Electric Monkey, 2024. ISBN: 9780008518110. (Age:14+)
One for fantasy lovers, this latest book by Sarah Underwood mixes in Greek mythology, mystery and LGBTQI+ romance. Roughly drawing on the myth of Eros and Psyche, and adding in the monstrosity of a lurking empousa, a shape-shifting creature that feeds on the blood of humans, this story will have readers held until the last page. But the real evil in the story is Leandros, a descendent of the gods, who cruelly abuses the gifts of his trusting daughter Lamia to create a potion that causes imbibers to desire the person before them. In this way he manipulates all around him and maintains his power.
Early on we learn that Alexandra, wife of Leandros, has died a horrifying death, all blood drained from her body. Now, Leandros’ attention turns to the beautiful young Phoebe to become his next wife. However Eirene, Phoebe’s strong-willed twin sister, is determined to prevent that happening and undertakes four seemingly impossible challenges, in order to secure her sister’s freedom. In the process she seeks to find out the secret to Leandros’s magic, and put an end to his malevolent influence. It soon becomes apparent that his sweet disabled daughter Lamia may hold the key.
Underwood includes some content warnings at the beginning: emotional and physical abuse, consumption of blood, ableism, mild gore etc. but surprisingly does not mention self-harm. Lamia repeatedly cuts herself in order to induce tears and emotional angst. It is only through her tears that she is able to wield her magical powers. I found this aspect of her character to be troubling, particularly in light of growing evidence of self-harm among teenagers, and there is not a satisfactory resolution of this issue in the novel. However it is reassuring to see Lamia’s development from a scared and naive girl to become a more independent person confident in her powers, as she learns from her relationship with the headstrong Eirene.
Underwood's combination of mystery and romance is sure to attract readers of mythological fantasy, but for those who prefer a more faithful adaptation of Greek myths I would recommend the feminist retellings by Jennifer Saint and Laura Shepperson.
This is a beautifully presented picture book detailing one family’s lifestyle when their father is no longer there. The cover will entice younger readers to open the pages and involve themselves in Tarah’s world. The little girl knows her father is not around. She wonders if he has gone shearing or riding in the rodeo or fishing for barramundi. She asks her mother who tells her that he has gone to prison and had no time to say goodbye. He has gone to jail as a punishment. But Tarah thinks, this is punishing me too. Mum tells her that they will soon be able to visit him.
When that day comes, they must drive for a long while to get there. Tarah is excited but also nervous and Mum reminds her what to expect when they arrive. At the prison, they must go through security. Mum must show identification, and they are both searched by a metal detector in case they are bringing in things that are not allowed. Sniffer dogs wander through the visitors and a large metal door shuts behind them.
When she sees her Dad, he is also excited and nervous and both parents are quiet. Tarah helps lighten the mood by telling her Dad about the three goals she kicked last weekend.
Dad tells them of his routine and how he is learning new skills and keeping fit to fill in the time. Tarah wanders away when her parents wish to talk alone, and finds a sad, young boy, Johnny. She talks to him, and they draw together, talking of things they have in common. They have both driven a long way to see their fathers.
At the end of the visit, Dad and Tarah give each other a huge hug. Johnny’s Mum and Tarah’s Mum exchange details and promise to keep in touch.
Back home, Tarah sits by the creek with a line in to catch fish, with her dog by her side.
The understated illustrations will tug at the heart strings as we see the impact of Dad’s jail time on each member of the family. At the start we see a little of Tarah’s life with Dad doing a variety of things which would normally take him away. A minimum of colour is used for these images, and their trip to the prison is depicted in black and white, reflecting their moods, nervousness, and anticipation. Colour returns as Dad is seen and hugged and the girl goes home to a colourful world, knowing she will be able to visit her father again. Seden’s illustrations show a strong family ready to shoulder the responsibilities that this event has thrown up.
Not one word is out of place as the two authors combine their skills to create an authentic story of the impact incarceration has on the family.
Andrew Krakouer’s father was in prison when Andrew was young and he also went to prison in 2008, leaving behind his family. He now visits prisons and gives talks, presents both radio and TV shows and takes a lead in encouraging Indigenous participation in the construction industry. Jacqueline Diman was a foster carer and has had experience in supporting Indigenous children when their parents are imprisoned.
Ably supported by the illustrator, Paul Seden, the picture book creates a platform for children to express their fears and hopes, as well as acquainting the wider community of the extra struggles children and families have when a member of that family is jailed.
