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
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