All posts by Karen Seligman

About Karen Seligman

Karen Seligman is a librarian working in public libraries. As a lifelong booklover, she loves having access to a library’s worth of books! As a librarian, an important (and fun) part of her work is about connecting people to new ideas and new books. Karen is a literary magpie who can't settle on a single favourite genre – she loves narrative nonfiction, historical fantasies and food writing.

Celebrated Australian books that inspire and enthral

Uncategorized, , ,

Today is Australia Day, so I am showcasing a number of popular and highly-regarded Australian authors.  I have continued the “inspirational” theme that Team Booko has adopted during January – not only are these books interesting and entertaining, some of them are inspirational too, with authors such has Stephanie Alexander, Dr Anita Heiss and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki literally changing lives through their advocacy work.

Kitchen Garden Cooking with Kids (Second Edition) by Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander is a renowned chef; however, her greatest contribution to Australia may be her Kitchen Garden Program.  From its beginnings in one inner-suburban school, Stephanie’s dedication has inspired hundreds of kitchen gardens to be set up in schools across Australia, teaching children about gardening, cooking and healthy eating.  Jamie Oliver, another crusader for healthy eating, is a big fan of this work.  Kitchen Garden Cooking with Kids is both a guide to planning and setting up your own school kitchen garden, as well as a collection of 120 favourite recipes from the program.  These recipes introduce a variety of cooking styles, flavours and ingredients, and are designed specifically for use by children.

True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

An internationally-recognised Australian author channels an iconic Australian character.  The result is surprising and compulsively readable.  True History of the Kelly Gang purports to be Ned Kelly’s autobiography – from his childhood to his last siege at Glenrowan.  Inspired by Ned Kelly’s own writing – the remarkable Jerilderie Letter – Peter Carey has given Ned a vivid voice that is candid, defiant, sensitive and intelligent.  This version of the Ned Kelly story invites us to see his actions as the consequence of the poverty and bigotry faced by the (Irish Catholic) poor in colonial Australia.   Winner of the Booker Prize and Commonwealth Writers Prize, this new edition features a distinctive cover by Michael Leunig, making it a triple-treat of Australianness.

My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

My Brilliant Career – both the original novel and its 1979 film adaptation – are important to Australian cultural history.  Published in 1901, this story of a sassy, headstrong girl who relinquished romance and marriage for a writing career, was ground-breaking for its strong feminist message and its distinctive Australianess; its success became all the more sensational when “Miles Franklin” was revealed to be young and female.  The film version (1979) introduced the novel to a new generation – when its feminist message resonated strongly with the concerns of the day; it also alerted us to the emerging talents of director Gillian Armstrong, and actors Judy Davis and Sam Neill – all of whom have gone on to have truly Brilliant Careers.  Last but not least, Miles Franklin became a lifelong supporter and promoter of Australian literature – culminating in her endowment of the Miles Franklin award, now the most prestigious literary prize in Australia.

Am I Black Enough for You? by Anita Heiss

Anita Heiss is an author, academic, activist and social commentator who explores and explains contemporary Aboriginal life in Australia.  Am I Black Enough for You? is her very personal memoir; it is also the starting point for questioning what it means to be Aboriginal in modern Australia.  As a self-described “urban-based high achieving Aboriginal woman” with an Austrian father, Anita Heiss realises that she is not the sort of Aboriginal person that many would expect or want her to be.  So what constitutes “black enough”, and why should it matter?  Told in a feisty, wry voice, Am I Black Enough for You? is a Winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards.

Dr Karl’s Short Back and Science by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Adam Spencer’s World of Numbers by Adam Spencer

Australia’s favourite science communicators are back with new books!  Dr Karl and Adam Spencer have been entertaining and educating us with amazing and provoking facts, across just about any media you can think of – live shows, TV, radio, books and Internet.  Not only are they very witty, but they know their stuff! (Dr Karl is a qualified doctor/ physicist/ biomedical engineer, while Adam is a trained mathematician.)  In Dr Karl’s Short Back and Science, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki shares his sense of wonder about cutting-edge science, ponders over conundrums such as “what do clouds weigh?” and investigates the hype around coconut oil and paleo diets – all wrapped up in his inimitable storytelling.

While Adam Spencer’s World of Numbers is jam-packed with cool number facts from every area of knowledge imaginable – not just maths and the sciences, but also from geography, history, games, poetry, even sport (and chocolate as well). Even the page numbers are used to illustrate fun facts!

Growing Up Asian in Australia, edited by Alice Pung
Coming of Age: Growing up Muslim in Australia, edited by Demet Divaroren and Amra Pajalic

Growing Up Asian in Australia and Coming of Age: Growing Up Muslim in Australia deliver exactly as promised – personal stories about growing up as Asian-Australians and Muslim-Australians.  Growing Up Asian in Australia is edited by Alice Pung (herself an increasingly-prominent writer on Asian-Australian experiences), with contributions from people across generations and occupations.  Big names include John So (former Lord Mayor of Melbourne), Benjamin Law (author of The Family Law) and Kylie Kwong (chef).  As a fellow Asian-Australian, I found these stories tragicomic and joyously (but sometimes painfully) familiar.  Coming of Age: Growing Up Muslim in Australia offers twelve stories that reflect on gender, body image, romance, faith and families; again the contributors span a range of ages and occupations, and include Randa Abdel-Fattah (YA author) and Tanveer Ahmed (psychiatrist).  Both these titles show that, regardless of your skin colour (or the contents of your lunchbox), we share many similar feelings growing up – including the desire to fit in, to be considered more than a stereotype, and to be loved and accepted for who we are.

Island Home by Tim Winton

Tim Winton is best known for his novels – titles such as Cloudstreet and Dirt Music appear regularly in “Best of” lists.  However, his latest book shows that his non-fiction is just as evocative and beguiling.  Island Home is a meditation on how the Australian landscape has shaped his ideas, his writing and his life. Tim Winton paints various landscapes – coast, sea, scrub – with loving words; his epiphany about the depth of his connection to the Australian environment came when he failed to connect similarly to landscapes abroad.  He further suggests that the Australian landscape shapes the psyche of her people, more so than they realise.  Island Home also offers fascinating insights into his writer’s craft.