At the end of the book are confronting statistics of the scale of Indigenous incarceration in Australia.
Mia's world by Amelia Donnelly. Illus. by Jennifer Bouron
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678300. (Age:6-9)
Mia and her classmates are asked to find out more about their cultural background. Mia is confused as to whether she is Spanish or Australian. Her mother responds to her question with 'You are divine.' This adds to Mia’s confusion and she and her mother visit a rabbi, a guru, a monk, an imam, a nun. Each person gives their version of what being divine is. And the answers of action, duty, stillness, mystery and charity leave Mia feeling she is still missing understanding what being divine is. A First Nations elder carefully and gently explains to Mia what she has learnt from the other religious people. Mia finally grasps the meaning of divine and is able to respond to her teacher’s question. On the final page the author has provided a section for adults in how to use this book. The colourful illustrations complement the text and add visual interest to the narrative.
Themes Divinity, Religions, Cultural Diversity, Ancient Teachings, Journey.
Kathryn Beilby
Sabina and the cats of Rome by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Laura Wood
Sabina becomes instrumental in rescuing the King of the Cats when she is visited by a talking cat that Sabina names Cleo. In an adventurous outing to the Circus Maximus to locate a wizard, Sabina must chase rats, avoid a deadly snake and somehow help to remove the spell on the ailing King of Cats. Cleo is also in danger, and they save each other in this risky adventure.
In a simple chapter book, Sophie Masson has created a captivating story set in Ancient Rome. It is exciting and action-packed and will be enjoyed by early independent readers aged 5-7. There are minimal clues about life in Ancient Rome, enough to pique interest but not enough to confuse a young reader. Mostly this is about a girl and a talking cat and their quest to rescue a royal cat, with the help of the family dogs. The illustrations are cartoon-like in simplicity and scattered through the chapters.
Themes Ancient Rome, Cats, Rats, Curses, Adventure.
In the introduction to her book, Spence describes the three women who impacted her life: Ruth, her gentle long-suffering mother; her aunt Nan, a glamorous journalist; and Eva, her paternal grandmother, a model of old world decorum despite the adventurous turn her life took in Australia. Each of them offers a different image of female identity, different life choices vividly demonstrated to the young Margaret Ann. For her the most traumatic memory of her childhood is the displacement of her young cousin Kristy, lost between the cruel choices that adults are forced to make when there is no child care or any kind of support for women’s aspirations.
In researching the lives of these singular women and their families, Spence provides fascinating insight into many aspects of Australia’s history, not only the Cold War years of mid-century Melbourne. The men were involved in mining, and fertilizer production, both industries she acknowledges to have had a profound impact on the Indigenous population, but this is not the focus of her book. Her anecdotes enliven the intimate details of a past era, and bring to life the world of migrants and refugees carving their way in a new land.
Spence’s exploration of her family’s story highlights issues of ‘class, exploitation, gender roles and ambition’, all relevant to the modern reader. For older readers her memoir is sure to also invoke shared nostalgic reminiscence about past times.
Themes Memoir, Women, Childhood, Australian history, Migrants.
Helen Eddy
Never, not ever by Jodie Benveniste
Brave New World, 2024. ISBN: 9780975822531. (Age:14+) Highly Recommended.
Tilly is turning 16, and has lived 16 years with just her workaholic mum, and until a few months ago, with her loving Grandmother. She has dreamt for all her life that her unknown dad would someday step into her life and reveal himself (because her mother - never, not ever - talks about him). Now that she is turning 16, she thinks it is time! Still grieving from the loss of her beloved Grams she is also angry and struggling with who to love and trust and what to do with those emotions. And Josh … the heartthrob from school … What does she do with those big feelings? Her confidante, Zack, the boy from next door, is nearly the only one she trusts with her fragile ‘self’, he knows her so well, but even that friendship is at risk if she cannot sort herself out. Will an absentee father solve her internal turmoil? Can her counsellor unravel all the mysteries of a 16-year-old in pain? Will her mother ever listen?
