Book Review: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

 The Secret Garden

by

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Publisher: Puffin Classics

Publication date: First published 1911 my edition published in 2010

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages: 340

Format: Hardcover

Source: Own

 

My review of The Secret Garden

Many thanks to Tracey @CarpeLibrum for suggesting a buddy read for this book. I had this beautiful hardcover edition published by Puffin Classics sitting on my shelf just waiting to be enjoyed.

This was my first reading of The Secret Garden and I loved it!

I'm sure everyone knows the story; after Mary's parents die from the bubonic plague she is sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle. After living the first 10 years of her life with absent parents it's nothing to Mary to now live in the manor with an absent uncle.

I loved that the adults mostly take a back seat in this novel. They are quite often baffled by Mary but mostly leave her to her own devices (and non of them are electronic). Mary learns to run, laugh, play and take an interest in the natural environment around her. As Mary spent time outdoors I could practically see her morph from a stubborn, bitter girl to a lively, happy girl.

There is a lot in this book that will appeal to children; a  wild stubborn girl, a boy that is attuned to nature, a locked door mystery and a neglected garden that the children bring back to life.

 

The Secret Garden is a truly delightful book filled with the healing magic of nature, positive thinking and above all friendship.

Below is a quote from Sophie Dahl's introduction.

" Even the most cynical reader would be hard pressed to remain unmoved by The Secret Garden"

My edition concludes with notes on the author and the characters, plus things to think about, questions to ponder and ideas for your own garden.

 

My rating 5/ 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

recommended age: 6 - 100 

 

Challenges: Mount TBR over on The Burgeoning Bookshelf

 

  

Book Review: Don't Fart in the Pool! by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence

Don't Fart in the Pool!

by

Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence

Publisher: Indie Publishing Group

Publication date: 5th July 2020

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 28

Format: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the authors

 

My review of Don't Fart in the Pool!

Don't Fart in the Pool is a story to be read simply for the laugh-out-loud fun of it.

 

I'm not a big fan of 'fart' books but I know they are hugely popular with children and a vast array of titles can be found in any bookstore. 

 

Jay actually thought this story was hilarious, as I'm sure any six-year-old would. 

Stan has a habit of farting in the pool when out swimming - splash around a bit and no-one will notice the bubbles. 

Only this time, after a big night of tacos, Stan was at the local pool and his stomach was gurgling and grumbling and, well, it wasn't a fart that ensued.

This is a lighthearted fun story with bright full spread illustrations and large print to encourage self reading.

There is a fun suspenseful build up to the big embarrassing moment and even when you know what is going to happen next it's still quite funny to turn the page to see the big brown stain spreading across the pool.

Moral of the story: Never trust a fart!

Jay's rating 4/5     ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children's books.

They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles.

They have published a series of children's books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

You can read my review of Hockey Wars at the link below:

https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/10/book-review-hockey-wars-by-sam-lawrence.html 

Book Review: Cargo is Ready to Go! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo is Ready to Go!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher:SelfPublished

Publication date: 29th August 2022

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #3

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the author

My review of Cargo is Ready to Go!

Cargo is Ready to Go is book 3 in the delightful and engaging Cargo series.

In book 3 Cargo teaches children about being prepared before any outing. Cargo always checks his oil, water, fuel and tyres before he goes out. What do you check before you go to school?

The stories are narrated by Cargo which gives him a personality of his own. The book offers a great opportunity to discuss being organised and prepared before you go out and ways you can be more prepared. 

What do you need for school, the beach, going fishing or camping? Filled with full spread illustrations to complement each setting. There is much to discuss in these gorgeous illustrations. 

Cargo also talks about what happened to him one day when he wasn't prepared.

I can see these stories as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows. 

If your child loves everything cars and trucks they are going to love Cargo the Army Truck.

 

My rating 5/5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Paul Dekmetzian lives in Melbourne, Australia. Between 1973 and 1981, he was engaged with the Australian Army, first as a School Cadet and then as a young Private at Monash University Regiment. This involvement sparked the interest of a lifetime.

