Month: April 2004

Captain Angus, the Lighthouse Ghost , by Wendy Laing

Reviewed by Molly Martin

Writer Wendy Laing has taken an actual lighthouse where she has been a guest at the lighthouse keeper’s cottage – The Cape Otway in Victoria, Australia – as the starting point for her nicely wrought tale, and she has woven an entertaining book of eight chapters for early readers. Through the magic of a time tunnel, children Aaron and Gracie Brandon are taken to a long ago time where they meet a marvelous old Scottish sea captain’s ghost. The pair had been less than enthralled while vacationing with their parents to discover the old lighthouse where they are staying has no video games or anything else interesting for them to do. And, then they meet Captain Angus! When they do everything changes. Cap’n Angus takes the pair on virtual reality trips sailing on masted ships, with opportunity for meeting one of their ancestors along with watching a sea rescue and other adventures.

Wendy Laing has done it again! This talented writer continues to produce excellently written, well researched materials sure to be used in the classroom and for home reading alike. Captain Angus, the Lighthouse Ghost is an inviting venture for children sure to keep youngsters entertained as they travel through the interactive links allowing them to make a voyage through the internet. Writer Laing really understands how to make history come alive for young readers. Children will make stops at sites where they can tour old ships, discover lighthouses and learn a little about them in the process. Young readers are sure to enjoy following the links and learning a little of history without their realizing they are doing so.Captain Angus, the Light House Ghost is a delightful guide children are sure to like. The Links to sites will pique their curiosity.

Chapter titles include: Cap’n Angus, Spirits and Ghosts, Land Ahoy!, Rescue!, The Tower, Ship Ahoy!, Aurora’s Spirit, A Light in the Future and The Beacon of Hope. Captain Angus, the Light House Ghost is a read-to book for the younger set. As such, it provides a marvelous opportunity for quality parent-child time as they sit together at the computer reading and travelling the links to various sites. Older children will enjoy reading and manipulating the work themselves.

The only thing I find lacking from a teacher standpoint, and in no way detracts from the delightful tale itself: I like to see a target audience noted and the word/vocabulary list at the end of the books I use in the classroom when possible. These just make it easier for teachers, and parent home teachers too to quickly decide if this book will fit into our particular teaching need at the moment.

Captain Angus, The Lighthouse Ghost, by Wendy Laing
Writer’s Exchange Epublishing, 2003

Jack's First Fish, by Lou Tognola

Reviewed by Molly Martin

Jack is visiting his grandparents. He has never been fishing before but Granddad and he go out to dig some worms while Nanny fixes them a lunch to take with them. Jack, Nanny and Granddad go to a good fishing spot where they catch enough fish for supper. Jack has a lot to tell his parents when they telephone to see how he is enjoying his holiday.

Writer Tognola is Australian, a teacher, grandparent and a fisherman. These are all talents he puts to good use in his little book Jack’s First Fish. Tognola, together with illustrator Roberta Hubbard, has produced an enchanting publication sure to please youngsters and adults alike.

While the vocabulary is a tad difficult for the 5 – 8 set, Jack’s First Fish will lend itself well to ‘please read to me’ time. Children ages 9-11 should have little difficulty with vocabulary. A glossary of words and phrases in the back of the book will aid with some words kids may find difficult.

Two things I found particularly endearing when reading Jack’s First Fish were, first, a new word: YUM LICIOUS to describe how Jack’s fish tasted. The other is the fact that American, and perhaps other, children worldwide are introduced to a new concept or two while they are also shown that folks living in other countries often live very much as do we here in the U.S. Jam in the book comes in a tin, while in the U.S. it comes in glass and plastic jars or squeeze bottles. Hubbard’s drawings are a delight: grandfather’s truck is different than the ones most kids here in the U.S. know, however Grandpa’s cat, his fishing gear, Nanny’s kitchen and sofa and chair all resemble those kids outside Australia country know.

Each page of Jack’s First Fish contains both Italian and English verbiage. I like this from an educational standpoint. Whether parent or teacher speaks Italian or not children are introduced to another language and may well have their appetite for more of other cultures whetted from this introduction.
Good book for multi culture unit in middle grades, the home library and pleasure reading. Happy to recommend Jack’s First Fish.

