BRAT: Spring 2004 Issue

BRAT is published as part of the Book Council's quarterly magazine Booknotes.

It includes profiles of authors on the Writers in Schools programme, and a round up of recently published New Zealand books for children and young people.

To receive the latest issues of BRAT hot off the press, join the Book Council.

Books for Readers and Teachers

Intermediate Fiction

Wild West Hullabaloo by Joy Cowley (HarperCollins, $12.99)
This is the fifth instalment in Cowley’s ever-popular series about the extended West family. The likeable Michael continues to shuttle between two worlds: his own home life, dominated by a fastidious, standards-obsessed mother, and that of his cousins’, whose carefree existence both seduces and appals him. Cowley’s take on this dynamic, and the dilemmas it causes for Michael, is always humorous. She is particularly good at capturing the subtle power struggles and daily manipulations that can characterise family life – as well as people’s desire to do good by one another. While light-hearted, this is intelligent and satisfying writing. Each of the two stories is succinctly told, yet rich in detail, and the pace of the narrative is well judged. Recommended. 8–11 years.

The Real Thing by Brian Falkner (Mallinson Rendel, $16.95)
Brian Falkner’s second novel has the same sense of fun as his first (Henry and the Flea), and it reintroduces the same characters. This adventure takes them to Atlanta, Georgia, where Fizzer’s ability to distinguish the subtle variations of Coke is desperately needed by the giant corporation, whose key personnel have been kidnapped. It’s a great idea for a story, and Falkner pulls it off with style. His tone is particularly good, relishing a wryness that should appeal to the target age group. A significant editing failing is the book’s lack of polish. Awkward, sometimes rambling sentences mar the text, disturbing the narrative’s flow. The same goes for the repetition and unnecessary words that have been allowed to remain. It’s an unfortunate oversight – Falkner’s writing doesn’t shine nearly as much as it could. 10–13 years.

Lacey and the Drama Queens by Fleur Beale (Scholastic, $14.99)
Ten-year-old girls ought to question this mostly one-dimensional take on their world. While the main character’s behaviour offers some reprieve as she attempts to stand up to her peers, this action is against a general backdrop of petty pre-teen antics. It may be that Beale is reflecting a certain reality, but it’s crudely rendered. This absence of complexity pervades many aspects of the text. Details are hastily drawn and have little conviction, creating the impression of a rushed job. You can’t help but wonder why Beale didn’t strive to extend her readers in some way. Instead, she relies on lots of dialogue to create a cracking pace. It’s a pity there’s no destination. 10–12 years.

Shreve’s Promise by Jillian Sullivan (Scholastic, $15.99)
This novel has been published by Scholastic as part of the Tom Fitzgibbon Award for new writers. As a first novel, the text does bear some of the hallmarks of inexperience. There’s telling rather than showing, and a tendency to rely on over-worked phrases. (From the footpath, the only thing Shreve could hear was a tui making a song and dance in the neighbour’s tree … They sang and sang while behind them was a house with closed doors and windows and heartbreak going on inside.) The plot also concerns a teenage ghost-cum-guardian-angel (it’s difficult to tell which), whose bizarre presence has a significant impact on events. The occult is not an easy thing to get away with in children’s fiction – and I’m not sure that Sullivan has. The points she wishes to make are somehow diminished by her blithe inclusion of spirits. On the positive side, Sullivan’s teenage characters are well drawn, and she avoids condescending to them. She also does dialogue well. 12–15 years.

Senior Fiction

Straight Walking by Julia Owen (Scholastic, $15.99)
This is one of Scholastic’s more successful offerings in recent months. Julia Owen tells it like it is, with uncensored content. Lissy’s father is in jail, and her pot-smoking mother is oblivious to the ways in which her loose, itinerant lifestyle undermines her daughter’s longing for convention. This role reversal makes for interesting reading – and it’s not as contrived as it might sound. Lissy’s struggle to accept her parents’ failings is more matter-of-fact than inflated drama. If anything, she sometimes possesses unbelievable wholesomeness. The only other false note is the way the story is told (through Lissy’s letters to her father). It’s an unnecessary construction, forcing the story into a shape it doesn’t suit. 12–15 years.

The Hunting of the Last Dragon by Sherryl Jordan (HarperCollins, $16.99)
Jordan’s story, set in fourteenth century England, is absorbing reading from beginning to end. It tells Jude of Doran’s quest for peace as he hunts the last of the dragons. These dragons are both real and imagined, as the main character battles self-doubt, fear, and the ever-present grief for his lost family. That the story works on several levels is one of its main strengths. Others include Jordan’s attention to detail, with its unforced evocation of a distant time and place, and the unusual syntax and vocabulary of her mock Middle English. Again, there’s an unnecessary story-telling device (Doran is dictating his tale, after the event, to a monk), which interrupts the flow of the narrative with irrelevant sub-plots, but the story’s too good, and Jordan writes too well, for this to be fatal. An ideal story for reading aloud or sharing with a group. 10–14 years.

