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A Lemon for Safiya

Jun17
A Lemon for Safiya

A Lemon for Safiya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Lemon for Safiya

Jemima Shafei-Ongu

Nisaluk Chantanakom

Lothian, 2025

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

9780734422224

“It was Safiya who first spotted the woman sitting on the edge of the footpath, sock-sandalled feet in the gutter, busy cars speeding past.”

And so begins a compassionate and compelling story of Safiya and her parents taking their time to find where the old woman has come from, because clearly the gutter is not her home.  Yet no one else has bothered to stop to help this elderly lady who has become invisible to society because of her ethnicity, race, religion, language, age and now dementia – a story that is sadly echoed as so many develop tunnel vision as they race about their daily lives.  

But to Safiya’s family, particularly her mother who speaks Arabic and can communicate with the woman, she is neither invisible or ignored and not only do they manage to find her family but learn a little about the life she has lead, including the significance of the lemon she is clutching.  “Every line on her face seemed to hold a story.” The final image is touching and suggests that not only has Maryam lived many stories but a new one has begun.

As the Baby Boomer generation ages and dementia and other age-related illnesses take their toll, sadly there are many who seem to be forgotten and unseen by society generally and the isolation is compounded when communications break down through either a lack of English or the loss or memory.  Luckily, Maryam’s family had ensured she had an identity bracelet to help with just this situation but the fear of a loved one wandering off is ever-present.  

While this story puts a face and personal context to this growing issue it is nevertheless a universal story – one playing out in so many families regardless of their heritage, language and beliefs.  We can only hope that if Maryam were our elderly relative, it would be a Safiya who noticed her. 

Skin

Jun10
Skin

Skin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin

Deborah Kelly

Rhiza Edge, 2025

128pp., pbk., RRP $A14.99

9781761112454

“When a tiny freckle on Lexie Collins’s cheek turns out to be a rare kind of melanoma that requires surgery, she is left with a big, ugly scar across one cheek. She had just earned a spot in the state finals for public speaking, but with the scar, her confidence has vanished. She doesn’t even recognise herself anymore.

Mum and Dad keep reminding Lexie how lucky she is that she didn’t need further treatment. But Lexie doesn’t feel lucky at all. She suddenly feels ugly, unsure of herself and different from all her friends. She doesn’t want to be seen—let alone speak—in public ever again.

But when a chance encounter turns into an unexpected friendship, Lexie’s feelings about her scar—and herself—slowly begin to change.”

Recommended for those 14+, this is not normally a book I would review for this blog but because of its important message about body image – from both perspectives of judging others and being judged – which impacts our tweens as much as our teens, I am making this exception as it is one that parents and young girls need to be aware of. Even if a young person, girl or boy, has not been ‘disfigured” by melanoma – itself an important topic to be discussed as the bullet-proof generation disregard all they have learned about being sun-smart – many will have some issue that causes them self-doubt and makes them the target for bullies, sadly, too often with disastrous consequences, so Lexie’s story needs to be known, shared, promoted – whatever it takes to help young people understand that who they and their friends are as they are is enough. Because we know that at this age peer opinion and pressure is more persuasive than anything parents say or do, and even moreso in these days of social media and its filtered reality where even strangers’ comments can overwhelm our own inner voice, this is an authentic story that echoes the lives of many. The author, Deborah Kelly, is no stranger to writing these realistic, empathetic stories which include the CBCA 2020 shortlisted The Thing about Oliver and The Chalk Rainbow  and this is equally as engaging and evocative.

Not a news bulletin goes by without some report of teenage thugs terrifying others as they wield machetes and so forth, seemingly in an attempt to prove something to their peers, and the perpetrators and their victims are younger and younger so, while this story is not going to solve the situation, any tool we have to promote discussion about and improve perception of individual self-worth is worth knowing about and using. 

It is the first in a series called Rhiza Shorts, described by the publishers as “Teen fiction. Minimal words. Maximum impact. A new list of teen novellas for busy teens or reluctant readers. Each book has an easy to follow stand-a-lone story based on topics, struggles and interests that teens face today.”  The list of up-coming titles and the themes they cover can be found by following the link, and again, while their target audience is for those older than this blog caters for, I believe there is a place for them in the Senior Fiction section of the primary library and perhaps as a starting point for a health and well-being curriculum.  

Bob and Dob

Jun8
Bob and Dob

Bob and Dob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob and Dob

Sean E. Avery

Walker Books, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A25.99

9781760658113

There was once a small bird called Bob who had a brother, aptly called Dob because that’s what he did.  Whenever Bob did something risky like flying too high or go hunting for worms on his own, Dob would tell on him.  So often, that even their mother got sick of hearing the stories and told them she didn’t want to hear any more tales.  

