No.239 November 2019 the children’s magazine online

Authorgraph Rob Biddulph Jon Agee All you want to read for Christmas in the BfK Christmas Gift Guide

www.booksforkeeps.co.uk CONTENTS Guest Editorial 239 NOVEMBER 2019 Loosing The Arrow of Apollo. Author Philip Womack on his experience of crowdfunding 2 Guest Editorial Philip Womack describes I’ve always been interested in classical myth, but There was an initial with Unbound ______whilst researching my 2016 , The Double Axe, rush of pledges. We 3 Kevin Crossley Holland I rediscovered a spark that had been dormant for a zoomed up to 40% of explains how folk-tales make decade or so. With an avidity I hadn’t felt for years, I the funding target pretty us human ______gobbled down the ancient texts, re- the ones quickly. This would be 4 of the Year 2019 I knew, savouring the ones I didn’t, delighting in easy, I thought. Alas, BfK contributors choose finding connections and comparisons between them. I was wrong. The ______6 Ten of the Best: Once more, I was hooked. doldrums followed. Books for Beginner Readers The mythology is vast. The source texts don’t There were a lot of doldrums. Every day, before chosen by Tony West and always agree on details, but you swiftly garner a work, I would send out ten emails (that was the Margaret Wallace-Jones of The general sense of the way that most of the myths limit, we were told). And every day I would wait, Alligator’s Mouth Bookshop operate. I became fascinated by the edges of things. and every day there would be nothing. ______The cycle of Agamemnon’s story, the House of The fund hovered around the 60% mark for a 8 Authorgraph: Atreus, begins with the terrible crimes of his ancestor month, two months. Then, with no apparent cause, Rob Biddulph interviewed by Louise Johns-Shepherd Tantalus, who tried to serve up his own son as there would be another rush, and the percentage ______lunch to the gods, and finishes with his son Orestes, would shoot up; only to plateau again. 10 Windows into Illustration: absolved at last from matricide, returning home. There was relief. As the planners at Unbound had Jon Agee ______But how did Orestes live with the knowledge of predicted, once the target reach the late 80s, and 12 Books for Giving your tragedy in his own family? What of the children of readers could see that the book was certain to be indispensable gift guide Orestes? Did they grow up knowing their father was a published, the pledges began piling in. I was pushed ______murderer? These were the questions that consumed me. into 100 % by a late night text in February 2019. And 14 Beyond the Secret And so were sown the seeds of what was to that was that. I could now retire with a large glass of Garden: how to make sure become The Arrow of Apollo. I imagined a world wine and some chocolate. there’s something for everyone in which the gods were growing tired of mortals. Or so I thought. After the heavy lifting of the on your holiday gift list ______One by one, they departed, leaving behind only funding, then came the usual heavy lifting of 16 Fill Your Stockings! Apollo, who loved mankind too much, and Hermes, preparing a manuscript for publication. Find room for these last-minute who liked to be at the centre of the action. The plot First was the structural edit. I was exceptionally recommendations ______all fell into place, into a nice, neat structure, much lucky with my editor, who delivered her thoughts 17 It’s Wicked! Celebrating more easily than any other novel I’ve ever written. with sensitivity and clarity. I spent weekend after a brilliant creative writing I have not crowdfunded a book before, having weekend huddled over my computer whilst competition ______published six children’s with traditional everybody else enjoyed the sunshine, early morning publishing houses. But, after much thought and after early morning making sure everything was 18 Good Reads chosen by students at Herne Bay High many discussions, I decided to publish with right. Then the second pass, tidying up any loose School, Kent Unbound. Firstly, as they produce exceptionally ends; the copyedit; and then, finally, the stage I am ______beautiful books, and I knew that I would be able to at as I write, which is the read through of the typeset 19 Reviewers and reviews guarantee maps and even illustrations if I could raise pages. I never get over the glorious rush of seeing Review Feature: 100 Best the funding for it, and that I would have some say the text looking just like an actual book. Children’s Books reviewed by Neil Philip in the process as well. And secondly, I had faith in Equally exciting was the cover process, and I am Review Feature: The Book of Greek myth as a draw for young readers. immensely proud of the dynamic, enticing cover, Dust The Secret Commonwealth To say that crowdfunding is not easy is an which demonstrates beautifully (I hope) the drama reviewed by Nicholas Tucker understatement. I had the idea for the book in about and the matter of the book. I am also very lucky to Under 5s (Pre-School/Nursery/ 2015. I finished the first draft in December 2016. It have Emily Faccini illustrating the maps. Infant) went to Unbound as a second draft in October 2017, One of the major reasons I wrote the book was to 5-8 (Infant/Junior) and we launched the campaign to fund it. The sum further the spread of classics in children’s reading. I + Ed’s Choice of money we would have to raise seemed to me as wanted to bring some of my passion into my fiction, 8-10 (Junior/Middle) impossible as one of Hercules’s labours. And I’m not and to show readers that myth is not a difficult place, + New Talent 10-14 (Middle/Secondary) very much like Hercules. but one that is full of excitement and wonders. And 14+ (Secondary/Adult) It’s a wonderful thing, to give money on trust to have it all encased in a beautiful hardback copy ______for something that does not yet exist, and I will be is a dream come true. Will I be doing it again? We’ll 34 Classics in Short No. 138 grateful for ever to the supporters of The Arrow of have to wait and see. Tales of Uncle Remus ______Apollo, who have surprised me, delighted me, and Find out more about Unbound and The Arrow of COVER STORY enchanted me. Apollo https://unbound.com/books/the-arrow-of-apollo/ This issue’s cover illustration is from Bad Nana: That’s Snow Business written and illustrated by Sophy Henn. Thanks to HarperCollins Books for Keeps Books for Keeps is available online at Children’s Books for their help with www.booksforkeeps.co.uk this November cover. November 2019 No.239 A regular BfK Newsletter can also be sent by email. ISSN 0143-909X To sign up for the Newsletter, go to www.booksforkeeps.co.uk © Books for Keeps CIC 2016 and follow the Newsletter link. If any difficulty is experienced, email addresses can also be sent to Editor: Ferelith Hordon [email protected]* Editorial assistant: Alexia Counsell Managing Editor: Andrea Reece Email: [email protected] Design: Louise Millar Website: www.booksforkeeps.co.uk *Email addresses will be used by Books for Keeps only for Editorial correspondence should the purpose of emailing the Newsletter and will not be be sent to Books for Keeps, disclosed to third parties. 30 Winton Avenue London N11 2AT.

2 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 Being Human Folk-tales are necessary to our understanding says Kevin Crossley-Holland.

Puck was right. Right when he tells Dan and Una at the beginning of Puck of Pook’s Hill that ‘there’s no good beating about the bush: it’s true. The People of the Hills have all left. I saw them come into Old England and I saw them go. Giants, trolls, kelpies, brownies, goblins, imps; wood, tree, mound, and water-spirits; heath-people, pishogues, leprechauns, night-riders, pixies, nixies, gnomes, and the rest − gone. All gone!’ But if it’s true that our lifelong and largely unquestioning belief in these creatures has gone, it’s certainly alive and flourishing amongst children, and a crucial part, a magical part, of their imaginative worlds. from village to village, and to write down the tales they heard. The When my father sat by my sister’s and my bunk bed, cradling his historian and folklorist Joseph Jacobs estimated that in the British Welsh harp, and said-and-sang fairy tales to us, our nursery became Isles alone, no fewer than ten thousand, yes ten thousand, different a crossing-place. Can you remember what this was like, and how it tales had been collected before the end of the century. felt? I think Edith Nesbit was right. ‘You cannot hope to understand Heaven knows how many folk-tales have now been written down, children by imagination, by love itself,’ she said. ‘There is only one worldwide. And taken together, they comprise the most wonderful way: to remember what you thought and felt and liked and hated source and inheritance − a huge fund of vivid, short tales that human when you yourself were a child.’ beings have told each other to illustrate what being human means. One important way of doing this is through listening to or reading It’s easier, maybe, to say what folk-tales are not than what they folktales… Here’s a morsel about seeing, imagining, dreaming are. They don’t concern themselves much with religious belief − maybe, the suspension of disbelief. . . that’s the business of myths. When saints or devils do make an In the last of the light, the unruly long grasses at the bottom of appearance, it’s often to explain how some place got its name, or to the garden swayed and shimmered and, beyond them, the power describe how some idiot came to a bad end, as did Wullie who sold station belched black smoke. his soul to the devil for a few coins, and was found soon after lying Out of the grass, stepped a young doe. She picked her way on his bed ‘like a piece of scorched bread. His family buried him, across the little garden and sampled the purple lupins. Then she but a child could have carried the coffin. There was nothing there nuzzled an apple tree sapling. But all the while she was watchful but some black ashes.’ and fretful. And after no more than a minute, she stepped back Likewise, folk-tales are never “true stories” in any strict historical into the shelter of the long grass. sense, but always include an element of imagination. Those that are It began to grow dark and still the girl watched. She pressed her based on some historical event or figure, such as Robin Hood or nose to the kitchen window. Dick Whittington, are what we call legends. Then a shawl of clouds covered the smudge-moon, and she could Otherwise, pretty much anything goes! Belief in ghosts and in witches, no longer see the doe. stories about fabulous beasts of all kinds, fables and animal tales, As soon as the girl woke up, she remembered the doe, and how stories of giants and strong men, and wonder tales (Tom Thumb, for lovely and dainty she was. instance, and The King of the Cats): they’re all grist to the mill. A doe, she thought. In this waste land! How likely is that? I keep As you’d expect, the length of these tales may be anything from dreaming such impossible things. snippets to quite meaty narratives; the manner of telling ranges from plainspeaking to the highly colloquial, and the tone from hilarious On the kitchen table stood a vase with seven purple lupins in it. to tragic. ‘They’d been knocked flat,’ her mother told her, shaking her head What a pity it is that anthologists and publishers trot out old and frowning. ‘Their stems were broken. So I thought it was best favourites time and time again when there’s such a hoard waiting to enjoy them.’ to be uncovered. Isn’t there a good folk tale somewhere about how On several counts, this little narrative illustrates why folk tales speak foolish it is blindly to follow one’s leader, and market trends? so directly and deeply to children (and to many adults too). One caveat: a fair few tales are not in the least PC, and are racially The narrative is straightforward. It’s true that the storyteller allows bigoted, while a handful are downright cruel. For that, after all, is the girl to reflect that she keeps ‘dreaming impossible things’, but how humans are. And another caveat: there’s often a decided (and otherwise the action is direct. It’s forthright. lamentable) want of feminism in the original versions of folk-tales, Secondly, the tale’s clothing − it’s so simple. But that doesn’t mean it lacks reflecting the society and time when they were first written down. colour or movement. In this respect, it’s of a piece with the centuries But… but… overall, folk-tales are our shared secular inheritance. To of family and communal retelling by everyday folk, for the most part begin with, we could use them better to understand and enjoy the illiterate, who used everyday sturdy language that spoke to everyone. mix of ‘your Roman-Saxon-Danish-Norman English,’ as Kipling called And then, what about the doe? Is she real or imaginary? Or both? Is them, and the Celts surrounding them, but also the many more recent she a metaphor? Whatever she is, the storyteller resists wrapping things immigrants to our islands. Each time I immerse myself in folk-tales, I up too neatly, and leaves it to you and me to decide for ourselves. come away thinking how various we humans are, but essentially how During the nineteenth century, aware that the Industrial Revolution alike we are, not least in our deep, confirming need for story. was leading to the decline of rural communities throughout Europe Kevin Crossley-Holland’s Between Worlds: Folktales as people made their way to towns and cities in search of better of Britain & Ireland is now available from Walker Books in paid jobs, social historians and the first folklorists began to travel , 978-1406383096, £8.99.

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 3 Books of the Year 2019 This year, our reviewers have read and reviewed over 300 books for Books for Keeps, but that’s still just a fraction of the publishing output. Which are the books we’ll still be reading in 2020 and beyond? We asked those in the know to choose their books of the year.

Daniel Hahn is a writer, editor Louise Johns-Shepherd is Chief Executive, Centre for and translator. Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) In Chris Naylor-Ballesteros’s beautifully The text of The Undefeated is a poem by Kwame simple The Suitcase, a creature Alexander highlighting the important contributions of a wide range of arrives from far away, after a hard African Americans through history. The elegance of the language and journey – but it takes a little while for the rhythm of the words are so well suited to a picture-book format the other animals to learn to be kind and when married with Kadir Nelson’s heart-stoppingly beautiful to him. This new picture-book is a illustrations the outcome is an absolutely breathtaking picture book. much-needed lesson in compassion, Every word, brushstroke and blank space is wonderfully placed and subtly taught through a story of lovely, you are carried through the book on an emotional rollercoaster to uncomplicated hospitality. And as it the joyous last page. I defy anyone not to be moved by this book, its happens, so is Oili Tanninen’s Button words, its pictures and its important and undeniable message. & Popper, newly translated from the Finnish by Emily Jeremiah: this Darren Chetty is a teacher, doctoral researcher and writer describes how the eponymous twins with research interests in education, philosophy, racism, and the rest of their big pixie family children’s literature and hip hop culture. find themselves a winter home. It Zanib Mian’s debut Planet Omar Accidental Trouble Magnet is a was first published more than 50 years ago, and it shows its age – the fast-paced and hilarious tale of Omar, his family, his classmates and gorgeously stylish three-colour geometric illustration, the striking design his neighbour Mrs Rogers – ‘John, The Muslims are frying smelly and the roundabout story – but it’s all the better for that. onions again!’. Omar loves bike-racing and biryani and is the kind of Finally, Lampie and the Children of the Sea, a novel by Annet frenetic, curious child to whom all children can relate. Mian’s story, Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson, introduces us to Lampie (the illustrated by Nasaya Mafardidik is a masterclass in telling a story of a nickname comes from her former lighthouse home), who makes a young Muslim child who survives and thrives in a world where anti- new friend. But because he is a ‘monster’, Lampie must fight for his Muslim racism exists. I can’t wait to see what Omar gets up to next! rights and his freedom. It’s a gripping and magical adventure, rich in (An earlier version of the book, self-published as The Muslims won fairy-tale elements, not all of them immediately apparent… The Little Rebels Award 2018.) Teresa Cremin is Professor of Literacy, Open University Miranda McKearney is the founder of EmpathyLab My two front runners this year are Toffee by Sarah Crossan and At EmpathyLab, we look at books through an empathy lens, The Runaways by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Kitty Crowther. Both thinking they can be used more consciously to build children’s explore relationships between their young protagonists and an older perspective taking, and understanding of others. It’s easy for an character – one of whom is a frail stranger with Alzheimer’s and the empathy collection to get rather dark, so Emily Gravett’s Cyril and other a hospitalised grandfather. Both involve running away and Pat immediately struck a chord. It hilariously exposes our absurd both hurt. However, the sensitivity with which they are written, the tribal tendency to see the ‘other’ as threatening, something which moments of light relief and the tangible connections between the desperately needs challenging, in today’s divided world. Cyril is a characters help to reduce the pain. Crossan’s spare verses draw you lonely squirrel, until he meets Pat (a rat). All the park creatures in, as do Crowther’s childlike illustrations. These are books to keep, disapprove of their friendship, because ‘Pat is not like you and they echo in the mind and deserve re-reading. SQUIRRELS CAN’T BE FRIENDS WITH RATS’. The book has Gravett’s hallmark exquisite balance of words and pictures and the pace is brilliant. I especially love the last, harmonious page where the re-united friends are together on a branch against a lemony sky, surrounded by poppies.

4 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 Pam Dix is a former librarian and chair of Ibby UK Caroline Fielding is a school librarian and chair of CILIP Corey’s Rock by Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray is very special YLG London book, a collaboration between two children’s book creators at the Choosing my book of this year is as hard as choosing Carnegie height of their powers. Its format is unusual but very pleasing, one Kate Greenaway nominations, but also an opportunity to mention that it would be lovely to see more frequently. More text than a an absolute fave: The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan is a normal picture book, more images than a novel of this length, but verse novel about eleven-year-old Stevie, questioning her feelings how well the two work together to tell the story so poetically. It is for a girl, and includes a wonderful librarian. Bali Rai’s Now or simple in the telling but deals with complex emotions: bereavement, Never: a Dunkirk Story is my favourite historical novel this year. sadness, displacement, legend. 10-year-old Isla relocates to Orkney Kick the Moon by Muhammad Khan is my top YA, it has such with her Scottish mother and African-origin father after the death of great characters and touches on so many relevant issues. Finally, her brother and their loss becomes entangled with the local selkie because my daughter Bea started school this term, my number one legend. The sense of a life lived at the edge of the land and of the picturebook has to be Lulu’s First Day! healing power of the sea is what really endeared the book to me. Nicholas Tucker is honorary senior lecturer in Cultural This is beautifully captured in the delicate watercolour illustrations, and Community Studies at Sussex University. the wonderful cover and the . I would briefly like to mention Bright Sparks – Amazing I’ve chosen The Odyssey, text by David Walser and illustrations by Discoveries, Inventions and Designs by Women by Owen the one and only Jan Pienkowski. The best stories ever brought to life O’Doherty too. This has introducing me to a host of wonderful by a long-serving duo themselves of rare excellence. More outsize amazing women who I had never heard about before and who characters but this time all too human in Sharon Dogar’s Monsters, the designed things I have never really thought about – Monopoly, story of how Mary Godwin, later Shelley, came to write Frankenstein windscreen wipers. It’s an endlessly delightful list. And I am thrilled while coping with an unrelentingly roller-coaster private life And of that Knights of are publishing more books by Jason Reynolds whose course Hilary McKay’s The Time of Green Magic, more evidence Long Way Down was my book of the year 2018. that she is the best contemporary children’s writer we currently have. Fen Coles, Letterbox Dawn Finch is a children’s author and librarian. She is Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information The Letterbox Library book of the year is Child of St Kilda by Professionals (CILIP) and Chair of the Society of Authors’ Beth Waters and it deserves to be far, far better known. Inspired Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group committee (CWIG). by the life of John Gillies, the last child ever to be born on the I must confess to a serious bias when choosing this book because I barren archipelago in the outermost Outer Hebrides, this nonfiction first had a copy back in 1977. When Usborne said they were going narrative layers up and sweeps over much more expansive thoughts, to republish their classic Ghosts from the World of the Unknown taking in the environment, precious conservation, vanishing ways of series I was beyond excited. This book was a defining one for me life, kinship, community and resilience. An ambitious presentation as a child and I can vividly recall the delicious prickly fear of the of a fragile island ecosystem, executed through extraordinary unknown and the possibilities of The Things That Go Bump In The illustrations of mono prints and digital edits, bound into a book Night. This book had profound effect on me, and I’m delighted to which feels lush and luxurious in its care and detail. share that with a whole new audience. Republished in Oct 2019, it is every bit as thrilling as it was when I was ten.

In one list, all the books we recommend for giving 2019: http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/238/childrens-books/articles/the-books-for-keeps-christmas-books-gift-list-2019 Ten of the Best Books for10 Beginner Readers Books for children aged 6-8 are so important: this is where readers for life are made. Children need exciting, entertaining, funny, unusual and (crucially) beautifully illustrated books which will make them fall in love with reading forever. Booksellers Tony West and Margaret Wallace-Jones think it’s so vital that last year they launched The Alligator’s Mouth Award for illustrated early fiction to celebrate the wonderfully imaginative books available for this age group. Below are ten of their favourites.

The Cat and the King The Adventures of Nick Sharratt, Alison Green Books, Harry Stevenson 978-1407135090, £6.99 pbk Ali Pye, Simon and Schuster, After an unfortunate dragon-related 978-1471170232, £5.99 pbk incident, the King and his cat are There just aren’t enough novels exiled from their castle. They flee to about Guinea pigs. This lovely book a suburban bungalow and meet their addresses this with two thrilling tales new neighbours, the Cromwells. What about Harry, who prefers a quiet could possibly go wrong? Charming life but is destined for greatness. adventures ensue as the delightful Harry fears the Outside, but when duo visit the supermarket, queue for accidentally left behind by his family the bus, go to car boot sales and try he embarks on an epic journey via to be normal. The king is not of a bicycle, reluctant dog and pizza van practical turn of mind, but fortunately until at last they are reunited. It’s his cat is - this feline polymath can The Incredible Journey for guinea pigs. This furry, football-loving do everything (apart from talk - that would be silly). Picture book fan of leafy greens is a timeless hero – we can all relate to Harry’s legend Nick Sharratt’s first venture into longer fiction is warm and tendency to catastrophise and make poor decisions when peckish. witty, brilliantly illuminated by the detail in his engaging illustrations. Pye has invested Harry with irresistible charm, and her illustrations Don’t miss the sequel, Nice Work for the Cat and the King which are a delight. As Harry himself would say: ‘Wheeeek!’ MW-J won the 2019 Alligator’s Mouth Award. MW-J The Naughtiest Unicorn King Coo Pip Bird and David O’Connell, Adam Stower, David Fickling Egmont, 978-1405294782, £5.99 Books, 978-1910989418, £6.99 pbk Mira can’t wait to arrive at Unicorn While on the run from Monty School where she will be given Grabbe, the world’s worst bully, her very own unicorn and embark Ben Pole falls into an extraordinary on a life of glitter and excitement. hidden kingdom, ruled by the Unfortunately she is allocated the irrepressible King Coo. Coo is flatulent, truculent and disobedient not intimidated by bullies (or Dave, who is mostly interested by anything) and soon a wildly in eating doughnuts and earning inventive plan is hatched to thwart dreaded Havoc Points. Despite these Monty and his ghastly sidekicks. challenges, Mira makes friends with Adam Stower demonstrates an risk-averse Raheem and fearless impressive talent for elaborate Darcy, and finds Dave has surprising Heath-Robinsonesque dens, traps talents. There’s fun and adventure and contraptions, and his joyous illustrations work perfectly with on every page, the characters are the hugely entertaining story. The revelation of King Coo’s true pleasingly diverse and the pictures lead the reader happily through identity made me gasp and giggle aloud on public transport. Fun the story. Plenty more to come in this excellent recent series. MW-J from first page to last.MW-J

6 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 Ten of the Best

Two Sides Mac B Kid Spy Polly Ho-Yen, Stripes Publishing, Undercover illustrated by Binny Talib, Mac Barnett, illustrated by 978-1788950626, £7.99 pbk Mike Lowery, Scholastic, 978- 1407196343, £6.99pbk Lula and Lenka have been best When Mac Barnett was a child in the friends forever. They are so different 80s he was recruited by the Queen - Lula is messy, Lenka is tidy. Lenka no less on a top secret mission to find is organised, Lula is always late. One the Crown Jewels. For one so young likes cats, the other prefers dogs. this was an awesome responsibility None of this matters, until one day which, in this faithful retelling of the Lula’s forgetfulness triggers a terrible facts (she was only missing a spoon argument. Can the girls work it out, it quickly becomes apparent) brings or are they too different after all? this little understood historical period This book is written with a warm to life. How fortunate that Mike understanding of the importance of Lowery was on hand to capture this friendship, and the beautiful, light-filled illustrations lend a sunny young sleuth’s globetrotting adventure. TW atmosphere to this celebration of loving someone who is not like you. MW-J The Legend of Kevin Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, Oxford, 978-0192766090, £6.99pbk Little Wolf’s Book of Any of the books by Reeve and Badness McIntyre are worthy of inclusion on Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Tony this list but I particularly like the roly- Ross, HarperCollins Children’s poly flying pony for its perfectly cute Books, 978-0007458547, £5.99 pbk but wildly imaginative scenario. After When we first meet Little Wolf he has a storm blows him into town from the just started out on a long and perilous Outermost West Kevin alights on the journey to Cunning College, deep in building where Max lives. There are the woods, where he will learn how some mermaids and sea monkeys, a to be a big bad wolf. The trouble is roof-top rescue and some meditations on biscuits, but not in that order. The he doesn’t really want to be big and pictures enhance the words and every bad, such is his disposition, as he gets turn of the page McIntyre’s bold, along with the hoomins and likes the humorous illustrations lead the reader on. TW little creechurs of the Forest. His letters home imploring his parents to let him Frog and Toad series return reveal as much about himself as with his escapades and the friends he makes along the way. He is not unlike Nigel Molesworth Arnold Lobel, HarperCollins Children’s Books, 978-0007512928, but with 9 extra rules of badness. TW £7.99pbk . The Man Who Wore All His These are not found as readily as they were in the eighties and nineties Clothes (we import ours from America) and Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Katherine though these are an easier level of McEwan, Walker Books, reading than other titles reviewed 978-1406381641, £5.99 pbk here I believe they are the most This is the first of four stories about perfect books for a child to discover the Gaskitt family liberally sprinkled deeper meanings in the pages of a with Ahlberg touches that make it extra book. Wise Frog and his bewildered quirky. We meet each of the happy- and naive friend Toad teach us nuggets of zen wisdom in each families-style Gaskitts plus their cat of the four* books – memorable for me are The List, The Lost and their communicative fridge and a Button, The Letter – I could go on. Every story is a gem. Full of bank robber which in Ahlberg world kindness and unwavering friendship these are the books I wish I means car chases and prison will be had written so my debt to humanity is paid. Grasshopper on the involved but why would someone go to Road is as deft a portrait of a freethinker in a world of headless work wearing all their clothes? It’s not very English, surely? Lovely numpties and narrow-minded zealotry as you could hope to find.TW colourful illustrations on every page by McEwan at her best. TW *with five stories each

Five years ago, Tony West (TW) and Margaret Wallace-Jones (MW-J)ppened The Alligator’s Mouth Children’s Bookshop in Richmond – a bookshop at the heart of the community. Tony has a background in teaching and over 20 years in the book trade. Margaret studied children’s literature at Roehampton University and is the best job she has ever had.

