The Mapmaker’s Apprentice

Blue Dingo Press — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:32:20 +0000

Author; Peter Cooper

Omnibus books for Scholastic Australia

ISBN; 9781862919303

RRP; $12.99

Release; May 2012

Genre; YA Fiction

Reviewed by Cassandra Griffin.

We welcome back Dillen, Koto and Tajni in an exciting new mission in Book 2 of ‘Tales of the Blue Jade’. (See book 1)

Mapmaker Master Liao seeks an apprentice, Dillen and a group of competing boys must complete the dangerous task the Mapmaker has set. A journey through the mountain pass is hard enough but with bandits and a nian master blocking the way, Dillen Koto and Tajni begin a quest that is much, much more than they bargained for.

Once again Cooper has captured the reader’s imagination and their heat, familiar characters leap of the page and new characters tweak the reader’s interest.

The Mapmaker’s Apprentice weaves together themes of courage, friendship, overcoming hardship and commonsense together, resulting in yet another spectacular book in this anticipated series. Twists and turns within the plot keep young readers turning the pages hungrily to see what Dillen and his friends will face next.

Overall a stunning story, Cooper does not disappoint. A highly recommended read for younger and older readers alike. 10/10!

Filed under: Middle Grade, Recommended Read Tagged: Adventure, courage, friendship, journey, omnibus books, Peter Cooper, Reviewer - Cassandra Griffin, Scholastic Australia

Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes 2

Blue Dingo Press — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:11:28 +0000

Author; Richie Cotton

Illustrator; Rhonda Cotton

ISBN; 9780646541747

Self-published

RRP; $20.00

Released October 2011.

Reviewed by Cassandra griffin.

Sydney couple Richie and Rhonda are back with a second book of poems intended for children. With titles such as ‘frogs don’t care’ ‘falling donuts’ and ‘Funky Monkey’, it’s hard not to see why children roll on the floor with laughter at these cheeky rhymes.

Once again the illustrations are great, and depict the poetry perfectly. Poems exclusively aimed at younger readers, this fun book is an anytime book with silly rhymes to remember and repeat. Giggly Times Giggly Rhymes 2 is a book with pages filled with happiness. Young and old will love this book.

‘Grandpa’s Teeth.’

Started to giggle, I couldn’t stop,

Grandpa’s teeth went whoosh! Ker plop!

Out his mouth, on the floor.

Grabbed by the dog who ran next door.