The Year Of The Rat

The Year Of The Rat by Clare Furniss

How To Go On When The World Stops!
    

Pearl is sixteen with a mother she idolizes, a father she loves and a baby sister she is excited to meet. Then in a moment everything goes wrong. Her mother dies, her father pulls away from her in favour of the daughter that is biologically his and her long awaited baby sister is nothing more than a wrinkled ugly rat, not to mention the cause of her mother's death. Somehow no one else sees the rat as she does; no one else seems to care her mother is gone.

The Year Of The Rat is the longest, worst year of Pearl's life. One by one everything in Pearl's life goes wrong and everyone in her life abandons her in-favour of her baby sister, the rat. Her mother was her best friend, her world, and when she died Pearl's life changed in an instant, her world was thrown upside down and nothing would ever be the same again. A touchingly tragic story of grief, secrets, family and the unexpectedness of life.

Clare Furniss Webpage

Clare Furniss @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 May 2014
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781471121715
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Rat
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Shadowfell - Book 3

SHADOWFELL:
The Caller by Juliet Marillier

A Land On The Brink, A Girl With A Purpose,

Winning The War Is All That Matters!
  

Alban is a land is turmoil, a land crying out to be healed and there are those who stand ready to hear that call. Humans and Good Folk alike have been preparing for the war that is too come, for the battle that will determine Alban's fate and their own. Word has spread and the people, and Good Folk, are ready for a change. But when the time comes not everyone will fight for a free Alban, as there are some people still willing to fight for the tyrant King, and there are still others, Good Folk among them, who will be forced.

Owen Swift-Sword is one of the King's most trusted men. As an Enforcer Troop Leader and most skilled Enthraller he holds a very influential position at court, privy to all the most intimate dealing in the kingdom. Flint is a man loyal to the rebel cause of Alban and plays a most important role to the resistance based at Shadowfell. But these two lives will collide at the final battle, for no one man can be torn in two for so long without breaking and although he is willing to die for the rebellion, he would gladly give his life to see Neryn safe.

Neryn faces a great challenge; she must use her gift during the battle to save Alban, calling the Good Folk to the rebels' side to fight for freedom. But the greater challenge still is staying alive long enough to see this done. However word of another Caller, one that is powerful enough to draw the Good Folk from her presence is worrying enough, but worse still is the news that this rival Caller is in the service of the King, willingly. With time running short and her training not yet complete, Neryn will be put to test, but even if it were still possible to save the land she loves, she may still lose the man she loves.
  

The Caller unites the elusive and magical Good Folk with the rebels of Shadowfell, all willing to fight and die for Alban's freedom in a final battle that will once and for all decide their fates. Many friends and allies have died along the way and many more will fall before the end, but with so much preparation, heartache and faith placed in the plan, the culminating bloody battle will be one of both hope and heartbreak. A beautifully bitter-sweet ending to an engaging and sincere series. A memorable story filled with rich and enduring characters that will live on in our hearts and minds.
 

Kingdom Of Alban - map

Juliet Marillier Webpage

Juliet Marillier @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 June 2014
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781742612454
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Alban
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Brian Froud's Faerielands Book 2

BRIAN FROUD'S FAERIELANDS:
Something Rich And Strange by Patricia A. McKillip
illustrated by Brian Froud

A Heart Linked To The Sea!

Megan has always been attracted to the sea, spending her days drawing its many faces from its roaring white caped waves to its calming living tidal pools. But now something is different, something had crawled out of the sea and into her life. More and more the sea is encroaching on her life, overtaking all she loves, and if she is not careful she will lose all she loves to the sea.

Jonah's passion is for the past, it lies in the rocks and fossils of the sea that crowd his thoughts and litter his home. But now the sea has offered up a new passion to Jonah, one that he cannot escape from, hard as he might try. For the song of the sea has captured his heart blinding him to all things but her song, and with this song in his heart he is in danger of losing himself to the sea he loves.

