Event: National Simultaneous Storytime ... from space!

This Wednesday is the annual National Simultaneous Storytime event.

This will be the 21st time it's been celebrated, and in recognition of this special milestone, the chosen story will be read from space!

Give Me Some Space!, written and illustrated by Philip Bunting, is the book being featured and will be read by an astronaut from the International Space Station.

In Give Me Some Space!, a young girl dreams about space and learns all about it. 

Will she be able to make her dreams come true? What will travelling into space be like?

Check your local public library for special screenings and events.

Last year's National Simultaneous Storytime had more than 1.2 million participants, so you will not be alone when you join the fun. You can take part from wherever in the world you are. Whether it's your library, home, school, or even outdoors.

Visit the National Simultaneous Storytime website for links to science-related videos including Moon Webcam, and astronaut skill tests you can try at home. Learn From Play have also provided a bunch of downloadable space-themed art and craft activities.

Don't miss out on this super special story time, all the way from space!

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Review: Pawcasso

Summer break has just begun, but utter boredom continues for Jo. Her dad is away on business a lot. This causes her sadness. Her sister Tina, always angry at her, makes fun of Jo’s lack of friends which adds to her misery.

Gazing through the window, Jo sees a dog carrying a basket in its mouth. Curious, she follows to see where it will go. This gets her out of the house at last.

Jo’s repetitive days come to life as she follows the route the dog takes to collect things written on a list in the basket.

But dogs do other things too. They sniff at everything, mark their territory, and roll in smelly things.

Forced to wash the dog, Rachel the dog washer, becomes Jo’s first friend. They see cranky Mr ICCC (I will Complain to the City Council), watching them from across the road.

At the Dog Ears Bookstore where the neighbourhood children are attending holiday art classes on the subject of Picasso, they forget the subject of pears, and want to paint the dog. Words slip easily from Jo’s lips when asked what the dog’s name is, and she answers, Pawcasso.

Little lies are worth the attention Jo gets, as she is drawn into the painting circle and new friends. She finally fits in.

Jo’s popularity increases as much as Pawcasso’s star level. So do the lies, as the Saturday excursions to the painting program continue. But the mystery to whom the dog really belongs is yet to be solved.

This is not the only problem Jo faces. Frequent complaints about the dog being off the leash by Mr ICCC puts pressure on Jo. When the dog is caught and taken to the pound, she must find the owner as soon as possible.

Who is the owner and what is Pawcasso’s story? Is it connected to cranky Mr ICCC? Can Jo repair the damage her lies may have done to her new friendships?

Important themes are addressed in this graphic novel. References to art and artists present a new interest for children. The topic of how lies can quickly spiral into something irreparable is the central thread.

These added to the importance of love and friendships, the need to fit in, and teamwork, addresses collectively, many issues that young children face today.

Title: Pawcasso
Author/Illustrator: Remi Lai
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526771
For ages: 8 – 12
Type: Graphic Novel

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Review: Becoming: Adapted For Younger Readers

Review: Wonder Earth. Exploring our Living Home.

This is a non fiction picture book that invites children to explore the world around them and to understand the wonders that surround us in the natural world.

Rather than being didactic, this is a celebration of the beauty of the planet around us.

The authors invite children to feel, to listen and to imagine. 

This is a collaboration between veteran author Zanni Louise and environmental educator and first time author, Tiff Bollhorn.

Louise, Bollhorn and illustrator Smith depict the sensory nature of the world and encourage readers to interact and to engage in a soft way that fosters respect and awe.


In this richly coloured book, a diverse range of children are portrayed examining the details that surround them.

On each page, children are interacting with plants, animals, birds and insects, frolicking in the rain, listening to the song of the planet and generally having fun in the outdoor world.

Glasgow-based illustrator, Sophy Louise Smith uses colours that manage to be both soft and vibrant, in pictures brimming with detail.


Overall, this is a book to read through slowly and to savour, to explore the details and to discuss.

The ultimate aim is for children to interact more deeply with their surrounds and to consider the depth and breadth of the ever-changing, growing and developing landscape that exists outside their doors.

Reviews of some other works by Zanni Louise can be found hereand here.

Title: Wonder Earth: Exploring our Living Home.
Author: Zanni Lousie and Tiff Bollhorn
Illustrator: Sophy Louise Smith
Publisher: Five Mile Press, $24.99
Publication Date: 28th March 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781922385529
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Meet The Illustrator: Anna Pignataro

Name: Anna Pignataro

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Expressionistic, evocative, classical but contemporary, whimsical, quirky, magical, heartfelt, innovative, creative.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Pencils ,brushes, coloured pencils, charcoal. I mostly use drawing paper and paint from England, Japanese and Chinese ink and Italian watercolour paper. I use tracing paper to do all my storyboards and character sketches so I can layer my ideas. I make coloured pencil swatches and paint washes of colours and patterns to use for collage. Notebooks filled with nature studies , people, travels, words, and everyday things, are abundant.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I adore watercolour and pencil.  

