Review: The Book of Dirt

Two books that sit on the top shelf of my favourite picture books of all time (it's a squeeze - every single Miroslav Sasek book sits there, too) are The Book of Trees and The Book of Bees by the phenomenal Piotr Socha, written by Wojciech Grajkowski. Have you seen them? If not, I'll wait right here while you go look them up.

Subtitled 'A smelly history of dirt, disease and human hygiene', and penned with utter panache by Monika Utnik-Strugala, The Book of Dirt is the latest in this series, and is a book you never thought you'd need let alone take such delight in. 

From Cleopatra's donkey milk baths to Roman toilets where everyone wiped them bums with the same poo stick (I know...), it's little wonder kids of all ages will be both fascinated and boggled by some of the coolest content they'll ever read.

Did you know that in Medieval Europe, people believed disease that water was responsible for spreading disease (not entirely untrue) and so washing was done only on occasion - if that. It was mostly reserved for the parts that could be seen... hands and face. It wasn't until the 18th Century when Louis Pasteur discovered sinister germs lurking in grubbiness, that things began to change.

Other topics include the birth of sewerage works and the aqueduct (which changed the course of water forever), towns where toilet waste was thrown out the window to the street below ('garde a l'eau!'), the history of the toilet, courtiers who helped kings relieve themselves in a chamber pot mid-meeting, hydrotherapy, washing without actually washing, and how pooping in space works. 

Then there's the world's oldest bathtub, enjoyed by Polish king Wladyslaw Jagiello. Discovered in a palace in Crete, it's 3700 years old and carved in the shape of a horse! There's also the part about early hospitals being known as houses of death, with one one surgeon admitting soldiers had a better chance of surviving on the battlefield.

The illustrations in The Book of Dirt are sheer delight... lusciously detailed, insanely fab colour palettes, heaps of humour and quirk. This is illustration heaven, bringing - as all good picture books should - a whole lot more to an already impressive text.

Beautifully designed and produced, this 200-page book is one to treasure and marvel at. Each night, I read two or three spreads, savouring the content and luscious visuals as I would a long, fragrant bath.

Given that [text] themes of nudity are a common thread in this book, it's officially recommended for children aged 9 and over, though I personally see nothing so offensive that younger children can't enjoy a peruse, least of all for the incredible artwork which often features full-spreads that really need to be framed and hung on my walls.

A note for teachers: there is no glossary or index but with the way of ye olde world internet, kids can easily seek out further information, or better yet - discuss the findings and curiosities in class or with friends and family.

Joy! Can't recommend highly enough.

Title: The Book of Dirt
Author: Monika Utnik-Strugala
Illustrator: Piotr Socha
Translator: from the Polish by Zosia Krasodomska-Jones
Publisher: Thames & Hudson, $49.99
Publication Date: 22 November 2022
Format: Hardcover, large format
ISBN: 9780500652664
For ages: 9+
Type: Picture Book, Non-Fiction

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Review: Phyllis & Grace

Stories can enter our thoughts and feelings in order to help us make sense of life and Phyllis & Grace is such a story. 

Grace is Phyllis' young next door neighbour. She is easygoing, thoughtful, and likes horses. Phyllis is kind, cheeky and likes horses, too. And although Phyllis doesn’t always remember Grace, she likes Grace. Phyllis also has Alzheimers. 

Nigel Gray has written a tender, empathetic story, steeped in humanity. Told through conversations between Phyllis and Grace, Gray lets the friendship between the pair unfurl naturally. 

There are funny moments and break-your-heart moments but Phyllis and Grace’s connection remains constant. Through this friendship, the progression of Alzheimers is gently shown. In friendship we find pleasure, support and social identity and so friendship is a wonderful vehicle to lovingly show the challenges of this disease. This emotionally rich story, supports readers through a whole gamut of emotions, helping them to become more aware and alert to the lives of others. 

In that scratchy style that I love, Bethan Welby captures emotions, using chinagraph pencils (soft and waxy) with watercolour and some pastel. Phyllis in particular is portrayed very expressively with a childlike quality. Her eyes are shown smiling, laughing, sad, confused and angry. Welby has added to the richness of Gray’s words, leaving room for the reader’s imagination. 

Phyllis & Grace gave words to a truth that I feel very deeply. In his later days, my grandfather became quite forgetful and I felt great sadness but there was magic too. I heard stories from my grandfather that I’d never heard before when he was more lucid.

A great book to help children understand the progression of Alzheimers told from a child’s point of view. For writers, it’s a great example of 'show don’t tell', and for illustrators, it’s a wonderful example of how to leave space for the reader’s imagination. 

Teachers will find multiple discussion points in the story. There are resources, as well as, the author and illustrator reading the book here. 

Close to my heart. No judgement. A beautiful story. 

Another story by Nigel Gray is My Dog, My Cat, My Mum and Me! 

