Review: Mulan

Mulan’s life is seeped in customs and traditions learnt from her ageing parents. Martial arts, horse-riding and archery are skills she excels at.
Without her knowing, they will be what she depends on sooner than she knows.
When a draft notice for military service comes to her father, due to his frailty, Mulan makes a monumental decision.



She will fulfil his duty by taking his place.

Disguised as a man, and equipping herself with the necessary military supplies – including horse and saddle, she sets off to the frontier with other soldiers. She gets into the habit of sleeping with her clothes on and the mental adaption to her new gender.

After twelve years of distinguished service and bravery, Mulan is eager to return to her family. Declining the Emperor’s awards, she asks for nothing more than a horse to take her there.

Stunning illustrations accompany us through the legendary Mulan’s courageous life and her strong sense of family and duty.

A pleasure to read, it is a bi-lingual edition of English and simplified Chinese that would suit libraries, schools and children with a basic knowledge of this second language.   

Title: Mulan  
Author/Illustrator: Li Jian  
Publisher: New South Books, $14.99  
Publication Date: June 2020  
Format: Paperback  
ISBN: 9781602204638  
For ages: 5+  
Type: Historical Fiction





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Winner: Bear In Space

Our lucky winner is...

Norah Colvin, QLD

Congratulations!

You have won a copy the fantastic new picture book by Deborah Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Bear in Space.

Thank you to ALL who entered. The entries were heart-felt, clever and like our winner's, delightfully witty!

If you'd like to know more about this charming new release read our KBR review of, Bear In Space.

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Guest Post: Dr. Tinita O. Kearney on Increasing Your Toddler's Language Skills

Video: Meet the Creators of Tashi

Tashi is 25! If you've not discovered Tashi yet, he's a cute and clever character who is the star of a fantastical series for younger readers. Tashi lives in a place far, far away where there are dragons and giants, pirates and princesses. He's helpful and can be quite the hero, although he gets into scrapes. In this video, author Anna Fienberg is joined by illustrator Kim Gamble's daughters to chat about creating Tashi and his world. 

Visit the publisher website for downloadable activity sheets and Tashi Books for other ideas and activities.

Title: Tashi 25th Anniversary Edition
Author: Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg
Illustrator: Kim Gamble
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 16.99
Publication Date: June 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760525446
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Review: What Zola did on Tuesday

It’s Tuesday, and that means another adventure for Zola!

Zola lives on Boomerang Street with her Mum and her Nonna. Her cousin Alessandro lives in the house behind. With her big heart and curious mind, Zola’s always getting up to something. 

She doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but sometimes trouble finds her…

In What Zola did on Tuesday, Zola is trying to figure out who her new neighbours are. She knows the kids are Bianca and Omar, and she knows someone called Teta lives there — and she likes knitting, just like Nonna.

But try as she might, Zola just can’t seem to find a way to bring everyone together. And then an incident with Bianca’s cat Tim-Tam results in Nonna’s knitting getting tangled.

Will Nonna ever finish her scarf? Can Zola find a way to fix things? Will she ever get to meet Bianca, Omar and the mysterious Teta?

These are darling junior fiction stories. Zola is a lovely character and her world is relevant and relatable for kids. With large text and beautiful illustrations throughout, it’s an easy read for young book lovers. Simply delightful and a whole lot of fun.

This is a series that doesn’t need to be read in order, but if you love What Zola did on Tuesday, make sure you check out what she did on Monday too.

Title: What Zola did on Tuesday

Author: Melina Marchetta

Illustrator: Deb Hudson

Publisher: Penguin Random House, $12.99 

Publication Date: 4 August 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760895167

For ages: 7 - 9 

Type: Junior Fiction

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Guest Post: Belle Alderman on the NCACL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At KBR today we are pleased to introduce Belle Alderman, Emeritus Professor of Children's Literature and Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc (NCACL) in Canberra to tell us more about the recently launched Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource. 

Ms Alderman has been involved with the NCACL since its establishment in 1974 by Lu Rees who envisioned it as a national collection. Today the NCACL has 46,000 books, authors’ papers, illustrators’ artworks and more. The collection is valued at $10 million dollars. The Centre collects, preserves, documents, shares and inspires all ages to engage with their cultural heritage.

