Review: Catch a Falling Star

Sometimes you read a book and are so deeply moved by the content that you must sit in silence for a while and ponder. Catch a Falling Star is one of these books.

In a country town in Western Australia in 1979, twelve-year-old Frankie Avery is older than her years. 

Grieving the death of her father and taking on many family responsibilities to help her mother care for her younger brother Newt, Frankie has much on her mind, including having to worry about the space station Skylab that’s dangerously hurtling towards Earth.

Catch a Falling Star is a story of family, love, friendship and grief. It explores childhood from the perspective of someone who has experienced great loss — a tragedy that has gripped their life and changed, well, everything.

Meg McKinlay is a master storyteller and her words never fail to burrow deep into my heart and mind. This is a gentle story about everyday life, but it’s so addictive, so emotional, so gripping.

It’s about real life and real loss and finding your feet when you think there is no possible way they could ever be found. It’s about honesty and bravery and emotional struggle, all from a child’s perspective.

And then there is the truth in the story that I still can’t get out of my head. Skylab is (was) a real space station that really did crash land in Western Australia in 1979. At the back of the book, McKinlay explains which parts of the book are fiction and which parts are enthralling facts — facts that had me racing to the internet to search and find out more, as I suspect many kids will be eager to do. 

Classrooms will love this book for its varied discussion starters, and kids will love it for its honesty and insight into life. It’s a story you won’t soon forget. 

And for more amazing McKinlay books, check out award winning A Single Stone, the very clever Drawn Onward and recent picture book Let Me Sleep, Sheep!. Truly. Master of storytelling!

Title: Catch a Falling Star

Author: Meg McKinlay

Publisher: Walker Books, $17.99

Publication Date: 1 March 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925381207

For ages: 10+

Type: Middle Grade

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2IZyod9

Review: The Garden of Hope

Maya, her dog Pip, and Dad are hardly coping without mum. 

The place is a mess. So is Dad. They all do their best but they hadn’t realized how many things mum did for them every day.

Dad is a good storyteller but he hasn’t been telling Maya much about mum. During one of their quiet times, Dad shares with Maya secrets about mum’s garden, how she loved to plant things, nurture them, and keep them full of life.

But the garden has been swallowed by weeds. It is now nothing but a tangled mess.

Maya decides to change things. Slowly but surely she cuts away tangles, pulls out the weeds and fills the compost. She finds some packets of seeds of sunflowers - mum’s favourite. In the newly cleared earth, Maya sows the seeds and hopes. When she thinks of the garden she feels better.

Joy comes to Maya with the first green shoots. They are beauty and calm, and new beginnings. As the garden is transformed, so are the people. Other living things make their way there. Animals, insects and birds flock to and fill the area with life and activity.  Everything is renewed.

Soft pastels and earthy greens and browns fill the full colour pages. Strong images in the illustrations depict the chaos and calm of Maya, Pip and Dad’s life before and after mum.

Themes of loss and grief, acceptance and renewal, courage and determination, weave through this gentle and moving story that accents the importance of change and moving forward.

Title: The Garden of Hope

Author: Isabel Otter

Illustrator: Katie Rewse

Publisher: Hardie Grant, $24.99

Publication Date: August 2018

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781848577138

For ages: 5+

Type: Picture Book

 



from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Y00gkX

Review: The Price Guide To The Occult

Just off the coast from Washington in the Salish Sea sits Anathema island, its history steeped in folklore and myths. 

Home to a thriving township that bustles with tourists visiting boutique businesses, but lurking beneath the air of normalcy, the island hides forbidden secrets.
 

Having grown up on the island, Nor Blackburn wants to be a typical teenager – boring, invisible and with no ambition to be anything else. 

Living with her grandmother Judd, a giantress and her partner Apothia, they have raised Nor in her mother’s absence since she was ten years old.

Nor spends her days working at a local store, The Witching Hour, sprints around the lake and spends time with her best friend Savvy. All perfectly normal, except for one small thing, Nor is far from your average teenager. In fact, Nor comes from a long line of witches, cursed witches that cannot find love.

Born on Halloween, Nor Blackburn is the eighth Blackburn daughter – descended from Rona Blackburn who along with eight forefathers settled the island. After a disagreement, Rona promised retribution upon the eight men and their families including her own.

Each of the Blackburn daughters receives their gift or burden at particular stages of their lives, Nor hoping to be unremarkable receives the burden of talking to plants and animals and hearing their thoughts. Fearing her abilities, Nor hasn’t confessed to her grandmother the full extent of her powers in case her mother discovers them – detecting lies (the air turns purple), freezing time, forecasting weather and healing people. 

No one speaks about Nor’s mother, Fern, who abandoned her to become a powerful witch, especially since Nor nearly died as a result of one of Fern’s spells spiralling out of control. Fearing the return of her mother, Nor battles anxiety and the need to self-harm as coping mechanisms.

