Review: Stories on My Street

Stories on My Street is a collection of four stories from renowned British author and illustrator, Shirley Hughes, one of my favourite children's book creators.

The stories, which were first published individually between 1989 and 1991, are about young friends who live on Trotter Street.

The scenarios are familiar and the characters appealing and true to life.

New Wheels for Carlos is about the young boy who wants a new bike. Everyone else seems to have one, and his bike is simply too small to go fast and keep up with the others.

The Big Concrete Lorry features the Patterson family who have three kids and house that seems a bit small for them all. To improve matters, they decide to build an extension, and soon everyone is lending a hand.

In Angel Mae and the New Baby, Christmas time brings excitement for Mae and her family. There's not just the nativity play to look forward to, but also a new sibling expected.

The Snow Lady is also set around Christmas, with Sam and her friends enjoying surprise snow and learning important lessons about her relationship with the old lady next door.

The stories, originally published as picture books, are now in a paperback format perfect for first readers. Shirley Hughes' joyful illustrations are included in black and white.

Stories on My Street is the kind of book you will want to add to your home library and to enjoy with family.

Title: Stories on My Street
Author/Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Walker Books, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406390339
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Review: From Stella Street to Amsterdam and Everything that Happened

Built with carefully chosen images, exquisite prose and humour, this delight-to-read book, celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Elizabeth Honey’s first novel, 45 and 47 Stella Street and Everything that Happened.

New adventures await Henni as she prepares to accompany her ageing neighbour Willa back home to Amsterdam, for a family wedding.

Willa hasn’t been there since she left as a young woman and it seems she’s not ready yet to share any family information with the patient but curious Henni during the first leg of their flight.

Amidst air pockets, turbulence and an experience that they will never forget, the two companions reach Dubai. It is on the flight to Schiphol, that Willa’s mind wanders back to the war years and her childhood. This remembering is a miracle, as she has been forgetting things for ages. Henni is thrilled as all the stories Willa tells are fodder for her writer’s journal.

 It is a city of bikes and canals. They arrive to introductions and people’s names Henni can’t retain. At Willa’s sister Hyacint’s house, Henni is allocated the attic which brings unexpected challenges.

The return isn’t a comfortable one for either Henni or Willa. There are undercurrents of unrest in this family filled with secrets and mysteries, many kept hidden a lifetime. Resentment and tension build between Willa and her sister as they stir their memory pots and digging deep, can’t find any comfort in what the ladle brings up.

As Henni learns about this magical city and discovers it on a bike, she is lucky to visit places and meet people that fill in some of the blanks that Willa refuses to talk about temporarily.

From the map of the area imprinted in her brain, Willa shows Henni her Amsterdam. Historical information is inserted into Willa’s personal narrative as pages of buried life are exposed. This is what Henni has been waiting for. This is the place Willa has waited to be, so that her life could be viewed through the correct focus.

Henni recognises the depth of her friendship and closeness to Willa. She understands that in every family unrest exists, but love is always there in the background. This does not prepare her for the unexpected.

Title: From Stella Street to Amsterdam  and Everything that Happened
Author/Illustrator: Elizabeth Honey
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781865084541
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Junior Fiction

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Giveaway: Fish Kid Prize Pack by Kylie Howarth

Review: The Quicksand Pony (Fifteenth Anniversary Edition)

Biddy has grown up with stories about people who survived rough conditions in the bush.

After all, she was named after one woman who had done so a hundred years ago, the only survivor of a shipwreck.

So when Biddy's parents finally decide she's big enough to come on a cattle drive with them, she's delighted! 

And fiercely determined to show them she's as tough as the lady she's named after.

The adventure begins!

Some items mysteriously vanish from their campsite - but they are the only people for miles in the remote bushland, so it couldn't have been a thief. 

Biddy and her pony Bella do their very best to help round up the cattle and help in the camp, despite being cold and tired.

But Biddy makes mistakes. Such as getting her pony stuck in the quicksand on the beach.

The situation quickly becomes Biddy's worse nightmare. With the tide rapidly coming in, Biddy has no choice but to leave Bella stuck, where she will probably drown.

Devastated, Biddy can only hope that Bella will free herself and make her way back to their farm. And when she fails to show, Biddy takes matters into her own hands.

But what happens next is nothing that Biddy or her family could have predicted.

This is a story of bravery and the resourcefulness that children discover in themselves have when faced with the harshest circumstances. It's also a story of a girl taking responsibility when the biggest heartbreak of her life is due to her mistake.

 

Beautifully written, this book lyrically portrays the harsh beauty of the Australian bushland. A treat! 

Title: The Quicksand Pony
Author: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $15.99  
Publication Date: January 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742378008
For ages: 8-12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Look What I'm Reading!: Lize Meddings

Hiya! I’m Lize Meddings. I’m an illustrator and Comic Artist, and I’ve just finished my first ever graphic novel about a Sad Ghost! I created The Sad Ghost Club project in 2015 and since then I’ve been making comics and products based on that same Sad Ghost.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?
I recently started re-reading one of my absolute favourites, The Hobbit. I’ve also had the pleasure of reading Be Your Own Man and I stormed through Lemony Snicket’s, The Bad Beginning a few weeks ago. I will definitely be trying to re-read the entire series!

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
Hmm, it’s about a hobbit named Bilbo, who has an adventure thrust upon him much to his dismay, he goes along with it and meets Dwarfs, Trolls, Elves and more. He’s dragged on this journey to reclaim the Dwarfs’ lost kingdom. 

