I received a copy of this title from Bloomsbury Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Dragon is sick of being the villain all the time and just wanI received a copy of this title from Bloomsbury Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Dragon is sick of being the villain all the time and just wants to be the hero in the story - any story! After he exhausts all his options, an errant sneeze causes the residents of the fairytale kingdom to beg the dragon to join in the story and save the day!
What a fun romp, and with such a sympathetically drawn protagonist, too! Poor old dragon is always the villain and he's now fed up with having to fight (and lose) to the knight every single time. He wants to be a hero, but none of the fairytale folk can find room for a dragon in their stories. While assisting Jack (of beanstalk fame) on his mission, dragon accidentally sets in motion a chain of events that cause the sun to go out....but who could the fairytale folk possibly find who could reignite the sun? Enter the dragon of course!
There's plenty of humour in this one, in both the text and cheeky illustrative details. The mini-fleshlings enjoyed spotting all the different fairytale characters and the surprise post-climax ending (ie: the last page!) even had us trip-trapping off to remind ourselves what happened in a certain fairytale story, so the book launched us on our own adventure.
Young readers, and especially those who are younger siblings or always shunted out of the "hero" role in imaginative games, will no doubt relate to poor old dragon, who really only wants a brief shining moment in the sun and a chance to break out of his stereotypically assigned role.
The combination of text and illustrative format means that the story rolls along quickly and we found this to be an all around winner as a pre-bedtime, relaxing read. ...more
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Wendy and her family are involved in a car accident inI received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Wendy and her family are involved in a car accident in which her younger brother Michael is killed – although Wendy is certain that she saw Michael fly away from the crash and is therefore still alive. Understandably concerned, her parents involve Wendy in therapy, in which she is encouraged to keep a visual diary in order to make sense of her thoughts about the loss of her brother.
The Wendy Project is a thoughtful and fast-paced graphic novel dealing with themes of grief, loss and the pressure to move on after losing a loved one. Despite the heavy subject matter, the author and illustrator have infused this story with magical realism based upon the Peter Pan story. Different characters, as well as sharing names with characters from Peter Pan, take on characteristics of their fantastical namesakes, culminating in a trip to Wendy’s very own Neverland. It is through this experience that Wendy comes to terms with who she is now and how her life will change.
This one does borrow heavily from the Peter Pan narrative, and I will be the first to admit that Peter Pan is one of my least favourite stories (what with Peter himself being the poster boy for man-children everywhere)…but this didn’t put me off as much as I thought it would, and I think the creators of The Wendy Project have achieved a good balance between original story content and content based on the more famous work.
This turned out to be quite a quick read but one that manages to explore serious themes with some depth despite this. With a balanced blend of fantasy and real life, the authors have done well to highlight the difficulties that can be faced by young people, and all of us really, in the situation of a sudden bereavement, particularly when, as Wendy is here, there is guilt, be it actual or misplaced, about the circumstances in which their loved one died. I would recommend this to those who enjoy graphic novels about real life issues told in creative ways....more
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: A collection of folk tales and legends from around the world retold I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: A collection of folk tales and legends from around the world retold in vibrant graphic novel form.
If you are like me and find fairy tales and their retellings a mite tedious without some innovative new twist or format, then you will heartily appreciate Craig Phillips eye-poppingly viewable new collection, Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts: Ten Tales from the Deep Dark Wood. This beautifully presented, large format book contains ten fairy and folk tales from around the world in graphic novel format. Rather than ripping through the whole thing as I normally would with a graphic novel, I read one story a night until I had finished the book. This worked really well, because it gave me time to consider and absorb each story before moving on to the next.
I love graphic novels and I am lukewarm-to-openly-hostile toward fairy tales, so one might expect that I would find my enjoyment of this book to be fair to middling, but the strong illustrative element has swung this one for me. It seems, on reflection, to be an absolute no-brainer to liven up oft-told stories like fairy tales with vibrant illustrations but the use of full page illustrations in different frame layouts along with the traditional fairy tale style text and dialogue works incredibly well to flesh out the details and atmosphere of each story. Some of the stories here, such as the tale of Baba Yaga, the story of Snow White and Rose Red and the myth of Finn McCool will be familiar to many readers, but mixed in with these are less typical (if you are from a European background, anyway) stories, such as Momotaro, the peach-boy and the tale of the Polar Bear King who is forced to wear a fleece of feathers.
The graphic novel format is just genius because it instantly broadens the audience of the book. Teenagers, or older reluctant readers for instance, who might roll their eyes at the thought of reading fairy tales could easily pick up this tome without embarrassment and become absorbed in the visual appeal of the stories. The text is in that traditional, sometimes a bit convoluted, fairy tale style and so might be a bit tricky for the lower end of the intended audience, but taken with the illustrations, this book has high appeal to a whole range of reading ages.