Recently the NCACL launched its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource, why this resource and why now?

The United Nations declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. They highlighted the consequences of the growing loss of Indigenous languages and sought to establish the link between language, development, peace, and reconciliation. Inspired, we wanted to contribute. The Australian Government provided a grant and made this project possible.

Who do you hope will use this resource?
Everyone, but especially those working with children.

Who was involved in the creation of this resource?
Over 30 people across Australia participated, representing varied cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal People. NCACL experts, Aboriginal ‘critical friends’, a reference group, project team and moderators all worked together to create this high quality resource.

Could you share some of what you consider the seminal works in the resource?
There are so many, but here are a few with special strengths: A is for Aunty by Elaine Russell; Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy; I Love Me by Sally Morgan; Alfred's War by Rachel Bin Salleh and Coming Home to Country by Bronwyn Bancroft.

What is the first entry into the resource and the latest at this time?
The ‘oldest’ book is Djugurba : Tales from the Spirit Time, written by Ralph Gumudul et al, published in 1974 and the most recent entry is Respect written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy.

The NCACL also has a Cultural Diversity Database and now an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource, what distinguishes a database from a resource?
We want to emphasise that these books are resources to be shared. The database is simply a tool to easily find and share books with others.

What has been the role of Australian children’s publishers in publishing Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander voices?
Publishers have raised our interest and inspired us to appreciate Culture and Country. Magabala Books and Fremantle Press bridge cultures by bringing together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal creators. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) inspires Aboriginal children to create stories. Allen & Unwin, Penguin Random House, Hardie Grant Egmont, Scholastic Australia and others offer high quality, culturally sensitive books. The field is growing in quality and diversity.

There has been an interest in the importance of own voices sharing stories, have you seen a change across the timeline within the resource to reflect this?
Publishers are aware of the need for ‘own voices’. There are several new awards and mentorships for emerging and unpublished Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander creators. Established creators continue.

How will the list be maintained and expanded on in the future?
We will update the Resource regularly with 20 new books waiting. We are keen to gain funding to expand the collection to include books for secondary aged young people.

And finally, what is your personal favourite in the resource and why?
Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe (Magabala Books 2019) offers an unforgettable story of truth, history and culture.

Thank you for your time, Dr Alderman. At KBR we recognise the importance of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource and encourage young and old, parents, teachers, caregivers, librarians and more to make good use of this important resource.

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Review: War and Resistance

Set in 1939, it’s the lives of the characters that make this book exceptional. They are outstanding; powerful and interesting. The history of WW2 seems to fit around them and vice versa. 

Stories and sub-stories of heroic people, flavour the melting pot of seen and unseen heroes that fought in whatever way they could with patriotic diligence.

Hitler, having risen from obscure beer-hall heckler, to supreme ruler of Germany, enforces his plan to annihilate the Untermenschen - under-people. 

While Germany has been proactive preparing for this war, Hitler’s clever strategies expose how unprepared and defenceless France and other countries nearby are, against what eventuates. 

But the French Resistance and the decisive actions initiated by common people are critical in sabotaging enemy plans.

Told in two points of view, by Sasha in Australia and Dieter in Berlin, we access opposing situations and sympathise with both. We watch the collapse of lives and countries while hope burns fiercely in both the victors and the vanquished.

Sacha is an ordinary girl. But her father, Louis Jullian is a famous French-Australian public speaker, journalist and author. His talks on the futility of war take him all around the world. Her mother is a successful business woman of Paris.

Deiter in Berlin is on the cusp of manhood. He is preoccupied with time passing so he can join the Hitler Youth.  His birth father has been released from jail and wants to see him. His stepfather is livid and won’t allow it. The tension between the two, equals the secrets that Mother hides from her son.

Detailed historical information propels the story forward, with startling statistics relating to men and women, planes and tanks used in this war. Descriptive paragraphs concentrate on showcasing how people lived, suffered and survived during the war years, and their attitudes to their invaders.