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 7 Authorgraph Rob Biddulph Interviewed by No.238 Louise Johns-Shepherd In 2015 Rob Biddulph’s debut picture book, Blown Away won the Children’s Book Prize, one of only two picture books to ever win this prestigious award. Over the next five years he produced a total of nine picture books including his latest, the brilliantly bonkers Show and Tell. As well as writing and illustrating his own books he illustrates for other authors, has been nominated for and won a string of awards, is the official World Book Day illustrator, has work scheduled until 2024, is branching out into longer middle grade fiction and negotiating some pretty exciting new developments. So was this a meteoric rise to fame and easily won? Not at all. Rob’s career as a children’s author and illustrator was, he says, a long time coming.

fter Art College and studying graphic design, Rob of HarperCollins. Rob had a story about some children who were had a long and very successful career as a magazine carried away whilst flying a kite and the penguins (who can’t fly) art director working on many national titles. He didn’t fitted better into the story than the children: Blown Away was born. really think about writing a picture book until he had Blown Away helped Rob define his style as a picture book author, children of his own. Reading to his three girls regularly a style which is at once familiar yet distinctive and accessible. The Aand listening to them talk and play inspired him to make up his own book, like all that have followed, is written in rhyme, a conscious stories and characters and from there he started to work these ideas and deliberate decision. Rob likes writing rhyme because he likes up into books. He continued to work as the Observer Magazine’s Art reading it, particularly out loud to children. The idea that even very Director whilst he spent many years talking to agents and publishers young children can tune in to the patterns and rhythms of the words about his work, using everything in his arsenal to try and get a so that they can almost ‘sing along’ with a story fits his intention book into production. He’d almost given up when he met Jodie to have children really involved when they are being read to. And Hodges at United Agents. She persuaded him to put together a having books that encourage reading aloud and that shared reading portfolio, sketches and characters as well as his main ideas – and experience is what inspired Rob to become a writer in the first it was the penguins from this portfolio that captured the attention place. Four of Rob’s books have been chosen to be read aloud on CBeebies as bedtime stories, testament surely to the way in which those rhymes add to the story arc and support that shared reading and listening experience. So the rhyme is really important to him and he adds: ‘For me the part of the process that is most rewarding is getting the rhyme to work and the story to flow within those constraints. It is the best feeling when it all falls into place’. The visual is also key to Rob’s process and he starts a story with a picture in his head. Then he plans out a rough and simple story arc and once he has this, spends time working on one or two set pieces or key events that he has visualised. He works these up almost to the standard they appear in the book. Having these pictures helps him with the writing because he has a concrete representation of the characters, the events and the colour palette. Then he does the writing in one block, making sure that the rhyming text is really moving the story forward.

8 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reverse world bedrooms in Kevin). Again, the motivation for adding these is to provide a story time experience that grows with each reading of the book. Like any parent, Rob is familiar with the phase children go through of wanting a favourite book read over and over. Children love the familiarity of books they know and love to look for details: ‘I wanted to put in levels of details that you might not spot until the sixth or seventh time of reading it’. These details add different layers of meaning which make them interesting for older children or adults (particularly those adults who have to read them over and over again). There are themes of friendship and hope throughout all Rob’s books but he thinks this is because these are really universal themes which are very relevant to young children’s lives. He really doesn’t set out to ‘preach’ or write stories with a moral but these kinds of themes seem to emerge. When he was creating Odd Dog Out he had an idea for a world entirely populated by sausage dogs but it was his daughter returning from school worried that she didn’t have the same lunchbox as her friends that made him think about a story where you didn’t need to be exactly like everyone else to fit in. This, like all the best stories, evolved into something more nuanced and Rob talks movingly about speaking with adults in Russia who felt that the rainbow scarf dog was an important and meaningful symbol in a country where children are taught not to be open about their sexuality or identity. Kevin was his first book which didn’t have a cast of animal characters. Based on his daughter’s actual imaginary friend, to whom the book is dedicated, this book was actually one of his earliest ideas. And now in Show and Tell he has created a cast of children – the very eccentric and rather wonderful Class 2L. Here, he has also carefully constructed a class of children which really reflects their differences and includes children with a range of backgrounds, as you would find in any inner-city classroom. He says: ‘I was reflecting my own children’s class at school. I love that my own children’s classes are very accepting of difference and diversity – and there are all these children in that class – so this is a reflection of what my life, and their life is like. It is very important for everybody to be able to see themselves somewhere in a children’s book’. He has taken a similar Unusually, and because of his experience as an Art Director, Rob view of his work as the World Book Day official illustrator and also likes to put the text onto the page, to design the layout. ‘In as part of this role was instrumental in creating the Share a Story magazines you are always laying things out to try to persuade where he was determined that there would be at least people to read the article and it’s exactly the same with the book, one from the range that would speak to every reader, laying out the pages so that they pull you in and then taking you whatever their tastes and interests. on the journey, slowing you down or speeding you up with your reading.’ He has a great relationship with his Art Department and is Always busy, Rob is currently working on his next picture book, always wary of treading on other people’s toes but he spent twenty The Day I Lost My Human, as well as writing a new (yet to be years laying out pages so the thinking about this is an integral part announced) middle-grade fiction series and continuing with his of his process. famous #PackedLunchPostIts, at least until his youngest daughter leaves Year 6. He believes his is the best job in the world and In all Rob’s books there are the main stories and then many obviously revels in the creativity of it all. Does he wonder why he background details some of which tell parallel stories (the monkey didn’t do this earlier? ‘I don’t think I could have done it before I had in Blown Away or the rabbit love story in GRRRRR!) some of children. I know now what they like, and how to talk to them’. It which are entirely irrelevant (the number 72 – the year of Rob’s is this love of reading a story that shapes his work: ‘Sharing a story birth – appears in every book) and some which provide us with with someone is a truly magical moment’. jokes, colour or interest (the hidden alphabet in Show and Tell, the Books mentioned, all by Rob Biddulph, all published by HarperCollins Children’s Books: Blown Away, 978-0007593828, £6.99 pbk GRRRRR!, 978-0007594139, £6.99 pbk Kevin, 978-0008207427, £6.99 pbk Odd Dog Out, 978-0008184780, £6.99 pbk Show and Tell, 978-0008317911, £12.99 hbk

Louise Johns-Shepherd is chief executive of CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education)

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 9 Windows into illustration: Jon Agee

Jon Agee is the author/illustrator of many books for children and is hugely well-known in America where he has won numerous awards: Terrific and Milo’s Hat Trick between them have been name New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books, ALA Notable Book, Horn Book Fanfare, PW Best Books of the Year, Book Sense Top Ten Pick and LA Times Best Children’s Picture Books. New publisher Scallywag Press are now bringing his books to the UK, including The Wall in the Middle of the Book, topical, witty and full of deadpan humour. Jon describes how he created the book.

Three hilarious and thought-provoking picture books from the award-winning Jon Agee The compositions for The Wall in the Middle of the Book were mouse enters and scares them off. In the published book, the mouse sketched out in pencil. The individual elements – ogre, knight, enters as the unsuspecting animals are in the process of climbing. tiger, rhino, gorilla, fish, water, etc. – were hand-painted on various The overlapping action makes the scene more dynamic. textured papers, using watercolour, gouache and crayon. There was There are a lot of moving parts in the book. Things are moving in another layer of simple digital effects: shading, trimming, highlights, different spaces – water, land, air – and at different paces. When etc. Like going to the beauty salon. the ogre wanders in, his first movements are slow, subtle, aloof. The most important effect was repeating the image of a wall – the When the alligator appears, it pauses before suddenly swooping to same, exact wall – in the middle of every spread. This was purely the surface in an attempt to devour a duck. Meanwhile, the water conceptual – treating the books gutter as if it was a barrier – but it flows in discreetly, before rising smoothly and quickly. All of these also created a two-dimensional, “ant-farm” perspective, where all the elements were designed – or choreographed – to enhance the drama action moved to the front of the stage (or page), which explains why of the story, move the narrative forward, and to make a book that is the imagery is large and bold. visually compelling. Because each composition uses up a double-page spread, and a lot My influences are many (1960 Eastern European posters, Saul is happening, an earlier version of the book was over 60 pages long. Steinberg, Art Deco, Jan Lenica, Milton Glaser, John Burningham), My editor saw that shortening the book – to 48 pages – would be but Leo Lionni comes to mind first, for his use of bold, cut-out paper an improvement, by condensing the tension/action. For example, shapes against the white page. in the earlier version, the rhino, tiger and gorilla, one by one, climb The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee is published on top of each other (in an attempt to get over the wall) before a by Scallywag Press, 978-1912650057, £7.99 pbk.

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 11 Books for Giving 2020 What is Christmas for? A time for families, a break from work, for fun, sparkle , old acquaintances new friends, a time to explore, a time to reflect – and yes, of course, a time for presents. What to choose – which books will capture a bit of Christmas and keep it? Christmas is for... the very youngest Christmas is for... sharing Babies love books. Not just very simple books with one word and There is nothing more Christmassy than a shared family story time. one picture, but bright jolly board books with lively illustrations and Koshka’s Tales Stories from Russia retold and lavishly illustrated a text that even tired parents can enjoy. Mary had a Little Lamb by James Mayhew will enchant, carrying each and everyone to meet by Jarvis is a perfect example of this. Follow Mary as she dances among others Tsar Saltan, Baba Yaga and Vassilisa the Fair. These are across the sturdy pages, basket in hand followed by an ever-growing traditional tales to be savoured, widening horizons beyond the more cavalcade of brightly coloured animals ranging from purple mice familiar fairytales. For a slightly younger audience Georgie Adams’ to a lovely green crocodile. A simpler text but no less welcome is Storytime is perfect. Contemporary language that is a joy to read, That’s Not My Polar Bear... Here even the very youngest can have a mix of imaginative nonsense and everyday situations packaged the pleasure of touch – so important for engagement – as they feel with fantastical illustrations by Magda Brol, this collection is a the shiny nose, the rough tongue and finally the lovely soft tummy treasure trove and it’s a treat to follow Doogle, Cabbage and Buttons of the polar bear; the simplest of pictures, a repetitious text and as they search for Humbly-Bumbly bees, meet pirates, magicians hours of enjoyment. Books for babies must attract their attention. dragons and more. Sometimes though it is good to meet real people: What better way than through sound and light? Winter Wonderland Epic Tales of Triumph and Adventure contains stories that cross sound book with its cheerful snowy scenes filled with action and the world and cross time. Here we meet familiar faces as well as colour brings the noises of the winterscape into the room at the many that will be unfamiliar. Attractive illustrations accompany a touch of the little buttons on each page, there for little fingers to concise text that is informative and easy to understand without being discover. No noises in The Twinkly, twinkly bedtime book – a condescending. gentle storyline and stars that light up every page. Just what might Christmas is for ... the imagination be needed at the end of that exciting day. It’s The Night Before Christmas and Santa’s reindeer have landed Christmas is for ... pictures and stories and joining in on the roof in Roger Duvoisin’s joyous evocation of this well known Picture books to delight the eye, stories to engage a young listener poem. Imagination soars to the stars in How the Stars Came to Be (or even an old one), these are real treats to find under the tree. by Poonam Mistry, each page filled with starlight patterns for that The Best Kind of Bear by Greg Gormley and David Barrow is time between picture book and the book. The power of the one; a gentle story, on the face of it simple but cleverly blurring the imagination is at the heart of Angel on the Roof. What happens real world and the imaginative as Bear visits the library to find out when a lonely boy meets an angel? It is a story that has Christmas at what sort of bear he is. Luckily Nellie (and the young reader) has its heart – warming, delightful, satisfying with a recognisable setting the answer. This is picture book that will bear frequent rereading and with exquisite line drawings by Shirley Hughes. Chris Riddell as it becomes a loved favourite. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew whirls older readers into a different world in The Guardians of Cordell picks up this theme of being lost and then found. This Magic, where Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheba must use their talents almost wordless picture book follows a little girl as she struggles and courage to defeat The Clockmaker and protect the Forever Tree. home through the snow. A wolf cub is also struggling alone and Here again the illustrations work with the lively narrative to make lost -they meet. Here the images provide the ingredients for the this an enchanting gift. It is a much colder world in Frostheart story inviting not just the child to be the creator but also presenting but there is plenty of action and humour to keep any young reader an opportunity for the parent or an older sibling to be part of this glued to the page following Ash, as he searches for his lost parents adventure. In The Button Book by Sally Nicholls and Bethan and struggles to use his special gift. Crossing several landscapes Woollvin everyone has to join in as coloured buttons are pressed on Natasha Farrant’s Eight Princesses and a Mirror consider what it each page. No, there are no technological gadgets – the invitation is to be a princess. The storytelling will hold readers’ attention and is to the imagination and to action; an invitation presented through the illustrations by Lydia Corry will ensure a delighted reception. words, lively design and bold, childlike illustrations. Be careful when Hey, Sherlock is the latest novel to feature the teenage sleuth you press the Purple Button though - it’s the tickle button! Garvie Smith. Though Garvie may be a genius he is also a very real

12 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 anti-hero; someone the reader can imagine as a friend. If Garvie Christmas is for... poetry is a teenager for today, so is Jo as she imagines a life for herself Wonderfully in keeping with the Christmas spirit is Midnight that will not be bound by a Chinese takeaway. Chinglish is fresh, Feasts, compiled by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Katy Riddell. contemporary, funny and full of life – just what a Christmas present This brings together an eclectic and wide-ranging selection of should be. poems about food, a mouth-watering collection. Just as beautifully Christmas is for... familiar faces presented is Poems from a Green and Blue Planet, edited by And who could be more familiar than Harry Potter? In The Goblet Sabrina Mahfouz. Again, the selection features contemporary poets of Fire Jim Kay’s artwork bursts off the page, a gift to give on giving. as well as those from past and from around the world. This is a gift An older favourite, but as welcome, is Black Beauty gorgeously to excite. Finally, Shakespeare – following her previous anthologies, illustrated with great realism by Christian Birmingham. Around the Allie Esiri has created Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year. World in Eighty Days gets a new treatment too at the hands of This is a gift for the family to share, and everyone will want to Antonis Papatheodoulou: reimagined and full of riddles, it instantly find the sonnet, soliloquy or speech matched with their birthday. engages, and the result is a neat picture book that does not sacrifice Beautifully presented and with inspiring introductions to each piece the storytelling. of verse, this will sit happily on everyone’s Christmas list. Christmas is for... enquiring minds Christmas is for... fun For young readers thirsty for information there is plenty to look How to Hide a Lion at Christmas by Helen Stephens is a out for. Dinosaurs are a sure-fire choice and The Truth about thoroughly enjoyable picture book and reveals all as Lion follows Dinosaurs by Guido Van Genechten is an engaging introduction Iris to join the Christmas gathering. The answer is ingenious if for the youngest, grounded in facts but with a quirky approach. not quite expected, and Santa gets a brief look in too. Santa is More serious but engrossing and lavishly illustrated is Life. The certainly present in Mouse’s Night Before Christmas by Tracey First Four Billion Years. Here this almost unimaginable past is Corderoy and Sarah Massini, and its rhyming text and comforting put into perspective intelligently and accessibly. We don’t use the images make this a cosy Christmas story to enjoy. In The Crayon’s sense of smell very much; animals do and Nose Knows. Wild Ways Christmas there are Christmas cards, notes and activities to explore Animals smell the World introduces the subject with plenty of on every page as Duncan and his crayons get ready for the great interactive flaps to reveal added facts or expand the text; guaranteed day. Elsewhere, Emily Gravett’s Meerkats are also getting ready to fascinate curious young minds. The world outside the window for Christmas. Sonny sets off to find a perfect Christmas, his travels as described in What’s that – Garden Birds will get young charted by his cards home until the final surprise. birdwatchers twitching as they pocket the identification wheel which Christmas is for ... reflection allows them to leave this handsome production safe at home. The world turns moving through the year; this is beautifully depicted in The Hare and the Moon A Calendar of Paintings in which Catherine Hyde marries her art with the traditions, the wildlife, the names associated with each month – a calendar to treasure. Illustrators from across the world are represented in Migrations: Open Hearts Open Borders and their postcards invite the reader to reflect on what this means today. Which brings us to the Christmas story. Leah’s Story by Margaret Bateson-Hill and Karin Littlewood is a retelling of the traditional Nativity set in contemporary Palestine and made accessible to a diverse audience; a Christmas present.

Ferelith Hordon is editor of Books for Keeps

In one list, all the books we recommend for giving 2019: http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/238/ childrens-books/articles/the-books-for- keeps-christmas-books-gift-list-2019

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 13 Beyond the Secret Garden: Books for Everyone Darren Chetty and Karen Sands-O’Connor find a way to include everyone on your holiday gift list.

The holiday season is an important time for children’s books. With of a forthcoming birthday party with a celebration of the wealth of that in mind, we thought we would offer a list of children’s books Black hairstyles for women and men. Breanna J. McDaniel’s Hands that suit a variety of reading tastes and needs. We would especially Up! (Dial) reimagines a potentially frightening phrase through the like to stress that the books we list below are for ALL children, and activities of a young girl experiencing an ordinary day—and a protest not just children from similar backgrounds to the main characters in march. For the very youngest booklovers, and those learning their these books. letters, Atinuke’s B is for Baby (Walker) delights with its pictures 2019 has been a great year for books by and about BAME people of an adorable toddler falling into a basket of bananas that become and there is a sense that some of the initiatives of the past few years breakfast. Nadia Shireen’s follow up to Billy and the Beast, is the are just beginning to impact UK children’s publishing. By way of hilarious Billy and the Dragon (Jonathan Cape). example, two authors who were first featured in 2017’s A Change Folk and Traditional Tales Is Gonna Come (Stripes) had superb debuts – Aisha Bushby’s Poonam Mistry, whose beautiful and complex illustrations for magical middle-grade A Pocketful of Stars (Egmont), and Yasmin Chitra Soundar’s You’re Safe with Me gained a Kate Greenaway Rahman’s YA tale of friendship and survival All The Things We nomination last year, has created a remarkable visual experience Never Said (Hot Key). with How the Stars Came to Be (Tate). Soundar and Mistry We’ve organised the list by genre, and tried to highlight books that have combined again for You’re Snug with Me (Lantana). Amin have appeared or won awards in the last year or so, and some books Hassanzadeh Sharif’s graffito illustrations are the ideal complement you might have missed. We encourage you to seek out your local to Sally Pomme Clayton’s retelling of The Phoenix of Persia (Tiny independent children’s bookshop, if you’re lucky enough to have Owl). Leah’s Star – A Nativity Story (Alanna Max) written by one, or independent online services such as Letterbox Library, as Margaret Bateson-Hill and beautifully illustrated by Karin Littlewood they can offer further suggestions and great books to suit your child. tells the nativity story through the eyes of the innkeeper’s daughter. Picture Books Under the Great Plum Tree (Tiny Owl), written by Sufiya Ahmed Fifty years after the first moonwalk, Ken Wilson-Max’s Astro Girl and illustrated by Reza Dalvand draws upon the Ancient India text (Otter-Barry 2019) gives young children a chance to read and dream The Panchatantra. about their own experience in space. Look Up! (Penguin) by Nathan Historical Fiction Bryan and Dapo Adeola is a beautifully illustrated story featuring Catherine Johnson’s Freedom (Scholastic) won the Little Rebels Rocket, who is fascinated by the stars and is eager to convince Award this year, and for good reason; it intertwines one boy’s her big brother Jamal that there is a whole universe to discover experience as a Black Briton with the fate of the Zong Case in beyond his phone. My Hair (Faber & Faber), written by Hannah the 18th century, keeping readers involved in historical events Lee and illustrated by Allen Fatimiaharan, combines the excitement

14 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 by letting them witness it through Nat’s, the main character’s, with a sense of mysticism pervading it. The Tunnels Below eyes. Scholastic has also published three books in the Voices (Pushkin) is as a gripping fantasy debut novel from Nadine Wild- series, looking at historical periods through child characters of Palmer. colour. The most recent of these to appear is E. L. Norry’s Son Young Adult of the Circus, A Victorian Story about the 19th century circus YA readers are spoiled for choice this year. Alex Wheatle’s Home owner, Pablo Fanqué. Patrice Lawrence’s Diver’s Daughter, A Girl (Atom), Elizabeth Acevedo’s With The Fire on High (Hot Key), Tudor Story and Bali Rai’s Now Or Never, A Dunkirk Story and Patrice Lawrence’s Rose, Interrupted () all focus on also published in 2019 were featuring in an earlier Beyond the teenaged girls trying to navigate their worlds. Dean Atta’s The Black Secret Garden column. Flamingo (Hodder) beautifully details the story of a gay Black teen Middle-Grade Fiction as a novel-in-verse. Malorie Blackman’s Crossfire (PRH) continues Sharna Jackson’s High Rise Mystery (Knights Of) reinvigorates the the story of a racially divided world she first created in Noughts ‘detective duo’ trope in children’s literature by placing the action and Crosses. Both Nikesh Shukla’s The Boxer (Hodder) and Savita in an urban tower block, where two Black British sisters solve the Kalhan’s That Asian Kid (Troika) have teenage boys deciding how crime. Toad Attack by Patrice Lawrence and illustrated by Becka to confront racism and find acceptance. For readers who appreciate Moor (Barrington Stoke) is great fun and written in very accessible surrealism in both story and illustration, Shaun Tan’s short story language. Planet Omar – Accidental Trouble Magnet written by collection, Tales from the Inner City (Walker Studio) is sure to Zanib Mian and illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik (Hachette) should be satisfy. The Million Pieces of Neena Gill (Penguin) is Emma Smith read by anyone who enjoys the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Tom Barton’s first novel for young adults and is a tense and moving look Gates series. In a similar vein, Cookie and the Most Annoying at teenage mental health. Kick The Moon by Muhammed Khan Boy in the World is the first children’s book from former Blue (Macmillan) confirms Khan as an important voice in contemporary Peter presenter Konnie Huq (Piccadilly). Little Badman and the YA. Oh My Gods by Alexandra Sheppard (Scholastic) is a smart Invasion Of The Killer Aunties written by Humza Arshad and reworking of Ancient Greek mythology, telling the story of half- Henry White and illustrated by Alesksei Bitskoff (Penguin) features mortal London teenager Helen. Becoming Dinah by Kit De Waal Humza Khan, an ambitious eleven year old rapper. (Bellatrix) is a road-trip coming of age YA debut from the author Nonfiction of My Name is Leon. Yasmin Rahman’s YA debut All the Things We Never Said (Hot Key) is a moving tale of friendship told from Combining poetry and science, James Carter and Nomoco’s Once multiple viewpoints. Upon a Raindrop (Caterpillar) will please readers who respond to words, the workings of nature, and stylish illustration. Jeffrey Boakye In one list, all the books we recommend for giving 2019: and Darren Chetty’s What Is Masculinity? Why Does It Matter? http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/238/childrens-books/ And Other Big Questions (Wayland) is a timely exploration for articles/the-books-for-keeps-christmas-books-gift-list-2019 children between the ages of 9 and 14.

