Review: Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire

Have you ever fantasised about being a millionaire? Come on, you know you have! Think of the things you could buy and the places you could go!

Well imagine if you became a millionaire at ten-years-old. What would you do then? What fun would you have?

These are exactly the questions Tess Heckleston faces when she stumbles across a million dollars (I won’t tell you how!) in Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire.

Tess the entrepreneur, the idea-generator, the business creator has spent her whole life trying to make a million dollars. And then, suddenly, she has it. 

She can buy jumping castles and support entrepreneur schemes. She can supply lollipops, coffee and donuts to all, and her best friend Toby can donate to charities around the world.

But a million dollars in your backpack is not as simple and easy (and exciting) as it might seem. It comes with challenges and obstacles and big, big problems that Tess and Toby have to navigate.

Adults get suspicious, family members get hurt and bad guys close in. Sacrifices need to be made and hard truths need to be faced if Tess and Toby are going to fix the catastrophes they’ve created.

Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is a hilarious and addictive junior fiction read. This book had me from the first page, pulling me into Tess’s world — pulling me into how she sees the world and how that vision changes as she becomes an instant millionaire.

Tess is an honest and relatable character with heaps of awesome flaws that she has no issue with admitting to. She talks to the reader throughout the book, giving honest advice, confessing to her mistakes and sharing insight into her journey to millionaire. 

I loved Tess's millionaire (and general life) tips scattered throughout the book. Tips like ‘have goals!’, ‘always listen to your best friend’s advice’ and ‘watch some movies from the 80s’. It's a funky addition that makes it feel like the book has been written just for you!

This is a fresh, exciting and thrilling read for kids. It’s that super cool book you want to keep hidden under your bed so parents don't know you have it (given all the juicy kid-tips inside!). Nat Amoore is a talented new Australian author who really gets kids and what they are looking for in a book.

Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire is an absolute winner, and I can’t wait to see what Amoore delivers next.

Title: Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire

Author: Nat Amoore

Publisher: Penguin, $14.99

Publication Date: 4 June 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780143796374

For ages: 8+

Type: Junior Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2I1ymzU

Review: Famous In A Small town

It’s the summer in the run-up to Sophie’s final year of high school. Rather than craving to escape her small town, Arcadia, Sophie just wants her life to remain exactly as it is: hanging with her friends, playing in the band and babysitting the neighbour’s kids.

But this is the US, where the rite of passage is to go to a university in another state and start life’s next chapter on campus.

Sophie is a little naïve and thinks the best of people. She has four best friends and comes across as being the glue that holds the group together.

The book starts off quite slowly - with engaging characters but the stakes not becoming apparent until about a third into the story.

Sophie wants to attract the town’s most famous ex-inhabitant, a pop star, to come and perform at a benefit gig.
However, the pop star has publicly stated that she would never return to Arcadia despite having literally sung its praises in one of her hits. Sophie is determined to find out what drove the famous person away and attract her to return.

Along the way, it becomes apparent that Sophie is using this mission as a means of deflecting her attention away from more pressing personal matters that she is in denial about. Interwoven with this is a budding romance with the gorgeous new boy in town, August. August seems quite interested in Sophie – but pulls away whenever she comes too close. What is he hiding?

This is a book to read for a great example of witty dialogue. I had a few laugh out loud moments with some of the well-written banter between the characters.

Overall, the gentle humour softens the sadder moments, as life in Arcadia is revealed as not being immune to the pressures that modern teens are subject to.

Title: Famous In A Small Town  

Author: Emma Mills 

Publisher: Henry Holt, Macmillan Publishing

Publication Date: 15 January 2019

Format: Hardback

ISBN: 9781250179630

For ages: 14 +

Type: Young Adult 

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2WT7j1S

Review: Moonwalkers

It’s 1969 and the Apollo 11 mission has just launched, grab your foil space suit because you are about to enjoy a fabulous adventure filled with imaginative play!

Set in Parkes, NSW, Australia, Moonwalkers looks at the time when that giant leap for mankind was made. As the rocket launches, the world watches on their television screens and three days of wonder, space play, craft and games begins in Billy’s family home.

With gravity, moon rocks, telescopes and more, the story entwines between facts from the historic event and the children’s imaginative play. I loved seeing Billy, Buzz and Mickey eating astronaut ice-cream in their cosy Command Module; made with blankets, chairs and cushions. Like many others will be, my family were inspired to play out this scene in our home.

Just like in the Treehouse series, Terry Denton’s detailed illustrations drew me in, with lots to discover on every page, even after multiple reads. Billy’s lounge room is filled in a way that will be familiar to families; books, balls, blocks and contraptions all over the place in a slightly chaotic manner, while the bright green couch and decor set the era wonderfully.

There is fun for everyone in this fabulous story, parts of it made me and my children laugh out loud. I love the additional facts and the Apollo 11 Mission To the Moon diagram at the back of the book. It is perfect for teaching young children a little history and a wonderful way to celebrate one of the world’s most remarkable achievements.

