Bookshelf 2008
In the Bookshelf section of each issue of Countdown, Blast Off, Orbit and Touchdown, we review a recommended book from a range of genres and (subject to the publisher's permission) print a short extract.
To read/download a list of the titles, authors and ISBNs for all 40 books in the 2008 Bookshelf List click on this PDF print version link.
Read short reviews of each title below - just follow the links.
Click on each magazine to jump to its list:
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COUNTDOWN BOOKSHELF LIST REVIEWS
1. JACK’S LITTLE PARTY written and illustrated by Bob Graham(Walker Books, 2007)
ISBN: 9781406306644
In three short chapters we share Jack’s birthday party with him, his friend, his little brother and his ebullient mother. Sometimes using your imagination to have a good party is much better than hiring a magician and getting a pile of gifts. Bob Graham’s understated humour and his insight into character bring the simple account to life in both word and picture.
2. PANCAKES FOR FINDUS written and illustrated by Sven Nordqvist(Gecko Press, 2007)
ISBN: 9780958278751
Farmer Pettson always makes Findus, his cat, pancakes for his birthday. But this time he finds he has no flour, and Pettson and Findus face many challenges in their quest for the missing ingredient. Original and quirkily humorous, this book by a well-known Swedish author-illustrator is, fortunately, now available to readers of English. The illustrations are charmingly detailed and contain small, hidden surprises.
3. THE PEASANT PRINCE by Li Cunxin, illustrated by Anne Spudvilas(Penguin Australia, 2007)
ISBN: 9780670070541
The inspiring true story of a Chinese peasant boy who is taken away from the only life he has ever known to be trained as a dancer. Exquisite illustrations further heighten the emotional impact of this picture book, which is a children’s version of the award-winning adult book Mao’s Dancer.
4. BEASTLY TALES by Richard Tulloch, illustrated by Terry Denton(Random House, 2006)
ISBN: 9781741661897
The unusual beasts in this collection of funny stories include Fussy Felix, a vulture who doesn’t like to eat leftovers, and Sensitive Stuart, a rhino who loves to dance and sing but can’t stand being laughed at. The stories are enhanced by Terry Denton’s dynamic illustrations.
5. IN THE CITY written and illustrated by Roland Harvey(Allen & Unwin, 2007)
ISBN: 9781741144130
Roland Harvey imbues all his work with a wealth of fascinating and entertaining visual details, and this scrapbook of a family’s holiday in the city is no exception. Full of fun and energy and family interactions.
6. DAN’S GRANDPA by Sally Morgan, illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft (Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 1996) ISBN: 9781863681599
Dan learns so much from his grandpa—dancing, fishing, speaking the Aboriginal language Naml—and when Grandpa gets sick and dies, it’s nearly unbearable. This straightforward yet poignant text about coming to terms with loss has been illustrated with magnificent paintings by distinguished Indigenous artist, Bronwyn Bancroft.
7. SILLY VERSE FOR KIDS written and illustrated by Spike Milligan(Puffin, 1963)
ISBN: 9780140303315
I’m not frightened of Pussy Cats/They only eat up mice and rats/But a hippopotamus/Could eat the Lotofus! This delightful collection contains verse on a wide range of topics, including string, teeth, things that go bump in the night, and why you must never bathe in an Irish stew. A classic book by a well-loved comedian and master of nonsense verse.
8. FLOTSAM written and illustrated by David Wiesner(Clarion Books, 2006)
ISBN: 9780618194575
A boy discovers an old underwater camera washed up on the seashore, finds it has a film inside and has the film developed. The ‘photographs’ show an extraordinary underwater world—as well as giving a clue to those who have found the camera previously. With its rich and vivid images, this remarkable wordless picture book dazzles the eye and excites the imagination.
9. MARTHA written and illustrated by Gennady Spirin (Philomel Books, 2005) ISBN: 0399239804
The highly acclaimed Russian-born artist and writer draws on a memory from his own family to relate this touching tale. Spirin recalls the day his wife and his young son, Ilya, discovered an injured crow in a park and brought it home. Though the vet advised putting the bird down, Ilya believed Martha the crow would recover. This simple story is enhanced by exquisite design and beautiful watercolour illustrations, and gives a rare glimpse into modern life in Moscow.
