Junior 2012 Term 1

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Editor's letter

contents 8

We kick off the first issue of Junior for 2012 with a preview of publishers’ mostanticipated children’s and YA titles for the year—and it looks like it’ll be a good one for martial arts fans, with two new ninja series for younger readers due out over the next few months.

Following the launch of Garth Nix’s A Confusion of Princes, we talk to the author about his experience creating the online game, Imperial Galaxy, which shares a common background with his new novel.

Our reviewers offer their opinions on 17 new books (with more reviews online at www. booksellerandpublisher.com.au); we interview author Jackie French (who has two new books reviewed in this magazine), Australia’s inaugural children’s laureates Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor, and touring author Mal Peet; and hear from Bloomsbury Australia’s children’s marketing and publicity manager Sonia Palmisano.

Happy reading!

—Andrea Hanke, editor

Features

9

10

5 Write around the country

A round-up of children’s book events in the coming year

6 Digitally challenged

William Kostakis tries his hand at digital self-publishing

7 How did I get here?

Meet Bloomsbury Australia’s children’s marketing and publicity manager Sonia Palmisano

8 Meet the laureates

Lucy Stewart speaks to Australia’s inaugural children’s laureates Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor

9 French history

Rebecca Butterworth and Hilary Adams interview Jackie French about Pennies for Hitler and Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent

10 Great expectations

On the cover This is possibly the cutest cover we’ve ever had for Junior. ‘Animal Tales’ is a new adventure series from Random House for kids aged six to 10. It’s a purrrfect read for kids, says the publisher, and we tend to agree. Find out more on page 11.

In partnership with the RSPCA, Random House Australia is proud to present

Publishers share their most-anticipated titles for the coming year

14 Game over?

Andrea Hanke ask YA fantasy author Garth Nix about his online game, Imperial Galaxy

Buying these books helps the RSPCA look after animals!

A brand new adventure series based around helping animals big and small

Departments

4 News 6 On tour 16 Reviews 21 Get smart

A pur for animrfect read 6 to 10- al-loving year-old s

randomhouse.com.au/kids

News

Junior is a supplement of Bookseller+Publisher Established 1921 Published by Thorpe-Bowker PO Box 6509, St Kilda Road Central Vic 8008 (Level 1, 607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004) Tel: (03) 8517-8333 Fax: (03) 8517-8399 bookseller.publisher@thorpe.com.au ©2012 Thorpe-Bowker and contributors ISSN 1833-5799 ABN 77 097 830 745 Editor-in-chief: Matthia Dempsey Tel: (03) 8517-8351 matthia.dempsey@thorpe.com.au Editor: Andrea Hanke Tel: (03) 8517-8347 andrea.hanke@thorpe.com.au Publishing assistant: Andrew Wrathall Tel: (03) 8517-8356 andrew.wrathall@thorpe.com.au Journalist: Eloise Keating Tel: (03) 8517-8363 eloise.keating@thorpe.com.au Contributors: Hilary Adams, Natahsa Batten, Rebecca Butterworth, William Kostakis, Sonia Palmisano, Lucy Stewart, Nerrilee Weir Design/production manager: Silvana Paolini production@thorpe.com.au Advertising: Marc Wilson Tel: (03) 8517-8357 advertising@thorpe.com.au

CAB Member

A round-up of news and events in

HGE launches Chirpy Bird imprint

Hardie Grant Egmont (HGE) will publish the first title under its new Chirpy Bird imprint in July.

The new list will focus on licensed and non-licensed titles in a range of formats including colour and activity, early concept learning, lift-the-flap and bedtime stories.

HGE publicity manager Jennifer Kean told Junior that ‘the contributors to the list will be primarily from Australia and [the books] will be locally produced for the Australian and New Zealand market, but we expect the books to have worldwide appeal’. The licensing component of the list will include brands such as Thomas and Friends, DC Comics and Forever Clover.

The Chirpy Bird list will be headed up by HGE managing director Natasha Besliev and managed by Niki Foreman, who has joined HGE in the new role of development editor for the list.

Dromkeen collection to move to SLV The collection of children’s picture book artwork at the Dromkeen National Centre for Picture Book Art will move to the State Library of Victoria (SLV) by the end of this year.

Australia, as Scholastic the trustee of the Dromkeen Foundation, announced the move at the annual Dromkeen dinner in February. Scholastic had indicated last year that it will cease funding the foundation at the end of 2012.

The Dromkeen collection, which includes 7500 original artworks and illustrations, will

be moved from the Dromkeen property at Riddells Creek, Victoria, and the property will be sold once the move has been completed. Dromkeen director John Oldmeadow told Junior that the foundation will continue to offer its education programs and exhibitions at the Dromkeen property until term three in the 2012 school year.

Oldmeadow said that the directors of Dromkeen and Scholastic decided to give the collection to the SLV because the library made a ‘commitment

HGE, CYL celebrate birthdays Printed using FSC mixed source certified fibre by Printgraphics Pty Ltd under ISO 14001 Enviromental Certification.

the children’s and YA book industry

Hardie Grant Egmont (HGE) and the Centre for Youth Literature (CYL) celebrated significant birthdays in February.

HGE (pictured below) celebrated its 10th birthday

to preserving and growing the collection’, which will involve digitising some of the material, and the SLV has a series of existing programs for children and young adults which complements the Dromkeen collection.

SLV will also continue to offer the annual Dromkeen Medal and the Dromkeen Librarian’s Medal.

This year’s Dromkeen Medal was presented to Libby Gleeson at the dinner in February, while Heather Heraud received this year’s Dromkeen Librarian’s Medal.

with a ‘Summer Party’ on 23 February, while CYL celebrated its 21st birthday with a special event at the State Library of Victoria’s Queen Hall on 21 February, and a schools day on 22 February.

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Subscriptions: Tel: (03) 8517-8390 subscriptions@thorpe.com.au General manager: Gary Pengelly Tel: (03) 8517-8345 gary.pengelly@thorpe.com.au Annual subscription: Subscribe for $195 (ex-GST) for six print issues of Bookseller+Publisher magazine, 49 issues of Bookseller+Publisher’s Weekly Book Newsletter and full access to www.booksellerandpublisher.com.au Thorpe-Bowker is a division of R R Bowker LLC. The inclusion of advertisements in Bookseller+Publisher, including the front cover, does not imply endorsement of the advertised goods or services by Thorpe-Bowker.

Issue 1 2012

THORPE-

Search, Discover, Connect

A&U and HGE look for new children’s and YA authors

Allen & Unwin is now accepting children’s and young adult submissions through its ‘Friday Pitch’ manuscript submissions program.

A&U children’s book director Liz Bray said that the publisher is looking forward to ‘discovering some talented new voices and finding some wonderful original stories for children and teenagers’ by extending the program.

Hardie Grant Egmont also began looking for new YA fiction at the end of 2011 for its new series of teen-fiction novels, dubbed the ‘Ampersand Project’.

The publisher said it was looking for stand-alone manuscripts ‘about real life … no werewolves or magical realism here, please’ for the series, which will be published in 2013.

Little Bookroom opens online store Melbourne children’s bookseller the Little Bookroom has opened an online store, which is powered by the ecommerce platform Shopify.

Store owner Leesa Lambert told Junior that the business, which has physical stores in North Carlton and the Melbourne CBD, wants the online shop ‘to be a boutique, curated selection of our favourite titles’. ‘We are taking cues from what our customers are drawn to in-store, and we will promote key new releases and authors each week,’ said Lambert.

Dates

Write around the counSchools, libraries and bookshops can look forward to a busy schedule try of children’s book events and competitions, including a search for Australia’s greatest reading superhero, reports Natasha Batten.

National

The National Year of Reading: Read This! competition gives children the opportunity to nominate a book and make a creative pitch—encouraging their peers to read the book—to a panel of judges. The competition closes on 31 May and is open to children aged 12-18. www.readthis2012.com Write-a-book-in-a-Day challenges teams of five to 10 people of all ages to write, illustrate, print and bind a book within 12 hours for the chance to win a prize. Teams are encouraged to find sponsors, with all the money raised going to children’s hospitals in Australia. The challenge runs from April to August. www.writeabookinaday.com ‘Champions Read’ is the theme for this year’s CBCA Children’s Book Week, which runs from 18-24 August. The Children’s Book of the Year will be awarded on 17 August. www.cbca.org.au The MS Readathon runs throughout August with registrations opening on 4 June. Kids can raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis by finding people to sponsor their reading. Certificate of participation and opportunities for other rewards are available. www.msreadathon.org.au Scholastic is seeking Australia’s Greatest Reading Superhero, which could be anyone. To enter, participants must describe a reading superhero in 25 words. The most creative and fun answers will win a prize. www.scholastic.com.au/minisites/readingsuperhero Several Premier’s Reading Challenges are already underway. Entry conditions differ between states so check the websites: NSW: http://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/ SA: www.premiersreadingchallenge.sa.edu.au Tasmania: www.premiersreadingchallenge.tas.gov.au Victoria: www.education.vic.gov.au/prc

ACT

Canberra’s Own Outstanding List (COOL) Awards shortlist will be announced in term two. Kids in kindergarten to year nine are encouraged to read the books on the shortlist during terms two and three and then vote for their favourite book in term four. www.library.act.gov.au/kids/cool_awards

NSW

The Odditoreum is a free family exhibition at the State Library of Queensland, running from 26 May to 26 August. Weird and wonderful curiosities from the Powerhouse Museum’s vault have been transformed into storytelling props by award-winning children’s author and illustrator Shaun Tan. The Voices on the Coast festival runs from 2-6 June on the Sunshine Coast with a range of talks and workshops hosted by authors and illustrators.

The Student Days program runs from 4-5 June with a number of workshops at the University of the Sunshine Coast. www.voicesonthecoast.com.au

Victoria

The Monkey Baa theatre for young people is running performances of Tim Winton’s The Bugalugs Bum Thief (Puffin) between July and September in Melbourne, Shepparton, Colac and Wangaratta.

