No 14 , September 1999

Greetings for the new school year. Having settled well into the new home and premises, I have been feeling quite organised and so I am not sure why this newsletter is later than usual. Part of the reason I am feeling less rushed is the marvellous help that Pip Rundle has been giving Austral Ed. She has been working part time now for almost a year and she really contributes to its smooth running. This is especially appreciated when I am away at Conferences.

I have been trying to find the time to set up an Austral Ed web site for some time and it is finally happening. I know that many of you are very keen for the lists of recommended books that Ron and I have compiled to be on the site so that the most up to date lists can be easily accessed. It hasn’t happened yet but hopefully over the month or so, the lists will gradually be included. The site is www.australed.iinet.net.au

We are looking forward to attending CERCOS in November in Taipei. It will be the first time we have managed to attend this Conference and we are delighted that finally we will make it and we look forward to meeting people there. We will of course have a display and Ron and I will both be giving presentations.

From there we go on to Nice for the ECIS Conference. It is huge Conference and we were rushed off our feet at the last ECIS Conference we attended at The Hague. We will both be giving presentations so watch out in the programme. There will also of course be a display so do call in and have a browse - the cry from so many relieved people is " real books" when they see our display! Take a note of the display number as it is easy to miss it amongst so many displays and so many people. Stand number is 146.

In February we hope to go to TARA, the Arabian Reading Association in Bahrain. Again it will be for the first time and I am looking forward to showing and talking about the excellent Australian picture books and books for young readers.

I hope to see many of you at these Conferences.

I am very pleased to have finally completed a new list of recommended books with an international emphasis. I have thought for some time that this would be especially useful since most International Schools now have an international focus in their curriculum. That list is included with this newsletter. Also Ron has discovered a new series of books in translation from India which are very suitable for the IB World Literature course. This list has also been included for senior schools.

By the way most of you have taken note of the new address and phone and fax numbers but I would appreciate if you could check if purchasing and accounts also have changed the address. It takes a long time for everyone’s data systems to be updated.

Boys - Reluctant readers?

We continually hear that boys are reluctant readers though I am not sure how true this is. They probably read considerably less fiction than girls but they may make up for this with nonfiction and reading on the internet. However the most reluctant readers, whether boys or girls, would be attracted to these two very inviting nonfiction titles from Omnibus books.

Crash! The Search for the Stinson by Jennifer Beck, Dyan Blacklock and Katrina Allan pb $14.95

This is an absorbing account of a very famous air crash. When the Stinson monoplane disappeared with 7 men on board sometime on its run between Sydney and Brisbane in 1937, vast areas of land were searched but no trace of the plane was found. A young bushman had a hunch as to the whereabouts of the wreckage and set off on his own through almost impenetrable bush and very rugged mountainous country. How he found the crash and two survivors and how they were brought down from the mountains makes fascinating reading. The story is presented in detail, chronologically, with many quotations from the rescuer and the survivors, as well as colour and black & white photos, illustrations and newspaper extracts. The design is excellent - adding to the desire to keep turning the pages to find out what happened. This is an extraordinarily well told story of courage and physical endurance.

In the same series is Shipwreck at Madman’s Corner by Mike Lefroy Photographs by Patrick Baker pb $14.95 about a mystery wreck found on the remote Western Australian coastline. Patient detective work on the part of marine archaeologists reveal a fascinating story of the ship and its captain and crew and how it was wrecked in 1811. (9 years up)

ZAP! SPLAT! KA-POW! Make Your Own Comic by Rod Tokeley and Dillon Naylor pb $14.95

I’m not really a fan of comics but became intrigued by this book as it described in comic book format, the enormous amount of work and skill involved in making comics. Told as a story, two young comic enthusiasts go to "Old Joe" for a few tips and advice and instructions on writing, script, layout, style, perspective, word balloons, inking, shadows, colouring etc. I was surprised at the strong cinematic and photographic influence on comic illustration and interested to note the importance these authors place on basic drawing skills and knowledge of perspective. Excellent - not just for those interested in making comics. (10 up)

Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page Transcribed by Richard Platt, Iluminated by Chris Riddell hb $29.95

Set in the year of Our Lord 1285, Castle Diary describes a year in the life of 11 year old Toby Burgess as he sets out to become a page in his uncle’s castle. Toby is an articulate chronicler and he writes with humour and occasionally indignation, about his duties as a page, his lessons, his first hunt, attempts at archery etc and so on. This very vivid description is "illuminated" by the wonderfully detailed, and carefully researched illustrations of Chris Riddell. His many characters come to life though their extraordinarily expressive features. (He also works as a cartoonist for the New Statesman.) I can well imagine some "reluctant readers" spending hours immersed in the medieval world of this absorbing book. Further factual information on medieval life and castles and battle strategies is given in notes for the reader. There is also a detailed index and glossary and a list of sources. (8 - 13 years)

