Review: What a Lot of Nonsense

From the author of the bestselling Edward the Emu, What a Lot of Nonsense is a fabulously fun, rhyming story about animals doing silly things, with questions to ponder and anagrams to find on every page.

A story constructed from a series of quirky questions brought together by their consistent theme of a bear with nothing to wear and other animals being outrageously funny. Written in rhyming prose, the questions on each page inspire conversation, laughing and further analysis. For example ‘What would you say if, just for the day, your mother turned into a crow?’

I adore the gorgeous, colourful illustrations, they are filled with movement and personality and work in unity with the flowing words and typography.

There are instructions at the start which show how to find anagrams on each page and offer the alternative of enjoying the book without finding them. I love how this feature gives more value, encouraging multiple reads and revisiting with a different focus for different age groups.

What a Lot of Nonsense is unique, quirky and educational, it would be a great classroom addition, especially if combined with the free teacher notes offered by HarperCollins on their website.

Sheena Knowles is the Australian award-winning author of Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu. Jonathan Bentley is an Australian based illustrator and author with many other books including Where is Bear, Little Big and A Hare, A Hound and Shy Mousey Brown.

Title: What a Lot of Nonsense
Author: Sheena Knowles
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, $24.99
Publication Date: 24 February 2020
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781460756140
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Wall In The Middle Of The Book

At a glance, there is not much to this book. A brick wall is wedged in the gutter (middle) of the book with blank pages on either side.

On closer examination, you'll notice a brick is missing on the left-hand-side of the wall. 

Supposedly, this is the better side of the book, so it's fortunate the wall is in the middle of the book, protecting it - so says the little knight, who armed with a suitably sized ladder, aims to replace the missing brick.

While all this is happening, we catch a tantalising glimpse of the other side of the book. 

It's full of predatory and fierce animals; rhinos, tigers and gorillas. They don't have ladders, just a natural curiosity to explore the other side of the wall, the safe side. 

These creatures however are by no means the most dangerous aspect of the right-hand-side side of the book. That honour, the knight informs us, belongs to the gruesome ogre. Oh dear. Lucky for our knight there is a wall in the way, for if the ogre was on the other side, he would surely eat the knight.

Then a frightful thing happens to the knight's safe side of the book. A thing of great, unexpected, life threatening peril, that eventually finds him on the other side of the wall!! 

Does he survive or succumb to the clutches of the terrible orge? What is life really like on the other side of the wall?

This post modern picture book is at once hilarious and profound. It explores themes of self-awareness, tolerance and misguided pride. It's also a subtle commentary on the way misconceptions and fears can create insurmountable barriers, blocking us from understanding what is really going on, preventing us from enjoying the world as it really is around us; quintessentially it's about not judging others. 

It also demonstrates that illustrators can not be trusted!

Clever, cute, pleasantly entertaining and highly recommended.

Title: The Wall In The Middle Of The Book
Author: Jon Agee
Illustrator: Jon Agee
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $17.99 
Publication Date: October 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525555452
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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12 Curly Questions with New Junior Reviewer Evie Bee!

Review: To The Bridge: The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick

Review: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a story of hope, peace and love. It is based on the life of a real child, who lived from 1943 to 1955.

Sadako was two years old when an atomic (nuclear) bomb was detonated over Hiroshima, Japan, near the end of World War II. As the story begins, Sadako is twelve years old, an athletic student who is close to her family and her best friend, believes in good luck symbols and is a fast runner who longs to make the school running team.

However, just as Sadako is running at her best, she notices dizziness and episodes of fatigue. She keeps her symptoms a secret, hoping they will disappear, until one day she collapses. Sadako is afraid she may have the atom bomb disease. Soon she is in hospital. Sadako has leukaemia, like so many others in her city who were affected by the radiation from the bomb.

In the hospital, Sadako's best friend brings her some paper and shows her how to fold a paper crane, and reminds Sadako of the old legend, if a sick person folds a thousand paper cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. Sadako begins to make paper cranes, throughout all her treatments and her ups and downs, and the number of cranes grow.