Something Rich And Strange has emerged from the sea, bewitching, enthralling, demanding to be heard. But the sea sings not just for love but for salvation for the seas are dying, pollution clogging its heart and killing its soul. A story of love and enchantment, this second book in the Fairyland series is passionately written by an expert storyteller bringing to life the dreamy images of a much loved illustrator.

Patricia A. McKillip Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 01 October 1994
ISBN: 9780553096743
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Siren
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Romeo And Juliet

Romeo And Juliet by Charles and Mary Lamb

illustrated by Brian Froud
      

"That She Must Love Her Enemy"
    

Once in Verona there lived two families who held a great quarrel between them, these were the families Capulet and Montague. Nothing could persuade these families from their hate for each other, a hate they passed on to their children. But as it happened, however, Romeo of the family Montague one night gazed upon the image of Juliet, a Capulet, and the two were at once in love. But with their family's hate against them, this was a love that was fated to end in heartbreak.

Romeo And Juliet, the famous romantic tragedy by William Shakespearean has been here transformed into a story that embodies the essence of this play in both word and spirit. These feuding families are again the cause of so much loss and sorrow, as their children pay the price for the parents' animosity. A story that blends soft romantic imagery with poetic words of an immortal, bringing new life a timeless tale of love and woe.

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 1971
SBN: 851661521
Recommended age: 12+
In a word:
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Tarot

Tarot by Mystic Meg
cards illustrated by Caroline Smith
    

"Prediction Made Easy By The World's Best-Known Fortune Teller"

In the history of just about every culture around the world there have been those who have looked to signs and interpreted their meanings to show them the way. From shooting stars, chicken bones, ogham staves and tarot cards, there has always been those who can see what destiny lies ahead. In times past people would visit oracles, seers, shamans and wise women to consult and advise on matters great and small. Modern times have now allowed that we see for ourselves, read our own destinies and follow our own paths and tarot cards such as these have made that possible.

Tarot is the first tarot/oracle card set I ever owned and is still one I come back to. In this set the traditional names of some of these tarot cards have been updated and changed, for example the names for each suit of the Minor Arcana, Pentacles, Swords, Cups and Staves have been replaced instead with the elements of Earth, Air Water and Fire. There are also a number of other name changes including the Fool card which is here called Beginning and the Death which is now called Changing. All these changes help to bring a deeper clarity to each card, revealing its true meaning and purpose.

(includes 78 Cards + 128p Booklet)
On sale: 24 October 1997
ISBN: 9781858683317
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Tarot
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Fairy Board Books In Case

FAIRY BOARD BOOKS IN CASE:
The Tooth Fairy/The Enchanted Woods/
The Fairies' Party/Fairy Verse
by Shirley Barber
 

"4 Beautiful Books"

The Tooth Fairy
When Tom's baby tooth fell out his sister Holly told him all about the Tooth Fairy who would come to collect it. Unfortunately Tom lost the tooth while playing in the garden. That night the Tooth Fairy arrives to collect the tooth and takes both Tom and Holly on an adventure to Fairyland.
 

The Enchanted Woods
When Sarah Jane stepped into a fairy ring while walking in the forest, the fairies immediately flew her away to Fairyland for a magical adventure. There she met the Fairy King and Queen, she had a wonderful time but all too soon it was over and she was home again.
 

The Fairies' Party
Once again Sarah Jane meets fairies while in the woods, and once again she is taken to Fairyland. This time it is to attend a beautiful party for the fairy prince and princess. After much fun and a magical feast the party comes to a close and Sarah Jane is returned home safe once more.
  

A Book Of Verse
Enter the magical world of fairy; do not stay long for it can be quite scary. What with dragons walking about, but hush now and do not shout. For the fairies are shy when at play, but come along now for it's the end of day.

Fairy Board Books In Case is a collection of four sweet board books by Shirley Barber. The simple stories will delight any little one and with their carry case they are fun to take anywhere.

Shirley Barber Webpage

On sale: 31 August 1996
ISBN: 9780867887648
Recommended age: 3+
In a word: Fairy
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Merle's Kitchen

Merle's Kitchen by Merle Parrish

Home Baked Never Tasted So Good!

