January 2012 – Page 3 – Aussie Reviews

If You're Happy and You Know It!, by P. Crumble & Chris Kennett

An Aussie addition

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it,

then you really should just show it …

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

The first lines of this traditional rhyme are true to the original, but from there on, there’s a distinctly Australian flavour. Firstly, if you’re a possum, climb a tree. The openings that follow provide activities for a whole range of Australian animals to ‘do their thing’. The final opening has the gang of Aussie animals being koalas and going to sleep. Illustrations are full page and stylised and mildly anthropomorphised, eg the wombat has a mining helmet and the koala is wearing pajamas. At the end each ‘verse’ is offered in full.

Traditional rhymes have remained popular in part because they are easy to learn and they provide opportunities in classrooms to get up and move about. ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It!’ will have children up, singing and dancing as they try to be cockatoos, bandicoots and crocodiles. Along the way, they’re discovering a little about Aussie animals and how they live. Young children will soon become familiar with the language patterns on the page and with the aid of the illustrations will soon be ‘reading’ this story for themselves. Recommended for pre-school and early school years and for use in the classroom.

If You’re Happy and You Know It! P.Crumble & Chris Kennett
Scholastic Australia 2011
ISBN: 9781741698916

Crazy Relief Teachers: Mr Sergeant and the Dodgeballs of Doom, by Matt Porter

Steele Buckle and his friend Pete are reeling. The new relief teacher is crazy! He must be. Mr Sergeant dresses in military fatigues and uses phrases from army boot camp

‘Attention!’ Mr Sergeant’s shiny black boots thudded on the lino. He marched in front of us, eyeballing every student.

‘Tuck that shirt in. Pull those socks up!’ His words shook the history projects hanging from the classroom roof.

It was nine o’clock Monday morning. If Mr Brown was teaching, our grade would have been playing Continuous Cricket. But Brownie had nicked off last term. So we weren’t playing cricket. Instead, all twenty-one of us were lined up across the back of our classroom at Outback Creek Primary School being yelled at by a madman. Mr Sergeant was the latest in a long line of Crazy Relief Teachers.

Steele Buckle and his friend Pete are reeling. The new relief teacher is crazy! He must be. Mr Sergeant dresses in military fatigues and uses phrases from army boot camp. Before the students know what’s going on, they are cosseting bricks and doing push-ups. It’s as if the school bullies weren’t enough and the fates have sent something/someone worse. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, it’s approaching THAT time of year. The time of year normal Dads turn into monsters. The time of Annual Dodgeball game between Grade 6B and the Dads is approaching fast.

It’s tough to lose a teacher half way through a year. There you are at the end of primary school, looking forward to whatever comes next, and trying not to look back at all the familiar things behind you. Then your teacher leaves and you have to start all over again, when you’d thought that you’d done with starting afresh, at least for primary school. Mr Sergeant may seem to have emerged from one of Steele’s nightmares, but even nightmares can have positive elements to them. Mr Sergeant and the Dodgeballs of Doomstarts very quickly and then just speeds up, with the action exploding like a a volley of dodgeballs. This is a first book from teacher Matt Porter, but there is a suggestion here that there more may follow. Recommended for upper primary, particularly boys challenged by longer texts.

Mr Sergeant and the Dodgeballs of Doom, Matt Porter
Celeprene Press 2011
ISBN: 9780980699432

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Con-nerd, by Oliver Phommavanh

Mama tells everyone that I’m gifted and talented.

But I know the truth.

I’m just a nerd.

Kids call me Con-nerd – half Connor and all nerd.

It’s true. I wear these mega-thick glasses, just like Clark Kent.

When he takes his off, he becomes Superman.

I’m just super-blind without my glasses. Mama reckons the thicker they are, the smarter I’ll be.

Connor is in Year 6 and an only child. His dad is dead, and his mother works hard as a nurse to provide the money for Connor’s extra tuition. She wants him to get into a selective high school and to eventually be a doctor. That way, this Chinese son will bring honour to his family. There’s only one fly in this ointment – Connor wants to be a famous artist and cartoonist, not a doctor. But he’s too aware of the sacrifices his mother has made to tell her what he really wants to do. Meanwhile he’s learning how to make friends, has a crush on a girl and no idea what to do about it, and is discovering that he’s perhaps not the only one who has dreams and hopes that may not line up with expectations. Look out for Evi O’s flip pics.

Connor’s dilemma occupies his days and nights. He is torn between wanting to meet his mother’s expectations, and knowing that he’s doomed to failure because his heart is in his drawing. This could be a very serious novel, but while it deals with serious issues, Oliver Phommavanh uses his stand-up comedian skills to ensure there’s a laugh on every page. As Connor discovers that there are ways his heart-skills can help him succeed and bring honour to his family, he also learns about those around him and that first impressions can often be misleading. Girls are well represented here, showing that they can be friends as well as crushes. ‘Con-nerd’ will appeal to a wide range of upper- primary readers.

