Saturday 31 August 2019
Review: Broken Sky
Then send them into the sky to fight to the death if necessary in order to maintain peace on earth.
Welcome to Amity's broken world where there have been no wars for decades, but at a terrible price.
Amity lost her father in a plane accident when she was eleven years old and has learned not to get too close to her fellow fighters, because they could be the next ones to die.
Even though that seems more than enough to cope with, there's more to this strange world. Secrets are about to rend the tenuous world peace asunder.
When Amity discovers a network of lies and deception, she is determined to expose the culprits, but this means discovering far more than she ever expected and risking more than her life.
With death around every corner, this is not time to fall in love, but it's exactly what Amity does. But will her newfound joy sustain or destroy her? I had to keep reading to find out.
Broken Sky is cliff-edge suspense at its best. I could not put it down and now that it's finished, I cannot read anything else until I find out what happens in book two.
Pick it up.
I bet you won't be able to put it down.
Title: Broken Sky
Author: L. A. Weatherly
Publisher: Usborne Publishing, $17.99
Publication Date: 22 February 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781409572022
For ages: 14 +
Type: Young Adult
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Friday 30 August 2019
Review: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
But what would an Australiana version sound and look like? Wonder no more, as Matt Shanks has illustrated a delightful Australian version of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
In this version we meet a boy in a small row boat, who collects a group of Australian animals as he gently rows down the stream.
Which Australian animals will you see in this river adventure rhyme? A sleepy koala, an adorable bandicoot wearing a life saver's cap, a platypus on a raft flying his version of the jolly roger and a dive bombing kookaburra. But which Australian animal will make you scream?
Shanks illustrations are soft and have a dreamy like quality to them. He is an illustrator that gives characters great personalities and often includes characters that are not mentioned in the text. In Row, Row, Row Your Boat Shanks has included a mischievous frog that follows the adventure down the stream.
For more glorious stories illustrated by Matt Shanks read Eric the Postie and Koala Bare.
Title: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Illustrator: Matt Shanks
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $6.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2017
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781760159917
For ages: 0 – 4
Type: Board Book
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Thursday 29 August 2019
Review: Atlas of Monsters and Ghosts
The book is narrated by monster hunter Van Helsing, and he takes the reader on a journey around the world to explore the famous and not so famous ghosts and monsters of history.
Starting in Europe, we read about Dracula and the Loch Ness Monster, trolls, goblins and ogres, and some lesser known ghosts such as the Undead of Poveglia and the White Lady of Dragsholm Castle.
We are also introduced to some key creatures in Greek mythology and their stories. Harry Potter fans will recognise the phoenix and the basilisk, but they may not know the chimera, hydra or harpy.
Van Helsing tells us the location and key characteristics of each creature and, importantly, provides information on how to beat the scariest of monsters so that you can be prepared. Each section also contains a double page map, showing you where to find these spooky creatures as you trek around the world.
On our journey, we find a three headed dragon in the Caspian Sea, an immortal demon from India and an unsightly floating head spirit from Thailand. I particularly like the mischievous imp from Japan who sneaks around at night cutting people’s hair!
The quirky illustrations by Laura Brenlla suit the book perfectly. The dark colour palette gives a subtle spooky feel, and the splashes of brighter colours are cleverly used to bring the unnerving creatures to life.
This book is definitely a hit in my house. It is one of the few books that has appealed to the full range of kids, with the 5, 9 and 12 year olds all enjoying it for different reasons.
This is a large format, hard cover book and would be great for a reluctant upper primary reader. The fun illustrations dominate the pages so the text does not seem dense, and the engaging writing style will draw kids into the monster hunt to learn more about these weird and spooky beings from around the world.
I love mythology and the insights it gives you to the culture and history of a country, so I’m a fan of presenting mythology in a quirky way that will get kids interested. This book is different and fun, yet informative and well targeted to curious primary school kids.
Title: Atlas of Monsters and Ghosts
Author: Federica Magrin
Illustrator: Laura Brenlla
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $26.99
Publication Date: 1 July 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781788683463
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Non-Fiction
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Wednesday 28 August 2019
GIVEAWAY! Ivy Bird and Crocheted Owl
Thanks to the lovely people at Windy Hollow Books and to author Tania McCartney, we not only have a copy of Ivy Bird to give away, we also have a hand-crocheted (by Tania!) version of an owl featured in the book. She measures 32cm from head to claws. She is fully washable and has no removable parts, so is safe for children under 3, but please remember she is handmade.