Title: Phyllis & Grace
Author: Nigel Gray
Illustrator: Bethan Welby
Publisher: Scallywag Press, $24.99
Publication Date: 7 April 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781912650514
For ages: 4+ 
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom

The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom is full of cute pictures of wombats and good advice for life.

You might be surprised how many expressions a wombat has, and you'll definitely get to see some of them in the photos in this book, where the wombats depicted are of varying ages and include a baby (known as a joey).

The advice shared (wombat wisdom) comes in the form of quotes. Things like 'Staying curious is the secret to a long life.' 

And 'Sometimes, life might feel like you're lost in the long grass. But it's okay not to know where you're going. Have faith in yourself and the way will be revealed to you.' There's something for everyone.

Appropriately, the title of the book uses the collective noun for wombats (a wisdom). This is one of the fun wombat facts/trivia offered on the final pages. Others include their ability to travel at almost 40 kilometres an hour, and that they sometimes sleep with their feet up in the air (which is a sign of them being really relaxed).

This isn't really a book for young children. However, if you're looking for a gift for someone in their mid to late teens, or for an adult, then this could be just what you need. Great as a graduation gift, a birthday or Christmas present, or just because.

The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom made me smile and it's bound to do the same for you, too.

Title: The Little Book of Wombat Wisdom
Author: no author given
Publisher: Harper Collins, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460762523
For ages: 14+
Type: Gift Book, Non-Fiction

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Review: The Nightingale And The Bear

Review: Charlie's Whale

12 Curly Questions with author Dani Vee

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I used to collect earthworms in a jar and name them all, much to my mother’s horror.

2. What is your nickname?
You’d think it was hard to shorten Dani right? Nope, my family and besties are extra lazy and have resorted to plain old Dan!

3. What is your greatest fear?
Being stuck in an elevator without snacks.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Chaotic mind maps and scribbles that no one can understand, self-doubt and a lot of overthinking.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Joyful, silly, fun, thoughtful, unexpected.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’m pretty keen to live in that 5000-storey treehouse.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Take me back to the period of Jane Austen so I can go to balls, wear ridiculous dresses and hang out in someone’s drawing room all day drinking tea and eating scones. Actually it kind of sounds like my weekends anyway.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now? 
Don’t show mum those earthworms, she’ll make you set them free.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents, because they have encouraged me to do and be whoever I want; my kids because I always try and make them laugh; and, Oscar Wilde because no one has better quotes than Wilde. No one!

10. What/who made you start writing?
My love of reading! Imagine contributing to the literary world in any way. What a privilege.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Rambunctious. Because everyone should be a little rambunctious.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. No one needs any other book.

Dani Vee is the author of picture book My EXTRAordinary Mum published by Larrikin House, and 2023 releases Prank Queen and the My EPIC Dad. Dani is host of the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds, where 50,000 people tune every month as she interviews the very best authors and illustrators. For more information, see www.wordsandnerds.com.


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Review: Always, Clementine

Clementine is a mouse. A very clever mouse. The thing is, Clementine is not free. She's a lab mouse who is used for research.

Always, Clementine is written as a series of letters from Clementine to Rosie, a chimpanzee who she meets in the lab. The chapters start 'Dear Rosie' and end with the marvellous mouse signing off, 'Always, Clementine'.

The story gives voice to Clementine's thoughts. Readers get to peek inside her genius brain, to see what she sees, and experience what she does as she escapes the lab and has to survive in the outside world. That's where the story really takes off.

Clementine gets to know Gus and Pop who are 'good humans'. And Hamlet who's not human, he's a mouse, too, though not as clever as Clementine. She has a close encounter with television, a bath in a teacup (not fun when you don't like water), and discovers chess.

Will Clementine be able to evade the researchers forever, and keep her new life? You'll need to read the story to find out.

Author Carlie Sorosiak loves writing about animals, especially their 'inner lives'. Clementine the mouse joins the animals from two of her previous books My Life As A Cat (the cat's name is Leonard) and I, Cosmo (about a dog).

Grab a copy of Always, Clementine for the animal lovers in your family.

Title: Always, Clementine
Author: Carlie Sorosiak
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $14.99
Publication Date: Nov 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781839941085
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Fiction

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Happy Christmas from the team at KBR

What a strange year it's been in both the book world and the world at large. We hope that books brought you both joy and comfort as you navigated the rollercoaster that was 2022.

We at KBR have loved bringing you a vast range of sensational books for children, from Australia and all over the world. Nothing makes us happier than sharing our finds - from board books to young adult reads, it's a thrill to celebrate the wonder of the children's book world.

Over the next fortnight, posts will be a little less frequent as we take a break, rest, rejuvenate, and spend time with family and friends. January will also be a little quieter but things will pick up as we barrel towards the 2023 school year in late January/early February.

