Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise

"Do you ever feel like you're living inside a shell? Something hard and impenetrable? You think it's transparent - that people can see you. Then you realise they can't. No one can see you. The real you."

I read this book in one sitting and for an hour or two I was right inside Cora's head listening to her worries and the way she tries to navigate relationships with her peers and her family.

Readers who have had previous experience with books like this - realistic middle grade fiction - are sure to work out the major plot point long before the main character but that just adds to your reading enjoyment as you keep turning the pages desperate for Cora to 'see the obvious' about the old lady who lives just down the road from her new home and also understand why Elle has secrets. 

Just after grandad dies, Cora, her sister Bekah, along with mum Wendy and Dad Hank, have moved from Queensland to a small town in Tasmania. Dad has a talent for renovation, but this project could test him. They have bought an old, run down, disused theatre. In past years this was an important place in the town because it is where the famous jazz singer Clair de Lune once performed. 

Cora finds school difficult - she is always on the outside and she finds it very hard to make friends. Moving to a new school and new town Cora is determined to reinvent herself - moving from Cora 1.0 to Cora 2.0. She does have some ideas about how to do this but once again so many things go wrong. Luckily the kids in her new class, especially Elle, do know how to make a new friend and before long Cora finds herself part of a small team who are chosen to take on a community project. 

Cora 1.0 survived in her previous school by hiding out in the library. When things go wrong in the new school she finds the library again but then the Teacher-Librarian tells her the library is going to be changed into a classroom and there will be no Teacher-Librarian employed next year. Cora knows this has to be her community project. As an aside it is interesting to see which library books are mentioned in this story - Goosebumps; Heartstopper (Young Adult graphic novel); and Okay for Now by Gary D Schmidt. There are also lots of popular culture references to current musicians and bands and television shows such as The Voice. 

Here is some life advice from Cora:

• The louder your voice, the stronger you become.
• Flick your hair confidently as you follow your bestie onto the bus.
• Be amazing. You've got this.
• Find a cause.

Publisher blurb: Cora Lane gets tongue-tied, is often ignored and would rather hide in the library than step onto a stage. However, when her parents decide to renovate an old theatre in small-town Tasmania, Cora realises this is the perfect opportunity for her to reinvent her personality. Enter Cora 2.0, stage left.

When Cora quickly slips back into her old ways and has once again made friends with the librarian. rather than kids her own age, she feels lost. Frustrated she’s not the person she wants to be, she shares her deepest feelings with her imaginary pen pal. The last thing she’d expect is for her letters to go missing. And now, the real Cora Lane is about to go public, but is she ready?

This is one of those books that I have found difficult to pin down in terms of a suggested reader. Soiler alert - Cora does get her first period so that means I would say this book is for 11+. Her sister decides she is bisexual and forms a new relationship with her girlfriend. That means I would say this book is a Young Adult title. It also feels at times there is just one issue to many for the characters to grapple with - Elle has dyslexia; grandma is an alcoholic; and mum is trying to cope with the raw grief of losing her father and helping her elderly mother who now lives over 2000km away. 

The publisher offers this advice: This novel contains references to alcoholism, sexuality, puberty, abuse.

Here is a set of detailed Teacher Notes from the publisher Walker Books Australia. 

Each of these reviews has more plot details:

Brilliant in every way, Zanni Louise has created another amazing novel with a chain of personal stories and happenings about reinvention, loneliness, friendship, and family being the twine that binds things together. Kids' Book Review

Zanni Louise’s latest middle grade book focuses on the confusing feelings young people have at the age of about twelve, when primary school is finishing, when they’re hitting puberty and girls are going through lots of emotional changes and conflicts with friends and family, and where big changes can mean great upheaval – and not just a physical move or change. ... This story is as much about acceptance of the flaws in others as it is about flaws in ourselves, and the coming together of communities to celebrate the past and future. The Book Muse

What a very lovely and warm journey of self-discovery it is, and I am supremely sure that young readers will embrace this one ... Just So Stories

It was rather difficult writing the synopsis of Cora Seen and Heard as it has so many themes, all of which are explored with sensitivity, insight, and cleverly crafted writing. Reading Time

Here is another Australian book with the title Clair de Lune.  You are sure to know the famous music by Debussy but that is not especially relevant to this book because this character Clare de Lune is a jazz singer. I previously talked about another book by Zanni Louise - Queenie in seven moves. 