To enter to win the owl and the book, simply tell us, in 25 words or less, your favourite bird and why.
Email your answer along with your name and postal address, directly to Tania with IVY BIRD COMP in the subject line. The response she likes best will win! If you would like the book signed to someone in particular, please make note in your email.
Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery. 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.
Competition closes Wednesday 4 September 2019 at 5pm, Sydney, Australia time. 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.
To learn more about the book, click here.
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Review: My Dad Snores
Relatable to all I’m sure, this fun song made story explores the experience of a family with a dad who snores. My dad snores, Does yours? What does he sound like? A bus, a train, maybe even a snake? And what can this family do to escape his slumbering sounds which leave them sleepless but wide eyed? He gets a kick from mum and a peg on his nose, but nothing seems to work.
A fabulous new verse and illustrations combine to show the family’s clever solution. I love how the illustrations give the original song life and expand the story; they are filled with movement, emotion and give a great feel for the Australian environment through colour and features such as flapping galahs, dangling gum leaves and cheeky characters including an echidna in a washing basket.
With rhythm, rhyme and repetition, this book will encourage engagement and a good-humoured laugh at those who snore.
John Williamson is an iconic Austraian country and folk singer-songwriter, Christmas in Australia is another of his classic songs brought to live in a picture book. Peter Carnavas is an award winning author illustrator with many books including A Quiet Girl, The Children Who Loved Books and Jessica’s Box.
Title: My Dad Snores
Author: John Williamson
Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $19.99
Publication Date: 6 August 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143793793
For ages: 6 – 8
Type: Picture Book
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Tuesday 27 August 2019
Review: The Travel Activity Book
In The Travel Activity Book, a new title from Lonely Planet, you'll find facts and figures, and a stack of stickers.
This is a simple activity book. The stickers (more than 250 of them!) fill the gaps in the pictures that illustrate the book. Some fit in blank shapes, while others allow for more free-form artistic expression.
There are colourful gems from El Dorado in Colombia, a roller coaster from Denmark's Tivoli Gardens theme park, and the stickers for New Zealand are football players doing the Haka!
Stickers will certainly be of great appeal to kids, but there's more than that in The Travel Activity Book.
Colour in the Russian Matryoshka dolls, join the dots to reveal a lion from Mozambique, and find your way through the maze to escape the Greek Minotaur.
There is also at least one unusual piece of trivia listed for each country included in the book.
Learn about China's 8,000 year old Terracotta Warriors, Kazakhstan's space launch site, and Brazil's Amazon rainforest with more than 16,000 species of tree. Not forgetting cultural delicacies like Japan's pufferfish and Ghana's snails.
Whether your family is planning a trip, you want to share world culture, or your children simply need some entertainment, The Travel Activity Book will definitely sprinkle their day with geographical facts and keep them occupied.
Title: The Travel Activity Book
Author: Lonely Planet Kids
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $12.99
Publication Date: June 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781788684743
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior non-fiction
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12 Curly Questions with author Kate Gordon
I still know all the dance moves to every Spice Girls song. Even the ones that weren’t released as singles.
2. What is your nickname?
My family and friends call me Katie, but that’s not all that interesting. In high school, though, my friends called me Flameboy. It was a Friends thing. Because '90s.
3. What is your greatest fear?
The serious answer is, anything happening to my daughter. The still deadly serious answer is, slugs. I hate those creeps. They can all die in a big mountain of salt.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
A quirky little creature, made of heart, magic and peculiarity.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Gah. Writing positive stuff about myself is so hard! Persistent, dedicated, passionate, hard-working … nice?
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Oh, that’s easy – I would definitely be Mildred Hubble, from The Worst Witch. I try really hard but almost always crash into the school gates on my broomstick.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1963. Because The Beatles.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Write more books about witches, darnit!
9. Who is your greatest influence?
I have two big heroes in my life – my dad and my daughter. My dad, for his kindness, his humour and for his unwavering support of me and my brother throughout our lives, no matter what we do or pursue in life. And my daughter because of her quick wit and her innate magic, as well as her enormous, generous heart.
10. What/who made you start writing?
The author Steven Herrick came to talk at my small, rural Tasmanian school, when I was a teenager. He was so funny and engaging and talented and just so … human. He read us some of his work and it felt like magic, to me. He wrote beautiful, poetic stuff that still, somehow, sounded like the way kids actually talked. After his visit, I decided then and there that I was going to be a writer when I grew up. Which is probably a good thing because, up until that point, my only other idea was being a milliner and I had no idea how to sew.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Discombobulated. Mostly because I usually am.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Partly because it is completely perfect and partly because Sirius Black.