This is Book #1 in the fantastic series, Australia’s Second World War. Sophie Masson’s excellent prose breathes life into the stories. The excerpts from newspapers included as part of the text, contribute enormously to the reader’s interest.

These novels can be read in any order. I found them extremely educational. They define an important era in the history of the world and contain significant material for younger readers to reach for, to learn about the War years.

Title: War and Resistance

Author:Sophie Masson

Publisher: Scholastic, $16.99

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781742769219

For ages: 9+

Type: Historical Fiction

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Meet The illustrator: Kristian Aus

Name: Kristian Aus

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Bold and bright with colours that make your eyes bleed.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Quiet, with lots of comics and books to inspire me.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I have grown to love digital tools. But I also love using soft, dark pencils.


Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Afu Chan, Lucie Bryon and Sam Bosma. 

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

I quite like the current period as it lets me experience all of the great new work being produced as well as having access to everything that has come before it. (I would be curious to see what would be happening 200 years in the future though!)

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? 

Illustration for me, is creative freedom. I also work as an Industrial Designer which is often driven by manufacturing and clients who have very specific goals. Illustration, even though there are still rules and clients, feels delightfully unencumbered by real world restrictions.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
My workspace is often hilariously messy. There are things EVERYWHERE. My screens seem to be multiplying, there were only three the last time I looked and yet in this image there are four.

I have one wall covered in print outs of what I’m currently working on. Toys lining the ceiling on both sides.

Behind where I sit is lots of storage and surfaces for me to fill with mess. Two printers, a scanner, a 3D printer and stacks of reference books and comics. It’s quite a small space, which is tricky sometimes, but it seems to work. 

What is your favourite part of the illustration process? 

It’s all good, but I suppose that I love coming up with ideas most of all.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? 

That’s really hard! Advice is always so subjective. Perhaps, be open to criticism and change, but don’t lose yourself along the way. Also, remember that not all advice is good advice. 

Kristian grew up on a diet of Studio Ghibli films and video games in country NSW in Australia before moving to Sydney’s Inner West. He loves bright, bold colours that make your eyes bleed and strange fantastical worlds, with a dash of science fiction. 

For more information, please visit Kristian's website or follow him on instagram

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Review: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Have you ever dreamt of travelling to another world? I certainly have, but 12-year-old Flick really hasn’t. She’s a no-nonsense kid who doesn’t need bedtime stories and knows magic isn’t real.

But when Flick discovers a strange travel agency while exploring her new town, everything changes.

Flick discovers she can see magical tears in the universe (or multiverse to be more accurate), and the Head Custodian of the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, 18-year-old Jonathan Mercator, invites her to join the Strangeworlds Society.

As strange as it sounds, this means jumping in and out of suitcases to travel to other worlds — fantastical, magical, enthralling worlds where you must be careful not to tell fairies your true name and being a thief is an actual profession.

But amongst the fun and curiosities of the multiverse, a threat is looming. Streets are disappearing, outposts have been ransacked and something has happened to Jonathan’s father. 

Flick wasn’t even sure she was ready to accept the existence of other worlds, how can she be ready to face dangers she doesn’t even understand? But face them she must, or she may never make it home again and her home may not even be there when she does.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency is a magical middle grade novel for other world adventurers. Truly stunning and uber engaging, this story pulls you into a suitcase and makes you never want to return.

Mysteries throughout keep you guessing until the end, and twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. If you love a fantastical adventure, you must check this one out.

Title: The Strangeworlds Travel Agency

Author: L D Lapinski

Publisher: Hachette, $16.99 

Publication Date: 28 April 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781510105942

For ages: 8+

Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Fiction

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Guest Post: Debbie D'Aurelio on How to Keep Kids Reading

Debbie D'Aurelio is a middle grade fiction author who as a child struggled with reading. Here she discusses why she feels its important to create books for kids who don't necessarily enjoy reading.

When authors write their backstory, they often describe how they were avid readers as children and couldn't get their hands on enough books. Many of them dreamed of becoming an author one day. I always wanted to be one of those people. I wanted to stroll around like Belle in Beauty in the Beast and never go anywhere without a book.

