My Review of Four Junior Novels & Two Picture Books

Four Junior Novels (8-12) & Two Picture Books 

1. 'Hair Brain Saves the Ocean' by Danny Katz & illustrated by  Mitch Vane

A brand new junior fiction book from the much loved and best-selling creators of Little Lunch. Suitable for readers aged 8-10 years.

"This is a story about how I came up with a MASSIVELY brainy plan to CLEAN UP all the disgusting pollution on the beach to help save the whole WORLD!!!!!!"

In her own words the star of the book says "that's not my real name, what kind of cruel , evil parents would call their kid Hairbrain for real? Mmm, after reading the book it seems to me they might just have! We never find out any other name.

Hairbrain takes a big view of the world and devotes lots of time thinking of how to save the world. 

Hairbrain has an 'active' life. For example, she ran from her father when her report from school came home with a 'D' in the English test. But Hairbrain isn't silly and has lots of ideas and inventions that 'might' change the world. For example:

Put a lemon on the end of every school bubblers with a sprinkle of sugar on the side to make the water taste sweeter.

Or, to deal with pollution, why not stick a great big pump to go over factories, and then pump it to other far away countries like Finland. And then there's her idea to capture water pollution with floating garbage at our beaches like old shoes, cups with stale noodles left there, old sausages. In her words, pollution is "Dizzgusting"!   

Of course, there's much more wisdom and great ideas in this classic book that children aged 8-12 will find fun.

2. 'Something Terrible - Becky Brush Your HAIR!' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This is another very funny book in the 'Something Terrible'  series from Walker Books.

Paul Jennings meets the Treehouse in this hilarious new series, 'Something Terrible'.

Becky Culpepper lives at 34 Rufus Street. You might be surprised by her name, but most people think her name is Becky Brush-your-hair. You see, she never brushes her hair. But no matter how many people tell her to, Becky never brushes it.

One morning, just as Becky is leaving for school, her mum calls out, ‘Becky! Brush your hair. Something terrible could happen!’

This is the story of the something terrible that did happen, for it seems there were some who saw her hair as VERY attractive and perhaps useful. This funny book is suitable for readers and listeners aged 8-10. As one commentator suggests:

Sally Barton weaves a brush-with-disaster pony-tale of do's and do-knots in his tangled mess of a second installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

Sally Barton the author was aged six when she took her first book from the library. As they say, the rest is history. Stories became an important part of her life. Today she spends her days creating fictional worlds for both adults and children. As well, she passes this love and knowledge on to her students as a tutor for children with learning differences. After legal studies she worked for the police, but says her happiest work was in her job in a public library. Sally was honoured to win the Writers Unleashed Picture Book Competition in 2022 with 'Goodnight Sheep'.

Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations reflect a love of vintage design. Tin toys, Mexican wrestlers, Matchboxes, Medical Charts and Indian Goddesses all jostle for attention amongst the flotsam and jetsam of his flip-top head. His artwork has been widely acknowledged in varied places, including, 'The British Book Design & Publication Awards', the 'AGDA Awards', and the 'Society of Illustrators' awards New York. 

He has received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the 'Australia Illustrators Awards'. He was shortlisted in 2018 for the CBCA Crichton Award for best new illustrator in children's book illustration.

3. 'Something Terrible - Tim Tie Your Shoelaces' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Age 6-10 years 

'Goosebumps' meets 'The Treehouse' in this wonderful first instalment of an hilarious new series of 'Something Terrible'.

Tim Mulligan lives at 25 Rufus Street. You might be surprised to know this is his name, because most people think his name is 'Tim Tie-your-shoelaces'. For, no matter how many people tell him, or how often, Tim never ties his shoelaces.
One morning, just as Tim was leaving for school, his mum called, "Tim! Tie your shoelaces. Something terrible could happen!". This is the story of the something terrible that did happen!

Sally Barton weaves a tale of mayhem, mess and beasties, in this flip-flappin’ street-slappin’ first installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

4. 'Down The Plot Hole' by Annaleise Byrd

This is a fun-filled fractured fairytale adventure in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.The book is perfect for readers who want their ribs to ache with laughter.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the … ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ were gone. All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. This time, words – well, chickens – are disappearing! Realising their fairytale friends are in danger of being sucked into oblivion by plot holes, the boys don’t hesitate before diving back into the Grimm world to warn them. It’s up to Basil and Terry to find out what’s going on and how to stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … including their way home.

As one reviewer suggests, the book is "Perfect for kids who prefer their comedy action-packed, their epic adventures brimming with magic, and their fantastical stories jam-packed with laughs" 'Readings'.

Annaleise Byrd grew up on a farm in Queensland, ignoring most farm-related pursuits in favour of reading books. She then spent nine years in England and Canada, neglecting a variety of jobs in favour of reading books. Eventually, she realised the best way to get away with this was to become an author. Annaleise now lives in Brisbane with her husband, two young sons and rescue greyhound, and she is particularly fond of lamingtons. You can find her online at www.annaleisebyrd.com.

