Chickpea by Marguerite Hann Syme

Afshin has arrived in Australia from Iran with his two children Hooman and Mina. They suffered in Iran due to their religious beliefs and are so happy to have found safety here in Australia, specifically in Adelaide. Sadly, though, shortly after their arrival mum has died and so now Afshin has to navigate a new country and a new language and cope with his two young children and with being alone. The children see a kitten and a baby chick in a local market, and they beg their dad to buy them. Hooman forms a very special relationship with his little chicken, and he names her Chickpea. Mina loves to play with her kitten dressing her up in fancy clothes and jewels. On the book cover you can see she has also tried to do this to Chickpea - painting her toenails and adding lipstick and beads. For Hooman, Chickpea has added a special dimension to his life. His days no longer feel constrained and filled with routines.

One day Hooman comes home from school and Chickpea is gone. Hooman searches for days until he eventually finds her squished into a tiny space at the back of the garage. Chickpea has laid some eggs and she is waiting for them to hatch but if you know about chickens you will know this won't happen - these eggs have not been fertilized. Hooman is so worried because Chickpea won't eat.

Broody hens can be recognized by their behaviour. They sit firmly over the eggs, and when people approach or try to remove the eggs, threaten the person by erecting their feathers, emitting a characteristic sound like clo-clo-clo and will peck aggressively. When broody, hens often temporarily cease eating or reduce their feed consumption.

Luckily a friend finds some fertilized eggs and they swap them and then sit back to wait the twenty-one days needed for them to hatch. On the appointed day, Dad lets Hooman stay home from school, but alas no chicks arrive. And Chickpea is still not eating and they cannot move her. Will Hooman lose his very special friend?

Spoiler alert - no Chickpea will be okay. This is the appeal of this story - the wild ride of emotions over just 55pages. This time they put newly hatched chicks under Chickpea - chicks rescued from a battery hen farm. Nothing happens for three long days. Then the lady who bought the eggs and the chicks claps her hands, Chickpea is startled and the baby chicks move and jump out from under her warm feathers. A happy ending for everyone.

In 1998 Chickpea was a CBCA short-listed book in the Younger Readers Category. Of course, it is now long out of print but I do think it has stood the test of time and it would be enjoyed by young readers aged 8+. A new cover might add to the appeal.. Also, that IDAnimal label is quite off-putting. This book was one from a series by Scholastic and I guess these labels were an early form of generifying your fiction. 

Last night I revisited Chickpea because I have a memory of loving this book and I did hope back then that it would 'win'. I put 'win' in inverted commas because having a short list sticker means this book did win in terms of book sales and because I am sure it was shared with many, many children. 

Here is the sequel which I have no memory of reading and which again is sure to be long of out of print.

Chickpea was short listed by the CBCA. Here is the full list from 1998:

Winner

• Forrestal, Elaine Someone Like Me Puffin 

Honour books

• Hirsch, Odo Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore Guzman Allen & Unwin Illus. Andrew McLean 
• Wrightson, Patricia Rattler’s Place Illus. David Cox Puffin (Aussie Bites)

Short listed

• Gleeson, Libby Queen of the Universe Illus. David Cox Omnibus (Solo)
• Klein, Robin The Listmaker Viking
• Syme, Marguerite Hann Chickpea Scholastic

There has been a debate on Facebook this week about the Younger Readers choices for 2024 and also some discussion about how books are submitted for judging. I know about this process because I was a CBCA judge 2021-23 but in a different category. The Facebook thread explores two issues about books in the Younger Readers category - specifically the selections this year. Firstly, the range of books on offer from those that cover deep themes through to the slapstick of a graphic novel. If you look at any of the past Younger Readers lists from 1982 onwards you will see the six short listed titles often cover a range of themes and potential readerships. If the issue here is with the choice of a funny or light weight book here are a few to consider. 1992 Bob the builder and the elves (Emily Rodda); 2004 Truck Dogs by Graeme Base; 2007 The cat on the mat is flat Andy Griffiths. 

The other side of this debate relates to books with more mature themes. The description of this category states: Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years. 7-12 years. Note: Some of the titles in this category may only be suitable for readers who are in the upper primary years as they contain mature themes, including violence. Parental guidance is recommended.