Back to school: books that smooth the transition

Blog, Children, Young Adult, , , ,

As January hurtles along, many families will be preparing for a big milestone – the First Day of School.  To help both kids and parents prepare for this exciting event, we present our favourite books on starting school.  The big kids have not been forgotten – we have included books on starting secondary school, because we understand that this is a big challenge too.  Hopefully this list will also help any families starting school later in the year!

For Young Kids

Many picture books talk about starting school.  A good place to start may be your child’s favourite book or TV character – many of them, including Hugless Douglas, Maisy, Charlie and Lola and Peppa Pig, offer stories about starting preschool / kindergarten / primary school.  Other great stories (and conversation starters) include:

Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

This gentle and sympathetic book follows five children – Tim, Hannah, Sunita, Joe, and Polly – on their first day of school.  The children have different personalities and experience the day differently.  The story is engaging and also informative, since it highlights the many predictable events of orientation, such as finding your way around, getting to know people, and learning new routines.  From the team that bring us the equally gorgeous and popular All Through the Year (about the months of the year) and Today We Have No Plans  (about the days of the week).

Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by Herman Parish and Lynne Avril

This is a good introduction to the Amelia Bedelia series, which can grow with your child through their primary years – the series range from picture books to early readers and chapter books.  Amelia Bedelia is a very literal-minded girl who gets confused by common sayings.  Her misunderstandings land her in many funny situations!  Here, Amelia Bedelia learns to enjoy her first day at school despite feeling nervous and having a very eventful time.

 

First Day by Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley

First Day gives “first day nerves” a little twist when it’s the parent, not the child, who is feeling them!  This is a joyous, affectionate look at the excitement of getting ready for school on The First Day.  The excitement may be tempered by a little sadness, but that’s okay, because “the best bit about waving goodbye is the next wave will be hello”.  Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley is a great team who is adept at capturing the moods and behaviours of young children.

The Terrible Suitcase by Emma Allen and Freya Blackwood

The combination of Freya Blackwood’s illustrations and a grumpy main character made me smile and smile as I read The Terrible Suitcase.  The little girl longs for a red backpack with yellow rockets to take to her first day of school, but all she has is a Terrible Suitcase. She feels so mad that she hides in a big cardboard box in her classroom.  Luckily, friendliness and imagination turns this terrible day into something magical. I love how real the characters seem, and how inventive this story is.

For Parents

Ready, Set, Go? How to Tell if your Child’s Ready for School and Prepare them for the Best Start by Kathy Walker

Deciding when to send your child to school can be daunting, particularly when present-day ideas about “school readiness” focus on emotional and social maturity (which can be hard to recognise), rather than the more clear-cut criteria of age or intellectual development.  Kathy Walker, a leading parenting and education expert, is here to help you with this guide.  Based on her experiences working with families and educators, Kathy explains what school readiness means and how to assess it; she also describes how schools work, and gives advice on how to choose a school that suits a child and their families. Finally there are tips on preparing children for school, both in the lead-up and in the early weeks of term.  Readable and highly informative.

High School Rocks: Make Starting High School an Awesome Experience by Jenny Atkinson

Jenny Atkinson is a former teacher who now specialises in helping students, parents and staff achieve a confident, happy transition to high school.   Based on survey feedback from over 1600 students, High School Rocks addresses the challenges that concern students the most – including friendships, independence, time-management and bullying.  A mix of tips, stories and advice will help families develop their own coping strategies, and improve resilience.  High School Rocks is currently available only from the Kindle Store  or the author’s website.

For Big Kids

Many stories aimed at upper-primary or early teen readers explore themes of dealing with change, loneliness and understanding oneself, issues also relevant to the transition to secondary school.  Some novels that specifically mention school transition include:

New Boy by Nick Earls

Herschelle and his family have just moved from South Africa to Australia, and despite his careful study of Aussie slang, he is struggling to fit in.  At school, he is lumped in with the nerds, though he was one of the cool kids back in Cape Town.  Nobody understands his accent or his Aussie-isms, and both he and his family make gaffes because they are confounded by local customs.  Things come to a head when Herschelle is picked on for being different.  New Boy has great messages about diversity, racism and bullying – especially because it offers the interesting twist of having a bullying-victim who is white.  This is Nick Earls’ first book for younger readers, after a string of successes for teens and adults.

Pea’s Book of Best Friends by Susie Day

Life changes for Pea and her sisters when their ditzy mum becomes a successful author.  Her new glamorous image means they have to relocate from a ramshackle flat in Wales to a house in London.  Pea is excited about London’s various attractions – and even likes her new school uniform, “in a masochistic Malory Towers sort of way” – but she really misses having a best friend.  Catastrophes ensue as Pea hunts for a new best friend while her sisters plot to return to their former lives.  Pea’s Book of Best Friends is a fun read with likeable, quirky characters.  The first in an ongoing series.

 

How to be Happy: a Memoir of Love, Sex and Teenage Confusion by David Burton

For mature readers, or with adult guidance – How to be Happy is an award-winning memoir that has been variously praised as hilarious, heartbreaking, and important.  It follows David’s life as he enters high school, through his attempts to fit in both at home and at school, and into his early twenties.  How to Be Happy tackles many confronting topics – including depression, friendship, sexual identity, suicide, love and academic pressure – with sincerity and honesty.  It is ultimately uplifting as David realises that life can be okay even when it is not happy 100% of the time.

Author spotlight: Stephen R. Covey and how to adopt great habits

Personal development, Uncategorized,

Stephen R. Covey may not be a household name but his book certainly is – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  This influential work has sold over 25 million copies in 40 languages, and, 25 years on, is still popular and respected.  During this time, Stephen R. Covey has met and shared his insights with over 50 Heads of State, including Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Michail Gorbachev.  The idea of “7 Habits” has even inspired parodies and entered the vernacular.

