Review: Amundsen's Way: The Race To The South Pole

Review: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is another hilarious Mo Willems classic, that will strike a chord with any child who has ever felt nervous about starting something new, particularly school.

With characteristically enthusiastic shenanigans, the feisty Pigeon rails against the unfairness of having to go to school. Readers who have come to know and love the Pigeon through some of Willems' many other books, including Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus, Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late! and The Pigeon Needs A Bath!, will not be disappointed.

Willems' stylised illustrations, show a remarkable range of emotions, when Pigeon storms about yelling, 'Why...? and 'What if...?', until it becomes clear that Pigeon is in fact quite nervous about starting school. Fortunately for the Pigeon, school may not be quite as scary as it seems!

Title: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406389012
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2mIcTnZ

Review: If You Meet an Elephant

Review: Sophia and the Corner Park Clubhouse

Can you remain BFFs for life?

When Sophia, Maisie, Bell and Lola finally get the chance to catch up in their first high school break, picking up where they left off isn't as easy as they expected.

When the mayor announces he's going to bulldoze the local Corner Park Clubhouse, the girls have a mutual urgent focus, but saving the community's historical centre seems an impossible task.

This first book in the series, told from Sophia's point of view implies something terrible happened in the girls' final year at primary school. No one seems able to speak about it but the shadow of it looms over them all.

Place names like Handkerchief Park and Sunnystream High might make you think you've landed in a sugar-coated teenage Utopia, but it's worth reading beyond to find  each girl's personal challenges and unravel the mystery of a pain so deep it's hard to talk about.


Sophie fights to bring her friends together so they can preserve the good memories Corner Park Clubhouse holds for them but so much has changed.

Realistic tensions within and between family, friends and neighbours, and a simmering political addenda could tear the entire community apart.

Have you read any of the133 titles in The Babysitters Club, which were a raging success in the 1980s? Maybe you've watched the Gilmore Girls, a popular onscreen series that debuted in 2000 and continued for several seasons? Sophia and the Corner Park Clubhouse by Davina Bell is written in homage to these.

Title: Sophia and the Corner Park Clubhouse
Author: Davina Bell
Publisher: Hardy Grant Egmont, $
Publication Date: 1 May 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760503970
For ages: 8 +
Type: Middle Grade Fiction




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2mdYLTe

Review: Rusty

Rusty is a story written to explore concepts related to out of home care and associated trauma.

Chrissy McYoung, whose time working in community services and seeing the experiences of children in foster care, led her to create Rusty, is both author and illustrator.

Rusty tackles a difficult subject, and it comes with many complexities.

Rusty feels different. He doesn't want to be shuffled from one home to another. He wants to be understood, he just wants to be like everyone else.

Then one day he meets Rose, who isn't like anyone else he's known. As they come to know each other better, Rusty and Rose discover they have some things in common. It doesn't stop Rusty from feeling angry and sad, but he learns to trust and respect Rose, who wants to be there for him.

Using a dog as the central character allows the situations explored to be a little bit removed from real life. There are many issues raised in Rusty, including: being separated from your family and managing the emotions that creates; having multiple and varied carers, and needing to move regularly; rules that seem to change with every new carer; being unable to focus at school; and feeling trapped and alone.

Chrissy McYoung's illustrations are vibrant and full of interesting features. I particularly liked seeing little touches like 'Dogopoly'.

At the back of the book there is a lot of extra information to support adults using it as a tool for discussion. It includes: a short background to Rusty's story; a fantastic double-page spread image of a dog's head with simple scientific explanations of the brain and how behaviour is affected by trauma; and insight into the impact on children who experience out of home care.

Rusty is an excellent opportunity to raise a subject that explores what tens of thousands of children in Australia experience every day. For those who have never come into contact with this, it's a chance to learn more, and for those who have, it's a chance to discuss those experiences.

Title: Rusty
Author/Illustrator: Chrissy McYoung  
Publisher: Hairy Phish Productions, $29
Publication Date: March 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978151843345
For ages:  5+
Type: Picture book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2n4VeGK

Guest Post: Sarah Rasmussen on Five Reasons Why Reading to Children is Super Important

We all know that reading to children is important and that we should do it. But do you ever wonder why it’s so important? Other than the fact that it will improve literacy?

See below to see some reasons and get motivated to start reading!

1. Reading teaches empathy in children.
One of the most important skills that young children need to develop is understanding empathy – it is vital to growth and emotional intelligence. Your child will learn empathy as they read about characters and how they deal with different situations that they might not see in everyday life. I know I have learnt plenty of important life lessons from literature and by falling in love with characters.

Such as Harry Potter. Ahem.

Empathy developed from reading is discussed in an interesting article from 2015 posted in The Guardian, which stated that 'the power of stories helps children handle their own and other people’s feeling.' It’s pretty insightful and highlights how important reading is in establishing empathy in children, as well as looking at how this is backed up by neuroscience. And that’s some legit stuff right there.

