Archive | April 2015

The Hueys in None the Number

Apr20
The Hueys in None the Number

The Hueys in None the Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hueys in None the Number

Oliver Jeffers

HarperCollins 2014

hbk., 32pp., RRP $A24.99

9780007420698

How do you explain the concept of none, nothing, zero?  That something that isn’t even there is something?  This is one of the most difficult mathematical concepts for very young children to understand, given that they are still very much in the concrete stage of development, yet given its importance in maths it is one of the most critical. And in this charming counting book Oliver Jeffers manages it perfectly. 

Using his quirky characters The Hueys, he builds up the idea by adding one to none to get a blue telephone and then two beds until the big day building up to a crescendo of items that are suddenly taken away leaving …none.  Jeffers doesn’t confine himself to the usual objects found in counting books – each collection is a story in itself like the seven oranges being balanced on things.  Why would you try to balance an orange on something?  Or the teddy-shaped parcel that becomes everything from a tennis racquet to a train set. And the nine seagulls that steal Frank’s chips just invite the young listeners to share their own stories.

Oliver Jeffers has a knack and a reputation for making the ordinary extraordinary and this third adventure of these lovable characters is no exception.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Bears Don’t Read

Apr17
Bears Don't Read

Bears Don’t Read

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bears Don’t Read

Emma Chichester Clark

HarperCollins, 2014

hbk., 32pp., RRP $A24.99

9780007425181

Bear is not like the other grizzly bears in the woods.  While they are perfectly happy doing bear things like fishing, Bear is bored. 

“Oh, life is lovely,” he thought. “Tra-la-la and all that!  But is this it?” he wondered.  “Is this all there is?”

Then one day, Bear discovers a book.  And inside it were pictures of bears just like him, but there were also a lot of words and even Bear knew that they meant something, even the tiny ones.  But what?  So he decides to go into the town to find out, to find someone who will teach him to read.  But instead of being greeted by a band of willing helpers, he is met by people fleeing and the police riot squad!  Until he meets Clementine…

As well as being a charming story, this book celebrates Bear’s determination and acknowledges that reading is not an easy task, something the target audience will be able to empathise with. Clementine’s patience mirrors that of the early childhood teacher and the ending is delightful.  Even though bears are depicted and fierce and scary, the illustrations are soft and gentle supporting the words to show a different side of this species.   Emma Chichester Clark has a distinctive style that has seen her win many awards for her illustrations and this is another superb example.

Intruder

Apr15
Intruder

Intruder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intruder

Christine Bongers

Woolshed Press/ Random House 2014

pbk, 328pp., RRP $18.99

9780857983763 (pbk)

9780857983770 (ebk)

For the three years since her mother’s death from cancer, Kat and her dad, Jimmy, have lived a very private life, keeping themselves and their business to themselves, fearing another intervention from the authorities which will split them apart again.  Each night Jimmy goes out to play gigs in Brisbane’s bars and clubs and then backs up with the early morning shift at a local bakery struggling to meet the mortgage on the house that his wife loved, but also leaving Kat home alone at just 14.  One night, Kat wakes up to find an intruder standing over her bed, his hand on her leg and it is only her blood-curdling scream and the arrival of the hated woman-next-door with a softball bat that prevents the attack going any further.

However, this event is just part of a traumatic experience for Kat as it is the catalyst for an unravelling of her life as she believes it to be with all the fervour, tunnel-vision perspective and sense of rightness that 14-year olds have.  Born from a real incident happening to the author’s daughter who was eventually able to get over her guilt and start exploring the what-ifs, this is an intriguing tale of revisit and reborn.  Kat has been shaped by her past and her interpretation of events and is trapped within it, and it is only when she is offered the choice of staying with her neighbour, whom she hates so much she will not even pass her house, or having a guard dog which she fears as a victim of a savage attack that she is forced to find an escape route from the cocoon she has spun around herself and Jimmy. It is not an easy journey and in travelling it she has to confront fears and situation that challenge her beliefs, which, while making her very vulnerable also make her stronger.   

Intruder is a story that will be adored by those on the transition between childhood and adolescence.  It has just enough suspense to keep turning the page, but not enough to terrify; its characters are diverse, realistic, memorable and recognisable and show that we all need a little bit of everyone to enrich our lives; and the plot, while very plausible, is not so close-to-home that the reader will fear being alone or turning the light off.  While I’m not a fan of one-size-fits-all, I acknowledge that this story would have great value as a small-group read, perhaps as a book club, where readers can discuss its layers, explore the what-ifs, and perhaps not only gain some insight into that typical tunnel-vision of the age group, but perhaps develop some safety strategies as well. Teaching notes are available.

Christine Bongers’ two previous titles – Dust and Henry Hoey Hobson – have both featured in the CBCA awards lists which gives an indication of the quality of her story-telling and ability to reach her target audience well. 

