A board book for lots of little fingers to touch, hold and clutch with impunity, while singing, dancing and signing along with the energetic Emma Memma. Entertainer Emma brings music, dance and singing to the attention of little readers, enhancing the forms of communication they are familiar with and broadening their experiences. Waffle the wombat watches as Emma and her friend, Elvin sign ‘twirly Tuesday’ then show him what to do. Emma goes first, standing on her toes, as she counts one, two three and sets her body twirling. Elvin next signs ‘twirly Tuesday’, then sets his body in a twirl, twirling his hands around and around. BB Butterfly comes along, showing her twirling style, fluttering as she twirls. The cheeky goats, Go and Go, then make an appearance, using a tree stump to twirl around. Waffles tries to copy the twirl, but as his burrow is very narrow, he must do it carefully and slowly. He sees the goats having fun through his window and decides to join in the fun. He asks Emma for help in working out how to twirl and she shows him that he should bend his knees, jump and twirl. He practises this method and soon the whole group is twirling together in Twirly Tuesday.
Bright, fun filled pages will greet young readers as they open this book. The signing is clear and neatly incorporated into the story, and readers will want to practise the new words, especially when linked with the movements shown in the book, encouraging younger readers to get up and dance.
Another in the books about Emma Memma will be eagerly received. Easy to hold, durable and colourful, this is an entertaining and informative book for the very young.
Readers who enjoyed The glasshouse will thoroughly enjoy this latest book by Buist and Simsion. It has the same central group of characters, trainee psychiatrists who went through the Acute Unit, and who are now in different departments. Hannah Wright is now in the psychiatry training program in an outpatient clinic. Some of the patients she sees are carried over from her time in Acute, others are new. She continues to be answerable to Professor Gordon who pushes for her to undergo private therapy for her hesitancy around dealing with suicidal cases.
It all sounds very serious but the authors have an amazing way of imbuing many of the stories with a sense of the absurd, beginning with the opening chapter about patients in the Extended Care unit escaping via a rope ladder over a wall while the actual intended escapee calmly walks out the front doors amidst all the chaos. The escapee patient’s name is DJ Voices and her accomplice is Frodo.
Each chapter begins with an often quite bizarre situation, and then the background to each case is gradually revealed as Hannah works to diagnose the problem. The stories are completely absorbing as complex personal dynamics are revealed. Cases range from family dysfunction, child abuse, emotional abuse, schizophrenia, narcissism . . . the list goes on. Threaded throughout is Hannah’s gradual realisation that she has her own childhood trauma to work through. And there are problems in the relationships between staff as well. As Hannah’s group of colleagues debrief together we learn about all the challenges of an overloaded medical system.
The book has the ability to appeal to a range of readers; there is a bit of romance, mysteries to solve, detective-like piecing together the clues in psychiatric cases, realistic workplace relationships and conflicts, and lots of cutting humour. Some cases deal with adolescent issues, others deal with adults, but often with links back to childhood traumas. There is something there for everyone, but especially for those interested in mental health. The oasis can be read as a stand-alone, but if you haven’t read The Glasshouse, I would recommend that one as well.
Cuddles is an inside dog. He loves being where it is warm in winter and cool in summer, where he has a snuggly bed, can sleep on the lounge, have tummy rubs and is given wonderful food. But one day as his family packs to go away on holiday, Cuddles is taken to a farm for his holiday. He is most put out, as he usually goes to a doggy daycare centre where he expects to get a hair cut, shampoo, and nails clipped.
But as the car turns into a track to an isolated farm house, he is dismayed to see other dogs and none of the comforts he is used to. The first night he scratches at the door, only to be told that here he is an outside dog.
Cuddles remembers advice he was given, to give things a try, and so scoots off running across the paddock. But he gets very tired. The three other dogs are good with the sheep, but Cuddles cannot make them do anything he wants. Their food is hard, and he finds it difficult sleeping on their rough hessian beds.
