BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: How do you know what's good?

While there are many places (especially on the internet) where you can read book reviews, how do you really know if it's a good book or not when a single book might receive anywhere from one to five stars?
The answer: read the reviews of a book-addicted teacher librarian.


NOTE:
** The age recommendations are guidelines only; whether or not a certain book is suitable for a particular child depends on multiple factors, including their maturity, reading level, interests, and in some cases their experiences.
** While the ratings are largely based on my own personal appreciation/enjoyment of the book, they are also influenced by my experiences as a teacher and the potential attraction for the target-aged child (acknowledging that what one child may love, another may find exceptionally boring). A rating of 5 indicates the book is likely to be popular with the majority.


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Heap House (Jnr Fic)

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Edward Carey
PUBLISHED: London : Hot Key Books, 2013.
PLOT: (spoiler alert)
In an alternate England, all of London's garbage is owned by one family (the Iremongers), and has been for generations. All the garbage is shipped to one location - the Heaps, which spread for miles in enormous mounds. In the middle of the heaps is a mansion, put together from bits and pieces of houses that have been acquired over the years by the Iremonger forefathers. Here live the Iremongers - generations of them. All the aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. They also intermarry by pre-arrangement (the fact that this leads to genetic abnormalities is not addressed directly, but is hinted at). The 'pure blood' Iremongers live in the top part of the house, and the non-pure bloods, distant relations, are their servants. Because the family's wealth is built from what is scavenged from the heaps, objects are treasured. In fact, they have a bizarre ritual that every Iremonger (pure-blood and servants alike) are given a birth object at birth. (We find that they mix a piece of the object with the Iremonger's blood and then inject it back into the Iremonger, which causes the object and Iremonger to be bound to each other - the Iremonger will die without their birth object).

Clod, a pure-blood, has the unusual gift that he can hear the birth objects talking. They call out names; their own names. Clod's birth object, a bath plug, says 'James Henry Haywood'.
We discover that there in a strange disease around which causes people to turn into objects, and in fact that is what all the birth objects are - people. If a birth object and Iremonger are separated for too long, the object will turn back into a person (with no memory), and the Iremonger will turn into an object.

Trouble starts when a non-Iremonger, Lucy, is accidentally bought into the house as a servant and given a birth object. This is such a terrible trespass that the objects take on a life of their own beyond simply saying their names; they being to move of their own accord and revolt, joining together to form a Gathering (they become sort of robotic, the objects becoming one Being intent on destruction and growing larger with every object that joins it). If it escapes the house into the heaps, it will become a monster, gathering all the objects from the massive heaps of garbage surrounding the house.

Lucy, being a non-Iremonger, can't understand their way of life, but she strikes up a friendship with Clod, who, predictably, falls in love with her. Any relationship between the servants and the upper house is forbidden, so their friendship is secret, until the chaos starts and it comes out that a servant has been mixing (even kissing! oh the horror!) an upper house Iremonger. This sin is, of course, part of the reason why the objects are in revolt, and the servant Iremongers are out for Lucy's blood (literally).

As chaos rages through the house, Lucy escapes and hides about the house, and Clod is chased by the Gathering. Eventually, they meet up again, with plans to escape the house (another thing that is forbidden) and live together happily ever after. Just as the Gathering is about to let all hell break lose, the Grandfather comes in and destroys it. Clod and Lucy are then turned into objects, their birth objects turn back into people. and here the story ends, presumably with life for the Iremongers returning to how it has been - uninterrupted by Iremongers, servants, and objects which don't know their place.

Woven throughout the story are themes of dysfunctional families, friendship, bullying, death, and social taboos.

REVIEW:
I have to say, I found it really hard to get into this book. The story struggled and dragged in many parts. Everything was predictable. The author failed to draw the reader in, and I had little empathy for anyone other than Clod and his friend, Tummis (a bullied and misunderstood teen who eventually commits suicide).

The story is slightly enhanced by portraits of the different Iremonger family and servant members and  illustrations of the cross sections of the upper and lower house on the front and back pages, but these illustrations are not enough to pull it up a notch.
Apparently, the book is the first in what will be a trilogy, but I will be avoiding it. It's not the most rubbish book I've ever picked up (it was a struggle, but I did finish), but I found it a waste of my time and I would not recommend it to anyone. For children who like quirky ideas, there are FAR FAR better titles (such a Lemony Snicket, Skulduggery Pleasant, or The Graveyard Book - comparing The Graveyard Book to Heap House is like comparing chocolate mousse to a mud pie).

