Review: Our Little Inventor

In the countryside, young Nell finishes her invention.

She travels into the big and polluted city to show the people in charge what she has made. But the cranky old men dismiss her. She’s just a child. What would she know?

Nell returns home in despair. She just wanted to help. 

In the face of rejection, can Nell find the courage to fight back, to work harder, to never give up and save the city?

Our Little Inventor is a unique, thought provoking and heartstring pulling picture book. With lots of dialogue and full colour — and amazingly detailed — illustrations, it reads like a movie on a page. 

Many of the pages are also divided up like a comic and are wordless, letting the illustrations tell the story. This has a big effect on the reader, allowing the messages of the story to work their way into brains and hearts and providing time to really explore what the pictures are saying and to ponder meaning in silence. 

It’s one of those special books that can transcend age. Young children will love the beautiful illustrations, slightly older children will engage with questions the reader can ask and engage with the message of determination, and older kids again will understand the underlying messages about the environment and standing up for what you believe in. 

Our Little Inventor is a picture book you read and think about for many hours afterwards. It touches you in your head and in your heart, and it makes you think deeply about our world, what we’ve done to it and what that means for the children of the future. 

Powerful stuff from a stunningly powerful and engaging picture book.

Title: Our Little Inventor

Author/Illustrator: Sher Rill Ng

Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99

Publication Date: April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781760523565

For ages: 3 - 9 

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2LRV8hw

Giveaway: Australia Map Puzzle

This 252-piece Australia map puzzle is perfect for adults and kids alike.

The beautifully illustrated map and accompanying 12-page booklet created by KBR's very own, Tania McCartney showcases more than 300 illustrations of flora, fauna, landmarks, attractions and other Australiana, with details that will keep anyone enthralled for hours.

Fact bubbles and keys for the various illustrations of flora, fauna, attractions, shipwrecks and Indigenous rock-art sites will also help you learn more about this country.
 
This amazing gift idea will be avaiable next month but for one lucky reader, the good people of Hardie Grant Books and Kids' Book Review have a copy to giveaway.

To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less, what your favourite Australian landmark is and why.

The 12-page booklet accompanying this puzzle has a page dedicated to each state and territory with additional facts and figures to further enrich your knowledge of Australia's states and territories.

The puzzle comes in a durable box for easy storage, and the booklet is attached directly to the front of the box, ensuring the puzzle and information booklet will all stay together. Perfect for busy jiggly little hands!

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The two responses we like best will each win a copy of the book. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery of the books. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website on 28 May 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 18 May 2019 to 5 pm 26 May 2019. Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2JqRold

Review: Oink

The almost wordless book, Oink by David Elliot is both delightful and humorous.

The story is told using only sounds and illustrations. The characters' body language and facial expressions are divine.

Pig is looking forward to a nice relaxing bath, naked. Just as pig lies back in the tub there is a knock on the door.


At the door is baby sheep, in her pink ruffled bathing suit briefs, carrying her boat. Maaa?
Before waiting for pig's response, lamb jumps into the tub and splashes pig.

Soon they are joined by cow with her beach ball and donkey with his floaty ring. Poor pig just wanted to relax rather than have a noisy playful bath with lots of company.

What is pig going to do to make them go away? The solution will have your children in fits of laughter.

Oink is a great book for pre-readers. The visual language used by Elliot is all that is needed to read the story, while still teaching children about print concepts. 

Title: Oink
Author/Illustrator: David Elliot
Publisher: Gecko Press, $22.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781776572144
For ages: 2 - 5
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2JNpMpC

Review: Love Your Body

When was the last time your saw a book depicting cellulite and stretch marks, let alone celebrating it?

This is a book for every bookshelf. It's the one you'll wish you had when you were growing up and the one you'll definitely want for your own children.

Melbourne author, advocate and social worker Jessica Sanders has written Love Your Body to help stem the tide of negative body images in young women.

Speaking directly to the reader, her voice is reassuring, comforting and empowering.

She takes us through all the amazing things our bodies can do and all the different shapes, sizes, abilities and colours that they come in, with the constant message: Every body is a good body.

But this is not just a pep talk for young girls. It's a practical guide for self-love and self-care. There are fabulous ideas for when you're finding it hard to love your body, inspiring tips on self-care, and advice on embracing your body and who you are. And there's a great list of resources at the back of the book for support and help.

Carol Rossetti's illustrations are joyful and refreshing, depicting a diverse group of girls as they move through to womanhood. They are real and relatable, with the aim of helping normalise so-called imperfections and celebrating bodies as instruments rather than objects.

In a world where women are still lauded for their beauty and are heavily Photoshopped for magazines, where seven out of 10 girls will stop themselves from eating when they don't like the way they look, where body-shaming is rife, this book is a must-have for all boys and girls, for all families and schools. Highly recommended.