He finds a paddock of alpacas, and decides to herd them, heeding the advice to give things a try. They bare their teeth at him and he is forced to move away, getting a seed impaled in his paw. The three farm dogs appear. They take no time herding the alpacas away from Cuddles. They take him to the house paddock where they lick the seed from his paw.
Sleeping together that night, Cuddles feels warmed by their bodies, and is safe and secure. He gets up with the sun and finds their food more to his liking. The three teach him how to herd the sheep, how to find shade for sleeping, and when his family turns up to take him home, he is not so sure. Back home he is still an inside dog, but now he has retrieved the ball thrower and the leash which he had hidden some time ago, and is ready for outside adventure too. He feels brave enough to do more than being just an inside dog.
Wonderful illustrations will be closely perused by the readers as they spot the different facial antics of Cuddles, reflecting his feelings. Children will sympathise with the dog, affronted at being somewhere totally new and having to adapt, and watch his transformation through the illustrations. I love the shadows, the lovely sofa, the creepy alpacas, the cute farmhouse, and Cuddles sleeping with the other dogs. Each page made me stop and think, pondering situations where change was imminent and how it was accepted.
Children will think about changes in their own lives and how they reacted, how they adapted to the change and whether they accepted it and rolled with it, or found it difficult. The words given to Cuddles stands out as a rule to live by, ‘give it a try’.
Peter May returns to the Hebrides in his latest book starring Fin Mcleod. The body of Caitlin, a young TV star, has been found on a remote beach at the head of the Black Loch. A strong swimmer and canoeist, it is unlikely that she drowned and further investigation shows that it is murder. Fin’s married son Fionnlagh had been having an affair with Caitlin and is accused of the murder. With his wife Marsaili, Fin rushes back to help clear his name.
Although the 4th in the series it was easy to read as a stand-alone. May spends a lot of time revisiting Fin’s past as a boy and young man in the isolated community. The reader learns about the gang of teenagers who stole salmon from Niall’s father’s salmon farm and the death by drowning of one of the boys. There may be a link to the present murder and past relationships and crimes.
As Fin investigates, he must come to terms with his own past, his work and his relationships. His marriage to Marsaili seems to be faltering and old jealousies arise. His career as a consultant looking at online crime is not good and it is unlikely that he can return to that.
I was fascinated by the background of commercial salmon production and the brooding atmosphere of the island. May had researched the way salmon is farmed and the problems that are faced with sea lice and pollution. It is possible that Caitlin’s death could be linked to malpractices in the industry.
Fans of Peter May’s books are sure to enjoy the thrills, suspense and a surprise twist at the end and are likely to wish to see more of Fin Mcleod.
This is a delightful return to Kirrin Island and the adventurous ‘Famous Five’ of Enid Blyton’s imagination …for a new generation. Three siblings and their dog are sent for a holiday to the home of a relative they are yet to meet. The four modern-day adventurers join up with someone that readers of the original Famous Five will remember, for their own exploration of the Kirrin region that was the site of many Famous Five adventures. When their holiday becomes hijacked by crooks, they discover an old mystery that needs some brave investigating.
This is a delight for all lovers of Blyton’s classic story series. Told from a contemporary perspective, but with a historical Famous Five story embedded in it, the New Famous Five will give new life to a tried-and-true formula for children’s literature. Less humorous than Chris Smith’s Kid Normal, this is just an adventurous tale with kids that are less independent than the original series, but still able to pursue solving a mystery. Readers aged 8-12 will enjoy this reading adventure. It is possible to not have read the original series first, but some references make more sense if this book is read after at least one of the original classic stories. Independent readers will find this is just as easy to devour as the original book series, and just as endearing. I am assuming that Chris Smith and the publishers are about to launch more in this series, and resurrect joy in Enid Blyton’s adventurous stories for children in the process.
Magical realism at its best, with plenty of magical thinking, intergenerational family curses, and miraculously close calls with death, in this YA novel by Jandy Nelson.
In the wine-growing towns of northern California, the youngest generation of the Fall family of vignerons, bakers and world-wide wanderers, Dizzy, Miles and Wynton are all, in their own ways, grieving their absent father. When they are each plucked from a potentially fatal situation, they become enchanted with their ‘angel’, a charismatic young girl, Cassidy, who fortuitously appears with multi-coloured hair and smelling of flowers, at exactly the right time to save them and then help them unravel their convoluted family tree.
Getting to know them, she begins telling them stories, ‘back in the time of forever,’ and the three are spell-bound, drawn into her enigmatic orbit. Cassidy’s stories parallel the Fall’s family histories and soon the real and the imagined are so intertwined that it is hard to tell them apart. After a while our sense of disbelief is so well suspended, that it is easy to accept boys who need stones on their pockets to stop themselves floating away, girls who sprout wings, or dogs who speak telepathically to their humans.
For more than five generations, negligent fathers and bitter rivalries between brothers have cursed the families, and lovers have had to make heart-breaking choices. Miles, Wynton and Dizzy are not immune to these jinxes, while Cassidy has her own share of heartache with a wild hippy mother struggling with addictions and depression. As more of the backstory is revealed, we slowly discover who Cassidy is and why she knows the Fall family stories so well.
This is a modern fairy-tale, beautifully written with alternating chapters written by, to, or about the main characters. Notebook entries, newspaper clippings, emails and phone call transcripts interleave the main chapters and add depth to the stories.
Tangled relationships involve drug use, mental illness and depression, parental abandonment and emotional and physical abuse. From the pov of various players, Nelson explores intergenerational trauma and pain, and how love can (sometimes) overcome this.
An engrossing read, made challenging by the sheer number of characters across many generations, and the constant shifting between the real and the magical. Thank goodness for the illustrated family tree at the end! Teacher's notes and recipes are available.
17 Years Later is an engrossing and twisty mystery that is sure to thrill fans of Pomare’s clever plotting. 17 years ago the wealthy Primrose family were brutally murdered. Their young chef, Bill Kareama, was swiftly convicted of a crime which he denied he had committed and was sentenced to prison. When celebrity podcaster Sloane Abbott takes an interest in the case, she uncovers new evidence that points to a poorly handled investigation. She contacts a psychologist, TK Phillips, who had been a staunch believer in Bill’s innocence and together they delve into past secrets, facing danger on the way.
After a few chapters when Pomare gives the background to the crime, he ups the pace making it difficult to put the book down. It is told in three voices, from the perspective of Sloane, TK and Bill. Each of them give the reader insights into what happened. From Bill the past is vividly brought to life, with the members of the wealthy Primrose family, their attitudes and prejudices clearly described. TK brings evidence about how he initially believed in Bill’s innocence and tried to gain an appeal. Meanwhile, Sloane and her team, through thorough background research and interviews, quickly mount a case that Bill’s trial was not a fair one.
Pomare masterfully lays red herrings, leaving the reader wondering if Bill did do it, even if he had an unfair trial. And if he didn’t do it, who had a personal stake in the death of the family?
Exploring the criminal justice system, class and ethnic discrimation, 17 years later is a complex and fascinating mystery with a surprising and suspenseful climax. I would certainly pick up other books by Pomare.
I rushed through The Wolf Tree, caught up with the eerie atmosphere of Eilean Eadar, a small island off the Scottish coast and the isolation of its island inhabitants. Detective Inspectors Georgina (George) Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent to investigate the death of eighteen old Alan Ferguson. Initially it had looked as if he had committed suicide by throwing himself off the top of the island’s lighthouse. However the postmortem results show some anomalies. Arriving at the island, the detectives are met with suspicion from many of the islanders. News travels fast and even the children turn away from them. What are the secrets that are hidden in this close-knit community?