At InkyFest on 24 October, students in years 5-10 can meet authors, hear from publishing industry guests and celebrate the winners of the 2012 Inky Awards for youth literature. The event is run by the State Library of Victoria’s Centre for Youth Literature. www.slv.vic.gov.au/youthlit

WA

The Make Your Own Story Book Competition invites students from WA to create their own fictional picture or story book. The competition is open to years 1-8 with prizes awarded for each age group. The closing date for entries is 8 June. http://wa.cbca.org.au/wamyosb.htm There are many more children’s book events happening around the country as part of the National Year of Reading. Check out the events calendar at www.love2read.org.au/events-calendar.cfm

Preparations underway for Indigenous Literacy Day One of the big events on the books calendar is Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) on 5 September. Now in its sixth year, the event raises money to buy books and run literacy programs for Indigenous Australians living in remote communities, who—many kids might be surprised to learn—can’t simply pop down the road to their local bookshop to buy the latest Andy Griffith or Jeff Kinney book.

So what happens on Indigenous Literary Day? Events and fundraisers are held across Australia, with participating booksellers and publishers donating a percentage of their takings from the day.

In schools, one of the most popular events is the Great Book Swap, where children aged five to 17 are encouraged to exchange their favourite book for another—and make a gold coin donation.

This year the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is hoping to get 500 schools involved and as an incentive, all schools that register by 31 May go into the draw to win a class-set of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Puffin) and a schools visit from ILD ambassador Andy Griffith.

For more information and to register, go to the website www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au

Book 1 Series 1 Available Online NOW!

JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

The Sydney Writers’ Festival School Days program runs from 21-25 May. The Primary School line-up features Australian authors Oliver Phommavanh, Tristan Bancks and Emily Rodda, and Irish illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Joining the Secondary School program are Australians J C Burke and Vikki Wakefield, UK authors Lucy Christopher and Mal Peet, and Irish author Eoin Colfer. www.swf.org.au/school-days-2012 The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is celebrating the National Year of Reading with a theatrical production of Leigh Hobbs’ Mr Chicken Goes to Paris (A&U). The show is designed for primary school students and runs from 23-26 May. www.nida.edu.au/School-Productions Stories on Screens is a competition open to all primary school students in NSW. It invites students to work individually or in small groups to create a visual presentation of an Australian children’s picture book or traditional story. Students may use any format such as Photostory, PowerPoint, Stop Motion Pro, iMovie or Moviemaker. Entries close on 3 July. http://nsw.cbca.org.au/pages/stories-on-screen.html

Queensland

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www.tmasbooks.com.au

On tour / opinion

Meet

the Author

Mal Peet

What would you put on a shelf-talker for your book?

‘A classy book about class, an explosive book about missiles, a sexy book about love.’

What is the silliest question you’ve ever been asked on a book tour?

‘Would you like a drink?’

And the most profound?

From a ten year-old boy: ‘In the Bible, why is God always so bad-tempered?’

What are you reading right now?

My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead (HarperPerennial), an anthology of love stories collected by the great Jeffrey Eugenides. A superb collection that calls at all stations between Heartache and Filth.

What was the last book you read and loved?

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (Hodder). An utterly enthralling novel about an isolated Dutch trading post in 18thcentury Japan. To use a dire cliché, I really didn’t want it to end. I nearly drove myself mad trying to eke it out.

What was the defining book of your childhood?

I don’t think there was one. But there was a series of ‘comic books’ called

Digitally challenged

‘Classics Illustrated’, which introduced me to great writers in the childfriendly form of cartoon strips. They set me on my way, I think.

Which is your favourite bookstore?

Oh, I really wish I could name a brave, thriving, independent bookshop close to where I live. But there isn’t one. If I were rich, mad and saintly, I’d start one.

Facebook or Twitter?

Neither. I waste enough time as it is.

If I were a literary character I’d be …

Now, does that mean which character I most closely resemble? If so, my wife would say Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh, although I would say MobyDick. Or does it mean which character I’d be if I could choose? In that case it would be either Fanny Hill or Philip Marlowe.

In 50 years’ time books will be ….

Beautiful, desirable and rare objects. Or second-hand.

Mal Peet is touring Australia and New Zealand in May and is a guest of the Sydney Writers’ Festival and Auckland Writers & Readers Festival His latest book is Life: An Exploded Diagram (Walker Books).

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YA author William Kostakis tries his hand at digital self-publishing.

I

n 2010 my YA novel Loathing Lola was chosen as part of the Get Reading! campaign. Part-way through the campaign, booksellers and schools started emailing me directly, seeking books. Having exhausted my personal supply, I rallied my publisher for another print-run. I was told a reprint was unwarranted, and that expected returns would satisfy demand.

Book-signings were postponed, schools that required numerous class-sets were placated and I waited. Six months later, I was advised that the veritable treasure-trove of 46 Loathing Lola returns were available. The most recent school order had been for 139. Again, I rallied for another print-run, only this time, I was offered back my rights. It was unexpected, but the idea of finally being able to control my novel’s distribution was exciting. No more rallying.

When there was demand, there would be books.

I researched traditional self-publishing—the logistics were enough to make my head spin.

Having heard about the authors who’d found their fortune self-publishing digitally through Amazon, I thought I’d give it a shot. The Kindle Direct Publishing scheme seemed simple enough: you upload the Word document and cover, set the price and Amazon does the rest. Best of all, the platform doesn’t exclude non-Kindle owners.

After purchase, the book can also be viewed on computers and certain portable devices (after downloading a free app).

I had been fascinated by the potential to serialise content digitally, so I decided to release Loathing Lola in quarters, each sold for 99c. The royalty rate was higher, 35%. Given the pricing, however, I’d make less per full book than I made previously ($1.39 versus $1.69), but I was willing to take the pay-cut for the promise of constant availability. The first quarter was uploaded in April, and while not a bestseller, it sold steadily.

When sales dropped off, I prepared the second instalment. It was released one month later and it too sold steadily, but it dropped off faster. The

third quarter was a complete non-event, so much so that I didn’t bother about the fourth.

I figured serialisation was the problem, so I uploaded the book in full. There were a few nibbles at $1.99, but not many. It had never been a book that was sold by its blurb: it sold at schools. Armed with my new digital copy, I jumped back into the events circuit. When students asked where they could get my book, I said I had none with me, but all they had to do was visit this website, download that app, make the purchase and in seven easy steps, they’d be reading it on their iPhone. Their eyes glazed over. Moreover, I discovered that no school buys digital class-sets (yet).

So until the digital market is much bigger, and it will be, there’s nothing left for me to do but wait for the eventual publisher of Book Two to ask, ‘Hey, so what about your first one?’

?

Profile

How did

I get here

While some Aussies pour pints, Sonia Palmisano sold children’s books as she backpacked her way around the world. Bloomsbury Australia’s children’s marketing and publicity manager shares her career journey.

I

was backpacking around the globe in the late 1990s and a ‘career’ was the furthest thing from my mind, when I landed a job at Waterstones Bookshop in Dublin, Ireland, and was put in charge of the children’s books department.

‘The thing about children’s,’ my boss said, ‘you’ll love it or hate it. But if you love it, you’ll really love it.’ As it turned out, I really loved it.

In my first few weeks I played it safe, buying conservative quantities and recommending the classics I’d loved as a child: The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables and my favourite, Little Women, although that book caused the first real trauma of my life. As a child I’d owned an abridged edition which I loved. So imagine my delight when I found a huge, unabridged volume—all new chapters I’d never known existed! My children’s edition had closed with Daddy home from the war, four girls at his feet, by the warm glow of the fire. I was blissfully unaware of the fate that awaited my beloved little Beth. (Spoiler alert: she dies!). It was absolutely devastating. Yet even still, that book holds a special place in my heart.

My year at Waterstones reignited my childhood love of books. The best part was sharing that love of books with my customers.

One particular highlight was the day I judged a Harry Potter dress-up contest. It was the launch of The Goblet of Fire, and in those days it was incredible to see so many children excited about books!

When my Irish visa expired, I moved to

Toronto, Canada, where I worked in the children’s department of one of the most beautiful stores in the world, Indigo Books. Unfortunately North American retail wages made it impossible for me to stay full time. After nine months struggling to pay the rent, I took a second job at a finance company, where I learnt everything there was to know about Mutual Funds (well, except for what a Mutual Fund actually was. Anyone?). I continued working at Indigo Books on weekends and evenings. I enjoyed it so much it never felt like ‘work’.

I returned to Australia in 2002 and, thanks to my Mutual Funds experience, I was offered some promising jobs in finance. But I couldn’t get excited about any of them. One evening I was in a bar with some friends, wondering aloud what I was going to do with my life, when a wise stranger gave me some advice. She said: ‘Choose an industry, not a job. Because people change jobs, but they rarely change industries’. I realised then what I already knew: the only industry for me was books.

Since then, I’ve worked for a number of different publishers, in a variety of roles, but I always seem to come back to children’s books.

For four years at Allen & Unwin, I got to work with some of the best children’s authors in the world. And it was there that I first worked on the amazing Bloomsbury children’s list.

In 2010 I was working in sales at Hachette (and making a regular nuisance of myself in the children’s division, constantly asking for books to read), when Bloomsbury announced they

were looking for a children’s marketing and publicity manager for their new Australian office.

I knew right away it was the job for me and applied immediately.

The rest, as they say, is history. I was here at Bloomsbury the day we opened our doors on 1 November 2010 (with no phones or computers).

It’s exciting to work with such a dedicated group of book enthusiasts who are positive about the future, and ready to adapt to change.

Whatever challenges lie ahead for our industry, I am confident that the joy of reading original children’s stories will never die. I feel lucky every day to work with inspiring books and authors. And I’ll always be grateful to Waterstones (and that stranger in the bar) for setting me on this path.

What I’m reading The last book I read and loved was Celia Rees’ This is Not Forgiveness (Bloomsbury)—a new direction for Celia, who is best known for historical fiction.

It’s set in the present day and follows three intertwining characters—a young soldier returned from Afghanistan, his brother (a student), and a wild, troubled girl they both like. It’s raw, unsettling and very gripping!

