The Last Word by AL Tait

I wonder which character in this story matches the author's own life experience. Her descriptions of the way Hayley flicks her hair resonated with me - I went to a High School where I bullied by girls just like Hayley and her 'gang'. I now call girls (adult women) like this 'ponytail girls'. I laughed and cringed when I read:

"Hayley pouted her hair swinging like a pendulum. She used her hair a lot, Matilda noted, ... If Hayley wasn't pulling the end of her ponytail pensively, she was cocking her head just so in a move guaranteed to make it swish. Did she practice at home? ... surely no-one would actively spend time perfecting something like that? Surely?"

"flicking her hair over her shoulder."  AND "her sleek ponytail bouncing as she walked."

Bookseller blurb: There are two things Matilda Bell can count on: her best friend, Gemma, and being top of every class. But this year, everything has changed. Gemma has moved away, leaving Matilda all alone at school, and Will O’Connor has moved to town. Not only does Will disrupt every lesson—Matilda’s pet hate—but he’s somehow matching her grades with zero effort. If only Matilda could ignore him ... but Will gets under her skin in a way that no-one else ever has. When Will is forced to join the debating team, he and Matilda spend more time arguing with each other than winning debates. With their team losses mounting up, Gemma ignoring her calls and old enemies getting up to new tricks, Matilda feels like her life is out of control. Can Matilda find a way to work with Will so they can win as a team? Or will they end up hating each other in the process?

I do have one tiny quibble with this book - the publisher Scholastic say this series, called Two Hearts, is "a collection of standalone clean romance stories written by well-known Australian authors. Each title explores the excitement and challenges of first crushes and early relationships — with no sexual content and plenty of heart. The series’ bright, contemporary covers and strong branding signal to both readers and parents that this is romance for tweens done right."  I wish this description did not use the work tweens. I think this romance story will better suit junior high school readers aged 12+. It feels to me that today we are in too much of a rush to have our Primary School aged kids 'grow up'. The characters in this story are in Grade 8 in High School - character ages can be an easy way to judge the audience for a book. The bullying that happens to Matilda is cruel and emotionally wounding. 

"Hayley was clever in that mean, underhanded way that rats and cats were clever. She was also very pretty which meant people often didn't see ger teeth and claws until it was too late."

Will is also a complex character but we know only a little of his circumstances. Readers need to 'join the dots' to make sense of his changing moods and of course the whole story is told through Matilda's eyes. Finally, I know Primary students participate in debating competitions but again this is an aspect of the story, that yes I enjoyed but it is one that I do think more likely to appeal to a junior high school reader. And to my eye the cover is also designed to appeal to readers aged 12+.

Here is another text quote that deeply affected me:

"the betrayal was more painful than anything she'd ever felt. This was worse than Gemma ghosting her. It was worse than the nauseating numbness of being eight and having to pretend everything was okay as she'd sat in an empty room full of streamers and party hats. ... How did you argue with a bully who went straight to insults? You didn't, you just put your head down and walked away, trying not to make things worse ..."

Joy Lawn, a very respected Australian children's book reviewer, disagrees with me. In her view this book is perfect for 'tweens' - take a look at her review here. 

I was pleased to see the Kids' Book reviewer use the words 'early adolescence' when talking about The Last Word but then this reviewer labels the book 10+ which I think is too young. 

Alison Tait taps into a sophisticated understanding of how young people experience the often-difficult years of becoming teenagers, school life, friendships, bullies, love, and romance, and creates a compelling, multilayered story. Buzz Words

Here is the Reading Time review with lots of plot details.

I read The Last Word almost in one sitting so in spite of my criticisms this is a book that will appeal to young adolescents - especially girls who might relate to the peer group dilemmas faced by Matilda and they will also enjoy her slowly unfolding of her relationship with Will. I also enjoyed 'meeting' Will who approaches school and their debating competitions in a different and quite refreshing way. 

You can hear AL Tait reading the first 20 pages of her book here.

These are the books from the Two Hearts series by Kate Forster, Laura Sieveking, AL Tait and Yvette Poshoglian. As I said previously in this post to my eye the covers seem aimed at a Young Adult reader. I do like the way each book has decorated page edges. 

