Ford Street Publishing – Page 2

Belinda the Ninja Ballerina by Candida Baker ill Mitch Vane

Belinda didn’t want to go to ballet school.

‘You’ll enjoy it,’ her mother said.

‘I won’t,’ Belinda said. ‘I want to be a ninja.’

Belinda didn’t want to go to ballet school.

‘You’ll enjoy it,’ her mother said.

‘I won’t,’ Belinda said. ‘I want to be a ninja.’

Belinda is very clear. She wants to be a ninja. She says it before her mother signs her up to do ballet classes with her very balletic cousin Millie. She tells her teacher, Miss Kate, when they are warming up on the barre and showing what they can do. She continues to tell her mother and her teacher, but neither seem to really believe her, even when planning and practice begin for their end-of-term concert. So she says it again, loudly. Miss Kate listens this time and finds the perfect role for Belinda. Her new role keeps her involved in the concert but caters for her particular interests and skills. Illustrations are ink and water colour set in white space.

Belinda’s mother is convinced Belinda will enjoy ballet classes with her cousin despite her stated preference to be a ninja. Miss Kate does her best to teach Belinda about ballet, but while it’s perfect for her cousin Millie, ballet is not the activity for Belinda. Belinda, the Ninja Ballerina is a gently humourous story about a determined young girl who will not fit into the mould expected of her. It’s also a story about the need for, and ability of teachers, to accommodate the different needs/skills of their charges. Belinda’s persistence and self-belief will reassure children who find they don’t necessarily fit mainstream programs/activities. Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Belinda, the Ninja Ballerina, Candida Baker ill Mitch Vane Ford Street Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925272048

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

The Warlock’s Child Bk 1: The Burning Sea by Paul Collins & Sean McMullen

Even an invasion fleet of five hundred ships is not very impressive from three miles above, and the watcher was not impressed. This was because he was bigger and more powerful than any of the warships below.

Drvaud circled lazily on vast wings, reaching out with senses that even the most learned of human wizards could never understand. Something familiar was down there, its presence faint but distinct. It was as tiny as a spark, yet a spark could set an entire city ablaze.

The Burning Sea opens with a dragon’s eye view of a warring world. But there is something confusing about the fleet below, something dragon-like. For Dantar, on one of the ships of the fleet below, life as a cabin boy is hard work. Even though he is son of a battle warlock, no one gets a free ride aboard ship. His sister, Velza, aboard another ship in the fleet has gained a foothold in the male dominated forces, but she knows just how tenuous leadership is. And into battle they go.

The Burning Sea is a collaboration between two well-known fantasy authors, Paul Collins and Sean McMullen. It is Book One of a six-book series, all slated for 2015 release. Cover art from accomplished dragon-conjurer Mark McBride ensures that young fantasy readers will be immediately engaged. Dantar is an underdog who for reasons slowly evolving is marked as important. There are three viewpoint characters: Dantar, his sister Velza; and Dragons. They take turns in allowing the reader into their world view. Although they have different experiences, this world is full of magic, deception, betrayal – all elements of a grand tale. Recommended for mid-primary readers.

The Warlock’s Child Bk 1: The Burning Sea , Paul Collins & Sean McMullen
Ford Street Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925000924

The Monster Who Ate Australia (30th Anniversary Ed) by Michael Salmon

The Boggabri is an extremely rare Australian mammal. Like its cousin the bunyip, it eats a lot and is very shy. But, unlike the bunyip, it has peculiar teeth that grow longer each day.

To keep them trimmed, the Boggabri chews rocks and other hard objects. It lives in large caves in central Australia, grows to about ten metres and is green with a spotted stomach.

The last person to see one was Ms Alice Humbold in the Nullabor Desert in 1962.

The Boggabri is an extremely rare Australian mammal. Like its cousin the bunyip, it eats a lot and is very shy. But, unlike the bunyip, it has peculiar teeth that grow longer each day.

To keep them trimmed, the Boggabri chews rocks and other hard objects. It lives in large caves in central Australia, grows to about ten metres and is green with a spotted stomach.

The last person to see one was Ms Alice Humbold in the Nullabor Desert in 1962.

The title page of The Monster Who Ate Australia features a map of Australia and the route taken by Burra the Boggabri on his journey around the country. The first opening offers images of the cities and areas he visits, plus and introduction to the ‘Boggabri-Australis’. Burra’s story begins at Uluru where his long-time home is invaded by tourists of the noisy kind. Burra can’t endure the noise and sets off to find a new home, wandering through the desert, the ocean and city after city. But although there are interesting things to see, and to eat, nowhere feels like home. Eventually he travels full circle and back to his Uluru cave home. Images depict Aussie landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, events including the America’s Cup, apple-growing in Tasmania, pineapples in Queensland and more.