This is an absolutely beautiful and poignant teen romance story that also addresses deep hurts from past decisions that have had generational impacts. There is a rich psychotherapeutic element to Tilly’s maturing based on the author’s own psychology background, but mostly this is a family drama combined with a teen romance. Even as an older reader I recognised the ‘inner teen’ experience of dealing with big emotions and turmoil, and the struggle to get things right. In combination with generational patterns of holding secrets, there is an impressive opportunity for emotional healing in this remarkable story set within a recognisable Adelaide setting. I loved the warmth and delight of gentle teen romance, in the age of texting and social media. Zack is perhaps the ‘almost impossible and unbelievable’ male friend, but it is nice to think that Adelaide may have nurtured him. Well done, Jodie Benveniste, to write a teen romance that is not instantly about teen sexual behaviour, even with a family history of single parenting. This can be comfortably recommended to readers aged 14+, even for those who themselves are from a single parent family or who have attended psychological counselling.
Themes Family, Grief, Romance, First kiss, Psychotherapy, Secrets, Single parents, Trust.
Carolyn Hull
I'll look for you, everywhere by Cameron Capello
Pan Macmillan, 2024. ISBN: 9781035053193. (Age:Adult)
Described as a love story, this is probably a story of troubled attraction, with multiple layers of angst, between Magdalen and Theo whose families have been connected since their parents were students. They both struggle with their past and keep secrets that complicate any chance of their love moving forward. Their physical attraction though is passionately intense and being back home in Italy adds heat to the possibility of a ‘forever relationship’. Magdalen’s reserved nature is transformed by Theo’s attention and touch, but can he be trusted? Will their past secrets, their families’ involvement, and their own personalities impede their future?
Written with great intensity and from the perspective of each of the main characters, this has all the feel of an impossible romance with an X-rating. The physical connection between Magdalen and Theo is described in excessively intimate detail! This transforms the love story to a lustful, erotic narrative … more R-rated than M-rated.This is a very adult book and not for under 18 readers. It has intense moments and some difficult personal issues. I would not recommend this book to any school-aged reader.
Fans of Jeffers’ picture books starring a boy, a star, a Martian and a penguin, Lost and Found (2006), How To Catch a Star (2004), The Way Back Home (2008), and Up and Down (2010), will be delighted with Where to find a star, meeting once again a little boy in a red and white striped pullover, a penguin and a star. This time the trio are playing hide-and-seek, a game that they love. The star is always easy to find, but one day the boy can not find it anywhere. He asks his friend the Martian for help and soon they are on their way to the North Pole in the Martian’s flying saucer. But a surprise awaits them there. A little girl has found the star, something she has always wanted for a friend. What will they do?
The illustrations are beautiful, from the beguiling cover with its beautiful pink and blue sky, to the blues of the North Pole, the dark and frightening blue black of the sea during a storm and the little figures at home against a white background.
The narrative is easy to read aloud and young children will be intrigued by the dilemma of who is going to keep the star as a friend. Can there be a solution that will make them all happy? The theme of loving and letting go could be discussed after reading the book.
Jeffers is an award-winning author and illustrator and Where to find a star is sure to be a hit with young readers. Those new to his books will want to read some of the other books in the series.
Themes Stars, Love, Friendship, Hide-and-Seek, North Pole.
Pat Pledger
Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra by Cassy Polimeni and Hykie Breeze
UWA Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 9781760802899. (Age:5+) Recommended.
Life is a tad tough for Ella right now - her family has just moved house and, as she unpacks, she's finding it hard to let go of her old room and its familiarity, particularly her BFF Viv living next door. No matter how hard her dad tries to make things fun, the constant rain and mess are really getting her down. So when the rain does stop, she takes the opportunity to go outside into the fresh air and open space.
Outside the garden seems full of promise for the future, but when she hears a strange crick-crick sound it's seems the future is near. What could be making that noise? Bending down, by her gumboot she sees a tiny frog, no bigger than her thumb and it seems to be wanting her to follow it. And so she does - and finds herself in the midst of something so special she is entranced. For in front of her is an abandoned, overgrown pond full of an amazing variety of frogs, all calling to each other and creating her private frog orchestra.
But when she starts at her new school, Ella learns that protecting the local frogs is a major focus of her classmates and she discovers so much more about the species as her new friend Mai shows her the school's frog bog. With her new knowledge and respect, Ella is devastated to discover her neighbour's yard being dig up and her frogs have disappeared...
This is a new series for newly independent readers that not only has characters that they will resonate with - so many will recognise the anxiety and other emotions that come with moving house and starting a new school - but which also has an original storyline that offers new insight into a common curriculum focus. Who knew that frogs have a homing instinct that means they can find their way home because they know just where they belong?