On behalf of the amazing KBR team, headed by the inimitable Dimity Powell and Shaye Wardrop, I'm sending you the warmest bookish wishes for a peaceful, happy and uplifting festive season, whatever you're doing, and wherever you are in the world. 

We look forward to a brand new year focused, as ever, on the joy of books.

Tania McCartney
Founder, KBR

Image from Plume: Festival Seeker by Tania McCartney, Hardie Grant Explore, October 2022

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Review: The Muddy Chef

Meet The Illustrator: Myke Mollard

Name: Myke Mollard

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
An infusion of botanical illustrations and comic book impact + punch

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Trinkets, handmade things by my kids make, collected and horded junk or keepsakes, a jungle of textures and emotionally enriching odds and ends surround me like natural ramshackle ecosystem of love and memories.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Not really. Sketching in ink and pencils I do the most because it’s accessible and obsessive. Yet emotionally what I like to do is create … I paint in all mediums, curve and sculpt, origami, inventing things, like clay and pottery, love cooking, decorating things, sand sculpting at the beach, writing poetry, stories and songs, Journaling, scribbling, designing, sketchbooks, photography, filmmaking, Tiktoking and social media stuff and of course digital retouching, digital CGI art. As long as I’m creating in some way shape or form I’m happy.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Hayao Miyazaki, Author Boyd and Brett Whitely as artists. Yet Elizabeth Gould’s illustrations also very inspiring to me.

 Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
The future! I like what is happening with NFTs, digital art, animation, CGI and AI. I like traditional art, but the impact of computers and access to apps and programs is changing the way we express and create art and I like what the future of art holds for creators.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Strangely I grew up a Dungeons and Dragons nerd and Frank Frazetta inspired me to illustrate and Brian Froud's work on faeries. Yet my passion for Dinosaurs and Australian wildlife inspired by Harry Butler lead me to Elizabeth Gould’s illustrations and the Gould Society’s posters and prints.

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

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

The point where you just lose yourself in a world of imagination and focus. Time stands still. Days turn into night and night into days and you just have no sense of reality just the surreal fabric of self-expression, passion and dream-like space. There the world makes sense caught in the self-made reflection of reality.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Have fun! Laughter is the juice you squeeze from life.

 
Stuff the rules! Conventions were made to be broken! Do whatever inspires you! Dream big and laugh lots, because you’re going to need big Dinosaur dollops of both where you’re going!

 
You have three brains! Your brain, your heart and your gut! Use all three in alignment and find what drives 'your who', 'your what' and 'your why!' Then 'your how' will be discovered in the journey you choose.

Life must be enjoyed with a good measure of humour! So take care of your 'inner child' it’s key to both your success and survival as we grow up.

 
Practice makes permanent! Not perfect! Practice is the path to mastery, so accept your mistakes and flaws for they are the character stokes of originality and genius.

 
Success revels and failure reveals! But to learn from successes just as much as failures is a path to real confidence over arrogance.

Myke Mollard is a children’s educator, illustrator, author and designer – just some of his creative talents. He began his career in graphic design, branding management and producing commercials for TV. Now a fulltime Kid’s book author/illustrator and Tiktok Creator he spends his time drawing, researching, adventuring and video editing.

For more information please visit Myke's website or follow him on instagram.

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Announcement: A Very KBR Christmas 2022! Book to Movie Adaptations

Guest Post: Penny Macoun on The Poetry of Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I have always found it to be special, not because of the religious aspect of the day, but because of the magic and closeness to loved ones it creates.

I wanted to write a Christmas story but wasn’t sure if I could create something new. I was worried that all the good story ideas had already been written. The Night Before Christmas has always been magical for me and I can still recite it off by heart. 

I am not a natural poet; however, I have dabbled with this style now and then, and by using The Night Before Christmas as inspiration I had a go at writing a Christmas poem. 

I wasn’t sure that I would publish it, but it turned out better than I expected so I decided to publish it as The Christmas Door.

Growing up I always loved the discovery of what was inside a present. I never asked for an actual present, always asking simply for surprises. I wanted to write a story about Christmas, capturing the magic that every child loves, while also exploring the idea that Christmas is not only about physical gifts but that a simple gesture can be a gift to others, such as a hug that can be given at any time of the year.

The Christmas Dooris about a little girl who finds an old oak door in her living room. Her Father tries to open it and finds he can’t. She opens it easily and is blinded by the glorious rays of light before reindeer bound into the living room and out through the back door onto the lawn. Santa follows the reindeer and enjoys a glass of warm milk and mince pie before he continues the journey of present delivery.

While I had the fun bit sorted, it took a long time to get the rhythm and rhyme right and I did have help from a friend who writes poetry; she was amazing and taught me a lot. I wanted to write about the magic of Christmas, which inspired the door in the floor idea. The next step was to work out what was through the door, and as it was a Christmas poem, the logical idea was Santa and his reindeer.

