Review: The Painted Ponies

Alison Lester is back with another gorgeous picture book that is sure to become a favourite.

Matilda loved playing with the painted ponies at Grandma Lucky’s house. They were kept in a little carved wagon with a stall for each one. 

The ponies are all unique, there is a chestnut, a gold palomino, a bay, a pinto, a brown and a dappley grey with a lucky star on his forehead.

When Matilda asks about them, Grandma Lucky tells the story of her own childhood in a travelling show, where her mother trained animals, her dad was a musician, and she twirled her lasso. This a story about the wild ponies that were meant to be free.

The illustrations are gentle and warm yet are bursting with personality. The smiling animals are so endearing and friendly, and Lester really captures their spirit and movement throughout the book. You can tell she has a genuine connection with horses which comes out both in her words and illustrations.

This is a beautiful story of friendship with animals and understanding what they really need – to be free. It is also a lovely shared story between and grandmother and grandchild, with their stories connecting across time.

These delightful ponies will capture your heart, just as Noni the Pony has already done for children everywhere.

Title: The Painted Ponies
Author/illustrator: Alison Lester
Publisher: Allen&Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 5 November 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781741758894
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The Day Rudolph's Nose Turned Blue

12 Curly Questions with authors Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
Kasey: I used to be a professional cake decorator.
Chris: I’m a heavy metal fan. Mainly late 1970s and hair metal throughout the 1980s: Judas Priest, Dio, KISS, Iron Maiden.

2. What is your nickname?
Kasey: At school I was called Cantankerous Kasey.
Chris: I don’t really have one now, but throughout primary and secondary school everyone called me Scone — even the teachers.

3. What is your greatest fear?
Kasey: Regret. I don’t want to look back and feel like I wasted my opportunities.
Chris: Living in a world without books.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Kasey: Get it done.
Chris: Make a mess and then clean it up.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Kasey: Persistent, consistent, ambitious, hopeful, resilient.
Chris: Structure, structure, structure, structure, structure.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Kasey: Maisy Mouse — she can do anything, and she’s got a really diverse and loyal group of friends.
Chris: I took a scientific approach to this question and did a BuzzFeed-type quiz. Turns out that science says I am Percy Jackson. Why? I’ll let the science do the talking: 'Brave, spirited natural leader, and is willing to risk his life to save friends, family, strangers, and sometimes even enemies. You have a sarcastic and smart sense of humor. Although, sometimes when you get angry, you tend to do action before plan yet, you are the most powerful DEMIGOD!'
You can’t argue with science.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Kasey: I’d travel to 1600 to see a play at The Globe theatre and confirm the true identity of Shakespeare.
Chris: I would travel to the future to when my daughters are old women and see how their lives turned out.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Kasey: Read more books as a child, please.
Chris: A centre part isn’t going to work for your; you’ll look better with a shaved head than you ever will with hair.

9. Who is your greatest influence? 
Kasey: My husband and co-writing partner, Chris. His super power is insane optimism.
Chris: My wife, Kasey Edwards.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Kasey: Reading the book Hating Alison Ashley when I was in grade 5.
Chris: Robin Klein’s Hating Alison Ashley was the first had me rolling around the floor laughing and Stephen King’s Firestarter, The Shining and Misery hooked me and wouldn't let me go.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Kasey: Yet. It’s full of hope, power and potential. It’s magic just waiting to happen.
Chris: Snack. Snacks are good!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kasey: Jane Eyre. To remind myself that even when the world thinks you are ordinary you can be extraordinary.
Chris: Remainder by Tom McCarthy. If you haven’t read it, read it. Probably the most original story I’ve ever read.

Violet Grace is the pen name of wife-and-husband writing team, Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon. Kasey is an author and columnist and Christopher is an academic and social commentator. They live in Melbourne with their two daughters. For more information, see www.blackincbooks.com.au.

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Review: Wombat Stew

Review: Let's Go! On a Rocket

In Let’s Go! On a Rocket two friends go on a cheerful rhyming adventure into space.

In a big red rocket the smiling children wave goodbye to their friends and set off to explore space suits, moon boots, friendly aliens, Jupiter, Mars and more.

Rosalyn Albert’s words rhyme, flow and float in a rhythmic delightful way perfect for young children; while Natalia Moore’s illustrations suit the story perfectly, with colours, textures, motion, happy faces and welcoming aliens that set a vibrant space scene

Let’s Go! On a Rocket is sure to inspire discussion, and would be a great introduction to space for toddlers and preschool children

Other books in the Let’s Go! Series are Let’s Go! On a Ferry and Let’s Go! On a Train.

Title: Let's Go! On a Rocket
Author: Rosalyn Albert
Illustrator: Natalia Moore
Publisher: New Frontier, $12.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925594881
For ages: 0 – 3
Type: Board Book




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Review: The Night Before Christmas

This ageless poem by Clement Clarke Moore written in the early 1800s, is revisited and made new again by Helene Magisson’s exquisite artwork.

