Amy | Lost in a Good Book

The Sour Grape (#6) by Jory John

31 May 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, The Picture Book Corner Tags: children's picture book, food group series, jory john, pete oswald, picture book, the food group, three stars

Published: 1 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn a sour grape sweet?

Another course in the Food Group picture books introduces us to Sour Grape. It is a great story, not overly sweet or cute, but it was an interesting and reflective story. One that followed Grape as they told their tale of woe and sorry.

What I enjoy about John’s books is there is often a reason why a character becomes the way they are. This book is no exception as it demonstrate people often have reasons for their behaviour; things happen outside their control, something has happened in their past that can affect their present selves, or sometimes mistakes just happen. What is also wonderful is John makes sure there is a chance to develop as a character and grow by the end of the story. In this case realise so many issues are not a big deal if you communicate and have understanding.

I enjoyed the physical effect of being sour had on Grape, how it affected their outward appearance as well as their interactions with other people. John is great at storytelling and putting messages forward without wedging them in unnaturally, or worse, by having a large neon sign that says “here is the lesson”. The tone of the book is reflective, the message clear, but never unnatural.

I liked the message of this one and it’s is certainly one we could all learn. It’s not telling the reader they can’t be grumpy, or can’t let things annoy them, but it does ask to take things into perspective and have a little understanding. Focus on the positives in the world not the negatives. Let things pass, understand accidents happen, and people will make mistakes. Try not to let it consume your life to your own detriment and others.

John’s food puns on point again as always. I love how they suit the food in question, they aren’t generic and instead have purpose to their story. Oswald also comes through with adorable illustrations of various fruits. A banana walking a dog raises all sorts of questions but in the world of the Food Group gang it’s best not to think about it too much.

You can purchase The Sour Grape via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s

Dymocks | Wordery | Angus and Robinson

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust

169-Storey Treehouse (#13) by Andy Griffiths

28 May 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, Audiobook, Junior Fiction, Treehouse Series Tags: andy griffiths, Audiobook, four stars, stig wemyss, terry denton, Treehouse Series

Published: 5 September 2023 (print)/5 September 2023 (audio)
Publisher: Macmillan Australia/Macmillan Australia Audio
Pages: 272/1 hr and 37 mins
Narrator: Stig Wemyss
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Junior Fiction
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

Now, Andy and Terry have built their biggest and most astonishing treehouse yet! It has everything they – and you – could wish for, including an electric pony stable, a Santa Land, a NOISY level, a kangaroo-riding range, a weather dome (where you can have whatever weather you want whenever you want it), a 100% edible gingerbread house and a potato-powered translation transmitter that allows you to talk to everything everywhere all at the same time.

There’s also a hall of funhouse mirrors, which is the perfect place to hide from Mr Bunkoff who is trying to catch Andy, Terry and Jill in order to send them to SCHOOL.

But Anti-Andy, Terrible Terry and Junkyard Jill, their trouble-making opposites, are trapped in one of the mirrors – and they want out. (Oh, and Mr Big Nose wants them to write their book … RIGHT NOW.)
Well, what are you waiting for? Can our heroes escape school, do battle with their doppelgangers AND meet their book deadline? Come on up to find out!

After thirteen books the Treehouse series has come to an end. It doesn’t feel that long ago since The 13-Storey Treehouse came out, but here we are thirteen books later and it’s all over. After a rocky previous book I was so glad this one was back on point. It was funny, it had classic Andy and Terry bits, classic absurd logic while still being realistic in universe, and a great new set of levels to enjoy.

I enjoyed the throwback to a level full of Santa clones, a nice reminder of the slightly forgettable 156-Storey book. There is also a fun level with a treehouse in the treehouse. I would like to see a giant wall sized poster of each level because a treehouse level could be an open flat landing, or it could be an enclosed space with rooms, I have seen both through this series so it would be nice to see a definitive look now that we’re finished.

After thirteen books of antics it’s finally addressed that these kids should be in school. The principal is the typical adult who is loud and unreasonable. I enjoyed the depiction of school as something strange and unwelcoming. As it’s described to the trio it isn’t that far from the truth, but it is also described in a way that would be unappealing to those used to running free. It would definitely be a fun read for kids currently being forced to attend school against their wishes.

One of the new features I loved was the WHATEVER-THE-WEATHER-YOU-WANT dome. What makes Griffiths’ writing great is the way Andy and Terry play off one another and this new storey was a perfect example. The banter and bickering between them starts off funny, goes on long enough to keep being funny, but stops just shy of becoming too much. There is an unspoken self-awareness of how long Terry’s ineptitude should be and Griffith balances it great in the book.

A reoccurring theme is signage, the use of signage, and Terry’s inability to follow signage. A great repeating gag that works well. Terry’s antics are fun as stand alones, but there is something fun about an ongoing joke, especially when executed well as Griffith usually does.