Kate Gordon grew up in North-West Tasmania. Kate has received the IBBY Ena Noel Award, was shortlisted in the Dorothy Hewett Awards, and was commended in the Vogel’s Awards. Her most recent book, Girl Running, Boy Falling (Rhiza Edge) is longlisted in the 2019 CBCA Awards. Juno Jones is her first work of junior fiction. For more information, see www.kategordon.com.au
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Monday 26 August 2019
Winners: Noodle Bear
Hayley Spark, NSW
Sharon Hammad, NSW
Mel Sajeva, VIC
You have each won a copy of the delightful, Noodle Bear.
We hope you enjoy this prize as much as Bear enjoys noodles and have oodles of fun reading it!
Thank you to ALL who entered. We can say we agree with at least one of these answers as to the one food we could eat for the rest of our lives...!
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Sunday 25 August 2019
Review: Welcome To Your Period (Your easy, no-dumb-questions guide to handling it like a boss)
This book is for pre-teens and teens, but there is information that many parents, teachers and others will appreciate, as times, attitudes, and equipment for managing a period, have changed!
It contains relevant, easy-to-read sections, with case studies, stories and questions from a diverse range of young people. This book is for anyone who will get a period, or has just started, and everyone who cares about them.
The book is co-authored by Yumi Stynes (a second-gen Japanese-Australian TV and radio presenter, who also hosts the award-winning podcast, Ladies We Need To Talk) and Dr Melissa Kang (a medical doctor, university academic, and fifth-generation Malaysian-Chinese Anglo-Australian, who answered lots of questions as the longest-serving expert behind the Dolly Doctor column for Dolly Magazine). The colourful artwork by Jenny Latham, adds visual information in a fun and engaging way.
There is a useful section towards the back of the book about being an ally - introducing ways to support someone who menstruates.
This book is highly recommended for anyone who has not quite started their periods, anyone who is still not sure how to manage their period like a boss, and anyone who cares about these young people.
Title: Welcome To Your Period (Your easy, no-dumb-questions guide to handling it like a boss)
Authors: Yumi Stynes & Dr Melissa Kang
Illustrator: Jenny Latham
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760503512
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-fiction
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Saturday 24 August 2019
Friday 23 August 2019
Review: The Gruesome General: Costa Banana
Her father is the much-loved (or so he believes) President Pablo Fernando of Costa Banana.
President Fernando has some strange laws — all children in Costa Banana must be called Pablo, everyone must call him ‘Great Leader Genius’ or ‘Big Strong Man’ and on Fridays everyone must eat banana soup — but the president truly believes everyone loves him, and he believes everyone will love his son Fico when he becomes president, because girls are absolutely not smart enough to become presidents, so Rosa absolutely never will.
Rosa, of course, disagrees. Actually, she disagrees with a lot her father says and does. She knows she would make a great president one day, but she also believes the people should get to choose their leader.
Rosa takes every opportunity to persuade her father he has it all wrong, but he never listens.
Until the family discovers there’s a spy in their mansion, and Rosa decides she’ll uncover the spy’s identity and prove to her father once and for all that girls can do anything!
Competing with her brother (who’s also determined to uncover the spy’s identity), Rosa must use her wits to outsmart the spy and reveal who they are and what they are planning. It isn’t easy, particularly when no one in your family believes she can do it, but Rosa won’t give up.
The Gruesome General: Costa Banana is a funny and fast paced mystery-adventure. Filled with huge doses of fun and even more ridiculousness, it’s a book junior readers are going to adore.
Funky black and white illustrations by Elly Hees are scattered throughout and there are loads of spy tricks to learn along the way. Heaps of fun and an easy read for younger readers, The Gruesome General: Costa Banana is a fabulous mystery adventure for kids, and I dare say the start of a very cool new series.
Title: The Gruesome General: Costa Banana
Author: Jozua Douglas (translated by Michele Hutchison)
Illustrator: Elly Hees
Publisher: Affirm Press, $14.99
Publication Date: 26 March 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925870091
For ages: 9 - 12
Type: Middle Fiction
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Thursday 22 August 2019
Review: Trees
Come and discover the life of trees and their role in nature.
Appreciate their beauty in all the seasons. See deciduous trees bare of foliage in winter and their fruit bearing branches in summer.
Discover how trees communicate with one another.
Reflect on where trees grow.
Contemplate a tree's function in the environment, 'Trees clean the air we breathe.'