The stockings are hung. The children are sleeping. Snow continues to fall on a white-washed world. Sounds are coming from afar.  Santa is nearing his destination.

He calls his reindeer by name and urges them on. Even his descent into the sooty chimney with his equally sooty bag doesn’t hinder his ability to keep the toys clean and intact. 

Then away he goes into the cold but brilliant night that is lighted by a full moon and dancing stars.

Perfect rhythm and rhyme sets up and propels Santa’s journey.  Magisson’s incredible colour choice of burgundy shades and blue, create simultaneously, an atmosphere of seasonal cold and festive warmth.

The magical miniature images of toys and pets scattered on pages, add whimsy and a delicate touch.

It’s Santa that demands and gets the most attention. His impressive expressions, his high boots and pot belly are not to be ignored. He is full of cheer and magnificence.

Magisson’s images of leaves floating over the pages are aligned with the light-hearted festivities and freedom, the travel of the sleigh, and Santa’s carefree attitude.

This Christmas book is for sharing with children. Its poetic style delights the senses. The images are stunning; pleasing to the eye. The words are a whisper on the tongue and magic to the ears. You can almost smell the waft of festive preparations.

This is one not to be passed when perusing the plethora of Christmas books available.

Title: The Night Before Christmas
Author: Clement Clarke Moore
Illustrator: Helene Magisson
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, $ 14.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925059946
For ages: 3 - 10
Type: Christmas Picture Book




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Review: The Crayons' Christmas

The Crayons' Christmas is another entertaining installment in the ongoing tales of Duncan and his varied band of colourful crayons.

Readers who are already fans of The Day The Crayons Quit and The Day The Crayons Came Home, will thoroughly enjoy reuniting with the characters in this story.

There are several surprises, with letters to open, a game to play and paper art to make, cleverly integrated throughout the book, making this a real holiday treat.

Author Drew Daywalt and illustrator Oliver Jeffers have added more depth to the stories of several crayon characters, including Peach Crayon, who finally gains some clothes to wear, Esteban and Neon Red, who have been travelling the world together, and the rarely seen, Silver Crayon.

Tiny details add to the humour in this book, such as addresses and stamps on parcels and the comments made by characters in the background. This story stands alone, but is perhaps best enjoyed after already coming to know the characters through reading the other books about these quirky crayons.

Title: The Crayons' Christmas
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books, $27.99
Publication Date: 21 October 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780008180362
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Giveaway: The Secrets of Magnolia Moon

Review: Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas Jumper Day

Christmas Jumper Day has come around again at Peppa and George’s playgroup.

Daddy Pig goes into the attic to retrieve the Christmas box. The little ones try on last year’s jumpers. Of course they don’t fit. Daddy Pig suggests that George try Peppa’s and Peppa tries Daddy’s. George is set but Peppa has a problem.

They go to bed with a promise from Daddy Pig that all will be well in the morning. He secretly has a grand idea which he’s not willing to share.

After breakfast, Peppa reminds Daddy Pig that she still doesn’t have a Christmas Jumper.

What is Daddy Pig’s idea? What excellent solution has he found to Peppa’s jumper dilemma? Will Madame Gazelle be disappointed? What will the others think?

Bewitching as always, Peppa reigns queen of the kids. Even when there seems to be no solution, Daddy Pig always rises to the occasion.

Themes of problem-solving, festive occasions and their importance to children’s (and adults’) lives give lateral thinking a new shine.

Light-hearted, fully festive, full page images bring us again into Peppa and George’s joyous world. The warmth of the family circle is visible in every word and action. Positive messages flow on every page with no room for the word can’t.

This Ladybird book is made of sturdy board that wipes clean and is perfect for repetitive use and chewing. Ideal for Peppa lovers and every young child’s Christmas stocking.

Ten percent of the retail price will go to Save the Children.

Title: Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas Jumper Day
Author/Illustrator: Created by Neville Astley & Mark Baker
Publisher: Penguin, $9.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241371589
For ages: 2+
Type: Board Book




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Review: I Go Quiet

I Go Quiet is a most unusual book.

The protagonist is a young girl and the text is her words, an explanation of sorts of her thoughts and feelings as she experiences different situations.

Walking into a room full of people, or sitting alone and being an observer.

Feeling like she doesn't fit in, she goes quiet.

The girl imagines, explores, reads, and tries to find ways to make her voice heard.

The story and illustrations are both by David Ouimet, who is an artist, author and musician.

As I Go Quiet progresses, it seems kind of filmic, and the tone of the illustrations moves from lighter to darker and back again.

The characters, who are most often in large, almost regimented groups, also appear visually dark and somewhat despairing or depressing.

This is certainly a book for older readers, as the pictures could scare younger children, and the concepts it conveys and the way it does so, are relatively mature in nature.

Readers who most need and understand the message in I Go Quiet will find appeal in this, a quirky and creative book.

