The Cave

The Cave by Victor Kelleher (Eagle Books) ISBN: 9790645378863 PB RRP $19.99

Reviewed by Melissa Wray

After a disastrous encounter with the Beast, Irian and Ulana find themselves fighting for survival in a prehistoric world. Along the way they meet an unusual woman, Trug. The three form an unlikely team as they fight to survive every day against the elements, and ferocious prey that hunt them.

As the three characters continue their journey, we meet new characters who are just as important to the storyline. Pivotal in fact, so that Irian, Ulana and even Trug can find their way in the harsh world in which they live. The journey each makes takes them on a path to a new world, a new existence, and new future.

Kelleher creates a prehistoric world in a way that is both familiar and unfathomable. He leads the characters on a journey where the descriptive writing is detailed enough that the reader can easily imagine being on the journey with them. The characters he has created are so unique, so individual and so enjoyable that they will each stay with the reader long after the final page has been read. Trug is like the grumpy grandma that everyone loves, even with her spiky comments. A perfect addition of wise and witty to young and serious personalities.

There are some topical, as well as hard-hitting themes within this novel that could be unpacked with the right target audience. Trauma and grief is one such heavy theme that could easily be discussed through Kelleher’s sensitive approach to writing Irian. Another discussion could be around kin verse community: what really makes a family? This could be discussed at length with many examples offered throughout the novel.

This book has a great blend of action, adventure, tension, and humour. The Cave is suitable for a 12+ year readership.

To and Fro

To and Fro by Anton Clifford-Motopi (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781761180378

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Twelve-year-old Sam is nearing the end of primary school and he is ready to move on. He has had enough of school concerts, adventure playgrounds, and school hats that do not fit his head properly because of his afro. Sam is of mixed race; he got his white skin from his Australian mother and his afro from his Black South African father, who he has never met.

Sam has always been confused about his heritage and is not quite sure where he fits in, which makes his school assignment ‘Who am I and where do I come from?’ especially challenging for him. When Sam receives an opportunity to meet his father, he is full of nerves, anticipation, and hope that he will find the clarity he has been searching for.

To and Fro is a middle grade novel inspired by the author’s own experiences. Its themes include identity, belonging, puberty, racism, stereotypes and microaggression. This book would appeal to readers aged 10 years and older who enjoy humorous stories about growing up and finding your way. Note: there is some cheeky language throughout the book including multiple mentions of farts, balls, and the ‘rude finger’.

Deep Is the Fen

Deep Is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson (Allen & Unwin) ISBN: 9781761066863 PB RRP $24.99

Reviewed by Melissa Wray

Merriweather Morgan is happy living in Candlecott with her Da and two best friends, Teddy and Sol. That is until Teddy decides he wants to join a secret society of Toadman. Merry will do everything in her power to stop him, even if that means joining forces with her academic nemesis, the arrogant snob, Caraway Boswell. But what seems a simple agreement to help each other soon turns into a life and death battle of higher powers for everyone she loves. 

Merry is a feisty, smart, independent, and determined girl on the cusp of adulthood with a university scholarship to look forward to. She lives in a world where magical powers are illegal, except for a few pre-approved spells. So, with a gift like Merry’s that allows her to read the mettle (life being) of others, she must be careful.

Caraway comes from wealth, prestige and a world far removed from Merry’s. Yet she finds herself drawn further and further into his world. One that becomes darker and more dangerous the deeper she goes. In his world she must determine truth from lies, magic from reality, loyalty from deception and love from lust.

Wilkinson’s ability to build a world of magical realism is extraordinary. She weaves a completely new language into a world of supernatural lives and traditions, but one that is easy to follow and understand. Wilkinson also provides the description of the characters, surrounds and events with such detail, it is easy to imagine Merry’s world of ancient Toadmen, mystical Deeping Fen and the glamours used to disguise the real world and what unfolds in it. The world building in this novel is exquisite!