 

 As the grandfather of eleven and an active member of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps (VMVC), Paul has witnessed firsthand how excited people of all ages get when they see these historic vehicles, both on the road and on display.

He believes that the positive effect of engaging with this history should not be underestimated and hopes that The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck will ignite the curiosity of a new generation of Australians.

 

Book Review: Timeless by Kelly Canby

 Timeless

by

Kelly Canby

Publisher: Fremantle Press 

Publication date: 1st Feb 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AU Hardcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review of Timeless

This is such a fun story about "time". We never have enough of it, time flies by, yet sometimes it seems to stand still.

 

Emit is a young boy fascinated by time. The story follows Emit as he tries to capture time as he unravels sayings, literally.

If time flies maybe he can catch it with a net or if time passes you by, maybe if he stood still he would see it go by.

 

We found it fun to think of all the sayings that involve time; too much of it or not enough of it.

 

The gorgeous watercolour illustrations are busy on the page and there is a lot to take in. In contrast the text is simple and spare which made it easy for the children to connect with the story.

 

Timeless by Kelly Canby is a story that will delight any child. We have read it over and over.

 

The beautiful illustrations inspired Dot and Jay to create their own watercolour washes.

 

 

 

Instructions:

On white paper draw the desired picture or design with a white crayon or a candle. Use a little pressure so you get plenty of wax on the paper. (you won't be able to see the design).

 

Mix poster paint with plenty of water so it's not to dark and paint over the  entire page. Your picture will appear like magic! 🖌

About the author

Kelly Canby is an internationally published illustrator and author. Kelly was born in London, but has lived in Australia since the age of three, which is probably around the same age she started playing with pencils and crayons, and it was probably only a few years after that that she decided playing with pencils and crayons was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Owl and Star by Helen Milroy

 Owl and Star

by

Helen Milroy

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AUD Hardcover

Source: Courtesy of the Publisher

 

My review of Owl and Star 

Owl and Star is a story of how the sun, moon and stars are all connected in the universe working together.

Owl likes to watch the stars rise in the sky every night but when his favourite little star doesn't shine one night he knows he must use all his strength to help little star finds its place in the night sky.

Taken from the notion in Indigenous storytelling that everything in the universe is alive and in relationship, Helen Milroy has written a calm and tranquil tale with subtle messages about caring for the universe.

Owl and Star is filled with vibrant and enchanting full spread illustrations with bright and lively artwork featuring traditional colours pulled from the land and water.

Owl and Star is a wonderful bedtime read giving both children and adults a chance to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures in life. Make time to stop and see the stars!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She was born and educated in Perth. Helen has always had a passionate interest in health and wellbeing, especially for children. Helen studied medicine at the University of Western Australia. She is currently a professor at UWA, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Board Member with Beyond Blue and the AFL's first indigenous Commissioner.

 

Book Review: A Girl Called Corpse by Reece Carter

 A Girl Called Corpse

by

Reece Carter

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 339

RRP: $16.99AUD Paperback

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club 

My review of A Girl Called Corpse

This review appeared first on the Beauty & Lace Book Club

 

A Girl Called Corpse is a magical tale of a young ghost who must draw on every ounce of courage to defeat the evil witches and escape the rock-that-doesn’t-exist to find out who she was and where she belonged.
 

Corpse is the most endearing character and I couldn’t help but cheer her on. She lives in the attic of the witches hut and with the bits of magic she has picked up from the witches she has made herself a body from wax, seaweed and shells from the beach. Her best friend is a huntsman spider and together they will face insurmountable danger, cruel witches, a sea monster and a scheming merchant. She is not always brave but she knows she has to be strong to succeed.
 

Reece Carter has created a fantastically imagined world with a delightful and spirited (pun intended) main character. Perfectly crafted for the Middle Grade audience A Girl Called Corpse is jam-packed with danger, adventure, breath holding suspense, magical battles and a touch of ghostly humour. I was totally engaged throughout the entire book!
 