Be Your Own Man is a wonderfully illustrated book about encouraging young boys to broaden their ideas about what it means to be a boy! It aims to support them to feel free and proud to be who they truly are. It’s a wonderful book.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
I really, really, love this book. I’ve read The Hobbit multiple times as a child and an adult, and it always holds up. Be Your Own Man is a really enjoyable book, especially the illustrations! The artwork created such a beautiful world. As soon as you open the book it’s like being transported to a calm and serene world full of possibility!

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
I’ve always been a fan of the fantasy genre. When I was younger, my Dad actually recommended it. It was probably when The Lord of The Rings film came out!

I was gifted Be Your Own Man by my friend Robbie Cathro who actually illustrated the whole thing! It was lovely seeing his hard work in printed form.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
I’m very excited to get stuck into 2001 A Space Odyssey! Oh, and all 12 other books in Lemony Snicket’s, Series of Unfortunate Events, quite the undertaking!

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
Most of my to-read list are recommendations from friends. It’s lovely knowing what books your friends have a soft spot for, and then getting to read them. I love reading books my friends have been involved in, so if they lend me copies, I read them as fast as I physically can to absorb all their hard work!

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
I would say Sci-Fi, closely followed by Fantasy. I prefer sci-fi because reading how authors interpreted the future is really interesting to me! I love books from the 70s and seeing what they thought our Today would look like.

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
I tend to just read printed books, mostly because they’re lent to me. Or I find them at charity shops. It’s nice having a physical collection to get through, although it can be a little daunting, hah!

You can find The Sad Ghost Club here - thesadghostclub.com








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Review: Over The Moon

Meet The Illustrator: Max Hamilton

Name: Max Hamilton

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.

Watercolour filled with warmth, kindness and a touch of quirkiness.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My watercolour paints, quality paint brushes, pencils, lots of paper for scribbling ideas onto and desk space to spread out.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I really love painting with watercolour and I also love drawing and collage.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
I had to choose more as three was way too hard! I hope that’s OK.

Fine Artists who’s work inspires me are Paul Maher, Neridah Stockley, Michaye Boulter and Susie Dureau (all of which are contemporary Australian Artists). Children’s book illustrators who’s work inspires me are Marianne Dubuc, Julie Morstad, Alison Lester, Anna Walker, and Sophie Blackall to name a few.

  
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I don’t have an artistic period I would like to visit but I would love to transport back to 1930’s Sydney and peep over the shoulder of Lloyd Rees capturing the city shorelines in his beautiful pencil sketches. His sketches of “Balls Head” and “The Giant Fig Tree” are some of my all time favourite pieces of Australian Art.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Ok, this answer may be a bit long winded but lots of factors come in to play...
I have loved drawing since I was very little and wanted to be a children’s book illustrator from about the age of 5. In Infants and Primary school my teachers would often give me the task of designing and illustrating the covers of class story collections which really gave me the taste of being published from a young age!

 
Mum painted lots when I was a child and fostered my love of art buying me quality art supplies whenever she could. Dad is a keen sketcher and book lover too. When I was little Dad read to me most nights, putting on voices of my favourite characters, such as Frances from “Bread and Jam for Frances”. This special time spent together is where my love of children’s books really began. I was also fortunate to have an amazing art teacher at high school, from years 9-12, who really encouraged and pushed me (Thanks Mrs J!). I then went on to study fine art at Uni (COFA) but left mid degree to study Graphic Design and Illustration, learning the art of illustration from the wonderful teacher, Wayne Harris. After finishing studying I got side tracked from my main goal of book illustration with full time graphic design and textile design jobs, travelling OS and family life so it took me a bit longer to get here than I had initially planned.

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 studio is in a room in my home overlooking the back garden. I had two desks, one for computer work and one for drawing and painting, until my husband was forced to work from home during COVID and stole my painting desk! Now one end of my desk is for computer work and the other set up for my painted illustration work with paints and pencils at hand. I like to have lots of art and children’s books and little objects around me for inspiration. The final photo is a colour test painting for my current book project with Walker Books - a nature storybook about Tasmanian Devils, written by the amazing Claire Saxby.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

For my own characters and stories my favourite part is creating their world and imagining all the little quirks that make these character unique (even if these details don’t end up in the final illustrations). For illustrating other peoples texts my favourite part is when I am in the thick of painting up the final book illustrations. I tend to get lost in this world and feel a little bereft when I finish the last illustration of each book and have to say goodbye to the characters I have spent months with. I've recently finished illustrating a book written by Kaye Baillie and it was such a joyous story to illustrate - “When the Waterhole Dries Up”.

 What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Paint and draw as often as you can, don’t spend too much time looking or worrying about what other people are doing, just tap into what you love and what you loved when you were little. Also remember to look out the window or go for a walk!

 
Max Hamilton is an award-winning illustrator, graphic designer and most enthusiastically a maker of children’s books. She enjoys noticing the little details in things and loves to get lost in the world of illustration and stories.

For more information, please visit Max' website or follow her on instagram.

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Review: The Magpie Society: One for Sorrow

The Magpie Society – One for Sorrow, is written in two narrative voices, two first person point of views by the authors. Audrey by Amy McCulloch and Ivy by Zoe Slugg.

Lola died on the night of the end-of-term party. Following the rules dictated by the school, the students of Illumen Hall all had their phones switched off.

It is in this prestigious boarding school that the American Audrey enrols. She is as far away from secrets that plagued her from her former school, and that’s what she wants. Her roommate, the rich and privileged Ivy, has plans for this year. Outstanding is what she aims for and another person around her is not conducive to her planned outcome.

Things start off a bit rocky between them, as Lola and Ivy were very close. 

But the girls become closer as Lola’s death infects the entire school, especially when a blog is set up by an anonymous person stating that they knew who killed Lola, and someone else will be next. Amy sets out to uncover who the murderer is and becomes embroiled in the search for something bigger that she can handle. She tries to discover the meaning of the tattoo of a magpie spread across Lola’s back. In what way could this be tied to the murder?