The story is told as a narrative, as if from Sadako's perspective. Whilst the author, Eleanor Coerr, would have imagined the conversations and some other aspects of the story, it is all based on extensive research into Sadako's life. Coerr lived in Japan for a number of years, where she first heard about the story of Sadako, and was able to obtain a copy of a rare book, called Kokeshi, which contained an autobiography written by Sadako and letters she wrote to her classmates during her illness.

Although Sadako had the best treatment that could be given at the time, she died from leukaemia. Today, when people have leukaemia, it is not usually from radiation like Sadako experienced, and many people recover after very intensive treatments, but this was not the situation in Sadako's era.

Sadako did not live long enough to make one thousand cranes but her classmates completed them for her and Sadako was buried with one thousand cranes. Three years after her death, a monument was built, of Sadako holding a crane, in Hiroshima Peace Park. It is known as the Children's Peace Monument and commemorates all the children who lost their lives and were affected for many years as a result of the bombing.

Such is the significance of this story, this book has been reprinted 39 times since 1977, sometimes with two or more reprints in a year. This story speaks to children and adults all over the world with its messages of hope, love and peace.

Title: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Author: Eleanor Coerr
Publisher: Hachette Children's Books Australia, $12.99
Publication Date: 1 December 2002
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780733617324
For ages: 9+
Type: Narrative Non-Fiction




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Review: World's Wackiest Animals

Review: Lovable Lottie and the Shy Sheep

Lovable Lottie is now one year old. It is time for her to be given the responsible task of protecting the chickens from foxes. There is one impediment - the long grass. Daphne, Dolly and Dolores are brought in to resolve the problem. Lottie loves meeting new friends. Although she tries her best to make the sheep welcome, they keep their distance.

As in the previous book by Asia Upward, Lovable Lottie and the Lost Toydocuments Lottie’s day-to-day activities for a week.

On Monday Lottie prepares the house for visitors. They don’t turn up.

On Tuesday there is baked pie to share but no one to share it with. On Wednesday, the bees pollinate the blossoms to produce honey. Lottie experiences it alone. Thursday, a bubble bath is prepared for the sheep to relax in after a long day munching grass. But the bubbles evaporated in the tub. Friday finds the artistic alpacas painting portraits of the orchard. But no sheep arrive to admire the beautiful art.

Saturday sees the chickens waiting in vain to meet the sheep. Sunday a picnic is set up under the trees. Who stays away from a blanket covered in food? Guess!

A new week begins. Will things be the same for Lottie and the other animals in the orchard? Will the shy sheep stay away from friendship forever?

Stunning photography fills the pages with the divine images of the real and famous 100-year-old Logan Brae Orchard on which Asia Upward and her family live with Lovable Lottie. Her puppy antics inspired this series. Animals such as alpacas, chickens, a fox join the sheep to take part Lottie’s story. Lots of toys are scattered about. Trees are covered in gorgeous blossoms while country craft fills every corner of every page to create a smorgasbord of peaceful images.

Seek and find interaction encourages little ones to find the shy sheep in every spread. At the end of the book there is a series of duplicate images from the book with the hidden shy sheep circled for children to check out.

While continuing their support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, 20% of the profits from this book, will also be donated to Rural Aid.

Title: Lovable Lottie and the Shy Sheep

Author/Illustrator: Asia Upward

Publisher: New Holland Publishers, $19.99

Publication Date: October 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781760791308

For ages: 3+

Type:Picture Book

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Review: Eureka: A Story of the Goldfields

Eureka: A Story of the Goldfields is inspired by the real life of Catherine Martin, daughter of an English immigrant and Pan Ah Shin, a Chinese farmer that worked on the Goldfields.

The story retells the Eureka rebellion against unfair laws and enforced licence fees on the goldfields at Ballarat. It portrays in text and visual images, the environment on the goldfields, the intense dislike of the Chinese miners by others, and the social structure of the times.

Molly and her dad arrive at the goldfields to make money for a new life. Her mother has died leaving Molly only a gold locket.

Father and daughter know nothing of how to pan for gold. Licence fees are enforced and plans to increase them have the miners up in arms supported by their leader, Peter Lalor.

On the 3^rd of December, 1854, the Eureka stockade is attacked by police and soldiers in a fight that lasted fifteen minutes.