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Feature

Meet the laureates

Australia’s inaugural children’s laureates Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor are looking forward to their twoyear literary adventure. They spoke to Lucy Stewart.

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A

lison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor are regulars on the schools circuit, but over the next two years the popular authors will be travelling the country as official ambassadors for children’s literature after being named Australia’s first children’s laureates last December.

Over 2012 and 2013, the duo will spend 60 dedicated days travelling to every state and territory in Australia.

Lester, the author of popular picture books such as Are We There Yet? and Noni the Pony (see page 17 for a review of her latest book, Sophie Scott Goes South), sees her new role as ‘getting around the country and talking to kids, teachers and adults and trying to be an ambassador for reading and writing’.

‘Reading is the thing that, when you’re young, can really make you see that there’s another life outside your world, no matter what sort of world you’re born into,’ says Lester. ‘And sometimes it reflects your own life—you get your own situation into perspective.’

Both Lester and Pryor see their new role as an extension of work they already do.

‘In a way we’re probably just doing what we’ve always done—helping kids tell their stories. But now it’s a bit more public,’ says Lester.

Pryor agrees: ‘Mainly I do it anyway. I’ve just got the laureate tag now.’ The storyteller, performer and award-winning author (his most recent book is the picture book Shake a Leg), spends every day of the week visiting schools, ‘telling stories and sharing and dancing and talking about books and writing’, as well as teaching children what it means to him to be Indigenous. Pryor estimates he’s worked with over one million children so far.

Both authors are ‘very dedicated to the cause’, says Justine Alltimes, program manager of the Australian Children’s Literature Alliance (ACLA), which was established in 2008 to promote reading among young Australians, and in particular, to develop the Australian children’s laureate program.

Getting involved

While the program was inspired by its counterparts in the US and UK, it hasn’t been modelled on overseas programs, says Alltimes, ‘because there’s a very distinctive literature culture in Australia and authors and illustrators are very connected to both Australian people and country’.

One of the priorities is ‘to ensure that the laureates’ reach is as far as it can be across Australia, so that as many children as possible can hear them speak and be inspired by their creativity to want to tell their own stories’, says Alltimes.

Postcards and docos

In addition to their travels, each laureate will undertake a special project of their own choosing, which is linked to the idea of belonging and place.

Lester will encourage kids to make a postcard of a place they love, with the aim of creating a book in which ‘kids from all over Australia write and draw about their place’.

For his project, Pryor will spend a week in Townsville ‘to make a short movie, using the book Shake a Leg, about storytelling and the kids’ reactions to storytelling that evokes stories of their own’.

‘We do the honey dance, the crocodile dance, then we go through the book and talk, make croc pizzas, croc milkshakes, then we do art. I ask them to draw what their “croc” is in life, then I get them to draw eggs underneath with them breaking out of their crocodile eggs, and what they’re going to do when they’re broken away from what scares them. The culmination is to write—to start the fire within them to write.’

The aim of all this ‘pizza and dancing’, says Pryor, is to encourage participation from ‘kids outside the circle of literature’, including kids with Asperger’s and other conditions. These kids will be the focus of the documentary.

Overall, Lester hopes ‘to make a difference to kids in Australia and try to get the love of reading and love of writing, especially about their own lives, to kids who haven’t had it before’. She adds: ‘And if I was thinking really big, I’d like it if every

‘In a way we’re probably just doing what we’ve always done ... But now it’s a bit more public’ —Alison Lester

kid in Australia had a bed to sleep in and a book in their bed. It’s a terrible thing that all the kids in Australia don’t have that.’

Lester urges any school or community who would like to be part of the program to get in touch with ACLA. She also stresses that ‘it’s possible to be involved online even if we can’t get to their special place’. Both authors will blog about their experiences, and there will be chances to replicate some of the projects and participate in discussions via the website (see box).

Pryor believes that the laureate program ‘really gives credence to literature for kids’. ‘In reality, it crosses over, because a lot of the younger kids read stuff older people read anyway, a lot of the time. When we write something it’s for everyone and everyone can have a go, so that’s why I think the laureate post is really amazing and beautiful.

I feel very privileged to be one of them but also that it’s actually started. It’ll kick-start lots of minds across the country.’

The Australian Children’s Literature Alliance (ACLA) has developed a number of online resources based around the children’s laureate program.

Website: www.childrenslaureate.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Childrens-Laureate/291140750928987 Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Ozlaureate YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/AustralianLaureate?ob=0&feature=results_main Blog: www.childrenslaureate.org.au/index.php/blog

Jackie French has two very different historical novels for younger readers due out in the coming months. She spoke to Rebecca Butterworth and Hilary Adams.

I read that Hitler’s Daughter was the result of the question ‘What if?’ and I wonder if Pennies for Hitler began in the same way?

Both began with a true stories. Hitler’s Daughter was inspired by the confession of a family friend that he had been a guard in a Nazi concentration camp when he was only 14 years old. Pennies for Hitler grew from the memories of an elderly neighbour who had been smuggled out of Nazi Germany and then evacuated to Australia. But the greater part of Pennies from Hitler came from a letter written to me by a 14-year-old boy.

This boy was in a class for children with special needs and Hitler’s Daughter was the first book he and his friends had ever read. His letter said: Dear Jackie French, What I have learned from your book is to be very wary of anyone who tries to make you angry.

Yours, James I had never realised that message was in Hitler’s Daughter, but perhaps it’s the most important one there is. So this book is for James. It is about a boy who isn’t there, who can’t be anywhere, because wherever he goes he is the enemy. It is about how hatred is contagious, but it is also about how kindness, love and compassion are contagious, too. In a world where there are still destroyers, like the Nazis, there are also loving people like the Peaslake family and indomitable friends like Mud. You never know quite what you create when you let stories loose. Pennies for Hitler is an adventure, and in a strange way, a love story, too. But I suspect that readers will find more in it than I knew I’d written, just as with Hitler’s Daughter.

You have written some wonderful novels set during the two world wars.

What is it about this area of history that interests you?

When times are hardest humans are capable of the greatest courage, compassion and love. War itself may be the stupidest of humanity’s inventions, but it also shows us at our greatest, too. Today’s children need heroes, with courage, determination and integrity. Too often they are given celebrities instead, famous for nothing but a talent to amuse.

Can you tell me how the characters of Loa and the Dog developed in Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent? Were you inspired by any particular research material?

Dingo is from a time in prehistory, in other words, before recorded stories.

But we have DNA and RNA evidence that all Australian dingoes may be

Interview

French history descended from one pregnant female Asian ‘rubbish dog’. How did she get here? And what happened then? Even the area where that first dog landed is probably under water by now, and the plants and animals very different.

Much of the background of Dingo comes from ‘ethnobotany’, the study of prehistoric plant residues. Once you know what people ate you can begin to reconstruct their lives. We also have the remnants of tools, cave paintings and oral tradition. It was a varied but very rich source to work from, and fascinating, as I don’t think anyone has tried to put together a portrait of that time before. It was a blank page to write on. A boy, very like Loa, must have existed once, as did a wild dog like the one in Dingo. They must have had enormous courage and determination but also a vision, able to see what a different life could be, boy and dog working together. Once I knew they existed both Loa and the dog seemed to write themselves.

Part of your story is narrated from the point of view of the dog. Why did you decide to take this approach?

Some of my best friends are animals. To really be friends with an animal— not just an owner or a master—you need to understand them, too. You often see a dog with its head on one side, studying its human, but I think far fewer humans study dogs. Dingo is about that extraordinary moment, thousands of years ago, when a wild dog and a human decided that they were friends, and began the partnership that would mean so much to both species. I suspect that event happened many times, in many places. But one of them may have been like the story of Dingo.

Pennies for Hitler and Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent are published by HarperCollins in June and July respectively.

See reviews on page 18.

What was the last book you read and loved?

I’ve spent the last month re-reading books that have both moved me and that I love. The last one was Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness (Orbit). The left hand of darkness, of course, is light. Maybe the left hand of war is kindness and compassion. Like light and darkness, they are bonded together, each one side of the same coin.

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Written by Gabrielle Lord — NO. 1 CRIME WRITER IN AUSTRALIA

JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

Look out for the new Code Black editions of Conspiracy 365 and the thrilling TV series released on FMC!

www.conspiracy365.tv 9

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Great expectations

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om.au

From (yet more) YA paranormal fantasy to junior-fiction ninjas and picture-book hares, publishers share their most anticipated titles for the year.

Picture books

‘U

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nforgotten is a breathtakingly beautiful book that has extraordinary presence,’ says Allen & Unwin publisher Erica Wagner of Tohby Riddle’s forthcoming picture book, due in September. It also has a fan in Shaun Tan, who adds: ‘Reading this book is like being quietly ushered into another dimension by winged strangers, a place beyond the tread of normal earth-bound language.’

Wagner’s highlights for the year include Anna Fienberg and Stephen Michael King’s picture-book collaboration Figaro and Rumba (October), starring ‘the irrepressible dog Figaro and his cat-friend Rumba, who get caught up in cat-napping adventure when they meet the cunning crocodile from Cuba’; and Jeanette Rowe’s picture-book series ‘Dinosauritis’ (July), which has been ‘specially crafted to entertain the pre-schooler who is fascinated by the prehistoric world’.

Dinosaur-lovers can also look forward to Dinosaur Pet, a picture book and CD from Koala Books (June). It follows the ‘delightful antics of this cuddly prehistoric pet’ to the tune of Neil Sedaka’s song ‘Calendar Girl’.

UQP children’s and young adult publisher Kristina Schulz is ‘thrilled to be publishing celebrated author/illustrator Briony Stewart’s first picture book, The Red Wheelbarrow (June)’.

‘Mix two sisters, a blanket, a packet of lollies, a wheelbarrow and let the fun begin! The book is beautifully illustrated and is based on Briony’s afternoon childhood games with her own sister,’ says Schulz.