Knowing he wouldn’t get into trouble, Bob got bolder and bolder until one day… 

Dob saw the danger lurking but neither Bob or his mother would listen.  And disaster strikes. Even though he was always getting him into trouble, Dob still loved Bob so can he save him?  Is there ever an okay time to tell a lie?

Although Sean Avery writes for a variety of audiences and in a variety of formats, he seems to have a special knack for crafting stories that particularly capture the attention of our youngest readers, and this one is no different.  Every little person with a sibling will know this scenario and relate to it, whether they are a Bob or a Dob.  And both perspectives are going to generate some lively discussions.

This is definitely next Friday’s read for the local preschoolers. 

Hairbrain Saves the Ocean

Jun6
Hairbrain Saves the Ocean

Hairbrain Saves the Ocean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hairbrain Saves the Ocean

Danny Katz

Mitch Vane

Walker Books, 2025

96pp., pbk., RRP $A15.99

9781760656515

Despite his nickname, Hairbrain is always thinking up new ideas, particularly those that help people live a better life or to save the planet.  In fact, he has a file of 10,782 ideas (approximately.)  However, when the family goes to the beach and Hairbrain dons his mask , snorkel and fins expecting to be able to see fish, dugongs and other underwater creatures he is very disappointed to discover nothing more than plastic bags, broken bottles and other rubbish left by humans. And so he invents a machine that he is convinced will clean up the ocean – if only he and his little sister can get it there.

This is a new series by the team who devised the Little Lunch series and its release is timely as naturalist David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday with the release of Ocean and has declared that “If we save the ocean, we can save the planet.” So while its narrative might be light-hearted and its presentation designed to appeal to its intended audience of emerging readers who prefer short and sweet stories, there is a serious underlying message that should provoke thinking not only about what we put into our waterways but what we, as individuals and collectively can do to fix the damage already done.  Who doesn’t want their grandchildren to see fish and dugongs and whales and the wonders of the underwater world?

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Whether this is a standalone or the first in a series is unclear, but it may be the springboard to newly independent readers seeking out the Little Lunch  series or maybe moving to the soon-to-be-released  PawPrints series which is described as “A new series for emerging readers, written and illustrated by some of Australia’s funniest popular creators.”  Whichever, they will continue to read and confirm their belief that they can be “real readers”. 

Tawny Trouble

May30
Tawny Trouble

Tawny Trouble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tawny Trouble

Deb Fitzpatrick

Fremantle Press, 2025

128pp.,. pbk., RRP $A14.99

9781760995294

Tessa and her family have been to a weekend music festival and are returning to their holiday cottage in an old logging village deep in the south-western WA forests when they hit a tawny frogmouth diving for the insects attracted to their car’s headlights.  Luckily, Tessa’s mum was driving slowly because not only is nighttime wildlife on the road a novelty for them, but Tessa and her young brother and sister have heard stories of the possibility that there could still be thylacines in the area, because before the last-known one died in Hobart Zoo in 1936, and they were officially declared extinct in 1982 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and in 1986 by the Tasmanian government, the creature roamed the Australian mainland, not just Tasmania, and their eyes were looking at every movement and shadow.

Although the tawny frogmouth is not killed, it is injured and so the family put it in a box and first thing the next morning, they seek help for it.  Directed by Sharon the village shopkeeper, they meet Otto, a local wildlife carer who lives off-grid deep in the forest who takes Tawny and puts her in a vast aviary to heal, while introducing the family to some of the other creatures in his care,

This is a fascinating stepping stone story for young emerging readers who will not only put themselves in Tessa’s shoes but also learn about how to care for injured wild animals, becoming more and more common on roads, including that you must turn it into a registered carer within 72 hours. They will feel her fear as she makes her nighttime journey through the bush when she has her “big bad idea” and heave a sigh of relief when the resolution is revealed.  

Not only an engaging and satisfying read in itself, because the mystery of the thylacine is unresolved, and the family book into the same cottage for the next school holidays, it may be that there is a sequel coming… 

In the meantime, readers can enjoy Kelpie Chaos by the same author.

Original photographer unknown

Original photographer unknown

The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best (series)

May22
The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best

The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best

Out of Bounds

 9781460765388

The Girl Who Cried Bird

9781460765401

Katherine Collette

Harper Collins 2024-25

336pp., pbk., RRP $A17.99

Alma T. Best lives in Shellsville, a town whose main claims to fame are its sewage treatment plant and its basketball team, which could be okay in normal circumstances, but it’s tricky when you’re 12, already 1.8metres tall and you hate basketball.  Especially when people are continually asking you if you do. While all her friends are looking forward to moving to Point Elizabeth High School, Alma has won a scholarship to Holy Grace, an all-girls college that is also the biggest rival of the basketball team, which could be problematic, particularly as, rather than admitting where she lives and who she knows, she tells a lie…

Then, having got herself into an embarrassing situation in the first episode, you would think that Alma may have learned a lesson about telling tall tales but it appears not so because in the second in the series, rather than her family celebrating her as part of National Middle Child Day, she has to go on the annual bird-watching competition with them – something  she enjoys almost as much as basketball. 