Poetry Karen Sands-O’Connor is professor of English at In this year of heightened concern over the environment, Joseph SUNY Buffalo State in New York. She has, as Coehlo’s A Year of Nature Poems (Wide Eyed Editions) gives Leverhulme Visiting Professor at Newcastle University, young poets and naturalists beautiful images of the nature around worked with Seven Stories, the National Centre them. For an older audience, Sophia Thakur has been a rising star of for the Children’s Book, and has recently published Children’s Publishing and Black Britain the spoken word scene for some time now. Somebody Give This 1965-2015 (Palgrave Macmillan 2017). Heart A Pen (Walker) is her debut collection and explores issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss and joy. Darren Chetty is a teacher, doctoral researcher Science Fiction and Fantasy and writer with research interests in education, philosophy, racism, children’s literature and hip hop Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari (Orion) is culture. He is a contributor to The Good Immigrant, not only a beautifully written adventure of two children trying to edited by Nikesh Shukla and the author, with Jeffrey find their way home through a dystopian world, it carries a timely Boakye, of What Is Masculinity? Why Does It environmental message as well. Jasbinder Bilan’s debut novel, Asha Matter? And Other Big Questions. He tweets at @rapclassroom. and the Spirit Bird (Chicken House) is also a journey adventure

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 15 Fill your stockings! This issue of Books for Keeps is packed with gift recommendations but there should always be room for one or two more books, something to pop into a stocking or under the tree. With that in mind, here are some extra suggestions and, taking into account the amount of space you’ll have, we’ve organised them by size: large to (very) small.

Board Games to Create and Play is unlike anything we’ve seen it’s fresh and inspiring, and there are more Cookie stories to come. before: creators Kevan Davis and Viviane Schwarz have designed a Slightly younger than Cookie at 7¾ but just as good company is book that gives families everything they need to make up their own Jeanie, the star of Sophy Henn’s glorious Bad Nana books. There boardgames. It contains a stack of blank boards and a set of different are now three in the series, with That’s Snow Business particularly rules to try out, the rest is up to you: ‘Some of the games you make fun for this time of year. Calling Jeanie irrepressible doesn’t come will be great and some of them will be terrible’, they say, ‘but there’s close, and her energetic, direct-to-reader narratives pull everyone still a lot of strategy and fun to be had in trying to win a terrible into the story. Bad Nana, her grandma and partner in crime, is just as game that you, your friends and family have just made’. Indeed. appealing – who could resist someone who always has a whoopee Paddington is the perfect house guest, and Paddington’s Post is cushion in her handbag? Henn’s illustrations, in various day-glo a fun novelty storybook containing six envelopes for children to colours, are as bright and engaging as the text. open. There’s a map of Notting Hill, special offers from some of This time of year calls for ghosts stories too, and Zippel The Little Paddington’s favourite shops, but the best has to be a card from Keyhole Ghost by Alex Rühle will be a favourite. It’s a warm- Aunt Lucy in Peru, complete with an easy-to-follow marmalade cake hearted story starring a boy called Paul and the cheeky ghost he recipe. discovers living in the keyhole of his front door. Together they With appealing watercolour illustrations by Falmouth graduate have some excellent adventures, Zippel getting up to all sorts of Katie Hickey, Christmas is Coming! provides a countdown to the tricks in an old castle and taking ingenious revenge on a couple of 25th December, with 24 festive activities – carols to sing, stories to bullies who’ve been tormenting Paul.Full colour illustrations by Axel read, things to make, games to play. The cover is an actual advent Scheffler perfectly capture the droll humour of the stories. calendar, with 24 doors to open. Sea Lights by Ruth Symons is Scheffler’s illustrations are on show too in Nosy Crow’s Flip also beautifully illustrated. Caroline Rabei’s rich, painterly artwork is Flap interactive series. Brand new is Frozen, which perfectly suited to this night-time adventure starring a little girl and features twelve different animals, all to be found in chilly locations, her fisherman father. Flaps and peepholes mean the lights of the and presents the opportunity to create over 100 new creatures by town and its fireworks seem actually to be twinkling. flipping the page to mix and match tops and bottoms. The resulting There should always be space for a bit of silliness in the holidays and combinations will have children giggling and the mixed-up names Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet have a ball with Oh Christmas Tree!, and rhymes are just as funny as the pictures. the story of a tree that refuses to behave as it should. The rhyming text Very little children will also have fun with The Twelve Days of is as fleet as the baubles chasing the tree round the house, and it’s a Christmas, a small-scale novelty board book version of the old treat to read aloud. Joke books are of course 100% necessary to your favourite by Britta Teckentrup. There’s a peep-through hole in the seasonal celebrations, and there are some crackers this year. The very centre of the book and each page turn reveals more of those Football School Joke Book will have fans of all teams in stitches, twelve gifts as the cut out gets bigger and more elaborate. Lots of fun while the contents list of The Treehouse Joke Book by Andy and Teckentrup’s artwork is always delightful. Griffiths and Terry Denton gives an idea of its tone, with sheep jokes, The Lonely Christmas Tree by another Books for Keeps sleep jokes and tree jokes amongst the categories. Best of all though favourite Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is another dainty delight, and this is The Bolds’ Christmas Cracker, a delightful mix of very funny time a reworking of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The jokes and entertaining activities starring everyone’s favourite family of story of a left-behind Christmas tree finding a welcome at the last hyenas and illustrated with typical panache by David Roberts. minute at the centre of the celebrations, it’s an uplifting story about Not a joke book, but full of humour nonetheless, Cookie and friendship and love. the Most Annoying Boy in the World by Konnie Huq will hold And finally, wafer-small but bursting with information, ideas and the attention no matter what is going on around. Cookie is an inspiration is The Arty Fact Book by Gary Panton for Tate Publishing. irresistible narrator who tells her story – of school, school rivalries, Only 9cm x 9cm, this tiny book nonetheless manages to tell you lots misunderstandings and competing in a TV junior quiz show – at about art, artists and the creative process. Great fun to dip into, it’s breakneck speed, veering happily off at tangents and always saying likely to lead to all sorts of discoveries and more research. exactly what she thinks. With Huq’s own black and white illustrations, Happy reading, happy giving! In one list, all the books we recommend for giving 2019: http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/238/childrens-books/articles/the-books-for-keeps-christmas-books-gift-list-2019 It’s Wicked! Celebrating ten years of The Wicked Young Writer Awards

Over the years, there have been some incredible judges including Ed Balls, Cressida Cowell, Laura Dockrill, Inua Ellams, Caleb Femi, poet Hussain Manawer, Nicky Cox from First News newspaper and Jonathan Douglas, CEO of NLT. Jonathan Douglas says, ‘Over the past 10 years, young writers from across the UK have been capturing our imaginations, moving us to tears and making us laugh out loud through the Wicked Young Writer Awards. Writing can inspire children and young people’s creativity and give them the freedom to explore their thoughts and feelings. Not only that, children and young people who enjoy writing tend to go on to do better at school and lead happier lives. I can’t wait to read the entries from this year’s young writers as we celebrate 10 years of this incredible award.’ Since they were set up, the Awards have attracted entries from over 50,000 children and young people across the UK, with several former winners going on to be published poets and writers. Another unique facet of the Awards is the presentation ceremony at the Apollo It was ten years ago this year that The Wicked Young Writer Victoria, London home of Wicked the Musical. All 120 finalists and Awards were founded, the original idea of Michael McCabe, their families and teachers are invited. The ceremony features live Executive Producer of Wicked the Musical. Wicked, the musical performances and of the winning entries by the Wicked phenomenon, opened on Broadway in 2003 and has been running in cast. For many of the young people, it is an incredible moment when the West End for 13 years. Wicked had started a successful education they hear one of the stars of the show reading their piece of writing. programme and wanted to add a writing element to this. They The judges for the 2020 Awards will be: Cressida Cowell, the new initially felt that they would like to focus on the genre of Wicked – a Waterstones Children’s Laureate, returning as Head Judge for a fifth prequel or re-imaging of a familiar story, drawing inspiration from consecutive year. Cressida will be joined again by long-standing the original book of the musical, Wicked by Gregory Maguire. judges Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy But Michael Morpurgo persuaded the team at Wicked that it would Trust; Nicky Cox MBE, Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning be better to have a broader theme, allowing young people to write children’s newspaper First News; Michael McCabe, Executive about what really excited them – whether poetry or prose – free to Producer (UK) of Wicked and the internationally renowned poet find inspiration and an original voice. and mental health ambassador Hussain Manawer, who returns for a Morpurgo it was too who decided that it would be wonderful to second year. Joining them for the 10th anniversary year will be the have the award in different age-categories right up to 25. It was an BAFTA award-winning writer, comedian and actor Charlie Higson ambitious format, but the idea took hold. He also suggested that the and author, illustrator and performance poet Laura Dockrill. shortlisted and finalist writing be published in a special anthology Wicked has an Ambassador in Dan Freedman, author of the Jamie each year. He drew inspiration from the WH Smith Book Award, Johnson football and most recently, Unstoppable, founded by his friend Ted Hughes, which had encouraged young who has visited schools across the country to raise awareness of writers, many of whom went on to become professional authors, the Awards. actors, playwrights and poets. The annual anthology is one of the The Awards will be presented in June this year, as in previous years, highlights of the Awards, always a race to proof in time, but a true entrants can enter one of five different age categories; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14, celebration of young people’s writing. The Awards have always 15-17, 18-25. In addition, the 2020 Awards see the fifth year of the FOR encouraged original voice and thought, the judges looking for GOOD Award for Non-Fiction, encouraging 11-25-year olds to write essays these qualities rather than perfect grammar and spelling. As Michael or articles that recognise the positive impact that people can have on each Morpurgo says, ‘I was delighted to get involved all those years ago other, their communities and the world we live in. Pieces of original writing because I felt there was a great need for a writing award for all ages. can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 2 March 2020. One that wasn’t prescriptive but would allow young people to write The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience about what they felt, to find their voice with the encouragement of to the West End production of WICKED, including an exclusive backstage their parents and teachers.’ tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 book/ tokens, plus £100 worth Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall has been the Patron of of books for the 5-14-year old winner’s school library, donated by Hachette the Awards since they were founded. The awards are partnered with Children’s Books. All finalists’ entries get printed in the Wicked Young the National Literacy Trust and fundraise for NLT. The Duchess Writer Awards 2020 anthology. is a passionate promoter of Literacy in the UK and internationally, There will also be prizes for the school and teacher who submit the most with a particular focus on encouraging a love of reading and writing entries. Details of other prizes in each age category are highlighted on www. from an early age and is also Patron of several organisations which WickedYoungWriterAwards.com. The Awards are pleased to announce as promote and support literacy, including Book Trust, First Story returning media partner for 2020, First News. First News will also sponsor and Beanstalk. There was a memorable moment when the Duchess the Award prize for the FOR GOOD category which is judged by the by Editor-in-Chief Nicky Cox MBE. was leaving the Apollo Victoria after the Awards were presented, The deadline for entries is 2 March 2020. coincidentally the same day as the announcement of the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. When she was asked by the Schools, writing groups or individuals can enter for the 10th year of the Wicked Young Writers Awards at www.WickedYoungWriterAwards.com press on the steps of the theatre for her thoughts on the engagement, where they will also find writing tips and resources from the Award judges. she replied, ‘It’s Wicked!’

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 17 Good Reads This issues Good Reads are chosen by pupils at Herne Bay High School, Kent. Thanks to their learning resource centre manager Chantal Kelleher, one of two Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian librarians on the 2019 SLA School Librarian of the Year Honour List. Chantal is Rick Riordan, Puffin, 978-0141346885, £6.99 pbk dedicated to developing a whole school approach to reading and information literacy, I have read this book many times, it is by far one of ensuring the LRC is a vibrant and colourful hub. From filming staff reciting poems to my favourites. It makes you think that there might be something else in the world, something we cannot creating book-filled goody bags for transition students, via the LGBT pupil group she see. It makes you realise you can make friends supports and her innovative use of the library to support different departments in the in strange places. It lets you see the true light or school, Chantal promotes the LRC with creativity and flair. dark inside someone. The characters are one of my favourite aspects because they are both funny and serious. The way the book is structured is amazing, it has so much action but also includes breaks for comedy. I started reading the series because I had seen the film but I definitely prefer the book. I thought the conclusion of the series was completely unexpected but really satisfying. Alex, age 14

Big Game Dan Smith, Chicken House, 978-1909489943 Jack Katie Alex

Big Game fulfils all the requirements of a book Luke that I would read and love. It combines fast moving action with the bonding of two completely different River of Ink The Land of Neverendings people with little in common. The teenager Oskari Helen Dennis, Hodder Children’s Books, Kate Saunders, Faber & Faber, 978-0571336562, is sent into the wild as a test of manhood but 978-1444920437, £6.99 pbk £6.99 pbk instead of the usual task of surviving on his own River of Ink is a fantastic experience. It’s literally I absolutely loved The Land of Neverendings wits he discovers the president of the United States the book that got me into reading. The amazing because it is full of mixed feelings (happiness, whose plane has been shot down. The dynamics storyline and characters kept me invested throughout sadness) I read it this year and it was my favourite and friendship between the unlikely duo make the the book, chapter after chapter. This book constantly out of all the books shortlisted for the Carnegie story compelling reading. Overall it is a great book keeps the characters in danger, creating a great Medal. It brings back memories of being younger because it includes thrilling cliff hangers that put you deal of excitement and an atmosphere of danger. and hoping that my toys would come to life on a on edge plus moments that you will never forget. However, it does lend itself to a typical flow of day when I was around, though it never happened. The ending is a brilliant conclusion where justice is passing from event to event without giving the The themes of changing friendships and the loss of served and all the wrongs put right. side characters much reason to trust or forgive our a child are very relatable. The thrilling storyline, both Luke, age 13 protagonist. All of this in mind though, I still love in the real world and the Smockeroom, with the this book. mixing of magic and reality made this book a page Jack, age 15 turner. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a good imagination. Katie, age 14

The latest in the highly praised 100 BEST BOOKS series

A superb selection of children’s books made by revered children’s books specialist, Brian Alderson.

Out now, £14.99 hardback Galileo Books

www.galileopublishing.co.uk BfK reviews REVIEWERS IN THIS ISSUE

Brian Alderson is founder of the Children’s Books History Society and a former Books about Children’s Books Children’s Books Editor for The Times. Gwynneth Bailey is a freelance education The 100 Best Children’s Cranch’s fantasy The Last of the and children’s book consultant. Huggermuggers, Hesba Stretton’s Clive Barnes, formerly Principal Children’s Books HHHHH story of a street waif Jessica’s First Librarian, Southampton City is a freelance Prayer, J. Meade Falkner’s adventure researcher and writer. Brian Alderson, Galileo Publishers, story Moonfleet, K. M. Briggs’s Diane Barnes, was a librarian for 20 years, 256pp, 978-1-903385-98-2, folklore-drenched Hobberdy Dick, mostly as a children’s specialist, working in £14.99 hbk and Janni Howker’s historical novel of Kent, Herts, Portsmouth and Hampshire, and the Martin Farrell. Lusaka (Zambia) with the British Council. When I reviewed the ’s One Jill Bennett is the author of Learning to Hundred Books Famous in Children’s There are some surprises, too. Read with Picture Books and heads up a Literature for the Newsletter of the Who would have imagined finding W. nursery unit. Children’s Books History Society, E. Johns’ Biggles stories The Camels Jon Biddle is English Coordinator/Reading I remarked that quibbling over Are Coming in a list of the 100 best Champion at Moorlands Primary Academy inclusions or exclusions was children’s books? Yet Alderson in Norfolk, and co-founder of the Patron of pointless, as ‘every member of this writes very interestingly about this Reading scheme. Society could compile his or her own and indeed all the books. He is a Annie Brierley has worked in and list of a hundred books, and each very genial companion as he walks the related sector all her working life and of these lists would be different us through his selection, becoming is currently Library Supervisor in North and equally valid.’ Brian Alderson, especially animated when he arrives Devon. the founder of the CBHS and also a at a particular favourite, such as Rebecca Butler writes and lectures on contributor to the Grolier volume, Masefield’s The Midnight Folk or de children’s literature. has taken me at my word, and after la Mare’s The Three Mulla-Mulgars. Jane Churchill is a children’s book a lifetime of devotion to the study of One might cavil at some of the Fierce Bad Rabbits: The Tales consultant. children’s literature has produced his choices from within an oeuvre. I would Behind Children’s Books Stuart Dyer is an Head Teacher of a own ‘100 Best’ selection. have chosen The Box of Delights HHHHH primary school in East Devon. rather than The Midnight Folk Alderson has restricted himself Clare Pollard, Fig Tree, 304pp, Anne Faundez is a freelance education because of its breathtaking narrative to works of fiction (though allowing 978-0241354780, £14.99 hbk and children’s book consultant. enough leeway for The Tailor of momentum, its delight in language, Janet Fisher is a children’s literature Gloucester and Quentin Blake’s and its influence on authors such as Among the many things to consultant. wordless Clown), whereas the Alan Garner and Susan Cooper via recommend Fierce Bad Rabbits Geoff Fox is former Co-Editor (UK) of Grolier selection admitted poetry the 1943 radio adaptation by John among the countless picture-book Children’s Literature in Education, but and picture books. Nevertheless Keir Cross. And while there are two studies already existing is that only continues to work on the board and as an books by Philippa Pearce—her own Clare Pollard could have written it. occasional teller of traditional tales. there is a significant overlap in the two choices – 26 titles, by my count. The Battle of Bubble and Squeak, Pollard is a poet, a mother to small Sarah Gallagher is a headteacher and her brilliantly deft / children and herself a former small and director of Storyshack.org Both books close with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone - not rewriting of Brian Fairfax-Lucy’s The child, and each of these informs www.storyshack.org Children of the House – it seems odd what interests her and how she Daniel Hahn is a writer, editor and perhaps one of the “best” in terms of originality or language, but certainly to prefer these to her three bona fide reads. The book coheres as a survey, translator. masterpieces, Minnow on the Say, A but is also inevitably and delightfully Ferelith Hordon is a former children’s a hugely important milestone in the history of children’s reading. Dog So Small, and Tom’s Midnight partial – not so much a history of librarian and editor of Books for Keeps Garden. children’s picture books (though Carey Fluker Hunt is a writer and The feeling that each chosen book forms such a milestone has But this is Brian Alderson’s choice, this is there, too), as a thoughtful, children’s book consultant. personal reading of them. Matthew Martin been a strong factor in determining not mine. His knowledge in this area is is a primary school The starting-point is one that teacher. Alderson’s intriguing selection, so that both wide and deep, and he has made BfK readers will take for granted: Sue McGonigle is a Lecturer in ‘the bestness of my authors of choice that choice with taste and discretion. Primary Education and Co-Creator of may not always lie in their absolute Some of what he writes will be familiar that children’s picture books merit www.lovemybooks.co.uk literary accomplishment but in their to readers of Books for Keeps, attention, because they and their Margaret Pemberton is a school importance as waymarks in the because he draws on the articles he effects can be complex and profound library consultant and blogs at development of a literature.’ So there has written for this journal over the – they can be diversions but they margaretpemberton.edublogs.org. are books here whose importance is years on classic children’s books. need not be only that. I would not Neil Philip is an author, poet, mythographer primarily a matter of historical value The one really controversial choice put money on this assumption being and folklorist. rather than everlasting freshness. is the decision to include A Swarm shared by the general public, however, Val Randall is Head of English and Literacy Alderson starts with The Pilgrim’s in May by William Mayne. No one even the general reading public, and Co-ordinator at a Pupil Referral Unit. Progress in 1678, and 34 of his 100 can deny this is a really fine book. Pollard’s often detailed analysis helps Andrea Reece is Managing Editor of were published before the twentieth But is it blighted forever by Mayne’s make a convincing case. Books for Keeps. century. This may disappoint some conviction in 2004 for ‘having The analysis of each book Pollard Sue Roe is a children’s librarian. who are looking for recommendations abused young girls some thirty examines is fine-scalpelled, but it’s Elizabeth Schlenther is the compiler of for today’s children, but it means his years previously’? The problem of the sort of surgical care that keeps its www.healthybooks.org.uk commentary on every book right up William Mayne is one that will haunt subjects’ animating spirit intact, not Nicholas Tucker is honorary senior lecturer to Harry Potter is rooted in a sound children’s literature scholarship for killing it. Many of her favourite books in Cultural and Community Studies at understanding of the history of the many decades to come. How can it are my favourite books, and her Sussex University. children’s story as a distinct genre, or be that the uniquely-voiced author attention made me want to return to ‘multiplicity of genres.’ of A Swarm in May, and so many them to look again (detailed criticism Alderson writes that, ‘What I have other unparalleled books – No More does not always have this effect); a been looking for in the authors that School, A Year and a Day, Ravensgill, few are books I did not know, and have I have chosen is a distinctiveness in Earthfasts, The Jersey Shore – was since ordered. (My new copy of Clever their writing which brings it close to also a child abuser? In his books he Bill – how lovely to be reminded of that of the told story.’ treats his child protagonists with such that! – and a biography of Margaret So alongside such obvious choices empathy and understanding. But Wise Brown should be arriving next as Black Beauty, Bevis: The Story of those books, brilliant as they are, ‘are week. Be warned: Fierce Bad Rabbits a Boy, The Wind in the Willows, The all out of print.’ Can we value the work will make you shop.) Hobbit, The Lion, the Witch and the despite the man? It’s a conundrum Pollard balances the personal Wardrobe, and The Borrowers, Brian with no easy answer. (her childhood memories – her Alderson finds room for a number Oh — and really no room for Harriet introduction to feminism through of relatively unsung treasures. the Spy? Best Friends for Frances – or her Here we find Christopher Pearse Neil Philip experiences reading with her own