AGE: it is marketed at ages 9-12, but I would hesitate to recommend it to under 11's.
RATING: 2 stars

Friday, November 22, 2013

Bugs (NF) (Pop-up)

FULL TITLE: Bugs : a pop-up journey into the world of insects, spiders and creepy-crawlies
AUTHOR: George McGavin ; ILLUSTRATOR: Jim Kay ; PAPER ENGINEERING: Richard Ferguson
PUBLISHED: London : Walker books, 2013

PLOT:
Larger-than-life bugs spring from the pages, peek out from behind flaps and hide under tabs, inviting young entomologists to marvel at the mind-boggling variety of arthropod life. What reader can resist a chance to peel back the flaps to look inside a cockroach's body to see how it works, or open a wasps nest to see what's inside? Useful information (why does the world need bees?) and scientific trivia (which beetles are strongest and fastest?) pack every page, while exquisite art, dramatic pop-ups, and a multitude of lift-the-flaps bring the world of bugs to life. Presented in a field diary format, with hand-written notes and specimen samples.

REVIEW:
Absolutely enthralling. I can't see that anyone, child or adult, would be able to simply flick through this book - no, every page must be analysed for what can be lifted, folded out, and taken out of little pockets.

AGE: 7-77 (adult supervision and guidance required for younger ages; the paper crafting is quite fragile).
RATING: STRONG 5 stars

Rainforest VS Rainforest (NF) (compare)

For the first time, I am comparing two titles. Both are Non Fiction for Primary school ages (middle primary and up), on the topic of rainforests around the world, published in the same year and in the same country.

1)
AUTHOR: Penny Arlon and Tory Gordon-Harris.
PUBLISHED: England : Scholastic, 2013.

2)
AUTHOR: Elinor Greenwood.
PUBLISHED: England : Dorling Kindersley, 2013.

Both present roughly the same information (e.g the different layers of the rainforest, where they grow, what animals live there, what is unique about the ecosystem, why they are important to the environment of the world, etc). The most significant difference is that the second title does not make mention of the Papua New Guinea rainforest (the first one does). PNG rainforest is one of the most significant in the world. New species are discovered there each year. It's like writing a book about deserts, but leaving out the Middle East.

There ARE different approaches to how the titles present the information, and what facts are given prominence. Each title has information the other does not, but the absence of PNG in the second is starkly notable. There is nothing wrong with the second title (it has its place in a school and public library), but it highlights the importance of having a range of titles on the same topic available to children, and in some cases they will need adult guidance to help them understand that accessing more than one title will give them a more comprehensive view of the topic.

AGE: Middle to upper primary. RATING: Both are more than adequate NF resources.


The Boring Book (PB)

AUTHOR: Vasanti Unka (NZ)
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
There was once a book so boring that everyone who tried to read it fell asleep. One day the words in the book said "We're tired of standing in rows, let's have fun instead!" So they escaped from the boring book, went out into the world, and things would never be the same again. The words jump into street signs, they leap onto shop signs, they decorate pathways and roadways and ponds. They change size and font. But one day they go too far...

REVIEW:
This is quite a complex book, complete with lift-the-flaps, fold-outs, and pull-out inserts in the form of books within books (ingenious and delightful). The Boring Book explores the importance of books and words in a fun and imaginative way. Children and adults alike will love it. The Boring Book is NOT a boring book.

AGE: 4-9
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

The Emu That Laid The Golden Egg (PB)

AUTHOR: Yvonne Morrison ; ILLUSTRATOR: Heath McKenzie
PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT:
A hungry emu eats what she thinks is some corn...and ends up laying a golden egg! Two scoundrels discover this phenomenon, and thinking to make a quick buck, lock her up and try to make her lay some more. But when the emu eats more than gold, something strange happens - and everyone learns it doesn't pay to be greedy.

REVIEW:
Very cute story, with lovely pictures. Young children will love knowing the secret of the golden egg before the thieves do.

AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars

Goose On The Farm (PB)

AUTHOR: Laura Wall
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
When Sophie and Goose go on a trip to the farm, they meet lots of new animals, but soon Goose feels left out and wanders off to have his own adventure and make a new friends. One of which follows them home.