Title: Love Your Body
Author: Jessica Sanders
Illustrator: Carol Rossetti
Publisher: Five Mile Press, $24.99
Publication Date: May 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781760683962
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/30oTXcJ

Review: Kindness Rules!

Kindness Rules! is a funny board book about manners.

The central character is Magic the elephant. His friends include a crocodile, unicorn, and hammerhead shark. There's also a koala, rabbit, turtle, and many others.

Magic sets a good example for his friends in how to meet new people, be welcoming, and sharing.

He demonstrates how it is polite to say please, and not to shout when you're angry, but to use words to explain how you feel.

Other concepts in Kindness Rules! include being gentle and aware of personal space, taking turns to speak, and saying sorry when you hurt someone.

In robust board book format, this is a bright and colourful book. The characters fill the page, with text prominently fitted at the top, supported by appropriate speech balloons.

Colourful and quirky, Kindness Rules! sets out the rules of basic etiquette in a way that children will understand. And at the end Magic sums up all the etiquette in 'the golden rule: treat others the way you want them to treat you!'

This book is one of a series created by sisters Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle who started Hello!Lucky as a way of 'using creativity to spread joy, fun and kindness.' Kindness Rules! is a success at doing that.

Title: Kindness Rules!
Author: Eunice Moyle
Illustrator: Sabrina Moyle
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed, $13.99
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Board book
ISBN: 9781419734267
For ages: 0--5 years
Type:  Picture book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2HnbfPO

Review: Stand Up For The Future: A Celebration Of Inspirational Young Australians

In recent times we have heard young voices expressing their views over world issues, climate change and politics – raising concerns about the future and the impacts decisions can have.

This book is a celebration of inspirational young Australians, all of whom are making an impact on Australian society. Some of these young people are just starting to make their mark on the world, whilst others are established advocates and role models.

One thing you will learn reading this book, is that the future is bright – filled with talented, compassionate and determined young people. They might not be famous yet, but they soon will be. 

While their stories may be diverse, their innovations and passions cover all aspects of our lives. Issues such as sustainability, equality, freedom and safety are just some of these important areas.

You will discover amazing young Australians such as Lucas Patchett and Nicholas Marchesi. Their charity Orange Sky Laundry first started in Brisbane in 2014 and offered free clothes washing services and a chat – this provided a connection for the homeless community to access several different services. Lucas and Nicholas were named 2016 Young Australians of the Year.

There is Caitlin Figueiredo who campaigns for global equality. While studying at University, she manages two businesses and works with several worldwide organisations including World Vision, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and United Nations Task Forces - Former First Lady Michelle Obama has recognised her work. Caitlin was the youngest to win the Young Leader category of the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards.

Other life-changing people featured in this book include inventor Amelia Fox, fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines and racial justice advocate Tim Lo Surdo. 

With over 40 stories shared, the reader will also be inspired, as it will empower people to be brave changemakers and to make the world a better place.

Title: Stand Up For The Future: A Celebration Of Inspirational Young Australians

Author: Various

Illustrator: Various

Publisher: Puffin Australia, $29.99
Publication Date: 2 April 2019

Format: Hardback
ISBN:  9780143794394
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Non Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2YvWPTi

Meet the Illustrator: Nichole Wade

Describe your illo style in 10 words or less: Endearing, relatable, heart-felt watercolour creations in traditional and layered piece style.

What items are an essential part of your creative space? I use my laptop to pull up inspirational images, my desk--which is so spacious I can spread out all over it, and my lamp--which is adjustable on every level. A good pencil and paper--and a cat laying on it. I love the natural light in here as well as being surrounded by fun treasures.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium? Yes, watercolour and pencil

Name 3 artists whose work inspires you: Its so hard to pick just 3 but I would say Marie-Louise Gay, Holly Hobbie and Emily Gravett.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why? I would have to say Impressionism. Things begin to loosen up here and weren't so focused on exactly copying their subject but rather giving the "impression" of the whole concept. I like that. I feel I can relate to that in some ways! I like the look and feel of the style and this was really when paint became portable allowing artists to take it with them on holidays and trips. I think its the earliest version of "sketchbook" painting we see. And how fun would it be to go out for a picnic and bump into an artist painting flowers or his children in the middle of a park because he could!

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? Three years ago I succumbed to watercolour. I had been curious about it for many years and really wanted to learn how to do it. When I finally gave in I quickly realised I had not drawn for years and I kind of needed to draw so I would have something to paint! I watched Anita Gadzinska on Youtube along with many others and started diving in. The world of illustration and my connections to it built rapidly from there as I started participating in Tania McCartney's 52 Week Illustration Challenge and then finding Nina Rycroft and her Picture Book Illustration Workshop. Being a writer first--but that also was on the back burner of life--I realised that picture books lived deep inside me and I could now bring this long suppressed dream to reality. The turning point for me was when I realised I was no longer just messing around. I knew that creating art was what I was meant to be doing and so that is what drives me. The stories themselves are now what inspire me the most as well as the deep longing to see meaningful stories in the hands of kids who need them!

