Alphabet Soup

Book review: Cicada Summer

Posted on May 20, 2014May 18, 2014 by Alphabet Soup

Cicada Summer by Kate Constable, Allen & Unwin, ISBN 9781741758283

REVIEWED BY JEMIVIEVE, 11, VIC

Cicada Summer by Kate Constable falls into my ‘Best Book Ever’ category. It is about a girl called Eloise, who never speaks, and her dad, who are both moving to the country, near where Eloise’s grandma lives. Before going to see her grandma, they stop at an old house her dad wants to turn into something else. Eloise walks into the house and suddenly hears a girl a bit younger than her calling, “I’m coming!” Then this little girl runs down the stairs and at the sight of her Eloise runs out of the house. This is where the story really begins.

After staying at her grandma’s for a while, Eloise finally goes back to the creepy old house again on her bike. She notices a summerhouse and walks in with her eyes shut. Some cicadas that were singing suddenly stop, and Eloise opens her eyes in confusion. She’s in another time, in another place.

She soon meets Anna, who looked just like the girl in the creepy house. But when Eloise meets her, she is confused. Two years ago her mother died, and her name was Anna. Because of this, Eloise thinks she has gone back in time.

But when her dad finds his new girlfriend Lorelei Swan, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Can Eloise fix everything? Will she ever talk again and find out what was really happening with the summerhouse?

I reckon this book is quite amazing and everyone should have a go at reading it. The questions above are what kept me going. I loved the mystery and the intrigue of the book and just couldn’t put it down until I had finished! The language is fairly easy, and I bet you’ll fall in love with it by the first sentence.

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This is Jemivieve’s first book review for Alphabet Soup (thanks, Jemivieve!). If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book Review: The Cay

Posted on May 12, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

The Cay by Theodore Taylor, ISBN 9780140366204, Puffin Classics

REVIEWED BY JOSEPH, 10, WA

Joseph’s mum borrowed this book from the library.

In The Cay, a young boy called Phillip lived in Willemstad. Because the war is on, Philip and his mother go on a boat to sail back to their old home in the USA but their ship gets bombed. The next thing Phillip remembers, he was stranded on a raft with a few biscuits, some chocolate, some water, a cat (called Stew Cat), and an old black man called Timothy. The raft lands on a cay where they have to fight for survival, hoping there’ll be a rescue.

I didn’t know this book existed until my mum pulled it out and started reading it to me. I don’t normally read books like this. The start of the book was very slow but once we’d read about three chapters the story started to run along and it was very interesting.

I liked how Timothy used his survival skills to help Phillip learn how to survive on the island. Timothy has a strong accent and it didn’t say he did but the author wrote his speaking parts the way he spoke. I thought that was a good way to imagine how he spoke.

After reading this book I’d learnt a few things like what langosta is (a type of lobster) and that you don’t need a knife to get coconuts off a tree but you do need to be able to climb.

Boys and girls aged 10 to 14 would enjoy this book, especially if they’re into books about survival. Out of 10 I would give it 8.5.

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Joseph is one of our regular book reviewers. His most recent review (if you don’t count this one) was of the Don’t Look Now! series. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Matilda

Book review: The Princess and the Goblin

Posted on May 9, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, ill. Arthur Hughes, ISBN 9780141332482, Puffin Books (Penguin Group)

REVIEWED BY MATILDA, 8, WA

Matilda borrowed this book from her local library.

A princess named Irene has a nurse who doesn’t let her go out after dark because she’s afraid the goblins will get Irene. Irene goes up a mysterious staircase and there is a woman at the top of the stair — her great-great grandma. But only Irene knows she’s there. This is an adventure story and it’s a bit like a fairytale with magic inside.

I loved this book because it got more exciting every night I read a chapter. I liked that Irene was 8 like me. There’s a picture at the start of most chapters and they made me think of the olden days.

It’s a very, very, very, very, very, very old story because it was first published in 1872. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is The Princess and Curdie.

I think 7 year olds to forever on would enjoy this book.