Over the years from 1982 onwards there have been some titles for very mature readers short listed in this category - to me this just shows the range of writing talent we have in Australia. Think about 2021 We are Wolves; 2020 The Dog Runner; 2016 Morris Gleitzman Soon; 2013 Children of the King etc.

The second issue relates to how books are entered in the competition, and this is the part of the debate that puzzles me. Books submitted for this award (as with most other awards) are entered by their publisher. This surely is not an issue because having that CBCA sticker on the cover of a book guarantees books sales and also helps to keep a book in print for longer. The publisher pays a fee for each book they enter and they send five copies of the book to the CBCA National office for distribution to the judges. There is nothing secret about this process. For my judging, over two years, we were sent over 460 books. This shows that publishers do not hold back. They submit every title they think has a chance with the judges. I am sure if you are an author, you would be welcome to check with your publisher that your book has been submitted. The only issue we had in my judging panel came with a handful of books that we felt were submitted into the wrong category - but with the permission of the publisher we were able to send these titles onto other teams. Publishers, especially the smaller ones, often submit their book in several categories which shows they are very keen for their book to be noticed by the judges of this prestigious national award. 

Here are other books which might be in your local or school library by Marguerite Hann Syme.

Digger digs down by Johanna Bell illustrated by Huni Melissa Bolliger

Digger is a dog. Digger is a dog who digs. Nothing will stop Digger in his quest to dig down and down and down except when he bumps into something and so he digs right then left then round and round and round until he reaches somewhere quite surprising. Then he hears a voice from above:

"Digger! Where are you?"

So, it is time to dig again - this time up and up and round and round and left and right and upside down until ...

If you are going to write a book with only thirty words it is important to add a rich unspoken story in the illustrations and that is exactly what Huni Melissa Bolliger has done in Digger digs down. An adult sharing this book, or any really good picture book, with a very young child needs to enjoy the book too. The text here is very, very simple almost at the level of an old basal reader from the 1950s or 1960 but so much is going on under the ground as Digger digs deeper and deeper. This means adults and children will enjoy revisiting this book for repeated readings and there will be lots to talk about. 

I especially appreciated the way the first page has no text. You also need to begin reading this book from the title page because that is where the story starts. IF this book does ever appear on a service like Story Box Library I do hope they begin their 'reading' from the title page onwards. The end papers hint at the colourful marvels Digger will find deep under the ground. OH and please think about the rainbow on the cover. After reading this book with your young reading companion or with your preschool group you are sure to want to talk about the idea of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

The illustrations in this book, as I have said, really take this book to another level. They are full page and made with vibrant saturated colours printed on glossy paper. There are pages you need to turn sideways and the text is positioned to mirror the context - for example the words go down the page as Digger digs down and they are curved when he goes round and round. The 'noisy' words are given emphasis because they are written in capital letters. Blurry or smudged edges to his fur show Digger in action as he romps below and above the ground. He is an adorable orange coloured shaggy puppy full of energy. If you met him in real life you would want to give him a pat and a hug although I think he would probably jump all over your first. The word exuberant certainly applies to this energetic young dog. 

I was sent Digger digs down by UQP (University of Queensland Press). It will be published at the end of July, 2024. See inside this book here. This book will be a good addition to a preschool book collection and as a read aloud it will work well with words like donk!, bonk!, clonk!, and swish swish swish for young children aged 2+. 

Publisher blurb: Join happy-go-lucky Digger as he ditches the boredom of backyard life for an underground adventure. What will he find? What won’t he find? Packed with hidden treasures, this picture book is perfect for small children who love dogs, digging and discovery.

Johanna Bell is an award-winning children’s author, poet and Churchill Fellow ... Digger Digs Down is Johanna’s sixth picture book and her first created in nipaluna/Hobart with fellow Tasmanian Huni Melissa Bolliger.  

Huni Melissa Bolliger (you can see a show reel of her work) is an award-winning animator and artist. Her films have won awards in Australia and internationally, including a prestigious Special Jury Prize at Hiroshima Animation Festival. ...  Digger Digs Down is Huni’s picture-book illustration debut.

Background information shared by the publisher:  The story of Digger was first conceived when Johanna’s daughter (then three years old) began telling her a story about a dog called Digger, which was quickly scribbled on the back of a receipt. And in her debut as picture book illustrator, Huni, an animator, found inspiration for Digger in her very own Digger, her dog Rufus.