Can you share a photo of your creative work spare or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it: When I first started painting I was in a tiny little office space downstairs in my home. It was a walk-through area with too much stuff in it. Both of our kids left home this year which led to a complete flooring re-do of the upstairs and then that led to me stealing the biggest of the rooms for my new studio space. I have to say it was the best thing I have ever done for myself! I could finally spread out and take over and create--yet at night shut the door and keep the cats out when there is wet paint. Its a joyful space full of colour and light and I never get tired of being up there! Plus it is literally 4 x the space! Norman (aka the best cat on the planet) is my sidekick and usually he is always at my feet, on the desk or taking a nap on the couch. I almost can't work without him!

1. My work desk. I actually had this desk built special for me. The top is laminate counter top material (white with gold sparkles). It fits perfectly over a plastic folding table. It is often used downstairs for game nights or large holiday meals. It is easy to move and store. It literally withstands water, colour, marker and cats. Yes it does! It measures 2.5 ft wide and a little over 6 ft long. It is where I sit all day long and create art.

2. Comfy couch and inspiration board: I bought this bright sunny yellow couch and made pillows and a covering for it because my 3 cats love to lounge around up here with me. They are not always nice to the furniture--bad kitties. But I found that when my kids were home they would often come and hang out with me in my creative space and we would have our best talks late into the night because there was a place for them to sit and talk. So it was essential to have something comfy in the new space. If I need to sit back and take a break it is actually a perfect fit for me too. The inspiration board changes once a year. Everything comes off and I start fresh with inspirational sayings, cards and sketches from friends or like now a few family photos and larger pieces I am trying to figure out where to store.

3. Drawers and bins: I have all of my supplies stored in bins and drawers and there is a separate desk where I do my cutting and have my t.v. I like to have a movie on in the background while I am working--it keeps my brain active and I can work longer without getting sleepy.

4. Picture wall: I have started buying prints from friends who are artists. Some of the work was art that was in my children's nursery! It is going to grow for sure. I love being inspired by others and it makes my space feel happy and energised. I just moved all of the art behind my desk to this one area because I needed a place to be able to storyboard and tack up finished illustrations to check for flow and colour.

5. Printing closet: You can see my antique studio door that I had to cut down and paint and find glass for. It was a real pain! But I love how it turned out. Behind that is the closet where I have more supplies as well as all of my larger items and a place to do printing. Its still a work in progress but how nice to not have that all in my creative zone.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process? I love the spark of an idea and then researching, pulling inspirational images and finally getting it started on paper. Its that moment when you see what you envisioned finally coming to life and you say to yourself, "there you are".

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? Know that this is a creative process and journey and can take some time. But while you are waiting for your first book deal to come along don't forget to just have fun and enjoy making art! Do what speaks to you. Work on the projects that you've been thinking about for some time. Build up your portfolio and keep putting yourself out there. I am always looking for ways to improve myself and my art and so I ask lots of questions from those you admire or want to learn from. Having a mentor or a group that is willing to critique your work is a must! As artists we simply can't be objective enough. If we can take those insights that are well placed and do something with it we will be better artists and produce better work in the end.

Nichole Wade is an author/illustrator living in the Golden Valley region of Missouri, USA. She creates watercolour illustrations for children that are endearing, heartfelt and elicit a sweet relatable connection. When not creating art she enjoys being in nature smelling flowers, brushing the pony and listening to birdsong. She adores animals--especially her cats. She often dreams of the sea and secretly believes herself to be a mermaid.
You can follow Nicole on instagram and facebook or visit her website for more information.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2WK6TI7

Review: Snow Sisters: The Crystal Rose (Book #2)

Princess triplets, Hanna, Magda and Ida are back in the second instalment of the Snow Sisters series.

In The Crystal Rose, the girls must travel through snow and ice to find the second secret treasure they’ll need to stop their evil aunt, the Shadow Witch.

With a better handle on their powers and their pet polar bear cub by their side, they sneak out of the castle and journey into the night, determined to find what they need to save their parents and defeat the Shadow Witch.

But the Evil Witch is spying on them, and she’ll do whatever it takes to stop them. 

This is a magical adventure young fantasy lovers will adore. 

It’s got action, adventure, magic and bold and daring princesses. 

Easy to read with lovely black and white illustrations throughout, it’s a great novel for young readers just starting out.

And don’t forget to check out book one, The Silver Secret.