There is a lot of use of the new levels, I always find it more interesting to have new levels introduced and them being used. Nothing worse than adding thirteen new levels and have them never seen again. I know some of them don’t always add to the plot and are very nonsensical, but a few books in the past have made good use of them into the plot and this is another great example. The mirror trio that come to cause trouble are fun and it’s interesting the way the opposites are shown.

One of the joyful things about the Treehouse series is how it defies logic while also having its own set of rules for their universe. Flying cats, aliens, translators that work for animals, and cloning machines make sense in the forest but rules like injuries and gravity do still apply.

Stig’s voice shines through as he narrates the host of characters in this story. I will miss his exasperated tones as Andy and his befuddlement as Terry. Not to mention his wonderful way of bringing the illustrations to life with his chatter from the various creatures Denton draws on the page.

After thirteen books it’s a little sad to see this series come to an end but in true Andy and Terry form it’s an entertaining conclusion to the series. The formula remains and is integrated into the plot remarkably well, it’s hardly noticeable. We get a final Mr Big Nose book, a great additional break in the fourth wall, antic, chaos, a lot of laughs, and an ending that makes you know the trio will be living their best Treehouse lives in the forest.

You can purchase The 169-Storey Treehouse via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Dymocks

Wordery | Angus and Robinson | Blackwell’s

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust | Audible

Anxiety Attack by Nick Seluk

23 May 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars Tags: awkward yeti, comic, five stars, nick seluk, non fiction

Published: 2019
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 60
Format: Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

Created as part of The Awkward Yeti Anxiety Attack Kickstarter, this short comic collection features comics from Lars The Awkward Yeti himself, as well as Heart and Brain and Anomaly Town.

I have been a fan of Nick Seluk’s comics for so many years, I have bought games, supported Kickstarters, and gotten a range of trinkets and goodies featuring some fantastic little characters. I received this comic collection as a Kickstarter perk and while it is a simple, relatively fast read, it’s another amazing collection that speaks to a lot of real topics in a light and humour, but also sincere manner.

Reading Nick’s author messages through the book made me sad though. Seeing him lament about the neglect of Lars the Awkward Yeti was sad, especially when Lars was his original creation, a vessel in which Nick started putting his comics out and exploring his own thoughts and feelings. As much as I love heart and brain, and I can see why the pair of them were so successful and overtook Lars, I always assumed Lars was going strong in his own comics. It wasn’t until recently did I realise how Lars had been pushed to the background, even referenced in one of Nick’s later comics. It was as if Mickey Mouse was suddenly unrecognisable as Donald and Goofy took over the show (The Awkward Yeti is less renowned, but you know what I mean).

I hope to see a resurgence of Lars, he has had a few comic collections of his own, maybe people will think he’s new if they haven’t seen him before and he can gain a better ground. I love Lars because so often I can relate to his experiences. I have the same thoughts and I see myself in so many of Lars’ interactions. I understand why Heart and Brain have such an appeal, their childlike wonder and relatable neurosis are universal. But Lars was a great character too and deserves recognition. Whose heart and brain do they think these belong too?

The entire organ collection from Seluk originated through Lars, Bladder, Gut, and all the others interacted with Lars so well. They brought the comics to life, explained the human/yeti condition, and while there is of course universality in only showcasing organs, sometimes there needs to be a guy in amongst it.

I promise this isn’t me entirely lamenting about a blue Yeti. The actual collection is called Anxiety Attack and feature comics from three of Seluk’s collections: Heart and Brain, Lars, and Anomaly Town, a collection I was less familiar with. Each section has an introduction from Seluk about it, and each keeps to the theme of anxiety and how it can be expressed. Heart and Brain have conversations with themselves, with Lars, and other organs. In Anomaly Town Seluk personifies emotions rather than organs so Depression, Anxiety, and Confidence come to life. I loved seeing a different side. We see Brain be anxious, but seeing Anxiety try to battle with Depression, to push past Introvert to join a party with Self Confidence, it’s a fascinating way to approach the human condition. These comics aren’t seep, or long, or even more than a few panels sometimes, but it was a relief I think to see so many thoughts and feelings I have had myself experienced by others. It isn’t even about being relatable, being relevant is a huge thing with things about humanity. Even if it is the weird, awkward stuff like feelings, emotions, or even the complex going one’s of your internal organs.

I don’t think this particular book is findable since it was a perk, but I definitely suggesting looking up Seluk’s work, if not Lars, then Heart and Brain and all the other organ adventures. They are so funny, so based on truth and life, and can be incredible endearing when you least expect it.