Mark Wilson’s exquisite visual portrayal of this tragic event in Australian history is breathtaking. The splendour of his illustrations can hardly be done justice with words. Many of the full page images look like photos but are not.

Created in striking colour using photo-realism in acrylic painting on canvas and board, permanent markers, and watercolour, each picture dictates the technique.

Stunning external covers depict Molly being taught by Chen how to pan for gold. A wide strip on the back cover continues the attack on miners by the soldiers beneath the Eureka flag as it wafts in the wind above the slaughter.

A poignant backstory leads to the happenings of that day. A happy ending dissolves the sadness.

Title: Eureka: A Story of the Goldfields

Author/Illustrator: Mark Wilson

Publisher:Hachette, $24.99

Publication Date: January 2020

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780734416810

For ages: 5+

Type: Australian History

Come back and visit on the 8 April when KBR uncovers exactly what Mark is reading in the way of kids' books in our popular, Look What I'm Reading! posts.

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Meet The Illustrator: Robert Henderson

Name: Robert Henderson

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
My own books. Concept driven. As little drawing as possible.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Brain space. No visible other things I could be doing. Right amount of strategic clutter. Books. Lack of children.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I don’t draw well and I am petrified by the idea of spending hours on something and then ruining it. So I either create in Adobe Illustrator with my trusty undo button and bezier handles, or by digitally layering media from charcoal to collage to ink to paint to pixels.

My work tends to jump in and out of the computer. Create, print, trace, rough-up, scan, layer, print, photocopy with a wiggle, fold, photograph with phone, halftone the photo, save. Create physical texture, scan, overlay, save, duplicate, multiply, print, dip in 3 litres of orange juice and photograph through a translucent glass table. That sort of thing.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Ridiculous to choose three, but floating through my head presently: Kathleen Jennings, León Ferrari, Patricia Piccinini. I am more often inspired by ideas and their thinkers.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

None, particularly, I think. Maybe a cloistered scribe or illuminator?

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

I like to hop back and forth between illustration, concept and language without having to explain myself to a third party. Everything can stay flexi and fluid for as long as possible until that wave function collapses. That sounds suspiciously like “a need for control”. 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

Nah, I have no dedicated space. Writing usually happens in the car. I do love working around the Brisbane cultural precinct, though.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

Concept development. Imagining. Research. Anything that doesn’t involve the stress of actually illustrating.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Find things that work for you.
Creatively side-stepping your shortcomings can make your approach unique.
Don’t keep buying expensive supplies and equipment unless you’re sure you’ll use them.

Robert Henderson is a prolific non-graduate from a range of prestigious Australian universities and an actual graduate of Griffith University's Queensland College of Art. Robert lives in Brisbane with his partner and two young children who help him with his work and make sure he never has to eat a sandwich by himself. Robert's work was recently longlisted for the CBCA Notable Award and Australian Book Designers Association Award.

For more information please follow Robert on instagram.

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Video: StoryMakers with Hervé Tullet: Mix It Up!

Hervé Tullet has created more than 80 books for children, starting his journey as an illustrator when he was in his thirties. As he explains it, he tries to elicit dialogue between children and adults. His books are certainly an unusual and entertaining experience.

This interview with Hervé Tullet explores his ideas, creative process, and how he enjoys taking readers on an 'expedition'. Seeing how Hervé reads his books will change the way you read them! Hear a little of Mix It Up! and how to discover the way colours work. There's also a great demonstration of making and exploring sounds with The Trail Game.



Title: Mix It Up!
Author/Illustrator: Hervé Tullet
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $22.99
Publication Date: 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760110956
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture book

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12 Curly Questions with author Charlotte Barkla

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I grew up on a cattle farm west of Toowoomba, in Queensland. I’m one of four girls, and when we were younger we used to make up stories and plays together. (We were a bit Little Women-esque, but without the Laurie love interest next door. Or the war. Or Beth’s illness. Perhaps not so many parallels after all!)

2. What is your nickname?
No nickname currently, but Mum is what I’m most often called. I did have Charlie for a while in high school, and Frenchy at university (my maiden name was French).

