JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

When Rain Turns to Snow by Jane Godwin

A runaway, a baby and a whole lot of questions…

Lissa is home on her own after school one afternoon when a stranger turns up on the doorstep carrying a baby. Reed is on the run – surely people are looking for him? He’s trying to find out who he really is and thinks Lissa’s mum might have some answers. But how could he be connected to Lissa’s family – and why has he been left in charge of a baby? A baby who is sick, and getting sicker …

Reed’s appearance stirs up untold histories in Lissa’s family, and suddenly she is having to make sense of her past in a way she would never have imagined. Meanwhile, her brother is dealing with a devastating secret of his own.

A beautiful and timely coming-of-age story about finding out who you are in the face of crisis and change.

When Rain Turns to Snow is an emotional coming-of-age children’s novel by Australian author Jane Godwin. It’s Winter in Ballarat and a young teenager named Reed turns up on Lissa’s doorstep with a hungry baby and a quest to find his biological mother.

13-year-old Lissa is headstrong and resourceful — she’s confident and she’s determined to uncover the truth. She doesn’t pander to the mean girls at school. She doesn’t believe what they’re saying about her brother. And her maturity means that she goes above and beyond to help Reed and this little baby, even though she has no obligation to.

“I open the door. He’s shivering, there are half-circle shadows under his eyes. Almost blue. The heavy bedraggled blanket over his shoulders. He steps into the back room, holding Mercy partly hidden in the blanket like a small nocturnal animal, the backpack half falling down his arm. His runners are wet, like sodden, they leave little puddles on the wooden floor.”

Friendship is a strong theme in the book. Lissa is trying to adapt to life without her best friend Hanna, who has just moved to Western Australia and seems to be growing distant. Additionally, she’s fallen into a new friendship group at school and Lissa isn’t sure if they actually have her best interests at heart. Toxic friendship is a universal issue that most teenage girls will be able to relate to, not just in Australia but anywhere in the world.

Readers will love the mystery that underpins the novel. Who is Reed and who are his real parents? What’s going to happen to baby Mercy? Lissa’s brother is closed off and hiding things from her, and she doesn’t know why they’re not as close anymore. And Lissa doesn’t seem to have any real friends at the moment…

“I don’t really understand that, and it actually made me feel sick, seeing people write that stuff about my brother. I mean, Harry can be a pain, but he’s not all the things that people who don’t even know him are saying.”

There were a few gripes I had with the story. The language didn’t always resemble a teenager. Sometimes, the dialogue felt forced — it felt like the characters were saying what they should say instead of what they’d actually say in the moment. Lissa seemed wise beyond her years, Reed’s passion for climate change and the environment seemed over-the-top preachy, and not at all reflective of his age.

Additionally, Lissa’s relationship with her brother grows problematic at certain points of the novel. Her brother is accused of starting an online social media account and posting pictures of vulnerable young girls. Lissa believes he’s innocent and feels sorry for him, and on a couple of occasions Lissa communicates that she intends to support him and stick by him even if he did do the horrible things he’s accused of. I found Lissa to be quite unlikeable during these scenes.

Lastly, one of the characters seems to be grappling with their sexuality and seems to be hiding the fact they’re gay. But this storyline is never fully explored in the book so it felt very strange that the author hinted at it? Why weave it in if you’re not going to address it?

“We sit there in silence. We both know that sooner or later we’re going to get around to the topic of Reed going home. I feel tired now, too. Exhausted. I look towards Harry’s room.“

Recommended for children aged 12+

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

When Rain Turns to Snow
Jane Godwin
July 2020
Hachette Book Publishers

Two new reads from Ethicool Books

Charlie lives in the city, surrounded by roads and skyscrapers. But when his dad turns out his night light, something amazing begins to happen… 

Charlie’s whisked off on an incredible journey, where vines overtake the tall buildings he knows so well, and a lush river flows underneath his feet. Guided by a wise old owl, Charlie gets well acquainted with the animals, forests and oceans that preceded him, and how they gently lived at one with nature. 

Charlie loves his Rainforest and Ocean Classrooms – and he soon brings his friends along for the ride! 

This wild and adventurous children’s book will help your little ones appreciate that it isn’t just dinosaurs that go extinct. If you’re a nature or animal lover, this one’s for you.