Title: The Crystal Rose

Author: Astrid Foss

Illustrator: Monique Dong

Publisher: Nosy Crow, $12.99

Publication Date: January 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781788000154

For ages: 7 - 9 

Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Q2W7tU

Guest Post: Encouraging a Growth Mindset Through Picture Books

Growth mindset theory is a simple idea discovered by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist, Carol Dweck through her research on achievement and success.

Her research on how both adults and children interacted with the world and solved problems brought to the forefront the idea that intelligence is malleable instead of something innate and fixed.

Not surprisingly, there is a lot of enthusiasm surrounding this breakthrough discovery, especially when it comes to young children.

As an example, a recent national survey in the United States showed that 98% of teachers feel that growth mindset approaches should be adopted in schools. Nevertheless, there is also a lot of frustration when it comes to practical steps on how to implement the strategy effectively.

Strong voices such as Carl Hendrick the co-author of What Does This Look Like in the Classroom? Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice (2017) state that it’s increasingly unclear whether attempts to change students’ mindsets about their abilities have any positive effect on their learning at all.

I may be biased but I am not alone in my belief that wordless picture book art illustrations (increasingly popular even among older and/or sophisticated readers) are ideally suited to foster a growth mindset by presenting children with rewarding opportunities for interpretive discussions. In other words, by allowing children to take ownership of the story, wordless picture books gift readers with the unique opportunity of transforming into storytellers in their own right instead of simply probing the book pages for clues on the author’s intentions.

It is precisely this sense of creative freedom through self-directed engagement with book illustrations that present young readers with a transformative teachable moment in a way that feels meaningful to them and relevant to their worldview while simultaneously expanding their understanding of it. This is how the seeds of growth mindset and playful engagement are planted organically thus enabling children to expand their cache of intellectual, emotional and cultural knowledge using age appropriate concepts.

Picture books can be used in myriad ways to further hone children’s ability to navigate through their life in a spirit of constant learning. Open ended picture books, especially, do a great job in acknowledging that children thrive when they create, experiment and discover things they enjoy.

Books such as, Here Comes Ingo present a unique opportunity to let the imagination soar by adding to the story via painting, drawing and writing ON the page thus encouraging kids to appreciate and include process art in their daily lives in order to search for and create new meaning, test their comfort zone and take risks.

By Odeta Xheka


Odeta Xheka is a NYC artist and busy mum in a quest to connect people with art in truly meaningful and enriching ways starting from early childhood. You can find her work at Odeta Xheka Visuals.

 

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2VI1aGl

Review: One World, One Day

Across the world, every morning, children wake to greet the new day, in all sorts of places, in so many ways. In this beautiful book, One World, One Day, we see that despite our differences, we are all part of one global family.

Barbara Kerley's text carries readers across divides to reveal similarities shared by children across the globe, such as travelling to school, whether it be by bus, or bike, or walking a very long way.

The book contains a series of incredible photographs, showing children at home, at school, at play and doing their daily work. When the sun begins to set, we see snapshots of a range of families and various evening routines.

This beautiful picture concept book captures the joy of children across the world and ends with the universality of dreams and the possibilities within one day.

Title: One World, One Day
Author: Barbara Kerley
Publisher: National Geographic Society, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2009
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781426304606
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Yo55Vq

10 Quirky Questions with author/illustrator Peter Carnavas

1. What's your hidden talent?
I think I have a pretty keen sense of smell, and I can identify obscure smells that others can’t: ‘I think there’s an old potato in this kitchen’; ‘There’s a dead gecko somewhere in this room’. That kind of thing.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Scarface Claw, because he’s the toughest tom in town, of course.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
I won’t think too hard about this otherwise I’ll be here all day: Peter H Reynolds, Quentin Blake, David Malouf, Kurt Vonnegut, JK Rowling. I have no idea how they’d get along.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
I’d like to disapparate like Harry Potter during awkward conversations.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Slow, difficult, doubtful, then… hooray!

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Quiet. Thoughtful. I can’t think of any more, so probably not ‘verbose’.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
A pencil, a sketchbook, a window, some music, and my dog.

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!)
Goose-like, the principal waddled across the carpark towards the gossiping parents.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, by Michael Morcombe.

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I’d ask Jackie French: ‘Where do you find the time?’

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
I would definitely choose to never write another story. I’ve been lucky enough to write a few already, and I could handle retiring from storytelling if I could still enjoy what other people create.

Peter Carnavas writes and illustrates books for children and the grown-ups in their lives. He has made many picture books, including Jessica’s Box, Last Tree in the City and The Children Who Loved Books. He won the 2016 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, an Australian Book Industry Award in 2017, and his novel The Elephant won a Queensland Literary Award in 2018, as well as being shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the CBCA Awards. He is a popular presenter in schools and his work has been translated into many languages, including Italian, Portuguese, Korean and Dutch. Peter lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife, two daughters, a dog called Florence and a cat named Harry. For more information, see www.petercarnavas.com.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Vls0iq

Winners: Hugo

And our lucky winners are...

