Harry Potter books

In 1997 the first of a series of fantasy books was published which created enthusiastic response from readers throughout the world. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone introduced young and old readers into the world of a young wizard and his friends as they fought against evil powers. It was not long before J K Rowling became known as a writer throughout the world. When a new volume of the series was released people would queue to purchase the next book. Waiting lists for the books in libraries were huge. It was not unusual to be travelling on a train and watching adult passengers read Harry Potter books, especially when there was a reprint with covers designed to attract adults.

The seven books in the series are:

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)

    Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) 

    Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire (2000)

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)

    Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2005)

    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007).

The first two books were written for upper primary school age readers and provided a readable fantasy based  adventure story. The author had anticipated that the readers would be older as each volume was published so the later volumes in the series were written for older readers than the first two and often had darker themes. The system did not work when younger children started reading the books after the later volumes had been published and then immediately attempted to read books written for teenagers and young adults. Each book in the series also had many more pages than the initial two books.

I read six of the seven books in the series. I decided against Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as I was not in the mood to read a darker themed book at the time. Generally I enjoyed reading the series as an adult, however I thought that the last two volumes, in particular, could have been given a more thorough edit. 

Harry Potter has turned into an empire with films and other materials relating to the series of seven books. 

The Bletchley Riddle

In 2015 we visited Bletchley Park when we on a cricketing holiday in England and spent several hours exploring the location where so many people worked to break German Enigma codes during the Second World War. I was pleased, therefore, to see that a new historical fiction novel based at Bletchley Park had been written for middle-school age children. 

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin explores the attempts of Lizzie and Jakob Novis to find out what happened to their mother, Willa, who was in Poland when Hitler's forces invaded that country. Jacob works at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. The Official Secrets Act means that he cannot tell anyone, including his family, where he is working or what what he does. His young sister, Lizzie was left in London and was meant to be travelling to America to stay with her grandmother. Instead she decides to remain in England and also finds herself at Bletchley Park.

Before leaving London, Lizzie found a small book that had belonged to her mother, which she hopes might help her solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance. With her new friends, Marion and Colin, Lizzie tries to decipher the significance of the book and also a series of coded messages that she and Jacob receive. Then the Germans start bombing London and other parts of England.

As well as providing an exciting story with puzzles to solve, The Bletchley Riddle, provides background information about life in England during the Second World War. It also provides an insight into the important work of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park.

The Lost Book of Magic

Another year of sharing and enjoying the reading of books with my grandson is almost over. During 2024 we finished reading Runt by Craig Silvey. This was followed by going on adventures with The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell took us on our next fantastical adventure. The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff provided an introduction to historical fiction. Then Aiden read me Scar Town by Tristan Banks - he became so involved with the book that I was not allowed to participate in reading any of the text. Our final book for the year was The Lost Book of Magic by Amelia Mellor which he also enjoyed.

The Lost Book of Magic is the third and final book in the series of books that began with The Grandest Bookshop in the World. Once again Vally, Pearl and Ivy Cole find themselves battling against the Obscurosmith and the Wraith in order to save Coles Book Arcade before their parents return from Sydney. They  are assisted in their endeavours by Mr Pyke (Billy Pyke) and Miss Kwon (Kezia Nobody) who we previously met when they were children in The Booksellers' Apprentice. The Obscurosmith once again sets puzzles for the children to solve but this time they also have to contend with the Wraith who does not want them to succeed.

This trilogy of books is not just an excursion into a world of fantasy but also introduces the reader to places and events in the history of Melbourne during the latter part of the nineteenth century. My grandson and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the books in this series.

Scar Town

Scar Town by Tristan Bancks is the winner of the 2024 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers. I borrowed a copy from the library and left it for my twelve year old grandson to find when we had our next reading session. As soon as he saw it his eyes lit up as he told me that they had been discussing this book at school. I then purchased a copy from Dymocks. 