Tripswitch by Gaelyn Gordon (HarperCollins, $16.99)
HarperCollins is reissuing selected children’s books as ‘modern New Zealand classics’, and Tripswitch is first on its list. Described in the blurb as a dark and humorous blend of witchcraft and intrigue, it’s difficult not to compare this story with writing by Margaret Mahy. Whereas Mahy’s stories always have their own logic, Gordon’s tale is a hotchpotch of the probable and impossible. Yet more confusion is introduced by her irregular approach to her characters. Some are mocked, their personalities distorted to fit a type, while others are drawn with compassion. Add to this some unpleasant details (abused and neglected babies, bereft orphans) and it’s an uncomfortable mix, compromising the story’s integrity. There’s nothing other than the following, for example, to explain Aunt Lureene’s conversion to witchcraft: The power in her hands had come to her when she was eleven … From then on, she worked to destroy her family. She had gone into the local railway signal box and, using her hand power, made the signal operators arrange the crash which killed her parents along with fifty other people. Classic. 12–15 years.

Malcolm and Juliet by Bernard Beckett (Longacre, $18.95)
New novels by Bernard Beckett appear to be a bi-annual event. His sixth is different from the rest, demonstrating that, though prolific, he’s in no rut. It’s funny and clever, with a tight plot that has no loose ends. (Briefly, Kevin’s in love with Brian who has the hots for Charlotte who’s in love with Malcolm whose first love is science. Brian also might love Juliet, who doesn’t seem to fancy anyone.) In places, the text is perhaps a little too clever. Beckett’s elaborate metaphors, although usually good, can sometimes trip over themselves. This creates a certain verbosity. If he’d resisted the temptation to say quite as much as he does, the problem may have been avoided. The sensitive reader might also feel that characters are manhandled from one gag to the next. In the end, however, Beckett gets away with these minor faults because he knows his audience so well. The authenticity this lends the text, and his skills as a writer, make for yet another quality read. He’s also made the wise decision to write about sex, guaranteeing a certain amount of attention from the reader. 13–16 years.

Picture Books

Grandma’s Week Off by Helen McKinlay; illustrated by Craig Smith (HarperCollins, $16.99)
One stereotype is rejected for another as yet another outrageous grandmother scorns convention. This one expresses herself through a week of tree climbing, hang-gliding, mountaineering, abseiling, and more. Despite the unoriginal concept, this book does have merit, particularly Craig Smith’s playful illustrations. His loose style suits the content well, and children will enjoy his attention to detail. Each page has a new and dynamic feel – and a great sense of adventure. On a more practical level, the book has a wide landscape format that makes it awkward to hold. It’s also flimsy, ensuring a short life in the hands of the very young. 2–5 years.

Doggy Doo on My Shoe by Dawn McMillan; illustrated by Ross Kinnaird (Reed, $14.99)
McMillan and Kinnaird continue their exposé of the canine underworld – this time, poos on shoes. While the zany illustrations take up most of the room, the text, which reads as light verse, holds it own. It’s lean, to the point, and whole-heartedly irreverent. A very successful celebration of silliness. 4 years plus.

Glow-worm Night by Don Long; illustrated by Tracy Duncan (Reed, $14.99)
Mätäriki has had thorough exposure of late, and Reed continues to cash in on the phenomenon. A simple story, told through simple text, about two children who explore the bush one night with their parents. The illustrations contain repeated images of entranced faces, which tends to add to the book’s static feel. Contains a glossary of Mäori terms – a third of which don’t appear in the text. 3–5 years.

Paint What You See by Dot Meharry; illustrated by Lindy Fisher (Reed, $14.99)
In her latest book, Dot Meharry explores the reality of a young boy’s life in a wheelchair. Mostly, she’s interested in the emotional cost of this, and the climax of the story occurs when Brook’s overwhelming depression causes him to withdraw. Salvation comes in the form of a box of paints and the discovery of a new talent. The ease with which Brook obtains this sense of peace is perhaps a little glib, but it provides a good starting point for further discussion, which should be possible given that the book is aimed at older children. Although a picture book, the illustrations are sophisticated and have been thoughtfully composed. Their changing perspective conveys the physical restrictions and frustrations of Brook’s life, and the many design features provide clever visual metaphors. 8–11 years.

The Hoppleplop by Kyle Mewburn; illustrated by Deborah Hinde (Scholastic, $15.99)
On the first page, in keeping with the story’s intrigue, the text is a whispered invitation – come explore my house in search of the Hoppleplop. The illustrations draw the reader in, and the unseen narrator’s confiding tone provides further enticement. Various imaginary creatures inhabit the house, enjoying their creature comforts – their domestic activities adding to the teasing tone and building a sense of anticipation. An original idea, with artwork that pays great attention to detail while also fleshing out the text. Check out the mouse pilot in the pumpkin helicopter, the mushroom doorhandles, and the scallop handbasin. New things reveal themselves with each read. 4 years plus.