At the age of seven Merle Parrish baked a batch of Anzac Biscuits that won her first prize in a state cookery competition. After that it was her patty cakes that won her first prize for cake baking. Since then her skills have only improved, as has her baking repertoire. With everyday ingredients and simple to follow directions, these recipes will allow you to create mouth watering treats at home, including Merel's famous Peach Blossom Cake.

Merle's Kitchen is a collection of Merle's own recipes as well as those that have been handed down to her from both her mother and grandmother. Including recipes for cakes, puddings, slices and scones, each delicious recipe is presented in full colour with notes scattered throughout. A wonderful collection that will satisfy all your baking needs, whether you're looking for treats for the kids, impressive deserts or something sweet for yourself, you're sure to find something to please.

Merle Parish @ Random House

On sale: 01 March 2012
Price (AU): $39.99
ISBN: 9781742754857
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Home Recipes
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands

The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands

by Margaret Mahy

illustrated by Brian Froud
  

"Witches Live There!"
    

Penelope and Bridget are sisters who have just been given their very own railway engine by a rich relative. A railway engine that they drive everyday around the town being followed by a procession of barking boys and yelling dogs. When one day the Hairy Brigands come down from the hill to cause mischief, the railway engine saves the day.

The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands is a quirky story of two little girls, a railway engine and a gang of Hairy Brigands who live high in the rainy hills above town. This imaginatively witty story coupled with its adorably gritty images is a classic childhood favourite, that is if you can find yourself a copy of this charming out of print book.

Margaret Mahy Webpage

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 01 May 1973
ISBN: 9780460058605
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Railway Engine
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Looking For JJ

Looking For JJ by Anne Cassidy

How To Live With What's Been Done!

Jennifer Jones, JJ, killed a ten year old girl and was locked away for her crime. That was six years ago, now the name JJ is once again headline news due to her release from prison. Although detention centre may be a more accurate description then prison, as you can hardly send a ten year old to prison, even for murder.

Now sixteen, JJ has a new name and a new life, with a chance to start fresh from her past actions. There are those who believe she should never be released, sometimes she even believes that herself. But only she knows the true reasons for her actions that day, and only she can decide if she deserves a second chance.

Looking For JJ is a fascinating story of a child murderer, of a girl searching for identity, of a haunting and terrible past. Neglected, ignored and starved for affection, this is a sad and tragic tale told incredibly with compassion and realism through the eyes of a killer, the memories of a ten year old, the hope of a sixteen year old.

Anne Cassidy Webpage

Anne Cassidy @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 August 2013
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781407138091
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: JJ
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Lady Cottington Pressed Fairy Letters

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Letters
by Brian Froud and Ari Berk

"Book Of Fairy Letters Found!"

Angelica Cottington's fairy pressing exploits have become widely known thanks to the work of the newly established Cottington Archive. But what is not so widely known is that throughout her life, Angelica conducted numerous correspondences on the subject, that is if this newly acquired and highly suspicious scrapbook of letters is to be believed. But believe it I do and when reading through these letters one thing becomes abundantly clear, Angelica is searching for more than just conformation that these pesky fairies exist outside of her imagination, she is searching for the truth, but one she may not yet be ready to hear.

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Letters have been lovingly reproduced and reprinted, pressed fairies and all, despite their unauthenticated and questionable origins. Who can say for sure if Annie Oakley, J. M. Barrie, Carl Jung or Queen Victoria herself did not actually write these letters to Angelica Cottington? A handwriting expert could perhaps, but thankfully none were ever allowed near this unique collection. Although it is evident the fairies themselves have had their influence stamped and squashed all over this scrapbook, these letters are a fascinating and at times illegible read into the most intriguing and elusive character of Lady Cottington.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 01 September 2005
Price (AU): $39.95
ISBN: 9781862057081
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Letters
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Goblins!