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Matilda is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one) was of Annie’s Snails. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

illustrator

Bob Graham exhibition

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Alphabet Soup

If you love picture books and you can get to Canberra — here’s an exhibition you really must see!

Bob Graham is one of our favourite illustrators. You’ll recognise his artwork from picture books like How to Heal a Broken Wing, Let’s Get a Pup, Max … and heaps more. Now you can see his work in an exhibition, including sketch books, manuscripts, memorabilia and illustrations. Items in the exhibition have been selected from his studio and from the Lu Rees Archives at the University of Canberra.

Where: Canberra Museum and Gallery, cnr London Circuit & Civic Square, Canberra City

When: From Sat 17 May until Sunday 24 August

Over the next few months, you can meet Bob Graham, take art workshops and sign up for school holiday workshops. Find out more at the Museum and Galleries website.

Book reviews by Celine, Book reviews by kids

Book Review: Shadow Sister

Posted on May 1, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

Dragonkeeper5: Shadow Sister by Carole Wilkinson, ISBN 978922179579, Black Dog Books

REVIEWED BY CELINE, 11, WA

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

Young Tao has been roaming the mountains in search of a cure of dragons’ weakness: iron, when he stumbles across his old colleague/enemy Fo Tu Deng, along with a gang of nomads. When Tao and his dragon Kai finally escape these savages, he is stuck in a dark passage with unknown ghosts prodding him and breathing cold breath on him. After they escape these ghosts, Tao and Kai are turned upon a seven-headed snake monster, whose bite is deadly, and fatal.

When Tao returns to his deserted home, at night, when the moon shines, a ghost appears. Who is this mysterious ghost? What does she seek from Tao?

All is not as it seems. When battle arrives, will Tao and his new-sought allies actually survive? Can Tao find his qi to defeat the opposition? Will Tao and Pema survive?

Full of action and adventure, Shadow Sister is impossible to put down. Reading Shadow Sister was an adventure in itself, I felt like I was Tao being pursued, haunted, and questioned. I recommend it to ages 10 upwards, but it is not suitable to sensitive children (I was haunted by the ghost and couldn’t sleep one night).

This is the best book of the series, but since I am quite sensitive, I thought this book was a little on the scary side.

In all, I rate it 99.9999999999999999%.

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Celine is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one) was of The Firebird. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids, info

Book review: Darcy Moon and the Deep Fried Frogs

Posted on April 30, 2014April 23, 2014 by Alphabet Soup

Darcy Moon and the Deep Fried Frogs by Catherine Carvell, ill. Michael Scott Parkinson, ISBN 9781922089717, Fremantle Press

REVIEWED BY BRIDGET, 10, WA

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

Darcy Moon and the Deep Fried Frogs is about a girl who discovers she’s an Earth guardian. She meets a turtle named Wizen and frog called Jumpy. Darcy must save the swamp from the famous Sid Bellows the owner of Skippety Chips, while keeping her embarrassing parents under control.

Darcy Moon and the Deep Fried Frogs was very enjoyable, and had a great plot. It is a fantastic book for those searching a quick, humorous read, or a beginner looking for a challenge. It would also be quite a good book for teachers to read to their class.

It is a great book, but a little predictable. Overall, I think it is a very enjoyable and exciting read. I’d definitely read it again and recommend it to all my friends.

I give it 4 ½ stars. Apart from the book being a little predictable, it was perfect.

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Guess what? You can read sample chapters of this book on the publisher’s website and you can check out our interview with the author.

Bridget had book reviews published in Alphabet Soup’s print magazine, and this is her first book review for us online. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids

Book Review: The Dog Who Loved a Queen

Posted on April 28, 2014April 23, 2014 by Alphabet Soup

The Dog Who Loved a Queen by Jackie French, ISBN 9780732285081, HarperCollinsPublishers Australia

REVIEWED BY JULIA, 11, QLD

The Dog Who Loved a Queen is a touching story about a little Scottish Terrier — later named Folly, who was about to have the most amazing experience of his life.

