Sandy FussellCritiques

Poor Sad. He was an unwanted present, and his owners didn't want him! I feel like this is a good example of why you shouldn't give pets as gifts without talking to the person first! Then the pets will be Sad with a capital S!

As I teach a boy who has the condition known as synaesthesia , I was hoping that this book might give me some insights into how he sees the world. Unfortunately, I am disappointed as Sandy Fussell has chosen to write this as a kind of fantasy whereby the main character Charlie travels back in time and experiences the events that happened in the Cowra breakout when she touches or sees a photo. Its a nice enough story about a girl called Charlie who has lost her brother to whooping cough a few years ago and this has seen her mother refuse to speak to Charlie's grandmother. Into Charlie's life comes a Japanese exchange student who brings with him touching reminders of Charlie's lost brother Eli, but also has a family mystery of his own to solve which is tied to the Cowra breakout. The story is resolved nicely at the end but really didn't provide me with an accurate picture of what synaesthesia is like.

Sad, the Dog is one of new favorite books. The story is both sad and heartwarming. There is a lovely theme about friendship and belonging. The dog initially is not loved by his owners, and doesn't even have a name. Eventually, he finds a loving boy to take care of him and appreciate him.

I really like the illustrations of this book. The dog's facial expressions make you feel his pain and happiness. The dark watercolors set the lonely mood in the beginning of the story. I also love the plot; the fact that the story is not entirely happy makes it more personal and unique. Children should have books that will teach them about difficult life experiences and emotions that they may encounter.

A beautiful written story where the illustrations bring the words to life.

I would love to have this puppy as part of the family. Who wouldn’t?

The beginning of this book broke my heart, you could really feel the pain the little dog felt. This book is a great book for children to show how to treat animals. They deserve the same love and respect as anyone else and this book does a great job of showing it. The illustrations did an excellent job of depicting everything as well.½

This is the book Olivia-Grace picked out from the library yesterday when we were there. Read this tonight to all three of the girls. Lily wasn't in the mood to be read to, but by the third page she was into it. All three girls loved it (Olivia-Grace had already read it in the library, but loved hearing it again). Mara absolutely loved it, giving me and the book hugs afterwards.

Beautiful pictures on each page with little 'easter eggs' on each page. And the story is really cute, heart-warming, and a great story for the girls. Overall a great book for the kids.

A story about inner growth set in an adventure story. About friendship and supporting a friend who is going through a tough time. About seeing through the mask that people wear on the outside and seeing the reason why people are the way they are. And who they really are underneath. This story shows children that they all have their own strengths, and working together is a great way to get something achieved.

One-legged Niya gets his wish to be a samurai, when he is accepted as a student by legendary sensei Ki-Yaga, whose students are all disabled in some way. When the Cockroach Ryu faces the Dragon Ryu at the Samurai Trainee Games, they seem to be at a disadvantage, but they work together to try to overcome the odds.

(Advance Reader Copy)
Set in an undetermined year, after the heyday of the samurai warrior class and prior to its demise in the 19th century, White Crane is an improbable story of a ryu, or Japanese school of martial arts, inhabited by a revered warrior teacher and his hand-picked students, each disabled in some way. Niya Moto is White Crane, the story's one-legged narrator, so named for his spirit totem. The white crane is a kindred creature, as comfortable as Niya in standing upon only one leg. Kyoko, the White Monkey is an albino with extra fingers and toes. One-armed Mikko is the Striped Gecko, Taji is blind and guided by the Golden Bat. Yoshi, pacifist, yet strong and sturdy, still searches for his spirit. All are under the guidance of the wily Sensei, who is so old that the mere mention of his name usually elicits the response, "I thought he was dead." All are preparing for the yearly ceremonial competition between the Boar, Dragon, Eagle, Rabbit, Snake, Wolf and Cockroach ryus. Niya's ryu is, of course, The Cockroach; but as Sensei reminds his pupils,

"Cockroaches are small, but they are very hard to kill."

Though the characters may be improbable, White Crane is believable. With writing reflective of the Japanese philosophical code known as Bushido, the reader is drawn into a world in which the most important concerns are Chi! Jin! Yu!, wisdom, benevolence, courage. White Crane is not without humor, however. When the boys travel to the village to see the master swordsmith, they bow low to honor his age, reputation and craftsmanship,

"He chants as he works, I want to listen, but Onaku's singing is even worse than mine. Covering my ears would be impolite, so I grit my teeth and hum inside my head. Om. Om. Om. "An honorable sword sings loudly with truth and purity, " Sensei teaches. No wonder Master Onaku's swords are so prized. They are born singing at the top of their lungs to drown out their maker's awful voice."

The chapters move swiftly, each containing an illustrated title page and a additional full page, action-packed sketch by Rhian Nest James. With five students, many competing schools, and a fascinating period in history, debut author Sandy Fussell has all the ingredients for a great new series. Recommended for 4th grade and up.
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The boys are off on an adventure as the drum beats have sounded across the valleys, to call the mountain ryus (samurai houses) to war. They set out with their Sensei to try and reach the Emperor so they can ask him to stop the impending fight. On the way, however, the Cockroaches discover that the Emperor has threatened to chop off Sensei's head if he ever shows his face in the Court again! Are they walking into a trap?

I really enjoyed this book which I read to rate for the Challenge. It is about a group of disabled kids in ancient Japan, who are taken in by an old Sensei Ki-Yaga to be educated in the ways of the Samurai despite thier shortcomings. The book is narrated by Niya, who only has one leg and has the spirit totem of the White Crane, and he details the problems each of the Cockroach Ryu (school) students must face - Kyoko ( albino, girl, six fingers & toes) - Mikko ( one arm) -Taji (blind) -Yoshi (huge but cannot fight) - Nezume ( beaten, homeless). This book details their fight against the powerful Dragon school in a tournament against all the other Samurai schools in the area and how they must overcome the hurtful laughter & teasing from the other students and uphold Bushido the Samurai code.