September 2014 – Page 3 – Aussie Reviews

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

Oliver and George by Peter Carnavas

Oliver was ready to play

but George was busy.

‘Finished yet?’ Oliver asked.

‘In a minute,’ said George.

Oliver was ready to play

but George was busy.

‘Finished yet?’ Oliver asked.

‘In a minute,’ said George.

Oliver wants to play, but George is busy reading a book. Oliver waits, and asks again, trying tactic after tactic, but still George reads. Oliver’s tactics are designed to provoke a response but George resists. Until, that is, Oliver swipes George’s book. Then George responds, but not in the way Oliver expects. The pair make their peace and George offers to play. But Oliver is not quite ready. Illustrations are watercolour set in plenty of white space for the reader to bring their own imagination. Endpapers reflect the pair’s individual and shared interests.

Oliver and George appear to have different natures. Oliver is active, while George can get lost in reading. Oliver’s increasingly active attempts to engage George, and George’s depiction as a bear allow the reader to access what’s happening without suggesting they copy the methods. They will appreciate the frustration of both characters at different points. The text is very simple, and writ large on the page and young readers will soon be ‘reading’ the words. Readers may see the two characters as siblings or as parent and child, or even boy and bear! Both characters want to be lost in imaginary worlds. The final image shows Oliver succumbing to the magic that entranced George, and becoming lost in a book. Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Oliver and George, Peter Carnavas New Frontier Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925059083

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Tortoise and the Hair by P. Crumble, ill Louis Shea

On the morning of his big day,

Tortoise leapt out of bed straight away

For today on stage with his guitar,

He would become a singing superstar!

On the morning of his big day,

Tortoise leapt out of bed straight away

For today on stage with his guitar,

He would become a singing superstar!

Tortoise has completed auditions and is to sing and play his guitar at a talent competition. He attributes at least part of his success to his wig, but as he prepares for his big day, he cannot find it anywhere. As he searches, trying not to panic, other animals discover his wig on the bus. The wig begins a journey of its own, being tested and rejected by several potential wearers before Tortoise’s friend Hare finds it. He knows just how much importance Tortoise attaches to the wig, so he speeds to the auditorium to return it. Tortoise, although nervous without his wig, is ‘wowing’ the judges and Hare realises that the wig he has retrieved is no longer needed. Tortoise shines without it! Tortoise and the Hairis told in rhyme with full colour illustrations which include many other animals.

Tortoise and the Hair is a very different take on a traditional tale, although elements of the original can still be found. Instead of the message being about ‘slow and steady’ winning the race, Tortoise is held up by his need for his ‘good luck’ wig. Hare’s speediness is employed, not in racing Tortoise, but by returning his wig to him. This is a colourful story with a gentle reminder that external decorations ‘make not the man’. There are also themes of friendship and nods to other stories. A fun story for pre- and early readers.

Tortoise and the Hair, P. Crumble ill Louis Shea Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781743625286

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Possum’s Big Surprise by Colin Buchanan ill Nina Rycroft

Flossy the Possum was running alone,

Scurrying, flurrying, hurrying home.

On over rock, past eucalypt tree,

Flossy the Possum was quick as can be!

When all of a sudden …

Flossy the Possum was running alone,

Scurrying, flurrying, hurrying home.

On over rock, past eucalypt tree,

Flossy the Possum was quick as can be!

When all of a sudden …

Flossy the Possum is in a big hurry to get home and she’s a tad skittish. She spies a big wrinkly claw and skitters on. Then a tall pair of fluff-covered ears. Each encounter has her skittering and flittering on until she reaches the safety of her home. When she arrives though, the biggest surprise is waiting there for her. Possum’s Big Surprise is told in rhyme with ‘When all of a sudden … ‘ set on the right hand side of openings cueing the next stage in her adventure. Illustrations are soft watercolour and reveal the animals that Flossy is spooked by.

