Review: Total Quack Up Again!

12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Jasmine Seymour

 

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I am a Jazz singer.

2. What is your nickname?
Jas

3. What is your greatest fear?
A micro bat flying at my head and getting stuck in my hair. Bizarre and random, I know!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Simple, emotional, space, appreciative, beautiful, nature, Aboriginal, culture, generous and loving.
 
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Thoughtful, educational, informative, perspective, beauty.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Any of Alison Lester or Bob Graham’s children featured in their picture books. Those kids are how old I am when I write. Alison’s, because I always get a sense of being in the natural world through her kids. Bob’s, because of his very funny ‘being in a family’ humour.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
500 years into the future to see if we have managed to go to Mars and beyond.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Write a Babysitters Club book and become a hairdresser.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My Dad. I love you Dad.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I started writing because there were no Darug language books for children. I am a Darug woman and I live in The Hawkesbury. I am a teacher and I wanted to hear our language on children’s tongues.
I also love reading and that made me want to write. I read everything: picture books, fiction, young adult, history, biographies, science fiction and fantasy, information texts. I love it all.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
At the moment it is a Darug word:  manga manga, which means lightning.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. A fantasy book about the magic that words hold. Aboriginal words are like this too. They hold the pathway to our dreaming. 

Jasmine Seymour is a Darug woman and descendant of Maria Lock, who was the daughter of Yarramundi, the Boorooberongal elder who had met Governor Phillip on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in 1791. Maria was the first Aboriginal woman to be educated by the Blacktown Native Institute. She was married to carpenter and convict, Robert Lock, and their union resulted in thousands of descendants who can all trace their Darug heritage back past Yarramundi. It is Jasmine’s wish that through her books, everyone will know that the Darug mob are still here, still strong. Jasmine is a primary school teacher in the Hawkesbury area of NSW. Baby Business is her first book. 

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Review: Australian Baby Animals

Bestselling author/illustrator of A is for Australia, Frané Lessac gives us a delightful and informative new book, Australian Baby Animals.

The board book, is sturdy and ready for the drool covered fingers of our littlest readers, who will be able explore and discover a fabulous range of Australia's furry, scaly and feathery baby animals.

Lessac has taken a unique approach at introducing these animals by grouping them using their baby names; joeys, hatchlings, fry, chicks, puggles, pups and platypups.

Each bright double page spread introduces one animal at a time, using a single sentence with the animal's name in bold typeface, for example 'Cheeky Tasmanian devil joeys play all night long.'

To extend the knowledge of older or more inquisitive readers, Lesaac has include one extra fun fact for each animal, in a smaller sized font, eg 'Sea dragon dads carry the fry eggs on their tails until they hatch.'

Australian Baby Animals is also available in a hard cover format, ISBN: 9781760651756

Once readers of Australian Baby Animals get older they will be ready to explore Lessac's Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Book for the 2018 Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, A is for Australian Animals.

Title: Australian Baby Animals
Author/Illustrator: Frané Lessac
Publisher: Walker Books, $15.99
Publication Date: 1 December 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781760651763
For ages: 1+
Type: Board Book, Picture Book




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Review: Favourite Enid Blyton Stories

This collection of Enid Blyton's stories have been selected by famous fans such as Jacqueline Wilson, Andy Griffiths, Michael Morpurgo and other well-known people, who share the joy derived from reading Blyton's work and openly reveal which story they loved the best and why. 

Some focus on specific stories that influenced their lives and continue to live on in their memory. Within these testimonies lies the value of this collection.The contents are taken from the most popular books, and come under five titles: adventure, fantasy, funny, school, and true stories.

The excerpts come from another era and style of children’s writing that inspired many modern writers. The old and the new blend together. The older text is juxtaposed with the quirky, full colour illustrations by Mark Beech which offers new life and a resurgence of interest to Blyton’s ageless texts. The stories took me on a journey through my childhood where I relived the excitement,freedom and imagination those children lived through their adventures.

I was particularly impressed with Michael Morpurgo’s moving testimony. His life was a world of words that frightened him until his friends suggested he try reading Blyton’s books. Then there is Jacqueline Wilson’s stirring confessions on the role that these fabulous stories played in her life and writing.

The book winds up with an excellent insight into Enid Blyton’s inner world from her autobiography, The Story of My Life. She commends her father’s encouragement and constant company which helped shape her world. There are interesting revelations about how she never planned her stories but had dreams about what she wrote.

Highly readable, this marvellous collection is a wealth of information about the presenters as well as the stories they chose.

Title: Favourite Enid Blyton Stories
Author: Enid Blyton
Illustrator: Mark Beech
Publisher: Hachette, $39.99
Publication Date: October 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781444934540
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Review: I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

I Am Love is a heartwarming book that celebrates love.

Yoga and mindfulness teacher, Susan Verde, shares affirmations that will inspire readers to talk, connect, act and open their heart.