Another picture book that celebrates ‘good old-fashioned play’ is Eva Katzler’s Florentine & Pig Have a Very Lovely Picnic (Bloomsbury, July), the first in a new series which includes recipes and craft activities in each title. It’s a favourite with marketing and publicity manager Sonia Palmisano—and many others. ‘Florentine & Pig already have a huge following on Facebook (FlorentineandPig) and Twitter (@florentine_ pig) and the most gorgeous website ever (www. florentineandpig.com).’

The Five Mile Press editors are hoping to build a following for Anna Hymas’ debut picture book Lighty Faust the Lion (for Real and Imaginary Friends), published in March, with ‘two fun lift-the-flap board books’, Bedtime with Lighty and Where is Lighty?, to be published later in the year. They’re also excited about

A Year with Marmalade by Alison Reynolds and Heath McKenzie (August), ‘a story about friendship set against the backdrop of the changing seasons’.

Friendship and the environment are also themes in Margaret Wild and Vivienne Goodman’s evocative picture book Tanglewood (April). ‘It’s an outstanding piece of work’, says Omnibus publisher Dyan Blacklock, who is also excited about The Terrible Suitcase (July), which ‘pairs newcomer Emma Allen with Freya Blackwood’; and ‘the most beautiful Christmas title ever—The Gift by Penny Matthews and famed English artist Martin McKenna. A joy to behold.’

Blacklock’s colleague, Scholastic Australia publisher Angie Masters, is looking forward to a collaboration between picture-book veterans Mem Fox and Judy Horacek, Good Night Sleep Tight (October); and a new picture-book series for girls aged five and up, beginning with Ella & Olivia: Cupcake Catastrophe (Yvette Poshoglian & Danielle McDonald, July).

Appropriately, Little Hare is publishing A Hare, A Hound and Shy Mousey Brown by Julia Hubery and Jonathan Bentley in August.

Publisher Margrete Lamond describes it as ‘an elegantly crafted and illustrated story about a mouse in love with a hare’, which ‘borrows from the traditions of swashbuckling derring-do and romantic mismatches’. Lamond is also looking forward to Tree: A Little Story about Big Things

by Danny Parker and Matt Ottley (October), ‘an exploration of grand cycles, nurture, independence and generational change’. Kids will love the jacket, which ‘unfolds and reverses into a poster of the tree’.

Another hare has a starring turn in Ruby Red Shoes by debut author/illustrator Kate Knapp (HarperCollins, November). Ruby is an ‘aware

hare’ who ‘cares about the environment and the world of plants and creatures’.

Fremantle Press children’s publisher Cate Sutherland is looking forward to a collaboration between CBC-shortlisted author Meg McKinlay and ‘renowned street artist’ Kyle HughesOdgers. Ten Tiny Things (August) is ‘all about getting out of your car and walking’ so ‘Kyle’s ethos of creating surprising outdoor artworks was the perfect fit’, says Sutherland.

Two new Thames & Hudson titles showcase the work of local emerging artists, says publishing manager Paulina de Laveaux. ‘Cat Rabbit teams up with Isobel Knowles to bring her cute and covetable felt characters to life in Owl Know How (April)’ (with bonus craft pattern), and ‘Tai Snaith illustrates Australia’s favourite animal families’, including ‘a possum family watching Casablanca at the moonlight cinema’, in The Family Hour (July).

Hachette Children’s Books sales and marketing director Chris Raine is thrilled to be publishing titles from some ‘extraordinary Australian illustrators’, including Karen Hull’s Australian animal themed Let’s Count Kisses (May) and Mandy Foot’s Below Deck on the Sunken Wreck (July), which takes readers into an ‘underwater playground’ with ‘numerous incredible sea creatures’.

For laughs, also look out for James Foley’s comic tale of a ‘ravenous zoo lion with a huge appetite for people, and fellow animals’ The Lion (Walker Books, August); and the ‘sure-fire hit’, There is a Monster under My Bed Who Farts

by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton (Harper Collins, November).

A

re ninjas the next big thing in middlegrade readers? Two publishers seem to think so.

Scholastic’s ‘Nerdy Ninjas’ series kicks off (pun intended) in July with Nerdy Ninjas vs the Really Really Bad Guys. Written by Shogun Whamhower and illustrated by Heath McKenzie, it stars four suitably nerdy ninjas (Jake loves science, Ben plays the trumpet, Veejay is an opera buff and Pongo has allergies), and it promises to have children aged seven and up ‘wheezing with om.au laughter’, says Scholastic Press publisher Ana Vivas.

In the other corner is ‘White Ninja’, a new martial-arts mystery adventure series from The Biggest Loser trainer Tiffany Hall (HarperCollins, September). ‘Boys and girls aged 10-plus are sure to love feisty Roxy Highton, who is determined to find out the secret of her parentage,’ says associate children’s publisher Lisa Berryman.

Hardie Grant Egmont is launching a new series for girls who have outgrown junior fiction but are not emotionally ready for some of the tough themes explored in YA fiction. ‘Many 10- and 11-year-olds are still getting their heads around their changing bodies and new-found grumpiness, and are just not psychologically ready to be reading about cutting, sexual abuse and other darker aspects of teen life,’ says publishing director Hilary Rogers. ‘“Girl v the World” focuses on the not-always-smooth transition into adolescence and is warm, heartfelt and often very funny.’ The first four titles, written by Meredith Badger, Thalia Kalkipsakis and Chrissie Keighery, will be published in August.

Rogers is also delighted to be publishing Lemony Snicket’s new series, ‘All the Wrong Questions’, which promises to reveal ‘the renowned author’s mysterious past’. Details of the series were ‘leaked’ to media earlier this year, and readers can expect the excitement to build ahead of the first book’s release in October.

Random House children’s and YA publisher Zoe Walton is excited about a new series from ‘Alice-Miranda’ author Jacqueline Harvey, aimed at young girls aged five to eight. The first book, Clementine-Rose and the Surprise Visitor

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STUCK ON TRUCKS!

Bang!

Clang!

Crack!

Following the smash hit Roadworks comes another must-have picture book for the machinemad, crash-tumbling loud little readers, for whom cuddly animals will not suffice. New Zealand’s Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock bring Demolition to full colour in a deliciously onomatopoeic and finely detailed homage to all things heavy, noisy and boisterous. Sally, speaking from her home in Birkenhead, Auckland, explains that her drive behind creating Roadworks came from seeing a gap in the market for plot-driven books about machines. Out now, with hard hats available – perfect for storytime and shop displays!

PICTURE BOOK WITH AN EDGE

Local Australian author and illustrator team debut a unique new picture book about love, loss and hope. A healing narrative by Ian Trevaskis that demonstrates how happiness can again be experienced after tragedy. With atmospheric and emotive illustrations from award-winning illustrator Wayne Harris.

A unique and powerful tale for young and old, Edge of the World is a universally touching story of hope, and a gentle meditation on the journey through grief, to light and joy.

POETIC VERSE FOR YA A powerful and authentic look at teen life from talented new author Emma Cameron. Structured in poetic verse, Cinnamon Rain focuses on topical issues, friendship and family.

NO MENDING REQUIRED

Another lead title from New Zealand, this time from award winner Elizabeth Pulford. Broken is a stunning fusion of text and graphic novel elements that offer an intriguing journey into the subconscious mind. Set to be a popular YA choice when it is released in June.

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orders@harpercollins.com.au Australia call: 1300 551 721 New Zealand call: 0800 766 569

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Random House is particularly excited about a new adventure series for kids aged six to 10, which is ‘all about helping animals—big and small’. ‘Animal Tales’ stars nine-year-old Cassie Bannerman, her dog Ripper, and various friends and animals in her neighbourhood.

Each book contains a mini-adventure, from a runaway pup to an unexpected arrival on a farm. The covers are irresistibly cute, and as a bonus, all royalties from the sales go to the RSPCA. There are four titles due in May: The Million Paws Puppy by Chris Kunz, Ruby’s Misadventure and Double Trouble by Helen Kelly, and An Unexpected Arrival by Jess Black.

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JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

Pet project

(September), introduces ‘Clemmie and her cheeky teacup pig, Lavender’.

Pan Macmillan also has a new series in the pipeline. Arkie Sparkle: Treasure Hunter (Petra James, Pan Macmillan, July) stars 11-year-old Arkie Sparkle, her genius cousin T J and basset hound Cleopatra. Children’s publisher Claire Craig describes it as ‘a thrilling mix of humour, mystery, fashion, action, archaeology, exotic locations, evil kidnappers, and the biggest treasure hunt in the world’ for readers aged eight and up. Craig is also excited to have two new Andy Griffiths titles this year: Just Doomed (April) and ‘the renovated sequel’ to The 13-Storey Treehouse, The 26-Storey Treehouse (September).

Penguin’s children’s and YA senior publicist Tina Gumnior is looking forward to four more ‘Andy Roid’ titles from ‘Specky Magee’ author Felice Arena this year, following the series launch in March; while Simon & Schuster group production manager Melanie Barton hopes that a new series for boys from the author of ‘The Fleurville Trilogy’ will bring ‘even more fans to these classic French translations’.

There is bittersweet news for ‘Artemis Fowl’ fans. Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian (Penguin, July) will be the final book in the series, but fans can look forward to a visit from author Eoin Colfer in May, and ‘something new’ in the not-too-distant future.

Also coming to a end this year is Emily Rodda’s ‘The Three Doors’ trilogy, with The Third Door due in October (Scholastic).

Fremantle Press children’s publisher Cate Sutherland is looking forward to Mystery at Riddle Gully by Jen Banyard (May), ‘a funny, fast-paced story for middle readers’ about ‘a sticky-beak reporter, a less than altruistic mayor, his toupee, a stranger from Transylvania and a little lost sheep called Shorn Connery’; Walker Books MD and publisher Sarah Foster is excited to be publishing Maddy West and the Tongue Twister (October), a ‘junior fiction romp’ from popular New Zealand author Brian Falkner; and UQP children’s and young adult publisher Kristina Schulz recommends stocking up on tissues for Elizabeth Fensham’s third ‘Matty and Bill’ book, Matty and Bill or Keeps (UQP, July).