I would absolutely love to see a follow up tome to this one from Phillips, with folk tales from an even wider range of cultures because the format is so readable and can so easily transfer between read-alone for confident readers, to read-aloud in a group setting, to read-together between parents and children snuggled up before bed. What an innovative new way to present some old classics that we feel like we've all seen before....more
I received a copy of this title from PanMacmillan Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Augie is stuck for the summer working on his parents fadingI received a copy of this title from PanMacmillan Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Augie is stuck for the summer working on his parents fading, fairy tale theme park, while also trying to think up a good idea for his Creative Arts project re-do. When unexpected wolfish behaviour starts to take over Augie's life, he'll need every friend he can find to come out the other side of the summer unscathed.
Return to Augie Hobble was a package of unpredictability from start to finish. Augie lives in a reasonably crappy amusement park based on a fairy tale theme and spends his summer sweeping up after guests and being picked on by bored teenage pranksters. In his downtime, he and his best friend Britt escape to their fort in the woods and attempt to create a Creative Arts project that will get Augie a passing grade. When Britt leaves on holiday and Augie has a strange encounter with someone in a wolf suit (or is it?), Augie's life takes a turn for the weird...er.
This book is a bit of a cross between a graphic novel and an ordinary novel, as it is heavily illustrated throughout. Along with the actual story the reader is privy to Augie's multiple attempts to create a passable project for his summer school Creative Arts class and these range from cartoons to illustrated stories to photographs. We also get to see some particularly .... unexpected ...scribblings that appear in the notebook. I use the word "appear" because Augie can't explain how they got there...although he has a rather shrewd idea.
I won't try to describe the plot of this story to you because it is twistier than a spring caught in an automated twisting machine - just when you think you can guess where the story's going - phwip! - something completely unexpected pops up to change things around. By the end of the book you'll have vicariously experienced lycanthropism, theft, ghost activity, a genuine cowboy horse chase, gypsy prophesying, time-lapse photography, poltergeisting for the win, agents working on a government conspiracy and festive decorating. By about two thirds of the way through the book I did feel that I had lost the thread a little because the plot was changing so quickly, but the writing is full of humour (some of it quite dark) and Augie is so relatable that I was willing to forgive a bit of disjointedness in the plot itself.
Presentation wise, this book will definitely appeal to young readers. The cover design is engaging and the sheer volume of illustrations throughout break up the text beautifully, giving readers of all abilities a chance to evade the monotony of black-on-white text. I'm not sure that the story will appeal to everyone - it has a unique mix of silliness and seriousness that I don't think I've come across before - but if you are a fan of quirky humour and unbelievable situations then you will definitely appreciate Smith's style....more
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: Any a, second princess of Trallonia, is perfectly happy hanI received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: Any a, second princess of Trallonia, is perfectly happy hanging out in the castle library with her friend Gottfried and Ardent, one of the Royal Dogs. When her evil sorcerer stepstepfather turns Anya's older sister's true love into a frog, Anya is thrust, reluctantly, into a quest to collect ingredients for a magic lip balm to turn him back again.
Although Nix's work is often touted as YA, it fits just as neatly into the plain old fantasy category, to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Frogkisser! is no different in this regard, for while it features a reasonably young protagonist, it's packed full of adult characters (temporarily transformed into animals and otherwise) and is reminiscent of the work of Terry Pratchet and Piers Anthony (although much less punny and of much higher quality than the latter).
Anya is the second-eldest princess in her castle which is ruled over by her stepmother and stepstepfather after the death of both her parents...at different times...which explains why she has two stepparents. Her older sister Morven is due to inherit the kingdom of Trallonia and become ruler when she comes of age, but is reasonably vacuous and distracted by handsome princes, and their stepstepfather, the evil Duke, is using his sorcery to keep her that way so that he can take over the kingdom. Anya, being another roadblock for the megalomaniacal Duke, leaves on a quest to transform one of Morven's suitors, Prince Denholm, back from the frog form into which he has been spelled, and thus avoids (by a slim margin) being murdered in her bed.
The story features all the types of characters you'd expect from a comedy-fantasy, with talking royal dogs (my favourites), a thief-turned-into-a-newt, an otter turned into a human-otter-thing, good wizards, retired wizards, dwarves, giants, thieves and witches, among others. The tone is light throughout, even during the suspenseful parts, and doused with dry humour (if it's possible to be doused with dryness, that is). The plot is quite episodic as these stories often are, with Anya having to meet and overcome a variety of quirky stumbling blocks along her road toward the ingredients for frog-transforming lip balm.
The best thing about this book is that Anya, initially, is completely out for number one - in a self-focused, rather than self-centred way - and along the way she must ponder whether or not it is worth it for her to get involved in the bigger issues facing the kingdoms and their citizens. Issues about justice in governance, the rules of succession and the obligations of richer people to poorer people, for instance. Underlying the entertainment factors of fantasy and humour in the story is a subtle exploration of privilege, and the responsibilities (if any) that the more privileged in society have toward those without power and without the means to gain agency in their own lives. Nix has been a bit clever here, popping such a topical issue neatly into a fun and fantastic jaunt through another world.
