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 ⭐⭐

Book Review: My Mum's a Pillow by Fiona Merrin

My Mum's a Pillow

by

Fiona Merrin

Illustrated by Simon Howe

 

Publisher: Empowering Resources

Publication date: 1st January 2020 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: My Mum's a Pillow

This is a lovely gentle picture book told from the perspective of a young boy who thinks his mum is the best in the world because his mum is as soft as a pillow and that is very special to him.

 

He comes home one day and says he is picked on at school for his big ears. His mum explains that everyone is beautiful just the way they are. The things that make us different, are what make us wonderful.

 

The story has lots of fun illustrations about his mum having lots of fun with him and how he loves that his mum is loud and noisy and sings in the supermarket.

There is an underlying message that some people bully because they are unhappy.

recommended age 5+ years

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Book Review: It's Up to U! by Jeremy Kalbstein

 It's Up to U!

by

Jeremy Kalbstein

illustrated by Leigh Brown

Publisher: Empowering Resources

Publication date: 1st September 2020

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: It's Up to U!

In It's Up to U! Jeremy Kalbstein uses animated and gender neutral letters of the alphabet, instead of children, to make the story less confronting.

 

"I" liked to play with the other letters but most of the time "I" just liked to spend time alone. One night while "I" was looking online "I" saw that "N" had posted an embarrassing picture of "I" and it had likes and hurtful comments.

 

"I" became very unhappy and stayed away from everyone at school.

More and more comments were added until "U" told everyone to stop being mean and remove the post.

Told on a child's level with large full page colour spreads and delightful illustrations It's Up to U! is an important resource to help children understand the force of online bullying and it only takes one person to stand up and stop the bullying. That person can be U!

Children are using technology at a young age now and It's Up to U! is an important story to help make using technology engaging and safe for children of all ages.

 

It's Up to U! would be a valuable resource for all classrooms. 

You can order the book through the author: https://jeremykalbstein.com.au/books/

Recommended age: 5 - 10 years

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Book Review: The Bravest Word by Kate Foster

 The Bravest Word

by

Kate Foster

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 4th May 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 240 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

Review: The Bravest Word

The Bravest Word is a heartfelt story about a young boy and an abandoned dog, and how they saved each other.

 

Matt has been anxious and tired lately. He can't even manage a full game of football, and he's the star of the team! The more anxious he gets  the more he pulls away from school, his friends and his family.

 

The Bravest Word is a beautifully told story about an 11 year-old boy with depression and his battle within himself to understand his feelings and to cry out for help.

 

Kate Foster explores the sometimes overlooked condition of depression in children and how even the most well-meaning of parents can miss the signs.

 

The Bravest Word is not a sad story, it's a story that builds awareness and empathy in children. In The Bravest Word social media is a happy place, Matt's friends are super supportive, his parents are gentle and understanding.

 

Kate highlights the power of animals to heal when Matt finds an abandoned and abused dog and in searching for ways to help his dog he finds the answers to his own feelings.

The Bravest Word is well written for a child's level of understanding. It is a story that will help a child suffering from depression to open up and will also build empathy in other children as they come to understand the condition.

My rating 5 / 5 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

About the author

Kate Foster writes book for children about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from the UK, she now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast with her family and second-hand dogs.