REVIEW:
Another title in the "Goose" series. An absolutely adorable character, sure to be a favourite in all pre-schools. The story line and humour can have subtle nuances, which is enough that adults won't be driven mad by having to read it for the 5th time (although it's simple enough that madness may set in after the 10th time...)

AGE: 2-5
RATING: 4 stars

The Nowhere Box (PB)

AUTHOR: Sam Zuppardi
PUBLISHED: 2013?

PLOT:
George's little brothers wreck his toys and his games and trail after him wherever he goes. Try as he might, there's just no hiding from them. George has had enough! So he commandeers an empty washing-machine box and goes to the one place his brothers can't follow: Nowhere. Nowhere is amazing! It's magnificent! It's also, however, free of pirates and dragons and...well, anyone at all. Eventually George decides that Nowhere isn't as fun as he thought it would be, and returns home to his adoring younger brothers, who are more than happy to play pirates and dragons.

REVIEW:
An ode to imagination - and annoying but indispensable siblings. A great book for early primary school ages learning that younger brothers and sisters may be annoying, (and it is important to have you own space), but also that they can be a lot of fun to play with, and you can't do without them.

AGE: 4-7
RATING: 4 stars

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

My Friend Fred (PB)

AUTHOR: Hiawyn Oram ; ILLUSTRATOR: Rosie Reeve
PUBLISHED: 2011

PLOT:
Rose's big sister tells her that Fred the dog belongs to the whole family, but Rose knows better - Fred is HER friend. Her friend Fred. But when Roe tries to keep Fred all to herself, she learns that sometimes sharing your best friend is the best way to stay best friends.

REVIEW:
A sweet story about family, pets, friendship, and sharing.

AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars

The Swap (PB)

AUTHOR: Jan Ormerod ; ILLUSTRATOR: Andrew Joyner
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
"This baby brother is not exactly what I want. It's smelly and it dribbles, it's no fun, and it takes up all the room on my mama's lap." Jealous and not happy with her baby brother, Caroline Crocodile trades him in at The Baby Shop for other animal infants, but soon finds they all have issues - the baby panda is a fussy eater, and the baby elephant squirts water everywhere. Eventually, Caroline finds a baby that is just right.

REVIEW: A new take on the relationship between an older sibling and a new baby, with sweet pictures and a feel-good ending. Perfect for the pre-schooler with a new baby in the family.

AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars

Black Dog (PB)

AUTHOR: Levi Pinfold
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011
AWARDS: 2013 Kate Greenway Medal Winner

PLOT:
One day, a black dog appeared outside the Hope family home. Dad was the first to see it - it was the size of a tiger! When Mum saw it, it was the size of an elephant! The black dog grows and grows the more family members see it. Only Small, the youngest of the Hope family, has the courage to face it, and as she shows no fear, it grows smaller and smaller.

REVIEW:
With gorgeous, stunning pictures, this story is about exaggeration and facing fears.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Friday, October 18, 2013

The Hoppameleon (PB)

AUTHOR: Paul Geraghty
PUBLISHED: 2013, c2001

PLOT:
When the world is still quite young, there was a sleepy, slurpy swamp. And in it swam a very odd-looking creature. As he makes his way in the world, this very odd-looking creature, with a long sticky tongue, who can hunt like a chameleon and swim like a turtle, isn't quite sure who or what he is. Nor is anyone else. But he does know that he wants to find a friend who is just like himself.
REVIEW:
A story of self-perception, similarities and differences, and belonging.

TEACHERS: It would lend itself to a creative writing activity where children make up a name for another animal by comparing it and taking names from other animals as in the story.

AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars

Dragon Loves Penguin (PB)

AUTHOR: Debi Bilori
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
It's bedtime in the land of ice and snow. "Night, night," says Bib's mummy. "Sleep tight," says Bib's daddy. But Bib has a better plan. "Please," says Bib, "can I have a story? The one about dragons." And so begins the heartwarming tale of a dragon in need of an egg and an abandoned egg in need of a mummy. It seems like the perfect fit, but what happens when that egg hatches and the little baby doesn't look like all the other dragons (in fact, he looks remarkably like a penguin)? Of course, his mummy loves him no matter what. But the other babies aren't so sure. Little do they know that being different can be good and soon their little feathered friend is saving the day.