Tropes about princesses are both reinforced and turned on their head in the story, with Anya's and Morven's paths diverging, but in ways that make sense for the respective characters. I actually understood Morven's vibe to an extent, because we have our own Prince Maggers who turns up on our back deck most days to regale us with delightful tunes.
I enjoyed reading this story because of the familiarity of the humor and fantasy elements and the original, yet slightly expected, characters. I mean, you can't really have a fantasy quest without at least one animal transformed into a human or vice versa, can you? Having said that, Gerald the Herald (all of them) gave me a good chuckle every time he/she/they appeared. Frogkisser! is certainly a change of pace from Nix's Abhorsen series but at the same time another worthy addition to Australian fantasy and YA writing....more
I received a copy of this title from Allen and Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Frans is a reasonably content young school teacher who enjoys nothI received a copy of this title from Allen and Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: Frans is a reasonably content young school teacher who enjoys nothing more than sharing a tall tale (all featuring himself, of course) with the children he teaches. When one of his tales starts to permeate into his real life however, Frans is reluctantly drawn into a centuries old mystery and a plot to save a young boy from a fiendish foe.
After having put Dragt's The Letter for the King and The Secrets of the Wild Wood on my TBR list when they first came out, but never having got to reading them, I was excited to see The Song of Seven released, not least because it's a standalone novel. It took me a couple of chapters of delightfully vintage-feeling prose before I looked at the publishing information to find that rather than just being vintage-feeling, the text actually was vintage! I must applaud Laura Watkinson, the translator, for recreating that nostalgic tone of great children's literature of times gone by in this contemporary English release, because the story just oozes retro charm.
The most interesting thing about this book for young readers is that the protagonist, Frans van der Steg (or Frans the Red, as he calls himself when telling stories to his class) is an adult, and more than that, a schoolteacher! It's so rare to find contemporary children's stories that aren't told from a child's perspective these days that it certainly made the book immediately stand out for me as something different, and perhaps even timeless, as no doubt to a child, an adult is an adult is an adult, no matter what historical period you find them in. In fact, apart from the supporting cast of Frans' class and Geert-Jan, the boy confined in the House of Stairs, all of the main characters are adults. This collection of unlikely companions makes up a group of conspirators, who are invested in dealing with the prophecy connected with the House of Stairs, and Geert-Jan himself.
While the vintage tone of the book was definitely refreshing and cosy to fall in to, I did find that there were a lot of chapters in which not a lot happened. The author seems to delight in leaving Frans the Red in the lurch, and just when it seems he is about to make a breakthrough regarding the conspiracy, his fellow conspirators decide not to tell him, or something happens to ensure that the next key piece of information is left dangling, like a carrot on a stick, for Frans and the reader to chase.
Once Frans makes it into the House of Stairs as Geert-Jan's tutor, however, the pace begins to pick up and we are treated to yet more oddball adult characters, as well as a setting that must be seen to be believed. The climax of the tale comes together quite quickly and it is an exciting and unexpected ending that balances out the slower pace of the first half of the story. Throughout the book there is a definite sense of magical realism lurking behind the ordinary happenings, the fact that one of the characters is a magician notwithstanding. Even though I wouldn't class this as a typical fantasy book, there is an undeniable undercurrent of the uncommon and extraordinary between the lines of each page.
If you have a confident, independent reader in your dwelling who isn't afraid to solve a riddle, and wishes that their classroom teacher would spend a good portion of each day telling stories, then you should definitely nudge The Song of Seven in their general direction. If you are an adult fan of books for young readers and you love a book where the magic is in the nuance of the story, then I can't recommend this one highly enough. ...more
Ten Second Synopsis: When Jack accidentally trades his mum's car for a box full of seed packets to please his nonverbal younger sister, the resulting gTen Second Synopsis: When Jack accidentally trades his mum's car for a box full of seed packets to please his nonverbal younger sister, the resulting garden they plant is out of this world. Joined by their sword-swinging neighbour from up the road, Jack and Maddy must try to keep the garden in check...but things keep getting weirder.
I'm going to dispense with reiterating how much I love Ben Hatke's illustrative style and adorable original creatures and just get on with talking about the story. Although, if you'll indulge me, this series has a ridiculously cute little onion headed species that Mad Martha is dying to recreate in yarn, but as she doesn't have the time just now, we'll have to wait for that particular treat.
This is the good old fashioned kids-stumbling-upon-hidden-magic-right-in-their-own-backyard combined with meeting-a-friend-with-a-bizarrely-cool-skill style of fantasy that anyone who has loved fantasy and magic stories since childhood will definitely appreciate. Since Jack's mum has to work two jobs just to make ends meet, Jack is often left to look after his little sister Maddy, who is nonverbal. When Maddy wanders off at a local market, Jack manages to find her talking to some strange people (who you will certainly recognise if you have read the Zita the Spacegirl series!!) and ends up trading his mum's car for a box of seed packets when Maddy unexpectedly starts talking.