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Modigliani, Charles Blackman, Egon Schiele, Vali Myers, Arthur Rackham
Sorry that’s five! It’s so hard!

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
The 20’s/30’s especially Paris . An era of new movements and exciting ways of expression in painting, music, dance, fashion and literature. They were amazing times of exploration and liberation. I myself love trying new media and techniques. Everything adds to my illustrative style, I have never liked being closed into a particular box and I am always expressing myself creatively in different ways. I think I would fit in there. Then, of course, the 60’s London , which was similar in many ways.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

When I was very small I remember my mum reading to me from a very old fairy tale book. It was Grimm’s Fairy tales illustrated by Arthur Rackham. The minute I saw it I knew that I wanted to be a book illustrator.

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
At the moment my studio is a room in the front of my home so it’s quite open and very much part of the house. Around me are old musical instruments, books, sketches, paintings and icons. I have candles and special things collected and treasures that have been given to me. Paddington Bear from London, a handmade doll and other woodland creatures, gumnuts, plants, trees, feather quills from Venice, flowers from my garden, fairy lights, ivy and snow globes. I barely have room to work!
But actually all the things around me here are an inspiration, a fond memory, a spark of a new idea and all make this my very own magical space where I can escape.
We are building a new studio that will be added on to the back of our house. It will have much more space and a place to sit outside too. I love to look at the stars.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Creating the character and their world is a lot of fun. I enjoy choosing their clothes and giving them a quirky little trait then building their home. It might be a room or a tree but it’s always a special place all their own. I love the whole storyboarding part too because its challenging and full of possibilities. That said the very first piece of finished art for the book always turns out to be my favourite one.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Draw, draw, draw and work hard, very hard. Dedication is everything. Develop you’re own way of seeing. It’s a great thing to really master in a technique or two. That way you will grow your own style. At art college I enjoyed all types of art but I decided to specialize in watercolour and it has become the medium I am most known for. I practiced so much and I still do.
When I first started out I was told that I wouldn’t make it, that I would never find work in Australia as my style was too European! If I had listened to this person I wouldn’t be doing what I do today.
So I guess my biggest piece of advice is to listen to your heart, follow your dreams and believe in yourself. For me being an illustrator is a vocation, a way of life not just a job so finally, I’d say always try to enjoy the journey, the highs and lows along the way to your first book, to every book, are all wonderful.

Anna Pignataro is an author and illustrator of over sixty picture books. Published

internationally and translated in more than fourteen languages, her stories include the

award winning Agatha and The Heart of A Whale. Anna works from her studio by the beach

inspired by the little everyday things, the landscape and characters around her.

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

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Review: Life Skills

Keilly Swift, author of How to Make a Better World, returns with Life Skills, a valuable and informative book on the important points of creativity, problem solving, mindfulness, empathy and teamwork; assets that cement the foundation of childhood learning and growth.

Five chapters of valuable building blocks are presented in detail, accompanied by visual images of options available under each heading. These reinforce the pivotal part of the text.

Tips on how to develop these necessary skills are plentiful with lots of examples included. Easy to understand processes of thought, expose alternate choices for navigating difficulties.

Mind mapping, going on your intuition which is frequently called a ‘gut instinct’, and lists of useful tools for problem-solving are presented in brilliant colour-coded images.

Mistakes! Everyone makes them! Although at times it seems we are trying to find an exit in a maze, there are ways to deal with them. If things look too big to get around, approach them in small steps.

Creative thinking is a essential asset to gain. Look at, or approach things, in a new way. To wonder is wonderful! Ask, what if?

Who, what, why, when, where and how, are the nuts and bolts of thinking critically. Reflect on how you convey what you want to communicate, through your body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and not only what you say, but how you say it.

Teamwork, understanding feelings, coping skills, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking support when things are tough, are the type of skills that will preserve a positive approach to all interactions.

A list of Help, Advice, and Information can be found at the end of this instructive book on life skills and how to execute them. It is a learning tool not only for children. Impressive in content and application, Life Skills will prove a priceless resource for all ages!.

Title: Life Skills
Author: Keilly Swift
Illustrator: James Gibbs
Publisher: DK, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 2 April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780744027693
For ages: 5 – 9
Type: Non-Fiction

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Junior Review: Aru Shah And The City of Gold

Review: The Hatmakers

Actor Tamzin Merchant adds another feather to her cap – that of writer, with her debut novel, The Hatmakers. It is the first in an imaginative adventure series, that will thrill readers of magical fantasy.

Set in London of the 1700s, the Makers are rival families that make clothing of different kinds. Cordelia belongs to the Hatmakers, a long line of milliners that weave magic into their creations. She lives with her Aunt Ariadne, Uncle Tiberius and the very elderly great-aunt Petronella.