Title: Moonwalkers
Author: Mark Greenwood
Illustrator: Terry Denton
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia Pty Ltd, $19.99
Publication Date: 7 May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143793557
For ages: 6 – 8
Type: Picture Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2wKn8Jv

Guest Post: Teena Raffa-Mulligan on Catching Butterflies

Review: The Truth About My Unbelievable School

This little book caught my eye when I visited Melbourne and browsed through one of its fabulous bookstores not only because of its smaller, unusual format but mainly because of the vintage inky cover created by Benjamin Chaud – a beautiful red dragon holding two children and a dog in its mouth. Like them, I was hooked!

The alluring title had me immediately fishing my money out of my handbag; Davide Cali’s hilarious, humour - filled story seriously distracting me from the book launch I was actually there to attend – sorry, my bad!!

Commonly enough, the story starts off with a teacher asking the main character Henry to show his new classmate around school. We will never find out this little girl’s name but she looks harmless enough with her massive fringe so off we go with them on a trip throughout this mysterious school.

Chaud decorates his story with a tone of understatement throughout. The first thing Henry and his puppy show the new girl is the class pet – a massive, page filling, jelly fish but apparently ‘there really isn’t much to see’ so why would we get excited.

  

We continue further to meet the maths teacher who has a striking resemblance to Albert Einstein. Nobody understands his complex equations anyway so on we walk.

Among other curious things, there is an amazing secret science experiment taking place, while a couple of pages further on we are faced with the most amazing treehouse on the oval. It even features a roller coaster but again, there ‘really isn’t anything to see here’.

  

By now, it is lunch time and we make our way to my personally favourite page – the cafeteria. A most wondrous contraption with lots of buttons and scales squirts out a yellow substance in all directions and we are informed that the food usually isn’t too bad but there are sometimes problems with the mashed potatoes.

  

After lunch, Henry guides us through a Hogwarts-like library, past the all-controlling creepy janitor handling his dashboard of spy cameras, past the dragon’s den and the magic-performing principal until we reach the end of a seemingly normal school day and bid the teacher farewell. I am sure you will enjoy the final twist of this beautiful little story at the pickup-zone just as much as I did but I will obviously not spoil the surprise. Just watch out for the little girl’s fringe and her mother’s means of transport….

This book is perfect for older school children who like wizards, spy stories and secrets. It is visually very appealing due to the striking machine, architecture and creature illustrations in coloured ink, thus boosting imagination. Plus, on every new page there are interesting details to discover for both children and adults alike – for example the already mentioned Albert Einstein lookalike or the PE teacher who reminds me of a certain Swedish girl in stripy socks…

 It is quite simply a little jewel of a book, full of fun and quirkiness, that might work wonders on kids for whom school has lost its fun and help remind them what a magical place it really can be.

 

Title: The Truth About My Unbelievable School

Author: Davide Cali

Illustrator: Benjamin Chaud

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Publication Date: 1February 2018

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781452155944

For ages: 4+

Type: Picture Book

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

Review: The Go-Away Bird

The Go-Away bird is prickly, proud and dismissive. She thinks she needs no one. When the gentle green Chit-Chat bird approaches her with friendship and warm conversation in mind, it is thought to be too chatty, and is told to go away!

Then the sweet red Peck-Peck bird wants to share its plenty of plump juicy red berries. She insults it by saying your eyes are too beady, and that it is greedy, so it must go away!

The beautiful blue Flip-Flap bird wants to whirl and fly high into the sky with the Go-Away bird. But for the third time, a would-be friend is chased away.

When the Go-Away bird is alone with its pride, the giant brown Get-You bird approaches. She tries its clever words on the predator to no effect. Then the yellow Come-Back bird appears; fearless and loud, quacking to the others to come back! Come back!

Will those that the Go-Away bird sent away, return to save the haughty bird that could have been a friend?

This is a delightful story about the value of friends especially in times of need.  Julia Donaldson’s clever use of repetition and assonance, adds rhythm to the rhyming verse. It is beautifully illustrated in bold watercolour and pen by the winner of the CILIP Kate Greenway Medal, Catherine Rayne, who breathes life into Donaldson’s outstanding characters.

Stunning end pages in variegated greens with splashes of red and yellow introduce and close the book. The gorgeous covers show the stubborn Go-Away bird on the front, and her unlikely heroes in full colour, gathered together on the back.

The Go-Away bird is a real bird found in Africa. More can be found about her on the Internet for those who are interested.

Title: The Go-Away Bird

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Catherine Rayner

Publisher: MacMillan Children’s Books, $24.99

Publication Date: 26 February 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781509843589

For ages: 3+

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2ZcFf7r

Review: Lights Out, Leonard

This book is laugh-out-loud funny. Leonard does not want the lights turned out when he goes to bed, like so many children. He is afraid of monsters in the dark. Leonard's fantastic imagination conjures up magnificent, multi-tentacled beasts deliciously described by author, Josh Pyke, an award-winning, Australian singer and songwriter whose gifts with word play are evident.

Chris Nixon's brightly coloured illustrations bring a contemporary feel to a timeless dilemma.