10. STUART LITTLE by E B White, illustrated by Garth Williams(Puffin, 2007 )
ISBN: 978014130506 6
The classic tale of young Stuart, born as a mouse into a human family. Stuart’s adventures, large and small and full of pathos, hope, love and friendship, come to life under the pen of a master craftsman of the English language. First published in 1945, the story of the hopeful mouse is familiar to many children in the form of a number of recent, highly successful Stuart Little films.
BLAST OFF REVIEWS:
1. SCARLETT’S BAT Written by Ian Bone, illustrated by Tom Jellett(Puffin, 2003)
ISBN: 0143300423
Scarlett loves to bat, but because she’s twelfth man on her team she never actually gets to play cricket. Her brother, the captain, won’t even let her come to practice. Then Tim McGanty breaks a leg … and Scarlett discovers a special bat that seems to give her amazing powers. Grippingly told and full of humour.
2. AKIMBO AND THE SNAKESWritten byAlexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Peter Bailey (Bloomsbury, 2006) ISBN: 9780747586101
Akimbo lives in Africa, where his uncle owns a snake park. When Akimbo goes to stay there in the holidays, his uncle recruits him to help capture a deadly green mamba. A dramatic—almost heart-stopping—and highly readable chapter book by a prolific children’s author.
3. ALL THE DEAR LITTLE ANIMALSWritten by Ulf Nilsson, illustrated by Eva Eriksson
(Gecko Press, 2006 ) ISBN: 0958259887
Three children get together one holiday and start a funeral business —for animals! A very gently told, humorous and touching picture book from Sweden, by a highly acclaimed writer-illustrator team.
4. ROBIN HOODRetold and illustrated by Marcia Williams(Walker Books, 1995)
ISBN: 9781406311372
A comic-strip retelling of Robin Hood for young readers, based on the many mythical adventures of the legendary character and his Merry Men. Told in episodes with lively and accessible language, through a mixture of colourful comic-strip and whole-page illustrations.
5. ZIBA CAME ON A BOATWritten by Liz Lofthouse, illustrated by Robert Ingpen (Penguin Australia, 2007) ISBN: 9780670028610
Australian artist Robert Ingpen is world renowned for his illustrations, and his hauntingly beautiful paintings make an appropriate backdrop to this story of refugees travelling to a new home. Based on true events, the book has only the briefest of texts but is overflowing with drama, courage, pathos and, ultimately, hope.
6. KAKADU CALLING: STORIES FOR KIDSWritten by Jane Garlil Christophersen , illustrated by Christine Christophersen (Magabala Books, 2007) ISBN: 9781921248009
Five stories of indigenous childhood in Kakadu where the writer herself grew up, told in an entertaining, clear, child-friendly style. The stories include exciting dramas of bush survival and wild fishing as well as gentler recounts of gathering bush tucker and a first, almost overwhelming visit to Darwin.
7. WHAT’S EATING YOU? PARASITES—THE INSIDE STORYWritten by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton (Walker, 2007) ISBN: 9781406300956
A lively, amusing and informative look at parasites and how they operate. Copious cartoon-like illustrations help elucidate the concepts for young readers in an information book that is accessible and inviting.
8. SCRANIMALSWritten Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Peter Sís(Greenwillow Books, 2007)
ISBN: 9780060753689
What do you get when you cross a porcupine with a pineapple? A porcupineapple, of course. Come on a wild journey to Scranimal Island, where you’ll meet many other fantastical, blended animals, including the broccolion and the orangutangerine. The text is beautifully matched by Peter Sís’s detailed and witty illustrations.
9. THE LEGEND OF THE WORST BOY IN THE WORLDWritten by Eoin Colfer , illustrated by Tony Ross (Penguin 2007) ISBN: 9780141318929
Whenever Will has a problem, there are usually at least two brothers queuing before him to complain to Mum or Dad, so he decides to talk to Grandad instead. But no matter what has happened to Will, something a million times worse has happened to Granddad. Then Will’s Dad tells him about a terrible and dangerous event in Will’s own past … Eoin Colfer’s excellent storytelling ability serves him well in this humorous and insightful book.