When the kids plant the seeds in the yard they're in for a massive shock - because the garden that sprouts is full of sentient plants, adorable onion-headed creatures and some vines that are a bit too grabby for comfort. When Jack's swordplay-mastering, home-schooled neighbour Lilly (oh, I've only just realised that she has a botanical name...coincidence?) turns up to help out, Jack has to decide whether to trust her and let her into the family's troubles or take the easy route and keep shutting everyone out.
I love, love, love, love this story. Apart from the fantasy elements (enormous snails, anyone?) there is a strong subplot about acceptance, trust and the perils of relying on oneself when others are willing to contribute. Mighty Jack doesn't have the humorous undertones of the Zita series, relying instead on a sense of adventure and risk to drive a suspenseful, but exhilarating plot. Once again Hatke has created female characters that are full of depth, with unexpected skills and for this reason, the book will appeal to both boys and girls. There's a certain echo of the Spiderwick Chronicles in this story, but Hatke has done it better. I really can't wait now to get my paws on the second book in the series - Mighty Jack and the Goblin King - by hook or crook.
This is another brilliant addition to Hatke's growing catalogue of work. If you haven't yet introduced his graphic novels or picture books to your younglings, you must really correct that oversight because these are modern classics that deserve to be re-read again and again....more
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Top Book of 2017 pick
Ten Second Synopsis: From the moment of her birth, Vasya has beenI received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Top Book of 2017 pick
Ten Second Synopsis: From the moment of her birth, Vasya has been different to the others in her village, blessed with the ability to see household and forest spirits. When a priest comes from the city to her village with the task of of saving souls, a chain of events is set in motion that will upset the delicate balance of the forest and village and result in chaos for the people.
I was a little afraid on starting this book that it would turn out to be a bit like wading through molasses, but although its a hefty tome the narrative voice is so compelling that I could have happily gone on reading for another hundred pages once it had finished. The book begins before protagonist Vasya's birth and the reader is made aware of the fact that there is something special about this child. Even though her birth results in her mother's death, we are aware that this is something Vasya's mother chose, because Vasya will be the key to...something...in the future. As the tale progresses we find out that Vasya has the ability to see household and woodland spirits and she, like the people of her village, ensures that these spirits are kept happy with small offerings of bread and the like.
Later, when a charismatic priest is sent to the village, the delicate balance between the people and the spirit world is upset, resulting in catastrophic changes for the village - crops fail, children die, and the muttering of the villagers begins to turn against Vasya, with the aid of her stepmother's urging. From here the story takes on more of a traditional fantasy atmosphere, as Vasya ventures further into the spirit world in order to save herself and her loved ones.
The greatest thing about this book is the fact that the author has remained true to the humanity of the characters while intertwining indispensable parts of the narrative that feature fantasy. This gives the overall story an incredible feeling of authenticity even as winter demons and the walking undead plague Vasya's village. Real lives, innocent lives, are at stake, through folly brought about by flawed human behaviour, yet at the same time the ethereal, and the way it has been traditionally linked with the mundane by the villagers, is the key to a return to normalcy.
Vasya is a well-developed heroine, growing from the headstrong and flighty young girl into a determined young woman who is not afraid to take risks in order to secure her own path. The women in the story are confined by the roles assigned to them by society but Vasya is different and refuses to be hemmed in, even when it seems impossible for her to resist. Alongside Vasya are two women who are foils for each other - Dunya, the long-standing nurse of the household, who protects her charges as if they were her own children, even to her death; and Anna Ivanovna, Vasya's stepmother, who cares more for herself than even for her own child, unless that child, Irinya, is reflecting credit on her mother through her beauty. The male characters of Vasya's family are both strong and gentle, fiercely protective of their daughters and sisters, yet bound to societal expectations. The priest, Konstantin, is deeply flawed and blinded by his ego and need for attention. While the fantasy elements of this tale, drawn from Russian folklore, are fascinating and terrifying by turns, the real heart of this story is in its humanity, and the decisions that individuals make when adversity falls in their lap. I honestly thought that the fantasy creatures, the household spirits and the completely creepy upyr would be the highlight of the book for me but the ordinary characters were so engaging that while I thoroughly enjoyed the fantasy elements, it was Vasya and her family that tipped this story over into brilliance.
I have to say that if this is the first offering from Katherine Arden, she is certainly going to be an author to keep on my watch list from now on. If you are looking for a totally absorbing fantasy tale that never loses sight of its humanity, and have the time to devote to an epic story, I highly recommend getting lost in The Bear and the Nightingale....more
I received a copy of this title from Bloomsbury Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated information text featuring a wide rI received a copy of this title from Bloomsbury Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated information text featuring a wide range of mythical creatures.
