JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Strange things are happening in Nevermoor…

Morrigan Crow faces her most dangerous challenge yet in her latest Wundrous adventure. The highly anticipated third book in the award-winning Nevermoor series from one of Australia’s best selling and most loved authors.

Morrigan Crow and her friends have survived their first year as proud scholars of the elite Wundrous Society, helped bring down the nefarious Ghastly Market, and proven themselves loyal to Unit 919. Now Morrigan faces a new, exciting challenge: to master the mysterious Wretched Arts of the Accomplished Wundersmith, and control the power that threatens to consume her.

But a strange illness has taken hold of Nevermoor, turning its peaceable Wunimals into mindless, vicious unnimals on the hunt. As victims of the Hollowpox multiply, panic spreads. And with the city she loves in a state of fear, Morrigan quickly realises it is up to her to find a cure for the Hollowpox, even if it will put her – and the rest of Nevermoor – in more danger than ever before . . .

The third book in Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series, Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow is a highly anticipated read for children and adults alike.

When Morrigan and her friends return to The Wundrous Society, a devastating illness starts spreading through Nevermoor. No one knows where it came from, how it’s spreading so fast, or how to cure it. And every passing week, it’s claiming more and more victims…the plot feels eerily similar to the state of the world right now, that’s for sure.

Small note: I’m still not entirely sure what “The Hunt for Morrigan Crow” is referring to. The hunt for the cure? The hunt for the illness? Unsure. Quite odd.

“Today, though, they’d mostly been Jupiter-watching — partly for entertainment, and partly out of a genuine concern for his safety. He’d gone a bit mad on tinsel, carols and eggnog, and Jack was worried that his uncle’s Christmas spirit had risen to such dizzying heights that he just might…burst a valve, or something.”

The strengths in the book are similar to what I loved in the previous books — the quirky and loveable Jupiter North, the hilarious banter between Morrigan’s friends (but hardly ever Morrigan – she’s not a very funny character), and the unique world that is Nevermoor.

Morrigan is just as determined and independent in book three as she was in the previous two reads. Like a lot of children’s novels, she’s surrounded by adults who don’t seem to be overly transparent. She has insight into the dreaded Hollowpox but no one will listen to her, and she just wants to help. Morrigan takes it upon herself to uncover the truth about the illness, and work to stop it before it claims too many unsuspecting victims.

“One by one the group members were called on and ran eagerly to the front, where they showed off an eclectic, extraordinary range of skills. One plucked a shadow from the wall and draped himself in it like a cape of darkness. Another made a collection of three-dimensional, glowing, brightly coloured shapes seemingly from nothing, and sent them dancing through the air in formation.”

Admittedly, Hollowpox has me conflicted. On the one hand, it’s quick and witty, fun and energetic, with the same cast of familiar characters we’ve loved since book one. On the other hand, the plot in this book seems fairly slow and, I’ll dare admit, a little boring.

It felt like quite some time before the dreaded Hollowpox thread started weaving its way into the story, and even when it dominated the novel, I never really felt like it was as enthralling as I anticipated. Most of the characters infected with Hollowpox were characters we weren’t that close to, so I didn’t feel much of an emotional investment in their sudden ailment.

The plot also felt a little over the place. We weave in and out of the illness so much that the stakes didn’t feel heightened enough. Plus, a significant element of the book is Morrigan developing her powers but at quite a slow rate, so the magical and mythical elements feel a little diluted by the end.

Truthfully, I felt like Hollowpox fell flat compared with its two predecessors.

“A Red Alert Tricksy Lane meant high-danger trickery and likelihood of damage to person on entry. Morrigan had to make a choice: risk unknown danger down a Tricksy Lane, or the absolute certain danger that when her body tired out, she would be mauled by a vicious nine-foot bearwun with claws the size of pocketknives.”

I’m still going to keep reading the series. I’ve already read these first three books and I believe in the world that Jessica Townsend has created. Just hoping the plot of the next book is a little more enrapturing.

Recommended for readers aged 10+

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

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend
October 2020
Hachette Book Publishers

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

Kitty is Not A Cat: Teddy’s Bear and Lights Out

A warmly funny junior-fiction series about Kitty, a little girl who believes she can be anything she dreams – even a cat. When Kitty arrives on the doorstep of a house full of music-mad felines, their lives are turned upside down as they attempt to teach her how to be human.

Some children hate going to bed. Not Kitty! Kitty falls asleep every night curled up snug as a bug in a bed box. That is, until one spooky night when Kitty’s night-light goes missing and her fear of the dark comes creeping out. The cats, unfamiliar with the concept, try to settle her down but to no avail. In the end, it won’t be a night-light that saves the day.

What could be better that a cuddly teddy bear? How about a real-life grizzly bear! Kitty and the bear spend a fun-filled afternoon together, but it doesn’t take long for Kitty to realise that having a grizzly bear for a playmate may be a little more trouble that she thought.

Teddy’s Bear and Lights Out are the first two books in a new children’s series by Australian author Jess Black. Kitty is not a Cat is a fun, entertaining junior fiction series about a young girl who moves in with a family of stray cats in a rundown old mansion.

In Teddy’s Bear, Kitty’s new family decide to bring home a grizzly bear to keep Kitty company during the winter months. The disgruntled bear wreaks havoc across the house and is quite an unnatural fit in the family dynamic.

In Lights Out, Kitty’s fear of the dark results in the cats coming up with strategies to help her overcome her terror. Many readers will be able to relate to Kitty’s fear of the dark.

“Mr Clean slowly stepped forward. He was a dirty tabby cat, so filthy that nobody — not even Kitty — knew the real colour of his fur under the layers of dirt…Petal and Kitty strained to see what Mr Clean was holding. To Kitty, it looked like it just might be a real teddy bear.”

Humour is littered throughout both stories, as well as heart and hope. The characters form a very dysfunctional family, but Kitty feels most at home when she’s with the cats. Both of these books will teach children the importance of family, self-belief and acceptance, but they’re also incredibly fun and engaging books that young readers will devour.

Visually, the books are a great balance of prose, dialogue and illustrations. The illustrations have been crafted digitally, with a kind of cartoonish feel to them. There’s a lot of orange to make the grey and black artistic elements really pop for the reader. Some of the words or sentences are singled out for illustrations as well — big, loopy, colourful letters that add a nice touch to the story.

“Kitty pulled a face. She wasn’t so sure, but she got back into her bed box anyway. The cats took turns to kiss her goodnight…Left alone in the dark, Kitty squinted around the room fearfully and buried herself under the covers.”

These books are perfect for young readers just starting out in junior fiction. They’re not overly long, and the plots are fairly simplistic, but readers will resonate particularly with the premise of Lights Out, and the illustrations will aid the reader in forging a path through the book. The audience feels like it sways more towards a female readership.

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

Kitty is Not a Cat: Teddy’s Bear & Lights Out
Jess Black
August 2020
Hachette Book Publishers

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