Trees by Lemniscates pairs mixed media illustrations with words that create a gentle and eye-opening story. It takes readers on a conscious journey showing that trees are a constant in our lives.
Lemniscates' illustrations cleverly show a bird's life intertwined with trees. It depicts a bird feeding on fruit, raising a family amongst the branches and sheltering from tree to tree as it travels across the landscape.
Trees, prompts me to be mindful about trees in my environment. Just like the child in the illustrations, I need to stop and give a humongous hug to the next tree I see and to say, thank you.
Title: Trees
Author/Illustrator: Lemniscates
Publisher: Walker Studio, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2017
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781406376746
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
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Meet The Illustrator: Debbie Coombes
Name: Debbie CoombesDescribe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Modern and contemporary colours with Tiwi designs.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
The main space for me before I became employed on a full time basis was at the art centre,in the open space and sitting with fellow
artists while telling,listening to each other stories and listening to music playing in the background. You have a big, long table with plenty of room for other artists. All I need is my paints, canvas and paint brush.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Painting has always been my favourite artistic medium. I use various sized paint brushes to paint on canvas.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
My grandfather Justin Puruntatameri
My mum Florence Coombes
My sister Jennifer Coombes
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I wish I could visit the past when the old traditional styles of designs were being used by my elders before me. I see pictures in books and online from a very long time ago and it amazes me every time.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?I had dreamed about being a children’s book illustrator for a long time, but I never thought it would actually happen! Munupi Arts manager, Michael Stitfold, approached me and informed me that Magabala Books were interested in working with me. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this experience, but it turned out to be a very exciting one which I am delighted and excited to share with my family and friends.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?The advice I would give is, don’t be scared of doing something you are passionate about, don’t be afraid of doing something new. Give yourself the opportunity to do something awesome for yourself. Only you can make it happen.
Debbie is the daughter of Florence Puruntatameri-Coombes, and Graeme Coombes. Her mother is a Tiwi woman from Pirlangimpi Community on Melville Island. Her father originated from Queenstown, New Zealand but married Florence as a young man and called Pirlangimpi home for over 30 years. He raised Debbie and her siblings (including sister and fellow artist Karina Coombes) on the islands, visiting New Zealand only a handful of times with his wife and children. Graeme passed away in 2010.Debbie lived and worked in Darwin for over 4 years, returning to live back home in the Tiwi Islands in 2011. From this point Debbie painted under the direction of her grandfather, Justin Puruntatameri and Florence (Justin’s eldest daughter). Justin in particualr was able to give Debbie invaluable advice on what she could correctly portray as defined by her Tiwi family ties. Debbie is now well known in artistic circles for her joyful depictions of Tiwi Life in figurative forms. People travelling by cars and canoes of all shapes and sizes to the football. A huge part of contemporary Tiwi Lifestyle.
Please find more of Debbie's art on this website.
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Wednesday 21 August 2019
Look What I'm Reading! Zoe Bechara Publicity Manager
Which children’s book are you currently reading?
A book by debut children’s author Nat Amoore called Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire (out June.)
Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
It follows two best friends who find a million dollars in the backyard, and all the trouble they get themselves into.
How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
It’s hilarious and I’m loving the harebrained schemes, entrepreneurial tips and emphasis on treats from the funny, flawed characters.
What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
Often I’ll pick up a new book while in a bookstore in a Publicist capacity: I’ll nip to the counter as the author is signing books for a child and grab something new for myself. Last week that was Schadenfreude which I’m rather enjoying (the book that is, not other people’s horrid misfortunes.) Naturally book reviews will influence me, however I still haven’t read 2018’s Lenny’s Book of Everything – I’ll get to it soon!
What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
I’m really looking forward to rereading Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth, a middle-grade book out in July. I read an early version and I just adore Lisa’s writing: witty, whimsical and irreverent. I’m also looking forward to Melina Marchetta’s The Place on Dalhousie.
How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
I usually have a minimum of two books on the go, often three. One will be a Young Readers book I’m reading for work; presently that is the aforementioned Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire. Often there will be another book, for grown-ups, in my handbag for reading on the ferry, on flights, and at the hairdressers and various other public places where I don’t want to talk to anyone. Then by my beside are a smattering of comforting reads that don’t challenge me too much before sleep; presently stacked there are How to Eat by Nigella Lawson (simply brilliant writing) and a couple of books about tidy houses in Sweden.
Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
Publicists tend to be a broad church by necessity, and like most voracious readers I’ll consume all matter of the written word from newspapers to design magazines to ALDI catalogues. I can’t say I have a favourite genre but I am passionate about middle grade writing; it’s a rich area of storytelling for readers who are at a time of their lives when the world seems at once both enormous and suddenly (and thrillingly) accessible. I like the hope that represents. There’s an art in telling big stories in succinct prose that excites, moves, motivates. I particularly love children’s books that acknowledge a child’s capacity for complex thought, big ideas and clever humour, like RA Spratt’s Friday Barnes series and my beloved childhood favourite Hating Alison Ashley.
Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
Printed, for preference, as my husband (handy bookshelf-installer and book-packing-house-mover that he is) can attest. I do also find audio books particularly companionable when pottering around the house cooking or doing housework, and they’re terrific for car trips. Interestingly audio books also allow for a heightened appreciation for good writing; being read to highlights a beautiful sentence or a clever bit of dialogue in a way similar to hearing poetry or theatre performed. Rereading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone read by the inimitable Stephen Fry certainly affirmed this for me: an excellent bit of writing read by an excellent storyteller.
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Tuesday 20 August 2019
12 Curly Questions with author Stef Gemmill
I used to be a Montessori teacher by day and a music journalist by night at heavy rock and metal gigs for music magazines. Both experiences bring a lot to my writing for children now and I had a lot of fun in both jobs.
2. What is your nickname?
Everyone calls me Stef, except I am Stephanie to my Mum (particularly when I’m in trouble).
3. What is your greatest fear?
That all the school libraries will close and children will lose that opportunity to pick whatever book they want to read. I grew up in a house where money for books was scarce. Freedom to choose books from my school library opened my imagination. It encouraged an ability to read up for my age and made writing my passion.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Untold tales mixed with light, dark and strange events.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
I write from the heart
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Atreyu, Bastian’s alter ego from The Neverending Story, by Michael Ende who flew the powerful Luck Dragon through the sky to save the Childlike Empress from her impending death. Who wouldn’t want to fly a dragon? A child flying on a dragon features in my next picture book ‘In My Dreams’ and is influenced by this story.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d like to travel back to visit 10-year-old me. I’d tell myself that all the jumbled characters and fantasy worlds in my mind will one day turn into published books.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Kids do want to read powerful stories and don’t worry what everyone else is doing.
8. Who is your greatest influence?
Definitely Neil Gaiman. His stories move boldly into dark territory without terrifying children (not too much!).
10. What/who made you start writing?
It’s wired in me – it’s like electricity coursing through my veins. My mind is filled with so many story ideas it’s so satisfying to get them down on paper.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Phantasmagorical which means having a fantasy-like appearance like it's in a dream sequence. I think this is what the inside of my brain looks like.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Just one? Oh that is tough but my most read book is Where The Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak. No one captures a child’s wild emotions like he does. When I read this on my own as an older child I realised no matter how angry you get and how much despair there is in your world, someone still loves you. And your Mum will leave you a hot supper, no matter what. Such a satisfying ending.
Stef likes to draw on her past experiences as a Montessori teacher when writing picture books that are both imaginative and challenge young minds. She also has 15 years’ experience working as a technical writer by day and a freelance music journalist by night. More recently, Stef swapped the sweaty mosh pit for toys and tantrums turning her pen to writing children’s books. Her focus has been on picture books for 3-6 year olds and short stories for 7-12 year olds. A Home For Luna is Stef's debut picture book, with more picture books due for release in 2020 and 2021. For more information, see www.stefgemmill.com.
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Monday 19 August 2019
10 Reasons to Visit Story Time: Australian Children's Literature Exhibition - with Dr Belle Alderman AM
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| Design adapted from: Koala Shape Book, (Sydney: John Sands Ltd., 1931) nla.cat-vn4272738 |
KBR warmly welcomes Dr Belle Alderman AM, Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature with this guest post on the incredibly wonderful upcoming children's literature exhibition at the National Library of Australia. Here are 10 reasons why you simply cannot miss this stunning, extensive (free!) exhibition. For more on the exhibition and how to plan your visit, see here.
The National Library of Australia and the National Centre for Australia Inc have collaborated to bring you Story Time: Australian Children’s Literature at the National Library from 22 August 2019 - 9 February 2020. Here is your unique opportunity to enjoy almost 200 years of stories for children and the young at heart. Story Time: Australian Children’s Literature offers many associated programs for adults all described on the National Library of Australia and the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc websites.
1.What are two very rare items?