This novel has themes of family, friendship, loss, loyalty, humour, romance, and magical realism that complement each one completely. The story will be devoured in its entirety because once you start reading, you will not stop until the final and dramatic conclusion. Deep Is the Fen is suitable for a 13+ years readership.

 

Lily Halfmoon The Witches Council

Lily Halfmoon: The Witches Council by Xavier Bonet (Allen & Unwin Australia) Fantasy Graphic Novel RRP $17.99 9781761069727

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Xavier Bonet is a self-taught illustrator and comic book artist who lives in Barcelona. He has illustrated many children’s books including Omnia by Laura Gallego, the volumes of Michael Dahl’s Really Scary Stories, and The Keepers Trilogy by Lian Tanner.

Lily Halfmoon is a witch who has an animal guardian and a powerful magic gemstone. She and her witch friends protect the town of Piedraveille from dangers. It’s Samhain, when magic is at its strongest, and witches from all over the world have gathered. Lily and her witch friends will have to fight off monsters and dark magic at the Samhain party because a mysterious person is after her rare moonstone. Lily must discover why this is? If they get their hands on the stone everything they hold dear could be destroyed. Can Lily find the strength and power to fight for her gemstone and what she believes?

Bonet has included an information page about Lily so that anyone can pick up this book and read it independently from the first book in the series -- The Magic Gems. Because the book is a graphic novel, the story is told with dialogue and images. The dialogue moves the plot, shares information, and gives character information. Bonet uses language that is efficient, magic related and child friendly. It’s the most special time of the year for witches. The world building is believable, and a young reader can use their existing knowledge of our world. Included in the story are information pages like a Witches Lunar Calendar. Samhain is also known as Halloween. It's the night witches celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Bonet also makes it clear there are magical people and non-magical people which makes this story understandable. I love the magic demonstrations, workshops, riddles, and races that are immersive and fun that the main characters experience, while a deeper plot brews under the surface.  The story has layers, so readers of different reading levels can experience the story and be entertained and thought-provoked. I love how the text and images are perfectly balanced to create page turns and keep you reading in an immersive fantasy world.  

The gorgeous illustrations are bright, imaginative, bold, and colourful.  Bonet’s love of comic books shines through in his illustrations that are detailed and have a modern comic book feel. The focus remains on Lily and her friends as they journey through the story. I love how when the story reaches its climax, Bonet uses a whole page spread to show the power and magic as it reveals who is trying to trick Lily and get her moon gemstone. I also discovered that Lily’s dad in the story looks a lot like Xavier Bonet so look and see what you think.

 

Lily Halfmoon The Witches Council is a fantasy graphic book that is the second book in this series and it’s enthralling. It’s a great read for the 7-11 years age group for its gripping storyline and highly engaging illustrations. This book is recommended for children who love fantasy and magic realism. It won’t disappoint, and I am sure there will be more of these books to come.

Alphabetter

Alphabetter by Maura Pierlot, illustrated by Jorge Garcia Redondo (Affirm Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781922863942

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Learning the alphabet has never been more inspiring! From A for adventurous to Z for zestful, each letter is accompanied by a positive personal virtue to which kids can aspire, as well as a simple description of the trait (which is particularly helpful for the trickier words, such as optimistic and resilient). A question at the end of every page encourages readers to proactively better themselves.

Maura Pierlot’s selection of words emphasises the value of making sensible decisions and being the best person possible. If children mess up, then that’s fine – as long as they think about their actions and choose a more appropriate path next time. Maura’s language is perfect for four- to eight-year-olds, as it explains the sometimes abstract concepts in an engaging and child-friendly manner.

A kaleidoscope of colour sambas across the spreads, reflecting the can-do attitude of the text. In a visual nod to I for inclusive, Jorge Garcia Redondo’s images feature children of all races, religions and abilities – and readers are sure to find themselves somewhere among the pages. The eye-catching and exuberant cartoon style will keep kids entertained as they seek out every detail.