Companion books:

The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart

Ode to a Nobody

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge - the play

 

For me, the most important theme in the show is that of friendship, and how important it is for our young people to have friends from all generations in life, to help them learn and develop, and how in turn children can brighten and bring joy to the lives of our elders. 

Anna Hedley ACO Producer

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox illustrated by Julie Vivas holds a very special place in my heart. When I saw our Australian Chamber Orchestra were performing this as a play with on-stage live music I knew it would be completely splendid. Even now, hours later, I am smiling. 

Adapting a 32 page picture book into a 40 minute play is no mean feat. Well done to the playwright - Sandra Eldridge.  Our performance was actually the 50th time this play has been performed. Every part of this play is so carefully crafted. A perfect blend of pathos and humour. And such a talented cast - juggling, singing, dancing, seamless use of props, and even a cartwheel or two.

Here is a trailer for the ACO show (with a different lead actress).  I loved the way the actors interacted with the string group (2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello), two of the musicians even played small roles of mum and dad and the way the musicians all wore slippers. Here is an interview with the cast.

Image Source: ACO

Wilfrid collects all the memories - warm, happy, sad, something from long ago and something more precious than gold. I was so moved that I actually cried when he opened the war medals from his grand father - remember this is a short play for children - the emotions are SO powerful. The actress who played Miss Nancy also took the parts of all the nursing home residents - just a small change of hat, coat or huge trousers and every child could see each of these characters. 

As a kid I have vivid memories of shows I saw that excited and astonished me, and those shows taught me so much and gave me so many things that I cherish to this day. If even one child leaves with a grin on their face and a pep in their step, I know I’ve done something truly amazing! Joshua Reckless (Wilfrid)

This delightful production, based on the poignant picture book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas and directed by Sandra Eldridge, weaves together captivating storytelling with mesmerising music in an immersive and intimate performance. Featuring a new score by award-winning composer Paul Stanhope performed by a string quartet from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is the perfect introduction to live classical music, guaranteed to enchant audiences both young and old.

In my view it is so important to share live theatre with children of all ages. In recent years Iive enjoyed The Snail and the Whale (Julia Donaldson); The Tiger who came to Tea (Judith Kerr); Are we there yet? (Alison Lester); Emil and the Detectives (Erich Kastner) and The Little Match Girl.  Many years ago I saw a wonderful production of Bill's New Frock (Anne Fine).  Bravo to the ACO, the Sydney Opera House and Parramatta Riverside. Keep these shows coming (please). 

I am excited to see two more productions the the Australian Chamber Orchestra later this year - The Princess and the Pea (the brave escape) and The Nutcracker. Pop these on your diary now. 

Are we there yet? stage play based on the book by Alison Lester

I saw the stage play of Are we there yet? last week and it was terrific but I need to say a couple of things (not about the production which I thoroughly enjoyed). The Sydney Opera House is a terrific venue of course but the organisers missed an opportunity - I expected to see this famous book on sale in the foyer. If it was there I didn't see it.  I told my companion that I assume this 2004 book would now be out of print but today I have discovered it is not. It retails for $25 but there are copies available from chain stores for as low as $16. My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything and I have previously discussed this book and wondered why the publisher never released it in a paperback format. The hardcover is a little expense but I do wonder why copies were not offered for sale in the theatre foyer?