McLusky is adept at building up suspense, ensuring that the reader is caught up in the gripping story. There are moments of terror throughout the book – a figure with a wolf face peers in at George late at night and there are frightening noises that sound like wolves howling. Many of the houses have strange symbols above their doorways and there is an atmosphere of distrust of the police. The local priest is ever present, ensuring that he is with each person that the detectives question. A local woman who knows everything about everyone is friendly and helpful and wants George to investigate the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers many years ago. Is there a connection between the death of the young man and their disappearance?
George is still recovering from a brutal attack and is relying on strong pain medication to keep going. Even though her boss and fellow DI Richie are afraid that she cannot cope, she continues to rely on her impulsive nature to follow danger, rushing after the figure in the wolf mask without backup and entering a wild wood alone in the darkness.
Although there are clues scattered throughout the book, the final denouement is still shocking.
The Wolf Tree is engrossing and is sure to appeal to readers who love a Scottish island background, some frightening superstitions and a gripping mystery. Highly recommended.
This genre-defying publication follows Solli Raphael’s earlier Limelight and Spotlight, and maintains the same up-beat life-affirming attitude found in his earlier books. Starlight splits into two parts: the first a kind of self-help activity workbook followed by a selection of his latest poems.
The first section could be used privately, individually, to work through ideas of identity and purpose; or alternatively it could be used as a class project on identity, as there are many ideas that a teacher could draw on for exploration in class to challenge thinking and encourage writing. An example is the creative activity asking the person to write from the perspective of an object in their life, from the perspective of a photograph, or their bicycle. What would it see, and what would it tell? Another example is writing about contrasting aspects of identity, personal identity, and shared group identity. There are many interesting activities exploring the ideas that Raphael introduces. Each section of the workbook ends with a summary of the key takeaways. The theme that runs throughout is self-knowledge and self-understanding.
Solli Raphael is a slam poet and activist, who at the age of 12 won the 2017 National Slam Poetry title in an all-adult poetry competition. He writes that as a young person he envisaged the person he wanted to be and set about achieving that. His poetry is an inspiration to think about your identity, think about what is important, and act to achieve your vision. There is just a hint in one of his poems in this book about the obstacles he has had to overcome, about being ‘severely bullied for what feels like an eternity before somehow befriending everyone and becoming school captain’. This is never dwelt on; the overwhelming message is incredibly positive, that with an idea of oneself, each person can achieve what they want and together we can all make the change the world needs.
He writes . . . Dare to be you / dream big and not small / keep your eyes on the ball / and things might work out alright after all.
Beginning with an Aboriginal perspective of the creation story with the viewpoint of the value of country and the place of the living things on land, this is the story of the relationship between the dingoes and the people who connect to them. Totem animals have special spiritual relationships with humans and Calla has a close connection with the cheeky dingo pup, Chichi. With some Dreamtime mystery, Calla passes through time aging naturally, but dingo pup Chichi remains in a time when the land is hard for dingo survival, but then passes into a future time through the mystery of Dreamtime spiritual power. Their connection also gives hope for the survival of the environment through the generations.
This book is written simply, weaving Aboriginal folklore and Dreamtime mysteries together with environmental concerns. It values an Aboriginal perspective for country and a future where animals and humans can co-exist. The story has a realism and mythology connection that is more like a fantasy tale, but with Aboriginal tonal quality. Being able to communicate with dingoes is not something that contemporary city-dwelling children would consider as ‘usual’, but with an Aboriginal sensitivity it is entirely plausible. Children aged 6-8 who are exploring Aboriginal and environmental perspectives will enjoy this story which is more than a modernised Dreamtime story. Its exploration of an Aboriginal understanding is refreshing. Teacher's notes are available.
