Through Time: London By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon

Through Time: London

By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon: Pub. 2012

A sumptuous recreation of London’s story: publishing to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. Through Time: London follows the story of the historic capital, from its Celtic origins right up to the present—including the settlement of the Romans, the Anglo-Saxon era, the Viking invasion, and the growth of medieval London in Norman times. 

The book explores major events in London’s history, such as the Great Plague, the Blitz and preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.

An easy way for children to get a quick grasp on London's history and the main eras and interest points of the great city.

Pandemonium By Chris Wooding

Pandemonium

By Chris Wooding Illu. Cassandra Diaz: Pub. 2012

Seifer’s life is about to become a royal pain ... As captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. He’s fast, he’s strong, and he flies circles around the competition. But Seifer’s always dreamed of more—of leaving his tiny, remote village for a new life beyond the mountains.

He just never dreamed it would happen like this. Knocked unconscious and abducted, Seifer awakens in the royal palace to learn that Price Talon Pandemonium has gone missing. And since Seifer is a ringer for Talon, it’s his duty to replace the missing royal in his roles of diplomat, warrior, and Lord Defender of the Realm. He might fool Talon’s sisters. He might fool Talon’s army. But Seifer has little hope of fooling Talon’s enemies.

Chris Wooding and debut artist Cassandra Diaz team up for a classic tale of mistaken identity set against the breathtakingly original backdrop of the Darkling Realm.

Teenage boys will like this text, especially if they don't like to real straight novels.

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion By Ben Boos

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion

By Ben Boos - Illustrated Fiction: Pub. 2008

“Every nick, notch, decorative motif, and gleaming highlight is rendered in lovingly realistic detail ... Armchair warriors and budding graphic artists will be riveted.” – Kirkus Reviews Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place – from ancient warriors such as Beowulf, medieval knights, stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war.

Wonderfully detailed.

Side note: this is a reprint of the original as the author passed away last year. What a great way to honour this true artist. Here is the information from his memoriam facebook page: 

Ben Boos (1971-2011)

It's with sad hearts that we announce that our beloved author/illustrator Ben Boos passed away June 22nd, 2011 in a tragic accident. He leaves behind a loving wife and 4 children. Ben Boos was the creator of Swords: An Artist's Devotion and Fantasy: An Artist's Realm as well as a designer for the Diablo video games. His artwork also appears in the upcoming Spring 2012 title What Color Is Your World? The world has lost a great talent.

The Wrong Boy By Suzy Zail

The Wrong Boy

By Suzy Zail: Pub. 2012

“Being kissed by Karl Jager was devastating. And beautiful. War makes you do dangerous things.” Hanna is a naïve 15-year-old but when she is chosen to play for the camp commander, she meets the commander’s son, Karl. Hanna hates him, but the longer Hanna goes to the house, the more she realises there are other things going on. Secret things. Karl may not be the person she thinks he is. Before she knows it she has fallen in love with the wrong boy. 

This is a lovely and well written book which delves into a unique insight into cultures that may otherwise be unwritten about so poignantly. 

For males and females 13 - 17 years old

* Australian Author

Do Not Forget Australia By Sally Murphy Illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar

Do Not Forget Australia

By Sally Murphy Illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar

Pub. 2012

A heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting tale of two towns: Melbourne, Australia and Villers- Bretonneux, France, during World War One. Henri lives in the French village of Villers- Bretonneux. Billy lives in Melbourne, Australia. These two little boys, who live thousands of miles away from each other, share one story that unites Villers-Bretonneux and Melbourne in history. A moving and inspiring story of World War One.

A lovely picture book, in which the story is preciously told for a 6+ age group. Great for one-to-ones and classroom readings.

*Australian Author/Illustrator

When Giants Come to Play - A Beaty, illu. K Hawkes

When Giants Come to Play (pub. 2006) Andrea Beaty; Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

A whimsical story of imagination and friendship, illustrated by one of the most respected illustrators of our time. In this beautifully written, lyrical text, a little girl named Anna enjoys a day with some unusual playmates, a pair of giants who visit only "when the sun shines just so and the wind blows like this and that on its way to somewhere else." The giants adapt familiar childhood games to suit their size, giving acclaimed illustrator Kevin Hawkes opportunities to play with scale, and the premise is the perfect platform for his quintessential, "larger-than-life" characters... Humorous and a little wistful, "When Giants Come to Play" is a celebration of the power of imagination and friendship that could become a classic.


I love the language and the musicality in which this book is written. With its' dream-like feel, it encourages a child-like play with imagination and lots of colourful pictures to go along with the brilliantly scripted text. The author certainly had aloud reading in mind which crafting the narrative. And the unique blend of pictures to not simply accompany, but also add layers to the text is superb. This isn't a 'borrow form the library' kind of book - well worth buying in to own.

Hansel and Gretel - M Morpurgo and E Chichester Clark

Hansel and Gretel - M Morpurgo and E Chichester Clark (pub. 2008)


A gripping retelling of a children's classic story for the new generation. No child ever forgets the story of the witch, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house in the forest. Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo takes the Brothers Grimm classic to a new level, weaving from these themes a rich fairytale tapestry of hunger and hope, cruelty and courage. With breath-taking illustrations by the celebrated Emma Chichester Clark, this edition of Hansel and Gretel will grip the imagination of a whole new generation of children.

Loved it! A great read for Children 5 - 10yo. A long book, but a new take on the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Very enjyable. Loved the alliteration, and repetition, and way there was flow in the language. Illustrations very suitable and made a great blend with the text. Great to read to your child; great for your child to read it to themselves. Certainly not a classroom of group book; definitely a one-on-one or solo adventure to take.