JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

Across the Risen Sea by Bren MacDibble

Neoma and Jag and their small community are ‘living gentle lives’ on high ground surrounded by the risen sea that has caused widespread devastation. When strangers from the Valley of the Sun arrive unannounced, the friends find themselves drawn into a web of secrecy and lies that endangers the way of life of their entire community.

Soon daring, loyal Neoma must set off on a solo mission across the risen sea, determined to rescue her best friend and find the truth that will save her village.

Across the Risen Sea is the latest middle grade adventure novel by Bren MacDibble, set within a small island community surrounded by a rising sea. Strangers arrive unannounced, carrying secrets with them, and then protagonist Neoma must embark on a solo mission across the ocean to rescue her best friend Jag.

In this somewhat dystopian setting, the rising sea has formed an inland sea with small islands. Communities on these islands do not deal with currency or money — they rely on fishing and growing their own food, and they use their boats to scrounge abandoned cities for materials.

Courage and determination are key themes explored in the book, as well as the power of family and friendship, and the importance of trusting your instincts. You do have to stretch your imagination for this one. A crocodile in the boat? A pirate who can out-swim a shark and fight them off when threatened? There are definitely a few moments of absurdity, but what children’s adventure novel doesn’t have these?

“I push through some big double doors and I’m in a room with everything built from shiny steel. There’s a rack with all kinds of glass jars with lots of different coloured herbs and spices and pots and pans on every shelf and giant spoons hanging from hooks, and knives, sharper than any Jag’s got on his belt.”

Across the Risen Sea is written in Neoma’s first person POV, allowing the reader to intimately follow Neoma’s journey across the ocean. Neoma is brave, curious and feisty — she’s got true grit, and she’s not afraid to venture into the unknown. She knows how to hold her own, and she’s got quick instincts that rival the adults around her. Additionally, her voice feels quite unique to the genre. It could be a little polarising with readers — some will love it, some might not — but overall, she drives the story forward with her inquisitive nature and her dogged determination.

One of my favourite parts of the book was when we arrive at the Valley of the Sun. No spoilers, but their home felt really unique and unexpected and I think Bren was really clever at crafting this setting. Children will no doubt find themselves enraptured by the homeland of the Valley of the Sun.

“The storm blows us on, throws waves at our backs, each wave sloshing a little more water and foam into the boat behind us, so I reckon whoever’s in there’s prolly gonna drown, if the boat don’t sink before we get to our bay. Soon the rain joins the waves sloshing at us and the lightning kicks and stomps all around the sea beside us.”

Okay, a couple of things I struggled with in the book. The plot does meander quite a bit — the journey feels quite slow and monotonous, the characters don’t seem overly engrossing for the long run . And I’m wondering — and this is more a ‘big picture’ thought — how fun is this book for kids to read? Much like Bren’s other books, there are messages and themes about climate change, environment and society’s treatment of others during a time of crisis. And whilst this is important to read, is it…fun?

I’ve read all of Bren’s books, and this one just didn’t feel as action-packed full of adventure as the others. An ocean journey to find a lost child means that there is quite a small cast of characters, and I wonder if it’s enough to enthral a young reader. Personally, I found my attention waning because the plot was a little same-same. Will this entice young teen readers? Will it keep their attention long enough to get them to the final page? You don’t have long to engage a young reader, and there’s so much competition out there. I just wonder if this story might perhaps be better suited for the older end of the age demographic, and those who are seasoned readers. I’m not entirely convinced that this book will appeal to reluctant readers.

For ages 9-13.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Across the Risen Sea
Bren MacDibble
August 2020
Allen & Unwin Book Publishers

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest by Jules Faber

Hi everyone! I’m Max Crack and this awesome book is all about me and my quests and my best friend Frankie!

Max Crack is new in Piddown.

He decides that a new town means a new beginning and resolves to embark on a series of quests, such as:
Make a new best friend
Win a trophy.
Solve a mystery.
Find hidden treasure.

He meets Frankie on his first day in town (Quest No. 1: tick). Now all he has to do is win a trophy, solve a mystery and find hidden treasure… The story is presented as Max’s diary, and it’s a visual feast: full of speech bubbles, doodles, asides, highlighted words, and crossed-out words.

Buried treasure, new school, doodles, peanut butter and honey toast, best friends, horrible blobs, mysteries, Meddlyslop, spelling bees (hard words, harder words), more doodles, comics, World War Undies … this book has it ALL.

