reviews 8 – 10 Junior/Middle Ed’s Choice The Pushcart War HHHHH


Jean Merrill, illus Ronni Solbert, New York Review of Books, 232pp, 978-1-5901-7936-9, £6.99 pbk


The streets of New York are crowded - pedestrians, cars and the pushcarts - the mobile stalls selling anything from doorknobs to pretzels – and trucks. That’s the problem. There are too many trucks (lorries) that are getting bigger and bigger. There just is not room for everyone. The situation is ripe for war – The Pushcart War. Originally published in 1964, this


is a welcome reprint. Cunningly set in the future, the author sets out to show young readers imaginatively how a war


message that is never out of date. Her purpose may be serious, her weapon is humour. Nothing could be more ridiculous than the pushcart owners declaring - and executing war - on the mighty lorries and their owners. And yet....young readers should be able to draw their own conclusions from the world around


The Dog Ray HHHH


Linda Coggin, Hot Key Books, 288pp, 978-1-4714-0318-7, £10.99 hbk


After dying in a car crash, Daisy finds herself in a Government run


centre which arranges ‘rehousing’ for the souls of the dead. Unfortunately, there are no human bodies available and arrangements


Daisy’s soul to be rehoused in the body of a dog. After not closely


the job centre via the wrong door, thus remembering her previous life as a human; something which is not supposed to happen. For some time Daisy tries desperately


reunited with her parents and regain something of her former life. The story subtly explores Daisy’s


to be


gradual change from thinking and feeling like a human child to thinking and feeling as a dog (called Ray). Along the way, she meets Jack, a homeless man who introduces her to a lonely boy called Pip who is sleeping rough after the death of his mother. Ray helps Pip in his quest to find the father he has never met and becomes a loyal companion, protecting him against the dangers he encounters on the streets. Gradually the dog Ray forgets her former life as the human Daisy and finds contentment in her new life with Pip, as his friend and protector. Although The Dog Ray starts with


a death, this is an uplifting book with an unusual and engaging story. It suggests that new relationships and happiness can emerge after tragedy and kindness can come from very unlikely sources.


SMc to instructions Daisy exits


are made for listening


job starts – surely a


them. Dressed up as journalistic report, young readers will find a lively story filled with colourful adult characters – Frank the Flower, Maxie Hammerman, who if he has not built the pushcart, his father or his grandfather will have done, the feisty General Anna and others. It is the serious yet tongue-in- cheek approach taken that will enchant and bring a whole new readership to the author’s work.


FH Gulliver HHH


Jonathan Swift retold by Mary Webb, ill Lauren O’Neill, O’Brien Press, 80pp, 978-1-8471-7676-9, £12.99 hbk


The first two stories of Jonathan Swift’s 18th century classic book Gulliver’s Travels are retold by Mary Webb in this illustrated version. Young readers will be introduced


a fire using his own ‘water’. There is plenty to reflect on too, and links to be found in terms of history and modern day politics; for example the benefits of living peacefully with neighbouring countries rather than seeking war, the effects of greed and how it feels to be under threat. The book begins with a brief of


explanation


to satirise those who misuse their positions


might prefer


first, and consider their implications themselves


Swift’s aims in the introduction. Gulliver is a well-designed book which introduces young readers to a classic story in an accessible way. The detailed and amusing illustrations enhance the retelling providing lots for the reader to observe and discuss. SMc


Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier


HHHH


Michelle Cuevas, Simon and Schuster, 176pp, 978-1-4711-4550-6, £6.99 pbk


Jacques Papier’s memoirs tell the story of a little boy facing a problem that will be familiar to numerous children – he feels invisible. It’s not just the cool kids at school that fail to notice Jacques; it’s everybody but his twin sister, Fleur. Gradually, Jacques learns that he is not just invisible, but entirely unreal, the invention of Fleur’s fantastic imagination. Jacques is, understandably, rather concerned by this and embarks upon an eventful journey of self-discovery. Determined to find his raison d’etre, Jacques


to the fantastical voyages of Gulliver and his amazing adventures in the land of Lilliput (where he is a giant among little people) and Brobdingnag where he finds himself a little person in a land of giants. The two stories chosen emphasise


