Review: Vivienne Westwood (Little People, Big Dreams)

Vivienne Westwood always had big dreams.

She studied fashion and jewellery design and opened a shop in London that brought daring and creative designs to the world.

She rocked boats and pushed boundaries and she never let anyone tell her she had to do things a certain way. She didn’t follow rules, and she let her strong beliefs guide her path to the top. 

Vivienne Westwood is another fabulous non-fiction picture book in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I adore these books. They are short, easy to read and filled with colourful and engaging illustrations. 

Providing kids with a fantastic look at some of the world’s most famous and influential people, each one celebrates achievement and encourages kids to reach for the stars. 

This story tells the tale of a determined and courageous woman who forged her own path to become one of the most outspoken and well-known fashion designers in the world. 

The snippets of her life highlighted in the book are relatable and engaging for kids. And if the kids are eager for even more, there is a timeline, photographs and more detailed information at the back of the book.

Engaging and super interesting, this is exactly what non-fiction should be, especially for young kids. 

And when you’ve devoured Vivienne, make sure you check out Maria Montessori, Stephen Hawking, Jane Austen, LM Montgomery and so many more!

Title: Vivienne Westwood (Little People, Big Dreams) 

Author: Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Illustrator: Laura Callaghan

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, $19.99

Publication Date: 1 March 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781786037565

For ages: 3 - 6 

Type: Picture Book, Non-Fiction Picture Book

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Review: It all Began When I Said Yes

A clever and amusing story about a young girl trying to do the right thing and her adventure with an excited gorilla named Gideon.

Told from the view of the young girl, the story starts when her parents ask that she try saying 'yes' rather than 'no' to their requests for tasks such as eating her broccoli and brushing her hair.

Imperfectly perfect timing occurs when a gorilla knocks on her door and a funny journey follows. From shopping to party planning and meeting a lot of Gideon’s friends, the young girl lands herself in a little more adventure than she can handle, all thanks to saying yes. Luckily her parents know just what to do.

It All Began When I, Said Yes takes a humorous look at how we often assume context and that we should perhaps be more specific when we give instructions. I love how the wild and unrealistic adventure leaves me wondering if she dreamt it all up or if it really happened.

The playful and bright digital illustrations, with pops of texture suit the story wonderfully. I was smiling all the way through, especially when I arrived at a double page spread showing a big line of animals in quirky clothes at the young girl's door.

A fun and joy filled story, sure to make children laugh and help them understand the concept of context. The book is a lovely quality with thick matte finished pages and spot varnish on the cover.

Simon Philip is the author of other fun stories including You Must Bring a Hat and I Don’t Know What to Call My Cat.

Title: It All Began When I Said Yes
Author: Simon Philip
Illustrator: Annabel Tempest
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, $24.99
Publication Date: 6 September 2018
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781471164583
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Giveaway: Hugo

Hugo was born with a beautifully curious mark.

Although it’s something special, Hugo is concerned: he has never seen a rainbow mark on
anyone else. Determined to find that someone else, Hugo sets out on a rollercoaster of
emotion and adventure. 

He searches crowded spots in his city, experiencing a rich array of
human difference. His quest seems to be in vain. But just as he gives up, something amazing happens ...

This gentle and heart-warming story explores how it feels to be different, with a contemporary
edge that will resonate with modern readers. To celebrate this inaugural picture book title, Hugo, we have two copies to giveaway, courtesy of the divine people at Red Paper Kite.

To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less what you would say to Hugo if you met him?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The two responses we like best will each win a copy of the book. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery of the books. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website on 13 May 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 4 May 2019 to 5 pm 11 May 2019. Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2IXAZV5

Review: Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper

In Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper, the life of the classic novelist is brought to life in a graphic novel imagining.

This is a translation, by Matteo Benassi, of the work by 'Italian illustrator and comic artist' Manuela Santoni.

Black and white drawings introduce us to a young Jane Austen, who hates embroidery, but enjoys spending time with her sister Cassandra.

Her Heart Did Whisper travels through Jane's life as she writes to her sister, reminiscing about her life.

Allowed by her father to spend time in his library, Jane feels her heart stirred by the books and freedom of learning, and beings writing her own stories.

She falls in and out love, and her writing becomes her great passion, with Jane the writer acclaimed amongst her family and friends.

The story suggests the interweaving of real events from Jane Austen's life, with the fictional plots and characters of her novels.

At the conclusion of the graphic novel, Manuela Santoni has included notes about Jane Austen's life, under headings including Life and home, Burned letters and Tom Lefroy, Social lives and class struggles. This is informative about the influence of her speculations in the story.

A Jane Austen timeline, included at the end, is also a helpful reference for placing events and publication of Jane's novels.

Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper shouldn't be taken as a completely factual depiction of Jane Austen's life, however it is an entertaining introduction and may encourage further exploration of her life and its influence on her work. 

Title: Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper
Author and illustrator: Manuela Santoni 
Publisher: Graphic Universe, $16.99
Publication Date: November 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781541526433
For ages: 13+
Type: Graphic novel




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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

 



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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




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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