Review: Sound Series Complete Series

Former primary school teacher Barbara Murray, author of the new series of four books, Sound Stories, has just won two awards at the 2019 Educational Publishing Awards Australia (EPAA).

Her incredible Sound Waves Foundation, co-authored with Terry Watson, won the Best Primary Teaching Resource and Outstanding Primary Resource. Their Sound Waves online version was also a winner in 2017.

The Australian National Curriculum recommends that all primary schools incorporate phonemic awareness and synthetic phonics in their literacy programs. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the sounds of a language.

Synthetic phonics involves segmenting spoken words into individual sounds. These are skills that prepare and equip children from kindergarten to Grade 2 – 3, with essential language tools for future learning.

The superb Sound Stories is made up of 43 stories to introduce the 43 sounds. The Bolton Boys’ Balloon Adventure and other Stories is Part 1.

It introduces 12 stories with 12 consonants out of the 24 Focus Sounds (i.e. b as in balloon). Book 2, Robbie Robot to the Rescue and other Stories, introduces Part 2 of the consonants, with another 12 stories and their equivalent Focus Sounds.

The two following titles, Anna Ant’s Antics and other Stories, and Bertie Bird and the Earthworm and other Stories, Part 1 and 2, introduce 10 and 9 consecutive vowel sounds.

10-point guidelines to all the stories enable educators and students to get the most from each sample story. There is rhyming and repetition, assonance, alliteration, a lot of clever word play, and imaginative story lines.

All with identical layouts and design, these books are in essence, children’s picture books with fantastic stories made up of language specifics. Stories full of adventure and challenge are built from a wide range of themes. Native birds, animals, toys and insects are the personified main characters more frequently than human characters.

Children will delight in analysing the stunning, detailed full-page illustrations by the gifted Sarah Hardy. Analysis is a crucial part of the process used to engage children’s imagination, therefore is something teachers and educators – including home-schoolers, will encourage.

The interpretation and discussion of what they see: the emotions of the characters, descriptions of the settings and surroundings, establishing who/what the characters are – children, animals or toys - and the backstory they imagine before and after the happenings on the page, are all deconstructed.

The books can be bought separately for $24.99 from bookstores and at http://www.barbaramurray-author.com.au/ with a generous discount offered to schools and libraries.

Title: Sound Stories Complete Series

Author: Barbara Murray

Illustrator: Sarah Hardy

Publisher: Little Steps Publishing, $24.99 each

Publication Date: August 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925545074, 9781925545685, 9781925545975, 9780980723700

For ages: 5+

Type: Non Fiction, Education/Literacy

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Review: The Australia Survival Guide

Beware! Australia is trying to kill you and this book might just save your life! It is filled with useful facts and survival tips covering Australia’s freaky land and sea creatures, wild weather and surprisingly useful bush tucker and medicine.

Being forced to travel around Australia with his parents, our 13 year old narrator is sure he’s going to end up dead, because everyone knows that Australia is DANGEROUS. This country is crazy!

Well, if we’re going to meet snakes, spiders, sharks and crocodiles, we’d better start learning about them. Are you ready to travel across land, into water and through the environment to discover the deadliest and weirdest dangers lurking across Australia?

Starting with snakes, we profile the top ten deadliest snakes and learn all the important facts (including the effects of their venom). We cover first aid, how to avoid being bitten, and also some fun facts including information on how to care for snakes as pets!

We make our way through spiders, a range of deadly insects, and move on to the cute but deadly. Who would have though we also need to watch out for the cute platypus or the cuddly wombat? As we move into the sea, we learn about shark attacks and are enlightened about the deadliest crocodiles, octopuses and jellyfish.

Australia has some extreme environments and you should understand the dangers lurking in the desert, the outback, and even in seemingly everyday plants that are actually poisonous! Watch out for threats of bushfire, earthquake and cyclone. But if you end up isolated as a result of any of these natural disasters, at least you’ll know the most amazing bush tucker foods and medicine to see you through.

This book is a great insight into the dangers lurking in Australian backyards but also a reminder about all that is weird and wonderful about our land. It’s a great book for both locals and tourists as it shows us how to be aware yet safe, and acknowledge the wonderous creatures lurking in our midst.

Celebrate all that is Australia with its quirky flora, fauna and environment in this fun yet educational book perfect for primary schoolers.

Check out our Guest Post with George Ivanoff on Surviving in Australia!