Normally in our reading sessions my grandson and I share the reading - I often read the descriptive sections while he reads (and acts) the conversations or we might read alternate pages or paragraphs depending on the book. But this time my grandson picked up the book and started reading enthusiastically. I have not been allowed to read a word. Part way through the book he announced that this was the best book that he had ever read. But what is the book about?

Scarborough is a small town which has been drowned by a lake but during a drought some of the buildings appear again out of the water. Three children, Will, Dar and Juno (J), ride their bikes to the lake and swim to one of the houses. They break in and make a dramatic discovery. Will wants to inform the police but J asks him to wait for twenty-four hours while they attempt to discover information about what they have found.

This is a fast paced junior crime novel which keeps the reader guessing about what might have happened in the past. My grandson reads lots of books on his own as well as the books we enjoy reading together but, having observed his reaction to Scar Town, all I can say is thank you Tristan Bancks for writing a book that has captured my grandson's attention to such an extent. He has now investigated the school library for other books by this author.

Tristan Bancks sharing his inspiration for Scar Town - video.

Scar Town - CBCA

The Hobbit

In the 1960s I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by JRR Tolkien. These joined my list of favourite books. I read The Hobbit to my three sons when they were young and they all later read The Lord of the Rings. When the films were released in the cinema we went to see them as a family group. This year my twelve year old grandson and I read and enjoyed the story of The Hobbit together.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit and like other hobbits he enjoys the quiet life living in his hobbit hole in the hill. Then the wizard Gandalf visits Bilbo and Bilbo's life dramatically changes.A few days later there is a knock on Bilbo's door and a dwarf enters. Bilbo hurriedly organises afternoon tea. Before long his house is filled with dwarves and then Gandalf returns and tells Bilbo about the adventure they are to undertake together.

During the book Bilbo and the dwarves encounter elves, Gollum, spiders and many other characters including Smaug the dragon as they endeavour to retrieve the treasure that once belonged to the dwarves. This is a great magical adventure which can be enjoyed by adults as well as children.

In 2024, The Hobbit was one of the books that my grandson and I enjoyed reading together.

Hot Dog! Camping Time

And now for something completely different. My seven year old grand-daughter asked me to borrow Hot Dog 5 Camping Time from the library for her to read. She had read a number of other books in the Hot Dog! series by Anh Do. Together we checked the online library catalogue and found that all the copies were out so I placed a reservation. Several days later I collected a copy from the library for her to read.

Anh Do is well known as a comedian and artist and for writing the best-selling book, The Happiest Refugee. More recently he has written several series of books for younger readers including the Hot Dog! series which currently consists of 16 books. The books in this series are illustrated by Dan McGuiness.

Hot Dog and his friends Lizzie and Kev enjoy a camping adventure on rainbow Island. They have a lot of fun and also learn a number of skills including chopping wood, tying ropes, listening to sounds in the bush and most importantly resilience. These skills were put to good use when they became lost on the return trip and had to find their way home. 

The book is easy to read and full of humour and jokes that young children enjoy.

Impossible Creatures

Impossible creatures by Katherine Rundell received great reviews in lists of children's books published last year so I purchased copies for two of my grandchildren for Christmas. This term my eleven year old grandson and I have been sharing the reading of this book when he visits after school. There is no argument about reading - he just grabs something to eat, picks up the book and informs me that it is time to read.

Christopher is a young boy who attracts animals wherever he goes. When he visits his grandfather in the country he is told that he can go exploring but not to walk up the hill. Of course he does and immediately realises that this is a different place. 

One day he rescues a baby griffin from drowning and his world changes. When Christopher meets Mal, a young girl with a coat that enables her to fly who is looking for her griffin, he learns that she is being hunted by a man who is trying to murder her. Christopher decides to protect her and she takes him to her magical world, the Archipelago, where he meets many mythical creatures including sphinxes and dragons, centaurs and ratatoska plus a few humans including Nighthand and Irian.   

Impossible creatures is a spell binding tale of friendship, courage, bravery and love.  The glamourie that controls the mystical world of the Archipelago is fading and it is up to Mal and her friends to discover why and undo the damage that has been done.

