Review: Adventures in the Wild with Jan Latta

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to come face to face with a lion, pat a wild cheetah, or watch a majestic giraffe lumber past followed by her skittish baby?

Jan Latta has had these amazing experiences, and her spectacular photography allows us to share them with her. She has a true talent for capturing the beauty and heart of a place, showing us the wild, untameable landscape of Africa yet sharing touching moments of the awe-inspiring animals she encounters.

Adventures in the Wild follows one of Jan’s trips to Africa. Written in first person, it draws readers in as they fly in to Africa and learn about the animals waiting there. Jan’s photographs put us right there along side her, seeing what she sees and marvelling at the magnificent creatures we meet.

We travel through the wilds, camping and following animals. We feel the tension as there is a rustling and rumbling outside the tent, opening the tent flaps to see a large bull elephant only a metre away! And whilst staying in Nabiosho camp, a lion pride surrounds the camp every night, their roars vibrating through your body.

This book gives kids a rare insight into experiences most of us can only dream of. We see the tender moments of a lion playing with her cubs and baby elephants playing in the water. Yet along the way we learn how the animals interact with each other, how they give warning signals, hide their young and hunt.

My ten-year-old loved this book. She was fascinated by the antics of the animals and revelled in telling me all the new facts she had learned. Such as that there are nine different patterns that giraffes can have and that baby giraffes fall on their head when they are born but can run only ten hours later!

With chapters focussing on different animals, including lions, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and birds, this book covers a wide range of African animals and gives interesting information on all of them. The photography really brings it to life and makes you part of the adventure and leaves you feeling a genuine connection with these beautiful animals.



Title: Adventures in the Wild with Jan Latta
Author/Illustrator: Jan Latta
Publisher: True to Life Books, $20
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781645700999
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-Fiction




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Review: Shatter City

Shatter City by Scott Westerfeld, is the sequel to Imposters (review here), and you really should make sure you read book one before you start on number two.

The series (two more books are still to be published) is set in the same universe as the Uglies quartet. And for those reading along with knowledge of the quartet, you'll discover some specific connections.

In some moments I don't know what to say about the story, and in others I want to say so much I don't know where to start, and have to remind myself to be careful not to reveal any spoilers.

Shatter City begins not long after Imposters ends.

Frey, who was born to protect her identical twin sister, Rafi, is thrust into new and unnerving situations as the rebels rise in defence of cities that are not Frey's home of Shreve.

Finding herself in the city of Paz, Frey is confronted with more evidence of her father's treachery, and by the concept of the 'feels' Paz's residents have surgically embedded in their arms; it's an experience that finds her struggling to understand her own emotions, which she's long had to control and hide.

Frey is searching for herself, her real self, hidden beneath the Frey created by her father as the imposter for her sister.

Then there is the unsettling Diego, being separated from Col, and the sense that there's something not quite right. All this as she tries to locate her sister, and remove and destroy her father, who is bent on occupation, and recovering control of his missing daughters, or so it seems.

From moments of quiet and contemplation, the story amps up into blistering action and then back again, several times.

By the time I reached the final chapters of  Shatter City, I thought I knew what was about to be revealed, then suddenly realised the truth, and it was rather shocking, as are the possible implications. And then it was followed by another revelation as the final pages set the scene for book three.

The world that the characters inhabit is a wild mix of the primitive and futuristic; and it takes elements of our society today, pushing them to extremes, imagining what could happen if ...

I think these books are must-reads for just about anyone. They are full of action and twists that you won't see coming. And they have a lot to say, if you look closely. As someone who usually doesn't read scifi, I'm bemused by how fascinated I am with these stories.

I cannot recommend Shatter City and its predecessors enough. Suitable for teenage or adult readers, they will entertain, and they are certain to make you think.

Title: Shatter City (Imposters book 2)
Author: Scott Westerfeld 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9781760528256
For ages: 13+
Type: Young adult fiction

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Review: My Father's Shadow

12 Curly Questions with author Suzy Zail

1.What's your hidden talent?
Getting through a block of chocolate without the family noticing.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?  
Boy Swallows Universe was one of my favourite reads this year, so I have to say drug baron and businessman Tytus Broz aka Lord of the Limbs (he makes artificial limbs for amputees). His penchant for cutting off his adversary’s body parts ratchets up the tension and his presence adds another menacing player to the book’s brilliant cast of eccentric characters.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead) 
Yotam Ottolenghi — for help with the menu (plus he put my crème caramel in his last cookbook, Sweet, so I owe him a dessert). Maya Angelou — fierce, funny, brilliant. I’d just shut up and listen. Esther Perel — She could get anyone to talk. Lisa Taddeo — for the stories. My dad. I know practically everything about him, after writing his memoir, but I still have so many questions.

