Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth
Anna Fienberg
Allen & Unwin 2023
 
Life has changed for Frances. She’s in a new home, a new school, her dad has gone to work overseas and her mum has bought her a dog named Picasso. But the most glaring change of all is that Henry is no longer there.
It’s a struggle for Frances, and although she loves art, all she can think to draw is bacteria- microscopic, intricate bacteria. Not something others are too keen to look at. Starting a new school is difficult to navigate, but then she finds Kit, a tall, awkward boy who also finds the social complexities of school a challenge. Frances discovers his love for art, and through their shared passion, the two become close friends.

But there’s a barrier. Neither Kit nor Frances is ready to share the heavy burden that they both carry day in and day out.

Picasso and Greatest Show on Earth is a beautiful tale of love, loss and trust. Through the eyes of two young people, we learn about grief and healing. Through the power of observation and nature, the two develop their relationship and learn to open up.

Anna Fienberg is a master of simile and description. Reading this book will plant you right in the scene, painting vivid colours, sounds and emotions, making it hard to put the book down. She has written numerous children’s and young adult fiction, and is most notably known for her series Tashi.

This is a wonderful novel for a mature upper primary school or lower secondary school student.

The Good Sister
Sally Hepworth
Read by Casey Withoos
Bolinda Audio
 
Twins with a traumatic past. Now adults, each tell a story of growing up and the effects on them in the present. Which story should we trust?

Rose considers herself the sensible twin, concerned with actions and consequences. Her depiction of their mother and growing up poor is heart-breaking, and these stories justify the way that she and Fern live their lives and make decisions as adults.

Fern is a little different. She needs Rose to guide her. She doesn’t trust herself, and she doesn’t quite remember the past the way Rose does. Nevertheless, she has a steady, predictable job in a library and a sister who cares for her deeply. If things can stay the same, things can be good.

The sisters have a well-rehearsed way of life. Rose understands Fern’s need for routine and predictability. Fern appreciates Rose’s help and guidance in remembering what she needs to do and when. This is, until Fern discovers Rose is unable to fall pregnant and decides she can help.

Enter Rocco. Rocco is the man Fern decides will help her secretly fix Rose’s problem. He’s unique like Fern, and likes to spend time with her. In fact, Fern discovers that she too, enjoys spending time with Rocco. Rose on the other hand does not think that a romantic relationship is a safe thing for Fern to pursue. Things soon begin to unravel as Fern makes choices that don’t align with Rose’s way of thinking.

Sally Hepworth has crafted these two distinct voices with brilliance. She weaves a profound relationship between the two women, demonstrating a bond only twins could experience.

Casey Withoos is superb in giving voice to the two women as well as the secondary characters, making the listening experience a pleasure.

Hepworth is an Australian author, recognised for her nine published novels and awarded New York Times Bestselling Author credentials. She writes domestic thrillers; crafting female characters that readers come to love, trust, and then question.
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The reader is undoubtedly questioning the whole way through the book ‘Who is the good sister’?