In times of bushfires and billy buttons by Steven Herrick
Ford Street Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922696366. (Age:13+) Highly recommended.
Steven Herrick never fails to write stories exploring complex issues that leave the reader feeling inspired. This is true of In times of bushfires and billy buttons. It describes the life of teenager, Ethan, whose parents are in jail, and whose hard-working aunt now cares for him. With a bushfire on the horizon and a new boy Joshua with a scar on his arm, Ethan and his friends Audrey and Biggsy have some difficult issues to face and big decisions to make.
The intriguing cover and title showing the flowers, yellow billy buttons and white flannel flowers against the red blaze of a bushfire immediately drew me to the book and the character and voice of Ethan kept me reading in one sitting. Ethan, a Year 11 student, had a very difficult early life with an abusive father and mother who never defended him. When his parents are sent to jail for drug dealing, his aunt Helen has looked after him. Helen’s loving nature is beautifully portrayed by Herrick, and Ethan is mature enough to see the contrast between her and his parents.
Ethan knows the signs of domestic violence and recognises them in Joshua. At times Ethan seems to take his life in his hands when he follows Joshua and spies on his home situation. Will Joshua’s violent father see him? And will Joshua be able to accept the friendship and help that Ethan and Biggsy offer him? With the threat of a bushfire hanging over the streets, climate change is also a topic that keeps the reader absorbed, while the blossoming romance between Audrey and Ethan is captivating.
Herrick covers confronting themes including domestic violence and climate change, but the novel is uplifting, and left me with the vision of the power of a bouquet of native flowers given at the right moment. It would make an ideal class novel or readers’ group novel. Teacher’s notes are available. Readers who enjoy this would also like How to repaint a life by Herrick and books by Scot Gardner, Cath Crowley and Fiona Wood.
Themes Coming of age, Domestic violence, Climate change, Bushfires.
SA author Beverley McWilliams has once again written an entertaining and engaging middle grade novel. Her first novel, The Reindeer and the Submarine (2022) was a wonderful read cleverly combining historical fact and fiction with a reindeer as the main character. Her second novel Spies in the Sky, is a fascinating story that highlights the role pigeons played during World War Two.
The story begins in 1940 at the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk where Royal Blue, a highly competitive racing pigeon, is determined to beat his best friend Khan. Blue comes from a long line of royal champions and he is not about to let that be forgotten. He is a rather appealing but at times superior character and as the story is told in the first person, the reader quickly learns about Royal Blue’s personality. Blue is chosen by King George to be sent on a special assignment as part of the war effort and the comfortable safe life he was accustomed to is no longer.
The National Pigeon Service (NPS) has been formed for the purpose of using pigeons to carry messages when there are no other means of communication. The pigeons need to be fast and strong and will be exposed to difficult situations. At first Royal Blue struggles with his new living conditions, his fellow pigeons and thinks about giving up, but a chance meeting with Lilibet (Princess Elizabeth) has him rethinking his role in the war effort.
Royal Blue, Mary, Billy and Commando, after initial difficulties, become a great team and are chosen to work for MI5 as part of Operation Columba (MI14). They are parachuted individually into France to support the French people and the Resistance.During their war service the four witness bombing raids, battles in the skies and being shot at yet all survive to be awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery and devotion to duty.
This action-packed and exciting story would make a wonderful class novel as it is a ‘gentle’ introduction to historical facts and figures plus the dangers and horrors of war without being overly confronting for the age level of the readers.As an added bonus there are extensive teacher notes and an activity book to support the learning.
Themes World War Two, Pigeons, National Pigeon Service, Danger, Bravery, Friendship, Cooperation, Hope, Historical Fiction.
This stunning new picture book in which six children from diverse backgrounds present their names as a way of getting to know each other, will encourage children to think about their names and the names of those around them. The first name is He Xiao-Guang, and she tells us her name is full of tones and rhythms, and goes on to say her name is a building block that has been added to for centuries, a name telling of dynasties, meaning the first light of the morning in Cantonese. As with the other five children, information about their name is given in an introduction to the child, surrounded by exquisite illustrations giving more information. At the end of the book are two pages of extra information showing where that child lives. So we learn that He Xiao-Guang lived in Hong Kong, and her father was originally from northern China. She speaks fluent Cantonese, and is looked after by her Ayah who has given her the name first light in the morning.