Goblins! by Brian Froud & Ari Berk

"A Survival Guide And Fiasco In Four Parts"

Using a camera illegally borrowed from the basement of the Cottington Archive, Brian Froud did something remarkable. He slightly altered the valuable artefact for the purposes of photographing dairymaids in a dimly lit barn. When no dairymaids were available he took a photo regardless and inadvertently captured a blurry and obscure image. With his second photo he discovered that this indecipherable image was in reality a goblin.

Here enters Ari Berk and the Codex Goblinensis, an ancient goblin text part historical document, part phone book, part fish sandwich. With this codex and the goblin Gargle, whom these two noble and inquisitive fools have trapped in the downstairs toilet, the study and analysis of these irksome and troublemaking creatures and their disgusting and chaotic kingdom has now been made possible. However there will be consequences for this terrible knowledge.

Goblins! A nonsensical and inconsequential study into the Goblin World, containing photographs taken by Brian Froud, sketches drawn in a frenzied haste, and notes put together by Ari Berk from the Goblin Codex itself. Beware, letting these pesky little creatures into your home will only bring you trouble. A quirky and dangerous book that will either have you laughing at these creatures eccentric antics or curled up in fear at their terrorising ways.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud
Got Goblins

On sale: 21 October 2004
ISBN: 9781862056848
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Goblins
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

The Colours Of Madeleine #2

THE COLOURS OF MADELEINE:
The Cracks In The Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty

Falling Through The Cracks!

The boy in the kingdom has a new mission. For almost a year this boy has been searching the kingdom to find his missing father, but now all that must wait. The kingdoms princess has asked for his help in locating the missing royal family, the same royal family that everyone believes is not missing, and he must go about this new mission in complete secrecy as it is believed the missing royals have been taken through the cracks into the world. The very world it is against the law to contact, the very world the boy has been writing letters to.

The girl in the world has decided that she will help the boy in the kingdom, despite the chance he may not be real, because really she has nothing better to do. But the world is a big place and even if these royals from the kingdom existed, where in the wide world would she ever find them? If by some chance a girl in the world could locate these amnesiac royals from the kingdom, she would have to find a way to convince them of who they are, of where they belong. But even if that were possible, how would she get them through a crack no bigger than a letter and back to their kingdom?

The Cracks In The Kingdom allow contact to the world. A corner of white will have unforeseen consequences for a boy in the kingdom due to illegal acts. A corner of white will bring unintended circumstances to a girl in the world due to continued belief. Both will experience setbacks and both will find strength in friendships, and together they may just find their way through the cracks. This, the second bright and adventurous story in this series, is as charismatic and colourful as the first, drawing you ever deeper into the lives of these warn and intricate characters.

Jaclyn Moriarty Webpage

Jaclyn Moriarty @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 March 2014
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781742612874
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Cracks
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Stung Book 1

STUNG:
Stung by Bethany Wiggins

Marked As A Monster, But Seemingly Unchanged!

Fiona has awoken in a place that is instantly recognizable to her, but into a world that she has never known before and in a body that she has never seen before. Her last memory is of a thirteen year old self, but now she wakes to see an almost grown woman reflected back to her in the mirror. Years have passed and Fiona has no idea what has happened to her during that time, nor what happened to the desolate world she has awoken to. But more worrying is what has happened to her twin brother, that he has changed so much, now more monster than human and focused on her demise.

The world has fallen apart and it is all because of the bees. The bees were dying and with them the crops that they pollinated, the animals that relied on those crops, and the humans who also began to starve. To save them all scientists created new bees, genetically modified bees whose stings were deadly, unfortunately to humans too. A cure to the bees was produced but with drastic side effects, those who didn't die changed. Those unaffected built a safe haven, a walled sanctuary, while monsters roamed the ruins of the city, and Fiona has awoken on the wrong side of the wall.

Stung brings the bee flu virus to the word, devastating all life and changing the world as we know it. A hard and unfamiliar world of violence and death but one where hope may yet survive and love may still blossom. Outside the wall everyone, everything is a killer, within the wall it is not much safer. As one girl fights for her survival she carries with her more than just determination and strength, she carries hope and a cure. An intriguing start to this first novel filled with the stench of sewers, the blood of violence and the expectation of romance.