Colin Buchanan’s experience as a songwriter is evident in Possum’s Big Surprise. The language trips and flows effortlessly across the pages, escalating the tension until Flossy is safely home. Nina Rycroft’s gentle colours and soft outlines dance across each spread. Together they have created a beautiful picture book for the very young. It introduces the Australian landscape and some of our iconic animals, in a lyrical story about things that twitch in the day. Possum, usually a night dweller, is startled by some of the creatures she encounters, providing an explanation for her skittishness. Young children love a surprise, and Possum’s Big Surprise delivers this deliciously! Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Possum’s Big Surprise, Colin Buchanan, ill Nina Rycroft Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781742839271

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Karana by Uncle Joe Kirk, with Greer Casey and Sandi Harrold, ill Sandi Harrold

Karana made a beautiful nest

Then groomed his feathers to look his best.

When emu ladies came strolling by,

He started his dance to catch their eye.

One lovely lady with very long legs,

Sat on his nest and laid SIXTEEN EGGS

Karana made a beautiful nest

Then groomed his feathers to look his best.

When emu ladies came strolling by,

He started his dance to catch their eye.

One lovely lady with very long legs,

Sat on his nest and laid SIXTEEN EGGS

Karana the father emu makes a nest. He courts a female emu then sits on the eggs until they hatch. When they hatch he rears them, showing them the foods to eat, keeping them safe until they are big enough to survive on their own. When his chicks are independent, it’s time for Karana to make a new nest. Karanais told in simple rhyme with text in white set on coloured background with painted illustrations generally on single pages. Emu is inquisitive and engaging and his chicks delightful.

Karana tells the story of a father emu and his chicks. Text is simple and rhythmic with repetition, easy to listen to, easy to build on. Biographical information on the final page introduces Uncle Joe Kirk, a Wakka Wakka elder who is passionate about sharing traditional stories. The final page also offers information about the importance of the emu in Wakka Wakka culture. Karana is an engaging illustrated story for pre- and early-schoolers. It could also be used in a variety of ways with older children, connecting story with the land, and introducing science concepts. Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Karana, Uncle Joe Kirk, with Greer Casey and Sandi Harrold, ill Sandi Harrold Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781743623138

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Juicy Juicy Green Grass and other fun songs by Peter Combe ill Danielle McDonald

uicy juicy green grass,

Where have you gone?

Will you come back?

Juicy juicy green grass.

Juicy juicy green grass,

Where have you gone?

Will you come back?

Juicy juicy green grass.

‘Juicy Juicy Green Grass and other fun songs’ is, as the title suggests, a collection of songs from Peter Combe. The title song laments the lack of green grass and pleads for it to return. ‘The Silly Postman’ suggests that this particular postman isn’t doing his job quite as he ought. ‘The Tadpole’s Song’ tracks a tadpole through his transformation to a frog, complete with his lament for lost youth and ends with a celebration of his new form. The final song, ‘Red Says Stop’ explores and explains the different coloured lights at in traffic lights. Illustrations are brightly coloured and humourous and fill every opening. Juicy Juicy Green Grass comes with a cd of Peter Combe singing his songs.

Peter Combe has been delighting youngsters with his lyrical silliness for a generation. His songs encourage singing and dancing and the right amount of ridiculousness. Along the way, children will discover that sheep eat grass for breakfast, lunch and tea; there are some things that do not belong in the letterbox; that tadpoles might miss their tail as well as what to do at the traffic lights to be safe. Childhood is full of learning and it’s great that some of it has been set to song – a reminder that the world needs silliness and fun. Recommended for pre- and early-schoolers.

Juicy Juicy Green Grass and other fun songs, Peter Combe, ill Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781743620649

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Figgy in The World, Tamsin Janu

I am the only person named Figgy in my village.

Probably the only Figgy in Ghana. Maybe the only one in Africa. And possibly, by the smallest chance, I might be the only person named Figgy in The World.

But that cannot be true. I don’t know much about The World. I don’t know much about the people in it either. But I do know that The World is big. Maybe there are millions of Figgys out there. Figgys who whine every day, ‘Everyone is called Figgy where I live! Figgy, Figgy, Figgy! Why can’t I have a non-Figgyish name?’