Here are some other books by Johanna Bell:

Go Home Cheeky Animals was the Winner: Territory Read Awards, Children's or Young Adult, 2018 and
Winner: CBCA Book of the Year, Early Childhood, 2017. 

Hope is the Thing illustrated by Erica Wagner has been shortlisted for the CBCA New Illustrator award for 2024. I am tipping it will be the winner!

I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

"I feel fear like a pair of paws pressed against my chest, pushing me back. I've never been through the front gate before. Everything I've ever needed has always been right here, right where I belong. 

Top Field, Bottom Field, the farmyard, the house, Tom's bed ..."

"But I started this journey to bring Tom home, no matter what. 

And if I have to brave the wilderness to do that, then so be it. 

I'm his dog, and he's my boy. I know he'd do the same for me."

Rebel has a perfect life on the farm with Tom and his parents. Every day is filled with delicious bacon and time spent with Tom up in the high fields as they watch the sheep. Tom loves to draw, and Rebel enjoys seeing himself in these pictures - especially pictures of a distant castle showing Tom and Rebel standing high on the battlements with a different flag - a flag of the Reds or the rebels! The setting or time for this book is Feudal England and the King is collecting unfair taxes from his subjects who are poor farmers and villagers. These taxes keep getting higher and higher, people are desperately struggling. The King has armed and dangerous guardsmen who brutally enforce his rules. Rebel observes them at work:

"I sense right away that they're dangerous. ... They both smell mean, and wrong, and bad. I know what guns to do. ... I can smell the menace thrumming form him like hot iron. I'm terrified but I have to be brave. I have to protect Tom!"

Tom is only twelve but he looks older. He is desperate to join the rebellion. And then late one evening he meets a man named Rider. Tom lies about his age and he accepts an invitation to join the Reds. BUT he tells Rebel to stay home. No, no, no. Rebel loves his Tom. He has to follow and keep him safe and so the journey begins. There is danger, new friends, heroism, wild weather, injury, danger, betrayal, and a long journey but it will all be worthwhile IF Rebel can find Tom and hopefully bring him back to the farm where he belongs. By the way have you worked out Rebel is a dog and he is telling this story.

There are some terrific and memorable animal characters in this story - Jaxon the wild dog, Felix the mouse, Pearl the old donkey and Seamus the pig. The relationship between Jaxon and Rebel is especially interesting as these two very different dogs learn to understand and trust each other. 

Your heart race will no doubt increase at some particular moments (some water and clifftop moments are particularly hairy!) and have some tissues close by but I’m sure you’ll love I Am Rebel just as much as me. Like Ross’ other stories, it’s a perfect class read aloud and so much to discuss with your pupils (e.g. that recognition that the world is changing and it’s important to find your purpose). Definitely one of my favourite books of 2024! Check 'em out Books

The vivid and believable animal and human characters keep the reader really invested in their survival through some narrow escapes and genuine peril. Rebel can teach us all about resilience and bravery and the power of love and loyalty in this really satisfying and enjoyable read. Love Reading 4Kids

The publisher (Walker Books UK) sent this book to various 'famous' authors and here are their comments:

• “A fantastic quest novel that sits between Charlotte’s Web and War Horse. Rebel’s voice is true and clear: he is the best of dogs and this is the best of books.” Phil Earle
• “An instant classic. Outstanding writing and a richly adventurous story – Montgomery has reached a whole new level.” Katya Balen
• “A terrific tail! A tail-thumping, tongue-lolling treat full of adventure, humour and heart.” Ross Welford
• “A beautiful, heartfelt adventure.” Sophie Anderson
• “I Am Rebel both broke my heart and made it sing. This book is as close to perfect as it’s possible to get.” Natasha Farrant
• “The goodest story about the goodest boy. I love Rebel like my own dog.” Carlie Sorosiak

I do enjoy stories about dogs and their love of their human friend. I think this goes back to my reading, aged about 10, of The Incredible Journey. I also enjoy these books when they are told from the point of view of a dog. I highly recommend I am Rebel for readers aged 10+. 

Have you seen those posters that say "if you enjoyed this ... then try this"?  Here is one I have made to go with Rebel. You can read about all of these by popping the title into my search bar (except Fire Bed and Bone published in 1997 which is the book that most closely matches I am Rebel).

The cover for this book is perfect and very striking - it is by Keith Robinson. 

I previously talked about this book by Ross Montgomery:

The Midnight Guardians