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Roal Dahl’s Lickable Wallpaper.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Intense, quiet, passionate, curious, dedicated.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Inspiring, thoughtful, powerful, sensitive, stirring.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
My dog sprawled on his bed, a large window looking onto a garden, chocolate, flowers and a candle.

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!)
Extra maple syrup on the pancakes, please. Girl in Pieces, by Kathleen Glasgow

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Enid Blyton. She’s written 762 books, so the obvious question is ‘When do you sleep’?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Pass… both would be torture. As soon as I finish writing a book, I get antsy to start on another and before I’ve even finished reading a book I’ve bought the next one.

Suzy Zail has worked as a litigation lawyer, specialising in Family Law, but now writes full time. Among other titles, she has written her father’s story, The Tattooed Flower, about his life as a child survivor of the Holocaust. Her first novel for young adults, The Wrong Boy, was short-listed for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards, the Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature, the WAYRBA, USBBY and YABBA awards. Her second novel with Black Dog Books, Alexander Altmann A10567, was a Notable Book at the CBCA Awards. She lives in Melbourne and has three children. For more information, see www.suzyzail.com.au.

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Guest Post: Heather Waugh on Dragon Tests

Winners: The Corner of My Eye

And our three lucky winners are...

Cate Whittle, NSW
Norah Colvin, QLD
Annaleise Byrd, QLD

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the stunning prize pack of, The Corner of My Eye.

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered. Weird but wonderful learning about your favourite parts of the house!

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Review: Toby and the Tricky Things

Little Toby the elephant is growing up, he can do lots of things by himself now but he still needs Mummy to help with the tricky things. There’s just one small problem… his baby sister!

Toby is proud now that he can pour his own milk, read books and reach Mummy’s snack jar, but when his mum needs him to do the tricky things without her, his confidence becomes rattled. Doing tricky things such as buttons, wellies and loo paper because mum is too busy with his little sister Iris frustrates Toby, he leaves the house in anger and wishes he was a baby. With a gentle message and a big hug, Toby’s mum reassures him that he is and will always be loved.

Christine Pym’s illustrations are what first drew me to this book, they combine wonderfully with Lou Peacocks writing and present a perfect balance of colour, white space and texture. Toby, his sister and his mum are the most delightful little elephant characters, with soft textures, cute trunks and gentle expressions.

Toby and the Tricky Things will resonate with parents of and children with siblings. It flows well and is lovely to read aloud.

Lou Peacock is the author of many books including Oliver Elephant and Lionel and the Lion's Share. Christine Pym has illustrated other books including Little Mouses’ Big Breakfast which you can even find hidden in the illustrations of Toby and the Tricky Things.

Title: Toby and the Tricky Things
Author: Lou Peacock
Illustrator: Christine Pym
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $24.99
Publication Date: 2 August 2018
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781788002653
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Is It Halloween Yet?

Review: Her Fearless Run

Review: Pumpkin Heads

Highly Commended Stories of the Kids World Fun Story Contest

Highly commended stories from the Kids World Fun International Short Story Contest for School Children 2019 #2. Read the stories online. …]

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Review: Inventor Lab: Projects for Genius Makers

Have you ever wondered how to make an infinity mirror, a door alarm or your own bugbot? How about a remote-controlled snake, a bottle boat or an electromagnetic crane? Inventor Lab has the information to make these and many other inventions.

This clear and concise how-to manual, begins with an important section on safety, followed by a summary of the tools and materials referred to in the book, and brief tutorials on some of the skills required, such as using a drill, a hot glue gun and a soldering iron.

There are ideas for budding and accomplished inventors, with step-by-step instructions, aided by distinct photographs, allowing readers to build real working machines from common materials.


This book is suitable for anyone over 9 years of age, although younger children may still require some adult assistance. Inventor Lab not only provides the instructions to build the various pieces of equipment listed, but may also stimulate readers to consider using these techniques to create their own unique inventions.

