Last day of February means time to share what I read this month. As always a mixed bag, including classic picture books, murder mysteries, poetry and more. I especially enjoyed spending so much time with illustrator Ron Brooks. What a treat! Here’s what I read:
Books for Young Readers
The Day No One was Angry, by Toon Tellegen & Marc Boutavant (Gecko Press, 2014). Such a delight to read, this set of stories with a philosophical bent is of whimsical and thought provoking in equal measure.
The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever!, by L. D. Lapinski (Orion, 2024). This was a Christmas treat from my gorgeous colleague (and friend) Tamara – but, because of my own busyness in December I only collected it this month. But a Christmas book in February is, in my mind, perfectly acceptable, and I enjoyed this.
- Land of the Rainbow Gold, edited by Mildred M. Fowler (Nelson, 1967). Not sure whether to put this one in the young readers category because, while it was initially published for primary school aged readers, its age, and some of the sentiments expressed, including in the introduction, mean it isn’t a book I would give a child without some critical interrogation involved.
This Baby ,by Julia Mclelland & Ron Brooks (Oxford, 1992). Having read Ron Brooks’ memoir (see below) I found myself chasing down some of his backlist which I just HAD to own. This one is just beautiful – and, as a bonus, I got a signed copy.
Timothy and Gramps, by Ron Brooks (Collins, 1978). And another Ron Brooks title, which I knew of but had not read. Beautiful.
Motor Bill and the Lovely Caroline, by Jenny Wagner & Ron Brooks (Viking, 1994) And a third book illustrated by Brooks. If I had to pick a favourite of these three, this one would be it.Laughter is the Best Ending, by Maryam Master, illustrated by Astred Hicks (Pan, 2024). Just listed on the Notables list for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and I can see why. Dealing with death, friendship, difference and belonging, while also being fast paced and funny, isn’t an easy mix, by Master does it well here.
Books for Young Adult Readers
Game As Ned, by Tim Pegler, Angus & Robertson, 2008) I read and reviewed this book back in 2008, but found it on my shelf and couldn’t remember it until I was well into it. That’s not a reflection of the quality – just of the number of books I read, and have read since 2008. Well worth the reread and, if you’re interested in that review it’s here.
Books for Adult Readers
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson (Penguin, 2022. Late to the party reading this one, which I’ve seen everywhere over the past few years, but hadn’t read. I listened to it in audio format, and found the voice excellent, as well as the mystery with a twist of comedy.
Drawn from the Heart: A Memoir, by Ron Brooks (Allen & Unwin, 2010). Another book which I’d read and reviewed many moons ago but which kept calling me for a reread. Well worth the time and the tears, and the money spent ordering some Brooks’ backlist. You can see my original review here.
Kill Your Husbands, by Jack Heath (Allen & Unwin, 2023). Another that I listened to on audio, and enjoyed. I managed to figure out whodunnit but there were still twists and turns and character insights aplenty.
That brings my total for the year to date to 19 books. Not a bad start to the year. I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading.