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Children's and YA book reviews and interviews

The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster: Polly and Buster Book One
Sally Rippin, HGE, June 2017, reviewed by Lindy Jones

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Interview

Heavyweight division: Peter Carnavas on ‘The Elephant’

Crime teen investigation: Tristan Bancks on ‘The Fall’

Picture books

One Thousand Trees
Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Fremantle Press, July 2017, reviewed by Anica Boulanger Mashberg

A beautiful, dreamy contemplation, Kyle Hughes-Odgers’ One Thousand Trees merges a sparse narrative with illustrations that are tender, controlled and poignant. There is more the hint of a story than... Read more

Peas and Quiet
Gabrielle Tozer, illus by Sue DeGennaro, HarperCollins, July 2017, reviewed by Thuy On

Best known for her YA writing, Gabrielle Tozer’s first picture book tells the story of two peas called Pip and Pop, who live together in a pod. But all is... Read more

The Sloth Who Came to Stay
Margaret Wild, illus by Vivienne To, A&U, July 2017, reviewed by Thuy On

Certain animals, such as lions and elephants, are ubiquitous in picture books—but there are hardly any with sloths in them. Perhaps Margaret Wild’s latest effort might start a new trend.... Read more

Younger readers

Cyclones and Shadows
Pat Dudgeon, Laura Dudgeon, Sabrina Dudgeon & Darlene Oxenham, Fremantle Press, July 2017, reviewed by Hannah Cartmel

This sweet collection of stories from Fremantle Press’ ‘Waarda’ series will appeal to teachers, librarians and parents who want to talk with kids about the different experiences of people around... Read more

The Elephant
Peter Carnavas, UQP, July 2017, reviewed by Lian Hingee

The Elephant is the first junior-fiction novel from Peter Carnavas, who is well known for his gentle, heartfelt picture books. Olive lives with her Grandad, her Dad, and—even if no-one... Read more

The Fall
Tristan Bancks, Random House, June 2017, reviewed by Braiden Asciak

Following an operation to ease his scoliosis, 12-year-old Sam Garner secures the chance to stay with his father Harry (never ‘Dad’) in the city, to better understand and get to... Read more

Marsh and Me
Martine Murray, Text, July 2017, reviewed by Louise Pfanner

Joey Green is a nice, sensitive boy. He’s a bit of a loner, lacking in confidence and trying to find a way to fit in at school. One day, he... Read more

Young adult

My Lovely Frankie
Judith Clarke, A&U, July 2017, reviewed by Carody Culver

Tom has never forgotten his friend Frankie—even though he hasn’t seen him for over half a century. In 1950, when Tom is just 16, he thinks he feels the hand... Read more