Gulliver’s experience. There is humour in the stories, particularly in the inventive ways Gulliver tries to help the Lilliputians, for example putting out


the contrast in


questions, such as why there is no word for a stranger’s note found in a book or for ‘when someone has a smile that looks so lit up, there must be a lightning bug caught in their head’. Though this is not the first book written from the perspective


an imaginary friend, it feels very original thanks largely to Jacques’ willingness to confide in his readers. His feelings and actions are explored independently of his various charges, who serve


comedic and colourful supporting cast members. Jacques helps the studious and reserved


overcome his crippling shyness and seeks shelter


bank robber, Pierre. These


has with his ‘unimaginary’ friends remind us that everyone needs a special companion with whom to share those magical moments like lying face down in the grass, nose- to-soil, enjoying a bug’s-eye view of the world. By the end of the book, thanks to the conciliatory qualities of Jacques’ writing, readers will be able to empathise with the crucial role that imaginary friends play in the world.


adventures Bernard


from the deranged that


Jacques as of wrestles with life’s big before learning


of power. Young readers to enjoy the stories


about Swift’s intentions


Michelle Cuevas’ novel is both humorous and sincere


and, though some children may pine for more moments of genuine tension or excitement, Jacques’ memoirs will certainly ignite young imaginations.SD


Clare and her Captain HHHHH


Michael Morpurgo, Illustrated by Catherine Rayner, Barrington Stoke, 104pp, 978-1-78112-435-2, £10.99, hbk


Clare is going to spend the summer at her Aunty Dora’s cottage in Devon with her mum and dad. The journey begins badly


quarrelling. Clare doesn’t like staying with her Aunt Dora because her aunt sides with her father when he and her mother argue. Early one morning, Clare takes the


with her parents throughout


opportunity to go out for a walk alone. Whilst she is walking, she discovers a lost lamb and takes it to the nearest house. The lamb belongs to a recluse called Thatcher Jones. He invites Clare in for a cold drink and introduces her to Captain, his very old horse. Clare and Captain become firm


friends and she even takes him out for a walk. Whilst they are walking, a car stops and a reporter gets out. He wants to take their photograph. Clare and Captain’s photograph appears in the local paper. However, when tragedy strikes, Clare comes up with a clever plan to ease Thatcher Jones’ sorrow. The story is based on an experience


author, Michael Morpurgo’s wife, Clare, had as a child. She spent her Easter holidays in Devon and used to take Thatcher Jones’ horse, Captain, for walks round the lanes. She too had her photograph taken by a local paper. This story is a gentle


acknowledgement of the beauty of the countryside. The peace of the landscape forms a poignant contrast to the turmoil in Clare’s family. The text is complemented by Catherine Rayner’s gorgeous illustrations of wild flowers, and the cover is embossed with a wonderful image of cow parsley. The book is part of the Conkers


imprint produced by Barrington Stoke. It aims to provide the next step for struggling or reluctant readers by building confidence. These stories are shorter with easier vocabulary but there is no compromise to the excitement or quality of the storytelling, and they use great authors and illustrators. As usual with Barrington Stoke books, the design including font, spacing and paper have been carefully produced to be dyslexia-friendly. ARa


The Seal’s Fate HHHHH


Eoin Colfer, Illustrated by Victor Ambrus, Barrington Stoke, 96pp, 978-1-78112-431-4, £7.99, pbk


Bobby Parrish has finished school for the summer and is excited about helping his father on his boat. However, the first thing that needs to be done is to get rid of the seals which eat the fish and threaten the fishermen’s livelihood. Bobby’s father,


Books for Keeps No.216 January 2016 25


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