Cuzzies Find the Rainbow’s End by Tommy Kapai; illustrated by Mike Henry (Huia, $16.95)
A shameless, light-hearted take on New Zealand culture, this book is the first in a new series about ‘cuzzies’ Little Pai and Cutie Pai. It celebrates both colloquial and Mäori language, taking an unorthodox approach to reading that some teachers claim has had much success. (The author’s Kapai the Kiwi series, written under a pseudonym, remains popular with students.) Many children will undoubtedly respond to the contemporary characters, whose coolness is endorsed by their street wear, use of playground language, and carefree adventures cruising with the whanau. There are some dodgy rhyming couplets (Puku Pai came waddling out, / an ice cream in his hand. / Their uncle was the fattest fulla / in all of New Zealand.), but you do laugh often enough. And if it turns kids on to reading … Great illustrations. 4–7 years.

Charlie by Sarah Eady; illustrated by Robert Farrier (Scholastic, $15.99)
Narrated in the first-person by a young goat devotee, this is an ostensibly simple tale with many charms. A closer examination reveals that there may be more going on than first meets the eye. Charlie the goat and his new owner have an understanding that transcends parental wishes. The goat stays – and on his own terms. This means that he gets to eat laundry, go camping and sleep in a real bed. The adults, although present through their numerous edicts, aren’t depicted in the illustrations. While this diminishes their power visually, it also seems to remove their ability to have any influence over events. This raises an interesting possibility: perhaps the entire tale is mere fancy, conjured by the pet-deprived mind of the main character. The clean, bold illustrations are a good match for the straight-talking text. While they have the appeal of cartoons, they also contain some detail and use of perspective. 2–4 years.

Non-fiction

The Life-Size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns by Andrew Crowe (Penguin, $25.00)
Andrew Crowe continues to help us name everyday species in the natural world with his large-format, user-friendly guides. To help with identification, ferns are divided into five categories, each section dominated by large, clear photographs. The concise commentary provides basic information about each species, including its habitat and where the ferns are found around New Zealand. There are also photographs and some text about fern-eating caterpillars. Attractive and accessible. 10 years plus.

Anthologies

Re-Draft 3: A collection of teenage writing edited by Alan Bunn and James Norcliffe (Clerestory Press/School for Young Writers, $25.00)
A collection of poetry and prose from over forty writers who entered last year’s annual competition run by the Christchurch School for Young Writers. As the editors comment in their introduction, the writing is smart, well-controlled, and successfully avoids the pitfalls that usually plague emerging writers. (Contact details: PO Box 21-120, Christchurch)

A Perfect Life and other stories (New House Publishers, $14.95)
Twenty-three short stories selected as the best entries in last year’s Bank of New Zealand Young Writers Award, judged by David Hill. Suitable for senior students. (Contact via email: service@newhouse.co.nz)

Greatest Hits: JAAM 21 edited by Michael O’Leary and Mark Pirie (JAAM Publishing Collective/HeadworX, $29.95)
For its twenty-first issue, the literary magazine JAAM has chosen to showcase some of the local and overseas writing that has helped reshape and reinvigorate the local literary scene over the last two decades. Over a hundred writers are represented, both NZ famous and the lesser-known, as well as leading musicians. Contemporary and eclectic. Suitable for senior students.

Other recently published books

Out Walked Mel by Paula Boock (Longacre, $14.95)
Twenty thousand copies later, and Boock’s first young adult novel is still going strong. Fast, intense and narrated in the first person by a character whose voice always rings true – the story continues to hold its own despite its genesis well over a decade ago. A teachers’ resource kit is available. 13 years plus.

Kiwi Beware! by John Lockyer; illustrated by Jonathan Huntley (Reed, $14.99)
Dawn approaches, and Kiwi is trying to get back to his burrow. Frog, Weta, Tui, Tuatara, Bat and Morepork each trot out the same message – get a move on. And what do you know, just when Mr Stoat appears, so too does Kiwi’s nest. A somewhat tired plot with illustrations to match. 2–4 years.

Down in the Forest by Yvonne Morrison; illustrated by Jenny Cooper (Scholastic, $15.99)
Like so many others, this book celebrates our native forest and the creatures in it. However, it’s generally a cut above the rest. Cooper’s experience as an illustrator is evident. The artwork is bright and varied in composition, providing strong visual impact. The rhythmic text is also a success. 4-6 years.

Bellbird’s Birthday Party; Cuckoo’s Egg; The Nesting Hole; Mystery in the Swamp by Janet Marshall (Reed, $14.99)
Four titles by writer and illustrator Janet Marshall – all about birds in the bush. Low-key action with closely observed, realistic illustrations. Difficult to be sure how the target audience will respond. 4–6 years.

Wonderful Wheels Day by Philippa Werry; illustrated by Alice Bell (Scholastic, $13.99)
A story about trying to worm out of the inevitable, narrated by an unenthusiastic rollerblader. Suitable for those who are newly independent readers of chapter books. 7–9 years.

Starz by Pat Quinn (Scholastic, $14.99)
Pat Quinn continues her story about Lorrie and friends from the novel Ratz. Much the same turf is covered as the girls fret about the success of their band. 10–12 years.