3. What is your greatest fear?
Good question. It would have to be outliving my children. (Sorry, that took a sombre turn!)

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Light, fun, upbeat. I like to write books with humour and heart.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Hard-working, imaginative, a keen learner.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
That’s a hard one. Maybe Jo March from Little Women? (I just saw the latest movie and it’s in my head). She’s the second eldest of four girls and loves writing, like me!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I think I’d travel forward 100 years or so. I’d like to see how the world has progressed. What technologies will we have? Will there be flying cars? (I’ve always loved Back to the Future). But I’d make sure not to pick up a Sports Almanac.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You’re an author? Cool!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Another great question. I’d have to say my children, because it was through them that I started writing. After spending a lot of time in the children’s section of local libraries, I was inspired to put pen to paper and try my hand at writing a picture book. The first (or second) picture book manuscript I wrote was actually the one that was published this year! My kids also inspire me because when I’m writing I often think 'what would my kids enjoy reading/find funny when they’re x years old?'.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Oops, I skipped ahead! (See Question 9) J

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
That’s a hard one. I quite like palindromes – especially phrases that can be read both forwards and backwards. For example: “Was it a car or a cat I saw?”

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh, that’s too hard! It would have to be a funny book. Anything by Adam Cece, Dave Lowe or Deb Abela.

Charlotte is an Adelaide-based writer who worked as a civil engineer and physics teacher before rediscovering her love for children’s literature. She now writes picture books, middle-grade fiction and feature articles. Her debut picture book, All Bodies are Good Bodies, was published by Hardie Grant Egmont in January 2020. The first novel in her middle-grade series, Edie’s Experiments, was published in February by Penguin Random House, with Book 2 to follow in July. As well as writing for children, Charlotte’s feature articles have been published by a range of publications including Good Health magazine, MiNDFOOD magazine, Engineers Australia and the Australian Education Union. For more information, see www.charlottebarkla.com.

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Review: Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories: a children's encyclopedia

Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories is a children’s encyclopaedia rich in educational and cultural content. It contains stories passed down by word of mouth beginning with those from Europe.

The first section encompasses the mythological creation of the Universe, myths, legends and fables of heroes and gods of Europe, with all the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece that you could hope to read about. It goes on to include sections on Asia, Africa, The Americas and Oceania.

In the section on Oceania, sacred stories are collected from Australia and the Pacific Islands. The Aboriginal Dreamtime, The Rainbow Serpent and ancient paintings are majestically depicted.

The magical and supernatural from all over the world; good and bad heroes, heroines and tricksters are presented with in-depth coverage, accompanied by photographs from extensive sources. For those interested, these are acknowledged in the three pages at the end.

The sections are separated by coloured markers so that readers can turn to and return to, or dip into for their favourite entries.

The stunning images will draw children to page after page of incredible information. Supported by the vast array of research from countries all over the world, I was impressed by the amount of content that this book offers. A generous Glossary and Index is included.

 This book of knowledge comes highly recommended. DK has a reputation for outstanding publications for children. In my opinion, they lead the field.

Title: Myths, Legends & Sacred Stories: A Children’s Encyclopaedia

Author: Phillip Wilkinson

Illustrator: Surbhi Bahl, Mohd Zishan

Publisher: DK, $39.99

Publication Date: November 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780241296929

For ages: 10+

Type: Myths and Legends Encyclopedia

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Review: Beetle and Boo

Beetle and Boo is a humorous, lighthearted story of the two friends and Bear’s search to find out if and what Beetle is scared of.

When Beetle announces that she’s not scared of anything, Boo doesn’t seem convinced, so he asks her specifically about some of the usual scary suspects; spiders, the dark, thunder, lightening and more. It really seems that Beetle is very brave, will they ever find something she fears? A giggle-worthy discovery prevails!

I adore Caitlin Murry’s direct, playful writing style and her bold textural illustrations which show life and movement; together they create Boo’s inquisitive nature and Beetle’s joyful confidence.

Beetle and Boo flows beautifully and is fun to read aloud. Beetle’s inspiring bravery is something which becomes contagious and fun to mimic when reading with young children. It would be great to share with a group or class.