Xiao-Gaung tells her story with pride, in very few words she tells is of her ancestry, of her roots and her links to the generations before. The illustrations show us her links to Chinese culture through the stunning dragon and beautiful head dress.
The five other children are Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican and Ghanaian descent, and their names all have meaning reflecting where they have come from.
One is Bijan Houssani a boy whose name shows his link with Islam, as he carries the poetry of his ancestors, from the tenth century book of poetry, Shahaneh. His name means hero and the illustrations show the angels that guide him and the beauty of the rugs that his family make. At the end of the book we learn of his connection to the 15% of Persians linked together by this epic poem.
Similarly the other children have information about their names, and the illustrations depict their links to family and culture. A stunning book which impels readers to think about their own name and what it means, along with the diverse children around them. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Names, Culture, Background, Generation.
Fran Knight
Nikki Hind dressed for success by John Dickson. Illus. by Chantel de Susa
A lovely book in the series, BigVisions, produced by Vision Australia, telling of the success of people with limited or no vision. In this book, the person is Nikki Hind, who has carved out a career for herself in the fashion industry. Told alongside a braille version, the story of Nikki can be read and absorbed by all readers, impaired or not.
As a child, Nikki found school difficult. A visiting doctor found that she had limited vision in one eye and from then on she wore a patch over one eye and had to use large thick glasses. She found sports very trying but she loved swimming and diving, both individual sports.
Her friends really liked her clothes and found that she made them herself using needle and thread and sometimes a stapler. She went on designing clothes and was a model on a TV show. Just before she gave birth she had a stroke which took another part of her sight. When her sons went to school, so did she, this time to learn design. She entered competitions then decided to set up her own design company asking other disabled people to join her. Called Blind Grit a range of professions surround her; photographers, models, hairdressers, and make up artists are all disabled or have a disability through an accident.
A wonderful story of being strong and striving to achieve your goals, the story of Nikki Hind is one to read and share.
Within the range of BigVisions, the book is a larger size than usual, bound on the left hand side, and contains a braille and text version with numerous illustrations.
The city of Bedlam is becoming increasingly lawless thanks to a long list of supervillains, headed by the two nastiest, Mighty Minds and Hammerhands, who are terrorising the city with a crime spree. The Chief of Police is a very dynamic, but very short woman, who’s hopes of getting Bedlam under control hinge on the success of her special project – Police dogs. Her plan seems to be working except for a selection of truly poor dogs who seem to be more of a hinderance than help. The Chief is married to a very clever Professor who is an inventor and spends most of her time in her cellar laboratory. After a disastrous day at the police dog academy the Chief has an idea. She asks the Professor to invent a mechanical police dog that can do all the things the many other dog breeds do. Robodog seems to be the perfect solution to the crime problem, and all goes well except that one member of the Chief’s family is not so impressed – Velma the cat wants Robodog and all the other police dogs out of the way and she plots with her fellow cats to get this done once and for all. In the meantime, a large robbery is underway and all the villains in Bedlams jails have suddenly escaped!
Chaos fills the action-packed pages of this story in typical Walliams style, with plenty of illustrations to keep interest high and the use of a variety of large, highlighted text to emphasise the hilarious antics of the cats, dogs and super villains. Friendship and teamwork are also a prominent theme as Robodog tries to figure out what it takes to be a real dog.
In this modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the tone is light and fun. Lily’s family live at sunny Pippi Beach in a holiday house owned by an aunt. The girls and especially their attention-loving mother, Lydia, frolic in bikinis, enjoy Friday night drinks on the green, and are supported by the occasional house-cleaning job. Into this world stray two handsome Hollywood stars, the charming Casey Brandon and the aloof Dorian Khan, and their companions. Of course Lily and her sweet cousin Juliet get to meet them, and you know where the story goes from there.
Mother and daughter team, Kate and Angourie Rice, wrote this story over a summer at their family beach house. The depiction of the sun and surf lifestyle at the Aussie beach rings true, and adds authenticity to the setting. Both are also well experienced with the Hollywood lifestyle having successful roles as scriptwriter and actor in Los Angeles.
In fact the book reads like a script; we are told everything the characters think, say and do. Nothing is hidden, nothing is subtle. It is a lighthearted romantic romp, and could easily be visualised as a film. It would make an easy summer read, and perhaps for the younger teen a simple entree to the the more complex world of Austen.