Michael Salmon has been creating books for young people for many years. It is 30 years since The Monster Who Ate Australia was first published. Although this new generation of readers may not get all the cultural references (eg America’s Cup. Blue Poles), there is plenty of humour to keep them turning the pages. Each image is full of extra information to keep young readers chuckling and returning for another read. There are also subtle references to the impact of tourists on the environment and our fauna. Take a fun journey around Australia with Burra. Recommended for pre- to early-schoolers and beyond.

The Monster Who Ate Australia (30 Anniversary Ed), Michael Salmon Ford Street Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925000542

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Celia and Nonna by Victoria Lane, ill Kayleen West

Celia loves sleepovers at Nonna’s house. Nonna roasts and bakes.

The kitchen fills with delicious smells that tickle Celia’s nose.

‘How’s my little angel/” Nonna whispers in Celia’s ear.

Celia tugs open her special cupboard. It is full of secrets.

Jigsaw puzzles, colouring books and felts – all her favourite things.

Celia loves sleepovers at Nonna’s house. Nonna roasts and bakes.

The kitchen fills with delicious smells that tickle Celia’s nose.

‘How’s my little angel/” Nonna whispers in Celia’s ear.

Celia tugs open her special cupboard. It is full of secrets.

Jigsaw puzzles, colouring books and felts – all her favourite things.

Celia loves to visit her grandmother, Nonna. Together they cook and play, draw and share stories. But Nonna is becoming forgetful. Each forgetting is small, but together they mean that it’s not safe for her to live alone anymore. So Nonna is moving to a new home, a single room. There is only just room for Nonna, no space for Celia to stay and very little that is familiar. It doesn’t smell right either, no cooking smells, no smells that belong to Nonna’s house. Celia begins to draw the things she loved about Nonna’s house, beginning with the outside. Picture by picture, Celia adds to the collection for Nonna’s wall. Nonna loves Celia’s pictures and Celia loves that she can still share time with Nonna. Illustrations are full page in warm colours and depict the loving relationship between Celia and her grandmother. The font has been particularly chosen to assist readers with dyslexia.

It can be difficult to understand why life has to change, when a loved grandparent can no longer live in their home. Celia and Nonna suggests that a relationship is more than walls and windows, more than just the place where the memories are set. With help, new memories can be created, memories that build on what was and give meaning to new circumstances. Many young readers will relate to the closeness that a child can share with a grandparent and will rejoice that Celia finds a way to enjoy and decorate Nonna’s new home. It also demonstrates that a child can have an active role in establishing belonging in a new place. Celia and Nonna may also help young children understand changes that they are experiencing in their own family. Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Celia and Nonna, Victoria Lane ill Kayleen West Ford Street Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925000603

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Chasing Shadows by Corinne Fenton ill Hannah Sommerville

On a yellow morning

when the sun is new

and shadows long

a puppy comes to live at Beth’s house.

For Beth, it is too soon.

NOTE: THIS TITLE HAS A MARCH 1 RELEASE DATE

On a yellow morning

when the sun is new

and shadows long

a puppy comes to live at Beth’s house.

For Beth, it is too soon.

Beth, a small girl, is shadowed by sadness. The cause of her sadness is not identified in the text, but is made clear in the illustrations. Despite her father’s attempts to reach her, Beth remains separate and sad, unable to participate in or enjoy life. Dad brings home a puppy, hoping to reach Beth, but although she watches his antics, she cannot join Patches in his games. Dad watches too, and cares for them both. Only when it may be too late, is Beth able to break from her shadowed world. The text is poetry, spare and evocative: ‘Afternoon sunshine

Seeping through shutters

Makes Patches warm

Makes Beth weep.’

Illustrations are soft watercolour a mixture of full colour openings and vignettes, reminiscent of Freya Blackwood’s work. Endpapers show Patches at puppy-play.

‘Chasing Shadows’ is a beautiful picture book combining poetic text with warm empathetic illustrations. The main character Beth is present in every illustration but it’s clear she is not present emotionally. She has withdrawn into herself in crippling sadness and depression. Not even the exuberant and comic actions of a new puppy can cut through. This is clearly more than normal sadness. Beth has disconnected from her world. Slowly, time and the puppy’s relentless joyfulness begin to distract although not free her. Only in crisis, does Beth find the courage to help Patches and in doing so, herself. Themes include loss, sadness, depression, love and happiness. ‘Chasing Shadows’ is a gentle book exploring big issues. Recommended for young readers, those experiencing loss and depression, and anyone who understands the power of dogs to help us heal ourselves.

