Tag: younger readers

Warts 'n' All, by Anne Morgan

“Oh no!” Marti has a wart growing on her nose. Her mother says she is too busy to take her to the Doctor to get it frozen off. She’ll have to wait until Tuesday. Marti can’t wait that long – she has to figure out a way to get rid of the wart herself.

In the midst of her efforts, Marti discovers another problem. A new family has moved in next door. There’s a boy about her age who keeps hanging around. He offers to help her get rid of her wart – but can she trust him? Something strange is going on in his back yard and, if she’s not careful, Marti might get caught up in it too.

Warts ‘n’ All is a fast-paced humorous story with a clever twist. An orange level Tadpole from Koala Books, the book is ideal for readers making their early transition from picture books to chapter books, but has enough interest to appeal to much older students, especially those with reading difficulties.

Humorous fun.

Warts ‘n’ All, by Anne Morgan, illustrated by Judith Rossell
Koala Books, 2003

Adventures in the Grove, by Norm Gillam

There is nothing the residents of Willow Grove like more than eating carrots. But when all the carrots mysteriously disappear from the local farmer’s fields, there is widespread dismay. Who stole the carrots – and where are they now? Punky and Barebutt are determined to solve the mystery and claim the reward.

Who Stole the Carrots? is the first of three tales in Adventures in the Grove, a new collection by children’s author Norm Gillam. Rabbits, bears, raccoons and more share adventures and morals in the community of Willow Grove.

The stories themselves are most likely to appeal to 6 to 8 year olds, although the vocabulary and syntax would suggest an older audience – much of the humour will evade the beginning reader. Parents and teachers may also want to be aware of some shortcomings in editing – changes in tense, for example, can be distracting in places.

Despite these minor problems, the stories are cute and have a nostalgic feel to them.

Adventures in the Grove, by Norm Gillam
Writers Club Press, an imprint of iUniverse, 2002

Runestone, by Anna Ciddor

Thora has a problem. She is the only one in the family who can’t do magic. None of her spells work and she can’t protect herself like her other family members do. Across the valley, Oddo has the opposite problem. He is supposed to be a farmer, yet he can make magic that changes the weather or controls animals. His father won’t abide magic, so Oddo has to hide his skills.

When Oddo and Thora meet, they learn to help each other. Thora explains the world of magic to Oddo, and learns to plant and grow on Oddo’s farm. Thora suggests Oddo use his newfound magic to fix things up but, when things go wrong, the two friends learn that magic isn’t always the best way. Together they must work to put things to rights – making use of both magic and hard work – a union which pays dividends.

Set in the world of Vikings, Runestone is a rich narrative fantasy – strong both on plot and imagination. Author Anna Ciddor makes use of real Viking lifestyle and beliefs in this first book of her Viking Magic series.

Runestone, by Anna Ciddor
Allen & Unwin, 2002

Rowan of the Bukshah, by Emily Rodda

Winter has come to Rin – and it is refusing to go. This is the coldest winter in livng memory and the people will die if it does not ease. When the decision is made to leave the town and head for the coast, Rowan decides he must stay with his beloved Bukshah. But first, he must consult Sheba, to learn what message she has for him.

As before, Sheba has a rhyme for Rowan, a rhyme he does not understand. It seems sacrifice is needed. Rowan sets out on the most terrifying quest of his life, aware that he may not return. Will he have the strength to do what must be done?

This is the fifth and final book in the Rowan series, and Rodda does not disappoint. Favourite characters from previous episodes work alongside Rowan to face his biggest challenge yet, and all dig deep to find the answer to Rin’s problems. A satisfying conclusion to the series.

Rowan of the Bukshah,by Emily Rodda
Omnibus, 2003

Rowan and the Zebak, by Emily Rodda

On his mother’s wedding day Rowan senses danger but dares not say anything, for fear of being wrong and spoiling the wedding. When his sister Annad is snatched by a flying creature, Rowan blames himself and sets out on a quest to save her.