Con-nerd, Oliver Phommavanh,
Penguin 2011
ISBN: 9780143304869

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book is available in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

May Gibbs 1 2 3, May Gibbs Colours, Scholastic

Inspired by the work of May Gibbs, 1 2 3 and Coloursintroduce numbers and colours to young children. In 1 2 3, Australian flora and fauna feature in mostly pastel colours as they play host to gumnut babies, sleepy babies and wattle babies. There are butterflies, kookaburras and other Australian animals to identify. In Colours, the gumnut babies float through a world of gentle colour encountering Australian insects, plants and animals.

May Gibbs’ Gumnut Babies are part of Australian heritage and 1 2 3 and Colours introduce her work to a new generation. Books are sturdy Colours are pastel on white and provide an alternative to primary colour offerings in the same market. A perfect gift for overseas visitors or other new arrivals!

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Present 1 2 3, Scholastic Aust 2011 ISBN: 9781742830230

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Present Colours, Scholastic Aust 2011 ISBN: 9781742830421

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

Totally Cody Simpson, by Alana Wulff

Imagine for a second that you’re a normal school student with a talent for music and a dream to crack the big time. You’re living on the Gold Coast with your family and friends and decide it might be fun to upload some videos of your singing skills to YouTube. Who knows, it worked for Bieber, maybe this time it will work for you? A few weeks later , you get and email from a man who claims to be a famous producer and before you know it, you’re heading to the USA to meet with a major record label.

At a time when most young teenagers are just discovering who they are and finding their way through early secondary school, Cody Simpson is living the life many aspiring singers will only ever dream of. Totally Cody Simpson is filled with photos and information, quizzes and speculation. Readers have their chance to see who might be Cody’s first girlfriend, or to paste their own photo next to his. Fans can also make their predictions about when and where Cody will tour; how tall he might be; when he might leave home and just when he might make it to the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Modern media makes fandom a broader experience than ever before, but there’s nothing like photos and information about your hero to keep the fan-flag flying. Cody Simpson has achieved fame at a very young age, and provides inspiration to other aspiring performing artists, as well as thrilling young girls everywhere. ‘Totally Cody Simpson’ simultaneously reminds the reader that Cody is a normal boy doing normal things, as well as being famous and having many famous friends. This is one for Cody Simpson fans and for aspiring singers/performers who want fuel for their dreams.

Totally Cody Simpson: The Unofficial Guide, Alana Wulff
Random House 2011
ISBN: 9781742752532

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold, by Ruth Starke ill Greg Holfield

Captain Congo and his loyal offsider, Pug are back! This time, they’re off to the remote reaches of the Canadian Klondike gold fields, to sort out what’s scaring the miners away. But first they have to get there. It’s wilder than the wild west and the locals are very suspicious of strangers. They’re also quite superstitious. There’re rumours about monsters and ghosts. There is danger and adventure for the duo as the landscape and treachery challenge their progress. But never fear, when Captain Congo and Pug are near, the goodies will win the day! (even if poor old Pug, in the best tradition of offsiders, is tossed, pummelled, terrified and trussed before the day is won). Endpapers show a map of the location of their adventures.

Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold is a third outing for Ruth Starke and Greg Holfield in this graphic novel series. The main characters are animals: Captain Congo a large (lowland?) gorilla, and Pug a small penguin. They move freely and unremarked in each adventure, a lovely relationship that has Captain Congo uttering Sherlock Holmes-like observations, and Pug always playing catch-up. The adventures are wonderfully wild and liberally sprinkled with humour. This series will attract a similar readership to Asterix and Tin Tin, and will be retained in the bookshelves long after other books have been outgrown. Reluctant readers will love the graphic novel format. Recommended for upper-primary, early-secondary and reluctant readers. And ahem grown-up fans of the graphic novel format.

Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold, Ruth Starke & Greg Holfield
Working Title Press 2011
ISBN: 9781921504273

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book is available in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Red Plane to the Rescue, Melissa Firth, Cheryl Orsini, Scholastic Press

A red plane, a blue plane and a yellow plane are planning a display. Together and separately they perform their tricks. Up and down, even swapping planes, with a ‘Chucka chucka chucka, vroom vroom vroom! Zing zing zow, zoom zoom zoom! When it looks like disaster has struck, the aerobatic team become a rescue team, bringing everyone safely into land. Illustrations are in bright, primary colours set on solid colour pages.

Imaginative play is so important for children, and Red Plane to the Rescue is a wonderful example of the heights and drama that can be achieved in play. Young children will follow the movement of the planes as the story is being read, and it won’t be long before they’re joining in the refrain. Then they’ll be flying their own planes, toy or imaginary. Teachers will have children zooming their planes all around the place. Great fun for pre- and early school-age children.

Red Plane to the Rescue, Melissa Firth & Cheryl Orsini
Scholastic Press 2011
ISBN: 9781741698534

Other titles by this duo: Frederik Goes Bananas

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This title is available from good bookstores or online from RFishponde.