At the front of the book is a Bestiary with descriptions and illustrations of some of the mythical creatures in the story. Katherine Rundell has produced a wonderful world of fantasy that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

Out of my mind

Melody Brooks is eleven years old. To the other children at school, Melody is just the dumb girl in the wheelchair. They do not know or care that she has a photographic memory and absorbs information easily. Melody has cerebral palsy and cannot speak and cannot use her hands so no one knows how clever she is and how interested she is in what is occurring around her. Melody is therefore a prisoner in her world.

Fortunately Melody does have support from her parents and a few of the teachers at school but her main assistance comes from Catherine, her teaching aide at school and her next door neighbour, Mrs V, who work tirelessly to encourage Melody. They also discover a way to allow her to express her thoughts in the world outside her mind.

However as Melody's abilities become apparent, she encounters an even greater backlash from her classmates including those who had sometimes appeared friendly in the past. Melody discovers that although she can now express herself, not everyone is prepared to listen.  

In Out of My Mind Sharon M Draper has written a novel for young readers encouraging them not to judge the ability of other people by their appearance. Melody has to face up to the things that she cannot do but also adapts to the use of technology such as an electric wheelchair and an electronic communicator to help overcome some of her challenges. She also begins to realise who her real friends are and how to assert herself if necessary. This is a good novel to encourage children to consider their attitudes to people who may be different to them.

Out of My Mind is a book being studied by my grandson in grade 6 at school.

Runt

Runt is a ragged looking dog. He doesn't have a home and roams about the country town of Upson Downs scavenging for food. That is until he finds Annie Shearer and they become best friends. Eleven year old Annie lives on a sheep farm with her parents, Bryan and Susie, her brother Max and her grandma Dolly. Times are hard on the farm and the family is in debt. A large landowner in the area controls the water supply and want to purchase their farm. Annie desperately looks for some way to assist her family.

Annie discovers that Runt has a special talent for tackling agility courses however he will not perform in front of an audience. Annie must find a way of resolving this challenge if Runt is to take part in dog agility competitions and win prize money that will help save the farm.

My eleven year old grandson and I have enjoyed reading and discussing Runt by Craig Silvey. The book is a delight to read. Themes in the novel include the importance of family, friendship, tolerance, resilience, strength of human spirit, acceptance and learning to be yourself. The book deserves the awards it has won including the Australian Book Industry Award, Children's Book Council Award and Indie Book Awards for 2023 as well as the Dymocks' Book of the Year for Younger Readers 2022.

In 2025, Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping - the sequel to Runt - by Craig Silvey was published. My grandson enthusiastically read this book with me and enjoyed trying to anticipate what will happen next, as well as who the baddie is. 

Runt has been dognapped and will only be returned if Annie wins the dog championships to be held at Upson Downs. With Runt missing Annie has to find and train another dog. Fortunately Annie and her family are looking after a dog, also named Annie, and the two Annies train to enter the dance section of the dog show.

Throughout the book we learn not only about the current events in the town but also additional information about events that occurred in the the initial book, Runt. We also learn the story about the mystery of Runt's disappearance. This is another fun book to read with lots of amusing situations and characters.

Blueback

My eleven year old grandson and I both enjoyed reading Blueback by Tim Winton recently. Tim Winton has written a number of books showing his love and respect for oceans and recently appeared in a documentary series on the ABC - Ningaloo: Australia's ocean wonder. A film has also recently been made based on the book, Blueback.

Abel and his mother live at Longboat Bay south of Perth. They both love the sea and frequently take a boat into the bay and then dive and explore the clear water. On these expeditions Abel meets a large Groper who he names Blueback and much of the book is about the relationship that develops between this fish and Abel. 

As he grows up Abel learns to love the the sea around Longboat bay and is reluctant to leave the area to attend school and later university. He becomes a marine biologist and travels the world but he eventually realises that his heart remains in Longboat Bay and its surrounding environment. The importance of respecting and maintaining the marine environment is an important theme in this book.