These wise words, combined with Peter H Reynolds soft and delightful illustrations, will help assist children in discovering how love can conquer hurt, anger, sadness and fear. Through love we are able to express compassion, comfort and gratitude.


We discover that outward expressions of love are shown in how we interact with others via words, actions and gestures.

When we look inward we are able to care for the health of our mind and body. The affirmations can help readers recognise that it is okay to seek help from others and  '...that no one is perfect.' Verde's book includes a heart meditation and instructions for three yoga poses that are heart-opening.

The book does not shy away from harder concepts that 'Love is effort' and it also about remembering '...those I've loved before.'

If you like the co-creations of Verde and Reynolds read I Am Yoga and You and Me. Also seek out these Peter H Reynolds books; Say Something, Ish, The Dot and The Smallest Gift of Christmas.

Title: I Am Love
Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H Reynolds
Publisher: Abrams Books, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 17 September 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781419737268
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Guest Post: 5 Crucial Pieces of Advice from Children’s Lit Experts

Review: Charlie's Shell

Charlie is a snail who is happy living with his shell, until the day three mean slugs taunt and tease him. Charlie then begins to question his shell's value and starts to focus on all its disadvantages.

Charlie makes the decision to be like the slugs and sheds his shell. At first he is delighted with his choice, but soon awkward, uncomfortable and dangerous consequences ensue.

The story is told in rhyme, with a flowing metre, by author/illustrator Marina Zlatanova.

Zlatanova's illustrations show Charlie and his adversaries in their garden world, with the perspective from a snail's height.

Whilst this story is a fun tale, it may also resonate with young children questioning the value of their own uniqueness in the face of teasing or bullying, providing an opportunity for discussion about Charlie and his choices.

Title: Charlie's Shell
Author/Illustrator: Marina Zlatanova
Publisher: New Holland Publishers, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760791377
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Thing About Oliver

Tilly has become invisible. She is like glass. People see right through her. Her brother Oliver claims all mum’s attention. And Tilly’s too. Her dreams are what keep her going. They are locked in her head just like her precious possessions are locked inside her bedroom. The key is tied around her neck.

  

Oliver has autism. He doesn’t speak. Their house is a war zone of smashed belongings and holes in the walls. The family are under the threat of eviction due to Oliver’s noise levels. 

Tilly’s life has been set aside as all hers and mum’s energy goes into caring for her brother.  She wants to be a marine scientist and knows a great deal about fish and their habits. She studies them, keeps a fish tank in her room, and diligently adds entries to her illustrated journal of marine creatures so she won’t forget anything.

Change is not a good thing for Oliver. When mum loses her job, Tilly is forced to leave her beloved fish behind when they move to her aunt’s home in Townsville.

Aunt Janine has absolutely no experience of children, and even less knowledge of autism. Chaos reigns as the change they hoped would improve their lives, has the opposite outcome.

Oliver’s destructive habits lead Tilly to an explosive blowout that has dire consequences.  Ultimately, it is Tilly’s intimate familiarity of Oliver and these habits that bring events to their conclusion.

  

The Thing About Oliver is a stunning and profoundly moving portrayal of glass children. Deborah Kelly has deeply immersed herself in her characters. The result renders the story authentic and pure. The prose shines in the light that Tilly’s narrative voice creates.

Title: The Thing About Oliver
Author: Deborah Kelly
Publisher: Wombat Books , $14.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925563818
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Fiction




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Meet The Illustrator: Eva-Maria Schull

Name: Eva-Maria Schull

Describe your illustration style in 10 words 

Simple, whimsical characters looking at the world with big eyes.

What items are an essential part of your creative space? 

There’s not much space on my 40 x 20 inches desk. My pencils, Micron-pens, some brushes, a stash of cheap sketching paper, and a small watercolour box are in close reach for impromptu sketches.



Do you have a favourite artistic medium? 

No, I don’t have a favourite artistic medium.  I like watercolour, because it is easily available and always ready to use. I love old book pages and I often paint on gessoed magazine pages. Recently I am working on photocopies of old letters and envelopes which once were sent to my grandfather. Adding pieces of collage is exciting as well. 

Name three artists whose work inspires you?

My favourite artists/ illustrators are Shaun Tan, Wolf Erlbruch and Timothy Basil Ering. I love their books, because the pictures are so imaginative and full of wonderful characters. 

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
That’s a tough one! Okay, I would love to time-travel to old Amsterdam and watch Rembrandt work on his tiny portrait etchings. How could he scratch all those details into the stamp-sized metal plate in the poor light of his studio?

Then I’d like to visit Picasso in one of his studios. Just watching him for a day or two ... wouldn’t that be amazing? 

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My main inspiration and my favourite art-teacher is Carla Sonheim. When I saw her work for the first time many years ago, I instantly fell in love with her quirky, imaginary animals, she created from sidewalk cracks.