My backstory is a little different. I grew up in a very stressed-out household and I struggled with anxiety. I found it difficult to quiet my mind long enough to finish a chapter. Whenever I sat down to read, my mind wandered from one topic to another—yesterday's activities, today's to-do list, and tomorrow's worries. I'd end up reading the same paragraph over and over without comprehending it.

As an adult, I learned to quiet my mind and be in the moment long enough to enjoy reading both fiction and nonfiction. One strategy that helped me was doing short, daily meditation. I learned this technique in yoga classes, but today, the Internet has many resources that make meditation easy—even for kids. Many school counseling offices have set up Virtual Calming rooms full of relaxing music, nature sounds, guided meditation videos and even live animal cameras. A great one to visit is CNUSD Virtual Calming Room.

I also developed a couple of tricks to help me stay focused. An easy one is to use a reading guide. This can be a ruler or a white index card that the child moves down the page, line by line, as they read. Another trick to use when your mind decides to go for a stroll is to read out loud. The only drawback is that this works best when reading at home by yourself.

A surefire way to keep kids reading is to get them inspired by stories. Reading success depends on having access to books that match their interests and reading level. The recent growth of graphic novels and comic books has helped reluctant readers get excited about reading.

Teachers and librarians are excellent resources for finding the right books, but there are also free websites that provide book suggestions for kids. Goodreads.com has reviews for all genres of children's books. Some of their members compile lists, such as Best Books for Reluctant Readers and Twenty Children's book with Strong Female Characters, etc. Other websites that offer book reviews and recommendations include Commonsensemedia.org and Imaginationsoup.net.

When I started writing, The Secret Notebook, a mystery novel for kids ages 9 - 12, I wanted to make it accessible to all readers. I limited the number of characters, kept the chapters short and moved the story along quickly. I added interesting historical facts, humor and intrigue to keep children turning the pages. I know what it’s like to struggle with concentration, and I hope I’ve written a story kids can enjoy one chapter at a time.

Debbie D'Aurelio (a.k.a. D.A. D’Aurelio) lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA with her husband and two children. Her novel, The Secret Notebook is published by Capstone Editions. Visit her at: www. debbiedaurelio.com

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Review: How to Make a Better World

Knowledge is power. And this is exactly what How to Make a Better World offers; knowledge and power. For every kid who wants to make a difference, here’s the book to reach for.

Listed under four chapters – You, Community, Humanity and Environment, are 38 subjects that contain a great deal of information children can utilise to build a planet conscious life.

Suggestions open with self-care of body and mind which is vital. How-to ideas include kindness, paying it forward,

and recognising and coping with changing emotions. The power of positive thinking, repeating affirmations and nurturing belief in yourself, listening and being open to others’ opinions – even when you disagree, will strengthen learning foundations.

There are many building blocks available to enable a rich life in this beautifully designed book, with its colourful and bold illustrations, and larger text for easy reading.

It addresses ways of protecting the environment, our oceans, green living, wildlife and habitats, saving energy, and how to reduce, reuse, recycle amongst so much more.

Most difficult words are defined; words like discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes and assumptions.  

Famous protestors, musical artists that have drawn attention to change, the dangers of fake news and what to look out for, and heroes that stood up for our planet, are subjects that make an appearance.

This is a superb reference book, ideal for reading at random, or from start to finish. A fantastic Find Out More listing references organisations that readers can get ideas from. A rich Glossary and Index are included.

Title: How to Make a Better World

Author: Keilly Swift

Illustrator: Rhys Jeffrys

Publisher: Penguin, $19.99

Publication Date: March 2020

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780241412206

For ages: 8+

Type: Non Fiction

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Review: Nit Boy

Lewis Snow has nits. Lots and lots of nits. 

But unlike most kids that endure the itchy, scratchy bugs sucking up the blood from their scalps, Lewis actually likes his nits. 

He considers them his friends. And it’s a good thing, too, because the colony of nits that live on his head have big plans.

Ned is one of those nits. He’s a lovely chap who’s just trying to figure out who he is, but his father wants him to become a jumper — to jump where no nit has jumped before, right off Lewis’s head and out into the world. It’s a nit revolution. 

Ned’s not sure this is the path he wants his life to take, but at least he’s relatively safe living in Lewis’s mop of hair while he considers his choices.