REVIEW:
A twist on The Ugly Duckling, kids will love the secret (that the story of the dragon is true) being revealed at the end.

AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars

Can't Sleep Without Sheep (PB)

AUTHOR: Susanna Leonard Hill ; ILLUSTRATOR: Mike Wohnoutka
PUBLISHED: 2011, c2010

PLOT:
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep jumping over a fence. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep who are growing tired and finally they quit! When the sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, chaos ensues as chickens, cows, pigs, hippos and more try their hand at jumping over Ava's fence. Finding the perfect replacement for sheep might not be so easy after all.

REVIEW:
With adorable pictures, this is a very cute bedtime story (although the concept of counting sheep to get to sleep may need to be explained, since the concept is something that is passed on - it's not innate knowledge).

AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars

Cloth from the Clouds (PB)

AUTHOR: Michael Catchpool ; ILLUSTRATOR: Alison Jay
PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT:
The boy who spins cloth from the clouds is wise. He spins only enough cloth for a warm winter scarf, not one stitch more. But a greedy King sees the marvellous cloth and demands that the boy spin cloaks and gowns galore. Soon there are fewer clouds in the sky and finally the rain stops. Will it be possible to undo the damage?

REVIEW:
The story aims to promote a sense of care and respect for the natural environment and illustrates the impact humans can have through greed and thoughtless selfishness.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars

Doodleday (PB)

AUTHOR: Ross Collins
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011

PLOT:
Mum has just one thing to tell Harvey on Doodleday - no drawing allowed! But before Dudley can ask why you don't draw on Doodleday, she's out the door. Surely one little fly won't hurt? Not until Harvey's fly comes to life and starts to wreck the kitchen, that is! What can Harvey draw that will catch it? Will anything, or anyone, be capable of stopping Harvey's rampaging doodles?

REVIEW:
The thought of line drawings coming to life and causing chaos is just a lot of fun.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars

The Santa Trap (PB)

AUTHOR: Jonathan Emmett ; ILLUSTRATOR: Poly Bernatene
PUBLISHED: 2010, c2009

PLOT:
Bradley Bartleby is bad, and the older he got, the badder he became. He's greedy and naughty and selfish and spoilt -- and Santa Claus knows it. But when beastly Bradley empties his Christmas stocking to find nothing but a pair of socks, he does quite the baddest thing he has EVER tried to do. He builds a trap -- a SANTA TRAP! With guillotines, dynamite and a tiger or two, Santa doesn't stand a chance. Will Santa be forgiving?

REVIEW:
Most children love it when the bad kid gets what's coming to him in stories. The simple karma of a child who gets trapped in his own trap is a winner, not to mention the story is told beautifully, with illustrations to match.
AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Fussy Freya (PB)

AUTHOR: Katherine Quarmby ; ILLUSTRATOR: Piet Gobler
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2008

PLOT:
Freya has an appetite as fine as can be until one day she declares, "Your dhal and rice are just not nice." She spurns baked beans, sausages, and soon she's very thin indeed. Mum, in despair, phones Grandma Clare. "We'll sort her," says Grandma, "the fussy little beast." So off Freya goes for a fabulous feast and a lesson she will never forget.

REVIEW:
The cover sums it up nicely: "For children who like their food familiar and their rhymes revolting." This story about fussy eating is sure to get a laugh.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars

The Bear and the Wildcat (PB)

AUTHOR: Kazumi Yumoto ; ILLUSTRATOR: Komako Sakai
PUBLISHED: 2011, c2008

PLOT:
"One morning Bear was crying. His best friend, a little bird, was dead." Bear keeps little bird in a box, but no one understands until one day he meets an empathetic wild cat.

REVIEW:
A touching picture book about loneliness, grief and loss, ending with a positive new beginning. It shows a way through paralysing grief and simultaneously tells the story of friendship and acceptance. Originally published in Japanese, the uncommon illustration technique (mostly black pencil) give the impression it is very old.

AGE: 6-10
RATING: 4 stars

Owl Babies (PB)

AUTHOR: Martin Waddell ; ILLUSTRATOR: Patrick Benson
PUBLISHED: 2007

PLOT:
Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy and Bill, wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. So they sit on a branch and wait and think (all owls think a lot). "I think she's gone hunting," said Sarah. "To get us our food!" said Percy. "I want my mummy!" said Bill. Darkness gathers and the owls grow anxious, wondering when their mother will return. But, at last, she does and they bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.

