A round-up of the latest books for young readers reviewed by Laura Hewson.
FLYING FURBALLS: DOGFIGHT
Donovan Bixley
Upstart Press
Dogfight is the first instalment in Donovan Bixley's Flying Furballs series and introduces us to a cast of cat heroes valiantly battling dastardly dogs.
Think cat Allies and dog Nazis in a World War 2 setting and you'll have a good idea what to expect.
This is a cracking adventure story full of dashing heroes and daring rescues, littered with cat and dog puns.
It's also an accessible introduction to the topic of war with the bonus of strong female characters and extra aviation information for those inclined.
Another clever, humorous offering from the ever-impressive Bixley.
Ages: 7+
David Hill
Penguin Random House
Through the diary of 12-year-old Ewen, author David Hill does a brilliant job of explaining "The Featherston incident'' to young readers. (This was an event during World War 2 in which Japanese prisoners of war were shot dead by their New Zealand guards.)
As well as slowly building up to the shootings, Ewan's diary gives a lively, intelligent account of life at the time, touching on polio, rationing, blackouts, United States soldiers, racism, propaganda and the fear of what is to come, as well as day-to-day priorities such as school, friendships and blossoming relationships.
This is a well-paced story with engaging characters and it would make great classroom reading. Some children may find the shooting scene intense.
Ages: 9-14
RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE
Kate DiCamillo
Walker Books
Raymie Clarke wants to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire 1975 competition so her cheating father, who has walked out on her and her mother, will see her in the paper and come home.
At the same time, Louisiana Elefante wants to win for the large cash prize, and the terrifying Beverly Tapinski just wants to sabotage the whole stupid thing.
What begins as ill-fated baton-twirling lessons, gradually becomes friendship as the girls support each other through their various trials.
This is a sweet story that is quite moving in its emotional honesty.
The three girls have distinct and believable characters, each with their own fragilities, yes, even Beverly! Highlights the power of friendship and the fragility of young hearts.
Ages: 10+
A COMPLICATED CASE
Ulf Nilsson and Gitte Spee
Gecko Press
Detective Gordon and his assistant Buffy are back with a new case to solve.
Something or someone is upsetting the animals in their forest and the caring, daring toad-and-mouse duo must get to the bottom of it.
This is a gentle story about supportive friendships and the importance of protecting vulnerable creatures, and it comes with a strong anti-bullying message.
It's a nice introduction for children to how they can use their own moral compasses to decide what is good and bad behaviour.
Ages: 7-9.
THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Text Publishing
Ada, who could be 10, has never been allowed to leave the one-room flat she shares with her Ma and little brother Jamie in London.
While he runs wild, Ada must watch life through the window, unable to walk thanks to an untreated clubfoot and convinced of her own worthlessness by her uncaring mother.
When war breaks out and Jamie is to be evacuated to the country, Ada knows she must go to protect him, even if it means defying her mother and enduring constant physical pain.
And there they meet Susan, who initially doesn't want them but turns out to be just what they need.
While sad at times, the book doesn't descend to tugging heartstrings and, if anything, it's a story of courage and hope. Watching Ada's transformation and seeing her relationship with Susan grow is a lovely journey.
Ages: 10-14.
Francesca Armour-Chelu
Walker Books
In a world where the sea has claimed most of the land, Fenn Halflin has lived his whole life in hiding, raised by a man he calls Grandad.
He must stay hidden because he's actually the legendary missing son of rebels Tomas and Maya Damari who were killed by crazed villain Commander Chilstone.
Now the commander has finally found him, and Fenn must leave his home and take to the sea to survive.
With its grim, wet setting this feels like Waterworld mixed with Mad Max, and once Fenn lands on the horrifically fascinating floating Shanties it also channels the cut-throat world of Oliver Twist.
Fenn is a resourceful, believable hero and this new series has much to offer older readers, too.
Ages: 9+.
BICYCLING TO THE MOON
Timo Parvela and Virpi Talvitie
Gecko Press
Purdy the cat, Barker the dog and their various animal friends feature in this series of stand-alone stories from Finnish author Timo Parvela.
While the stories seem fairly simple and almost uneventful, they come with gentle moral lessons including the value of being a good friend, not judging others, being satisfied with what you have and sharing.
The stories lend themselves to interesting discussions.
Ages: 7-10.
WHAT DOG KNOWS
Sylvia Vanden Heede and Marije Tolman
Gecko Press
What Dog Knows is a curious book from Flemish author Sylvia Vanden Heede.
The premise, introduced only on the inside cover, is that Wolf has found a fact-filled book and now believes he will be as smart as his cousin Dog.
They're an unlikely duo - Dog is loyal and intelligent whereas Wolf is childish and wild - but together they manage to discuss a range of topics that will appeal to children, from knights and dragons to robots and the moon.
There are quizzes and experiments to complete and endless escapades from the troublesome Wolf, including a slightly macabre step-by-step guide on how he plans to turn his nemesis, Cat, into a mummy.
This is a different kind of book that's worth checking out.
Ages: 6-9.
- Laura Hewson is an ODT subeditor.