This sends the entire school into a feverish spin. Is the murderer amongst them? If so, who could it be? And who will be next? What secrets does this elite school hide in their history? Who manipulates the happenings and why? Too many questions to be answered. How long will the Magpie Rhyme continue and to what end?

Full of mystery and suspense, this is a continuous, one sit read. Keep a look out for the second book in the series, The Magpie Society: Two for Joy.

Title: The Magpie Society: One for Sorrow
Author: Zoe Sugg & Amy McCulloch  
Publisher: Penguin, $ 24.99
Publication: Date: 29 October 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241402481
For ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Fiction

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Announcement: CBCA Notables List 2021

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) kicked off its quest for Book of the Year yesterday by announcing the Notables List and we couldn't be more proud seeing one of  our very own KBR regular contributors, Penny Harrison's Bronte: Me and My Boots listed among them. 

Equally thrilling to see Tania McCartney's and Stephanie Owen-Reeder's Australia's Wild Weird Wonderful Weather there, too. Bravo girls and good luck! Hearty congratulations to all this year's Notables. A fine selection indeed.

CBCA National Chair Wendy Rapee said it was a year when we needed stories more than ever, and our storytellers came through with a record-breaking number of tales offering touchstones of comfort and stepping stones to guide young Australians through tumultuous times.

“Our creators and publishers also had a difficult year, and I’m thrilled the CBCA Book of the Year received 526 entries – once again breaking records and demonstrating the continuing strength of the Australian children’s book industry,” Ms Rapee said.

“In keeping with the CBCA Book Week theme for 2021, ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’, our 95 Notable books offer beautiful and challenging representations of Australia’s people, landscapes and histories. They feature contemporary and ancient themes told in many different voices, including the voices of our Indigenous peoples.

“This year’s entries show a real depth of understanding about young Australians and the way they think. As well as food and talking animals, which will always be at the heart of younger children’s books, the Notables celebrate ways of exploring new realities – the after-effects of the bushfires, homelessness and non-traditional families, for example.”

Ms Rapee had special advice for parents and teachers of young adults.

“If you’d like to know what concerns, or provokes passion, within your high school child or student, then we encourage you to share a book from the Older Reader category with them. They are the perfect vehicle to start a conversation, share insights, and ultimately, reach an understanding of the challenges, fears and joys of our young minds. Pick one for your book club and you will be rewarded with a rich reading experience.”

Mother and daughter authors Pamela and Allison Rushby have separate titles in this year’s Younger Readers Notables List, joining a standout group of dedicated and experienced writers in the category including former CBCA Book of the Year winners Kate Constable, Bren MacDibble and Sally Murphy.

Also on the 2021 Notables List are former CBCA Book of the Year Award winners Bronwyn Bancroft, Freya Blackwood, Jackie French, Bob Graham, Libby Hathorn, Dub Leffler, Alison Lester, Garth Nix, Jaclyn Moriarty, and Margaret Wild. Debut novelists include Anna Whateley and Julianne Negri.

Many of this year’s Early Childhood books departed from the fantastical settings of previous years and are positioned in the real world. This year, a particular strength has been bold and quirky designs and illustrations that invite young readers to reach out and touch the pages. Written to be read aloud and performed, these books encourage the growth of visual literacy in the very young while giving adult readers a lot of joy.

The CBCA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians.

Regarded as Australia’s most prestigious children’s literature award, the CBCA Book of the Year was established in 1946 and is now presented in six categories: Older Readers, Younger Readers, Early Childhood, Picture Book, Eve Pownall Award and CBCA Award for New Illustrator.

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Review: What Zola Did on Thursday

It’s Thursday, and today Zola is practicing her trombone. Zola’s family are not 100% keen on her trombone playing, but all Zola’s friends who live on or around Boomerang Street are fans, all with musical passions of their own. 

Practice time is filled with the sounds of musical instruments and singing. And it’s a good thing all the kids are practicing, too. Because the school has just announced there’s going to be a community talent quest. 

All the kids are keen to enter a musical performance, but when all the solo spots are taken and the only spots left are for groups, the kids of Boomerang street need to come up with a different solution. 

The 'What Zola Did' series is a charming junior fiction collection filled with emotion, friendship and family. These books are super easy to read, making them perfect for kids tackling chapter books for the first time, and all revolve around relatable and simple friendship activities, making them easy for kids to connect with.

What Zola Did on Thursday is, you guessed it, the fourth in the series, and comes after What Zola Did on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Read together, each expands on Zola’s world and life on Boomerang Street, but each can be plucked from the bookshelf and read alone so you don’t have to start at the beginning. 

If you looking for a lovely and easy chapter book series for a beginner reader you know, this series is a winner. Melinda Marchetta brings so much heart to these stories as she builds the Boomerang community in each book. Family, friends, neighbours and teachers all come together, creating a supportive and magical group of characters that help each other and have loads of fun.

Deb Hudson’s illustrations are also pure delight, and there are lots of them peppered throughout, supporting new readers to transition to novels. 

What Zola Did on Thursday is happiness in book form, and with only three days left in the series, I cannot wait to see where we go.