It is easy to slip into the final episode in the Legacy of Orisha trilogy which began with Children of blood and bone, and followed with Children of virtue and vengeance; you don’t need to have read the first two novels to enjoy the third. Zelie, a descendant of magic makers, along with her companions, is a captive of the Skulls, warriors with human bone masks led by the ruthless King Baldyr. The challenge of the outside invaders means that Zelie, Amari, Tzain and Inan have to overcome their past differences to unite to save the people of Orisha.
Adeyemi is an accomplished writer of action scenes, and the fight sequences are brilliantly described over multiple pages. The only problem is that one battle inevitably leads to another and the novel seems to become one long sequence of gory battles without end. There are also some shifts in character development that don’t meld well with previous depictions. It is as though the author was at a bit of a loss what to do with the characters she’d created and where to take them.
For those that were really invested in the fantasy world created by Nigerian-American writer Tomi Adeyemi, this book will bring all the tangled threads to a final conclusion, though some may find it all a bit rushed and disconnected from the vision of the first two novels.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Sacrifice, Slaver.
Helen Eddy
Revenge of the toxic space potato by First Dog on the Moon
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761066771. (Age:8-14) Recommended.
When zombie uranium robot scorpions emerge from under a chair in a locked dentist’s room at the Flapadoodle Plaza Shopping Wonderland and Stuart the Wobbegong’s friend Worried Norman is sitting in the chair; there is no time to let the reader know what is going on. You, the reader must just keep reading while the superheroes think of a plan. Luckily they happen to have a suitcase full of strawberry marshmallow friands which are poisonous to zombie uranium robot scorpions and the friends overpower them just in time to see giant snorkel suckers terrorizing shoppers in the mall. Here the reader refuses to read another page without some explanation, and we meet the Indefatigable Enviroteens through their collector cards. They set about using their superpowers to track down the source of the snorkel suckers and discover that TV villain Captain Greenwash and Recycling Girl’s wheelie bin army are helping Space Baron Kartoffelpoffen’s plans to suck up all of Earth’s water to terraform Mars.
Fast paced and packed with action the colourful cartoons are wonderful. Great characters, like Beverly the sourdough starter, consistent throughout, I particularly loved Stuart the Wobbegong’s distinctive camouflage. The play on words adds another dimension and there are some fun glossaries at the end of the book. The author even manages to insert interesting science into the story, I now know that onchyophora, or velvet worms, use super digestive worm saliva to liquefy their prey. Placing the reader into the story is a masterstroke of empowerment, delighting our 10 year old reader Luke, and what librarian could resist a book which champions the library as a place to find the last remaining croissant recipe and save the earth. More Enviroteen adventures are promised and in the meantime First Dog on the Moon website has a wealth of links to find more cartoons and background about this award winning cartoonist.
Liz Pichon, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Tom Gates series, delivers a fresh and vibrant first graphic novel with Meet the Mubbles. This lively and engaging story is packed with colorful illustrations, a fun-filled storyline, and an uplifting message about positivity, teamwork, and harmony. Young readers are in for a delightful adventure as they step into the world of the Mubbles, an endearing community that thrives on joy and cooperation.
The Mubbles live on the Isle of Smile, a place bursting with color, happiness, and harmony. Life here runs smoothly because everyone plays a role in keeping the island balanced. A particularly charming detail is how plants flourish when the Mubbles sing special songs to them, emphasizing the novel’s whimsical and magical tone. However, their idyllic existence is suddenly challenged when something mysterious lands behind the “Uncertain Curtain.” Faced with an unexpected distraction, the Mubbles must decide whether to stay focused on their responsibilities or succumb to curiosity and temptation. Will they manage to maintain the harmony of their beloved home, or will their world be thrown into chaos?
Pichon’s signature comic-style layout makes Meet the Mubbles an absolute visual treat. The pages are filled with bright, expressive artwork that perfectly complements the cheerful and playful nature of the story. The dynamic illustrations enhance the humor and charm, making this book especially appealing to young readers. The mix of text and imagery creates an immersive reading experience that feels more like an animated adventure than a traditional book.