However, one day as Nor unpacks books at The Witching Hour, she discovers a book her mother has written The Price Guide To The Occult with one of the first spells she finds in the book is that of her ancestor Rona. Nor’s mother does not have that burden to be able to cast the spell, unless she is dabbling in black magic which requires a blood sacrifice. 

As dark forces envelope the island and all who live there, people go missing, lives are ruined, Fern raises an army of worshippers to do her bidding.

Her goal is to destroy her family once and for all. But when Fern comes face to face with Nor, there is the ultimate battle of Good vs Evil.

 

Nor will find friends and support she never knew she had, but will it be enough to defeat her own mother? And at what cost?

Title: The Price Guide To The Occult
Author: Leslye Walton

Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406373509
For ages: 15+
Type: Young Adult Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2J68qE6

Meet the Illustrator: Muza Ulasowski

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. Realistic, colourful, detailed, whimsical...

What items are an essential part of your creative space? My Wacom Cintiq 27HD plus stylus and Artrage 5 programme (for my digital illustrations). Lots of light, my acrylic paints and my pencils (for my traditional artwork).

Do you have a favourite artistic medium? Digital art for my children’s book illustrations; acrylics for landscape/animal portraits. I'm currently playing around with pencils.

Name three artists whose work inspires you. Oh my goodness, I have so many artists who inspire me!! Carla Grace, Graeme Base, Ken Donaldson, Lesley McGee, Ann-Maree Zanetti, Mariel Desbiens, Bronwyn Searle, Ben Quilty, Janet Knight, Lix North, Sandra Temple, Pat Hall, Helen Cottle, Fiona Groom, Wendy Layne, Scott Christensen, Kevin Rogers, Mark Waller, Liz Anelli, John Rice, Anne Spudvilas, Sandra Severgnini... the list goes on forever!! They are all amazing in their chosen fields. I would love to be half as good as any one of them.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why? Ooh! That’s an interesting one. Every artistic period has something of interest for me. But I would loooove to visit the Renaissance period. I just love the realism, amazing detail and lighting of that period. And, of course, I would love to find out whether the Mona Lisa really didn’t have any eyebrows. How did Leonardo da Vinci work out the symmetry in his paintings and why? And Michelangelo – did he really use corpses to investigate the muscle groups??

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? I have always been quite 'arty' and my dream whilst at school was to become a children’s picture book illustrator. Unfortunately, as often happens, life got in the way and I forgot my childhood dream. Then in 2010 I was given that chance when a publisher offered me a contract to illustrate a double page spread panel for the picture book Where’s Michael? written by Xavier Waterkeyn. At that stage I didn’t realise how fortunate I was to have this offered to me. Of course I accepted, was totally hooked with the process, and have been working as an illustrator and book designer ever since.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.  I actually have two creative workspaces. The first one is where I create my digital illustrations. This area used to be my photography darkroom before digital photography became the norm. I call it my dungeon because are no windows in this room. It keeps a constant temperature as it is downstairs and the wall backs up against a bank. The advantage here is that there are no light reflections on the computer screen and the lighting is always constant. Here I have my fabulous Wacom Cintiq 27HD computer, my various printers, papers, reference books, files etc. It is always a mess and my Art Director is a black cat called Basil who always snuggles up on the table next to the computer whilst I am working.

The second area is my eldest daughter’s former bedroom, of which I use the corner for my acrylic paintings and pencil drawings. It has a big picture window to allow lots of light. This room now also houses my sewing area and my home office space, and unfortunately has carpets, so I have to be very careful not to spill any paint – very difficult for me. I dream of having a huge Titan shed eventually where I can spill ink and paint to my heart’s content. It WILL happen!

What is your favourite part of the illustration process? My favourite part of the illustration process is when I receive a manuscript that I absolutely adore. This happened with the book Forest Wonder written by Caroline Tuohey. I just knew I had to illustrate it. I was absolutely delighted when Caroline agreed to let me be the illustrator. I had so much fun with this book.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? Never give up your dream! I wasted over 30 years because I was talked out of pursuing an art career way back in high school, as it wasn’t a 'traditional' career in those days. I didn’t realise I could even draw until 2010!

Read lots and lots and LOTS of children's books. I have a huge reference library of children’s picture books which is becoming bigger and bigger with the years. My grandchild is going to absolutely love books!

Enter illustration competitions. Doesn’t matter if you don’t win anything – your name is becoming known. You will also get valuable feedback that will only help your work become better. Talk to other authors and illustrators. Join groups such as SCBWI and Illustrators Australia, and the ASA Style File. Go to conferences such as Kid Lit, CYA and SCWBI conferences. Put up a facebook page, instagram page and anything else that appeals to you. And network, network, network.