So when she manages to see an extremely rare purple-bellied parrot, it’s big news. and she’s practically, almost, nearly, entirely famous! The only problem is no one else saw the parrot … And no one saw Alma see the parrot … And no one has seen the parrot since. When some so-called ‘experts’ suggest Alma didn’t see the bird at all, she’s determined to prove them wrong, no matter what. But given that the bird hasn’t been seen for 32 years, and her previous experiences, how can she show people that she is telling the truth?

Is this a series about a pathological liar, or is it about a young girl, who perceives herself to be so different from her peers that she will go to any lengths to be noticed, rather like the Aesop fable of The Boy who Cried Wolf? Straddling childhood and independence, being 12 is a tricky age and so this is a series that will resonate with many young female independent readers who are feeling confused about just where and how they fit in, especially if they are comparing themselves to their peers who seem to have it all together, breezing through puberty, the transition to high school and all the other challenges the age group faces.  Perhaps telling “white” lies to boost your status, your life  and your self-esteem seems an appealing option, but is it really the best way forward? While Alma’s poor choices may be obvious to the reader, it’s not so clear when you, yourself, are in a situation where you have to save face, and maintain your reputation and relationships, so not only are Alma’s scenario and circumstances familiar to many readers,  they could also prompt some self-reflection.. Is it better to be acceptable and accepted in the moment, or is your big-picture reputation more important?  

Having managed to survive two episodes which have involved to navigate some tricky incidents of her own making, the question is whether Alma has learned from her behaviour or will there be a third in the series?

 

  

 

 

Higher Ground

May11
Higher Ground

Higher Ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher Ground

Tull Suwannakit

New Frontier, 2025

hbk., RRP $A32.99

9781922326997

When it rains and rains and  a flood engulfs their apartment building and there is no rescue in sight because everyone has already left the city, Grandma and her two grandchildren and their pet rabbit are left stranded on the roof garden. Surrounded by water, Grandma teaches them all she knows about survival particularly the critical notion of never giving up hope.  

As the seasons pass and using their growing knowledge of planting, nurturing, recycling and hanging in there, the children’s energy complementing Grandma’s wisdom and strength. Even when it is clear that the rising waters will eventually swallow even their rooftop sanctuary, Grandma becomes more and more frail and encourages the children to build a raft and sail into the unknown on their own, the thread of resilience and hope remains strong.

This is an unusual book as it is a blend of picture book, graphic novel, and diary with minimal text and so much explored and explained in the illustrations, beginning as monochromatic but gradually getting lighter and brighter as the children find salvation.  Those who believe that the amount of text and sentence length determine a book’s suitability for readers will consider this one for those is the 5-8 bracket, but there are so many layers that it is of significance to all ages.  Apart from the physical threat of the flood (which could be a trigger for many, especially those in northern NSW or south-western Queensland), the flood could also be metaphorical as students face a variety of situations and circumstances that threaten to overwhelm them.  There are also themes of intergenerational relationships, climate change, sustainable living, needs versus wants, resilience, and the importance of hope to explore, as well as considering what it would be like to have to leave everything and everyone you know for a new life in an unknown place.  

Suwannakit says that the book was seven years in the making as it underwent many changes but the result is something that spans life and age groups, offering something personal for so many. Powerful. Expect to see it in awards list over the next year.

 

Draining the Lake & The Family Business

May10
Draining the Lake & The Family Business

Draining the Lake & The Family Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draining the Lake & The Family Business

Archimede Fusillo

IP Kidz, 2025

88pp., pbk., RRP $A17.00

9781922830609

Short stories with straightforward, uncomplicated “boys-being-boys” plots may be the key to unlocking the world of reading for some of our reluctant readers who are overwhelmed by the length of novels, and if they are, then these two by author Archie Fusillo could be just what they are looking for.

When the local council decide to drain the local lake in the middle of a drought, Russell and Demetri are very suspicious that there is something sinister and secretive afoot and decide to discover what it is.  A casual remark about the lost city of Atlantis by Demetri has Russell’s imagination running wild, and before they know it, the boys are heading out onto the lake at dusk in their dinghy to see just what the Council is not telling them. To their dismay, their boat bumps into something very hard, very tall and very cold protruding from the water’s surface and they are convinced…  Racing home and sending photos and some dramatic text to the local newspaper they are certain they are going to be rich and famous…

Meanwhile, in the second story, Nick’s parents have a prosperous singing act as Elvis and Elvira Presley, impersonating the famous singer at local venues.  His father thinks that Nick should be included in the act as a young Elvis, but apart from being stage-shy, it is not something Nick wants to do.  So he hatches a plan with a friend for a completely different act… What could go wrong?