Sarah Rasmussen - 'every child can be a book lover'

2. It can help build relationships between yourself and other siblings
When reading, you are often in close contact with your child and get to laugh and learn together. And generally speaking, children enjoy being read to by parents and older siblings. This will encourage and strengthen relationships all around!

Even a recent study in 2019 published in The Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics showed that reading with toddlers enhanced children behaviour and reduced harsh parenting. You can read more about the study in this article here.

3. Reading will reduce the amount of time they spend in front of a screen
We all know screen time is a thing that should be limited, although it’s pretty hard in this day and age where screens are everywhere.

We all have days where we have had enough and need to sit back, drink our coffee and say ‘Here *insert child’s name*, have my phone and shut your pie-hole‘, before going and banging our heads against a door.

But ultimately, we know screen time should be limited, and the more time you spend reading to your child means less time in front of screens. That is proven in this 2017 study, which showed that ‘television consumption was significantly lower for children who were read to daily as compared to those who were read to occasionally’.

4. It can grow children’s confidence in literacy and school
This one is pretty obvious, but alas, it must be said. Kids who are more confident readers will be able to go through school feeling pretty confident too. And not having to worry about school will allow them to concentrate on other kid stuff like making friends and playtime.

There is a great initiative at Victorian libraries at the moment called the 1,000 books before school challenge. It encourages parents to try and read to their child 1,000 books (re-reading counts too!) before they begin school and it will set them up with a great foundation for learning. It seems like a huge number, but when broken down, it is not so bad. A book before bedtime every night should do the trick.

You can register for the 1,000 books before school challenge at your local library. The one you should be going to all the time after reading my post Eight Reasons YOU Should Visit Your Local Library.

5. Reading will encourage creativity
Learning and building creativity is a huge part of childhood – stories and picture books are one way to do this. A wide range of stories will encourage your kids imagination and keep them dreaming.

In fact, reading picture books to young children has even been proven to drastically improve drawing skills in a recent study published in the Journal of Empirical Studies of the Art. Pretty amazing stuff, hey!

So with all that, you don't really have any excuses to not be reading to your little ones. Get on it!

Sarah Rasmussen i a passionate reader and writer of children’s fiction. She lives in a small country town in South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia – with her partner Chris, little boy Sonny and pug Sebastian. She's passionate about all things children’s fiction and believes that every child can be a book lover. Follow her informative blog at Ragamuffin Books.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2noZQrp

Meet The illustrator: Devon Holzwarth

Name: Devon Holzwarth

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Playful, dreamy, nostalgic, hopeful…I like to tune into the mood of the work and accentuate
that feeling with colour and texture.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My old drafting table my dad refurbished and gifted me, stacked with supplies. It’s a cosy
slightly cramped spot under an eave wall that is always too full but it’s my favourite spot.

Next to my work table is a long table with my computer, scanner, printer, iPad etc. as well as drawers and shelves of supplies and resources.

It’s a lovely spot for watching the crows and magpies that hang out on the roof nearby. Another essential in my studio is my ever growing collection of children’s books - including lots of vintage favourites from my childhood (and my parents’ childhoods!).

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I’m drawn to pastels for their softness and saturation and almost always include them in my
process. I also work in gouache and watercolour, and colour pencil is a staple. However, I
adore experimenting and love bits of collage, or working on large canvas with acrylic, or
creating 3d worlds.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Oh, just three?! There are so many…in the children’s book genre my favourites are Roger
Duvoisin, Adrienne Adams, Gyo Fujikawa, and I have to include Beatrice Alemagna. 

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
There’s so much to love from the mid-century era: Ray Eames - pairing playfulness and
practicality. Also mid-century and into the 1960’s - Mary Blair and the early Disney animators
with exquisite colour, shape and movement. And from the 1940’s and onward, Feodor
Rojankovsky, who illustrated several Little Golden Books, which still inspire so much today.
Time periods that come after years of war or repression are often full of hopeful, fresh ideas
and I find those times very exciting and appealing. 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

I’ve been drawing and making things my entire life. My dad is a highly creative person
(painter, sculptor, maker of many things) and our family has a long history of artists in
different fields. I went to Rhode Island School of Design to study and settled on Textile
Design, though looking back I probably should have gone into illustration! You can only know
so much about yourself sometimes, though, and textile design gave me focus on colour and
texture. I discovered illustration later on, only after my kids were born and we had moved to
Germany. I couldn’t do the same work as I had been doing and thus discovered how much I
loved to create stories and characters. I took classes with an online platform called Make Art
that Sells and their children’s book illustration course brought something out of me I didn’t
realise was there. There was no turning back afterwards! I submitted a dummy book to an
art director I admired and through a bit of a process it turned into my first author/illustrated
book publishing next spring with Alison Green Books. 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work
most often? Talk us through it.
In my studio I’ve created different areas and try to keep things separated (otherwise it’s a
crazy mess and I can’t work if it’s too disordered). I’ve got my main area where I’m
continually editing what can live there (currently it’s supplies for the book and cover projects
I’m working on), my table with electronic stuff and random bits of things I need to get to, a
cosy area for visitors (usually my dog, Phylo, and sometimes a kid or two), a desk my
husband says is his but is stocked with supplies and is always set up for drawing so the kids
can jump in when they like. And I have a cute little table under the other window that I had
imagined for writing but has mostly been for kids drawing also. I find I write mostly in my
head when out for walks and then transfer it to my computer or a notebook when I get home.
Sitting still at a desk is one of the most ineffective places for me, and I imagine for a lot of
people! I feel super grateful for my space…it’s full of creative energy, light and materials. It
often feels like a really good friend. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

Probably the first bit - getting something down on the paper. There’s so much possibility at

this stage and my mind is whirling with ideas. After that it’s probably when a character
comes together and they feel perfectly alive. Like they’ve always been there and you’ve just
been finally introduced. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

The process of growing and getting to know yourself in your work takes time so keep at it
consistently and be kind to your efforts (and remember that it’s always changing). Try new
things, join groups and challenges, and spend time with other illustrators.


Devon Holzwarth grew up in Panama with the jungle as her garden and parrots and iguanas
as pets. Her work is strongly inspired by childhood memories and her collection of vintage
children's books. She currently lives in Aachen with her husband, kids, and beloved old
hound dog. She’s the Author/Illustrator of 'Found You' with Alison Green Books, publishing
spring 2020, and 'Sophie's Stories' also with Alison Green Books, publishing 2021.
Please vist Devon's website for more information or follow her on instagram.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2mN1bI3

Review: Wilder Girls

Review: Ollie & Augustus

Starting school can be a nerve-racking experience for most. But what if you're also worried about your best friend and how they'll cope without you?

Gabriel Evans has created a delightful picture book for pet lovers with the perfect blend of sweetness and humour.

Ollie is only small — like a pickling jar or a shoebox — but he is sure his large dog, Augustus, will be lonely without him when he goes to school. After all, they do almost everything together, from painting and people watching to digging and stick collecting.

So Ollie sets out to find a companion for Augustus, another dog with similar interests. It turns out, however, that Augustus is quite unique in his hobbies and finds no interest in the other dogs, with their sniffing and licking and shedding.

The reassuring ending reveals Augustus is just fine without Ollie and spends his day keeping busy, happy in the knowledge that his best friend will be back.

Gabriel's loose-line drawings are deceptively simple, exuding warmth and character on every page. Ollie's small size and big determination will be reassuring for younger readers, while the endearing Augustus offers comic relief with his sheer size, facial expressions and resolute affection.

The sepia palette, especially in the endpapers, captures the strength of the friendship and the memories they've created, but is punctuated with occasional pops of colour in pencil and watercolour for a playful touch.

Gabriel's accomplished balance between words and pictures highlights the true magic that can be created in a picture book. Highly recommended.

Title: Ollie & Augustus
Author/Illustrator: Gabriel Evans
Publisher: Walker Books, $26.99
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781760650711
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2mrLhD3

Guest Post: Gareth Ward: Question Time

12 Curly Questions with author Jesse Blackadder

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. 
In a past life I was a cicada. I lived underground for seven years. It was extremely boring. As a result, I am up for any adventure in this lifetime.

2. What is your nickname? 
Doctor Dolittle.

3. What is your greatest fear? 
Spiders. Sharks. Man-eating spider-sharks. The other person getting more popcorn than me when sharing a bucket at the movies.
 
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words. 
Serious. Funny. Heartfelt. The type of stories that make you cry a little bit at the end, but they’re happy tears.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer. 
Today get words on page.

6. What book character would you be, and why? 
I would be George from The Famous Five. She was the one who drove the whole adventure. Plus she had Timmy the dog, and lashings of ginger beer.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why? 
2300, to see if we’ve solved climate change, and what worked.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 
I know you think you’re going to be a vet, but you’re in for a surprise. You’re going to be a writer instead.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Jack London, Mary O’Hara, James Herriot – great authors who wrote about animals and humans.

10. What/who made you start writing? 
I fell in love with a boy band member when I was 11 and wrote a story about my best friends and I meeting the band. When my friends kept asking what happened next, I continued… it was such fun.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
Phantasmagorical. Because I have never managed to use it in a book. It means having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
What kind of question is this? What kind of hell exists where you can only read one book for the rest of your life? It would have to be a book called something like ‘The Neverending Story’, or ‘Harry Potter and the magic book that adds another chapter when you reach the end’.