I don’t even know why my name is Figgy. My mama named me, but I cannot remember her. She left me on Grandma Ama’s doorstep eight years ago when I was a baby. Then she ran away, never to be seen again. There was a note wedged in the blanket I was wrapped in, with four words on it.

Her name is Figgy.

I am the only person named Figgy in my village.

Probably the only Figgy in Ghana. Maybe the only one in Africa. And possibly, by the smallest chance, I might be the only person named Figgy in The World.

Her name is Figgy.

Figgy is an eight-year old girl, living in a village in Ghana. Her Grandma Ama is sick, and the local doctor is not very useful. Figgy decides that she must travel to America to get the medicine that will make Grandma Ama better. So she sets off to America with her special goat Kwame. Along the way she wonders whether she will discover other Figgys, or whether she is the only Figgy in the world. But America is further than she could possibly have imagined and travelling there is frought with challenge. She meets good people and not-so-good people on her journey. Despite the challenges, she and Kwame travel on. She will help her Grandma Ama.

Figgy in the World is simply delightful. From the design of the front cover to the final page, the reader is introduced to an entrancing girl wrapped in both innocence and knowledge, determined to achieve her goal. She is on a quest. Figgy tells her story in first person and the reader can gauge where her knowledge and her innocence overlap and hold their breath as she gets herself into and out of trouble. She is assisted, and hindered, by Kwame and her new friend Nana. Figgy’s search for America and medicine is full of twists and turns, humour and friendship. Set in Ghana, this is a universal story about love and friendship, adventure and belonging. Highly recommended for mid-primary and beyond.

Figgy in the World, Tamsin Janu Omnibus Books 2014 ISBN: 9781742990453

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Edith Cowan: A Quiet Woman of Note by Hazel Edwards ill Angela Grzegrzolka

Imagine having your face on every Australian fifty-dollar banknote. It doesn’t mean that you own all that money, but it does mean that you have done something important. There’s even a saying: a person of note or a notable person.

Have a close look at the fifty-dollar note. Most people don’t notice anything except the fact that it will buy fifty dollars’ worth of something. But the design includes a picture of Western Australia’s original Parliament House, and an illustration of a mother and children. And a picture of a woman standing up and speaking in public. These are notable clues.

Imagine having your face on every Australian fifty-dollar banknote. It doesn’t mean that you own all that money, but it does mean that you have done something important. There’s even a saying: a person of note or a notable person.

Edith Cowan was born on a pastoral property in Western Australia before moving to Perth to boarding school. Her mother died when she was seven and when she was a teenager her father was convicted of murder and hanged. But rather than let tragedy define her, Edith developed a quiet determination to live well and to help others, particularly women and children to live well too. She married and raised her own family, but realised that many other women and children were suffering because of poverty, mischance and lack of education. She was active in fighting for the vote for women and became Australia’s first female parliamentarian. Text is interspersed with colour illustrations and there is a timeline in the final pages.

Edith Cowan: A Quiet Woman of Note explores the life of one of Australia’s quiet achievers. Although her achievements are recorded in books and biographies, there are few books that are designed to introduce this pioneering woman to young readers. The ‘Aussie Heroes’ series aims to rectify that by presenting the stories of notable Australians in a format that is accessible to young readers. Readers can discover not just why Edith is remembered, but about the childhood and early life that helped to shape her. Information is presented in a conversational style, with history of the time providing context to her decisions and endeavours. Recommended for mid-primary readers.

Edith Cowan: A Quiet Woman of Note;, Hazel Edwards ill Angela Grzegrzolka New Frontier Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925059021

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Benji the Buccaneer by Craig Cormick ill Bill Hope

Benji stood unhappily at the bus stop, trying to imagine all the things that were worse than the first day back at school after the holidays. So far he had thought of magpies pooping in his undies when they were hanging on the line. Or his older sister using him for make-up practice while he was asleep. Or possibly a zombie invasion.

He was still thinking about zombies when he saw a strange-looking double-decker bus coming slowly up the street towards him. It was black and old and looked a bit bent out of shape. He heard its engine moaning and growning as it came up the hill. It wasn’t even a particularly big hill.