Caitlin Murray is a Melbourne based author illustrator, some of her other books include The Missing Treasure, The Medical Emergency and Something For Fleur.

Title: Beetle and Boo
Author/Illustrator: Caitlin Murray
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, $17.99
Publication Date: 4 February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143796565
For ages: 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle

The first book, The Crumbling Castle, in the new series, The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes, will enthrall readers who love top-secret adventures and cakes!

Zinnia Jakes is a famous, but mysterious, pastry chef. No one ever sees her and the incredible cakes always seem to appear at their destinations when no one is watching. In this story, Zinnia Jakes must create an authentic, crumbling castle cake in just two days' time, for the Medieval Fair. But, how will she do it and who is she?

Author, Brenda Gurr, has created a cast of characters children will love. Zoe Jones, is a 9-year-old school student by day and secret chef by night. Yes, Zoe Jones is Zinnia Jakes, the famous creator of exquisite cakes!

Other key characters are Zoe's best friend, Addie, who loves gymnastics and helping to solve mathematical problems, Zoe's Aunty Jam, who plays cello for a living and has helped set up the secret Zinnia Jakes kitchen, and Zoe's  extraordinary cat, Coco, who can dance, read and maybe even type!

This is a tightly constructed story with interesting characters. The narrative is action-packed, with risks of discovery, cake-related disasters and lots of fun. There is even a delicious recipe in the final pages, for readers to bake at home, with adult assistance.

Title: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle
Author: Brenda Gurr
Illustrator: Nancy Leschnikoff
Publisher: New Frontier, $14.99
Publication Date: 15 March 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN:9781925594973
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction




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Review: Wheels

Big wheels and little wheels. Two wheels and four wheels.

All kinds of wheels!

Wheels is another classic book from the partnership of Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock.

With rhyming text and big, bold and colourful illustrations, Wheels will be a new favourite for many readers.

The pictures show two riders on bicycles who see many vehicles on their travels.

A red motorbike speeds past on two wheels. A semi trailer has many wheels rumbling as they head uphill.

Taxis, ambulances, buses, fire trucks, and rubbish trucks are all amongst the vehicles on show. Each with a special job.

And when a young member of the family has a birthday, they get a wheeled birthday surprise. Soon the whole family is out riding.

On the final page of Wheels is a diagram with all the parts of a wheel (rim, hub, tyre, tread, lug nuts and valve) clearly labelled and explained.

Even the endpapers of this book are decorated to match the theme, with tyre tread marks criss crossing the pages in varying grey tones

Wheels is perfect for sharing with the littlest vehicle enthusiasts, and will keep them enthralled.

Title: Wheels
Author: Sally Sutton
Illustrator: Brian Lovelock
Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651589
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture book




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Junior Review: Wings of Fire: Legends Dragonslayer

Review: This Is How We Change The Ending

Video: Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

Mo Willems, bestselling creator of books like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, and the Elephant and Piggy series, is sharing daily videos with the world. This first episode of Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, filmed in his studio, is just over 22 minutes long.

This is a great way for parents, teachers, and other carers to occupy young minds, getting them to use their imaginations, and develop their drawing and storytelling skills. It's like your own personal author visit!

Watch Mo draw, get tips and join in, see behind the scenes, and hear him answer questions from viewers. Make sure you have paper and pencils ready so kids can dive straight in and draw along with Mo, too!

The playlist of Lunch Doodles episodes can be followed on YouTube, and you can read our reviews of Mo Willems' books here.




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Review: Spellhacker

Story Contest 2020-1 - Highly Commended Stories

Highly commended stories from the Kids World Fun International Short Story Contest for School Children 2020-1. Read the stories online. …]

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Look What I'm Reading! Meredith Costain

Meredith Costain is a versatile writer for children whose work ranges from picture books through to poetry, series fiction and non-fiction. 

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with a variety of pets who frequently wrangle their way into her stories. 

Her latest books include new titles in the quirky Ella Diaries and its sister series, Olivia’s Secret Scribbles, illustrated by Danielle McDonald, and a picture book, Grandmas Are Lovely, illustrated by Nicolette Hegyes.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

I usually have several books on the go at any given time. The one I am currently reading is Grace’s Secrets, the first book in a time-slip mystery/adventure series by Louise Park.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?