Title: Inventor Lab: Projects for Genius Makers
Publisher: DK, $24.99
Publication Date: 6 August 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780241343517
For ages: 9 - 15
Type: Nonfiction




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Video: The Tiny Star

The extraordinary storytelling talents of Mem Fox and Freya Blackwood have combined for the first time to bring us the tale of The Tiny Star. The book is about the special relationship between children and their grandparents, and touches on the 'journey of life', as the children are born and grandparents die. In this video, Mem and Freya share a little of their experience creating The Tiny Star.


Title: The Tiny Star
Author: Mem Fox
Illustrator: Freya Blackwood
Publisher: Puffin, $ 24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670078127
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book




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Review: Promise Me Happy

Review: There's a Dinosaur in my Bathtub

A fabulously fun, imagination-filled story of a dinosaur in Amelia’s bathtub.

In There’s a Dinosaur in my Bathtub, Amelia tells readers of her secret, the dinosaur from France named Pierre in her bathtub. Having Pierre there is great, they have many adventures together including chocolate milk on the moon, giant ice-creams and when it rains and dancing upside down in their pyjamas. Challenges occur too, like where should Pierre should hide when Mum needs to wash her hair?

In the essence of all good things coming to an end, Pierre packs his suitcase and says goodbye to Amelia after a delicious picnic with plenty of his favourite cheese, but maybe, just maybe he’ll be back.

I love Catalina Echeverri’s energetic illustrations featuring loose lines, and an array of textures and patterns. Pierre’s character beams with fun, his curly moustache and black beret are the perfect accessories for such a fabulous dinosaur friend.  

Fun to read aloud, There’s a Dinosaur in my Bathtub is sure to inspire imagination and creative play.

Title: There's a Dinosaur in my Bathtub
Author/Illustrator: Catalina Echeverri
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408839393
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Mr Chicken All Over Australia

Taking his two years as Australian Children's Laureate as inspiration, Leigh Hobbs has created a new adventure for his character, Mr Chicken.

Mr Chicken All Over Australia starts with Mr Chicken receiving a letter inviting him to visit.

Deciding it's a good idea, he heads off, and on arrival makes his way straight to the tourist office.

Armed with a map and letters from children all over Australia inviting him to see what makes their homes special, Mr Chicken is soon traversing the country all over, from east to west, and top to bottom.

There's nowhere too big or small for Mr Chicken. He visits many of the 'big' sightseeing spots, like the Big Pineapple in Woombye and the Big Prawn in Ballina, and travels by car, train, plane, and boat.

Mr Chicken climbs the Sydney Harbour Bridge; sleeps a night under the stars; and gets sick from eating too much pavlova and is looked after by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Wherever he goes, Mr Chicken, the intrepid explorer, is met by people welcoming him.

Leigh Hobbs has done a fabulous job of creating a story that includes so many Australian places, sights and experiences. In doing so, he has managed to include all the places he visited on his travels as Australian Children's Laureate (each of them is named somewhere in the story).

Even the endpapers capture Leigh's experience, with copies of some of the actual letters he received during his Laureateship. They give a small insight into the delight children have in reading his stories and in meeting him.

Leigh has also dedicated the book to all the kids, teachers and librarians who met him during his Laureateship.
This is a book that will be thrilling for readers all over Australia, who will be able to pore over it to find the places they know, as well as those they don't.

Mr Chicken All Over Australia is a triumph and certain to be as well-loved as other Mr Chicken escapades. A worthy adddition to bookshelves everywhere.

Title: Mr Chicken All Over Australia
Author/Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760296964
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book

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Review: Six Sleepy Mice

International Short Story Contest 2019-2 Results

The results of Kids World Fun's second biannual Short Story Contest 2019 has been announced. It discloses the first, second and third prize winners for sub-junior, junior, and senior categories. …]

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12 Curly Questions with author Liz Ledden

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I eloped to Paris and had both my kids in Bangkok. Running away overseas is one of my favourite things to do!

2. What is your nickname?
It’s pretty much just Liz (no one ever calls me Elizabeth), but some old friends still know me as Squiz.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Sneezing while driving – that moment when your eyes involuntarily close is terrifying!

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Caffeine-fuelled with late-night bursts of friendship, fun and feelings.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Curious, sensitive, playful, instinctual, heart-driven.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’d be Go Go from Go Go and the Silver Shoes. Adventurous, creative and quirky with the coolest ever bedroom. Plus the best shoes (or shoe, as it turns out!).