My second concern is the age recommended by the Sydney Opera House. They list this play for ages 3+ but really in my experience (I had a three year old sitting in front of me - sigh) this production should have been listed as 8+ and with a recommendation to read the book first! 

This show was performed during the school holidays but if, as a teacher, you want to explore the book in more depth here are some ideas from Reading Australia. If you can find it the audio book of Are we there yet? is brilliant. You can listen to an audio sample here.  This sample includes by favourite scene when Billy says "call me Kylie!".  Teachers might also use the trailer to the play (see below). 

Now putting those tiny niggles aside can I say thank you to the Sydney Opera House for presenting this children's theatre production. 

Review of the play with photos: The Playhouse stage is set this summer holidays for 8-year-old Grace and her family to embark on a true coming-of-age tale that sees them journey across Australia. The camper van that serves as home for their 3-month expedition is the focal point of the play, with the audience experiencing the family’s adventures through the eyes of Grace and her brothers. A whole host of iconic Australian landmarks come to life through the narrative including the Great Australian Bight, Uluru, Surfer’s Paradise and a hilarious snapshot of Sydney which of course includes the inimitable Sydney Opera House. The staging is (simple), the acting poetic (and at times funny and silly), and the mood is wonderfully nostalgic with a beautiful message underlying.

We do not have enough theatre opportunities here in Sydney for children. Luckily we do have the Monkey Bar theatre company.  Their summer production was Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles illustrated by Rod Clement. You have missed this one but you might plan to see their April show of Emil and the Detectives. I do wish we had more theatre for children. Years ago I attended a festival of children's theatre in Calgary - it was spectacular and free! If you live in South Australian DreamBig looks like fun. 

The play is not a retelling of this famous Australian classic picture book - it is an interpretation. And as with the best of theatre especially theatre for children, it asks the audience to enter an imaginative world. We do not see inside the caravan but early on it is so easy to imagine. Using minimal props, fabulous lighting and perfect sound effects our imagination lets you see a mother whale and her calf out in the ocean, the children all diving into a swimming pool in Darwin, the fun of skimming a stone and the wonders of the changing colours of Uluru. 

My favourite scene was near the end when Grace sits near the caravan and recounts the family adventure and as she takes us back to each place the map of Australia lights up to show their journey.

This imaginative new production from CDP is adapted by multi-award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckmeyer. He also adapted another Alison Lester classic - Magic Beach.

Here is the stage play trailer. 

Here is the book blurb:

The year I turned eight, Mum and Dad took us on a trip around Australia. Luke, Billy and I missed school for the whole winter term. Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition.

Here is the web site for Alison Lester. Awards for the book of Are we there yet?

• Winner in 2005 CBCA Book of the Year (Picture Book) Children's Book Council of Australia
• Shortlisted in 2006 Books I Love Best Yearly (BILBY) – QLD Awards (Early readers)
• Winner in 2006 Kids Own Australian Literature Award (KOALA) (Picture Book)
• Shortlisted in 2007 Kids Own Australian Literature Award (KOALA) (Picture Book)
• Shortlisted in 2008 Kids Own Australian Literature Award (KOALA) (Picture Book)
• Honour Book in 2009 Kids Own Australian Literature Award (KOALA) (Picture Book)
• Shortlisted in 2008 KROC Award (Picture Book)
• Winner in 2009 KROC Award (Picture Book)
• Winner in 2006 Young Australian Best Book Award (YABBA) (Picture Book)
• Winner in 2009 Young Australian Best Book Award (YABBA) (Picture Book)

You can hear Alison Lester talking about taking her children on the trip that inspired Are we there yet?. 

"I love those memories of that trip and as a family we all like it too. We say that it kind of gave us emotional glue that has stuck us all together really well, that time of just being on the road together," she says."

You can see art from the book here. And here is an ABC Conversation (51 minutes) with Alison and presenter Sarah Kanowski.

If you have read or seen Are we there yet? I suggest looking for this new Australian children's picture book which also explores the journey around our whole continent.