Title: I Go Quiet
Author/Illustrator: David Ouimet 
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Canongate, $24.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781786897404
For ages: 10+
Type: Picture book for older readers




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Review: The Secret Runners of New York

Meet The Illustrator: Cheryl Pilgrim

Name: Cheryl Pilgrim

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Realistic, painterly, colourful children’s book illustrations.

What items are an essential part of your creative space? 

These are my go-to items: pencils, erasers, acrylic paints, computer and scanner. I usually draw on copy paper for my roughs, smooth  Bristol for my pencil finals, and multimedia board for my paintings. Oh, and there a couple of cats that oversee the whole process.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium? 

Acrylics and pencils 

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

It is very hard to pick just three but here are a few of my favourites. Norman Rockwell for his characters, expressions, and storytelling. Shaun Tan for his painterly, loose style. Brian Floca for his middle grade pencil illustrations.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?

I would like to go back in time and visit the Renaissance period and hang out in Michelangelo’s and Leonardo da Vinci’s studios. They not only had a vast amount of talent and knowledge, they worked and studied constantly in order to improve and reach new levels in their art. I would not want to stay long, however, because I’m a big fan of central heat/air, hot showers, and Torchy’s tacos.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? 

As long as I can remember, I spent time drawing and painting. My kindergarten teacher wrote a note to my parents about how I showed a talent for art. I still have that note and the artwork. When I went to college, art did not seem like a practical career and I never knew anyone who made a living that way so didn’t even know it was a real possibility. I became a teacher but continued drawing and painting in my spare time. As a teacher, our school had an author/illustrator visit from Loreen Leedy. When I heard her presentation, I thought this is what I want to do! At the time I was in my late 30’s and had two small children and a full-time job so I didn’t get serious about it until I was in my 40’s and my children were older. 

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it. For years, I had a very tiny art space in a room off the garage. A few years back we expanded that area, and now I have the most beautiful room overlooking the backyard. My husband is the gardener and bird and butterfly enthusiast so I get to enjoy this incredible view. The floors are concrete so I don’t have to worry about spots of paint on the floor. It’s not always this neat, but I do try to keep my work space organised.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

I like when I’ve worked out all the drawing and composition issues and it’s ready to paint or draw. I especially like playing with textures. I struggle so much with the initial drawing process, but if I can get that right, the rest is so much fun.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

Don’t wait to start! But if you do, know that it’s not too late to become an illustrator. In fact, my work ethic and drive is much stronger now than in my 20’s. I’m not sure if I had it in me back then to go through all the struggles and rejections to become published.

Cheryl is a writer, illustrator, and art teacher living in the Houston area with her husband. She has two grown children and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs. She works mainly in pencils and acrylics. Her debut picture book is Big and Little A Story of Opposites (Spring, 2019 Holiday House). Cheryl also illustrated a middle grade chapter book, The Littlest Voyageur (Spring, 2020, Holiday House). 

For more information please visit Cheryl's website or follow her on instagram or twitter.

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Look What I'm Reading! Angela Crocombe

My name is Angela Crocombe and I have been a Children’s Book Buyer at Readings in Melbourne since 2010. In 2016, we opened a specialist children’s store in Carlton next door to our flagship shop, Readings Kids, and I have been the manager there for the past three years.

I’ve been in the book industry for 25 years and have worked in a number of publishing houses. I love the variety of roles that being a bookseller gives you, from interacting with customers, to buying books and making the store look beautiful. It’s an ideal job for a book lover!



Which children’s book are you currently reading?
I just finished Kid Got Shot by Simon Mason.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?
It is YA crime fiction with a great sense of humour and a main character who is a brilliant logical thinker, whilst also being a complete slacker. He is constantly disappointing his mother, getting himself and others in trouble and failing all his exams.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?
I greatly enjoyed the characterisation, the convoluted plot with its many twists and turns, and the British council estate setting. It’s great to have another good YA crime series to recommend. There’s still not enough of it!

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?
I picked up this book at the library because it is a series I have had on my bookshelves at work for a number of years but have never read. Book 3 is coming out before Christmas and I really wanted to read one book in the series so that I could know more about it and hand-sell the series to customers over Christmas.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?
I’ve just finished Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments, and I’ve just started Will Kostakis’ The Monuments. Also at the top of my pile is the new Philip Pullman, which I hope to tackle very soon.

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?
The Will Kostakis and Philip Pullman are publisher’s ARCs, Kid Got Shot I borrowed from the library and The Testaments I bought. I will also purchase the Philip Pullman for my own, ever-expanding collection.

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?
I don’t really have a favourite genre; I just favour good writing. I tend to avoid excessive romance in a book, or a very complicated alternate world, so I don’t read much high fantasy. My favourite age group to read would probably be middle fiction because there is still a lovely innocence about the characters, whilst they also have a lot of agency and no pesky romance to hold them back. But I will read any genre or for any age group if it’s engaging and well written.

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.
I definitely prefer a printed book that I can take on the tram to work, to bed and to anywhere else I go. I hate staring at a screen any more than I absolutely have to!

www.readings.com.au/kids-shop

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Review: Stargazer

Do you know a budding astronomer with an interest in the night sky? This is the perfect kids guide to the stars to get them exploring the sky.