I previously talked about these books by AL Tait:

Danger Road

Willow Bright's secret plot

The First Summer of Callie McGee

The Dragon Snare by Rhiannon Williams

"In Synstar, the year of turning from twelve to thirteen was called the twilight year. It marked passing from the bight colourful day of youth to the deep, starlit night of adulthood. The Twilight Tournament was named for this age. Only those in their twilight year could complete ... "

Henry is twelve and so this will be the year he can compete. Three tournament winners become knights, but Henry is a lowly kennel boy. He has tried to practice but he has no real sword and no armour. He decides to take his few coins called pentacles and ask the Oracle. She tells him about a sword, a secret sword which has an ancient and powerful spell woven into the steel and the Oracle tells him exactly where to find this sword.

He does find it but wielding it has terrible consequences and once used the power is gone and now it is only two weeks until the tournament. Using the sword as dawn is breaking a shooting star streaks across the sky followed by a monstrous dragon. 

"A thunderous roar filled the sky and an enormous dragon with black and gold scales hit the ground."

And as she lands Henry's little dog squid leaps in to defend his master. Henry grabs the magical sword and "They were gone." The dragon is now a girl - her name is Snare and his dog Squid, is now a small boy. 

There are three plot points that propel this story forward: Henry is determined to compete and become a knight; Snare needs to regain her form as a dragon and return to Dracath land of the dragons and there is one more thread. The opening chapter of The Dragon Snare is a prequel. One month ago Henry stumbled on Nialla Princess of Synstar. Days later she was declared missing and then word arrives that she has drowned. 

At times reading this book I needed a character list - so I have made one:

• Henry Haddow - an orphan working in the royal kennels his ambition is to become a knight
• Snare - a 99 year old dragon now in the form of a human girl but with supernatural powers and a predisposition for acquiring treasure
• Squid - once a disobedient small dog and now a loyal but bewildered young boy
• Bridie - apprentice healer working for Merel
• Nialla Princess of Synstar - she has disappeared and later her body is found
• Queen Ravina- over whelmed with grief over the loss of her daughter she has great powers
• King Bardo - desperate to help his wife. He has the loyalty of his people.
• Yort - master of the hounds
• Seraphy - a healer dog (this quality is called tac). 

Blurb from author page: Ever since he was orphaned in the Dragon War, thirteen-year-old Henry Haddow has lived with the dogs in the castle's kennels – and that's where he's expected to stay. But Henry dreams of becoming a knight. His one chance is to compete for a coveted novice spot in the Twilight Tournament, and when he discovers a magical sword that will grant him a single wish, he knows he can win. That is, until he accidentally uses the magical sword in a chance encounter with a dragon named Snare, and it transforms her into a teenage girl. Henry is horrified. Snare is furious. They both live by the law that neither humans nor dragons may enter the lands of the other; it’s the only thing preventing another war. But a dragon trapped in a human body can enter Henry’s city undetected … and seek revenge. 

How amazing - thank you Hardie Grant Books - The Dragon Snare has stenciled or decorative page edges. We don't see this very often here in Australia especially on kids' books. This feature makes the book look extra appealing. 

Here are a couple of text quotes to give you a flavour of this story:

"Listen. Tonight, I'm going to the castle library to figure out how to fix this.' It was his best option for information, but he couldn't risk it during the day. He was only allowed in certain parts of the castle, and the library wasn't one of them."

"Humans and dragons were two fundamentally different species, and, according to the histories, they had almost never co-existed peacefully. The dragons kept pushing the borders, expanding their land. They did not thrive in big communities like humans did. They needed space and their demand for more and more land had led to more and more wars."

"Until Evermore, every peace attempt had failed. Dragons were vicious and heartless and ravenous for everything it was possible to be hungry for: meat, power, treasure, territory ..."

I saw this book in a library and recognised the author name Rhiannon Williams. I adored one of her previous books and even now, years later, the story has lingered with me. I do wish Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt had received more attention but it was a 2019 CBCA Notable title. The problem with the Notables (usually around 25 titles per category) is that the short list is announced so quickly after we hear about the Notables and so it can be easy to lose sight of many splendid notable titles. 

Warning - do not equate a slim book with an easy book! There is SO MUCH going on in The Dragon Snare I found myself back-tracking over and over again in order to follow all the characters and events - past and present. Oh, and another warning. This book is part one, part two is not yet published (due September 2026) AND yes, sorry to say this but you will be left hanging out for the second book. This is one of those books where I just marvel at the imagination of the author. 

You can listen to the author reading her first chapter here - begin at 2.15 (20 minute podcast). 