I enjoyed Corpse’s growth throughout the novel. She learnt a lot about friendship and the magic of love. I eagerly await her next adventure! 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Reece Carter grew up on his family farm in Tammin, Western Australia. There was an unfortunate lack of witches and ghosts though, so Reece had to find them in books instead. Roald Dahl, Paul Jennings and Emily Rodda were some of his first favourite authors. When Reece moved away to boarding school at the age of eleven, he could regularly be found hiding in the library, tucked away in the corner with a good book. With the encouragement of his English teacher, Reece started writing his own stories. After a few years travelling overseas, Reece moved to Melbourne. But even while working as a nutritionist by day, Reece maintained a secret double life, continuing to write middle-grade novels by night. Now, he lives in Sydney and writes kids' fiction full-time. When not reading or writing, Reece can usually be found talking to his dog Hagrid - and hoping that one of these days Hagrid might decide to talk back. A Girl Called Corpse is his debut novel.

 

 

Book Review: The Raven's Song by Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble

 

Title: The Raven's Song

Authors: Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Children / Teen

Pages: 288 

RRP: $16.99 paperback

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club 

 

 My Review of The Raven's Song

 

This review first appeared on the Beauty and Lace Book Club

 

The Raven’s Song is the product of a collaboration between Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble, two mutli-award winning authors coming together to write a story of friendship and courage.
 

Twelve-year-old Shelby and her best friend Davy live in a Government controlled closed community made up of three hundred and fifty people living on seven hundred hectares. This is the scientifically calculated number of people who can live sustainably on the land. They live a simple life with solar power and near zero pollution. They are brought up with kindness to each other and kindness to the land. 

Shelby’s life is busy with chores on their egg farm and attending school. 

They must live in these sustainable communities until the natural world, which borders on the fenced perimeter, heals 

When Shelby’s unfettered sense of adventure leads them through the perimeter fence and into the wild and natural world what she and Davy find is beyond their wildest imagination.
 

Zana and Bren have together created an outstanding Government controlled world in which Shelby and Davy live happily with only a scattering of information of the past. It, at first, seems like an ideal world.
 

Shelby’s story is told in alternating narration with Phoenix a 12 year old boy living with his siblings, grandmother and aunt. Phoenix has visions, dreams that he isn’t sure are real or not. A sixth sense his grandmother calls it. He is inexplicably drawn to the bog and an old local folk song about a girl who is trapped in the bog forever. 

Phoenix’s story has a science fiction element to it and is just a little bit creepy.
 

I loved the short chapters, each ending on a cliff hanger that had me eager to read on.

Both Shelby and Phoenix’s stories were totally absorbing and I was intrigued to see how the two stories would connect, never imagining what would actually come next!
 

Zana and Bren have combined multi-layered moral messages with a science fiction narrative that will have the reader transfixed.
 

I haven’t read much science fiction but I must say The Raven’s Song had me spellbound and quite often holding my breath whilst reading.
 

The Raven’s Song is a powerful and haunting read, best suited for ages 12+  (I may be being a bit cautious here, it is an eerie tale)

Publishers recommended age is: 9 - 13 years

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

Bren MacDibble was raised on farms all over New Zealand, so is an expert about being a kid on the land. After 20 years in Melbourne, Bren sold everything and spent two years living and working in a bus travelling around Australia. She recently parked her bus in Kalbarri on the beautiful west coast, where she now manages a holiday villa. In 2018, How to Bee - her first novel for younger readers - won the Children's Book Council Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers, the New South Wales Premier's Literary Award Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature, and the New Zealand Book Awards Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction. In 2019 The Dog Runner won the New Zealand Book Awards Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction. Bren also writes for young adults under the name Cally Black.



Zana Fraillon is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over 15 countries and is in development for both stage and screen. Zana was born in Melbourne but spent her early childhood in San Francisco. Her 2016 novel The Bone Sparrow won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children, the Readings Young Adult Book Prize and the Amnesty CILIP Honour. It was shortlisted for the PM's Literary Awards, the CBCA awards, the Qld Literary Awards, Vic Premier's Literary Awards, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Gold Inky and the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Zana spent a year in China teaching English and now lives in Melbourne with her three children, husband and two dogs.