The second is the series and one that I enjoyed as much as the first although it could be argued that the writing is so much richer that I found myselThe second is the series and one that I enjoyed as much as the first although it could be argued that the writing is so much richer that I found myself questioning whether someone totally different had written it. Will, the seventh son of a seventh son, has found that he has a role to play in the great war between the Darkness of the Light and set around a time of renewal and light Cooper is clear that she is celebrating the times before Christianity and giving a more than subtle nod, again, to the Old Ways. For me, this was so appealing and enriching. It offers the child reader that chance to explore beyond her pages and seek a greater knowledge behind the meanings of these customs and those involved.
Although I took to Will, I found that he was carried along the narrative by events beyond his control (Merriman is central again) to the point where he becomes someone otherworldly in which Cooper is challenged to balance a sense of the young Will and the very old Will. Fortunately, the story is soaked with religion, legend and folklore so that you are drawn in by the engrossing allusions to our heritage. There are so many intertextual references here that one could spend months unearthing the routes and readings Cooper made to get to this point and in this way, this book reminded me so much of Garner's work - perhaps Elidor.
With The Dark is Rising, as with Over Sea, Under Stone we are left with a very strong sense of the Dark versus the Light and after reading Dawn of Fear, I can't help wondering we are seeing Cooper's own reflections of the world when she was growing up during WW2. Save for the very interesting character of Hawkin who I am very interested in discussing. ...more
It was an absolute treat to revisit this book and begin again on the Dark is Rising journey. There is much to like about Cooper's writing, her charactIt was an absolute treat to revisit this book and begin again on the Dark is Rising journey. There is much to like about Cooper's writing, her characters and sense of place are strong but deep within the veins of the words is this sense of a connection with our history and heritage. I'm a suckler for anything with monoliths and megaliths in and this was is full to the brim. Not only that but much like The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, there is this search and connection with an ancient past that I love so dearly. There is also a deep sense of fear here in the character of Mr Hastings and the battle between good and evil here is not a simple one nor one that speaks down to the child reader. Instead, it is rooted in something more primal. Although some of the language and dialogue between the characters may have dated somewhat, the story still beats truer than most....more
Before the publication of Tehanu, this was considered the final book in the Earthsea saga and it has not disappointed again. Although there is still sBefore the publication of Tehanu, this was considered the final book in the Earthsea saga and it has not disappointed again. Although there is still something that made The Tombs of Atuan my favourite so far, the story in The Farthest Shore alongside the, in fantasy writing, almost incomparable handling of prose means that it was still an absolute pleasure to read. We should also note that in a time when male fantasy dominated the writing world, Le Guin was there pushing the boundaries by introducing a non-white protagonist before many others. ...more
Is there anyone like Sara Fanelli? I don't think there is. Her extremely inventive, exciting approach to children's literature has meant a fresh readiIs there anyone like Sara Fanelli? I don't think there is. Her extremely inventive, exciting approach to children's literature has meant a fresh reading of topics that have been covered before in a format who design and typography could be seen as challenging as much as they are exciting.
It took me a while to get into It's Dreamtime but I knew that this was because I was adjusting to Fanelli's style and layout. The tale itself, asks much from the reader on many levels in terms of understanding what it is that they are bringing to the text as well as interpretation of icons and symbols which may be new to them. Placement of type changes on most pages but there is a sense of repetition in both dialogue and format when each character recounts their dream. I wouldn't see this as inhibiting to the reading but rather exciting: it is clear that she enjoys playing with the idea of what a book 'is' or 'can be'.