This book is a feast for the eyes and a scratch for the fantastical beast itch. Apart from being nicely timed to coincide with the release of a certain movie about certain fantastic beasts and where to find the same, this is the kind of book that will spark the imagination of even the most literal and pragmatic of young readers. The cover image gives a good indication of the high quality of illustration throughout the book and each page is awash with colour and fine detail. The book has several illustrators contributing, so while all the illustrations are stunningly gorgeous, there is a bit of variety in style, which is an interesting touch. Tucked within the pages are a few fold-outs and cut-outs and because they are not included on every page, add a little extra to the reading experience for those who go the distance. A wide range of beasties are covered, from the unicorn to the chimera and from elves to werewolves, with each creature receiving at least a double-page spread of information in a blocks of text that don't overwhelm. Some of the creatures also get a little extra attention, with sections such as "How to Outwit a Werewolf" and a "Guide to Dragons" filling out some of the informational gaps and providing variety.
If you know a mini-fleshling with a vivid imagination, who is into fantasy fiction, or is simply ripe for pushing into tabletop fantasy RPG games, this book will certainly whet their appetite for the magical. It has a lovely large format that is perfect for enjoying with others and the illustrations really are something else. Once again, if you are, or know, a classroom teacher or children's librarian, this would make a brilliant and coveted addition to any school or classroom library....more
I received a copy of this title from Walker Books Australia for review.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: Hana lives in the shadow of her parents' grief forI received a copy of this title from Walker Books Australia for review.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: Hana lives in the shadow of her parents' grief for her lost older brother. When the opportunity arises for Hana to end the curse that plagues the people of her village, she sets off into the Dark Woods and discovers something she didn't expect.
This is a deeply atmospheric foray into family tragedy and having the strength to follow one's own mind in the face of opposition. As retellings of fairy tales go, setting one in a fantasy version of historical Japan is a stroke of genius. I will admit that this was the element that drew me in to this book. The first few chapters, in which we are introduced to Hana, her peculiar ability to talk to trees, and the shadowy curse plaguing her village, had me immediately hooked. The writing is laden with imagery and Hana is shown to be kept on the outer by her peers, troubled by grief and family tragedy and yet steadfast in knowing her own mind. The historical setting of the book felt so unlike any fairy tale I have read before that even though the book is a retelling (or re-imagining, I suppose), there is no deference to the usual tone and motifs typically seen in YA retellings of such familiar tales.
As I mentioned earlier, the strongest parts of the novel for me were the beginning and end, as both of these took place in Hana's village. In the beginning, as the story moved on and we discover more about the curse of the Dark Wood, I was a little bit sad to let go of the down-to-earth aspects of the story to engage with the fantasy elements, which is unusual for me, but I'm sure those that love fairy tale retellings will adore the unique setting for the Beast and the other forces that manipulate the Dark Wood. It was great to see a bit of influence of Japanese fantasy culture included here, with a truly frightening spirit throwing her weight around in the latter stages of the story. If I'm honest, I could take or leave the "romance" bit, which read more like a developing relationship and building of trust than romance (thank goodness!) but the atmosphere and imagery generated by the writing were absolutely absorbing and so I can definitely recommend this to those who love retellings, or indeed those who love a good historical fiction with a fantasy twist....more
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: When new kid Anansi moves to town, Jack (from the BeanstI received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
3.5 stars
Ten Second Synopsis: When new kid Anansi moves to town, Jack (from the Beanstalk) can't shake the feeling that there is something shady about him. After Jack tries to prove his theory, things start going from bad to worse, and Jack must decide how far he is prepared to go to get to the truth.
As early chapter books featuring rehashed fairy tale characters go, this one is of quite a high quality. The Little Legends series features all your favourite fairy tale characters (including, but not limited to, Jack (of the beanstalk), Red (of the riding hood) and Rapunzel (with the hair)), as well as Jack's talking pet chicken Betsy (although the only thing she can say is "Whaaaat?"). The books aren't retellings of the original fairy tales, but rather feature the familiar characters in fairy tale-like adventures.
In this story, Anansi, who those of African heritage may know as the trickster spirit, arrives in the village and is spotted by Jack engaged in mildly suspicious activity involving imps and trolls. Jack then sets out on a quest to prove his theory that Anansi is a troublemaker, but predictably ends up causing far more trouble himself.
The book is illustrated throughout, which adds immensely to the story, and although the kids feel a little bit too "Disney" for my liking, the characters are all true to age and true to form, in dialogue and behaviour. There is also a satisfying mix of male and female characters here, so the book isn't particularly skewed toward one gender or the other.
I quite enjoyed the story due to the fact that it was a quick read and the action kept moving, with some interesting twists and characters that one might not expect from a fairy tale world. I think my favourite part of the world is the concept of the great Story Tree; a tree that sits in the middle of town and grows a new branch every time a resident creates a new story through their actions. As this is the first book in a series, I can imagine that the Story Tree will be sprouting a lot of new branches as the stories keep coming....more
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: A varied collection of monsters to crochet. Includes a range of uI received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: A varied collection of monsters to crochet. Includes a range of unusual techniques to give more life to your undead amigurumi.