And finally, after five years, Ford St publisher Paul Collins is thrilled to be editing and publishing a companion volume to Ford St’s bestselling collection, Trust Me!. Trust Me Too (June) features all-new stories, poems and illustrations from Oliver Phommovanh, Michael Gerard Bauer, Gabrielle Wang, Margaret Clark, Jack Heath and many more. ‘The piece de resistance is an 8000word novelette from Isobelle Carmody, called “The Journey”, which is a prequel to Obernewtyn,’ says Collins.

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Feature: children’s and YA preview 2012 Issue 1

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‘D

on’t write off paranormal fantasy just yet’ seems to be the message from several publishers. om.au A ‘huge staff favourite’ at Allen & Unwin is Storm: Elementals 1 by Brigid Kemmerer (May). ‘Four brothers, four powerful elements, and one girl caught in the middle.

This is the best paranormal romance I’ve read in a long time,’ says publisher Eva Mills.

Text Publishing is also on the bandwagon.

‘After looking askance at paranormal books for far too long, we were knocked out by this home-grown story about the offspring of fallen angels,’ report Text’s editors. Shadows, book one of the ‘Rephaim’ series from debut author Paula Weston (July), ‘is far from angelic and we love everything about it: the frisson between sassy, stubborn heroes Gaby and Rafa, the crazy velocity of the story, and the satisfy-me-butmake-me-desperate-for-book-two ending.’

Meanwhile, several bestselling paranormal fantasy series are coming to a suitably dramatic end. Lauren Kate’s ‘Fallen’ series concludes with Rapture (Random House, June), while the final instalment in Becca Fitzpatrick’s ‘Hush, Hush’ series is due in November (S&S).

Random House children’s and YA sales and marketing manager Justin Ractliffe is thrilled to be publishing Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (July), ‘a gripping new fantasy adventure with the political intrigue and machinations of “Game of Thrones” and the epic dragonlore of the “Inheritance” cycle’ . ‘Fantasy luminaries like Christopher Paolini and Tamora Pierce are heaping praise on Hartman’s debut YA novel. With a very strong female protagonist and lashings of romance, war, adventure and, of course, dragon—Seraphina has everything it takes to be a hit.’

Allen & Unwin’s children’s team is looking forward to new titles from several of its bestselling local authors. Metro Winds (May) is a new collection of short stories by Isobelle Carmody, which offers ‘glimpses into a world we inhabit and recognise but with fantastical elements’; The Convent by Maureen McCarthy (October) is set in a cafe at the refurbished Abbotsford Convent; and acclaimed author and playwright Louis Nowra’s Into that Forest (September) is an ‘unforgettable and heartbreaking novel about two young girls living in the wild with Tasmanian Tigers’.

A&U has also snapped up the rights to some hot overseas titles. Between the Lines is a YA collaboration between Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha van Leer (July), which has been described as ‘a classic fairy tale with a uniquely modern twist’; while The Diviners by Libba Bray (November) is ‘the first in a fourbook supernatural series set in New York City during the 1920s at the height of the jazz age, featuring a feisty teen psychic and her similarly

gifted friends on the hunt for a serial killer’.

Bursting onto the dystopian scene in July is a brand-new series called ‘The Tribe’, beginning with The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf. The story takes place ‘in a world built after civilisation has been destroyed by a catastrophe called The Reckoning’. ‘Infused with subtle undertones of WA author Ambelin Kwaymullina’s Indigenous heritage, this is a rich, complex and rewarding story, sure to be the next big thing on the YA scene,’ says Walker Books MD and publisher Sarah Foster.

Text’s editors are excited about Text Prize winner Myke Bartlett’s debut, Fire in the Sea (August), ‘an exciting blend of reality and legend as mythical beasts and ancient civilisations converge on Perth’; and award-winner author Vikki Wakefield’s second book, Friday Brown (September)—‘a totally absorbing, emotionally wrenching and a ripper of a story’. In September, Text will also publish Rebecca Stead’s new book Liar and Spy. For fans of YA crime fiction (is this an emerging genre?), Bloomsbury’s children’s and YA marketing and publicity manager Sonia Palmisano recommends Murder Notebooks 1: Dead Time by Anne Cassidy (July), a ’sophisticated and compelling new crime mystery series’ with a young female protagonist; and Burn Mark by Laura Powell (June), which ‘is set in modern London but imagines that the inquisition and Salem-style witch trials never ended’.

Jodi Picoult is not the only adult fiction author making a YA debut this year. Shadowfell by local author Juliet Marillier (Pan Macmillan, July) is the first book in a ‘thrilling historical fantasy trilogy for YA and crossover readers’, says Pan Macmillan children’s publisher Claire Craig; Disharmony (Penguin, June) is ‘a gripping new series by a leading Australian forensic psychologist’ Leah Giarratano about three siblings—‘a psychopath, an empathy, a genius’—who have the potential to ‘save the world, or destroy it’; and Changeling (S&S, June) is the first book in historical author Philippa Gregory’s new YA series ‘Order of Darkness’, set in medieval Europe.

Scholastic Press publisher Ana Vivas is excited about Conspiracy 365, a new standalone book in the bestselling series from Gabrielle Lord (September), which ‘will be told from the perspective of Winter and will delve into the mystery of her past’; and Fremantle Press children’s publisher Cate Sutherland is looking forward to Creepy & Maud by Dianne Touchell (October)—‘the most unusual love story you’ll read this year’.

Nonfiction corner

While most of the publishers were looking forward to fiction, the following nonfiction titles were also hotly tipped.

Random House children’s and YA books publisher Zoe Walton describes Brave Heart (August) as ‘one of the books we’re most proud to be publishing this year’. ‘Former Sydney Swans Captain Brett Kirk opens up about his life and uses the lessons he’s learned to inspire readers on their own journey to becoming the best person they can be.’

YA foodies can look forward to the age-appropriate Junior Gourmet (Five Miles Press, June), with easy-to-follow recipes from around the world, and aspiring artists will delight in Found: The Art of Recycling by Lisa Hölzl (October).

‘This extensive and beautifully designed nonfiction book explores ways in which different artists have used recycled and “found” objects, and encourages readers to create their own “found” artworks with break-out activities on each page,’ says Walker Books MD and publisher Sarah Foster. ‘Featuring photographs of works from Pablo Picasso, Fiona Hall, Joseph Cornell and many, many more, this will be a musthave item for schools, galleries and art aficionados.’

‘What wasn’t in demand were fantasy, vampires and dystopian.

It seems nearly all markets have reached saturation point.’

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair offers an opportunity to spot children’s book trends even further ahead. Random House rights manager Nerrilee Weir reports.

The mood at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair this year was upbeat, energetic and optimistic, with a strong contingent of Australians in attendance. There was no ‘big book’ of the fair, which left everyone to focus on the business at hand—pitching new titles that can build to big books, receiving feedback on our previous submissions, and checking on the publishing health and conditions in the different territories. As Peg McColl, rights manager at Penguin, reports, ‘Publishers were back to basics— looking for humour, great stories with strong plots, across all age groups.’ What wasn’t in demand were fantasy, vampires and dystopian. It seems nearly all markets have reached saturation point, though many commented that it will depend on the success of The Hunger Games movie, and whether that sparks a revival.

Middle-grade and young adult were in high demand this year but the distinctions between teen and YA are blurring.

Australian authors have always written ‘up’ and in previous years some of our

YA titles have been deemed ‘too old’ for foreign YA publishers (for example, an 18-year-old protagonist would normally be an automatic ‘stop’ to a pitch). As Angela Namoi, children’s rights director at Allen & Unwin, noted, this year it seemed that publishers from territories including Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands were taking advantage of that, having launched ‘crossover’ lists aimed at the 18- to 25-year-old market. Interestingly, the content still can’t be too ‘racy’. In both teen and young adult, there’s a definite switch back to contemporary fiction with some interest in thrillers.

There was increased interest in picture books this year with publishers looking for the ‘right’ picture book. The trick is having both the right style of illustration and the right content. (Not always as easy as it sounds.) Namoi noticed a shift in US picture book sensibilities with publishers looking for ‘fewer words and more ironic humour’.

Series are still in demand but publishers seem to be waiting longer to make a

commitment or an offer. They want to see strong home sales figures, and the commitment from the originating publisher to that series as well. It can be harder now to sell rights for the first book of a new series, but pitching a series with three or four titles will at least generate new and renewed interest. It’s often the commitment to pitching backlist titles and keeping that rights sales pitch fresh and relevant that will see benefits.

Discussions with translation publishers about ebooks have moved away from ‘when’ and ‘how’ to the more detailed conversations about strategy and how different markets are approaching the ebook readership.

While many markets don’t yet have a big take-up in ereaders, they’re watching and learning from other markets.

Feature: children’s and YA preview

Trendspotting at Bologna

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The Canberra Times said; ‘the Waarda series is beautifully produced by indigenous writers to whom sense of place and family home is very significant.’

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Jake is thrilled to learn he has the lead in the school play until he realises he’s expected to pucker up for the role. The Herald Sun called the series ‘terrific for early readers of simple, illustrated chapter books’.

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Who can resist a mystery? This one comes with a sticky-beak reporter, a dodgy mayor and his toupee, a stranger from Transylvania and a little lost sheep called Shorn Connery. Good Reading Magazine called Banyard’s first book ‘well written, suspenseful and splattered with classroom humour’.

JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

MIDDLE READERS • 9781 921 888 748 • PB/eBook

MYSTERY, DRAMA & INTRIGUE

Feature

Game over?

As children’s publishers explore new digital formats and online marketing tools, one of the possibilities being raised is the tie-in game. But is this likely to be a successful strategy?

Andrea Hanke spoke to YA fantasy author and online game developer Garth Nix.

G

arth Nix’s new novel, A Confusion of Princes (A&U), is set in a galactic empire where children are biologically altered and trained to become princes. It’s also the basis for an online game called Imperial Galaxy, which Nix first began developing over five years ago.