Annad has been taken to the land of the Zebak, Rin’s powerful enemy and Rowan and his friends have only a series of strange riddles and a mysterious package to guide them. When they find Annad they also uncover another secret.

This is the fourth book in Emily Rodda’s much-loved series. Rowan is an unlikely hero – once seen as a disappointing weakling by his people, he has come to be respected for his courage in the face of that weakness. The first book in the series was judged CBC Book of the Year in 1994, and the second and third books also received acclaim.

A great introduction to the fantasy genre for 8 to 12 year olds.

Rowan and the Zebak, by Emily Rodda
Omnibus, 1999

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, by Emily Rodda

The Crystal dims.
The Chooser is summoned . . .

When a messenger bears this strange message from the far-off land of Maris, Rowan doesn’t realise the impact it will have on him – and on those close to him. His mother, it turns out, is The Chooser and Rowan, as her first-born, is the next in line. Together they must travel all the way to the sea to help the Maris peopl choose their new leader, the Keeper of the Crystal.

Along the way, Rowan learns of his mother’s role as The Chooser, and of the responsibilities he must take on should anything happen to her. Little does he expect this to occur.

In Maris, though, nothing is as Rowan expects, and soon he finds himself faced with challenges and decisions previously unimaginable. Can he find the courage and wisdom to make these decisions, and fulfill all his obligations?

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal is the third title in this popular series from author Emily Rodda.

Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, by Emily Rodda
Omnibus Books, 1996

Mystery of Devil's Roost, by John Long

Peter thinks staying with his aunt and uncle will be boring. His sister Sarah thinks it will be cool – she’s determined to find a dinosaur bone for herself. Neither can predict the adventure they will have.

As they explore the area around Devil’s Roost, in the hills above their uncle’s farm, the children see a mysterious light in a dark patch of trees. When they explore it they find a hidden cave, with walls lined with Aboriginal paintings. What is interesting about these paintings is that they depict dinosaurs and animals which existed millions of years before humans. How could the artists have known what they looked like?

The mystery is only solved when something incredible happens. There is a solar eclpise and, in the dark of the cave, a crystal glows suddenly bright. When the children leave the cave they find they have been transported back in time. Their amazing adventure has begun.

Mystery of Devil’s Roost is the first fiction title of palaentologist and museum curator, John Long. In many places Long’s writing seems to lapse into his non-fiction style, with characters reciting lengthy explanations of time periods and animals. This can prove distracting for the reader interested in the adventure of the story, but may appeal to the youngster with a scientific bent.

Mystery of Devil’s Roost, by John Long
Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 1997

Wreck, by Allan Baillie

Reene is glad when the adults go away for the day, leaving her alone at the beach. Well, almost alone. She still has to put up with Ian, who’s a bit of a pain and very wierd. If she can avoid him she’ll be fine.

Busy enjoying her freedom, she doesn’t straight away notice the storm building. By the time she does, she’s back in the house. Ian hasn’t noticed it either, busy watching ants on the move. When the rain starts he runs to join Reene. When the storm hits, they are together. Together they escape the house before it is destroyed by the wind and take shelter in a cave which Ian has found. And when the storm dies, it is together that they embark on a new adventure. A ship has been washed ashore in the bay and Reene wants to expplore. Reluctantly, Ian follows. Both have forgotten that a cyclone has an eye – the calm in the middle of the storm, before it resumes. While they are on board the wreck, the storm renews its attack and they are stuck on the boat, which has come adrift. As wild seas and violent winds try to tear the boat apart, the two become aware of something else – they are not alone on the boat. There is something else there on board with them – stalking them in the dark.

Wreck combines two of Allan Baillie’s favourite elements – the ocean and the finding of personal strength. Both Ian and Reene must tap this strength if they are to survive.

Baillie’s novels are always filled with action and unexpected outcomes. Wreck is no exception.

