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READiscover

The Shortlisted books are:

Book of the Year: Older Readers

Bauer, Michael Gerard 2006, Don't call me Ishmael!, Scholastic Australia, Malvern, S. Aust.
Paperback, 277 p.
This delightful story follows the coming together of a rather dubious bunch of boys who, together, face debating debacles, bullying, girls and the everyday ups and downs of life as an adolescent. Brimming with meaty issues to examine and discuss including harassment, cancer, adolescence, practical jokes, friendship and individuality, this would be an excellent set text for English in Years 8 - 10.
Bestowed with the unfortunate name of ‘Ishmael’, a Year 8 boy becomes the target of Barry Bagsley, an inventive and verbose bully who revels in daily, name-related taunting and teasing. Only in Year 9, with the arrival of newcomer James Scobie, does Ishmael find reprieve. Eccentric, exceptional and indifferent to criticism, Scobie becomes an unlikely leader amongst the Year 9 students and brings together a motley crew in the name of debating. As ‘situations’ evolve, and the characters of the protagonists develop, the novel moves along at an un-put-down-able pace. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud as they read one excruciatingly funny and embarrassing moment after another. Equally, they will be moved by the emotion and sensitivity that exists in the authentically portrayed relationships, as the protagonists navigate the trials of growing up. This book is sure to become a hit with teens, especially boys.

Clarke, Judith 2006, One whole and perfect day, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Paperback, 286 p.
‘Why do people have to come in families?’ Clarke answers her own character’s question in this tender, engaging read about different generations and cultures. The lingering message that family ties and the bonds of friendship are to be treasured is loud and very clear. Appropriate for analysis at any secondary level as a class text.
Devoid of themes common in teenage novels - drugs, crime, real violence and extreme angst - this story is set in the serene and beautiful environment surrounding Katoomba. Clarke uses this natural calm to extend the mood, in her story of caring and compassion. Readers will be drawn in by the manner in which the interconnectedness of family is eloquently conveyed. Lily is the sixteen-year-old central character, however the reader is whizzed along through the plot by in-depth perceptions from many of the other well-developed characters, providing a kaleidoscope of their common hopes and dreams. Through a series of sometimes unlikely coincidences, all and sundry head to Stan and May’s house (Lily’s grandparents) for an 80th birthday party. The journey to the mountains is a symbolic one for them all and provides a satisfying ‘whole and perfect’ conclusion for the story.

Cornish, David 2006, Foundling, (Monster blood tattoo), Omnibus, Malvern, S.A.
Paperback, 433 p.
This is an elaborate fantasy with a number of appendices providing maps, calendars, glossary and other information to help readers become immersed in the comprehensively created, alternative world. The vocabulary and heavy accents are challenging, but once the reader becomes accustomed to this, the linear plot is not difficult to follow. Fantasy fans will be tantalised by the balance of adventure and horror in this new series.
The protagonist, Rossamünd, is introduced as he is sent out from the ‘foundlingery’ into the wider world to take up a career as a lamplighter on the highways of the Empire. This book traces his dangerous, character-building journey to take up his new position. The descriptions of character and place evoke the works of Dickens with rivers and streets populated with orphans, unsavoury characters and filth. Here there are added terrors of the ‘Everlasting struggle’ between humankind and monsters. It’s a world where many are occupied in the business of fighting monsters and ‘sedorner’ (or monster-lover) is the ultimate insult. Those who succeed in killing a monster are tattooed with an image of the slain creature, using that same monster’s blood. An extensive vocabulary, some of it invented and some of it revived from older times, is defined in a hundred-page glossary. Detailed portraits in graphite will further help readers to visualise the characters.

Dubosarsky, Ursula 2006, The red shoe, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Paperback, 181 p.
This is a beautifully written but strangely disconnected novel that sheds light on the social and political climate during the events of the Petrov affair, and explores its effect on the consciousness of children. With newspaper extracts from 1954, inter-textual references and the recurring red shoe image, it is set against the backdrop of espionage and the Cold War, making it a fascinating study for secondary English classes. It could also be used loosely to support a study of the period in Studies of Society and Environment.
Hans Christian Andersen’s gruesome fairy tale, The red shoes, is retold at the beginning of the book, filling the youngest of three sisters, Matilda, with fear and inquisitiveness. The eldest sister’s interest in current affairs has also filtered through to six-year-old Matilda whose imagination is fired by talk of spies.
Despite a fascinating plot, the novel is essentially character driven, centring on the family of a returned serviceman. The story is told from the alternate perspectives of the three sisters which creates a disjointed tone. This intentional technique cleverly mirrors the sense of uncertainty and fear prevailing during this period of Australia’s history. Matilda, the most spirited of the girls, occupies her time by ‘spying’ but is unaware of the significance of much that she witnesses until the end of the novel. Interspersed throughout are newspaper articles from between April 8th to 30th, 1954 concerning the Petrov affair, the polio epidemic and other local issues.

