Our Australian Girl – Marly and the Goat by Alice Pung

Reviewed by Jessica (age 8)

     This is the latest instalment in the Marly series of the Our Australian Girls books. It is 1983 and Marly is excited because her grandparents arrive from Vietnam and her Mum is having a baby. Marly’s Grandpa is really nice, but a bit eccentric. He buys a goat and chickens despite many objections being made by the family (including Grandma). When a neighbour complains about the new pets, Marly is forced to go to a Council Meeting because she is the only person in her family who speaks English. 

     I really enjoyed this book because it was very interesting and it had a real sense of adventure. My favourite character was Marly because she didn’t care what anyone thought of her and she was very brave.  I really like the Marly books. This was the best yet!

PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE :  https://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143308515/our-australian-girl-marly-and-goat-book-3

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE : www.alicepung.com

ILLUSTRATOR'S WEBSITE : http://luciamasciullo.com

About the Author                                                                                          

     Alice Pung is a writer, editor, teacher and lawyer based in Melbourne. Born a month after her Chinese parents fled from Cambodia to Australia as asylum seekers from Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge Regime, Alice has used her shared family's experiences to write stories that captivate all readers.       
   
     She has won numerous awards including the 2007 Newcomer of the Year Award in the Australia Book Industry Awards for her first book Unpolished Gem. Her next book Her Father's Daughter won the Western Australia Premier's Book Award for Non Fiction, and it was also shortlisted for the Premier's Literary Awards in Victoria and New South Wales, and nominated also in the Queensland Literary Awards. Laurinda, Alice's first novel, was published in 2014 and was one of Readings' Top 100 bestselling books for the year. She is writing four books around the character Marly for Penguin's Our Australian Girl series.

     Alice's writing has appeared in many notable publications including the Monthly, the Age, Meanjin, Best Australian Stories and Best Australian Essays. Alice edited Growing Up Asian in Australia, a collection of personal accounts, essays, short stories and poetry which is currently a set text for the VCE English context on Identity and Belonging.

     Alice lives with her husband at Janet Clarke Hall at the University of Melbourne, where she is currently the Artist in Residence. 

About the Illustrator

     Lucia Masciullo grew up in Livorno, Tuscany, among smells of saltiness and rosemary. She always loved painting and after graduating in Biology she decided to pursue her dream career as an artist. In 2006 she moved to Brisbane and since then has been happily working as a fine art painter and freelance illustrator. She has recently illustrated Sonya Hartnett's The Boy and Toy.

Two stories from the OUR AUSTRALIAN GIRL series

Reviewed by Jess (aged 8 years) and Bella (aged 11 years)

Meet Marly – 1983 

By Alice Pung

     This is the first of four stories about Marly, a girl living in Australia in 1983.  Marly and her family came to Australia as refugees and now her cousins are coming from a refugee camp to live with them too. Marly is a very engaging main character because she is an interesting and lively girl. She made us laugh and enjoy this book very much.

     This book informed us about the lives and experiences of new Australians during the 1980s. It is interesting to see how Marly navigates between two worlds – her home life with her Vietnamese family, and her school life in the wider Australian community. It made us realise that girls today aren’t so different to little girls in the 1980s and that although our cultures might be different, all people are actually quite alike. It also made us realise that we should take pleasure in life and not worry about what other people think. This is a great book and we think all girls our age should read it.

Marly’s Business – 1983 

By Alice Pung

     This story is fantastic! It was interesting and captivating and it gave you a look into a typical girl’s life from the 1980s. It was heartwarming but at the same time adventurous and bewildering. We were hooked from the beginning and did not want to stop until we finished it!

     This is the second of four stories which is part of the Our Australian Girl series. It’s about Marly, a girl from a Vietnamese refugee family living in Australia in 1983. Marly wants, more than anything, to buy Donkey Kong cards and collect them like the other kids at school, but her Mum and Dad don’t see the value in them.  She sets about raising the money for them herself and makes some great new friends along the way and has exciting adventures on the bus. We think most kids can relate to wanting to collect things that your Mum and Dad don’t see as valuable, and also to their first experiences catching the bus on their own. We haven’t done it yet, but we hope our first bus trip is less nerve-wracking than Marly’s!