With Carla, drawing and visual story-telling was fun again, and I never went back to boring perspective studies and realistic painting.

                                   

Can you share a photo of your creative work space? Talk us through it.
Here’s my desk. It’s pretty small, but I don’t work on real big formats. Usually an A4 format is the right size for me.

Favourite pictures are taped to the wall; my pens and brushes handy in front of me, always ready to be used.

My little mascot Superpiggy is always watching me, waiting to appear in one of my stories.

                           

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
What’s the best part? That’s when the little guys actually appear on the page in front of me, giving me thumbs up, that they feel good on the paper!

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

Sorry, I am hopeless with advice! Maybe one thing: Try to keep your desk tidy. That’s important for me. If you come to a messy desk and having to clean it up before starting your work, your good mood, your inspiration and the genius idea will get lost in the tiring process of tidying up your workspace. 

Eva-Maria Schull was born in November 1953 in Detmold, a small town in western Germany.

Instead of following her natural talent as a hairdresser (see pic above), she became a teacher. She taught Art and Maths at comprehensive schools for 38 years, until her retirement 3 years ago. She lives in Duesseldorf, Germany together with her husband Peter.

You can follow Eva on her instagram.

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Winner: The Secrets of Magnolia Moon

Review: The Littlest Things give the Loveliest Hugs

One of the things that I love best about Christmas, are the hugs you get.

It is the hug you get, that is oh so sweet and giving. It is the hug you get, that is all warm and snugly. These hugs can be, squishy-squashy yet soft, wrapping itself around your heart. A hug can be better than any present under the Christmas tree.

The Littlest Things give the Loveliest Hugs is that kind of story. It melts that special organ inside your chest and it makes you feel joyful. It is a story that needs your little hugger, snuggled onto you lap so you can share a most charming moment in time together.

Your littlest thing will adore the animals that they will meet within this story's covers. There are the familiar bugs you'll find in your garden, including my favourite animal the ladybug. You'll snuggle with seals, field mice, elephants, fluffy ducklings and cuddly koalas. You will cosy up to animals from the jungle, forests and Antarctica.

The rhyme is floaty and melodic. It makes you feel like your drifting on a gentle summer breeze as you nod off to sleep, with your littlest thing wrapped in your arms. Because we all know that, The Littlest Things give the Loveliest Hugs.

I hope you get a loveliest hug this Christmas.

Title: The Littlest Things give the Loveliest Hugs
Author: Mark Sperring
Illustrator: Maddie Frost
Publisher: Orchard Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 27 February 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781408338049
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: But First, We Nap

10 Quirky Questions with author Gareth Ward

1. What's your hidden talent?
I’m not sure that I have a hidden talent, because to be honest I’m a bit of a show off and if I’m good at something I want everyone to know. If I can have a surprising talent, it would be hypnosis. When I started to hypnotise people as part of my magic routines I discovered that I was really good at it. To me, hypnosis is the closest we can come to performing real magic. Just by using words I can make it so that someone can’t see me; their brain is blocking me from their view. It’s so bizarre.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
My favourite literary villain would have to be Lord Voldemort. He is unapologetically evil, all powerful and yet still full of self-doubt, with a need for validation, which makes him such a great conflicted character. However, if you were to ask which literary villain evoked the strongest response of visceral hatred in me, it would have to be Dolores Umbridge. I marvel at how Rowling makes me loathe her so much.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Jonathan Stroud because I love Lockwood & Co. HP Lovecraft because he must be insane and I want to know if any of it is real. Philip Pullman because of the beauty of his writing and we could both talk about Oxford. Terry Pratchett because he would bring a bit of light humour and I think he and HP would hit it off. Erin Morgenstern because The Night Circus is one of my all-time favourite novels and it makes me want to cry when I realise it’s not real and I can never visit it. JK Rowling, because why wouldn’t you? It’s JK Rowling.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Gravitanium. Not an invention per se, but a metal that throws off the effects of gravity when heated. I invented it in The Traitor and the Thief and it plays a more significant role in The Clockill and The Thief. I’ve always wanted to be able to fly and I think with the use of gravitanium it would be possible to make some form of flying suit. Not that I’m giving away any secrets for the third book!

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Hard, imaginative, fun, creative, wonderful.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Wealthier than JK Rowling.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
My dog, Tonks. After that, none of the other objects matter. Although you would also find my police helmet, some Griffins Toffee Pops (the king of biscuits) a toy rabbit called Tog I had as a child, and the umbrella cabinet of doom, which is a giant magical box my daughter used to go into while I speared it with myriad umbrellas.

8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
Grass green as a treefrog’s back now covered the crash site, verdant blades of hope masking the horror beneath. (Grass was the word from Whatever it Takes, by Paul Cleave.)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask? 
 I would ask Patrick Ness why he killed Manchee in the Knife of Never Letting Go. It still haunts me, and I’ve never forgiven him.

