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Archive for April, 2012

Fated

I received my copy of this from the publisher.

By: Alyson Noel

Daire has a different life to most girls her age, she know that but traveling the world from film set to film set with her make-up artist mother, Jennika, is all she has ever known. Her father died before she was born. Recently though Daire has started to see glowing people more often and has had to live through moments when time appears to freeze for everyone but her. Then comes the moment that changes everything. No-one seems to be able to give Daire answers about what is happening to her. Then from nowhere her long lost grandmother Paloma calls saying she has the answer.

Jennika is skeptical but no other options seems better so she sends Daire to live with Paloma. Daire is not happy about this but slowly she sees the wisdom in what Paloma says and realises she is able to offer Daire some things she never had. Sure the path of a seeker, which is what Paloma tells her she is, is a hard one. One fraught with danger, especially with the trickster Coyote gaining strength, but along with a new purpose Daire finds a home, somewhere to belong.

I quite liked this, Daire is an interesting character from an interesting background. She is strong and determined, both traits I like to see. Noel has delivered a great cast of characters in a fascinating setting and a power triangle rather than a romantic one. All good things. Dace is a good balance to Daire, a steadying influence. That the bad guy Cade is Dace’s twin brother brings an interesting dynamic to the story and it will be interesting to see how that develops. This was a balanced story, with mystery, paranormal elements (like spirit guides) and a touch of romance surrounding a solid good versus evil core. I am looking forward to the next book. Oh and I have to say I love Xotichl what a brilliant character, I hope there is more of her in the next book.

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books

Published: 24 May 2012

Format: Paperback 464 pages

Categories: Fantasy

ISBN 13: 9781447206804

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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Everneath

I received my copy of this from the publisher.By: Brodi Ashton

Six months ago Nikki Beckett ran away from her boyfriend and broken heart into the arms of Cole, who whisked her away to the underworld known as the Everneath. Now she is back with just six months to put everything right before the Everneath claims her for good. Things aren’t quite that straight forward though, Nikki still loves Jack and she can’t find the words to tell her father and brother goodbye. Then it appears there may be the possibility of redemption, not that she believes she deserves it, and finding it will be no easy task. Will Nikki be able to put all the pieces together in time? Will she reject Cole regardless of the consequences or will she return to the Everneath as Cole’s queen?

This is an interesting take on the Persephone myth. Nikki is determined to do the right thing by her friends and family even when it proves much harder than she thought it would. Jack is a love interest with a bit of a difference, it is his love that is the key and he fights for Nikki as she fights for him. Cole is suitably creepy on several levels. The overall tone of this book is dark, Nikki’s story is rather bittersweet as strands of misinformation, lost love and mythology are all pulled together. If you are looking for a tale revolving around a powerful kind of love then give this a look.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Books

Published: 02 February 2012

Format: Paperback 384 pages

Categories: Romance, Paranormal

ISBN 13: 9780857074577

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Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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Will Grayson, Will Grayson

By:  John Green & David Levithan

Will Grayson #1 has two rules a) don’t care too much, b) shut up. The things that have gone wrong in his life have stemmed from the times he hasn’t stuck to these rules, like the time he wrote a letter sticking up for his best friend Tiny Cooper the best, and very gay, offensive linebacker in the schools football team. Will and Tiny go way back and at this time in Will’s life this is causing him a few problems.

Will Grayson #2 is in a dark place trying to help his mother, and get through school all while trying to figure out life and his own sexuality. He cuts himself off from as many people as he can. Then one night things go mildly wrong for Will Grayson #1 and terribly wrong for Will Grayson #2 and their worlds collide.

I don’t want to say much more about the plot, except to say writing a musical about your own life is brave or ridiculous at any age, good thing Tiny is…well Tiny.

Will Grayson and Will Grayson have vast differences yet at the same time both struggle with relationships and school. Tiny, who is so much larger than life is what joins them together. Tiny Cooper is a fantastic character who is bound to stay with you long after the last page has been cheered over. The two Will’s provide a wonderful grounding for this story whilst Tiny gives it it’s pizazz. Levithan and Green have come together to give us one hell of a lough out loud, life affirming book. it is a great story, with great characters. It will possibly be the most romantic book you will read all year, but there is nothing schmaltzy about it. There are crushing moments, moments of high hilarity and moments that will resonate with you.

Definitely pick this up. Highly recommended.

Publisher: The Text Publishing Company

Published: 03 May 2010

Format: Paperback 320 pages

Categories: Humour, School, Sexuality

ISBN 13: 9781921656231

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The Terrible Plop

By: Ursula Dubosarsky

Illustrated By: Andrew Joyner

You are about to read the story of a terrible plop. The rabbits were down by the lake when they first heard it and they hopped away in fear. This fear was passed on to fox, monkey, pig, cat, elephant, tiger, bat and more. Bear would not be scared by this ‘Terrible Plop’ and demands the slowest and smallest rabbit takes him back to the scene of the ‘plop’. What happens though, when rabbit discovers the truth of the ‘Terrible Plop’?

This is a really fun book from an award winning author. The text is rhyming, in short lines. The illustrations are simple, appealing and full of energy to convey the story. An entertaining addition to your children’s bookshelf.