Jesse Blackadder was a horse-mad city kid who wanted to be a vet and grew up to become an author instead. Jesse has written award-winning novels for adults and children, including the story of the last dog in Antarctica, and a wild brumby that became an endurance racehorse. For more information, see www.jesseblackadder.com.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2l9vQPx

Review: How To Make Friends With The Dark

Review: The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

This is the story of a girl who was told she was different, whose parents were told to send her away, who was teased simply for being who she was. This is also the story of that same girl who became a champion for animals, a giant of science, and an inspiration to people all over the world, particularly for anyone who has ever been told they don't quite fit in.

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures is a brief biography of Mary Temple Grandin (known as Temple), written by Julia Finley Mosca, who spent many hours talking with Dr. Grandin.

The illustrations, by Daniel Rieley are insightful, reflecting the way in which the young Temple described her thinking - in pictures. Dr. Grandin also contributed personal photos which complement the illustrations and remind readers that Dr. Grandin is a real person.

As a child, Temple displayed behaviours and characteristics that differed from other children. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, in 1947, at first these were incorrectly attributed to brain damage, but later recognised as part of autism. Whilst Temple's characteristics led to some difficulties, such as delayed speech, sensory challenges and struggles with managing her frustrations, they also led to a unique way of viewing the world.

When Temple went to live with relatives on a farm, after a difficult time at school in the city, she began to realise that she could see solutions in ways that others could not. And so began a love affair with science, inventions and discoveries. Since then, this quiet girl, has gone on to become an inventor, a respected Animal Scientist, a Professor (earning a Bachelor degree in Psychology, and a Master's and PhD in Animal Science),  and a world-wide public speaker!

The narrative is told in rhyme, covering key moments in Dr. Grandin's life, and younger children may appreciate the simple rhyming text. For older children, and anyone who seeks to understand more about this interesting person's life, there are additional sections at the back, including a letter from Dr. Grandin, Fun Facts, a timeline with significant dates, and more detailed biographical information.

This book is one of a series of books published by The Innovation Press, featuring amazing scientists.

Title: The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Author: Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrator: Daniel Rieley
Publisher: The Innovation Press, $17.99
Publication Date: 5 March 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781943147618
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2ViR1MR

Giveaway: Ollie and Augustus

Ollie was small – like a pickling jar or a shoe box. Augustus was big – like a fridge or a table. They did most things together, including cycling, painting, dressing up, digging (Ollie's favourite thing) and stick collecting (Augustus's favourite thing).

Ollie and Augustus is a  funny, heartwarming picture book story about little Ollie's determination to make sure his great big dog, Augustus is okay when he's at school.

Thanks to the wonderful people at Walker Books Australia, we have not one but three copies of this beautiful book by Western Australian author illustrator, Gabriel Evans to give away!

To enter, in 25 words or less simply tell us,  what is your favourite thing to do with your pet.

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 1 October 2019.

Competition runs from 5 am 22 September 2019 to 5 pm 29 September 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.

Don't forget to visit again this Wednesday for Penny's review of Ollie and Augustus.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/30F3P10

Winners: Harold's New Friends R Aliens!

And our three lucky winners are...

Mel Sajeva, VIC

Joseph Spagnolo, NSW

Kirsty Polujan, NSW 

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the exciting, Harold's New Friends R Aliens!

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/30hCl6j

Review: Hayden's Bedtime

Review: Boo!

Fabulous, fun and interactive, Boo! By Margaret Wild and Andrew Joyner is a delightful rhyming book about characters who say boo! 

Everyone in this book says Boo! six different babies, the monkey, the piggy and more, but it’s the clever order and context which creates a fun flowing story. From realistic moments to more and more imaginative circumstances, it takes readers on a fabulous uplifting adventure.


The bright, bold, high contrast illustrations are filled with movement and work in unity with the text. A giant tiger reading a book in a bus and wombat with and umbrella jumping in the rain were just two of the fabulous images which instantly made me smile.

Boo! Is exciting to read out loud, it flows wonderfully and feels like the story jumps out of the pages with enthusiasm, encouraging play and imagination. The thick pages with rounded corners are perfect for toddlers and babies.

Margaret Wild has written over 50 children’s books including The Feather and The Sloth who Came to Stay. Andrew Joyner is an author illustrator of many books including The Pink Hat and Borris.

Title: Boo!
Author: Margret Wild
Illustrator: Andrew Joyner
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia, $19.99
Publication Date: 3 September 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670078073
For ages: 0 – 5
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Obm23J

Review: Survival for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Camping and Outdoor Skills

Ever wondered how to navigate using the sun and moon?

How about how to build a shelter using only what you can find in a forest?

Do you know how to safely build a fire? 

Would you like to know more about exploring and camping?

Look no further than Survival for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Camping and Outdoor Skills.

This book has information about everything: navigation, camp craft, first aid and so much more.

Each page is jam packed with colourful illustrations, spreading to every corner of every page which makes this book perfect for young explorers. Each page is engaging and interesting, and there are visual step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow for all ages.