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest is the debut children’s book from cartoonist and illustrator Jules Faber. Faber is well-known as the illustrator of WEIRDO.

This is a great read for a child aged approximately 10-12. The Quest Diaries of Max Quest definitely reads like it’s skewed more towards male readers, but female readers will find a lot to enjoy about this series.

The writing is very much stream of consciousness — chaotic, manic and fun. Young readers will be able to relate to the style of voice, and many parents will recognise the language and the dialogue.

Scattered throughout the book are detailed comics with speech bubbles and intricate diagrams. A lot of the humour actually comes from the drawings, rather than just the text.

“Frankie’s learned how to hide from attacks in his cool hideout. His hideout is in the attic past his bedroom and the upstairs lounge room. His house is really HUGE too. His dad built it using bricks made by convicts when the country was first settled by Europeans. Frankie showed me some THUMBPRINTS and POSSUM FOOTPRINTS still in the bricks.”

Max and Frankie are both really sweet, thoughtful, and imaginative. They’re kind and considerate, and their creativity knows no boundaries.

Even for an adult, it’s fun to follow Max’s quests. The comics are fun to explore and the chaotic nature of the storyline is enjoyable for all readers, not just young.

“Even with his eye problems he might win it. Especially if he does get super spelling powers. I’m going to have to work extra hard if I want that trophy, and I do. It’s the second quest on my list and, because I’ve ticked the first QUEST off already, I want to keep the streak going.”

I think the illustrations are the biggest strength of this book. The writing is good, but the illustrations are what will really entertain a young reader.

A solid children’s book debut, full of laughs and joy for young readers. Parents should feel confident buying this for their young child, and kids will find enjoyment reading the book and scanning the illustrations and comics.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Quest Diaries of Max Quest
Jules Faber
September 2019
Pan Macmillan Publishers

Review and Author Interview: Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever

9 authors. 9 stories to make you laugh your head off 4EVER

Just when you thought you were safe…nine of Australia’s favourite kids’ authors are ready to get heads rolling – again!

A runaway pram + an artsy alien + a cereal monster +a word-stealing curse + one dancing dad + three feral fairies + an evil genius + a hairy birthday + a super-duper pig = one hilarious book.

Filled with delightfully quirky illustrations by Andrea Innocent, Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever will appeal to both girls and boys, from middle to upper primary.

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Andy Griffiths: author of the bestselling and award-winning Treehouse series.
Felice Arena: author of the bestselling and award-winning Specky Magee series.
Yvette Poshoglian: author of the fabulous Frankie Fox Spy Girl series.
Marcus Emerson: author of the immensely popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series.
Matt Stanton: bestselling author and illustrator of the Funny Kid series.
Katrina Nannestad: award-winning author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome.
James Roy: acclaimed author of the Edsel Grizzler series.
Lisa Shanahan: author of the hilarious My Big Birkett.
Penny Tangey: comedian and author of Clara in Washington.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a collection of short stories by some of Australia’s funniest writers — Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.

Last year, I read and reviewed the previous title in the series: Laugh Your Head Off Again and Again. Every year, Pan Macmillan publish a compilation of funny short stories for children. It’s the perfect Christmas present for young readers and writers.

Each story is the perfect length for children. They’re long enough to allow for an exciting, inviting adventure but short enough that it’s manageable for young readers to maintain interest in the book.

“Of all the things I’ve ever done, this would have to be the most stupid. I’m lying on my back squashed into a pram. Sucking a dummy. Waving a Porky Pig rattle. Wearing a nappy.”
ANDY GRIFFITHS

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a gorgeous hardback book, bright yellow with pink font and stunning illustrations within the pages. Andrea Innocent’s illustrations are scattered throughout the stories, brightening each addition to the book.

“Before we go any further, there’s something about me that you need to know: I love snakes. Not real snakes, of course — I think real snakes are creepy and scary. No, I mean jelly snakes.”
JAMES ROY

I’d recommend this for parents and younger readers. It’d be great under your Christmas tree, and there are three other books in the series you can get your hands on.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is available now, Macmillan Australia, RRP $19.99.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH FELICE ARENA

Congratulations on the publication of Laugh your Head Off 4 Ever. Tell us a little about your story in this book.
It’s about a boy who is mortified to see his father take over the dance floor at his school dance. (“He was only supposed to chaperone, not dance!”) The boy will do anything to stop his father from dancing and embarrassing him in front of his friends.