Muza Ulasowski established Muza Designs Studio in 2007, working from her home in Brookfield, West Brisbane. Primarily concentrating on creating digital images for children's picture books, Muza also specialises in graphic design, designing book covers and book layouts to print ready stage. She also enjoys creating pencil and charcoal illustrations, acrylic painting, and photographing wildlife.
You can follow Muza on facebook and instagram, purchase her work through etsy or find out more via her website.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2UOfzv3

Review: Mummy's Suitcase

In this newest book from the Ruby Roo series, Ruby Roo and her little brother Barney have as much entertaining fun as ever on a mission to help their Mum.

Mummy is going away for three days, so with Barney by her side, Ruby uses her cheeky charm and knowledge of Mummy to help pack her suitcase with all the things she loves. Amusingly, this includes a cabbage, a lawn mower and lots of other odd items. Will they all fit in?

Mummy’s Suitcase ties in wonderfully with other books from the series. Those who know Daddy’s Sandwich will find the storyline familiar with a clever surprise.

There is humour for adults and children alike. I had a motherly giggle at the line Mummy loves counting! She counts to three all the time and was impressed with the cheeky modern touch when Ruby Roo refers to her Mum tip-tapping on her laptop every day.

While Barney is a baby and doesn’t say much, the clever illustrations show him doing funny things like chewing on Mummy’s train ticket.

As always, Laura Hughes has delivered on gorgeous illustrations with fun textures, bright colours and lots of movement which work in unity with Pip Jones’ fabulously funny writing.

Some other books written by Pip Jones include Izzy Gizmo and stories in the Squishy McFluff series. Laura Hughes is the illustrator of many published books including The Birthday Invitation and Daddy’s Sandwich.

Title: Mummy's Suitcase
Author: Pip Jones
Illustrator: Laura Hughes
Publisher: Faber and Faber, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780571327539
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2JcUys1

Review: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World

Wild, racing, intriguing, addictive — Alex and the Alpacas Save the World is all of these things and more.

It’s summer break, and Alex is heading to her grandfather’s farm with her mother. But Alex’s grandfather doesn’t want them there, and he isn’t exactly subtle about it. 

For some strange reason he wants Alex’s uncle and cousin to spend the summer instead, but Alex has no idea why.

Perhaps it has something to do with the strange whispering wind. Or, perhaps it has something to do with the four strange alpacas that moved in at the farm. Alpacas that can talk! 

Alex thinks she’s going crazy, but the strangeness doesn’t stop there. 

A wild firestorm, extinct animals appearing from nowhere, an evil and ancient threat growing stronger and stronger. Something extraordinary is happening at the farm, and somehow Alex is connected to it.

Can Alex find the courage she needs to battle the evil forces that are taking over the farm? Can she learn to trust those that offer their help? When the time comes, can she make the ultimate sacrifice to save the ones she loves?

Alex and the Alpacas Save the World is an epic middle grade adventure. It had me hooked from page one, and its gripping content did not let me go until I reached the end. 

It’s a fabulous ‘good verses evil forces’ journey, and the content is really cool and fresh. Based in Australia, but with links to ancient cultures around the world, it had me enthralled and hungry for more.

Packed with mysteries, it’s a great book for kids who like to solve a puzzle, as the puzzles really do keep coming right up to the end, and there are so many connections to be made and satisfying ‘aha’ moments to be found.

If the kids like action, adventure and mysteries, this one is for them. 

Title: Alex and the Alpacas Save the World

Author: Kathryn Lefroy

Publisher: Fremantle Press, $16.99

Publication Date: May 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925815412

For ages: 10 - 14

Type: Middle Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2GKIdIG

Review: The Little Stowaway

The Little Stowaway tells the true story of a young French orphan, who wandered into a military camp during World War 1 on Christmas Day in 1918, freezing and hungry. The boy, named Honoré, often called Henri, was taken under the wings of the Australian Flying Corp and an airman named Tim. He soon gained the nickname Young Digger.

Tim tried to help the boy find his remaining family in France, but, due to the ravages of war, no family could be found. Tim wrote to his wife in Australia saying he wanted to adopt the boy into their family.

When the war ended, to avoid being sent to an orphanage, Honoré began a long journey to Australia, as a stowaway, hidden in an oat sack.

Vicki Bennett's narrative takes us into this time, through the eyes of the child, as we sense the war raging around him, whilst still having hope in his heart.

The dedication acknowledges Tim's granddaughter and her family, and the Australian War Memorial, and thanks them for their generosity of time and advice and access to information and original photographs, which validate the authenticity of this story.

These treasured photographs are beautifully incorporated into Tull Suwannakit's illustrations, which feature dusty-brown nostalgic tones, with a hint of colour, taking us back in time to a world at war, counterbalanced with the reminder that there is always hope and love.

Title: The Little Stowaway
Author: Vicki Bennett
Illustrator: Tull Suwannakit
Publisher: Scholastic, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 March 2018
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781742993072
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2PAmdEn

Review: Where's Lucky

Jacqui Halpin, author of  Parmesan, The Reluctant Racehorse has written a touching story about an orphaned swamp wallaby.