A Mother’s Offering to Her Children published in 1841, featuring a child’s name neatly handwritten and coloured in opposite the title page, also coloured in!
The 1915 preliminary artwork by May Gibbs for her first Australian-published children’s book, Gumnut Babies : Words and Pictures (1916).
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| May Gibbs, Study for Lovers of Music for Gum-Blossom Babies, 1915, National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature, © The Northcott Society and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance |
That’s Possum Magic, of course! See the manuscript including Mem Fox’s famous post-it note.
3. Are there special attractions for children?
Yes! There are text panels at child-height that encourage children to think about the artworks. A ‘Playtime’ room features a spectacular wall of some 20 individual artworks from favourite books. These are there to inspire children to write and illustrate their own books.
Children are encouraged to lift the black curtains protecting Ida Rentoul Outhwaite’s delicate and spectacular watercolours. Story Box Library films of several stories in the exhibition are available for viewing and listening.
4. Are there examples of the creative process?
Several! Bob Graham’s Silver Buttons (2013) and Max (2000) feature original artworks plus his amazing dummies detailing his thinking process. Alison Lester’s highly detailed and fascinating planning for Sophie Scott Goes South (2012) also feature, along with a fascinating dialogue between Jackie French and Nina Rycroft, plus a tiny laparello for Dinosaurs Love Cheese (2013).
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| Bob Graham, Artwork for Max, c.2000, National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature, reproduced by permission of Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd |
5. How do artists get their jacket covers just right?
Have a look at Graeme Base’s final and draft jacket cover for The Eleventh Hour (1988), which shows his highly detailed pencil sketches and intricate positioning of animals.
6. What is a highlight of works by Australia’s First Nations people?
Several works are presented, along with an entire wall devoted to Dick Goobalathaldin Roughsey’s The Rainbow Serpent (1979), which is simply unforgettable.
7. What early work has never been out of print, is widely translated, televised by the BBC and the ABC, offered as an audio recording, appeared as a stage musical and made into a movie?
This is Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner (1894), here presented with a portion of her manuscript and her comments on why she wrote this favourite classic.
8. Favourites! What’s on show by Shaun Tan and Jeannie Baker?
Shaun has loaned several artworks from his personal collection, including detailed doodles, pencil drawings and various studies for both The Arrival (2010) and The Lost Thing (2000). Jeannie’s relief collages for The Hidden Forest (2000) offer mesmerising detail.
9. Who is Australia’s first merchandised author and what’s on show?
That would be May Gibbs. A large showcase features handmade miniature calendars with May Gibbs’s Gumnuts, Forget-me-nots and A Bush Greeting to You; The Gumnut Game; Gumnut Babies 750 Piece Puzzle; a booklet of sticker fun; a Peek-a-Book Sweater; Gumnut Baby Badge; Gumnut Babies Fabric by the fabric designer Peter Stripes; a Gumnut Babies plate and a collection of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie toys.
10. Which authors’ manuscripts will be on exhibit?
Here are just a few! Nan Chauncy, Jackie French, Morris Gleitzman, Elyne Mitchell, Joan Phipson, Emily Rodda, Ivan Southall, Nadia Wheatley and Patricia Wrightson. And check out whose typewriter is on exhibit!
A Memento of Story Time
The experience of Story Time is not over when viewers leave the exhibition or another exhibition takes its place. There is a ‘companion’ book, Story Time Stars: Favourite Characters from Australian Picture Books (2019), written by Stephanie Owen Reeder, which is the perfect companion when visiting and later reminiscing favourites featured in the exhibition.
Story Time Stars spans 100 years and captures 60 favourite and memorable Australian children’s book characters appearing between 1918 and 2018. Each character has its own double page spread, a typical illustration from the book, story précis, its first appearance as a book, on stage or on screen, awards won and other points of interest. Story Time Stars is a welcome memento for family sharing of favourites.
Story Time Stars is out 1 September. You can learn more about the book, and pre-order, right here.
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2HfJisV
Book List: Superheroes Picture Books
Superpowers may be obvious, or hidden to all but those who really need them. Superheroes come in many forms and eveyone has their own special talents.
My Superhero by Chris Owen and illustrated by Moira Court, Freemantle Press, $16.99, 9781925161212.
Super Duck by Jez Alborough, Harper Collins, $14.99, 9780007273270.
The Three Little Superpigs by Clare Evans, Fourth Wall Publishing, $16.99, 9781910851241.
Just Jack by Jane Tanner, Penguin Books, $14.99, 9780143504924.