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go back to around 1986-1987 so I could visit my relatives who are no longer around. And to my little brain for story ideas while there, as it was my most creative, book-immersed time!

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I knew you’d be an author; this was always the plan. But why did it take so long?

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I’d say my kids. They’re a constant source of surprise and inspiration.

10. What/who made you start writing? 
I’ve written forever, but I immersed myself in the world of writing for kids while studying for a Master of Arts in Writing and Literature. I was exploring all different forms of writing, but kept enjoying the children’s literature subjects the most and enrolled in more.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Scruffy – it makes me think of a disheveled but adorable kid or creature.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
An anthology kind of thing (that doesn’t actually exist) of my favourite picture books, smooshed into one. Is that cheating?! It would contain Florette, Herman and Rosie, Maya and Cat and more!

Liz Ledden is a Sydney-based children’s book author and co-host of kids’ book podcast One More Page. Her debut picture book Tulip and Brutus is about a ladybug and a stinkbug who never play together. She has another picture book due out in 2020. For more information, see www.lizledden.com.

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Guest Post: Q & A with Liz Leddon on Tulip And Brutus

Review: Every Child a Song

Lyrical and poignant, this glorious celebration of children has been published for the 30th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It reminds us that every child must be protected by the articles laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and that every one of us must play a part.

Every Child A Song tells of the song that begins when every child is born — A melody the world had never heard before.

The analogy of the song explains the beautiful individuality of each child and the right for each song to be nurtured, cherished and heard. It also reveals the power that poverty, war and hate have to drown out that song, and the need for every person to raise their voice in harmony, to ensure the right of every song to sing out loud, bold and unafraid.

Nicola Davies' prose is powerful and heartfelt, and perfectly in tune with Marc Martin's uplifting and vibrant illustrations. Martin's pencil and watercolour illustrations fill each page with life and joy; with resolute hope and colour on even the darkest page.

Part lullaby, part anthem, this important picture book is a timely reminder of the precious and fragile beauty of each new life. Highly recommended for every home and classroom.

Title: Every Child a Song
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Marc Martin
Publisher: Hachette, $26.99
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781526361417
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Fly

Giveaway: In The Corner of My Eye

In The Corner of My Eye is a book about a special relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter who tries to see life through his eyes

When you are very, very young or very, very old, you can see things out of the corner of your eye. In between, all you can see is all you can see. Unless you are very, very lucky. Then the corner of your eye stays awake forever. The story of an ageing man who has lost something. But what and where? His granddaughter, Sally, helps him find it. Subtle and touching, this is an emotional response to people trying their best to live in an imperfect world.

To celebrate the release of this beautiful new picture book by Colin Thompson, the wonderful people at Walker Books Australia have not one but three prize packs to give away! Each pack consists of a copy of the book plus a marvellous signed poster by Colin Thompson.

To enter, in 25 words or less simply tell us,  what is your favourite part of your house, and why.

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The three responses we like best will each win a book prize and poster. 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 21 October 2019.

Competition runs from 5 pm 12 October 2019 to 5 pm 19 October 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.

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Review: From Above The Clouds

From Above The Clouds is a tale of abiding love. The main character is a young girl named Grace, who begs to hear her favourite story about her life as a tiny baby.

In her little life, Grace has already been through a very long journey to become the child she is today. Kezia Brett's lyrical text, deeply inspired by personal experiences, explores the wishes, dreams and fears of Grace's family and community, as they all learn that the little baby is very sick, and each brings hope, support and guidance.

This story highlights the love and joy that a new life brings, and the very real challenges that some children and their families experience, expressed in a gentle, hopeful way. Martina Heiduczek's illustrations are ethereal and joyous, giving a peacefulness to the story which deals with some difficult times in Grace's journey.

This is a beautiful, comforting book that demonstrates how valuable every child is, whether they are with us here or above the clouds.

Title: From Above The Clouds
Author: Kezia Brett
Illustrator: Martina Heiduczek
Publisher: Fierce Grace Publishing, $24.95
Publication Date:
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780646976020
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Take The Shot

Review: The Caveman Next Door

Penny lives in a normal street, but things change a little when a caveman moves in next door.

The caveman is different, that’s plain to see, so Penny tries to help him fit into the neighbourhood a little better.