It was easy for me to choose an illustrator for The Christmas Door. Paul Nash illustrated my previous book, Rollo’s Wet Surprise. I loved his style, and we worked well together. Paul not only illustrates my books, he also does the page layouts and supplies the print ready files, so it’s a complete package. He beautifully captured the amazement and magic of this poem, although there is one page that is my absolute favourite. It’s the page where the girl first opens the door, and the glorious rays surround her, and she is looking down through the door in amazement. I wonder what she is seeing? Perhaps some of the reindeer are looking back at her? 

For me, Christmas is about being with loved ones, sharing good food, jokes and laughter. It is also a time when I reflect on the past year and make plans for the following. I love decorating the Christmas tree - it’s a little bit of magic I can create at home. Every Christmas I hope children around the world have enough to eat and are with people who love them. No matter where they live or what their circumstances are, every child is unique, every child deserves to be healthy and every child deserves to be happy. This is my Christmas wish.

Even though I am now an adult, I still love the magic and joy Christmas brings. Writing The Christmas Dooris my way of sharing my Christmas magic, because you never know what magic will lie beyond a door.

Penny Macoun was born in Sydney, Australia. She has been writing since 1993 when her story about a funnel web spider was printed in a school newsletter. She is an author, editor, book reviewer and trained primary school teacher. After teaching in public schools for eight years, Penny decided to pursue her passion for writing and fulfill her dream of becoming a published author.

The Christmas Door (2022) is her third book. Gorkle (2020) and Rollo’s Wet Surprise (2021) are her previous books for children. When she is not writing, teaching or editing, Penny dabbles in various forms of visual arts and enjoys travelling, completing short courses, and being out in the garden.

Visit Penny at: www.pennymacoun.com.au or via her Facebook or Instagram.

 

 

 

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Review: Zola And The Christmas Lights

Review: Furball Spy Cat

Furball is fancy. Furball is brave. Furball is the best super spy cat working for Meow-6!

Along with his spy buddies, Kit the spy-gadget inventor and Jade the karate cat, these crime-fighting friends go after the roughest, toughest villains from Klawz — the evilest organisation there is.

After a very successful mission saving the moon, the spy-trio are rewarded with a trip to Wet Willy’s Waterworld. It’s all fun and waterslides, until the spies discover something fishy. 
Waterworld seems to be lacking some… water?

Which devious villain is behind this? And what exactly are they plotting? Can Furball, Kit and Jade uncover the devious truth and stop the baddies from delivering their evil plan?

Furball Spy Cat by author-illustrator extraordinaire Adrian Beck is an action-packed and hilarious read. The jokes are endless, and the bad guy butt-kicking doesn’t stop either. I love that the story is narrated by Kit, even though the focus is generally on Furball. It’s a giant shoutout to all the sidekicks, who really run the show (in case you didn’t know!).

It’s also a shoutout to the underdogs, who sometimes feel invisible. Kit is smart and strong and a super-duper spy, but sometimes he can’t see that. But he’ll learn. They’ll all learn!

Beck’s illustrations are as big and bold as his words. Fun and funky and so expressive, they dominate the pages and immerse readers in the Meow-6 world. You will adore exploring each and every one of them.

This is a winner for junior fiction fans. If you love a funny, kooky read, this one is for you.

Title: Furball Spy Cat
Author/Illustrator:  Adrian Beck
Publisher: Larrikin House, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2022
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781922804006 
For ages: 7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: An Anthology of Aquatic Life

Review: Unnecessary Drama

Guest Post: Cherie Bell on Sourcing Books For Kids

12 Curly Questions with author Michel Deverall

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I once performed alongside celebrity Daryl Somers in a stage production (kids’ pantomime) of Doctor-Do-Little.

2. What is your nickname?
I don’t have one, unfortunately. Although, I do love a good nickname. Well, as long as it’s something endearing, or cute and quirky, that is. I’ve heard some crackers over the years. That being said, my family all refer to me as Shell, which is a bit boring, but that’s OK.