The 7 habits that Stephen R. Covey highlights are traits that he believes will improve a person’s behaviour and character ethics – and form the basis of their personal and professional success.  They include:

  • Be proactive
  • Begin with the end in mind
  • Put first things first
  • Think “win-win”
  • Seek first to understand, then to be understood
  • Synergise
  • Sharpen the saw (i.e. undergo frequent self-renewal)

What makes Stephen R. Covey’s ideas fresh and challenging is that they bridge management strategies and self help – he argues that the success of organisations depends on the behaviour of individual workers.  Interestingly, this concept is not new – he acknowledges that he draws inspiration from historical “success literature” that emphasises how personal character, ethics and self-discipline have contributed to personal success.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has inspired many books that offer to help us understand and make great habits.  These include:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

Sean Covey is Stephen R. Covey’s son, and he has adapted the messages in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to better target a teen audience.  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is popular in its own right, has been praised by psychologists and also been incorporated into school curricula.

 

 

 

 

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Charles Duhigg, a journalist for The New York Times, explores the psychology and neuroscience behind how and why habits are created; he also illustrates his findings with entertaining case studies showing how companies have unlocked incredible success by changing people’s habits – by luck or design.  The Power of Habit is not a self-help book per se but its insights help us better understand how we can fine-tune or change our habits.

 

 

 

Rewire: Change your Brain to Break Bad Habits, Overcome Addictions, Conquer Self-Destructive Behaviour by Richard O’Connor

Do you know you have bad habits, but still can’t break them?  Then Rewire is here to help you.  Richard O’Connor uses psychotherapy techniques to design exercises aimed at permanently disrupting destructive behaviour, including procrastination, internet addiction, overeating, and risk-taking.  The key, he suggests, is to recognise that these habits are autopilot behaviours that can only be erased with deliberate and patient coaching.

 

 

 

Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why we do Things, Why we don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick by Jeremy Dean

Making Habits, Breaking Habits is both an explanation of the science behind habits, and a guide to changing them.  Jeremy Dean has ploughed through vast amounts of academic psychology research and distilled it into a scholarly yet approachable summary of what we know about human habit formation.  A timely section pays particular attention to online habits such as Facebook addiction.  Jeremy Dean also surveys current techniques for making and breaking habits, before deriving his own strategies.  An appealing aspect of his work is that he does not just focus on physical habits (such as smoking or exercise), but also on changing habits that affect creativity and happiness.

Ten Books that sum up 2015

Uncategorized, , , ,
It’s been another big and eventful year in publishing, as the wide array of year-end “Best of” lists reminds us (Publishers Weekly magazine alone offers 15 different Top 10 lists!)  Here at Booko, we have enjoyed so many wonderful, varied, worthy, thought-provoking books that we can’t decide on ten “best” books.  Instead, we present to you 10 books that we feel represent the year that was 2015…

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Go Set a Watchman is probably the most highly anticipated book of 2015.  Billed as a recently-discovered companion to To Kill a Mockingbird – one of the best-loved and most respected novels in English – its mere existence seems astonishing and adds to its mystique.  As more details emerge ahead of publication, controversy grows – about the quality of the writing, the surprisingly racist attitudes within, and about whether it should have been published at all. Go Set a Watchman is now considered an earlier version of To Kill a Mockingbird rather than a sequel, offering fascinating glimpses of the development process for To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as Harper Lee’s emerging talent.

 

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Perhaps it’s the ongoing popularity of minimalist home decor; or perhaps it’s the promise of orderliness and calm in an increasingly messed-up world – whatever the reason, Marie Kondo’s guide to tidying-up and decluttering really hit a nerve with readers worldwide.  What makes her philosophy so alluring is the idea that we should only keep items that “spark joy” – and that sparking joy is a criterion applicable to other aspects of our lives.

 

 

 

The Official A Game of Thrones Colouring Book by George R. R. Martin

Adult colouring books are arguably THE publishing phenomenon of 2015.  Since Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden brought adult colouring into the mainstream, the genre has evolved and diversified. There are now, coming full-circle, mindful colouring for children, and even a colouring parody.  This Game of Thrones Colouring Book exemplifies new wave colouring-in that entices customers with pop cultural themes, including Harry Potter and Star Wars.

 

The Shepherd’s Crown by Terry Pratchett

2015 was a bittersweet year for Sir Terry Pratchett’s fans – he died, too soon, in March this year; but he also left one last treat – a manuscript, now published as The Shepherd’s Crown.  This 41st and final book in the Discworld series follows young Tiffany Aching (first appearing in The Wee Free Men) when she has to step-up and take on the big responsibility of defending her homeland.  The Shepherd’s Crown is a gentle novel, with underlying themes of kindness and tolerance, and has been highly praised as a “magnificent sign-off”.

 

 

 

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

Marlon James became the first Jamaican writer to win the Man Booker Prize, when A Brief History of Seven Killings was the unexpected but apparently unanimous choice amongst the Booker’s judges.  A visceral and ambitious work, A Brief History of Seven Killings is a fictional history about the attempted murder of Bob Marley in 1976, seen through the eyes of a large cast – gangsters, journalists, politicians, the CIA.  Marlon James’ win is a perfect example of the value of perseverance and self-belief, as he almost gave up writing after his first novel was rejected 78 times before eventual publication.

 

 

 

Gratitude by Oliver Sacks

Another beloved author that we lost this year was Oliver Sacks, the neurologist best known for his collections of case studies including Awakenings  and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.  Gratitude is a posthumous book that brings together four essays first published in the New York Times.  In these bittersweet but ultimately uplifting essays, Oliver Sacks reflects upon old age, gratitude, his enduring sense of wonder about the natural world, and his impending death.  A fitting commemoration of a life well lived.

 

 

The Short and Excruciatingly Embarrassing Reign of Captain Abbott by Andrew P Street

In September, Australia gained worldwide notoriety as the “Coup capital of the democratic world”.  With five prime ministers in as many years (three ousted by their own parties), it’s a case of “with colleagues like these, who needs enemies”.  Andrew P Street has documented the litany of gaffes, goofs and questionable captain’s calls that characterised the leadership of Australia’s most recent ex-prime minister, Tony Abbott.  It is funny, irreverent, and even a tad insightful about this turbulent time in Australian politics.