The information is bite-sized, making it easy to read, and it’s written in simple and easy to understand language. The illustrations are fun, funky and very engaging, and there is an easy to follow contents, index and glossary.

With chapters on preparing for your adventure, undertaking your adventure and dealing with all sorts of emergencies you might encounter, it covers everything you need to know. 

If you know kids who love the outdoors, love camping and hiking and/or adventuring, this is the perfect book for them.

Title: Survival for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Camping and Outdoor Skills

Publisher: DK, $29.99

Publication Date: 17 September 2019

Format: Soft Cover

ISBN: 9780143796954

For ages: 6+

Type: Non-Fiction, Junior Non-Fiction

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Awg19G

Review: The Land of Roar

The imaginary worlds of our childhood seem so vivid at the time, but all too quickly fade to a distant memory. Arthur and Rose are now so grown up that they are about to start high school. The times of playing imaginary games with dragons and mermaids are gone.

Rose is obsessed with her phone and trying to impress the cool neighbour, Mazen, who is already 13. She has no need for silly childhood games. But Arthur is lonely. He misses the fun he used to have playing with Rose every summer at Grandad’s house.

When Arthur finds an old hand drawn map in the attic and Grandad mysteriously disappears, memories begin surface. What if those games they used to play, weren’t just games?

Rose isn’t interested in remembering. Of course the old black rocking horse was never a real Moonlight Stallion. And the Z-bed was not a secret entrance to the land of Roar, it was just an old fold up bed that Arthur probably weed in. They were just silly childish games. But Arthur is sure there's more to their childhood games than either of them can remember. How will he convince Rose that Grandad is in danger?

And so begins the adventure to the Land of Roar, a magical land of the imagination. A ninja wizard, a mermaid, dragons and an evil scarecrow/crow named Crowky. On their adventure, Arthur and Rose will not only have to rescue Grandad, but also remember how to work together and tap into their memories and imaginations if they are going to succeed.

This is a great middle grade fantasy adventure that is fun and easy to read. The black and white illustrations interspersed throughout will appeal to kids who might otherwise shy away from a longer adventure story. It’s very topical for those upper primary kids caught between their childhood world and the desperate desire to grow up. A reminder that it's OK to have fun and surrender to your imagination.


Title: The Land of Roar
Author: Jenny McLachlan
Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781405293679
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Middle Grade




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2LEPnBY

Review: Queen Celine

Who knew one little picture book could pack so much punch. In this seemingly ordinary story about an ordinary girl who becomes queen of the most beautiful rock pool, Matt Shanks manages to convey a powerful environmental, political and social message, without being didactic.

Queen Celine thinks her seaside kingdom is so perfect, she decides to build a wall around it, to keep intruders out and make sure nothing will ever change.


But when you try to stop nature, change inevitably comes and Celine is forced to watch as her actions turn the kingdom to ruin.

Fortunately, the queen is self-reflective and quick to admit her wrong, and she sets about restoring her kingdom to its former glory. This means recognising it was perfect as it was and should be enjoyed by everyone, even the seagulls.

Matt has created a vibrant and lively story, complete with detailed illustrations of lovable sea creatures and the beauty of the ocean.

Celine is an endearing character, determined and self-assured, and Matt portrays her with charm and humour. The journey from indignation to realisation of her 'royal mistake' is completely natural, with a subtle message of recognising and righting our wrongs.

It also teaches children about inclusivity and sharing, along with the importance of caring for the environment, making it a must for families and classrooms.


Title: Queen Celine
Author/Illustrator: Matt Shanks
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781760650346
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/31wPQLU

Guest Post: Eric Simmons on Invoking Kindness in Children

Review: Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do and Stories Too

Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series is super popular and this is a great addition to it.

Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do and Stories Too is part novel and part activity book.

Everyone loves holidays and in this book the kids in school are excited about having a week off. They're even more excited when they find out there will be no homework.

What do you do on holiday, though? Tom has a mega plan for his break, starting with thinking about ideas for names for his friend's aunt's new puppy.

There's also drawing (dogs, his teacher and his sister), mazes, colouring, making a monster, cards and crocodiles. Not to mention paper bangers (remember them?), cake making, and card tricks. And that's just for starters.

Readers will be kept well entertained with Tom's commentary and by having a go at the same activities he does. While they are probably best for kids aged about 7 or 8 and older, younger children could try some of the activities as well, as long as they have adult help.

Look out for the other Tom Gates books, and check out Liz Pichon's website, too. It's chock-a-block full of fun stuff to do online, things to download and 'make and do' and other activities, news and information about new books.

Title: Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do and Stories Too
Author/Illustrator: Liz Pichon
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $16.99
Publication Date: June 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781743831595
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior fiction and activity book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/30s2xpL

12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Maree Coote

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I speak Japanese (a little rusty). I love to swim in winter (very quickly).