Then, to his surprise, it stopped right in front of him, and the door slowly hissed open.

Then, to his surprise, it stopped right in front of him, and the door slowly hissed open.

Benji is waiting for the school bus and isn’t sure he’s ready to go back to school for another year, although if pushed, he can think of worse fates. When an unfamiliar bus collects him and he’s offered an opportunity to make a choice, he decides that he’d like to be a pirate. A buccaneer. It seems that Benji is in charge of this adventure so he has to define just what a pirate is, and what a pirate does. He and his motley crew spend the day in an adventure that is defined by his knowledge – and lack of knowledge – about pirates and their activities. A final encounter makes him question his wish to be a pirate and offers him an alternative view of school. Full colour illustrations appear on each opening, with chapter numbers also telling their own story.

Benji the Buccaneer is a new story from the Little Rockets series from New Frontier Publishing. Each chapter book offers widely spaced text and illustrations on each page to help make the transition from fully illustrated texts less daunting. Benji is offered an alternative to school and happily, if slightly confusedly, takes it. As the adventure unfolds it becomes clear that his education has some gaps and perhaps there is a point to it after all. Benji is in charge of his adventure, despite it being peopled by an odd assortment of other characters. And it is Benji who finally decides his final destination at the completion of this adventure. Recommended for lower- to mid-primary readers.

Benji the Buccaneer, Craig Cormick ill Bill Hope New Frontier Publishing 2014 ISBN: 9781925059052

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Double Trouble, various authors ill Louis Shea

Thomas and Cooper are twin brothers. They are seven years old and look exactly the same. Both boys have blond hair that sticks up in crazy tufts. And both have freckles on their nose and cheeks, but Thomas thinks he has more than Cooper.

The twins love playing sport. They have posters all over their bedroom of their favourite stars.

Most of Cooper’s posters are of soccer players. Thomas likes tennis best.

All their friends call them Tommy and Coop. The twins only hear their full names when they’re in trouble. This happens a lot because they love playing pranks!

Thomas and Cooper are twin brothers. They are seven years old and look exactly the same. Both boys have blond hair that sticks up in crazy tufts. And both have freckles on their nose and cheeks, but Thomas thinks he has more than Cooper.

The twins love playing sport. They have posters all over their bedroom of their favourite stars.

Most of Cooper’s posters are of soccer players. Thomas likes tennis best.

All their friends call them Tommy and Coop. The twins only hear their full names when they’re in trouble. This happens a lot because they love playing pranks!

‘Double Trouble: Prank Alert ’ introduces Tommy and Coop, a pair of prank-loving seven year-old twins. They love sport and skateboarding and school, but most of all they love playing pranks on their family and friends. This often gets them into trouble but this doesn’t seem to slow them down much at all. In Prank Alert the boys begin with an ‘alarming’ prank before school and bounce their way through their school day. In Midnight Mischief , the boys create mayhem at their first school camp. In Skateboard Stars the boys cook up a plan to win a skateboard competition and in Dinosaur Danger the pair find ways to play pranks while on excursion. Text is large and chapters are short with black and white illustrations throughout.

‘Double Trouble’ is a new series of short chapter books for newly independent readers, particularly boys. Tommy and Coop are young and exuberant and very keen on playing pranks. Think Dennis the Menace times two! Young readers will love the humour and the pranks and parents and teachers will be pleased that Joking Jo’s is a fictional toy shop and that readers will not be heading off to replicate the pranks in the stories. There are consequences for this rascally pair, but their spirits are seldom dampened and their imaginations are seldom inactive for long. ‘Double Trouble’ is sure to be a favourite with readers graduating to their first chapter books.

Double Trouble: Prank Alert t, Fiona Regan Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781742838564

Midnight Mischief (Double Trouble) Double Trouble: Midnight Mischief , Fiona Regan Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781743623770

Double Trouble: Skateboard Stars, Felicity Carter Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781742838571

Double Trouble: Dinosaur Danger, Sarah Fraser Scholastic Australia 2014 ISBN: 9781743623763 Dinosaur Danger (Double Trouble)

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller www.clairesaxby.com