Pippi Longstocking

Nine year old Pippi lives in a house in a village with her monkey and her horse. It is soon obvious that Pippi is a child who enjoys adventures and also has special powers. Tommy and Annika, who live next door to Pippi's house, soon dicover that life is never dull when they are with their new neighbour. Who else do you know who is strong enough to carry a horse? 

Pippi Longstocking by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren is a classic children's book which I introduced to my ten year old grandson during first term this year. The book was first published in 1945 and shortly afterwards English editions were published. The books in this series have been translated into fifty languages.

The edition of the book that I own is illustrated by Lauren Childs, well known for the children's television series Charlie and Lola. Consequently my grandson enjoyed examining the copious illustrations as well as sharing the reading of the story with me. At times he became so engrossed with the adventure that he would take over and not let me read at all! What more can I say? Most children and adults will enjoy reading this book.

The Book-seller's Apprentice

Set in 1871 The Book-seller's Apprentice by Amelia Mellor is the prequel to The Grandest Bookshop in the World.  Twelve year old Billy Pike has to find a job to help his family pay the bills. He replies to an advertisement for the job as a book-seller's apprentice at Coles book stall in Paddy's Market in central Melbourne. Mr Cole wants to employ someone around sixten but agrees to give Billy the opportunity to work with him. 

Billy meets a young girl his own age, Kezia Nobody, who warns Billy about the dangerous Obscurosmith who frequently visits the market tempting people to make a deal with him. For much of the book Billy and Kezia work together to defeat the Obscurosmith and prevent him from threatening people working in or visiting the market.

There are lots of descriptions of the stalls and some of the entertainers who frequent Paddy's Market which really was the location of the first Coles book-selling enterprises. But this is basically a book of fantasy with lots of magic, lots of riddles and also tension as Billy and Kezia race aginst time to defeat the Obscurosmith. Written for children 10 + years it is a fun book for teenagers and adults to read as well.

Shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Book Industry Awards - Book of the Year for Younger Children 7-12 years.

The winner of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Children and Young Adult (CYA) Category.

Matilda

As my granddaughter is taking part in a school production of the musical Matilda next week I thought it might be a good idea to read the book Madilda written by Road Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake and originally published in 1988.

Matilda lives in a family where her parents do not really want her. She is an extremely bight child who has taught herself to read and write and learn the times tables by the age of five. Her parents do not appreciate their gifted daughter. In fact her father is always telling her that she should be watching TV instead of reading. The local librarian takes pity on Matilda and ensures that she has access to all the books she wants to read.

When Matilda starts school she is in Miss Honey's class. Miss Honey immediately realises how bright Matilda is but the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is determined that Matilda should not receive special treatment. Matilda decides to take matters into her own hands and on a number of occasions seeks revenge for her father's bullying and also for the cruelty inflicted by Miss Trunchbull on the students and staff.

During one episode of bullying displayed by the headmistress, Matilda discovers that she has special powers when she is really cross. Matilda determines to use these powers against Miss Trunchbull to obtain justice for her classmates and for her teacher, Miss Honey.

Matilda is a book about the love of reading, about bullying, about standing up for yourself and, of course, there is a little magic to help obtain justice.

Matilda the musical - Wikipedia

The Wind in the Willows

My grandson and I have just finished sharing the reading of this children's classic, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.  First published in 1908, the author wrote the story of the adventures of Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger for his son. Since then the book has been enjoyed by many generations of children (and adults) and has also regularly been performed as a play each summer, for the past 35 years, at Melbourne Botanic Gardens. There have been a number of adaptions of the book for the theatre, the first by A A Milne - the author of the Winnie the Pooh stories. The book has also been adapted as a film and a television series.

E H Shepherd illustrated the first editions of the books. He is also well known for his illustrations for A A Milne books, especially The House at Pooh Corner and Winnie-The-Pooh.

In 2008 Robert Ingpen did the illustrations for a new edition commemorating one hundred years of The Wind in the Willows.

