This is an epic tale of romance and heartache, set with a magnificent Montana backdrop, over the adult life of Charlie, Garrett and Cece (Cecilia). Charlie and Garrett are friends from College days, bonded forever because of the death of another friend, and Cece is set to be Charlie’s ‘for life’ partner. But the taciturn Garrett becomes the spoke in their wheel and shifts the direction of their life just as they are about to set out together. Garrett pursues an environmental career, monitoring the decline of Wolverines (and yes, they are real creatures) from the slopes and forests in Montana. Cece (perhaps with unexpected prescience) seems to lose her mind and changes her direction completely. Charlie, the one who was destined for success, must find a new path that gives him a way forward. Their story is linked to Charlie Margolis’ idyllic family holiday house on the banks of a lake in Montana, near where Garrett lived before they all met. This home and the naturally grand location of original delight keeps bringing them together, even when they seem to have caused incredible pain to one another and destroyed its capacity to charm their future. The next generation too seems to have been infected with the seductive charm of the location, but also the angst and struggle of their forebears, and the passage of years details the slow descent from possibility to heartache. But there are still glimpses of hope amidst the memories and fractures of the past.
This is an adult family saga filled with struggle and the walk alongside environmental decline is a parallel path. The tale is mostly told in a chronologically logical unveiling, but there are occasional fault lines in the progression and the story leaps over chasms of time with little warning. I quite enjoyed these rapid jumps, leaving behind the nitty-gritty of the minutiae to arrive at the next big thing, as this was a surprise with no foreshadowing. There are many sadnesses in the passage of time - relationships that have fraught moments, drug-impacts, memory loss, friends that struggle and the difficulty of forgiving. But despite that there are gems forged from the pressure of the years. Garrett particularly, seems transformed by the slow wheels of time, and there are hints that Charlie too may have found a way to redeem the past. This is not a happy-go-lucky romantic tale, but it is a twisted journey through human struggles. Is love a victim or surprise survivor through the years? Recommended for adult readers who don’t want their romance stories to be syrupy and enjoy dramatic pain in the process.
Themes Romance, Infidelity, Montana, Holiday homes, Family saga, Wolverines, Environmental issues, Dementia, Drug addiction, LGBTIQ characters.
Carolyn Hull
Why are there wars? by Katie Daynes and Mairi Mackinnon. Illus. by Oksana Drachkovska
Usborne, 2024. ISBN: 9781805312710. (Age:5+)
Sadly, in a time when in most countries, it has recently been a time of "peace and goodwill to all", our news bulletins have remained peppered with stories about conflicts around the world, and these events have huge impacts that spread like pebbles in a pond well beyond the ideologies and beliefs of those who begin them.
There would be few schools in Australia where there are not families who have been impacted by war in some way, either by current events or those stretching back into history when previous generations were forced to flee and begin a new life here. And so, no doubt, they have been confronted by the question, "Why are there wars?" from little ones.
As sensitive as the topic may be, Usborne have addressed it in this lift-the-flap book that explains why there are wars, the fact that wars have occurred for centuries, that there are many who work hard to keep people safe, that wars do end and they can be prevented if we work towards a more peaceful world. With carefully chosen words and examples, readers can engage with the answers by lifting the flaps to get a better understanding and these are, in turn, supported by internet links which help parents talk to their children about war as well as ways children can get involved in various projects that can help them be kinder, more understanding, tolerant and accepting of differences. Created with expert advice from a number of experts and in conjunction with the Imperial War Museum, London this is designed to help parents and teachers address the hard questions so that little ones understand such a big-feeling concept at their own level, and unlike previous generations like mine, know that war is not necessarily an inevitable part of their future.
This is one best read with an adult so there can be deeper conversations and explanations, but nevertheless, it has a place in the collection of any school whose students have been touched by such an event in some way.
