A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby Reviewed by Chitra Soundar

 When I was growing up, I was among the first generation of Indians learning about computers. I loved playing computer games and trying to get hold of gameboys and other gadgets which we couldn't afford. Often borrowed or just watching others do it, it was one of those things that I've always been in the peripherals are. I'm also a child of comic books - India is big on comics and most of the epics I learnt about - more than the stories told at home, I was reading them as comics. 

As a writer visiting schools, I often create workshops around games and stories - where characters can enter the realm of games or into the world of their favourite TV programmes to enthuse those kids who are more into gaming than into reading. 

So when I picked up Aisha Bushby's A Pocketful of Stars, I was so happy to read about the contemporary setup of games and animation stories and the friendship (and rivalries) of girls. But this story took me by surprise - the layers of emotions added into it. From a divorce of parents, to blended heritages, to theatre and drama, the story threads through difficult subjects in realistic and yet magical ways.

Then the magic - the way the game and the reality blends, and how the analogy of the relationship plays out in this game and in real life - this was beautifully done, no doubt, painstakingly crafted. 

The book's emotional punches are never pulled right until the end and when I was reading the last few chapters on a train, I found myself crying on the tube perhaps adding to the myth of "emotional immigrant".  I was so gutted by the end and yet so happy to have read the story and gone on this journey. 

The book is great to read as a class or by children on their own - but beyond the magic and games, the story will offer discussions, perhaps will open pathways of dialogue between friends, between parents and children - about relationships, guilts and our identities. 

If you have not read this book yet, what are you waiting for? 

Listen to Aisha Bushby read a little from this book here. 

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Chitra Soundar is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 40 books for children. She is also an oral storyteller and writer of theatre and TV for children. Her stories are inspired by folktales from India, Hindu mythology and her travels around the world. Find out more at www.chitrasoundar.com. Follow her on Twitter @csoundar. 

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Corey's Rock & That Asian Kid - Reviewed by Chitra Soundar

I recently read two books by two Asian authors – both very different in feel, different in target age-group and the topics they dealt with. But both books affected me in a way that very few books have done in a long time. I'm reminded of them at odd moments and recall thinking about the characters as if they are real.

Author: Sita Brahmachari, Illustrator: Jane Ray
Published by OtterBarry Books

I first got hold of a copy of Corey’s Rock at least a year ago. It’s written by Sita Brahmachari and illustrated by Jane Ray. The beautiful watercolour illustrations draw you into the world of the story and the text lulls you into a magical land.

Corey’s Rock is like a calm sea – you might not see the waves rising or the ripples in the water,  but it has innumerable depths like the sea. In this story, Sita and Jane have deftly handled the loss of a sibling, migrations, mixed-race families and how new communities can be not just daunting but surprisingly welcoming. It anchors the story in parental love, friendships made in classrooms and the love for a place, a place that has belonging. Sita has wonderfully woven the myths of selkies into Isla’s story and the myth not only helps with the reconciliation of Isla’s loss but also gives her hope.

Every character we see in this book gives us a sense of belonging, reminds us of someone we’ve met in our lives who brought a smile to our souls or someone we’d hope to meet when we are dealing with such difficulties on our own.

Sita does not shy away from difficult topics and with the help of the gorgeous illustrations by Jane, she has given us a story as magical as the selkies.

Written by Savita Kalhan, Published by Troika Books

And now to the second book, That Asian Kid by Savita Kalhan. It’s not a book I’d read normally. But based on the first chapter Savita read at her book launch, I bravely sat down to begin. Soon I found myself racing through the pages and even though I read only just before bedtime, I finished the book in 3 nights, each time, reluctantly closing the book as sleep took over my senses.

In this book, we see the story of Jeevan, who has a normal and regular life in a grammar school and he’s good at studies and doesn’t have any major hang-ups at home or in school. Enter English Lit and a teacher who doesn’t seem to like him. As Jeevan realises that his chances at acing his English Lit wasn’t going according to plan, because he thinks his teacher might be biased, he gets a chance to take revenge on her. You have to read the book to get the rest of the plot because I’m so worried I’d give it away.

What I wanted to share about this book, as a writer and as a reader are the characters and the dialogue. The characters are wonderfully real, fun to be around and I love the camaraderie between Jeevan and his friends. Their differing viewpoints drives Jeevan crazy but also keeps him grounded.