Bethany Wiggins Webpage
Bethany Wiggins @ Bloomsbury Australia

On sale: 01 July 2013
Price (AU): $15.99
ISBN: 9781408840665
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Bees
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
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4 Ingredients: 2

4 INGREDIENTS:
4 Ingredients 2 by Kim McCosker & Rachael Bermingham

"Over 400 Fast, Fabulous &
Flavoursome Recipes using
4 or fewer Ingredients"

Whether you are an experienced cook, amateur baker or full time home maker, there will be something among these simple and fast recipes to satisfy your hunger. As the title states all recipes use no more than 4 ingredients that can found in just about everyone's home pantry. So with a little time and very few ingredients you too can create culinary delights for you and your loved ones.

4 Ingredients 2 is overflowing with some of the easiest recipes you can find, providing delicious ideas for everyday meals, special occasions, kids parties or personal pleasure. These Includes recipes for salads, chicken, soups, cakes, smoothies and chocolates. A diverse collection of recipes that will be an asset to any kitchen, making this a perfect collection not only for individuals and parents but also for students and professionals alike.

4 Ingredients Webpage
4 Ingredients @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 March 2010
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9780646491790
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Recipes
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Sleeping Beauty

The Sleeping Beauty by C S Evans

Sweet Dreams Briar-Rose!
   

The tale of the sleeping princess awoken by her handsome prince is a well known one. The precious child long sought after by a prosperous King and Queen is finally delivered to the great joy and delight of the kingdom. However disaster strikes when an offended fairy, not invited to the christening through her own reclusiveness that caused others to forget her existence, proceeds to curse the child to death on her fifteenth birthday. Luckily another fairy was able to alter the curse so that not death but sleep would befall the princess. And so a hundred years later the sleeping princess was awoken by her prince and they all lived happily ever after.

The Sleeping Beauty is a classic story for so many reasons; it is a tale of caution, to not offend powerful fairies or go wandering into locked towers. But more than this it demonstrates that you cannot run from your fears but must face the inevitable, come what may. A story that speaks to the romantic in all of us, that true love is worth waiting for, even if it takes a hundred years. Ultimately, though, it is about the curse of ignorance and the power of knowledge, for if someone had thought to tell the poor girl of her curse she might not have been so keen to use a spinning wheel. A much beloved classic here retold that should be reread.
  

On sale: 02 November 1993
ISBN: 9780679428145
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Sleeping Beauty
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Twin's Daughter

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

But Which Sister Is Which?

Part I. In which an aunt is introduced. It was quite a shock for Lucy to see her mother on the doorstep, dressed so poorly. It was quite another shock to learn that this was not her mother at all but a sister, a twin, which no one had ever known existed. What could they do but invite her in, accept her as one of the family, and once living among them educate her in the ways of the upper-class.

Part II. In which a new friend is made. Lucy is not accustomed to other young people in her life, being an only child and almost always surrounded by adults. But meeting her new neighbours and their son Christopher, or Kit as he is known, has given her the opportunity for friendship. Something that she is very much thankful for after the tragic incident on New Year's Day, the murder of a twin.

Part III. In which love is declared. It is only after Kit has left to take up his commission and serve in Africa, do Lucy and Kit declare their love for each other, both knowing that there is every possibility that Kit may not return alive. It is also a time of great changes in Lucy's home life, ever since the murder her father has been changed, over eating, drinking more, taken up smoking, it is little wonder at the consequences of these actions.

Part IV. In which the truth is finally revealed. Lucy, convinced that she knows the identity of the surviving twin, has come to terms with the events of that horrific New Year's Day, where she stumbled upon the bloody scene of the twins, one dead, one alive. However after a slip of the tongue, Lucy must admit she is no longer sure and so takes drastic action to uncover once and for all the events of that tragic News Year's Day and learn which twin survived.

The Twin's Daughter has her world shaken upside down when she can no longer recognise her own mother from her identical aunt. Lucy's sheltered childhood, with only her mother for a friend, and wealthy upbringing has done little to educate her in the ways of the world, her knowledge of such things coming only from books. A story of jealousy that slowly builds into a murderous mystery, culminating in a dark, twisted ending in which happiness is found.

