Tag: lothian

Shoes News, by Jacqui Grantford

Did you know that ugg boots were discovered in 12 000 BC after a mysterious visitation from bright lights in the sky? And that Robin Hood may have given money and jewels to the poor, but he kept the shoes for himself? Jacqui Grantford does and you will too after reading the charming Shoes News.

Each double page spread of this title retells a historical event with the impact of shoes (or lack thereof) at its centre. The invention of the wheel was needed, we are told, to put less pressure on shoeless feet. The ancient Olympics was just a ruse to distract attention while wagonloads of new shoes were delivered to the war front. Queen Elizabeth, it is revealed, wore fluffy slippers instead of more regal footwear under her expansive skirts. In comic detail author/illustrator Grantford reveals long-hidden shoe secrets, rewriting history along the way.

Kids will love the humour of this offering and the novelty of the newspaper format of each report. Adults will also get a laugh and teachers will find it a valuable classroom tool for studies of the newspaper, among other things.

Shoes News is Grantford’s second picture book offering and, as with her earlier title Various Faerious, showcases her exquisitely detailed illustrative style.

A delight.

Shoes News, by Jacqui Grantford
Lothian, 2004

Wolfchild, by Roseanne Hawk

Morwenna is not frightened of the wolf she sees in the woods across the stream. But she is not so certain of the Wolfchild who hides in the high places. The child, Raw, is a vagrant who must stay hidden for a year and a day to get his freedom.

Set in the year 1099 in the lost land of Lyonesse, this is the tale of Raw’s struggle to accept himself and his past, and of Morwenna, who helps him in secret, knowing the villagers will not accept him. When calamity strikes, Morwenna has to choose betwwen their new-found friendship and the ancient rules.

Inspired by the Cornish legend of Lyonesse, Wolfchild is vividly portrayed and a delight to read.

Wolfchild, by Roseanne Hawke
Lothian, 2003

Edward Britton, by Gary Crew and Philip Neilsen

Most Australians know something of the history of Port Arthur, the notorious convict prison in Tasmania. Not many are aware, however, of the boys’ prison across the bay from Port Arthur. Point Puer was built as a special prison for boys as young as ten who were brought to Australia to be reformed.

Edward Britton tells the story of two teenage residents – Edward Britton and Izod Wolfe. Although the pair are fictional characters, the book tells the very real story of Point Puer.

Authors Gary Crew and Philip Neilsen combine to offer insights into the two boys and the way their stories become one.

This is a haunting story which draws the reader in, fascinating in its presentation both of the boys’ story and of this absorbing part of Australian history.

Excellent.

Edward Britton, by Gary Crew and Philip Neilsen
Lothian, 2000

The Revognase, by Lucy Sussex

The Chief soothsayer of Quentaris has prophesied a disaster: “I see a disc of changing colours, passing from hand to hand. I see murder, misery and mayhem.” Some scoff at the Soothsayer’s words, but elsewhere in the city, young diver Junko Pardner has just found a strange disc in the pouch of his diving suit.

Junko needs money, and is determined to sell the disc in the market. But the market is full of fighting Blues and Greens, and in the hustle and bustle, the disc is lost.

In the market a young fighter picks up a shiny disc and suddenly finds himself unbeatable. When he loses it, the young thief who pockets it finds herself a brilliant cheat. The mysterious disc continues its journey through the city, pursued by those who have heard about it and want it. Where will it end up?

The Revognase is a title in the Quentaris Chronicles, a series set in the one magical city but written by different authors. This interesting concept seems set to pay off, with the difference in authors producing different views of the same place.

The Revognase is likely appeal both to fantasy fans and to new readers of the genre. Great reading.

The Revognase, by Lucy Sussex
Lothian, 2003

The Perfect Princess, by Jenny Pausacker

In Quentaris, the mystical city, young Tab Vidler lives the orphan’s life, sweeping the streets and hefting dung, as amember of the dung brigade. But Tab has dreams. In her spare moments she sneaks off to the playhouses of the city, secretly watching rehearsals and dreaming of the lives portrayed on the stage.

A chance meeting with a stranger, Azt Marossa, is the start of a strange chain of events. Soon, Tab finds herself helping him to escape from the Archon’s guards and avoid the sword fighters of the opposing Duelph and Nibhellin factions.

Marossa has her posing as the rightful heir to the throne of Quentaris, the missing child of the Perfect princess, who fled Quentaris long ago.

Will Azt change her life?

The Perfect Princess is one of the innovative Quentaris Chronicles. This series is unusual in that each title is written by a different author.

The Perfect Princess is an exciting, well written fantasy, which will satisfy those already fans of the genre, but will also cater for youngsters who may be new to fantsay. A great read.

