Goldilocks on CCTV by John Agard and Satoshi Kitamura

What is it?

Goldilocks On CCTV

Who wrote it?

John Agard

Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

Where can it be found?

In ‘Goldilocks On CCTV’

Adaptation?

Yes, a different spin on this story, focusing more on the aftermath.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

Breaking and entering, theft, vandalism: Bears were prepared with CCTV

Extended thoughts:

When I was reading this collection of contemporary takes on fairy tale characters, I was trying to decide which poem to write about. In the end I picked the title poem because I think it’s rather funny. It talks about how the news reported of the girl who was caught sleeping at the scene of the crime and how the Bears decided to drop the charges.

Like other poems in the book, it adds an element to the stories we know that I think high school age kids will appreciate. Drawing on the more mature concepts behind some of the stories, they poke fun at both classic conventions engrained in fairy tales as well as having a little giggle at contemporary life.

Favourite Quote:

“There she was, tucking in
to a bowl of their muesli.
Every move on CCTV.

How she vandalised a chair
in the nursery
then tried out their Jacuzzi”

Moral of the story in my own words:

Crime doesn’t pay. Especially when security cameras are around.

3 Silver Stars

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Cinnamon Rain by Emma Cameron

Teenage years can be troublesome for most of us, regardless of how well we've got it. Dealing with expectations of parents, teachers, friends and any/all of the other people that seem to want something from you, or want you to do something. Trying to feel comfortable in your own skin can be is one of the most difficult things to achieve when you can't even fathom your place in the world. 

These are just some of the things that came to mind as I read this novel by debut author Emma Cameron. Then, on top of all of those expectations, awkwardness, friendships, etc. some people have a troubled home life thrust on them as well. I find it hard to imagine everything that some teens have to go through as well as just being a teenager. This book helped me see some of those things.

A stunning verse novel that really brought these characters alive, Cinnamon Rain follows three teens approaching the end of year 10, Luke, Bongo, and Casey (the girl they both love). I loved the format of this book. first, we get Luke's story, which introduces us to the other two as well as others in his life. Some aspects of his friends' lives remain a mystery to him though. Then, we get a similar time line over again from Bongo's point of view, taking us a little further along in time. Finally, we revisit the events from Casey's perspective, filling in the gaps that were left and taking us to a place where the characters have a chance at a sense of belonging. 

Occasionally, I hear people scoff, or turn up their nose at a verse novel. I don't understand this. I genuinely feel that it is a great and under-used format. On the most basic level, they are simply easier on the eyes to read. You breeze through it, absorbing it all with ease. Then, poetry is ripe with poignancy, each poem with its 'punch-line' bringing the message home on each page. I love it, and Cinnamon Rain was no exception. 

All in all, this is a great teen read by a new Australian author that I now look forward to what she does next. 

4 Gold Stars

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