Barefoot In A Prickle Patch by Janet Slater Bottin

Barefoot In A Prickle Patch is about overcoming problems, not relenting to peer pressure, setting goals and being yourself. It is also about the value of friendship and also not letting fears control your life. Both of the main characters have many problems and fears which have to be confronted and overcome in this book, but there are other characters with problems too, although some don’t realise it.

Through the course of this novel, the author confronts issues of drugs, bullying, parental separation and also harassment via cellphones, issues which many teens are familiar with, and gives good advice on how to deal with these issues through the main characters’ actions. It shows readers that sometimes there are hard decisions to make and sometimes the right decision might be the hardest one to make. It is a novel about looking to tomorrow, not letting fears or thoughts of the past overwhelm you and most of all about what it means to be a good friend.

The characters are ones that teenagers can relate to, as are the situations. Many teens when they face trouble think they can deal with it by themselves or that if they ignore it, the problem will go away. This novel shows that both approaches do not always work. It also shows the value of friendship. Above all it is an exciting drama, a tale of a growing relationship and survival in the face of adversity.

Janet says “the reason for this story was the need for it. My hope is that teens reading this book will not only enjoy it as a story of friendship and survival in adversity, but also will capture the underlying theme that no matter what may come their way, they will find a way through it. I have been deeply moved by the increasing number of young people who have so lost a vision of the future that they have chosen not to live. My hope is that the value of this story will be recognised by all who work with youth.”

Janet Slater Bottin (formerly Slater Redhead) is author of the award winning ‘Big Block Of Chocolate’. She has been writing both picture/ story books and junior fiction for children since 1983. As an ex-teacher herself, she has made a considerable contribution to children’s reading. Her books have been published internationally and many have been adapted for radio and television. She has also had a lifetime of personal experience working with children and youths through clubs, schools, and camps. She has a particular empathy for disadvantaged and at risk young people.

Barefoot In A Prickle Patch is endorsed by the Skylight Trust.

RRP $16.00 + Postage and Packaging (Discounts for bulk orders)
Available directly from Janet Slater Bottin Phone 06 364 6569 or Email: jan.tom@slingshot.co.nz

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Best Looking Nose In The World by Janet Slater Bottin with illustrations by Beth Ellen

Twelve year old Monique (who everyone calls Mop) lives in the rural settlement of Beachcomber Cove with her mother and younger sister Rosy. Her best friend Tamati lives next door, with his mother (an artist) and a big St Bernard called Jonesy. It is a seemingly idyllic settlement, with a beach so handy and plenty of kaimoana to be caught including Koura and Paua. Not all in the settlement are permanent residents though, and even Rosy’s best friend is from a family of casuals or townies that just stay at Beachcomber Cove for holidays. There are therefore some houses in the settlement that are not always occupied, but one has been unoccupied for longer and is more run down than most.

Twelve year old Mop isn’t looking forward to the holidays when she learns their rural North Island home is to be invaded by a city cousin she has never met. Worse still Courtney is an only child, so Mop is convinced she will be stuck up and spoiled even before she arrives and takes an instant dislike to her. Once she gets to know Courtney though (and steals a look in her diary), she realises she has been wrong in her judgement.

The two girls find out that they have many things in common including an active imagination, a sense of humour and a love for running along the beach. But whereas Mop is a poet, Courtney is a budding artist, not of cartoons like Tamati but of paintings. She borrows some equipment from Tamati’s mum, Kiri, and photographs then paints some of the scenes in the cove. She is particularly taken with the loneliness of the old, abandoned beach bach, and despite the uneasy feelings both girls get around the place (and the stories Rosy and her friend tell about it) they sneak into its overgrown yard to capture photographs to paint from.

While at the bach, they notice something strange in one of the windows, then other strange things happen too like the single wheel track on the beach and the unseen vehicles moving about at night. Could all of these things have a perfectly logical and normal explanation as Tamati thinks, could the girls’ imaginations be running, or is the old bach not as deserted as everyone thinks? Their holiday suddenly becomes devoted to solving a mystery with some help from the best looking nose in the world.

This novel for nine to twelve year olds is more than just a mystery adventure, it is about relationships and friendship. Janet shows through this novel, that it is never a good idea to prejudge someone based on their background, family or other preconceptions. It is also about embracing other people’s talents and learning to look at things in different ways. It is also a book where readers will learn about fishing limits, some Maori words, and about some New Zealand history. It has engaging characters that I suspect readers would love to see in further books, and a storyline that is thought provoking and that readers can relate to.

At the end of the book, Janet has included questions on the storyline that can be answered either as a class or individually on reflection. Some of these questions will develop the readers own imaginations as the answers are not in this book, but could be easily made into a sequel. Another inclusion is the facts and fun section in which readers will not only learn a bit more on a certain character in New Zealand history, but will also learn some Maori in a practical and memorable way. In my opinion ‘Best Looking Nose In The World’ lends itself well to be read and studied in the classroom.

RRP $16.00 + Postage and Packaging (Discounts for bulk orders)
Available directly from Janet Slater Bottin Phone 06 364 6569 or
Email: jan.tom@slingshot.co.nz
 

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