Book Review: Smoke & Mirrors by Barry Jonsberg

 Smoke & Mirrors

by

Barry Jonsberg

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th January 2024

Genre: Young Adult / Junior Fiction

Pages: 272

RRP: $19.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Smoke & Mirrors 

Barry Jonsberg writes heartfelt stories that cut to the core of serious issues and Smoke & Mirrors is no exception. With themes of fractured families, alcoholism, cancer and voluntary assisted dying Smoke & Mirrors could be a sombre read but Jonsberg adds humour to lighten the story.  

 

Grace cares about two things, magic and her grandmother. They share a sharp sense of humour and Gran can give back as much as Grace dishes out.

Grace doesn't trust anyone and when Simon offers to help her become a social media star and earn money from her magic act she doesn't trust him either but is prepared to take his help, at arm's length.

 

Smoke & Mirrors is a heartfelt story about a teen trying to find her place in the world. Grace's family have suffered a tragedy and instead of helping each other they have each turned inward blocking their loved ones out. 

When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness Grace volunteers to be her carer.

 

Reading Smoke & Mirrors as an adult I found the story heartbreaking, however I feel the targeted age group would connect more with the magic, how amazing and determined Grace is and how restorative her friendship with Simon is.

 

I loved the way Jonsberg revealed the twists subtly, a few words spoken, easily missed.

 

The publisher's age range is 10 - 14 years. I might be a little cautious but with the topics explored I have recommended an age range of 12 -16 years. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast by Karen Foxlee

The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast:

Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters #3

by

Karen Foxlee

Illustrated by Freda Chiu 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Series: Miss Mary-Kate Martin's guide to Monsters #3

Genre: Middle Grade (Junior fiction)

Pages: 288

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast

The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast is book 3 in the Miss Mary-Kate Martin's guide to Monsters Series.

Mary-Kate is looking forward to a nice quiet holiday with her grandmother in a nice quiet castle. What she doesn't know is her grandmother is taking her to a World Society of Monster Hunters conference.

 

The series revolves around the adventures of Mary-Kate Martin and her monster hunting family. Armed with her trusty notebook and a bag of lucky items Mary-Kate and new found friends Millicent and Simon embark on a quest to solve the mystery behind the ear-shattering howls and the break-in in the castle kitchen.

Foxlee challenges the ideas of good and evil as Mary-Kate endeavours to understand and save the Bonkillyknock Beast.

Exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, teamwork, anxiety, honesty and curiosity offers a captivating reading experience for young readers in this fast-paced and hair-raising story.

Mary-Kate is a young girl with anxiety issues who works hard to push past her fears using coping mechanisms she has put in order to calm herself.

 

" Mary-Kate closed her eyes. She needed quiet and calm and a neatly written list in a soothing colour."

It was fun to follow the three friends as they worked together to solve the mystery.

Readers of the series will love this new addition. Newcomers can rest assured it reads well as a standalone however once your young reader has finished they will be eager to obtain the previous two books.

Publisher recommended age 6 - 10 years

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Race is On (Wolf Girl #10) by Anh Do

 The Race Is On: Wolf Girl 10

by

Anh Do

Illustrated by Lachlan Creagh

Publisher: Allen & Unwin 

Publication date: 28th November 2023

Series: Wolf Girl #10

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages: 224

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Race Is On 

The Race Is On opens straight where Sink Or Swim left off. Gwen and nine other contestants are about to start a grueling cross-country challenge with the winner having a wish granted.

 

The Race Is On is another faced-paced story filled with half and full-page visually engaging illustrations.

I liked that this story had a bit more substance which will have readers thinking and learning in a subtle way.

 

The Race Is On sees the nine contestants pitted against each other through a challenging, and at times life threatening, cross country run. Gwen always shows good sportsmanship but there are others that will do anything to win. When another contestant finds themself in serious trouble Gwen cannot turn her back and stops to help. The other contestants see this and begin to work as a team. But only one can win? During the course Gwen battles with this dilemma and also the question of what her wish will be if she wins. 

 

Gwen is a wonderful role model, considerate, forgiving and smart. The search for her parents continues as Gwen and her canine friends move on to a new adventure. 

 

Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is no backstory included.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Recommended age 8 -12 years 

 

Other books by Anh Do I've reviewed:

 

Brave the Storm: Skydragon #4 

Firestorm: Skydragon #7 

Sink or Swim: Wolf Girl #9 

 

 

Book Review: The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty

 The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet

by

Jaclyn Moriarty

illustrated by Kelly Canby

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 31st October 2023

Series: Kingdom and Empires #5

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 544

RRP: $22.99AU (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is an enchanting tale filled with magic, danger and unexpected twists. The plot is set out like a puzzle with different scenes appearing like random chapters and in a book and it isn't until the story nears its conclusion that it all comes together and makes perfect sense.

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is book 5 in the Kingdoms and Empires series and even though it is the first book I've read in the series there is plenty of backstory and rather than feeling lost it just made me want to rush out and buy the previous books. Which I did!

Featured throughout the book are beautiful, half and full page monochrome illustrations by the talented Kelly Canby.

Young readers will find Lillian Velvet intriguing, she has been raised by a cold, unloving and strict grandmother. Having never attended school, she has never spoken to or played with other children. Lillian is smart, kind and most of all obedient.