As well as being one of the most common species investigated when it comes to learning about life cycles, frogs are also an indicator species, demonstrating that the local environment is healthy, although sadly, in Australia alone, there are more than 40 species listed as endangered or vulnerable. Thus, building awareness of their importance through an engaging story, including instructions for building their own frog pond in their backyard, young students can begin to appreciate that while Ella's frog orchestra may be the turning point in her new life, they have a critical role in the bigger picture.
An excellent story to springboard to greater investigations.
Themes Frogs, Ponds, Friendship, Environment.
Barbara Braxton
The best present ever by Zoe Foster Blake. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford
Imaginations will soar as this book is read to younger children or read by those more proficient at reading for themselves. What to give a friend for a present is the task, and some hilarious options are perused which are shot down with imaginative flair by something quite extraordinary. An almost toothless smile greets the reader as the child tells us that they are making the best present ever.
Wonder filled illustrations colourfully fill each page as the imaginings of the narrator explode. Many words are in large print and brightly coloured, prompting readers to try them out for themselves.
At first the idea develops around a magical creature. But which one to choose? A dragon, pixie or unicorn, but just as the decision is made, a wicked witch comes by and with one magical word, Zap, causes everything to disappear. On to the next idea: a swimming pool full of candy! Sounds great but a gang of possums comes in the night and gobbles them all up. Next idea! A baby animal farm. What could go wrong? A heap of baby animals are shown in all their cuteness, but just as the narrator is set to pay for the animals, a baby goat eats all their money. But never mind, another idea is in the offing.
And so it goes on until an idea occurs that is neither outrageous, nor unattainable, one that will appeal to us all. But getting there is a barrel of laughs as the increasingly mad ideas take root across each page. The text uses different fonts, and highlights longer words, and is nestled inspiringly amongst the hilarious illustrations.
Lots of ideas float across each page: a huge trampoline, hundreds of ice cream filled balloons, an amusement park, a trip to the moon, a transforming scooter just for a start. Kids’ imaginations will ignite as they read of some fo the zany ideas and perhaps think about how cool they would be, and come up with their own preposterous ideas.
A glittering cover will encourage kids to pick up the book, and they will find it just as luminous inside as the ideas come thick and fast, supported by bright, vivacious illustrations.
It’s a bitterly cold season on Mount Kosciusko, with two people lost in a storm, first Sam and then his father Owens gone in search of him. But it is not just the weather that is cold, it is an isolated lonely place where 14 year old Beth waits with her Mama and her older brother ‘Little Sasha’, Sam’s twin. They each go about their duties, collecting firewood, preparing meals, caring for the chickens and horses, with few words shared between them as they wait. Mama says Sam and Owens are dead, but Beth cannot give up hope.
Hooper brilliantly captures Beth’s voice, the tone and the singular grammar of a young teenager, as well as her inner thoughts and fears. She is afraid of the harsh and unpredictable anger that springs from Mama, and is certain that for some reason Mama hates her. The reader is left wondering if the friction between them is the inevitable conflict between parent and teenage or whether there is some hidden reason that Mama seems to turn on Beth.
There seems to be undercurrents of tension that Beth is caught up in and struggles to understand, an adult world of suppressed emotions and secrets that she slowly starts to piece together: why her brother Sam left in the storm, and why the outlaw Wallace keeps coming around. Growing from a position of powerlessness, Beth stubbornly asserts her own personality and independence.
The mood of this book is so intriguing, a mix of smouldering silence and unacknowledged pressures that build until the explosive ending. Seen through the eyes of Beth we understand that each of the characters has their own story just outside of our understanding. Hooper has promised a prequel to this book that explores the story of enigmatic returned soldier Owens. I am so curious about his character that I will be grabbing that book as soon as it’s released.
A cold season is an outstanding debut novel, suitable for both teenagers and adults. Highly recommended.
Billy's brilliant butterflies by Jacquie Ward. Illus. by Winona Kieslich
Little Steps, 2024. ISBN: 9781922678324. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Billy loves his time at home. He spends his time outdoors having his own adventures. When things become too noisy or busy he quietly retreats to his tree house where he can watch the world go by. Billy’s life is about to change, as it is time for him to start school. He is unsure and worried and the butterflies in his tummy are tumbling around. The school uniform is unfamiliar and scratchy. The playground is noisy and he wishes his mum could stay longer.
At lunchtime, Billy is overwhelmed and the butterflies around him flap even louder. He is upset but Amelie joins him and they walk out to the playground together and explore. Amelie becomes Billy’s friend and they spend time together. Even when the classroom is too much for Billy, Amelie is by his side. Their wonderful teacher accepts all her students’ talents and personalities and encourages Billy to be himself.
