BOOK CLUB RALF Author: Anne Crawford Publisher: Ann Crawford RRP: $29.99 Available: Now, from all good bookstores Ralf is the biography of a remarkable Giant Schnauzer of the same name. Ralf was trained as a show dog but developed a barking problem and faced an uncertain future, after his owner was forced to find him a new home. Fortunately for Ralf, the Lovicks, a young family from Victoria, were able to take him in. Through an interesting turn of events he became a therapy dog at Trinity Manor, eventually ending up at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. This book weaves together the diferent stories of the people afected by Ralf, including the Lovicks, and some of the patients he visited. This makes Ralf hard to put down as you always want to read to the end of the chapter to find out what happened to these unique individuals. Photographs of Ralf and some of the people in the book are featured here and the book is written in simple, easy-to-read language. This makes Ralf suitable for young teenagers and above. Ralf is a heart-warming and endearing tale that appeals to anyone who’s been afected by the love and generosity of pets. Ralf’s tale is an underdog story and proof that animals can bring hope to those who need it most.
THE MANY SELVES OF KATHERINE NORTH Author: Emma Geen Publisher: Bloomsbury RRP: $28 Available: Now, from all good bookstores We love a good read and The Many Selves of Katherine North definitely falls into that category. This debut from young writer Emma Geen takes the reader on a speculative journey into another time when Kit, a phenomenaut, has been projecting into other species, projecting her consciousness into the minds of lab-grown animals all in the name of research and helping her employers better understand the creatures we live alongside. This book opens on Kit when her employment takes a drastic turn. One jump as an urban fox ends in disaster, and our heroine’s world is turned upside-down as she struggles to work out who to trust and how — or if she can ever be safe. While this wasn’t this reviewer’s usual genre of choice, I found it very easy to get into and simple to read. The tension grew and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster, desperate to learn what happened next. The Many Selves of Katherine North is a well-paced read that will have sci-fi lovers enthralled. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
LET’S GO … TO THE BEACH! Author: Sue McWhinney Illustrator: Helene Ruma RRP: $14.95 Available: Via emailing eddiemcteddie@outlook.com, or at helenruma.com We love any book focused on responsible pet ownership, and Let’s go … to the Beach! sure fits that bill. Written by Sue McWhinney, this book tells the tale of Eddie McTeddie, a playful and afectionate Doberman, based on Sue’s own gorgeous pooch, and his adventure to — you guessed it — the beach. Suitable for readers aged five, or as a “read to” book for those aged between two and four, Let’s go … to the Beach! endeavours to entertain and inform, helping children learn vital tips on taking their pets to the beach, including: Always take water and a bowl Never pull your dog’s tail or ears Always ask permission if you’d like to pat a dog that doesn’t belong to you Let’s go … to the Beach! is made complete by stunning illustrations from Helene Ruma, which really make this book something else. This is the perfect gift for the young animal lover in your life.
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