REVIEW:
One of the very cutest feel-good picture books, it's standard-issue in all pre-schools.

AGE: 2-4
RATING: 4 stars

Once Upon A Time (PB)

AUTHOR: Nick Sharratt
PUBLISHED: 2011

PLOT/REVIEW:
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived on top of a hill in a ..." Where she lives and what she finds is up to the reader. Using the 36 removable and interchangeable parts depicting the nouns to finish the sentences, children can make up their own simple story.

AGE: 3-5
RATING: 3 stars (2 of those stars are for the interchangeable pieces that create a mad-lib type story)

Rules of Summer (PB)

AUTHOR: Shaun Tan
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT/REVIEW:
A deceptively simple story about two boys, one older and one younger, and the kind of rules that might govern any relationship between close friends or siblings. Rules that are often so strange or arbitrary, they seem impossible to understand from the outside.
Yet through each exquisite illustration of this nearly wordless narrative, we can understand the story of friendship that is so familiar - something friendship is easy, and sometimes it is hard. As you venture deep into the story, the images and the story line become darker, more mysterious and unsettling, but it draws together at the end to affirm the bond of deep friendship.

AGE: 6-10
RATING: 4 stars

Have You Seen Who's Just Moved In Next Door? (PB)

AUTHOR: Colin McNaughton
PUBLISHED: 2013, c1991

PLOT:
Meet the neighbours - Mister Thing and the Dumpty's (he's in bed; he cracked his head). There's a school for birds and a wig shop for pigs, King Kong lives at number 50, the churchyard is full of ghosts and ghoulies, and there's a houseful of pirates at number 94. But you'll never believe who's just moved in next door to us! The answer lies behind a gate-fold page, but can you guess before you get to the end?
REVIEW:
A fairly typical aliens-are-normal/humans-are-strange stories that kids love. The pictures are detailed, and would be a great "find the answer" book for a guided reading activity (i.e. create a list of questions that children need to use the book to answer: Who lives on the left of King Kong? Who lives at number 12? How many birds are in the school? etc). AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 stars

Ten Tiny Things (PB)

AUTHOR: Meg McKinlay ; ILLUSTRATOR: Kyle Hughes-Odgers
PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT:
Tessa and Zachary have a machine that is swift and splendiferous. Every day it carries them from here to there and back again in cool calm comfort. But one morning, the machine breaks down. To their horror, Tessa and Zachary are forced to walk to school. Along the way, they find things that are smooth and blue, shiny and red - ten tiny things. The next day their machine is fixed, but they chose to walk - it is an excellent walk, simple and splendiferous.

REVIEW:
The description of a car without saying it's a car (swift and splediferous machine) is a nice touch. It adds that extra little layer of fantasy without losing touch with reality. It makes the children appear to live in an alien land, while children still know exactly what they are talking about. The focus on observation skills and looking at things with new eyes is dealt with in a very cute way and would be the perfect segue to a nature walk.

AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

The Octopuppy (PB)

AUTHOR: Martin McKenna
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
Edgar always wanted a dog, but instead he got Jarvis the octopus. Still, he's determined to train Jarvis just like a dog. Sit. Stay. Play dead. What could go wrong? Jarvis is very smart. Maybe too smart. He makes Edgar crazy! But Jarvis feel rejected and leaves. It is then that Edgar realises how special his Octopuppy really is.

REVIEW:
A gorgeous story sure to be a hit. The themes of friendship and unusual pets are universally liked by children.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

My First Animalia (PB)

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Graeme Base
PUBLISHED: 2013

REVIEW:
Animalia was a hit from the time it was published in 1986. It's on the "must read" list for children's books around the world. My First Animalia is an alphabet book which takes an image of the pages in the original, and lists the nouns which you may find. Thick pages that fold-out are perfect for young children.

AGE: 2-4
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog (PB)

AUTHOR: Time Beiser ; ILLUSTRATOR: Rachel Berman
PUBLISHED: 2011, c2008

PLOT:
Frog Bradley McGogg, finding his pantry bare, decides to ask his animal friends for something to eat and learns that animals eat different things.