This is a very gentle story with delightful illustrations about change and learning new ways to cope for children who are highly sensitive. The author has provided information on High Sensitivity and strategies for support in the final pages.
Themes New Beginnings, Highly Sensitive Person (HSP’s), Butterflies, Friends, School.
Sally Tinker is the world's foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and she just knows she can build a better brother than the messy, smelly version she has. Sally's invention - Brobot - is fantastic, until the remote breaks and Brobot careens out of control. Sally realises that maybe there's more to a sibling than just inconveniences.
One of the most popular activities I did during my face-to-face teaching days was to share Shel Silverstein's poem, Sister for Sale and get students to not only create an advertisement to sell their sibling - ensuring they pointed out all the good things so it would seem like an attractive buy - but also to then advertise for a new one. They had to consider what would be the essentials, non-negotiables and compromises they would accept and were often surprised to discover that what they wanted was what they already had!
The premise of this graphic novel for independent readers is somewhat similar - students could design their own brobot (or sisbot) using either their imaginations or the activity sheet, perhaps discovering, as Sally did, that their relationships with their siblings is deeper and more important than they thought.
Bad liar is the third in a series featuring Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade, married detectives who work in Bayou Breaux, in Louisiana. It follows A Thin Dark Line (1997) and The Boy (2018). Nick is not impressed at being called out to the horrific scene of a man murdered, his face and hands obliterated by a shotgun blast. Meanwhile Annie’s first day back on the job after a horrible attack is taken up with investigating the claims of B’Lynn Fontenot, who insists that her son Robbie, a recovering addict, has gone missing. During the course of the murder investigation it seems that Marc Mercier, a popular businessperson and former high school football star, has also gone missing. Is there a link between the two?
Hoag is a master at building up suspense. She uses the swampy setting of Bayou Breaux to great effect. Her first chapter is riveting, with a brief but searing introduction to alligators in the dark waters, a mother who cannot let go and a wife who celebrates her birthday alone. It is easy to imagine the family jealousies, the lonely wife and the small-town inhabitants clinging to the past. Domestic violence, drug addiction and jealousy are major themes in this dark mystery. The plot is clever and all strands come together in a gripping conclusion.
Nick and Annie are a formidable pair of detectives, Nick is intelligent and tough, while Annie follows her investigations with compassion. I look forward to another book by Hoag featuring this pair.
Themes Detectives, Murder, Domestic violence, Drug addiction.
Pat Pledger
Busy Betty & the perfect Christmas present by Reese Witherspoon. Illus. by Xindi Yan
Penguin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761047527. (Age:4+)
Busy Betty is looking for the perfect Christmas present. She wants to give everyone a gift, even the dog, Frank. She and Moe put their heads together to find ways of making money to buy the presents, after she has discovered that her piggy bank is empty. One suggestion is a lemonade stall, but as it it the middle of winter, they doubt anyone wold like to buy a lemonade, let alone be out on the streets in this cold.
So this idea is knocked on the head. But what about selling cookies at a stall. The two decide that they should make cookies to offer to passersby.
All sounds great and the cookies are made, but where are the customers? No on is in the street on this cold blustery day. They make a family of snow people to make it look like they have customers. But all to no avail.
No one comes by. But suddenly Frank leaps past the stall grabbing the cookies as he goes. Betty is non plussed. If they have no cookies to make some money to but presents, then there will be no gifts.
Suddenly Bo walks up and spies the one cookie left on the ground and picks it up to eat it, saying that this one must be for him. An idea hits Betty. What about a cookie made juts for the right person. That afternoon Betty is in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. When it is time for the opening of their presents, each of her family is delighted with the cookie made jut for them.
A wonderful tale focussing not on money and presents at Christmas, but an idea which many kids will love to follow: making a cookie just for the person.
A humorous tale that is sure to delight as children everywhere wait for Christmas to come around. All the trappings of Christmas are shown in the vivacious illustrations, full of life and colour, capturing the excitement felt by the whole family. This day focuses on family and sharing is all there before their eyes. Kids will love pointing out the things which represent Christmas: reindeer ears, Christmas wrapping, Christmas tree, stockings, presents, tinsel, snowmen etc. This northern hemisphere book shows a different landscape to our sun drenched Christmasses, and will excite readers as they see the warm clothes the children are wearing, as well as their activities: snow boarding, building snowmen and playing in the snow.