Stuart French’s My Rainforest Classroom is an adventurous children’s picture book about animal extinction — a beautiful, heartwarming story about children, animals, mother nature, and the importance of understanding the beauty of what’s around you.

Today’s review is for two picture books from Ethicool Books, an Australian publishing company that publishes children’s books about some of the world’s biggest issues, such as climate change, pollution, bullying and anxiety.

The Ethicool catalogue follows a very distinct look — bright, lively illustrations with distinct shapes and figures, and excitable young faces. My Rainforest Classroom explores animal extinction, teaching children the importance of preserving animal life and not constricting animals in cages or tanks.

Messages aside, My Rainforest Classroom is a fun, adventurous tale for kids. It feels ‘otherworldy’ because the illustrations take us on a journey that spans forests and oceans. Kids will find themselves immersed in the storyline, the characters, and the pastel artwork.

My Rainforest Classroom
Stuart French
Ethicool Books

***

Join Ella and her sister, Ava, as they discover the joy of caring for a marine creature. Yet it isn’t all joy, as the sisters soon learn. Their beloved fish appear to thrive in only one type of environment … but why are both fish getting bigger? 

This light-hearted and genuinely surprising book will keep you and your little ones on their toes until the very end! Designed to be both humorous and moving, it also teaches an important lesson about personal responsibility.

Whilst it feels like there’s a lot of text on the pages of both these books, the storylines span big topics that need text to convey.

Ella and the Exploding Fish explores the importance of keeping oceans clean from rubbish. There are many things that marine life are not meant to eat, and yet they make their way into our waterways.

I’ll admit, the ending to this picture book took me a little by surprise and I wonder how a child would respond, but it does its job of shocking the reader. It opens up a discussion with children about why shouldn’t litter or toss anything in waterways that isn’t meant to be there.

These two books allow for a seamless, accessible way to discuss these issues with children — sceptics will think that children don’t need these books, but in a world where children are becoming more socially aware and conscious of what’s going on in the world, we can’t afford not to have books like these available to young minds.

Check out the rest of their books at https://ethicoolbooks.com.

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

Ella and the Exploding Fish
Teigan Margetts
Ethicool Books

Mini Mel and Timid Tom by Ben Hutchings

The feline overlord King Mog has set his loyal subject Tom an impossible task. Luckily, today is the day Tom’s owner insists on joining him.

After shrinking to the size of a mouse, the brave and resourceful Melanie is granted a cat’s-eye view of a fascinating hidden realm.

As they race through gardens, across rooftops and down hidden pathways, a familiar neighbourhood becomes the epic setting of danger and adventure, kindness and cruelty, courage and camaraderie.

Can Mel help Tom beat the King’s favourite, Sir Ronald, and gain the approval of the Court?

Ben Hutchings’ Mini Mel and Timid Tom is a graphic novel for children, filled with exciting adventures and interesting creatures that readers will love.

After shrinking to a small size, Melanie accompanies her cat Tom on a sprawling neighbourhood adventure to find a SPLAT and bring it to the Great King Mog.

Ultimately, the book explores the concept of competition amongst competitors, and also encourages readers to help others and be the bigger person. It’s not about who gets there first, but more importantly, playing fair.

“It’s the only way to sneak you into the cat world. That tree was a magic shrinking tree. You can always tell a magic shrinking tree. They’re magic. And they shrink you.”

Above all else, the book is incredibly fun. The strength lies within the vibrant illustrations and the comic art, with marvellously detailed drawings and comic strips that children will devour.

Mini Mel and Timid Tom is exciting and encouraging for young readers, but it also has some key messages at its core that parents will appreciate.

Some smaller lessons that the book explores include friendship, family, understanding the concept of rejection, and understanding that not everyone in this world is going to like you or pick you or choose you, and that’s okay.

“More like a great fathead. Why do you let them bully you like that?”

“Bully me? That’s just how strong cats talk! I can take it. I’m no kitten. If King Mog likes you, he can make your life wonderful.”

A fun, frolicking adventure perfect for reluctant readers. Recommended for children aged 8+

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

Buy HERE.

Mini Mel and Timid Tom
Ben Hutchings
July 2019
Squishface Comic Studio

Nevertell by Katharine Orton

A gorgeous, snowy adventure, set in the wilds of Siberia, full of magic and wonder, for junior readers.

