Reviews
The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs by Betty G. Birney
Life in Sassafras Springs has always been predictable, boring even, but one afternoon that changes when Eben McAllister’s pa challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras that rival the real Seven Wonders of the World. The reward? An adventure that Eben’s been craving – a trip to Colorado.Eben doesn’t think he’ll have any luck – he can’t think of one single thing that could be considered wondrous in Sassafras – but he’s willing to try. While his mission puzzles and annoys some of his friends and neighbours, Eben perseveres, little knowing that he is in for a big surprise. For what with a singing saw, a floating table, and a truth-telling loom (just to name a few), the Wonders Eben will discover among his neighbors, friends, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime…without his ever leaving home.
Told in a down-home narrative with glimmers of magical realism woven throughout, and illustrated with sumptuous drawings by Matt Phelan, Betty G. Birney’s tale about a boy’s journey of discovery reminds us all that extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary of places…even in Sassafras Springs. This is a great book to read aloud.
Bettina Valentino and the Picasso Club by Niki Daly
Niki Daly, who gets my vote for Mr Storyteller, has written the most delectable chapter book about a young artiste extraordinaire! (and you have to say it with a bit smile in your voice and a tilt of the head). Luckily for all of us, Daly’s masterpiece is in the form of a book, so we can all read it. Bettina Valentino can’t believe her luck when they find out that they have a new art teacher at Bayside Preparatory School, Mr Peppard. They soon fall under the spell of Mr Popart (as he likes to be called), as he introduces them a world of art they never knew existed – Dadaism, Cubism and of course Pop Art. He challenges them to think outside the box (or the line for that matter) and Niki easily gets his readers just as interested in the art lessons with his great writing style and smoochy made up words, not to mention his fun drawings. In true school story fashion all this arty-farty business gets Mr Popart into trouble with the school board. The Picasso Club is born to keep the new found love growing and keep the paintings going to prove that that which is different is not necessarily bad for you. A cheer for Bettina! A cheer for Mr Popart! And three cheers for Niki Daly!
Angel Cake by Cathy Cassidy
The more you read this woman’s books, the more you love her. Angel Cake tells a story of belonging and the value of honesty across borders. Anya and her family move to Britain for the chance to have a better life, leaving behind family and a sense of belonging, back in Poland. Unlike her little sister, Kazia, Anya struggles to fit in and finds the new values and lifestyle a big challenge. Frankie and Kurt make friends with her and she can’t help but notice the school bad boy, Dan with the beautiful braids. Everyone, including Dan, warns Anya that he is trouble, but she finally feels like things will be okay when she is with him.Then, in true Cathy Cassidy style, things have to go horribly wrong before hope surfaces. Decadent strawberry cupcakes, early morning bike rides, stolen boots and Santa Claus all add up to one of the best stories yet from Cathy Cassidy. Did I mention Cheesy the Rat?
Featured Author
Jill Marshall
Who is Jill Marshall? Jill Marshall, creator or the Jane-Blonde spy series, always wanted to be a writer, right from being seven or eight years old. She wrote her first book at 13, about an alien called Zwetty Zox. As a child she wrote masses, always scribbling something or other, and she read masses too - C.S. Lewis and classics like What Katy Did. Her biggest favourite remains, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. She is an avid collector of useless and unconnected information. Sometimes it’s something she reads in the newspaper or a snippet overheard from a conversation, generally she is always on the look out for info that makes her go “hmmmm, I wonder …”. Jill had a magical moment when she saw Jane Blonde for sale in the gift shop at Roald Dahl’s house, which she toured in the UKWhat is Jill Marshall doing now? Although Jill was born in the UK she now has a lovely life in Auckland, New Zealand, with her daughter, the daft dog, and lots of wonderful friends, both real and imaginary. Jill also writes books for grown-ups and her latest children’s book Doghead is out soon. It looks like the start of yet another classic character.
Who is Jane Blonde? Ever thought your life is extremely boring? Janey
Brown has always thought that there is not much excitement in her life until one day at school a strange woman, called G-mamma appears who changes Janey’s life dramatically. Janey is suddenly caught up in a spy world she never knew existed and finds out secrets about her family she could not have imagined. Suddenly she becomes Jane Blonde a spylet in training and finds friends in places she least expected. Although she is a superspy, she also remains a girl with the normal fears and hang-ups.
Brown has always thought that there is not much excitement in her life until one day at school a strange woman, called G-mamma appears who changes Janey’s life dramatically. Janey is suddenly caught up in a spy world she never knew existed and finds out secrets about her family she could not have imagined. Suddenly she becomes Jane Blonde a spylet in training and finds friends in places she least expected. Although she is a superspy, she also remains a girl with the normal fears and hang-ups.