I love the family setting of this story – an Asian family, high-achievers, yet both pragmatic and supportive. I love the friends – old and new Jeevan gets to deal with and a new friend Ree he meets, who seems to be constantly playing devil’s advocate. In fact I’d like to see Book 2 in which Jeevan and Ree are on their own exciting adventure – perhaps another blunder that leads them towards big decisions.

These two books deal with difficult subjects of love, loss, bigotry and yet the characters are redeemed by the power of friendships. These are wonderful stories that are relevant to our times for children to cope with the various challenges and highlight the need for safe spaces – where children can discuss their worries, ask for help and find a support system.

In these two stories, the embrace of the family and the hand of a friend has been offered and accepted. But in real life many of our children suffer from anxiety and depression and have no tools to articulate their troubles. The role of these books is to provide that safe space, where children can reflect their realities in the troubles of the protagonist and figure out a way to talk about their own anxieties.

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Chitra Soundar is an author and storyteller based in London. Chitra writes fiction, non-fiction chapter books and picture books. Find out more at www.chitrasoundar.com and follow her on twitter at @csoundar.

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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, reviewed by Sarah Hammond

I have to confess that I did not know a lot about graphic novels until recently. I also knew next to nothing about roller derbies. But Roller Girl piqued my interest — it was a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor book, and graphic novels are earning themselves special places in bookshops these days. The book did not disappoint. 

Twelve year old Astrid’s world is changing. It is the summer before she starts junior high. She is enthralled by a roller derby league game that she attends with her mother and her best friend, Nicole. However, Nicole does not share Astrid's enthusiasm, pulling away from her, spending time with an arch enemy (Rachel) and chooses ballet camp over joining Astrid in roller camp. When a new friend asks Astrid ‘What's your thing?’ (hers is theatre and musicals), she cannot really answer. 

Yet, roller camp does more than teach Astrid how to roller skate. It empowers her. Its fierce, energetic skaters give her new mantras: “Tough! Strong! Fearless!” And the more involved Astrid becomes in this new world, the more she comes to terms with the changes in her life, from girl to teenager, to reforging her relationships with friends and her mother, and also to learning what her ‘thing’ is. Clue: she gives herself a new name for the skate track, Asteroid. 

Things I loved about this book:

— the energetic story line that moves apace. 

— we are plunged into the little-known world of roller skating, warts and all. Astrid falls. Again. And again. She aches. She almost gives up. ‘Thunk.’ ‘Ow.’ ‘Aaaaaaghhhhhh.’ Humour, determination, heartbreak and dreams blend in her journey to master the new sport. Plus the reader learns too; I now understand what jammers, blockers, and bouts are, and perhaps more importantly, why the skaters are exhilarated by the demanding, often painful, boisterous game.

— the story is realistic. Astrid is not perfect. She makes mistakes. She is out of her depth at the camp to begin with and does not become a star ‘jammer’ overnight. But she does improve. And she does develop skills that rescue her team and her friendships. 

— Astrid’s flights of fancy made me chuckle. Her long walk home, aching and exhausted, after her first class becomes a stumbling desperate stagger through a parched, scorching desert. When she finds the courage to apologize to a friend, we see her fantasy of a teary, heartfelt reunion, quickly followed by the real life muted mumbled friend’s response. Astrid’s enforced clothes shopping trip with her mother is portrayed as a tortured trip through hell... 

— we understand the complexities of becoming a teenager. Things are not black and white anymore. The ‘emojis’ that Astrid’s elementary school teacher used to explain emotions are no longer so easy to apply. Now Astrid creates new expressions: happy + sad = shad. Nervous + sick = nersick. 

—  girl power is on fire in this story. Sisterly camaraderie and fierce, empowered role-models abound. 

A fresh take on the timeless transition-to-teen theme with expressive, humorous illustrations, a rollicking pace and a loveable protagonist, this is a novel worth reading.

www.sarahhammond.org 

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AdoraBULL written by Alison Donald, illustrated by Alex Willmore, reviewed by Dawn Finch

Image copyright Maverick Children's Books

Alfred is a bull. Bulls are big, and solid and dependable. One day his best friend, Tom, wants to bring home a new pet, and he makes it clear that it must be "adorable". Alfred overhears Tom asking his parents for a pet and he is very upset. He's been worried about losing his best friend ever since Tom started school, and now it seems that he's going to be replaced by something "adorable".

What can a bull do to make sure that he's adorable, and that he's not replaced?