Mole's previously quiet life changes when he meets Rat, a friendly water rat, who introduces Mole to his friends including Badger and Mr Toad. The conceited Mr Toad lives in a large house and has a tendency to become absorbed in the latest trend such as boats, caravans, then motor cars. Eventually Toad ends up in trouble with the law and even loses his home until his faithful friends step in and save him. 

My grandson and I both enjoyed reading about the adventures of Toad and his friends and also exploring the illustrations by Shepherd and Ingpen in the two editions of the book borrowed from the library.

When the book was written many changes were occurring in the social fabric of society in Britain and the actions of the Mole, Rat and Badger in this book quietly demonstate the importance of true friendship, understanding and kindness required for working together, helping friends and adapting to change.

Weirdstone of Brisingamen

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen was the first children's book by Alan Garner and was originally published in 1960. Set in Cheshire on Alderley Edge, an area well known to the author, the reader is taken on an adventure into a world inhabited by an array of characters primarily from Welsh, Nordic and Cheshire myths and legends.

The story begins with the 'Legend of Alderley' - the tale of farmer who encountered a wizard who wanted to purchase his horse. While in the wizard's cave the farmer was allowed to take some precious stones in payment for the horse but he also inadvertently removed the Firefrost.

When Susan and Colin stayed on a farm with Gowther and Bess it soon became obvious that strange and possibly dangerous forces were gathering in the area. While the children explored the Edge they encountered Selina Place who tried to entice the children into her car. On another occasion they were chased by the svart-alfar (goblins) until the wizard, Cadellin, rescued them, showed them Fundindelve and told them about the missing Firefrost - the Weirdstone of Brisingamen.

When the stone was stolen Susan and Colin are determined to find it to return to Cadellin. During their often dangerous adventure they encounter dwarves, witches, goblins and elves among the host of magical and mythical characters. The sequel to this story is The Moon of Gomrath.

Keys to the Kingdom continued

 Sir Thursday is the fourth volume in the Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix. Additional information about the series can be found in these posts.

At the end of the previous book, Drowned Wednesday, Arthur and Leaf had planned to return home to check what was happening in their world until they discovered that a spirit eater had found a way through the door of the House and was impersonating Arthur back home. Leaf volunteered to return to Earth to locate the item belonging to Arthur that the spirit eater was using to feed its power. Meanwhile Arthur and Suzy remained to try and sort out some of the problems occurring in the House. However when Lord Thursday drafted Arthur into the army for one hundred years, life became even more complicated for Arthur.

In the first half of this novel Garth Nix tells the story by alternating chapters explaining what is happening to Leaf, Arthur or Suzy interspersed with an occasional general chapter. In the second part of the book a chronological occunt of events is provided focussing on Arthur and his encounters with Sir Arthur, part four of the Will and the Piper. Another exciting installment in the series.

Lady Friday is the fifth volume in the Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix. 

The story this time starts when Leaf returns home only to discover that her aunt, along with hundreds of other people, has been transferred to a different world by Lady Friday who has enjoys experiencing the memories of people from Earth. Leaf has to return to at least rescue her aunt. 

Meanwhile Arthur is watching what The Piper is doing to avoid further battles. He also needs to rescue Suzie and Fred who, as former Pipers Children, find themselves once again under his power.

Much of the action of the novel occurs in various parts of Lady Friday's Scriptorium and there are many references to old style binding of books and printing methods. Eventually Arthur locates part five of the Will and also locates the Fifth Key. Arthur plans to return home to ensure that his mother is safe, however he knows that he also has other issues to resolve in the House.

The sixth book in the keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix is Superior Saturday.

In this book we meet Superior Saturday who has ordered her denizens and Piper's children to build a tower of cubes so that she can reach the Incomparable Gardens, commanded by Lord Sunday, situated above the tower. Sorcery is her main tool and she has lookouts to ensure that no other sorcery enters her world to threaten her plans. She is also intent on destroying the sections of the house below the Upper House and causing havoc in the other realms.