What was the inspiration behind your story?
Dads dancing in general is funny. They think they look cool, but for kids it’s horrifying. Middle-aged men shouldn’t dance, right?

What do you look for when writing a funny short story?
It varies. But for this story there had to be an element of truth to it. I had to present something that we could all relate to. When we see ourselves in stories it strikes more of a chord with us – especially the stories that show us in awkward and funny situations.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to write about but it hasn’t made its way into a story yet?
Talking animals. Yes, it’s a subject that authors writing for children have made good use of over the centuries. I would love to write a story about a moose. I think moose are cool.

What is your editing process like? Do you write many drafts?
I edit as I write. I go over and over my story before I submit it to my editor. And she still always finds something to improve on. I usually end up writing about three drafts before my book is ready to go to the printers.

Is there anything you would change about your writing career?
Perhaps my name. I sometimes think I’d prefer a catchier name than Felice, one that’s easier to remember. Something like Felix Figg. Or I.P. Often. 😉

What are you working on next?
A historical action adventure for older reader entitled A Great Escape. It’s set in Berlin 1961. It’s coming out next March.

Finally, how best can readers or schools get in contact with you?
Via my website FelixFigg.com… just joking. It’s www.felicearena.com.
Or they can reach me on my Instagram account: www.instagram.com/fleech

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Laugh Your Head 4 Ever
Featured authors: Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.
November 2018
Pan Macmillan

A Review of Three Gorgeous Picture Books

The Fastest Tortoise on the Block
Michael Gray, illustrated by Naya & Kostya Lazarev
October 2017
Picture book for 5-8 year olds
Little Steps Publishing

And they’re off! A boy and a tortoise become fast friends as they prepare for the biggest event in town – the monthly tortoise race. It’s not winning that counts, but that won’t stop this tortoise from being the fastest tortoise on the block!

The Fastest Tortoise on the Block by Michael Gray is a sweet story about a determined tortoise and his caring owner. The text is written in first person from the tortoise’s point of view; the tortoise mentions that lizards have been making fun of him because he travels slowly.

This picture book is a cute story for little kids, showing them that practice pays off and also not to listen to what others say about you.

“Sleek lizards darting to and fro,
Made fun of me for going slow.
They shrieked and spat and laughed with glee,
They pointed sneering tails at me.”

The illustration style of the book is beautiful, with soft, light colours on the page to give the book a real warmth. I can see this being an instant classic in some families.

The rhyming of the text makes reading it really fun, and the words that are used are simple and would be easy for a young kid to understand. I do think that there are too many words on the page though. Picture books usually have 4 lines per page, and yet in this book, there are sometimes two stanzas on each spread and I think it would get a bit too much for some readers.

I recommend this to parents who are looking for a lovely animal-related story to read to their kids. The story teaches a lot about practice and determination, but also having fun and learning to forget your worries and live for the moment.

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Who’s Got A Normal Family?
Belinda Nowell, illustrated by Misa Alexander
May 2016
Picture book for 3-6 year olds
Little Steps Publishing

‘Are we normal?’ he asked. Mum gave Alex her brightest smile. ‘Absolutely NOT … but why don’t we find out who is?’   A celebration of unique, thriving and fun families.  

Who’s Got a Normal Family? by Belinda Nowell is a fantastic picture book about different types of families and learning to accept that ‘different’ isn’t a bad thing.

Alex is a foster child and after his parents bring home a new baby — also a foster child — there’s a kid in Alex’s class who makes fun of him. Alex starts to think his family isn’t normal, and so he gets very upset.

But, he and his mother sit down and look at all the families of the other kids in Alex’s class, and they realise that lots of people don’t have the traditional, ‘normal’ family. Sometimes kids only have one parent, or no parents but a grandparent, or perhaps their parents are both of the same gender.

Who’s Got a Normal Family? is great for parents who want to explain to kids that all families and all relationships are different. This is also a fantastic book that parents can use to teach their kids not to bully others or make fun of others. Alex gets really upset in the book after he is teased, and so this book shows us that harsh words can really affect someone and that you shouldn’t say something if it isn’t nice.