3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a totally irrational fear of birds. I refer to it as 'birdie-itis'. I’m not the only one, supposedly. Apparently, it’s a thing (ornithophobia). FYI: I was once swooped by a magpie outside my workplace, which proved to be a great source of entertainment for everyone watching, including the maggie, who zeroed in on me like a guided missile, terrorising me for almost two whole blocks.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Fast-paced and humorous, with lots of unpredictability and mayhem.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Tenacious. Determined. Structured. Plotter. Hopefully funny.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I remember reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory back in primary school and would have given anything to be one of the characters visiting Mr Wonka’s factory. I’m sure I would’ve also delighted in consuming a vast amount of chocolate bars in an attempt to win one of those elusive Golden Tickets. I love chocolate!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’m not so sure I’d want to time travel into the future — too scary to even contemplate. Perhaps I could time travel back to the1970s, knowing what I know now. That’d be pretty cool. Daggy, but cool.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Don’t let fear rob you of your joy. You are more capable than you realise. Enjoy the journey.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
In terms of writing for children, I’d have to say Andy Griffiths and Lincoln Peirce, (pronounced purse). Both for their writing style and humour.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Whenever I hear an author asked this question, the answer is nearly always the same: I’ve been creating/writing stories since I was a child. Personally speaking, I hadn’t even contemplated the prospect of writing children’s books until I had a child of my own. Reading countless picture books and junior fiction to my son when he was growing up allowed me to view them from a different perspective, and was most certainly the catalyst for me later going on to study Professional Children’s Writing and Publishing.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
It varies depending on the age and genre I’m writing for, I guess. At the moment I seem to be throwing the word 'knucklehead' around a lot. It has such a comedic connotation and sound to it.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow! I’m not sure I could actually do that, to be honest. It would inevitably do my head in. Although, if I had to generalise, it would have to be a thriller of some sort with lots of drama and suspense. Something along the lines of the classic Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, which was the very first book I read in high school.

Michel studied Professional Children's Writing & Publishing for three years, graduating with nine High Distinctions. There are so many aspects of writing that she genuinely enjoys — everything from deciding on a plot to progressively developing it into a finished manuscript. Her preferred style of writing is fast-paced, humorous stories with lots of unpredictability. For more information, see www.micheldeverall.com.

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Review: The Gecko and the Echo

Goldy the gecko is the star of The Gecko and the Echo. He's a self-assured, singing reptile who thinks he has what it takes to be famous.

Goldy sings his heart out, playing guitar and dancing along. The trouble is, he’s very loud and makes noise all day (and night) long. He’s not overly considerate of his friends and neighbours, and one day they let him know what they think of his musicality and thoughtless behaviour.

Shocked and upset, Goldy takes off and, in doing so, ends up in a canyon where he finds music and other noises are greatly amplified. Hearing a sound that he doesn’t think is particularly good, Goldy discovers that his own voice is echoing and it doesn’t sound great. He’s horrified.

Goldy takes to heart the advice of a new friend, a butterfly, and returns home with a whole new attitude. He’s a changed gecko, kind and helpful, and welcomed by the rest of the gecko colony.

The Gecko and the Echo offers a simple, yet important, message in an entertaining package. With a clever and lively rhyming story by Rachel Bright and bright, amusing cartoon-style pictures by Jim Field, this is a book that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family.

Title: The Gecko and the Echo
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Jim Field
Publisher: Hachette - Orchard Books, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408356067
For ages: ages 4 - 8
Type: picture book

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Review: Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts

Have you ever wondered about the dinosaurs and mega beasts that once roamed Australia? What creatures were they? Where did they live? What fossils have been found across the country?

Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts is a (literally) mega book, packed full of information and illustrations that take readers on a journey to the past.

Start at the beginning, when life on earth began. Move through different eras and learn about the dinosaurs that called the lands of Australia home. Crocodile-like lizards, longnecked giants and river beasts.

Have you heard about trackways — footprints immortalised in sandstone. At low tide, across the coastline of the north-west Kimberley, you can explore 130 million-year-old dinosaur trackways for yourself.

And when the dinosaurs were all gone, explore what came next. Did you know that big, bigger and giant ancestors of kangaroos, wombats, emus and all manner of Australian animals once roamed the country. These mega beasts filled our ancient forests, swamps and grasslands for millions of years.

This book is packed full of information, but it’s delivered in a really accessible and kid-friendly way. The layout encourages page turns and information is delivered in bite-sized chunks, making it easy to dip in and out with ease.

One of my favourite parts? The sizing charts that show you just how big some of these creatures were compared to people, and how they evolved over time.

The illustrations are glorious too — deep colours, intricate details, and there are just so many. They fill each giant page with giant beasts, and they make the reading experience something truly special.

The end papers are stunning as well. They include a map of Australia and a brilliant overview of the famous fossil discoveries that have been made across the country. It’s truly fascinating and a great way to start this information journey.

If your kids love dinosaurs (if you love dinosaurs!), you need to check out this book. Packed full of addictive beastly information and lavishly illustrated, it’s the book you have to have if you want to know about ancient animal life in Australia.

Title: Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts
Author/Illustrator: Myke Mollard
Publisher: Woodlane Press, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922800060
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Romans Magnified

Romans Magnified is a terrific book for kids, and an especially great choice if they have an interest in history, love reading Asterix, or enjoy interactive books like Where's Wally?.

The book can be experienced in a couple of different ways. There's text to read which provides an introduction to different aspects of life in Ancient Rome. 

It starts with explaining what the Roman Empire was, and works through topics like the emperor and senate, public baths, Roman army, reading and writing, roads, Roman markets, family life, and lots more. 