The use of collage means that there is constantly new elements to draw us back for re-readings and, as with some of Tan's work, you are left wondering what other stories are woven in to the background. ...more
It is our world and yet it is decidedly Aiken's world too described by her as ‘‘alternate-history fantasies’’ set within the early nineteenth century,It is our world and yet it is decidedly Aiken's world too described by her as ‘‘alternate-history fantasies’’ set within the early nineteenth century, this is a wonderful story whose plot, characters and language are as richly woven as the world. A story about a wicked Marquess' desperate attempt to capture an ancient, golden harp and the town's museum ownership and his grandson's attempts to stop him, as with many of the Wolves Chronicles, we have here a story which respects the past and owes much to it. With the tale set deep in the heart of Wales, an amalgam of characters collide to either work against or together to unearth the harp of Teirtu and it is, in the end, up to the children to save the past from greed and nurture it. Aiken states that whenever you create a world then, as a writer, you must ‘‘immerse yourself in its atmosphere and topography’’ and in this book she does so with great aplomb. For some readers, the language and rich writing may be a challenge but the rewards are many. ...more
Written as an interpretation of sorts of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Gerstein's picturebook in a warm, wonderful narrative about the cycle of life aWritten as an interpretation of sorts of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, Gerstein's picturebook in a warm, wonderful narrative about the cycle of life and death. It beautifully illustrates the idea of our consciousnesses journey through many lives from the perspective of a young boy who wishes to see the world. Although the narrative is well written, for me, it is Gerstein's watercolors and gouache illustrations that strike home the welcome warmth that comes with the message that we are all part of the same thing and that we have nothing to fear as we leave one life for another. ...more
This is one of the most complex yet richly rewarding reads that I have come across. It was like reading all of Pullman's Dark Materials in one book (sThis is one of the most complex yet richly rewarding reads that I have come across. It was like reading all of Pullman's Dark Materials in one book (sort of). The subject matter and idea was complex but the plot and characters were so engaging. Unlike Charmed Life, I thought this was a challenging read both in concept and an writing but it was infinitely all the better for it. Based on the idea that all worlds are controlled by gamers who played with our lives, one young boy, Jamie, having discovered 'Them' is cast off from the game and doomed to wonder the different worlds in which they play as a Bounder. It is for Jamie to discover the rules which govern the game in which he once was a part of in order to find and fight for his way home and yet to finds more to himself and his choices in his life which make for a far richer and rewarding read. Simply excellent. ...more
I had to slap myself when I saw how incredibly close to The Bear and the Piano this book was. The story of a young elephant, disillusioned by life in I had to slap myself when I saw how incredibly close to The Bear and the Piano this book was. The story of a young elephant, disillusioned by life in the jungle, decides to try his luck with people in the city. Once there, he finds himself on stage with a fine pianist and begins dancing to a rhythm which people from all over the world love. A global sensation, Horatio heads back home to share his fortunes with his family and inspire the younger hippos to venture out on the mud too.
One of Michael Foreman's very first picturebooks (1970), it is a fair story with beautiful oddly almost-McKee like in its style. I love Foreman's people here and although the story carries a deeper meaning than many of that time, its telling is simplistic and I think less words were needed. This is not to say that Foreman should not be considered one of our more prolific and celebrated writers and illustrators. His topics and themes have always been ones which have shown that picturebooks are not always for the very young. ...more
A year after the end of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four children finds themselves summoned back to the land of Narnia in which centurieA year after the end of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four children finds themselves summoned back to the land of Narnia in which centuries have passed. Caer Paravel is lost to sprawling ivy and fruit trees litter the once-great hall. But who has summoned them and is Narnia is longer at peace? I was in two minds about this one. There is no doubt that Lewis writes wonderfully and has also introduced some great characters such as Reepicheep (and my favourite, Trufflehunter) as well as Caspian himself but I found it took a long time for the story to 'get to the good part'. Perhaps it was my waiting for the battle that affected my reading as, on reflection, I think I did enjoy the dual-narrative as we split between Caspian and the Pevensey children. It reads as if Lewis is more relaxed with the narrative and allegory (which is still there) and yet the ending is equally, if not more, touching with Susan and Peter being told that to Narnia they would no longer return. The gave a real bitter-sweet ending to me. ...more