Title: The Australia Survival Guide
Author: George Ivanoff
Publisher: Puffin Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780143796572
For ages: 9+
Type: Non-Fiction




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Review: Lemur Dreamer

Lemur Dreamer is a story of a sleepwalking lemur and true friendship, set in the apartments of 32 Pebbly Lane.

Louis the lemur has an unfortunate habit of leaving his home and making snuffly snoring sounds as he sleepwalks around the other apartments at night. Over time, his habit becomes more serious and soon Louis is walking out of the apartment block, straight into danger. Lucky for Louis, his friends find a way to keep him safe, but they can’t keep it up forever.

After a look at Louis’ adventurous dreams and his friends crafty problem solving, a cute and entertaining ending prevails.

The illustrations are gorgeous, with loose lines, bright night colours, a feeling of movement and watercolour textures which set the fun dreamy night scenes.

I love the way Lemur Dreamer explores sleepwalking, it would make a great introduction to or prompt for discussions about sleeping, sleepwalking and dreaming. I also enjoyed the caring and dedicated friendship of the animals at 32 Pebbly Lane to Louis.

Title: Lemur Dreamer
Author/Illustrator: Courtney Dicmas
Publisher: Templar Publishing, $20.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781783700837
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Paperback



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Review: The Last Word

More than a year ago, I reviewed The List by Patricia Forde. There was no talk of a sequel, but I noted my hope that something would come.

And it has.

After what happened in Ark, Letta is in hiding with the rebel group, the Creators (or the Desecrators, as the leaders of Ark like to call them). 

She’s trying to bring language back by teaching the children of Ark in secret, but the new regime in Ark appears to be worse than the last one.

Letta wants peace. She wants normality. Letta trusts people. She sees the good in everyone.

These should be assets, but in a world on the brink of chaos, when babies are being taken in the night and your neighbours could be your enemies, it isn’t.

When Letta’s desire to trust sees the Creators taken captive, it triggers a domino effect. Fighting, war and death follow and Letta wants nothing to do with it. All she wants to do is run away and find her parents. She doesn’t want to fight. She doesn’t want to be the wordsmith.

But sometimes the fight follows you wherever you go, and Letta learns that sometimes the right thing to do is also the hardest.

The Last Word is a captivating middle fiction read for lovers of dystopian tales. It’s set in a future world where climate change has left only pockets of surviving humans, and in one of these pockets — the town of Ark — the leaders believe it is language that led to the destruction of the world, and they’ll do anything to prevent it from happening again. Even destroying language altogether.

The List and The Last Word delve into what language is, what it means for society and also it’s power — power to do both good and bad. The books explore concepts like freedom of speech, good verses evil and sacrifice for the greater good.

The Last Word is one of those books that challenges your concept of self. It will make you think about what you would do if freedoms were being stolen. Would you, could you, rise up and speak up for what you believe in? Could you do it if you knew it would place your life at risk?

A poignant and relevant tale for our time, The Last Word is the conclusion I’ve been waiting for. 

Title: The Last Word

Author: Patricia Forde

Publisher: Affirm Press, $16.99

Publication Date: 27 August 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925870664

For ages: 11+

Type: Middle Fiction

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12 Curly Questions with author Jenny Blackford

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I grew up wanting to learn as many ancient languages as I could. I was a boilermaker’s daughter, so this was not merely weird, but difficult. I managed to study Latin through state high school, but I couldn’t start Greek until University. Sanskrit was amazing.

2. What is your nickname?
My parents often called me Jenny-Penny or Pennifer. My husband often calls me Jennybee. Lots of people call me Jen. But are any of these a real nickname? Not really. Sorry!

3. What is your greatest fear?
Inanimate objects coming to life, like the plastic Autons in vintage Doctor Who. Or the walls closing in. Or, most relevant to my new book, The Girl in the Mirror, seeing a strange face (not my own strange face) in the mirror. I worry a lot about real-world horrors, but is that fear?

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Wry. Witty, I like to think. Often a touch poetic. That’s 10!