This is a remarkably well thought out pattern book. Since I've been blogging about craft books in my Yarning series, I've been able to get a handle on what makes a craft book actually usable and what doesn't, and this book has a number of features that set it apart as a book that you will actually USE to create the finished product.
The finished products here look like they've been made from patterns that have been thoroughly tested, with all the kinks ironed out. While this may mean that, at first glance, you might think "I couldn't make that!!", the thoroughness with which the patterns and instructions are set out means you can be confident that you won't be left flailing about trying to figure out what goes where and how to get from (Round) A to (Round) B. Kreiner has used a whole range of unusual needlecraft techniques that add plenty of character to her..characters and the patterns include illustrated diagrams showing how to create the features on the characters' faces and bodies, so that readers can authentically replicate the finished product, rather than just get an approximation.
There is plenty of variety in terms of types of creepy critters, from the undead to the never-alive to creatures from literature and folklore. I loved the chubby-bellied werewolf and Frankenstein's monster, but the Zombie Dog was my absolute favourite of the lot. I couldn't go past his withered skin and bony ribcage and think he'd make a great little guardian for anyone who is looking for a quirky desk companion.
I have to say that I think most of the patterns in this book are more suited to experienced amigurumi crafters, due to the wide range of techniques required, as well as the fact that many of the patterns require more technique than just crocheting a couple of different body shapes and stitching them together. The Headless Horseman uses magnets, for example, to allow his head to come on and off as the user pleases, and while these are enormously handy skills to learn, they may put beginner crafters off a little. The up-side of this is that the end product will actually look professional and reflect the level of skill that went into making it, so if you are game to give these a try, you will have something to really show off at the end.
I would heartily recommend this to those experienced in the art of crocheting amigurumi plushies who like to dabble in the dark side...mwahahahahahaaaaa!...more
I received a copy of this title from Harper Collins Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: For Merry, being a witch hasn't ever been much of a problI received a copy of this title from Harper Collins Australia for review.
Ten Second Synopsis: For Merry, being a witch hasn't ever been much of a problem...until her actions nearly cost her boyfriend his life. But if she thought that was the worst that might happen, Merry is sadly mistaken - because an ancient curse is about to surface and Merry will need every ounce of her ability to safeguard the people of her town, or die in the attempt.
I found this to be a solid, well-constructed story with just the right blend of contemporary teen angst and historical magical curse. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, as I was worried that the romance elements might overpower the fantasy elements of the story. I should not have feared though, because the authors manage to balance those two parts masterfully, so that the inevitable romance between Jack and Merry neatly complements the heart-stabbing, murderous, magical bits.
It was super refreshing to see a strong sister-brother partnership as the main protagonists, and Leo is a great balance to Merry's impulsiveness and tendency toward pessimism. The story alternates between the present day, as Merry and Leo attempt to stop the King of Hearts, who is carrying out random attacks on innocent people in their town, and hundreds of years ago, when the curse on the King of Hearts originated. As Merry becomes more involved in the curse unfolding in the present day, her links to her ancestors become clearer, and the ending deftly brings these two periods in history together at a cracking pace.
The only problem I had with this book is that it is a series-opener. To me, this is the perfect kind of story for a standalone - the ending is not left as a cliffhanger and I felt like all the loose ends were all tied up. Sometimes I like to know that on finishing a book, I have experienced all there is to experience with a set of characters and I am happy to have done so. I'm not entirely sure where the story will go in a sequel, but I was perfectly satisfied with this one as an entity in itself.
I'd recommend this to those who love fantasy stories that have a fable-type feel with a contemporary twist, and don't mind a little bit of romance to tie things together....more
Ten Second Synopsis: his tome comprises nine short stories that all feature a bit of oddity. All but one have a fantastical or sci-fi twist to them andTen Second Synopsis: his tome comprises nine short stories that all feature a bit of oddity. All but one have a fantastical or sci-fi twist to them and the subjects range from werefrogs to unicorns to ghosts to doing what you're told.
**Side note: I have just noticed something super weird - the cover in the image above says "Eighteen Odd stories" but the book I have in my hand (ostensibly the EXACT SAME edition), says NINE short stories...Odd indeed!**
The stories here are all reasonably quick reads, with only one or two that stretch out a bit longer. This is great because you can dip into a story here or there before sleep without too much difficulty. Most of the stories had a humorous element to them so the collection reminded me of reading Paul Jenning's brilliant anthologies as a mini-fleshling. My favourite stories in this collection were The Thing in Aunty Alma's Pond, The Mask of Eamonn Tiyado and Herbert Hutchison in the Underworld because they all had a slightly creepy twist to them. Some of the stories here are shorter versions of a larger series, such as The Ghost Let Go, so there is scope for readers to continue the adventure in a longer reading experience
I did feel that I had seen some of these stories before...not the actual stories of course, but the themes and plot twists. I suspect this is because I have read quite a few short story anthologies aimed at this age group, especially from people like Anthony Horowitz and Neal Shusterman, who have covered similar topics. ...more
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
This is a collection of fairy tale retellings with a defiI received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
This is a collection of fairy tale retellings with a definite pop-culture flavour. Each fairy tale has been modernised with popular motifs, including zombies, ninjas and computer games.