2. What is your nickname?
I have a few: Mouse, Min, Ree.

3. What is your greatest fear?
A sky full of drones.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Enthusiastic, curious, often rhyming, and well-armed with dictionary and thesaurus.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Amusing if at all possible.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Alice, because she had such a curious time down that rabbit hole.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I925 in New York City; for the flappers, the Charleston, the martinis, the Gershwins, the glamour… and all that jazz.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You’re doing fine, back to it, keep going.

9. Who is your greatest influence? 
My father. Because a great dad starts you off in life like few other things. A strong, clever, gentle, generous, optimistic and funny dad is the most empowering thing a kid can have.

10. What/who made you start writing? 
My love of Melbourne drove me to write about my city when it was being suddenly and systematically demolished in the 1980s. I felt I had to photograph and document all my favourite places — from Deco palaces to water fountains — before they were bulldozed into oblivion. And so began a string of books about Melbourne.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
Cummerbund. I first read it in Edward Lear’s nonsense poems when I was tiny, and it stuck in my head because I didn’t know what the word meant. The sound of it was wonderful. I held it there with a mental bookmark, until the meaning came to me years later. It made me understand that kids can handle all kinds of conceptual thinking.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Only one? If forced, it would have to be Shakespeare’s Complete Works, because the rest of your life is a long time, and you need something that’s gonna give and give. I do love reading my dictionary. A good dictionary is full of stories.

Maree Coote’s love for her home city drives her endeavours. Author and illustrator of two award-winning local histories and more than a dozen children’s books, Coote has maintained a prolific output since 2003. She is also renowned for her fresh and playful take on typography that blurs the boundaries between word and image. Her unique ‘Fontigram’ graphic style has generated collaborations in Italy and in Korea. For more information, see www.melbournestyle.com.au.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Qd8kja

Review: Storm Whale

Review: How It Feels To Float

Review: The Cities Activity Book

Hooray for another sticker activity book from Lonely Planet!

The Cities Activity Book is, like its companion book, The Travel Activity Book, full of fun for young travellers.

Using the same format, The Cities Activity Book features cities from around the world, complete with information about what makes them famous or memorable.

We're told that Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has two official languages (French and Dutch) and is well-known for chocolate, beer, waffles and comic books!

Did you know that Madrid in Spain is home to the biggest fish market in Europe? Or that Vienna was once home to famous composers including Mozart and Strauss?

Activities include designing your own matatu (a colourful minibus) to drive through Nairobi, counting the number of commuters on a Tokyo train, and creating a graffiti mural for a Melbourne brick wall.

Stickers in this book include Dubai skyscrapers which you need to stick on in order of height, and placing iconic buildings onto a map of central Berlin, along the Thames in London, or Venice in Italy.

Find a copy of The Cities Activity Book and see how many of these cities you know and how well you know them.

Title: The Cities Activity Book
Author: Lonely Planet Kids
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $12.99
Publication Date: June 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781788684767
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior non-fiction




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2ZYkRf9

Review: Ivy Bird

Review: You Are Your Strong

Sometimes feelings can be so huge, they seem to overwhelm us. When big emotions rise inside you, how can you find your Strong? In this gentle book, written by Danielle Dufayet and illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, we see children finding their own special ways to cope with their big emotions; by finding their Strong.

In the beginning of the book, the children turn to loved ones, who guide them with calmness, bravery, love and gentleness, when worry whispers, scared creeps in, sadness sprinkles and mad stomps in. But there are times when we each need to find our Strong, all by ourselves. Here we see the children in the story following their own hearts and minds to find their Strong in so many ways.

Within the golden covers of this reassuring book, are softly-hued pages, each one showing a child finding their Strong, in the midst of big feelings. The images show the children's fear and anger transforming into comfort and joy.

Published by Magination Press, the children's publishing arm of the American Psychological Association, this book also contains Notes To Caregviers and Parents, by Julia Martin Burch PhD, which provide additional guidance for helping children to handle big emotions. This book would be enjoyed by all children, particularly anyone who has ever felt like their emotions are sometimes bigger than they are. For adults reading to children, this book provides a lovely point of connection, to discuss those big emotions in a safe and reassuring way.

Title: You Are Your Strong
Author: Danielle Dufayet
Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin
Publisher: Magination Press, $27.99
Publication Date: 19 March 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781433829390
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Q8xyiE

Giveaway: Harold's New Friends R Aliens!

Harold is a young boy who really wants to be hero but he just can't seem to make it happen. 

All of a sudden he has 3 crazy little aliens in a 'Birdship' that want to help him out … Iggy, Tsk-Tsk and Duke have a secret rewind button and their own ideas on what he should do, but it's all down to Harold to get it right ...!

Thanks to the cleverly creative people at Sagacious Vision, we have not one but three copies of this brilliant book to give away!