Publisher: Viking Australia

Published: 02 March 2009

Format: Hardback 36 pages

Categories: Animal Stories

ISBN 13: 9780670071418

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Category:

Picture Books

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Plant A Kiss

By: Amy Krause Rosenthal

Illustrated By: Peter H Reynolds

Little Miss plants a kiss, cares for it and waits. Then one day it finally blooms. Little Miss decides to share the fruit of the kiss even though others say it is rare and might run out if she does. Little Miss doesn’t care she wants to share and discovers something amazing about a planted kiss.

This is a fun, whimsical story that you cannot help but smile at. It is going to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy in the inside and possibly joyful enough to spread that onto the outside. Reynold’s illustrations are delightfully charming. There is little text but that just adds to the story’s appeal. Perfect for younger children who aren’t yet ready for more text laden books.

Lovely, delightful and recommended.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 28 February 2012

Format: Hardback 40 pages

Categories: Love, Sharing

ISBN 13: 9780061986758

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Category:

Picture Books

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Judy Moody, Girl Detective

By: Megan McDonald

Illustrated By: Peter H Reynolds

Book 9 in the Judy Moody series

Judy Moody is in a Nancy Drew kind of mood. She’s been reading stories about the girl detective and has decided that that is what she wants to be. It is a good thing that she is in a mystery solving mood because she finds herself smack in the middle of an honest to goodness mystery. Mr Chips, a police dog in training, has gone missing. Never fear, Judy Drewdy is on the case, she thinks he was taken by evil dognappers and is determined to track them down. Armed with her detective kit and her associates; agents Stink, Pearl and Rock.

Judy is a girl who is enthusiastic and quickly gets swept up into her own bright ideas. She may not always be right in her assumptions but she is determined. McDonald has created fun characters with entertaining stories. The print is fairly large but the chapters average about 14 pages which makes the books best suited to readers in the 7-9 age category. Judy Moody is a lot of fun.

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd

Published: 07 February 2011

Format: Paperback 144 pages

Categories: Crime, Humour

ISBN 13: 9781406327434

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Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

By: Jane O’Connor

Illustrated By: Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy and her best friend Bree are getting ready for their upcoming dance show. They are so excited it is all about mermaids and they play mermaids all the time – they are experts. When another ballerina wins the part of the mermaid Nancy is unhappy, especially as she has been cast as a tree. Is there any possible way for Nancy to give her role some fancy flair. And what happens when their mermaid ballerina injures herself at the last minute?

The Fancy Nancy books have a flair all of their own. There is quite a bit of text and some of it is more advanced words and their meanings, which is good as it encourages readers to improve their vocabulary. The illustrations are detailed, busy even, yet somehow very appealing and perfect for the overly dramatic Nancy. A fun read.

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books

Published: 01 March 2012

Format: Paperback 32 pages

Categories: Dance, Mermaids

ISBN 13: 9780007446124

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Category:

Picture Books

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Count to 10 With a Mouse

By: Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrated By: Kirsten Richards

Be careful as you open this book, there is a little mouse inside. This mouse really wants to learn to count because he really wants to figure out how many fingers and toes he has. So now he’s found this book a he is ready to start an adventure of counting and learning his numbers. Just be careful as you turn the page.

The text in this picture book is simple with loads of repetition to help with the learning process. The pictures simply wonderful. There is something open and appealing about Mouse. A fun little numbers book.

Publisher: Parragon Book Service Ltd

Published: 03 March 2012

Format: Paperback

Categories: Counting, Animals

ISBN 13: 9781445467375

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Category:

Picture Books

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The Copycat Kid

By: Sally Rippin

Part of the Billie B Brown series

Billy is very excited. There is a new girl in school and Billie has been asked to be her buddy and show her around. Billie puts on a very special outfit to mark the special occasion. Billie is in for a big surprise though. The next day the new girl starts copying everything Billie does, even the clothes she wears. Billie starts to get angry about this. Is there a way for this problem to be solved?

A fun addition to the popular Billie B Brown series. Billie is a wonderfully real character who isn’t always nice and struggles with things like her temper, sometimes, that single fact makes Billie a great series. It gives girls an independent female character to read about and one who learns lessons that are valuable to that age. Rippin has done a great job with these books.

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Published: 02 April 2012

Format: Paperback 60 pages

Categories: School, Friends,

ISBN 13: 9781742971414

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Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Big Nate Strikes Again!

By: Lincoln Peirce

Big Nate believes he is awesome and that he is going to lead his team to victory in the upcoming fleeceball competition. The only problem he sees is the fact that annoying Gina is on his team. Gina can’t play at all and then she goes and calls the team he had named the Psycho Dogs, the Kuddle Kittens. This is all made worse by the fact Nate has been paired up with Gina for their homeroom assignment on Ben Franklin. Gina is sure Nate is going to ruin her perfect grades, like Nate is sure she will ruin his chances at fleeceball. Will they be able to work it out? Or will things work out in their own surprising way.

Another very funny Nate book, with more than enough disasters to be entertaining. Amusing illustrations and cartoon sections ass to the appeal of this series. Peirce has created an appealing goofball of a character in Nate. You can’t help but enjoy reading about Nate and his friends, they are all so much fun. This series is certainly worth a look, especially for Wimpy Kid fans.

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books

Published: 28 October 2010

Format: Paperback 256 pages

Categories: Humour, School Stories

ISBN 13: 9780007355174

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page

Category:

Fiction 8-12

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