REVIEW:
A cute little story about individual differences.

AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars

The Snorgh and the Sailor (PB)

AUTHOR: Will Buckingham (U.K.) ; ILLUSTRATOR: Thomas Docherty
PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT:
Snorghs don't have visitors. Snorghs don't share soup. And they really don't like adventures. But when a bedraggled sailor arrives, telling exciting stories of exotic lands, the Snorgh finds himself going on an adventure afterall.

REVIEW:
A witty story about an unlikely friendship, a surprising journey, and the discovery that we can all do amazing things if we dare to. Overall, a very cute and enjoyable story.

AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Tales From Outer Suburbia (short stories) (YA Fic)

AUTHOR: Shaun Tan (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 2013

Fifteen illustrated short stories set in the Australian suburbs. Stories include: The water buffalo -- Eric -- Broken toys -- Distant rain -- Undertow -- Grandpa's story -- No other country -- Stick figures -- The nameless holiday -- The amnesia machine -- Alert but not alarmed -- Wake -- Make your own pet -- Our expedition -- Night of the turtle rescue

PLOT (Eric): Eric is a foreign exchange student (the pictures make him seem alien-esque) comes to stay. Some of his behaviour seems very strange, but Mum just says "Maybe it's a cultural thing." But they're not really sure if he's happy or not. It's only when he mysteriously leaves that they find his thank-you gift.

REVIEW: Quite a charming collection of short stories, some humorous, some haunting and thought-provoking.

AGE: middle primary school to junior highschool.
GENRE: various
REVIEW: 5 stars

Friendly Day (PB)

AUTHOR: Mij Kelly ; ILLUSTRATOR: Charles Fuge
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
A clever mouse tells a cat who has just caught him, that it's Friendly Day today - "a day for sharing, a day for caring, when everyone is nice, when Frog reads Snail a fairy tale and cats do not eat mice". So Cat goes to tell Dog, who tells Bear. But bear tells them that there is no such thing. Then Cat and Dog hatch a plan to make Friendly Day a reality.

REVIEW:
A cute little story about friendship and happiness.

AGE: 2-6
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

The Dark (PB)

AUTHOR: Lemony Snicket ; ILLUSTRATOR: Jon Klassen
PUBLISHED: 2013

PLOT:
Laslo was afraid of the dark. The dark lived in the same house as Laszlo. Sometimes the dark hid in a closer or behind a curtain, but mostly it was in the basement. This is the story of Laszlo how he came to live with the dark without being bothered by it.
REVIEW:
A book for any child who is afraid of the dark. This story inspires courage, bravery, and facing your fears, and teaches that some things aren't as scary once you get to know them.

AGE: 5/6-10
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Badger's Parting Gifts (PB)

AUTHOR: Susan Varley
PUBLISHED: Originally 1984, reprint 2013

PLOT:
Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but he does die, they are still grief stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends' memories of him. 
REVIEW:
A lovely little story to help children understand death and grief. As with all books of this nature, some children will find the topic confronting or confusing, and you should read the book yourself before reading it to the very young or very sensitive.

AGE: 5+ (depends on child)
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Just a Dog (Fic)

AUTHOR: Michael Gerard Bauer (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 2010

PLOT:
An ultimately sad little book about a dog and his family as told through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy. It is a collection of stories about the dog's antics, and how a dog can truly be a member of the family.

REVIEW:
It made me laugh, and brought a tear to my eye, and reminded me of the dogs I've had in my life.

One criticism I have is the grammar and the over-misuse of the word "but" instead of "though" at the end of sentences ("It was good but."; "I didn't mind but.") Yes, it is supposed to be how the boy is talking, but it actually gets distracting and quite annoying. I'll go through my copy and edit it properly before I give it or read it to a child.
I wouldn't give the book to children under 10, or to sensitive children, as there are some themes (financial and marital problems, fighting, suggestions of infidelity, animals being scared and eventually dying) that will be confusing and/or confronting to some children.