Title: What Zola Did on Thursday
Author: Melina Marchetta 
Illustrator: Deb Hudson
Publisher: Penguin, $12.99  
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760895181
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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10 Quirky Questions with author Meg McKinlay

1. What's your hidden talent?
I’m not sure I hide any of my talents! You have to make the most of what you have. But there is one sort of odd thing: as a lifelong stutterer, I’ve learned to run a conversation along two tracks - the one you can hear, and the one in my head. While I’m speaking, I’m constantly also ‘reading ahead’, spotting problem words – hard consonants and tricky combinations – coming towards me, and hunting smoother alternatives.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Boo Radley, because he turns out not to be a villain but just misunderstood, and because people are complex and ambiguous and the apparently villainous are very rarely just that.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Margaret Atwood and China Mieville, because not only are they independently brilliant and fascinating, but I heard them in conversation at a Writers Festival once, and it was one of the best double acts I’ve ever seen. The way they bounced off each other was nothing short of spectacular. I’d throw Shaun Tan into the mix because he’s thoughtful and quirky and articulate and I have a feeling his mind would bounce off theirs in some really interesting ways. I’d put the remaining two spots up for auction and retire on the proceeds.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
The Great Glass Elevator!

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Chaotic, intuitive, method meets mayhem.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Thoughtful, thought-provoking, honest, weird, Meggish.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
Big window with view of a birdbath, books of all kinds, notepaper made of scrap paper (because I love flipping it over and seeing fragments of our family history while I scribble), smoothly flowing black ink uniball pen, Tok Tok Tok badge, from Shaun Tan’s Cicada.

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!)
My word is ‘though’ and it’s from The Telegraph Big Book of Cryptic Crosswords: Though the night was dark, their way was illuminated by hundreds of tiny fireflies.

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I would ask Frané Lessac: Why did the chicken cross the ditch?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
I feel like every author’s answer to this is going to be an exercise in creatively circumventing the question! After my initial response of: Oh, dear god, I’ve decided I’d give up writing stories. I’ll write poems instead. Long, narrative poems. And if I string enough of them together … I think you get the idea.

Meg McKinlay grew up in Bendigo, Victoria, in a book-loving, TV- and car-free household. On the long and winding path to becoming a children’s writer, she has worked a variety of jobs including swim instructor, tour guide, translator and teacher. These days, she lives with her family near the ocean in Fremantle and divides her time between teaching and writing, a balance that swings wildly between chaos and calm. She is always busy cooking up more books and you can visit her on the web at www.megmckinlay.com.

 

 

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Review: The Reality Slap - New Edition

What are Reality Slaps? They are the knocks you get on your journey through life. Everyone experiences them, some daily; others less frequently. When faced with loss of any kind, whether a friendship, personal partnership, job or whatever, crisis and grief occur. Our emotions whip us into submission and we wallow in grief if we don’t have the tools to overcome.

This cross-over, non-fiction book on how to survive and thrive when life hits hard, is a fully revised and updated, new edition of  The Reality Slap by the author of The Happiness Trap, Dr Russ Harris. 

It is not only for adults but an ideal read for mature, older children that find life challenging and without answers. Also, for parents that choose to use these insightful methods to advise their children on how to cope with painful thoughts and feelings.

The descriptive language used to describe human emotions clarifies feelings and responses through words of hope, and offer the opportunity to find a way towards change; an exciting and inspiring journey.

The book consists of three parts: Regroup, Rebuild and Revitalise, based on an approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which helps deal with the difficulties that occur in life.

Harris advises that the single most important beginning when facing loss, crisis and trauma, is to focus on what’s in your control so you are not swept away by pain. These emotions come in many forms. Therefore, grieving rituals, associated with all types of loss, are helpful and therapeutic with suggestions and examples always included.

With advice on how to weather emotional storms, exercises to practice naming the thinking pattern, and emotional control strategies, Harris guides the reader into emotional awareness, which presents interesting analogies of the choices we have when faced with a blow.

Kind self-talk is imperative, as are the benefits and guidance on self-compassion. When rebuilding your life, walls are built on brick at a time. This step-by-step approach will help with self-defeating thoughts and self-growth.

Transform your reality. Here are the skills to do so if that’s what you choose.

With this helpful book, you are about to embark on a voyage of discovery; to explore a difficult feeling and see it with new eyes.

A free eBook – The Reality Slap, Extra Bits, which contains additional resources, can be downloaded from the ‘Free Resources’ page of the website https://ift.tt/1r4kJAZ    

Title: The Reality Slap - New Edition
Author: Dr Russ Harris
Publisher: Exisle, $34.99
Publication Date: 10 November 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925820911
For ages: 16+
Type: Self Help

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Review: A Natural History of Fairies

Do you believe in fairies?

They could be hiding around you, practically in plain sight.

And this book could be what makes you question any doubts, and make you believe.

An elaborate and beautifully designed book, A Natural History of Fairies is a carefully documented collection of information, a notebook encyclopedia, about various fairy species.

It's purported to be the work of a botanist named Professor Arbour, who lived 100 years ago and kept a notebook of findings which has been passed on and preserved.

What it will do is prompt exploration of the natural world, animals, habitats and so on, using the mythical creatures known as fairies.

A Natural History of Fairies guides readers through the anatomy and other features, behaviour and habitats of fairies from all over the world. You could find them living in gardens, woodlands, jungles, and even inside houses (in the nooks and crannies where you'd never look).

Professor Arbour has documented many fairy species, from the Cactus Fairy of Mexico, and the Cherry Blossom Fairy of Japan, to the UK's Holly Blue Fairy, Australia's Blue Mountain Fairy, and the Penguin Fairy from Antarctica.

Learn how they camouflage themselves, and how they survive sometimes extreme environments.

The often nocturnal fairy adapts to its surroundings, loves honey, and has favourite plants with which they share a special relationship. Many also have animal friends, like the Woodpecker Fairy who rides on the bird's back, and helps keep it clean, picking off ticks! 

If you listen and look closely when fairy spotting, you might hear them, or even discover some of their unusual fairy writing. 

Before you go fairy spotting, though, read the Professor's advice on how to do so, and how important it is to protect the environment and creatures who live in it.