There's also a page on archaeology and how we learn from the past through the discovery of ancient objects and exploring the ruins of ancient cities like Pompeii.

Importantly, there are detailed pictures to look at. They are intricate and colourful, full of the activity of life in ancient Rome. To help look closely, a magnifying glass is included embedded inside the book's front cover.

Each double page spread has a list of ten things to spot, and at the end of the book there is another list of things to find on the same pages, which will test readers to see if they can remember where to find them. Plus each picture has a mouse and a heart hidden somewhere. Altogether there are more than 200 things to find throughout the book!

A 'gallery' of famous ancient Romans includes people like slave and gladiator Spartacus, Fulvia who was the 'first living woman to have her face on a Roman coin', and several Roman emperors.

A brief timeline summarises key events in ancient Rome, starting with the founding of the city of Rome in 753 BC, and ending with the reign of the 'last western Roman emperor, a teenager called Romulus Augustus'. A glossary is also available to look up some of the words used in the book, and some of the Roman numerals.

Romans Magnified will draw children in and entertain them, keeping them busy while also increasing their knowledge of ancient history.

Title: Romans Magnified
Author: David Long
Illustrator: Daniel Spacek
Publisher: Wide-Eyed Editions, $27.99
Publication Date: 31 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711266858
For ages: ages 5 - 10
Type: Non-Fiction

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Review: One and Everything

One and Everything is many layered. It's an artwork, a message, and a prompt for thought and discussion inspired by the Endangered Alphabets project.

This is a book about: stories and storytelling, words and language, culture, oral traditions, and expression. At its heart is language and written scripts.

Who is it for? One and Everything is a picture book best suited for older readers, those in at least upper primary and into early high school, and for adults. 

It deals with complex concepts that need the support of teachers and/or parents to help understand and interpret them.

Probably most useful in a classroom setting for language and social sciences discussions. Also useful in an art and design context, due to its application of typology and colour throughout.

One and Everything will also benefit from multiple readings and detailed exploration, including the additional information at the back of the book. It includes information about 10 of the unusual language scripts used. There's also a map showing where the book's 50 different scripts come from, and a list of them in both English and the scripts themselves.

According to creator Sam Winston there are an estimated 7,000+ languages spoken around the world. His author's note explains there are questions underlying what you read in One and Everything. Questions about how languages do or will survive or not. How they change and grow or are lost.

An unusual and rather difficult to describe book, One and Everything is a reminder of the importance of language in its many forms.

Watch a One and Everything behind the scenes video interview with Sam Winston,

Title: One and Everything
Author/Illustrator: Sam Winston
Publisher: Walker, $29.99
Publication Date: November 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781529509298
For ages: ages 9-13 (and older)
Type: Nonfiction picture book for older readers

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Meet The Illustrator: Sarah Matsuda

Name: Sarah Matsuda

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Colourful acrylic and mixed media in a semi-realist style.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
A good light for working at night (I have a Uniqu phone stand with LED lighting), my iPhone for listening to art podcasts, my Macbook Pro for research, a spray bottle filled with water to wet my palette - even though I use acrylic, I can use the paint over days/weeks if I spray it often and cover it after use. That way I have wet paint ready to use in those little fragments of time that exist in motherhood and I don’t have to constantly clean my palette and waste paint.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?

I love to mix it up with layers of acrylic paint, Conte pencils, Posca pens and Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils in 8B (The B stands for black and it’s quite different to other graphite pencils). Sometimes I use pastel too.

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Mary Cassatt, Adrienne Stein, Elly Smallwood.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Probably the American Renaissance, because I would love to see John Singer Sargent paint. His work seems so effortless, but I have heard he carefully considered each brush stroke before he laid it down.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

My background is fashion design, specifically couture wedding gowns. I would always draw theatrical sketches for my clients of their gown design before it was made-to-measure. I always adored looking at fashion illustrators' work such as David Downton.

 
I’m a third generation artist and when I moved to Brisbane from Sydney, I decided to give up fashion design and focus on art. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with my best friend Cate Storey who was starting a new publishing house called Wet Season Books focusing on books for children about Australia’s ecology.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I live in a two bedroom apartment with my husband and daughter. We all sleep in one room (as is the Japanese custom), so the second bedroom is a combined playroom and my workspace. We have a basement that I was planning to use as a studio, but that hasn’t worked out so far as my daughter is with me most hours of the day and it’s not very stimulating for her there.

 
My workspace consists of a simple Ikea desk. I have worked on quite large pieces there, but it would be awesome to have more space! I also have to constantly pack things away and make sure they are out of reach of curious hands!

 
I try to keep things a bit minimalistic and not waste, but I think a true artist needs to vary their methods and techniques from time to time! So I do have quite a range of materials from Lami pens, inks, pastels, watercolours!

