A Superhero and his sidekick Maud the Sheep save the world: in a small way

Ernie has won a competition to go to Superhero school.  He is thrilled and OK with having to fit it in after school and on Saturday’s.  However, he isn’t so thrilled when he finds out his sidekick is Maud the sheep.   A sheep just doesn’t seem quite to thing when you are trying to save the world.  But Ernie soon finds out that Maud is a very useful partner to have.  There are three stories about Ernie and Maud, and as an offer to get children reading about them, the first book in the series has been re released at a special price of $5  With their simple text and line drawings they are suitable for 6 or 7 year olds. They are funny and terrific to read aloud.  While stocks last.

Our Australian Girl; The story continues for Poppy, Grace, Letty and Rose

The eagerly awaited third books in each of the Our Australian Girl series are fresh out of the box ready to go. These books are really gaining the momentum they deserve, historical fiction is popular with many young girls so they also make a great gift! Poppy and the Thief, Letty on the Land, Rose’s Challenge and Grace and Glory are in store now, get yours before they disappear.O $14.95.

Rosalie Ham on ageing and family. Another cracker from the author of The Dressmaker

When Margery’s family are gathering to celebrate her 80th birthday, even though it’s only her 79th, she is planning to end it all at the Tropic Hotel.  She has recently found out that she has been in the dark about a lot of things during her life, and feels a fool because of it.  Her family are variously, dim and adoring, bitter and grasping, or totally absent.  Ham has created a cast of characters you can love and hate, but mostly empathise with, and the relationship between the two elderly neighbours is lovely.  The book has humour, pathos and a keen ear for the nuances of extended family life. Thoroughly enjoyable, and a good book for discussion groups. $32.95

Last days of our SALE.

A lot of our customers have already taken advantage of our sale, but you still a few days left.  Make it a good weekend by coming to the store and buying up with 20% off all stock.  It’s going to be wet and cold, so don’t get caught without something to read.

Miles Franklin literary award

Kim Scott made history when he became the first indigenous writer to win the Miles Franklin award with Benang some years ago.  He has now done it again, winning this year with That Deadman Dance.  Congratulations Kim.

We have the book in stock, it is $23

For the collectors among you, a lovely hardback edition of the book is also available to order.  It is $50

Go the F to Sleep by Adam Mansbach

I really considered posting this on our adult blog but decided that picture books are at home on our kids book. But let it be said, this book plays it fast and lose with the f work and throws in a few more un-kid-safe words for good measure. More than just an excuse to swear this is actually a cute story, though I wouldn’t say it has a happy ending. The indispensable illustrations are distinctive and whimsical, like the story.

A realistic, hilarious, and playful look on parenting, this one will make a great gift for parents of young children, particularly first time parents I’d imagine, once its published in July. Hardback, $17.95.

The Book of Rachael by Leslie Cannold

Leslie Cannold is a well regarded academic in Melbourne, who also writes articles for newspapers and talks on radio regularly.  The Book of Rachael is her first novel and an enjoyable read it is.  It is a fictionalised story of Rachael, brother of Joshua.  Rachael, being a girl leads a restricted life, even though her father allows her to listen on some of the lessons her brothers get.  She is passionate, and falls madly in love with Judah, who eventually betrays Joshua.  The book describes how a poor, Jewish family may have lived in Israel while it was occupied by the Romans, and the character and influence of a healer and midwife who takes Rachael under her wing, is a fascinating side story.  The book has stirred up a bit of debate which is always a good thing, so if you are fervently Christian, this book might not be for you.  $32.95

A sister, a cat, Girl M and Spiderman

Starting off in London, Jamie and his broken down family are still grieving for his sister who died in the London bombings 5 years before the book starts.  Her presence is pervasive, and her ashes live on the mantelpiece.  Jamie’s father is unable to let go, and has taken to drinking.  His mother has left home and  Jamie is desperate to have her back.  Jas, Jamie’s older sister and the twin of Rose the sister who was killed, has stopped eating.   The father decides they all have to leave London, with one of the motivating factors being that he won’t have to look at any Muslims, for whom he now has a violent hatred, blaming them for Rose’s death.  All of this sounds grim, and the book is obviously sad in parts, but the voice of Jamie is lively and engaging.  He actually hardly remembers Rose, being very young when she died, and so he sometimes forgets that he is supposed to be sad all of the time.  As an outsider in their new home, Jamie befriends another outsider, Sunya, a Muslin girl.  Of course he has to keep this from his father, for fear of his reaction.  There is no really happy ending with this, but the characters do for the most part, come to a point where they can move on from their family tragedy.

The story has moments of great humour to lighten the sadness, and is an excellent book.  For ages 12 up.  Hardback, $25

Douglas Kennedy on the Cold War and passion

Douglas Kennedy is an author who can portray female characters unusually well.  One of my all time best reads to recommend is The Pursuit of Happiness which came out a few years ago.  It is set in New York during the McCarthy era, and is about love, loss, grief and forgiveness.  I stayed in bed one Easter and ripped through it.  His latest book is called The Moment and is about Thomas Nesbitt, a travel writer who when a younger man, spent some time in Berlin when it was a divided city.  There he met and fell in love with the enigmatic and troubled Petra.  Petra’s past is a tragic one, and Thomas finds himself  drawn into the clandestine and dangerous world of Cold War politics.  While he grapples with his passion for her, and the building doubts about her past, he has conflicted feelings about the city he is in, and Petra.  Years later, back in Maine, he is forced to look at the past again when a box, postmarked Berlin arrives on his doorstep.

Douglas Kennedy writes about relationships really well, and this story has the added interest of the situation in Berlin at the time.  Recommended.  $32.95

SALE SALE SALE

Yes, It’s still on.  We don’t much like counting, so help us clear some books before we have to do our annual stocktake. 20% off everything, and a daily category special of 30% off.  The discounts are for the books in the shop only, not for special orders.  Come in soon!