A quick read but packed full of great characters and discussion points. A modern take on the Jack and the Beanstalk tale, this Jack (set in our time SA quick read but packed full of great characters and discussion points. A modern take on the Jack and the Beanstalk tale, this Jack (set in our time States) is busy supporting his mother (who has two jobs and works herself to the bone) and his younger sister who has a special need of some sort which goes unexplained (appears to be an elected mute but there's more to it than this). Down on his luck, Jack exchanges the family car for a box full of magical beans and thus begins a great adventure of vicious plants, dragons and explorations to different worlds. There is little enough writing and enough gloriously colourful illustrations to grasp any reader and yet the depth of characterisation and the consistent ambiguousness around some of the characters means that there is plenty to talk about. It's the first in the series and one in which there is a genuine balance between strong female and male role. I really enjoyed it. ...more
I bought this delightful story way back in 2004 when it was first published in the UK (translation by Anthea Bell). I had actually put off reading it I bought this delightful story way back in 2004 when it was first published in the UK (translation by Anthea Bell). I had actually put off reading it because others had read it and said that it wasn't as good as The Thief Lord. Thus the danger of rating or allowing people's personal opinions to mar your own since I loved it. What I think these people should have said is that it's for (potentially) a different audience and is a very different type of story.
It tells the story of Firedrake, one of the last dragons, Ben, an lonely boy and Sorrel, a bad-tempeted brownie who are off to find the rim of heaven - the last sacred dwelling of the dragons as humans continue to plot and plan all over the Earth. What is stopping them is an extraordinarily selfish and downright dangerous man-made golden dragon whose only purpose is to devour the final dragons left on this planet.
The story itself is well told but I thought that Funke's characters (and there are LOTS of them) are just delightful; each in their own way and for very different reasons. From Gravelbeard the gold-hungry mountain dwarf to Twigleg, the tiny scale-polishing homunculus. There is enough of the plot and well-handled dual narrative to keep the pace and excitement quick and engaging but as with Funke's other work - it's the cast that make it.
Reviews online say 8+ - no idea what they're talking about. You could easily go younger. I'd love to read this with Year 2 as it lends itself so well to 'doing the voices'. ...more
A rather quaint yet rich in vocabulary collection of fairy tales edited by the great John Ruskin. The main story itself, which takes up almost half thA rather quaint yet rich in vocabulary collection of fairy tales edited by the great John Ruskin. The main story itself, which takes up almost half the book is Ruskin's own 'The King of the Golden River' which I felt did not do the best job of donning the mantle of seeming like a traditional tale but I couldn't argue with how well he rights. The language may be too rich for some but nevertheless it opens the reader and listener to a wonderful vocabulary. The rest of the book consists of retellings of myths and fairy tales with, I felt, the better retelling being The Golden Apples of Lough Erne 'told from traditional sources'. ...more
Small pig loves nothing more than to soak in the mud outside his pen so when the farmer's wife decides to clean it all up, there's nothing left for piSmall pig loves nothing more than to soak in the mud outside his pen so when the farmer's wife decides to clean it all up, there's nothing left for pig to do but set off looking for a muddy patchy in a new place.
One of Lobel's early I Can Read books simply shames the decodable texts that come out these days. Full of warmth and wit; it's a little beauty. ...more
It's been such a long time since I have read a book and come away unsure as to 'why' or even 'if' I really liked it or not. Because the book is many tIt's been such a long time since I have read a book and come away unsure as to 'why' or even 'if' I really liked it or not. Because the book is many things and tells many stories beneath the surface of the words and carries many themes within the narrative, I left with more questions that I started off with and, ultimately, knew may never get answered. This is not to say that Young fails to leave the story with a satisfying ending: she closes it rather beautifully. Instead, there is much that goes unsaid; actions that go unexplained, leaving it for the reader to deduce much.