Lanagan, Margo 2006, Red spikes, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Paperback, 198 p.
READ BEFORE USE WITH STUDENTS • Contains graphic descriptions of violence and drug use.
This book appears to be aimed at a wider demographic than the young adult market targeted by earlier titles such as Black Juice. It employs a similar crossover of genres in the ten short stories included. The stories contain dark themes and challenge readers to interpret language that is skilled and poetic. Appropriate for Senior English and Senior English Extension (Literature).
Words are used more for suggestion than clarification and the intense imagery provokes disturbing ambiguities that will stimulate analysis. A variety of vernacular adds to the interest. Plots vary, but have in common the author’s hallmark quirky ideas. Stories range from one about a woman who is cruelly gagged and punched about the head because of her witch-like ability to make mice and a frightening bogeyman in the manner of Wee Willy Winkie, to the bleaker stories of the machinations of ‘Hell and Heaven’, and the god-like budgie who tenderly provides a simulacrum to protect a family member from the graphically depicted evils of drug taking. Appropriate for investigating the roles of author, reader, text and world while developing an 'understanding of the influence of various contexts on the production of texts and on the reading practices through which readers make meaning'.

Shanahan, Lisa 2006, My big birkett: the sweet, terrible, glorious year I truly, completely lost it, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Paperback, 333 p.
Lead role in the school production of The Tempest, the complications of teenage romance, and family tensions associated with the planning of her sister’s wedding culminate in Gemma throwing a major tantrum. It is an entertaining scenario set against a cast of small-town stereotypes. The portrayal of the division between the haves and have-nots, and the resulting tragedy is trivialised in this genre.
Unfortunately one novel does not provide enough space to do justice to the many stories that converge in this book. Apart from the building tensions between the in-laws (both families are some-what eccentric), other tensions are building in Gemma’s personal life and indeed in the town itself. Gemma auditions for the role of Miranda in the hope of getting closer to the most gorgeous boy in the school and, despite all odds (her shyness is a source of family jokes), she wins the role…and the attention of two leading men, Nick and Raven.
The reader needs to suspend credibility to accept the relationships in this book. In fact, the only three dimensional characters are Raven’s family who live on the wrong side of town. The book is replete with passages from The Tempest. ‘Birkett’ is Gemma’s term for a major tantrum, so named after one of her sister’s ex-boyfriends who has no further role in the story.

Book of the Year: Younger Readers

Bateson, Catherine 2006, Being Bee, UQP, St Lucia, Qld.
Paperback, 127 p.
This gentle narrative tells the story of a young girl, Bee, who is coming to terms with a new woman in her widowed father’s life. Warmly told in accessible language, this book explores themes of honesty, friendship, grief, mental illness and family diversity.
The treatment of important issues is sensitively handled. Bee’s responses to the challenges in her life are believably childish, but the reader is not overwhelmed by her angst. As well as coping with the intrusion of a ‘step-mother’ figure, Bee’s relationship with school friends is tested by their perceptions of what a ‘proper’ family should be. Bee takes solace in her pet guinea pigs, communicating her feelings in letters to them. Although Jazzi, the girlfriend, comes across as well-adjusted, she has kept her mentally-ill adult brother, Harley, a secret. Prone to tactless observation (sometimes deliberate and often directed ever-so-innocently at Jazzi), it is Bee’s openness in accepting Harley that ultimately helps resolve many of the issues in their lives.