The thick, embossed cover of A Natural History of Fairies seems somewhat extravagant, yet completely appropriate. The book's content is highly creative, and the olde worlde design and illustrations beautifully complement the text.

A Natural History of Fairies is a gorgeous, imaginative exploration of a mythical creature, which will appeal to children who are enchanted by the idea of fairies.

A special book that would make a wonderful gift.

Title: A Natural History of Fairies
Author: Emily Hawkins
Illustrator: Jessica Roux
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's, $ 35
Publication Date: 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781786037633
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants

Plantastic! is super fantastic. That’s all I have to say.

No, actually, I’ve got loads more to say!

An exploration of 26 native Australian plants, Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants by Catherine Clowes delivers joy and wonder in an accessible and engaging way.

From Acacia to Zieria, it introduces readers to the beautiful plants of Australia. For each plant you’ll find the common name, scientific name, a detailed and super interesting description, pictures, a plantastic fact and a plantastic activity.

The descriptions explore interesting things about each plant that make you think ‘wow’ and ‘cool’ and ‘I didn’t know that’. Some plants are edible, some have medicinal uses, some have killer enemies and some actually kill and consume insects. Yikes!

The pictures are illustrations rather than photos, which I adore. It’s different and engaging, and it makes you want to run your fingers over every page. There are a few different illustrations for each plant, and they are glorious and detailed. The cover gives you a sneak peek at what to expect. Rachel Gyan, your illustrations warm my heart!

The next thing I love? The plantastic activities turn this book from a simple information exchange to an interactive treasure hunt. They encourage readers to get outside and look for the plants, with notes on special features to look out for.

At the back of the book you’ll find a helpful glossary and the most fabulous map that allows you to very easily look up the location of all the plants. You can quickly check which plants grow where you live and then start your searching adventures.

Circling round to the beginning, there is also a brilliant ‘how to use this book’ page, which has some really helpful information tailored for young adventures. Clowes provides some great advice about sticking to paths to protect plants, checking before you pick things and ‘taking only pictures, leaving only footprints.’ She also provides important cautions about eating plants if you are unsure of what they are.

Welcoming, encouraging and inspiring, Plantastic! is a book for all. Kids, adults, families, classrooms, this a book to devour with friends and beautiful inspiration for outdoor adventures in the stunning wilds of Australia.

In Clowes own words… time to go on a plantastic journey.

p.s - If you are a classroom interested in this book, make sure to check out the detailed and comprehensive teacher notes on the CSIRO Publishing website. They've got you covered with a HUGE range of activities across a range of subjects. 

Title: Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants 
Author: Catherine Clowes
Illustrator: Rachel Gyan
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing, $29.99  
Publication Date: February 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781486313211
For ages: 6 - 12 
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: The Tree

To live harmoniously in a close environment and consistently share what you have with others, is sometimes hard. Jealousy and envy can destroy relationships and end friendships. This happened to the animals that all lived in the same tree.

Good friends Cow and Duck live together in a giant tree that supplies them with an abundance of their favourite food. Other smaller animals also share homes and sustenance within its branches and roots. There was more than enough for them all.

When Cow feels the need for change, she builds a comfortable place for herself and fences it off. This creates the first rift. Duck, offended, digs a bunker at the base with a secret entrance and a key. 

Two solitary and separate lives form.

 It is a storm that alters their lives again. The tree withstands the storm as its branches bend and weave with the wind. But the two friends aren't as flexible.

Desperate to maintain her ownership of the tree, Cow saws and cuts, until the tree is disfigured.

Duck fences up everything around him, as if an invasion is imminent. He too, has secured his area.

A second storm tests the tree. With no branches to bend, the tree is uprooted. All the animals become homeless. They need each other now more than ever.

It is a long time till a shoot becomes a sapling. Now the two friends, together again, water and care for the promise of new life. When big enough, there is no thought for doors and fences. No branches cut. All the animals return home.  

Through stunning artwork combined with clever text, Graeme Base, focuses on the importance of getting along with each other, sharing what you have as there is always enough for all, and protecting at all cost, the living things in nature, particularly trees.

Title: The Tree
Author/Illustrator: Graeme Base
Publisher: Penguin, $24.99
Publication Date: 3 November 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760897048
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Backyard Bugs

Look What I'm Reading! Sue Warren

Hey there, Sue Warren here! I’m a teacher-librarian and have been for many years. Currently I’m in charge of the library service at a large independent college on the south side of beautiful Brisbane. 

Nobody in my family was at all surprised when my classroom teaching progressed into the library as I have always read voraciously since I was three years old. I love the variety involved with the teacher-librarian role and have worked and taught in many different settings.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?
I’ve just started Listen, Layla - Yassmin Abdel-Magied, for review. This is the second book about Layla and I’m loving it! The first one was You Must be Layla.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
In this narrative Layla is struggling to reconcile an urgent trip back to Sudan, to visit her ill grandmother, and her potential trip overseas with her Grand Designs Tourismo inventions team, plus her selection as Australian representative for the Special International Invention tour. The political unrest in Sudan is confronting and makes Layla’s internal conflict about her own identity more intense.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
Layla is Australian/Sudanese and Muslim and this own voices book (and its predecessor) gives real insight into straddling two cultures from a teen perspective. From this point of view I feel it’s extremely relevant, particularly in my own college where we have a predominantly non-Anglo population.

I particularly love that it’s set in Brisbane as our city often seems to get left out of YA. Besides all this Layla is great fun and a wonderful role model for young women.

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
This is a review title sent within the last week and because I enjoyed the first so much, it was bumped up to the top of my TBR pile! It does have a great cover too as well.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
Too many to mention! I’ve been very busy during the school holidays but still have approximately 40 books – YA, non-fiction, picture books and junior fiction to try to get through – and lo! The courier just delivered another box. But next on my bedside table is The Court of Miracles Trilogy: Book 1 – Kester Grant.

