The Seal's Fate, written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by Victor Ambrus, reviewed by Pippa Goodhart

This is a beauty of a book both as a physical object and as a short story with depth and punch.

            Thirteen year old Bobby Parish is faced with a choice, to follow his family and community’s wishes that he kill the baby seal in front of him, or to disappoint them and to follow his conscience and let the seal live.  Set in an Irish fishing village when a ‘plague’ of seals is breaking nets and eating the fish on which the people’s livelihood depends, Bobby’s dilemma is real and urgent, and resonant for all of us facing situations in which right and wrong are not clear to see.  I’m not going to give the story away, but I will say that the end of the book made me cry … in a good way. 

            Eoin Colfer has written this story in bite-sized chapters, but his writing is in no way compromised in order to fit the Barrington Stoke brief of writing for eight to twelve year olds who struggle with reading.  Swearing is there, as in real life, and challenging vocabulary is also there (‘quay’, ‘rapport’, ‘telepathic’, ‘effluent’, for example), but supported by clear context.  Supported too by the design of the book.

            Chunky and handsome, this book feels and looks special.  The good quality (slightly grey rather than the usual Barrington Stoke cream) paper is nicely heavy to hold, and the cover is trimmed with shiny gold.  Victor Ambrus’s illustrations are in full colour throughout, and we’re treated to full colour endpapers that set the fishing village scene before the story even starts.  The whole production is generous, giving plenty of space for the text to be set out clearly, and use is made of page turns to dramatic purpose in the way more commonly seen in picture books. 

            I loved Hester Burton’s historical novels illustrated by Victor Ambrus when I was a child, and my heart flipped when I recognised his style on this book’s cover.  It’s so good to see him illustrating still, and at his very best, into his eighties. 

            This book is one of Barrington Stoke’s new Conkers imprint, bringing top storytellers and illustrators together to create high quality and very readable books.  I look forward to seeing and reading more of them!  

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems. Reviewed by Sarah Hammond

As a Brit who has recently moved to the United States, I was very curious to find out what sort of books are especially loved by American children. 

“Which are your most popular picture books?” I asked the lovely librarian of my local library in a southwest suburb of Chicago.

There was no hesitation. I was taken straight to the “W” section. 

“Have you read this?” She handed me Mo Willem’s Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! “It is checked out all the time.”

I hadn’t read it. 

And when I did, I realised exactly why it was such a favourite. 

The premise of the book is extremely simple. At the outset, on the inside cover title page, the driver of the bus speaks directly to the reader. He tells us that he is going on a break and will we keep an eye on things? There is only one rule: no matter what happens, don’t let the Pigeon drive the bus. 

Page turn and right on cue, the Pigeon pokes his head around the corner in the first full spread of the book. He confides in us — “I thought he’d never leave.”

What great characterisation in this short sentence! A cheeky, rule-breaking, lovable character has walked into the story.

From here on in, using similar simple, short sentences, Pigeon begs us to drive the bus. He pleads. He persuades. He argues, dreams, cajoles, bribes, blackmails and sulks, all the while using language that is deliciously familiar to the young reader. “I never get to do anything!” “C’mon, just once around the block!” 

This, in my view, is a stroke of genius. What a seductive story for a very young person who lives in a world of adult rules, and who often resorts to his most skilled powers of persuasion to obtain sweets, stay up late, watch a particular TV programme just one more time…

In Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! this young reader is the boss. He enforces the rules. He is in charge of a bus! No matter what the Pigeon says, the reader role-plays the adult and refuses to let the wheedling charismatic character get behind the wheel, right until Pigeon has a full-out tantrum on Spread 11. 

The pictures, drawn by Willems, add to the hilarity. The style is modern, accessible and simple. 

It is no surprise to me that the picture book was awarded a Caldecott Honor and has spawned various sequels, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay up Late!, Pigeon Wants a Puppy! and so on. It also inspired many other picture books which invite reader participation. Over a decade after Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was published, the School Library Journal suggests that this vogue for new meta picture books is only now slowing down.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is also available in the UK. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mo Willems’ works in children’s books, animation, television, theatre, and bubble gum card painting have garnered him 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, 6 Emmy Awards, 5 Geisel Honors, a Helen Hayes nomination, and multiple bubble gum cards. 