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Quirky, kind, funny, surprisingly surprising.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Mary Poppins. She knows everything and everyone. She is comfortable under the sea or in the sky, and can talk authoritatively to birds, animals and babies. She was around during Noah’s Flood, and can stick gold stars from gingerbread onto the night sky. But she has no interest in becoming ruler of England, the Earth or the Universe. She just goes about making life better for one family, and some of their friends and associates (notably including Willoughby the dog). And she is always perfectly satisfied with her appearance and her handiwork.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
If I could arrive with perfect Mycenaean Greek, the right clothes, plenty of money and a good cover story, I’d go to Sparta for the day Helen met the Trojan prince Paris, or Knossos the day Ariadne met the Athenian hero Theseus.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
First, how did you get so old? Then, stay brave.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
JRR Tolkien. I found The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings so immersive and compelling.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I wrote as far back as I can remember, and I always wanted to be a published author. The question is more: What stopped me writing for so long? And the answer is, I had to work for a living!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Aquamarine. Turquoise. Lapis lazuli. Smaragdine. All the green-blue jewel words.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?  
The Lord of the Rings. It contains whole worlds, and endless ages, and wonderful small-scale domestic life.

Jenny Blackford writes stories and poems for people of all ages, often with a tinge of magic. She is delighted that Eagle Books, an imprint of Christmas Press, is publishing her fantasy adventure novel, The Girl in the Mirror, in October 2019. For more information, see www.jennyblackford.com.

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Review: Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop

Guest Post: George Ivanoff on Surviving in Australia!

Review: People & Places: a children's encyclopedia

This engaging reference book for children, filled with vibrant photography and fascinating information, begins with a quote - 'there are many, many different groups of people in the world, so many, in fact, that they could not possibly all fit into one book. People & Places: a children's encyclopedia gives an initial understanding of the enormous diversity of cultures in the world today and celebrates the common bonds that link us all together.' This quote perfectly captures the ongoing importance and relevance of a book such as this.

By learning about people with experiences that may differ from ours, we increase our knowledge, understanding and acceptance of others, whilst reducing fear or judgements based on ignorance or misconceptions.

Each section briefly discusses people from all the continents and geographical regions of the world. Sections address various aspects of human lives, such as food, education, habitat, religion, language and health, as well as traditions, modern living and family life.

This is a well-presented encyclopedia, with a mix of textual and visual elements, covering a broad range of information.

Title: People & Places: a children's encyclopedia
Publisher: DK, $39.99
Publication Date: 6 August 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780241364420
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Nonfiction




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Review: Trouble in the Surf

When you think of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, you probably think of planes and his record-breaking flights.

Did you know that an incident when he was just a child could have ended his life and changed that piece of Australian history?

This is the story of that incident which took place when Charlie was just a nine year old boy.

Trouble in the Surf is atmospheric, and you'll feel transported back to the early 20th century. This is history that doesn't read as dry or factual. It's accessible and adventurous.

Charlie and his cousin, Rupert travel by tram for a day at Bondi Beach. In their oh so fashionable for the time swimming costumes, they spend their time larking about and imagining their future. Charlie reveals he wants to fly like the seagulls.

Unfortunately the cousins find themselves drifting and unable to return to safety. The illustrations give a real sense of the boys' fear and the feeling of being caught, showing both above and below water.

The story's perspective switches back and forth a little, as the difficulty is noticed on the beach and responded to. People on shore are quick to jump into action.

It's not a spoiler to say the boys are saved, although it's not just a quick rescue story, and there could have been quite a different outcome.

Trouble in the Surf shares Australian history and culture in an enjoyable way. There's the boy who would become famous, the iconic Bondi Beach, and the lifesavers and inate water safety message that is a beneficial reminder for everyone.

The book includes several pages of information about swimming safely, a short glossary, and references for further reading. There's also information about what happened to Charlie later in life, and about Surf Lifesaving Australia.

It may suprise you to learn that the official lifesaving club at Bondi was started just weeks after young Charlie and Rupert were rescued.  

Trouble in the Surf is an excellent tribute to the important work of life savers, insight into a little piece of our history, and an all around great story for families.

Title: Trouble in the Surf
Author: Stephanie Owen Reeder
Illustrator: Briony Stewart
Publisher: National Library of Australia, $24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780642279460
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture book




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Review: It Sounded Better In My Head

Review: Scaredy Cat

Scaredy Cat is a entertaining, read aloud, rhyming story, about a little girl and her four-legged friend.

Scaredy Cat is afraid of all manner of things; bees, sneezes, noises, toys, boys and much much more. Luckily he's got an owner that is brave and unafraid of pirates and crooks. She absolutely adores him.

Heather Gallagher's rhyme captivates readers to want to know more about Scaredy Cat. It is a fast paced hunt around the garden, out the gate and to the beach, 'Have you seen my Sacredy Cat?'

Anil Tortop has cleverly hidden Scaredy Cat amongst the bustle of activity. Look carefully for his tail, paws or eyes that can be seen poking out of gumboots and from under sunhats.