Where's Lucky follows the rescue of a joey and the daily life of the wildlife rescue volunteers, Theresa and Tony.

In Theresa and Tony's home all the orphaned joeys are swaddled into cosy fabric pouches hung on frames, to make them feel safe and snug like they would in their mother's pouch.

Just like human babies these joeys need lots of care and attention. There are bottles of milk to prepare, joeys to feed day and night, blankets and pouches to wash, and  piles of poo and oceans of puddles to clean up.

As for Lucky? He settles in very quickly but has a habit of getting into mischief and not being exactly where he should be. Throughout the story children will have many opportunities to find out where Lucky has disappeared. Additionally readers can also spot Bluey, another joey who is inquisitive and likes to help. He can often be seen in the illustrations interacting with Theresa and Tony.

Under Theresa and Tony's care Lucky and his friends thrive and grow. This presents the volunteers with a new problem, where will Lucky and the older joeys go once they need more space and fresh green grass to eat?

Halpin weaves a lovely story arc with dashes of sadness, humour and joy that accompanies an orphan animal story. She gives a good insight to the work required to care for a group of joeys and reminded me of the when my family raised orphaned lambs, especially the bond that develops for the animal that you raise.

Sandra Sevengnini captures the antics and characteristics of the joeys in the most delightful way. I love how she has illustrated the huge feet and gangly legs of a growing kangaroo. Sevengnini has depicted the foreignness of a house environment for a kangaroo, by showing the contrast of their brown toned fur against bright coloured fabrics. While in the hen house and rural bush property, the joey's fur camouflages them into the colours of the landscape.

At the end of the book there are suggestions of how to avoid hitting kangaroos and other wildlife while driving your car. Plus what actions to take if you need to help an injured animal. A percentage of the income of this book will be donated to Our Haven Wildlife Shelter in Victoria, Australia.

Title: Where's Lucky?
Author: Jacqui Halpin
Illustrator: Sandra Severgnini
Publisher: Little Pink Dog Books, $24.95
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Hard  Cover
ISBN: 9780648256335
For ages: 4 - 7
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2GPaptF

12 Curly Questions with author Wenda Shurety

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I’m a science nerd and have a PhD in cell biology. I’ve just started writing a children’s adventure story incorporating my knowledge about the wonder of cells.

2. What is your nickname?
Wen

3. What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone dear to me. Being told I can’t use ellipses anymore …

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
From the heart. Based on life experience.
Lots of ellipses …

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Determined, emotional, empathetic, succinct, quirky

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Silky the Fairy from Enid Blyton’s The Enchanted Forest. Who wouldn’t want to live in a tree with entertaining neighbours, eat pop cakes and visit fantastical lands?

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why? 
2089. The year my daughter turns 80. I’d love to see how she lives, hear about her life adventures and meet her family and friends. Plus, how fascinating would it be to see how science and technology have progressed.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 
Interesting … I thought we wanted to be a dolphin trainer.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
The many people I’ve met, particularly my daughter.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Reading picture books to my daughter. It was eye-opening to see the effect they’ve had on her. I’m now a proud mum to an eight-year-old book worm.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Discombobulated. I love the way the word rolls around your mouth.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lord of the Rings, or anything by Juliet Marillier.

Wenda Shurety was raised in the beautiful county of Norfolk, in England, and now resides in Brisbane, with her supportive husband, cheeky daughter and two rescue dogs, Nellie and Nemo. Wenda loves to write children’s stories with heart; whether it involves diversity, science or the magical world of the imagination. Her first picture book is Eva's Imagination, illustrated by Karen Erasmus. For more information, see www.wendashurety.com.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2ZIK2OX

Review: House of Heroes Book One: Hapless Hero Henrie

Born into a family of heroes – all boys, Henrie is anything but heroic.  She speaks first and thinks later. She loves using collective nouns and alliteration when she talks. And she is the first girl to be born into the House of Melchoir in 200 years.

Abandoned by her parents at birth due to her gender (that is what she believes to be true) she is brought up in hiding, by her aunt Ellie, her mum’s sister. At twelve years old, she has been told nothing about her family.

A letter arrives requesting a secret meeting regarding her family. Against all she’s been taught, she agrees. As a safeguard, she takes with her a neighbour, Alex, whom she knows nothing about. The meeting leads them to stow away on a private plane with the intention of getting closer to her family.

Alex disappears while Henrie is taken to her grandfather who relates the real story of the years past. Henrie learns that her parents, being told by her grandfather she was dead, left and were never heard of again. No detective agency could find any trace of them over the years.

Henrie’s hopes of finding her parents collapse. Grandfather dies immediately after his confession. Her uncle Caspian, determined to inherit the House of Melchoir for his two odious sons, Carter and Finn, initiates devious plans. Tradition must be preserved at all cost.

But a new will leaves the House of Heroes to Henrie and others of her family. Now Henrie is in grave danger. Ellie has followed her trail and is also threatened. And what has happened to Alex?