Flynn, Pat; Jellett, Tom (illus) 2006, The tuckshop kid, UQP, St. Lucia, Qld.
Paperback, 81 p.
Matt is the ‘tuckshop kid’ because his mother’s too busy to prepare meals and his body is suffering the effects of his unhealthy lifestyle. When he has a diabetes scare, he and his mother make positive changes in their lives that are self-empowering. The treatment is light and accessible making this a useful text for discussing the serious issues of self-esteem and obesity in Health and Physical Education classes.
Matt’s mother has compensated for the lack of time she spends with her son by giving him money for gadgets and food. Matt’s size makes him the brunt of cruel jokes and those who are friendly towards him seem to like him for his money. A lucky streak that sees him winning a free carton of chocolate milk for every one he drinks gives a boost to Matt’s popularity. The ways the relationships develop in this well-intentioned story are not entirely convincing. The word plays in the menus that open each chapter are an amusing adjunct.

French, Jackie 2006, Macbeth and son, HarperCollins, Pymble, N.S.W.
Paperback, 234 p.
French engages readers in the historical events that inspired Macbeth, while quite explicitly exploring themes of truth and the concept of heroism. An in-depth knowledge of the play is not necessary but some prior knowledge of Shakespeare will help readers to understand this text. This would make an excellent class text for developing a critical literacy approach to analysing texts as well as for illustrating life during the Middle Ages.
French cleverly connects contemporary children with the work of Shakespeare through this historical fiction. This alternative perspective on the real Macbeth, who inspired the play, is replete with scenes of medieval battles. Shakespeare’s play is used as a cohesive device but does not dominate this novel which alternates between 9th century Scotland and 21st century Australia.
The majority of the text tells the story of Lulach, who grows to admire the commitment to truth and peace that earned his stepfather, Macbeth, respect from the Scottish people and saw him elected King. His mother is a gracious and dutiful woman, nothing like Shakespeare’s manipulative Lady Macbeth. Luke, a contemporary child whose stepfather is a powerful media personality, is connected to Lulach through a series of dreams, brought on by a study of the play at school. He comes to an understanding of how a writer’s purpose might compromise the veracity of historical fact. French includes useful notes and a chapter on ‘Eating like Macbeth' that includes some medieval-inspired recipes.

Griffiths, Andy; Denton, Terry (illus) 2006, The cat on the mat is flat, Pan Macmillan Australia, Sydney.
Paperback, 166 p.
This collection of nine nonsense-verse stories, with their slightly wicked humour, is sure to delight students in Year 2 and above who have mastered basic sight words and developed phonemic awareness. Griffiths’ playful use of language could be used to facilitate the investigation of phonemes, vocabulary, punctuation and syntax.
Not only is the title reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s classic favourite, so is the passionate belligerence in snowballing nonsense sentences such as ‘Racing is NOT allowed in my bog!/Not on a log!/Not on a cog!/No log-racing frogs!/No cog-racing dogs!’. Denton’s frenetic cartoon illustrations as always capture the joke and will help young readers make meaning of the often absurd text. The strong emphasis on rhyming words may take many adults back to the basal readers of their early school days, such as The Happy Venturers with Dick and Dora, and even older students might appreciate the parody on early reading books. As a follow-up, students could list rhyming words and organise them into parts of speech - such as nouns, verbs and adjectives - before arranging them into short verse.

Laguna, Sofie 2006, Bird & Sugar Boy, Puffin, Camberwell, Vic.
Paperback, 162 p.
This is a delightful, uplifting story told in a quintessentially Australian way about a twelve-year-old boy and his sense of abandonment - first losing his mother and then his best friend. It would be appropriate as a class-reader for study at the lower secondary level, especially suiting boys.
Bird (aka James) lives with his ex-bikie father in a small country town where his main joy in life is to hang around at the river with his closest (and only) friend Sugar Boy. Told in the first person, readers will be easily and quickly engaged. When Sugar Boy delivers the news of his departure, Bird’s overwhelming sense of loss and lack of direction consumes him. He runs away to the city en route to the Blue Mountains where he hopes to find one of his heroes. Although a terrifying ordeal, it is his coping mechanisms that appear to fail him the most. Drawing birds, assuming bird characters, filling his mind with unrelated ideas and actions are all strategies that would normally help him through difficult times.
In moving and insightful images, Laguna conveys the themes of friendship and families in a manner that subtly requests the reader to challenge stereotypes.