Tyson Barac (5), ACT
Kirsty Poluan, NSW

Congratulations! You have each won a copy of the gorgeous picture book, Hugo, The Boy with the Curious Mark, by Yohann Devezy and Manuela Adreani.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered. We received some truly touching and heart-melting entries.

If you missed out this time, please read our KBR review of Hugo by Penny Harrison. It really is a stunning book to experience.



from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2PZORyU

Review: Ickypedia

Get ready for a giant dose of weird, whacky, outrageous funnies and a very healthy dose of gross.

Ickypedia is a dictionary of the most disgusting and hilarious words, sure to tickle funny bones and have kids laughing out loud. 

Known for their hilarious comedy shows for kids, the dynamic duo that is The Listies (Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly) know how to make kids laugh, and this cool (and disgusting) dictionary hits every mark.

Scattered throughout the book is an A to Z of gross words Higgins and Kelly believe need to be brought to the forefront of every child’s vocabulary. 

Oftentimes made up or a mishmash of other words, each entry is hilarious and entertaining (for adults as well as kids).

Some of my favourites include: barping (when someone burps and farts at the same time), Kebabble (to talk with a mouthful of kebab) and quark (what a posh duck says).

But Ickypedia is not just a collection of quirky words. There’s heaps of cool activities scattered throughout the book, including a Lie-Q test (to test how good you are at lying), a random insult generator, an ‘are you a zombie?’ quiz and heaps more. There’s also a secret story contained at the bottom of the pages!

Funky black and white illustrations fill every page, there are diagrams galore and lots of scribbles. Fun is infused into every page, and the whole book is visually engaging and entertaining. 

But be warned: official G.R.O.S.S inspectors have said the book is so gross it could make a tapeworm spew or a maggot faint. And that, really, the book is not suitable for babies, children, tweens, teens or old people. 

But if you love hilarious grossness, if you want to impress your friends with funny and disgusting words and you love to be thoroughly entertained, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Ickypedia.

Title: Ickypedia
Author/Illustrator: Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly

Publisher: Penguin, $14.99

Publication Date: September 2015

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780143308645

For ages: 8 - 14

Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2VtHjdA

Review: Graffiti Moon

Lucy's been intrigued by Shadow, the guy whose artwork fills countless walls around town. His images let her dream of other worlds. Lucy is beyond desperate to meet him.

Ed left school early. No one knows why for sure. Some people think it's because of his disastrous non-hookup with Lucy.

Ed is one of few people who really know Shadow but he'd rather die than betray him.

By a twisted turn of events, Ed finds himself leading Lucy to Shadow's hidden pieces, even as he tries to make sure she never meets him.

Cath Crowley is an award-winning writer who creates characters I cannot get enough of. Lucy and Ed are just two of these.


I've read Graffiti Moon's funny, sweet, sometimes heart-rending romance a few times already but I know I'll be back for sure.

If you enjoyed Crowley's other Young Adult novels (Gracie Faltrain bibliography, Words in Deep Blue) all of which are filled with laughter, heartbreak and vibrant characters, then you'll love Graffiti Moon.

I think it's her best.


Title: Graffiti Moon
Author: Cath Crowley
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN:9780330425780
For ages: 12 years+
Type: Young Adult Fiction



from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2VWkA9n

Review: The Secret of the Youngest Rebel

‘Death or liberty? … Which will you choose, boy?’

For Frog, an orphan trying to survive on the streets of Parramatta in 1804, the draw of the rebels is strong. The idea of having freedom to live the life you want is definitely worth risking everything for.

This is a masterfully written historical novel with action, fear and high stakes. Kids will be drawn in from the first word as they follow Frog’s adventure and get a sense of the challenges facing people in early 1800s Australia.

Rebellion is coming. The convicts want to fight for their freedom and take over the colony. Mr Cunningham, a rebel leader, tells Frog about his vision of freedom, a future in which you can make your own decisions and everyone will have the right to education and their own land.

For the first time ever, Frog feels heard and valued. A taste of what freedom might feel like. A life without hunger, without living in daily fear.

But when the battle starts, and Frog stands with the rebels, it is suddenly very real and very dangerous. How will Frog escape, with gunfire ringing and rebels falling all around? What will be the cost of freedom?

This is the fifth book in Jackie French’s Secret Histories series, and is a powerful story that brings humanity to history. It is fairly short but the content and language are rich and there is plenty there for discussion with upper primary students. 

