Book review: The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

Reading my way through the 18 books in Caroline Lawrence’s children’s series The Roman Mysteries was never boring.  It was an exciting and educational journey.  The books are set in the years AD 80-81 when Rome was considered the centre of the civilised world and people such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Cleopatra were already legendary figures from the distant past.

Each of the Roman mysteries is a separate adventure involving Flavia Gemina, a kind hearted but sometimes bossy girl who loves to solve mysteries.   Flavia and her three friends: Jewish neighbour Jonathon, Sudanese slave girl Nubia, and mute beggar boy Lupus, live in the Roman post of Ostia.  However, in the course of their adventures the children travel to many exotic locations.  The series begins with The Thieves of Ostia but it is possible to read the novels out of sequence.
 
You will discover so much about everyday Roman life and society, from the different classes of citizen and cultures living in Italia, family life, food, housing and décor, mode of dress, literature, medicine, methods of transport, government, religion and social customs. 

Parents should be aware that although the Roman Mysteries are written for children, they feature adult themes that are not suitable for younger readers.  The plots of the novels focus on concepts such as slavery, theft, murder, assassination, and allude to crucifixion and adultery.  For example, The Gladiators from Capua takes place during the 100 days of games commissioned by the Emperor Titus, so you are going to read about violent spectacles including combat between gladiators and wild animals.

Despite all this, Caroline Lawrence’s stories are very funny and her characters endearing! 

The stories inspire us to think about the difference between right and wrong (which is not always clear in the adult world) and how we should treat others, especially people from different cultures.

You can read all of the books in the Roman Mysteries through the One Card network.  Some of Lawrence’s books have also been adapted into two television series which are available on DVD.  Search the Library’s online catalogue or enquire next time you visit the Library.

Book Review: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

Written by Mary Rose Wood and illustrated by Jon Klassen

“Of especially naughty children it is sometimes said, “They must have been raised by wolves.  The Incorrigible children actually were.”

This series has been described as a cross between Jane Eyre and Lemony Snicket!

Although these very funny and quirky books are written for children in middle to upper primary school, adults will love reading about the adventures of plucky governess Miss Penelope Lively and her three pupils Alexander, Beowolf and Cassiopeia Incorrigible.  You will also look forward to finding the drawings interspersed through the book by artist Jon Klassen, who is known for his work on animated films Coraline and Kung Fu Panda 2.

Join Penelope on a series of adventures in the first three books (so far) in which Mary Rose Wood makes fun of polite society in Victorian England.

A well educated graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, fifteen-year-old Penelope secures her first job at Ashton Manor.  She soon discovers she is to teach and civilise three wild but sweet children who were found in the local woods then named by the pompous Lord Ashton.  Penelope has to put up working for Lady Constance, Ashton’s pretty, selfish flibbertigibbet of a wife who would prefer to see the children sent to an orphanage or the workhouse.  Though young, Penelope is not deterred, having been instilled with enthusiasm, courage, good sense and the many sayings of her school’s founder, the wise Agatha Swanburne.

Penelope has many mysteries to solve.  How did the children survive in the woods?  Is Timothy, the crusty old coachman, a friend or foe?  Who has been deliberately creating perilous situations so the children will revert to their wild state?  Does Lord Ashton and really want to hunt down the children, stuff and mount their heads in his study to accompany his other trophy animals?  Are the children really cursed, as predicted by gypsy fortune teller, Madame Ionesco?  What of the mysterious howling in the attic?  Poor Penelope ponders why her parents abandoned her as a young child at the Swanburne Academy.  Will she ever see them again?  Of course, she can always take her mind off her problems by thinking of her new friend that she meets in London, the young, talented playwright, Mr Simon Harley- Dickonson!

You can reserve The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place online through the Library’s catalogue or enquire next time you visit the library.

A STORY A DAY OR I JUST CAN’T PLAY!

Have you shared a book today...

Now as a father of two children under 4, I have been exposed to all manner of children’s programming of late, some good, some…disturbing…

On the better side of things is BOOKABOO, the story of a Rock Dog drummer who simply cannot go out on stage without first having a story.

Produced by ITV in the UK, each episode sees Bookaboo leave the stage, retreating to his ‘Booka-Bus’ and demanding a story before he will return. Enter this week’s celebrity guest with the ‘Booka-bag’ containing this week’s story, which Bookaboo and the guest then read together.

Once he has had his story, Bookaboo feels his ‘mojo coming back’ and rushes to the stage to re-join the band for the closing credits song.

I think this is a fantastic little show with a positive message, encouraging parents and children to share time reading together.

Some of the celebrity readers have included Meat Loaf, Mel C (of the Spice Girls), comedian Johnny Vegas, and Julian Clary.

Books read in the show, held by the Tea Tree Gully Library include The Lamb Who Came for Dinner, The Cow That Laid An Egg, More Pants, Splat the Cat, Class Two at the Zoo, The Night Pirates and The Wolf’s Story – What Really Happened To Little Red Riding Hood.

Also, why not take advantage of the Library’s Story Time sessions, held at 10:15am on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

 Have YOU shared a book today?

Who is your favourite children’s author or illustrator?

We asked some of our staff this question, and the answers were varied…

Abigail says “Probably A. A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh) and Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland).” She even named her puppy Winnie the Pooh!

Sonya likes Beatrix Potter. Her favourite story is ‘The tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck’.

Emma was an avid reader as a child, having tackled ‘Lord of the Rings’ at age 11! She also enjoyed Enid Blyton and the Nancy Drew books.

David’s favourite is Mem Fox. He says, “Where is the Green Sheep and Hunwick’s Egg are big hits at my place.”