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
I’m sent many review books from a number of publishers – most are just sent out to me as they are well aware that I review a wide-ranging array of genres and levels and I have now been doing reviews for about nine years. I will sometimes specifically request a title though, which are usually adult books that I’m dying to read. 

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
I love historical fiction. I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd and I absolutely love that I can read quality historical fiction and not only engage with the narrative but learn more about the particular period. Without doubt, Jackie French is my dead-set favourite for these – who could not fall in love with Miss Lily or the Matilda series? I also love biographies – probably because I’m essentially a sticky-beak! The last one I requested, gobbled up and reviewed which was just splendid was Wild Thing: the short, spellbinding life of Jimi Hendrix – Philip Norman. I’d previously read other bios by Norman and knew it would be excellent.

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
I prefer print – I’m old school that way. I love the smell of new books and the anticipation of turning each page. That being said because I have a one hour commute each way to school I do get through a lot of audio books as well – these most definitely are generally adult books and often something quite light and entertaining like ChickLit.

Just So Stories: http://losangzopa.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lossie56
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/losangz/

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12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Tom Tinn-Disbury

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I am part of a WhatsApp group called 'Dogs doing stuff' and it is me and several dog-loving friends. We mainly send pictures of our dogs doing silly stuff or dogs we might see out and about.

2. What is your nickname?
I have several, Tommy, Tombo, Diz, Dizzy, T to the Dizzle, T-dog, Tommy Tucker Boy Boy Boy (that's my dad's pet name for me). It all depends who I’m with.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Polystyrene and clowns

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
As funny and heartfelt as I can possibly be. There.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Really very mostly extra good.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Probably an Oompa Lompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because I get to live and work in the amazing factory but I don’t have the pressure of running it.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Probably to next year when hopefully the world is a bit more back to normal and I can go to a concert or theatre show!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
“You do what!? As a job? Does that mean I don’t have to go to school now?” I would reply and say “No, you still have to go to school!”

9. Who is your greatest influence?
In recent years, Oliver Jeffers made me realise that picture books can be for everyone, not just children and that made me want to pursue illustrating them as a career. Over my lifetime, the powerhouse team of Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl, I still go back to those books for inspiration.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Sorry, I just answered that above. I’ll use this question to add some more people. I would say my parents. They always encouraged me to be creative and write stories.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Coffee? With the question mark and if it’s said out loud to me directly…

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That is a tough one! I know it's cliche but probably one of the Harry Potter books. I have read and listened to (on audio book) them so many times. They are my comfort books. So I’ll cheat and say the series all bound into one massive book!

Tom is an author and illustrator based in Rugby, UK. He has illustrated books for New Frontier, Simon & Schuster, Sleeping Bear Press and Hachette. He has also provided illustrations for various magazine publications and advertising agencies. His latest book is My Summer with Grandad, published by New Frontier in October 2020. For more information, see www.tomtinndisbury.com.

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Review: Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival

The Aussie Kids series for emerging readers is a brilliant new eight-book collection for kids starting their junior fiction journey.

Each book features a new character living in a unique Australian location across our states and territories. 

In the Australian Capital Territory (or the ACT), we meet Matilda. She’s going to a festival at the Japanese Embassy to celebrate the Emperor of Japan’s birthday.  

It’s going to be a fun day because Matilda’s good friend Hansuke lives at the embassy. But it’s also marked with sadness as Hansuke is returning to Japan.

This is a brilliant book about kid life in Australia. Author Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern has masterfully peppered interesting facts about Canberra throughout the book, providing kids with fun information about the nation’s capital, while delivering a fun and engaging story filled with emotion and heart. 

With a beautiful surprise ending and a splash of mystery, it’s a perfect book for emerging readers to jump into. The large text and short chapters are very helpful, and the careful word selection and story construction are designed to support new readers.

The cover of the book features a stunning violety-purple, and award-winning illustrator Tania McCartney repeats this colour throughout the gorgeous illustrations, with black, white and purple pictures on almost every page. 

McCartney really brings the characters to life in this book. You'll feel all the feels as you explore the emotion conveyed in their faces. It's simply magic, and it adds so much to the story. There are also glorious Canberra locations and special details throughout the book, creating a lovely sense of nostalgia for readers of all ages.

At the back of the book you’ll find a list of more fun facts about Australia's capital, and you’ll get to learn a little about the creators of the books. Each book in this series has a different author and illustrator, so this is a lovely addition for readers as they make their way through all the books.

Kids from the capital will love reading this book and recognising familiar Canberra features, and non-locals will love learning about a state they might never have visited. Filled with joy and charm, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Matilda at the festival, and I’m looking forward to meeting the other Aussie kids, too.

For more books by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, make sure you check out Charlie's Adventures in Hawaii. To sample more glorious illustrations (and stunning words, too!) from Tania McCartney, explore the Evie and Pog series, I heart the World, Australia's Wild Weird Wonderful Weather and Fauna: Australia's Most Curious Creatures.

Title: Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival
Author: Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
Illustrator: Tania McCartney
Publisher: Puffin, $12.99  
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760894511
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: Tiger Daughter

Brilliant and enthralling, this superb, deeply moving novel by the multi-talented Rebecca Lim, examines the lives of two migrant families; the internal worlds of each character, and the chaos that trying to fit in brings to each character’s life.

Wen and Henry are best friends. They face similar challenges. Having come from China to Australia as migrants, they are both marginalised to a degree. Henry lives over the bridge from Wen in the poorer part of town because that’s what his family is, common people.