Jack’s First Fish, by Lou Tognola
Writer’s Exchange Epublishing, 2003

Ocean Fairies, by Wendy Peterson

Reviewed by Molly Martin

Jesse is sitting on a sand dune imagining merfolk and waiting for the ocean fairies who live in nests in the foreshore. No one but Jesse knows about the little fairy penguins. Soon Roger the leader of the fairy penguins and his friends appear. These are not just any old fairy penguins; these penguins can speak every language on earth and when they are near Jesse can understand the language of birds and others. The penguins tell Jesse of a treasure ship with merfolk living in it not far out in the ocean. They help her travel out to the ship by ‘penguin power.’ When Vegemite accidentally stabs Jesse’s dingy with a dagger he finds in the ship the leader of the merfolk comes to help Jesse to shore. The Selkie is the ruler of the sea; he controls storms and waves. The Selkie promises Jesse a wish. Jesse is completely under his spell, and yearns to see the beautiful creature again.

Jesse buys a yacht with a coin Coral found on the treasure ship and now she and her penguin friends can travel out on the sea whenever they like.

Jesse meets the Selkie, a beautiful sea princess, Raindown the seal leader and Manomam, a seal who is caught in a nylon fishing line. She and the fairy penguins travel in a bubble to the undersea city, go to the island where the merfolk shed their tails and listen to wind harps in the trees. While on the island Jesse learns something special about the Selkie and the Sea Wizard.

Australian writer Peterson has crafted an especially charming tale of magic, love and kindness in her book Ocean Fairies. Amply composed characters move against a lavishly executed tapestry of intonation, seascape, and settings in this delightful narrative of a solitary young girl and her endeavor to overcome misfortune in her life. The characters are appealing and well-developed, especially the diversified dispositions of the penguin fairies. Coral likes to sit in Jesse’s lap, Vegemite pines for tuna sandwiches. Timothy is helpful. Roger is the shrewd, sensible leader. Zestful action, first class, energetic dialogue, and appealing scenarios are all included in this wonderfully directed tale.

Peterson deftly captures the imagination of the reader from the opening lines as we meet Jesse sitting in the dunes and holds interest tight through this gripping tale to the last paragraph as Rujarn, the merfolk, fairy penguins and Jessee all join in dance. With a keen eye for detail Peterson has captured the essence of the sea and those who may live in it.

With it’s beautiful cover and lovely inner illustrations, splendid storyline and easy reading style Ocean Fairies is a special delight sure to bring pleasure to youngsters in the target audience. This is a charming book for classroom use, free reading time, the home library or for an older sister to read to younger sibling.

US kids will find the small ‘Australian’ differences of language to be particularly charming I believe.

Enchanting read. I found each of the little fairy penguins especially appealing. Happy to recommend.

Ocean Fairies, by Wendy Peterson
Twilight Times

Dragon's Nest (Deltora Quest Series 3), by Emily Rodda

Emily Rodda is one of Australia’s most acclaimed and succesful authors of fantasy for children. Her popular Deltora Quest books are now in their third series, and Dragon’s Nest, the first installment in the series, is sure to satisfy young fans.

Lief, Barda and Jasmine reunite when they realise that the Shadow Lord, who they previously defeated and banished, has left behind the seeds of death, hidden around the kingdom. These four creations are slowly killing the land, foreshadowing a return by the Shadow Lords. The three young heroes must find and destroy them if they are to ensure a better future for Deltora.

Rodda tells a good tale, which is accessible to young readers. Even those with little experience of the fantasy genre will be drawn into the adventures of Lief and his friends.

Good stuff.

Dragon’s Nest, by Emily Rodda
Scholastic, 2003

The Street Guide to Flirting, by Andrew Bryant & Michelle Lia Lewis

It’s not fair, is it? Every party has a stand-out, a guy or girl who breezes in, gets everyone’s attention and spends the evening effortlessly having fun, surrounded by others all too keen to help them do it. So what’s their secret? It’s not always looks or money. The true secret is flirting. A good flirt will make those around them feel fabulous and, as a result, feel fabulous himself. S/he will attract others because people will feel happy and, importanty, valued by the flirt.

The good news is that flirting is an art that can be learned. In The Street Guide to Flirting, authors Andrew Bryant and Michelle Lia Lewis share the secrets of successful flirting. Packed full of useful advice, quizzes, tips, case studies and practical exercises to help you become a polished (and thus succesful) flirt.

Bryant is a motivational speaker, trainer and coach. He has been running flirting workshops since 2002. Lews ran a respected introduction agency for over ten years and has also been a relationship advisor and commentator on television.

The Street Guide to Flirting, by Andrew Bryant & Michelle Lia Lewis
Allen & Unwin, 2003

Grim Tuesday, by Garth Nix

Yesterday Arthur Penhaligon saved the world. Today he should be resting. But the sound of a telephone warns him that that’s not going to happen.

Having vanquished Mister Monday, the first Trustee of the will of the Architect of the Universe, Arthur is now being challenged by the second Trustee, Grim Tuesday. Grim Tuesday, as well as holding the Second Key, controls the depths of the pit from where Nothing comes. He is demanding Arthur repay a vast debt owed by the previous Mister Monday. Failure to pay will mean financial ruin for Arthur’s family – and the whole world.

