The Land Of Froud

The Land Of Froud by Brian Froud
   

"World Of Faerie"
   

Even as a child Brian Froud has held an affinity with nature and the land. His imaginings transforming the trees, rivers and stones into being of mystery and magic, manifesting the land into a world of faeries. Each image is a door into a land all its own, each with its own story to tell and each a glimpse into the possibilities of worlds yet to be created, of stories yet to be told.

The Land Of Froud is an enchanting journey into the imagination of a talented artist who has inspired and delight many throughout the years. Drawing influences from other artists, stories and legends and from the land itself, Brian Froud has evolved from a simple illustrator of other peoples stories into an artist whose pictures really do tell a thousand words. A book any Froud fan will treasure.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: September 1977
ISBN: 9780553010558
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Froud
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five

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Discworld - Nanny Ogg's Cookbook

DISCWORLD:
Nanny Ogg's Cookbook by Terry Pratchett,
Stephen Briggs, Tina Hannan
illustrated by Paul Kidby

Deliciously Gross, Disgustingly Tasty!

After years of people seeking out her recipes, advice and wisdom, Nanny Ogg has decided to write down much of what she knows, and if others are interested then all the better. Who else would be able to impart the secrets of Nanny Ogg's Perfectly Innocent Porridge with Completely Inoffensive Honey Mixture Which Shouldn't Make Anyone's Wife Laugh, which turns out to be honey. Or who else would you ask to ensure the proper etiquette of a wedding, the answer being plenty of strong drink for a fight to break out at.

Nanny Ogg's Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes both disgusting and strange; it is a manual for those times in life where the social rules may elude you. How else would you know who to sit where at your dinner party and what food to avoid with certain guests. It is highly recommended that you not actually try any of these recipes, for while technically edible the taste maybe highly questionable. An amusing and witty collection of recipes and advice on etiquette that is fit only for the Discworld and the odd witch.

Terry Pratchet Webpage

Terry Pratchet @ Random House

On sale: 02 November 2001
Price (AU): $27.99
ISBN:9780552146739
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Nanny Ogg
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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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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Into The Mists Trilogy #1

INTO THE MISTS TRILOGY:
Into The Mists by Serene Conneeley

'A Novel'

Every morning Carlie wakes to the same hellish realisation, her parents are dead and it is all her fault. With no family left to take her in, Carlie is sent halfway round the world to live with a grandmother she never knew existed. How terrible must her grandmother be if her mother ran away from her and never spoke to her or of her ever again?

Carlie may not understand her grandmother, or why her mother left her childhood home never to return, but she does understand grief and loneliness. Living with guilt is horrible enough, living with a stranger in a foreign land is even worse. But then something happens, out of the mist Carlie begins to uncover her mother's past and discovers a way to heal.

Into The Mists, on a moon lit night, Carlie will step through the past, glimpsing a life that could have been but for miscommunication, before re-emerging into a life filled with forgiveness and magic. This is a novel of healing, acceptance and the courage to continue after those we love have moved on. A story filled with love, loss, lyrics, and the tenderness of hope.

Serene Conneeley Webpage

On sale: 24 May 2013
Price (AU): $19.95
ISBN: 9780987050588
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Carly
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Shadowfell - Book 2

SHADOWFELL:
Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

A Land Divided, A Girl With A Calling,

Leading A Rebellion Requires Great Sacrifices!
  

For too long Alban has been a land in turmoil, its people suppressed, the Good Folk shunned. The King has turned on his land and installed fear into his people but now the people are ready to fight back. The rebels of Shadowfell are preparing for a war against the King, a war to bring peace back to the land, a war to save them all and Neryn is the key to winning the war.

As a caller Neryn has the ability to call the other folk forth, without whose help there would be no war. But before she is able to call them to war she must first learn to master her gift. Neryn must travel the four corners of the kingdom in order to find the Guardians and learn from them the secrets of harnessing her power, but it is not an easy road to tread, and as a valuable asset to the resistance, she will not be travelling alone.

Tali, a skilled fighter and fierce loyalist to Alban and the rebellion, is not the easiest person to get along with at the best of times, so having to accompany Neryn on a dangerous journey across the country will bring rising tensions and new found respect. But while everyone is busy fighting and sacrificing for the resistance, Tali is frustrated to see that Neryn is distracted from her quest by Flint.

Raven Flight across a turmoil landscape, a call to the past, a hope for the future. A journey of trials and hardships, of friendships and love, this is a quest to save a land that is crying out to be healed. A beautiful tale that continues Neryn's quest to save her homeland from the hands of a tyrant. A story that is as moving as it is magical.

Kingdom Of Alban - map

Juliet Marillier Webpage

Juliet Marillier @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 July 2013
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781742612249
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Caller
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Secrets of Carrick Book 3

SECRETS OF CARRICK:
Tantony by Ananda Braxton-Smith

The Truth Will Set You Free!

When Mam told her stories of danger and warnings to Mally and her siblings, Mally was the only one to really listen, the only one to take those warnings to heart. While her sibs spent their time in blissful ignorance, Mally saw only danger everywhere. Mally knew she was right to be afraid, but with so much to fear Mally cannot understand her brothers and sisters fearlessness, and while she loved them she hated their carefree ways.

Doyln Craig is a bully, violent and frightening, Mally goes out of her way to stay out of his. But lately, for some reason he is seeking her out, wanting something from her. All Mally wants is to left alone, to feel safe, but soon she is pulled into a journey across Carrick to mend a broken boy, heal a hare woman and finally discover her inner courage that will finally set her free and find her peace and acceptance.

Ghostheart uncovers a hidden tragedy, brings closure to loved ones and mends broken ties all through the courage of one frightened, fearful girl. Mally's fears have kept her isolated and alone, but when forced to confront the frightening, forced away from all that she holds safe, she will find she is not as alone as she had believed, not as powerless as she had felt. A beautifully written tale that will capture your heart and feed your imagination.

Ananda Braxton-Smith @ Walker Books

On sale: 01 May 2013
Price (AU): $18.95
ISBN: 9781742032184
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Witch-Webster
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Wardstone Chronicles Book6

THE WARDSTONE CHRONICLES:
The SPOOK'S Sacrifice by Joseph Delaney

A Sacrifice For The Greater Good!
  

Despite Alice's training as a witch, she is Thomas Ward's friend. So even after Alice had been banished by the Spook and had returned to Pendle, Tom missed her. The Spook however would no longer tolerate Alice and her connection to the dark, his greatest fear was that Tom would be turned to the dark, therefore giving the Fiend unspeakable power. But not even the Spook can stop the dark from reaching his own home.

Tom's Mam has returned to the County seeking help in her homeland of Greece. After having enlisted the aid of the Pendle witches, Alice among them, Mam seeks out the help of the Spook, Bill Arkwright and her son Tom, who would never refuse his Mam. Although Bill Arkwright also agrees to accompany Mam and the witches to Greece to fight this great evil, the Spook refuses to sacrifice his principles by working with the enemy.

The Spook’s Sacrifice takes Tom to Greece, where lives will be lost, secrets revealed and the dark makes a powerful win. But as Tom is tempted ever closer to the dark through secrets and lies, and even after the greatest battle against the dark has been fought, there will be a terrible price to pay, and Tom will make the biggest sacrifice of all. The dark has never been more frightening in this, the most thrilling tale in the series yet.

Joseph Delaney Webpage

Joseph Delaney @ Random House

THE SPOOK'S

On sale: 02 August 2010
Price (AU): $17.95
ISBN: 9781862303522
Recommended age: 12-16
In a word: Greece
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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