This is a thrilling, action-packed adventure with so many twists and turns you can barely draw breath before each situation is off in a new direction. Written in first person narrative by Henrie, she directs many quirky questions, facts and statements to the reader. Full of fun and cleverness, the prose is sharp and active like the storyline.

This scintillating first book of a series promises more drama and mystery as the search for Henrie’s parents evolves and she looks for her real place in life. I can’t wait for the next title, Henrie’s Hero Hunt.

Title: House of Heroes Book One: Hapless Hero Henrie

Author:Petra James

Illustrator: A Yi

Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99

Publication Date: 1 April 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760650834

For ages: 8+

Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2LaSrYf

Winners: Hapless Hero Henri: House of Heroes Book One

And our lucky winners are...

Sharon Hammad, NSW
Mel Sajeva, VIC

Congratulations! You have each won a copy of the action-packed middle grade novel, Hapless Hero Henri, Book One.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered.

To learn more about this exciting, adventure-packed series, read our hot-off-the-press review tomorrow!



from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2LbS1kt

Review: A Twin is to Hug

A Twin is to Hug is a celebration of twins.

Twins have lots in common, as well as much that is different.

However, for young children, explaining the concept of twins might be difficult. A Twin is to Hug sets out to make that as easy as possible.

Twins might look alike, or they might look different, but being a twin means there are two. Like a pair.

Twins can share experiences, and although sharing means one might have to be first, there are good things to share as well, like a hug.

'A twin is a shadow who's hard to ignore....Hand in hand, side by side, a twin is your friend. Every step of the way, from beginning to end.'

The author of A Twin is to Hug, Boni Ashburn, is the mum of twins and has captured the ups and downs, and something of the special nature of twins in this book.

The text rhymes and the illustrations depict twins of all kinds.

If you have twins in the family, or are expecting them, or simply want to help a child understand what being a twin means, A Twin is to Hug is a simple and sensitive introduction.

Title: A Twin is to Hug
Author: Boni Ashburn
Illustrator: John Nez
Publisher: Abrams, $21.99
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781419731587
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2vwGQYB

Review: Well Read Cookies

When a creative person like Lauren Chater combines their passion of baking and literature they create the most delightful composition, initially a blog and now a book, Well Read Cookies.

The 60 biscuits found inside this book are inspired by literature that touched Chater in some way, they made her giggle, cry and sigh with pleasure.

Each biscuit in Well Read Cookies is a mini book review with some instructions of how the biscuit was made along with decorating tips and a colour photo of the finished product.

The biscuits are inspired from books that appeal to a wide age range and genre. Some of the book genres include: fantasy, horror, historical fiction, romance, coming-of-age, contemporary adult fiction, poetry, young adult fiction, realistic fiction and fairy tales.

Inside the covers you will find biscuits like a little cottage inspired by Barton Cottage in Sense and Sensibility to biscuits of caterpillars and watermelons from the The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

A wide range of children's book titles are represented in Well Red Cookies, such as Green Eggs and Ham, The Little Mermaid, Charlotte's Web, Mary Poppins, Fantastic Mr Fox, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, City of Bones and so many more. I wonder which one will be baked for your child's next birthday?

At the end of the book Chaters has included some recipes, and baking and icing tips and tricks.

Chater is also a writer of adult fiction and has written the story The Lace Weaver and will release her second adult fiction story, Gulliver's Wife later in 2019.

Title: Well Read Cookies
Author: Lauren Chater
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781925596366
For ages: All Ages
Type: Non-Fiction




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2GCegdx

Review: The Anzac Billy

A boy is preparing a billy full of Christmas to send to his father who is a soldier in WW1. 

Each day he places an article in the tin to form a connection to home. There is butterscotch and a tin of fish, the last walnuts from their tree, a bar of chocolate and a pair of hand-knitted socks. 

Saturday mum’s contribution goes in: a razor, safety pins and soap for his undies. Sunday is for Nanna’s. She puts handkerchiefs, and a pencil and paper for his letters home.  

Although they prepare the Anzac  billy for the dad, there are so many billies being loaded onto a ship, nine billies to a layer, three layers to a box, and so many soldiers, the boy understands that his particular one might not reach his dad. He doesn’t mind. It’s the importance of his letter reaching his dad in time for Christmas that matters the most.

Claire Saxby has as always, researched her subject thoroughly to create a moving tale of love, longing and the loneliness of being far from your loved one.

The exquisite illustrations are in watercolour and pencil. The same combination of colours - delicate shades of brown, bluish green and white are used throughout the book. This uniform approach corresponds with the constant hope and yearning the family has for the father’s return.

Most of the illustrations are presented in full page double spreads where the reader is part of the scene being played out. I felt like I was standing in a corner observing, and feeling the same emotions washing over the two mothers and child as they stay busy to fill in time till they are reunited with their loved one.

It is obvious that the illustrators have immersed themselves in the text to have provided such an impressive and realistic visual interpretation of the author’s words.