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 19 Review feature: The Book of Dust Nicholas Tucker enters The Secret Commonwealth, the second volume in The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman

So here it is – all 687 pages of the eagerly A sprinkling of four-letter swearing and a anticipated next step in Philip Pullman’s graphic near gang rape pushes this story well second trilogy. Rather than following on into the Young Adult bracket. Its blend of magical from La Belle Sauvage, the first book in realism coupled with references to current the new sequence, it jumps twenty years events also has plenty for older readers too. forwards. Lyra, the young heroine of His Dark Boat People appear plus new villains drawn Materials, is now aged 21. She and Will, her from international capitalism. There is though an unattainable love from a different universe, absence of those former outsize fun characters had promised each other to throw themselves once coming to Lyra’s aid just when she needed hereafter into living their individual lives to them or else standing as formidable obstacles in the full. This she now does as a university their own right. Instead this story concentrates student, but her enthusiasm for rational almost entirely upon her state of mind, and it is argument as the only way towards discovering not a happy one. She ends up in pain, alone and the truth is not working out. She has an nowhere near ending her quest. She may indeed increasingly fractious relationship with her now be wiser but sadder as well. daemon Pantalaimon, the animal spirit who The title refers to what one character is her intimate other half. He has never got describes as ‘The world of hidden things and over Lyra’s previous act of cutting him away in hidden relationships.’ For Lyra, it includes order to save a life. In Pullman’s world, this is `Ghosts, fairies, gods and goddesses, nymphs, the equivalent of rejecting one’s very soul, an night-ghasts, devils, jacky lanterns and other such entities … experience so painful it can never be entirely forgiven. inaccessible to science and baffling to reason.’ Pullman But Pan also hates the way Lyra now ignores imagination and incorporates such things into his own fiction with all his usual feeling as other ways of coming to an eventual understanding. So brilliance. But it seems unfair to penalise Lyra for avoiding one day he takes advantage of his newly separate status to quit that particular route when engaged on academic research. her altogether. His absence from Lyra when everyone else still Pullman writes elsewhere ‘She had exalted reason over every possesses their own highly visible personal daemon makes her other faculty. The result had been – was now – the deepest the target of suspicion and hatred. Her subsequent efforts to find unhappiness she had ever felt.’ Does reason as a goal always him take up the rest of the narrative. Plenty of excitements and have to have such dire personal consequences? near–misses ensue, each described so convincingly it is almost My recent book Darkness Visible; Philip Pullman and His to be there oneself. Even so, this extended search ultimately Dark Materials ends with an interview he and I had at his lacks the urgency of Lyra’s exploits in His Dark Materials. As a home outside Oxford. In it he describes how ‘I once put this virtually re-incarnated Eve she once helped save the whole world to Richard Dawkins: if you had a little girl who was terribly ill from tyranny. The grandeur of this achievement is missing in and knew she was soon going to die, do you tell her the stark favour of her more personal objective this time round. facts of her oncoming death? Of course you don’t! You tell her Pullman is now looking increasingly to William Blake, in a fairy tale about going to heaven. What else can you possibly particular his conviction that ‘Everything possible to be believ’d do?’ Dawkins disagreed at the time, but Pullman follows up this is an image of truth.’ Or as a character in the book puts it, line of argument throughout this present novel. Rationalism, ‘Nothing is only itself.’ There is less discussion here of the vital he insists, may indeed not always be enough, but he also existence and huge significance of Dust, so integral to all the acknowledges that turning against rationalism has its dangers books so far. But Lyra has one vision incorporating it when too. It will be fascinating to see how if at all he resolves this looking down from her window at a contented village scene conundrum in the final instalment of this epic work. below. Everyone she saw for that moment seemed sustained He is occasionally encumbered in this present novel by having and enriched by a certain quality of spirit that gave her the to slip in too many explanations at the appearance of formerly ‘quiet conviction, underlying every circumstance, that all was well-loved characters that new readers will know nothing about. well and that the world was her true home, as if there were Otherwise he remains a master of memorable detail, expert great secret powers that would see her safe.’ Just as Milton is in creating atmosphere while raising important questions at the key to the first trilogy, Blake rules in this story, subject as he the same time. The world Lyra inhabits, as before, is the same was to similarly mystical visions of his own. intriguing mixture of the recognisable and the strange. This The rationalists in this story who turn out to be false friends allows her author to enjoy exercising his ever-fertile imagination to Lyra cannot really compare with her old theocratic enemy the without necessarily reaching out to any higher purpose. But it is Magisterium, set in Geneva and still aiming for thought control its underlying moral seriousness that gives this book its particular and world domination. Its crusading zeal and contempt for any distinction. Writing of this depth and quality does not always find other beliefs brings to mind Islamic fundamentalism as well as a ready audience. Pullman as before proves that it can and does. narrow historical Calvinism at its worst. But while they are still a mortal and ruthless threat this only comes really apparent in a The Book of Dust Volume 2, The Secret Commonwealth, vicious plot twist just before the end. Philip Pullman, 978-0241373330, David Fickling Books, £20.00 hbk reviews final version, a long quote from Allan Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Tiger Books About Children’s Books continued Ahlberg, and a brief but meaningful Who Came to Tea (while on the subject link to crime and punishment in of eating, see also Death); consider children – a beautifully evocative poetry-reader and poetry-translator in today’s society. For my money, it’s her shift from comedy (because we reminder of why Dogger makes rapt admiration of his brilliance under these many detailed individual book- know that ‘most picture books tend us cry) with the analytical, the such constraints. The four pages on by-book readings like these that towards comedy’) to The Lorax in its detailed with the big-picture. And Green Eggs and Ham pander to my make Fierce Bad Rabbits a volume terrible minor key. she extrapolates convincing general own familiarity with it, and love for it, I’ll keep coming back to, but because One of my own favourite sequences thoughts from her few examples, so but there are revelations, too. Pollard’s structure is partly thematic, sees Pollard linking Christmas, Ezra her book has original pleasures of There’s an awful lot here. Pollard’s the connections and comparisons Jack Keats, The Snowman, silence, observation and insight for experts reading of Burglar Bill includes brief are every bit as interesting. Where snow, and – briefly, poignantly – the but also coherence for those new references to his stock-character the Wild Things Are and Not Now, death of her own father. It’s a reading to the subject. And her appreciation clothing, to class, to children’s Bernard are both portraits of ‘the of the visual as well as the words is contagious. We accompany her sensitivity to injustice, to perceptions of monstrous self’; compare the clothes and silences; it’s a reading that has discovery of Dr Seuss, as a poet and adulthood, there’s a suggestion about in Beatrix Potter and Babar, or the wonder, beauty, emotion, depth. As how the first draft differed from the consequences of overeating in The befitting its subject.DH Under 5s Pre – School/Nursery/Infant

Lulu’s First Day Somewhere out There, finding a dinosaur, while the fisherfolk worry about her lack of young friends. HHHH Right Now HHHH Her determination and hard work Anna McQuinn, ill Rosalind pay off and eventually she’s able Beardshaw, Alanna Max, 24pp, Gemma Wells, Ragged Bears, to assemble a dinosaur skeleton 978-1-907825-217, £11.99 hbk 32pp, 9781857144765 £7.99 pbk (shades of Mary Anning perhaps). This delightful, heart-warming picture A dreamlike picture book introducing This she decides is her best friend, book follows book lover Lulu on her – in the form of a story – the concept and aptly names it Bony. first day at pre-school. A wonderful of mindfulness and empathy to the Back home in bed that night book for parents preparing their child very young. Marianne makes a special wish, ‘With for nursery or school, with a couple of This unusual, and engaging book all my heart I make a wish, / and nods to the emotional journey parents takes the child on a journey through dream it will come true, / for stony are going through too. the peacefulness of the natural bones to come to life / and find me It’s an early start but Lulu is ready, world and back again, to the gentle when they do.’ she has packed Dinah her special rhythms of their own bodies, inducing Seemingly her wish is granted for Taxi Ride with Victor a sense of calm and peace, for both HHHH cuddly cat and chosen her outfit, ‘pink, beneath the stars her dinosaur (now jumping leggings and her sunny, yellow read to and reader: ‘Somewhere fully formed) awaits to transport Sara Trofa, illus Elsa Klever, Prestel, top’ – although she did want to wear out there, right now… A monkey is her on a dreamtime adventure. An 40pp, 978-3791374062, £10.99 hbk her party dress, but Mummy says sheltering from the pitter-patter of adventure wherein girl and bony maybe not. She poses for her ‘first day’ the heavy rain. Somewhere out there friend swim in the sea, flash through Jump into Victor’s taxi for a fun- right now… a litter of soft kittens is filled dash round the galaxy, packed photograph and then they are off. the forest accompanied by fairies, Lulu is greeted by her teacher and cuddling their mother’. past unicorns and giants to a magical with surprises. Victor has always We continue through this world dreamed of being a taxi driver, indeed shown where to put her things. Mum moonlit island filled with frolicking stays for a little while until Lulu gets and are introduced to a flock of birds children and their dream dinosaurs he wants to be the very best he can coming in to roost, a fox slipping be – friendly, alert, wise to every acclimatized, when Mummy leaves – a land of infinite possibilities. But Dinah gets a quick hug and all is well, through a dark city street, plankton children keep secrets, so the magic shortcut. He’s certainly friendly, and gently floating in the ocean plus his rocket-powered cab looks clean especially as it’s snack time! of the night will remain just that – a Lulu spends her day making a myriad of other natural scenes, wonderful magical nocturnal secret. and comfortable but there’s one major before returning to the child’s own problem: Victor is hopeless at finding friends, sharing books, building Told in rhyme that reads well aloud castles, singing songs and dressing internal world: ‘In your mind, right and accompanied by atmospheric the way. We watch as passenger after now… there are lots of quite thoughts. passenger is dropped off at completely up as a super-hero, and, before you scenes of the red-haired protagonist know it Mum is there waiting to take In your body, right now…from the tips and her nocturnal foray, this is a the wrong destination. The grey-haired of your toes to the top of your head lady is left at the fun fair instead of the Lulu home. It’s been a long and seaside adventure with a difference exciting day, but exhausting too, and you feel peaceful’. to delight dreamers and dinosaur hairdresser; the young boy who wants The language and repetition within to go to the funfair ends up at the Lulu is soon fast asleep snuggling up enthusiasts especially. JB to Mummy on the sofa. the story reinforce the sense of library, and the librarian who wants to calm and peacefulness, as well as Polly and the New Baby go to work is delivered to the dentist. Lulu is an engaging and vibrant character and McQuinn manages to instilling a sense of our connection HHHH Fortunately, no-one seems annoyed at with the natural world. Wells’ warm Victor’s mistakes, and indeed, these imbue a real sense of Lulu’s feisty Rachel Quarry, OUP, 26pp, lovableness in this simple story. Rosalind illustrations perfectly catch the mood 978 0 19 276904 6, £6.99, pbk turn out to be very happy accidents, of the book and give a child plenty to Beardshaw’s wonderfully bright and Polly has an imaginary friend called his passengers’ lives improved by his engage with and explore. colourful illustrations perfectly capture Bunny. She likes to push him around wrong turns. For children worrying A perfect book for sharing at the upbeat mood of the book. in her old pushchair and they spend about the importance of getting things bedtime but also for calming a The Lulu books are a great series many happy hours together. The only right, it’s a warm and comforting potentially anxious or fretful child. following Lulu through all the major problem is that Mum and Dad will message, and for the rest of us it Although I have categorized this as a experiences of being a small child: need the pushchair back soon as a demonstrates how going along with book for children under five, it could getting a pet, visiting the library, new baby is on the way. They try all the unplanned can bring unexpected easily be shared with older children in going swimming, as well as other sorts of alternatives, but nothing happiness. Elsa Klever’s bold, busy a variety of settings. AB mixed media illustrations are a delight early years’ milestones. This gentle is quite right; the doll’s pram is too too. She fills the spreads with details story is a perfect addition to Lulu’s small, the baby sling too tight. As time adventures, and I can’t wait for the The Girl and the Dinosaur not in the text, including all sorts of HHHH passes Mum and Dad are getting flamboyant, multi-limbed aliens (Victor next instalment. AB quite worried. However, when Polly’s himself has four arms), and the out- Hollie Hughes, ill. Sarah Massini, new baby sister is born Polly comes of-this-world setting adds energy and Bloomsbury Children’s Books, up with her own very inventive plan to 32pp, 978 1 408880524, £10.99 hbk excitement to Victor’s errors, and their solve the problem. unanticipated outcomes. AR Young Mariannne, resident of a This is a warm story about seaside town, spends her time imaginative play, coping with change digging on the beach in the hope of and compromise. The illustrations are

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 21 BfK ‘their’, ‘whose’ and, of course, ‘nuts’, to the picture book with its very Under 5s/PreSchool/Infant/Nursery continued but the meanings are crystal clear specific demands. The result is a through the marvellous illustrations. charming and engaging story about soft and attractive with extra details for a bit. It takes much ingenuity The two squirrels refuse to cooperate dreams, wishes and that sprinkle of to spot in each double page spread. for the decorations to work out a even when their friends try to convince magic. As one would expect from this Using a simple outline drawing to depict plan to trick the tree into becoming them that the nuts can be shared publisher the production values are Polly’s imaginary friend is very effective. decorated. The ending should bring – there are plenty for all! No way! It outstanding – the font is perfectly Although not one to choose if seeking lots of smiles to readers, as the is only when they are sitting, each placed on each page accessible and diversity and representation this is a pictures tell us just how their plan clutching his/her own nut, that they inviting. This is the frame for Smy’s very appealing picturebook. SMcG is achieved. Bright throughout, with begin to feel silly and decide to say, artwork. Her style with its subtle retro a full colour palette and details to ‘Our nuts’. It’s plain sailing from there, references brings a real solidity to her Oh, Christmas Tree! absorb on second and subsequent and they even manage to share the characters. Merrylegs is a flesh-and- HHHH readings. The cover depicts a very apples they find too. Brilliantly done, blood horse, while the magic carousel with lots of lovely animals to enjoy. ES horse is clearly made of wood. The Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, smiley tree, set in a hologram of Macmillan Children’s Books, 32pp, sparkly stars, Belle, Bauble and palette is cleverly limited, strong Merrylegs aquamarines, luminous creams set 978 1 5098 2750 3, £6-99, pbk Tinsel Snake whizzing around him. HHHH Eye catching, with a different slant against the clear, uncluttered white Magic in the air! This warm pages enhancing the strength and and festive story stars brilliant on seasonal stories! GB Pam Smy David Fickling Books 32pp 9781788450577 £11.99 hdbk density of the images. However, this characters and is written in does not mean that they are static. hilarious rhyming text. All along the Nuts! Merrylegs was not the fastest, most HHHH beautiful or the most glamorous. The horses move across the pages street windows display decorated flowing from one spread to another, Lou Peacock, ill. Yasmeen Ismail, He was clumpy and dumpy; the Christmas trees, except at number galloping, flying, following the dream. 34. There, a desperate looking Nosy Crow, 32pp, 978 1 78800 401 5, safe little horse to help the children £6.99 pbk learn to ride – and they love him. The storytelling is assured, gently bare tree is being chased by Belle, rhythmical, uncluttered, a pleasure Bauble and the Tinsel Snake. Tree is This is a wonderfully funny book about But Merrylegs wants more and his longing becomes even stronger after to read, the ideal partner for the explaining that in no way is he going two red squirrels and their inability illustrations. As in the best picture to stand in the corner in a pot, with a to share the nuts they find, and it will he sees the glorious horses on the fairground carousel. Could his wishes books here the two elements work star on his head. Oh no; he wants to prove to the youngest of children how seamlessly together. The result is a spend his days, baking, riding a bike, important it is to learn to be unselfish. come true? Here Pam Smy turns her talents lovely story to share whether as a cosy skating, or sometimes watching TV The text is minimal ‘my’, ‘your’, ‘no’, shared moment or at a Storytime. FH 5 – 8 Infant/Junior

troubles - how he wishes he could make words and rhythms – Simon Mole Jazz Dog friends, how Dan Sharples turns up the HHHH is indeed a poet. There are some music on his headphones and doesn’t Ed’s Choice lovely images – David’s toy “cars Marie Voigt, Oxford University Press, speak to him, how his Mum keeps 32pp, 978 0 1927 6688 5, £11.99 Kites have forgotten how to drive”, he has badgering him to go out. The angel and HHHHH to” scoop up his sadness” when his Lewis become great friends, though the Dog lives in a divided world of cats home-made kite falls to the ground. and dogs where dogs must play only Simon Mole Ill. Oamul angel doesn’t ever speak, and Lewis These word images play across enjoys being up on the roof with him, dog music, cats only cat music. So Lu Frances Lincoln 40pp Oamul Lu’s illustrations which tell what about the one dog that, having 9781786035561 £11.99 hbk gazing at the sky and seeing life going the same story but visually using on around them. Lewis borrows an old heard the beautiful cat music drifting David has just moved house; new colour and shape and the space coat belonging to his Dad and puts it through an open window, wants to surroundings without the support of created by each spread. Sometimes on the angel, so that they can go out, buck the system, follow his heart and familiar people. Perhaps if he can this takes the image across two and that pleases his Mum. People in be a player of cat music? make a kite and join the children on pages as the kites fly over the the flats start being kinder and more First he has to learn how to play the hill he will find friends. But does he street or w climb the hill with David, helpful to each other, and Dan actually like the Jazz Cats – no easy feat as have the right materials? Well, as his sometimes the image is confined stops on the stairs and talks to Lewis. the felines refuse to help. There’s grandfather has always told him “Let’s to one page reflecting a particular Eventually, Lewis asks the angel for a only one way: he must teach himself. see what we have already got...” moment or maybe a small vignette, miracle to make him strong, which is Dog borrows books and instruments This is a beautiful picture a detail. The colours, bold, textured, not possible, but the angel takes Lewis and sets about the task until the self book. The production values are bring both these elements, words on a night flight all the way to the sea, taught music feels just right. outstanding, from the cover design and pictures, to vivid life. a truly memorable night before the Then Dog sees a sign outside the across which the kites swoop and Here is a book to share angel has to leave. As the book ends, theatre announcing a jazz contest swirl, to the text, carefully placed as it touches on change and the people are continuing to be nicer but participating would mean on each spread, interacting with but determination and encouraging and more co-operative with each other, jamming with the cats. Dare he do never detracting from the images empathy – bringing both an and Lewis and Dan often go swimming so, especially to a packed theatre of presented in a clear uncluttered understanding of what it can together. Lewis, who enjoyed looking hissing felines and growling canines? font. The theme may be familiar, but feel like to be outside and to be out at the world, grows up to be a The tension is almost overwhelming. it does not feel stale as the reader disappointed, but also subtly how, successful artist, and is said to ‘paint After a brief crisis of confidence, engages with David following his as a group, to respond. It is an like an angel’. overcome thanks to an encouraging effort to make a kite, hoping it will enjoyable story told with a richness This delightful story is illustrated by cat, Jazz Dog plays and what follows work – but aware it may not; the of language and illustration that Shirley Hughes in her familiar style, but is almost unbelievable. design does not look right. The story combine to make a truly satisfying in navy blue ink, with no other colour, Great entertainment and thought is told with a poet’s sensitivity to whole. FH just gentle swirls of gold around the provoking too, Marie Voigt’s uplifting angel, edging his wings and obscuring story with her splendidly expressive downwards, past several people his face. The simplicity of the drawings illustrations of musical moments both Angel on the Roof upbeat and down, demonstrates that HHHH living in the various flats, until it is is moving and effective. The publisher found by Lewis Brown, who lives in offers this as a perfect story for being allowed to follow one’s heart is Shirley Hughes (author and the basement. Lewis has one leg that Christmas, but there is no mention of crucial if one is to feel fulfilled. Everyone illustrator), Walker, 64pp, Christmas at any point, and its message can try their best to stand up not only 9781406379648 £12.99 hbk doesn’t work as well as the other, and doesn’t go out much, but he sees that of kindness that spreads kindness is for themselves but for others too. When an angel lands on the roof the feather is not from Mr Gantry’s surely for any time. This book will suit A tale of inclusion and togetherness of 32 Paradise Street, (attracted by pigeons and goes up to the roof, slowly, newly confident readers, and is lovely to share and discuss at home or in JB the name), a golden feather floats to investigate. Lewis tells the angel his for an adult to read aloud. DB school.