Alfred formulates a plan to make himself look adorable too so that Tom does not get a new pet and replace him. He searches the internet for the word "adorable" and finds endless pictures of kittens and marshmallows, hamsters on swings, and puppies in teacups. He can't do any of those things, and so he tries other things to be cute.

Image copyright Maverick, Willmore, and Donald

This is a completely charming picture book that takes a look at what it means to be adorable, and to be adored. It explores in subtle ways the nature of friendship, and loneliness, and being unique and proud of who you are. Donald's gentle story unfolds around Willmore's bright and bold illustrations. I love Willmore's illustrations and am so pleased to see these two talents working together again. Their previous collaboration - The New LiBEARian is a great favourite of mine. AdoraBULL is another gem for the stable (pun intended!).

It is worth mentioning that this is a new one from indie publisher, Maverick. Launched in 2009 by Steve Bicknell. As you know, I am a bit of a fan of indie presses and this one is growing fast and is supporting some really exciting new writers and illustrators. They are well worth keeping an eye on! If you are a teacher or librarian, their resources page is well worth a visit too.

AdoraBULL by Alison Donald and Alex Willmore is published by Maverick Children's Books on March 28th 2018
ISBN 978-1-84886-322-4
RRP £7.99

Reviewed by Dawn Finch, children's author and librarian
www.dawnfinch.com
@dawnafinch

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Star In The Jar by Sam Hay & Sarah Massini, Reviewed By Emma Perry

Star In The Jar is the picture book collaboration between Sam Hay and Sarah Massini - celebrating siblings, friendship and great adventures.

The little brother of our narrator adores finding all sorts of treasures, but one day he finds something extra special. After carefully checking that it doesn't belong to anyone they know 'it' (a golden star) is tucked in to a jar... and gets carried everywhere. Everywhere!

When the two siblings learn that the star is very much missed, they set about figuring out how to get the star home.

Sam Hay's narrative brilliantly captures the wonder these two experience as they gather all sorts of bits and bobs to help them achieve their aim. Sarah Massini's illustrations are warm, and comforting with clever use of light and dark.

I adore how Star In The Jar, told in the first person is from the perspective of the older sister and she recounts the story of her little brother - it works incredibly well. The narrative maintains the child's perspective, and gives a wonderful glimpse at the sibling relationship.

Star In The Jar is a warm, comforting read. Perfect for bedtime.

Emma Perry is a picture book writer represented by Bell Lomax Moreton. 
She is the founder of the childrens book review site MyBookCorner and organiser of International Book Giving Day. 

Twitter: @_EmmaPerry

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Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso - reviewed by Sarah Hammond

Ida, Always is a lyrical story about the friendship between two polar bears and how they come to terms with one of the animal’s terminal illness. Although this is difficult subject matter, the reader feels in safe, sure hands. We grow to love the bears, then share their grief and, ultimately, learn to heal. 

Gus and Ida, the two characters in the book, are inspired by polar bears who lived in Central Park Zoo in New York. Ida died in 2011, Gus in 2013.  Author Levis observed Gus in the zoo after Ida’s death as part of her research for the project. 

In the story, the two bears do everything together.  We see life through the senses of a zoo animal, sensitive to sound, to routine, to hearing things we cannot see. One day, Gus learns from the zookeeper that Ida is ill and will not get better.  We are reassured that Ida 'wouldn't hurt’, but her body is closing down. Levis is honest but sensitive, and takes the young reader gently through the anguish of preparing for the loss of a friend. The bears growl, whisper, cuddle, need time apart, even laugh… 

The illustrations by Santoso complement the text well. The portrayal of the bears is not overly anthropomorphised, is evocative, gentle, soft.  The landscape and the weather often reflect the mood of the moment on the page. We have a strong sense of the story world through the illustrations, and also of the way Gus perceives life.

And after Ida has gone (I have to confess that when reading the book aloud, my voice catches each time I read a certain poignant section), and as Gus grieves, his heart begins to mend. He slowly realises that a part of his friend will be with him in the memories they share, that she is with him as he sits in their favourite spots. A part of Ida is with him. Always.