Please note that this is a book for senior primary/YA readers.  It has been included here because it is a CBCA shortlisted book for 2015.

The Simple Things

Apr15
The Simple Things

The Simple Things

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Simple Things

Bill Condon

Allen & Unwin, 2014

pbk., 168pp., RRP $A12.99

9781743317242

For every Christmas and birthday of his ten years, Aunt Lola has sent Stephen $10.00 and, at his mother’s insistence, he has dutifully written to thank her.  But he has never met her and doesn’t want to – what would a ten-year-old city boy and an old spinster aunt have in common?  But as her 80th birthday approaches, Stephen’s parents take him for a holiday with her –and she is all that he is expected.  Crotchety, pedantic, set in her ways and a bit scary. How long can three weeks last?  Like many of today’s children, because of scattered families he hasn’t had much to do with the elderly and he’s a little afraid of what to expect – not made any easier by his shyness. But as the days go by, both begin to learn about each other and themselves, and the joys the simple things of life can bring. Through Stephen’s innocent questions and observations, Aunt Lola learns to let go and Stephen learns some surprising life lessons through simple things like finally catching a fish and his discovery that Aunt Lola has kept every one of those thank-you letters!

Tempered by dad-humour (a close relative to dad-dancing), this is a gentle story written with compassion and understanding from both points of view.  Aunt Lola has kept a secret for over 60 years that has tempered her view of the world, particularly trusting others like her neighbour Norm, while Stephen learns to look beyond his fears and begins to develop understanding and empathy. It is a story of hope and joy that touches on some important issues about relationships and acceptance by focusing on characters that are so ordinary and real  they bring the story to life.  They could  be someone the reader knows.

Beth Norling’s quirky line drawings at the beginning of each chapter add an extra layer to what appears to be a simple book but really is one of some complexity. It is skilfully crafted by an experienced author (Condon says there were several complete rewrites of it before he was satisfied) to help our younger readers realise that older people are just another generation, not another race.  As our parents and grandparents live longer than they ever have, our children are going to experience their ageing in a way that previous generations have not, and so anything that builds a bridge of understanding and acceptance (from both ends) has to be welcomed.

Old age is a privilege not a right, and there are many who don’t get to enjoy it, so there are many children who don’t get to experience the love and warmth that a great-grandma or great-grandpa can offer.  Having had the most loving grandparents and now being one, I know the riches grandparents give and receive.  Stephen is lucky that he learns to love Aunt Lola and that love is reciprocated.  Would that all our kids could experience such a special relationship.

This would be a perfect accompaniment to a study of family history and the continuum of life.

 

The Greedy Dog

Apr9
The Greedy Dog

The Greedy Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greedy Dog

Rosie Dickins

Francesca di Chiara

Usborne Picture Books, 2015

pbk., 24pp., RRP $A12.99

9781409584841

Dog is always hungry and his thoughts are always about food.  Even though he had already had a slice of steak, half a ham and a whole string of sausages, he was thinking about his dinner.  In the market town it is market day and his nose leads him to the butcher’s stall where there are all sorts of delicious doggy delights – in particular, a big juicy bone that is irresistible.  Carefully, he sneaks up and snatches it, hightailing it out of town before anyone can catch him. 

Delighted with his daring and his success, he runs until he comes to a river and the cool water reminds him he is thirsty and needs a drink.  But as he bends over the water, he sees another dog with a bone, fat and juicy and bigger than his.  He is determined to have it…

This is a retelling of The Dog and his Reflection, a fable by Aesop that dates back hundreds of years.  Written in an entertaining way and brought right up-to-date with lively, colourful illustrations it provides the platform for a discussion about being content with what we have as well as a springboard to other fables, their format and messages.  Are stories meant to entertain us or educate us, or is there room for both?  It could be the start of having even very young students start looking below the surface for the juicy bones beneath – the message that the writer is trying to help us understand.

But even without the philosophical discussion, it just a lovely story to read aloud to our youngest readers.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

 

The Crocodile under the Bed

Apr6
The Crocodile under the Bed

  The Crocodile under the Bed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Crocodile under the Bed

Judith Kerr

HarperCollins, 2014

hbk., 32pp., RRP $A24.99

9780007586752

Matty is inconsolable.  Instead of being able to go to the party to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, he is stuck in his bed, too sick to go out.  Not even being looked after by his grandfather placates him. After everyone has left and it is very quiet as Grandpa reads the paper, Matty hears a voice. “Want to go to a party?” it says.  And from underneath the bed comes a large green crocodile complete with pink pointy party hat. 

And as Grandpa sleeps, Matty climbs onto the crocodile’s back and with a toot on his party blower they fly out of the window into the big open sky.

