The Anatomy of a Book Review part one

 

Reviews of children's books allow us to keep up to date with new releases - but I wonder if reviewers are allowed to 'reject' poorly written or poorly produced or books that are not suitable for our children - books that will not enrich their lives. The topic of book reviews is, in my view, an important one. Reviews are of course, at their most basic level, just an expression of an opinion, but I am often shocked when I have read a book, that I would not share with any child or group in my school library, and it is given a glowing review in a journal or online. I have also previously discussed a related topic - celebrity authors. 

Our Australian Magpies magazine is celebrating 40 years of reviews and articles about children's books. Huge Congratulations! One of their long-time reviewers is retiring after 36 years of service. I love his words:

"Writing reviews never got easier over the years. I could never dash off a review. It takes time to ponder the book after the reading, to consider the story and its style of delivery, the context in which it was written, it place in the pantheon of children's literature. And it takes a lot longer to write the review, to be precise and clear in one's assessment, not to be trite." Kevin Steinberger

Here are some questions (and preliminary answers/ideas) that I have been pondering for some months. My specific focus here is on reviews of children's books with a main emphasis on Australian children's books:

Who reads book reviews?

Teacher-Librarians, Librarians (Public Libraries), some teachers, some parents, booksellers, authors and illustrators, library book supply companies (in Australia this is James Bennett) and journalists. Audience does matter. 

Where are book reviews found? (specifically in Australia)

Subscription magazines (Magpies), free online websites (Kids' Book Review), and some are sent to me as emails (Reading Time also available online for free). 

There are other children's book bloggers listed in a previous blog post. Or you could check out this list Feedspot list of the top 25 Australian Children's Book Review blogs. 

The issue of shrinking review space is sadly a reality - it is so rare now to see children's books mentioned in our major national newspapers.

What makes a "good" book review?

The key thing I think is having an open and honest opinion and being able to justify this. It is also important that the reviewer is widely read and has extensive field knowledge. "I value contributors .... who take a long-term view" Dr Belle Alderman.  The problem comes when reviewers (especially here in Australia) feel beholden to a publisher who has sent the reviewer a free copy of a new book. It is that old adage of 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' but this of course means some reviews have become of saccharine - it feels as though reviewers are 'not allowed' to say anything negative or even just analytical about a book. 

I also appreciate reviewers who, as Kevin Steinberger said in my quote above, avoid trite phrases and words such as "that rare and special thing; a book that will last."; "Strongly recommended ... "; "sure to be a favourite."

What are the useful parts of a book review?

A brief recap of the plot, a statement of 'judgement', possibly an age recommendation and extras links to any resources such as teacher notes, author/illustrator web pages, and other reviews. I also appreciate seeing the page count and people who use reviews for book purchasing are sure to make use of any bibliographic details such as publisher, ISBN, and date of publication. I also really appreciate reviews who inform me that a book has won an award and also suggest companion or similar titles.

The US reviewer Ms Yingling for example, is unfailingly honest and she even includes headings in every review - strengths, weaknesses and what I really think. I don't always agree with her assessments, but I thoroughly appreciate her honesty and depth of thinking. 

AND the most important part for me - I really need a photo of the book cover.

Here are a few examples of useful review comments from a recent publication:

"an insightful novel which examines imaginatively a 'what if' scenario but does not provide answers ... an inventive springboard for older primary school aged children ... "

"It is as if the collaborators have not decided which part of the primary school they are targeting."

"This stimulating book is full of surprises, and best of all, it will elicit discussion, even argument, among readers from about seven up."

"A few minor editorial errors do not mar this heart-warming and wise story ..."

"A thrilling first novel from best-selling adult fiction author ... " (this reviewer acknowledges the author has written other books)

Mrs Bibi's Elephant by Reza Dalvand

Mrs Bibi loves her elephant. They walk together, play with the children, eat tea and cake, and Mrs Bibi tells her elephant gentle bedtime stories. 

BUT the people (adults) of the town don't like this elephant. All they can see is trouble. 

"They said instead of talking to an elephant, Mrs Bibi should read the newspaper, check the stock market and keep up to date with economics!"

There is a protest and Mrs Bibi is ordered to take her elephant to the zoo. Mrs Bibi is desperately sad and so the next day she decides to leave her town.

Can you guess the outcome? 

"After Mrs Bibi and her elephant left, the town wasn't the same. ... everyone felt as if something was missing."

Sorry - now you will have to read this book to discover how this tricky situation is resolved. 

Here is the blurb from Flying Eye Books: "A heart-warming story with a message as big as an elephant, this fanciful tale of friendship between an eccentric lady and her beloved pet is as poignant as it is beautiful.  When the townspeople tell Mrs Bibi her pet elephant is too big for the town, she reluctantly packs her bags and heads off somewhere they can live together in happiness. But what they both leave behind is far bigger than the other people could have imagined. Delicate artwork complements messages of acceptance, tolerance and love in this moving children’s story."

You can see art from this book here. And take a look at these glorious end papers which to my eye celebrate difference, happiness, nurturing, filling life with colour and filling your life with things that bring you joy.

... an older reader will be able to pick up both the sophisticated style of the illustration and all the lovely detail and reflect on the book’s more profound message. Book Trust

No matter how often children open this book, they’ll always discover something new. Kirkus

The illustrations are stunning. From the embossed cover to the end papers, there is so much to enjoy. For example, on the title page, Mrs Bibi is sitting under the title- look closely at her hairstyle. You can see the elephant, curled up! Each picture is packed with details- so many opportunities for storytelling offer themselves. North Sommerset Teachers Book Award

I have so many favourite things that delight me as I read through hundreds of children's books but one thing I really do enjoy is the discovery of a book which can be used across ages. Take a look at all of the themes I listed for this book. Two journalists were recently discussing the writing of children's books on a radio program. I was utterly horrified and even 'angry' when I heard one of these 'experts' declare anyone could easily write a children's book. She said 'How hard could it be?'  This is utter nonsense. I wanted to scream at the radio and grab a big pile of splendid books - picture books, junior novels and middle grade novels, and thrust them into the hands of this presenter. 

Reza Dalvand is from Iran.  Here are some of his other books:

I like bees, I don't like honey by Sam Bishop illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

I do hope the title of this book caught your attention. This is a new discovery for me and I am so excited to share it here because this book is wonderful. How did I miss this book back in 2017? The premise is simple - can you answer these two questions?

What do you like?  What don't you like?

Here is the publisher blurb:

There's nothing like a small child to give you an honest answer, and so we asked a group what their likes and dislikes were. Their answers were enlightening, funny, and also profound - so we've gathered them together in a beautifully illustrated package to encourage other young children to express their feelings too. This charming, delightful and thoroughly entertaining book is perfect for anyone trying to gently broach a conversation about individuality, fears and hopes with their child. Allen and Unwin

There are so many beautiful ideas in this book - from the funny to the poignant. Here are a few that touched my heart.

I like rainbows. I don't like being tapped on the shoulder.

I like skateboarding. I don't like being asked lots of questions

I like running. I don't like secrets.

I like chasing balloons. I don't like people going away.

I like woolly mammoths. I don't like being rushed.

I like pulling silly faces! I don't like war.

I like steam trains! I don't like people dying.

This book just begs to be used as an inspiration for children and their writing. Here is the plan used by one Kindergarten teacher.

Fiona Lumbers is the illustrator of another book that I loved and recently talked about The Secret Sky Garden.