I suspect that this book may well become a classic. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Caron Levis is the author of the picture book Ida, Always (Atheneum) which the New York Times Book Review calls "an example of children's books at their best." Her first picture book, Stuck with the Blooz (HMH) was selected as one of Bankstreet College's Best Children's Books of the Year. Forthcoming titles include May I Have A Word? (FSG/Macmillan, 2017) and Stop That Yawn (Atheneum, 2018). Short stories have been listed in the Best American Nonrequired Reading, published in Fence Magazine, The New Guard Review, and in anthologies by Persea Books and W.W. Norton. Caron is an adjunct professor and the advisor for The New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program, and an MSW candidate at Hunter College. After many years as an arts educator, Caron now loves using acting and writing to teach social, emotional and literacy skills to students of all ages through her author workshops. Having trained in acting and dabbled in playwriting, Caron enjoys turning theatre techniques into writing tool through her workshop Act-Like-A-Writer. Visit her at www.caronlevis.com. Photo credit: Jan Carr


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:

Charles Santoso has illustrated several picture books, including I Don't Like Koala, written by Sean Ferrell, Spy Guy: The Not-So-Secret Agent written by Jessica Young, Peanut Butter & Brains written by Joe McGhee, Ida, Always written by Caron Levis. Find out more about him at www.charlessantoso.com


ABOUT THE REVIEWER: 

Sarah Hammond is a writer for young people. She has published a picture book, Mine! (Parragon), and a teen novel, The Night Sky in my Head (OUP), which was short-listed for four awards in the UK. She is a Brit abroad, now living happily in Chicago, with strong ties to the UK which regularly pull her back across the Pond. 

You can find her online at: 

Web: www.sarahhammond.org
Facebook: SarahHammondAuthorPage
Twitter: @SarahHammond9 

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A DOG CALLED FLOW by Pippa Goodhart Reviewed by Adèle Geras

My usual disclaimer to start with: Pippa Goodhart is a friend of mine but I promise you I am reviewing her book because I like it   and because, apart from liking it, I think that this kind of book is often overlooked in the press and online in favour of louder, more glamorous books: books which are perceived as sensational in some way: newsworthy,  shocking, edgy.

This short novel was actually Pippa Goodhart's very first book and was shortlisted for the Smarties Prize. It's now  been reissued by Troika Books. It's short and there's a lot to be said for books which are designed for  younger children in a way that isn't too daunting or difficult, and this length will attract readers who might be put off by something denser and more complicated.

One of this story's  most important achievements  is that it encompasses many different plot strands and themes in a very elegant way. It's economical, too, and manages to paint a picture not only of a landscape, but also of a community and a particular family in very few words but without leaving anyone feeling short-changed.

 Oliver is having trouble at school. He can't quite manage reading and writing as well as he would like to.  He desperately wants a dog.   He has a problematic relationship with  Craig, a boy in his class. His parents and sister provide a happy family for him to live in, but even there, his Dad seems set against the idea of a puppy.

For  a while, Oliver  has to hide Flow,  but eventually, even Dad is won over by the puppy who is partly blind. Oliver didn't have to pay for Flow, because the farmer knows he won't make a working dog on the Fells.  

I'm not going to tell you more of the plot, but tension and excitement mount as the story progresses and everything is as  sharply organised and worked out as you could wish for. Problems that Goodhart has set up are resolved in a neat and convincing way, and the satisfaction of a happy ending for everyone is very welcome. 

This would  be a perfect book for readers who are just beginning to try whole books on their own and I think every classroom ought to have a copy on their shelves.

Readers also, incidentally, get a good idea of what the Fells look like and learn about the work of the Mountain Rescue teams. It may be a short book but it packs a punch....and there's a nice little surprise at the very end, which I am not revealing!

Illustrated by Anthony Lewis
Pbk: TROIKA BOOKS (price  £5.99)
ISBN: 9781909991163

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SECRETS AND DREAMS by Jean Ure. Reviewed by Adèle Geras

Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows that I have no  shame when it comes to writing about books by my friends. My feeling is:  reviews  for most children's books are few and far between and anything I can do to draw people's attention to something they might enjoy, I try to do. And as I've said many times, it's not my fault that many of my chums are good writers. 

Jean Ure has written every kind of book in her time. In the last while, she's concentrated on a certain kind of story. To quote Jacqueline Wilson on the cover: "Fun, funky, feisty...and fantastic reads."

That is all true, but it's worth saying something more about Ure's books. The thing about them is: they're  well-written (not a given in books of this kind!) and even though they are decked in flowery, brightly coloured, girl-oriented covers they are never soppy, or silly and they never talk down. They are also almost always funny at least in the way they are written, if not always in their subject matter.