 
I also move between spaces occasionally, going to my artist Mother Robyn Bauer’s studio. My Mum helps me look after my daughter so I can get some work done. So it’s essential that I keep my work portable.. I often have to lay artwork that is still wet on thick plywood boards on the seat or floor of the car to transfer between studios. I also carry my big palette with its cover around too and a pencil case of materials.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I really enjoy when I have planned out the picture and laid down some basic lines and I’m starting to splash around the paint. Also when I’ve done a few layers and I break out the pens and pencils and add extra brightness and sharpness.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

Don’t worry about trying to find your style. Just draw lots of different subject matters and eventually it will start to emerge. Also try to practice drawing from life, it’s so different to using a photo reference and really helps you loosen up and become a better drafts-person!

Sarah Matsuda is a fine artist and illustrator interested in maternal themes and the human figure. She has illustrated two children’s books: Snuggled Away about Australia’s nocturnal wildlife and The Perfect Hollow about a Greater Glider searching for a home. Sarah is currently working on book three about Australian birds.

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

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Review: The Heartbeat Of The Land

12 Curly Questions with author Yvette Poshoglian

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. 
I once wanted to become Prime Minister. Or play cricket for Australia.

2. What is your nickname?
Posh/Poshy/Poshington

3. What is your greatest fear?
Driving along a cliff road.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
My writing style adapts to the story I wish to tell.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Connection, change, warmth, community, imagination.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I always wanted to be George from the Famous Five – she was so brave!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would have loved to visit Shakespeare’s times in Tudor England, perhaps around 1600. Also, Sydney in the year 1878, a year I spent researching about Cockatoo Island. Sydney was changing and developing as a colony at that time.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You may not be Prime Minister, but you can still change the world for the better through words and actions.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I’m inspired by strong and powerful women like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Julia Gillard, Grace Tame and others through history such as Anne Frank.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I had so many stories I wanted to tell. I love to escape into other worlds, so hopefully I can create these for readers too!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
It’s a secret word that my brother, sister and I invented as kids. We still use it and we’ll never tell you what it is or its meaning!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My mum’s old recipe notebook with handwritten notes. It’s our connection to our past and contains wonderful stories as well as delicious recipes if you look hard enough.

Yvette Poshoglian is the author of over 40 books for children and young people, including the bestselling Ella and Olivia series. Born and raised in Sydney, Yvette taught secondary English in southwest Sydney and now manages major education projects for the NSW Department of Education. Currently, she works at the intersection of pedagogy, technology and innovation with the Technology 4 Learning team at the NSW Department of Education. Many of the STEM and technology developments occurring in schools around NSW are captured in Dear Greta. Yvette has loads in common with her character Alice Boghosian, apart from Alice’s horrible nickname. For more information, see www.yvetteposh.com.

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Review: A Walk In The Dark

Review: Dirt By Sea

Guest Post: Cassie Veselovsky on Making Reading More Musical

For over 20 years I have been serving as a youth librarian providing storytimes and programs for the children and families in my community. I am loud, goofy and I make mistakes, but I hold dear an unwavering commitment to support the kids and their grown-ups.

I strive to help grown-ups recognize how easy it can be to help their children learn by utilizing the five early literacy practices of reading, writing, talking, playing, and singing.

I am passionate about early literacy and encouraging and supporting grown-ups in their role as a child’s first teacher. Throughout my years I have created numerous songs and rhymes when I couldn’t find something to fit a storytime theme or program plan. Sure, many times my songs were met with chuckles, but kids and grown-ups sang and had fun together!

Singing is one of the five early literacy practices that many people struggle with and in my humble opinion, it is the most fun! Singing can make everyday activities exciting; it can make daily chores more fun!  To top it off, because of the magic that is music, creating a song about something you need to remember, can help you remember it!  (Try teaching your kids their address using a song!).  And when it comes to early literacy development, songs help children hear the individual syllables of words and develop their phonological awareness.

We all are not blessed with golden vocal cords, and that is ok! Years ago, when I had my daughter, all my education and experience flew out the window. I couldn't remember one single lullaby.  I felt lost.   I'm dating myself here, but the songs I turned to were TV show theme songs from my childhood:  Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Gilligan's Island.  I used the themes and made up my own songs at 2am trying to soothe my dear one and get her back to sleep. 

Familiarity is comforting.  It didn't matter that I wasn't singing a proper children's lullaby or that my voice was off key; I was singing and engaging with my child. She relaxed with the sound of my voice, and I grew confidence as a new mother.  There are many picture books written to the tune of old, familiar songs, but you can make up your own songs as well. Take any five-letter word and create a song to the tune of Bingo. How about a new counting song about over in the park instead of Over in the Meadow. Don’t sing about Five Green and Speckled Frogs; sing about Five Blue and Furry Monsters! The options are endless. Yes, they are silly and goofy, but if they bring about positive engagement with you and your child and you are spending quality time together, then the songs are golden.