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Never write. I love reading too much and writing is hard. 

Gareth Ward,aka The Great Wardini, is a magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller and author. He has worked as a Royal Marine Commando, Police Officer, Evil Magician and Zombie. He basically likes jobs where you get to wear really cool hats. He currently resides in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand where he runs two independent bookshops, Wardini Books and Wardini Books Napier with his wife, Louise. He has a goldfish called Luna, a dog called Tonks and is certain his letter from Hogwarts has been lost in the post. His first novel,The Traitor and the Thief, a rip-roaring young adult Steampunk adventure, won the 2016 Storylines Tessa Duder Award, the 2018 Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Youth Novel, a 2018 Storylines Notable Book Award and was a finalist in two categories at The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. His second novel, The Clockill and the Thief was released in August 2019. For more information, see www.garethwardauthor.com.

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Review: Mermaid Holidays: The Magic Pearl

Review: Pirate Boy of Sydney Town

Review: Animal Atlas

This new addition to the growing list of educational resources from Lonely Planet Kids is tactile, informative and fabulous.

Animal Atlas is packed with succinct pieces of information about  animals and the environments they live in. The introduction provides base knowledge about animal groupings, evolution, extinction, threats to the planet and more, the rest of the book is broken into continent and ocean sections with maps, detailed illustrations, photos, flaps and pages that fold out.

I love the actual size photos including the Brown bear paw, Giant anteater tongue and even the terrifying Goliath bird-eating spider! Lucy Rose’s illustrations are the perfect fit with defined style still showing true to life details.

Read it from front to back or browse through again and again, discovering new facts each time; either way Animal Atlas is sure to keep readers fascinated and focused and likely to return for future reading.

Some of the many other wonderful educational Lonely Planet Kids books include Dinosaur Atlas, First Words - French, Cardboard Box Creations and Sticker World - Airport.

Title: Animal Atlas
Author: Anne Rooney
Illustrator: Lucy Rose
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $29.99
Publication Date: 8 November 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781788682602
For ages: 9 – 12
Type: Picture Book




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A very KBR Christmas Salutation 2019!

It simply wouldn't be the end of the year without our traditional KBR team roundup and this year we're embracing the best of that which we most desire along with the most desirous books we've read in 2019.

It's never easy whittling so many great reads down to just one title. We hardly expect you could either, which is why we continue to bring you the best of the best of Kids' Literature throughout the year.

Thank you ALL for participating in our tremendous competitions, reading our reviews and interviews, and sharing our unadulterated book joy and love.

May you experience every brilliance this festive season has to offer and may all your Christmas wishes come true. And now, let's find out what our fabulous team members wished for...

If you had one wish this Christmas, literary or otherwise, what would it be and why? 

Dimity Powell - Managing Editor
As most of the world’s issues have been so ably and generously addressed with the answers from my kind-hearted team, my wish is simply for peace, world or otherwise, where I might find the quiet and calm to reflect, recover, ruminate, reciprocate and of course, read. Although I love Lily's suggestion (useful and fun)...perhaps I could modify my wish for a magic flying carpet...

Tania - Editor at Large
It would be 6 months in Copenhagen with not much to do but walk and write and draw and potter and smell flowers. On a more global note, I would wish for most of the world’s current leaders to have a spiritual/Gaia-driven epiphany, and retire, leaving room for someone with a brain and a heart. And because we’re forced to pick just ONE book in the next question, I’m going for the classic three wishes here. My third wish is that every child on Earth is gifted a book that changes their life.

Katrin - Meet the Illustrator Editor
My Christmas wish would be for the world to find their common sense again. Otherwise I’d settle for my family’s good health.

Josephine Burrell - Life Member
For every household in the entire world to plant a tree this Christmas. This would go a long way to achieving the 500 million hectares of trees required to stave off climate change for the next 20 years, while we work out alternative fuel sources.

Anastasia - Reviewer / Look What I'm Reading! Coordinator
I wish that there was more kindness, as this, I feel, is what is missing in our world today.

Leanne Barrett - Reviewer
My one wish is that every child has access to books so they can learn to read fluently.

Shaye Wardrop - Senior Editor
That the world collectively wakes up and starts working together to save our planet. Because we have to. We just have to!

Cherri Ryan - Reviewer
That every child had a chance to be safe, feel love and be enabled to grow to be their most wonderful self.

Jo Antareau - YA Reviewer
For all children to have the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of their personal circumstances / disadvantages.

Amie Sabin  - Reviewer
I’ll be terribly cliche and say peace on earth, miraculous solutions to climate change and a children’s book for every human.

Penny Harrison - 12 Curly Questions Editor
That every child around the world would receive a joyful, captivating and inspirational book in their Christmas stocking.

Karin Mitchell - Reviewer
For Santa to deliver a book to everyone so they can experience the joy of reading.