Meanwhile the sleepers had returned to Earth, guided by Leaf and Arthur. Not long after their arrival Arthur receives a message from his brother alerting him that part of the city is about to be attacked by the army. Arthur places a shield around the hospital but knowing that this is not a permanent solution returns to the Kingdom to finish his quest and save his family. Leaf stays to try and save the sleepers.

Arthur realises that it is too late to worry about turning into a denizen. He understands that he must use his powers to complete his quest to retrieve part six and part seven of the will and the two remaining keys. Arthur and Susy must find a way into the tower unseen and once again receive help from the Raised Rats. Once in the tower Arthur and Susy encounter a world of bureaucracy and sorcery. In each section of the tower the denizens carry umbrellas of different colours indicating their rank. Arthur and Leaf have to avoid the Sorcerous Supernumeraries and especially the Internal Auditors if they are to be successful in their quest. The book ends with a series of cliff hangers which lead the reader into the final volume of the Keys to the Kingdom.

Lord Sunday 

The seventh and final volume of the series, The Keys to the Kingdom, by Garth Nix continues where book six finished. In the previous books Arthur has rescued the first six keys and parts of the Will but the seventh key and final part of the Will remain to be located and it is unlikely that Lord Sunday will give in easily.

Meanwhile Suzy and Leaf are also involved in the battles that are systematically destroying the Lower and Middle houses, trying to save what is left of the House and the Outer Realms, including Arthur and Leaf's home and families back on Earth. Initially they carry out the orders of Dame Primus, with the help of Dr Scamandros and Giac, to open and enlarge elevators to take the troops to the Incomparable Gardens and into Lord Sunday's domain.

As the story draws to a close Arthur continually strives to remember that he is a boy with feelings and compassion and has to resist the urge to destroy his enemies which occasionally surges through him as his power increases.Once he gains part seven of the Will and the seventh key there are still hard decisions to be made.

NB: March 2022

My eleven year old grand-daughter and I have just finished sharing the reading this series which we started at the beginning of 2021. She became totally involved as the story evolved and identified with the characters, particularly Suzy and Leaf as well as Arthur. As we read the books we discussed how the author created different settings in each book, explored new vocabulary, enjoyed the cliff hangers and talked about what might happen next. When we came to sections primarily with dialogue spoken by Susy or Leaf or both of them, my grand-daughter would make sure that she read those sections. As well as all the action and plot twists we enjoyed the humour throughout the books and how characters or events in earlier volumes reappeared as the story progressed. During this time my grand-daughter has developed from someone who read because she had to into an enthusiastic reader. Thank you Garth Nix.

When we were unable to read together in person due to COVID-19 lockdowns or weekends or holidays, we continued the reading via online sessions.

Meanwhile my nine year old grandson (almost ten), who has occasionally listened to his sister reading parts of the books, has now decided that he also wants to read The Keys to the Kingdom series. We began Mister Monday this week.

The Song of Lewis Carmichael

Matthew, an only child, was a lonely boy who had difficulty making friends at school. He was lacking in confidence and felt that he did not live up to his parents' expections. However he did have one passion, the Arctic. Matthew read everything that he could about the Arctic, the North Pole, the animals who lived in the region and the men and women who had explored the Arctic.

One day Matthew was at the park reading a book about the Arctic when a crow (raven) approached him. Matthew shared a muffin with the hungry bird before returning home. Later that night the bird tapped on Matthew's window and introduced himself as Lewis Carmichael. Lewis suggested that he and Matthew should go and explore the Arctic in a hot air balloon that was parked on the roof of Matthew's house.

So began a great adventure including observing polar bears, Arctic woolves, Arctic owls, snow geese and walruses. But also during the adventure Matthew learned new life skills in order to survive and his self confidence increased as he tackled tasks and had to make decisions. It was a different Matthew who returned home after his great adventure.

The story by Sofie Laguna is illustrated by Marc McBride. The text and the detailed illustrations are all in blue and complement each other well. My nine year old grandson enjoyed examining the illustrations as we read The Song of Lewis Carmichael together. He also looked aout for lines of the 'song' throughout the text. A most enjoyable book.