 

Lillian is given a jar of gold coins for her tenth birthday. The coins transport her to another time in another world. Lillian doesn't know why she is being transported to these places, all she knows is someone always needs help and she could never say no.

 

At 544 pages it is the perfect book to sink your teeth into. The short chapters make it easy to pick up and read just a few chapters at a time. It won't be read in a single night but I can assure you, your child will want to read it over and over.

 

The Kingdom and Empires series would make the perfect gift. They are not only fantastic reads, they look good too, making them a treasured addition to a child's bookshelf.

 

Jaclyn Moriarty is a truly gifted children's author who can weave a plot that is both complex yet simple to follow.

 

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Book Review: Firestorm (Sky Dragon #7) by Anh Do

 Firestorm: SkyDragon 7

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st October 2023

Series: Skydragon #7 

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages:208

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Firestorm

Firestorm is another fast paced read in the Skydragon series. 

Dot is an avid reader of many of Anh Do's series with Wolf Girl and SkyDragon being amongst her favourites.

Firestorm has Amber and her new-found brother Reggie trying to escape the evil agents of the National Service. The action never lets up as they use their special powers to first evade capture, save a family from a burning forest, then work together to find information about their parents. 

I like that Amber isn't always brave, sometimes she is overwhelmed and breaks down and cries. Crying isn't a sign of weakness. This edition is all about family and helping each other and the grandmotherly Irene is always close by to offer love and sound advice.

These books are an easy read, they flow well and the plot line isn't taxing. Filled with pages of detailed monochrome comic style illustrations that add a visual comprehension to the story.

Each book has it’s own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.

Firestorm is a superb addition to the Skydragon series which I am sure will be read over and over as fans wait for the next book in the series. Perfect for younger readers and reluctant readers.

recommended age 8 -12 years

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Ninja Kid and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.

About the illustrator

James Hart was raised in the Uk on English Comics and classic eighties and nineties cartoons before moving to Australia and studying illustration, electronic design and multimedia. James's illustrations can be viewed at jameshart.com.au

 

 
 

Book Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter

 The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

by

Reece Carter

illustrated by Simon Howe

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd October 2023

Series: Elston-Fright #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy (8-12)

Pages: 352

RRP: $17.99AU Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is every bit as good as A Girl Called Corpse.

The town of Elston-Fright doesn't believe in magic anymore. It has been so long that everyone has forgotten it exists. Everyone except Flip, who lives in the lighthouse with his grandmother. Flip knows he has to find the light and return it to the lighthouse to restore its lost magic but there is something stirring in the air and Flip feels it is something bad.

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is book two featuring Corpse (a girl made of wax and seaweed), Girl (a ghost) and Flip (a young boy). The story reads well as a standalone and includes some backstory but you will want to read book one, A Girl called Corpse. It's the book that endeared me to Corpse.

Flip has a greater role in this book as the three friends face a new danger in the Poltergusts (malevolent winds) and embark on a mission to find the light.

Reece Carter has come through with another highly imaginative tale rich in danger, suspense and magical battles. Both Flip and Corpse learn some truths about their family's past and that friendship is the strongest magic of all.

The addition of a new magical creature, the seafoam sprites added another level of fantastical appeal. But are they friend or foe?

Told through the alternating voice of Corpse and Flip we see both characters embrace bravery and true friendship. Girl seems to be a side character in this book so I do hope she gets a bit more purpose in book three.

There is a subtle lesson included about doing the right thing even if it is a difficult choice.

 

The story ends on a breath-holding cliff hanger leaving me eager for the next book.

 

The wonderful black and white sketched illustrations by Simon Howe add a visual dimension  to the story.

 

Content: Allusion to child murder. "..the Merchant handed me to the Witches like I was nothing. In return, she asked them to take my heart and encase it inside a layer of silver." 

About the author

Some of Reece Carter's earliest memories involve books. His love for stories - especially those filled with whimsy, magic and a little bit of weirdness - began as a child growing up in rural Western Australia. There was an unfortunate lack of witches and ghosts on his family farm, and so Reece had to find them in books instead. It wasn't until high school, though, that Reece thought to try his hand at writing his own stories. He loved it, and never looked back. Reece now lives in Sydney.

 

Book Review: Paper and Tape Crafts by Jennifer Perkins

 Paper and Tape Crafts

by

Jennifer Perkins

28 Inventive Activities for Kids Ages 8 - 12

 

Publisher: Rockridge Press

Publication date: 4th April 2023

Genre: Children's Craft

Pages: 130

Source: eBook via Netgalley 

 

Review: Paper and Tape Crafts

We are very big on crafting here and I was excited to get some new craft ideas.

Paper and Tape Crafts opens with an introduction and notes on safety which led me to think the book is aimed at the children working on the crafts alone. A list of supplies is a handy addition and I liked that many of the items can be found in a well stocked craft box.

There are also notes at the end of each activity to challenge you to take the craft further and to expand on what you have already made.

 

I've been involved in childcare and Playgroups for many years so most of the crafts were ones I had already made many times with preschoolers. I found of the 28 crafts detailed there were only 16 I found appealing.

I think this would be a handy book if you are new to crafting with recyclables however for me there was nothing particularly new or innovative.

Recommended age 5 - 10 years

My rating 2 / 5 ⭐⭐