Penny takes the caveman to the library, on the bus and to the park. But the caveman doesn’t fit in anywhere. He doesn’t understand the rules and people get mad. 

The caveman is too different. He doesn’t belong. 

But when Penny discovers the caveman has some special talents of his own, she finds a place where he can be himself and get the respect he deserves.

The Caveman Next Door is a story about inclusion and empathy — about looking at things from another person’s perspective and not making judgements about them.

It is also fun, silly, zany and hilarious — filled to the brim with funny scenes that will have the kids rolling around with giggles.

Tom Tinn-Disbury’s illustrations are so fun and quirky. They are detailed and intricate, and there are hidden gems to explore and discover on every page (watch out for the curious pigeon throughout the book!). 

This is definitely a book to go slowly with — to chat about the characters and what they are doing and feeling, and to explore the engaging illustrations for funny characters and hidden jokes.

Tinn-Disbury delivers in this funny picture book that touches on such relevant and important issues (in total disguise, I might add), and I’m really looking forward to his next release.

Title: The Caveman Next Door

Author/Illustrator: Tom Tinn-Disbury

Publisher: New Frontier, $24.99 

Publication Date: 1 October 2019

Format: Hard Cover

ISBN:  9781925594850

For ages: 3 - 6

Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Claire Powell

Name: Claire Powell

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. Character led, filled with emotion, personality and humour.

What items are an essential part of your creative space? I have lots of pots filled with crayons, paintbrushes, marker pens, inks… the list is endless… but all I really need is a pencil, a light box and some paper!

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I’m out comfortable using pencil. Recently I’ve been experimenting with different ways of adding colour to my original work, trying out watercolour, brush pens, coloured pencils but I always come back to using just a pencil. It allows me to do what I want to do with minimum frustration!

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Bernie Fuchs, an illustrator from the 50’s - his use of colour was amazing. Kay Neilsen, his attention to detail astounds me and Quentin Blake, his work is so spontaneous and full of life - I can stare at one of drawings for hours.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Good question! I think I’d visit the Art Nouveau period. There were so many talented, varied artists around this time both in illustration, painting and design. Artists such as Klimt, Schiele, Lautrec, Sorolla, Renee Mackintosh, Beardsley, Neilsen were all active during this time. It must have been an inspiring era to live and work in… I’d stick around for the art deco period too, it’s my favourite in terms of fashion, architecture and design.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? A conversation with my mum inspired me to change career. I was previously an identity designer, a job I enjoyed but didn’t want to do forever. Mum asked me what I would do, if money and qualifications were no obstacle and I immediately answered - draw pictures! It was a surprise as I hadn’t drawn much in previous years and I didn’t study illustration at university. A few weeks later I happened upon a small exhibition of children’s book illustration at The British Library. I knew straight away it was what I wanted to do. It took me two more years to complete a picture book course, find representation, produce a portfolio and get my first commission.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it. I’m lucky to have a flat with a mezzanine level and I converted it into my studio space. It has big windows with lots of light and plenty of space to work. My drawing desk faces the windows, I like to stare out of them at the sky when I’m thinking… or procrastinating! I have all my drawing and painting materials near-by on a little trolley with wheels. My computer and scanner are on another desk. I have a lot of shelves with all my reference books and some plants which miraculously are still alive, despite me forgetting to water them. It’s a lovely space. Very peaceful.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
The beginning, definitely. I love receiving a new manuscript and feeling excited by all the possibilities. Designing the characters, researching and coming up with ideas for the roughs is so much fun and I love spontaneous nature of it. I find art-working enjoyable but relentless. I started off working digitally but I soon realised I’m not keen spending long periods at the computer so I’m slowly moving towards more traditional methods of working.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Create as freely as you can, without constraint. Don’t worry about what other people are doing or whether your work is any good and definitely don’t worry about style! It’s something I struggled with at the beginning and ‘how did you find your style?’ is a question I get asked a lot. But the truth is style evolves naturally, almost without you noticing. The best thing is to draw as often as you can. You will eventually find your own visual way of doing things. I would also say don’t be too concerned with what other people are producing. It’s easy to look at your peers and feel you’re falling behind, but everyone’s timeline is different. Being an illustrator can be isolating, especially if you work from home, so I’d recommend meeting up with other illustrators regularly, social media is great for reaching out to people in your area and it’s reassuring to chat to people. You find we’re all struggling with the same things and it makes you feel normal!

