Tag: asphyxia

Mortimer Revealed, by Asphyxia

Crumpet has the gift of magic – a gift I wish I had myself. I haven’t given up on finding my own magical talents, though – I believe they’re lurking just below the surface, even if no one else believes it, except maybe Crumpet.

Intorduced in Hatched, the Grimstones are back in a second Gothic adventure in Mortimer Revealed. This time, narrator Martha Grimstone looks for answers to the mystery surrounding her father’s death when she was a baby. Martha longs to know more about her father, and what happened to him, but Mama and grandpa won’t speak about it. Perhaps Crumpet, the baby brother Martha had a hand in creating in the first installment, will be able to shed some light on the mystery.

This Gothic inspired diary offering is a delight, blending pathos with humour and whimsy for a final product which is uniquely appealing. Illustrations combine photos from the creator’s puppetry with sketches and illustrations, and the story, told from young Martha’s prespetive is a touching tale of self-discovery and mysetry.

Suitable for middle primary aged readers, Mortimer Revealed is a delight.

Mortimer Revealed (Grimstones)

Mortimer Revealed (Grimstones), by Asphyxia
Allen & Unwin, 2012
ISBN 9781742376899

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

Hatched, by Asphyxia

Hatched is the first title in a new Gothic series for younger readers. Told in diary format from the perspective of Martha, and illustrated with photographs and collages, the story will appeal to a range of reader

MONDAY
Shall I tell you my best secret? One day I’m going to be Lady Martha the Magnificent. I don’t know what my special talent is, but I’m going to find it. And when I do, ordinary people will fall over themselves to read my diary and learn all about my childhood.

Martha Grimstone is trying to find her place in the world. She lives with her grandfather, an apothecary, her aunt, who runs the family home, and her mother, a seamstress, who endlessly mourns the death of Martha’s father. Most of the time it seems to Martha that none of the adults notices her, or really appreciates her talents, and Martha spends her days trying to please. She practices her deportment as she collects the eggs for Aunt Gertrude, she takes meals to her mama, and she collects herbs for Grandpa Grimstone’s concoctions. If only she could make everyone happy!

Hatched is the first title in a new Gothic series for younger readers. Told in diary format from the perspective of Martha, and illustrated with photographs and collages, the story will appeal to a range of readers – from reluctant readers who will benefit from the visual elements, to more advanced readers who will enjoy the Gothic feel. The Grimstones are drawn from puppet characters used by the author in puppet shows and now translated into the written word.

This is a quirky offering which is bound to be a success with middle primary aged readers.

Hatched (Grimstones)

Hatched (Grimstones), by Asphyxia
Allen & Unwin, 2012
ISBN 9781742376882

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