This is a divine publication full of movement and nostalgia, beautifully reflecting the daily lives and thoughts of people during the War years. I adored the image of the rows of soldiers standing on the deck looking out to sea, all lost in thought. The crests of waves appear wild and white-tipped matching the men’s mood, perhaps their heartbeat. In the corner of the opposite page, a soldier sits with his Anzac billy open reading a letter.

Both end pages in blue background and items, depict the contents of the boy’s Anzac billy.

Title: The Anzac Billy

Author: Claire Saxby

Illustrator: Mark Jackson & Heather Potter

Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99

Publication Date: 1 April 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925126815

For ages: 5+

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2UXLIoV

Review: A Different Boy

A Different Boy is a short story, just over 100 pages, but it packs a punch.

Anton dreams of being able to do as his family had planned, and travel from a broken land to a new one, where it's possible to prosper and grow.

But Anton is an orphan -- his father killed in war and his mother recently drowned.

Through a series of incidents, Anton escapes from what looks like being a dark future at Wolfdog Hall, and crosses paths with Max and his mother.

There are moments of sadness and humour. 

Although short, with themes that include loneliness, grief, being different, and hope, A Different Boy is a story that is probably best read by slightly older children, or jointly with parents, so it can be discussed.

Paul Jennings is at his best with A Different Boy, which is is full of plot twists and surprises.

You will find yourself uncertain of just what is going on, right up until the very end. I certainly didn't guess the final secret that is revealed.

You can listen to Paul Jennings reading an excerpt from A Different Boy and download teacher's notes from the book's page on the Allen & Unwin website.

A Different Boy was longlisted for the 2019 Carnegie Medal.

Title: A Different Boy
Author: Paul Jennings 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $14.99
Publication Date: 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760523503
For ages: 10--14 years
Type: Junior fiction




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2GBdv4C

Review: Squish Rabbit's Pet

Squish is an adorable little rabbit with big dreams. 

Squish dreams of lots of things, but most of all, he dreams of having his very own pet puppy.

Squish finds a giant egg, and he cares for that egg with all his heart, waiting for his puppy to hatch. But Squish learns something very important about puppies and eggs. 

What will happen when the egg hatches? Will Squish Rabbit ever get the pet he’s dreamed of for so long?

Squish Rabbit’s Pet is the third book in the Squish Rabbit series (following Squish Rabbit and Brave Squish Rabbit). It’s about that lovely, frantic, crazy feeling we all get when we want something so bad. It’s about friendship, curiosity, new discoveries and unconditional love. 

Battersby’s illustrations are so funky in this book — simple shapes mixed with detailed textures and snippets of photography on lots of white space. So striking. So fun to explore. So special and unique.

The book also comes with a soft and squishy cover, which ignites feelings of warmth and triggers smiles as you squish down on the bright yellow.

Children will adore Squish Rabbit and his adventures, and I feel younger children in particular will really ‘get’ him — connect with him. 

Squish Rabbit is a very special rabbit with a big personality and a very big heart. And I’d wager he’s got even more stories to tell.

And don't forget to check out our 12 Curly Questions with Katherine Battersby to find out more about this talented author/illustrator.

Title: Squish Rabbit's Pet

Author/Illustrator: Katherine Battersby

Publisher: UQP, $21.94

Publication Date: 3 April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9780702260469

For ages: 2 - 6

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Pu1Vwf

Review: When the War Is Over

Breathtaking in appearance, this stunning book reflects on the fragility of peace and freedom, the heartbreak at parting, the joy of reunions, and how love endures through all the horrors born of war.

Two of the most revered creators of children’s books have collaborated on a work of immense beauty. 

Jackie French’s superlative text in verse, combined with Anne Spudvilas’ divine and deeply moving artistic interpretation, brought tears. 

The longing of the mothers, wives and children is visible in the double spreads that are a salute to all the men that left to fight in wars from WW1 till today and those lucky enough to experience a homecoming. The wars are acknowledged with the date, length, and name of each battle.

The opening image shows a mother pressing her two children to her side against a background of cloud that appears to be smoke. All three have an expression of loneliness and longing. This prepares the reader for an emotional journey symbolic of all that has passed but shows no end.

WW1 Armistice Day - Lights from the carriages of the train on which the Treaty was signed, can be seen through a forest of black trees. WW1 Peace Treaty - Two dogs run towards a returned soldier. WW1 Troops Still Returning - Two hands are joined across a table beside a pile of letters tied with string, a half-finished cup of tea, and three photographs.  

WW2 Victory in Europe Day - A family in the shadowed light of a kerosene lamp re-reads letters sticky with jam. Victory in the Pacific Day - After the reunion, a roundup is being planned.

The Occupation of Japan shows the horror of a mushroom sky as a child sends paper cranes into the air next to two live cranes, their heads lifted in a screech against a burning world.