Take a trip through the universe to find the constellations, appreciate the beauty of the stars, and understand the stories our ancestors told as they searched for meaning in the skies.

The stunning photographic images of nebulas and galaxies will fill kids with awe at the expanse of stars and swirling, colourful gasses that stretch across the universe.

As we journey across the universe, we learn about the most recognisable constellations, the names of the key stars in them, and their positions relative to one another. We can trace our way across the stories in the sky.

The constellations are all clearly marked out, with their patterns and shapes drawn like dot-to-dots and their stories and meanings explained.

There is interesting scientific information about the celestial sphere, star distances and how Earth’s orbit impacts our view of the constellations, as well as discussion on some curious elements of particular galaxies, such as black holes. There are also tips for stargazing to get the up and coming astronomer ready to search the skies. Note this edition is specially designed for readers in the Southern Hemisphere.

The book finishes off with a glossary of terms and a comprehensive index, making it useful for those school projects and research.

This is a really easy to follow and interesting guide to the stars that is sure to spark interest from kids of all ages.


Title: Stargazer: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Night Sky
Publisher: DK, $29.99
Publication Date: 2 April 2019
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9780143795575
For ages: 9 - 14
Type: Non-Fiction




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Announcement: Introducing New Team Member: Yvonne Mes

Winner: Juno Jones Mystery Writer

And our lucky winner is...

Joseph Spagnolo, NSW
Congratulations!

You have won a fantastic prize pack consisting of 1 x Juno Jones, Word Ninja (signed by the author, Kate Goron!) and 1 x Juno Jones, Mystery Writer (signed by the author), plus more (bookmark + temporary tattoos).

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

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Review: I'm Ready for Christmas and I'm Ready for Preschool

I'm Ready is a great series of books for toddlers and preschoolers.

The first two titles are I'm Ready for Christmas and I'm Ready for Preschool.

They're sturdy board books that tell a story to introduce and explain situations for young children.

The series is illustrated in super cute style by Jedda Robaard, with pictures beautifully complementing the text.

And the books themselves are just the right size for little hands to hold.

A little wombat narrates I'm Ready for Christmas, telling of her excitement as her favourite day draws nearer.

She describes seasonal preparations like the neighbourhood's celebrations, special Christmas food, and decorating their Christmas tree. Gift giving and family visits are also important.

In I'm Ready for Preschool, the narrator is a koala. He's both excited and nervous about reaching the milestone of starting preschool and being like all the older kids.

Koala tells how he has everything he needs ready for preschool: lunch box, water bottle, backpack, hat, and other things.

He makes new friends at preschool, plays with new toys, and dresses up. There are also lots of amazing stories to listen to.

One of the great things about this series is that it's Australian. That means the Christmas story is set in summer!

And the preschool environment looks and feels very Australian, too (visible wattle and gum trees help with that).

The stories address common questions children might have, and the friendly characters and recognisable situations will appeal to them and help gently allay any concerns.

Grab these books for the littlest book lovers in your family, and you'll be well on your way to preparing them for new experiences.

Other titles in the series are expected next year and include stories about a new baby, Easter, birthdays, and swimming.

Title: I'm Ready for Christmas / I'm Ready for Preschool
Author: Puffin
Illustrator: Jedda Robaard
Publisher: Puffin, $12.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Board book
ISBN: 9781760891619 / 9781760891602
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture book




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Review: Gregory Goose is on the Loose! In the Jungle

A colourful seek and find board book bursting with cheerful jungle vibes.

Search for Gregory Goose in each double page spread amongst other jungle animals, plants and objects. Each scene has Gregory hidden in a new environment such as in the trees with chimpanzees, a lion’s den, swimming in a river with hippopotamuses and more.

The text gently flows and rhymes, suiting the bright illustrations perfectly. I adore the colourful details and happy expressions on all the animals faces and the last scene featuring a special jungle cake.

Gregory Goose is on the Loose! In the Jungle is would be a great introduction to the jungle and to seek and find books for toddlers. Gregory can also be found in Gregory Goose is on the Loose! On the Moon and Gregory Goose is on the Loose! At the Fair.

Title: Gregory Goose is on the Loose! In the Jungle
Author: Hilary Robinson
Illustrator: Mandy Stanley
Publisher: New Frontier, $12.99
Publication Date: 1 December 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781925594874
For ages: 0 – 3
Type: Picture Book




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Review: Rebel Girls: Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code

Guest Post: Claire Zorn on The Necessity of Nonsense

Reviews: Dawn of the Zombie Apocalypse

Wow, this is a cool book! It takes your common zombie tale and completely turns it on its head.

In Dawn of the Zombie Apocalypse, Seb downloads a cool new zombie apocalypse game, not realising that he’s agreeing to some strange game options. 

When he wakes the next day, his family is acting strange. They won’t look away from their devices, they’re not interested in food and they’re not even talking.