The bestselling author of young-adult fantasy, who has previously worked as a sales rep, publicist, editor and marketing consultant,

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‘I’ve joked that the game is the most expensive and least useful marketing tool for a book ever’ —Garth Nix

says the game’s relationship with the book was almost coincidental.

‘When [programmer and co-designer] Phil Wallach and I were thinking about designing a SF game, simply because we wanted to, I thought we might as well use the background for A Confusion of Princes, which I’d started writing.

So that was simply a matter of convenience.

I thought I’d have the book written before we launched the game, but as it turned out I took longer to finish the “Keys to the Kingdom” books than I’d planned, and was diverted into some other writing, and in the meantime the game forged ahead.’

Imperial Galaxy (www.imperialgalaxy. com) was designed as a MMOG (massively multiplayer online game). Essentially it modelled a galactic empire, where players could interact with the empire as members of different imperial services. As well as operating through an internet browser, the game could also be accessed through Facebook, which back in 2007 was ‘the new software frontier with apparently limitless opportunities’, says Nix. Unfortunately, Nix and Wallach ran out of funding mid-development—and midGFC, which made it difficult to attract further investment. ‘It is still playable, though it is pretty much a stalled beta version, and only a limited subset of what we originally designed,’ says Nix. Despite never being officially launched, the game attracted an audience most Australian novelists could only dream of. ‘At its height there were about 30,000 people playing Imperial Galaxy every day,’ says Nix. ‘More than 100,000 people have played it, though this would include people who just created a character and did nothing more. There are still several hundred people playing, though this is a constant surprise given that we have not done anything to the available version for several years.’

Despite the publishing industry’s apparent enthusiasm for multi-media projects, not to mention Nix’s considerable star power, the

game hasn’t been seen as a priority—or a profitable investment—for his publishers. There is a chance that the game will be relaunched in May to coincide with the US/UK release of A Confusion of Princes, says Nix, but only ‘a revamp of the original beta release’ rather than the fully realised version.

‘Unfortunately publishers generally don’t have much spare money to invest in anything, and in this case, the spend required would be very unlikely to be recouped in terms of significant additional sales,’ says Nix. ‘I’ve joked that the game is the most expensive and least useful marketing tool for a book ever, and that would be true if we had created the game just to sell the book, rather than developing the game for its own sake and connecting it to the book.’

Nix says he wasn’t tempted to turn A Confusion of Princes into an app or an enhanced ebook because ‘it would be a different development, different technology platforms and so on, and thus very time-consuming and expensive’ . He also points out that while Imperial Galaxy is not strictly a tie-in game, ‘if I was to create a tie-in game for a book I would probably now do it as an iPhone/android app and choose something not too ambitious in terms of scope and complexity’.

‘The tie-in aspect is very tricky, because you often end up with something that really has nothing to do with the book and will not help it, even if the game itself is successful. Working out how to integrate game, book and other crossplatform stuff so that they actually promote each other is very difficult and hardly anyone does it well—I haven’t,’ says Nix, adding, ‘But I also think A Confusion of Princes is fine just as it is by itself, as is the existing Imperial Galaxy game.’

‘I think there are opportunities and a future for book-based apps and enhanced ebooks, but only for particular projects that are well suited to this kind of adaptation or expansion, not as a general rule. So many of the apps or enhanced ebooks that have appeared or been announced are in fact just expensive-to-produce distractions that

app that leverages an existing book to give a new experience and probably cross-promotes the paper book as well.’

However, Nix remains wary of investing too heavily in multimedia, particularly online games.

‘I don’t think books need games or vice versa. I just happen to be interested in both. I don’t think it’s a necessary direction for publishing either, partly because game development is generally very, very expensive and the return from tie-in or related books would be very minor. While it is certainly helpful to have online content that can draw attention to a book, it is fortunate that

a book can still find its audience via word-ofmouth from readers, however that is transmitted.

All the online and cross-media stuff can only multiply the basic appeal of the book, it cannot create it.’

‘It’s a bit like book trailers. Marketing departments like them, I guess because they’re fun and interesting. But it’s doubtful they actually do anything. One example I know of where the trailer got 250,000-plus hits, hardly made on an impact on the sales of the novel it was supposed to promote. People liked the clip, but it didn’t translate into wanting the book.’

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fail as apps and offer unnecessary enhancements readers don’t want. The ones that do work, and are brilliant, are by far the exception.

‘Most of the best enhanced ebooks/apps are for nonfiction or for younger readers. A nonfiction reference app like Animated Knots

by Grog is a good example of the power of the medium, and in children’s apps some standouts include the Green Eggs and Ham iPad app and The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore book app from the Oscar-winning short film.

One app that also should be mentioned is the Animalia iPad app—it’s a good example of an

Get playing

Several local publishers are experimenting with online games and apps, albeit on a much smaller scale than Garth Nix’s Imperial Galaxy.

In March, Bloomsbury launched its ‘Star Fighters’ series with a website that features several games (www.starfighterbooks.com).

Penguin has developed a free Andy Roid game to coincide with the launch of Felice Arena’s new series, which will be available from the Puffin website in April (www.puffin.com.au).

Meanwhile, Pan Macmillan has given Andy Griffith fans (who own an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad) a new toy. The Andy Griffiths Game is available for free download from the Apple iTunes store.

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Reviews: Picture books (June to July)

Reviews

June to July Children's

Junior BOOKSELLER+PUBLISHER’s star rating system gives readers an indication of the quality of the publication being reviewed in its context. Our reviewers have been asked to use the following guidelines to rate the book:

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an exceptional book of the very highest quality, regardless of genre an excellent book good book, within its genre a passable example of the genre caution advised

Top Picks

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Each issue, Junior asks booksellers, teachers, librarians and others in the publishing industry to review books in advance of their publication. All books reviewed are Australian or New Zealand.

ebooks (simultaneous release unless otherwise specified) audio

Among our reviewers’ top picks this issue are:

Arkie Sparkle: Treasure Hunter—Code Crimson HHH H Page 17

Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent

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Pennies for Hitler

Team Human

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‘This is historical fiction at its best’— Hilary Adams on Pennies for Hitler Jackie French scores not one but two five-star reviews in this issue of Junior

Picture books  The Little Dinosaur (Catriona Hay & Andrew Plant, Working Title Press, $24.95 hb, ISBN 9781921504396, June) HHH language is for the most part simple, although a number of more complicated terms will need to be explained to a young audience. There is a particular beauty in the book’s vibrant and detailed illustrations, which have been crafted

by Andrew Plant—a book illustrator who specialises in natural history.

Fiona Edwards is Canberra-based writer and academic and a former teacher and editor

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Inspired by the discovery of a fossilised leg bone on the Otway coast in Victoria in 1989, this beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of a little dinosaur—the size and shape of a wallaby with big eyes and strong teeth.

Instead of taking a conventional fictional approach, author Catriona Hay has used the story of the little dinosaur and her broken leg to demonstrate how fossils are formed. After the fossilised leg bone is discovered, the book explains how the bone is researched and how artists develop the image of the little dinosaur that we have today. The Little Dinosaur combines creative narrative with scientific fact to tell a captivating and touching story that will appeal to children on many levels. The

The Red Wheelbarrow (Briony Stewart, UQP, $19.95 hb, ISBN 9780702249259, June) The Red Wheelbarrow is a picture book with a difference; there are no words and there are two different stories depending on which side of the book you pick up. One narrative concerns itself with two girls playing with a red wheelbarrow while a fluffy white chicken pecks alongside them. The girls, of different sizes, have just a blanket and a bag of sweets as playthings. Briony Stewart celebrates the simple childhood joys of lollipop-licking and hiding under blankets. When the two begin fighting over the contents of the paper bag, it’s the trusty chicken who creates a diversion and stops the tears. Suitable for preschoolers, The Red Wheelbarrow encourages young children to use their imagination and make up their

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own narrative by following the images. The second story concerns a family of chooks who scuttle about doing typical fowl-like activities like digging for worms and sleeping under mother hen’s feathers. Though the pictures are charming, they could do with some embellishments and perhaps bigger brushstrokes—the worm is quite hard to see. In the chicken story, for instance, there are only subtle differences between the drawings that a young eye may not be able to detect.

Thuy On is a Melbourne-based reviewer and manuscript assessor

As well as being one of the inaugural Australian children’s laureates and an ambassador for the National Year of Reading, Alison Lester recently travelled to Antarctica; Sophie Scott Goes South is a record of her travels—a picture book account of the journey as seen through the eyes of nine-year-old Sophie, whose father is captain of the Aurora Australis, an icebreaker taking people and supplies to Mawson Station. Sophie’s diary entries describe the changing terrain and weather conditions as they travel further south; her excitement when she sees her first iceberg, and then spots her first seals and penguins; and the special clothing they all need to wear. With just over a month to complete the whole journey before the weather becomes too harsh, the expedition is not without

its hazards; a severe blizzard encountered on their arrival at the station, and the ensuing white-out, reminds us of the force of nature in extreme locations. The narrative style is naturally chatty and informal, with just the right amount of factual and background information—and accompanying sketches, diagrams and photographs— to appeal to primary-aged children. This is highly recommended for both the home and the classroom.

Hilary Adams works in a specialist children’s bookshop in Sydney

The Terrible Suitcase (Emma Allen & Freya Blackwood, Omnibus, $24.99 hb, ISBN 9781862919402, July) H H H H This delightful picture book from first-time author Emma Wood and award-winning illustrator Freya Blackwood tells a charming and poignant story about the challenges of fitting in. On the first day of school, everyone has a special bag—Howard has a rocket backpack, Millie has a backpack with a frog pattern and a rainforest sticker, and Ruby has a backpack with a special drinks compartment and a pocket covered with owl badges. But there’s an odd one out: one child has a terrible suitcase, and she’s so mad about her ugly bag that she accidentally chews her favourite hologram sticker during morning tea. But it turns out that there’s much more to the terrible suitcase than meets the eye—by the end of the day, imagination has taken over, and the suitcase ends up being everyone’s

ticket to a fabulous adventure. The Terrible Suitcase is a wonderfully light-hearted and inventive tale that encourages children to celebrate difference, the power of imagination, and the creative joy of playing together.