Bunny buys best friend, Bird, a present, a dragon’s egg. They read the instructions together, and learn that if the dragon is blue they will have a lovely pet but if it is yellow, they will be in trouble. It is yellow. They think about how big the dragon might grow, and are worried that it might be as a big as a bus. The friends read on, learning that it eats only wood, and they must be aware of what the dragon does with the leftover leaves.
As each page progresses, Bland’s illustrations show an ever growing yellow dragon and readers will become as concerned as the friends, but will love looking at the differences between the friends and the dragon, watching for any of the traits alluded to in the instructions.
Bland’s images are hilarious, showing the facial features of the two friends as they realise just what they have to deal with. Relief floods in as they read that the yellow dragon will fly away after leaving an egg. So the whole fearful story may start all over again. They and the readers will watch the egg closely. A charming story of friendship and working together, the support shown between the two is laudable, especially when they have a yellow dragon to contend with. This engaging book is the first in a series about this duo, named Bunny and Bird.
Themes Friendship.
Fran Knight
Eddie Woo's wonderful world of STEM by Eddie Woo
Pan Macmillan, 2023. ISBN: 9781761266843. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Author Eddie Woo is a very well-known mathematician, educator, television presenter and social media personality with his own ‘Wootube’ channel who has engaged primary school aged children all over Australia and the world with his love of all things mathematics related. His dynamic yet humble personality and easy ability of imparting information has opened the door for many children (and the adults in their lives) to a fun way of learning and gaining an understanding of mathematical concepts.
His latest release Eddie Woo’s Wonderful World of Science Technology Engineering Maths is a surprising book. With a bold cover featuring Eddie and numerous mathematical symbols, this thick activity book contains multiple pages where students can complete an exciting array of exercises at their own pace. The contents page begins with the first chapter explaining STEM and then moves on to On The Move, Out Of This World, Patterns Around Us, Sky and Sea, Robotics and STEAM.
Throughout the book, activities to attempt include word searches, drawing, filling out information, answering questions, colouring, paper folding, mapping and designing. Each page is perfectly set out with lots of white space, simple explanations of each activity, key words in large bold print with ample room for children to complete the task. The STEAM section has plenty of interesting art-based activities. Fortunately at the back of the book are all the answers. (Phew!)
Eddie’s humour and support are evident on every page and there is really something for every type of learner. Eddie Woo’s Wonderful World of Science Technology Engineering Maths would be a wonderful resource for home or school and teachers may find it especially useful for STEM/STEAM based learning activities.
This collection of short stories is a veritable party of sparkling new voices, highly original stories that cover the spectrum of LGBQTI+ experiences, within imaginary worlds, some sci-fi, some fairy story, some dystopian, some horror, but all are fresh and powerful writings that will attract a variety of readers. Some of the stories seem like just the beginning, the starter for a rich world of possibilities, that I just wanted to continue further. I hope those authors go on to further develop their creativity in longer formats. Others are complete in themselves, but equally as engaging. There is the whole range to be found here, from real world struggles, to ghosts, witches, monsters and demons, truly a treasure trove of ‘queer speculative YA fiction’ encompassing a variety of genres.
The first story ‘Sixteen Candles (but with demons)’ makes an excellent entree to the rest: the story of a teenager whose special birthday has been forgotten by family and friends is a portrayal of true to life despondency and resentment coupled with the fantastical conjuring of a demon and then a bizarre element of humour as the demon, a novice, gets everything haywire. The lesson for Tal in the end is that there is ‘a difference between doing bad things because you’re a flawed human, and doing malicious things’. Tal learns forgiveness, and the evening isn’t a bad one after all.
Being a fan of fairytales, I particularly enjoyed ‘The boy and the witch’, the story of a witch setting seemingly impossible tasks for the protagonist to achieve before their wish for a new identity can be granted. Cleverness and ingenuity see them achieve the tests, but the ending is open as to what further challenges may be expected.
Young Adult readers will probably appreciate the more futuristic stories set in space, or stories of the acquisition of special powers, or time travel, or alternative realities. There is something for everyone in this collection.
The book comes with a content warning about potentially triggering content, though, as the editor writes, explicit forms of homophobia or transphobia have been deliberately kept out. They are all stories about grappling with identity issues, but the so-called triggers of violence, death, gore etc. are content that you would find in any imaginative fiction, and especially in the fairytales that most children were introduced to at an early age. The stories in this collection have monsters and supernatural elements, but are no more triggering than most YA fiction, and present a new way of sharing gender diverse and trans experiences.