Cassie Veselovsky has worked in or for libraries for 40 years (which obviously means she’s part time lord). Her passion for early literacy has led her to be an active member of many youth services committees as well as present at conferences, in classrooms and via the internet.

Her commitment also drove Cassie to write. She is the author of the Bingo Books series as well as Over in the Outback, Old MacDonald had a Cat and Five Tasty Tacos sharing her love of reading and singing (and goofy songs) with the under-5 crowd and their grown-ups.

Discover more at: lonecow.blogspot.com or connect with Cassie via her socials: Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest

 

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Review: Meerkat Christmas

Hip hooray! It’s Christmas Day! Meerkat One, it’s time to play.

Jump into the Christmas spirit with 10 cheeky meerkats who love to spread joy through their mischievous shenanigans.

As they jump, leap and climb to get the Christmas tree ready for its special day, readers can count along with each Meerkat. 

But watch out for those itchy noses that cause some sinister sneezing. It might wreck everything!

Meerkat Christmas is a joyful rhyming picture book for everyone who loves a bit of Christmas cheer and/or cute little meerkats. It’s joyful, fun and a perfect gift in the lead up to the festive season or on Christmas day.

Short, sweet and filled with darling illustrations, award-winning author/illustrator Aura Parker delivers the goods with Meerkat Christmas.

And don’t forget to check out the gorgeous endpapers, which tell a story of their own through the stunning illustrations.

Title: Meerkat Christmas
Author/Illustrator: Aura Parker
Publisher: Puffin, $19.99
Publication Date: 5 October 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143777229
For ages:  3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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12 Curly Questions with Millie Lewis

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
OK, I’ll let you in on a secret: If I am ever late to a meeting or event, I will usually say that it was because of traffic. This is a lie. More than half of the time, it’s because somewhere on the way to that meeting or event, a random dog has made eye contact with me. I am addicted to giving good-boy-belly-rubs!

2. What is your nickname?
As a child: 'nose in a book' (what a cliché!). As a teen/adult: Millie or Milly (my real name is Amelia).

3. What is your greatest fear?
This one is oddly specific – I love to paddleboard at the beach (very inexpertly), and my greatest fear is crossing into that darker stretch of water where you can no longer see what’s underneath you. I’ve been attacked by many vicious seaweed strings and plastic bags over the years.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Experimenting with ideas, playing with language, and seeing what sticks.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Funny, silly, playful, energetic, rhythmic.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Matilda Wormwood, because I can’t help but feel that the powers of telekinesis would make
me at least 98 per cent more productive.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1985, because the music was banging, the movies were ridiculous, and ‘the sprinkler’ (my signature dance move) was still cool.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Congratulations on finding a job that isn’t boring! Also, why are your eyes so baggy?

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I grew up on Pamela Allen’s picture books – lots of rhyme, lots of nonsense. I definitely see elements of that in the stories I love to write.

10. What/who made you start writing?
My son (but not for the usual lovey-dovey reasons). I was so excruciatingly tired and bored during the first six months of maternity leave (during COVID-19 lockdown) that I could almost feel my own brain atrophying. Writing classes were a gift to myself to survive that period – and a reminder to myself that my mind still worked!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
'Bamboozle', because it just feels great coming out of your mouth.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
William Goldman’s The Princess Bride – who could resist that delicious combination of romance, fantasy and comedy? Plus, it’s immensely quotable.

Millie lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and a rather cheeky two-year-old. Her lifelong ambition is to accumulate enough books to justify an extravagant home library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. Her debut picture book, Mr Price’s Pet Emporium, is out now, published by Larrikin House. For more information, see www.millielewisauthor.com.


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Review: Pugnacious and Scuttlebutt

Two dogs, worlds apart, destined for greatness… and each other.

Pugnacious and Scuttlebutt couldn’t be more different. Scuttlebutt is a disgraced greyhound (after an unfortunate itching powder incident), and Pugnacious is a cranky, rude pug who only cares about himself.

But when they both end up in the dog pound, they must find a way to get past their differences (and Scuttlebutt’s itching butt) to break free. Can they do it? Can they not betray one another? Will Scuttlebutt’s butt ever stop itching?

Pugnacious and Scuttlebutt is a brilliant new junior fiction novel from Adam Wallace and Wayne Bryant. Packed with humour, silliness, butt-scratching and awesome illustrations, it’s one for the jokers and tricksters. It’s for fans of laughing and chuckling and butt jokes galore.

This is a straight-up joyful book. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s all about entertainment. With illustrations galore on every page (which are fun, engaging and hilarious), short chapters, big text, and super-fun layouts, it’s a great one for reluctant readers + kids looking for something shorter.

If you love funny, fast-paced books filled with excitement, this one is most definitely for you.

Title: Pugnacious and Scuttlebutt
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Wayne Bryant 
Publisher: Larrikin House, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922804013
For ages:  6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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