Sandy Fussell

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.… (mehr)

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.… (mehr)