The Perfect Princess, by Jenny Pausacker
Lothian, 2003

The Castaways of the Charles Eaton, by Gary Crew & Mark Wilson

When the ship Isabella sails from Sydney in June 1836, its orders are to search for survivors of the Charles Eaton, a ship which had been missing for two years.

What the crew of the Isabella found was disarming. On Murray Island, known to be inhabited by head hunters, they find just two survivors – a toddler and a young cabin boy – living with the natives. They also find seventeen skulls – the remains of the other victims of the wreck of the Charles Eaton. The islanders have slain these seventeen, but spared the boys because they were believed to be the ghosts of long-lost children now returned to them.

The story of the rescue of the two white boys and subsequent events is told by the fifteen year old clerk of the Isabella, whose job it is to try to keep the two survivors calm and happy on their trip back to Sydney. This chocie of narrator adds depth to the book, with the clerk’s insights and asides proving very telling.

Based on a factual story, author Gary Crew and illustrator Mark wilson weave a story of intrigue.

The Castaways of the Charles Eaton, by Gary Crew and Mark Eaton
Lothian, 2002

A Grave Catastrophe, by Nette Hilton

Oliver Briskett has worked hard all his life and now it’s time to enjoy his retirement. Unfortunately, his peace is quickly shattered, for Oliver stands accused of the murder of Thomas A. Gentle.

Oliver, a seeing-eye dog, must use all his skills of deduction, and draw on his friends, old and new, to solve the mystery of who really did kill Thomas. Then he must show his owner and the other humans, that he is innocent, and should not be sent away.

A Grave Catastrophe is a murder msytery with a difference. With the chief suspect a dog and the victim a cat and a supporting cast of colourful animal characters, this is a book which is both intriguing and humorous.

Author Nette Hilton takes the unusual step of using Oliver Briskett as the first person narrator of the story, a gamble which pays off. Oliver’s voice is delightful.

A Takeaways title from Lothian, A Grave Catastrophe is sure to appeal to readers aged ten to twelve.

A Grave Catastrophe, by Nette Hilton
Lothian, 2003

Cadaver Dog, by Alan Horsfield

When Shane’s dad buys an old, long-closed bush school, he takes Shane to live there. They are going to build a house and plant grape vines.

But there is something strange about the school and its neighbours. Clarrie Johnson, who owns the neglected farm next door, seems to be watching them, turning up at unexpected times. Clarrie’s daughter, Ellie, is even stranger. She spends her time walking a doll in a pram up and down the dirt road that runs past the school.

Shane’s worries grow when the school building burns down and a body is found within. Is he safe alone there when his father is off working?

Cadaver Dog is a well told mystery which will appeal to readers aged twelve to fifteen. Part of Lothian’s Crime Waves series, it mixes supense with a solid, readable story.

Alan Horsfield has written several children’s and YA books. He lives in Fiji.

Cadaver Dog, by Alan Horsfield
Lothian, 2003

Dawn Hawk, by Ken Catran

Spending part of his holiday with his teacher is not Bryce’s idea of fun, but here he is. His friend Focus has dragged him along to stay with Mr Justinian’s Aunt Roberta, following the death of great-aunt Petronel.

Petronel was, in her time, a famous female aviator, and Focus herself is passionate about aircraft and flying. Neither she nor Bryce, though, expect to be caught up in a crime ring in the seaside town. Aunt Petronel has left some clues about a missing plane, and Focus and Bryce are determined to find it. They aren’t the only ones who are interested in the plane, though, or in whatever else may lie hidden in the disused tunnel network under the cliffs. Rescuing the plane may take a back seat to the need to rescue themselves.

Dawn Hawk is a thrilling Crime Waves title from Lothian Books. Aimed at 10 to 14 year old readers, especially those with an interest in crime fiction, Crime Waves titles are high on action and mystery, while of a length manageable to most readers.

Dawn Hawk is an intriguing story.

Dawn Hawk, by Ken Catran
Lothian, 2003

Dangerous Waters, by Bronwyn Blake

When Joshua meets his American cousin, Zoe, for the first time, he’s not impressed. She’s loud, bossy and painful. But at least she can sail.

Josh and Zoe spend their days sailing around the lake and exploring. But when they get stuck far from home one night, they see something they shouldn’t – another boat, a ute and two men fighting. When one man shoots the other they are frightened. When they get home, no one believes their story – until police find the abandoned boat and link it with three armed robberies. Josh and Zoe work together to try to solve the mystery and to keep themselves safe.

Dangerous Waters, a Crime Waves title from Lothian, is a murder mystery for readers aged 12 to 14. With plenty of action and intrigue, coupled with an easily-digestible length, this is a great inroduction to the crime genre, while also catering for those who are already enthusiasts.

A great read.

Dangerous Waters, by Bronwyn Blake
Lothian, 2003