When I read the book for a second and third time, I flipped back and forth to the first double page spread, which is both a prediction of the upcoming adventure and a map of the story's setting.

Scaredy Cat is the kind of delightful story children will love to listen to and read, over and over again, with the most brilliant surprise waiting for you at the end of the book. Parents, you will enjoy reading this masterfully written story as it flows easily off the tongue when read aloud.

Scaredy Cat has been so well received that it is now available as a paperback book for $14.99, ISBN: 9781925594669

If you would like to learn more about Heather Gallagher see her answers to KBR's 12 Curly Questions.

Loving Anil Tortop's illustrations like I do, then read her newest story Leaping Lola by Tracey Hawkins or a few of her other stories; Bat vs Poss by Alexa Moses,  The Leaky Story by Devon Sillett and The Great Zoo Hullabaloo by Mark Carthew.

Title: Scaredy Cat
Author: Heather Gallagher
Illustrator: Anil Tortop
Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781925594171
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Demon World

When I finished reading The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green, I was sure it was only book one in what had to be an epic new series. I am thrilled I was right!

Green is back with The Demon World, and it kicks off right where she left things.

War has come and each of the five protagonists are battling to escape the army that pursues them across the Northern Plateau. 

It isn’t exactly a wise choice — the Northern Plateau is a harsh environment, bitter cold, and it’s where the demons dwell — but they have little choice if they want to live.

United in their wish to escape death, Catherine, Ambrose, Edyon, March and Tash join forces to flee together, along with the guards of Catherine’s betrothed who have sworn to protect her. 

But as their enemies close in, and the group is forced into the tunnels of the demon world, fate pulls them apart and they must all follow their own path to their own version of freedom.

Torn between her wish to serve her new country and be with the man she loves, Catherine must find courage to stand up in a male dominated world and fight for what she wants. But does she want Ambrose, or does she want the prince she was meant to marry before war broke out.

Still trying to get to the family he didn’t know he had, Edyon is growing as a man with March by his side. But Edyon still doesn’t know the secrets March hides, and when the truth comes out, he may not yet be strong enough to face it.

Grieving the death of her closest ally, Tash's world is in chaos… until she meets someone who challenges everything she thought she knew about the demon world and the demon smoke she used to steal.

Like book one, book two rotates point-of-view characters throughout the chapters. And once again, this is in no way jarring or confusing. Each character’s story is connected to the others, so as you read one character’s story you are always learning about another. 

You see the truth the characters can’t see. You can connect the dots they can’t.

The Demon World, like The Smoke Thieves before it, is riveting and addictive. Green has created an epic fantasy world filled with stunning landscapes, politics, war and demons. It raises questions about sexism, discrimination and genocide and provides oh-so-much content for a juicy conversation about ethics and morality.

The back of the book says this is a series for fans of Games of Thrones, and I 100% agree with this statement. If you like epic hero journeys, if you like detailed fantasy worlds to fall into, you will love The Demon World and you will love this series.

Title: The Demon World

Author: Sally Green

Publisher: Penguin, $17.99

Publication Date: 6 August 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780141375410

For ages: 13+

Type: Young Adult Fiction

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Guest Post: Julia Lawrinson on Questions of Morality

Review: Who Stole my Sausage Roll?

Who Stole My Sausage Roll? is a fun, retro inspired mystery story of a missing sausage roll and the quest to find it.

Written in rhyme, the narrator tells of their encounters that day, beginning with feeling hungry and buying the last sausage roll in the shop, a moment later things take a turn for the worse and their sausage roll has vanished! Will they ever find it? A series of backtracking and conversations with people nearby leads to a satisfying ending with a message more wholesome than a hot sausage roll.

I adore the collaged artwork; the consistent colours, patterns and vintage style details of outfits and scenes are wonderfully 70s, just like a retro orange kitchen. It features perfectly imperfect bubble writing on the cover and some pages and gave me flashbacks of a time in my youth when bubble writing was all the rage.

This self-published story by Kathy Langlade is fun and unique, the sausage roll topic had my whole family tuned in and the stylised art lead to a discussion about fashion and style in different eras. I look forward to any future work by Kathy.

Title: Who Stole My Sausage Roll?
Author/Illustrator: Kathy Langlade
Publisher: Bubblegum Days, $15.00
Publication Date: 1 December 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780646597560
For ages: 5 – 10
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Hello Lighthouse