But Henry is rich in knowledge and ambition. He is confident, and a top student, despite his poor English, with which Wen is helping him so he can pass his exams that will get him a scholarship to a better life. Wen is also sitting for the same exam, but for a different outcome.

Henry’s mother doesn’t speak any English. She spends all day seeped in lonely sadness, watching Chinese language TV, ignoring the needs of her family. His dad drives a fruit truck to pay the rent.

Wen’s family life is a nightmare. Her father despises her because she is not a son. He was a highly respected Emergency Department doctor in his homeland. Here, regardless of his impressive credentials, he cannot pass his exams due to language barriers, so works in a restaurant to feed his family.

His anger and shame have transformed him into an abusive, hateful person with rules and regulations for his wife whom he has silenced with his anger, and his daughter whom he calls worthless, lazy, stupid, small and insolent. They have no interaction with the world past their front door except for purchasing food, and Wen must be accompanied by her mother to school and back. They live on the lip of a volcano that could erupt any time.

When tragedy strikes Henry and his father, they shut themselves away. Disregarding all fears and retribution from her father, Wen convinces her mother that they must care for her friends. They have no misconceptions about what will happen if or when her father finds out. But something must change.

Beautifully written with insight and authenticity, this thought-provoking book carries many messages. It reflects the lives of many migrants and their struggles to become part of a better life, and the personal cost for this privilege. A Must Read for this year!

Title: Tiger Daughter
Author: Rebecca Lim  
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $16.99
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760877644
For ages: 11 – 14
Type: Junior Fiction

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Winner: YA Prize Pack: Concrete Rose, All Our Hidden Gifts, Game Changer

Our lucky winner is...

Julie Paine (aka Abbey Lane), NSW

Congratulations! 

You have won the awesome YA Prize Pack including: Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas, All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue and Game Changer by Neal Schusterman.

Enjoy your YA journeys!

Thank you to ALL who entered and for your 'game changing' suggestions. 



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Review: Ghostbear

Ghostbear began as a series of paintings by Paul McDermott, which later became a short film, and is now a picture book.

The illustrations are mostly black and white and tones of blue and grey, with splashes of other colours.

They create an emotion-filled atmosphere. 

It's quite difficult to pinpoint and explain what Ghostbear is about.

A polar bear, alone and isolated in the cold and dark, is looking for the other bears. The fish are missing, too.

The polar bear travels across the vastness of the Arctic.

It's a long and slow journey and when he reaches the ocean, there's nowhere else to go, until evenutally the ice breaks off with him on it, floating away to someone who has been waiting for him. 

And the polar bear remembers the good, beauty and love from his past.

Ghostbear has a haunting and dream-like quality to it. 

It's a book that will likely mean different things to different people.

Animals, the environment and climate change, relationships, ageing and death, are just some of the possible themes. The author's inspiration and motivations can be found in articles online, if you'd like to uncover them, but whatever the intent, it's the perception that matters here.

The story stands alone, with no explanations or notes given. 

Ghostbear may not be the right book for all children. While many may enjoy the story of a polar bear, the narrative may also be confusing, or perhaps even scary, for some young readers. It would however be a good discussion piece, particularly for older children and young adults.

Ghostbear is a thought-provoking picture book.

Title: Ghostbear
Author/Illustrator: Paul McDermott
Publisher: Omnibus Books, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760669225
For ages: 7+
Type: Picture 

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Junior Review: The Iron Raven

Review: Wolf Girl 3: The Secret Cave; Wolf Girl 4: The Traitor

In Wolf Girl #3: The Secret Cave, Gwen and Rupert, along with the pack of dogs, continue to flee from the soldiers. Their one thought is their safety. Both humans long to find their parents. But each time Gwen seems to get closer, obstacles arise.

With Fran and the soldiers on their heels, Eagle, keeping a sharp eye out from above, leads them to a rickety bridge. They reach the other side with the dogs chewing through the rope to stop their pursuers from following.

Time is precious, but there is always the unexpected. Zip has injured himself and cannot walk. After carrying him a while, they decide to stop for the night. Gwen recalls her mother having used a poultice of forest sage on an infection. But where can hey find some?

Suddenly they are surrounded by countless cats, and Ma Taylor their owner. Gwen explains her dilemma and Ma invites them to her home which is surrounded by forest sage. A night’s rest is needed by all.

Morning finds Rupert tracking a convey of trucks carrying adults with a GPS he found in a soldier’s pack. It leads them to a secret cave. The pack discover a systematic workforce, breaking mineral rock from the cave walls. After hatching a plan to free the prisoners, Gwen is disappointed to discover her parents are not in the group.

There are other reunions though. Zip finds his owner, and so do many of the cats. Gwen sees her mother’s shawl on one of the women and discovers it was given to her by Tess on a chilly night. Hope is reborn that her mother is still alive. 

With Wolf Girl #4: The Traitor, the courageous and resilient Gwen, Rupert and the dogs are now in open fields. There is sadness that Zip is no longer part of the pack, but joy that he has found his owners. Their search continues. Gwen has her mother’s shawl and hopes that Sunrise, the wolf, can pick up her scent.

Sunrise is missing when they wake. So is Tess’ shawl. They find Tiny in the wrap of an anaconda but manage to free him. This will be the first of many immediate challenges for Gwen’s pack. 

They must deal with the loss of Zip, escape from a cave of reptiles, fight Komodo dragons, rattlesnakes and crocodiles.

Now Rupert believes that Sunrise has abandoned the pack. But Sunrise too, has now found her real family. She had been a pup when Gwen found her alone and starving.

Gwen’s challenges continue when they come across Captain Stone, Rupert’s nemesis, who uses wolves to guard his prisoners. He had enslaved Rupert and taken his parents captive.