The Dragon Snare has everything I love in a fantasy – heroic tales of chivalry and adventure, magical creatures and powerful sorcerers, and a lovable dog (called Squid). Henry is truly a hero worth cheering on. Readings Melbourne

In the meantime I plan to go back and re-read Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt and then I will grab the other two books from this series:

Rhiannon Williams lives in Tasmania, where she writes magical books for young readers. Her debut novel, Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt, won the Ampersand Prize. Her books have also been named CBCA Notables and shortlisted for the Aurealis Awards, the Readings Children’s Book Prize, the Speech Pathology Australia Book Awards and she was shortlisted for the IBBY Australia Ena Noël Award. You can see the full shortlist from 2024 here. 

This is the Bear by Sarah Hayes illustrated by Helen Craig

This is the Bear is a perfect preschool book. It has a cumulative tale format. Sadly this book is out of print. It was originally published in 1986 - so this is the 40th anniversary!  I do wish Walker Books UK would republish this book and others from the 'This is the Bear' series. These books were also produced in a Big Book format and set out to read as a play. 

This is the bear who fell in the bin. This is the dog who pushed him in.

This is the man who picked up the sack. This is the driver who would not come back.

This is the bear who went to the dump and fell on the pile with a bit of a bump.

Companion book:

Dougal the Garbage Dump Bear

Here are the other books in this series:

Walker Books UK published these books for their series called "Reading Time".  There were titles such as Big Bad Pig by Allan Ahlberg; Our Dog by Helen Oxenbury; and Have you seen Crocodile? by Colin West.

You may already know art by Helen Craig. 

The Pumpkin man and the Crafty Creeper

(This book is a fabulous one to read aloud)

Jam

The Night of the Paper bag Monsters

This goes with Charlie and Tyler at the Seaside

There are 67 Angelina Ballerina books!

Alice and Gert: An Ant and Grasshopper story by Helaine Becker illustrated by Dena Seiferling

The storyline is quiet, but it is sound and solid, and while the narrative speaks linearly, the whimsical illustrations round out the story with depth and nuance. The ant and the grasshopper are softly rendered and oh-so-subtly animated (most especially by the engaging luminosity in their big bug eyes), and insects never looked so cuddly. The soft, pale, earth-toned palette is as easy on the eyes as the gentle story is on the mind. Graceful, kind, and altogether soothing. Kirkus

Alice is the ant; Gert is the grasshopper. Alice is a worker. It is a hot summer, but she is preparing for the winter which is coming very soon. Gert is a dreamer and composer. She spends her days singing and relaxing and cannot understand why Alice is working so hard. Then of course winter arrives and this is where the story becomes a dilemma for the reader and for Alice. Gert has done nothing to prepare for the cold and lack of food over the coming months and so she might starve BUT Alice is kind and compassionate and is able to see Gert has actually helped in her own special way.

"Perhaps you should have planned better,' said Alice. 'Instead, you sang and danced through the long hard days of summer.' ... 'But ... your (songs) lightened my load, and now it's time for me to repay your kindness. I've collected enough food to last the winter - for both of us."

It is so important to share Aesop Fables with children in your library, classroom and home. AND there are so many fantastic versions to use with truly special illustrations. Dena Seiferling creates beautiful pages in this book:

Her illustrations are as classic as the fable, having used her pencil to create profound scenes that are steeped in atmosphere and characters evocative with feeling. From the dramatic Gert who never looks silly as she enjoys her creative pursuits to the tireless Alice who takes the time, amidst her work, to feel, Dena Seiferling makes us appreciate the depth of the story through her characters and the setting. Can Lit for Little Canadians

Here are a couple of other versions of The Ant and the Grasshopper:

Amy Lowry Poole

Jerry Pinkney

Ed Emberley

In the library where I volunteer each week the most recent book display showcased the Aesop Fables held in the collection. As I was reshelving these to make way for the new display (Yarn Yarns knitting in picture books) I stumbled upon Alice and Gert and on the cover I saw the name Dena Seiferling. Over the last eight years my field knowledge of international illustrators has grown exponentially thanks to this fantastic library where I am so privileged to work each week. I previously loved art by Dena Seiferling in these two books:

Night Lunch

King Mouse

Dena Seiferling is a Canadian illustrator and instructor at AuArts, Alberta. Her illustrations are characterised by a love for animals and nature, and she works with a variety of mediums including drawing with graphite and needle-felted sculpture. She has won the Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year Award from the New York Times and New York Public Library for Night Lunch, written by Eric Fan. She is the illustrator of King Mouse by Cary Fagan and illustrated for Joseph Coelho’s Ten-Word Tiny Tales.

Dean Seiferling's newest book is Things I learned from my Dog (due out this year). I am very keen to find this book from 2022:

Fallout by Lesley Parr

I head home to face the music, but Mam and Dad won’t care about the suspension, just about the money to replace the broken equipment. Because to them I really am bad. 

