Cassandra Golds |
Orchard Books |
1904442714 |
Oct 2005 |
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A young balletomane, Clair-de-Lune, lives alone with her austere grandmother, Madame Nuit. Her mother (La Lune) died whilst dancing a dying swan ballet, and she has been mute ever since. Such overtly symbolic names emulate the methods of fairy tale, which sets the mood for this story. |
Monthly Archives: April 2006
The Foretelling
Alice Hoffman |
Egmont |
1904442714 |
Oct 2005 |
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In a world where war dominates the media, and power and violence often go hand in hand, Alice Hoffman offers a timely reminder of the strength of mercy, humanity and compassion. |
Forged in the Fire
Ann Turnbull |
Walker Books |
1844289354 |
March 2006 |
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Being young and in love but apart is the best of times and the worst of times. The anticipation of being together is wonderful, each letter brings a surge of optimism but the on-going trial of being separated by distance can seem impossible to overcome. |
Sweets
Sylvia Van Ommen |
Winged Chariot Press |
1905341024 |
Sep 2005 |
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Made available in the English language through Winged Chariot Press, a unique publishing venture supported by the Arts Council England and aimed at brining European picture books to the English market, ‘Sweets’ is Dutch author, Sylvia van Ommen’s debut picture-book. It’s two-tone appearance is misleadingly unadorned and simplistic, for though instantly accessible, there is nothing simple about this narrative!
So begins the friends’ eschatological enquiries about heaven, acceptance into an after-life, familiarity and of the unknown. If this sounds pretentious or outside the realms of the plausible for a picture book, at heart this is a deeply perceptive and sensitive story about the relationship between two friends, that relationship’s endurance and its respective partners’ ability to share. |
The Cafe on Callisto
Jackie French |
Catnip |
184647003X |
Apr 2006 |
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Catnip are a new publishing venture incorporating the established Happy Cat Books list. One of many exciting publications featured within their list this year is the award-winning Jackie French’s ‘Callisto’ series. Perhaps most familiar to readers in the UK as the author of the thought-provoking ‘Hitler’s Daughter’ Jackie French is an author whose breadth and diversity of work frequently broaches territory that is both challenging and uncharted! |
Doodlebug Summer
Alison Prince |
A & C Black |
0713675799 |
Mar 2006 |
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There’s a beautiful fullness in the symmetry between the opening and close of this novel as Katie and her friend Pauline climb their tree. The tree itself is grounded in the presents with far-reaching roots… from the boughs of the tree is a standpoint with an enviable panorama into the future. |
King Cudgel’s Challenge
Karen Wallace |
A & C Black |
0713675535 |
Apr 2006 |
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Brilliant Brits: Boudicca
Richard Brassey |
Orion Children’s Books |
1842552341 |
Apr 2006 |
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Richard Brassey’s ‘Brilliant Brits’ series continues with its eighth title, this time focusing on formidable Queen of the Icini, Boudicca. As with other titles in the series the book begins by exploring popular facts ‘ and sometimes fallacies ‘ about its subject. Then begins its account proper, pieced together from accounts by Roman historians Tacitus and Dio and corroborated through findings of archaeological artefacts. |
Not Exactly Normal
Devin Brown |
Eerdmans Books |
0802852831 |
January 2006 |
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They speak the same language and share a lot of our values but America is clearly not simply the home counties with better shopping. |
Katie Milk Solves Crimes and So on…
Annie Caulfield |
Corgi Yearling Books |
1904442714 |
Oct 2005 |
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Despite the promise of the title, there’s not a whiff of a crime for at least six chapters. Instead leisurely scene setting and character introductions fill the pages. But if you can get through the slow start, you’ll be rewarded by some engaging situations and unexpected plot twists. |