AGE: Ages 10/11-15 (take maturity into account when suggesting this book)
GENRE: Realistic fiction
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

Friday, August 9, 2013

The Pros and Cons of Being a Frog (PB)

AUTHOR: Sue DeGennaro (Aust) PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT:
Frogboy (we never actually learn his name) loves dressing up. Camille loves numbers (and loves them so much she sometimes uses them instead of words). They are very different. Frogboy first met Camille when he was dressed like a cat. And being chased by a dog. He doesn't like being chased, and after exactly 11 days, Camille suggests he try a different animal. Hence the frog.
While they are making the frog costumes, Frogboy gets frustrated with Camille, he shouts at her and she leaves.
Frogboy doesn't like being alone and makes a list of pros and cons of being a frog.
He then goes to find Camille to say sorry.

REVIEW:
I have to say that the first time I read this to children, I wasn't blown away. After reading it aloud again, and considering the story, I
While on the surface it is a sweet book about being friends, there are a few more subtle issues that you could explore with children. E.G.
 - The idea of replacing words with numbers, and how people communicate with each other.
 - How different people can be friends. Ask children to consider the two characters. What is different about Frogboy and Camille? What is the same? What makes them friends?
 - The importance of understanding things from another's point of view. Why did Camille leave?  Why did Frogboy shout?
 - The use of numbers in the illustrations, particularly when the children are speaking to each other.

On the surface, it is easy to get younger children (kindergarten/reception) to observe that Camille went away because Frogboy shouted at her, but with older children (yr 1/2) you could also trace the series of events which led to his shouting, which are as follows.
1. Frogboy knew that when Camille started singing her six times tables it meant she wanted a snack.
2. Since she kept singing louder and louder and becoming restless, we can infer that Frogboy was not sensitive to what she was telling him.
3. Frogboy shouted because Camille was restless.
4. Camille left because Frogboy shouted.

The numbers in the illustrations and storyline give this story that little something extra.  Camille is depicted as offering numbers to Frogboy, and Frogboy's shout is interlaced with numbers. When he goes looking for Camille to say sorry, we see the buildings covered with numbers, indicating he is looking for her in her environment.

Some of the vocabulary in the story needs to be explained (pro, con, solitary).
When reading to kindergarteners, I explained pro and con when we read the title. When I read it in the story, I used the tone of my voice and gave a thumb-up/thumb-down sign while I read to help children's understanding without interrupting the flow of the story to remind them.
Since I generally dislike interrupting a story to explain things if I don't have to, I've become adept at adding explanation in my "reading voice". In other words, when the book said "Frogs are not solitary creatures." I read "Frogs are not solitary creatures; they don't like being alone," shaking my head and using emphasis.

AGE: 4+.
RATING: 5 stars. I wouldn't buy it for my home library, but it would be a lovely addition for school and public libraries.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Series: The Last Thirteen (Fic)

AUTHOR: James Phelan (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 2013
SERIES: The Last Thirteen
FIRST BOOK: Thirteen

PLOT:
The premise of the series is that there are some people (called Dreamers) who dream 'true dreams' in that their dreams predict the future and come true. The Last Thirteen (TLT) are 13 teenage Dreamers who not only dream 'true dreams', but are part of a prophecy that will prevent the ultimate evil, Solaris, from destroying the world.

In the first book, 'Thirteen', we are introduced to Sam, the first of TLT, Alex (a character who adds nothing to the storyline), and Eva (another Dreamer, but not one of the precious Thirteen).

Two groups, the not-evil but not-good-guys-either Enterprise, and the Good Guys (who operate out of 'the Academy' and are led by 'the Professor' in a way that is blatantly borrowed from the X-men in a way that tries too hard and misses the mark) need TLT to defeat Solaris.

REVIEW:
I was very underwhelmed by the first book.  The characters lack development and the plot lacks depth and explanation.  The author has borrowed vaguely from the Matrix (dreams), the X-men (the Academy), and Harry Potter (the prophesy). Overall, it has nothing to grip the reader and maintain their engagement.

Some children (particularly boys) may like it, especially those for whom character development and quality writing doesn't mean anything. However, for the time spent reading and the effort needed to get some children engaged in reading, there is FAR better material to promote (I would recommend an X-men comic before this series).

It lacks qualities that would appeal to a wide audience.

AGE: 9-11
GENRE: in the vein of Fantasy
RATING: 3 stars

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Wrong Book (PB)

AUTHOR: Nick Bland (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 2009

PLOT: Nicholas is trying to tell a story, but he keeps being interrupted by characters from other stories... they are invading the wrong book!

REVIEW: Very funny, with fantastic pictures.

