Short takes: Kids' books

Reviewed by MARGIE THOMSON

Deborah Ellis: Looking For X

Ellis, the author of Parvana and Parvana's Journey, has set this book in the slum area of Toronto. It is about Khyber, who has a lot on her plate: she's getting picked on at school, her mother is busy looking after her five-year-old autistic twin brothers, money is scarce and social workers keep coming around. Khyber, a tough but sensitive girl, pours over her atlases and dreams of the day when she can become a real explorer. Offers a real insight into how tough life can be, and a good reminder that being poor is not the same as being a bad parent or a bad kid - despite what Khyber's teachers and classmates seem to think.

Allen & Unwin, $17.95

* * *

Jacqueline Wilson: Lola Rose

My resident Jacqueline Wilson fan reckons this is her best so far - high praise. Wilson is always ready with a new twist on dysfunction, and on kids contending with adults' inadequacies. Here Wilson draws an emotionally astute picture of a troubled family: a father who bullies and hits; a mother who's never learnt to stand up to her husband - until he starts on her daughter Jayni. Jayni's mum wins some money in the lottery, takes the kids and runs away. It's fun at first, but things become grim and the burden of responsibility falls on Jayni.

Doubleday, $36.95

* * *

Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

He's back, for the third and final episode, and getting nicer all the time - or is he? Artemis, criminal mastermind and boy genius, has constructed a super-computer from stolen fairy technology. Uncharacteristically, he makes a mistake and it falls into the hands of someone as ruthless as himself, American businessman Jon Spiro, who also shoots Artemis' bodyguard, Butler. Has Artemis met his match at last? As rollicking as ever, Colfer is in full flight, and so are the fairies.

Puffin, $19.95

* * *

Bob Graham: Jethro Byrde, Fairy Child

Multi-award winner Bob Graham (Max, Let's Get A Pup) can't seem to put a foot wrong when it comes to writing and illustrating his droll stories. His characterisations and detailing give pleasure to adult readers as much as they do to children, an important consideration with picture books. Here, Annabelle goes looking for fairies and finds some in the service station driveway.

Walker Books, $29.95

* * *

Mini Grey: Egg Drop

A big hit with my nearly three-year-old. A cautionary tale filled with drama, pathos and carnage. An egg, desperate to fly, is warned he is too young, but he can't wait. The witty illustrations demonstrate a true dramatist's sense of timing.

Red Fox, $16.95

* * *

Pamela Allen: Cuthbert's Babies

Cuthbert's perfect life disintegrates after his parents bring home four new baby sisters. He feels bad, and wishes for some bad boys to play with. Some pirates happen along, but their canon wakes the babies - and then Cuthbert discovers the pleasure of calming the screaming girls. An unusual, spikey twist on a popular theme, with a comforting soft landing.

Penguin/Viking, $27.95

* * *

Rod Campbell: Farm Babies

Not bad, but it should have been a lift-the-flap like Campbell's other wildly successful books such as Dear Zoo and My Presents. This is a counting book, based on baby farm animals. Cute pictures - we especially liked the fluffy chickens (real fluff!) at the end.

Picture Puffin, $14.95