Millard, Glenda; King, Stephen Michael (illus) 2006, Layla, queen of hearts, ABC, Sydney.
Paperback, 109 p.
This is a beautifully moving story about a special friendship between two children and the elderly, yet intriguing, Miss Amelie. Rich and warm in it’s portrayal of life and relationships, this novel could be used to support relationship education with students in middle and upper primary.
Layla and Griffin are delightful young characters who approach life with the wonder and uncomplicated wisdom that only childhood affords. A Senior Citizen’s Day at school has Layla looking for a special person to take, and this is how Miss Amelie becomes part of her life. In the events that unfold, the themes of unconditional love, family relationships, memories, memory loss, miracles, health, ageing and death are rendered with tenderness and compassion. The writing is fresh and lyrical and the characterisation is convincing. King’s signature pen and ink illustrations are highly complementary and capture the whimsy, yet quiet intensity, of the text. A poignant story, this beautiful sequel to the short listed The Naming of Tishkin Silk is a poetic and philosophical embodiment of the human condition.

Book of the Year: Early Childhood

Allen, Pamela 2006, Grandpa and Thomas and the green umbrella, Penguin/Viking, Camberwell, Vic.
Hardcover, 32 p.
Another beautiful offering from Pamela Allen, this picture book follows on from the award-winning Grandpa and Thomas and again depicts the magic in the relationship between grandparent and child. It’s perfect for reading aloud and could be used to support a myriad of literacy activities in English with students in lower primary.
Thomas and Grandpa partake in the simple pleasures that the sun, sea and sand invite. Their actions mirror each other, with Grandpa taking the lead in the beginning of the story and Thomas becoming more assertive towards the end. This creates a lovely and natural repetition in the understated, yet lyrical, text. The vibrant, ink-and-watercolour illustrations work in perfect synchronicity with the story. A storm that descends upon the pair is rendered with foreboding shades and frantic movement. Ominous sheets of rain and cloud are captured in sweeping, dark and shadowy lines that form a wonderful contrast to the bright and playful calm of the rest of the book. Like so many of Allen’s other books, this too is destined to become a favourite.

Costain, Meredith; Allen, Pamela (illus) 2006, Doodledum dancing, Viking, Camberwell, Vic.
Hardcover, 29 p.
This is a delightful collection of jaunty poems celebrating family life, everyday things and a few extraordinary things as well. Filled with rhyme, rhythm and playful language, this book will appeal to students in Prep – Year 4. It would be an excellent resource to support poetry writing (English, Writing and shaping, Level 1 – 3).
Topics explored in these fun verses include a loose tooth, puppies and dogs, cuddles from grandma, winter weather and a miserable pirate. Alliteration and onomatopoeia abound, with phrases like ‘posing and prancing’, ‘bolting and bouncing’ and ‘flickerflashing lightning’ bringing richness to the rhyming language. Pamela Allen’s exuberant illustrations replicate the movement and motion of the words and at the same time invite action, noise and participation from the audience. Captured on sparse white backgrounds are stomping dinosaurs, flapping chooks and somersaulting children.
Showcasing a variety of styles of poetry and verse, this book offers different models for students’ own writing or whole-class innovations. This is a lovely book to dip into or read from cover to cover.

Fox, Lee; Wilcox, Cathy (illus) 2006, Ella Kazoo will not brush her hair, Lothian Books, South Melbourne, Vic.
Hardcover, 32 p.
In rhyming verse, this book tells the story of Ella and her unruly mass of red hair. Perfect as a read-aloud, this story will appeal to students in Prep – Year 2, especially those who have a strong aversion to brushing their hair. It could be used to support discussions about rhyme, rhythm and the use of euphemisms (English, Writing and shaping, Levels 1 – 2).
Ella goes to great lengths to avoid brushing her hair – she hides, roars, runs off, and buries the brush – all to the despair of her mother. Painted in wild, fiery red brushstrokes, Ella’s hair takes on a life of it own, achieving larger-than-life status on every page. But Ella’s hair grows in length and magnitude and curls its way into clothes, around furniture, down the stairs and around the cat. Ella finally decides that her hair ‘must be stopped’. Children will enjoy identifying the various ‘head of hair’ euphemisms in this delightful, jaunty picture book.