The animated illustrations show our young protagonist, always in his fox-suit pyjamas, displaying his fears each time his parents come in to turn out the lights, and his comfort when they understand and listen to him. The illustration style conveys emotions but the abstract nature creates a sense of distance between the reader and the creatures, working effectively to show how the creatures might be scary to Josh, but they are not frightening for the young readers.

The resolution in this story is clever, with unexpected hilarious details, and wholly satisfying. Lights Out, Leonard is highly recommended for young readers, especially anyone afraid of the dark.

Title: Lights Out, Leonard
Author: Josh Pyke
Illustrator: Chris Nixon
Publisher: Puffin Books, $19.99
Publication Date: 4 June 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780143793489
For ages: 3-6
Type: Picture Book




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

12 Curly Questions with author Jacqui Halpin

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
You wouldn’t believe it now, but I used to do martial arts.

2. What is your nickname?
Jack

3. What is your greatest fear?
I’m scared of lizards but I’m trying to overcome this fear. The fact that two water dragons have taken up residence in my backyard means I have to if I’m ever going to hang the washing out again! I’m regarding it as exposure therapy.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Combination of humour and heart, with a dash of hope.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Energetic, encouraging, optimistic, enthusiastic, patient.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Harry Potter, because of his sense of justice, and his amazing adventures. Plus, who wouldn’t want to live in a world full of magic?

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d travel back to 1938 so I could experience the childhood my dad remembers so fondly. It’s also the year my middle-grade, boys'-own adventure series is set so it would be great for research.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You like reading?!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents. Because of the wonderful stories they told I’ve always had a great love of storytelling.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I loved the picture books I read to my children and wanted to be one of those amazing people who made putting children to bed so much more pleasant because of the beautiful stories they wrote. But it wasn’t until I first read Harry Potter towards the end of 1999 that I was inspired enough to do something about it. I completed my Diploma of Professional Children’s Writing in 2000.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Wonder. I find wonder in the simplest things.

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

Jacqui Halpin is a former registered nurse, tuckshop convenor, and now children’s author. She has a Diploma of Professional Children’s Writing and attends writing workshops, conferences and festivals with alarming regularity. Jacqui has two picture books published by Little Pink Dog Books, and short stories in The School Magazine and Creative Kids’ Tales Anthology. For more information, please visit jacquihalpin.com.

 

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

Review: Little Green Donkey

Any parent who has struggled to get their children to try different foods will relate to this story.

The little donkey in this story will only eat grass, it is his favourite food. 

He has an excuse for everything his mum suggests. Little donkey likes lying in the grass and being able to nibble on it for a snack, grass is juicy and zingy - nothing else compares.

Little donkey thinks he knows best as he is happiest when he has a full tummy after eating grass.

Until he makes a shock discovery! Little donkey has turned completely green from eating too much grass – his arms, his tummy, his ears and even his tail are now a lovely shade of green. What will he do – his mum was right . . .

Little donkey then tries to fix the problem to hide the fact he is now totally green. He tries everything from rolling in the mud to covering himself in leaves and becoming a walking bush.

However, as all mothers do, Little donkey’s secret is soon discovered, and he is finally convinced to try different foods. He tries lots of different foods that do not compare with grass and he is still not convinced about finding other food that is just as good as grass. But then he discovers carrots – they are ‘orangey, crunchy, crispy amazingness’, can you guess what happens next?

Author and Illustrator Anuska Allepuz has created a fun story highlighting the difficulties of finding the right foods that are both healthy and ones that children will want to eat. The illustrations of the little donkey in this story are cute, colourful and tell the story without using the words.

Title: Little Green Donkey
Author & Illustrator: Anuska Allepuz

Publisher: Walker Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781406384666
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2Z0agLF

Review: Amazing Evolution

Evolution is a super interesting but rather tricky concept to grasp.

There’s lots of theories and concepts to get your head around, including species, genes, DNA and extinction (just to name a few).

Amazing Evolution is a book that brings all these concepts together and explains them in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

With four big chapters on understanding evolution, life through the ages, the family tree and evolution in action, kids will be guided through everything they need to know.

Each page is covered in detailed illustrations that help understanding and break up the words. It’s close to a 50/50 ratio of words to pictures, which is fantastic for young readers. 

All the pages are colourful and bright, making them super engaging and fun to explore. The language used is simple and there are heaps of arrows pointing things out to aid in understanding.

This is a brilliant book for schools and home. With lots of short sections, it’s a great book to dip in and out of, and to use to answer specific questions that arise using the detailed contents, glossary and index. 

Amazing Evolution is a brilliant non-fiction book for curious kids!

Title: Amazing Evolution

Author: Anna Claybourne

Illustrator: Wesley Robins

Publisher: Murdoch Books, $29.99

Publication Date: April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781782406365

For ages: 5+

Type: Junior Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2019/06/review-amazing-evolution.html

Review: Amazing Evolution

Evolution is a super interesting but rather tricky concept to grasp.

There’s lots of theories and concepts to get your head around, including species, genes, DNA and extinction (just to name a few).

Amazing Evolution is a book that brings all these concepts together and explains them in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.

With four big chapters on understanding evolution, life through the ages, the family tree and evolution in action, kids will be guided through everything they need to know.