Star Girl 1: New Girl, by Louise Park

Star Girl to Jess –

5 things you need to know about Valentina:

1. She can’t stand mess. The room has to be like really perfect.

2. She doesn’t think I should be here.

3. She thinks she’s the best. So what if she’s the highest-scoring space cadet?

4. She doesn’t like me/

5. It’s like she rules everyone and everything.

Addie L

Adelaide (who prefers to be called Addie) has just arrived to join the SEAS Space Agent Program. She started later than all the other recruits, having to wait for a place to become available. So she feels she’s playing catchup. And her roommate, Valentina, is determined to make her feel that she shouldn’t be there. Addie loves the Space Station though and is looking forward to her first mission. Unfortunately, when that chance comes, her partner is Valentina, who definitely doesn’t want her along. In fact she’s determined to make sure Addie fails her part of their mission. Planet Polare’s ice is melting and it’s up to the two girls to discover what’s causing it and to fix it.

New Girl is the first story in the Star Girl series. It’s designed for 7-10 year old readers, particularly adventurous girls. These girls still experience friendship, jealousy and competition but rather than the setting be somewhere mundane like a normal school, they are on a space station and their assignments are very exciting and potentially dangerous. Illustrations are scattered throughout to break up the text and there are diagrams of some very special gadgets too. Gadgets are stylish as well as functional, to appeal to fashion-aware girls. In this episode, Valentina is grumpy and foolish, but Addie still tries to see the best in her. Addie is smart and accommodating, but would prefer to be sharing a room with someone more like her. Recommended for newly independent readers and girls who like to mix fashion with their space travel!

Star Girl: New Girll, Louise Park
Macmillan 2011
ISBN: 9781420290295

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book is available from good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereiews.

The Koala Bounces Back, by Jimmy Thomson & Eric Lobbecke

Karri, the koala, lives in Karri’s Corner, a peaceful home where there are no dogs, no cats, no cars, trucks or men with saws. Peaceful. Tranquil. Perfect. Then a gang of feral cats moves in.

Karri, the koala, lives in Karri’s Corner, a peaceful home where there are no dogs, no cats, no cars, trucks or men with saws. Peaceful. Tranquil. Perfect. Then a gang of feral cats moves in. The other animals are traumatised and ask Karri to intervene. But the feral cats, no longer welcome in their previous homes, have nowhere else to go. It’s a standoff. Then Jinksy, one of the cats, suggests a football game. The winning team can stay, the losers must move on. Before he really thinks about it, Karri agrees. The advantage gradually goes the way of the cats, until weather intervenes. Karri and his crew are winners but he cannot stop thinking about the plight of the homeless cats. His solution brings smiles all around. Illustrations are set in white space and provide multiple perspectives of both bush and urban animals with humour.

Fantasy and realism combine in The Koala Bounces Back. Karri needs goodwill, humour and advanced problem-solving skills to save himself and his friends from the invading cats. The cats, it’s clear, don’t really want to be there either, but having been evicted from their urban homes, are determined to adapt. Unfortunately, cohabiting with native animals is not going to work, not for the native animals anyway. There are opportunities for classroom discussion about sharing, cooperation and compassion. Young readers will enjoy the humour, particularly in the illustrations. Younger children will just enjoy the silliness of cats and native animals playing football. Recommended for early primary years.

The Koala Bounces Back, Jimmy Thomson & Eric Lobbecke
Random House 2011
ISBN: 9781742750071

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Shattering, by Karen Healey

The first time I broke my arm, I was ready for it.

I was seven years old and Janna van der Zaag and I were playing in her backyard. Janna’s backyard was a fantastic place for kids – a big dollhouse and a lot of bush out back for playing hide-and-seek in and a brand new flying fox her dad had made, sloping from a tall platform built into the sturdiest tree down to the brace attached to the next sturdiest.

Janna had been using the flying fox for days, and she flew down with style, blonde hair like a banner, the T-bar gripped tightly in her hands. I climbed the ladder and clung there for a minute as she ran the T-bar back up to me on its long rope. The flying fox hadn’t seemed so high up from the ground.

What if I fell off and broke my arm? I thought.

Keri lives in Summerton, the perfect beach side summer town. But Keri is too wrapped up in her grief following her brother’s suicide to notice. Until she discovers that others in town have lost brothers in similar circumstances. Together she, Janna and Sione begin to suspect that something in wrong in this perfect town. But nothing, nothing could have prepared them for the secrets of Summertown. Suddenly it’s not just about their brothers. Other lives are at stake, if they can’t discover who is responsible for all the wrongdoing. But first Keri and her friends have to decide just who they can trust.
The Shattering is told from the points of view of the three main characters, providing the opportunity for the reader to understand the motivations of each, a luxury not afforded the characters themselves. Keri is the main character in a novel that mixes magic and reality to provide the reader with a suspenseful and exciting mystery. She speaks in first person, while the other two viewpoint characters are in third person intimate. ‘The Shattering’ examines families, secrets and teenage angst and ambition. It also looks at some of the dangers when adults make decisions for adolescents, or purportedly ‘for the good of all’. Grief, ambition, greed … many of the seven deadly sins get an outing here. A gripping read. Recommended for mid-secondary and beyond.

The Shattering, Karen Healey
Allen & Unwin 2011
ISBN: 9781741758818

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book can be purchased in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.