Lily O’Gorman - Junior Reviewer
I would wish to have a pet dragon to fly around the world, and a never-ending supply of books so I would never be bored.

Sarah Steed - Senior Librarian Consultant
That everyone’s 2020 will be better than 2019, in whatever way they want or need it to be.

Sarah Wallace - Reviewer
For everyone to find a moment to be still and appreciate the beauty and wonder in the world around us. We can all get so caught up in everyday frustrations that we need a reminder of the good things in the world. Take a child’s lead - go outside, listen to birdsong, watch ants marching up a tree, or admire a bee landing on a flower.

What was the most stunning, impressionable, hilarious, moving, thought-provoking Kids’ Lit read you experienced this year? 

Tania
Funny Bones hilarity anthology (house brick!) edited by Jol and Kate Temple, and Oliver Phommavanh, and containing some seriously rollicking, fabulous content (all proceeds to War Child). (KBR review coming soon!)

Dimity
Tim and Tigon by Tim Copeland. I've read so many inspiring, tear-jerking, heart warming, rib-tickling kids' reads this year, it's hard to shave them all down to one favourite. But this true life adventure oozes guts and glory, honours mateship and humanity and above all else promotes the simple things, in life and nature. It embodies a never give in, never give up mentality that I find crucial for survival.

Katrin
Really loved Waiting for Chicken Smith by David Mackintosh for its unique illustrations, way of storytelling and message.


Josephine
One is too hard! So I’ll cheat and nominate one young adult fantasy series that sits comfortably with the likes of Harry Potter and series written by Isobelle Carmody. The Mirror Visitor’s book 1: A Winter’s Promise had me from the first page. By momentarily touching an object, Ophelia experiences the most recent owner’s final moments, so she tends to wear gloves. She can also travel through mirrors. Apart from that she’s happily unremarkable. But she is unexpectedly betrothed to someone in a far celestial island and is forced to leave everything and everyone she loves behind.

With a creepy fiancee who rarely acknowledges her presence and a world that thrives on political intrigue, Orphelia has no idea who to trust. When she is forced to impersonate a servant boy to stay alive, the action hots up. I devoured Book 1 and 2 and am gnashing my teeth at the forced wait for book 3. Unputdownable.

Anastasia
The Truth Pixie by Matt Haigh, illustrated by Chris Mould

Leanne
The one book that sticks in my mind that made me think, cry and feel hope was Window of Hope by Robert Vescio and Demelsa Haughton.

Shaye
The Voyage by Robert Vescio and Andrea Edmonds moved me in so many ways. A picture book with only fourteen carefully chosen words, it explores the journey of a family fleeing war. The story spoke to my heart, but it also spoke to my children's hearts. As young as they are, they understood the fear, sadness and hope found on the beautifully illustrated pages. And that gives me hope this Christmas.

Cherri
En Pointe by Chloe Bayliss - it is a YA memoir by an inspiring young woman, who brings readers in to her life during the highest and the most challenging moments of her teenage years. An absolute must-read for anyone who has ever had a dream almost snatched away by illness or other circumstances.

Jo
I guess this is about which book stayed with me the longest long after I had turned the final page. I have read a lot of moving, stunning stories this year but the one that made the most lasting impression was Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp.

Amie
Impressionable, hilarious, moving and thought provoking is a lot for one book! I will go with Petra by Marianna Coppo, it meets that criteria in a fun and simple way.

Penny
In a year that has seen so much hatred and sadness around the globe, it would have to be Sally Rippin's Polly & Buster series. Here are three books that are jam-packed with kindness, inclusion, empathy and love. If only they were compulsory reading for our world leaders!

Karen
How To Make Friends With the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow. The sudden death of her mother, leaves Tiger Tolliver adrift and disconnected from life. The descriptive passages of Tiger attempting to deal with her grief amid people's expectations of how she should be behaving are heart wrenching.

Lily
The saddest and most emotional book I read was Seekers, The Quest Begins by Erin Hunter. The funniest, happiest and most thought-provoking book was Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan.

Sarah S
The kids' lit book that was my favourite to read this year was Shatter City by Scott Westerfeld. It’s the action-packed book two in the Imposters series, and there's something rather prescient about the futuristic world it's set in, which really makes you think about our society today.

Sarah W
This is Home, a collection of Australian poetry selected by Jackie French and illustrated by Tania McCartney. I love poetry and this stunning collection really captures the heart of Australia and the events, landscapes, feelings and experiences that shape our country.

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Review: Hooray for Horrible Harriet

Children's literature gives us characters that we fall in love with, for me one of them is Leigh Hobb's, Mr Chicken. 

There are four books in the Mr Chicken series; Mr Chicken Goes to Paris (2009), Mr Chicken Lands on London (2014), Mr Chicken Ariva a Roma (2016) and earlier this year Mr Chicken All Over Australia (2019). But when did we first meet Mr Chicken?