Picture Books

The Worst Band in the Universe by Graeme Base hb $24.95

The irrepressible Graeme Base is back with a book which he obviously had great fun writing, and illustrating as well as composing and performing the music! Yes! It comes with a CD of Graeme’s own off the planet music. The Worst Band in the Universe is a cosmic musical adventure written in verse in which the hero Sproc, a young Splingtwanger player leaves his home planet Blipp because all innovation and improvisation of music is forbidden there. This is the story of his search for musical freedom, a search which also leads him to compete in the Worst band in the Universe Competition. The CD features selections from the Worst band in the Universe competition and the lyrics are also included. (9 - 14 years)

Archie the Big Good Wolf by Allan Baillie & Jonathon Bentley pb $12.95

This is an ingenious retelling that changes the big bad wolf that figures so prominently in many traditional stories and nursery rhymes to Archie, wolf/cool detective. As the story unfolds it looks like Goldie has been on a crime spree. Apart from robbing the three bears, she has also stolen from the Queen of Harts, Little Bo Peep (the Peep kid) and others. But the circumstances look suspicious. The plot becomes thicker as it entwines even more well known stories and nursery rhymes on its way to its conclusion in a high tower. Children will really enjoy the ingenious twists to this story. (7 - 13 years)

Buffy An Adventure Story by Bob Graham hb $22.95

Buffy is a very talented performing dog. In fact he is so talented that he upstages his master the magician and is forced to leave,beginning Buffy’s wanderings through the world to find a place where he is wanted and can be himself, doing the things he loves and are his talents. Another warm, charming, humourous and moving story from Bob Graham. Beautifully structured and illustrated, the book would be a joy to read aloud and to share with young children. (5 - 8 years)

For the Younger Reader

Gasp! The Breathtaking Adventures of a Fish Left Home Alone by Terry Denton pb $9.95

The hilarious adventures of a naughty and greedy fish who breaks his fish bowl and, with only 27 pages to go, realises that he "is a fish out of water". Gasp! The next 27 pages alternate between a frantic breathless search for water and relief (that doesn’t last long) that this very clever little fish has solved all his problems. Terry Denton is a clever, witty writer and illustrator and the high drama of this very simply written story will not only have great appeal to beginner readers but also to older readers, regardless of whether they are normally reluctant or enthusastic readers. ESL students would also enjoy its exuberance. (7 - 13 years)

The two sequels are equally clever and witty while the language is no longer as simple.

Splat! The Explosive Adventures of a Fish Not Home Alone pb $9.95

Zapt! The Electrifying Adventures of a Fish Left Home Alone pb $9.95 (8 - 13 years)

Rodney’s Runaway Nose by Richard Tulloch illustrated by Stephen Axelson pb $8.95

Hayfever! The sneezing, the itchiness and the continual runny nose. I remember it well. Rodney’s case is extreme. Described in rhyming couplets, his first sniffles at the onset of spring become a veritable flood, a tidal wave of snot which threatens to engulf the town. A very funny story with a quirky ending. Hayfever sufferers will sympathise and perhaps wish for - a nose that runs away. (7 - 10 years)

The Worst Team Ever by Phillip Gwynne, illustrated by Craig Smith pb $9.95

Phillip Gwynne was winner of the 1999 CBC Book of the Year Award for Older readers, and he shows by this very enjoyable story that he can also write for younger readers. The subject is again Aussie Rules football. Jimmy can’t believe the new football team that he has joined - no pep talks, no training drills, no enthusiasm. Are they really the worst football team ever? Or is there something fishy going on with the coach? Doesn’t he even want them to win? It’s a short simply written story in which Gwynne has created some memorable, very believable and likeable characters.

Another in the excellent Aussie Bites series for young readers. (7 - 11 years)

The Solo series of fiction titles written for beginning readers has been extremely popular with children and teachers in Australia. Titles such as The Monster Fish by Colin Thiele, Queen of the Universe by Libby Gleeson and Cocky Colin by Richard Tulloch (each pb $7.95) are lively books, simply written with appealing illustrations. Contact me if you would like the full list of Solo titles. However there are now nonfiction titles written for this same beginner reader age group.