…until Ms Herrick the deputy principal decides to wage war against the nit infestation taking over the school and the town.

Can Lewis outsmart Herrick and keep his precious nits safe? Will Ned figure out the secrets to his past?

Nit Boy is a hilariously fun junior fiction novel for fans of silliness and a good giggle. With dashes of mystery and a fast-paced plot, this is a super fun read for kids.

I love how the chapters alternate between Lewis and Ned, allowing the reader into each character’s world. It’s two stories in one — two stories that intertwine and connect in the most hilarious ways.

And if each nit boy adventure is two stories in one, then this book is really four stories in one as Nit Boy is actually two books combined: Lift Off and Bug Off!

Tristan Bancks and Heath McKenzie really are a perfect author/illustrator pairing for this one. Bancks’ funky story teamed with McKenzie’s humour-infused illustrations are engaging and entertaining. There are also quizzes at the end of each story and a bonus Tom Weekly short story at the end of the book.

Junior readers who love funny books and are aren't afraid of a little scalp blood and little itchy critters will love this one.

Title: Nit Boy

Author: Tristan Bancks

Illustrator: Heath McKenzie

Publisher: Penguin Random House, $14.99

Publication Date: 2 July 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760896300

For ages: 7 -12

Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Fiction

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12 Curly Questions with author Martin Chatterton

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I used to eat books. Well, parts of them, anyway. When I was younger I was in the (terrible) habit of absent-mindedly tearing off a tiny corner from the pages of books I read and chewing the scrap of paper. Absolutely disgusting, I think you’ll agree.

2. What is your nickname?
El Chatto. At least, that’s what Tristan Bancks calls me who is probably the only person besides Mrs Chat who uses a nickname... although I admit I put the ‘El’ bit in to make it sound more interesting. So probably more accurate to say ‘Chatto’ which is nowhere near as cool. Mrs Chatto calls me Ed or, more often, Hey You.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Rats! Sharks! Heights! Snakes! Zombies! Seeing Donald Trump in the nude! Marzipan! Seeing Donald Trump in the nude while he's eating marzipan and being chased up Mount Everest by zombie shark rats! 

 

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
‘Grab ‘em immediately!’ spat McMurdo, and continued greasing the penguin.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Economic. Exciting. Funny. Accessible. Deceptive.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Sherlock Holmes. He was the first character I can remember wanting to spend time with. And what an interesting life! I could also relate to his various characteristics which, again and again, reminded me so much of me. Massive intelligence: tick. Master of disguise: tick. Fantastically brave: tick again! Musical: tick. Chiselled good looks: tick. Lived in Victorian London, super posh and smoked a pipe: tick, tick, tick!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Funnily enough, I can actually time travel and do so frequently using a machine I constructed from an old Xbox console and a couple of bananas. It isn’t always accurate, and can be downright dangerous in the hands of someone less incredible than me, but I can usually guide it to the time I choose. Mostly I head to 1977 when I was much thinner and a punk rocker and altogether pretty downright cool. In all seriousness though, that year helped me ‘get into’ a creative life as a writer and illustrator as punk taught me that life wasn’t reserved for posh people.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Buy shares in Apple, Google and Microsoft.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Can I name a few? If we’re talking about influences then PG Wodehouse has to be near the top of the list. Probably the funniest and most skilful writer of all time in my view. I’m also a big admirer of the American crime writer Elmore Leonard, and what both those writers have in common is that they never waste a word. Dr Seuss has also been highly influential, although more as an illustrator than writer. I love the seafaring books of Patrick O’Brien but they haven’t been much of an influence I don’t think. Other writers like Richard Price, Patricia Highsmith, Carl Hiaasen and Damon Runyon feature heavily on my most-thumbed shelf. Daphne Du Maurier also. Basically I only like dead writers (other than Hiaasen) as I don’t need to be jealous of them.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’d been illustrating a lot of books for Penguin, Macmillan and Walker Books in the UK which was great but, after a while, I thought some of the books I was illustrating weren’t all that great and I figured I could do better. How hard could it be? I thought. It actually turned out to be Quite Hard but I gradually got better at it. I did a book called The Nutty Footy Book which was a jokey kind of book about football (soccer) which did well and we ended up doing a whole Nutty series... and things led on from there. Now I write crime novels, screenplays, picture books, chapter books, historical fiction and new combinations like The Tell, which is a kind of teen thriller story.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Fish. Firstly because it’s nice and short and, secondly, it’s one of the key words in a book/animated movie of mine called Winter of the White Bear, which is something that’s been occupying a lot of my time over the past year.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Collected Works of PG Wodehouse 