10. BEST MATEWritten by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (HarperCollins, 2007) ISBN 9780007262434
Best Mate’s life starts out dramatically as he floats down a canal in a plastic bag. When he is rescued with the other puppies and adopted by Patrick, it’s just the beginning of his adventures. An inspired combination of author and artist make the tale of his perilous existence compelling reading.
1. GIVE PEAS A CHANCE Written by Morris Gleitzman (Puffin Books 2007)
ISBN: 9780143302629
A collection of short stories from one of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors, told with Morris Gleitzman’s customary wit and insight. Funny, thought-provoking, surprising and moving, these tales will appeal to young readers on many different levels. In Orbit 1, we will be featuring a complete story from the collection, “Paparazzi”.
2. MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER Written by John Grogan (Harper Collins 2007)
ISBN: 9780007258048
Written by owner John Grogan, this memoir follows the adventures (and misadventures) of Marley: a cheeky, clumsy and rambunctious Labrador.
Some people might call Marley the worst-behaved dog in the world, but to the Grogans he is their greatest gift. Between the silliness and slobber, Marley shows John, Jenny, and their children the meaning and importance of friendship, loyalty and love in his own special, clumsy way.
3. TUTANKHAMEN’S TOMB Written by Jen Green (Allen & Unwin 2007) ISBN: 9781741753387
An exciting 3-D journey centred around the discovery and history of Tutankhamen’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Lavish pop-up models, lift-up flaps and cleverly designed peep-holes give a hint of what it would have been like for Howard Carter when he made the legendary find of the boy king’s final resting place. This beautiful book also covers such topics as treasures for the After Life, Gods and Goddesses of ancient Egypt, mummification and the lifestyles of Egyptian women in pharaonic times.
4. SAVING FINNEGAN Written by Sally Grindley (Bloomsbury 2007) ISBN: 9780747586173
When Holly finds a whale stranded on the beach, she is first at the forefront in the fight to save its life. But Holly’s plans of action prove harder in practice than in theory as she finds herself embroiled in a battle between the divided opinions of her small island community.
Written by Smarties Gold Medal winning author Sally Grindley, this beautiful book explores the themes of life, death and memory as it follows the personal growth of a young girl who learns to accept the sometimes heartbreaking realities of life.
5. THE MUSEUM BOOK Written by Jan Mark, illustrated by Richard Holland (Walker Books 2007) ISBN: 9781844287499
“Suppose you went into a museum and didn’t know what it was…”
This richly decorated non-fiction book is full of everything you could never have imagined about museums. Prolific author Jan Mark takes us on a guided tour of the history of museums, the different types of museums (museums, as she points out, are not merely buildings—sometimes they are entire cities), the purpose of museums and the things contained therein. With quirkily designed visual embellishments by Richard Holland, this volume contains hours of stimulation and fun.
6. THE MOZART QUESTION Written by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Walker Books 2007) ISBN: 9781406306484
A young journalist, Lesley, gets her first big break when she’s offered the chance to interview the world’s most famous violinist, Paolo Levi. But why does her boss warn her not to ask the maestro “the Mozart question”? And what is the Mozart question anyway? As Lesley stumbles to avoid offending the great man, he takes her by surprise and freely tells her the story no-one has heard before. He describes how his parents and other Jewish musicians were forced to play for the new arrivals outside Auschwitz, and how the experience affected his mother and father long after the war ended. A short but very powerful novel about survival and hope in the midst of the deepest despair.
7. THE DOG WHO LOVED A QUEEN Written by Jackie French (Angus & Robertson 2007)
ISBN: 0732285089
Assiduously researched and wonderfully told, this is the story of Folly, the small Scottish terrier lapdog and companion of Mary Queen of Scots. Told by Folly himself, the tale recounts the tumultuous life, imprisonment and sad ending of the famous Queen in a lively and entertaining narrative. Jackie French has created a highly entertaining and informative account of life, from the perspective of all walks of life (two legs and four legs) in 16th century Scotland and England.
8. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Written by L.M. Montgomery (Penguin Puffin Centenary Edition 2008) ISBN: 9780141384245
First published in 1908, the classic story of the spirited eleven-year-old orphan, Anne, who is adopted by a pair of middle-aged siblings on Prince Edward Island in Canada, celebrates its cenentary in 2008. Anne’s adventures and misadventures as she settles into her new home come to life beautifully and memorably in Montgomery’s fluid prose, in a novel that remains highly readable today.
9. HOCUS POCUS Written by Paul Kieve (Bloomsbury 2007) ISBN: 9780747590897
A fascinating book about magic and great magicians from the heyday of conjuring, told with a clever twist. Paul Kieve is himself a magician, living a stone’s throw from the once-famous Hackney Empire Theatre in London, in a house filled with props, magic tricks and huge posters of the great (and now long-dead) magicians from the early 20th century. Suddenly, from the mysterious past, the conjurers step out of their posters and present their greatest illusions to Mr Kieve. But that’s not all: afterwards, each of the great prestidigitators shows him (and us readers) how to do a smaller, simpler trick. A clever blend of non-fiction and fantasy (not to mention an extra 30 magic tricks that can be performed by enthusiastic readers), this book is fun, delightful and amazing, much like the great magic shows of yesteryear.
10. THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET Written by Brian Selznick (Scholastic 2007)
ISBN: 9780439813785
An extraordinary book, told filmically with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, photographs and thoughtfully designed text, this is the story of Hugo Cabret, a young orphan who lives deep beneath the platforms of a busy Paris train station. He tends the clocks of the great sprawling subway, keeping out of sight and managing to survive. But when a strange old man who runs a toy booth in the station has a run-in with Hugo, the boy’s life will change, and he will find himself making some remarkable discoveries. Ghosts seem what they are not, and illusions from the past resurface to solve a great mystery. Spellbinding and clever, the story will remain with readers for a long time to come.
1. TOONHEAD Written by Fiona Dunbar (Hachette 2007) ISBN: 9781846162374
Young Pablo Hobbs was named after the famous 20th-century artist Pablo Picasso and his parents—both artists—expect him to display Picasso’s creative genius. But poor Pablo is convinced he’s completely without artistic ability—until one day he draws a cartoon that shows the future before it happens. Pablo’s talent soon attracts unwelcome attention and he finds himself a prisoner in a foreign land. To survive his adventures, Pablo has to learn to interpret his own doodles and use his special creativity to get out trouble. Like a cartoon, Toonhead is fun, fast and full of surprising twists.
2. SIR KATHERINE Written by Anne Brooksbank (Puffin Books 2007)
ISBN: 9780143302841
The year is 516. King Arthur is on the throne, and dragons, giants and wizards roam the land. For 12-year-old Katherine (“Kit”) Byeth—forced to disguise herself as a boy to protect herself and her grandmother—life is bleak and dangerous. When Kit boasts she will kill a giant who is terrorising the village, she embarks on a dangerous quest that will take her to the court of King Arthur and compel her to fight the King’s most fearsome enemy. In this engaging, thoughtful and imaginative tale an Australian author offers a modern take on the Arthurian tradition.
3. ARCHIE’S WAR Written and illustrated by Marcia Williams (Walker Books 2007)
ISBN: 9781406304275
In May 1914, 10-year-old Archie Albright of East London starts a scrapbook. In August 1914, England declares war on Germany. For the next four years, Archie fills his scrapbook with cartoon drawings of his daily life, photos, newspaper clippings, postcards, letters from relatives at the Front, stamps, lolly wrappers, cat’s teeth, and even toe-fluff and a dead beetle! In this colourful, complex and information-rich picture book for older readers, an award-winning author/illustrator shows readers what life was like for ordinary Londoners during the terrible years of the Great War.
4. OCTAVIUS O’MALLEY AND THE MYSTERY OF THE EXPLODING CHEESE
Written by Alan Sunderland and illustrated by Ben Redlich (Angus & Robertson 2006)
ISBN: 9780207200489
The detective genre is a perennial favourite, teasing readers with its suspense and the challenge to solve the crime before the detective. Most detective heroes are clever, calm and quick-witted. But Inspector Octavius O’Malley is a little ... different. But in the rat-eat-rat world of Rodent City, “Ocko” and his unusual companions fearlessly confront gang feuds, organised crime and a dastardly plot to poison the city. Readers will chuckle their way through this first novel in what promises to be a very funny series, written by a Walkley-winning ABC journalist and delightfully illustrated by Ben Redlich.