Travelling Solo to Japan and Travelling Solo to Morocco written and illustrated by Bettina Guthridge pb $9.95 each

It’s an interesting format for non-fiction. The books are the same size as the fiction titles but are quite long, 62 pages. The text is simple and the coverage is necessarily basic but each book has a wide scope. The book on Japan has information on a wide range of subjects such as housing, clothing, bathing, food, religion, school, writing, martial arts, music, and theatre. The emphasis is very much on the customs and culture that a traveller in Japan would see. Appealing illustrations and maps add to the ease with which the information can be read. I am sure these little books would also be very useful for ESL students. (7 - 12 years)

Sequels

The sequels just keep on coming.

Rowan and the Zebak by Emily Rodda pb $9.95

The stories about Rowan are very appealing fantasy stories which are for young readers but contain many of the traditional elements of the traditional fantasy. In the latest book Rowan must travel to the distant lands of Rin’s ancient enemies to rescue his little sister who was taken there by a monstrous flying creature. This is a quest which will delight fans of the adventures of Rowan of Rin. Others in the series are Rowan of Rin, Rowan and the Travellers, Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal each pb $9.95 (8 - 12 years)

Gift of the Gab by Morris Gleitzman pb $11.95

This is the third in the very popular series of books about Rowena who has problems in that she can’t speak. (Blabbermouth pb $9.95 and Stickybeak pb $9.95) However Rowena is a resourceful heroine and manages very well in comparison with those who don’t even realise they have problems. The stories are funny as well as moving. In Gift of the Gab, things get complicated as Rowena and her father go to France to try and really find out what happened to Rowena’s mother when she was killed while Rowena was still very young. (8 - 13 years)

The Indian in the Cupboard has now been made into a film so the series will be even more popular than before. The final book in the series is The Key to the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks hb $19.95. Here Omri’s dad learns to his amazement about the secret of the cupboard and together they make their way back two hundred years to the time of Little bull whose tribe was in very great danger. The rest of the titles are

The Indian in the Cupboard pb $9.95

The Return of the Indian pb $9.95

The Secret of the Indian pb $9.95

The Mystery of the Indian pb $9.95

The Harry Potter stories are still growing in popularity and the author has kept up the standard in the latest title Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. hb $19.95 (Apparently it will be a series of 7 books so an abundance of wizardry delights are still to come.) Harry is now in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the tension mounts as there is a supposed mass murderer on the loose and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school. The first titles were

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone hb $29.95 pb $12.95

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets hb $19.95 pb $12.95 (9 up)

The final title in the Tomorrow When the War Began series by John Marsden has finally arrived. The Other Side of Dawn hb $25.00 I haven’t managed to read it yet but avid readers have been waiting for some time to find out what finally happens to Ellie and her friends. For a more detailed review of this phenomenally popular series for young adult readers, see the February 1999 newsletter. The whole series is

Tomorrow When the War Began hardback $24.95 pb $11.95

Darkness be My Friend hardback $24.95 pb $11.95

The Dead of the Night hardback $19.95 pb $11.95

The Third Day the Frost hardback $19.95 pb $11.95

Burning for Revenge hardback $22.95 pb $11.95

The Night is for Hunting hardback $24.95 pb $11.95 (13 - 17 years)

Young Adult Fiction

48 Shades of Brown by Nick Earls pb $14.95

It’s rare that I laugh out loud while reading a novel - even if it’s meant to be funny - but with this one the chuckles, even belly laughs just kept coming. Dan is a charming young man if slightly scatty but this year he has to adapt to so much. It is his last year at school and his first attempt at calculus, his mother is away in Geneva for a year (his father is as well but that doesn’t seem to have much impact) and he has to try and hide his total lack of knowledge about washing, shopping or any home survival skills as he shares a house with his bass playing 22 year old aunt Jacq and her captivating university friend Naomi. There are so many very funny episodes but what amused me most was Dan’s stream of consciousness as he chats on about his general confusion, his attempts to be cool (especially at his first University party) and his fascinations - for example with the "48 shades of brown" which are used in a famous Australian bird book to describe the innumerable and ubiquitous small brown birds in Australia. Highly recommended. And read it yourself, don’t leave all the pleasure to the students. (15 up)

I reviewed one of Nick Earl’s previous titles in an earlier newsletters. After January is a sophisticated look at first love in the limbo time spent at the beach after exams and before results. It is written with wry humour and descriptive flair. Again dealing with a young male of about seventeen years old. pb $12.95