He is best know for his characters Knuffle Bunny, The Pigeon, and Elephant and Piggie and his work as a writer and animator for PBS's Sesame Street.  He is worst known for his work on Cartoon Network's Sheep in the Big City and Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats. Mo also makes sculptures and writes plays. More information about Mo’s past, present, and future can be gleaned at www.mowillems.com

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Sarah Hammond is an author. She has published a picture book for very small people, Mine!, and teen fiction too. 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

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

The Sword of Kuromori by Jason Rohan. Reviewed by Tamsin Cooke

The Sword of Kuromori by Jason Rohan is such an adrenalin ride of a book and a fantastic introduction to Japanese culture.

15 year old Kenny Blackwood thinks he’s going to spend the summer with his father in Japan. But even before the aeroplane lands, Kenny starts seeing strange creatures that no one else seems to notice.  And once in Japan, everyone appears to be after him – wanting him dead. Not knowing who to trust, Kenny finds himself in the middle of a war. Unless he can fulfil his destiny (he never knew he had), millions might die.

No pressure then!

The reader is taken on a thrilling journey through Japan. Kenny is a funny likeable hero, but completely out of his depth. Luckily he befriends Kimoni, a biker girl who teaches him the secrets of Japan and how to fight! Their dialogue and relationship made me laugh so much, as did the Tanuki (the fat Japanese racoon dog who appears mysteriously at Kenny’s side).

Rohan’s love of Japanese culture shines through his writing. Having never been to Japan, I feel as though I have experienced the food, the land and met the utterly bizarre mythical creatures. There are demons in business suits and headless vampires!

I recommend this book to children of 9+ and above.  The adventure is past paced, very funny and terrifying all at the same time. He weaves ancient mythical monsters into contemporary life flawlessly.

The second book in the series –The Shield of Kuromori is already out, and I love it just as much as the first. I can’t wait for the final instalment in the trilogy. The Stone of Kuromori is out in January 2017 (tbc).

Tamsin's book The Scarlet Files: Cat Burglar is out now. 

Follow me on twitter: tamsincooke1

Website: tamsincooke.co.uk

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

Amongst other things Christmas is a time for giving books, reading books, sharing stories and telling tall tales together by Rhian Ivory

Christmas is the best time for me as a reader because I can't write with three children, two dogs and a husband at home, never mind all the visits from family and friends.

This Christmas I have read a wide range of books to the children and also to myself. Instead of writing one review this month I thought I'd show you photos of all the beauties I have spent time with, some were Christmas presents (ok, a lot were Christmas presents) but some were old and worn and equally treasured, if not more.

All the books we've read between us over Christmas

 

Old and loved and worn copies we always reread at Christmas

 

 

 

 

Books we were bought and have yet to read.

Someone discovered Graphic Novels.

 

Books I was bought and am currently reading and loving.

The book that I am currently reading with the 8 and 11 year old.

 

 

It's a three chapter a night book, you have been warned.

 

 

 

 

 

The book that won't be put up the attic with the Christmas tree (photo bombing in the background) but will be kept out to read all year long.

And now my reading time is up and I need to go and edit my new book. I may be gone some time and I will be pulling this face a lot.

 



 



Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

ELEN'S ISLAND by Eloise Williams. Reviewed by Saviour Pirotta

Eloise William's middle grade debut is the story of a feisty girl called Elen. When her parents decide to jet off on holiday without her, she is packed off to spend the summer with a granny she's never met, on a small Welsh island called Aberglad.

Understandably, Elen feels betrayed and is determined to make her summer as miserable as possible, both for her granny and for herself. But the island soon starts weaving its summery magic spell on her and before long she is pitched headlong into an adventure involving a treasure hunt, secret caves and skeletons in the family cupboard.

When I started the book I had no idea whether Aberglad is a real island or the product of the author's imagination. I resisted the tempation to google before I finished the story. Williams conjures up such a magical, enchanting idyll I did not want to see the real island, if there was one. It might not live up to its wild beauty on the printed page. Thankfully there isn't. Aberglad is safe for ever from ruthless developers within the pages of the book, and in readers' imagination. It reminds me a bit of Kirrin Island in the Famous Five Books. Not that this book is anything like Blyton. True, it's primarily a rollicking adventure with some exciting set-pieces, and a delightful summer read, but it's also an insightful tale about growing up and finding yourself. About learning to recognise what is truly precious.

The characters, including Gran, her eccentric friends and the two main characters - Elen and her puffin-taming friend Rowan  - are sharply drawn. Gaby Grant's line drawings are delightful. This is a first rate book I shall be giving out for Christmas and birthdays. Eloise Williams is a writer to watch.