Each page is covered in detailed illustrations that help understanding and break up the words. It’s close to a 50/50 ratio of words to pictures, which is fantastic for young readers. 

All the pages are colourful and bright, making them super engaging and fun to explore. The language used is simple and there are heaps of arrows pointing things out to aid in understanding.

This is a brilliant book for schools and home. With lots of short sections, it’s a great book to dip in and out of, and to use to answer specific questions that arise using the detailed contents, glossary and index. 

Amazing Evolution is a brilliant non-fiction book for curious kids!

Title: Amazing Evolution

Author: Anna Claybourne

Illustrator: Wesley Robins

Publisher: Murdoch Books, $29.99

Publication Date: April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781782406365

For ages: 5+

Type: Junior Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction

from Kids' Book Review http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2019/06/review-amazing-evolution.html

Event: KidLitVic conference 2019

Writing is such a solitary process. We spend most of our days holed up with our keyboards, the characters we’re working on and, some days, let’s face it, those critical voices in our heads.

So, it makes perfect sense that KidLitVic has become the event of the year on many an author’s and illustrator’s calendar.

This one-day conference, now in its fourth year, has become a golden, highly sought-after opportunity for garnering fresh insight and industry information, and for meeting and mingling with fellow authors and illustrators, as well as key publishing figures in the children’s book industry. It’s a chance to blow away the proverbial cobwebs and return to our keyboards, invigorated and enriched.

This was my third year at the KidLitVic conference. I am always in awe at the incredible efforts of the talented and hardworking organisers (Alison Reynolds, Coral Vass, Nicky Johnston and Sarah Reynolds), and how they manage to develop the conference to ensure there is something for new attendees and long-term devotees, and for both emerging and experienced writers. Each year, I come away energised and refocused, with up-to-date industry information, new ideas and fresh confirmation that I’ve definitely found ‘my tribe’.

This event has expanded in popularity and, even though it moved to the larger venue of the Melbourne Town Hall last year, it still has a lengthy waiting list. Yet, despite the crowd of more than 200 children’s book creators filling the splendid venue, the conference maintains an air of warmth and intimacy. New attendees are quickly welcomed into groups of like-minded creatives and there is a wonderful feeling as we all catch up with old buddies, put faces to the names of online acquaintances and meet new friends.

The program continues to evolve each year and now includes insightful masterclasses for authors and illustrators on honing our writing skills, submitting manuscripts, and portfolio presentation. This year, there were even more publisher assessments, along with one-on-one pitches and Up Close and Personal group meetings with publishers. And the panels continue to inspire and inform with facilitators (this year, the talented and engaging Katrina McKelvey and Davina Bell took up the mantle) interviewing an impressive line-up of publishers and agents.

Of course, the burning question on everyone’s lips each year is: What are publishers looking for? Some of the answers we heard this year included:
Funny, warm stories with good characters, diverse characters – Clair Hume, Affirm Press
Stories that are funny, fast-paced, compelling – Zoe Walton, Penguin Random House
Stories with an original, intense voice – Susannah Chambers, Allen & Unwin
Publishers, editors and agents mingle with delegates at morning and afternoon tea, and lunch time, happy to chat or answer questions, and always so gracious and generous with their time and knowledge.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the conference early this year, but still managed to squeeze in a panel, a masterclass and an assessment. Here are some of my top takeaways from the day:

Publishers look for professionalism. This means the way you correspond with them and the way you follow their guidelines.

An original, intense voice is key. Publishers want to be able to hear your character.

Make your website memorable with plenty of fresh copy (including a fun ‘about’ page).

Yes, social media matters. And, if you’re an illustrator, Instagram is the go-to place for many publishers.

Research your market and publisher, and include in your cover letter the names of titles that your story might sit beside in the market.

Never go anywhere without a notebook and pencil (an oldie, but a goodie).

When working on a story, your process should be: thinking, planning, drafting, revising and editing.

Let your story sit for a few weeks (or months) before revisiting it.

Know your characters inside out.
Continue to tighten and polish your copy.

Write what you know and love. Don’t try to follow trends.

Make every word on the page sing.

These reflections, from Penny Harrison, first appeared on the KidLitVic blog. To read more wrap-ups from the KidLitVic 2019 conference, visit www.kidlitvic.com/blog.

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

Review: DK Children's Encyclopedia

DK Children's Encyclopedia is 'the book that explains everything.' Or at least, a large number of them.

DK books are always carefully designed with many visual elements and navigation options, and this is no exception.

There's a double-page spread that explains how the book works. It uses a subject arrangement and groups subjects together.

And there are see also references boxed on each page so you can easily find similar subjects.

A reference section, glossary and index are also included. The best place to start though, is the contents. That way you can discover what subjects can be explored.

Categories of subjects include: storytelling, music, sciences, gold, war, colour, water, inventions, and more. This is the Australian edition, so there is an Australian perspective given.

This is not an encyclopedia with lots of detail about each subject, but it provides a snapshot of key concepts. Under Art, for example, you can learn the definitions of painting, sculpture, drawing, and printing. Under Knights, you'll find an explanation of armour, squires, and jousting.

Photographs, drawings, and diagrams are an important feature on each page, and are the focal point.