The Malayan Emergency – A man and a boy lean against a stump in the outback. The man is still a stranger to the boy who sees him for the first time.

Korean War - A letter to a soldier’s wife is written upon a map of the whole of Korea and surrounding areas.

Indonesian Confrontation – A soldier’s body returns home for burial. Vietnam War – A desperate mother, arms outstretched, offers her child to a soldier in a chopper.

1990 to Present Day Gulf Wars Afghanistan – Young girls dream of being educated.

Timor-Leste – A joyous reunion.  Peacekeeping in Kasmir, Cyprus, Cambodia, Somalia, Haiti… The dark shadow of a bird in flight is visible against crumpled tissue paper.

Exquisite in every way and deeply moving, this book reminds us what we can never forget.  Wars will never end, and history will keep on repeating itself. So, we continue to live with the anguish of separation and loss, and the experience of joy at homecomings and reunions.

Title: When the War is Over

Author: Jackie French

Illustrator: Anne Spudvilas

Publisher: Harper Collins, $24.99

Publication Date:18 February 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781460753026

For ages: 8+

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2VqV0sR

Review: Hip Hip Hooray

Birthdays are all about family and friends, fun and games, anticipation and celebration. And this latest book from an award-winning duo is all of the above, wrapped up in a glorious package of colour and glee and loveliness.

Following on from their successful Christmas book, Merry Everything, Tania McCartney and Jess Racklyeft have created a sparkling book about every child's favourite day of the year.

Starting on birthday eve with party preparations, the excitement grows throughout the book to the big moment of the birthday cake, that all-important wish and those cheers of 'hip hip hooray' that make a child feel so special and loved.

Once again, Jess has conjured an adorable menagerie of animals to highlight the universal joy of birthdays. Orangutans decorate the trees for the big day, bilbies sign birthday cards, zebras play party games and hummingbirds bring out the cake. And each species has been cleverly selected with a dash of humour. You'll love the wide-eyed possum, unable to sleep a wink, the narwhals whacking the pinata, and the elephant blowing out the candles.

McCartney's use of language is delightful and delicious, with every word a treat to read. The anticipation is beautifully built, taking the reader along for the rollicking ride.  For added razzle-dazzle, you can even download a free DreemAR App and see the pages come to life.

There's so much joy in this book, it's enough to make those of us who have started to dread birthdays, slap on a party hat and send up our own cheer — hip hip hooray!

Title: Hip Hip Hooray
Author: Tania McCartney
Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft
Publisher: Windy Hollow, $25.99
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922081766
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2UDlraC

Review: Babies Can Sleep Anywhere

A delightful, rhyming board book, perfect for little hands and little ears, Babies Can Sleep Anywhere will warm your heart and make you smile.

The story explores all the different ways animals like to sleep: in trees, in lairs, upside down, in a den. So many different animals sleep in so many different ways, but babies… well babies can sleep anywhere. 

With soothing repetition, the story is the perfect bedtime tale for tired cherubs, but I love that it also subtly teaches about the animal world as it calms audiences. 

It also shines a beautiful light on different family members and how both mums and dads play a key role in helping babies get to sleep.

The stunning illustrations are engaging and addictive, and each turn of the page will have you smiling at cuteness overload. The colours are both bright and soothing at the same time — perfect for little ones and perfect for bedtime! 

This is a special little book for babies everywhere. With a beautiful visual narrative that celebrates diversity of our animal kingdom, as well as diversity of people, it’s the perfect board book to give as a gift or to purchase for yourself just because!

Title: Babies Can Sleep Anywhere

Author: Lisa Wheeler

Illustrator: Carolina Buzio

Publisher: Abrams, $11.99

Publication Date: 23 April 2019

Format: Board Book

ISBN: 9781419734922

For ages: 0 - 3

Type: Board Book, Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2vkt6jF

Review: Our Jacko

Our Jacko is a poignant story, first published in 2014 as part of a compilation.

Michael Morpurgo's contribution to the anthology The Great War: Stories Inspired by Objects From the First World War, was Our Jacko, inspired by the metal helmet worn by soldiers, known as the Brodie helmet.

Four years later, Our Jacko has been released as a small, stand-alone edition, illustrated by David Gentleman, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

The story begins with an introduction to brothers Michael and Otto, who disagree on things, one of which is war.

Through their childhood there is an old metal helmet that was once a play accessory, then an animal feeder, and later a planter. They don't know where it came from, but it has always been useful.

When the boys discover the helmet belonged to their great-grandfather, they uncover a story, and an ancestor, they never knew: Lt Jack Morris. Sherwood Foresters. Son, husband, father, actor at Stratford, soldier.

It's the story of a man who lived and walked in the same places the boys do. A man who went to war, where he kept a notebook of thoughts of home and his favourite Shakespeare poems. A man who never came home from the war, killed on the battlefields of Ypres in 1915.

For the teenage Michael, whose pacifist outlook has been in conflict with Otto, Jacko's story is a revelation, generating understanding and a shared experience with his brother that brings them closer together.