Chasing Shadows

Chasing Shadows, Corinne Fenton ill Hannah Sommerville Ford Street Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925000153

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

The Poppy by Andrew Plant

Across northern France,

poppies bloom in the fields

where once, many years ago …

millions of men fought and died.

NOTE: THIS BOOK HAS A RELEASE DATE OF 1 MARCH 2014

Across northern France,

poppies bloom in the fields

where once, many years ago …

millions of men fought and died.

In northern France, poppies bloom where once was war. Petals take to the air and track the story of war in northern France, travelling from today back through time to focus on a particular battle. Villers-Bretonneux, a small village, was the site of a pivotal battle between German forces and Australian soldiers. Many, many died, but the battle was successful in halting the progression of the Germans. Many of the dead are still unidentified, but none are forgotten. Memorials to named and unnamed soldiers remind just how hard-fought and hard-won was the freedom now enjoyed. In the years following WWI, Victorian children helped to raise money to rebuild the Villers-Bretonneux school. This link, forged in war, is reinforced by Australian animal carvings in the school hall, and promises to not forget. Illustrations show both the darkness and the light, with dark cover and images set in black pages. The painterly images sit like photos on the page, connecting the past with the present. A poppy petal floats through each opening. A final page provides more information about the battle and its aftermath.

For many years, most Australians had some direct link to WWI in Europe, whether it was a parent, a relative, a neighbour. But as time passes, these links become more distant and there is a risk that the connection with and relevance of that time fades. 2014 marks the centenary of the beginning of WWI. For Australia, WWI was the first opportunity to demonstrate internationally their new nationhood. Thousands of Australians died in many different theatres of war. The Villers-Bretonneux was one of these, and for many years, many of the fallen were unidentified, if not forgotten. The Villers-Bretonneux village and school continue to honour the Australians who died there, just as the poppies symbolise their spilt blood. Plant brings this historical non-fiction story to a new generation of young readers, allowing the war to sit just off-page, but not diminishing or underplaying any of the importance of the battle. He shows new readers how the past influences the present and can inform the future. In multicultural Australia, this story will be unfamiliar to some, but ‘The Poppy’ will help to remedy this. Recommended for early and middle primary readers.

The Poppy

The Poppy, Andrew Plant Ford Street Publishing, 2014 ISBN: hb 9781925000313, pb 9781925000320

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo: A journey around Canberra by Tania McCartney, ill Kieron Pratt

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Riley was sitting in Parliament when the thumping first began.

Confuddled, he scooped up his friends and dashed outside.

It was a kangaroo! Popping and pinging all over the grassy lawns of Parliament House.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Riley was sitting in Parliament when the thumping first began.

Confuddled, he scooped up his friends and dashed outside.

It was a kangaroo! Popping and pinging all over the grassy lawns of Parliament House.

Riley is back in a new city with a new adventure with his friends and his little red plane. This time, he’s in Canberra, hot on the track of a very jumpy kangaroo. They follow the kangaroo around the sights of Canberra. Although the kangaroo stops at many spots, she seldom lingers, and Riley has to keep alert or he’ll lose her. Illustrations are digital art imposed on photos with yellow sunshine-y page edges.

‘Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo: A journey around Canberra’ is the latest in the ‘Riley’ series from Tania McCartney and Kieron Pratt. They are travel guides for children wrapped up in madcap adventure. The animal featured is generally an icon of the country being explored, and provides a child-friendly entry point for young children. Titles in this series also offer tourists a souvenir of their touring, one that can be shared with young children wherever in the world they might be. Young children will enjoy following the antics visually as Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo is read to them. Recommended for early primary readers and younger tourists.

Riley and the Jumpy Kangaroo: A Journey around Canberra, Tania McCartney, ill Kieron Pratt
Ford St Publishing 2013
ISBN: 9781925000030

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

In The Beech Forest, Gary Crew ill Den Scheer

A boy – a professed ordinary boy – ventures into the forest. His computer gaming experience suggests that in forests monsters lurk. But he continues, finding a path that may or may not be his.

He was an ordinary boy, nothing special, and he went into the forest alone. He had no particular purpose other than to look, as adventurers do, or to slay imaginary monsters, as children do, so he held his head high, and gripped his toy sword, in case.

But as withered leaves shifted, and grey shadows lengthened, he hesitated remembering his computer games, the fearful quests he encountered there, the dreadful heroes, the beasts unconquered, and he wondered if such wild fantasies might threaten here.