“Suddenly Alex wasn’t so excited anymore because, just like Baby Emma, Alex was a foster child too.
Alex was normally the sort of boy who laughed his way from breakfast to dinner, but that afternoon he did not laugh at all. He even cried behind his hands when he thought no one was watching.”

The illustrations are beautiful, with clear drawings and lots of vibrant colours used. The text is also really fantastic; it’s minimal but it’s impactful and I really enjoyed this book.

I recommend this book to parents who are looking for a way to teach their kids about bullying and perhaps if their kids have questions about the different types of families that exist in the world.

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The Tuggies
Jose Saracho
Picture book for 3-6 year olds
Little Steps Publishing

Lucy is not a morning person. Not only because she loves her bed, but because she always wakes up with hair full of knots and tangles. Have you ever wondered why your hair gets knotty while you sleep? Lucy is on a mission to find out why!

The Tuggies by Jose Saracho is the perfect book for readers with long hair that knots really easily (like me!).

Lucy wakes up every morning with knotted, unkempt hair and she hates it! So, she stays awake to discover who is making her hair so knotty. Lucy discovers that while she is sleeping, the Tuggies (beautiful, colourful little creatures) have been visiting her and playing around in her hair.

The illustration style of this book is the strongest part of the package. The colours are gorgeous and the layout of the pages is eye-catching and I imagine it’d be really engaging for a child.

The text is also short and fun, and the text is sometimes situated all around the spread, and sometimes it’s bunched up together in a paragraph. This makes each page feel really different for the reader.

“On the top of her headboard she noticed some curious tiny creatures.
At first they were a little shy…
…until one of them decided to dive into Lucy’s hair.”

This book has a really surprising and hilarious ending, that I’m sure kids will love. This is a large hardback book and a really fun read. I recommend this especially to parents who have daughters with long hair. They’ll find the book funny. The illustrations are so beautiful that I can imagine girls will love flicking through the pages,

Thank you to the publisher for sending me these review copies in exchange for honest reviews.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests.

Wizard boy, Xar, should have come in to his magic by now, but he hasn’t, so he wants to find a witch and steal its magic for himself. But if he’s got any chance of finding one, he will have to travel into the forbidden Badwoods.

Xar doesn’t realise he is about to capture an entirely different kind of enemy. A Warrior girl called Wish. And inside this book, at this very moment, two worlds collide and the fate of the land is changed forever. Xar and Wish must visit the dungeons at Warrior fort, and face the evil Queen. But something that has been sleeping for hundreds of years is stirring …

The Wizards of Once is the first book in a new middle grade fantasy series by Cressida Cowell, the author of How to Train Your Dragon. It’s about two kids — completely different from each other and too stubborn to want each other’s help or guidance — who must band together to destroy an evil that plagues both of their worlds.

Deeply rooted in history and legend from ancient Britain, this book takes place in a land filled with dark magic, mysterious forests, and suspicious characters. It isn’t too hard for the reader — child or adult — to grasp the history of this setting. There are warriors (no magic), witches (evil and magical), and wizards (good and magical).

“Giants are big and they tend to have BIG thoughts”

The warriors lived beyond the sea and were invaders. They disliked the witches and wiped them out years ago. Since then, they’ve also been wanting to wipe out wizards as well. However, as the novel begins and we are introduced to the cast of characters, we learn that there’s a mutual hatred amongst the neighbouring lands in the Kingdom because both warriors and wizards are very much still alive and they despise each other. The warriors haven’t been successful in their plight to destroy wizards and their magic. And so begins the story of Xar (the King Enchanter’s Son) and Wish (Warrior Princess).

 

The Wizards of Once is suspenseful and intriguing, with sketchy, scratchy illustrations scattered throughout the book. Kids will love the story, and although it’s a large book, some pages have no text on them and so kids won’t feel too daunted when picking this up to read.

At times I did find that the pace slowed a little too much, and I started skim reading just to keep things moving a little faster. In retrospect, Cressida probably could’ve trimmed the book in certain sections to keep the pace from slowing.

Despite this, the characters are brave, bold and really fun to read. They’re incredible flawed. They’re polar opposites and they compliment each other well. They learn to trust each other and to support each other, and together they work to tackle a common evil. Scattered throughout the story are moments of humour, reflection and depth.

Cowell’s world is delightful and fun and The Wizards of Once is a rollicking adventure — I’d recommend this to children aged 8-13.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Wizards of Once
Cressida Cowell
September 2017
Hachette Book Publishers