Title: The Secret of the Youngest Rebel
Author: Jackie French
Publisher: HarperCollins, $14.99
Publication Date: 29 January 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781460754801
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2WBE5Bp

Review: Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery

The star of Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery is a skeleton. A bird skeleton named Sherlock, who lives in the Museum of Natural History.

Sherlock's sidekick is Watts, a stuffed parrot who is a rather silent partner.

And there's also Grace the raccoon, who occassionally pops up to help out (or not).

Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery is a junior graphic novel, presented in paperback format, and drawn completely in black and white.

In it Sherlock and Watts spend their nights attempting to uncover who stole the famous, precious blue diamond.

As they wander through the museum, the reader gets to see the exhibits, all from Sherlock's point of view.

Sherlock and Watts do find themselves in a bit of trouble, as they try to keep themselves hidden from the security guard on duty.

Aside from the diamond, there are other things missing, too. Are they connected? Who is the thief?

This is a departure in style from Renee Treml's other books for children, which are more traditional picture books. Inspired by her own visit to museums, and the drawings she created from them, it shows her fantastic illustrative skill in a new way, and incorporates humour that will appeal to young readers.

With Sherlock's running commentary (he does like to talk), and the comic strip style illustrations, Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery is a great book for beginning and newly independent readers.

Title:  Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery
Author/Illustrator: Renee Treml 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $14.99
Publication Date: April 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760523954
For ages: 6--9 years
Type: Graphic novel




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Wvksed

Review: The Woods

Once there was a wolf that learnt a very important lesson when he tried to get a creature to come out of The Cave.

Now three foxes have teamed up to go rabbit hunting in The Woods.

Tall Fox, Tiny Fox and Round Fox set out to catch themselves a tasty rabbit. They really do try hard, but those sneaky rabbits are just not anywhere… 

Or are they? 

Rob Hodgson once again delivers a hilarious and engaging picture book filled with heaps of humour (which is deliciously dark), stunning illustrations (with Easter eggs — hidden elements — on every page) and so many engaging features to thrill and entertain the kids. 

I adore how Hodgson’s books trigger conversation and questions, which lead to interesting discussions with kids. Much of the storytelling is led by the super funky illustrations, making the story so much fun to explore. 

It’s a story to take your time with, to let little eyes wander and pick out the details, to let the story sink in and for connections to be made. 

Super fun, super funky and super funny, The Woods is a fabulous picture book for kids (and adults) who love a clever giggle!

Title: The Woods

Author/Illustrator: Rob Hodgson

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, $21.99

Publication Date: 4 April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781786032744

For ages: 4+

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Ykez3U

Review: In the Bush I See

In the Bush I See movement, colours and sounds of the Australian bush.

In the Bush I see...a screeching cockatoo...

You will also see nosey, waddling and slithering animals. Discover the nighttime animals, indicated by the stars that surround them.

I wonder what animals your babies and toddlers will encounter?

In this board book your little ones will learn to identify Australian bush animals and one characteristic of each animal featured in this concept book.

The illustrations by Kiara Honeychurch are bright with pops of colour that incorporate the unexpected colours from the changes in light. Honeychurch is a young school aged Indigenous artist, who was born in Broome, Western Australia and now lives near Hobart, Tasmania.

In the Bush I See is the fourth book in the Young Art series from Magabala Books. This series includes the books At the Zoo I See, At the Beach I See and  In the City I See.

Title: In the Bush I See
Illustrator: Kiara Honeychurch
Publisher: Magabala Books, $9.99
Publication Date: March 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925360912
For ages: 0 - 3
Type: Board Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2YhnbZ5

Junior Review: The Floods: Neighbours

The Floods is a thrilling series by Colin Thompson. It is about a family of witches and wizards. No, these witches and wizards are not like Harry Potter. They are a different kind.

Their names are: Mordonna (mum), Nerlin (father), Valla (22, the eldest child), Satenella (17 and a talking dog. She was born a dog), Melinmary (16 and if you touch her she will zap you), Winchflat (14 and the smartest person in the whole universe), Morbid and Silent (Identical twins who have been 11 for three years!) and last but not least Betty (10. She looks normal compared to her siblings).

You would not want to mess with the Floods, but their neighbours obviously do not know that. 

The Floods have had enough of their neighbours shouting and swearing every day, so they decide to put an end to the neighbours’ endless carelessness. What do they do you ask? Well you will have to read the book to get that information.

I love Colin Thompson’s book The Floods. He is a funny, descriptive author. 

My favourite part of The Floods: Neighbours is the antics they get up to. My favourite character in The Floods would be Winchflat, not just because he looks creepy but because he is funny and smart.