A boy, a professed ordinary boy, ventures into the forest. His computer gaming experience suggests that in forests monsters lurk. But he continues, finding a path that may or may not be his. Deeper and deeper he ventures, and the further he goes, the less he is disturbed by noises of other forest-dwellers. Finally there is only darkness. He continues, despite a discomforting heightened awareness of the landscape around him. Potential threats occur to him, but when he spins, nothing is there. Illustrations reveal monsters in the shadows. Then, the boy begins to feel the pulse of the forest itself, the earth. And the unknown becomes known and he is strengthened. Illustrations, set in earthy surrounds, transition from black and white, with later images including an increasing level of red, the colour of excitement and danger.

In the Beech Forest is a story about facing fear and overcoming it, a rites of passage journey. But it is also about the contrast between the constructed world of the computer quest games and the real courage that it takes to encounter the non-game world with all its challenges. The boy is partly prepared for this journey by his knowledge of quest and monsters, but discovers much more about himself and his world when he engages directly with it. In the Beech Forest is aimed at older readers, and provides many themes for discussion. Text is mounted in frames on the left of each opening, image on the left, giving the feel of traditional tales. Recommended for secondary readers.

In the Beech Forest, Gary Crew ill Den Scheer
Ford St 2012 ISBN: 9781921665578

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

Available from good bookstores or online from Fishpond

The Down-Under 12 Days of Christmas by Michael Salmon

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,
three wet galahs,
two snakes on skis,
and a kookaburra in a gum tree.

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

three wet galahs,

two snakes on skis,

and a kookaburra in a gum tree.

Christmas has arrived Down-under, and everything has an Aussie flavour. Instead of gold rings and lords, there are five kangaroos and it’s lizards who are doing the leaping. And mighty hot work it is too. Can you trust the crocodiles who look like they are sleeping? Each opening has a new day of Christmas and then vignettes of the previous days. Final pages postcard Santa’s movements across the festive season, and include a black line master colouring sheet. Along the bottom of each opening, characters prepare for Christmas Day. Illustrations are alight with Michael Salmon’s distinctive humour and absurdity.

Christmas in Australia is a different experience to Christmas in the northern hemisphere, but we are steeped in the traditions, music and icons of a cold celebration. Salmon’s The Down-under 12 Days of Christmas takes a known song and makes it uniquely Australian. The images are full of Australian animals pursuing Australian summer activities (except of course those skiing snakes … ). There is plenty of fun and humour to engage young children. Recommended for junior primary readers.

The Down-under 12 Days of Christmas, Michael Salmon Ford St Publishing 2012 ISBN: 9781921665592

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

Trust Me Too, edited by Paul Collins

‘Trust Me Too’ is a second collection of stories, poetry, graphic stories and illustrations from Ford Street Publishing. Stories cover all genres, and are presented in a multitude of styles: serious, light-hearted, spine-tingling and rib-tickling. Most prose stories are around 1500 words, although there is also a novelette from Isabelle Carmody that is closer to 6000 words. There is poetry too, graphic stories and illustrations.

Deb Abela, Dianne Bates, Michael Gerard Bauer, Christine Bongers, Janeen Brian, Sue Bursztynski, Isobelle Carmody, Paul Collins, Meredith Costain, Bill Condon, Gary Crew, Margaret Clark, Justin d’Ath, Hazel Edwards, Corinne Fenton, JE Fison, Pat Flynn … the list of contributors goes on all the way to Gabrielle Wang, Sean Williams and Mark Wilson. 57 of them!

From the Forward: In the stories set in a world that is entirely familiar to us, we meet people who might be just like us – if not on the outside, then in the heart, where it counts – experiencing things that many of us deal with every day … Taking us completely out of our own world and into the world of the imagination are some of Australia’s best and most highly regarded writers of science fiction and fantasy … Yet other stories prove the maxim created by the writer LP Hartley in the opening line to his novel ‘The Go-Between’: ‘The past is a foreign country – they do things differently there’.

This collection also includes horror, humour and poetry.

There is something for everyone in ‘Trust Me Too’. Short stories, longer ones, and more. The collection can be read as a whole, or dipped into, story by delicious story. No matter your favourite genre, there’s a story for you. It’s also a fabulous way to ‘taste-test’ writers whose work you don’t know, or revisit those you’ve not followed lately. Pitched at upper-primary to lower-secondary readers, there is plenty here for teachers to explore in the classroom. This collection invites readers to pop in and meet new and familiar storymakers. It will also inspire them to seek out longer and other works by many of these wonderful Australian creators.

Trust Me Too, edited Paul Collins

Ford Street Publishing 2012

ISBN: 9781921665585

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author