22 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews as well as sadness and this is A prolific poet, compiler of poetry 5 – 8 Infant/Junior continued reflected in the beautiful, atmospheric books and the author of books on and expressive illustrations. This creative writing and its use in schools, is an excellent book for discussing James Carter has written a lot of Step Inside: Homes through bereavement and emotional literacy poems for primary children about all History with children, with a perfect role kinds of popular topics: space and HHHH model in Tibble, who never stops aliens, beasties, dinosaurs, teachers Goldie Hawk, Illus. Sarah Gibb. trying to communicate and engage. etc, and he does a lot of school visits, Nosy Crow (with the National Trust) Highly recommended. SR with his guitar. A companion book to 40pp., 9781788004091 £14.99 hdbk this one, Once Upon A Star, illustrated Since this lavishly produced book The Mist Monster by Mar Hernandez, was well received, is published in conjunction with the HHHHH and your reviewer also enjoyed and National Trust, it reaches a certain Written and ill. by Kirsti reviewed Once Upon A Raindrop, high standard, and is evidently going Beautyman, Alison Green Books, illustrated by Kasuko Nomoto. to be sold in NT shops as well as 32pp, 978-1-407188-88-1, £6.99 pbk It seems that there is now a Once bookshops. It invites children to look Penny isn’t sure about her new upon a… series, and this will be a at the houses and clothes of people house. Dad suggests investigating the useful addition to the school library for in seven eras: Late Middle Ages, garden, but the dog has stolen Mum’s the music curriculum, or just for fun. It starts with the rhythm of your feet as Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, 1920s, as Izzy’s contraption, with the young old hat and Penny can’t explore 1960s and present day. Laser- cut without it. Penny chases Peanut you walk, the rhythm of your heart, and inventors challenged to an invention mentions the rhythm of the seasons windows enable to the reader to look competition. Izzy seems to be in trouble outside, only to find herself marooned backwards and forwards through the in a strange, white world. Then she and the rhythm of Life. Music probably when one of her competitors selfishly started with drums, and singing, and holes, as double -page spreads show hoards all the materials available for hears a rumbly voice and spots two all the rooms in the houses, and what yellow eyes peering at her through this is illustrated with energy and herself, but there’s very little that Izzy colour as some people beat out a they are used for, and there is even a can’t tackle with her limitless ingenuity the mist. It’s a ‘sort-of monster’ who ‘door’ in the cover. There are items to doesn’t have a name - so Penny calls rhythm while others dance. We see and creativity. someone telling stories through song, spot which are used in more than one Picture book stars don’t come him Morris, and the two of them set house, and there is information about off in hot pursuit of dog and hat. and children learning them to sing much more inspirational or resilient back, then the reader has to turn how people lived and their families. than young Izzy, but she’s thoroughly ‘It was my mum’s… she was a The people in a family are named, brilliant explorer,’ explains Penny, the book sideways to see a double human too, not above getting page spread of different musical with a little snippet about each to frustrated or bad-tempered and and Morris gives her the kind of look help children to relate to them e.g. friends give when they know they’ve instruments, all making different often in need of encouragement from sounds. We see how notes can be Jack has just learnt to walk, and Lucy Grandpa and her friend Fixer the heard something significant. But as the has a lovely little puppy. Mostly, the day progresses, having fun together written down, illustrated by birds on crow. The story is a joyful celebration parallel wires, and how music can be houses are large and evidently lived of inventions and inventiveness with becomes more important than finding in by relatively rich people: generally the hat. “See you tomorrow!” says very different in form, and in other an excellent message for young countries, coming up to date with afro there is little evidence of the working readers. Pip Jones’ rhyming text Penny when it’s time to go. Observant class except in the Late Middle Ages, readers will notice Morris’s expression beat and festivals. Finally, you can be and Sara Ogilvie’s action-packed a musician…Valerio Vivaldi people of where some (very clean) peasants are illustrations match each other for wit and imagine they can spot a tear or working in the fields, but the exception two. But it doesn’t occur to Penny that all colours and races, and some are and energy. This is a story guaranteed silhouettes, so they could be anyone, is the 60s, where various people are to fire the imagination, and let’s face mist doesn’t last, and when she wakes shown living in contemporary flats to find the sun shining and no trace of playing music with enthusiasm. This it, the world needs more Izzy Gizmos. will be fun to pore over and share, or and the clothing becomes more This is the second story about Izzy Morris, she’s devastated. Outside, she everyday, though hippies are in there, and Fixer. The series began with Izzy allows the tears to fall. ‘Who am I going to read aloud. DB too. Much had been made of the Gizmo AR to explore with now?’ she asks. And in comfort, or otherwise, of the clothes a page-turn that changes everything, Under the Great Plum Tree people in previous periods of history Tibble and Grandpa Penny finds herself face to face with HHHH had worn, until the Twenties, when HHHHH Archie, who lives next door and is Written by Sufiya Ahmad, ill. Reza clothing became more practical. We looking for a friend… Dalvand, Tiny Owl, 32pp, return to affluence in the Present Wendy Meddour, ill. Daniel Egneus, OUP, 9780192771957, £11.99 hbk Gently constructed around 978-1-910328-46-0, £12.99 hbk Day house, an interestingly designed themes of loss and change, this Deep in the Indian jungle live Miss modern house with a large garden This is a completely beautiful picture optimistic story weaves links between book, both gentle and powerful in its Bandari and Mr Magarmach, a where there is plenty of space for the imaginative worlds and the here- golden-hearted monkey and a children bouncing on a trampoline. touching and emotionally resonant and-now of daily reality. With their depiction of loss, grief and love. crocodile. Mr Magarmach is too old Sarah Gibb has included a lot of sophisticated palette and low-key and slow to catch his own food any detail in her illustrations, and it is fun Tibble loves talking to Grandpa, charm, Beautyman’s illustrations but Grandpa has stopped listening, more so kind Miss Bandari throws to look out for the items used more are a delight and will please younger him some fruit from her tree. One than once. This is a large book to pore locked in his own world of grief since and older audiences alike. Morris Granny died. But Tibble perseveres plum leads to another and soon the over and enjoy, with glossy pages and the Mist Monster’s expressions add unlikely pair are the best of friends. very accessible history. DB and his cheerful games of ‘Top emotional impact as well as humour, Threes’, ‘what are your top three Mr Magarmach is a great storyteller allowing the pictures to take the story and Miss Bandari enjoys hearing Izzy Gizmo and the Invention sandwiches’,‘top three jellyfish’, ‘top somewhere really quite profound, three days out’, eventually break about the past, when he was strong Convention and Beautyman’s treatment of the enough to battle pythons, lions and HHHH through. It is very moving to see shifting insubstantiality of mist and Tibble and Grandad begin to talk and human hunters. Pip Jones, illus Sara Ogilvie, Simon dreams is particularly effective. It One day Mr Magarmach suggests and Schuster, 32pp, engage again as Grandad’s grief is takes time for feelings of sadness and unlocked by the strong relationship repaying Miss Bandari’s kindness 978-1471145247, £6.99 pbk loss to pass, but opening ourselves to with an outing, so she jumps onto his between grandparent and grandchild. new experiences and enabling new It’s a big day in junior inventor Be prepared to cry at the end when back and off they go. Along the way Izzy Gizmo’s house: a letter has connections will help friendships Dame Hati the elephant warns Miss the pair play ‘top three grannies’ and blossom when we least expect. arrived with an invitation to an talk honestly about death, loss and Bandari about King Crocodile who Invention Convention. At first, Izzy is There’s a hint of The Snowman about lives in the swamp. ‘He will eat you!’ memories. this magical, misty book, and like uncharacteristically unsure, pointing This is a reassuring book for she trumpets, but Old Magarmach out that her machines don’t always Briggs’ classic, it will find a place in tells everyone not to be silly. King children who have lost a beloved many hearts. CFH work. Following a wonderfully robust adult, giving them the chance to talk Crocodile simply wishes to see Miss response to that from her Grandpa about feelings and memories. It Bandari’s golden heart! – “Cobblers!” he shouts – they pack Once upon a Rhythm Does that sound likely? Miss deals with death in an open way and HHHH up her tools and set off for Technoff shows that people lost in grief can Bandari thinks quickly and tells Old Isle in an extraordinarily wonderful, be found and drawn back through James Carter, illus., Valerio Vidali, Magarmach that she’s forgotten Caterpillar Books, 32pp, amphibious vehicle, designed by Izzy. love, patience, understanding and her golden heart and they’ll have to 978-1-85857-844-9, £11.99 hbk The plot moves forward as energetically kindness. The book is full of humour return to her tree to fetch it. But as

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 23 BfK park, an enormous library, butterflies Cornelia and the Jungle 5 – 8 Infant/Junior continued sleeping on a flowering tree – we Machine realise the significance of his dark HHH soon as she’s safely home again, the is carefully placed to command backgrounds. Each world is beautiful, each is necessary. Both children have Nora Brech, Gecko Press, 32pp, wily monkey tells the old crocodile attention without intruding on the 978 1 7765 7259 5, £11.99 that she’s no longer willing to be his lithographs. Sentences are often something important to give and guest, and Mr Magarmach is forced to spread across several pages, creating receive in equal partnership. Having just moved into a gloomy confront a very angry Crocodile King. a sense of anticipation and space. The story ends on a fittingly house full of clutter and having nobody The story could end here, but Artistic and environmentally- optimistic note for such an upbeat to play with, young Cornelia wearing a happily it doesn’t. Old Magarmach isn’t aware adults will appreciate Fausto’s exploration of ‘otherness’ – Oscar blue cape, goes outside to explore its the villain he appears to be and when message and design quality, but the returns the borrowed tooth with forest environs with her dog. Among pushed, finds the courage to stand book is more complex than it first the words “I think I’d found what the tall trees a ladder descends. up for Miss Bandari – even though appears and responses amongst I was looking for” – and we are Up go girl and dog high into the it results in his expulsion from the younger audiences will reflect this. left to assume the best for both of treetops where there’s an exciting- swamp and a life of misery. Or does it? Fausto does get his just reward, them. Even when differences seem looking treehouse, outside which, When Miss Bandari spots him looking but middle-aged men are not a profound, shared experiences create lounging in a hammock, is a boy who cold and lonely, she takes pity on him common sight in picturebooks and special bonds. introduces himself as Fredrik. and their friendship is rekindled. some children may need an adult There’s lots to notice in Pawel He invites Cornelia to see his This engaging fable is attractively to champion the book before they Pawlak’s pictures, which demand numerous inventions within – hanging illustrated by Iranian artist Reza connect. For those who do engage, attention and repay close looking. beds, platforms aplenty and all kinds Dalvand using intricate and delicately The Fate of Fausto has much to offer, With their robust design and lively of plants. Best of all, says her host is patterned images inspired by including opportunities for debate animation, Oscar and his skeletal his jungle machine, and after some traditional Gujerati designs. In writing and creative exploration, particularly companions evoke the Ahlbergs’ button pushing and wheel turning, the story, Sufiya Ahmed drew on around ‘P4C’-style questions about Funnybones or Mexican Day of the tropical plants appear. These grow her mother’s tales about the Indian land ownership and how we treat the Dead images and children will warm into a fully–fledged jungle with vines jungle - which were, in turn, based natural world. CFH to them. Pawlak used spatial collage to swing on and wild animals roaming. on fables from the Panchatantra, an to create his artwork, layering thin Suddenly there alights a huge red- ancient Indian story-collection dating paper over cardboard shapes to feathered bird and upon this they fly to to 300 B.C.E. produce a raised and textured effect, a river where a boat awaits. Versions of this fable are known and there’s a theatrical feel to his After a river trip, it’s time for Cornelia from Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, China, layouts, particularly the wordless to go home, but Fredrik’s invitation Japan and the Caribbean and this book spreads, which reflects his set-design to come every day is one likely to be is part of the One Story, Many Voices experience for puppet shows. accepted by the departing girl as she series from Tiny Owl, highlighting The translated text, while returns to her parents, obviously feeling global story connections. CFH functional, isn’t the strongest aspect more upbeat about her new situation. of this book. But the artwork is really All this unfolds through fantastic The Fate of Fausto worth exploring and will inspire Gorey-like gothic spreads (several of HHHH children’s own storymaking and other which are wordless) detailing their creative responses. CFH adventure, together with a mere Written and ill. Oliver Jeffers, hundred or so words of dialogue HarperCollins, 96pp Beast Feast which leave plenty of space for allow 978-0-00-835791-7, £16.99 hbk HHHHH readers their own flights of fancy “There was once a man who believed Emma Yarlett, Walker Books, 32pp, thanks to this immersive tale. JB he owned everything and set out to 978 1 4063 8663 9, £10.99 hbk survey what was his…” Tiny and Teeny So begins Jeffers’ painted fable Beast by name but perhaps not HHH about Fausto, a man whose greed entirely so by nature, for when he Oscar Seeks a Friend catches something tasty for dinner he Chris Judge, Walker Books, 32pp, and sense of entitlement leads him HHHH 9781406370928, £12.99 hbk into dangerous waters as he claims decides to share the repast – a little dominion over the natural world. At Written and ill. by Pawel Pawlak, boy whom he names Dinner -with This picture book would surely inspire first, Fausto doesn’t encounter much trans. by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, his friends. He writes letters to them the writing of many more books about Lantana Publishing 40pp, resistance - flowers and trees are inviting them to a feast. small people living in small items 978-1-911373-79-7, £8.63, hbk easy pickings, after all. But he has Dinner however has no desire to be familiar to children. It also has an to show who’s boss before the lake Oscar the skeleton has lost a tooth. consumed and resolves to try and get intriguing pair of holes in the front submits, and the mountain isn’t at all Maybe you think something like Beast to change his menu. cover which definitely make you want impressed by his posturing. “I am my that wouldn’t matter – but as Oscar Beast’s friends too want changes to peek inside. You have to look really own”, it says, stubbornly, and Fausto observes with disarming honesty, made to the meal for each includes closely and carefully at the book as must throw a tantrum to make it bow ‘it’s hard for a small, ugly skeleton to instructions for cooking Dinner along there are lots of lovely details in there: its head. Readers will be waiting for make friends’ and when he spots a with their acceptance of his invitation. mini libraries within books and a hotel Fausto to get his come-uppance, but girl burying her tooth, he asks for it. One desires a salty meal so Dinner made out of a tall coffee pot are just it takes an ocean to vanquish him. Burying a tooth will make your dreams talks Beast into going for a swim in some of the unusual buildings in the Faced with its quiet indifference, come true, or so we’re told, and the the ocean; another wants slimy food book’s town, Glengadget. Fausto’s histrionics are irrelevant, girl really wants a new friend. But so Dinner’s suggestion is a swamp Teeny and Tiny live in an apple and all we can do is watch and when she sees Oscar’s gappy smile, visit. Over several days Dinner’s house and the author immediately wonder as he makes his final step. she decides to give him the tooth as playful notions have an effect on enourages the reader to look at it This beautifully designed book long as he helps her find a friend. Beast: he’s actually enjoying the carefully. Involving the reader in the features a series of traditional Oscar agrees, so she shows him all company of the crafty Dinner but has world is a great way of starting the lithographs – a first for Jeffers, who the things she plans to share with the lad sufficiently beguiled the cook book. The characters spend their hasn’t worked with these techniques her new friend: the scent of wet grass to save himself from the pot? time helping others in their town – before. Initially depicted in tones of in a meadow, a mystery story about With vibrant illustrations full of each page offering more detail about sepia highlighted with salmon pink, islands, the colours of a rainbow…. delicious details, a page turner of a what it is like in the tiny town. One day the palette changes as Fausto makes They have a lovely time together, tale (with touches of Scheherazade) a calamity occurs – the apple house his fatal decision to confront the sea. and then it’s Oscar’s turn to act that includes five letters, recipes is crushed. Teeny and Tiny have to Plain white backgrounds and clever as host. At this point, what has yummy and yucky and lots of tasty move into the ‘Grand Hotel’ (the one page layouts allow his business been an enjoyable but somewhat wordplay Emma Yarlett has herself made out of a coffee pot) but they suit and expressive postures to unremarkable story shifts gear. cooked up a delectable picture book are really unhappy as this isn’t their dominate the spreads, even when Reaching across the central gutter of offering that will most certainly have home. Luckily the townsfolk help all that’s visible is a pointed finger or the book, Oscar takes the girl’s hand listeners demanding ‘more please’ them out and take them on treats to departing foot. The carefully-crafted and guides her onto the left-hand whenever you share it. JB help them recover. Meanwhile they text is minimal, with a large typeface page, and as he shares the delights have been working on a new home for that evokes mid-century styling and of his skeleton world – skating in the the miniature pair and the end of the book is truly a happy resolution with

24 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews of things that are ‘child-like’, such as room? And are we here to invent, to 5 – 8 Infant/Junior continued pretending they are okay when they’re imagine, to travel or to grow…? Maybe not, or being silly when they dance, we just need to be amazed. Whatever another ingenious home for them. and mastery of the sea, so this story or being afraid or nasty to others, or happens, we’re sure to find answers The book will appeal to a wide really touched my heart. Malachy talking in baby voices when they’re in of some kind. After all, as the final range of readers as the story is Doyle has handled the telling so love. The integrated text, done in pen spread assures us – mischievously? sweet and simple but the illustrations well, never a word too much, and and ink, adds to the charm, and there – “Now I understand!” provide pathways in to more towns the illustrator has highlighted the is real awareness of relationships in Set against plain backgrounds and and more homes older children might emotions of the people saving the life the whole – humour too. This is an largely unconfined by boundaries, like to create in their own miniature of such an incredible creature. What original idea, imagined in an original Sanna’s spare and stylish artwork world. The print is bold and clear to a memorable day and night for those way, and it will appeal to both children allows itself the visual and imaginative read with a simple layout; the use of on the beach that day. Brilliant, so and parents. ES space it needs to thrive. Spines and primary colours make it visually bright well created. Highly recommended. covers are suggested by comb-like and cheery too. SG GB The Little Island sweeps of coloured ink with pages HHHH drawn in fine black pen, and similar Molly and the Whale Let’s All Creep through Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Robert treatment is given to the girls’ clothing HHHHH Crocodile Creek! Starling, Andersen Press, 32pp, and hair. Scribbled text erupts from an open book in the form of a shark that, Malachy Doyle, ill. Andrew HHHHH 9781783449095, £12.99, hdbk once loosed, becomes a wordy ocean, Whitson, Graffeg, Jenny Lambert, Little Tiger Press, Once upon a time there was a little 978 1913 134044, £12.99, hbk farm where all the animals lived and and origami-like creatures suggest 32pp, 978 1 78881 398 3, £11.99, themselves and are constructed, only This is an amazing tale about working hbk worked together happily. Then one day, the geese who lived on a rather to become gigantic birds that carry together to help make something Pause (paws?) at the first , attractive island enjoyed by everyone. both girls away. wonderful happen. It is a sequel and deliberate. Whose prints are felt there too many crossing the bridge This isn’t a standard picturebook to Molly and the Stormy Sea, and, these? Then… as it is starting to and making themselves at home. for younger readers. It may well pleasingly, there are more adventures get dark, prepare to return home. They decide this is not acceptable. appeal to them, particularly when with Molly in the planning. Molly and Best take the shortcut, through the They draw up the bridge. They do not introduced and moderated by a Dylan run down to the shore the creek. There follows a conversation need anyone else. Or do they? supportive adult, but its apparently morning after a storm, hoping to find between Rabbit, Mouse and Tortoise. Drawing inspiration from Orwell’s simple premise quickly becomes cowrie shells, or anything little that Mouse claims there are certainly not Animal Farm, this modern fable is a sophisticated visual exploration might have been washed up in the crocodiles in the creepy, crooked attractively presented for a much and Castle of Books is more likely night. But what they find is a whale. creek, whereas Rabbit expresses younger audience. The text by Smriti to find an audience amongst older An enormous whale. Their father tells doubts. Tortoise, unfamiliar with the Prasadam-Halls flows easily with a booklovers and those interested in them to gather buckets and spades, idea of crocodile, listens as Mouse nice sprinkling of humorous asides the art of illustration than in a KS1 explaining to the children that they begins to describe a croc’s features… adding character and life. Robert classroom. But for those children who must try to cool the whale. It is low a knobbly, gnarly back… pokey, pointy Starling’s illustrations highlight these do engage with it – and for adults tide, and they must wait hours before claws,... and they enter the creepy, characteristics, neatly matching willing to take the time to explore it the incoming tide might carry her crooked creek. By this time in the and extending the story. Bold with them, or use it as a springboard out to sea. Whilst adults dig a trench tale, readers will be searching the colours, strong designs draw the for creative activities and responses - around the whale to catch the water, a illustrations for more clues…. Those eye bringing solidity and a realism it will offer its own rewards. CFH crowd of children fill buckets from the swingy, springy vines, do they look to the whole – just as the maps sea and pour them over the whale, much like a croc’s flippy, whippy tail? on the endpapers ensure the farm Dracula Spectacular in attempts to keep her cool. Molly Mouse is the intrepid one, bouncing HHHH has a proper location. Though the suggests just pushing her back into and swinging and hopping along, characters are animals, this makes Lucy Rowland, ill. Ben Mantle, the sea, but her father explains she trying to divert his friends from their it easier to identify the issues the Macmillan, 32pp, 9781509845989 is too heavy, and anyway, they might fears. Uh oh. Of course, encounters author is keen to introduce – fear of £6.99 pbk hurt her. As the morning progresses, ensue. PANIC! Away they ran from others, exclusiveness, the building of This book is great fun. Beneath great tarpaulins are erected high the sneaky, snappy crocodiles. barriers, looking back to an imagined the sparkly cover lies a thoughtful over her head, as sun shades; Molly Ending? “Easy Peasy,” says Mouse; past – while also highlighting the message about learning to love sings to her to keep her calm, with the “Shortcut through the forest.” “The importance of sharing, of cooperation, differences and being yourself. whale’s beady eye clearly watching fearsome, frightful forest? Won’t of friendships and hope. This bright, A little boy is born to a glum and all this activity. But Molly senses the there be tigers?” asks Rabbit. cheerful picture book – an engaging gloomy vampire home; the parents are massive creature is becoming more Shelly the tortoise has the last word. story – will certainly provide a basis overjoyed to have a little vampire boy and more uncomfortable, more and “What’s a tiger?” Then, wonderful for encouraging even very young but then they realise that their baby is more unhappy, as the heat of the day end papers, thick orange and black children to think about the world we not quite the same as them. They try increases. At last the tide turns, and stripes. The detailed pictures are live in today as well as becoming a to teach him how to be scary and to the children dig a channel from the playful and the characters are well favourite at story times. Excellent. FH ‘sneak and to creep’, ‘But the Dracula tide line to the whale, to speed the created. Each conversation between child just giggled with glee, Then asked water’s advance. Once her tummy is the friends is littered with alliteration, Castle of Books all his teddies to join him for tea.’ resting in the cool, clear water, the making reading aloud a delight. The HHH Whatever they try to do he really loves whale does a big blubbery shake, as illustrations are full of movement, colour and sparkle and doesn’t want if to say thank you. Hours pass by. The with the three main characters each Written and illustrated by to scare people away. The problem people retreat to the sand dunes to having their own traits. And of course Alessandro Sanna, Tate, 48pp comes to a head when the Dracula watch. No further movement, apart there is the protagonist Croc for 978-1-84976-668-5, £11.99 hbk child is told to scare a little girl and from the rising of the moon. The father which to search. Children would enjoy This unusual picturebook poses a he finds her hiding under her bed. entreats everyone to go home, and play acting in groups of three, with question – why do we need books? However, it isn’t the boy she is scared says he will keep watch. It is to be full some creepy, knobbly, gnarly backed – then invites us to draw our own of but dark itself so he is able to show moon that night, so the tide should crocodiles lurking. A great read. GB conclusions by exploring a series of be at its highest. Molly and Dylan stay visual and verbal clues. her that dark can be wonderful. (I liked with their father all night. As dawn The Inner Child Two girls are contemplating an array the nod to one of my favourite all time breaks, Molly spots movement. The HHH of books. Are we here to observe…? A books The Owl Who Is Afraid of the whale is testing the water’s depth with chunky volume falls off the shelf and Dark here). But he has to leave before Henry Blackshaw, Cicada Books, he sees the sun rise. her tail. The three watch joyfully, in 32pp, 978 1 908714 68 8, £6.95 pbk lands with a thunk! on one girl’s head. awe and wonder, as slowly the whale Why did it fall? And what will the girls When he returns home he is upset turns and heads out to deeper, safer The author of this unusual picture discover when they open it? and becomes sadder and sadder water. They are entranced, watching book claims that it is both for Blah, blah, blah…The answer is but his parents think of a lovely way the whale as she slaps her fluke on kids and for adults, and so it is. left to our imagination and the girls of cheering him up and everybody the surface of the sea, and sends Pictures in colour of adults on white start quarrelling. Rrrriiip….! It’s hard changes the way they look at things. water spouts high into the air. I have backgrounds with smaller, ghostly to tear a book in half, but the girls The rhyme in the book makes it had the amazing experience of whale versions of themselves (the inner have managed it. What emerges great to read aloud the illustrations watching, seeing their enormous size children) are shown doing all sorts from the loose leaves flying round the will encourage reading independently.