Apart from the graphic novel format, the point of difference in this collection is a neat summary at the end of each story giving the differences between the modernised version and the traditional tale. While I found most of the tales a little bit too contrived for my tastes – the Cinderella ninja in particular gave me reading-indigestion – they are perfectly pitched for a younger middle grade audience and varied enough for at least one or two of the tales to appeal to every reader. The standout favourite for me was the retelling of the Billy Goats Gruff, set inside a video game with boss fights and dungeon crawling, but the Snow White story featuring robots was also quite subtle and well thought out. The illustrations are varied in style and because each retelling has a different author, the book has a sense of the original with each new story. This would be a great pick for youngsters looking for familiar stories in a fun, graphic format. ...more
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: Red Riding Hood with a skandi twist, this book is a retelI received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: Red Riding Hood with a skandi twist, this book is a retelling with sass.
There are a lot of fairy tale retellings getting around at the moment, but the bold, minimalist colour scheme, chunky woodcut-style illustrations and text that oozes subversive wit sets this one apart. The general arc of the Red Riding Hood story is preserved here, but Red is presented as one independent and resourceful young lass. The simple combination of red, black and white in the illustrations is incredibly effective and makes this book a joy to look at, as much as to read. I’d love to see what is coming next from Woollvin and how she might tackle and original story....more
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: A charming collection of fairy tales and crochet patternI received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: A charming collection of fairy tales and crochet patterns that are achievable for those who know the basic stitches.
Just from that front cover, I could tell that this would be a charmingly whimsical repository of achievable patterns. What I didn't expect was the inclusion, before each pattern set, of a traditional version of each fairy tale. Each of these covered a couple of pages and I felt they were a neat set-up for each of the pattern sets - as well as providing the option for eager mini-fleshlings to act out the story with the dolls as it is being read.
After flipping hastily through the pages, I decided that my first attempt would be creating the witch from the Hansel and Gretel tale, mainly on account of her alluring hair. You can see the image of the witch on the front cover there - top right hand corner. I am pleased to say that the pattern was clear and easy to follow and the witch worked up in a jiff!
Despite being reasonably experienced at amigurumi, I do think this is a pattern that is simple enough for a beginner to follow, with no particular tricks or traps. In fact, the witch is probably a bit easier than the standard person shape because she is worked in only two colours and there's no need to complete legs...so a win for the first pattern I tried!
Next up, I couldn't resist having a go at the heart-meltingly sweet giant from the Jack and the Beanstalk tale, dressed up as he is in his dear little lumberjack guise. This pattern was significantly trickier than that for the witch because of the colour-changes needed, the addition of legs and the patterning on the shirt. The giant took me a little longer than expected and I felt that the hook size recommended in the pattern was a touch too big for my preferences, but I am extremely happy with the result of this pattern nonetheless.
As well as the people and animals in the tales, there are also structures to craft, including bruce and witchthe witch's gingerbread house, the beanstalk and Rapunzel's tower. I didn't have quite the level of commitment to go ahead and complete them for you, but they are a fun inclusion (and a worthy challenge) for those who want to make a complete playset. I absolutely adored the golden eggs in the Jack and the Beanstalk tale, and tiny Tom Thumb would be a fun challenge for those who like to use a smaller hook.
Overall, I was very pleased with this book. Even though there aren't any picture tutorials, the patterns are clear and include recommended yarn types and colours. The patterns cover a range of skill levels and techniques, which are clearly stated at the beginning of the patterns. I'm not convinced that this would necessarily work for an absolute beginner at crochet, but for those who know the basic stitches and want to branch out into simple amigurumi, this would be a sterling choice!
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: After Caitlin’s mother disappears, she moves to London wiI received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: After Caitlin’s mother disappears, she moves to London with her father and younger sister for a fresh start, a new school and time spent writing for a website detailing the unexplained. When strange sightings are reported in cemeteries around the world however, Caitlin is drawn into a bizarre and chaotic world where fairy tales and nightmares might just come true…if the zombies don’t get you first.
If you’re a fan of fairy tale retellings and comedy zombie tales (zom-edy tales?) then you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. The story begins in a fairly YA typical fashion, with Caitlin trying to make her way in a new school, clashing with the popular girls and vying for the attentions of the cutest boy. It also becomes apparent that Caitlin suffers from social anxiety and the author describes this quite well throughout the various situations that Cailtin finds herself in.
I enjoyed the riddle of the cemetery disturbances and once Caitlin “goes down the rabbit hole”, so to speak, the action becomes a lot less typical. While the story is light and filled with humour and banter, there are a bunch of different fairy tale and classic storybook characters included, as well as an undead plague plotline, so I did feel that things started to get a bit unwieldy at certain points.