Worse than that, it appears most of the people in Seb’s town are the same. 

It’s a real zombie apocalypse, but instead of zombies that want to eat your brains, the town is filled with people completely addicted to their screens. 

With the help of his best friend Darren and Talia, the prettiest girl in school, Seb needs to figure out what is going on and how to cure everyone of zombification.

And he needs to do it fast — before the whole town falls apart and the zombie virus spreads.

This is a brilliant and engaging middle grade novel for fans of a wild adventure. With cool and relatable characters and non-stop action, it’s an addictive read. 

I love how Lee Murray balances the fantastical with real life. An apocalypse like this may not ever happen (or maybe it will!), but the family and teen dramas the characters experience throughout the novel are all real: crushes on classmates, outlandish grandparents, sibling rivalries and homework woes. 

Without hitting kids over the head with it, the book is also a discussion starter about electronic devices and how they can take over your life if you let them. The characters never talk about it obviously, but the themes are there, brilliantly disguised. 

There was a minor issue with the book layout (a couple of blank pages after chapters), but this does not detract in any way from the story. This is a brilliant middle fiction novel for kids who love action and adventure. I found it very difficult to put it down!

Title: Dawn of the Zombie Apocalypse 

Author: Lee Murray

Publisher: Novella Distribution, $23.95

Publication Date: 7 October 2019

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781925956108

For ages: 12+

Type: Middle Fiction

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Review: The Sharp End of a Snowflake

Review: Hidden Wonders

In the busy bustle of day-to-day life it can be easy to miss the beauty and majesty of the world around us. Hidden Wonders entices us to look around and soak in the amazing sights of our world.

This extraordinary collection inspires awe and curiosity. Giant pink slugs, a miniature city, an underwater post office, an island for cats, sacred forests and sparkling caves. With appealing photographs and interesting narratives, this book reveals wonders from every continent.

Have you ever heard of a park full of monkeys who regularly bathe in hot springs? Or a valley with rocks so unusually shaped they appear like a moonscape? These and many other intriguing tales appear on every page.

With a hidden wonder on each page, an index for searching, and an extensive list of photo credits, future intrepid travellers can easily find their inspiration within the pages of this book.

Title: Hidden Wonders
Author: Nicole Maggi
Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781788683258
For ages: 9 - 12
Type: Non-Fiction




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Review: The Invincibles: Short Circuit (Book #2)

The Invincibles are back! And in this adventure they have a teeny bit of a problem.

While flexing their new super power muscles and testing their new skills, the team trigger a super power short circuit and shrink to the size of bugs.

While trying to stay alive, they discover Tricky Ricky is up to his old villainous tricks. But how can they save the day when someone might step on them at any moment?

The Invincibles series is an awesome junior fiction adventure for kids who love football, hanging out with friends and dreaming up cool super powers they’d love to have. 

It’s fast paced, filled with action and includes a healthy dose of hilarious toilet humour that’s sure to trigger fits of giggles from the kids.

With loads of funky illustrations, it’s an easy read for junior readers, and it’s the kind of series kids fall in love with and follow from book one through to the end, choosing a favourite character and sticking by them.

I love the outrageousness of these books. They are fun, silly, hilarious and entertaining. The series is a great one for reluctant readers and a perfect pick for young boys (though I wouldn’t say it’s just for boys!).

The book will make more sense if you start at the beginning of the series, so make sure you check out The Invincibles Power Up as well.

If you’re looking for a new series for your young readers to latch onto, I highly recommend this one. Peter Millet is a brilliant voice in kid lit and Myles Lawford’s illustrations are awesome. A perfect combination.

Title: The Invincibles: Short Circuit
Author: Peter Millet
Illustrator: Myles Lawford
Publisher: Scholastic, $12.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781775436003
For ages: 7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: Can you Hear the Trees Talking?

Did you know that trees in forests live in families and support each other? That family members can merge their roots together so they can exchange messages and food? And that there is a forest internet that connects trees across the forest and helps them communicate with each other?

In this amazing book, Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees, brings his message to a younger audience to help them understand the beauty and complexity of trees. 

Kids will learn how tree children grow, are protected and go to school. As well as how trees learn to adapt to their environment and know what to do in different seasons.

This book is very accessible for reading with younger primary children, but also contains some more complex scientific concepts for upper primary children. I love that it encourages kids to get out and observe trees, and to do their own research.

There are plenty of high-quality photographs, with quizzes and activities to do along the way. Kids will learn to see trees as living and feeling beings that can express fear and stress and warn other trees of danger. They will also come to understand that trees can get sick and there are ways we can help them when they do.

This is a real celebration of the wonders of nature. A reminder that trees are such an essential part of our world, from making oxygen to housing and feeding birds, insects and animals. Trees can also make us feel good and make us healthier, and it is absolutely worth our effort to help them grow.