To enter, in 25 words or less simply tell us, what you would do - if your new friends were 3 crazy little aliens (that no one else could see) and they had superpowers to help you become a Hero!

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 Saturday 21 September 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 13 September 2019 to 5 pm 20 September 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/31tDtAp

Review: Enola Holmes Mystery: Book 6 - The Case of the Disappearing Duchess

Review: Miss Kraken

All the kids are stunned to know they have Miss Kraken a strict, cranky, weird looking octopus for a teacher this year. When the class goes on an excursion to the aquarium, things quickly wind out of control; the class misbehaves and suddenly Miss Kraken is nowhere to be found!

After a while, the kids start to worry and imagine that something extreme has happened to their teacher, did a shark eat her? Will they ever find her? A clever ending leaves the class feeling more fondly towards Miss Kraken.

School-age children will relate to classroom environment and maybe even the strict, cranky or weird looking teacher. By the end of the book they may be encouraged to appreciate their teachers despite their less desirable traits.

The illustrations add detail and funny elements to make kids laugh. The use of mixed media suits the story and the contrast of monotone against a few bright colours, textures and white space has a unique and fresh feel.

I love how the endpapers show each child from the class illustrated and labeled with their name, my five-year-old also loved saying their names and relating them to children from her own class.

Miss Kraken is a fun book which school children are sure to enjoy, particularly in groups. The cover and the pages are thick and strong, perfect for repeated use from little hands in the classroom or library.

Nicki Greenberg is an Australian author, comic artist and illustrator, some of her other books include Bitsy and Meerkat Choir.

Title: Miss Kraken
Author/Illustrator: Nicki Greenburg
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 3 September
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760637743
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2AaXCit

Meet The Illustrator: Xiaojie Liu

Name: Xiaojie Liu

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. 
Emotional, colourful, vibrant, vivid, free, flat, patterned, joyful, fantasy and abstract.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
If I create digital illustration, I will draw sketches using pencil, and then scan them, and using
Photoshop to create the final work. Therefore, the scanner is an essential part of my creative
space.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Watercolour is my favourite artistic medium. I love to see the water moves, goes where it wants to. The colour does amazing things on its own while drying, things that I can't get in other mediums.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Laura Carlin, Marc Martin, and Lisbeth Zwerger.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I really love fauvism. for example, Matisse. He is one of my favourite artists. I love his colour. I
love his decorative patterns, and I love his paper cut collage. As a result, I want to come
back to the early twentieth century.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Since I was a kid, I love drawing. I drew flowers, trees, and clouds all day. During that time, I
found that I want to be an artist. Also, when I was growing up, I read many picture books,
novels, and literature, and I felt that I wanted to become an illustrator just like those famous
illustrators who created the illustrations in the books I read.

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 work at home. I decorated a corner of my living room as my studio. I work here almost
every day, and stay with my laptop, my scanner and my drawing tablet.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The final part is my favourite part. Because whenever I'm close to finishing my work, I feel
excited. Also, I love to modify the colour of my work and make the final adjustment to my
work.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Keep practising what you do. Believe in yourself, and never give up.

Xiaojie Liu is an award-winning illustrator who was born and raised in Enshi, China,
received a BA in illustration from the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts in 2015, and an MFA in
Illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2018. Liu’s artistic focus is on
children’s illustration, editorial illustration and surface design for a wide range of projects
including children’s books, publications, magazines, branding, and packaging. She combines
mixed media and materials to create illustrations, which include digital and hand drawing,
paper cutting, clay, and fabrics. Liu has been selected to appear in American Illustration, Hiii
Illustration, and Asia Illustrations Annual Awards. In addition to doing gallery shows
internationally, she is currently working on picture book projects.
Please visit Xiaojie on her website for more information or follow her on instagram .

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2LMilyq

Review: Animology

Author and illustrator Maree Coote has done it again with an extraordinary collection of illustrations made entirely from letters.

This time, Maree turns her attention to an exotic range of animals, with everything from tigers and flamingos, to whales and owls, showing off her striking use of colour and typography.

Each animal is created from the letters of its name and is accompanied by a playful and quirky rhyme that's so much fun to read out loud. The rhyme includes a fact about the animal featured, along with a clever reference to letters and words.

This is my favourite Maree Coote book yet — an exquisite collation from the international award-winning illustrator whose impressive collection of books, along with her popularity, continues to grow.

The large format, thick matte pages and bold design make it a book to cherish and pore over for hours. It's a wonderful way to get children thinking about the illustration process, art and design, animals of the world and, of course, spelling.

Other Maree Coote favourites include the CBCA Notable Spellbound
Letters from Australia, Letters from New York, Andy Webb: Artist, and Alphabeasts.

Title: Animology
Author/Illustrator: Maree Coote
Publisher: Melbournestyle Books, $35
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780992491796
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2HZw0kM

Look What I'm Reading! Janeen Brian Children's Author

Review: Leaping Lola

12 Curly Questions with author Laura Bloom

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
Sometimes on walks I’ll just idly imagine my star turn as a figure skater.