Suitable for Children Aged 8-12 years

Two Picture Books Worth a Look

Hopefully, I'll have more new picture books to review soon, but here are two that are worth looking at. One new, and another published in 2024. I haven't reviewed either book previously that are worth a look. 

1. 'The Hyena Who Laughed so hard his pants fell off!' by James Croft

Three trouble makers are always up to no good, and this time is no exception. In the heart of the African savanna, where the sun blazes high, a cheeky hyena and his friends try to keep themselves entertained, with fun, frolics and spotty pants. But watch out for the grumpy, old elephant, who may have a surprise in store!

Children aged 5-8 will love this rip-roaring tale of friendship and mischief. The book is filled with bags of fun, for developing little minds. It is a fun-filled fractured fairy tale adventure, that children will enjoy in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry said as he pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the --- ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ that were there had disappeared?! All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. 

But this time, words – well, the words 'chickens' – were disappearing! Are their fairytale friends in danger of being sucked into 'oblivion' by plot holes?! The boys don’t hesitate and dive into the 'World of Grimm' to warn them. Will Basil and Terry find out what’s going on and stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … and find their way home?

This is a great book for children who like an action-packed comedy.

2. 'The Truck Cat' written by Deborah Frenkel (Author) and illustrated by Danny Snell

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and also homes that can be lost and yet found again. 

Author Deborah Frenkel is an award-winning writer of books for children. She grew up in the 80s and 90s and thought she might just be a 'business lady'. But that wasn't to be, and after working in advertising in her day job writing ads for varied clothing brands, she changed course. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. 

 

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell.

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell. 'The Truck Cat' is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere. Now this lead should get you in:
 
"Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats.
But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere."
 
Tinka travels with his human owner Yacoub. But no matter how much they travel, home always feels very far away for both of them. Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection.
 
But on one trip, Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated. But they are both determined to find one another. In doing so, they find even more than they expected …

"In The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel’s beautiful writing takes the reader on a gentle and often amusing ride. Yacoub’s story is one of resilience, yearning and sighs of sadness. Tinka the cat makes sure there is sunshine and smiles along the way. Danny Snell’s gorgeous colour palette splashes movement and life on every page. From vignettes to double page spreads, the combination of art and text presents a heartfelt, hopeful story of finding home …"

Sandhya Parappukkaran, the award-winning author of 'The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name', suggests 'The Truck Cat' is a must-read picture book’. ‘At a time when the world is in turmoil, much of it due to ignorance, intolerance and bigotry, there could not be a more timely choice for a book that will bring children right across the country together, in a glorious celebration and a move towards greater acceptance and empathy.’

This is a lovely picture book that combines great storytelling that touch on the heartwarming emotions of loss, companionship and love. It's pitched perfectly to entertain and move young readers, as well as to gently open their hearts and minds.’
 
'Readings, Best Picture Books of 2024' asks:

‘Who knew so much love could be encapsulated in only 30 pages?! A picture book for all ages, and for everyone, human or feline’
 
‘This impactful story is shared through the blend of Danny Snell’s beautiful illustration and Deborah Frenkel’s heartfelt words and is a touching reminder that “home is everywhere.”’  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Wonderful New Children's Books for Readers Aged 4-12

1. 'Ant Party' by Ross Montgomery & Illustrated by Sarah Warburton

As we all know Ants are very hard workers; no lazy life for them! In an unspectacular piece of ground, a new day was dawning for a nest of ants. The farmer ants were collecting food, and the worker ants were building tunnels. And of course, the soldier ants were guarding the Queen. "But for one ant, it was a very special birthday!" While he wanted to celebrate properly, his house was very small, so he decided just to invite the neighbours for the 'little' gathering. That's simple; but then again, perhaps not.

But the few neighbours they invited spread the news about the party at Andy's that night. The neighbours thought they were such great workers that they invited a few extra friends. But after the flying ants sent a message across the jungle... Well, the message spread everywhere - including ants from 'The Nutshell', 'Sunflower City', 'Ant Hills' and the 'Great Puddle'. The first guests soon arrived, but when Andy opened the door, he could see a massive sea of ants.

But then there their ant hill rumbled and they heard a knock at the door. It was an Anteater! He was hungry. But Andy wasn't afraid. He shouted to the other ants "CONGAAAA!". And the ants formed a great conga line. They caught him and threw him into the river. What a great move. And they celebrated well into the evening. It was the best party ever!

2. 'Tomato Sandwich' Written & Illustrated by Caroline Magerl

You may have seen me post on this wonderful book recently, but I wanted to say a little more about this fabulous picture book. Now, right off the bat, let me say that soggy tomato sandwiches bring up some VERY bad memories for me of such school lunch 'delights'! So when the fly leaf tells me this is for those "who turn soggy sandwiches into delicious days" they have my attention!! For my American friends, I should tell you that sit down dining room lunches, is not what Australian schools generally have. We used to bring lunch from home and eat these un-refridgerated delights in hot schoolyards. This is still much the same today, but High Schools (and some Elementary or Primary Schools), have canteens where better food can be purchased, if you can afford such things.