 

 

Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodward

Deliciously Ella is zeitgeist-y on many fronts – it originates from a highly popular blog, it focusses on clean eating (plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, no refined sugars), and it has recipes featuring “superfoods” such as kale, coconut oil and quinoa.  What makes Ella Woodward’s book approachable is her enthusiastic, chatty tone, the simplicity of her recipes (she could barely cook when she started her blog three years ago), and how her philosophy arises from her experience in using dietary changes to manage a rare illness.  See for yourself why this book made history as the fastest-selling debut cookbook of all time in the UK.

 

 

After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross

After Tomorrow is from 2013, but I have included it to illustrate the difficulties faced by Syrian refugees.  In After Tomorrow, award-winning author Gillian Cross weaves alternate history with dystopic themes into a frighteningly-real scenario.  Five major banks crash on “Armageddon Monday”, destroying the British economy.  Society quickly disintegrates, with food shortages and breakdown of law and order.  As teenage Matt’s family falls apart, his mother smuggles him, his brother and stepfather into France, where they are interned as refugees.  The fiction form of After Tomorrow encourages us to empathise with the plight of refugees by seeing their challenges through our eyes.

 

 

Trans by Juliet Jacques

Transgender awareness has been a hot topic of mainstream media this year, particularly surrounding Caitlyn Jenner’s coming-out as a trans woman.  Trans is one of several recent memoirs documenting the transgender experience.  It traces Juliet Jacques’ journey from her teenage and university years, to her social, medical and surgical transitions to become female in later adulthood.  Trans also offers cultural critique as Juliet Jacques considers her experience within the context of how the media portrays transgender narratives.  An honest, thoughtful and insightful book.

There’s more to Christmas movies than Miracle on 34th Street

Uncategorized

The best-known and most revered Christmas movies are probably Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life, and these films have established an image of Christmas films as heartwarming, uplifting family-friendly fare.  But there’s much more to Christmas movies than that.  Whether your favourite genre is comedy, romance, action or even horror, there’s Christmas viewing in this list for you:

Holiday Inn [Region 1]

Film buff factoid:  The song “White Christmas” actually makes its first appearance in Holiday Inn, giving the film its unshakeable connection to Christmas.  (The film White Christmas came 12 years later, taking advantage of the song’s unprecedented popularity).  Holiday Inn has plenty of star power, showcasing Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Irving Berlin at what they do best.  It is light-hearted, romantic, has memorable songs and spectacular production numbers – a classic musical from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

 

 

Joyeux Noel [Region 1]

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) is based on the remarkable true story of the Christmas Truce in 1914.  During that first Christmas of World War I, soldiers on the Western Front initiated an unofficial truce.  Troops from opposing sides came together in no man’s land, to talk, share food, sing Christmas carols, even to play football.  Seen from the view of Scottish, French and German soldiers, Joyeux Noel highlights a universal yearning for peace, home and human connection.  The film contrasts the humanity of ordinary soldiers with their commanding officers, whose strong disapproval of the truce is based on “toeing the line”.  Joyeux Noel is an emotional, even sentimental film, but elegantly understated as European cinema does best.

 

Life of Brian [Region 2]

This movie about a Very Naughty Boy was, for several years, a late-night TV treat on Christmas Eve in Australia – a practice that deserves to be reinstated.  Life of Brian – about a boy born at the same time as Jesus – is probably the most coherent and understandable of all of Monty Python’s work.  In the deeply-irreverent, typical Python style, it lampoons religion, politics, gender relations and just about everything (and everyone) else.  It also finishes on a ridiculously catchy song that will have you singing along with a grin on your face (especially if you’ve had a few drinks).  Lots of fun, even if (or especially if) you are not all that into “the whole Christmas thing”.

 

Elf [Region 4]

A Christmas movie about Will Ferrell as a gangly, dim-but-lovable human raised as an elf could have been so very, very bad – but luckily, it turned out to be very, very good!  Will Ferrell plays Buddy, raised as an elf by Santa, who heads to New York City to find his real family when he discovers that he is actually human.  The writer and perfectly-cast actors (including James Caan and Zooey Deschanel) have delivered an original and fun film through a masterful balance of wit, slapstick, irreverence, traditional Christmas sentiment and just a hint of romance.

 

 

Doctor Who Christmas Specials [Region 4]

I named The Doctor Who Christmas Specials as one of my Top 10 DVD Box Sets for 2015, and cannot resist mentioning it again this week.  These 10 episodes from 2005-2014 star David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi (aka Doctors 10, 11 and 12), and are a real tribute to the enormous creativity of the Doctor Who writers.  Within the confines of a Christmas theme and the need for series continuity, the writers have repeatedly come up with fresh scenarios and great characters.   Nothing is repetitive, and there is always a good balance of fantasy, tension, jokes and terror.  See for yourself why the Christmas Special are often the most-watched Doctor Who episode of the year.

 

The Snowman [Region 2]

Even if you have never seen The Snowman, you might be familiar with its haunting theme song, Walking in the Air.   Based on the Raymond Briggs picture book, The Snowman is about a little boy, the snowman he made, and the adventures they have together when the snowman comes to life.  The Snowman is funny, enchanting and poignant – all achieved without any dialogue.  It also has a stirring orchestral soundtrack.  This DVD version comes with a sequel from 2012, The Snowman and the Snowdog, created to mark the 30th anniversary of the original.

 

 

Bridget Jones’ Diary [Region 1]

 

Love, Actually may be the more famous Christmas-themed rom-com, but Bridget Jones also deserves recognition.  Inspired by Pride and Prejudice, the movie is brilliantly cast, and has the renowned in-joke of Colin Firth playing both Mr Darcy (in Pride and Prejudice), and Mark Darcy (the Mr Darcy-like character in Bridget Jones, inspired by Firth’s performance of Mr Darcy).  With its deft mixture of comedy, romance and sentimentality, Bridget Jones covers similar emotional territory to many classic Christmas movies.  And its finale – with Bridget Jones running after Mark Darcy in the snow, in her embarrassing underwear – is the sort of warm gooey Happy Ending that Christmas deserves.