The reference section of the book includes lists and tables related to the encyclopedia's subjects. For example, a list of Australian prime ministers, and tables of the alphabet in ancient Greek, Latin, Arabic and Mandarin. There's also a map of the world.

With around 300 pages, the DK Children's Encyclopedia is packed full of information for curious young minds. It would be a useful home resource for early primary students.

Title: DK Children's Encyclopedia
Author/illustrator: DK Australia
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, $49.99
Publication Date: March 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143795049
For ages:  5 -- 8 
Type: Junior non-fiction 




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

Review: River Stone

Imagine if the only world you’ve ever known encompassed a small village of survivors, hard labour to keep food in your belly and stories of a civilisation that crumbled.

You must follow rules you may not agree with, do what you’re told and stay within the boundaries of the village. 

But what if you longed for more? What if staying put and towing the line wasn’t enough? What if your deepest desire was to explore beyond the boundaries? 

What if you discovered there was something else, but it wasn’t what you expected?

River Stone is a thrilling start to a new dystopian series by Rachel Hennessy. 

It follows Pandora of the River People and her journey to save her people when disaster strikes. 

But through this, Pan must also discover who she is. Is the river village the place she’s meant to be, or does she have another calling? Maybe one that’s connected to the world’s past — to the city her parents fled from years ago that now crumbles in silence.

This is a chilling, thrilling and addictive novel. It’s one of those books that forces you to look at yourself as you connect with the characters. You’ll wonder what you’d do in similar circumstances, about your own future, about our planet’s future. 

It raises all sorts of juicy topics, like when is it right to make sacrifices for the greater good? What is the line between victim and enemy? Is it ever okay to turn a blind eye to evil?

River Stone will send chills down your spine and have you reading just one more chapter late into the night. It’s thought provoking and imaginative and filled to the brim with amazing and varied characters that see the world differently, providing readers with many different perspectives on the topics explored through the novel.

If you like dystopian stories that challenge ideas and make you think, I highly recommend River Stone.

Title: River Stone

Author: Rachel Hennessy

Publisher: Midnight Sun, $19.99

Publication Date: May 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925227499

For ages: 13+

Type: Young Adult

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2W6CUZP

Review: Think Big!

What do you want to be when you leave school? Do you want to be a hairdresser, footballer, detective, artist or maybe an astronaut?

In Think Big, Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall thinking about his future. He told his nursery rhyme friends that when he leaves school, he wants to be a boiled egg.

Humpty's friends encouraged him to think bigger. Suggesting that Humpty should Aim for the Stars! I wonder what Humpty will be when he grows up?

Author Kes Gray, will reacquaint you with the nursery rhymes of Tom Tom the Piper's Son, Goosey Gander, Wee Willie Winkie, Mary Mary Quite Contrary and many more. Take a close look at Nathan Reed's bright and dynamic illustrations and to see what jobs the characters suggest. Gray has made some fabulous occupation tie ins with the character's original rhymes.

Amongst the memories and fun that these old childhood friends will give you, they also have a very important message to share with readers. That it is important to dream big about your future and to think outside the box.

But be prepared towards the end of the story, as a totally unexpected action will have you gasping in surprise.

Title: Think Big
Author: Kes Gray
Illustrator: Nathan Reed
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books, $24.99
Publication Date: 12 February 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781444942125
For ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book




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

Review: Wild Things

Are you a wild thing?

Do you like to play outside, explore nature and get creative with sticks and rocks and leaves?

If this sounds like you (or some special little people you know), you simply must check out Wild Things.

Filled with over 100 creative outdoor activities, this book is a magical encyclopaedia of fantastical nature exploration inspiration.

Make a fairy wand out of sticks and leaves. Make magical potions and spells. Discover and build dragons, create juice inks, go goblin hunting, draw, create, build and discover wild things everywhere.

Authors Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks have thought of everything in this brilliant book. It starts with all the things you’ll need for a wild things survival kit (think hats, water, magnifying glass and clay), followed by wild skills training (safety and caring for the environment, navigation, tracking, secret messages and spells and potions). 

The book is then divided into wild things to make and discover in the wilds of nature: dragons, witches and wizards, elves and fairies, mini-worlds, monsters, mythical beasts, goblins and trolls. 

The book is filled to the brim with ideas for things to make, things to find and things to imagine. And each idea is complimented by detailed instructions and photo examples to show you exactly how to do it. 

All the instructions are easy to follow and safety tips are included throughout. Depending on age, some kids will be able to run free and make their creations by themselves. Other kids might need a hand, but that’s one of the things I love about this book. It’s a book to bring adults and children together, to explore nature side by side and create things as a team. In fact, a lot of the activities are team based and would be most fun for a group of kids and adults to complete together.

I also love how the equipment needed is easy to find and the focus is on using old and recycled things to support the creation making. This isn’t a book that requires you to go out and buy a whole lot of stuff. It encourages you to use what you have and make do without what you don’t have. 

I took this book into some local bushland with a group of 5-year-olds, and the joy it sparked (for hours and hours) was heart-warming. They created things, played pretend with their creations, worked as a team, helped each other, asked questions, experimented and then wanted to do more. 