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 25 BfK James Mayhew’s beautiful The idea is a rather lovely one. 5 – 8 Infant/Junior continued illustrations give a wonderful vibrancy The narrator (a little girl) takes us to Gaspard and his friends and the through her house which, from the It’s a unique way of celebrating hair’, but first the pair must find Finty. streets and greens of London are street, looks like any other house. But differences, accepting each other Peter is initially reluctant, he thinks magically bought to life by his perfect inside they are not just rooms, there and being ourselves and is definitely dogs are rather vulgar. ‘…forever use of colour. The story is simple is a recurring theme with the words worth a read. SG sniffing unmentionable parts of each and Gaspard and his friends are ‘but we never just...’. For example, ‘... other’s anatomies’, but, concerned for an engaging team. Soanes use of we never just play... we clear up the Gaspard Best in Show Gaspard’s safety – foxes should not be language is somewhat challenging at mess at end of the day. We learn to HHH ‘out in broad daylight’ - agrees, on the times, so definitely a picture book for say sorry and wipe tears away.’ older or more confident readers. AB Each double page has a sketchy Zeb Soanes, illus James Mayhew, condition that he acts as Gaspard’s Graffeg, 32pp, 97812654673, guard cat. The pair set off on their yet bright bold illustration to share In Every House On Every Street what happens in each room. The £12.99, hbk quest, Gaspard following his nose and HHHH Finty’s scent. The friends eventually descriptions take us through the A beautifully illustrated picture book for whole house and lead up to a grand older children, featuring Gaspard ‘the find themselves at the local village fete Jess Hitchman, ill. Lili La where inevitably there is a fancy dress Bateine, Little Tiger Press, 24pp, finale of pages opening out into a peek handsomest fox in London’ who we 9781788814065, £11.99 hbk inside rooms inside the whole street. previously met in Soanes’ and Mayhew’s dog show. Needless to say mayhem and hilarity ensue, culminating in This is a gorgeous and heart-warming The houses are in a beautiful French first collaboration Gaspard the Fox. style with fancy shapes and details Trouble and mischief are never Gaspard, accidently dressed as a book about a street - as simple as musketeer, bursting the bouncy castle that. The illustrations and language that catch the eye. There are big far away when this inquisitive and bold pictures and then much smaller endearing little fox is about, and with a toy sword. Despite the chaos all make it just right to be read as a ends well for Gaspard as he is reunited bedtime story or a story to share. It details which add to the overall teamed up with his friend Peter – a journey of the book - from the outside somewhat smug, but very intelligent with Finty and makes friends with her demonstrates how little, everyday owner Honey – based on Soames things are really quite special and of the street to the detail inside the cat – adventure is just around the room. All in all it’s a charming read corner. Gaspard is determined that neighbour actress Cleo Sylvestre. in fact should be treasured. It’s not Even Peter is happy as he ends up about adventures or exciting places, and helps us appreciate the simple Peter is introduced to his new friend things in life. SG Finty ‘a little dog with curly brown snaffling fresh cream eclairs. it’s about people being important. 8 – 10 Junior/Middle

but more than that it demonstrates come to life-size and hide in the house, creepy houses and the constant people’s ability to bring about change and Seren is accused of taking them threat of being eaten as a “shiner” through democracy and the strength and breaking the toy out of jealousy. from another world. Edwin’s resolve of joint activity. The book is supported Incidents caused by the figures and never to return, despite Lanthorne’s by Amnesty International and comes their magic are blamed on Seren, desperate need for a friend, is with a foreword by Chris Riddell, no and, locked in her room in disgrace, broken when his despised baby stranger to the power of the visual she manages to get a message to sister, Mandoline, is kidnapped by image. A book to prompt discussion the clockwork Crow. Together, with Lanthorne’s wicked Aunt Necra. and to inspire.AR Crow’s knowledge of magic and with The two friends set out to rescue some help from unexpected people, her, undertaking a perilous journey The Velvet Fox they defeat the fairies’ plan to abduct through the dead world. HHHHH Tomos again, and the reader can take This book cleverly mixes humour, Catherine Fisher, Firefly Press, a breather before the next instalment. fear and gruesome details in a blend 202pp, 9781913102081, £6.99 pbk Catherine Fisher was the first Wales that should capture the imaginations This is a sequel to The Clockwork Young People’s Laureate, and The of young readers with strong Crow, and, while this story does stand Clockwork Crow won the Tir na N’og stomachs who will relish the brilliantly alone with sufficient background Welsh Children’s Book Award. There created atmosphere of doom, explanation included, it is probably is humour as well as excitement in menace, secrecy and rottenness in Rise Up: The Art of Protest helpful to have read that first to this excellent story of a brave and the dead world. Edwin is an excellent HHHHH get the full flow of the story. It is, of resourceful heroine who surprises even character, full of fear, anger, defiance course, to be a trilogy. her mentor, the Crow, and we can look and courage, often all at once, Jo Rippon, Palazzo Editions, 64pp, forward to finding out what happens and with a humorous and sharply 978-1786750822, £12.99 hbk Seren Rhys has settled happily into her godfather’s household at Plas-y- next. DB irreverent turn of phrase. Kind, These days, we seem to be surrounded Fran, especially after she rescued the gentle thoughtful Lanthorne acts as by protests and the news is frequently son of the family, Tomos, from the fairies The Dead World of Lanthorne the perfect foil as Edwin learns the dominated by images of marches in The Clockwork Crow. Their happy Ghules value of friendship, trust and family and protestors, either in this country first summer together ends when a new HHHH love throughout his determined or across the world. Many young governess arrives, and Captain Jones Gerald Killingworth, Pushkin quest to rescue his baby sister. This people will already have taken part can’t quite remember arranging for Children’s Books, 283pp, would be a perfect Halloween read in a demonstration, many more are that to happen, but Mrs Honeybourne 9781782692362, £7.99 pbk for children who enjoy a mix of fun, probably considering it. This book is charming and elegant and of course Edwin is suffering a severe case of scares, creepiness, grisly details and SR provides a marvellous illustrated it’s all right- or is it? The new governess sibling jealousy, coping with a new exciting adventure. history of protest, using the banners praises Tomos’ work, but gives Seren house, school and baby sister, when and posters created by different people The Night’s Realm harder questions and belittles her, and he answers a strange pen pal advert HHH over the decades to make their feelings gradually Seren realizes that she is not from an old piece of paper found in and demands known. It looks at six key what she seems. Mrs Honeybourne’s his new bedroom. When his new Nick Ward, author and illustrator, areas of protest, including women’s birthday gift to Tomos, a carousel, plays penfriend, Lanthorne Ghules, a David Fickling Books, 285pp, rights – starting with suffragette mystical music that Seren recognizes mysterious, small, grey-skinned boy 9781788450430, £6.99 pbk. banners from the UK and Europe – as fairy music, the enchanting tunes with a skeletal look, appears through Nick Ward’s skilful, lively and gay rights, environmental protests, the of the Tylwyth Teg, and sure enough, the back of his wardrobe, Edwin’s atmospheric illustrations add hugely to civil rights movement and anti-racism. Tomos starts to ignore Seren and life takes a disturbing new direction. the attraction of this fantasy story about The accompanying protest banners to wander about at night, looking Drawn into Lanthorne’s ‘Dead World’ a boy who conquers his fears. From are often very beautiful, but all are for the fairy door through which he via a portal in a cupboard, Edwin the eye-catching, foil-blocked cover powerful in their ability to make their disappeared before. The figures on it, discovers a strange, colourless through starry borders and motifs to points even hundreds of years later. the Juggler, the Soldier, the Dancer, land with threatening inhabitants, the detailed, cross-hatched black and It makes for an unusual history book, and, most deadly of all, the Velvet Fox, two-headed monsters, putrid food, white full page illustrations, the reader

26 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews history from ancient civilizations to that he is doing anything wrong, it is 8 – 10 Junior/Middle continued the present day and across the world just part of his nature. The other part from desert lands to an ancient city of the story, which follows the falling is drawn into the world of the Night’s Young readers are transported in the mountains, fishing villages, a apart of a marriage and the effect Realm where children are trapped by on a virtual tour of our solar system, tower block and the high seas. The that has on the children will have a the spells of the wicked Magician who from earth, our moon and the sun stories are linked together as the tremendous impact on many readers. drains their energy and memory to feed to our closest planetary neighbours mirror is lost or given away by its Even young children will know people his own power. Billy’s secret fear of the and then onwards to the planets of owner and awaits a new home in the in their class, family or friendship dark is tested to the utmost when he is the outer solar system and beyond. next chapter. group where things are going badly trapped in the Magician’s sinister world. Before setting off, time is spent The mirror did indeed step into wrong and hopefully this will help the Here, he finds that, protected by his considering our home planet Earth; the lives of remarkable princesses young people understand that it is not grandfather’s talisman, he is the only appreciating its beauty from space who challenged stereotypes: whether their fault and that their parents still child able to resist the Magician’s spells and why it is special in supporting life. setting sail to rescue a stranded care for them, even though the adults’ and he has to fight his fear, step up and As well as heading for the planets our sailor, standing up for people they relationship has changed. I absolutely save himself and the other children route takes us past the international care about, or finding ways to save loved this book and particularly from the clutches of the Magician and space station, the asteroid belt and a city memorial garden. The mirror Cosmo, who is a real hero. MP the fearsome creatures of the Night’s even beyond the furthest planets finds out that what these princesses have in common is that they are Nevertell Realm. to the icy zone known as the Oort HHHHH This spooky, magical tale presents Cloud. As in a real tour our virtual tour brave, fierce and loyal with big dreams a positive message of overcoming includes highlights such as the red and big hearts. Katherine Orton, ill Rovina Cai fears and should appeal to readers spot on Jupiter and Saturn’s amazing The stories are beautifully written and Sandra Dieckmann, Walker, who enjoy a bit of a scare along with rings (dubbed ‘Lord of the Rings’). in traditional fairy tale style with 376pp, £7.99 pbk the fantasy adventures. SR We find out what the solar system delightful imagery, for example one Eleven year old Lina was born and is, about gravity, the difficulties of ‘princess’ who makes clothes from brought up in a soviet prison camp. Plastic Sucks! getting into orbit and the growing cast offs says wearing them feels like She knows no other life, but dreams HHHH problem of space junk. Complex ideas, being ‘wrapped in stories.’ This is a of escaping from prison, together Dougie Poynter, Macmillan such as how our star the Sun was beautifully presented book containing with her mother Katya and finding Children’s Books, 184pp, born, are explained simply supported attractive and elegant colour her grandmother in Moscow. Just 9781529019377, £9.99 pbk with diagrams when appropriate, for illustrations throughout including a before her twelfth birthday her mother This book’s subtitle, ‘YOU can make example when introducing the phases full-page illustration and decorative arranges for Lina to escape together a difference’, highlights the positive of the moon. title page to introduce each new with three other prisoners; then Lina’s tone prevalent throughout this child- The layout is stunning princess and their story. friend Bogdan sneaks out as well, so friendly, accessible guide to the with photographic backdrops A book which would make a lovely there are five of them trying to escape history, dangers and solutions relating superimposed with artwork. Each gift, particularly for young readers in the bitter winter of Siberia. Things to the world’s plastic problem. The double page has lots of interest, in keen to discover that princesses do get even worse when they are hunted author, musician and environmental addition to the narrative text there are not need to wait for princes to fight by a strange woman called Svetlana activist Dougie Poynter, is a member extra facts and theories. their battles or sweep them off their and her pack of ‘Ghost Wolves’. of the band McFly, co-author of There is a data base at the back of the feet. SMcG We begin to see the beginnings of The Dinosaur That Pooped titles, book which includes even more stats something magical, but whether it is I Cosmo good or bad is difficult to judge and a massive nature enthusiast and a such as the huge distances involved HHHHH campaigner against microplastics. All in space travel. An interesting inclusion Lina does not know who she is able in all, he is well qualified to write this here is the double page devoted to Carlie Sorosiak, ill. Ben to trust. There are ups and downs lively, informative ‘Guide For Children lesser known individuals in fields of Mantle, Nosy Crow, 263pp, for the main characters and a few Who Want To Make A Difference’. astronomy, science, mathematics and 9781788003872, £6.99 pbk surprises before there is a resolution The author addresses young people space travel who have contributed to This story follows a year or so in the to the tale. You will have to read the directly throughout, in a contemporary, our knowledge of space with particular life of Cosmo and his family, but story to understand the very poignant friendly tone, whilst always maintaining reference to the role of women and especially Max who is Cosmo’s best title of the book and why ‘never tell’ is a focus on the important issues. including people of colour. friend. Unfortunately this is a year so vital to the plot. There is a lot of information here, but This is a very attractive book when there are growing frictions within This book was a truly delightful it is broken up by bright info graphics packed with interesting information the family and Cosmo feels he has surprise. The initial setting in a with panels, tables, graphs, lists, written in an accessible and to try and keep everything together. Stalinist prison camp was a very photographs, facts and tips for action, engaging and style which effectively However Cosmo is a thirteen year depressing prospect, although there all in bold fonts against striking black or communicates the beauty, mystery old Golden Retriever, which makes have been several amazing stories neon green backgrounds. Information and wonder of space. A must for helping out very difficult. As part of with a very similar concept. However on the history, usefulness and danger young space enthusiasts. SMcG Max’s plan to help keep the family the author has mixed in some magic of plastic is interspersed with interviews together the two start to attend dog/ and Russian folk lore in order to with inspirational individuals who are Eight Princesses and a Magic human dance classes in the company give us a truly beautiful story of love already making a difference and tips for Mirror of Uncle Reggie, who is an ex-military and hope against all the odds. Lina young people on how to act now to cut HHHHH dog trainer. The idea is that they will and Bogdan are very sympathetic down on plastic use. Natasha Farrant, ill. Lydia Corry, win a competition and be given roles in characters; whilst they are coping with This lively, inspirational guide, Zephyr, 217 pp, 9 781788 541152, a forthcoming film, so that no one will some very adult situations and fighting with its encouraging, positive tone, £12.99, hbk ever try and part them. How these two to become free we do not forget is a book for these urgently eco- When an enchantress becomes carry out their plan and what the end that they are still children and their aware times, focussing on the godmother to a King and Queen’s result is will have you reaching for the life experiences mean they are still big environmental issues, always baby daughter, she wonders how tissues, but whether that is in a good learning about those around them. emphasising that no action is too she can help her become a really or bad way you will have to read the We are also shown the difficulties small to make a difference. SR excellent princess. Th enchantress book to find out. that people faced in Russia after the This is a truly wonderful story of the Second World War. The descriptions Dr Maggie’s Grand Tour of the consults her servants but their standard responses, about beauty bonds that are created between dogs bring home how dangerous it was to Solar System and kindness do not satisfy her. Her and their humans. Although we cannot say anything against Stalin and how HHHHH magic mirror is particularly unhelpful. know what our dogs are thinking this even children were persuaded to ‘tell’ Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Ill. The enchantress decides to take really does have a sense of truth about on their parents. There is also a real Chelen Écija, Buster Books, 120pp, action and transforms her magic it. Having had a dog the same age as sense of the fear about what could 978 1 78055 575 1, £12.99, hbk mirror into a pocket-sized version Cosmo I can relate to the issues of happen and how this permeated Dr Maggie is a space scientist with sending it on a mission to be her eyes ageing that he finds creeping up on society and made those who helped a passion for communicating the and ears to find out what really makes him. The whole behaviour of the dog the needy seem even braver than wonders of the universe to young an excellent princess. will resonate with anyone whose pet they were. At the heart of this story people and that enthusiasm really There follow eight stories about has rolled in something, dug up the we have the love that exists between comes through in this excellent extraordinary princesses the mirror garden or destroyed part of the home; family and friends; the years apart do information book. encounters on its travels, through but of course Cosmo does not see not lessen the desire to see parents,

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 27 BfK also autistic, is in this story too. We 8 – 10 Junior/Middle continued meet them doing all sorts of things together, and we understand their children and siblings and people are book demonstrating the curious differences as well as the ways they willing to take huge risks in order connections between us humans and are alike. They both love school, but to see their loved ones. I ended up many other animals. It is written with while Martha talks a lot and asks really loving this story and cannot great enthusiasm, and will appeal to questions, Kya is quieter and prefers recommend it highly enough. MP many children … and adults, with a listening to stories. We learn about keen interest in creatures. It will inspire Kya’s support teacher, who helps her The Impossible Boy readers to see how similar we are to understand things during lessons and HHHH those who inhabit this planet alongside uses picture cards. Both girls like lots of different foods, but Martha has to Ben Brooks, ill George Ermos, us. It opens eyes to so many detailed Quercus, 268pp, 9781786540997, similarities, demonstrating many be watched carefully because she £9.99 hbk reasons to empathise with other living doesn’t ‘know when she is full’. They both love touching things, and Martha Oleg and Emma have started creating things. The contents are divided into Community, Feelings, and Intelligence. likes to touch people’s clothes. an imaginary friend, after their real Kya even likes touching things like friend Sarah had moved away from their We read of Jane Goodall’s work, watching chimpanzees over many years stinging nettles and slugs because area, but what they didn’t expect was she finds them ‘interesting’. Both for that imaginary person to suddenly in Tanzania, starting in the 1960s. It was unusual for scientists at that time girls like routines, but Kya doesn’t appear in their classroom one morning. like going to bed, whereas Martha will Oleg had created Sebastian Cole when to observe their creatures of interest day and night over long periods, as take herself to bed when she’s tired. writing an essay for the class’s supply Both girls are individuals – just like all teacher Mr Clay, so where did the ‘real’ Goodall did. She made what was until then unknown, the staggering discovery of us – but when we come to know The Somerset Tsunami Sebastian come from and why does them, we love them for their quirky he not understand about basic things that chimps not only used tools, but HHHH actually made them. There are many ways. The pictures are a treat, full of such as pizza? Added to this there action and soft watercolour from an Emma Carroll, Faber and Faber, are other strange things taking place examples of creatures “aping” our 194p, 9780571332816, £6.99, pbk way of life. Many people will know that illustrator who understands, and the in their town. Firstly a goat takes to Fortune Sharpe is independent, bees, on returning to the hive/nest whole is redolent of a loving father wandering around the school and then outspoken – and she longs to will perform their WAGGLE dance, to and his ‘beautiful daughter’. ES a whole troupe of Snowmen (actually go to sea. These are dangerous communicate a site of particularly Snow women) start walking around the Can I Touch Your Hair? characteristics at a time when it good nectar or pollen. And maybe we streets. To top it all there are people A Conversation is better, as a girl, to avoid undue know that ants “farm” aphids; when wearing crow masks who say they are HHHHH attention. There are witch hunts hungry, the ants stroke the aphids from the Institute of Unreality and they abroad – and when a freak storm – a causing them to produce a sugary drink Irene Latham & Charles Waters, ill.Sean want to destroy Sebastian as he should tsunami strikes the Somerset coat – known as honeydew. Canada geese Qualls & Selina Alko, Rock the Boat, not exist. The question is whether Oleg scapegoats are looked for.... and other migrating birds do just as 45pp, 978 1 78607 737 0, £7.99 pbk and Emma can save their new friend Emma Carroll has established cyclists/runners in a race do; one bird/ A very special book of poems, written and if they can stop all of these weird herself as an author who creates cyclist/marathon runner is selected to by two children as a school project, this events and also save their Christmas engaging characters and plots that lead the group, taking the brunt of the is a story to treasure, and should be celebrations? bring the past alive. Centred on real wind. When tired, they drop back for an in every classroom. The two children, This is a lovely story told on several events they involve young people who easier flight/ride, whilst another takes Irene, who is white, and Charles, who levels. Whilst it has the magical and have agency and step off the page to the lead. The chapter on LOVE includes is black, are horrified when they are mysterious group of main events meet their readers. This is the way stories of many different creatures, unexpectedly put together for the there are also underlying themes to ensure that history is not seen from primates to penguins to blue project. Knowing nothing of each centred on the children, their families as dead and dusted; it may be the footed boobies. Aggression also gets a other, except that Irene is quiet and and even some of their teachers. past, but emotions, situations, ideas chapter, as does Grief. There is a recount Charles talks all the time and that Oleg’s Polish grandma had been a were as important and pressing as of an orca whale being surrounded by they are of different races, they find it writer but can no longer finish any of they are today. This, her latest novel, several female orcas on the day her calf difficult to begin. Charles, who loves her stories, Oleg’s dad is unemployed is no exception. Fortune Sharpe is died. It was observed that after this, poetry, decides they will start with and spends most of his time sleeping a character who impresses from she carried her calf for 17 days before poems about ‘shoes, hair, school, and and Emma’s mum is in a dead end the moment we meet her. Through finally letting it go. Elephants have often church’, and so they do. In the process job that she really dislikes. The her we encounter the attitudes been filmed returning to the site of the of writing some thirty-three poems on author shows us the importance of and prejudices of the seventeenth death of one of their family, weeks these subjects and many others, they family and of friendship and how they century – but also the believable and after the event, inspecting the bones. grow to know each, confront their can help us overcome many of the universal resilience of girls – and Is that a way of grieving? The glossary own racial prejudices (and those of problems we find in life. He lets us boys. We are drawn into domestic explains clearly vocabulary use, e.g. classmates as well), and develop know that working together can have crises, the cruelties that were – and dopamine, a chemical released to a friendship that may well become a tremendous impact and that we still are – inflicted on those who make one feel happy; hypothesis… life-long. The poems are intensely have the ability to change our futures are seen as different and we learn And before the detailed INDEX are 15 moving, occasionally funny, and often if we want to. One of the background about a little piece of history that will photos of ecologists, marine biologists, revealing, and Charles and Irene find stories centres around the animosity amaze – a real tsunami on the coast psychologists, with brief biographies much more in common with each between two of the teachers and it of England! Attractively packaged of their work. The illustrator, Mark other than they thought possible. is only at the end that we discover and related in an easy contemporary Ruffle, has provided impressive artwork The illustrations are exceptional, very the bullying that had taken place by style that will keep the pages turning throughout, and the whole book comes real people doing very real things, one of them when they had been this is another novel by this author to together to inspire readers to think pictured on a white background with in school together; a reminder that recommend and to stock. FH our behaviour can have a lasting more deeply about our relations with lots of intermittent touches of collage. impact on both the victim and the the animal kingdom. Quite amazing, The two children’s classmates come A Gallery of Cats perpetrator. This is a great read that and the author’s enthusiasm for his to know each other better too, and HHHHH may well become a standard. MP subject is infectious. Should be in every learn that differences in race don’t school library. GB necessarily mean differences in Ruth Brown Scallywag Press, 32pp HUMANIMAL, Incredible Ways people. The book is American, and 9781912650170, £12.00 hbk Animals Are Just Like Us! Through the Eyes of Us there are a few words that may Tom is visiting an art gallery with his HHHHH HHHH need explaining, but this is all to the granny. He will be seeing paintings Jon Roberts, ill. Hannah Rounding, good as phrases like ‘Trayvon’ and by some great artists – it doesn’t Christopher Lloyd, ill. Mark Ruffle, sound too exciting. So when there is What on Earth Books, 978 1 Graffeg, 32pp, 978 1912 654802, ‘Ferguson, Mississippi’ can be looked 912920 00 6, £12.99, hbk £7.99 pbk up and learned about. A superb book an opportunity to explore a small side in a quality production, it will add room, Tom takes it and finds himself From an author critically acclaimed This is the second in a series of books about the author’s autistic greatly to the general understanding in a very different exhibition; an for the award-winning ABSOLUTELY of kids of all ages. ES exhibition that comes alive.... EVERYTHING comes a fascinating daughter, Kya; her best friend Martha,