When Folly was only a small puppy he was taken to be sent to Queen Mary as her dog. But when Folly arrives he finds himself in a bit of a tight spot. He gradually learns he can’t ‘widdle’ on the floor, which he has to go outside and do his ‘widdle’ there.

The book is written from Folly’s perspective, and it is interesting to read the about the ups and downs of being a dog. It is a heart-warming story about a dog who really loved a queen.

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Guess what? You can read the first part of this book on the publisher’s site for free! Julia has shared book reviews with us before now — check out her 2012 review of EJ12 Hot & Cold. (If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!)

Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Pippa

Book review: Verity Sparks, Lost and Found

Posted on April 26, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

Verity Sparks, Lost and Found by Susan Green, ISBN 9781921977886, Walker Books Australia

REVIEWED BY PIPPA, 12, WA

Pippa borrowed a copy of this book from the library.

Melbourne, 1879

Verity Sparks-Savinov has moved to a new country, with a new father and a brand-new mystery to solve. She has taken a new name, and made new friends. But she has lost her gift, her ability to find lost objects.

Her father is eager for her to start at a select school for young ladies, but Verity isn’t so keen. She is more interested in the Ecclethorpe mystery, which seems to be leading them to dead ends. She meets a new friend, Poppy, and tries to find out who Lavinia O’Day is and why she is so sickly and frail.

When her father is missing off a sunken ship in Queensland, will she find her gift before it is too late?

I think this book is as good as the first book (The Truth about Verity Sparks), but you need to read that first. I rate it 9/10.

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Pippa is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one!) was The Truth about Verity Sparks. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Pippa

Book review: The Truth about Verity Sparks

Posted on April 24, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

The Truth about Verity Sparks by Susan Green, ISBN 9781921720277, Walker Books Australia

REVIEWED BY PIPPA, 12, WA

Pippa borrowed a copy of this book from the library.

London, 1878

Verity Sparks has itchy fingers. And those fingers have led her into a whole load of trouble. For Verity has a gift. She can find lost objects.

Accused of stealing an expensive jewel, she is forced to leave her job as a milliner’s apprentice and go back to her drunken uncle and her frail aunt. Her parents passed away of disease when she was quite small, and all they have left her was a wedding ring, a small coin and a rug.

When her aunt and uncle refuse to take her in, it looks like she has no hope.

She finds new friends and enemies, not to mention the toasting fork, and starts the quest to find out the truth about herself.

I really enjoyed the mysteries of this book, and I really liked the pictures it paints in your mind. I rate it 9/10. I would recommend it for ages 11–14 who like mystery books.

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Pippa is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one!) was Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Book reviews by kids, Book reviews by Matilda

Book review: Annie’s Snails

Posted on April 7, 2014January 6, 2015 by Alphabet Soup

Annie’s Snails by Dianne Wolfer, ill. Gabriel Evans, ISBN 9781921720635, Walker Books Australia

REVIEWED BY MATILDA, 8, WA

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

At the Perth Writers Festival I went into a tent to see the author and the illustrator of this book. At their talk I saw how the author got the idea of the book based on a girl who was a neighbour who loved snails and I saw that neighbour at the talk too. So when I was sent a copy of this book a grin spread across my face.

Annie’s Snails is a book about a girl who loves snails. She finds some and she names them. She paints the first letters of their names on their shells and then she notices they can spell words. The snails are good spellers. She finds out that snails don’t like living in the container she’s keeping them in because it’s too hot and snails like water too so they don’t dry out. But she still wants to keep those snails — it’s a problem.

The illustrations are grey and white and there are pictures on every page so it’s a bit like a picture book but also it’s a chapter book. This book has three chapters about Annie and her snails. I really like snails like Annie does so I really liked this book.

I think Annie’s Snails would be good for 4 to 9 year olds. But 4 and 5 year olds might need a parent to read it to them.

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Matilda is one of our regular book reviewers. Her most recent review (if you don’t count this one!) was Anton Can Do Magic. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!