A Really Super Hero by Charlotte Lance, Allen & Unwin, $19.99, 9781743313022.
Super Rabbit by Stephanie Blake, Gecko Press, $16.99, 9781877579578.
Super Rawr! by Todd H Doodler, Scholastic, $14.99, 9780545799690.
Pom Pom is Super by Sophy Henn, Penguin Books, $16.99, 9780141365039.
The Wolf Who Wanted to Be a Superhero by Orianne Lallemand and illustrated by Eleonore Thuillier, Auzou Eveil, $18.99, 9782733843239.
Ninja Bunny by Jennifer Gray Olson, Random House, $29.99, 9780385754934.
Zippo the Super Hippo by Kes Gray and illustrated by Nikki Dyson, Pan Macmillan, $14.99, 9781447279914.
My Sister is a Superhero by Damon Young and illustrated by Peter Carnavas, University of Queensland Press, $24.95, 9780702253928.
Superbuns! by Diane Kredensor, Aladdin Paperbacks, $26.99, 9781481490689.
Max by Bob Graham, Walker Books, $16.99, 9780744598278.
Elmer and Super El by David McKee, Andersen Press, $19.99, 9781849394574.
Grug the Superhero by Ted Prior, imon & Schuster, $5.99, 9781925030501.
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2YZk3Gm
My Superhero by Chris Owen and illustrated by Moira Court, Freemantle Press, $16.99, 9781925161212.
Super Duck by Jez Alborough, Harper Collins, $14.99, 9780007273270.
A Really Super Hero by Charlotte Lance, Allen & Unwin, $19.99, 9781743313022.
Super Rabbit by Stephanie Blake, Gecko Press, $16.99, 9781877579578.
Super Rawr! by Todd H Doodler, Scholastic, $14.99, 9780545799690.
Pom Pom is Super by Sophy Henn, Penguin Books, $16.99, 9780141365039.
The Wolf Who Wanted to Be a Superhero by Orianne Lallemand and illustrated by Eleonore Thuillier, Auzou Eveil, $18.99, 9782733843239.
Ninja Bunny by Jennifer Gray Olson, Random House, $29.99, 9780385754934.
Zippo the Super Hippo by Kes Gray and illustrated by Nikki Dyson, Pan Macmillan, $14.99, 9781447279914.
My Sister is a Superhero by Damon Young and illustrated by Peter Carnavas, University of Queensland Press, $24.95, 9780702253928.
Superbuns! by Diane Kredensor, Aladdin Paperbacks, $26.99, 9781481490689.
Max by Bob Graham, Walker Books, $16.99, 9780744598278.
Elmer and Super El by David McKee, Andersen Press, $19.99, 9781849394574.
Grug the Superhero by Ted Prior, imon & Schuster, $5.99, 9781925030501.
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2YZk3Gm
Sunday 18 August 2019
Saturday 17 August 2019
Giveaway: Noodle Bear
Noodle Bear, the new picture book by Mark Gravas, is a hilarious story about a bear who becomes obsessed with noodles, and ultimately is a tale of friendship and discovering what’s truly important in life, on a journey to noodle-filled fame, and then back home again.Noodle Bear is crazy about noodles. His best friend, Fox, brings him other delicious treats when he's a no-show at her party but he's so noodle obsessed that doesn't he notice them. And when he's run out of noodles, his only thought is to go to the big city and become a contestant on the TV game show, "Noodle Knockout". Of course, he becomes a surprise star with more noodles than he can eat. But no amount of noodles and fame can fill the empty space where home and friends should be.
Thanks to the delicious people at Walker Books Australia, we have three copies of this brilliant book to give away!
To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The three 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 Monday 26 August 2019.
Competition runs from 5 pm 17 August 2019 to 5 pm 24 August 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.
To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The three 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 Monday 26 August 2019.
Competition runs from 5 pm 17 August 2019 to 5 pm 24 August 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 https://ift.tt/2TFN3Nu
Friday 16 August 2019
Review: Argh! There's a skeleton inside you!
So begins a hilarious narrative about their attempts to grow a hand, with a whole lot of non-fiction information thrown in.
This book, by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost, who also brought us the hilarious Do Not Lick This Book (It's full of germs), is fast-paced, funny and factual - and this makes for a perfect combination!
The illustrations are bright and colourful, with an animated, cartoon-like style. This book does not look at all like a traditional non-fiction book and yet manages to explain about the bones, muscles and nerves in our hands. As the alien characters come to grip with this knowledge, so too will young readers.