No time like Showtime by Michael Hoeye

Someone is trying to blackmail theatre owner Fluster Varmint. Tucka Merslin wants to own the theatre and she has teamed up with the shifty Corpius Crounce, also known as Magner Wooliun, expecting he can make this happen and make it happen fast. First of all, though, she needs the famous actress, Nurella Pinch, declared dead. Hermux is employed by Fluster, under the pretence of installing alarm clocks in the theatre dressing rooms, but really he is supposed to solve the blackmail mystery and Fluster has also asked him to design the set for the next big show - The Silver Jubilee Spectactular. As you might expect there are also many other interesting and shifty characters you will meet along the way.

How wonderful to spend an afternoon in the company of Hermux Tantamoq and his friends. No time like Showtime is the third book in the Hermux Tatamoq adventure series and it did not disappoint. The action just races along and I continue to enjoy the delicious food (donuts), character names and plot twists. In this instalment Terfle has a staring role too. I adore little Terfle.

" ... a great choice for families to share" Kirkus

I know that the Hermux Tantamoq Adventures were popular upon publication, I have no idea why they didn't stay popular beyond that. To me they are up there with Roald Dahl, Eva Ibbotson, the Redwall books... they're wonderfully clever and entertaining. Kelly Book Stuff

At the start of the first book from the series, Time stops for no Mouse, when Linka Perflinger enters the clock shop owned by Hermux Tantamoq. it is easy to see straight away that Hermux is in love.  Michael Hoeye keeps his readers in suspense through the whole series waiting for Hermux to find enough courage to declare his love for Linka. And of course we all hope Linka will reciprocate his love.

"They looked at each other for a long time, not saying a word. Linka's fur gave off the nicest smell. ... Linka closed her eyes. He leaned forward. She leaned forward. Their noses were almost touching. It seemed that his dream was about to come true. Just then a taxi gave a long, rude honk. Hermux's dream of romance evaporated." (page 30)

At times it feels as though Michael Hoeye was working from little models. His descriptions of the shop and theatre are just perfect.

"He registered the sales counter with its three heights to accommodate Hermux's customers who came in a variety of sizes. The neat glass cases were filled with watches and wooden shelves crowded with clocks lined the walls"

The fashion descriptions these books are also something I also thoroughly enjoy:

Brinx Lotelle - action film director: He "was a rugged-looking mouse. He wore threadbare jeans and a motorcycle jacket. He had a handsome, narrow face and extremely short, clipped whiskers. His ears were shaved. One of them was tattooed and it looked like the other one was pierced with a ring."

Hermux: He "got up early and dressed carefully for his first day in court. He wore a bright yellow shirt, his orange daisy necktie, his pink-and-red plaid vest and his blue corduroy suit with brass buttons."

The next book on my huge reading pile is the final one in the series - Time to smell the Roses. I have every hope Hermux and Linka will finally be united in love. It is so sad that all of these books are now out of print but I do suggest you try to find the whole series. I found my copies in a well stocked school library:

Time Stops for No Mouse

The Sands of Time

Lulu the Broadway Mouse by Jenna Gavigan

Lulu lives at the Shubert Theatre in New York City - 225 West 44th Street. Lulu loves her home, she loves all the people who work in the theatre and she is an expert on all the major stage musicals. Lulu has a dream. One day she hopes to take centre stage herself. There is only one, tiny, tiny problem. Lulu is a mouse!

Perhaps the cover gives the plot away. You can see Lulu on the stage and yes there is an audience. She is standing in the spotlight and she is wearing her lucky "silk chartreuse ribbon-scarf".

Meanwhile things are not too easy for the young actors - children who are part of a show staring Stella James. The main child in the production is a girl called Amanda. Her understudy is Maya. Amanda is a nasty girl. She is determined Maya will never perform. Eventually Maya decides to leave the show but it is the new understudy - Jane - who eventually upstages the awful Amanda.