The Nargun and the Stars

When Simon Brent moved from the city to Wongadilla, a New South Wales property owned by Charlie and Edie, he certainly did not expect the adventures that he was about to encounter. It was at Wongadilla that Simon encountered the Nargun, the Turongs, the Nyols and the Potkoorok - spirits and protectors of the swamp, the mountains and the surrounding bush. It was when land adjoining the property was being cleared that the spirits from Aboriginal legends that inhabited the area sought to protect their environment.

But the Pot Koorok, the Turongs and the Nyols were not only concerned about the grader and bulldozer encroaching on their space and destroying the trees - they were also concerned about the arrival of the Nargun, an ancient spirit rock that had arrived in their terrain after travelling 800 miles from Victoria. Simon, Charlie and Edie, with the help of the Potkoorok had to devise a plan to encourage the Nargun to move from their area.

The Nargun and the Stars won the Children's Book of the Year Award in 1974. A five part mini series based on the book was screened on the ABC in 1981. The Nargun and the Stars was also performed as a play in 2009.

A special edition of The Nargun and the Stars, illustrated with atmospheric drawings by Robert Ingpen, was published in 1988 after Patricia Wrightson the Hans Christian Andersen Medal award for writing and Robert Ingpen won the Hans Christian Andersen Medal illustration award in 1986.

The Grandest Bookshop in the World

The children's book, The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor was published last year. Set in Melbourne in the 1890s this is a fantasy set in Coles Book Arcade, a large bookstore established at 299 Bourke Street, Melbourne, in 1883 by E W Cole. 

The characters in this book are all members of the Cole family who are engaged in saving the book arcade from the evil Obscurosmith, Magnus Maximillan. To regain the book arcade the children must solve a series of puzzles set by the Obscurosmith and it soon becomes obvious that this magician does not believe in playing by the rules. The story is a race against time as the children seek and solve the clues left for them. Meanwhile the arcade is disintegrating around them and the bands on the rainbow are fading.

My nine year old grandson and I have been sharing the reading of this book and enjoying the magic and adventures of Pearl and Vally as they race against time to save the store and their family. 

The Grandest Bookshop in the World - information.

A number of books have been written about E W Cole and his book arcade including Under the Rainbow: the life and times of E W Cole and E W Cole: chasing the rainbow. 

A brief summary online can be found in Museum of Lost Things - Coles Book Arcade - and Timeout - The Completely True and Absolutely Bonkers Story of Coles Book Arcade.

This was one of three books on the shortlist for the CYA section of the ARA Historical Novel Prize - 2021 Historical Novel Society Australasia

Winner of the 2021 Australian Book Industry Awards - Book of the Year for Younger Children 7-12 years

Holes

Holes by American author, Louis Sachar, is a book that my granddaughter is currently reading for school. 

When Stanley Yelnats (Stanley spelt backwards) was sent to a juvenile detention camp, Camp Green Lake, for a crime he did not commit, he thought that it was possibly due to a curse placed upon his family many generations ago when his great, great grandfather had broken a promise made to Madame Zeroni. Since then family members regularly seemed to encounter bad luck.

There is no longer a lake at Camp Green Lake - the lake dried up more than 100 years ago - just dry dirt. Each days the boys in the camp are given the task of digging a hole measuring five feet by five feet in the hot sun. This task is meant to be character building but Stanley soon realises that there is nother reason why the boys are digging holes.

Holes melds together three stories and three time periods - the story of Stanley as he copes with life at Camp Green Lake, the story relating to the curse supposedly placed upon his family and the story of Katherine Barlow (later known as Kissin' Kate Barlow') and Sam the onion seller who lived in the area when there was a Green Lake.

This is a story about the importance and power of friendship, the destructive nature of cruelty of various kinds, coincidence and fate as well as how events in history can affect lives. It is a tall story laced with humour about a young boy coping with the challenges fate has imposed upon him.

Originally published in 1998, Holes won the Newberry Medal in 1999 for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children for that year.

Notes for Holes