Kids and nature go to together, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start with nature play. Wild Things gives you everything you need (and more), to create rich and exciting nature experiences I guarantee the kids will adore.

There are experiences to be created in all sorts of landscapes and all different seasons. Forests, fields, bushland, beaches, snow — there is something in this book for everyone, no matter where you live or what the weather’s like outside.

I highly, highly recommend Wild Things for all kids plus all adults who spend time with kids. 

Title: Wild Things

Author: Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $26.99

Publication Date: May 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781787017719

For ages: 3+

Type: Non-Fiction

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

Meet The Illustrator: Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki

Name: Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Informed by a Fine Art sensibility, light, colourful, humorous, loose, immediate.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Brushes, pens, inks, papers always at hand, PC/tablet to play with digital images/hybrid works and research for projects.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
As an illustrator, the medium that I use frequently is ink and water colour because of it’s immediacy and clarity. As a fine artist I seem to always go back to oils and the qualities that is hard to replicate with other mediums (but comes close!)

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Oliver Jeffers, John Shelley, William Turner, Elise Hurst

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Now and now- we are in an age where there are SO many things at our fingertips and barely enough time to take a fraction of it in.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
For me it was not one thing but a development that occurred. I was (and plan to be again in the very near future) a very active exhibiting artist in both Australia and overseas. Particularly while living in Japan I found that I wanted to spread my wings more in terms of creating and accessing a wider audience. Step in illustration (both space and materials a lot more user friendly) and the start of an exploration that continues to date.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often?
Talk us through it. My work space is very very very messy. But I know where everything is. Kind of.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I think my favourite part is bringing the story to life in colour and image. Once all the brainstorming and planning is done, it is down to pure concentrated creativity which is by far the most satisfying.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Perseverance, follow your instincts and believe in your ideas.

Luisa started drawing and painting from a young age and went on to University to study Fine Art in Australia and Holland, settled in Japan for 13 years and made the big move back to Australia with her hubby, two kids and nutty but sweet dog in 2012. Her house is a mix of Italian, Japanese and Aussie culture and often it gets confusing with all the chatter going on. Luisa draws daily, inspired by the everyday and the silly and the sometimes mysterious and elusive moments that can be found there.

You can follow Luisa on instagram and facebook or visit her website for more information.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2XhDPI4

Review: The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Birthday Party

The classic picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has turned 50, and what better way to celebrate than with this fabulously fun, glittery board book.

Today’s a special day, there’s excitement in the air!... in classic Eric Carle fashion an enticing and rhythmic story leading to a very familiar caterpillar’s birthday party follows, it features flowers, balloons, birds and more.

The tactile elements such as thick board pages, glitter and a fabulous fold-out ending are perfect for little hands and minds. My children and I couldn’t resist brushing our hands over the glittery cover more times than necessary.

This is a great little book, a perfect gift for fans of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or even for introducing little ones to the ever popular series. It is lovely to read aloud with toddlers and use as a base for discussion about birthdays and birthday parties.

Some other books in The Very Hungry Caterpillar series include Where is The Very Hungry Caterpillar? and I love Mum with The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Birthday Party
Author/Illustrator: Eric Carle
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia Pty Ltd, $16.99
Publication Date: 21 May 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9780241376119
For ages: 1 – 3
Type: Picture Book




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

Review: Leyla

Poor Leyla the baboon has had enough of her large and loud family!

There are too many of them. They are always chatting and want to smother her with attention.

It's all too much, so Leyla decides to run away.

It's away from home, where she makes a new friend, a lizard, who spends much of his time alone in the desert. And it's from lizard that Leyla learns about the joy of doing nothing.

Leyla is able to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the gentle sounds of nature, meditating in near isolation, with a little guidance from lizard.

After spending some time by herself, Leyla is ready to rejoin her family and share the story of her experiences.

Leyla is a sweet and appealing character. Her need for peace and quiet may perhaps seem like an adult one, but it is something children will also understand.

Author and illustrator Galia Bernstein uses Leyla's story to explore how some people need time and space to themselves to rejuvenate and re-energise.

The illustrations have been created digitally and are filled with character -- all the baboons in Leyla's family are unique, and display a range of emotions.

Leyla is a lovely reminder that taking time for yourself can be important and explains a simple way to do that.

Title: Leyla
Author/illustrator: Galia Bernstein 
Publisher: Abrams, $24.99
Publication Date: May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781419735431
For ages: 4 -- 6 
Type: Picture book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2MsQ7fZ

Winner: Australia Map Puzzle

And our lucky winner is...

Sonya Leonello, VIC

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of the gorgeous boxed Australia Map Puzzle designed and illustrated by Tania McCartney.

We hope you have hours of informative fun enjoying this prize!

Thank you to ALL who entered. It was almost impossible to decide which iconic Aussie landmark we should visit from the magnificent suggestions made!

 



from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2X9xvlW

12 Curly Questions with author Nat Amoore

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
Well, anyone who has ever watched TV with me knows this but the general public may not. I still suck my thumb! Yep, I never grew out of it. Don’t ask me why. But I figure if that’s my worst habit then things aren’t so bad, right?