 

Home Alone [Region 4]

When Macaulay Culkin is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas, he continues a cinematic tradition of cute precocious kids wrecking havoc upon the (adult) world.  The idea of kids besting adults is aimed squarely at engaging a child audience, but the humour and those booby traps are clever enough to entertain adults too.  That it is written by John Hughes (master of the ‘80s teen movie) and directed by Chris Columbus (now famous for directing the first three Harry Potter films) should serve as further endorsement.

 

Tokyo Godfathers [Region 2]

Don’t let the animated format fool you – Tokyo Godfathers is not cutesy or kid-friendly – instead it is understated, bleak but incredibly uplifting. Arguably, this makes Tokyo Godfathers closer to true “Christmas spirit” than more saccharine traditional fare.  The film’s title is a nod to John Ford’s 3 Godfathers, with both films sharing the premise of three down-and-outers rescuing a baby on Christmas Eve.  As Gin (an alcoholic), Hana (a transvestite) and Miyuki (a teenage runaway) wander a snowy Tokyo in search of the baby’s parents, their life stories are gradually revealed.  A series of coincidences lead to an ending that is surprisingly tense, poignant, and heartwarming.  Tokyo Godfathers is deep, sophisticated “real cinema”, praised by the great Roger Ebert as “a story that will never, ever be remade by Disney”.

 

Die Hard [Region 4]
Die Hard is not your typical Christmas film, but has featured on a surprising number of “Best Christmas movie” lists, including those for Empire magazine, Forbes magazine and Rotten Tomatoes.  Bruce Willis stars as a maverick cop trying to foil a terrorist attack on Christmas Eve.  Die Hard is a trailblazer for movies with a regular-guy action hero, and is so iconic that many subsequent action films are jokingly referenced back to it (for example, Speed (1994) has been referred to as “Die Hard on a bus”).  Let this action-packed thriller shake you out of your food coma.

Author spotlight: Jamie Oliver’s take on Super Foods

Uncategorized, ,

Jamie Oliver turned 40 this year –  a Big Birthday that encouraged him to reassess his life and improve his health.  The result is a 12kg weight-reduction, better sleep and more energy.  So how did he do it?  His new lifestyle approach forms the basis for his new show – Jamie’s Super Food Revolution, and accompanying book, Everyday Super Food.

A major part of his strategy relates to diet.  In Jamie’s Super Food Revolution, Jamie and his team travel the world to find places famous for longevity – such as Japan, Costa Rica and Greece.  Jamie then investigated their food secrets for staying healthy and productive well into old age.  The result is Jamie’s version of super foods –  14 “hero ingredients” that are nutrient-packed, health-giving yet commonly-found. These include:

  • Eggs
  •  Fish
  • Goat’s milk
  • Wild greens and herbs
  • Tofu
  • Walnuts
  • Wild rice
  • Sweet potato
  • Black beans
  • Fresh fruit
  • Seaweed
  • Garlic
  • Prawns
  • Chillies

Jamie and his team of nutritionists then created a range of recipes based on these ingredients, from breakfasts, lunches and dinners to snacks and drinks.  These form the basis of the book Everyday Super Food.

One appealing aspect of Jamie’s approach is that he has not relied on the exotic ingredients that are currently considered “super foods” – such as chia, quinoa, and goji berries (although they do make an occasional appearance).  Instead, most of Jamie’s “hero ingredients” are commonly available, cheap and similar to ingredients we already use. The recipes are pure Jamie – simple, family-friendly recipes showcasing bold natural flavours – that look vibrant and appetising in the gorgeous photos.  His “everything in moderation” mantra means that he has not sworn off foods such as carbs or sugar – but instead has created healthier, tastier versions of favourites such as French toast and pasta carbonara.  This makes Jamie’s Super Food approach very accessible to everyone, including people on tight budgets, even those who are cynical about food fads and unusual ingredients.

Another appealing aspect of Jamie’s approach is that it is holistic.  He emphasises a number of other lifestyle changes that has improved his health – such as sleeping longer, drinking more water and less alcohol, and valuing incidental as well as scheduled exercise.  In effect, Jamie has used his own experience to show how a healthier living philosophy can improve anyone’s health.

Jamie is not the first champion of these teachings, but his hugely influential voice offers welcome support to the fight against rising obesity rates.  (Do you know that Jamie is the second best-selling author of all time in Britain, only after J.K. Rowling? Or that his campaign towards improving school dinners resulted in a pledge of GBP280 million from the British Government?)  Jamie’s Super Food Revolution is his personal, approachable (and tasty!) health improvement strategy, a worthy successor to his earlier efforts to improve public health through improving school dinners,  and teaching people to cook.

The Best DVD Box Sets of 2015

Christmas, Uncategorized, , ,

2015 has been a great year for DVD releases, so compiling this “Best of” list has been tough.  I have scoured the world to find these hilarious, absorbing, and downright gorgeous box sets.  Perfect for some downtime as we approach the frantic end-of-year period; these box sets also make excellent gifts – for a favourite someone, or just for yourself!
These titles hail from several different DVD/Blu-ray regions, so do check whether they will be compatible with your media players.  In many cases, an edition suitable for your country will be available.

 

Mad Men: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray and Digital HD) [Region A/1]

My absolute favourite is this Mad Men Limited Edition Gift Set, as stylish as the show itself.  23 discs containing all 7 seasons of the show, all previously-released special features and commentaries, plus over 4 hours of exclusive new special features including Cast Wrap Ups and Show Timelines.  And to get you into the spirit of things (pun intended), two handmade low-ball tumblers and four themed cork coasters.  All packaged in elegant black, white and red.  So pour that whiskey sour, settle into your mid-century armchair, and relive that Mad Men magic once more.  This gift set also comes in DVD format.  The complete final season (Series 7) is also available separately.

https-::covers.booko.info:300:xfiles

X Files – The Collector’s Set (Blu-ray) [Region A/1]

As one iconic show wraps up, another is reborn.  The X-Files revival, a six-episode “event series”, will premiere in late January 2016.   Helmed by original creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson will reprise their roles as Mulder and Scully.  Will the new episodes be as good as the originals?  Inform your decision by revisiting the original show – a ground-breaker that has become a significant influence on media and pop culture in general.