Title: The Floods: Neighbours
Author/Illustrator: Colin Thompson
Publisher: Random House Australia
Publication Date: 2005
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781741660739
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2PTRGkU

Review: Before I Let Go

Set in Alaska, a place simultaneously vast and claustrophobic, Nijkamp infuses the landscape with spirituality. The isolated town of Lost Creek reminded me of outback townships - dependent on mining dollars, situated on stolen lands, deeply insular and guarded against outsiders.

Corey returns to this community after a six-month absence for the funeral of her best friend Kyra.

Although familiar, there has been a seismic shift in the town of Lost Creek. Wanting answers about how Kyra could have fallen under the ice and drowned, the more Corey probes, the more hostility she encounters from people she once counted as friends.

Growing up, Corey had been Kyra’s only friend. Kyra’s bipolar disorder had unsettled the townspeople. Kyra had been ridiculed, shunned. But together Corey and Kyra had built a world which insulated them and kept Kyra stable.

Nijkamp skilfully portrays the deep friendship between adolescent girls who share dreams as vast as the northern lights above them. Nijakmp juxtaposes Kyra’s passion for stories and her empathy with the land and its history with the townspeople’s more materialistic priorities.

However, Nijkamp avoids the trap of romanticising Kyra’s mental illness. Kyra would have gladly rid herself of her terrifying condition. Corey had been Kyra’s interface with the world, and having to depart leaves her concerned for Kyra’s welfare.

Upon her return, Corey knows that she is being lied to. She has to patch together the incidents that occurred since she last set foot there, knowing that powerful people would go to any lengths to keep the town’s reputation safe.

Title: Before I Let Go

Author: Marieke Nijkamp  

Publisher: Sourcebook, $16.99

Publication Date:  13 July 2018

Format: Paperback

ISBN:  9781492672548

For ages: 14+

Type: Young Adult Fiction 

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2VocIOO

Review: The Incurable Imagination

Having an over-active imagination can lead to the unexpected. 

Aska’s vibrant coloured illustrations capture the wonderful and mind-expanding effects of such a blessing. Her incredible translation of the text holds far more than just the creation of a visual world to complement the words. 

There is another story going on; the one that’s playing out in Audrey’s imagination.

Audrey started it all when everybody around her saw she was an atypical baby. Her growth proved their suspicions as she turned out to be different in every way.  At school, her invisible friends caused suspicion. Her alphabet soup created laughter. When she turned her numbers into aliens, even the teacher found it hard to keep a straight face.

But Audrey’s imagination disease reached epidemic proportions. The whole class caught it. They started acting out of character, having fun by transforming boxes into castles, taking advantage of school assembly to showcase their talents, and turning teachers into frogs.

Chaos reigned. Soon the teachers caught it too! Everyone at school seemed to be having a fantastic time using their imagination. It didn’t stop there, but spread through the whole town.

Paul Russell has allowed his imagination to run wild. The result is exciting, funny, optimistic and hopeful. Children aren’t encouraged to imagine much anymore. There is a freedom in seeing things in their head that others can’t see. It is also called pretending. It’s seen in role-playing and when kids dress-up, put on their mother’s make-up or wear her high heels. This is the best part of childhood. This book is a reminder that the imagination is a human’s creative source.

 I loved this book for its animate and inanimate objects that are expressive works of art! It is book is filled with laughter, happiness and positive energy. All of it stemming from the word imagination.

Title: The Incurable Imagination

Author: Paul Russell

Illustrator: Aska

Publisher: EK Books, $24.99

Publication Date: April 2019

Format: Hardcover

For ages: 4 - 7

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Yg2Vab

Review: Cocoon

Fans of Aura Parker's warm and whimsical illustrations will delight in the release of her latest book, Cocoon.

Following on from the much-loved Twig, where we met a host of adorable insect characters, Cocoon introduces us to Dawn and her caterpillar friends.

Dawn and her friends have a plan to eat as many leaves as they can, weave their cocoons and turn into moths so they can finally fly. It sounds like a snap, doesn't it?

But Dawn soon discovers that becoming a moth is not as easy at it sounds and slowly learns the value of patience and perseverance, while tucked away in her cocoon.

Once again, Aura has taken a seemingly simple situation and created an uplifting tale for children with language as sumptuous as her vibrant and detailed illustrations. Children will find great joy in following Dawn's journey, from her clumsy attempts at spinning with the finest silk, to her fun ideas for killing time while waiting in her cocoon. There's also a fun hide-and-seek activity for the gorgeous endpapers.

This is such a lovely reminder that boredom is a huge part of life and at triggering the imagination, with the gentle message that all good things are worth waiting for. This certainly includes the divine final spread when Dawn and her friends emerge from their cocoons into the night sky.

Title: Cocoon
Author/Illustrator: Aura Parker
Publisher: Scholastic, $24.99
Publication Date: March 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781742765129
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Ydko34

Review: Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials

We will remember.