Fusillo has been writing contemporary realistic fiction for independent readers for years, and has a knack for turning the everyday into an absorbing story as he explores issues and emotions that are familiar to his audience.  These two are no different, although they are more “boys’ own adventure” stories than particularly deep and meaningful treatises, particularly as both have boys who are typically blinkered to the needs and lives of others, live for devising pranks that are better than those of their peers, and are fearless and fancy-free until they aren’t….  However, if they spark an interest in those who are hesitant about delving into the world of print, they provide an opportunity to suggest more substantial works by the same author, so they not only consolidate their skills, but build their confidence about mastering them.   And that has to be win-win.

Some for younger readers

Some for younger readers

How to Sail to Somewhere

May9
How to Sail to Somewhere

How to Sail to Somewhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Sail to Somewhere

Ashleigh Barton

Lothian, 2025

276pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

9780734423627 

Beatrice Glass – Bea – lives in the tiny fishing village of Willow that is sleepy all year until the summertime, when the tourists flock in and most of the locals leave. Bea’s parents are among the few who stay but she seldom sees them because they always seem to be at work, and so Bea has to fill in the long days by herself. Usually she doesn’t mind because summer is also when Bea’s favourite person in the entire world, her uncle Byron, comes to stay, full of fun and ideas for good times..

On their last day together the previous summer, Byron had given Bea an intriguing antique book containing a map of Somewhere, a mysterious island off the coast, and promised that next summer they’d sail to Somewhere together for their best adventure yet.  That was last year. Now summer has arrived, but Byron hasn’t. And now it looks like he never will.

Lonely and missing Byron, Bea teams up with a girl from her school – one who seems to be so popular and surrounded by stories that Bea has never dreamed of their being friends – but it turns out that both the book and Somewhere have particular significance for Arabella as well.  Will they be able to get to the mysterious star-shaped island to satisfy their own quests and solve the mysteries?

Written for independent readers who are able to manage some twists and turns in a plot, this is an ideal entry into the mystery genre as Bea and Arabella forge a new friendship based on their common goal of finding a loved one, and try to work out why Somewhere is the shared link in both their stories as they piece together the parts of the jigsaw they each have to uncover the answers to their questions. With relatable characters, each with a personal reason for getting to Somewhere that is set in the here-and-now, the reader will enjoy trying to unravel the clues that Byron has left along with Bea and Arabella and their growing friendship and deepening knowledge of who they, themselves, are, as each faces and feels their personal loss, will also resonate.  

So while this is another new story to go with this year’s CBCA Book Week theme of Book an Adventure, it is also one about acknowledging ,accepting  and accommodating some of those big feelings that, sadly, many children face and finding a way to move forward.

 

 

Something Terrible (series)

May7
Something Terrible (series)

Something Terrible (series)

Something Terrible (series)

Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces

9781760658564

Becky Brush-Your-Hair

9781760658410

Wanda Wear-Your-Glasses

9781760659035

Sally Barton

Christopher Nielsen

Walker Books, 2025

96pp., pbk, RRP $A15.99

At first glance, it would seem that Rufus Street is like any other – ordinary families doing ordinary things with nothing to make it really stand out.  Except – the kids who live there seem to have rather strange names!  Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces, Becky Brush-Your-Hair and Wanda Wear-your-Glasses are just three of them, and who knows who lives behind the doors of the other houses.  Those aren’t exactly the names on their birth certificates though – it’s just they are heard so often, followed by the phrase ” or something TERRIBLE will happen!’, that people think that’s the child’s real name.

The kids themselves, don’t seem to be too bothered about that “something terrible” happening -until it does and they, and their neighbours get dragged into some sticky situations.  Like when Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces doesn’t and finds himself falling down a manhole into the sewers below the street.  And he has dragged kindly Mr Wilbanks with him, and they have to face the most disgusting things to find their way out again.  Or Becky who doesn’t brush her hair and it knit-knots and twist-twirls as she walks along, until birds decide it is the ideal nesting place.  And we can only imagine what happens to Wanda Wear-Your-Glasses because that’s not published till August.

Of all the series published for young, emerging readers every now and then one stands out and you know it is going to be a favourite.  To my mind, this is one of those.  Ordinary, relatable kids, the type of action that dares adults to read it aloud, humour and clever, appealing physical design all make for an engaging read that is going to draw in even the most reluctant reader, particularly if they are given the job of reading one and deciding whether the rest of the series will be worth purchasing!

And of course, kids could also be invited to think about what their name would be – mine would probably be Barbara Bite-your-Tongue – and then creating their own story about the Something Terrible that might happen to them…