If you enjoy YA that is two-parts expected and one-part nutty, then you’ll get a good kick out of Caitlin’s adventures. This is a book that aims for enjoyment and doesn’t take itself too seriously. ...more
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: Pru meets ABE and they both meet Mister Fox in his strangI received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: Pru meets ABE and they both meet Mister Fox in his strange moving house. But moving houses are the least of their worries when it appears that giants of Norse mythology are invading their town.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Unbelievable FIB in that it was a while between when I requested it for review and when I actually got to reading it, so I had forgotten that it featured Norse mythology. Now, I haven’t read many books featuring Norse mythology, so this felt quite fresh and shiny-new. I can’t say if it would feel the same for seasoned readers of Norse-mythology-based books, but the blend of the mythological with elements of the Baba Yaga fairy tale really set off the exciting, puzzling detective bits of the story.
Pru and ABE are both likeable characters and neither felt particularly clichéd to me, which is always a relief. Pru is an intrepid, cheeky, forthright young lady who has recently experienced the loss of her father, a police detective, while ABE is the reserved, quietly clever, new kid in town. Together, their skills complement each other and provide all the resources necessary to get to the bottom of some of the stranger happenings that have been occurring around town. There are also enough eccentric and shady adult characters here to keep the kids (and the reader!) on their toes regarding who can be trusted – there’s Pru and ABE’s teacher, the pompous Mrs Edleman; the kindly Fay Loningtime; the enigmatic and reclusive Old Man Grimnir; the dashing and unexpected Mister Fox and a very odd looking customer residing in the town’s watchhouse.
The author has done a great job of keeping the explanations of the more complex aspects of Norse mythology contained within the story. The various salient parts of the myths are related in a variety of ways – through a story read for the main character’s homework, for instance – which avoids any slowing of the plot while important world-building and background knowledge is given. Shaughnessy has also employed a light and humorous tone throughout, with lots of banter and quippery, which made this story very enjoyable to wander through.
Overall, this story felt like a breath of fresh air in the crowded marketplace of middle grade fiction, in which one often comes across the same sorts of stories told in similar sorts of ways. While this isn’t so outrageously original it blew my mind, it was definitely different enough from other recent releases that it made me sit up and take notice. If you have a young reader in your midst who loves solving mysteries and enjoys a bit of fantastical adventure, then I would definitely recommend placing The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB in their hands…or at least within easy reach. ...more
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: After being snatched from Lilliput by the giant Gulliver,I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: After being snatched from Lilliput by the giant Gulliver, Lily must make an escape plan before she ages into senior citizenship. With the help of the Downtrodden watchmaker's apprentice from downstairs and a jive-talking parrot, Lily must outwit, outplay and outlast on a daring and risky home seeking mission.
Lilliput was an out-of-the-box, pleasant surprise for me to say the least. Not having a particularly in-depth prior knowledge of Jonathan Swift’s famous tale about Gulliver, or indeed any particular interest in finding out about the same, I requested Lilliput solely on the striking, atmospheric beauty of the cover art and the promise of a (slightly) familiar tale told from a new perspective. I found this book to be a deeply engaging and action-packed story about freedom, friendship and perseverance against all odds.
Lilliput is aimed at a middle-grade, or even slightly younger, audience but I think it will have a much wider appeal due to the strong, fairy-tale style of the narrative and the promise (for adult readers) of an adventure based on a familiar and much-loved story. The events of Lilliput occur after the events of Gulliver’s Travels and Gulliver has essentially kidnapped Lily and brought her back to London in an attempt to prove that his travels actually happened. The action moves apace throughout the book, beginning with Lily’s unsuccessful escape attempts from a birdcage in Gulliver’s study, to a dynamic and dangerous ending that requires the combined efforts of all of Lily’s new friends to pull off.
I appreciated the way that Gayton did not shy away from portraying the less attractive features of his characters. Gulliver is portrayed as a cruel kidnapper, Lily can be truculent, vituperous and hot-blooded, the clockmaker is violent and conniving and even a group of three little girls, to whom Lily falls victim, are by turns grubby, sly and unfeeling. Finn Safekeeping really is the hero of the story in my opinion and provided a foil for the baser aspects of humanity portrayed in the other characters. With Mr Ovinda and his jive-talking parrot providing the comic relief, this story really does have everything you could want in a neat little package.
The story has the feel of a traditional fairy-tale in some parts due to the realism with which Lily’s plight is portrayed. She is not simply a funny little fairy person in an uncomfortable new home – Gayton has deftly drawn out the real emotions behind Lily’s imprisonment and her desperation to return to her loved ones before time catches up with her. This aspect of the book would be a great conversation starter for young readers about perspectives and needs in our own world, particularly with regard to displaced peoples and indigenous populations.
The short chapters and eye-catching illustrations also add to the appeal of the book and overall I think this would be a wonderful choice for adult fans of Gulliver’s Travels to read with their offspring. ...more
Loading...
