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New Books in the Library

The Chicken Curse

by Frances Watts

Felix and Livia are being pursued across the Roman empire, from the darkest, dampest corner of Gaul to the dry, desert sands of Tadmor. They must reach Rome by the Ides of April to rescue Livia's brother before he is sent into the arena to do battle with lions - and perhaps a vicious ostrich or two!

Along the way, the pair are helped (and hindered) by a selfish sacred chicken, a foolish camel and a grumpy magic carpet as they encounter bandits, a shipwreck and a false accusation. Will they save Livia's brother in time, or will they all fall victim to the chicken's curse? A classic adventure of friendship, fate and fortune, from the winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Children's Fiction.

Review

This is a very humorous adventure of two runaways set in Roman times.

Felix deserts the Roman army because the general would not heed the dark omens that are indicating that the army will lose their upcoming battle. Surely the general should know that the sacred chicken is never wrong?

After he deserts he meets Livia. Felix thinks she is a princess, but in fact she is a maid trying to save her brother from certain death in the colosseum in Rome. So they decide to travel together, and they encounter many unscrupulous characters and funny situations in their effort to try to reach Rome in time. So many things go wrong, but surely they will succeed in the end…?

Full of fun and nonsense, this easy to read novel will appeal to lots of chickens...oops children, aged 7 to 11.

The Ghost Of Howler's Beach

by Jackie French

Howlers Beach, 1932. Butter O'Bryan lives in a Very Small Castle with his father and three aunts - Aunt Elephant, Aunt Cake and Aunt Peculiar. These aren't their real names, of course, just as Butter's father isn't really called 'Pongo'. And even though Butter is only twelve years old, and the grandson of one of Australia's most successful Jam Kings, he is very aware of the hardship many people are experiencing.

Butter has been told there are ghosts at the nearby isolated Howlers Beach, but are there? And how can the children Butter plays cricket with on the beach simply vanish? Who are these children and why do they refuse his help? Butter is certain they're hiding a secret, and he's determined to uncover it.

Review

Butter O’Bryan lives on the beach with his Dad and three aunts. Australia is in the grip of the Depression, and even though Butter’s family is well off he still understands how hard it is.

One day Butter notices three kids playing cricket on the beach and asks to join them. They say no and then quickly disappear - but where did they go? Butter is determined to find out where they are hiding and why they are so scared of him.

This is Jackie French at her very best, as she brings to life these hard times and all the struggles that families faced. The characters are full of resilience, hope, and determination, and even the roughest of them have a kindness that we could all do well to replicate.

I would suggest reading the authors note at the back of the book first, so they have a greater understanding of the time the book is set in.

A truly heart-warming and remarkable story, perfect for all readers in Year 5 and up.