It’s more than that, though. “Lulu the Broadway Mouse” is a love letter to theatre. It recognizes its glory and heartache. It breaks it down that only a precious few ever get to live out their dream of performing in a Broadway show. It takes heart, talent, and luck. Philly Life and Culture

Lulu the Broadway Mouse is an easy book to read. The print is large and the plot moves at a good pace.  Lulu herself, as the narrator, is a sassy yet insightful and very smart girl who would make a good friend. Read more plot details on Jenna's website. Jenna debuted on Broadway herself at the age of 16 and this gives an authenticity to the storytelling. I think this book will appeal to girls aged 9+ who like sweet stories (about mice) and who enjoy exploring complex relationships (human). There is a sequel - The Show must go on. Here is a short interview with Jenna Gavigan. There are hints at the back of the book about visiting NYC and ways to behave when you visit the theatre plus my copy had a sneak preview of the second book:

"Please keep reading because some grown-up already bought the book for you, they (and I) will be heartbroken if you don't finish it."  Lulu

The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke

Over the course of a year five babies arrive at the Little Tulip Orphanage in Amsterdam. The Little Tulip doesn't that sound delightful - of course it is not!  Each arrival breaks one or more of the three rules set my matron Elinora Gassbeek. Wait a minute. Look at that name. Grassbeek. Sounds bad?  Yes she is!  Now back to those rules:

RULE ONE: The baby should be wrapped in a cotton blanket.
RULE TWO: The baby should be placed in a wicker basket.
RULE THREE: The baby should be deposited on the topmost step.

So what about our five babies.
Lotta arrives in a toolbox which has been wrapped in an emerald green ribbon
"a baby with coca-bean eyes and blonde fuzz on its head."
Egg (Egbert) arrives in a coal bucket wrapped in a soot-stained shawl
"A raven-haired infant... "
Fenna is found in the matrons picnic basket along with the sandwiches and almond cake
"It had a shock of curly red hair and was babbling incessantly."
Sem comes in a bucket wearing a wheat sack
"She looked at the baby's wonky ears, its gangly limbs and the wheat-coloured hair that stuck out from its head at the unruliest of angles."
Milou is found on the roof inside a coffin-shaped basket along with a cat puppet
"It had hair as dark as midnight and eyes that were almost black."

Are you wondering about those names.  I won't go into the details here but they are all the invention of Matron serving to emphasise the nastiness of her character. What you do need to know is that each of these children is blessed with a special talent such as mathematics, engineering, knot tying, sewing, map making, cooking and an affinity with animals. Milou has a fragment of information about her own family and she is desperate to find her parents who she is sure are out there somewhere looking for her.

When the group of kids escape from the orphanage they use this scrap of information having fled the matron and an evil man called Meneer Rotman who says he wants to adopt all of them but who is clearly planning something truly awful. Milou has over-heard the matron and Rotman talking:

"Then we have a deal, Matron. In return of a steady supply of orphans each year, I will provide you with coin and rid this place of vermin: both the rodent variety and the urchins you can't shift."

So now the kids are on the run. Where they go, who they meet and the way each of their talents are needed is thrilling. This story is a wild roller coaster ride. I am certain you will not anticipate the ending. When and if you need further reason to read this book pick it up and read chapters 28 to 30.

I especially loved the wonderful character descriptions:

Here is Matron Gassbeek - so many delicious words here:

Her "boots emerged a moment before the rest of her: twin points of polished, blood-red leather, with low, pointed heels, that were just as sharp as the expression on the matron's face ... (she had) the brutal sneer of a gargoyle, the soulless eyes of a werewolf, the skin itching screech of a banshee ... her vileness had transformed her features into something monstrous."

Meneer Rotman Have you noticed the name - Rotman (yes he is rotten!).:
"His face was half covered by a huge mustachio, which erupted from under his nose in two long curls and spread out towards his mutton chop whiskers. There were rings on almost every finger and a long tobacco pipe hung from his mouth." His smile was a parody "all teeth and no soul." His laugh "like a seagull cawing."