In the story Horrible Harriet, we first catch a glimpse of a Miss Chicken, aka Horrible Harriet. Miss C tried to scare the new boy Athol Egghead, but he thought she was charming.  Unfortunately, by the end of this book Athol has to leave and Harriet is once again alone, with no friends.

In Hobb's next book, Hooray for Horrible Harriet, readers once again follow Harriet's horrible escapades at school. High in the school, Harriet adds '...a secret ingredient to a new dish, Chicken Surprise...BOOM!' Out of the smoke Harriet is thrilled to discover that she has made a friend, Mr Chicken. 

Harriet's new friend is not polite or shy like her former friend Athol. Knowing that friends are '...hard to make...', Harriet decides to keep Mr Chicken a secret. Mr Chicken is locked in Harriet's room while she goes to class. Another school day begins, where behind Mr Boggle's back Harriet is 'BIG AND NOISY, STRANGE AND SCARY!' 

The school thought one Harriet was enough until they meet an extra student, Mr Chicken. He is even bigger, noisier and scarier than Harriet. Harriet becomes jealous of the attention that Mr Chicken gets from the other children and teachers. Harriet felt left out and  forgotten.  Something had to be done, maybe she could feed Mr Chicken some soup that contained a extra special ingredient.

Having been a teacher for many years, Hobb creates characters that remind us of people that we have interacted with during our school days. Children find these, over the top, characters relatable and  hilarious. 

Mr Chicken can be currently found at the Story Time: Australian Children's Literature Exhibition at the National Library of Australia in Canberra until 9 February 2020 and in Stephanie Owen Reeder's book that accompanies the exhibition, Story Time Stars.

Title: Hooray For Horrible Harriet
Author/Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $15.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2008
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781741147032
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Flag Book

Flags serve many purposes, from representing a country or region, to signifying decisions in sporting events, to sending aviation, medical and military information. The Flag Book (The amazing stories behind the world's flags) provides an overview of all these aspects, including chapters on every continent in the world, pirate flags, sporting flags, semaphores and record breaking flags.

 Flags often act as a symbolic representation of a country or region, however, this book goes into so much more detail, including the study of flags (vexillogy), the design of flags, the history of when and why specific flags were adopted, and the various ways in which flags are used.

From the very outset, it is clear that this book is more than an annotated list. Each page contains interesting facts about the nature and use of a particular flag or flags, as well as brief explanations of significance of elements of the flags. For example, how the colours of various flags represent a vast range of population groups, values (such as courage, truth, growth, care of the land) and historical events (such as union of religious differences or the fight for independence).

The Flag Book will be a useful addition to classrooms, libraries and homes.

Title: The Flag Book
Author: Moira Butterfield
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781788683098
For ages: 9 - 12
Type: Non-fiction




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KBR Recommends - Funny Bones!

It's here! Funny Bones hilarity anthology is in my clutches and this mammoth tome is every bit as fab (actually, more) than I knew it would be.

Edited by Kate and Jol Temple, and Oliver Pommavanh, this brick-like collection is an absolute stunner - and very best of all, 100% of royalties go to War Child Australia.

A sensational Christmas stocking stuffer (just make sure your stocking is HUGE!), the book is in stores or online now. And be sure to look out for my whackadoodle story about a bunch of rabid Helper Monkeys! Meet Harry, below.

- KBR Founder, Tania McCartney

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Review: Invisible In A Bright Light

Review: Juno Jones Mystery Writer

I love the character Juno Jones. She is cheeky but lovable (visible in her facial expressions!), very bright, has an unbridled imagination, and an unquenchable thirst for life. 

Her alter ego, the ninja warrior Futoshi, still surfaces when she has an energy surge. This is the way she releases her creative powers, and presents wonderful and entertaining scenes that enter the story at random. Jokes again, are interspersed without warning and the whole book is a mixture of mystery and mayhem.

Juno longs to solve problems. But most of all, she wants to be a writer of books for children who hate reading. Continuing in her quest, she now narrates her second story, a mystery. Juno Jones, Mystery Writer picks up the thread connected to the threat of closure of the Muttonbird Bay Primary school.

 The Alien Lizard men – that’s the name Juno gives to the Men in Suits that skulk around the school – are cruising the corridors once again. Although the students have increased their book reading with impressive results, there is still fear that the school will close. Juno and Bluey remain on the case.

Shy Vi has mysteriously disappeared. No one has seen her for days. Miss Tippett is not her usual nervous self in class, but continues to be light-headed. Juno and Bluey discover what they think is the reason for this. Perfect Paloma shares her secret covert theatre rehearsals with Juno. This brings a new friend into the Juno and Bluey best friend group. Perfect Paloma knows where the missing Shy Vi is.