Twelve-year-old Grace and her mother have moved from sunny Broome to a new life in a village castle on the other side of the world. Grace is soon hurled into new adventures in both the past and the present, traversing the secret passages of the castle as she searches for the truth about her family and friends.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?

Very much! It’s both fast-paced and reflective, with great insight into Grace’s character and why she behaves the way she does. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. We are also introduced to some of the great writers of the past who help Grace escape from danger: Charles Dickens, Charles Dodgson (creator of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and one of my personal writing heroes, Louisa May Alcott.

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?

I love time-slip fantasy (Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park is a big favourite) so I was really looking forward to reading this book, particularly as I’d been hearing snippets of the plot-line from Louise herself over the months that it was being written.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?

The latest title in the Mr Chicken series, Mr Chicken All Over Australia, by former Australian Children’s Laureate and illustrator extraordinaire, Leigh Hobbs. Who doesn’t love Mr Chicken? Can’t wait to see what shenanigans he gets up to in the far corners of our sunburnt country.

Having just visited an exhibition of (mainly) dragon paintings by Deltora Questillustrator Marc McBride, I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into his latest book with Emily Rodda, The Glimme.

I’m slowly working my way through a stack of psychological thrillers by crime writer Michael Robotham. And I’m laughing my way through the antics of wannabe blockbuster movie star/martial arts expert James, in James Gong: The Big Hit, by Paul Collins – a jumping, spinning, side-kicking martial arts expert himself!

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?

Personal choice mainly. Many of the books I read are by writers and illustrators I’ve met over the years – it’s always great to keep up with what other people are creating. I also organise reviews (by young readers) for kids’ magazines, so I receive books or information about new books from publishers for these. So many great books – so little time to read them all!

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?

I’ll read anything – I love seeing different ways that words can fit together. Having said that, I think I probably most enjoy books that focus on character and emotion – I think the term is ‘contemporary realism’. I know that a book has worked for me when I can’t bear to reach the end because then I’ll no longer get the chance to spend time with its characters. (Thankfully, this is why series were invented. J)

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.

I definitely prefer to read from ‘real’ books – they’ve just always been there, part of my daily habits. They feel comfortable in my hands and don’t hurt my eyes (especially if I’ve already spent the day staring at a computer screen and a winking cursor). I’ve downloaded a few books to my iPad to read while travelling but find that the lines and chapters often go out of whack. It’s also much easier to get distracted by the many other whiz-bang functions of an iPad! A book is a book is a book.

www.meredithcostain.com

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Review: Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn

Twinkle the baby unicorn has ten minutes until bedtime, but that doesn’t stop her from packing in several adventures.

Pixies, dragons, hairy trolls, shooting stars and rainbows — Twinkle sees them all while dad calmly counts down the minutes she has left.

This is a lovely and gentle story for your bedtime routine. In this new board book form, with thick pages and a sturdy cover, it’s great for little hands to grip and explore. 

Beautiful illustrations with calming pink hues set the mood, and the text is written in soothing rhyme to help gentle heads get ready to hit the pillow.

A beautiful bedtime adventure for the littlies in your life, Ten Minutes to Bedtime Little Unicorn is a lovely, fantastical story to add to your bedtime reading collection. 

It’s short, sweet and beautiful. And with its sturdy construction, you can hand it over to baby without fear of ripped pages.

And if unicorns aren’t your thing, there are other books in this series you might want to check out, including Ten Minutes to Bed Little Mermaid and Ten Minutes to Bed Little Monster, currently available in paperback. 

Title: Ten Minutes to Bedtime Little Unicorn

Author: Rhiannon Fielding

Illustrator: Chris Chatterton

Publisher: Ladybird, $14.99  

Publication Date: 17 March 2020

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9780241408339

For ages: 2 - 5

Type: Board Book

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Giveaway: Winners Australian Animals by Frané Lessac

Our lucky winners are...

Kirsty Polujan, VIC
Melissa Wong-Mahanidis, WA
Piper May Fuller, ACT

Congratulations!