Gleeson, Libby; Blackwood, Freya 2006, Amy & Louis, Scholastic Press, Lindfield, N.S.W.
Hardcover, 27 p.
This beautiful book captures the joyous bond between two young friends, Amy and Louis, as they are immersed in the daily and important work of childhood – creative and imaginative play. Perfect for reading aloud, this book will evoke rich and emotive discussions, with children in lower primary, about relationships and playful endeavours.
Cardboard boxes, blankets, washing baskets, spades and garden hoses are the tools of these enthusiastic young inventors and old dress-ups, their creative attire. No matter whether Amy is deeply engrossed in playdough or Louis in construction, a special call draws them together for shared play. ‘Coo-ee, Lou-ee’ brings Louis scurrying through Amy’s broken fence with ‘secrets to share’. When Amy moves far, far away, brown and white streetscapes reflect the barren bleakness of both children’s hearts. But because their bond stretches across the continents, they discover their coo-ee does as well. While the text is relatively simple, the depth and emotion is captured in the sensitively responsive illustrations. Warm, engaging and insightful, they are affirming of the vital role of creative self-expression and exploration in child development.

Lee, Lyn; Gamble, Kim (illus) 2006, Eight, Scholastic, Malvern, S. Aust.
Hardcover, 30 p.
In this delightful story, young Timmy learns to grow beyond his strong need for his stuffed toy octopus, Eight. Perfect for reading aloud, the story’s themes of courage and bravery will have much appeal for students in Prep – Year 2. They will identify with the special relationship Timmy shares with his treasured friend, Eight.
Timmy and Eight do everything together, but when Timmy accidentally leaves Eight behind after a picnic, he has to learn to comfort himself independently of Eight. While he learns to brave thunderstorms and sleeping alone, he wonders about the life Eight now leads. A series of beautiful vignettes captures the misfortunes and adventures Timmy imagines of his friend – the projection of his own fears and hopes. Eventually Timmy finds Eight, but instead of taking him to bed as he used to, Tim decides Eight is old enough and brave enough to sleep by himself. There’s a magical quality about the water-colour illustrations, the warm and gentle hues infuse life into the lovely but fairly ordinary text.

Wild, Margaret; Niland, Deborah (illus) 2006, Chatterbox, Penguin, Camberwell, Vic.
Hardcover, 30 p.
Despite all of her family’s efforts and coaxing, 18-month-old Daisy does everything but talk. One day, however, a flurry of words emerges, and the family wonders whether Daisy will ever stop. This delightful book, perfect for choral reading or reader’s theatre, will have wide appeal with students in Prep – Year 2. It could be used to support the study of family in Studies of Society and Environment (Culture and Identity, Level 1) and English (Reading and viewing, Levels 1 and 2).
In exuberant colour, this book portrays the fun and mayhem of family life with a toddler. Niland’s illustrations, full of large, round faces with simple features, focus on family members’ emotional displays of fun, happiness, gusto, wonder, dismay, and shocked amazement. While the text conveys nothing more than the normal, everyday goings-on of a toddler, it does so with a warm and lively cadence, brimming with energy and humour. Words like ‘Nana’, ‘Max’, ‘tweet’, ‘squeak’, ‘woof’ and ‘snap, snap’ dance across the pages as Daisy’s mother, father, nana and brother attempt to charm her into speaking. The story follows a recognisable pattern, encouraging prediction and an appreciation of the rhythm of language. Students and adults alike, especially those with a toddler in their midst, will revel in this funny and beautiful depiction of family.

Picture Book of the Year

McKimmie, Christopher 2006, Brian Banana Duck Sunshine Yellow, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.
Hardcover, 32 p.
This is an irresistible and quirky romp through the yellow world of Brian. It will have great read-aloud appeal, the themes of belonging, identity and autonomy resonating with children and adults alike. It could be used to support Health and Physical Education (Enhancing Personal Development, Prep – Level 2) and Studies of Society and Environment (Culture and Identity, Prep – Level 1).
Audacious but loveable Brian spends each of his week-ends with his grandparents. Na-Na Yellow has affectionately named him ‘Banana’ and Grumpy Yellow calls him ‘Duck’. (Duck is a particularly apt name as Brian always wears a duck’s beak, a yellow top and cap.) Even though Brian loves staying there, the relationship that exists between child and grandparents is rather capricious. As Brian is often mischievous, verging on bold, it is no accident that when he’s being particularly cavalier with his grandfather, he is depicted in a devilish red suit, with horns and trident. Brian’s growing confidence in his identity and place in the world, leads to a triumphant symbolic acquisition, and a new name as well. There is a wonderful ambiguity about this story that forces readers to define their own parameters of meaning. The innovative approach and presentation of this book, with its child-like drawings and font, add to its off-beat charm.