Lauren Baratz-Logsted @ Bloomsbury Australia

On sale: 01 February 2014
Price (AU): $12.99
ISBN: 9781599906614
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Twins
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Flavia And The Dream Maker

Flavia And The Dream Maker
written & illustrated Flavia Weedn

"She Liked Thinking That"

Flavia is a girl with many secret dreams, dreams that she fears will never come true. With the moon as her only confidant, she spills her secrets under the stars never knowing that her dreams are within her reach if only she has the courage to believe. With a handful of stars and her uncle Jack, the Dream Maker, by her side she discovers there is beauty and hope in a paper star and that she is special, just the way she is.

Flavia And The Dream Maker is a true account of Flavia Weedn's childhood memories growing up in a little home filled with family, songs and love. Flavia's insecurities and inability to accept her life cause her great sadness. But it is only when she learns to love herself and believe in her dreams that she finds true happiness. With images as dreamlike and charming as the story itself, this is certainly a book to be treasured.

Flavia Weedn Webpage

On sale: 01 November 1988
ISBN: 9780929632001
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Flavia
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Good Faeries/Bad Faeries

Good Faeries/Bad Faeries by Brian Froud

Seeing The Good In The Bad/Seeing The Bad In The Good!

Good faeries bring us inspiration, they are bright and beautiful and helpful by nature. They influence our lives in numerous positive ways bestowing gifts on those brave enough to believe. Seeing into our hearts, they are always there to protect and heal.

Bad faeries are bringers of misfortune, they are dark and mysterious and mischievous by nature. They often bring bad luck into our lives, bestowing curses on those foolish enough to cross their paths. Preying on our vulnerabilities, they are to blame for sickness and madness.

Good Faeries/Bad Faeries all have more in common then you might believe. A pixie blessing may have unintended consequences and a bogle curse may bring unexpected gifts. A beautiful and insightful look into the light and dark side of these elusive and magical beings that are as complex and individual as you or I.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 26 October 2000
ISBN: 9781862053021
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Good/Bad
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

"Let Them Eat Cake... And Die!"

The most important thing in Colette's life is her social standing, something that depends directly on her family's wealth and her friendship with Hannah, the most popular girl at her expensive school. But now her life is being turned upside down by her parents divorce, no longer will she live in the big house surrounded by expensive things, now she is forced into a small apartment with her poor mother and annoying brother. How could her life get any worse?

The one good thing in Colette's life right now is her school trip to Paris, with its promise of romance and high fashion this will be best trip of her life, so long as she can hid the fact that she, and her family, are no longer wealthy. A task that proves harder then she anticipated due to her visions of a woman in a powdered wig and elaborate ball gown, a woman who seems to be at the heart of a recent serial killing spree, and it looks as though Colette may be her next victim.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer brings to life a Queen from the past, out for revenge on the descendants of those who have wronged her. A story of a superficial girl, history, romance and death set in the heart of France. Colette is a girl as self centred and materialistic as her so called friend Hannah, and although there is a cute French boy to show her the way, it will take a serial killer for her to appreciate the finer things in life. A book that becomes more involving with each chapter read.

Katie Alender Webpage

Katie Alender @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 January 2014
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780545468091
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Serial Killer
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Splintered Book Two

SPLINTERED:
Unhinged by A. G. Howard

A Queen In A World Of Chaos!
   

A year ago Alyssa plunged down the rabbit hole in the hopes of saving her mother, a year ago she and Jeb faced the wildness of Wonderland together, a year ago she was human, or so she thought. A lot can change in a year. The Red Queen was defeated, her mother was declared sane and returned home, Alyssa was crowned Queen and Jeb lost all memories of his time in Wonderland.

Despite her royal position Alyssa returned to the human world, leaving Wonderland behind. But now Wonderland is in turmoil, events from a year ago have set in motion Wonderlands downfall and as queen only Alyssa can fix the problems she caused in her quest for the crown. Only it is not just Wonderland that is in danger but the humans she loves, and to save then all she will have to face her greatest fear.