Award winning author-illustrator Caroline Magerl has given us an incredible wordless book! There is a uniqueness in this work rarely seen. Our central character wakes to a less than normal day. Just who has decided to start the vacuum cleaner so early?! This must be stopped! So, with 'magic' wand in hand she stops the culprit. Perhaps a nice breakfast will calm her down. She has the cleaning culprit at her mercy. What will she choose for her treat?

Cereal? Boiled eggs? No, I have them at my mercy. A very special cupcake. Sadly' it ends up as just a sandwich. She sets off with her trusty dog and her sling shot for a day out. Perhaps she can get a cup cake at the local cake shop? Meanwhile, her Dad, has been cooking a cup cake, unsuccessfully. She arrives at home with the smell of smoke. The day continues in many unexpected ways. 

Caroline Magerl was born in Frankfurt Germany, but came to Australia aged 2 (so we're claiming her as our author)! She lived on her families' yacht until she was 14. In 2001 she won the Children' Book Council of Australia Crighton Award for new talent in children's book illustration for 'Maya and Cat'. Her book 'Nop' was awarded a CBCA Honour book, and her latest book 'Piano Fingers' was awarded as a 'Notable Book'.

3. 'Something Terrible - Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This wonderfully illustrated book for children aged 7-9 is very funny and yet it has a wonderful underlying message about pollution. Author Sally Barton and illustrator Christopher Nielsen also produced a book about the environment and the varied waste that finds its way into our drains and sewers.

This current book is 84 pages long, but is typically at least half illustrations on each page. Every page has illustrations which are very comical. The black and white drawings while cartoon like are not like most comics you will find.

Tim Mulligan is the boy at the centre of the story. This boy, aged about nine, never (I repeat NEVER!) ties his shoelaces. In fact most people think his name is "Tim-tie-your-shoelaces". This is because both his mother and father EVERY day would tell him to TIE his shoelaces. They would call out to him as he ran for the bus, "Tie Your Shoelaces". He didn't listen and NEVER tied his shoelaces.

This had never been a problem to him until one day he was to meet Mr Willbanks, who had the less than desirable job of cleaning the sewerage drains underground. When he entered each day he always posted a sign "DO NOT ENTER"! Now Tim as it happened was walking along the path to school as usual with his shoelaces flapping when he trod on one lace. He tripped and slid into an open drain hole and into SEWER NUMBER 9. Now Mr Willbanks was there, NOT just to clean and dodge rats, bats, lizards and snakes, and cope with smells and sewerage. He was there to hunt for a very large crocodile named Matilda! You will need to get this special book to find out how it ends.

4. 'Something Terrible - Becky Brush-Your-Hair!' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Here is another gem from Sally Barton, in what I hope will be a longer series of very funny books for 7-9 year olds. Becky Culpepper has wonderful hair, but her parents who have to chase her out every day and call out "Becky Brush Your Hair". So much so, that most people think that this is her name. Her Dad will implore her by saying "you'll be mistaken for a bird's nest". She never listened so her hair remained "knit-knotting, twist-twirling" as she walks. But one day, something terrible did happen! It was Tim Mulligan who spotted the problem one morning while riding his bike. He exclaimed "Becky, you have two little birds in your hair".

Becky tried everything to rid her hair of the birds, but nothing worked. Her teacher was not happy. Her teacher would exclaim "stop that cheap-chirping". Eventually, she was sent to the Principal's office. 

Becky didn't mind the birds or the cheep-chirping, nor did her friend Tim Mulligan, and strangely no-one else seemed to notice.

But eventually, because it disturbed others, she felt she needed to be rid of them. But nothing seemed to get rid of them!! Worse still, more birds came! Middle-sized birds and then quite large birds.

What on earth could possibly make things worse? You'll need to get the book to find out. Young readers aged up to 12 will enjoy this book. While the book is 80 pages, every page has wonderful drawings that take up at least 50% of the book. The images mean that even younger readers could be 'stretched' by reading the books. The language used is no more than a Grade 5-6 level.  

5. 'Down The Plot Hole' by Annaleise Byrd

Terry began to read the book before him, "The Complete Fairy tales of the Brother's Grim", but he suddenly stopped and exclaimed as he pointed to the book, "there's a word missing"!! It was missing the small golden swan symbol beneath the title. He knew this cleverly showed to those who were wise, that this book had a portal into the Fairytale world! To go there you need only to touch the golden symbol.   

This is a more substantial 174 page book with no illustrations. As such it is more suitable for better readers aged 12 yrs. The spacing and print size means that it would be a reasonably quick read for average readers in less than two weeks, at 2-3 chapters per day. 

In the story, we meet two boys, who were reluctant readers were reading the Bothers Grimm again. This was in spite of the fact that the last time they read this book, they were plunged into the fairy tale world. They have no hesitation in doing this again.

This action packed 174 page book will be loved by children who enjoy reading about funny action packed adventure stories. As well, it is filled with mystery, magic and fantastic adventures. It also has a novel short quiz at the end that children will enjoy completing.