Claire is a bestselling children's book illustrator working in London, UK. She started out designing for big-hitting television brands, before an impromptu visit to a children's book exhibition led her down the path of illustration. Self-taught, Claire got her first book deal in 2015 and has never looked back. A hugely versatile artist, Claire has a talent for creating characters that are brimming with emotion and personality.

You can visit Claire's website for more information or follow her on her instagram.

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Review: Sound Series Complete Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Sound Stories Complete Series

Author: Barbara Murray

Illustrator: Sarah Hardy

Publisher: Little Steps Publishing, $24.99 each

Publication Date: August 2019

Format: Hardcover

ISBN: 9781925545074, 9781925545685, 9781925545975, 9780980723700

For ages: 5+

Type: Non Fiction, Education/Literacy

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Review: The Australia Survival Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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




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Review: Lemur Dreamer

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Review: The Last Word

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

And it has.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: The Last Word

Author: Patricia Forde

Publisher: Affirm Press, $16.99

Publication Date: 27 August 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925870664

For ages: 11+

Type: Middle Fiction

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12 Curly Questions with author Jenny Blackford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Review: Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop

Guest Post: George Ivanoff on Surviving in Australia!

Review: People & Places: a children's encyclopedia

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

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

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

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

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




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Review: Trouble in the Surf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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Review: It Sounded Better In My Head

Review: Scaredy Cat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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Review: The Demon World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: The Demon World

Author: Sally Green

Publisher: Penguin, $17.99

Publication Date: 6 August 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780141375410

For ages: 13+

Type: Young Adult Fiction

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Guest Post: Julia Lawrinson on Questions of Morality

Review: Who Stole my Sausage Roll?

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

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

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

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

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




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Review: Hello Lighthouse

Winners: Ollie and Augustus

And our three lucky winners are...

Damian Corkhill, NSW

Mel Sajeva, VIC

Kirsty Polujan, NSW

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the heartwarming, Ollie and Augustus.

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered. We loved hearing about what you get up to with your beloved pets!




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12 Curly Questions

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.  

My canvas paintings are signed Bood. So people may not know that they have my artwork hanging on their wall.

2. What is your nickname?  

Bood.

3. What is your greatest fear?  

Not being motivated to try my hardest.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.

Tenacious Exciting Necessary Wise Objective Rich Deadly Substantial. (There you go, look back and you will see that I described my style within 10 words.)

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.  

Oh come on – look above – I already did it in eight!

6. What book character would you be, and why?  

Tiddalik – one of the only characters I read about at school that came from my Kamilaroi Country.

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

1788 – I would empathise with Captain Arthur Phillip to lead with greater empathy for a very wise culture that could teach people about respect for the land and one another. Then we would still be living with ‘true’ Common Wealth.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?  

Enough with trying to fart through the didgeridoo in your live shows!

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My mother, Lyla Knox. Her passion for treating one another with kindness is a wonderful gift. She has never focused on all of the things she has missed out on throughout her life – only on the wonderful opportunities that lay ahead.

10. What/who made you start writing?  

My mum. She has steered her family to now have seven sons and daughters, five daughters-in-law and five of her grandchildren who all work in education – to fill classrooms with laughter and wisdom.

11. What is your favourite word and why?  

Vivacious – I used it throughout school to pad my writing with greater vocabulary. It also reminds me of the colours of my country and our traditional art. But, best of all, it describes the laughter amongst my beautiful family.

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

A ‘Magic Book’ that could change its story every time you were ready to be filled with more exciting stories encapsulating the never ending wonders of a multitude of authors imaginations.  

Gregg Dreise is a gifted artist, storyteller and musician, and he features the didgeridoo and guitar in his performances at schools, libraries and festivals. He is a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He is the author and illustrator of many books, including Cunning Crow, Silly Birds, Kookoo Kookaburra, Mad Magpie and My Culture and Me. All of these stories are about teaching morals. They address self-image, friendship, kindness, bullying and indigenous culture. Gregg also has a children’s music CD titled Sing. Dance. Walk Together. He is very proud to be an ambassador of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a charity that brings books, laughter, confidence and fun to remote communities around Australia. Gregg is proud to work with Magabala Books; Panguin Random House; Pearson Publishing; ABC Books; Harper Collins; and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. For more information, see www.magabala.com.

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Review: Amundsen's Way: The Race To The South Pole