2. What is your nickname?
Technically, I guess Nat is a nickname. I would tell you my full name but then secret ninjas would have to sneak in and kidnap you and lock you in a cone of silence. Over the years I have had a few different ones from different friends including Squishy, Poops, Nattymuk, Guitar-ya, Nuts and Kangaroo… yep, my friends are pretty weird!

3. What is your greatest fear?
Jellyfish! I hate jellyfish. With an uber passion. They totally freak me out. Like, dude, where are your bones! I can see right through you! That is not normal! Don’t swim near me. Get out of my ocean. Can we please stop talking about jellyfish? **runs off crying**

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I write things I know and things I wish I knew. (And I can’t count.)

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Productive. Fearless. Instinctual. Fun. Naughty. I guess it’s debatable whether that last one is a positive, but I think it is!

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Oh soooooo many! It’s so hard to choose. But I’m going to go with Elly from Skymaze because she just gets it done, is totally kick-butt, doesn’t let anyone push her around but still has heart. Or Lyra from His Dark Materials because she is headstrong, shows how tough, independent and awesome kids are and gets to ride an armoured bear. I reckon I would totally rock at riding an armoured bear.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1969 so I could go to Woodstock.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?\
Oh she’d have a lot to say. Including…
1) Get a haircut!
2) Bet I could climb that tree faster than you (to which current me would reply ‘oh, it is ON! 3, 2, 1…go!’) I’m not sure who would win. I still climb a mean tree.
3) You actually ran away and joined the circus after you finished school? Cool!
4) I told you you’d never grow up.
5) Good work on the whole writing a book thing. High fives for making my dreams come true.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
Not so much ‘a who’ as ‘a what’. Music has always been a huge influence on me. It inspires me, helps me to remember things, can make me happy or sad. Everything I do or write or remember has a soundtrack to go with it.

10. What/who made you start writing?
This is hard. The first would be the books that I loved as a kid and the authors who wrote them. So Gillian Rubinstein, Paul Jennings, Morris Gleitzman. Then a few amazing teachers who really fostered my love of books and creative writing – Miss Aliotti, Mrs O’Keefe, Mrs McKay. Finally, my deep desire to a) tell stories and b) entertain. It has shown itself in many forms in my various careers over the years, but it has always been there.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Kerfuffle. Why? Just say it out loud! How great is it? It’s got such spunk! And it sounds exactly like its meaning.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh KBR, you're killing me! How am I supposed to answer a question like this? I’ll hurt the feelings of all the books out there that I love so dearly. Maybe To Kill A Mockingbird but I stand by my comment that this question is IMPOSSIBLE to answer!

Nat Amoore is a Sydney-based writer who is passionate about encouraging kids to read and write and explore their imagination without boundaries. Her first middle grade novel Secrets Of A Schoolyard Millionaire is out with Penguin Random House, with a second novel expected in 2020. Nat's debut middle-grade manuscript was awarded 3rd place at the CYA Conference in 2017. At last year’s CYA, she placed 1st and 2nd in the Picture Book category and 2nd in Chapter Books for younger readers. She was a recipient of the CBCA Maurice Saxby Creative Development Program for 2018 and is a proud Role Model for Books In Homes. Nat has completed multiple courses at the AWC and NSWWC. She is a member of two different writers’ groups full of inspiring peers and multiple published writers and a member of SCBWI and the CBCA. But, most importantly, she used to be a trapeze artist, had a pet kangaroo when she was little and her secret super power is making stuff up (not lying, that's totally different!). For more details, see www.natamoore.com.

 

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2I2gQdv

Cover Reveal: The Astrid Notes by Taryn Bashford

The Astrid Notes is the exciting new YA novel by Queensland author, Taryn Bashford. We first met Taryn when she introduced us to her debut novel, The Harper Effect, two years ago.

This is but a taste of what's to come...
 
Astrid Bell
Dutiful daughter. Classical singer. Secret pop songwriter. And suffering from stage fright.

Jacob Skalicky.
Trust Fund Kid. Indie singer. Immensely gifted performer. And refusing to sing again.

Are they polar opposites? In his grief and fury at the world, Jacob certainly thinks so.

But when Jacob loses everything and Astrid uncovers a shocking family secret, they may need each other to make sense of their lives.

Today we are tingling to reveal the cover of her forthcoming book due out in July. Here it is...

You can pre-order your copy of The Astrid Notes from Pan Macmillan Australia, Booktopia and Amazon, and learn more about Taryn via her social links:

Website: www.TarynBashford.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TarynBashford

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TarynBashford

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TarynBashford

Taryn is the author of The Harper Effect and currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with a family that includes teen children and a highly-strung dog. Taryn’s lived on four continents, meaning her job experience has been varied: an advertising sales rep, a ski chalet chef, a late-night newsreader and the CEO of an internet company, but writing and Australia are her true loves. Taryn is currently working on her PhD in Creative Writing while tutoring undergraduates and writing more novels. When she’s not writing or teaching, she’s training for triathlons in the hope they will compensate for the fact she spends ten hours a day sitting on her tushie.