This Collector’s Set is the first time The X-File has been available in Blu-ray.  Containing the nine original series (202 episodes) plus over 23 hours of extras, the compendium box has also thoughtfully set aside space for the 2016 series.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:utopia

Utopia The Complete Series [Region 4]

Utopia is a deadpan satire about public service bureaucracy – however, such a simple description does not do it justice.  Think The Office with a dash of Yes, Minister.  Focussing on the fictional Nation Building Authority (NBA), Utopia shows how grand plans and great visions are compromised and eroded by red tape and political fickleness until nothing can be achieved.  A central irony is that the less the NBA achieves, the more it finds favour with the government.  The creators’ observations are spot-on and eerily prescient, with some of the absurd-sounding story arcs coming true in recent months.  Its depictions of the frustrations of working life is so realistic that some public servants describe it as documentary.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:drwho

Doctor Who – 10 Christmas Specials [Region 4]

The Doctor Who Christmas Special is a highlight of Christmas TV viewing, and has become a tradition for many.  These stand-alone movie-length episodes often include big-name guest stars (Kylie Minogue comes to mind) and are a good introduction to the Doctor Who universe.  Bearing in mind that they are usually the most-watched episodes of the year, the show’s writers often include key plot points into these stories, including new companions and Doctor regenerations.  So here is a collection of all ten official Christmas Specials from 2005-2014, starring Doctors Eleven to Thirteen (aka David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi). Each set contains a bonus gift – Christmas cards for Regions 2 and 4, while Region 1 is offering a sonic screwdriver!

 

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Series 3 (Complete) [Region 1]

Take one gutsy, racy lady detective, put her in the glamorous Jazz Age, add a string of carefully-plotted mysteries, and you’ll begin to understand why Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries has become a favourite world-wide.  Closely based on Kerry Greenwood’s beloved novels, the show has an enormously entertaining heroine, who is strong, independent and liberated.  The series is a visual feast, with acclaimed set and costume designs recreating the 1920s based on the author’s meticulous research.  Series 1 and Series 2 DVDs are also available.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:archer

Archer Complete Seasons 1-3 [Region 2]

If you think James Bond is politically incorrect and gives spies a bad name, you probably haven’t watched Archer. Sterling Archer is a suave, egotistical and highly accomplished secret agent.  He is also extremely dangerous because he is into espionage for the thrills and the jet-setting lifestyle.  The outrageous story arcs follow Archer and his spy agency colleagues, including his mother (who happens to be his boss), and his ex-girlfriend (who happens to be a fellow agent).  Archer is a fast and furious spoof of 60s/70s spy shows, mixing retro stereotypes with futuristic technology.  It is rude, violent and very funny.  Animation that is definitely not for kids.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:miffy

Miffy 60th Anniversary Collection [Region 4]

Miffy, the sweet little bunny star of books, TV series and a film, celebrates her 60th birthday in 2015.  Stories about Miffy and her friends are available in over 50 languages, and are part of many childhoods worldwide.  This 3-disc set contains episodes of the original TV animation series, that shows Miffy and her friends having fun doing, making and learning.  These are short, gentle stories that will engage even very young children.

 

Horrible Histories Series 1-6 & Specials Box Set [Region 2]

The creators of Horrible Histories know that grossness and jokes about bodily functions work for kids, and have used them to great effect in a show that combines music, comedy, and “the horrible bits of history”.  Based on the books by Terry Deary, what started as children’s edutainment grew into a ratings winner with a cult adult following, picking up many awards along the way.  Horrible Histories is subversive, satirical, and has an impressive cast and creative team drawn from the UK comedy scene.  This new box set contains the five original series, plus Series 6 (a reboot produced this year), as well as four Specials episodes.

 

https-::covers.booko.info:300:lifestories

Life Story narrated by David Attenborough [Region 4]

Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries are the gold standard in natural history broadcasting.  It is amazing that, after almost 40 years, he can still find fascinating stories and craft amazing footage to keep us riveted.  Life Story follows the journey from birth to parenthood, with each episode focussing on a different life stage, such as Growing Up, and Courtship.  We see the myriad challenges animals must face just to survive from day to day, and to reach their ultimate goal – producing and ensuring the survival of their offspring.  There’s plenty of drama, pathos and humour to enrich the stunning visuals.

Get ready for the Force awakening!

Uncategorized
Only 35 days to go!  Star Wars: the Force Awakens (Episode VII) will premiere on December 14, 2015.
Commercial release will occur following the premiere, with key dates being:
  • December 16 – France, Italy, Denmark, most of continental Europe
  • December 17 – UK, Germany, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong
  • December 18 – US, Canada.

It has been over ten years since the last Star Wars film graced our movie screens.  As excitement builds ahead of this new release, it is a great time to gather your friends for that Star Wars-themed party or movie marathon.  But do you know that there are other ways to brush up your Star Wars knowledge ahead of the big day?  Here’s an overview on the rich and diverse mythology around Star Wars, and a sneak peek at some new Star Wars books that are available right now.

 The Force Awakens is more than just a film

To accompany the release of The Force Awakens, Disney Publishing and Lucasfilm (current owners of the Star Wars franchise) have developed a big publishing program called “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens”.  This series of novels, comics, reference guides and activity books are available in both print and digital format, with titles to appeal to all age-groups.  Some relate specifically to The Force Awakens, while others elaborate upon past eras.  Publication has already started, with at least 20 titles in the pipeline.  Highlights include:

Smuggler’s Run: a Han Solo & Chewbacca Adventure by Greg Rucka

Available now
This is the Han Solo story the fans have been waiting for.  The Smuggler and his trusty co-pilot run a secret mission for the Rebellion.  Can they succeed while avoiding bounty hunters and the Imperial forces?

 

 

 

 

Aftermath by Chuck Wendig

Available now
Starting soon after Return of the Jedi, Aftermath is an adventure-thriller about pilot Wedge Antilles, a character from the original films. It provides insights into how the destruction of the second Death Star, and the establishment of the New Republic, has affected the Star Wars galaxy. First of a new trilogy.

