<p></p>ALPHABETICAL
Michael Rosen
Hachette Australia, $A35

This is a great book for word nerds, particularly for those who like to know more about the semantics and history of letters. Michael Rosen calls the alphabet (specifically the one used by English speakers) "a stunningly brilliant invention" and proceeds to devote a chapter each to the 26 letters. Though he packs in a lot of information, the tone is playful, the narrative anecdotal. Each chapter also explores a different subject - rhyme, jokes, qwerty, ciphers and fonts, for instance. A fun contribution to the study of language, Alphabetical veers off on many fascinating tangents.


FIGARO AND RUMBA AND THE CROCODILE CAFE
Anna Fienberg and Stephen Michael King
Allen & Unwin, A$14.99

<p></p>

Figaro is a speckled, good-humoured dog; Rumba a beret-wearing hepcat from Cuba who loves dancing. They are best friends who go on frequent adventures together, whether it's riding a very fast train, or a busted motorbike, or even thwarting the catnapping plans of a wily crocodile with a voice like icing (all thin and sugary on top and nothing underneath). This sweet little illustrated chapter book is best suited for children aged five to eight. The pictures are done in a sketchy, frenetic manner but it does take a while before the action really warms up.

HADES
Candice Fox
Random House, A$29.95
A man called Hades (otherwise known by the cheery title of Lord of the Underworld) has a reputation for disposing of bodies. One day, two particular bundles are delivered. Twenty years later homicide detective Frank Bennett and his colleague Eden Archer are investigating a serial killer who steals organ parts from his victims. Is there a vigilante surgeon doing organ transplants? Hades moves back and forth in time and has multi-narrative strands that eventually interweave. The novel is compelling and is all the more impressive for being Candice Fox's debut. Exploring the concept of whether killing for justice could ever be rationalised, Hades is a chilling read.