 

Martin Ed Chatterton is a British/Australian writer, illustrator, performer and producer whose books for children and adults have been published in more than a dozen languages and who has a successful co-writing relationship with global publishing phenomenon, James Patterson. In 2017 he completed his PhD and is currently a partner in a UK media company. For more information, see www.worldofchatterton.com.

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Review: How Airports Work Activity Book; Trains

How Airports Work offers a wonderous world of discovery and interaction. For kids interested in planes and travel, and with over 200 stickers to find places for amongst the images, it is a learning experience with hours of involvement.

Extremely novel and absorbing, this educational publication is by James Gulliver Hancock, who has developed a whole series of different sized books about transport for various ages.

There is so much for kids to see, learn and participate in here.  Fun-filled activities are found in runways and mazes, the route of suitcases, matching clocks with departure times, and packing bags by choosing stickers that reflect kids’ personal choice of clothing.

Create your own meal tray or search through lots of countries’ stickers to decorate your suitcases. Several pages of ‘differences’ keep the reader searching.

The complex working of the car park is viewed up close: escalators, exits, entries, ticket booths and passport control, plus a challenge to work out the departure board!

A panoramic view of an airport scene on a double spread hides a search and find, while the experience of going through security is visible step-by-step.

A cargo maze and a join-the-dots mystery reveals what the packages conceal. Jigsaws in the Hanger, unfinished plane logos, word searches, images of various airports and a fill-the-blanks page, offer hours of learning and imagining. This is just half of what this marvellous activity book has to offer.

Trains is a vibrant board book that has many identical images to the detailed and informative How Trains Work. This book though, is purposely aimed at a younger audience, again lovers of trains, from toddlers upward.

Large, bold and colourful illustrations depict the evolution of the train. The story begins again from the same point as its big brother, where first trains were pulled by horses on wooden tracks.

Steam power follows as steam trains of all shapes and sizes power up with coal. Modern trains from various countries are on show; those that climb mountains, others that go through mountains, and ones that travel under the sea.

Trains that travel in cities – above ground and underground, are all displayed in detail amidst people hurrying to catch their transport. At the station, we get a bird’s eye view of clocks, ticket booths and the overall commotion of the functioning sector.

People inside compartments are visible; sitting up eating, typing or snoozing. Above them is a view of their carry-on luggage, musical instruments, suitcases, backpacks and even a cat in a cat-carrier. There is a food bar and sleeping compartments.

This book is ideal for teaching the very young language through dialogue and questions and answers in response to the images. It’s an historical tour through train history and due to its durable, wipe-safe pages, will be opened again and again.

Title: How Airports Work Activity Book; Trains

Author/Illustrator: James Gulliver Hancock

Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $12.99

Publication Date: June 2020

Format: Paperback; Board Book

ISBN: 9781838691059; 9781838690564

For ages: 5+; 1+

Type: Activity Book; Board Book

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Announcement: Samera Kamaleddine wins HarperCollins’ inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize

HarperCollins Children’s Books Australia has announced Samera Kamaleddine as the winner of its inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize, for her YA manuscript, The Truth About Luck.

A story about a 16-year-old Lebanese-Australian struggling to fit into two worlds in a fictional South Western Sydney suburb, the winning manuscript reflects modern Australia in all its glory and complexity.

Kamaleddine said, 'The Truth About Luck is certainly not the story I expected to pour out of me when I quit my dream job to write my dream book – but it quickly became something I was super excited to get up for every day.'