5. DO NOT OPEN Written by John Farndon (Dorling Kindersley Ltd, a Penguin Company 2007) ISBN: 9781405322072
A fascinating potpourri of facts and myth-busting information about “all the weird and wonderful stuff they don’t want you to know about”. Intriguingly illustrated spreads explore such topics as: who are the men in black; what’s really in a strawberry milkshake (no strawberries in sight!); how Houdini escaped; what happens to nuclear waste; how advertisers doctor photos; what fractals are; great escapes … An ideal dip-in book with something to interest every reader.
6. LEAVING BARRUMBI Written by Leonie Norrington (Omnibus Books 2007)
ISBN: 9781862916272
A sequel to The Barrumbi Kids and The Spirit of Barrumbi, this delightful novel continues to draw on Leonie Norrington’s childhood in a remote community. Dale (who is white) and Tomias (who is black) grew up in the same community and have always been like brothers. But when they start boarding school in Darwin, their different backgrounds threaten to separate them, as Dale finds himself treated as a whitefella and excluded from activities for the Indigenous kids. Dale, Tomias, their families and their teachers must all learn to relate to each other in news ways, accepting their heritage while strengthening mutual bonds. A brilliantly handled story of cultural difference and understanding.
7. WHERE IS HERE? 350 Years of Exploring Australia Edited by Tim Flannery
(Text Publishing 2007) ISBN: 978 1 9211 4581 0
Award-winning science writer and environmentalist Tim Flannery brings history alive with this collection of 43 short extracts from explorers’ diaries, journals and books, covering 350 years of Australian exploration. With Flannery’s brief introductions contextualising each extract, readers can relive the unsympathetic first impressions of Australia by Dutch mariner Jan Carstensz in 1623; the despair of Joseph Banks, as he fears drowning when the Endeavour is holed on the Great Barrier Reef in 1770; the terrible sadness of William Wills, as he lies dying of starvation at Cooper Creek in 1861; and the fear and panic of Robyn Davidson, alone in the desert near Uluru in 1977. Real drama, ideal for dipping into across the year.
8. PHARAOHWritten by Jackie French (Angus&Robertson 2007) ISBN: 9780207200823
When handsome, talented young Prince Narmer is cruelly injured in an accident, he is forced to surrender his right to his father’s throne. Turning his back on his privileged home, he travels across the ancient Middle East with a mysterious Trader, a crippled young woman and a tamed wildcat, learning to trade and to build. Just when a comfortable new life opens before him, Narmer is drawn back to his home and to a destiny that will make him one of Ancient Egypt’s most famous leaders. A gripping adventure based on real historical events, rich with detail and sympathetic characterisation.
9. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Written by Kenneth Grahame and illustrated by Robert Ingpen (Walker Books 2007) ISBN: 9781921150289
To celebrate the centenary of this delightful tale, Walker Books have produced a beautiful 20cm x 24cm hardcover edition. Australian illustrator Robert Ingpen’s artwork perfectly captures Kenneth Grahame’s sophisticated and nostalgic story of the friendship and adventures of Rat, Mole, Toad, Badger and their fellow river and wood dwellers in an idyllic rural setting. Young Australian readers deserve the aesthetic pleasure of (re-)discovering a book that is both deep and gentle, and a classic in English-language literary culture.
10. THE HIGHWAYMAN’S FOOTSTEPS Written by Nicola Morgan (Walker Books 2006)
ISBN: 9781406303117
Award-winning Scottish author Nicola Morgan takes Alfred Noyes’s famous poem “The Highwayman”, set in turbulent 17th century England, and imagines that the highwayman and his lover had had a daughter. When aristocratic young William de Lacey runs away from his harsh but privileged home and saves the highwayman’s daughter’s life, the two young people face challenges that will test their courage, resourcefulness and values. An absorbing adventure that is also historically detailed and socially sensitive.
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Education and Training, 2008. All rights reserved.
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