A Fox Called Herbert by Margaret Sturton

17 May 2024 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, The Picture Book Corner Tags: children's picture book, four stars, lgbt, LGBTQIA, margaret sturton, picture book

Published: 3rd April 2020
Publisher: Anderson
Illustrator: Margaret Sturton
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

Meet Herbert, the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mommy isn’t looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mommy doesn’t understand; why can’t he just be a good rabbit?

This delightful picture book is a true celebration of being ourselves and supporting our loved ones. Let this joyful tale inspire you to be who you are and follow your dreams.

The story is a simple one about identity, there is no bigger meaning or explanation. Herbert feels like a fox and wants to look like one.

I liked that it isn’t an explicit animal allegory for trans or gender diverse kids, it is an entry level to identity and being able to be the identity you feel inside with support and understanding. The fact you have to find meaning yourself is fantastic because it can mean so many different things to different people on a range of different levels. The simplicity of it means you can read whatever you want into it without the text telling us what it’s meant to mean.

The illustrations are cute. Sturton’s designs are playful and she captures the playfulness and childlike innocence of Herbert. The colours are great and the full page spreads juxtaposed against the white space and the text works well in telling the story.

There are certainly other stories out there more complicated, more literal, and more detailed about identity but I liked that this doesn’t put Herbert in any particular category. He isn’t labelled, he isn’t trying to change anything right now. He only wants his mum to understand he doesn’t feel like the rabbit she thinks he is. Feeling like you are in the wrong body can mean a lot of different things, and the fact Sturton doesn’t choose one path for Herbert means this book can be interpreted by a lot more people, and maybe help them understand that there is nothing wrong in finding a body you are more comfortable in.

You can purchase A Fox Called Herbert via the following

QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s

Dymocks | Wordery

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust

Aussie YA Challenge Update #1

14 May 2024 1 Comment

by Amy in Aussie YA Challenge Tags: #AussieYAChallenge, Aussie YA Challenge, gabrielle tozer, jane godwin, judith clarke, kate o'donnell, loveozya

My reading challenge is off to a great start in that I have read four books so far in my twelve book plan for reading more Aussie YA books.

Now, it’s early in the year so there is still time for the progress to fall dramatically off a cliff. It’s a problem I have seen happen time and time again. The first four months I often hit the ground running and then life seems to pick up and suddenly a couple weeks go by and then it’s September.

This is something I am trying to avoid by aiming for the one a month approach. I have so many books to choose from the main thing I need to do is the reading part. Considering I still have the two books I wanted to read most sitting beside me unread while I have picked up other books instead. Mainly chosen instead for their audiobook ability which is a habit I am trying to break. Not that I want to stop listening to audiobooks, but I need to learn how to read books again. Retrain my brain and all that. Hopefully these YA books can do that when I have a goal to meet and no other choice of format.

The books I have read so far I have enjoyed. It’s a mixed bag, none of them were terrible, some were ok, while others were incredible and had a profound impact on me. Who says Aussie YA isn’t an incredible arena where the most amazing books come to play.

The list so far:

Can’t Say It Went to Plan by Gabrielle Tozer

This is the third Tozer book I have read. I wasn’t a huge fan of her other two but gave this one a go. It is much the same. It’s ok, it’s a bit boring, but I’m glad I gave her work another chance before realising her writing might not be for me. A multiple point of view story about schoolies week, being with friends and having adventures as you celebrate being free from school. There’s Toolies, romance, friendship drama. Everything that makes young life so chaotic all in once book as we follow different groups of friends celebrating their freedom.

As Happy as Here by Jane Godwin

This review went up recently which I recommend reading because I will gush about this book nonstop if given the chance. It is the lower end of YA, the characters are young and sweet and finding their feet in life. It is a stunning story, deceptively simple from the outside but manages to punch you right in the heart.

Untidy Towns by Kate O’Donnell

This one was a fun find, a few years old but manages to capture the small town big dreams idea and discovering what a teen wants to do with the unknown of her future. Combined with family expectations, her dreams, and her heart, it is a great exploration about being lost and trying to find who you are.

My Lovely Frankie by Judith Clarke

A beautiful and heartbreaking story about 1950s Australia and the institution for training new bishops. A story about love and friendship, about societal and family expectations as well as an exploration of the practice of indoctrinating children too young to know better into things they cannot possibly understand. It’s an incredible read and one that is full of love, hope, and heartbreak.

I am putting pressure on myself to read the two books I have so desperately wanted to read next on my list. One thankfully only from last year, but the other one I first found in 2016 and still haven’t managed to open the cover. I will make myself finish these two books one way or another. I know once I start it will be easier, but stopping part way also risks making it hard to start again. Fingers crossed all goes to plan.

I hope your own Aussie YA Challenge goals are going along swimmingly and you have discovered some amazing reads. Feel free to shout out in the comments some you have read so far, or even those you are looking forward to reading. If you’re interested in signing up it’s not to late, head over to my info page and declare your goal.