Davy David, an orphaned boy cast out of the local children's home because they could accommodate the residents no more, is the main protagonist *possibly* who spends his life within a small town drawing angels in the dust with a bag full of brooms. Unbeknownst to him, he has a calling, a purpose although he does not know what it is and where it will take him. Only when he encounters the elderly, grumpy Miss Flint and embark on a journey with her does he begin to understand.
The blurb of the copy I have compares the book to It's a Wonderful Life and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button but, for me, this is not only missing the point but giving things away. It's more like Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany to me with a touch ofOscar And The Lady In Pink. It took me a long time to place the book, geographically, but I went for a small town in a semi-rural part of America. All its characters are well crafted as is the landscape. Young weaves a very clever story in which a LOT of talk would be welcomed as we decide whether we, as readers, are willing to accept miracles or not. ...more
The third in the Hilda stories shows Pearson finding his stride. Although I was, like Hilda, saddened that we had moved from the valleys to the town, The third in the Hilda stories shows Pearson finding his stride. Although I was, like Hilda, saddened that we had moved from the valleys to the town, I cannot deny that the world Pearson creates here is as imaginative and absorbing as the enchanted fjords where she grew up in.
Whilst the first book focused much on Hilda's expressions and spirit, this is a far more mature book in Pearson's crafting of character and place. On the surface, the story is a simple one but the characters are rich, the relationship between Hilda and her mother become far more interesting and the addition of a group of friends for Hilda makes it easier to understand her character more as she challenging their attitudes towards the natural world. The underlying themes of adjusting to a new place as well as preserving a sense of identity in a world full of strong characters are also good discussion points.
From a life in the wild to a life in the suburbs, both Hilda and her mother find themselves unsure of their new surroundings and try to adjust to the change of lifestyle living among people. What comes through in this story is Hilda's tremendous sense and strength of spirit. Unwilling to bend to the peer pressure of her friends, she will do what she wants and thinks is right. These scenes in the book are beautiful and Pearson has created in her a wonderful ambassador for valuing a sense of self.
Each time I review a Hilda book I state that they need to be in classrooms. The illustrations are rich and so carefully thought out. The shift from frame to full-page bleeds, to multiple same-size panels are all used so well to help build character, slow and speed space or celebrate the world Hilda inhabits. ...more
Sade and Femi find themselves caught in the centre of a political assassination when their mother is shot outside of their home by masked attackers. TSade and Femi find themselves caught in the centre of a political assassination when their mother is shot outside of their home by masked attackers. Their father, an outspoken, Nigerian journalist, must get them out of the country before they become targets too and chooses to send them off to their uncle in London, promising to join them as soon as it is safe. Yet their journey is fraught with danger, abuse and mistrust and soon Sade and Femi find themselves alone in a foreign city.
Perhaps based upon the story of Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed in 1995 for speaking out against the military regime at the time, The Other Side of Truth is an extremely well-woven narrative around a family's refuge and escape from political oppression. Told from the viewpoint of twelve-year-old Sade, Naidoo, whisks us across to a familiar land to the reader yet unfamiliar to brother and sister: a well-considered and powerful device in this circumstance. With no knowledge whether their father is alive or not, we the children are passed from pillar to post within the care system whilst the story of their father slowly builds up towards a powerful climax that highlights the corruption with in their home country.
A novel for KS3 readers and above which sheds light upon political oppression in other countries and introduces its readers to that need for justice and freedom.
Definitely one for KS3 or above as the reading is challenging in terms of its writing and style but the story is excellent and, as you would expect wiDefinitely one for KS3 or above as the reading is challenging in terms of its writing and style but the story is excellent and, as you would expect with Dickinson, rich in figurative language, a sense of self and identity and a world so well-crafted that you walk within it. Tulku is a historical novel set in China which won Dickinson is Whitbred Award and the Carneige. It feels like a long read but you cannot deny its craftsmanship and story. ...more
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