Theodora (known as Theo) has escaped a troubled family life as the adopted daughter of abusive parents who hide their harsh discipline under the guise of religious training. In her adult life she has tried to expunge their memory from her life, but it is her dreams about her life before her adoptive parents took her in, aged four, that continue to haunt her. A romance and now engagement to the wealthy Connor Dalton thrusts her into Dalton family secrets and life-threatening danger when she visits their mountain-top retreat. Her past is examined because a girl from poorer circumstances is a threat to wealth and power, and her own vague memories of the mountain cabins brings a dangerous collision of past and present. Can Theo’s love for Connor survive or is her own life at risk?
This is a tragic tale threaded with danger and readers will be trapped on the mountain-top with Theo. With twists and plot deviations and risk and accusations at every turn of the page, this becomes a compelling drama that will keep you enthralled. Every member of the Dalton family seems to distrust Theo, and she is having difficulty holding onto the truth of her love for Connor, but it is the return of hazy memories that makes her doubt the family that she might be marrying into. And is Theo a victim or a perpetrator of violence? This distrust of the main character and the distrust of all who share the wintertime and snow covered cabins creates a chilling storyline and a book that adults will enjoy… a good holiday read (but perhaps not before a ski-lodge holiday!). The central character is post-University aged, so this is not a book aimed at the YA environment, but it could be read by mature readers aged 17+.
Themes Psychological thriller, Murder, Wealth and power, Romance, Trust.
Carolyn Hull
Fly, Mama, fly! by Anna McGregor
Scribble, 2025. ISBN: 9781761381539. (Age:1+)
A strongly bound board book, Fly, Mama, fly! is a charming book, extolling the close bond between mother and child through the story of the Grey-haired flying fox as she journeys across the night sky in search of food and a place to sleep during the day.
The refrain Fly, Mama fly!, is at the end of most rhyming stanzas, encouraging the readers to sing out that line and predict the rhyming word. All the way through the little flying fox holds her offspring tightly as they traverse the night sky, pointing out the clouds, moon, stars and trees to the readers.
At the end of the story, children will be able to tell each other what they have learnt about flying foxes, as well as appreciating the warmth of a mother’s love shown through the tale. The illustrations show the little flying fox against a deeply luminous nighttime sky, through the use of various shades of purple, interspersed with streaks of moonlight and clouds.
The book is read differently from the usual book which will intrigue younger readers taking in the information about a flying fox.
Themes Flying fox, Mothers, Love, Family, Night time.
After experiencing McConaghy’s wonderful Once there were wolves I was eager to read Wild dark shore. It is set on Shearwater, a tiny island near Antarctica, and the home of a large seed bank. With sea levels rising, the researchers have departed leaving Dominic Salt and his three children to pack up the seeds before a ship arrives back to take them to safer ground. Then a mysterious woman is washed ashore. Why was she trying to reach this remote island and what secrets are the Salts hiding?
Told from multiple points of view McConaghy gradually builds up a picture of the Salt family and Rowan the woman the sea have brought to shore. Dominic Salt is still grieving the death of his wife many years before, his eldest son Raff is trying to get over a broken heart, his 10-year-old son Orly is obsessed with botany and fearful of what will be lost from the seed bank and Fen, his 17-year-old daughter is isolated from the family, sleeping with the seals on the beach. As they care for Rowan, she uncovers sabotage of the radio and a fresh grave.
Wild dark shore is multi-layered with gripping suspense on many levels. I found myself holding my breath wondering what damage the incoming storm would do to the human and animal inhabitants of this rugged island and whether the Salts would be able to rescue the precious seeds from the flooding waters. The inner struggles of Rowan and the family and the secrets they were hiding were gradually revealed and I became engrossed in the stories of these six people. I was desperate to find out about Rowan’s experience with the bushfire that destroyed her property and its beautiful ghost gums, and Fen’s reason for sleeping with the whales. I held my breath as Orly sorted through seeds and told the reader about the wonders of different plants and related to Raff’s suffering from losing his first love and determination to hold his family together especially as Dom seemed unable to let go of the ghost of his wife. And as a lover of the mystery genre I was kept guessing about the possibility of murder on the island.