Juno the Word Ninja has been transformed to a lover of big words. She introduces them and their definitions in footnotes within the narrative of her new story. This is an added bonus for readers who like to challenge themselves by learning unusual, difficult, yet interesting words.

Juno still goes off on a tangent about any thought that pops into her mind that she feels needs clarification. She calls it getting distracted. But her word knowledge has improved tremendously and she has even read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens!

This story within a story has strong but subtle references on how people are frequently more than they seem. Their dreams are in constant flux. Within all the humour and the word play, this is a positive message about the role change has in life that is relevant to us all.

Sandy Flett illustrations are fabulous! They add substance and familiarise the characters. I hear the next book features Juno as a detective. Can’t say more!

Title: Juno Jones Mystery Writer
Author: Kate Gordon
Illustrator: Sandy Flett
Publisher: Yellow Brick Books, $12.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780648492528
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction





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Review: The Painted Ponies

Alison Lester is back with another gorgeous picture book that is sure to become a favourite.

Matilda loved playing with the painted ponies at Grandma Lucky’s house. They were kept in a little carved wagon with a stall for each one. 

The ponies are all unique, there is a chestnut, a gold palomino, a bay, a pinto, a brown and a dappley grey with a lucky star on his forehead.

When Matilda asks about them, Grandma Lucky tells the story of her own childhood in a travelling show, where her mother trained animals, her dad was a musician, and she twirled her lasso. This a story about the wild ponies that were meant to be free.

The illustrations are gentle and warm yet are bursting with personality. The smiling animals are so endearing and friendly, and Lester really captures their spirit and movement throughout the book. You can tell she has a genuine connection with horses which comes out both in her words and illustrations.

This is a beautiful story of friendship with animals and understanding what they really need – to be free. It is also a lovely shared story between and grandmother and grandchild, with their stories connecting across time.

These delightful ponies will capture your heart, just as Noni the Pony has already done for children everywhere.

Title: The Painted Ponies
Author/illustrator: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen&Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 5 November 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781741758894
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Day Rudolph's Nose Turned Blue

12 Curly Questions with authors Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
Kasey: I used to be a professional cake decorator.
Chris: I’m a heavy metal fan. Mainly late 1970s and hair metal throughout the 1980s: Judas Priest, Dio, KISS, Iron Maiden.

2. What is your nickname?
Kasey: At school I was called Cantankerous Kasey.
Chris: I don’t really have one now, but throughout primary and secondary school everyone called me Scone — even the teachers.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Kasey: Regret. I don’t want to look back and feel like I wasted my opportunities.
Chris: Living in a world without books.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Kasey: Get it done.
Chris: Make a mess and then clean it up.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Kasey: Persistent, consistent, ambitious, hopeful, resilient.
Chris: Structure, structure, structure, structure, structure.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Kasey: Maisy Mouse — she can do anything, and she’s got a really diverse and loyal group of friends.
Chris: I took a scientific approach to this question and did a BuzzFeed-type quiz. Turns out that science says I am Percy Jackson. Why? I’ll let the science do the talking: 'Brave, spirited natural leader, and is willing to risk his life to save friends, family, strangers, and sometimes even enemies. You have a sarcastic and smart sense of humor. Although, sometimes when you get angry, you tend to do action before plan yet, you are the most powerful DEMIGOD!'
You can’t argue with science.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Kasey: I’d travel to 1600 to see a play at The Globe theatre and confirm the true identity of Shakespeare.
Chris: I would travel to the future to when my daughters are old women and see how their lives turned out.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Kasey: Read more books as a child, please.
Chris: A centre part isn’t going to work for your; you’ll look better with a shaved head than you ever will with hair.

9. Who is your greatest influence? 
Kasey: My husband and co-writing partner, Chris. His super power is insane optimism.
Chris: My wife, Kasey Edwards.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Kasey: Reading the book Hating Alison Ashley when I was in grade 5.
Chris: Robin Klein’s Hating Alison Ashley was the first had me rolling around the floor laughing and Stephen King’s Firestarter, The Shining and Misery hooked me and wouldn't let me go.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Kasey: Yet. It’s full of hope, power and potential. It’s magic just waiting to happen.
Chris: Snack. Snacks are good!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kasey: Jane Eyre. To remind myself that even when the world thinks you are ordinary you can be extraordinary.
Chris: Remainder by Tom McCarthy. If you haven’t read it, read it. Probably the most original story I’ve ever read.

Violet Grace is the pen name of wife-and-husband writing team, Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon. Kasey is an author and columnist and Christopher is an academic and social commentator. They live in Melbourne with their two daughters. For more information, see www.blackincbooks.com.au.

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Review: Wombat Stew

Review: Let's Go! On a Rocket

In Let’s Go! On a Rocket two friends go on a cheerful rhyming adventure into space.

In a big red rocket the smiling children wave goodbye to their friends and set off to explore space suits, moon boots, friendly aliens, Jupiter, Mars and more.