Julie says that while it is a hard choice, she would have to pick Jez Alborough or Lynley Dodd.

Symon’s favourite book as a child was ‘Whistle up the Chimney’, written by Nan Hunt and illustrated by Craig Smith.

What about you?
Tell us your favourites by clicking ‘Leave a Comment’.

Bedtime Storytime – Pyjamas at the Library!

Say Hello Rhyme

Last night we had a fabulous time when over 35 children and their families came to the library for a special Classic Tales Bedtime Storytime.

Everyone wore their pyjamas and brought their teddies to share lots of stories. We read some classic tales aswell as some modern family stories.

Along the way there was lots of  dancing and singing too. Luckily, we all had enough energy left to make a magical star wand, which everyone took home.

Sharing Stories

If you were here and shared the fun, let us know what you thought and if you have any ideas for the future.

Watch out for the next school holidays for more fun events at the library!

Captain Crabclaw’s Crew – Living Book Performance

Argh and ahoy! Shivering Shellfish! Blistering Barnacles?! Captain Crabclaw and his most unusual pirate crew have hoisted their main sail and are on their way to the City of Tea Tree Gully Reader’s Festival!

When Captain Crabclaw advertised for a crew for his new ship, the Speedy Squid, he didn’t expect to get a duck, a cow, an elephant and a giraffe! This rollicking tale of swashbuckling and scrambled eggs will delight landlubbers young and old. So, bring along your children or grandchildren to the City of Tea Tree Gully Library on Saturday, the 7^th of August, 2010 at 1:00pm for the Living Book Performance of ‘Captain Crabclaw’s Crew’ written by Frances Watts and illustrated by David Legge.

Frances Watts has worked as a bookseller, editor and author. Her first book for children, Kisses for Daddy, also illustrated by David Legge, was shortlisted in the 2006 Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year Awards. Her second project with David Legge, Parsley Rabbit’s Book about Books was the Eve Pownall award winner in this year’s CBC Awards.

There’s something for everyone at the City of Tea Tree Gully Reader’s Festival!

Practical Workshop on Reading Aloud to Children with Ruth Carson

Does your child or grandchild love having you read stories to them? Do you want to learn how to help your child or grandchild develop important language skills? Would you like to bond with your child or grandchild through an interactive and engaging experience at the City of Tea Tree Gully Library?

Then bring your little ones and their favourite book along to the City of Tea Tree Gully’s Practical Workshop Event; ‘Reading Aloud to Children,’ featuring guest speaker, Ruth Carson. This special event will be held in part of the Reader’s Festival on Saturday, 7^th of August, 2010 from 11:00am to 12:00noon in the Children’s Area of the Library.

Ruth Carson is a foundation member of the Storytelling Guild of South Australia, as well as a member of the National Storytelling Network in the United States and the Australian Network of Storytellers. Ruth has worked in public libraries for 40 years and believes the love of reading and storytelling is the greatest gift we can give children.

There is fun for the whole family at the City of Tea Tree Gully Reader’s Festival!

Judge a Book By Its Cover Competition

Judge a  ook By Its Cover Competition…

 

Do you love to read books? Or do you enjoy drawing and designing? Do you think you can design a better book cover than the book sellers? Well, the City of Tea Tree Gully Library is looking for you!

 As part of the Reader’s Festival, the City of Tea Tree Gully Library is hosting a ‘Judge a Book By Its Cover’ competition for children under 7 through to teens up to the age of 18 years. The City of Tea Tree Gully is looking for the best new cover designs for the following books:

• Under 7 year olds you need to design a better book cover for Possum Magic by Mem Fox or Wang Wang and Funi by Phil Cummings. First prize will be awarded a $40 voucher, second prize will be awarded a $25 voucher and last but not least, third prize will be awarded a $15 dollar voucher.

 

• 8-12 year olds you need to design a better book cover for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis or Just Disgusting by Paul Jennings. First prize will be awarded a $50 voucher, second prize will be awarded a $30 voucher and last but not least, third prize will be awarded a $20 voucher.

 

• 13-18 year olds you need to design a better book cover for Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden or Twilight by Stephanie Meyers. First prize will be awarded a $100 voucher, second prize will be awarded a $70 voucher and last but not least third prize will win a $50 voucher.

   With all competition entries, please make sure to include the Title, Author, Spine labeling, Blurb about the book, ISBN, and eye-catching illustrations! You can pick up your entry forms in front of the City of Tea Tree Gully Library Information Desk and return your forms to the Library by the 30^th of July. Winning entries will be announced on the 6^th of August, 2010 and displayed at the Reader’s Festival. The competition is on so get ready, get set, and get creative!

Where the Wild Things Are… on the big screen!

Maurice Sendak’s timeless children’s book Where the Wild Things Are finally makes it to the big screen with a live action film for release on October 16! Following the imaginative exploits of Max, the naughty child sent to bed without supper, whose bedroom grows into a jungle and who sets sail to the land where the Wild Things are. He becomes king of the Wild Things, yet yearns for home, eventually sailing back to his bedroom in time for supper after all. Check out the film trailer here.

TumbleReadables is here!

 

The Library has just subscribed to a new database called TumbleReadables which can be accessed via the Databases page of our website.
TumbleReadables is an online collection of read-along titles for young children through to high school students, featuring adjustable online text and complete audio narration. Sentences are highlighted as they are being read and the pages turn automatically.
Books in the collection range from picture books to teen novels,  classics such as Peter Pan, Black Beauty, Hamlet, Macbeth as well as some non-fiction titles. To get an idea of what’s in the collection, click on the tab that says “Index” once you have logged on to TumbleReadables.

We’d love to hear what you think once you’ve had a go, so please leave us a comment!