 

 

 

Star Wars: the Force Awakens Visual Dictionary by DK Children

Release date December 18, 2015
A complete visual guide to everything you want to know about The Force Awakens.  Comprehensively illustrated in true DK style.

 

 

 

5-Minute Star Wars Stories

Release date December 18, 2015
12 exciting Star Wars stories adapted from all seven Star Wars films. Perfect for bedtime reading with your favourite little Padawan.

An important feature of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens series is that all of these titles are deemed part of the Star Wars canon, meaning that they contain the official version or “facts” about the Star Wars universe, and are consistent with the films and other canonical works.

 

What constitutes the Star Wars Canon?

The Star Wars “canon” is the collection of media depicting the officially-recognised characters and storylines of the Star Wars universe.  The Canon currently includes:

  • The six released Star Wars films plus the three planned sequels (Episodes VII, VIII and IX)
  • Star Wars: the Clone Wars animated film and tv series
  • Star Wars Rebels tv series, and
  • All Journey to Star Wars: the Force Awakens books and media.

All future authorised Star Wars material will also be canonical, as Disney/Lucasfilm re-establishes greater control over the Star Wars universe.  The relationship amongst canonical works is shown in this beautiful timeline by Outerspaces

Star Wars Timeline | Outer Places
Star Wars Timeline by Outer Places

But wait, there’s more – Star Wars Legends

If the prospect of 20-odd new Star Wars books doesn’t sound nearly enough, there is also a back catalogue to dive into – Star Wars Legends.  Star Wars Legends is previously known as The Star Wars Expanded Universe, and comprises a large collection of media – books, comics, animations, games, toys – created over the last 35 years.  These works cover thousands of years’ worth of Star Wars chronology, and include well-known items such as the two Ewoks films and the web-based Lego Star Wars series.

The Expanded Universe was testament to how the Star Wars story had captivated imaginations; its premise, at once new (high tech science-fiction) and ancient (a classic quest based on mythological motifs), encouraged deep and extensive world-building.  While Lucasfilm did not create in the Expanded Universe, it did help to maintain consistency amongst variously story lines.  Many of the books were written by established sci-fi writers including Alan Dean Foster (https://booko.com.au/9780345320230/Splinter-of-the-Mind-s-Eye), Kevin J Anderson (https://booko.com.au/9780553648393/Star-Wars-Jedi-Trilogy-Boxed-Set) and Timothy Zahn.  Stories such as The Thrawn Trilogy (https://booko.com.au/9780553296129/Star-Wars-01-Heir-To-Empire) were highly regarded, and introduced hugely popular characters such as Jacen and Jaina Solo, twin children of Han and Leia.  Many of these Expanded Universe titles were considered canon prior to a major redefinition in 2014.

While the Expanded Universe content is now considered legends rather than canon, it contains a wealth of great stories that can keep fans happily occupied for years.  The Legends books will continue to be re-published to satisfy market demand.  Moreover, Disney/Lucasfilm have not ruled out re-introducing Legends material into the Canon.  A good starting point for exploring Star Wars Legends is the detailed chronology at Wookieepedia, a wiki-based Star Wars encyclopaedia.

Best book gifts for children: 10 stunning versions of modern classics

Uncategorized

As we enter November, we are constantly reminded that the end of the year is nigh – the festive season is approaching, time to plan and shop for gifts.  While choosing gifts can be stressful, it can also be fun – and the sense of satisfaction at matching a person to their perfect gift is priceless.  Here at Booko we are firm believers of books as the perfect gifts for children – within their pages lie fantastical lands, memorable characters, infectious laughter and a wealth of knowledge.  So here are ten modern classics, in gorgeous editions that would delight both givers and recipients.

Guinness World Records 2016

The Guinness Book of Records has been wowing readers for over 60 years.  The combination of strange- and astounding records, interesting facts and colourful illustrations has made it a perennial favourite for both boys and girls.
For those who love computer games, there is the Guinness World Records 2016 Gamers Edition which is devoted to trivia, stats and news about gaming.  This year’s edition contains a special section on Minecraft, full of records, tips and challenges.

 

How Machines Work by David Macauley

How Machines Work is great fun for anyone who loves machines.  Sloth and Sengi are trying to break out of the zoo using what they can find – a bicycle, a crane, hammers and drills.  Through pop-ups, pull-outs and funny illustrations, we learn how these contraptions can help the animals escape, as well as learn the principles behind basic machines such as levers, pulleys and wheels. How Machines Work is aimed at middle-primary students and is a reworking of David Macauley’s bestseller for older readers, The Way Things Work. Both versions are highly recommended for their richly detailed and informative illustrations, as well as their deft balance between education and entertainment.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay

Can you believe Harry Potter has been with us for 18 years already?  (In fact, J.K. Rowling reminds us that Harry is now a father-of-three, whose second child started at Hogwarts this September.)  During this time, the book covers have been updated several times, but never as spectacularly as this all-colour, fully illustrated hardback edition. The illustrations have made this tale of magic, friendship, school-life and adventure especially enchanting.  Not only will this volume be a special keepsake for a current fan, it will also make a wonderful introduction to Harry’s world for a new generation of readers.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (pop up version) by Robert Sabuda

There is something particularly exciting about pop-up books – the magical transformation from 2D to 3D, the anticipation as you turn the page of what spectacle awaits, the ingenuity of the paper constructions.  And what better subject for a 3D rendering, than Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland?  Alice celebrates its 150th birthday this year, and its combination of fantasy, adventure and mathematical cleverness is as popular as ever.  Robert Sabuda has transformed the classic Tenniel illustrations into stunning 3D sculptures, while keeping the abridged text faithful to the original.

My Very First Mother Goose edited by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Nursery rhymes make a popular gift for a new baby or young child, and are in fact an important part of our cultural tradition.  This Mother Goose collection contains over 60 rhymes, including favourites such as Humpty Dumpty, Pat-a-cake, and Hey Diddle Diddle. They are brought to life by the distinctive illustrations of Rosemary Wells, beloved creator of the Max and Ruby series, who has injected cheeky humour into the antics of her cast of cute kittens, bunnies, and the occasional human. This large format hardback, with its luxurious pages and full-colour printing, is beautiful to read and touch – perfect for gifting, and definitely a book worth cherishing.