It doesn't take long to read Our Jacko, and I recommend you keep some tissues handy, because there's a good chance you will need them. 

Michael Morpurgo says his stories are not so much about war, as 'the possibilities of hope and reconciliation that are borne from war'. That is never more clear than in Our Jacko, which is a multilayered story that can be appreciated by readers young and old.

Find a copy of Our Jacko and read it. It's a story that deserves to be heard, and you won't be disappointed.

Title: Our Jacko
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: David Gentleman
Publisher: Walker Books, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406366136
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior fiction




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2ZwOzUl

Review: This is Home: Essential Australian Poems for Children

I am a strong believer in the importance of poetry for children. As well as conveying the rhythm and beauty of language, it opens their eyes to different ways to perceive our world. To present truth in small, easily digestible chunks, to explore feeling and emotion, to reflect on the past and dream about the future.

This extraordinary new poetry collection for children, compiled by Jackie French, stunningly illustrated by Tania McCartney, and published by the National Library of Australia, is a true celebration of Australia.

This collection contains poignant observations on Australian life and culture through depictions of landscape, historical events, feelings and experiences of Australians from a variety of backgrounds and times. They express what has shaped us as a nation – from the challenging and heartfelt to the joyful and fun.

From famous historical poets such as Banjo Paterson and Dorothea Mackellar, to modern marvels such as Geoff Page, Libby Hathorn and Omar Musa, and future talent such as Leo Barnard, who penned his poem, A Palace of a God at the age of 14, this collection really does have something for everyone.

Tania McCartney’s gorgeous illustrations depict landscapes, animals and everyday kids, with a fun yet authentic feel that connects with the poetry to not just illustrate it but add an additional layer of intricacy and meaning.

Another remarkable feature of the illustrations is that Tania has masterfully included textures gleaned from around National Library of Australia in her artwork. This subtle connection to the heart of Australian literary culture makes the book even more special.

The collection is divided into themed sections, each with a short yet affecting poetic introduction by Jackie French. And instead of a standard table of contents, Jackie groups the poems to help her readers, for example “If you want to hear whispers from the past, listen to” or “if you love animals, then you may also love,” this is a great way to engage kids before they have even started reading!

As Jackie rightly points out, there are many more poems that contribute to the narrative of our country, but there are only so many that will fit in one book. Rest assured that with this collection, each and every one of you will be able to find at least one poem that speaks to you today. Hopefully one that speaks to you tomorrow as well, and the day after that.

This collection contains poems with heart, poems to make you think, make you laugh and make you cry. All the colours of language come together to paint a glorious picture of Australia in all its beauty and diversity (and fun!).

What more can I say, but this a very special poetry collection to buy every child you know so you can share the story of Australia through language and give them a gift they can treasure it for a lifetime.


Title: This is Home: Essential Australian Poems for Children
Author: Various Authors, compiled by Jackie French
Illustrator: Tania McCartney
Publisher: NLA Publishing, $34.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780642279385
For ages: 5+
Type: Poetry Collection




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2W5dKvd

Review: Four Dead Queens

Just when you think you’ve unravelled the mystery, you know what’s happening, you’ve got it all worked out, Astrid Scholte throws you a curve ball you never expected and everything changes.

Four Dead Queens is a wild ride. It’s fast paced, thrilling, mysterious fantasy — fantasy at it’s best — with twists and turns you won’t see coming and a rich and detailed world that hooks you from the first page.

The novel follows seventeen-year-old Keralie, a skilled thief who lives life how she wants, taking what she wants, saying whatever she thinks without a care. 

But when she steals an important and valuable message, Keralie gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy involving four grisly murders of the queens that rule the lands. 

Teaming up with the boy she stole the message from, Keralie embarks on a dangerous and risky mission to unravel the truth. A truth I promise you will not see coming.

Scholte is a masterful writer and Four Dead Queens is the perfect example of how multiple perspective, time-hopping stories can tick all the boxes when they’re done right. 

The story dips in and out of a few different characters, including Keralie and each of the four queens. But never does the reader question whose perspective they are reading, and none of the jumps are jarring or awkward. The story plays with time as well, but the movements through time and place are just so flawless, so seamless, so perfect, you’ll close the book smiling because the whole novel is a spectacular puzzle, right to the very end. 

Then there is the world that Scholte has created. Quadara is complex and unique and interesting. Keralie’s story might (or might not) end at the completion of this novel, but I want so much more from this world. It stays with you. You’ll have questions you want answered; you’ll be curious and hungry for more. 

If you like fantasy, if you like mystery, if you like action-adventure, Four Dead Queens is a YA novel you’ll want to check out. It’s fresh, it’s daring, it’s filled to the brim with twists you won’t see coming.

Title: Four Dead Queens

Author: Astrid Scholte

Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $19.99

Publication Date: March 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760524418

For ages: 13+

Type: Young Adult Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2XCmqti