It is an important and heartfelt declaration that many make and adhere to every year. Why do we continue to hold special services, create memorials and observe days such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, in Australia?

Commemoration means to honour the memory of an event, a group of people or a person by holding a service, ceremony or celebration.

This book will help children and teenagers to consider and answer these questions, with clear and understandable explanations of the meaning remembrance continues to have in the lives of people today.

Within the pages of Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials there are many photographs, from then and now, including soldiers in times of war and maintaining peace, children knitting socks for soldiers in World War 1 and people continuing to honour the fallen, and all those who served, in commemorative services over one hundred years later.  As we see the faces of the people who have served, and those who honour them, we can more deeply understand the sacrifices they made.

The information and personal experiences in this book are presented in an engaging style, with excerpts of facts interspersed with images, impressions and thought-provoking questions. There are activities to help bring the information to life, such as a recipe for making Anzac biscuits and instructions for making a poppy wreath.

This book provides ways to improve understanding and knowledge, which in turn allows us to more fully honour the memories of those we remember.

Title: Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day & War Memorials
Author: Allison Paterson
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2018
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781925675788
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-Fiction




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2DW4Edb

12 Curly Questions with YA reviewer Jo Antareau

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
As a kid I once got my head stuck inside the freezer when trying to scrape the frost build-up with my teeth. It's shiny white ice looked like a treat! But it turned to fear pretty quickly once I felt the ice harden around my upper lip. I couldn’t pull off without leaving a piece of skin behind! Scary! Mum had the presence of mind to pour hot water on it to release me! To add to the overall embarrassment, my bestie happened to turn up at the time and had a chuckle. But I don’t think she blabbed about it so it’s safe to say hardly anyone knows about it. Until now!

2. What is your nickname?
My family call me Jeanne which is the closest French name to Jo. My kids call me Mum. And to everybody else I’m what’s-her-name.

3. What is your greatest fear?
A zombie crossed with a snowman – it’ll give you frostbite

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Lots of procrastination interspersed with short bursts of writing fury.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Eccentric, authentic, well researched, furious.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Hermione Granger – smart, feisty and magical. How far would Harry have gotten without her? And she attracted the romantic interest of a world-class sporting champion. Why would any girl not want to be her?

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Absolute zero – to see the Big Bang in action. What a fireworks display that must have been!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Don’t you dare tell anybody about getting stuck in the freezer!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Whenever I read a wonderful book that draws me in and keeps me turning the pages, I have to stop myself from unintentionally mimicking the author’s style the next time I write. So, I’m trying to ignore influences and just find my own voice.

10. What/who made you start writing?
My mum – she always loved a good story and could create a great tale out of nothing (possibly from necessity).

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Growth. It feels good saying it. I cherish childhood because it’s a time of constant growth and rapid changes. It’s a magical process, which is why I want to be a kids’ writer and to be a part of the journey (and also why I’m a child psych in my day job). But I still believe adults are capable of growth – and I don’t just mean in girth – if they believe it themselves. So growth is the fairy dust of life which takes us closer to our aspirations.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The telephone directory. Sure, there’s not much plot, but the cast of characters is just massive!

Jo is a psychologist by day and an emerging children’s author by night. But she’s the mother of three boys only on the days ending with a y. She enjoys all sorts of children’s literature and has had short stories published on various sites. In her spare time she enjoys sleeping. Jo is the new YA reviewer at Kids' Book Review. You can read her first review here.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2vGa8UK

Review: Alphabeasts

Maree Coote’s original designs have flair and imagination. 

The curves and swirls challenge the reader to recognize which letter is where. Sharp and leaping lines adorn the pages, while structures of letters in bold print stand upright or bend upon blank backgrounds and in all directions. 

The use of repeated colour throughout - fluorescent pink, white, black and grey, guarantees the intent focus of the viewer.

Melbourne-based Coote creates a look-and-find learning experience for children and adults in a stunning implementation of typographical portraits of animals. If you haven’t experienced her work, prepare to be delighted by the complexity of the characters carved into imaginative letter constructions of architectural design.

Having received recognition at the Nami Island Children’s International Picture Book Awards (one of many awards), her books are filled with meaningful learning. They call to young minds with their difference and individuality, beauty and excellence, in their approach to what they offer children.

The brilliance of her award-winning creative letter art, promises to nourish children’s minds with information presented in a unique and challenging way.

This new collection of A to Z of alphabetical animals comes with Teachers' Notes that incorporate valuable information and statistics on all the characters depicted in this artistic production which is  well worth taking a look at.

 

Title: Alphabeasts

Author/Illustrator: Maree Coote

Publisher: Melbournestyle, $29.95

Publication Date: September 2018

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9780992491772

For ages: 5+

Type: Junior Non-fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Vi0LtN