Oliver, Narelle 2006, Home, Scholastic Australia, Malvern, S. Aust.
Hardcover, 30 p.
Set in Brisbane, this book is based on the true story of a pair of peregrine falcons, bushfire refugees, searching for a new home. Refreshingly, this book carries a positive message about the adaptation of wildlife to urban life. It has wide cross-curricular application and relevance across Prep – Year 7.
Once the birds have found a new nesting site, tension rises in the story as the male falcon searches for food. An alien environment and unfamiliar predators bring confusion and fear. Oliver cleverly juxtaposes the text and illustrations: the story is told through the voice of the birds, while the illustrations portray the human reality. ‘Towering cliffs that gleam like water’ are indeed the glassy high-rises of Brisbane’s CBD. The linoprint medium, used in different ways and combined with other media such as watercolours, pastels, coloured pencils and collage materials is a special feature of the illustrations. It forms a soft contrast with the more angular elements of the built environment. This book is a wonderful example of the picture book medium.

Ormerod, Jan 2006, Water witcher, Little Hare, Surry Hills, N.S.W.
Hardcover, 30 p.
One family’s struggle to survive on the land during a drought is captured in this warm and evocative story. Set in the 1920s, it would be a wonderful resource to help students explore Australian history. It could also be used to examine resilience and human relationships with and reliance upon the land (Studies of Society and Environment, Levels 1 – 3).
The strong visuals are an integral part of this picture book. Solid blue sky lines and strong earthen tones capture the Australian landscape in its harsh and arid splendour. The farming family and the animals are rendered in similarly dry and dusty shades, highlighting the drought’s permeating effect on their daily lives. Dougie and his sisters can’t remember the last time it rained. The rainwater tanks are long dry and the creek, a string of muddy puddles. (The family’s only source of water is Last Stop Well, a good way down the track.) When Dougie’s Dad tells him of his grandfather’s ability with water witching, Dougie wishes he could do the same. His sisters and mother observe Dougie’s attempts at water divining with scepticism. With perseverance and the determined optimism of childhood, however, Dougie does indeed manage to find water. A lovely book which captures the character of the Australian outback.

Metzenthen, David; Rippin, Sally (illus) 2006, The rainbirds, Hachette, South Melbourne, Vic.
Hardcover, 31 p.
This warm and evocative picture book portrays a creative juxtaposition of nature and the city. Imbued with the themes of seasons, cycles, progress and animal behaviour, it has many cross-curricular applications. It could be used to support English, Science and Studies of Society and the Environment in Prep - Year 4.
Far away in the city, Gleeson is perched in a tree where he can see the tops of the mountains lying beyond the city's edge. He wonders if the rainbirds (currawongs) who live amongst the 'sky-scraping trees' really will fly down from the mountains, as his father has told him. As the seasons change, the mist, heavy clouds, and falling leaves herald the coming of autumn. The rainbirds gather in 'large, loose flocks' in preparation for their flight to the city for winter. The lyrical feel of the text is beautifully reflected in the illustrations - a striking mix of collage, charcoal, gouache and coloured pencil. The richly constructed sentences weave and meander in synchronicity with the movement in the images. Just like Gleeson, readers will revel in the loud wildness of the birds, but will also find a comforting calm in the natural pleasure this beautiful book evokes.

Wild, Margaret; Spudvilas, Anne (illus) 2006, Woolvs in the sitee, Penguin, Camberwell, Vic.
Hardcover, 35 p.
Recommended to be read before use with students.
This picture book, written in phonetic English, is appropriate for use with mature students. The invented spelling and alternative grammar employed authenticates the voice of a boy who fears he’ll be taken by ‘the woolvs’. Secondary students will draw on their own understanding of homelessness, mental illness, poverty, loneliness and fear to find meaning. The very purposeful use of language, colour and technique enhance the potential of this as a thought-provoking resource ideal for developing critical and visual literacy. Exactly who or what 'the woolvs' are is not divulged, nor are the details of the boy’s living conditions, his mental state or how he comes to be in this wretched situation. An infinite number of questions are raised: Is his susceptible state of mind a product of his situation or a reason for it, or is his heightened state of alertness perfectly rational in his vulnerable situation? Memories of ‘normality’ (he remembers a time when the sky was blue) provide a very faint glimmer of hope against the all-pervading despair - or perhaps it only serves to sharpen the poignancy of this boy’s loneliness. The evocative artwork mirrors the ambiguity of the text through mixed media that includes heavy charcoal drawings and watercolour washes. The book may also engender empathy in students, and help them face their fears of those who are different.

