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Archive for February, 2013

Freia Lockhart’s Summer of Awful

I got my copy from the publisher.

9781921977800

By: Aimee Said

Freia has plans for summer that include hanging with her friends and spending quality time with her boyfriend. Then her parents share some devastating news and her dream summer looks as though it will be anything but. While her home life is in upheaval Freia feels she can’t tell anyone what is  really going on. To make things worse her boyfriend has gone away and Freia thinks maybe he doesn’t want to be around her anymore. Added to the problem Freia’s grandmother has come to stay and this only ups the tension at home. Tension that is added to by her brother’s argumentative behaviour.

Freia is a thoroughly believable and nuanced character. She is not perfect and because of that it makes it easier to identify with her.  She feels out of her depth in the situation she finds herself in and so much is out of her control. The people around her, her family and friends, blend well together, all playing their own parts which sometimes overlap. This is a story about self discovery, friendship and overcoming the curveballs that life can throw your way.

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

Published: 01 February 2013

Format: Paperback

Categories: Growing up, Friendship, Sickness

ISBN 13: 9781921977800

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

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The Son of Sobek

imagesOkay so here’s the Rick Riordan low down. He has written a Percy Jackson/Carter Kane crossover short story. AWESOME! Is all I have to say.

The problem is it will be available in the paperback release of Serpent’s Shadow, in the US, no news yet on Australia. The other problem is what if you’ve already bought the book? Apparently it will be available as a e-single, also no word yet on if it will be available in the regions. My guess it they will be simply because Rick Riordan is such a popular writer.

You can read an except here.

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Category:

A Little Fun

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Tiddles

I received this copy from the publisher.9780143307372By: S.Carey

Part of the Eerie series

Ben and Cathy are left with their creepy aunt Pam whilst their parents go looking for a new house. They don’t want to be there, their aunt is strange and has gotten worse since her husband and cat died. They aren’t their long when it becomes clear that Pam is insane. Ben and Cathy were sure her cat was dead, so why does Pam leave food out for it still?

This is a gruesome, gory and dark story. It is horror simply told. The tension is there and it is kind of gross, zombie cats included. Don’t however give this series to your kids if they are easily scared or prone to nightmares. Best for 8-9 years.

Publisher: Puffin

Published: 27 February 2013

Format: Paperback 72 pages

Categories: Horror

ISBN 13: 9780143307372

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

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Killer App

I received my copy from the publisher9780143307365By: S. Carey

Part of the Eerie series

Roma’s friend Michael is part of a gaming group and has gotten his hands on a brand new app. They and three of their friends are going to test it out. It sounds fun, who wouldn’t want an app that caters to your dreams. It doesn’t take long for the dreams to turn to nightmares. How are they going to get out of this game?

One of the Eerie series. The tone of these books is dark, descriptors are gruesome and the tension is tight. Don’t let the large print format fool you, the covers say it all – these are horror books for young readers. The scary content makes these for slightly older readers but the format keeps them in the younger age range I’d have to say they are probably best for 8-9 years.

Publisher: Puffin

Published: 27 February 2013

Format: Paperback 72 pages

Categories: Horror

ISBN 13: 9780143307365

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

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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Vegetable Glue

9781904511335By:Susan Chandler

Illustrated By: Elena Odriozola

What do you do when body parts start falling off? What causes this to happen?

The good news is that vegetable glue can help put things back together, but what is vegetable glue?

This is a totally adorable story about eating vegetables. It is fun and funny. The rhyming text adds to its charm. The illustrations are simple, muted in colour palette and, well to use the word again – charming.

If you have picky eaters then definitely check this out.

Publisher: Meadowside Children’s Books

Published: 24 July 2004

Format: Paperback 24 pages

Categories: Food, Fun, Eating

ISBN 13: 9781904511335

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

Category:

Picture Books

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City of Bones – Movie Stuff

I realised I haven’t posted much on this eagerly awaited film version of Cassandra Clare’s popular YA series – The Mortal Instruments.

So here is my contribution to teasing you.Robert Sheehan Jamie Campbell Bower Lily Collins Kevin Zegers The Mortal Instruments City of Bones TMI

 

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Lily Collins Jamie Campbell Bower Clary Fray Jace Wayland The Mortal Instruments City of Bones TMI 2

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Turner

the-mortal-instruments-city-of-bones-movie-photo-02There are some fine looking people in this film and I have to say some solid acting chops so it will be interesting to see how it translates to screen.

 

Category:

Book to Film

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Gone Series – Book Trailers

In keeping with the Michael Grant theme here are some book trailers for the series Gone.

GONE

HUNGER

I couldn’t find the official trailer for this one if you do please message me and I’ll update it.

LIES

PLAGUE

FEAR (for your interaction)

Category:

Book Trailers

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Michael Grant – Gone

I went looking for the book trailer for Michael Grant’s new book Light but it’s not there yet so I thought I’d put up this little clip about Gone as a teaser.

Category:

Writers

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The Scallywags

9780340884065By: David Melling

When the Scallywags ruin yet another thing, this time a group photo, everyone decides that maybe it is time to stop inviting them places. The Scallywags miss their friends, so they put into place a plan. They follow their friends around in secret to find out how they should behave and they practice their manners very hard.

A delightful tale about fun and friendship. Accepting others for what they are and trying to do the right thing. Melling’s characters are a lot of fun. The story is entertaining and the illustrations convey the joy of life the Scallywags have. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books

Published: 19 May 2007

Format: Paperback 32 pages

Categories: Friendship

ISBN 13: 9780340884065

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

Category:

Picture Books

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Violet Mackerel’s Possible Friend

I got my copy from the publisher.

violet-mackerel-s-possible-friendBy: Anna Branford

Illustrated By: Sarah Davis

Violet’s family have moved to a new house. Her mum has told her she thinks their is another little girl who lives next door, Violet wonders if they might be friends. Then she leaves a note in the fence and the other little girl invites her over. Rose has a pink and white bedroom and a wonderful doll’s house. She thinks stuff at Rose’s place is pretty awesome. When she gets invited to Rose’s birthday party she starts to wonder if Rose will really like to have her as a friend.

This is a really great series. Violet Mackerel is one of my favourite characters for this age category. She is down to earth, honest, inquisitive and generous. It is lovely to see a character and a family who don’t have everything going for them but who have to try and who do it together. It is also great to have a character who is taught to value things like friendship and the wonder of a homemade gift over the more expensive store bought fare. It is a good look at if materialism is really what is important. I hope to see Rose join Violet in future stories, for now though I will just enjoy the fact I got to visit with Violet again.

Highly recommended.

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

Published: 01 February 2013

Format: Hardback 112 pages

Categories: Friendship

ISBN 13: 9781921977565

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

Category:

Fiction 4-9

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