At its core, Meet the Mubbles carries an important message about the value of teamwork, responsibility, and staying positive even in uncertain times. The book encourages children to embrace joy, work together, and appreciate the world around them. With its fun-loving characters, engaging storyline, and stunning visuals, this graphic novel is sure to be a hit with young readers who enjoy energetic and lighthearted storytelling.
Overall, Meet the Mubbles is a fantastic debut graphic novel from Liz Pichon. It’s an uplifting, entertaining read that perfectly captures the magic of childhood imagination, making it a must-have for fans of humorous and visually captivating stories.
Rock Beast is an action-packed instalment in the popular Boy vs Beast series, perfect for young readers who enjoy fast-paced adventure, high-tech gadgets and thrilling battles. Written in a large, easy-to-read font and interspersed with engaging illustrations, maps and diagrams, this book is ideal for early independent readers or reluctant readers who crave excitement on every page.
The story follows 12-year-old Kai and his robotic dog, BC, who serve as border guards protecting Earth from the monstrous creatures of Beastium. When a powerful beast from Rock Land breaches the border, Earth is thrown into chaos. It’s up to Kai and BC to stop the creature before it causes destruction. But this isn’t just about saving the world - Kai also competes to earn points in the battle. Will he outscore the beast and complete his mission?
One of the standout elements of Rock Beast is its dynamic storytelling. The combination of text and visuals keeps readers engaged, and the straightforward language makes it easy to follow the action. The book’s structure, featuring short chapters and clear explanations of Beastium’s world, ensures accessibility for younger readers.
The story emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork and courage as Kai and BC strategise to defeat the beast. The battle scenes are exciting but not too intense; striking the right balance for young readers. Fans of adventure, technology and beasts will love diving into this high-energy world.
Overall, Rock Beast is a fantastic pick for kids who enjoy action-packed stories with a gaming-style twist. With its engaging format and thrilling storyline, it’s sure to keep readers turning the pages and eager for the next battle in Boy vs Beast.
Themes Themes: Fantasy, Adventure, Problem Solving, Battles, Survival.
Mariel and her mother Gena have fallen on hard times. Gena lost her job after COVID and the pair were living out of their car until it was impounded and now a new strain of the corona virus named Crown Royale, with an even higher death rate, is spreading. Practical realist, Mariel, reasons that they should mix with people and risk getting the virus while the hospitals can still cope. There could be an added benefit; recoverees of this virus are happy, they become content and selfless. Gena is in denial, believing their situation just a temporary setback and a stolen credit card gets them a room. In a strange twist of fate they meet Ron, or Tiburon Tigre Escobedo, the son of the third richest man in the world, Blas Escobedo. Blas is fearful of the virus which could cause him to give away his money and power. Also Ron’s colour blindness is likely to make him more vulnerable to the virus so Blas keeps him doing menial tasks away from risks like managing the B&B Mariel and Gena rent. Ron feels his life is meaningless but is drawn to Mariel and two become friends.
In a parallel story Dame Havilland has for many years used her fortune to exercise her spite and ego from her lush English estate. She uses charities and tax breaks to build wealth and now wants to eradicate Crown Royale before she becomes infected and loses her entrepreneurial agency or her life. To ensure continuity she finds Morgan Willmot Wu, young, brilliant and ruthless, to take over the Havilland Consortium in the event of her becoming infected.
The story follows the three main characters, Mariel, Ron and Morgan, as well as multiple other minor characters and stories, mapping different ways the virus affects them. The premise is original and interesting but in considering the many ways such a threat would disrupt social interaction and the world economy, the narrative loses its way. The many characters are not well developed and the fragmentation of the various strands lost me before I was halfway through the book. Billed as a thriller, there was little pace or excitement; it really would have worked better as a collection of short stories.Neal Shusterman has a strong following and no doubt those readers will enjoy this addition.
