AustLit

'From the world of The Keepers, Lian Tanner has drawn out a fantastic start to a new series. The Rogues are Duckling, Lord Rump, and Pummel. I love the names Tanner chooses for her characters. ' (Introduction)

'The build-up referred to in the title of this novel is that time between 'the dry' in the Northern Territory and the start of 'the wet', roughly September to December. The story is set in Darwin, where the author grew up and the book cover reflects the arterial rivers and creeks, a lightening strike, the isolation of the area and the defiance and stoicism of so many of the top-enders as well as the characters in the story. Parallel to the build-up in the weather, the story is set in the build-up to the Year 12 exams, also a time of great tension and volatility. (Introduction)

'Claire is eight and her world has become increasingly confusing, Her mum seems to be stashing secrets and Claire can't understand why she keeps going out and leaving her with her aunt. It turns out that her mum has a 'special friend' called Mac and although Daddy is important to Claire, Mum doesn't feel the same way about him. this culminates with her mother announcing she is leaving her father and she and Claire will be moving to the middle of nowhere ... with Mac. Not only that, there isn't even a toilet: just a hole in the ground in an outside shed without a door.' (Introduction)

'We haven't heard much from Paul Jennings since his Don't Look Now series and it's nice to see a novel from him after all this time. Illustrated by Craig Smith, this is a charming read that addresses loneliness and isolation in children as well as embracing the symptoms of his uniqueness.' (Introduction)