A little shiver ran up my spine this morning when I saw an announcement that it is only eight days until The Unadoptables hits the shops! SO grab your order form, email your local bookseller, lobby your local and school library NOW because you are really going to ENJOY this wonderful new book.

Unfolding with the clarity of a fairy tale, this sure-footeddebut casts a delightfully spooky spell. Kirkus

The story is set in nineteenth century Amsterdam, and Tooke, who is half Dutch, brilliantly evokes both the city itself with its narrow streets and tall, crowded-together townhouses, and also the countryside with its patchwork quilt of fields, canals and windmills. The Nerd Daily

Here is a web site for Hana Tooke with a terrific book trailer. I am also including the cover of the Advanced Reader copy which Beachside Bookshop kindly supplied earlier this year. You might be interested to see how covers evolve. My copy of this book only had draft illustrations. You can see the art here by Ayesha Rubio.

Aspects of this book reminded me of A series of Unfortunate Events. I would also link The Unadoptables with these books:

For a younger audience take a look at The Dunderheads:

Kirkus review: The plot is deliciously outlandish

Eloise and the bucket of stars

Skycircus

The Secret Hen House Theatre

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

Max's parents are actors. They own a theatre company and their home is filled with posters, props and costumes. William Starling, his father, is a larger than life character. He loves to be the centre of attention. A mysterious letter arrives at their home with an invitation to sail on the Flower of Kashmir to India to set up a theatre for the Maharajah of Kashmir. Time is short. Arrangements are made. Max will meet his parents at the docks after his art lesson. When Max arrives expecting to board the ship his parents are gone, the ship itself does not exist and the only clue is a cryptic note from his father which tells Max to wait with his grandmother.  This is all very very distressing. You can see the invitation and a jewel sent to his mother, Mary, here from the back cover:

Max's grandmother lives next door. She is a librarian so she has terrific information seeking skills but she doesn't have very much money. She is delighted to help Max and she expects him to stay in her house but she tells Max he will need to find a job because money is short. Max is only twelve years hold but he agrees to leave school and find employment. In return his grandmother will provide some lessons. The school will assume Max has gone away with his parents.

There are a series of coincidences which allow Max to make the much needed money. Each of these are part of a bigger puzzle. Max finds a lost toddler and returns him to his mother. This mother is in a cafe and there he meets a young pastry chef called Gabrielle. He tastes her delicious cakes and discovers she has a tragic past. His grandmother employs a young tutor to teach Max mathematics and Max invites this poor student, Ari, to live in his family home paying a small rent and providing maths lessons. Ari also has a sad story from his past. Max then finds he has a part to play as a detective or finder of lost things. A wealthy Baroness has lost a valuable silver spoon. In turn this spoon has an important connection with the story of Gabrielle and also Ari. Along the way Max meets Pia. She wants to be his friend and his assistant but Max is sure he wants to work alone. Needless to say he really needs Pia and her fearless determination to find the truth.  It is Pia who gives Max his new job title - Solutioneer!

I somehow stumbled on this book perhaps on a book list? It was first published in 2013 but the Mister Max series are completely new to me. Cynthia Voigt is a very famous, a very skilled and a much loved author. In past posts I have talked about her Tillerman series. The Homecoming and Dicey's Song are the books that, in my early days of working in a school library, convinced me I wanted to read children's books for the rest of my life!

I have read blog posts from several reviewers who wonder about the audience for this book suggesting it might appeal more to adults than children but I disagree. If your young reader aged 10+ is a fan of A Series of Unfortunate Events; Harry Potter; The Invention of Hugo Cabret; Withering by Sea (and sequels); or The Truth about Verity Sparks then I highly recommend Mister Max. While it is a longer book (367 pages) I read it very quickly because the plot keeps powering on.