Title: Can You Hear the Trees Talking
Author: Peter Wohllenben
Publisher: Greystone Kids, $29.99
Publication Date: October 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781771644341
For ages: 7+
Type: Non-Fiction




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Review: Incredible Journeys

Here's an incredible book to ignite the imaginations of young adventurers and explorers.

Real-life explorer Levison Wood takes readers on some of history's most famous expeditions, tracing the routes of ancient explorers, such as Marco Polo and David Livingstone.

There are 20 different expeditions to study, each complete with bold and colourful illustrated maps and fascinating snippets of information to peruse.

Journey along the Silk Road, set sail with the Vikings, or take to the skies with Amelia Earhart. This sumptuous book covers everything from early explorers seeking to circumnavigate the world, to some of the women who explored the sands of Arabia, and on to astronauts striving to set foot on the moon, and scientists diving down into the Mariana Trench.

There's also a fabulous spread on how to be an explorer, encouraging readers to be observant and curious, learn how to read a map and discover other tales of adventure.

This beautiful tome is a must for anyone with a curious mind and adventurous spirit. Who knows what they'll discover!

Title: Incredible Journeys
Author: Levison Wood
Illustrator: Sam Brewster
Publisher: Wren & Rook, 29.99
Publication Date: June 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781526360434
For ages: 8+
Type: Non-fiction Picture Book

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Review: The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian

When I was a child, I often fantasised about being chosen for a quest — for destiny to come knocking and have something epic to say. For kids who can relate, The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian will take you on that epic quest.

Kinsey is an orphaned servant girl. She works in a castle kitchen, and while her employer treats her well, Kinsey knows she was meant to do more with her life.

Walking in the forest to visit her sister, Kinsey finds a magical cloak. A unicorn emerges from the trees, and Kinsey’s life changes forever.

There is trouble in the kingdom, and Crimson the unicorn needs Kinsey to help fight it. Reluctant and unprepared, Kinsey isn’t ready to be a hero. But as evil closes in and threatens the people she cares about, Kinsey is faced with a choice: run from her destiny, or face it head on.

The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian is an epic adventure filled with unicorns, dwarfs, elves, shadow-bloods and many more magical and fantastical creatures. Some of these I was familiar with, but others I had never heard of (and I suspect are Cossey’s own creation). I love this about the book. It pushes fantasy outside the box and delivers fresh content full of imagination. 

I also really liked and related to Kinsey as a character. She has great inner strength and a strong desire to do the right thing. But like everyone, she has doubts about her abilities and must dig deep to be brave when danger looms. 

As she journeys with Crimson the unicorn, Kinsey’s confidence grows. She stands up for what she believes in, and she finds her own path to victory. I love this message for kids. Sometimes things are hard, and sometimes we want more than anything to run away and hide. But believing in yourself, standing up and saying ‘I won’t run,’ can lead to the most amazing adventures.

Without illustrations, I’d put The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian at the older end of junior fiction or younger end of middle grade. It’s an easy read, so it’s a good choice for chapter book kids ready for their next reading challenge.

Filled with magic, fantasy and action-adventure that never stops, this is one for the kids ready to say yes to the quest.

Title: The Adventures of Crimson and the Guardian

Author: Karen Cossey

Publisher: Stolen Moments, $14.97

Publication Date: April 2016

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780473381196

For ages: 7 - 10

Type: Junior Fiction, Middle Grade

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12 Curly Questions with author Cori Brooke

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I got the highest final grade in Grade 11 Latin (98 per cent) in the history of that Junior High School.

2. What is your nickname?
Coco

3. What is your greatest fear?
This is a tough one. I think my greatest fear is losing people I love.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I write from the centre of my heart and being.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
I hope that my writing gives readers: hope, joy, imagination, beauty and kindness.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I would be the girl in Roald Dahl’s The Magic Finger and I would use my Magic Finger to do good (and maybe a bit of mischief). A quote from the book: ‘I can’t stand hunting. I just can’t stand it. It doesn’t seem right to me that men and boys should kill animals just for the fun they get out of it.’ I own the book with the original illustrations – they are a bit dark and disturbing, which I admire.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would travel back to when both of my grandmothers were alive and healthy and have a tea with them. I would ask my Grandma Momo to cook for me and to make me her macaroni and cheese and hamburger patty, with ketchup on the side – literally the best lunch ever.  But, also, because it is top of mind right now, I would travel back to 1997 and try to help Michael Hutchence (a very underrated talent who died a lonely, sad death, far too young) to get help for his mental health issues (I watched Mystify recently – it is sad and very moving).

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Do you really live in Australia? Aren’t you scared of all the spiders?

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My Mom and Dad. They both worked hard and they never let anyone push them around.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I was always thinking of stories in my imagination (and still do) and I used to write little stories when I was a kid (either for school or for fun). But I really started writing as an adult after I had my son. I was pretty bored because he would only sleep on me during the day so I started writing stories one-handed (because my son was asleep on me) on a little laptop. That is when I wrote my first published book, Max & George.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
So many tricky questions! Oh right, it is called Curly Questions! I do love the word ‘tenacious’. I love the way it sounds and what it means. I often use it as a word to describe me. I also love the word 'beautiful' because I remember how I learnt to spell it when I was a kid. I made up a little song in my head where I would sing each vowel, eg, BE-A-U-TIFUL. I still sing that song when I spell it!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. It is so full of characters and is so rich in detail. It is one of my all-time favourite books.

