Brian Froud's Faerielands Book 1

BRIAN FROUD'S FAERIELANDS:
The Wild Wood by Charles De Lint
illustrated by Brian Froud

You Must Remember!

Eithnie has always loved the Canadian woods, it was home to her and as an artist she has always found inspiration and comfort among the trees. But now something is different. There is a change in the air and the woods are full of whispers, shadows and visions that fill her with fear. For the first time in her life the woods no longer feel safe, and so Eithnie flees.

In the desert plains of Arizona, a world away from her familiar landscape of trees, Eithnie discovers a new land, a new vision of inspiration, a new understanding for the sparse plains before her and for the wooded lands she left behind. Armed with new courage, Eithnie returns to her woods where she discovers a love she never thought possible and a new future in the woods that have always been home.

The Wild Wood is changing, there is a magic in the air and a presence among the trees. But there is also desperation, the woods are dying, crying out for help and only Eithnie has the power to save them, if she has the courage to accept the responsibility. A story of magic and romance, this first book in the Fairyland series is beautifully written by a masterful storyteller bringing to life the magical imagery of an enchanting illustrator.

Charles De Lint Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 01 February 1994
ISBN: 9780553096309
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Lia
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Snake Bite

Snake Bite by Christie Thompson
    

With Friends Like These...!
      

Laura has just moved from Melbourne to a small town in Canberra, her two mums had decided the move would be good for her, but now she is stuck without friends in a boring little town with nothing to do. That's when she decides to get a piercing, and while there makes friends with Lukey and Jaz. But just as she and Lukey seem to be hitting it off, Jaz takes an almost disliking to her.

Casey has lived her whole life in this shit hole of a small town. She is bored, reckless and always looking for her next drink, and her next conquest. There is nothing, and no one she won't do to satisfy her desires. What she can't stand, however, is her so called friend Jez looking down on her as though she were worthless.

Lukey is fed up with his home life, ever since his mother died when he was young, his father has been absent and his older brother has become increasingly drunk and abusive. But he has a plan to escape all that, as soon as he has sold enough pills, he will use the money to leave this hellish small town and hopefully his best friend Jez will be leaving with him.
    

Snake Bite is the story of Jez, a seventeen year old virgin with eleven piercings, blue highlights and a habit of wearing black jeans, even in forty degree weather.  Although at heart Jez is hoping for a fairytale romance, this is a story of sex, drugs and body piercings, where the language is violent and the friendships volatile. Be warned, this is a messed up story that is not for everyone.

Christie Thompson @ Allen & Unwin

On sale: 01 August 2013
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781743316863
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Jaz
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
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The Wall

The Wall by William Sutcliffe

"Which Side Are You On?"

Despite only living in Amarias for the past four years, the imposing presence of the Wall was not something Joshua thought about every day. Not when he had a bully for a stepfather and no friends to speak of. For Joshua, this walled city was a strange place to live, with its quiet, patrolled streets and uniform buildings, he was hard pressed to find anything or even anyone, he liked in this town. Since moving to Amarias all he has ever wanted was to leave, and then one day Joshua finds a tunnel that leads him under the wall and what he sees on the other side will change his life.

The Wall segregates all those who are different, all those who are dangerous, from those who belong. But as Joshua soon learns, the world is not always black and white and not everyone outside the Wall is an enemy, just like not all those within the Wall are safe to be around. This is not the story of a revolution, the Wall will not crumble and the world will not be changed by the actions of one person, however one person's world will be forever changed. A story of one boy, the Wall that divides and a hope for the future.

William Sutcliffe @ Bloomsbury Australia

On sale: 01 May 2013
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781408838426
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: The Wall
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Tao Of Pooh

The Tao Of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

Pooh Just Is...!

"Nothing is something, and Something is really nothing at all." Within this sentence we find the meaning of Taoism, that it is the simple things in life that matter. Nowadays people are so ready to fill things; silences with idol chatter, time with mundane activities, homes with useless clutter. But it is in the emptiness, in the silences, that wisdom may be found and happiness gained. A simple philosophy explained by the bear of very little brain.

The Tao Of Pooh is a fun and accessible introduction into the wisdom of Taoism through the characters of Winni-the-Pooh. Knowledgeable Owl is not so wise, clever Rabbit is not so smart, and complaining Eeyore never accomplishes anything. But Pooh, in his simple-mindedness is quite happy. This book explains that although at times we may have a little Owl or Eeyore within us, it would do us good to have a little Winni-the-Pooh in our lives.

Benjamin Hoff Webpage

On sale: 31 March 1994
Price (Uk): $2.99
ISBN: 9780749301798
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Winnie-the-Pooh
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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