Wild dark shore is certain to appeal to readers of different genres because of its evocative writing and themes of mysterious death, life on an isolated island and climate change. It is highly recommended.
As soon as I spotted Bigfoot vs Yeti: A love story, I was certain that my 5-year-old grandson would love it and I was not wrong. He pored over the pictures, examining all the details, noting what colours were used for the Bigfoot and how the Yeti was different. He was fascinated with the idea of the two strange creatures and listened intently to the story, which was a delight to read aloud. I could see that this could become a firm favourite for him.
However, it is not just young children who will delight in the illustrations and humour. Conflict resolution and a Romeo and Juliet love story are two major themes making it appealing for all ages. I found myself pondering the futility of the feud between the two tribes; the Bigfoots stating that it began when a Yeti threw a snowball across the Rift that divided them, while the Yetis believed that a Bigfoot first threw some fruit. One night when a young Yeti and a young Bigfoot are on guard on opposite sides of the Rift, they chase each other along the edge until they come face to face. The reader will be fascinated to follow Bevan and Yolanda and see if they can end the rift between the two groups and help their tribes see the good in each other. The fact that some members will always want to feud is an important lesson for readers too.
Detailed teacher’s notes and an activity can be found here, and a book trailer and author interview are available.
This hopeful but cautionary tale has a place in all libraries and is highly recommended.
Themes Bigfoot, Yeti, Conflict, Love.
Pat Pledger
Loverboy by Ben Tomlinson
Andersen Press, 2025. ISBN: 9781839135194. (Age:14-17) Recommended for Romance readers.
Alfie is a North London teenager who seems to have become the ‘unlucky-in-love’ pin-up boy (or Loserboy). His warm and comfortable friendship with Maya gets hi-jacked when she starts seeing other guys. His rebound connection to Maya’s best friend Gwen goes pear-shaped when Gwen realises that she really is same-sex attracted after all. And his best buddy Jack seems to have forgotten him too as he dates the touchy-feels and intense Lily. (But even Lily gets to become a failed Alfie exploratory connection.) Can Alfie find his place, develop some confidence and really discover love that works for him? And can he forgive his drug-addicted mother now that she is sober? Growing up is so hard, and there are so many big emotions to deal with in Alfie’s life.
Remarkably this is a teen-romance novel with a male central character who manages to look for love in all the wrong places. A bitter-sweet journey! Ben Tomlinson has managed to create a romance-oriented story without it becoming about teenage sexual experience. (Although there are some hints that this is occurring in the background, it is not the centre of attention. NB:Condoms are used.) Romance, first kisses, angst and anxiety in relationships and finding the right girl are all a part of this story. There is a hint of humour in the way we see the disasters unfolding and Alfie’s stumbling efforts will also engender sympathy. With a main character who has deliberately chosen to avoid alcohol (his mother’s drug addiction is a strong reason) and who lives with his Nan with whom he has a loving relationship, and because he is the gentle one on the edge of his friendship group, we have a slightly different view of a teenage male in the dating world. He is also a soccer player, gamer, and fan of a heavy-metal goth band, who needs a part-time job so he can have some spending money. But essentially he is just a teen who must find his place in the world and follow his own path. Written in three main sections, depending on who Alfie’s attention is focused on - Maya, Gwen or Lily, the story relates a short period in the teen’s life. This is a romance tale with a slight goth flavour - so it is more likely to be read by female teens, but because the main character is male it is possible that it could cross the gender divide. Alfie is a hopeless romantic, and perhaps the target audience of 14-17 year-olds would need to share that quality, or at least be open to the insights of a teen romance.
Lexie Moon and her Grandad are always making inventions, mostly to help people or solve a problem but when Lexie creates The Vocaliser on her own things start to go wrong. With the Inventor’s Guild competition coming up, Gizmo Lightfinger, the infamous gadget thief who has a lifetime ban from the Guild, is on the loose and stealing gadgets all over town.