Rosalyn Albert’s words rhyme, flow and float in a rhythmic delightful way perfect for young children; while Natalia Moore’s illustrations suit the story perfectly, with colours, textures, motion, happy faces and welcoming aliens that set a vibrant space scene

Let’s Go! On a Rocket is sure to inspire discussion, and would be a great introduction to space for toddlers and preschool children

Other books in the Let’s Go! Series are Let’s Go! On a Ferry and Let’s Go! On a Train.

Title: Let's Go! On a Rocket
Author: Rosalyn Albert
Illustrator: Natalia Moore
Publisher: New Frontier, $12.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925594881
For ages: 0 – 3
Type: Board Book




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Review: The Night Before Christmas

This ageless poem by Clement Clarke Moore written in the early 1800s, is revisited and made new again by Helene Magisson’s exquisite artwork.

The stockings are hung. The children are sleeping. Snow continues to fall on a white-washed world. Sounds are coming from afar.  Santa is nearing his destination.

He calls his reindeer by name and urges them on. Even his descent into the sooty chimney with his equally sooty bag doesn’t hinder his ability to keep the toys clean and intact. 

Then away he goes into the cold but brilliant night that is lighted by a full moon and dancing stars.

Perfect rhythm and rhyme sets up and propels Santa’s journey.  Magisson’s incredible colour choice of burgundy shades and blue, create simultaneously, an atmosphere of seasonal cold and festive warmth.

The magical miniature images of toys and pets scattered on pages, add whimsy and a delicate touch.

It’s Santa that demands and gets the most attention. His impressive expressions, his high boots and pot belly are not to be ignored. He is full of cheer and magnificence.

Magisson’s images of leaves floating over the pages are aligned with the light-hearted festivities and freedom, the travel of the sleigh, and Santa’s carefree attitude.

This Christmas book is for sharing with children. Its poetic style delights the senses. The images are stunning; pleasing to the eye. The words are a whisper on the tongue and magic to the ears. You can almost smell the waft of festive preparations.

This is one not to be passed when perusing the plethora of Christmas books available.

Title: The Night Before Christmas
Author: Clement Clarke Moore
Illustrator: Helene Magisson
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, $ 14.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925059946
For ages: 3 - 10
Type: Christmas Picture Book




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Review: The Crayons' Christmas

The Crayons' Christmas is another entertaining installment in the ongoing tales of Duncan and his varied band of colourful crayons.

Readers who are already fans of The Day The Crayons Quit and The Day The Crayons Came Home, will thoroughly enjoy reuniting with the characters in this story.

There are several surprises, with letters to open, a game to play and paper art to make, cleverly integrated throughout the book, making this a real holiday treat.

Author Drew Daywalt and illustrator Oliver Jeffers have added more depth to the stories of several crayon characters, including Peach Crayon, who finally gains some clothes to wear, Esteban and Neon Red, who have been travelling the world together, and the rarely seen, Silver Crayon.

Tiny details add to the humour in this book, such as addresses and stamps on parcels and the comments made by characters in the background. This story stands alone, but is perhaps best enjoyed after already coming to know the characters through reading the other books about these quirky crayons.

Title: The Crayons' Christmas
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books, $27.99
Publication Date: 21 October 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780008180362
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Giveaway: The Secrets of Magnolia Moon

Review: Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas Jumper Day

Christmas Jumper Day has come around again at Peppa and George’s playgroup.

Daddy Pig goes into the attic to retrieve the Christmas box. The little ones try on last year’s jumpers. Of course they don’t fit. Daddy Pig suggests that George try Peppa’s and Peppa tries Daddy’s. George is set but Peppa has a problem.

They go to bed with a promise from Daddy Pig that all will be well in the morning. He secretly has a grand idea which he’s not willing to share.

After breakfast, Peppa reminds Daddy Pig that she still doesn’t have a Christmas Jumper.

What is Daddy Pig’s idea? What excellent solution has he found to Peppa’s jumper dilemma? Will Madame Gazelle be disappointed? What will the others think?

Bewitching as always, Peppa reigns queen of the kids. Even when there seems to be no solution, Daddy Pig always rises to the occasion.

Themes of problem-solving, festive occasions and their importance to children’s (and adults’) lives give lateral thinking a new shine.

Light-hearted, fully festive, full page images bring us again into Peppa and George’s joyous world. The warmth of the family circle is visible in every word and action. Positive messages flow on every page with no room for the word can’t.

This Ladybird book is made of sturdy board that wipes clean and is perfect for repetitive use and chewing. Ideal for Peppa lovers and every young child’s Christmas stocking.

Ten percent of the retail price will go to Save the Children.

Title: Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas Jumper Day
Author/Illustrator: Created by Neville Astley & Mark Baker
Publisher: Penguin, $9.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241371589
For ages: 2+
Type: Board Book




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