Despite his misgivings, Arthur ventures back into the house to take on Grim Tuesday and win the Second Key.

Grim Tuesday picks up where Mister Monday left off, drawing the reader straight back into Arthur’s adventures. Arthur, an unlikely hero, will be someone many teens will relate to: he doesn’t want to be a hero and, on the surface, doesn’t seem to have many of the necessary attributes for a hero. But with a combination of inner strength and help from his varied friends, he triumphs.

Readers will be anxiously watching for the next in the series.

Grim Tuesday, by Garth Nix
Allen & Unwin, 2004

When's My Turn? by Hayley Smithers

Every day when Dad gets home from work, he takes his son to the park to play cricket. And that should be a good thing. Except that every day Dad gets to bat and his son gets to bowl and field.

After a whole week of not getting a turn of batting, the young narrator decides enough is enough. If Dad won’t give him a turn, he won’t go to the park any more.

When’s It My Turn is a delightful new picture book from Koala Books. The concepts of turn taking and father/son bonding are explored in a humorous way, with the first person narration giving a child’s eye view. The bright and comic illustrations of John Yayeh are a perfect complement to to the text of Hayley Smithers.

Great for sharing, When’s My Turn is also suitable for beginning readers, with repetitive text making it easily accessible.

Good fun.

When’s My Turn, by Hayley Smithers, illustrated by John Yahyeh
Koala, 2003

Captain Cat & the Umbrella Kid in Cards of Chaos, by Paul Shaw

Captain Cat and his trusty young sidekick, the Umbrella Kid, have a new foe: the Cardsharp. This dastardly Villain has plenty of tricks up his sleeve as he leads Captain Cat on a merry chase around the city.

The Captain and Billy must solve the clues left by the Cardhsarp to guess where he is planning to show up next and try to stop the damage he is intent on inflicting.

Cards of Chaos is the third book in the Capatin Cat series where young Billy works as the Umbrella Kid alongside the brave Captain Cat.

With loads of silliness and a style both reminiscent of and parodical of superhero comic books, the books are sure to appeal to upper primary aged chidlren.

Fun.

Captain Cat & the Umbrella Kid in Cards of Chaos,by Paul Shaw, illustrated by Peter Sheehan
Scholastic, 2003

Trumpet's Kittens, by Carolyn Polizzotto & Sarah Spinks

When Trumpet’s family has to move away, she goes to live with Sarah. Sarah is delighted to have a cat, but is surprised by how much Trumpet eats, until the vet tells her that Trumpet is pregnant.

When Trumpet’s kittens arrive, Sarah and her brother James enjoy watching them grow.

Trumpet’s Kittnes is a warm book for children and cat lovers alike. As well as providing a basic explanation of the cat’s pregnancy and the early days of the kittens, the story of Trumpet is endearing and well complemented by the charming illustrations of Marion Duke.

Charming.

Trumpet’s Kittens, by Carolyn Polizzotto and Sarah Spinks, illustrated by Marion Duke
Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 2003

Buying for Baby, by Melissa Rogerson

Reviewed by Tash Hughes

Useful for anyone preparing for the arrival of a baby, but especially for first time parents, this book is a simple guide to what is and isn’t needed.

Including pregnancy itself, the book covers small and large items and gives useful tips on choosing particular ones. No specific brand information is given, but questions are asked so parents can find the item appropriate to their own situation.

The book is a useful reminder for parents in subsequent pregnancies, too, and makes a handy reference for grandparents and people with lots of potential parents as friends.

Divided into chapters according to parts of life, such as traveling, sleeping, bathing and feeding, the book goes into detail about the possible purchases facing new parents. Each chapter ends with a table to summarise the relevant items; the table separates the items into ‘will need’, ‘will probably need’, ‘might want’, ‘unlikely to need’ and ‘later might need.’

Rogerson has based the book on her own experiences, which are scattered through the book, as well as research and discussions with other parents. She quotes real life parents throughout; sometimes the quotes are showing opposite sides of an issue, too, so readers can make their own judgements. Her stated opinions are supported by her reasons, and occasionally by links to reputable sites such as kidsafe and sidsandkids.

The book itself is easy to read and comprehensive; there are ideas in there that many parents would probably forget to mention to their pregnant friends. It can be read from start to finish, or just referred to as required, and even carried around as a reference on shopping trips. Also included are suggested shopping lists so the parents-to-be can plan before leaving the house and avoid being bewildered at the choices in the shops.

Buying for Baby: A guide for parents-to-be, By Melissa Rogerson, Illustrations by Dave Owen
The Baby Shopper, 2003