Which is just how they want me. ... you can’t trust a Pritchard. Everyone knows that. ...

In 1980 the world was thinking about the possibility of a nuclear war. Marcus discovers his neighbor, an elderly man, has built an underground shelter filled with food, comfortable furniture, a toilet and even some exercise equipment. Mick Rowlands scoffs at the official brochures which advise citizens to hide under kitchen tables - that is why he has built a way more effective shelter in his back yard but as Marcus points out how will he know when it is safe to emerge back into the world and what if everyone else has been killed.

I flick through the pages. It does look pretty stupid; all about making a fallout room and inner refuge. There’s even a drawing of a man putting a wardrobe in front of his windows – as if that’s going to stop a nuclear blast! Gavin’s window couldn’t even survive a stone from our rockery. And page seventeen is just gross. ‘People are supposed to take the bottom off a chair and poo in a bucket?’ Mick nods. ‘Not here though.’ He waves towards the bathroom. ‘All mod cons here.’ He seems really proud and, looking around this place, I think he should be. That makes me feel bad for sneaking in. Maybe I do owe him an explanation.

Marcus comes from a family of petty criminals. One brother is in jail, the other is practicing for his own life of crime and dad is planning the next big robbery. Marcus does not want to be involved but in his family there is no way to say no. His mother seems to favour his brother and because she enjoys the spoils of his fathers 'work' she is happy to go along with his plans.

Into this mix comes a girl named Emma. Emma has had a very different life. She has been home schooled, there is no television in her home, the family are vegetarians and everyone in her family is very well read. Emma herself has joined an activist group to protest about the possibility of a nuclear war - 'Give Peace a Chance' - and that is how Marcus and Emma's lives collide. 

I keep seeing this book on lists and as a recommendation on various social media platforms. The best part of this book is the tension Lesley Parr creates as we witness Marcus trying to navigate his life and right a wrong. His family are so cruel in stark contrast to the kindness and encouragement of Mick. 

This story is set in Wales so there may be some unfamiliar references for Australian readers aged 10+ but the voices in the story and the compelling narrative, where as a reader you just want Marcus to succeed against the odds of his terrible family, I think means young readers will just 'get on with reading' this book and not worry at all about occasional unfamiliar word or two.  Make sure you notice the way the chapter headings are designed:

Bookseller blurb: Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes. When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma - with her peace protest banners and political badges - questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name – and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?

‘Fallout’ is a truly exceptional story, with its very title reflecting how cleverly its many elements are woven together. Poignant, thought-provoking, compassionate and compelling, there are not enough adjectives to convey just how much I enjoyed it! One to put at the top of your TBR pile! Through the Bookshelf

The three characters form a genuine cross generational friendship. Historical Novel Society

Fallout is a raw, honest story of family dynamics and finding your own way. It is a reminder that we all have choices about the future but it takes real courage to be true to ourselves and turn away from those who seek to hurt us. The power of kindness shines through Emma, Mick and eventually Marcus as he learns what it feels like to be loved. Readers will be challenged to think twice before making assumptions about someone based on their family and to give everyone a second chance. Scope for Imagination

Here are some text quotes:

This is a Cold War, which, as far as I can tell, means world leaders make threats about pushing their nuclear buttons, but no one will. They just want us to think they will. And this lot have fallen for it.

In this family, we don’t get pocket money for jobs around the house, like mowing the lawn, or doing the dishes. Me and Gavin earn it by helping in other ways. For me, as the youngest, it’s mostly being a lookout when Dad and Uncle Tony are doing a deal, or on the rob. For Carl, the oldest, it ended up at the Farm School; the borstal over in the next valley.

I open it and can’t believe what I’m seeing. It’s like the TARDIS on Doctor Who. I don’t really know what I expected, but it definitely wasn’t this. I’ve seen pictures of air raid shelters from the Second World War. Glorified sheds with bunks, shelves and a heater in the corner if you were lucky, but this … this is something else. There’s a room with a double bed all made up with a flowery bedspread and pillows. And there’s a settee, and a kitchen area with a table and two chairs, a sink and cupboards and – is that a fridge? The walls are lined with shelves of books, board games and even some ornaments.

Here is another book by Lesley Parr:

The Valley of Lost Secrets

Symphony of Stories ABC Classic 100 Greatest of all Time

Here is a fantastic opportunity to link books with classical music - the ABC Classic 100 Greatest of all Time included all of these (and wait until you scroll down and see Number 2 - YES!:

Bluey Season 2 – Episode 26