Themes LGBQTI+, Identity, Acceptance of diversity, Science fiction, Fantasy.
Helen Eddy
The frozen river by Ariel Lawhon
Simon & Schuster, 2023. ISBN: 9781761423413. (Age:Adult, young adult) Recommended.
Hallowell, Maine in 1790, situated on the Kennebec River, is a thriving settlement shipping timber, furs and other produce down the broad fast flowing river. In November 1789 the river is starting to freeze for the winter and midwife, Maria Ballard is called to a birth, another baby girl for the blacksmith Charles Clark who was hoping for a son to help in the forge. But there is little rest for Maria as a messenger comes to say she is urgently needed at the tavern to act as coroner. A logging raft has been trapped in the ice at Bumberhook point and a body is found in the water. The dead man is identified as Joshua Burgess and Martha, on examining the body, finds that he had been beaten and hanged before being dumped in the river. Recently Rebecca Foster, the pastor’s wife, was raped by two men who broke into her home while her husband was away. She accused Joshua Burgess and Joseph North. But Joseph North is in a position of power, a magistrate and representative of the Kennebec Proprietors, owners of the leasehold of many in the town including the Ballards and in a position to prevent investigations. So starts a long winter where the everyday lives of the people of Hallowell are documented in Maria’s diary which proves important testimony as we are given a glimpse of the court system at the time. The story is from the point of view of Maria Ballard, a 55 year-old mother of nine, six surviving. Her miller husband, Ephraim taught her to read and write, unusual for women of that time. Not only is she a midwife and healer but she manages the domestic side of the family, growing food and processing it as well as raising a large family. There are many characters developed giving an insight into the social lives and dynamics of a small developing community, reliant on one another, gaining strength through interdependence. The novel is based on historical figure Maria Ballard and a book based on her diaries, A Midwife’s Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich won a Pulitzer prize. This historical fiction version brings to life the period and characters (there are many of them and it is sometimes hard to remember who’s who) and spices it up with a murder mystery, that sometimes requires a suspension of disbelief. But it is easy to go with the flow as it is such a great read and an author's note at the end explains the historical context.
Renowned author Katrina Nannestad has written an historical fiction novel set in Australia based on family memories. Set in the early 1950’s, this novel reflects the social and emotional attitudes of the times, the after-effects of World War Two, the excitement of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth and the daily challenges faced by Nettie, her family, friends and the community.
Young Nettie is a full of life and has a vivid imagination. She lives with her dad, her three sisters and her domineering and rigid Aunt Edith on a dairy farm. But all Nettie wants is a mum. She imagines how life might be with hugs, cuddles and smiles from a mother-figure. She and her sisters are close but as the youngest, Nettie is often left to her own actions and thoughts, often shared aloud, which can lead her into conflict with Aunt Edith.
When her dad meets and marries Alice, Nettie’s life changes in every possible way. There is joy, love and laughter in the home and plenty of hugs for Nettie. The birth of baby Billy adds another much loved and adored member to the Sweeney family and life is just perfect. However tragedy strikes, with sadness and despair descending on the household once more.
Running parallel to Nettie’s home life is her school days. She travels by school bus, and then on a pony and each day brings something new. At school there are the usual day-to-day antics plus wonderful interactions across all year levels with the added excitement of the Queen’s Coronation and visit to Australia. Nettie’s friendship with her neighbour Robyn is often rocky and the cause of great angst and misunderstanding throughout the story.
The beautiful green hard cover of Silver Linings with its cleverly embossed elements relevant to the story, will draw readers in. Katrina Nannestad has shared so many historical facts about the 1950’s and important themes relevant in all times, that it would make a wonderful class novel. A highly engaging read. Teacher Notes are available.
Themes Family, Relationships, Belonging, 1950’s Australia, Coronation, Country Life, School, New Life, Flood, Grief, Loss, Hope.
Kathryn Beilby
The world's worst monsters by David Walliams. Illus. by Adam Stower
Following on from The World's Worst Children, Parents, Teachers and Pets comes this gem of a story tome, the self-proclaimed "87th most scary book ever written". David Walliams has hit upon a winning formula with this series and this one doesn't disappoint. It's a great addition to the series and will win over little Halloween and spooky lovers everywhere. Fun colour illustrations on every page and eccentric humour that oozes from every sentence are combined with superb storytelling and brilliant plotlines to make these stories thoroughly engaging.