This story is about Zoe, whose family has won a large sum of money on the lottery. Each member of the family can choose to do something they really, really want and what Zoe wants is to go to boarding school. She has been influenced by Enid Blyton of course...and St Withburga's ( Cheeseburga of course!) is where she ends up.

The rest of the novel is about how she adjusts to being at school and how she negotiates the various friendship groups. Ure discusses how they change,  how they affect different  girls. She deals well with the day to day stuff of boarding school: the importance of nicknames, the status you get from having a boyfriend, the longing to be included, and accepted. I know from having a 12 year old granddaughter that her friends are a tremendously important aspect of her life, and I can even remember, across a distance of more than half a century, how painful and hideous any kind of exclusion can be when you're at boarding school...which I was, for eight years. 

Jean Ure's books are easy to read.  This one is in the first person. There's lots of dialogue and the characters are skilfully drawn and well differentiated.  They should not therefore be dismissed as frivolous. She deals with real issues, and in a light and interesting way. The books are nicely produced, and not very long. They are just the thing for the summer holidays, if you have young teenagers looking for a pleasant way to pass the time. Read this one and there are many others by Ure that you can go on to. I do like a writer who's got a long backlist! A very enjoyable book indeed.


Published by Harper Collins in pbk. £6.99
ISBN: 9780007553952

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LISTEN TO THE NIGHTINGALE by Rumer Godden. Reviewed by Adèle Geras

The first thing I saw when I opened this book was a dedication to Marni Hodgkin and I felt this was a good omen. Hodgkin must have been Godden's editor at Macmillan when this book first appeared in 1992. She was also the very first person in this country who ever took a story of mine, back in the Seventies so I was delighted to think that I had shared an editor with Rumer Godden.

I wrote about the companion volume to this novel, THURSDAY'S CHILDREN, in February and said how much I enjoyed it. I liked this book even more. The two have a lot in common. They're both about children dedicating themselves to a life in dance, and particularly in the ballet with greater or lesser degrees of talent and commitment. They both have ballet school settings. They both emphasise the necessity of hard work and loyalty. They are old fashioned and you'd never guess that this was first came out a little over twenty years ago. It's not just that it seems to be describing a world that's long gone, but also that the pace, the events, the whole tone and emotional register of the book is something that I am pretty sure today's children's books editors would send back to its author saying: this is not for us. It isn't whizzy or pacey or exhaustingly action-packed. Things don't rush along. It's written carefully and plainly and has no truck with getting 'down with the kids' or wanting to be fashionable. As I said in February, if you didn't get the occasional reference to modes of transport or televisions, it could be set in Edwardian times.

The story concerns Lottie, who lives with her aunt at Verbena Road. She has learned to dance at Holbein's, a small theatre nearby and Madame Holbein is instrumental in getting her into Queen's Chase, which is based on White Lodge, the school where dancers in the Royal Ballet receive their training. At the begining of the story, Lottie acquires Prince, a beautiful King Charles Spaniel and he is both very important in the story and also takes a starring part in the final ballet of the novel, which is called The Birthday of the Infanta. Prince takes centre stage as the pet of the Infanta herself, depicted in Velasquez' masterpiece, Las Meninas.

One of the main themes of the book, alongside the dancing and the putting on of the ballet is the importance of families. Godden made no special case for nuclear families: theatrical companies, women on their own, a school: all these provide a family framework for the children in them and teach them many valuable life lessons. That friendship is sometimes difficult; that you can becomet impatient or irritated with those you love; that someone you thought of as your friend can occasionally bully you dreadfully or be horrible to you in many different ways - these truths are not skated over but dealt with frankly and fairly. Rivalries, jealousies, the tantrums attendant on life in the performing arts: they're all here, but so are the triumphs and the real pleasure of being on stage.

One of the things I've loved since early childhood is a book which has proper respect for details, especially details of clothes and food and in this novel you will find them in abundance. The preparations for Christmas are a particular delight.

I have to say that I think Virago, who are to be noisily acclaimed for bringing these and other books by Rumer Godden into the light again, haven't done the two books I've reviewed any favours in the matter of covers. Only the most ardent balletomanes will be naturally drawn to the images they've chosen, which is why I'm glad to have had the chance to review them. The cover they've given IN THIS HOUSE OF BREDE (which I adored when I was much younger and can't wait to read again) is wonderful.

Meanwhile, do spread the word, via Twitter and Facebook about these reissues. It's an initiative I wish more publishers would emulate.

Publisher: Virago Modern Classics

Price: £6.99 pbk.

ISBN:9781844088508

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