Sunrise is torn. She must choose whether to stay with her family, or return to Gwen’s pack.

In this extremely popular adventure series, Anh Do has created a dynamic female le character, and made her the leader of the pack. The dogs of all breeds, and Eagle, play significant and daring roles where they all work together as a team.

Kudos must also go to the illustrator Lachlan Creagh, for the stunning art work that brings Anh Do’s text and characters to life.

Title: Wolf Girl #3: The Secret Cave; Wolf Girl #4: The Traitor 
Author: Anh Do
Illustrator: Lachlan Creagh
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 15.99
Publication Date: 1 June 2020: 1 December 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760876371; 9781760877866
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger

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Meet The illustrator: Alejandro Echavez

Review: The Thing That Goes Ping!

The Thing that goes Ping! is a celebration of matching sounds, rhyme, rhythm and colour. Mark Carthew’s clever selection of words provides entertainment, more so when read aloud.

Fun, curiosity and imagination begin from the decorative end pages full of insects and birds for children to identify, and continue with the discovery of Shane McG’s playful creative animal characters parading through the pages. 

Backdrops of country settings – pastures, rolling hills and dams, provide young readers with wonderful images of the outdoors.

In Figgy-tra-ling, there’s a sound of a ping that echoes continuously. Everyone wants to know where it’s coming from. A search begins that turns into an adventure, to identify the origin of the sound.

The people don’t know. They ask the bear over there, the snake in the lake, the hen in the pen and all the other animals of the town. But none can shed light on the mystery.

The horse who owns the tractor loaded with hay knows!

Can he lead the townspeople to the thing that goes ping?

This is a joyous reflection on togetherness, community, friendship and a mystery to be solved together.

Also by Mark Carthew is The Dingle Dangle Forest, The Great Zoo Hullabaloo! and Marvin and Marigold: A Stormy Night.

Title: The Thing That Goes Ping!
Author: Mark Carthew
Illustrator: Shane McG
Publisher: FORD ST , $ 24.95
Publication Date: 1 February 2021 
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781925804652
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Can You Do This?

Can you do this? Can you do this? Can you do this?

Younger siblings often look up to older siblings. 

They marvel at the things they can do and want to know just how far their talents reach. 

But older siblings are sometimes smug, and they assume their talents reach further than they actually do. 

They often don’t feel the need to prove themselves and often believe they can do everything better than their younger siblings simply because they are older. As a middle child, I’m an expert on this, being both a younger and an older sibling!

Written entirely in dialogue, Can You Do This? explores this old-as-time family feud with a younger sibling asking their older sibling if they can do a series of things. Of course the older sibling can and just says yes, and the younger sibling, of course, believes him. But can big brother actually do all these things? And does little brother realise in demonstrating all these activities, he is doing them too?

This is a fun book with minimal text and lots of bright and action-packed illustrations. It’s for exploring and reading slowly to savour the pictures and enjoy the details. 

This would be a great book for two siblings to read together, and an easy read for newly independent readers. I think kids would love figuring out the humour and hidden messages caught between the covers. 

A fun and funny take on sibling rivalry by Michael Wagner and Heath McKenzie.

Title: Can You Do This?
Author: Michael Wagner
Illustrator: Heath McKenzie
Publisher: ABC Books, $19.99  
Publication Date: 3 February 2021
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780733335723
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Moonlight Mums

10 Quirky Questions with author/illustrator Lucinda Gifford

1. What's your hidden talent?
Ha! If I had a talent outside my work, it wouldn’t stay hidden for long. I’d find a way of making sure people knew about it, probably fairly unsubtly. One useful ability: I can whip together a tasty, freshly-baked cake within the hour, if not sooner.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
I’m intrigued by Mrs Coulter in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. She’s malicious, power-hungry, deceitful, corrupt and cruel – but she’s also brilliant, brave and (later) conflicted.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Louis Sachar, Joan Aiken, David Mitchell, Elizabeth Strout and Michael Ondaatje – because I love all of their writing so much and they’re a diverse group style-wise. Ideally, they’d pause their deep literary conversations occasionally to chat with me…

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
I wish there was an actual circus like Dr Seuss’s Circus McGurkus (from If I Ran the Circus). It is the most marvellous, fantastical circus in the world and it’s stayed with me for 40 years.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Organised, chaotic, structured, intuitive, inconsistent.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Entertaining, funny, warm, surprising, un-putdownable.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
A pot of coffee, shelves stuffed with the BEST children’s books, a snoozing dog, a huge tub of pencils, more than a reasonable amount of puppets.

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!)
Few people expected her to have a hidden talent, but the author’s 20-minute brownies were serious ‘Bake-off’ contenders. (David Mitchell - The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I love to think about process and plotting of books I’ve read recently, so I’d ask Emily Rodda: “With the Golden Door Trilogy, did you come up with the incredible, mind-bending concept first, and then just HAVE to write a novel about it?” If you’ve read the book you’ll know what I mean - the plot is wonderfully twisty.

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
I would carry on writing and listen to audio books in bed — is that cheating? 

Lucinda works as an illustrator and author from her cosy, messy home studio in Melbourne. After taking a degree in architecture and veering into an advertising career, Lucinda finally took the plunge and started work on her true passion: children's books. In 2014 she was awarded the Five Mile Press Illustrator Prize and, since then, has illustrated over 20 books. She uses pencil, ink, crayon, marker, and watercolour to produce her illustrations, and usually uses PhotoShop to put everything together. Architecture still fascinates her, and she loves to draw all sorts of buildings, especially castles filled with dragons. When not sketching or developing story ideas, Lucinda enjoys plot twists, beach walks and staring out the windows of Melbourne trams. For more information, see www.lucindagiffordbooks.com.

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