If you click these review quotes you can read more plot details.

An endearing, memorable protagonist and a clever plot make this a winner. Kirkus Star review

Voigt’s accomplished writing draws readers into every aspect of his world. A double-edged ending solves one big mystery while setting the stage for a new one. Publisher’s Weekly

I think kids who are mature readers and like detailed writing, will find Mister Max an enjoyable read, especially Max's quirky personality and the fun disguises he uses, as well as the mysteries and his sleuthing abilities. There's plenty of oddball and charming characters to keep things interesting. Book Swoon

Maximilian Starling is not your average twelve-year-old boy. James Patterson

I especially enjoyed delicious food in this story as made by Max's grandmother and the detailed character descriptions especially when Max used his parents costumes to make his disguises. Here are a couple of text examples describing characters:

Pia in disguise: "The female - youngish, prettyish, broad shouldered -  was expensively dressed in striped purple silk with flounces at the hem and lace at the wrists, a short purple cloak tied at her neck, and purple leather gloves protecting her hands. Her hair was so blond it seemed white under her straw bonnet: her dark eyes were thickly lined with kohl, which made her look exotic and queenly ..."

Nance the workhouse girl: "She walked in a cloud of fear, her head down and her narrow shoulders gathered in, her arms folded across her chest ... Her straw-colored hair was in neat braids, she had a sharp little nose and chin, and she seemed ordinary, so why did she walk along the street in that cringing way."

Madame Olenka - "The woman wore an olive-green suit, with a row of silver buttons closing the jacket, and a small black hat that fitted close around her head and entirely covered her hair, giving her face a foxy pointy look. Long silver earrings hung down from her earlobes ... Her earlobes were much, much longer than normal."

You may recognise the illustration style by Iacopo Bruno used in Mister Max. I did appreciate the inclusion of a map showing the story locations in Old Town and New Town.  In the hands of a skilled and enthusiastic teacher I think Mister Max: The book of lost things could be a terrific book to read aloud to a Grade 5 or 6 class.

Iacopo Bruno is the cover artist for The School of Good and Evil series and many other books.

Listen to an audio sample here from pages 14-16.

The Book of Lost Things is the first in a trilogy. Here are the second and third installments.

I would follow Mister Max: The Book of Lost things with The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow; The Doldrums; and Small Change for Stuart.

The story of Chicken Licken by Jan Ormerod

Tuesday Treasure

When it was published (1985) this book was quite revolutionary (it was on the CBCA short list in 1986). There are three participants - the kids on stage performing a play of Chicken Licken, the audience of parents some of whom fall asleep and the reader who is observing everything.  It is a story within a story within a story. When you share this book with a child you need to read the book right through several times because there is so much to see. Initially there is the classic folk tale of Chicken Licken, the little hen who thinks the sky is falling. This story is also called Chicken Little or Henny Penny. Perhaps you could compare this version with some others:

Then there is the story of the audience of mums and dads and siblings who are watching the play. One story thread is shown here. You also get a glimpse of the layout - stage in full colour, audience in silhouette. There is a baby in a basket which is behind the seats. The baby is supposedly asleep but watch what happens as we turn each page:

If The Story of Chicken Licken is in your school library please treasure it and share it with a group of young children. Everyone will be richer for this shared experience.

I was surprised and delighted to discover The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsy is based on the Tibetan version of this folk tale.

Jan Ormerod (1946-2013) is the author of one of my most treasured books - Sunshine.

Here is a quote from Jan Omerod:

"My task as a visual storyteller is to observe, record and edit. Some images go straight from life into a book. Most need to be carefully sifted, reinvented, reorganized. Telling a story with words and pictures is a little like watching a movie, then selecting the evocative moment, like a still taken from a film. I need to capture the moment that has clarity and simplicity, invites empathy, and allows the reader to bring her own knowledge to that moment, to enrich it and develop it according to her own life experiences."