Wreck, by Allan Baillie
Puffin, 1997

Rowan and the Travellers, by Emily Rodda

The secret enemy is here,
It hides in darkness, fools beware!

The people of Rin tolerate Sheba only because they need her potions. They are scared of her and avoid her until they need her skills. So, when she is troubled by dreams, Rowan is frightened by her prophesies. Sheba recites a rhyme to Rowan, a rhyme which troubles him, though he can make no sense of it.

When the Travellers arrive in the village, Rowan and most of the other villagers are excited. But when strange things start to happen, Rowan remembers Sheba’s words and wonders if the Travellers are the enemy mentioned in the verse.

When the other villagers of Rin are mysteriously struck down and the travellers disappear, it is up to Rowan to solve the riddle and save his people. But first he must decide if the Travellers are enemies or allies.

Rowan and the Travellers is a gripping sequel to Rowan of Rin. Emily Rodda tells a tale of fantasy and adventure, entwined with themes of friendship, trust and courage. In choosing Rowan, seen in ordinary times as a weakling, as her hero, she presents young readers with an image of strength beyond the purely physical. Suitable for readers aged 10 and over, the Rowan books make an excellent introduction to the fantasy genre.

Rowan and the Travellers, by Emily Rodda
Omnibus Books, 1994

Spook's Shack, by Wendy Orr

Reviewed by Sally Odgers

Finn is between worlds. His old house has been sold, and his parents have flown to ‘the biggest city in the world’ to choose a flat. Finn is left to spend the hiatus with his mother’s aunt, Agatha Greene. Agatha lives on a bush block between a farm belt and Boris Banks’ mansion. She tells Finn to watch out for snakes, explains the procedures for surviving a bush fire and basically leaves him to himself.

Down in the bush, Finn discovers a fire-singed shack. When he enters, he wakes the inhabitants; an old swagman, Jack Henry, and his collie, Nipper. Jack and Nipper are surprised to find themselves waking as ghosts, but they discover that swallowing green fungus from the inside of the shack renders them easily visible.

Finn makes friends with the odd pair, and together they rescue a joey wallaby, foil the land-grabbing Boris Banks’ plans to foreclose on Aunt Agatha, and preserve her house from a fire.

The plot may sound like a standard bush/fantasy adventure, but the style, the themes and the deft interweaving of worlds and times sets this novel apart as something rather special. The narrative is both elusive and allusive, as Finn moves through Jack Henry’s world experiencing the old ghost’s kinship with the local wildlife and introducing him to the modern joys of radio, computer games and mobile phones. Their shared fascination with one another’s knowledge and skills is touching and very believable. Jack’s life story is one of wandering and betrayal, of a friendship turned to enmity with Boris Banks’ ancestor. The past impinges on the present, and the various elements of the plot move forward in a dream-like way. At times, the reader is enmeshed in Jack Henry’s perception, either directly or while he is recounting an incident to Finn. This led to me needing to reread a few brief passages, just to make sure I really understood what was going on.

There is humour in the story, but Wendy Orr has not taken the easy route of making Jack Henry into a comic figure. As Finn discovers, Jack is not dangerous, but allowing himself to become immersed in Jack’s world is. The thrilling defence of a goat and kid from a pack of dogs is a triumph – but the appearance of the farmer with a gun brings real danger to Finn.

In the end, Jack redeems his long-ago betrayal with a favour for an undeserving enemy, but it is not the redemption that could send Jack into limbo…

Symbolically, Jack casts off his modern delights, but Nipper is able to join him – somewhere. Aunt Agatha has her happy ending, and Finn is able to move on to the next thing; his life in ‘the biggest city in the world’.

Spook’s Shack, by Wendy Orr (illus. by Kerry Millard.)
Allen & Unwin 2003

Sally Odgers is a Tasmanian author of children’s and young adult books. By Sally Odgers By Request – visit her new project at her website and have your say.