The final section on How to Grow Hands contains more detailed explanation of the anatomical components of the hand and arm, subtly introducing readers to more detailed terminology and concepts. It is fiction and non-fiction combined in the best possible way.
Title: Argh! There's a skeleton inside you!
Authors: Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
Illustrator: Julian Frost
Publisher: A & U Children's, $19.99
Publication Date: 5 August 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760631635
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2MldWFj
Review: Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth
He lives in a smelly town (quite literally — it stinks like cat food), his parents are consumed and distracted by his misunderstood baby brother Thom, and his grandfather recently passed away.
Title: Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth
But, sometimes, sad things are the start of something amazing.
When Vincent finds out his grandfather has left him his shoe-shining kit, Vincent heads straight to the train station to set up shop in the hope of earning enough for a delicious snack.
What he gets instead is a job proposal — an opportunity to work at the mysterious and wondrous Grandest Hotel on Earth, which happens to be located up, up, up in the mountains, just outside of town.
Florence Wainwright-Cunningham the third (currently in charge of the hotel because her parents are away on business) is looking for a shoe-shiner to work at the hotel. When she meets Vincent at the train station, it appears to be fate.
And so begins Vincent’s adventure at The Grandest Hotel on Earth. And when I say grandest I really do mean grandest.
The Grandest Hotel on Earth is the Hogwarts of hotels. It has every experience you can imagine (and so many more). It cares for every amazing animal you’ve ever heard of (and many you haven’t). It serves up triple servings of the most delicious foods, and somehow the hotel staff seem to know just what the guests need for their holidays (and also what they need to help improve their lives).
Vincent thinks he’s hit the jackpot, and his job at the hotel is the best thing that’s ever happened to him. But there are secrets at The Grandest Hotel on Earth, and when Vincent discovers one, he must risk everything he’s built (a fabulous shoe-shining career and the best of friendships) to save the hotel (and maybe his own family) from tragedy.
Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth is an epic and addictive adventure for junior readers. This is a book-world to fall into headfirst, dream about when you aren’t reading and fantasise about long after you’ve come to the end of the story.
Lisa Nicol has created something magical — truly, truly magical — and this is obvious from the very first page where Nicol and her mysterious co-author introduce the central characters in the preface.
A unique start to a novel? Absolutely. But there is nothing ordinary about The Grandest Hotel on Earth, so a standard novel format would just not be fitting for a story written about it!
Nicol and her co-author’s special style of writing gives this book that extra special pizazz. They appear at various points throughout the story, highlighting important facts and providing secret details, but in no way is this ever disruptive (a very hard thing to achieve, indeed!).
In fact, when you read this book, you feel like you’ve been let in on a very special secret — like you’re part of special club. And when you get to the end and discover the mysterious co-author’s identity, you’ll understand why this book, and The Grandest Hotel on Earth, is so very exceptional.
This is a book that is destined to become a treasured favourite in so many homes. I highly recommend it for fans of the fantastical, magical and magnificent, and I predict lots of people are going to be talking about it (so you don't want to miss out!).
Title: Vincent and the Grandest Hotel on Earth
Author: Lisa Nicol
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 2 July 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760890681
For ages: 9 -12
Type: Middle Fiction
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/31QOYBJ
Thursday 15 August 2019
Review: Max's Dinosaur Feet
A beautifully written story about Max’s mission not to wake his little sister Molly; even in his big green dinosaur feet. With a clever idea from his mum, Max may have the perfect solution, but will it work with all the disturbances from the rest of his family? Will little Molly continue to sleep peacefully?
I loved the calm and mindful vibe of this story and Max’s focused thoughts for his baby sister Molly who is sound asleep in her cot. Max’s actions deliver a lovely message and example about sibling love and considering others. The text flows beautifully and leads the reader to interact with fun expressive sounds like Stomp!, Flip! and Thwack!
A harmonious colour palette and beautifully soft watercolour illustrations by Penelope Pratley work in unity with the text. I love that this is a dinosaur book which is not all about loud roars and sharp teeth, it’s perfect for bedtime or reading aloud in a group.
Max’s Dinosaur Feet is the debut picture book for author Lana Spasevski, it’s left me eagerly awaiting her future work. Illustrator Penelope Pratley is an ex-reviewer for Kids Book Review, The Art Garden, released in 2018, was her debut picture book.
Title: Max's Dinosaur Feet
Author: Lana Spasevski
Illustrator: Penelope Pratley
Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781912076376
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book
from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/33JokMO
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