Tan, Shaun 2006, The arrival, Lothian, Melbourne.
Hardcover, 122 p.
Shaun Tan develops well-rounded characters and a structured plot through this evocative wordless book. He enables the reader to empathise with the experience of finding one’s way in a country where nothing is familiar. This is an excellent resource for developing visual literacy skills, for analysis in Art or as a support for a study of migration in Studies of Society and Environment or Senior Modern History.
Tan masterfully conveys the gamut of experience and emotion associated with migrating to a foreign land through gesture, facial expression, tonal variation, visual metaphor and clever arrangement of images. Over fifty pages of illustrations are divided into six chapters that trace one man’s journey - from the poignant parting with his wife and daughter until such time as they join him in the humble home he has established. Tan’s migrant is Caucasian but given the variety of heritages represented in the faces of his fellow travellers and the exotic and whimsical imagery used, he is the perfect ‘universal’ migrant. Along the way he meets and is supported by others whose stories are also portrayed.
The images allude to historical conflicts but these are not overt. While the sepia tones provide a sombre mood, and fear and loneliness are almost tangible at times, this is ultimately an uplifting book that celebrates migration and multiculturalism. Many of the images are thumbnail in size and can be ‘read’ like a series of screen shots, sometimes honing in on a detail or panning out to show a larger scene that may fill a double-page spread. There is an enormous amount to pore over and explore in interpreting this thought-provoking book.

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

Davidson, Leon 2006, Red haze: Australians & New Zealanders in Vietnam, Black Dog, Fitzroy, Vic.
Paperback, 153 p.
This is a thoroughly researched yet brief text that provides an accessible context to a study of the Vietnam war in Studies of Society and Environment or senior Modern History. The introduction urges readers that, despite the author’s endeavours to be balanced, they should be aware of the many different versions and perspectives. A useful book acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the issues and for engendering sympathy for those involved on both sides.
The first chapter throws the reader straight into the action at Long Tan. The second chapter provides useful historical background and following chapters present the information chronologically and cohesively. The exposition shows how strategies became increasingly complex including the development of tunnel systems and attempts to break the South Vietnamese peasants’ connection with the Vietcong. The text provides descriptions of battles, including the Tet Offensive. The accounts are personalised including names of people from both sides who were involved in the action, vivid anecdotes and many quotes.
The book also describes the increasingly polarised viewpoints of those at home and in service, the protest movements, the media influence on public opinion and the political manoeuvring. It looks at the fallout of all this on soldiers returning to Australia, New Zealand and the United States, as well as on the Vietnamese people once the international forces withdrew. References to conflicts in Korea, Laos and Cambodia help situate the war in the broader context. The text is comprehensively referenced and plenty of photographs, some maps and diagrams help to bring this war to life.

Fenton, Corinne; Gouldthorpe, Peter (illus) 2006, Queenie: one elephant's story, Black Dog Books, Fitzroy, Vic.
Hardcover, 22 p.
This biographical account brings to life the controversy of Queenie the elephant, renowned mascot of the Melbourne Zoo in the early 20th century. Although a poignant story in its own right, it also raises serious questions about the treatment of animals, animals being used for human pleasure, and changing attitudes and practices in zoos.
Based on archival material, the story follows the capture of Queenie as a youngster in India to her delivery to Melbourne Zoo. For over 40 years this much-loved gentle giant gave rides to adult and children alike – ‘with a slow careful tread, Queenie walked through the years’. However, in a tragic incident Queenie crushed her keeper, Wilfred Lawson, and within a year she was destroyed. The reader is left unsure as to the cause of Queenie’s out-of-character behaviour and whether it was related to overwork, tiredness, mistreatment or pure accident. Opportunities for critical reflection and discussion abound. The text is elegant in its understated simplicity and beautifully complemented by the detailed and realistic artwork.