Cori Brooke is a CBCA shortlisted picture book author (All I Want for Christmas is Rain, 2017 CBCA shortlist), which is something she never thought she would be able to say. Cori spreads herself thin doing too much and multi-tasking to the extreme. At a school visit a little boy pointed at her and said ‘you’re crazy’. Cori found it hard to disagree. But then again, sanity is very subjective. Cori is originally from Canada and lives in Brisbane with her husband, son, dog and cat. Cori loves reading, cooking, camping and, of course, writing. Cori works full time as a proud Australian Public Servant. For more information, see www.coribrooke.com.au.

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Review: Cake

Cake is an amusing story of a sponge cake’s first time at a party... with an alarming surprise.

He has never been to a party before, so when Cake is invited to one he doesn’t know what to wear.  He asks for advice and tries on different costumes but is still unsure, so he goes shopping and buys an irresistible new hat.

Cake has a fabulous time dancing and playing games at the party, but when the other guests begin to sing, he experiences a moment of startling realisation. What’s in store for Cake next? With a flash of darkness and a clever twist, an amusing end prevails.

The bright and bold digital drawings work perfectly with the story and add funny details to each page. I adore the extra characters, especially a cute crocodile in a pink tutu and a rabbit dressed as a robot, they ooze happiness and set scenes wonderfully.

Cake is another hilarious story with charm, wit and a dark twist from the fabulous duo of Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. Some of their other books include No-Bot the Robot with No Bottom, Barry Fish Fingers,  Supertato, Run, Veggies, Run, and Supertato Veggies Assemble.

Title: Cake
Author:  Sue Hendra
Illustrator: Paul Linnet
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, $14.99
Publication Date: 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781509827435
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Review: The First Christmas

Review: En Pointe

En Pointe: A true story of hope, hardship and never giving up on your dreams is a revelation to read. This is an inspirational, heartfelt memoir suitable for ages 12 to adult.

Written by Australian author, dancer and actor, Chloe Bayliss, En Pointe is bursting with hope, persistence, growth, and ultimately, joie de vivre, the joy of living one's best life. It is my favourite book of the year, and my 12 year old daughter's (a feat never achieved by any other book), leading to wonderful discussions.

The story begins at one of the highest points in the author's teenage life, auditioning for and being accepted into an International Dance School, when suddenly everything changes. A mystery illness renders Chloe unable to walk more than a few paces. Her world of dance and music is suddenly replaced by hospital beds and beeping machines.

Chloe's story definitely does not end here. This determined teen, with the support of her family and the medical team, begins the longest and most difficult journey of her life, the journey to recovery. Along the way, Chloe discovers the spark that drives her forward with every step, and realises there is more than one way to reach her dreams.

The author's writing style is honest, like sharing a story with a friend, drawing readers in to understand and empathise with her experiences. Highly recommended for anyone questioning their path in life or facing challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable.

Title: En Pointe
Author: Chloe Bayliss
Publisher: Pantera Press, $24.99
Publication Date: 16 September 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925700756
For ages: 12+
Type: Young Adult Memoir



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Guest Post: Lydia Di Giulio on The Benefits of Reading Books

Giveaway: Juno Jones Mystery Writer

Review: Top Koala

The koala from Koala Bare is back in all his funny glory.

In Top Koala, Koala is determined be the best in everything.

He wants to be at the top of the trees ... and everything else!

Koala will climb just about anything to reach the top and be tall.

He even climbs statues, people, and the flag pole at Parliament House.

He may not have the skills of other creatures (being scary like a crocodile, or digging like a wombat), but Koala can do plenty by climbing.

And besides, he'd much rather be the top koala, than cute and cuddly like quokkas.

As you read Top Koala, you'll see Koala encountering or comparing himself with other animals found in Australia. In addition to wombats, crocodiles and quokkas, look out for cockatoos, whales, dolphins, kangaroos, cane toads, and others.

As you follow Koala showing off, the story is told by Jackie French with rhyming text. And the pictures by Matt Shanks are cute (no matter what Koala thinks!) and filled with humour.

The attitude and expressions on the animals will make you laugh, and perhaps remind you of humans you know.

Top Koala feels distinctly Australian and will put a smile on your face.

Title: Top Koala
Author: Jackie French
Illustrator: Matt Shanks
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460754818
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book




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Review: Pages & Co: Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales

I couldn't wait to return to Pages & Co and the magically imaginative world of bookwandering. Did you know that there is a whole secret community of bookwanderers out there who can wander inside books and chat to their favourite characters?

Tilly is bookwanderer. She lives in her grandparents bookshop and her Grandad used to be the Head Librarian at the Underlibrary, which monitors the comings and goings of bookwanderers.