                                                                    We would definitely recommend this book to our friends!

The Kidz Review Krew really appreciate Penguin Group (Australia) sending us copies of these two amazing books which are part of the Our Australian Girl series.

For more information on the books go to http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143308492/our-australian-girl-meet-marly-book-1 and http://www.ouraustraliangirl.com.au

For more information on the author go to alicepung.com

  About The Author

     Alice Pung is a writer, editor, teacher and lawyer based in Melbourne. Born a month after her Chinese parents fled from Cambodia to Australia as asylum seekers from Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge Regime, Alice has used her shared family's experiences to write stories that captivate all readers.

     She has won numerous awards including the 2007 Newcomer of the Year Award in the Australia Book Industry Awards for her first book Unpolished Gem. Her next book Her Father's Daughter won the Western Australia Premier's Book Award for Non Fiction, and it was also shortlisted for the Premier's Literary Awards in Victoria and New South Wales, and nominated also in the Queensland Literary Awards. Laurinda, Alice's first novel, was published in 2014 and was one of Readings' Top 100 bestselling books for the year. She is writing four books around the character Marly for Penguin's Our Australian Girl series.

     Alice's writing has appeared in many notable publications including the Monthly, the Age, Meanjin, Best Australian Stories and Best Australian Essays. Alice edited Growing Up Asian in Australia, a collection of personal accounts, essays, short stories and poetry which is currently a set text for the VCE English context on Identity and Belonging.

Alice lives with her husband at Janet Clarke Hall at the University of Melbourne, where she is currently the Artist in Residence. 

Summer Reading Recommendations

The team from Kidz Review Krew have been busy reading and we have come up with a list of our favourite releases from 2014... and here they are...

Diary of A Wimpy Kid : The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney

I was so excited when I received this book because I have read all the books from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This book is so funny from the beginning to the end. This time the Heffley family go on an unforgettable road trip. This book is full of adventure and you will definitely laugh out loud while reading it. 
Anna – age 11

Thank you to Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us this well received and very popular book.

For more information go to
www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143308591/long-haul-diary-wimpy-kid
www.wimpykid.com

 

Daisy Takes Charge : Wilderness Fairies (book 3)

Author: Jodie Wells- Slowgrave

Illustrator: Kerry Millard

This book is great! The main character, Daisy, helps her sister Maggie prepare for the annual Songbird Festival. Daisy is very good at organizing. My favourite part is when Maggie sings on stage. Anyone who should come across this book should definitely read it!
Jessica – age 7

The Kidz Review Krew are very grateful to Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us two books from the Daisy series.

For more information go to http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9781742537276/daisy-takes-charge-wilderness-fairies-book-three

Daisy’s Secret: Wilderness Fairies (book 4)

Author: Jodie Wells- Slowgrave

Illustrator: Kerry Millard

Daisy finds a book about the human world and secretly reads it. Daisy decides to go closer to the human houses to see for herself what it is like. This book reminds me of fairyland and what it must look like to live there. Daisy has rainbow hair and I love it! This book is really great! The characters are really interesting and I would love to meet them.   Jessica – age 7

Check out the fun Wilderness Fairies website!

www.wildernessfairies.com

Suspense, action, adventure and mystery. If you enjoy reading these genres then this novel is definitely for you. The jam packed adventure novel called House of Secrets: Battle of the beasts is the second book in the House of Secrests series. It is written by famous author and director, Chris Columbus. Chris Columbus has written the original scripts for movies such as Gremlins and The Goonies. This novel is also written by Ned Vizzini. Ned Vizzini is a bestselling author of many teen books and has also written t.v. shows such as Teen Wolf.

House of Secrets: Battle of the beasts is about three children named Cordelia (aged 15), Brendan (aged 12), and Eleanor (aged 8) who are cursed because of the haunted house they are living in. The three children are blasted into crazy worlds full of vicious monsters such as cyborgs, witches, frost beasts and more. The children get sent to places such as the Colosseum and the Tibetan mountains, by an evil wind witch. The children meet friends along the way that help them on their journey. They also have to work their way through a series of conflicts throughout the book. Their quest is to defeat all things standing in their way and safely find a way back home.