The Tiggie Thompson Show by Tessa Duder pb $11.95

Tessa Duder is most well known for her story of Alex the Olympian swimmer. Tessa Duder apparently swam for New Zealand and so she wrote from experience. Again she writes from experience when she writes about Tiggie’s love of acting and her involvement in a television show. (Tessa Duder is also an actor and was involved with script writing for the film version of Alex and has also been guest star in the NZ televison series Shortlands) However Tiggie’s rise to fame is slow and arduous as she is overweight and very much lacking in self confidence when the book begins and she starts a new school in Year 9 . At first she is determined to keep a low profile for she has learnt that is the best way to survive but almost in spite of herself, she becomes involved in the school production. The story could be seen to be a little predictable but the details of working in television and the incredibly hard work involved in being a professional actor and its pitfalls make fascinating reading. The subject of problem eating is also raised as Tiggie has to overcome her embarassment with being overweight and another budding actor is anorexic but refuses to admit it. An enjoyable read. (13 - 16 years)

Sink or Swim by Ron Bunney pb $12.95

Bazza has been a street kid and he drifts north trying to get away from the tough life he led in the city. He is befriended by a crayfisherman and ends up working with him and learning about how tough and dangerous life can be be of cray fishers on the north west coast of Western Australia. Ron Bunney has worked as a crayfisherman and his knowledge is evident in his vivid descriptions of the work, and the ever present dangers of the ocean. As well as many descriptions of action packed, dangerous and exciting events at sea, this is also the story of Bazza’s growth of confidence, of his friendship with his boss and of the prospects of a totally new life. (13 - 17 years)

Singing the Dogstar Blues by Alison Goodman pb $12.95

This is a very engaging futuristic story because of some believable and likeable main characters; especially an eighteen year girl who is training to be a time traveller and her training partner who is an alien with a totally different world and person view. An intriguing plot, interesting technology, and some great music in a futuristic night club ensure that this book will appeal to a wide audience of young adults, not just science fiction fans. (13 up)

From New Zealand

The Puffin Treasury of New Zealand Children’s Stories Compiled by Jenni Keestra hb $45.00

An excellent collection of stories from New Zealand. There are extracts from longer books, short stories, poems and picture books by both new and old authors. Most of the well known authors such as Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Ron Bacon, David Hill, Gaelyn Gordon, Maurice Gee, Robyn Kahukiwa and many others are included. It is excellent value since the text of a number of picture books is reproduced in full (not all the original illustrations are included but enough to give a good feel for the story.) (8 - 13 years)

Myths and Legends of Aotearoa retold by Annie Rae Te Ake Ake hb $39.95

Annie Rae Te Ake Ake has a real gift for storytelling. She retells fifteen traditional stories of the Maori people. Each story has been illustrated by a young secondary school artist from New Zealand. The artists are from a variety of nationalities bringing their own modern creative response to these stories of New Zealand’s cultural history. (9 up)

Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Award Winners and Short List 1999

Many of you have already received the Short List for this very important Australian Award but the winners were only announced at the end of August.

Book of the Year: Older Readers (NB Some of these books are for older readers)

Winner

Deadly, Unna? by Phillip Gwynne pb $12.95

Written from the point of view of Blacky a white boy in country South Australia, the book describes the narrowness of his home town, its pervasive racism, the characters, the football scene and his first love/infatuation with a wicked sense of humour. However it is his growing friendship with Dumby Red an Aboriginal top Aussie Rules football player that provides the focus of the story. (13 up)

Honour Books

Night Train by Judith Clarke pb $12.95

A very moving story which traces Luke’s Year 12 as he becomes increasingly distressed, isolated and unable to cope. Neither his friends nor his family are able to do anything to help him get out of this state of mind where he seems unable to make any decisions. (13 up)

Camphor Laurel by Sarah Walker pb $12.95

A story of the attractions and cruelties of possessive friendship between young high school girls. (13 - 17 years)

Short List

The Divine Wind by Garry Disher pb $14.95

Set in Broome in north west of Western Australia in the 1930s, this is the fascinating story of the friendship between a Japanese girl and the son of a pearling master and the growing tension in their relationship as the threat of a Japanese invasion looms. (13 up)

All my Dangerous Friends by Sonya Hartnett pb $16.95

Louie is in her first year at university and is attracted to Sasha and his aura of amorality. However the dangerous allure of style, power and money help hide a more sinister world of drugs, crime and violence. (15 up)

A Place like This by Steven Herrick pb $13.95

Sequel to the wonderful Love, Ghosts & Nose Hair. This is the continuation of the narrative poem which tells of the joys of life of two young people as they decide to drop out of University and to take to the road together. (14 up)