2. What is your nickname?
Ella B.

3. What is your greatest fear?
It has something do with my son, Leo, who has is very active and adventurous, and has autism. This means I spend a lot of my weekends trying to be all like, chill, while he surfs, and cycles, and goes out to gigs.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Intimate. Realistic. Funny. Warm. Compelling. Original. Lively. Truthful. Complex. Satisfying.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious. Imaginative. Honest. Funny. Surprising.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Mothball, from Jackie French’s Diary of A Wombat. She mainly sleeps and eats, but demands carrots occasionally. She is a very confident and contented wombat.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would go to the year 2006, when my son was diagnosed, and tell myself that he is going to be healthy and happy and wonderful, and that it’s going to be OK. I’d also like to go to the year 2070, when I will have died, just to make sure of that!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you. Thank you for creating a wonderful family, and becoming a writer.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My son, Leo. He’s completely changed the way I see the world.

10. What/who made you start writing?
My father read to me from a very young age, and the way a story could move and entertain and sweep us both away seemed magical to me. I wanted to have that power!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Home. It’s not so much a building, as a feeling I get with certain people, places and animals.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?  
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Dazzling dialogue and brilliant storytelling – not to mention family politics, passion and real estate.

Laura Bloom grew up in Sydney, reading constantly and dreaming of becoming a writer. Now she lives in a small country town with her family and lots of animals, writing novels for children and adults. Her books have been short-listed for awards and sold in many countries. Her latest novel for young readers, Mika and Max – about a girl who meets a boy who makes her see everything differently – is published by Walker. For more information, see www.laurabloom.com.au.

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2HX3mR3

Review: Little Puggle's Song

Puggle the echidna dreams of being part of the magical sounds of the bush choir with his friends, but when he tries to sing, no sound comes out.

Little Puggle’s friends Brown Feather the kookaburra, Fancy Crest the cockatoo and the other birds each have their own sounds which float, echo and hop through the bushland. Even the kangaroos and koalas have sounds to join in, but poor Puggle who so badly wants to join in, simply can’t, he is adamant and tries different breathing and singing techniques, but nothing works.

When Brown Feather announces the plan to sing a welcome song for Mrs and Mr Emu’s soon to hatch chicks, Little Puggle knows he must be part of the special song. A magical ending prevails with a wondrous message about determination and being part of a group.

The stand out illustrations with beautiful colour and light create a dreamy Australian setting, and an instant connection with Little Puggle’s character. Vikki Conley’s captivating story-telling and Helene Magison’s pictures flow and lift each other to make a wholesome and stunning book with a cover so delightful that it warmed my heart before I even opened it.

Little Puggle’s Song is perfect for reading aloud to groups and is sure to inspire activities, musical adventures, craft and discussions.

Vikki Conley is an emerging author, Little Puggle’s Song is the second of at least five of her books scheduled for publishing this year. Helene Magisson has illustrated many books including Slowly! Slowly!, The Whirlpool and the classic The Velveteen Rabbit.

Author: Vikki Conley
Illustrator: Helene Magisson
Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 78-1-925594-69-0
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/301sHzD

Review: Enola Holmes: Book 5 - The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline

Winners: I Love My Dad Because

And our five lucky winners are...

Stef Gemmil, VIC
Sharon Hammond, NSW
Joseph Spagnolo, NSW
Karen Henricks, NSW
Rebecca Ralfe, QLD

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the delightful, I Love My Dad Because.

We hope you enjoy this prize whether with your Dad or simply with your own creative self.

Thank you to ALL who entered.




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2Lz4dZs

Review: Going to the Footy

Going to the footy! If someone in your family is a football fan, then that's a phrase you may hear during the football season.

In this book, Going to the Footy, a journey to the football is turned into a gorgeous representation of different forms of transport.

The book and its illustrations are the artwork of Debbie Coombes, a Tiwi woman from Pirlangimpi Community on Melville Island. She learned to paint from her grandfather and mother.

Debbie's painting has been described as being 'joyful depictions of Tiwi life in figurative forms'. One look at this book and you will understand what that means.

I love her use of colour and lines, and how the background frames the pictures of a canoe, tinny boat, bus, trail bike, and other vehicles.

The book design perfectly suits the artwork. A large square format, with simple, large font on pages which change colour, alternating with the illustrations which have a consistent black background.

Young readers can be challenged to recognise and name all the forms of transport, and maybe to count all the people travelling to the footy.

I hope to see more books from Debbie Coombes. Going to the Footy is beautiful, simple, and appealing.

Title: Going to the Footy
Author/illustrator: Debbie Coombes
Publisher: Magabala Books, $19.99
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925936964
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book




from Kids' Book Review https://ift.tt/2UCEWl9