You have each a prize pack of A is For Australian Animals and Australian Baby Animals by Frané Lessac.

Your prize is on its way. Meantime, if you might like to read our beautiful KBR review of, Australian Baby Animals.

Thank you to ALL who entered. The response was overwhelming and the selection of Aussie animals impressive!

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12 Curly Questions with author/activist Kate Bullen-Casanova

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I can wiggle my nose like Tabitha in Bewitched. It’s magic (hehe).

2. What is your nickname? 
Mouse/ Mouski (maybe because of the nose wiggling thing).

3. What is your greatest fear?
Spiders and octopuses; they’ve just got far too many legs!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Almost always alliterative, royally rhythmical, fiercely feminist and cleverly kind.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Fun, Kind, Happy, Clever, Feminist

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Definitely Hermione Granger, because she’s wicked clever and always stands up for other people (or magical creatures) and fights for the good of the world.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Can I go forward in time? If so, I’d love to visit 2100 to see if everything turns out all right.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
A writer! Yes! Well done future Kate — high five!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My children: Every day I work to make the world a better, fairer place, for them.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I think I’ve always written little stories, even just for myself. However, in the last few years I’ve been working on my craft. I believe in the power of words to change the world.

11. What is your favourite word and why? 
Egalitarianism: well, I love what it means, of course, but I also love the combination of syllables and the way it rolls off the tongue.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
No! What a tragedy this would be! But I suppose... if I really have to choose... it would be White Teeth by Zadie Smith.

Kate Bullen-Casanova lives in Melbourne with her two young children. After seven years in women’s activism, including time at UN Women and the International Women’s Development Agency, Kate now brings her passion for gender equality to the world of early childhood education through her online community Future Feminists. For more information, see www.futurefeminists.org or follow www.instagram.com/futurefeminists.

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Review: Twelve Days of Kindness

It is always hard being the new girl at school. So it was for Nabila. Her name was unusual, so was the lunch she brought from home and ate by herself. And so was her hair. The other girls made fun of her.

Holly didn’t like the thought of Nabila being lonely. Even after they played together, and were chosen for the soccer team, the other girls still continued being unkind.

There were twelve days left before the soccer team’s first match.

But they weren’t working as a team. Holly and Nabila drew up a plan to show kindness to the other members for those remaining twelve days.

Will Holly and Nabila’s plan work? Does kindness help to change people? In what way can kindness be shown to others?

This brilliant book is illustrated in striking colours with a strong message to share. It is the ideal book for classroom lessons and discussion on acceptance and differences in people. It shows how a small act of kindness where there is none, can activate a chain of change in others.

Well constructed and beautifully presented, this book encourages change of attitude through kind actions in a time when kindness is a rarity, and perhaps after love, the most longed for emotion in human beings.

Title: Twelve Days of Kindness

Author:Cori Brooke

Illustrator: Fiona Burrows

Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, $24.99

Publication Date: October 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925594751

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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Kids World Fun Story Contest 2020-1 Results

The results of Kids World Fun's first biannual Short Story Contest 2020 has been announced. It discloses the first, second and third prize winners for sub-junior, junior, and senior categories. …]

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Review: Beautiful Eggs

Beautiful Eggs is a high quality board book which shares and celebrates the tradition of egg decorating around the world.

Featuring stunning cut-paper illustration, the book begins with a short informative introduction and follows on with 7 spreads focusing on different egg decorating traditions such as Pysanka, Vel’konočné Cascarones, Washi and more.

The illustrations show detailed insight to each tradition and are accompanied by simple instructions and details about where the tradition originates and history or meaning behind it. I like the way the instructions are very succinct; it leaves room for vivid interpretation, varying craft methods for different age groups, and still having lots of fun.

I’m most looking forward to creating the Cascarones eggs with my family over Easter; the traditional Mexican decorating style which includes painting eggs in bright colours, putting confetti inside, a paper hat on top and (potentially the most fun part) smashing them at the end!

The last page features a large fold out egg-shaped stencil and suggests mediums to get you started with an egg themed craft activity; maybe even your own new egg decorating tradition.