After The Vocaliser is stolen, and Gizmo renames it The Word Grabber 9000, Lexie and her Grandad are determined to stop the thief and prevent a disaster. Lexie is a charming character that many readers will relate to.
Lexie’s story is told in short chapters with fun illustrations that draw the reader in and make this 'unputdownable'. Lexie and her Grandad are instantly likeable, and their relationship and love of inventions really shine though, as does the evil genius of Gizmo. This book will appeal to newly independent readers who have a love for the quirky. The language used in the story makes this a great book for a classroom read aloud especially when looking at linguistics and the depth of language that can be included in short stories.
This is a book that will become a favourite and I hope that there are more books with Lexie and her inventions in the future as it was so enjoyable to read.
Themes Inventions, Family, Crime, Adventure.
Mhairi Alcorn
Darkest night, brightest star by Barry Jonsberg
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761180385. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
In the opening chapter, Morgan’s teacher asks each student to write three sentences about themselves, two true and one a lie. Not understanding where the activity is leading, Morgan writes three lines that are perhaps more revelatory than he realises. He refuses to participate in the ensuing guessing game with a shake of his head. And gradually the reader comes to understand that the mute nod, or shake of the head, or a shrug, and downturned eyes, are his usual means of communication. Talking is always kept to the minimum; he’s learned that’s the safest way.
In Jonsberg’s novel we see the world through Morgan’s eyes, and hear his internal thoughts and his limited understanding of the words that people use. He is a beaten person, with no expectation of success at school; there is only the drill and work of soccer, a fierce training that his father inflicts on him. He knows he has no choices, the safest way is to comply.
This is a story of coercive control, a child without a mother, growing up under the thumb of an emotionally abusive father, subsumed in a world of toxic masculinity. There are people who try to reach out to him, his teacher, the school counsellor, and a fellow student. But it is so difficult for Morgan to break out of his cocoon.
Jonsberg’s YA novel has themes in common with Ange Crawford’s ‘How to be normal’, the depiction of scared compliance, the bottled silence, the isolation from others. Both novels present a powerful portrayal of the fear within a situation of coercive control.
Fortunately for Morgan, there are people who persist, and who try to see past the barriers he’s built around himself. They are there even when his confusion erupts in an unexpected violence, because they know that beneath it all there is a good guy who is worth trying to save. I liked how that essential goodness shines through in the end, along with Morgan’s growing understanding of how to be his true self.
Other issues that are explored with great sensitivity include the ‘dead to us’ runaway mother who turns up ten years later seeking reunion with her sons; and the equally absorbing depiction of commonality of experience of the oppressed Morgan and his gay school friend. In both cases, it is only through quiet persistence that barriers are broken down.
There are other lovely people who shine: the encouraging English teacher, and the lonely old lady in need of gardening help. The enduring message of the novel is about caring, and checking ‘R U OK’.
Jonsberg is adept at presenting potentially heavy subjects in an engaging and positive way. Readers are encouraged to seek out his other books, the most recent being Smoke and mirrors (2024) and A little spark (2022).
Themes Coercive control, Emotional abuse, Toxic masculinity, Fear, Identity, R U OK.
Branson Hawthorne Esquire is your typical city child on his way to summer camp after his parents flew off to a ski trip in Aspen without him. Branson likes the normal comforts of life, access to a phone, fresh clean sheets, and writing letters of protest that he never mails – okay not so normal!
But what happens to him and the three other camp attendees is as far from comfortable and normal as you can imagine. Promised poolside luxury, cuisine classes, lessons in interior decorating and an exclusive resort what they discover is anything but with slime encrusted bathrooms an empty pool and accommodation that isn’t fit for the creatures that have already claimed it!
The friends find themselves without phones, access to outside communication is cut off and constantly having their life endangered by the creatures that live in the Daintree Forest as they try to escape from the camp, or at least survive the week!