 I would rate this novel a nine and a half out of ten and would definitely recommend it for you to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. When I started reading this book, it grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop reading it. I think this book is suitable for anyone over the age of thirteen and for those of you looking for a book full of suspense, action and adventure.  Alexander - age 13

Thank you to Harper Collins for giving us a copy of this exciting book in exchange for an honest review. For more information go to www.harpercollins.com/childrens/feature/houseofsecrets

 Sean by Will Kostakis is about a boy named Sean who moves from Bunbury WA to Monvale, which is on the other side of Australia. Sean misses many things about living in Bunbury especially hanging out with his friends Eddie and Christian who he has known since kindergarten. Sean is starting grade five at a new school and is scared about making new friends. Sean tries to fit in with the other school kids but finds it hard to bluff his way around a lie about knowing how to play soccer. When Sean forgets to bring his hat and has to sit in the No Play area at lunch, he meets Karlie and Angelo. These two new friends help Sean enjoy going to Monvale Primary despite his phone, the only link to his friends back in Bunbury, being confiscated by the teacher. I liked this book as it showed how Sean deals with the ups and downs of starting at a new school. At the end of each chapter there is a feelings gauge with little face pictures which shows how terrible or excited Sean is feeling at that moment. I also like the book as it is short and easy to read. 
Alex -age 13

 I also enjoyed reading Michael by Phillip Gwynne. This book is also from the Stuff Happens series. It’s about a boy named Michael who also goes to Monvale Primary. Michael is a talented swimmer who trains everyday. Michael feels pressured to do well at swimming as he doesn’t want to let his parents down.  Michael however thinks skateboarding is a much more amazing and exciting sport.  Training for the Nationals  becomes exhausting and boring for Michael. All he seems to think about is the freedom and thrill of downhill skating. It’s interesting how Michael is challenged to find a balance between his talent and his interest. This book would be great for kids aged 9 to 13. Alex - age 13

Thank you to Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us these two amazing books from the Stuff Happens series.

For more information go to
www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143308119/stuff-happens

                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                       

The Alice Stories : Our Australian Girl series (4 books in one)

Author: Davina Bell 
Illustrator: Lucia Masciullo

I truly think this book is wonderful. It is such a heartwarming story. This is a great book for children who like ballet, history and drama combined! Also, this book is amazing because it’s so detailed yet fun to read. Isabella – age 11

Thanks Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us this beautiful hardback edition. For more information go to www.penguin.com.au/products/9781743485484/alice-stories-our-australian-girl

Parents, teachers and librarians may be interested to know that the Our Australian Girl series fits into the National Curriculum.
Here is a useful link which includes teacher notes. YAY!
 www.ouraustraliangirl.com.au
                                                           

I really enjoyed reading The Icicle Illuminarium by N.J.Gemmell. It is a very interesting story. The four caddy kids are kidnapped and imprisoned in a cold and very old mansion in England. I found the story very interesting. I was hooked straight away and couldn’t put it down. It ties in with my life, looking after other children younger than me. Kick (the eldest of the four Caddy kids) displays lots of bravery and is very inspiring. I highly recommend this book for 10 to 12 year olds. It is the sequel to The Kensington Reptilarium which I also enjoyed reading. Sophie – age 10

Thank you Random House Books for sending us a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For more information go to
www.randomhouse.com.au/books/nj-gemmell/the-icicle-illuminarium-9780857985675.aspx

Juliet nearly a Vet: Playground Pets (Book 8)

Author: Rebecca Johnson

I liked this book because so much happens at Juliet’s school. I also like the idea of playground pets. Miss Fine (the relief teacher) is so funny. Juliet and her friend, Chelsea, and the boys from the recycling team help Miss Fine learn new things about animals. If you like animals such as lizards, worms, birds and guinea pigs, then you will definitely enjoy this book.  Anna – age 11

Thank you to Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us this review copy of Playground Pets which is part of a Juliet Nearly a Vet series.  