But they don’t go to the Queen’s birthday – they go to the King’s birthday – the king of the jungle!  Led by Chimp, Matty enjoys a party like no other with games that could never be had at the Queen’s birthday.  There’s the rip-roarer ride on the tiger’s back, the big bounce with gorilla and even the great serpentine slide – with a special surprise at the end.  Suddenly, it is time to go – the Queen’s birthday party has finished in a deluge and Matty needs to be home in bed before his family get there…

Ever since author Judith Kerr wrote The Tiger who came to Tea in 1968, this book has been on her drawing board and is finally in the shape that she wants after 46 years and another 29 books!  But even at 91, Kerr knows what children want and she tells a tale that will never date delivering a magical, whimsical book that allows their imagination to take flight and soar.  Her illustrations are just as delicate with their soft colour palette and the storyline is delightful – why go to a street party with all your neighbours when you can go to a jungle party where you’re the special guest? 

This is a story for all ages of childhood  – it’s a lovely read-aloud bedtime story for the very young but it is also a tale to intrigue older children whose imaginations allow them to believe in flying crocodiles and have rides on a fish called Fat Flapper and who can probably think of similar adventures they would have if a crocodile came out from under their bed.

Kerr has lost none of her touch nor her charm. 

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Run, Pip, Run

Apr2
Run, Pip, Run

Run, Pip, Run

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Run, Pip, Run

J.C. Jones

Allen & Unwin, 2015

pbk., 200pp., RRP $A12.99

9781743319222

Pip’s origins are very unclear, even to her.  She was left in an apple crate on Sully’s doorstep as a newborn and so he named her Pip and raised her as his granddaughter.  All goes well until Pip’s 10th birthday when just as he is presenting her birthday cake, Sully has a stroke and falls, ending up in hospital.  And suddenly the police want to know about Pip’s family so she can be cared for while Sully is recuperating. 

But Sully has filled Pip’s head with stories of the sorts of people who take in foster kids so there is no way she is going to let them take her.  And so begins an engaging story of how Pip lives on her wits to keep herself out of their clutches, starting with finding an empty house that is for sale where she can live in the luxury that she has never experienced before.  Living with Sully means she knows her way around the local racetracks so she is able to get some money – she’s desperately trying to raise enough for Sully to go to rehab, thinking it’s one of those expensive places where famous people go to dry out – and the story cracks along as she dodges the ever-encroaching arms of Senior Constable Molly Dunlop. And then Sully dies…

This is a story that I would put in the pile of the good, solid read for those looking for something a little different, an appealing heroine (who is more like a boy) and a fast-paced but realistic adventure.  It’s about love, loyalty, friendship and courage as a little girl tries desperately to cling onto what she knows and believes.  It is cleverly written so that the reader can understand Pip’s perspective of being independent and invincible but also appreciate that the adults are trying to do what they know is best for her- her current life is not sustainable.

If you’re looking for a great read-aloud to kickstart Term 2, this would be it.

Red A Crayon’s Story

Apr2
Red A Crayon's Story

  Red A Crayon’s Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red A Crayon’s Story

Michael Hall

HarperCollins, 2015

hbk., 40pp., $A24.99

9780062252074

His label clearly states he is Red.  But sadly, he wasn’t very good at being red.  In fact, whenever he was asked to be red as in a fire truck or a strawberry he was the exact opposite – he was very blue.  His mother Olive thought he should mix more with others so she introduced him to Yellow and suggested they make an orange – but instead it was greenish.  His grandmother Silver gave him a warm red scarf for the school portraits – but that didn’t help.  The other crayons begin to gossip thinking Red just needs to try harder, although Sunshine suggests he just needs more time.  But no matter what, even the interventions of the other art supplies, Red just didn’t.  Until one day Red meets Berry…

This is one of the most amazing picture books I’ve encountered in a long time.  It is superficially simple but there are so many layers to it that every read reveals something new.  The narrator is depicted as a simple, everyday lead pencil and the other characters are the crayons in their coloured wrappers whose comments not only bring them alive but also match who they are – for example Army Green suggest Red has “to press harder” while Fuchsia thinks  red is “not very bright”  Set against a black background with white text, the colours pop from the page and on those pages where Red and the others draw, the pictures are very reminiscent of the drawings of the very young.  But there is so much more to this than a picture book that has visual appeal that introduces children to colours.

It has a message about celebrating difference, not judging things by their appearance and the danger of labelling that we can all learn from. It celebrates diversity and difference.  Building on a recent experience, my first thought was that this could be perfect for a transgender child.  It’s most powerful message is “be yourself” and be happy about being different, a message emphasised by Angelina Jolie at the Nickelodeon Awards http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/29/entertainment/angelina-jolie-nickelodeon-feat/  Knowing who you are and being true to yourself is so much more important than the opinions of others, such a basic foundation of strong mental health for all ages.

If this were an Australian book, I’d expect to see it shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year – it is brilliant.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…