Winner

My Girragundji by Meme McDonald & Boori Pryor (illus by Meme McDonald) pb $11.95

A most engaging story about a young Aboriginal boy who finds the powerful spirit of his pet frog helps him overcome his fears of the Hairyman and of bullies at school. (8 - 13 years)

Honour Books

A Ghost of a Chance by Nette Hilton pb $11.95

Anne-Marie doesn’t know how she will survive the year in England away from her beloved dog Maudie left in Australia. But she finds another small ghost dog which is also separated from his mistress. (7 - 10 years)

Bob the Builder & the Elves by Emily Rodda (illus by Craig Smith) pb $8.95

A delightful funny story about Bob the Builder who is appalled when elves take over his house and himself making everything bright and sparkling clean. It is so embarrassing!

(7 - 10 years)

Short List

Daughter of the Regiment by Jackie French pb $10.95

A hole in the air in the chook house enables Harry to have a glimpse back in time, to see Cissie who lived more than 150 years ago near the farm where he lives. A compelling historical time-slip story. (8 - 12 years)

Buzzard Breath & Brains by James Moloney pb $10.95

The dual narrative of Rex and Natalie gives different perspectives as Rex and his mate Tony set about clearing their name from a false accusation. Sequel to Squashbuckler. (8 - 13 years)

The Little Blue Parcel by Norma Spaulding (illus by Stephen Michael King) hb $19.95

Mr & Mrs Twistangle live a miserable life unable to talk to each other or to break this spirit of meanness which has invaded their lives. The little blue parcel represents the hope that this could be changed by love and hope. A little too metaphorical for me but it could be helpful for disscussion of conflict resolution. (8 - 11 years)

Picture Book of the Year (Some of these picture books may be for mature readers.)

Winner

The Rabbits illus by Shaun Tan (writer John Marsden) hb $22.95

A sophisticated allegory for older readers. A simple text and beautiful illustrations show the damage to the land, environment and the original inhabitants caused by invaders (rabbits? or humans?) (11 years up)

Honour Books

Highway illus by Andrew McLean (writer Nadia Wheatley) hb $19.95

A very exciting journey made by a young girl and her truck driver dad and family is illustrated by wonderfully detailed maps of the journey and signs and illustrations of what they see on the way. Great for project work on journeys. (6 - 10 years)

Grandpa illus Noelle Young (writer Lilith Norman) hb $22.95

Grandpa could be a pain in the neck but when he died Blake missed him more than he knew. Simply written and beautifully illustrated, this story looks at the complexity of family relationships. (6 - 9 years)

Short List

Mr McGee & the Biting Flee by Pamela Allen hb $19.95

Another in the series of funny, repetitive, rhythmic stories about Mr McGee which are always a delight to read aloud. Bold brightly coloured illustrations. (5 - 8 years)

Henry and Amy by Stephen Michael King hb $22.95

An engaging story about sharing and difference and how a bit of unconventionality can make life even brighter. Charming illustrations. (6 - 9 years)

The Staircase Cat illus by Anna Pignataro (writer Colin Thompson) pb $12.95

The story of a cat left to fend for itself during the war years. The warm tones of illustrations depicting the family before and after the war contrast with the ghostly tones of the war years.

(7 - 11 years)

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

Winner

Going for Kalta : Hunting for sleepy lizards by Yvonne Edwards & Brenda Day hb $19.95

This is a recipe or instruction book for hunting kalta (or sleey lizards), killing and then cooking and eating them. The engaging description is given by members of a small Aboriginal community Yalata in South Australia. Photographs show how it is done. (6 - 11 years)

Short List

Who’s Running this Country? by John Nicholson hb $22.95

An account of the growth and nature of government in Australia. (8 - 12 years)

Maybe Tomorrow by Boori Pryor with Meme McDonald pb $16.95

Boori Pryor shares with us his life; its moments of sadness and of joy and his struggle to achieve and act as a bridge between the white and Aboriginal worlds. A very moving story which gives us many insights into the difficulties which face many Aboriginal families today. For older readers. (14 up)

The Ngaanyatjarra of the Gibson Desert by Liz Thompson hb $26.95

Written in cooperation with the Ngaanyatjarra people this book describes the complexity of relationships between Aboriginal and white cultures. Excellent photographs add to the information about the culture and way of life of these people. (9 - 15 years)

Side by Side by Alan Tucker hb $22.95

A look at stories of particular individuals in the nineteenth century and the relationships between white settlers and Aboriginal peoples. There are stories of brutality and also of bravery.

(8 - 13 years)

All prices are in Australian dollars.

© Kate Shepherd 2009.