AGE: Preschool - Primary school
RATING: 5 stars.

Olivia and the Fairy Princesses (PB)

AUTHOR: Ian Falconer (U.S)
PUBLISHED: 2012

PLOT: Olivia the pig is fed up with all the girls who want to be fairy princesses. She is determined to be different at all costs!

REVIEW: A lovely addition to the 'Olivia' series.  Will resonate with anyone (child or adult) who likes subverting expectations and going against the flow.

AGE: Preschool - Junior Primary
RATING: 4 1/2 stars

The Story of Ferdinand (PB)

AUTHOR: Munro Leaf (U.S.)
PUBLISHED: 1936

The timeless tale of the bull who preferred to smell flowers rather than fight. A wonderful story about individual differences, and accepting people for who they are.

AGE: Preschool - Primary school ages (enjoyable by all ages)
RATING: 5 stars

Lost and Found (Pop-up) (PB)

AUTHOR: Oliver Jeffers (Northern Ireland; U.S.)
PUBLISHED: 2011

PLOT:
When a young boy finds a penguin on his doorstep, he goes to great lengths to return him to the ice. As he leaves the penguin, they are both very sad. That's when the boy realises that the penguin wasn't lost; it was looking for a friend.

REVIEW:
A lovely story about making assumptions about what other people need.

You MUST find the pop-up edition. It is one of the most delightful creations I have ever read.

This title is part of "The Boy" series. Other titles in the series include:
How to catch a star
The way back home
Lost and found

AGE: Preschool - Primary school ages (but will delight all ages).
RATING: a strong 5 stars

Stuck (PB)

AUTHOR: Oliver Jeffers (Northern Ireland; U.S.)
PUBLISHED: 2011

When Floyd's kite gets stuck in a tree, he throws everything from a shoe, to the kitchen sink, to a whale after it to get it down.  What will happen to the kite?  (not to mention the whale...)
Jeffers does it again with a book that will delight all readers.


AGE: Preschool - Primary school ages
RATING: 5 stars

Penguin and Pinecone (PB)

AUTHOR: Salina Yoon (U.S.)
PUBLISHED: 2012

When Penguin finds a Pinecone, love and friendship blossoms instantly. Penguin cares for pinecone, and knits it a scarf.  Penguin learns that pinecones can't grow in the snow, so he goes on a long trek to return Pinecone to its own environment. After he leaves Pinecone in the forest, Penguin worries about his friend, and returns to check on it.
A lovely touching story of care, generosity, and friendship.

AGE: 3-8
RATING: 5 stars

Grumpy Little King (PB)

AUTHOR: Michael Streich
PUBLISHED: 2012

The Grumpy Little King was always grumpy. He didn't like being little and to make up for it, he decided he wanted more land in his kingdom. So he started a war.  But the soldiers on the battlefield aren't impressed. This is an engaging and thoughtful story about the foolishness of war.

AGE: Primary school
RATING: 5 stars

This Moose Belongs to Me (PB)

AUTHOR: Oliver Jeffers (Northern Ireland; U.S.)
PUBLISHED: 2012

An exquisite tale of Wilfred who finds a moose and takes ownership of him and calls him Marcel. Marcel is mostly an obedient pet, but Wilfred soon finds that Marcel answers to other names. A beautiful story about the "ownership" of wild animals.

AGE: Preschool - Primary school age
RATING: 5 stars

Diary of a Wombat (PB)

AUTHOR: Jackie French; Bruce Whatley (illustrator) (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 2003

Now published in a series, this delightful set of picture books looks at life through the eyes of a cuddly and lazy wombat as he goes about eating, sleeping, digging holes, and training its humans to produce treats.

Other titles in the series include
Christmas wombat
Diary of a baby wombat
How to scratch a wombat

AGE: 3+ (enjoyable for all ages)
GENRE: Humorous fiction
RATING: 5 stars

Where the Forest Meets the Sea (PB)

AUTHOR: Jeannie Baker (Aust)
PUBLISHED: 1988

REVEIW: In a combination of realism and fantasy, WTFMTS tells the story of a young boy visiting a Nth Queensland island with his grandfather.  Through his eyes we see the past, present, and possible future of pristine rainforest.
The book has strong environmentalist themes.

AGE: 5-10
RATING: 5 stars