Alphabetter emboldens children to be the change they wish to see. If they want to live in a kind, honest and tolerant world, then they must first nurture these beneficial attributes – and many others – within themselves. In this way, the alphabet becomes a syllabary of self-growth.

Tree

Tree by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761069505

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera 

Somewhere deep in a misty mountain forest, a towering tree rises above the canopy. From its roots to its leaves, it’s connected to and cares for a cacophony of creatures. ‘Between sapwood and heartwood, water rises and energy flows. The tree grows.’ Days and nights pass, and the tree endures … even when wildfires scorch the earth. When its time comes, it will fall to the forest floor. But for now, ‘the tree stands tall’.

Interweaving information and imagination, Claire Saxby draws children aged five to eight deep into Australia’s dense bushland. As a ‘lyrebird scritch-scratches’ and ‘centipedes scurry’ while a nearby ‘silver wattle shivers’, readers see, hear and feel what it’s like to live in this luscious landscape. Claire’s lyrical language sings of beauty in knowledge, and benefit in conservation.

Bright hues burst from Jess Racklyeft’s brilliant illustrations. From the fresh green of the foliage to the oozy ochre of the soil and the chill indigo stretching across the midnight sky, each alluring colour choice exudes authenticity. Youngsters will adore the fold-out page that brings the striking height of the tree to life, and they’ll spend hours investigating every intriguing detail.

This profound picture book introduces kids to the importance of trees in the ecosystem, and gently reminds them of the value of environmental protection. The heartfelt synthesis between words and images ensures that the message is uniquely uplifting.

Aggie Flea Steals the Show

Aggie Flea Steals the Show by Tania Ingram & A. Yi (Scholastic Australia) JF PB RRP $16.99 9781760976309

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Tania Ingram is an internationally published, best-selling author of children’s picture books and novels including the Jinny and Cooper Series and the hilarious Aggie Flea series.

A. Yi is an illustrator and animation artist based in Sydney. She has illustrated various children’s books including the best-selling Alice Miranda series.

Aggie Flea Steals the Show takes a reader on a such a fun journey. Aggie wants the role of Web Legs the superhero spider from Mars in the school play. But her imagination lands her in big trouble when the school play is ready to go on stage. Will Aggie shine or break the set and destroy the cast’s play dreams?

Ingram has created such a brilliant, fun character. Aggie Flea is imaginative, brave, and true to herself. You just can’t help fall in love with her. The energetic text takes you into Aggie’s world and you don’t want to leave until you reach the end of the story. Then you miss Aggie. The writing is playful but has an honesty about it that really is childlike and imaginative. Sometimes my big imagination gets me into trouble, though. Like, the time I thought my new neighbour was a vampire.

Ingram builds information into the story so that when something happens it has a greater impact. Mrs Flossy is deathly afraid of spiders. Whenever she sees one, she turns a strange grey colour and blinks a lot. You know spiders are going to appear in the story you just don’t know when. The dialogue and language are spot on and direct. ‘Go home, dork, and if I catch you spying on me again, I’ll give you a dead arm,’ he says. Each chapter builds the anticipation of the school play but also adds depth and layers to the characters and the story. Cleverly, comic strips have been added into the text featuring Aggie’s favourite character Princess Zombie and what she would do. This allowed A. Yi even more creative space. 

Yi’s illustrations are cartoon-like, full of action and include full pages and vignettes. The facial expressions and body language of the characters add depth, meaning and even more humour to the story. Aggie Flea on the lilac cover in school uniform with a pink feather boa, star sunglasses and cross eyes lets readers know who the story is about and that she is funny. The Princess Zombie comic strips add pizazz and allows you into another part of Aggie Flea’s imagination.

Aggie Flea Steals the Show is a junior fiction book that is the second book in a series and it sure does not disappoint. It makes you look forward to more Aggie Flea adventures.  It is suitable for 7 plus years. I think teachers will enjoy sharing this book with their class or a parent reading to their child. It really is a junior fiction book to hook children into reading.