At the Beach (book and jigsaw set) by Roland Harvey

Australians are famous for their beach lifestyle and larrikin humour and this book has both.  Mum, Dad, Henry, Penny and little Frankie have piled into their car, with caravan in tow, for a beach holiday in Crabby Spit.  Through a series of letters to Grandma, we learn about what happened: swimming, fishing, surfing, rockpools, sharks (!), and their neighbours in the caravan park.  Much of Roland Harvey’s humour is hidden in the fine details of his busy scenes – like the sign for a camping shop called “Past Tents” – so everyone can have hours of fun spotting hidden jokes.  At the Beach will bring back memories of childhood summers for many adults, and is also an affectionate introduction of this Aussie rite of passage to younger readers.  This edition comes with a matching 100-piece jigsaw, in an unusual and engaging gift set for an older child.

Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

Alanna of Trebond wants to be a knight – but noble-born girls are usually sent to the convent to learn to be a lady and a wife.  Her twin, Thom, is about to start knight training, but prefers to become a sorcerer.  So Alanna hatched a plan for Thom and her to switch places – with Alanna disguised as a boy – so they can both pursue their hearts’ desire.  Song of the Lioness quartet (comprising Alanna: the First Adventure; In the Hand of the Goddess; The Woman who Rides Like a Man; and Lioness Rampant) is about growing up, magic, relationships, determination and working hard to pursue your dreams.  Alanna is a brave and resourceful character – one of the first female heroes in fantasy – who has been captivating tweens and teens for almost thirty years.

Pig the Pug (book and soft toy) by Aaron Blabey

Take one googly eyed pug, add humour, rollicking rhymes and some just desserts for bad behaviour, and you get an instant classic! Pig the Pug was only published a few years ago, but it is so loved that it has already spawned a (bestselling) sequel.  It is a fast-paced story that is great for reading aloud.  This beautifully-designed gift set contains a small format book and a cute plush pug that just makes you want to laugh.

Neil Gaiman / Chris Riddell Box Set

Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell are both incredibly successful (also popular and talented) author/illustrators in the fantasy genre. Their recent collaborations show undeniable synergy: somehow, Chris Riddell’s meticulous ink drawings make Neil Gaiman’s text that bit more gothic, ironic, and surreal.  This box set contains paperback versions of their first three collaborations – Coraline; The Graveyard Book; and Fortunately, the Milk.  Coraline is a fantasy horror story about a girl who enters an alternate world from a secret door in her flat, and her battle to return home; The Graveyard Book is a darkly humorous thriller about a teen boy who has been raised by ghosts; while Fortunately, the Milk appears to be the silly and convoluted excuse a father gives his children for returning late from shopping – but may just be a true story!

Ruby Redfort 5 – Pick your Poison by Lauren Child

Ruby Redfort is an unflappable, super-smart 13 year-old with superior detective skills.  She is also a secret agent with a mentor/ sidekick who happens to be her butler.  Each of her novels is funny, fast-paced and tense, featuring puzzling mysteries, dastardly villains, cool gadgets and lots of danger.  Ruby Redfort is a spin-off from the award-winning Clarice Bean series, which author Lauren Child created after many requests from her fans.  It has developed into a witty, stylish series in its own right.  These stories have intellectual cred (with fiendish codes devised by a cryptology expert) and a retro sensibility reminiscent of vintage Batman episodes.  Pick Your Poison is the latest instalment (Book 5) of this series.

Using Booko Lists to plan your shopping

Uncategorized,

Last week we looked at how the Booko Alerts feature keeps you up-to-date on any sales or discounts.  This week we will look at the Lists function that Booko also offers.  Booko Lists is a great tool that can help you to plan and manage your purchases, whether it is for a one-off event (such as Christmas or a birthday), or for a longer period (such as managing an annual book budget for work).

1.  The Lists feature is available to registered Booko users.  To Sign In (or to Register), click on the “Sign In” button at the top left corner of the Booko Homepage
Lists Fig1

 

2.  At the next screen, Registered users can Log In by either entering their Booko password on the left hand side; or by connecting through a social network using an icon from the right hand side.  New users can also use the social network icons to login; or they can create a separate Booko account using the link on the bottom right.Lists Fig2

 

3. Booko takes you back to its homepage once you are signed in.  Click on “My Lists” at the top left corner of the page, which brings up a new box.  Click on “Manage Lists” at the bottom right of the box.
Lists Fig3

 

4.  At the Manage List screen, you can start to create your lists.  Simply enter a name into the box on the left, and click “Create new list”.  Name them as specifically or as generally as you like, such as “My wish list”, “Christmas gifts”, “Milly’s birthday”, “FY 15/16 professional development” etc.
Lists Fig4

 

5.  Once you have created your lists, they will appear under the My Lists heading on the left.  Now you can start populating those lists using the search box at the top of the page.
LIsts Fig5

 

6.  At the Results List, click on the Book Title or its Cover Image to go to its detailed record.
Lists Fig6

 

7.  At the detailed record, click on the “Add to a list” button directly below the Cover Image.  This brings up a box with a drop-down box showing all of your personal lists.  Select the preferred list, then click “Add”
LIsts Fig7

 

8.  Keep browsing and adding to your lists as required.
Lists Fig8aLists Fig8bLists Fig8c

 

9.  To see the items in each of your lists, click on “My Lists”, then click the “Manage Lists” button at the bottom right.  This box also shows the contents of the last list you have used.Lists Fig9

 

10.  At the Manage List screen, click on one of the lists on the left to see its contents.  You can change the quantity for each title using the “+” and “-“ buttons (changing a quantity from 1 to 0 deletes that item). To see detailed price comparisons for each item, click on the “View” button.  Booko also helps you find retailers that can supply all the books on a list – and compare their prices.
Other functions on this page include: click the “Export” button to download list data in a spreadsheet format; and click the “Delete” button at the top to remove an entire list.
Lists Fig10