This book is exciting and packed with action and humour that will keep the reader engaged and turning the page, as Branson and his friends try to work out how to escape the camp owner, Sal without coming into close contact with the cassowary and crocodiles that surround the camp. While Sal and her son constantly block them and make them clean up the camp, fix the pool and remove slime from the bathrooms it will take all of Branson’s negotiating power to bring this to a happy conclusion for all.
This is a brilliantly funny book that really shows the nature of the Australian bush and how by banding together against a common enemy fun and friendships can develop. This book would be a fabulous read aloud as students will want to know what happens next and if Branson and his friends make it out alive!
Themes Action, Adventure, Friendship, Australian Bush, Survival, Camps.
Mhairi Alcorn
All the ways Mum will be there for you by Sarah Ayoub and Kate Moon
Many things that mums do for their children are shown in this infectious picture book, with rhyming stanzas on each page, adorned with bright illustrations full of colour, reflecting the thought in the text on the page. A warm, friendly book full of smiles will encourage children to ponder the things their parents do for them without thinking.
Mums encourage, support, offer adventures. They find ways to play in the midst of a hectic day, plan games, spend nights with the family, cook special treats together. Lots of cuddles come from Mum as she walks with the child to the playground, where they swing and run, play and jump in puddles. The text relates lots of ways Mums support the child, each page offering a different range of activities shared between them. Children will love recognising the things they do with their parents, seeing other things which they may be able to suggest at home.
They share and love, read, reflect and give, they take children out of their home to wonder about other things outside their experience. They support and teach how to be confident and adventurous, they are always there to ensure they are constantly part of each other’s lives.
This is a colourful introduction to the idea of parents and parenting. Children will reflect on their own homes and how they could contribute to the comfort given by their Mums.
Themes Love, Caring, Families, Parenting.
Fran Knight
Out of the box by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow
University of Queensland Press, 2024. ISBN: 9780702268779. (Age:Adult) Recommended.
Described as a “one-stop guide to navigating neurodivergence” journalist Madonna King and teen educator Rebecca Sparrow gathered information from Australian families, teachers and global experts to bring together the latest tips and advice about navigating the world of a neurodivergent (NT) teenager and how some of the care, consideration and structure we can surround these kids with can also benefit neurotypical (NT) teens who can also be struggling. The reader is provided with a useful glossary of terms, introduced to the language used and is asked to consider some pre-conceived ideas in the community about conditions like autism. It then moves on to diagnosis, labels and language, there are fly-out quotes from parents like 'I had no idea what ADHD was. I used to call her an airhead. Her year 3 teacher suggested there may be a problem' p. 16.
The rest of the book is divided into four parts under the headings of ‘Friendships’, ‘Education’, ‘Spreading Your Wings’ and ‘The Future Looks Bright’. In each section there are personal stories from parents and teens that are poignant, along with those of teachers who often find themselves untrained and unprepared for the adjustments they must make to accommodate the range of differences in their class. Their stories are backed up by experts in their field and a comprehensive section at the end of the book outlines resources for parents, educators and for ND kids and teens. I was impressed by the inclusion of specific examples of ways to improve outcomes for ND kids like Professor Linda Graham’s simple examples of how teachers and parents can provide repetition, issue instructions in brief sentences and ‘No soliloquies, where they just tell kids to do five things then wonder why they’ve only done one' p96. Interacting with ND teens will never be simple though and it was a privilege to read the personal stories shared by so many. This accessible book takes us through some of the nuanced divergences and helps us to understand and value the different perspectives ND individuals can bring to our lives.
Opening with former Inspector Rebus in the dock, rather than in the witness box, shocks the readers eager to read the 24th in Ian Rankin’s series of books about crime and detection in Scotland. Hooked, Rankin takes the reader back, filling in the story of how Rebus ended up in remand. Certainly, a man to cut corners in his career, causing angst amongst his seniors, he was known for getting things done.