Lisa Berryman, Children’s and Young Adult Publisher, and judge of The Matilda, said of the winning manuscript, 'The shortlist for the inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize contained three very strong manuscripts, but we all fell in love with Layla Karimi from the very first page. The Truth About Luck is funny, warm, insightful and authentic, with a voice that completely engages you. Talented author, Samera Kamaleddine has written a book that so many teenagers will identify with, whether or not they are caught between two cultures. Her debut novel is Looking for Alibrandi for today’s teen and we are so excited to be publishing it as our first Matilda prize winner.'

Prior to completing her first manuscript, Kamaleddine spent the early part of her career writing about boys, annoying parents and friendship dramas in teen magazines including DOLLY, Girlfriend and Smash Hits.

Cristina Cappelluto, Publishing Director, HarperCollins Children’s Books Australia said, 'At the heart of our vision for the Matilda Children’s Literature Prize was the desire to find a new Australian voice that would connect with young audiences and reflect our experiences as a society. Samera Kamaleddine’s The Truth About Luck does exactly that and I couldn’t have hoped for a better story to publish as the inaugural winner of the prize. Samera has a fresh, engaging and authentic voice, and we look forward to sharing this story (and hopefully many more from her) with Australia.'

Upon receiving the news, the Sydney-based journalist was a mix of excited, happy and nervous – 'a feat [she] could never have guessed all those (gazillion) hours of typing away would culminate in'.

'I can’t wait to start working with the HarperCollins team to share Layla’s (and sort of Teenage Samera’s) story – she might consider herself unlucky, but today I feel like the luckiest girl around.'

Kamaleddine’s manuscript will be published under the Angus & Robertson imprint in 2021.

Visit the Matilda Children’s Literature Prize site for information about the next submission round.

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Review: Hope: 50 Ways to Help Our Planet Everyday

Mahatma Gandhi said, “you must be the change you wish to see in the world.” 

And he was right. 

We can all do small things to make a difference. 

We can all do our part to help the environment and prevent climate change from destroying our planet.

But how? Where do you start? What can kids and families do?

Well, actually, lots! And Hope: 50 Ways to Help Our Planet Every Day will show you how.

This lovely little non-fiction book is jammed packed with simple ideas and actions kids and families can implement to help the environment. Things like cooking from scratch, planting trees, taking shorter showers, making your own compost, recycling soft plastics and so many more (50 to be precise).

I love that the ideas are simple and easy to implement. You can make a real difference adding them one by one to the way you live. I also love that the ideas are backed up with facts that show kids how using the idea will actually make a difference, with details of the consequences if we all don’t start taking environmental protection seriously.

To inspire kids, there are case studies throughout the book featuring schools around Australia that have started projects to help protect and save animals and the environment. It’s the kind of inspiration that will spark a whole army of green thumbs ready to take action.

The book is filled with illustrations — black and white but so engaging and very funky. There are also cool and inspiring quotes throughout. The language is kid friendly and the information is presented in bite-sized pieces, making this a book that kids can read themselves.

Perfect for homes and classrooms, this is a book that really must be shared. A little book like this can make huge change in Australia and across the world. This one is highly, highly recommended!

Title: Hope: 50 Ways to Help Our Planet Everyday

Publisher: Puffin, $14.99

Publication Date: 4 August 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781760896737

For ages: 8+

Type: Non-Fiction, Junior Non-Fiction

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Giveaway: Bear In Space

Bear is different. When he dreams of going into space, the other bears laugh. But Bear has plans to change his world, one space adventure at a time. 

In space he feels at home, but also alone, until something extraordinary happens. 

He discovers just how far he can go with someone by his side. This is a richly imagined story that celebrates difference, self-belief and the way friendship and acceptance can empower someone to build a better world.

Together with the good folk from Walker Books who are simply out-of-this-world we have a copy of the awesome new picture book by Deborah Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Bear In Space to giveaway. Read our recent KBR review of this exciting new picture book, here.

For the chance to win a copy, in 25 words or less, tell us which animal would you want to take with you on a space adventure?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The response we like best will win a copy of this amazing new release. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery of the books. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website on 31 August 2020.

Competition runs from 5.00 am 22 August 2020 to 5 pm 29 August 2020. Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

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Review: All the Dear Little Animals

It was summer and there was nothing for them to do.