Beautiful Eggs is a perfect gift and educational craft resource. Alice Lindstrom is an emerging Australia based illustrator, she also illustrated Fox & Bird and I hope to see more of her work soon.

Title: Beautiful Eggs
Illustrator: Alice Lindstrom
Publisher: Scribble, $16.99
Publication Date: 3 March 2020
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925849783
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Board Book

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Review: Max and the Midknights

Max’s Uncle Budrick is a travelling, singing, entertaining troubadour, so Max is destined to be a troubadour too.

But being a troubadour is the last thing Max wants to be. Max really, really, really wants to be a knight.

When Max and Uncle Budrick head into Byjovia and Uncle Budrick gets thrown in the dungeons by the evil, and undeserving, King Gastley, Max knows only the bravest of knights will have the courage to save him.

Can Max be that daring, courageous Knight? 

Max is joined by a gang of Midknights (kids just like Max), and together they must solve the mysteries of Byjovia’s past to save Uncle Budrick and return the town to the wonderful place it once was.

A bad king, an evil witch, spells, curses and dragons. A great adventure, mysteries to solve and friendships to build — this book has it all. 

But Max and the Midknights isn’t just a brilliant story to read, it’s also a brilliant story to look at. The book is presented in a graphic novel style, so there are literally hundreds of illustrations between the covers. 

If you’ve got kids who are intimidated by too many words on a page, this one is for them. Flick through this book, and you’ll see it’s more like a comic than a novel. 

It’s a really engaging style of delivery, and something so many kids will adore. It’s like a movie on a page!

The book is also hilarious. There are jokes throughout, and the story is silly and fun. It’s the perfect adventure for kids, with lots of outrageous drama, unexpected twists and turns and funny outcomes to spells gone wrong.

For the kids who love action, adventure and humour all rolled into one, I highly recommended grabbing a copy of Max and the Midknights. 

P.s – Max has a very special secret that isn’t revealed until a few chapters in. It took me by surprise, so I’m not going to tell you what it is, but it’s something that makes this book extra, extra cool!

Title: Max and the Midknights
Author/Illustrator: Lincoln Peirce
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, $14.99
Publication Date: 6 February 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781529029260
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Junior Fiction, Illustrated Fiction

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Review: Jump!

The littlest Quig hatched in the Cloud Tower along with his siblings. He had a stumpy tail, and weak fins.

He feared the great empty space below. This made him different. His siblings grew stronger every day, swinging, jumping and jeering at his inability to match their progress. They named him Stumpy.

Stumpy became an outsider. The others made that clear. But the little one was afraid. What was he to do?

While the others were away exploring and playing, Stumpy slowly found his way down into the street to find he didn’t know what.

All that he discovered was that he didn’t belong there either.

His siblings continued to scorn him. They dared him to jump! Told him the darkness was where he belonged.

But Stumpy was alone and didn’t want to be. He had to overcome his fears.

First he cowered and clung to a branch. Then he stood up. He crawled to the edge, and then leaped across the space to the other side. He clung limply, but clung, pulling himself up. Stumpy looked across from where he had come.

He had done it once, so he could do it again, and again, and again! And he did!

In the brilliance of morning light, his siblings found him, sitting on the edge, clutching on for dear life. Again they dared him to jump. They shouted and jeered until he left his perch and floated. Then he spread his wings and flew!

This exquisite picture book full of metaphor and symbolism is enhanced by Andrew Plant’s deliberate choice of colours.

Striking red, orange and yellows indicate Stumpy’s fears but also his courage and determination to overcome them. The dark colours symbolise the depth of his despair; his sharp sense of not belonging; his difference being the chasm between himself and his siblings.

I found this book deeply moving; stunning in every way. The wordless pages accentuate Stumpy’s determination which is projected as a powerful and decisive force; vibrant and pulsing.

Strong themes addressed are: differences, overcoming fears, self esteem, bullying, and never giving up. It comes from a talented creator that has a catalogue of successes such as Pippa, The Poppy, and Glitch being only a few.

This book stands out and is outstanding!

Title: Jump

Author/Illustrator: Andrew Plant

Publisher: FORD ST, $16.95

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925804461

For ages: 4 - 8

Type:Picture Book

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