Now retired he is at a loose end, Brillo the dog not completely filling his life. Rebus is asked by crime boss, Cafferty to find a person believed dead but seen in Edinburgh recently. Rebus begins to investigate, finding he is stepping on the toes of the gaggle of detectives working at the Tynecastle Police Staton. This station has a reputation for brutality, misogyny and corruption and when one of their number, Francis Haggard, is arrested for domestic abuse, the ranks close in. He offers to disclose some of the workings of Tynecastle, naming names, in return for dropping the charges, but before he does this, he is found dead. Rebus’ investigations overlap as DI Siobhan Clarke discusses the Haggard case with him. Into the scene comes Malcolm Fox, charged with reducing the impact of that exposing the Tynecastle Police corruption, and what it may do to the reputation of Police Scotland.
This heady story weaves its way through the corruption of Tynecastle and what it did to young women police appointed to the station. Fox is keen to expose this but also subscribes to the idea that Rebus’s association with Tynecastle puts him in the firing line as well. The double layer of characters and families will stretch readers’ recollections as they delve more deeply into the story, but as with all of Rankin’s stories, many strands join up satisfactorily at the end, while some remain obstinately unresolved, keeping all readers alert to a myriad of possibilities, perpetrators and suspects. I listened to the story via Audible and will happily listen again.
Darruyay yilaaming marraala, buwaarr: Welcome to the world, little baby by Melissa Greenwood
ABC Kids, 2025. ISBN: 9780733343063. (Age:1+)
A strongly bound hard back book which encourages young families to record their baby’s progress is told within the framework of Melissa’s First Nation heritage. Written and illustrated by Gumbaynggir artist, Melissa Greenwood, author of several books which warm the heart, My little sunshine and Hello ocean, to name a few. Each uses her beautiful paintings showcasing her adept use of Aboriginal motifs combined with a modern perspective and swathes of soft pastel colours. Each page is framed with dots, circles, and lines using wonderfully soft colours, to create a warm environment in which to place memories of the new baby’s development.
Starting with a poem welcoming the new child’s arrival, a page is left for the first scan, while over the page details of the child’s birth and first photos. Then on to stages of development as the child grows, which are offered with spaces for information and photos. This will make a delightful compendium of a baby’s development and the memories of the family as the child grows. This will make a truly memorable book within the family, to share, ponder, compare and marvel. Lots of pages are included to add all sorts of things: first words, first steps, a list of the first times for many mothers, things such as first sleep through the night (hallelujah), first laugh, first roll over and first hair cut to name a few.
The last page welcomes special memories for the family, ending off a charming book of reminiscences to share.
A fan of McTiernan’s books I was thrilled to read her latest novel, especially as Cormac Reilly features again. This time he is confronted with a body in a bog, a body that suggests a strange ritual. The murdered man is Thaddeus Grey, a local school principal, not seen for two years. There does not appear to be a reason for his murder, and Cormac finds it difficult to concentrate on his investigation as his ex-girlfriend Emma has pleaded with him to help her find her husband Finn, who has gone missing in Paris. As Cormac juggles the two cases, more bodies appear. Is there any connection or is a serial killer on the loose?
The background to the novel was fascinating with its brooding Irish countryside, descriptions of historical bodies found in bogs, military use of cybersecurity and ways of cheating winners of the lottery. Cormac’s struggle with his feelings about Emma and the fact that she is married and pregnant is vividly described, while his internal conflict about taking on a new job in the police force and his relations with his co-workers adds depth the story.
The theme of justice is a thought-provoking one. Cormac is clear that it is the justice system that makes the final decision about guilt or innocence but has fears about tackling police corruption and how his colleagues will react. Meanwhile, his off-sider Peter finds that for him justice is not so easily defined.
I was amazed at McTiernan’s ability to juggle three separate investigations and kept wondering how she would manage to tie all the clues together. Of course she did that brilliantly in this clever, twisty police procedural. I am looking forward to more books with Cormac investigating.