Saviour's latest book, THE GHOSTS WHO DANCED - SPOOKY STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD is out now.
Follow me on twitter @spirotta
Like me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/spirotta
Website http://www.spirotta.com

  

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

Closing the page for now . . . and Happy Christmas to all our readers.

If you’ve just visited the Awfully Big Blog Adventure, you’ll know that our Scattered Authors Society blog has just begun its annual holiday. 

However, Awfully Big Reviews is sneaking away too, so that there will be time to read and eat and do all sorts of nice things so everyone is bright & fully refreshed for the first of January, and ready to bring you a mix of book suggestions during 2016.

Huge thanks to all the wonderful ABR reviewers who between themselves make sure that a new choice appears here every fourth day. I know that writing a book review demands a good amount of time: first to read the book well and thoughtfully and, secondly, to find the best words to describe what the book is “about” and also what it is about this particular book that makes it so appealing or interesting or clever or insightful or amusing or any or many of the ways in which a book can speak to a reader.

So many, many thanks to all the Awfully Big Review team:

 Pippa Goodhart, Adele Geras, Pauline Francis, Jackie Marchant, Julia Jones, Dawn Finch, Ann Turnbull, Lynda Waterhouse, Damian Harvey, Tamsyn Murray, Gillian Phillip, Sue Purkiss, Saviour Pirotta, Rhian Ivory, Tamsin Cook and Sarah Hammond.  

Thank you all for your work, help, reliability and patience. I’ll look forward to reading more of your suggestions and recommendations in 2016. 

Meanwhile, it’s time to close the blog until that January arrives. I hope that everyone, especially all the ABBA & ABR contributors and readers, has a happy holiday and a fine New Year, and all manner of good times, lovely things and wonderful books to enjoy in the year to come. 

Warmest wishes, Penny Dolan

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

Muddle and Win, by John Dickinson: reviewed by Sue Purkiss

I recently met John Dickinson at a writers' conference, henceforth to be referred to as Charney. All sorts of things took place at this conference, including serious (well, not very) writers masquerading as Tudor market traders, innkeepers and thieves; a savage and snarling quiz, a great deal of talking and eating; and one of the most effective and funny talks I've ever listened to. This last was given by John Dickinson. It was on the not-obviously-riveting topic of publishing and finance, and it was brilliant.

Another thing we do at Charney is that we take some of our books with us, and swap them or buy them or - if we're very desperate - bribe people to take them away. Curious, I looked at John's books, to see what kind of thing someone so clever and so funny would be writing. Not surprisingly, the answer was - something very clever and funny. Muddle and Win, in fact.

There were other books by him for older children, and they looked good too. But I liked the format of this one. It was a hardback, smaller than the average size, with nice cream paper and a beautifully clear font. Just right, somehow.

Now, you need to know what it's about. It's not all that easy to say. The battle between good and evil? Well, yes, but so's Paradise Lost, and it's not much like that. A cross between Terry Pratchett, Horrid Henry, and that new Disney film called Inside Out? Hm, that's closer. It has the comic fantasy of Pratchett, it has - like HH - a perfectly horrid character and an annoyingly virtuous character, and a lot of the action takes place inside a character's head. By that, I mean it actually takes place; we aren't talking about thoughts here, we're talking about a rather dear little devil called Muddle, and a very cool guardian angel called Windleberry, who are fighting it out for the soul of the practically perfect Sally Jones - inside the complex, beautiful and well-ordered chambers that make up her mind. The consequences for either of them of losing will be dire, so the stakes are high.

And the resolution involves muffins.

I don't think I can put it any more clearly than that. It's witty, it's funny, it's beautifully written, and it's full of characters such as you'd meet almost nowhere else. Here's a little taster: introducing Windleberry, guardian angel and celestial super-agent.

He had served in every heavenly department and was thorough in everything he did. Other angels marked the sparrow's fall, but Windleberry gave it marks out of ten, and made it fall again if it scored less than three. Other angels counted the hairs on a human's head, but Windleberry clipped a tiny numbered label to each one and offered them round for sponsorship... He never carped, he never questioned, he never came back to complain about how difficult it was...The only thing with Windleberry was that you had to remember to shout 'stop'.

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

DARKMOUTH by Shane Hegarty: reviewed by Gillian Philip

He's a young apprentice in a world of dark magic, he's destined to battle world-threatening monsters, and he's not very good at it.

It's a tale-as-old-as-time, and that's as it should be. One of my favourite things in this world (and all the others) is reworked legends, and Shane Hegarty's twist on the fabulous creatures of myth is as quirky and smart and funny as you could wish.