On a day when they were more than bored, Esther and her friend find a dead bumble bee and bury it. Esther digs the grave. Her friend writes the poem they recite.  They go searching and find an expired mouse. That too, is placed in a cigar box and given a funeral service. The children’s desire is to be of service to all dead creatures.

Esther’s little brother Puttie is added to the group. It was the beginning of Funerals Ltd.

Harold the hamster followed after they contacted all the people that they knew in the area about their enterprise. Business was brisk but nobody paid.

The next day we found something else to do. Something completely different.

This book, although beautifully illustrated in colour by the talented Eva Eriksson, gives a dark but realistic view of how children conceive the most bizarre ideas.  These they put into practice to pass the time when they are left to their own resources and have nothing else to do.

The other way of looking at this story is the depth and breadth of a child’s imagination. Life appears so simple to them. They are mostly fearless as they test their ability to impress by showing off, and in persuading others to follow their lead.

This is a book for parental discretion. It can be used to address death and dying for all living things. Or it can be used as an example of what may occur, when boredom sets in, and children are left alone to entertain themselves.

Title: All the Dear Little Animals

Author: Ulf Nilsson

Illustrator: Eva Eriksson

Publisher: Gecko Press, $15.99

Publication Date: February 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781776572823

For ages: 6 – 8

Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: Gargantis

I haven’t read Malamander by Thomas Taylor. I didn’t actually realise Gargantis was its sequel.

But I’m delighted to report, it really doesn’t matter if you’ve read Malamander. At all.

Sequels that don’t require you to have read the prequel both fascinate and excite me. They’re not an easy thing to pull off, but they make a book series so accessible for readers. I can’t wait to go back and read Malamander to find out some of the ‘before’ stuff. But in the meantime, I’ve read a brilliant middle grade novel.

So let’s chat about it… Gargantis centres around Herbert “Herbie” Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in the sea-side town of Eerie-on-Sea. 

Herbie’s job is to find the owners of lost things uncovered at the hotel, and he takes his job very seriously. He’s also very good at it.

But as a dangerous storm rages across the town, a stranger appears and a mysterious bottle washes up on the beach, Herbie and his best friend Violet end up on a wild (and wet) adventure neither one of them expected.

Everyone seems to have a claim on the strange bottle, and it’s Herbie’s job to uncover the truth of its origins, but can he stay true to the Lost-and-Founder code when his life is threatened from every angle

Gargantis, and I would guess Malamander before it, is a gripping, engaging and unique story that will trigger tingles of delight down your spine. Thomas Taylor’s writing style is fresh and special. It’s something different, something cool. It’s magical and fantastical.

This is a middle grade novel that isn’t easily forgotten. It’s fantasy, it’s mystery, it’s adventure too. If you’re looking for something fresh and cool from the middle grade section, I highly recommend checking out Gargantis. And you may like to — but you don’t have to — check out Malamander first.

Title: Gargantis

Author: Thomas Taylor

Publisher: Walker Books, $17.99 

Publication Date: 1 May 2020

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781406386295

For ages: 8+

Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Review: Bear In Space

A story for kids who are different! Bear is a gentle soul who prefers solitude to the company of the more lively bears who enjoy running and shouting. 

He experiences some mild bullying, but tends to fly under the radar and muddles along, doing his own thing. Which happens to be finding out anything and everything about space.

Eventually, bear builds his own rocket ship and blasts off into space! How wonderful it is being there, in the peace and quiet, drinking hot chocolate, looking at the stars and continuing to read about space - all in the company of his gorgeous little toy dog.

He’s happy to continue on his journey until he meets another person who is happy to enter his world and engage with him on his terms, which inspires the other bears to get excited by bear’s games too.

Award winning author Deborah Abela brings bear beautifully to life. The detailed pencil drawings by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall are bursting with colour and complements the story perfectly.

A sweet book that would appeal children who have their own special interests.

Title: Bear In Space

Author: Deborah Abela
Illustrator: Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $25.99 
Publication Date: 1 August 2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760651510
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

A copy of this brand new picture book could be YOURS. Simply enter our Giveaway comp this Saturday for your chance to win!

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