28 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews is rounded off by an index; it may be a 8 – 10 Junior/Middle continued story but it is not fiction, This is biography but truly accessible to a young reader. Ruth Brown is well known for her Part of the Trail Blazers series this and Jane Goodall. A Life with its companions are ones to look for beautifully imagined realistic images Chimps of cats and the world through which especially for those whose interest might they move. Here we see her in her HHHH lean towards real life inspiration to feed the imagination. My only caveat, the use element as she takes a playful Anita Ganeri Ill. and design Louisa look at some of the world’s great Uribe, George Ermos, Keiron of white font on a grey ground for some masterpieces – and most of them Ward Stripes Publishing, 176pp, quotations is not easy to read. FH from the past century. These are 9781788951579, £6.99 pbk A Postcard to Ollis artists that children are very likely The recent interest in creating HHHH to encounter in school – Van Gogh, engaging and accessible information Magritte, Kahlo – and some perhaps literature together with the emphasis Ingunn Thon, illus Nora Brech, a little more unfamiliar. Central to both on diversity and empathy in trans. Siân Mackie, Wacky Bee, 220pp, 9781999903343, £6.99 pbk each painting, taking pride of place books for young people has seen a and adopting both the style of the revival in telling the stories of famous Ollis (the abbreviation of her real artist and the character is a cat; a or important but perhaps unsung, men name – Oda Lise Louise Ingrid Sonja cat who leaps off the canvas to follow and women. These can range from – the names of five inspirational Tom as he proceeds pied- piper like anthologies to individual biographies. Norwegian women) feels abandoned. from image to image. Nor are these Jane Goodall by Anita Ganeri is one of No because of the arrival of a little “imaginary” cats. They are solid the latter. It is one in a series which brother whom she adores, but the and as the text reveals, real breeds will include not just names from the the arrival of a new ‘dad’. Einer is not carefully chosen to match their artist. past but contemporary personages as her dad. Her real father, her Borgepa, adventures will be comfortable, and There is humour in watching them Jane is herself. disappeared and her mother will not may result in tension. Ollis may have interact with each other – and the Anita Ganeri is an experienced talk about him at all. Perhaps he is to learn to be independent. She will reading audience. The artwork is creator of information texts. This is, as a dead? Then Ollis finds a postcard – a also have to learn that not all stories bold, immersive, Brown’s rich palette result, a well crafted engaging story. And postcard from Borgepa. He does love have a neat ending, that assumptions bringing each image to vivid life. The it is a story. There are no sound bites. her and she is determined to find him. are dangerous, that relationships design is simple – we are after all in Here is an extended narrative through Lively characterisation, lively narrative can be messy but still loving. Young a gallery and we move from exhibit which we meet Jane Goodall herself seamlessly translated come together readers will revel in the eccentricities to exhibit naturally, without fuss. from her early childhood to the present in this enjoyable narrative from the of the characters – Gro and Borgny in The simple text sets up the game day. Interspersed are what in an old Norwegian author Ingunn Thon, particular – and the freedom enjoyed describing the essence of the artists fashioned book would be a foot-note, perfectly visualised by Nora Brech. by the two girls as they race through and their works. This is a game but here are presented fully on the page, The theme is very familiar as Ollis the Norwegian woods. They will be that could easily be developed and is the extra information a young reader searches for answers when faced with impressed by Ollis’ inventive abilities extended by imaginative teachers. might require ( the difference between a change that will affect the way she (and perhaps, inspired) and by Gro’s What cat would you choose for the ape and the monkey; apartheid). sees her life and her relationship with confidence and imagination. This is Michelangelo? What a lovely and Just As is the case with the foot-note her mother. Ollis steps off the page, a very definitely a book to recommend to memorable way to be introduced to there is no prescription to read these very real ten year old, ready to follow lively KS2 readers. A welcome addition the world of art inside the classroom pages and they are differentiated in font her friend Gro (surely a Norwegian to any library or out of it. FH and design from the main text. The neat Pippi Longstocking) on exciting And the author provides a useful line illustrations add further life to the adventures as they face down the Billy note at the end on the five inspirational words as do the quotes, while the whole Goat of Christmas Past. Not all these women behind Ollis’ name. FH

10 – 14 Middle/Secondary

Lily at Lissadell adventures. Just as important, she Invisible in a Bright Light HHHHH wins the trust of her grumpy co- HHHH worker Nellie, and discovers truths Judi Curtin, O’Brien Press, 256pp, Sally Gardner, Zephyr, 272pp, 978-1788491280, £11.99 pbk about her life too. 9781786695222, £10.99, hbk For all its Upstairs, Downstairs Like Jacqueline Wilson, to whom she setting, the accent is mostly on how It begins with a mystery; more properly is frequently compared, Judi Curtin much the people in the house have several mysteries. We might not expect is increasingly drawn to setting her in common, and while Curtin skilfully to know who the man in the emerald stories in the past, and that is the creates a real sense of history – the green suit is; nor why he is sat in case in this her latest novel. It’s arrival of the motorcar, talk of what is a barnacle encrusted throne in an 1913, and young Lily must leave happening beyond Lissadell and Lily’s undersea cave surrounded by dangling school – and her dreams of becoming two room cottage home – we care most corpses. Such things will become a teacher herself – to go and work as about Lily; the drama, such as it is, clear; as will the precise nature of the under housemaid at Lissadell House, comes not from historic events but the task he is setting the girl before him. the family home of the Gore-Booths. sense of her development, and of what But the girl, who is she? She has lost Life as the lowliest of the servants is she might go on to do. It’s clear that Lily her memory. She doesn’t even know if hard: the hours are long, the work is is living in an age on the brink of huge she is Marie or Celeste. Only gradually exhausting and her fellow housemaid change, but the overall atmosphere is does Sally Gardner reveal exactly is distinctly frosty. On top of that, Lily one of optimism and hope. what is going on in this tale. It is once is a long way from home and misses The three main characters – Lily, more a tribute to the great Dane, the her mother, and little sisters and Maeve and Nellie - are as lively a trio best known coiner of such tales; and brothers very much. But, like many as you could hope to meet, characters it draws its inspiration from relatively Curtin heroines, she’s bright, caring, that readers will believe in and care recent myths of disappearing ships optimistic and, above all, resilient. Lily Lily makes friends with Maeve, one and sailors (run the girl’s two possible of the young ladies of the house – about. As we’ve come to expect from knows that with her in employment, Judi Curtin, the story is full of charm names together). Most of the story the financial pressures on the family the real-life daughter of Constance takes place on dry land, in the Royal Markievicz, who also plays a part in and humour and this is a genuinely are eased, and there are advantages heart-warming read. AR Opera House in a European port city in to living in the Big House – not least, the story – and that leads to breaks the late nineteenth century. Theatre is regular meals. As the story unfolds, in the routine and some exciting something that Gardner knows much

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 29 BfK would be either and resent having to the everyday challenges faced by 10 – 14 Middle/Secondary continued take their younger cousin sightseeing. Adedoyin, as he adjusts to new mobility And the estrangement between her challenges. Ade’s father refuses to father and grandfather does not accept his son’s ‘weaknesses’ and appear to be improving. locks the wheelchair away, and there But as Amara travels round Harlem are children in Ade’s class happy New talent her eyes are opened and she begins to use callipers and wheelchairs as Pet to realise the much wider significance ammunition for insults. Most affecting HHHHH of where she has come from, her is Ade’s love of sport and the need to roots and her cultural heritage as come to terms with the fact that he Akwaeke Emezi ,Faber & Faber, she visits museums, statues and can’t do what he has before. 204pp, 9780571355112, £7.99, pbk local restaurants. But it is in her As the story explores these There are no monsters in Lucille; Grandfather’s home that she makes personal issues, it retains throughout at least not any more after the the most surprising discoveries about an extremely clear and positive revolution. Now the angels keep her father as a young man and hears message: there is nothing that order – angels drawn from the first-hand the family stories about Adedoyin can’t overcome, thanks to community. But what does a her legendary Grandma, Grace. his determination and the kindness monster look like? And why do the Most importantly Amara learns that of his friends. angels found on the pages of old families are not always perfect and The story is heavily autobiographical books look so monstrous? What that forgiveness and acceptance are and many of Ade Adepitan’s childhood happens when you forget the what matters. memories are shared. Sceptics monsters? These are questions that This is an exceptional story of a might easily dismiss this approach trouble fifteen year old Jam. Then young girl’s coming of age, finding out as a vanity project for another Pet arrives, drawn from a painting about her roots and her own place celebrity author, but the truth is that by Jam’s mother. Is Pet an angel – in her family, told with economy and Adepitan’s story is truly inspirational, or a monster? grace. It is both touching and thought- and his accomplishments are This is a powerful and disturbing But they will not be presented provoking yet never feels preachy. It extraordinary. Moreover, the quality narrative told in a voice that is both with a resolution that is black packs a powerful punch. The suitcase of storytelling here is very good. It immediate and reflective as all and white; it will be satisfying but project is a brilliant idea too and I succeeds in placing superheroism the best allegories are. Lucille is uncomfortable. Angels, like Justice, would suggest every school should alongside everyday problems, to a community that is inspirational; are not there to deal in “fairness”, own their own copy of this book. JC highlight the experiences of children here a young person can find an they are as Pet says “hunters” and with disabilities and to confront identity that is their own – as Jam as all mystics have known are truly Cyborg Cat and the Night prejudices. Yes, the Cyborg Cat faces has. Here there are loving families frightening. Humans are not angels Spider extreme challenges, but the defining with a strong sense of wellbeing – there is an emotional response HHHH elements of his growing-up are the and togetherness. Lucille is a but even compromise can be Ade Adepitan, ill. Carl Pearce, jokes he shares with his friends and happy, safe place. Or is it? There is uncomfortable. Emezi has shaped 232pp, 9781787414037, £5.99, pbk the love he shares with his family, and a history, one in which the adults a story to encourage thought and This superhero series accounts the these are also the most enjoyable had a part, but which, in a belief reflection – even discussion among adventures of the young Adedoyin parts of the book. SD that its horrors should not be young readers. This is a novel and his friends, The Parsons Road M is for Movement (Aka remembered, is being quietly buried that presents powerful messages Gang. Set in their school in London, in favour of a golden present. The which are conveyed through lively Humans Can’t Eat Golf balls) the story tells of how the gang have to HHHH result is that Jam, alive, intelligent, language and dialogue, through stand up to bullying and stick together independent is also naive. What is a imaginative images and strong to help their friend as he adapts to the Innosanto Nagara, Seven Stories Press, monster? And suppose it wears an characterisation of both the young changing nature of his superpowers. 96pp, 978-1609809355, £15.99 pbk angel’s face? The greatest danger protagonists and the adults. The Adedoyin wears a calliper on his leg Through describing his own in any community is complacency. result is an absorbing, powerful, due to the effects of polio as a baby, experiences and those of his friends Young people reading this will be multilayered read that is not just a and it helps him to leap around in goal Nagara indicates not only the story drawn in by the characters, by lesson but an experience. FH and to earn the nickname Cyborg Cat. of the movement for social change in the situation, by the emotions. There’s nothing he can’t do: it gives Indonesia but also offers something him the strength to keep up with his of a blueprint for those seeking social about and she peoples this story with Some Places More than Others friends and to sprint around school change everywhere. the facts of everyday theatrical life, HHHHH between lessons, bumping into The book begins with an indication the glamorous and the unglamorous, ill-prepared bystanders. However, of how the writer was shaped by his Renée Watson illus. Shadra Adedoyin is getting older, and heavier, upbringing as the child of a dissident. and the figures of its fiction: a prima Stickland, Bloomsbury, 214pp donna soprano; a long suffering 978 15266 13684 £6.99 pbk and his leg won’t be able to keep He also sets his own experiences in director; and overlooked bit players, supporting him, despite the calliper. the wider context of rising activism including the prima donna’s abused Award-winning author, Renée He finds himself slowing down and throughout the world; describing this daughter, who may yet become a star. Watson’s new novel is a masterful soon has to come to terms with the formative period as ‘a political storm’. But surely even this is not the world and warm-hearted paean to family life fact that the Cyborg Cat will need to Nagara shows how experiences as we know it, for here a chandelier and discovering who you are. use a wheelchair. at school were an influence too, can explode and pepper our whoever Amara lives with her loving parents Meanwhile, a local graffiti artist relating a story in which a classmate heroine with shards and she not only in Oregon. A long-awaited baby sister has taken against the Cyborg Cat and (Sulaiman), recruits the support survives but is given an extraordinary is on the way. But Amara wants to threatening artworks appear around of neighbourhood friends to help gift by the apparent catastrophe. It is broaden her horizons and is desperate town. The Parsons Road Gang are him deal with a bullying incident. a story rich in allusion, maybe even to to go to New York for her twelfth faced with the challenge of making Sulaiman finds the same approach that most wonderful of films of theatre birthday as she has never met her sure Ade misses out on nothing, proves equally effective when life, Les Enfants Du Paradis. There Grandpa Earl and her cousins, Nina despite the chair, while standing up to dealing with larger scale bullying as are name games and plot puzzles for and Ava. At first her parents are totally the insults of bullies and uncovering a community leader. Through these the attentive and quick witted reader; opposed to the idea until Amara comes the identity of the evil graffiti artist. anecdotes the principle of solidarity is and this gradually and compellingly home from school with a project to find A tough task to say the least but, introduced. Other key concepts such unfolded tale is also rich in Andersen- out about her family origins and her fortunately, the gang always live by as corruption, nepotism and collusion like colours of light and dark: where the mother realises this might be just the their motto (‘always stick together’) are explained simply and clearly in kind and generous, however humble, opportunity to mend a long-standing and the Cyborg Cat knows he can relation to events in Indonesia. and the selfish and cruel, however rift between Amara’s father and count on them to go to the greatest of Specific instances of injustice exalted, get their just deserts. CB grandfather. Amara immediately starts lengths to support him. linked to corruption by the state are planning all the places she would like Though the story features outlined – including the misdirection to see but when she arrives is rather extraordinary heroics and depicts of government funds for drugs during taken aback at the hustle, bustle and vibrant characters fighting for good a medical epidemic and indifference noise of New York. Her cousins are not or evil, its focus is really upon to the fate of the poor when a quite as friendly as she thought they landslide triggered by a dam building

30 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews very believable characters. The and travel in other solar systems. 10 – 14 Middle/Secondary continued reader feels for Kevin who has the James makes it clear in this courage to make a brave stand for entertaining and thought-provoking project causes many to lose their his friend Roisin to make her escape, story that there are lessons to be homes and in some cases their lives. and also for Mary who sees her father learned, but she allows readers to Examples of the way activism can only in brief snatches. She helps in explore the unfolding ideas through the make a difference is described, for a daring attack on a prisoner train, course of the narrative, thus making example when direct community and finds it hard not to let her younger their impact even more hard-hitting. VR action halted plans to build a golf siblings know that their father is still alive, and acknowledges her mother’s White Eagles course on paddy fields thereby HHHH protecting livelihoods. And hence the courage in covering for her husband book’s subtitle. and bringing the children up alone in Elizabeth Wein, Barrington Stoke, Written by the same author as the this subterfuge. 136pp., 9781781128961, £7.99, pbk highly successful A is for Activism The children’s ages are at the end Published as a teen novel this slight this new book provides a highly of primary school, maybe it would have novel is aimed at the top end of the readable introduction to the social been better if they were slightly older to age range 10-14. Elizabeth Wein’s movement for change and the power add credibility to the story, particularly previous novel for Barrington stoke was of the individual to make a difference. as Mary is used in a prominent way also about women flying during the Grounded in his own experience to stop the train, and her father also Second World War, Firebird set in Soviet and knowledge, it is written in an reveals some serious secrets to her, Russia,. White Eagles starts as the accessible style and very apposite at a but these do not get in the way of a Germans invade Poland in September time when young people are becoming good story, which raises some good 1939, when eighteen year old Kristina JF increasingly politically and socially questions for discussion. is called up just before her twin brother engaged. Nagara is a talented artist The Starlight Watchmaker Leopold, to join the White Eagles of the and graphic designer and the striking HHHHH title, the Polish Air Force. But tragedy full colour illustrations throughout the strikes very quickly when Leopold is book add to the drama and appeal of becomes deliciously mysterious, Lauren James, Barrington Stoke, killed after a brave attack, witnessed by the book. SMcG calling on old sea stories of mermaids 119pp, 978-1-78112-895-4, £7.99, pbk his twin. In shock Kristina decides to and undersea creatures. Constable The Starlight Watchmaker is another escape in her plane, not knowing she The Pearl in the Ice carries this off with bravura, blending high-quality offering from the ever- has a passenger. Together with Will, all HHHH the real world and the magical reliable Barrington Stoke. Its eye- of eleven, having witnessed the violent Cathryn Constable, Chicken House, together perfectly, and, after the catching cover is beautifully designed death of his parents, the two make their 304pp, 978-1912626519, £6.99 pbk devastation of the war, leaves Marina and hints at the content within, escape in the plane to eventual safety. If you love mystery and adventure, with the power and determination to arousing curiosity in a prospective The violence and brutality of the proper adventure that is, in create a new world, using a language reader. This foray into sci-fi features German invasion of Poland is not dangerous, far-away places, she has plucked ‘like pearls’ from the Hugo, the eponymous watchmaker glossed over at all, but neither is the adventure tinged with magic and that drowned depths of the ancient sea. and an android who needs the courage of Kristina, flying initially requires the protagonist to show real It’s a story to make young readers starlight of the title to recharge his without maps, trying to find safety for courage and integrity, then Cathryn believe anything is possible, and all batteries and ensure his survival. He herself and Wil. The sheer physical Constable is the author for you. Set in the better for that. AR lives and works in a tiny attic on the task of flying a plane over unknown an other-world that closely resembles campus of an elite academy attended territory is well described and also the Resistance by only the most privileged biological difficulties even then faced by a young Europe in the tense years before HHH the outbreak of World War One, The students and is thus wholly isolated woman. Will emerges as young man Pearl in the Ice tells the story of Brian Gallagher, O’Brien, 259pp., from the world around him. of great courage and resilience, even twelve-year old Marina, who we first 9781788490801, £7.99 pbk His life changes rapidly when deceiving Kristina into thinking she is meet dangling ‘from the branch of a This story is an interesting example of Dorian, one of the students, comes learning French when he is teaching London plane tree in the garden of ‘what if’ plots, in this case what if the to demand high-handedly that his her English, which does stretch the her father’s house in Hampstead.’ Nazis had conquered Eire, a country broken watch is repaired. Hugo imagination somewhat! Marina’s father is a naval commander which in real history which was discovers that the quantum energy This is a short novel, covering a and about to set off for Cadiz while neutral during the Second World War. source which powers the watch is great deal of ground both literally and she – to her horror – is being sent Credibly there is resistance of course, missing and suspects it has been within the story. It catches the fear to a Ladies’ College where she will but also those who collaborated in stolen to make a bomb. The story and chaos of war very well, something be taught things important to young various ways and some interesting unfolds into a quest to find the thief Elizabeth Wein has demonstrated women of her class. Marina’s invalid moral points are raised during this and prevent any destruction and both in ‘Firebird’ and ‘Code Name mother left when Marina was so small very readable novel. along the way intriguing characters Verity’. It is difficult to capture that she can hardly remember her. Roisin is in fact Rachel, child of and scenarios are introduced. An both the historical feeling and the In fact, Marina never makes it to a Jewish mother which in the eyes unlikely friendship develops between character development in such a her ladies’ college: rather she jumps of the Nazis is reason to send her Hugo and Dorian and, when their short novel and it would be good to trains at the station and makes her way to a concentration camp. She has search takes them to an abandoned see the author write a longer novel to Portsmouth, determined to plead escaped Cork by the skin of her and forgotten city beneath their own again. But this short novel would with her father to let her join him in the teeth to Dublin, but eventually her they find the answer to the puzzle of be good for more reluctant female navy instead. A chance encounter on real name is discovered and friends the missing quantum energy. teenage readers. JF the train with the dashing Miss Smith, Mary and Kevin become involved in A colony of abandoned androids her eventual escape by submarine to is living in the gloomy depths, with no We Are The Beaker Girls a secretary at the Admiralty, convinces HHHH Marina that women can work for the Iceland, where the Irish Resistance light to recharge their batteries and so navy and that parents aren’t always is beginning to plot the end of the the theft of the energy is the only way Jacqueline Wilson, illus Nick right, but arriving in Portsmouth there occupation. Mary’s father has had in which they can survive. They have Sharratt, Doubleday, 328 pp, are surprises in store. Her father is not to leave his family to be a leader of all been abandoned by their owners 978 0 857 53587 0, hbk the commander of the HMS Neptune the resistance, but Kevin’s father, a for newer models and so cannot get This is the second Wilson book at all but the much smaller Sea Witch, local councillor has stayed to work ID passes which allow them to live and narrated by Tracy Beaker’s daughter and their destination is not Cadiz but alongside the Germans. Here lies work on the surface. This heartless Jess, aged ten. Jess and Tracy the far North. Discovered stowing the moral question, what would you and unthinking exclusion from society have moved home to Cooksea, a away, Marina is allowed to stay, and do? Then there is Dennis O’Sullivan offers a parallel to our own attitudes to seaside town bearing an uncanny plays a part in a story of espionage and who has found his own way to possessions and to those we feel are resemblance to Brighton. Tracy now heroism, in which all sorts of people act, collaborating for money and inferior to us. Dorian uses his father’s runs an antique shop called The turn out to be not what they seem. spying on his local community who wealth and influence to reinstate the Dumping Ground, in partnership with As they travel further into the subsequently suffer at the hands of androids into society, recognising a woman named Flo, who at one time freezing waters, Marina discovers his minder Vogts. that the old and battered robots have was a minor television celebrity. The more about herself and about her All this makes for a very credible valuable inter-planetary language Beaker mother and daughter team mother and now the story also story with considerable depth and skills to offer those who wish to work face two main problems. The first