Tilly and her friend Oskar wander inside a book of fairy tales and something is not right. There are holes appearing and characters vanishing and puddles of book magic leaking out. What is going on, and how will Tilly and Oskar escape when they accidently end up in another book?

Tilly’s grandparents had warned her fairy tales were unstable. As fairy tales have their roots in oral story telling rather than written-down story telling, bookwanderers can end up wandering into different versions of the story and getting stuck. But even so, Tilly can tell that what she is seeing is beyond just unstable; someone is tampering with the fairy tales! 

The strange new Librarian at the Underlibrary is also causing unrest. He starts changing the rules for bookwanderers and Tilly and her family have a feeling all is not as it seems.

Tilly is a relatable and likeable character. She is intelligent and strong willed and, whilst she loves and respects her grandparents, she also isn't afraid to question their decisions and think for herself. I love all the fairy tale characters she encounters, from friendly and helpful Jack and the Beanstalk to the refreshingly feminist Rapunzel, annoyed by all the princes trying to 'rescue' her.

This is a brilliant middle grade novel perfect for book lovers. It follows on from Tilly’s first adventure in Pages & Co: Tilly and Bookwanderers, where Tilly first discovers her ability to bookwander (when Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland keep turning up in the bookshop to chat to her).

The book is interspersed with black and white illustrations, which add to the magic and mood. There is also some clever text positioning and little spot illustrations to add interest throughout.

I just love the premise of this story. What book loving child doesn’t dream of being able to jump inside their favourite stories and become a part of them. The end of this one does leave things hanging though, so I expect a third book will be on the way soon! When it does, I’ll be lining up to get a copy!


Title: Pages & Co: Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales
Author: Anna James
Illustrator: Paola Escobar
Publisher: HarperCollins, $19.99
Publication Date: 24 September 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780008229900
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade




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Review: Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime

Meet The Illustrator: Andrea Stegmaier

Name: Andrea Stegmaier

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Painterly illustrations with a reduced colour palette which blur the border between digital and traditional.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My sketchbooks and all the prints I collected from dear illustration friends. My wall calendar to keep track of all the dates, appointments and deadlines.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?My (expensive) pencils, my (cheap) notebook and my tablet (I don’t know if it’s ok to tell the brands: My (expensive) pencils from Blackwing, my (cheap) notebooks from Herlitz and my Ipad with Apple Pencil).

Name three artists whose work inspires you.

Among many others: Wolf Erlbruch, Carson Ellis and Beatrice Alemagna

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I would love to visit the Post-Impressionism time, because I would like to invite Van Gogh for
dinner and talk with him about his work. Even when I was a kid his work felt so special for
me.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
All the wonderful children’s books I had the pleasure to read to my two little girls in the last
years inspired me to dive into this world.

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 work from home, I have a little studio with a nice view into our small garden. On the shelves
I have my sketchbooks and inspiring picture books. I like to have all different art supplies at
hand and I like to collect inspiring and colorful little things, which sit on my shelves. Very
important is the small wall calendar, I mark my projects with different colors to see exactly
how much time is left.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love the sketching in the beginning of a new project. Everything is open and I can let my
creativity flow without feeling much pressure.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Learn something new every day and draw, draw, draw.

Andrea Stegmaier is an Illustrator and Architect with a passion for children’s books. She

lives and works in Stuttgart, a busy city in the south of Germany.
She draws digital and traditional, straight lines and wonky lines, serious and funny things,
animals and people, houses and plants, simply everything.
Since 2018 she has worked for different clients among them are: Bravery magazine, Quarto
words&pictures and Gecko children’s book magazine.

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

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Look What I'm Reading! Alison Worrad

Review: Nop

Caroline Magerl creates the most extraordinary, whimsical worlds in her picture books. Each one is like a treasure box, just waiting to share its wondrous gifts.

Nop is another heartwarming story with Caroline's trademark melding of warmth and melancholy, friendship and longing.

Nop is a scruffy old bear, living among the 'heaping heaps of goods' at Oddmint's Dumporeum.

Each night, the place comes to life with all kinds of creatures busily working to mend and 'bedazzle' each other, ready to leave the shop the next day, for 'someplace wonderful'.

But Nop is beyond repair and so he stays in the dusty old shop, until he has an idea that will take him on his own wonderful journey and change his life forever. This is a tale of true value; how you see yourself and not letting others determine your sense of worth.

The exquisite illustrations have an eccentricity that is both magical and poignant. Loose lines of ink and washes of watercolour capture the fantastical world of Nop, which glows with hope amid the dust and litter, and shines with joy in the final scenes.

Caroline's text is as deft as her brushwork, colouring each page with rich imagery and sumptuous language that lingers on the tongue.

You'll want to hold this treasure in your hands for a long time after you finish reading. Highly recommended.  


Title: Nop
Author/Illustrator: Caroline Magerl
Publisher: Walker Books, $26.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781760651251
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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