With its beautifully detailed illustrations and quirky humour, it’s sure to resonate with younger readers and parents alike.

Carody Culver is a part-time bookseller at Black Cat Books in Brisbane, a full-time PhD student and a freelance reviewer

Young readers  Arkie Sparkle: Treasure Hunter—Code Crimson (Petra James, Pan Macmillan, $6.99 pb, ISBN 9781742611105, July) H H H H Arkie Sparkle knows what she wants to be: a treasure hunter just like her globetrotting parents. So when her mum and dad are kidnapped, Arkie follows a cryptic ransom note halfway across the globe in their pursuit, along with her genius (and slightly annoying) best friend TJ and her dog Charlie, as well as an array of inventions and high-tech gadgets. First stop: Egypt, and Queen Nefertari’s cartouche, where Arkie will have to use all her know-how to find the first of seven treasures that the kidnappers have demanded. Arkie Sparkle introduces a bright new character who has everything that young female readers will love: intelligence, independence, tenacity, access to cool technology and an outfit for every adventure (which TJ just happens to design, in each new

season’s colours). The story is peppered with fun facts and illustrated with creative, age-appropriate margin designs, which make this an even more engaging read. Something new happens on every page—from edible cookie clues to time travel. Arkie Sparkle will appeal to young female readers of mid-to-late primary age. This is the first book in a series.

Rebecca Butterworth is a freelance writer and book reviewer living in Melbourne

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Meredith Tate is a freelance proofreader and book reviewer who has worked for a children’s publisher

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lives and breathes art. As with many teenagers, art gives Maddy a connection to the world beyond her bedroom.

But, unlike other similarly themed novels, Maddy isn’t a loner—rather, she’s surrounded by friends and mentors who understand, support and challenge her, giving this book a particularly welcoming feel. It’s a world that likeminded readers will want to inhabit, brought to life through Bobsien’s relaxed, engaging and down-toearth style.

JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

The Colour of Trouble (Gerry Bobsien, Walker Books, $18.95 pb, ISBN 9781921720840, July) Fifteen-year-old Maddy has synaesthesia, which means her senses are cross-wired and she sees sounds and tastes colour. As an artist, it gives her a unique take on the world, but more than anything, she wants to be infamous.

With best friend Darcy, Maddy spends her time working on new designs for their business and finding creative ways to get them into trouble and into the newspapers.

But when Maddy goes too far with an elaborate hoax, she discovers that notoriety in the art world can have disastrous consequences. In her second book for girls (aged 12 and up), Gerry Bobsien brings an artist’s touch to the story about what it means to make your mark on the world. While Maddy’s synaesthesia often feels underused, the novel itself—like its spirited protagonist—

Reviews: Picture books / Young readers (June to July)

Sophie Scott Goes South (Alison Lester, Viking, $29.95 hb, ISBN 9780670880683, June) H H H H

Reviews: Young readers (June to July)

Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent (Jackie French, HarperCollins, $14.99 pb, ISBN 9780732293116, July) H H H H

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When Loa’s childhood friend marries a stranger from another tribe, he is frustrated and angry at being stuck between childhood and manhood. Determined to find a wife—and a life—of his own, Loa casts off in his canoe with only with a knife, some water and a ‘rubbish dog’ to offer to hungry sharks—or eat if he runs out of food. At first Loa is filled only with disdain for the dog. However, when trouble hits, and Loa and the dog are carried to the shores of a great southern land, they grow to need each other. Dingo: The Dog Who Conquered a Continent is told, in modern language, from the alternating viewpoints of the boy and dog. It is beautifully and simply written by Jackie French (Macbeth and Son, Hitler’s Daughter), whose prose

is always masterful. French has brought the history of early Australian culture to life—but the story itself is compelling.

It is the kind of tale that will stay with younger readers, and is bound to encourage further study. Part of the ‘Animal Stars’ series, Dingo is well suited to readers aged nine to 13.

(See interview, page 9.)

Rebecca Butterworth is a freelance writer and book reviewer living in Melbourne

The Forgotten Pearl (Belinda Murrell, Random House, $15.95 pb, ISBN 9781742753690, June) The Forgotten Pearl is the latest historical fiction offering from Belinda Murrell (The Ruby Talisman, The Ivory Rose). Poppy is an outgoing child who adores her home in Darwin, her family, her strange collection of local pets (which include a snake, two possums and her beloved dog Honey), and her new best friend Maude. None of them expects that the war which rages between Nazi Germany and the rest of the world will touch them. Then Japan attacks Darwin, forcing Maude and Poppy to grow up fast, and to deal with things that no-one should ever have to. There is real strength in the descriptions of setting, and the melting pot of cultures and personalities, and it is clear that Belinda Murrell feels confident writing about

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this historical period. The flow of the story when it travels back to the war period is evocative and natural. However, the contemporary story, which provides the launching point into the past, isn’t as fully realised and the characters in these snippets don’t ring as true as those in the rest of the book. That aside, The Forgotten Pearl offers a vivid introduction to wartime Australia for younger readers aged nine to 13.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne-based writer and reviewer

The Ghost at the Point (Charlotte Calder, Walker Books, $16.95 pb, ISBN 9781921977732, June) H H H friends that are the true highlight of The Ghost at the Point. The 1930s setting offers Dorrie the freedom that most children won’t dream of today, and as such provides the perfect backdrop for this feel-good adventure, which will suit children aged eight years and up. With villains, some unlikely heroes and buried treasure, this chapter book is built around an old mystery and a new one where good triumphs most emphatically over evil.

Clare Hingston is a bookseller and librarian-in-training

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Dorrie has always lived at Ned’s Point with her grandfather, where she relishes the simple things: barefoot wanderings with her cat Poppy and fishing and exploring the bush on her horse Sampson. But when Dorrie’s grandfather takes a fall and is forced to recuperate in hospital, Dorrie’s idyllic lifestyle is threatened. Dorrie is forced to decide whether she should leave Poppy and the other animals to stay with her horrible cousins or tough it out on her own. Consequently, Dorrie has a lot on her plate even without the ghosts—a terrified shipwreck victim and the greedy, treasure-hunting Crickles—to deal with. While the plot is fast-paced and interesting, it is the realistic and affectionate descriptions of Dorrie’s life, family and

Pennies for Hitler (Jackie French, HarperCollins, $15.99 pb, ISBN 9780732292096, June) It’s Germany, 1939, six months after the Kristallnacht attacks on the Jews, but life for 11-year old Georg is full of promise under the Führer—until his father, an English university professor, is killed by a group of proNazi students on suspicion of being Jewish. Fearing for her son’s safety, Georg’s German mother arranges for him to be smuggled into England to stay with his father’s unmarried sister, his Aunt Miriam, whose work at the war office means Georg spends long hours on his own, listening to the radio, reading newspapers and learning to perfect his English accent. London, however, is being heavily bombed, and when Aunt Miriam’s office is transferred to the country, she decides to send Georg

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to Australia to be placed in foster care. For Georg, now known as George, life could not be more different as he is taken in by a kindly elderly couple living in country NSW. But tragedy strikes again, and this time Georg feels he can no longer keep silent about his true identity.

Jackie French’s research and subsequent feeling for the era is superb (the descriptions of wartime Australia alone are fascinating). This is historical fiction at its best, and thoroughly recommended for upper primary children and beyond. (See interview, page 9.)

Hilary Adams is a bookseller and has written about the importance of historical fiction for children

Young Adult  Zara is trapped in a coma following a tragic accident. She can hear all that is going on around her but is entombed in her subconscious—where she is left to confront painful memories and come to terms with a terrible secret. This is a multilayered story with three plotlines that are differentiated by tone, font and the integration of graphic-novel elements. This may be confusing for younger readers until they find the story’s rhythm.

Graphic novels are a great tool for increasing the reading comprehension and vocabulary of reluctant readers. By mixing images and text, they also have the capacity to tell a different kind of story than is otherwise possible in a conventional novel. In this instance, the graphic panels are introduced to create an alternate pace to the story, but I’m

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not convinced that the blend of graphics into the text is as seamless as it should have been. Including a newspaper clipping of how Zara came to be in a coma, however, was a clever way of introducing the key characters. This book is recommended for mature 13-plus readers.

Fiona Edwards is a Canberra-based writer and academic and a former teacher and editor

Dragon Hunter (Nazam Anhar, Scholastic, $16.99 pb, ISBN 9781742830308, June) H H H Baran is used to hardship. There isn’t a day that goes by in his isolated mountain village in which he isn’t mocked for the disappearance of his father. His only escape is the kindness of the village elders and the stories they tell— stories of long-extinct dragons and the warriors who once hunted them. When the dragons reappear to terrorise the village, those warriors are their only hope. But when a dragon-hunter comes to their aid, he does so at a price— one boy from the village is to come with him and train as a warrior. To Baran, this offers an opportunity to leave his suffocating village and to become something other than an outcast—if he can be brave enough to face his fears.

Nazam Anhar’s tale has all the elements of epic adventure: fearsome enemies, a wise mentor and a strong, courageous

hero whose growth as a character weaves effortlessly into the fantasy elements. With thrilling and detailed action sequences and a well-crafted world, Dragon Hunter will appeal to fans of Emily Rodda and John Flanagan, and is perfectly suited for boys age 10-14.

Meg Whelan works at Hill of Content Bookshop in Melbourne

I, Wolf (Matt Boyd, ABC Books, $16.99 pb, ISBN 9780733329760, June) In the wake of Twilight and the paranormal romance that followed, it’s nice to see a grittier style of paranormal fiction coming through that expands its readership to include those who prefer action to passion. Romy from I, Wolf is not so much a dashing hero as one who would rather run away and hide because he’s not strong enough to fight back. His whole life has been shadowed with the knowledge that at any point after his 16th birthday the disease that sent his mother mad and finally took her life could infect him too. His father has spent 16 years looking for a cure, and several days after Romy’s 16th birthday it seems he might have found one. The experimental treatment has been known to cure terminal illnesses, but what Romy doesn’t know is that to be cured

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he will need to survive a wolf attack—and to become a wolf himself. There is definitely room in the market for paranormal action. Last year’s Department 19 was a good example and I, Wolf is another. It is fast-paced and for the most part entertaining, although there were sections in the story that could have been fleshed out more. This would make a good series and it certainly has elements to suggest it may become one.