There is a different monster featuring in each of the ten stories, with most child favourites being covered: vampire, ghost, gorgon, zombie, creature from the deep, werewolf, Frankenstein's monster, mummy, abominable snowman and loch ness monster. These are not general monster meets human type stories though. Similar to his previous books in this series, each story has a completely different setting and context. The stories are fantastical, unpredictable and ludicrously funny. Some standouts include the son who has to keep it a secret that his mother is a zombie in a post-apocalyptic world and the young girl who uses her Frankenteddy to get revenge on her evil brother. The monsters aren't always monstrous, there is no real terrifying factor as they are more humorous than scary and there is generally a happy ending, although this is probably best kept away from very young or highly sensitive children.
The ending alludes to a World's Worst Monsters 2 which is sure to be just as fun and rollicking to read.
Oliver Jeffers is well-known for his striking picture books published for children. While his latest release Begin Again: The Story of How We Got Here and Where We Might Go would perhaps be suitable for older primary school aged children as a shared discussed text, the real benefit will be for secondary students and adults.
The book begins with an image of two hands holding fire. It leads to the question ‘Where did we begin?’ which is answered ‘with fire I suppose.’ The text then explores other beginnings and where they have led to. The flow of the story feels like the author is pondering over many things and as he thinks and questions more deeply, the reader is taken on an engaging, disturbing, yet hopeful journey. He shares the thoughts of the Apollo 8 astronauts who, from outer space, came to the realisation that all humanity belongs to one planet, Earth. We are a community where there should not be division from borders or beliefs or power or greed.
Jeffers talks about storytelling; that this is one thing we all have in common. Stories unite us. We can learn from each other’s stories. Stories may well be our hope for the future. Using only the colours of fluorescent pink and purple often against a white background, his graphic-style images complement his clever use of a few words across a double page spread. Words which are both thoughtful, and thought-provoking. At the end of the book there is a lengthy must-read author’s note which gives an illuminating understanding of the reasons behind the book.
Themes Thoughts, Actions, Social Commentary, Philosophy, Humanity, Stories, History, Progress.
Those readers familiar with Favel Parrett’s first younger reader novel, Wandi, will love her next book about another Australian dingo and her family. Kimmi is the true story of a young female dingo who became Queen of the dingoes in the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre in Victoria, Australia.
Kimmi and her three brothers are tropical dingoes who were born in the warmer areas of the country. From birth they were always in danger from one angry human landowner and after one dingo cub is killed, they are taken to safety by a young male human. He and his mother have a bond with the dingoes in the area, particularly with Kimmi’s mother. The two remaining male cubs are safely removed from the area as are Kimmi’s mother and her aunt. The story then revolves around Kimmi’s mother and the dangerous trek she makes to return home to Kimmi and teach her all she can about her heritage. She finally arrives back on her land and spends twenty four hours with Kimmi telling everything she knows. It is a short-lived reunion though as Kimmi is transferred to a sanctuary where she eventually learns to become a leader to other dingoes.
Throughout the story the author shares wonderful facts about the life of a dingo, and through the voices and thoughts of the dingoes, readers gain valuable information and understanding. There is an excellent question and answer section at the end of the book which once again provides another opportunity for learning.
Favel Parrett is a volunteer at the Sanctuary and through her clever storytelling she is able to share extensive knowledge of these much-maligned animals. Kimmi would be a perfect class novel to read aloud and there is so much scope for further investigation. A heart-warming story.
Fans of others in the Solve your own mystery series (The Monster maker and The missing magic) will be thrilled to have the fun and excitement of another mystery to solve. This time You and your yeti boss Klaus are travelling on the Transylvanian Express going to Castle Ursprung the home of the vampire Count Fledermaus. But – the Night Mayor Franklefink vanishes from the train. Who could have caused his disappearance – Bramwell Stoker, or Sandra Rigmarole or his monster wife?
Once again, the reader, always referred to as You, makes the decisions about which clues to pursue and who might be the most likely suspect. This gives lots of opportunity for different scenarios and allows the reader to try out their detective skills and even read the book again to try to solve the mystery in a different way.
The layout of the book is very attractive with engaging black and white illustrations by Louise Forshaw which add humour to the story. Older readers will be happy to notice the references to horror stories and mysteries that the very clever author, Gareth P. Jones makes when naming his characters and places.
Ideal for Halloween, this is a series that is sure to have appeal for young readers who enjoy humour and problem solving.
Themes Detectives, Humour, Adventure, Crime, Problem Solving.