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2I0x6M5

Review: Me and My Sister

Me and My Sister is an important picture book about family, siblings and differences.

At the beginning of the story, a young boy introduces his sister and explains they are both very different. They like different food and they like to do different things. Don’t we all!

But these siblings have other differences too. They go to different schools, they learn different things and sometimes the young boy gets in trouble for things when his sister does not. Sometimes other people stare at his sister because of things she says, and sometimes his sister is rude without meaning to be. 

But throughout the story, the boy always finds ways for connection with his sister. When she is sad, he comforts her. When she doesn’t want to hug, they high-five instead. Because even though they are different, they still love each other the same. 

Me and My Sister is a peek into a young boy’s view of life with an autistic sibling. It shines a light on difference, but explores how we can all reconnect even when we might not be the same as each other. 

Tender and heartfelt, this is an important book for all young children, showing them that not everything is the same and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It shows them that kindness and love is what is most important, even when things might seem a little bit unfair.

With simple and very ‘kid’ text and funky and engaging illustrations, Me and My Sister is an easy read that leads into questions and conversation very easily, helping the reader to discuss the content with their audience. 

We need more picture books like this one — stories about family and connection and the power of love.

Title: Me and My Sister

Author/Illustrator: Rose Robbins

Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99

Publication Date: April 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9781760524456

For ages: 3 - 6 

Type: Picture Book

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

Review: My Friend Fred

My Friend Fred is a happy tale about an endearing dachshund named Fred with a cheeky and unexpected ending.

Told from the view of Fred’s best friend, the story explores many of the activities Fred likes and dislikes such as sniffing trees, digging holes and climbing stairs. Fred’s friend often has differing views on these activities, for example eating dog food…disgusting.

Each page provides space and temptation to discuss Fred’s actions and even interact with his infectious character by barking and howling along with him, I certainly couldn’t resist!

The illustrations are gorgeous with watercolour textures and generous white space, they perfectly compliment and work in unity with the storyline. Seeing Fred run and jump around under a washing line with his sausage-like body, happy smile and long floppy tongue was an award-winning scene for me.

I adore this book; it is perfect for reading to a group, with succinct text and lots of illustrated fun and movement on every page. The clever ending made me laugh aloud and want to read it again immediately with a new perspective.

Frances Watts and A. Yi are both based in Australia, Frances has written many books including It’s A Story, Rory and A Very Quacky Christmas. A.Yi is the illustrator of Ivanhoe Swift Left Home at Six and other stories.

Title: My Friend Fred
Author: Frances Watts
Illustrator: A. Yi
Publisher: Allen & Unwin , $19.99
Publication Date: 6 May 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760290948
For ages: 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2W4MGjC

Review: Little Fish and Mummy

I adore the Little Fish series; Where is Little Fish, Count with Little Fish and Hooray Little Fish. Now meet Little Fish and Mummy in a sturdy board book shaped like a fish.

In this story we join Mummy and Little Fish on their special day together. These two have a wonderful loving bond. Little Fish's  youthful excitement about exploring life is very endearing.

You and your little ones will also enjoy doing the same activities as Little Fish; blowing bubbles, splashing water, games of hide and seek, exploring new places and sharing lots of kisses.

The story met all of my expectations and ticked all the boxes when it comes to literacy learning; rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. The illustrations pop with bright colours and patterns. It provides many opportunities to explore names of colours and patterns, comparison of size and counting.

Once you've read all of the Little Fish series over and over again introduce you munchkins to Maisy. Some of my favourite Maisy books include;  Maisy Goes to a Wedding and Maisy Goes to a Bookshop.

Title: Little Fish and Mummy
Author/Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Publisher: Walker Books, $11.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781406384291
For ages: 0 - 3
Type: Board Book




from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/30I450j

Review: Arthur and the Tiger

Arthur is the son of a magnificent circus ringmaster.

The circus has many brilliant performers who can perform all manner of trickery and brave and daring acts, but poor Arthur is not one of them. Poor Arthur is not brave at all.

And then one day the ringmaster announces that a tiger is coming to join the circus, and Arthur is the one who must tame it.

But Arthur isn’t brave. He isn’t daring. How will he be able to tame a tiger?

Arthur and the Tiger is a story of self-discovery and learning to find your inner courage. It’s a charming adventure about friendship and stereotypes and learning not to judge a book by its cover.

This is a great story for kids. It will teach them to face fears and to explore deep inside themselves for courage. It will show them that sometimes the things we are afraid of are just as afraid of us. 

Supporting Arthur’s story, Sophie Beer’s stunning illustrations are super funky. Her illustration style is joyful, expressive and colourful, and each turn of the page is a masterpiece. 

Stunning in every way, Arthur and the Tiger is a delightful picture book for school and home bookshelves.

And for more of Sophie Beer's amazing creations, check out Wren and Amazing Australian Women.

Title: Arthur and the Tiger

Author/Illustrator: Sophie Beer

Publisher: Penguin Random House, $19.99

Publication Date: 7 May 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN: 9780143791836

For ages: 3 - 6 

Type: Picture Book

from Kids' Book Review http://bit.ly/2W0pCCM