Hocknull, Scott; Cook, Alex; Parish, Steve; Queensland Museum 2006, Amazing facts about Australian dinosaurs, (Steve Parish amazing facts), Steve Parish, Archerfield, Qld.
Hardcover, 64 p.
According to the definitions provided in this book, a significant number of the creatures examined in this book fall outside of the implied subject matter, Australian dinosaurs. This is just one of the aspects of this book that is likely to cause confusion in unwary student researchers. However, given that Australian ‘dinosaurs’ are the focus and there is plenty of fascinating material provided by Queensland museum curators, this book will be useful in Science (Life and Living).
The first pages attempt to classify groups of dinosaurs and quite decisively state that some of the giant creatures from the past, such as pterosaurs, are not dinosaurs. The explanations and diagrams do not adequately clarify the point. Illustrations across double-page spreads then show scenes from around Australia during the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods. A follow-up spread for each is labelled and describes the features of each species. Heavily illustrated pages describe how scientists find out about the past, and compare features of different ‘dinosaurs’. Many fascinating facts are locked in dense text that would have been made more accessible with greater use of subheadings, and more effective use of diagrams. Scale indicators would have been a welcome addition. ‘The facts’ and ‘Did you know?’ sections in the margins of each page are particularly engaging features. A timeline and glossary are included.
Related picture held in poster collection at POS 567.90994 HOC 2006.

Hoopmann, Kathy 2006, All cats have Asperger Syndrome, Jessica Kingsley, London.
Paperback, 65 p.
This touching and insightful book offers a description of Asperger Syndrome behaviours in the context of a creature for whom independence and aloofness is often a natural way of being. The humorous, visually engaging photographs and the uncomplicated text make it particularly relevant for young siblings of children with Asperger Syndrome and for the promotion of inclusivity in primary classrooms. Also an excellent educational resource for teachers and parents.
The pictures tell more than the words alone in this book. Each carefully chosen photograph captures a cat or kitten in a pose that is reflective of a particular behaviour typically associated with Asperger Syndrome. Characteristic behaviours such as strong attachments to certain objects and heightened sensorial responsiveness are beautifully and sensitively portrayed. The photos are accompanied by a simple and clear sentence with additional captions sometimes included to explain the feline’s state of mind.
The cat analogy used in this book will evoke a variety of responses from readers based on their own perspective and personal experience with Asperger Syndrome. Given the target audience of this book, it is necessarily simplistic and does make generalisations about the behaviour of children with Asperger Syndrome. It could also have been shorter without compromising its purpose. While some readers may feel ambivalent about the ‘cutesy’ feel of the book, the appealing cat images are more likely to invoke an empathic understanding from a wider audience.

Norman, Mark 2006, The penguin book: birds in suits, Black Dog, Fitzroy, Vic.
Paperback, 30 p.
Following on the success of popular film, Happy Feet, this book on penguins is amusingly subtitled and will resonate strongly amongst a wide target audience. Appropriate for Science, (Life and Living strand, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4); Studies of Society and Environment (Place and Space strand, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4).
Aimed at middle and upper primary readers, the language used is extremely accessible for all ages and retains the ‘fun’ element as a major denominator in the disclosure of facts. Compact and vibrantly coloured, this well-constructed resource includes chapters on the penguin’s body, unusual features, where different penguins live and a concise account of each of the seventeen species that exist globally. Black and white silhouetted images of each species provide an effective contrast and surprising detail. Each chapter has a fact file listing predators and feeding and breeding routines in fascinating graph-like diagrams that invite close examination and facilitate comparison. Includes a glossary, index and several references for further reading and viewing.

Tonkin, Rachel 2006, Leaf litter, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.
Hardcover, 38 p.
Superbly detailed illustrations portray the ecosystem built around leaf litter, emphasising its importance to the planet’s survival as it preserves moisture, helps to conserve the soil, and provides shelter and nutrients for a huge variety of plants and animals. While particularly suited as a resource to support Science (Life and Living, Levels 3 and 4) and Studies of Society and Environment (Place and Space, Levels 3 and 4), younger children will also enjoy exploring the illustrations.
This is a book to be explored and revisited; the author’s suggestion to use a magnifying glass is worth heeding. The same scene at the base of a tree is reproduced on each double page spread, virtually facilitating a field study of the changes that happen on the forest floor over time. The minute detail is problematic for sharing in large groups. Students could work in small groups to investigate specific pages or elements. They will enjoy watching such things as how minibeasts go about their business aiding the decomposition of dead plants and animals, mice reproducing, or a snake devouring a mouse. A lift-up flap on each page reveals some hidden element of the activity at a deeper level. The text at the bottom of each page is quite dense with six lines of small font describing the process and focusing the reader’s attention on specific aspects of the illustration. The final pages contain lists of ten other items that can be found in each spread. The glossary is also comprehensive as are the teacher notes available on the publisher’s site.