undoubtedly be another favourite series. Featuring delightful black and white illustrations by Siloh Gordon, readers will quickly be immersed into a ribbit-ing adventure that combines humour, action and amphibious charm.
In this fast paced tale, readers join a squad of courageous frogs as they embark on a mission to salvage an ice cream tanker in peril. The story kicks off with an amusing twist as the amphibian heroes find themselves in the spotlight of a news team's interview to capture their adventures. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they arrive to discover the tanker has been hijacked by the dastardly Toad Team. Can they overcome those cunning toads and save the ocean life, or will Toad and his henchmen prove too tough?
Blended with wit and excitement, ingenuity and suspense, readers will be hooked from the beginning. The twisting plot, clever frog-themed puns and some wildlife facts scattered throughout, this new series is sure to entice giggles from children and adults alike.
The Frog Squad are a team like no other! They leap off the page with their distinct personalities and endearing quirks. Each member brings something unique to the table, from their unwavering bravery to their quick thinking in the face of danger. Readers will find themselves rooting for these plucky amphibians as they navigate each challenge thrown their way.
Gordon’s illustrations add an extra layer of engagement, capturing the excitement and energy of the Frog Squad's escapades. The black and white cartoon style pictures and speech bubble texts engage readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of these brave little frogs. Mixed between a graphic and standard novel style, this book targets a wide audience and will appeal to many.
Frog Squad: Dessert Disaster is a delightful read that will leave readers hopping with joy. Temple and Siloh have crafted a charming tale that is sure to become a favourite among children and adults alike, making it a must-have addition to any bookshelf.
Themes Problem solving, Teamwork, Humour, Amphibians, Ocean life, Responsibilities, Conservation, Consequence of actions.
The Endfixer is a surprise read with a very original and quirky premise. In this cleverly written book, the narrator just wants to fix or change the endings of stories to suit how they think it should end. As the narrator says, in some stories the endings are too complicated, too censored, too hard to believe, too baffling, too catastrophic or too mushy, and so the list goes on. The reader is given a glimpse into many of the incredible things that could happen in a story yet sometimes the ending does not quite fit and the narrator believes they have a right to have the perfect ending.
Along with the easily accessible text are striking colour and black and white illustrations that tell their own story. For example, a full page picture of two kissing dinosaurs which should have been the end but on the page that follows, it shows an asteroid heading towards them! That was not the ending the narrator was looking for.
Throughout the story are images of mice working hard to sort things out. They begin and end on the endpapers and finally put up the END sign on the almost last page. However, as we all know, the end is not necessarily the end!