Unhinged pushes Alyssa to the edge of sanity and into the chaos that only a netherling of Wonderland could enjoy. But there is real danger when Wonderland begins to invade the human world putting the lives of all at risk, and the only hope of survival lies within insanity and a train ride down memory lane. A twisted and dramatic story that ends with the promises of adventure to come.

A. G. Howard - Webpage

A. G. Howard @ Thames & Hudson

A. G. Howard @ Abrams Books

Unravel The Mysteries Of Unhinged

On sale: 01 January 2014
Price (AU): $15.95
ISBN: 9781419710476
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Wonderland
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Splintered Book One.Five

SPLINTERED:
The Moth In The Mirror by A. G. Howard

Seeing The World Through The Eyes Of Another!
   

When Alyssa and Jeb journeyed into Wonderland, it was obvious that this pair shared a special bond. How else could they have endured the dangers and tests thrown their way, only to survive at the other end? Though they did not escape unscathed. Alyssa has discovered her netherling side and is now a Queen in that chaotic world, and Jeb, he has lost his memories of his time in wonderland. But lost memories can be found if you know where to look.

The Moth In The Mirror is no longer recognisable to himself, so to gain what he most desires, to find peace again, Morpheus will to fight to win his love. But his love Alyssa has given her heart to the mortal Jeb, and he cannot understand why. So to find out what this mortal holds over his love, to destroy his rival for her affections he will become Jeb. In this short novella Morpheus swims through Jeb's missing memories from moments in Splintered that have only now been revealed.

A. G. Howard - Webpage

A. G. Howard @ Thames & Hudson

A. G. Howard @ Abrams Books

On sale: 22 October 2013
Price (AU): $0.99 ebook
ISBN: 9781613126585
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Morpheus
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
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Master Snickup's Cloak

Master Snickup's Cloak by Alexander Theroux

illustrated by Brian Froud
  

"One Morning It Was The..."
    

Master Snickup was an orphan who at a young age fell in love. The object of his love was a girl he grew up with in the orphanage, a girl who grew into great loveliness. It was she was gave Master Snickup his blue cloak, she who promised to be his bride, she who choose to be with another for wealth and broke Master Snickup's heart, starting a chain of events both desperate and disastrous.

Master Snickup's Cloak was a gift, a symbol of love and fidelity, a promise for the future. But all too soon that promise was broken in the face of obsession and greed. The result of this is a story of heartbreak, sorrow, deprivation, and the Black Death. This medieval fairytale with its artistically wryly and complementary images is darkly charming but not recommended for children.

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 1979
ISBN: 9780905895437
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Black Death
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Splintered Book One

SPLINTERED:
Splintered by A. G. Howard

What If Wonderland Were Real?
   

Alyssa has always hated the story of Alice In Wonderland, not because of its confounded whimsy and ridiculous fantasy, but because of Alice herself. The story of her great great great grandmother's adventures down a rabbit hole is more than just a fairytale; it is a curse to every female born after her.

All the women in Alyssa's family have been a little crazy; her own mother is in an institution for refusing to eat anything not served in a tea cup, and for having conversations with flowers and insects. But more worrying is that Alyssa is also able to hear the insects speak. So if she is to save her mother and break the curse on her family, she will have to venture down the rabbit hole.

Splintered returns to Wonderland, only not as you may have imagined it. A dangerous place, darker and more chaotic then anyone was ever led to believe. This twisted wonderland is Alyssa's only hope to break a family curse and save her mother from a torturous fate. A fanciful story that turns a much loved fairytale classic onto its head, creating something new, crazy and romantic.

A. G. Howard - Webpage

A. G. Howard @ Thames & Hudson

A. G. Howard @ Abrams Books

Unlock The Secrets To Splintered

On sale: 01 November 2012
Price (AU): $23.95
ISBN: 9781419706271
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Alice
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: probably
Star rating: three out of five
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