A world of magic is only a whisper away… Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. The children will need every ounce of courage – and a whisper of magic – if they are to survive…

Nevertell by Katharine Orton is a debut children’s fantasy novel about two young kids who escape a prison camp, in search of freedom and family.

Written in third person, Lina and her best friend Bogdan escape a prison camp — the only home they’ve ever known — in search of safety with Lina’s grandmother in Moscow. The escape and subsequent journey is as treacherous as the prison camp itself, which was home to ruthless guards and horrid conditions.

Lina and Bogdan show incredible courage, determination and strength on their journey. Lina must also learn to trust her own magic and powers, and embrace them to fight off enemies.

“They found snowdrifts with the torch and dug shelters with their hands — under Gleb’s instruction. They started low and dug a tunnel upwards into the drift. The angle would help keep warmth in, apparently. Then they scooped out a hollow that could fit one or two people inside, as long as they crouched or lay flat.”

Set in Siberia, setting and atmosphere are the strongest elements of this novel. Nevertell is set during Winter and the reader can really feel the cold temperatures, the snow, the ice, the mist and the dangerous weather that threatens to harm.

Nevertell is also set during Stalin’s reign so at the beginning it feels like a children’s historical fiction novel, but magic is embedded throughout this book and the environment, and the reader is whisked off into an enchanting journey about survival, family and friendship.

Another strength is the pacing — it’s fast, quick, and moves between scenes seamlessly. Every chapter is necessary to the storyline, and I imagine children will love all the twists and turns they find in this book.

“Lina led the way, first of all inching along the dark corridor, then up the spiralling steps of frozen stone, clinging to the gold bannister. The way out ought to be just up these stairs and through the hallway. They were so close.”

Lina’s family history holds many secrets, and it isn’t far into the book that we discover Lina has the unique ability to grow food, which is incredibly helpful to her journey from prison camp to safety. Although, I found the magic in the book a little confusing and under-explained. I don’t know that I fully understood the magic system, just Lina’s special ability. I do think more attention should’ve been given when setting up the system, and explaining it to readers.

Additionally, some of the characters felt a little one-dimensional and stereotypical, with not much to add to the storyline except being a token ‘villain’. But other characters, such as Lina and Svetlana, are fantastic at drawing the reader in and keeping their focus.

“In the stories, Baby Yaga did sometimes help people. Other times, she tried to hurt them. Often, she tried to eat them. One thing was certain , though: Baby Yaga could never be trusted.”

Recommended for children aged 10+. There are some dark themes and plot points to be mindful of, but I don’t think this will deter young readers. If anything, it might just draw them in further.

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

Nevertell
Katharine Orton
November 2019
Walker Books Australia

The Treehouse Joke Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Andy and Terry live in the world’s craziest treehouse. They like making books and telling jokes. And now they’ve made the world’s funniest jokebook!

From bears to birds, penguins to pirates and skeletons to space, there are gags galore. Perfect for fans of the Treehouse series! A bumper book of hilarity and craziness, and the perfect Xmas stocking filler.

Q: What’s grey and powdery?
A: Instant elephant mix.

Clocking in at almost 300 pages, The Treehouse Joke Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton is a compilation of hilarious jokes and riddles for children and adults. The Treehouse series may be aimed at children, but this joke book will not just humour kids — adults will find themselves laughing as well.

I’m almost 30 and I have no children and I found this book incredibly enjoyable. I laughed out aloud at many of the jokes, and when I next need to buy a present for a young child, this is what I’ll be getting them.

Here are a select few of my favourite jokes from the book:

Q: Why did Tigger go to the bathroom?
A: He was looking for his friend Pooh.

Q: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the toilet?
A: Because it has a silent ‘p’

Q: Why do some fish live at the bottom of the ocean?
A: Because they dropped out of school

The book is split up into sections — Bear Jokes, Sheep Jokes, Space Jokes, Food Jokes, Monkey Jokes, etc. There are 26 sections in total. Some jokes I’d heard before, but most of these were completely new to me.

Every single page of the book features some sort of illustration from Terry Denton, and they’re the perfect accompaniment to these jokes. His illustration style is unique and recognisable, that scratchy-looking drawing style that children love to look at.

Many of the illustrations feature further words, jokes or speech bubbles, so a child could spend hours reading this book because there’s so much in these pages for them to browse through. This book is well worth the $12.99 price tag.

Recommended for parents and children.

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

The Treehouse Joke Book
Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
October 2019
Pan Macmillan Publishers