For more information go to
www.penguin.com.au/products/9780143308270/playground-pets-juliet-nearly-vet-book-8

For those of you that like to read funny books, I would recommend The World of Norm – Must Be Washed Seperately by Jonathan Meres. So many people and things annoy Norm including his chatterbox next door neighbor, his pesky little brothers, his perfect cousins, his stinky dog, home-brand cereal, and being banned from the Xbox! What is the most annoying thing for Norm is that everyone seems to have the new Call Of Mortal Combat Xbox game except for him. I found this book very entertaining. Every page has a comic illustration as well. Alexander - age 13

We appreciate Hachette Children's Books sending us a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For more information go to
www.hachette.com.au/HachetteChildrens.page
www.jonathanmeres.com/tag/jonathan-meres-world-of-norm/

The Last King of Angkor Wat by Graeme Base

A tiger, a gibbon, a buffalo and a gecko think they would make the best king. My favourite part of this story is when the animals go through the jungle to get to the top of the hill.  I like the adventure and I like the pictures because they look so real. Joseph – age 5

We were very happy when Penguin Group (Australia) sent us this latest book by Graeme Base.

For more information go to
www.penguin.com.au/products/9780670077151/last-king-angkor-wat

Please Mr Panda by Steve Antony

This is my favourite book. My big brother and big sister like this book too. They read it to me all the time and think Mr Panda’s face is funny because he is so serious. Mr Panda keeps changing his mind about who can have a doughnut and then he meets a nice lemur. We laugh all the time at the end of the book.

 Joseph – age 5

Thank you to Hachette Children's Books for sending us this amazing Picture Book.

For more information go to
www.hachette.com.au/HachetteChildrens.page
www.steveantony.com

You Are (Not) Small

Author: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

This is the funniest book ever! The bears don’t want to be called “small” or “big”. They get very angry because they want to be the same and not different. Then they see a bigger bear and some smaller bears and become happy. The ending is so funny. It makes my whole family smile. My family read this book so many times and now I can read it.  Joseph – age 5

We are very grateful to Hachette Children's Books for sending this hilarious Picture Book.

For more information go to www.hachette.com.au/HachetteChildrens.page

The Book With No Pictures  by B.J. Novak

This book captivated my son’s attention as he enjoyed watching his mum say lots of silly words. B.J. Novak is very clever as he provides the reader with ample opportunities to use different voices to bring this book alive with laughter. It makes a hilarious read out loud book for you to share with the littlies. The more expressive you are when reading this unique book, the better it gets.

Reviewed by Carmela

Thank you to our friends from Penguin Group (Australia) for treating us with a copy of this fabulous book.

For more information go to http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780803741713/book-no-pictures

The Last Viking Returns

The talented and creative duo of Norman Jorgenson and James Foley have teamed up again with a sequel to their award-winning The Last Viking. The adventure continues for brave little Knut as he tries to keep the two littlest Vikings out of trouble. My son liked the idea of a Viking World. His favourite part of the book was the fun endpapers which include a map of Viking World and food coupons! He also became excited when he saw an evil dragon enter the story. With so much drama and adventure, The Last Viking Returns makes a highly appealing Picture Book for young readers. Reviewed by Carmela

Thank you Fremantle Press for sending us a copy of this amazing Picture Book in exchange for an honest review.

For more information including teaching notes go to www.fremantlepress.com.au/books/1414 
or check out James Foley's cool website jamesfoley.com.au/book/the-last-viking-returns/

How to Babysit a Grandma

Author: Jean Reagan

Illustrator: Lee Wildish

This is a gorgeous book celebrating the most popular babysitters around! Young children will relate easily to this heartwarming book and will especially enjoy sharing the pages with grandma. Bright, fun and appealing illustrations combined with humourous text will surely bring a smile to the reader. This book will be treasured by many.

Reviewed by Carmela

Thank you Hachette Children’s Books for sending us a copy of How to Babysit a Grandma in exchange for an honest review.

For more information go to www.hachette.com.au/HachetteChildrens.page






Where is the Green Sheep? (Board book and picture puzzle blocks)

By Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

I like reading this book with mum. I can read it all by myself too. First I read it and then I like playing with the puzzle and then I try to put at least one picture together before bedtime.

Joseph – age 5

Thank you Penguin Group (Australia) for sending us this set which would be an ideal gift for a pre-schooler.

For more information go to http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9780670078196/where-green-sheep-gift-set