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 31 BfK later. Omar begins his journey in an this reviewer did not feel the expected 10 – 14 Middle/Secondary continued overloaded yellow dinghy, a journey relationship. Morpurgo has attempted which nearly costs him his life. When to combine two very different genres, is the danger than Tracy’s former in general – a mix of detestation and he comes ashore not in England but in the realistic narrative of refugees in flight boyfriend Sean Godfrey may re-enter fear. They may be relieved to learn Lilliput, his arrival feels like Gulliver’s. from danger or poverty and the more their lives. The second is the need that Tracy has now moderated her The reader does not know for certain imaginative intertext with and retelling to identify the boy on the beach who destructive urges. She now has a whether Omar’s perception of himself of Swift’s famous fantasy. If any author steals people’s ice creams. What grudging respect for those who are as huge is real or imagined. could combine these very disparate effect may this ice cream thief have trying to help her daughter develop. Omar spends the next four years elements, it would seem that Morpurgo on the lives of the Beakers? Admirers of Dame Jacqueline will with the Lilliputians and without his could do so. But in fact the strain of The boy on the beach, it transpires, be pleased to learn that the full array mother. He believes that she has combination seems to be too severe is a fugitive foster-child. This provides of memorable characters who have reached England before him. Omar even for him. Once the reader has an opportunity for Wilson to explore appeared in earlier Beaker books do is befriended by two Lilliputians, Zaya become reconciled to the dissonance of in the most effective way the issues reappear in this latest offering. RB and Natoban. They teach him English the two themes, the read is enjoyable. of fostering. Although fostering issues and escort him round the island, But the dissonance remains. often arise on the periphery of stories The Boy Giant becoming his best friends while he is Two themes dominate the text, for young readers. Including the earlier HHH in Lilliput. The novel now poses the namely the need to be kind and welcoming to strangers and the need history of Tracy herself, it is rare for Michael Morpurgo, illus Michael question whether Omar and his two fostering issues to appear (as they do Foreman, HarperCollins, 288pp, best friends will ever reach England. to eliminate war. But both themes here) at the centre of such narratives. 978-0008347918, £12.99 hbk. Will Omar be reunited with his mother? seem to be hammered home in Opening a Morpurgo book, one an uncharacteristically blunt and Readers who have followed Tracy’s Omar is a twelve year old Afghan career since her debut in 1991 will expects to find oneself in a strong unsubtle manner. The author’s refugee. He and his mother want to relationship with the narrative and many admirers will feel that on this have become familiar with her attitude get to England but his mother says he towards teacher and figures of authority the characters. That is the reputation occasion he has not lived up to his is to go ahead alone. She will join him the author has built. With this book, past standard. RB 14+ Secondary/Adult

Pumpkin Heads just friends? It’s gently and wittily creativity, has the growing strength HHHH done with sympathy for its two to make her way steadily out of the central characters and their different dark. I was not equally convinced by Rainbow Rowell, illus. Faith Erin Hicks, Macmillan, 228pp, 978 approaches to life and much affection the turn in the plot that sees Maggie 1529008630, £9.99, pbk for this once a year innocent country and her boyfriend setting her mum jamboree. CB up for a date and it all working out In this perfectly realised graphic swimmingly. Yet this is a quibble to novel, Josiah and Deja are spending The M Word set against the novel’s achievement their last night as student workers HHHH of dealing so approachably with such at a Halloween Pumpkin Patch in Brian Conaghan, Bloomsbury, a difficult subject. CB the Midwest of the USA. For those 354pp, 9781408871560, £12.99, readers who are as unfamiliar with a hbk Scars Like Wings Halloween Pumpkin Patch as I am, it Conaghan takes us to dark places HHHHH seems to be a seasonal family event in seventeen year-old Maggie’s life. which takes place on a (pumpkin) It starts with a bit of teaser in the Erin Stewart, Simon and Schuster, farm and features lots of Halloween- first page or so, when we are invited 384pp, 978-1471187018, £12.99 hbk type snacks and other attractions like to wonder what an unknown man Ava Lee is aged sixteen, American. a petting zoo and a Halloween ghost is jabbing into Maggie that is not She is a junior at Crossroads High train, and is staffed predominantly producing the expected ecstasy and School. A year before the story begins by high school students. Josiah which she would rather he gets over her family house was burned down. and Deja have been teamed up for with quickly. Actually it’s a tattoo drill Both her parents and her cousin the last three years, usually at the but you could be excused for thinking Sara died in the fire. Ava suffered Succotash Hut, where they stir and that it is something else that girls sixty percent burns and permanent sell – well- succotash. But next year are not expected to enjoy on the disfigurement. After the fire Ava goes detail and she describes how people they will be at college and this night first time. And this kind of knowing to live with the parents of her late is an opportunity for them to savour confronted with such experiences black humour from narrator Maggie cousin, Aunt Cora and Uncle Glenn. may swing from an optimistic few Halloween joys for the last time and turns out to be necessary in a story Stewart sets out to tell the story of to take care of some unfinished days to the depths of despair and that gets to grips both with suicide Ava’s recovery and self-acceptance, the darkest of thoughts. Occasionally business. With illustrator Faith Erin and self-harm. It’s Maggie that’s fraught though that story may prove to Hicks and author Rainbow Rowell, even Stewart fails to meet a realistic cutting herself and there are some be. There is a narrative running parallel standard. At one point Piper, despite we follow the two friends as dynamic scenes that, while they may make to that of Ava. Her friend Piper also and sociable Deja attempts to shake her spinal injuries and quadriplegia, you squirm, will certainly cause you to bears the marks of fire, as a result of manages to move herself unaided on diffident Josiah out of his cautious grieve at the mutilation, even as you a car crash. Piper is now a wheelchair and self-conscious ways and to to Ava’s bed. understand the temporary relief that user with spinal injury and quadriplegia. Nevertheless this is an actually talk to the girl on the fudge it gives her. Maggie herself is grieving This book is an unusual example counter that he has admired from outstanding book, the most for the suicide of her best friend of its genre. Most books which informed account of its subject afar. It’s a well-observed humorous and failing to cope with her mum’s tackle the difficult subject of life- conversation piece in which we get since the publication of Lois Keith’s spiralling depression. She is also changing impairments fail to allow the A Different Life in 1997. RB to know them both much better facing up to a new turn in her life as characters to witness the full gamut and to realise how their friendship she starts Art School and has to find of feelings experienced by those who Full Disclosure is based on mutual respect and a her place there, as well as struggling in real life face such situations. Such HHHH shared sense of humour. The obvious books often avoid mentioning the with the usual relationship and sexual Camryn Garrett, Penguin Random question that arises, of course, is anxieties. Conaghan convincingly darkest moments that such a destiny what kind of relationship this really House, 290pp, 978 0 241 36706 3, sets the self-harming in the context involves, or if they mention them they £7.99 pbk is. Could it be that, by the end of an do so fleetingly. Such books also often of this perfect stress storm and Camryn Garrett was only 13 when evening of unruly child customers, an introduces us to a young woman who gloss over the endless and debilitating escaped goat, half-finished snacks medical treatments that come in the she was invited to work as a reporter is certainly a victim but with whose for TIME for Kids (a supplement to and their incompetent replacements vulnerability, guilt and anger we can wake of serious injuries. Stewart’s who set the succotash on fire, they book neglects neither of these TIME Magazine); she has also written empathise. She is also someone for MTV and The Huffington Post. To will find that they are more than who, in her wit, self-awareness and themes. The author explores both in

32 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 reviews tactic however runs a risk: it makes cruel to those they considered to be 14+Secondary/Adult continued the reader both a witness to the their inferiors. Their boyfriends were process and an arms-length observer, cast in the same mould – so it came have sold this debut novel before her conversations in the hallways, school an ambivalence which confuses the as a huge shock to India when she 18th birthday is some achievement. clubs or on the way home; it’s one of reader’s status. Second, in the light was asked out by Ennis, one of these Garrett’s language is alive with those school stories where classes of Bourne’s warning, the reader is minor gods. Eager to be a part of the honesty and energy, reflecting the and actual work don’t significantly prepared for sexual assault to be highest social echelon, she accepts. viewpoint and empathy of someone interrupt Relationships. Boys are not quite explicitly described. Instead at Govett has a real talent for writing from within the age group of her much explored in the story, except the moment of truth the reader is left creating excruciatingly funny set- major characters and her readership. for the engaging Miles – they are in some doubt whether an assault pieces - in school, at home, at Her narrator, Simone Garcia-Hampton, inevitably seen from the outside by has actually taken place. It is implied parties - and peopling them with is in her Junior (penultimate) year Simone and her friends. Adults, even rather than stated, though later made instantly recognisable stereotypes. of High School. The quickfire, witty Simone’s two caring, listening Dads clear. Is this a failure of courage on She peppers this with the sort of conversations between Simone and (one a black teacher, one a Latino the part of the author? RB preoccupations with which most her friends, Claudia and Lydia, range medical doctor), sometimes don’t teenage girls are all too familiar and The Boy In The Black Suit weaves in a slapstick humour. What easily from masturbation and vibrators tune in to her wavelength. Eventually, HHH to the relative merits of differently someone discovers Simone’s secret is most impressive is her ear for flavoured condoms; in fact, Claudia and terrifies her through notes Jason Reynolds, Faber and Faber, dialogue: there is an unerring realism knows how to make your own dental threatening to go public, left in her 255pp, 978-0-571-35612-6, £7.99 pbk about everything from her grasp of dam out of a condom, should you locker and on her phone. Finally, she Matt’s mother has just died and surreally funny family conversations happen to need one. They are equally is exposed as being HIV Positive on his father is seeking solace in the to the awkwardnesses of first date at ease chatting about being bi, being social media, releasing a powerful drinking habit he abandoned 20 years verbal stumblings. gay or being straight. Some areas are and moving denouement. Garrett’s ago. He knows he must supplement I raised a cheer when India finally more difficult for Simone, however. control of a complex plot of almost his studies with a job and when he rejected the social lure of Ennis’ She is HIV Positive from birth and at 300 pages is remarkable. GF is offered work at Mr Ray’s funeral revered but tedious company and her last school, she shared this with parlour he realises that this may be opted for the boy she’d liked all along her closest friend who betrayed her The Places I’ve Cried in Public a way both to make money and to - unaffected and endearing Rich, with trust, setting irrational fear and hatred HHHH try to come to terms with the grief the too-high forehead and a passion for the highly unfashionable school blazing among students and parents. Holly Bourne, Usborne, 368pp, which threatens to overwhelm him. In the end, she quit. She’s been 978-1474949521, £7.99 pbk If he can attend funerals and watch orchestra. VR settling in since September at a local Amelie is aged sixteen and a talented families grieving he might be able to Because of You school, not far from San Francisco. singer song-writer. Her father has understand that others suffer as he HHHH She longs to spread the Science – found a new job in the south of does and so he is not alone. about viral loads, about the U=U rule This is a story rich in characters Eve Ainsworth, Barrington Stoke, England so Amelie is forced to leave 112pp, 978-1781128671, £7.99 pbk (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and her home in Sheffield, a move she and their secrets. Mr Ray has his the efficacy of current medication; but finds distressing. To make matters ‘pain vault’, a cellar devoted to his This is a story in part at least about understandably, she remains silent, worse Amelie has been forced to dead wife and to his career as an how young people respond to today’s keeping her diagnosis to herself. The leave her boyfriend Alfie. She and Alfie athlete cut short by a serious injury. flexible partnership arrangements. only place she can talk, with increasing have promised each other that they Lovey-who Matt begins a relationship Poppy is aged fourteen, in year nine at freedom, is in a therapy group at the will wait two years: at the end of that with- works at a fast-food restaurant, school. Her mother has a new partner, hospital with peers who also have HIV. separation they plan aged eighteen to runs a shelter for the homeless but Richie. He is moving in together with Recently, she’s found Miles, a be reunited at Manchester University. her mother was murdered when she his own daughter Kayla, aged sixteen. black guy on the stage crew of the Of course matters turn out to be was very young. Matt’s best friend Poppy detests her mother’s new man. school musical which she is student- more complicated. Down south Amelie Chris is, by contrast, uncomplicated She adores her father and resent her directing. He’s disconcertingly nice meets the charming and charismatic and supportive, relishing food and mother for kicking him out. to be around. He’s also a prominent Reese Davies. Initially Amelie is swept friendship in equal measure. At school Poppy witnesses athlete - an outstandingly good off her feet by Reese’s charm as well The novel is set in Brooklyn and another girl, Emily, being bullied. Lacrosse player. That’s unusual – as his musical talent. He also knows some readers might find difficulty Poppy supports Emily in her hour of Men’s Lacrosse, even at High School, how to flatter Amelie at a time when with the vernacular which the younger need and then becomes a target for is largely a white sport. Here, I should she lacks self-confidence. But as characters use – though it lends an the same mean girls. They pour a abandon the reviewer’s conventional time goes by their relationship moves extra layer of authenticity to the story. milkshake over Poppy’s head, film pretence of self-effacement; I may into something more dangerous and The ending of the book is tied up a it and post the video on a school well be the only British reviewer of depressing. Bourne’s book traces the little too neatly: Matt realises that he chat room for everyone to see and Young Adult fiction who played Men’s impact that change has on Reese, and Chris heard Lovey’s mother being comment on. Lacrosse for over 20 years, including Amelie and the absent Alfie. murdered by her abusive partner In her hour of need Poppy turns touring the USA and later coached As a frontispiece to her novel Bourne when, as children, they both slept at to her absent father. She is not sure the game in a US High School as an has inserted a warning note. The book Chris’s apartment; at the Christmas how far she can rely on his support, exchange teacher. An opportunity to deals with controlling behaviour and dinner for the homeless he meets or indeed what secrets might be mention this is unlikely to recur. sexual assault. This is appropriate, the man who inflicted the injury which unveiled as a result of her seeking The musical is Rent, which began a since these episodes could prove ended Mr. Ray’s career. help. 12 year run on Broadway in 1996. It’s upsetting to young readers. That such However, this novel is an unflinching Despite the brevity of a book under loosely based on La Boheme, but now oppressive behaviour does happen is portrayal of guilt on several levels and a hundred pages, Ainsworth pulls most of the characters are affected incontestable. It is imperative that young Reynolds has tackled a difficult subject off a considerable authorial feat. In by AIDS, in the fatal era before people should be equipped to recognise with energy and conviction. VR this short span she presents three effective meds. Simone dreams of such behaviour when confronted with complete and separate strands of a career directing musicals. The India Smythe Stands Up narrative development – namely it. For this reason Bourne’s endeavour HHHH teacher in charge here is interested deserves strong support. the reaction to flexible partnership chiefly in enhancing her own This reviewer however has two Sarah Govett, Marotte, 237pp, 978- arrangements, cyber bullying and the professional reputation; her direction minor criticisms. First, the emergence 1-9161-5260-1, £7.99 pbk secret flaw of Poppy’s father, which is mechanistic, focussing on outward of the exploitative relationship needs Matt’s mother has just died and his underlay his expulsion from the family appearances (‘Remember people are to be gradual – and it is. It may be father is seeking solace in the This is a home. Inevitably the reader feels looking at you’). The whole thing lacks however that the development of laugh-out-loud story with a thoughtful that each of these three narrative passion. Simone’s earnest detailed this part of the narrative is actually subtext. India is very used to being themes could have been developed ‘notes’ are resisted by actors used to too slow. In real life an outsider (a at the bottom of the social league at at greater length. The important point starring in previous productions. But friend or a counsellor) may spot school and no-one could ever accuse however is to appreciate the skill with then, on an impulse, Simone enables the development of an abusive her loyal friends Anna and Meena of which the author has addressed this a couple of singers to draw on their relationship before the victim. Bourne being well-informed fashion icons. particular target. RB own feelings and experience in a key casts the reader in the role of the That was left to Lisa and April, the song – and the show takes fire. knowledgeable outsider who spots It girls of Year 11-brittle, shallow, The novel is crowded with animated what’s going on before Amelie. This image-obsessed and unremittingly

Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019 33 Classics in Short No.138 Tales of Uncle Remus Brian Alderson celebrates a representation of oral folklore transferred into print.

“In dem days de beastesses kyar’d marters be texts only for professional storytellers, jes de same ez fokes” or so we are told in the and children may well be unable to cope tales of Uncle Remus with even a simple sentence: “Fine um war you will en w’en you may, good chilluns Mr Bright, allers gits tuck good keer on”. Well, “war the radical MP, was “very much taken with you will en w’en you may”, the Legends Uncle Remus. When papa showed it to him must nevertheless be accounted both one he used to read it aloud till the tears ran of the great books of American literature down with laughing”. Thus Beatrix Potter and a great representation of oral folklore to her journal on the 16 September, 1884. transferred into print. (See contemporary But whether the laughter was provoked by arguments about the writing of Lallans.) the stories or the mode of storytelling or An excuse can even be made for the both is not vouchsafed. persistent framing of the tales through For sure, the little boy’s visits to the old storyteller in the Mill-Pond, from a later volume, is a Mr Bright was not the only one to laugh at because it helps to authenticate a time and version of the English Gotham story; and place for the record. Worthy attempts to this surprising and original work. Uncle there’s a Three Little Pigs with five pigs in Remus and his Legends of the Old “sanitize” Harris’s narrative skills do injury it along with the wolf’s famous couplet: to their historic importance. Plantation had been published in New Ef you’ll open de do’ en let me in’ York at Christmas 1880, dated 1881, and I’ll wom my han’s en go home agi’n. His reputation an English was published by has suffered over recent decades, not least David Bogue as soon as copy could be The stories number nearly two hundred, spread through some nine volumes from the invention of “identity politics”, but shipped across the Atlantic so that by 1884 a powerful justification of his achievement the country was awash with enthusiasm between 1880 and 1955. Most centre on the adventures and antagonisms of a and its relation to children’s literature is for the stories. (Copyright being of no given by Goldthwaite in his much neglected account, Bogue’s volume, which used the community of animals, especially the Anansi figure of Brer Rabbit whose double dispute study The Natural History of Make- original illustrations by Church and Moser, Believe (OUP, 1996), separately trailed in had been quickly followed by one from with Brer Fox over the matter of the Tar- Baby has achieved a universal popularity two numbers of Nancy Chambers’s Signal the indefatigable Routledge who drew on in 1985. By way of compromise however the rather classier work of A.T Elwes.) all on its own. John Goldthwaite, noted below, finds among them tales based on there appeared in 1987 the first of four The “legends” themselves myth, such as The Story of the Deluge, ghost volumes (down to 1994) in which Julius had been collected by Joel Chandler Harris, stories and other stories of the supernatural Lester incorporated the best tales of the a white journalist working in Atlanta, (Brer Rabbit’s visit to Mammy-Bammy Big- extensive canon into books for children Georgia, who had mixed fraternally with Money in Brother Rabbit Submits to a Test illustrated by Jerry Pinkney: The Tales black communities down there and had has a strange resemblance to Andersen’s of Uncle Remus. He paid tribute to been deeply impressed with the stories little mermaid’s desperate interview with Harris – ‘his integrity regarding the tales they told among themselves. He also the Sea-Witch.) Unexpected in animal tales was exemplary and remarkable’ – and he had a fine ear for the vernacular of the though are also the twenty or so tales in did not drastically rewrite Harris’s texts storytellers and he cast his little narratives which people – “Miz Meadows and the but abbreviated and converted them into in the voice of an old slave attached to gals” – take part: young ladies who happily a retellable modern version that retained and valued by a plantation family. Rather entertain and converse with the main something of their flavour. It has restored than string them along though as if he animal protagonists in their house down the old man’s stories to the story-bag but were a Brother Grimm, Harris set them in the street, the lads behaving just like town- a true authenticity cannot help being lost. a frame with Uncle Remus telling them to folk. (Goldthwaite argues plausibly that Look at this: “‘I was born and raised in the a little boy of the family. He creeps down they may be running a whorehouse.) briar patch, Brer Fox! Born and raised in to the old man’s cabin after tea rather as the briar patch’. And he hopped on over the children of the Earl of Derby famously There has been some anguish the hill and out of sight”. Can such really crept down to the servants’ quarters over the presentation of these stories in replace the great original: “‘Bred en bawn to hear the comic verses of the ‘dirty their dialect form and for many they may in a brier-patch, Brer Fox – bred en bawn landscape painter’ Edward Lear. in a brier-patch!’ en wid dat he skip out des ez lively as a cricket in de embers.” Harris was a reliable witness. Versions of The Tales of Uncle Remus are The stories he reproduced were mostly available from Amazon. entertaining animal fables of the trickster genre which have been assumed to stem from such African or Jamaican sources as those of Anansi, the trickster spider of West Africa. They were acclimatized Brian Alderson is founder of the to the back roads of the Southern scene Children’s Books History Society and many have been found cognate with and a former Children’s Books Editor for similar tales independently conceived The Times. His latest book The 100 Best elsewhere. (There’s an echo of Ali Baba Children’s Books, Galileo Publishing, in The Awful Fate of Mr Wolf; The Moon 978-1903385982, £14.99 hbk, is out now.

34 Books for Keeps No.239 November 2019