Finn (who doesn't have a surname – yet) lives in the Blighted Village of Darkmouth, where he and his father - Hugo the Great – are just about tolerated by the inhabitants. The village itself is a kind of nightmare combination of insular rural small-town and Buffy's Sunnydale; people with any sense can't wait to leave, and that includes the local police sergeant.

For many generations, Finn's family of Legend Hunters has protected Darkmouth and the world beyond it from the monsters – the Legends – who have a habit of slipping through the barrier between the worlds. An occasional car or boat might get crushed, but the locals can live with that so long as the minotaurs, basilisks and manticores are stopped in their tracks.

Luckily, Dad Hugo is enormously good at his job: he's practically a legend himself. This is galling for poor Finn, who has to live with the stories of his father's prowess (usually told by his father) while being thoroughly incompetent himself. All Finn wants, really, is to leave Darkmouth and become a vet. He's a sweet, clumsy but very brave young hero, and enormously relatable for any young reader.

Not only is Finn expected to graduate to full-fledged Legend Hunter like yesterday; he discovers that his father will shortly be promoted to the governing body of their order, and will be leaving Darkmouth under Finn's sole protection. Of course this has to happen just as a major Legend incursion is threatened. And Finn has to deal not just with that, but with bullies, school, and intriguing newcomer Emmie – who seems to know more about Darkmouth than she's letting on.

Hegarty sets a cracking pace, but the increasing tension and the sometimes brutal scares are nicely offset by a dry and punchy humour. Stunning illustrations by James de la Rue are a gorgeous and atmospheric enhancement to the story. It's the first book in a series, and it ends on something of a cliffhanger – but not without some satisfactory resolution to the first episode.

Any child who loved Beast Quest will be thrilled to graduate to this dark, funny and complex tale of monsters and mayhem; it will enchant lovers of myth, legend and a rattling good story. I gulped it down – appropriately enough – in a single bite.


Darkmouth by Shane Hegarty: Harper Collins £6.99

www.gillianphilip.com

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE

Anything That Isn't This by Chris Priestley review by Dawn Finch

First the blurb...

Seventeen-year-old Frank Palp lives in a grim little apartment, in a grim little building, in an exceedingly grim city. This is a city full of contradictions, and Frank is no exception. He mostly hates his life, he definitely hates the ludicrous city he is forced to live in and he absolutely with complete certainty hates the idiots he's surrounded by . . . and yet he is in love. A love so pure and sparkling and colourful, Frank feels sure it is 'meant to be'. His love is a reward for all the terrible grey that he is surrounded by - which would be great, if the girl in question knew he existed. And then one day, the perfect sign lands in his lap. A message, in a bottle. A wish, for 'anything that isn't this'. The girl who wrote this is surely his soulmate - and now he just needs to find her.

Frank is as grim as the city in which he lives and is a rather pretentious self-obsessed teenager. (That sounds terrible - stick with me....) He lives under the cold grip of The Grey which he feels sucks the colour and life out of the world. He grumpily blunders through his life feeling that he has no choice, no control and no options. He hates everyone, and the people around him are gradually losing patience with him as his life is slipping past. Then he finds those glorious words that someone else wishes for "anything that isn't this" and he sees a glimmer of light at the end of the Grey tunnel.

This book is, quite frankly (no pun intended) one of the best books I've read this year. The tale of Frank, his life and his family is curiously compelling and the book is impossible to put down. I was reminded of classics such as Peake's Gormenghast, and even Walpole's Castle of Otranto, such is the detail of the Castle and the City that dominates Frank's life.

The book is visually stunning too as the text is supported by Priestley's own illustrations. These inky images drive home the chilling and suffocating atmosphere of Frank's world and provide more than just support to the text. They are an important element in the delivery of the story and I'd love to see more of them. In fact this would make an extraordinary graphic novel or animation, and I very much hope that someone is considering doing just that.

I have read all of Priestley's books, and I feel that this is his finest work to date. I am very envious of its effortless flow, cool style and Gothic elegance. In fact I only have one complaint - Chris, don't introduce me to something as completely fabulous as invisible lizards and then only give me a little bit! More lizards please.

Anything That Isn't This is published by Hot Key Books 

• ISBN-10: 1471404641

Reviewed by Dawn Finch

YA author, librarian (President of CILIP) and CWIG committee member

@dawnafinch

www.dawnfinch.com

Return to REVIEWS HOMEPAGE