Chu's Day at the Beach

MD's Saturday book reviews, given in-between trips to settle mischief-making in the back of the youth section of the library.

Neil Gaiman has undoubtedly been a favorite author of mine. Since I first opened up his classic scary tale for children, Coraline, I was quite in love with the fact that someone had articulated so well childhood fears, loneliness, and the sometimes neglectful world of adults. (Also, those creepy buttons for eyes!) I am quite fortunate, in pondering this over, to have a favorite author who writes such a variety of books for all-ages.

Neil Gaiman's "Chu" series is a collection of picture books about---as the title would suggest---a panda named Chu. The panda has the unfortunate quality of sneezing, and sneezing quite often. This would not be a problem if his sneezes were not powerful enough to destroy everything in their path, which they are.

The accompanying, richly-illustrated art by Adam Rex is simply gorgeous.

And it perfectly matches Gaiman's sometimes droll wit.

 And as you have seen, there are merpandas.

That is all,

MD

Jasper Jones Book Review

March 21, 2012

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

Young Adult Novel

YA Silvey

Pulication Date: 2011

When thirteen year old Charlie Bucktin is approached for help by the town’s “half-caste” bad boy, Jasper Jones, he unknowingly becomes involved in covering up the death of a local girl.  Charlie believes that “Jasper Jones speaks the whole truth in a town of liars,” and Jasper says he did not murder Laura Wishart.  With no mother and an alcoholic father who is rarely around, Jasper Jones has never had a real chance at a normal life.  He will undoubtedly be accused of this crime because it is easy.  For this reason, it is up to Charlie to find the courage and help Jasper solve this ghastly mystery before the town erupts.  After ruling out their main suspect, Jasper and Charlie learn that Laura killed herself.  Her own sister helplessly witnessed it, and reveals that Laura could not cope with a disturbing family secret.

            Set in a small Australian mining town during the Vietnam War, much racial prejudice is apparent.  Charlie is continually amazed by the bravery shown by Jasper and his Vietnamese friend, Jeffrey as they continually battle the town bigots and thugs.       Told from Charlie’s point of view, the story follows a well-paced narrative structure. The many side characters and the less than perfect town’s people keep it  interesting.  Throughout the story there is the continual mounting anticipation about where Jasper is and what will happen next.  Faith, sorrow, guilt, trust, forgiveness, love, truth, and courage are among the many issues addressed. In the end, Charlie realizes that courage is “not about being without it (fear.)  Maybe it’s about how well you walk with the weight.” Jasper knew this all too well. 

Silvey leaves the reader with an open ending.  At the conclusion of the story, one can only imagine where Jasper Jones goes and if the location of Laura Wishart’s body will ever be revealed.  The strong language is appropriate for the intended audience and makes the characters believable.  The mature theme also includes some sexual content and the mention of an incestuous relationship.  This mystery is difficult to put down.