When Canberra writer Jackie French was in Bendigo for the 2001 La Trobe University Children’s Literature Conference, she quickly won everyone with her cheeky sense of humour and passionate love of gardening.  These are also shown off in her role as “Herb Lady” on Burke’s Backyard TV show, and in her new novel in the Callisto series, Vampire Slugs on Callisto. 

Not many science fiction stories get to feature giant green slugs that attack apple trees, homework and pineapple pizza.  They should be a disaster!  But on Callisto (The NICEST planet in the universe!), Sam and her visiting cousin Broc are amazed that no-one seems worried at all.  So, they try to save the planet by themselves in a series of increasingly desperate and unsuccessful adventures.

But first Sam has to learn to like Broc. She does not want to make things worse for her visitor

“… by being rude to him.  Well, really rude anyway. (Saying things like `Move your feet, Fishface, or we’ll never get there!’ doesn’t count.)”

They try potions and stakes and ray guns without any effect on the rapidly growing fanged slugs and still cannot get anyone else the slightest bit worried.  In the end, the lesson they learn about gardening and the natural world is pure Jackie French – especially the role of ploddy-plod bird droppings.

All the Callisto stories are plenty of fun and, while they have messages, these just slip in naturally, as they should.  Jackie French is deservedly one of the most popular and consistent children’s writers in Australia, and her Garlic and Milk mix to get rid of aphids works a treat too!

Other books by this author:
Hitler's Daughter (Harper Collins, 1999)
The Black House (Koala Books, 2003)
Too many pears! (Koala Books, 2003)

Review by David Beagley

© 2003 David Beagley