Bec Kavanagh is a Melbourne-based writer and reviewer

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Meredith Tate is a freelance proofreader and book reviewer who has worked for a children’s publisher

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celebrity, it’s grit with a very high-gloss sheen. Kalkipsakis, who’s written for ‘Go Girl’ and ‘Girlfriend Fiction’, knows what teenage girls want to read and delivers with this slick, energetic and highly commercial take on the intense pressures of life at this age. The balance between realworld issues and escapist melodrama is enjoyably spot on, backed up by strong characterisation, some unexpected turns, and a satisfyingly bittersweet ending.

JUNIOR BOOKSELLER + PUBLISHER

Silhouette (Thalia Kalkipsakis, Hardie Grant Egmont, $22.95 pb, ISBN 9781921759659, July)

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Seventeen-year-old Scarlett loves being the centre of attention. A ballet dancer at the National Academy of Performing Arts, Scarlett works hard to be the best and is sure to make it in the ruthlessly competitive world of professional dance. Desperate to prove her skills, she risks everything to gatecrash an audition—which she nails.

But as she becomes drawn into a new world free from rules, responsibilities and restrictions, Scarlett’s big break quickly becomes an unexpected downfall. Going against the grain, this is a YA dance book which looks at the dark side of ambition, desire and success—a tale of caution and redemption, about losing everything in order to find your true self. The blurb describes it as ‘gritty’, and while it certainly delves into an adult world of sex, drugs and

Reviews: Young adult (June to July)

Broken (Elizabeth Pulford, illus by Angus Gomes, Walker Books, $19.95 pb, ISBN 9781921529887, June)

Reviews: Young adult / Nonfiction (June to July)

Team Human (Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan, A&U, $17.99 pb, ISBN 9781742378398, July) Individually, Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan have produced some of the wittiest, sharpest youngadult fiction on the market. Working together, they have managed to inject new life into the vampire genre—with trademark humour and sarcasm. When a handsome and brooding vampire enrols at Mel’s school, she’s a little concerned. Then her best friend Cathy falls in love with him and it is up to Mel to ensure Cathy doesn’t do something stupid—like decide to become a vampire herself. Team Human somehow manages to tackle vampirism with a delightfully serious touch, turning what has become the punchline of B-grade romances into a complex moral and ethical issue that mirrors the

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challenges faced by everyday teenagers. The relationships and characters are pitch-perfect, with just enough sentimentality covered by sharp humour. Kit (Mel’s love interest) is a fantastically confused and naive male lead, and his willingness to play sidekick to what has got to be one of the sassiest and bravest heroines of the young-adult genre is refreshing. With an interesting blend of vampires, zombies and some very un-ordinary teenagers, Team Human cleverly balances side-splitting humour with an exploration of what it means to be human.

Meg Whelan works at Hill of Content Bookshop in Melbourne

Nonfiction  Things My Daughter Needs to Know (Dilvin Yasa, Pan Macmillan, $19.99 pb, ISBN 9781742610917, July) HHH

Worried about the world that her two-year-old daughter has inherited, Dilvin Yasa decided to write a guide to help her child navigate the tricky world of modern womanhood. The book takes the form of a series of short letters, each one addressing a particular issue such as beauty, food, body image, friendships and dating. Yasa, a veteran journalist of women’s magazines, employs a breezy, conversational, occasionally hectoring tone. A lot of the information is commonsensical: ‘If you need to shave more than your legs to wear a skirt or a dress, you need to accept that it’s too short.’ Others are pointers on how to live a fulfilled life. Yasa advises her little one to travel widely as ‘these memories will keep you nice and

warm later in life when you are shivering through the wreckage of middle-age’. Aimed at pre-adolescent girls, the book is worth a look and is written with irreverence and humour, though those of a morally conservative bent should be warned of Yasa’s fruity language and liberal opinions when it comes to sex. For instance, pre-marital sex is encouraged as much as possible, ‘so you know what else is out there and you’re getting the best’.

Thuy On is a Melbourne-based reviewer and manuscript assessor

Who You Are Is What You Do: Making Choices about Life after School (Heather McAllister, Wilkins Farago, $24.99 hb, ISBN 9780980607024, June) H H

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This innovative approach to careers counselling functions as a personal workbook for young people who are getting ready to start out in the working world. Aimed at students who are just about to finish secondary school, it’s not focused on the myriad careers on offer (although there are some interesting case studies) but rather looks at defining the individual in order to unpack their strengths and weaknesses and offer some form of direction. Having a career today can mean something very different from past generations. The job market has changed remarkably, with more personal choice and control than in previous eras.

While choice is a good thing, having so many options can also be scary. By drawing on the great thinkers such

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as Nietzsche, Heidegger and Sartre, this book sets out to explore several key aspects of the individual—their passion, creativity, strengths, values, dreams, skills and choices. While this book is a worthwhile tool for selfreflection, it offers few solutions for stressed-out teens who are unsure of their future path.

Fiona Edwards is a Canberra-based writer and academic and a former teacher and editor

New releases from educational pub

Olympic prep

The following titles will make useful classroom reference tools in the lead-up to the London Olympics. Going for Gold: Australian Olympians and other Champions by Loretta Barnard (illus

by Gregory Rogers, Random House, July) is packed with facts and trivia on Australia’s celebrated sporting history.

The Games: The Extraordinary History of the Modern Olympics by Carole Wilkinson (Walker Books, July) recounts the funny, bizarre and touching moments of the modern Olympics.

And for all your reference needs, The Complete Book of the Olympics 2012 Edition (David Wallechinsky & James Loucky, Aurum, May) is bursting with facts and stats, including full descriptions of rules and scoring for every event.

Learning with animals

lishers

Art and crafty

Aspiring artists will enjoy Anholt’s Artists Activity Book (Laurence Anholt, Walker Books, July), a new edition to the ‘Anholt’s Artists’ series, which has introduced children to art for more than 20 years.

Another useful addition to the artroom is Found: The Art of Recycling by Lisa Hölzl (Walker Books, August). Aimed at children aged nine and up, it explores ways in which different artists have used recycled and found objects and material in their artwork, from Picasso to pop artist Richard Hamilton, and many more. It also includes activities for kids.

title showcase / nonfiction

Dr Brenda Heyworth

Finch Publishing

It’s a Jungle: A Parent’s Guide to Emotions and Behaviour Author: Dr Brenda Heyworth ISBN: 9780646552668 RRP: $29.95 Have a chuckle whilst learning effective strategies to deal with jungle behaviour. Anyone dealing with children or teens will relate to this practical yet humorous perspective on managing difficult behaviour.

Distributor: Harper Entertainment Distribution Services (HarperCollins) Tel: 1300-551-721 Fax: 1800-645-547 Website: www.heds.com.au

Distributor: It’s a Jungle Pty Ltd Tel: (07) 5476-3477 Email: info@itsajungle.com Website: www.itsajungle.com

Gail Lefebvre

Finch Publishing

Adproofing Your Kids: Raising Critical Thinkers in a Media-saturated World

Life Overload: Immediate Life-saving Strategies from a Stress Expert

Author: Tania Andrusiak & Daniel Donahoo ISBN: 9781876451875 RRP: $26.95 The authors provide effective strategies to help children be aware of the subtle manipulation in advertising. They promote the importance of values, a positive body image, and a realistic approach to the way children interact with the world.

Author: Dr Helen Street ISBN: 9781921462269 RRP: $29.99 This straightforward book provides tangible, workable solutions for rapid and lasting positive changes to your stress-filled days. Psychologist Helen Street specialises in mental health and stress management. She runs workshops specifically designed to help teachers manage stress—visit www.lifeoverload.com.au to book.

Distributor: Harper Entertainment Distribution Services (HarperCollins) Tel: 1300-551-721 Fax: 1800-645-547 Website: www.heds.com.au

Pamela K Horne Author: Pamela K Horne ISBN: 9780987195104 RRP: $17.95 Jasmine lives near Scenic World Katoomba. One day she almost collides with a strange girl, wearing old-fashioned clothes at the stairs in the hall. Was she real or imaginary?

Want to see your book here?

Email advertising@thorpe.com.au with

2012

The Seat in the Hall Stand

Author: Gail Lefebvre ISBN: 9780987048905 RRP: $11.95 Meet Simon Echidna, Kim Koala, Karen Kookaburra, Teacher Kanga, Ty Platypus and their mates, who throughout seven exciting chapters in Tales of Snug Bend experience many life-changing adventures.

Hand-painted illustrations.

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Tales of Snug Bend

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fiction

Published in March, Ten Scared Fish and Kangaroos Hop (both by Ros Moriarty, illus by Balarinji, A&U) are early childhood concept books which introduce children to animals and numbers and celebrate Indigenous art.

The illustrated early learning book Baby Tawnies by Judy Paulson (Random House, May) is classic tale of ‘spreading your wings’, which includes facts about Australian tawny frogmouths.

Author Chris Cheng has written a narrative nonfiction picture book for children aged five and up about the beautiful yet dangerous python (Python, illus by Mark Jackson, Walker Books, August).

Also look out for Out in the City (Yvonne Morrison & David Stanley, Koala Books, August), which will inspire children to learn about the inhabitants that share their city spaces, and Mrs Echidna’s Dilemma (Betty Johnston, 3E Innovative, revised edition published in September), which takes children on an interactive journey through the Australian bush as an echidna searches for the safest place to lay her egg. It’s beautifully illustrated with handembroidered images.

Educational bites

get Smart

Title Showcase in the subject line Distributor: P & B Gribben Tel: (02) 4758-6647 Email: pambern2@bigpond.com

for information.

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Distributor: Lefave Publishing Tel: (07) 5449-9028 Email: g23@bigpond.com Website: www.gaillefebvre.com.au