On a stormy night, she gets news that her father, Prospero, is lost at sea after his ship, The Jolly Bonnet crashes against rocks and sinks.

Cordelia has learnt that what is lost can be found. She refuses to believe that her father is dead and is determined to find him.

She sends out her Quest Pigeon Agatha with a message. If he is alive, Agatha will find him. This is the beginning of a search that will lead to the greatest adventure of her life.

The Hatmakers are currently in the process of making a Peace Hat for Princess Georgina to wear at her meeting with King Louis of France. The hat will guarantee peace between the two countries.

Not everyone wants peace. There are those that will go to extremes for money and power. Someone wants war. Just as the Peace talks are ready to go ahead, the Peace Clothes are stolen from all the Makers. Then the Menacing Cupboard is broken into. Who has them and what else are they prepared to do to stop the talks?

This is a fast-paced, action-filled magical read full of twists and turns through London’s alley ways where urchins will steal anything for a dry crust of bread. No one is who they pretend to be. Evil masters of sabotage that use the politics of power to get what they want, are constantly in play.

Will Agatha find Prospero? Can Princess Georgina succeed in escaping the clutches of the powerful that threaten peace and her life? Can Cordelia save the day?

The Hatmakers is cleverly told in a unique style and voice. Intriguing historical information keeps popping up adding interest. Fabulous illustrations are scattered throughout the chapters. that excite the readers' minds

This novel heralds a new writing talent whose stories will be gobbled up by lovers of this genre.

Title: The Hatmakers
Author: Tamzin Merchant
Illustrator: Paola  Escobar
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241509029
For ages: 9 – 12
Type: Junior Fiction

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Guest Post: Alexa Moses on Character Crushes

Winner: Mother's Day Pack

Review: Ancient World Magnified

Explore ancient history with this fun, large format book, Ancient World Magnified.

It's a trip through time, and kind of like reading detailed postcards from the past, as far back as 50,000 BC.

The book comes with a handy and sturdy cardboard magnifiying glass (with 3x magnification), so that readers can look closely at the contents.

Hunt for a long list of things in the detailed illustrations. There are at least ten to find on each double-page spread.

In the Kingdom of Kush in north east Africa, also known as Nubia, young historians can hunt for ostriches, count pyramids, uncover hieroglyphics, and find seven other Nubian society features.

In the illustration of the Mayan civilisation there are farmers, carved stone tools, and cocoa beans which were used to make chocolate.

Other ancient civilisations featured in Ancient World Magnified include Olmec (in what is now Mexico), Greece, the Kingdom of Aksum (where today's Ethiopia can be found), the Xiongnu Empire (northern China), Carthage in the Mediterranean, the Indus Valley (in modern day India and Pakistan), and others.

There are 16 ancient civilisations in all, and the end of the book showcases a famous personality from each of them in a 'Gallery of Famous Figures'. A timeline, glossary, and answers section are also helpful.

Ancient World Magnified contains lots of entertainment combined with trivia, and just might be what sparks a love of history in the youngest of readers.

Title: Ancient World Magnified
Author: David Long
Illustrator: Andy Rowland
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions, $ 27.99
Publication Date: May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711249707
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Florence and Fox

Florence and Fox are friends, but they have different ideas about what friendship means.

Fox would like to borrow Florence’s hammer, but Florence says it isn’t possible because it isnt Sharing Day.

Fox has never heard of Sharing Day, but he lets it slide… until Florence wants something from Fox, and now Fox is confused. 

The sharing rules keep changing, and Fox doesn’t know what to do. He wants to be friends with Florence, but is Florence being a good friend to him?

Florence and Fox is a charming step inside kid life and a fun look at the struggles we all must navigate when it comes to sharing and generosity. Zanni Louise brings Florence and Fox alive on the page in this stunning picture book, delivering a story that is just so kid. The characters talk like kids and behave like kids. They think like kids and react like kids.

The story is real and relatable and not all picture books nail this. Louise’s writing draws you into the story world so much, the book reads like a movie playing out on the pages.

Anna Pignataro’s gorgeous illustrations help with this, too. Each spread is so richly detailed, so full of Florence and Fox’s world, a whole community lives on these pages in the most stunningly soft colours. Explore the park, the street, the neighbourhood as you turn each page and delight in the details through Pignataro’s unique mix-match illustration style. It’s a real treat.

Charming, fun and truly authentic. That’s Florence and Fox.

Title: Florence and Fox
Author: Zanni Louise
Illustrator: Anna Pignataro
Publisher: Walker Books, $28.99
Publication Date: 5 May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651350
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: You're The Best, Mum!

Review: Eliza Vanda's Button Box

Master storyteller Emily Rodda , author of the incredibly imaginative and successful, His Name was Walter, has created another magical story. 

Fantastic characters flow through sub-stories whose twists and turns deliver something new with each diversion.

Milly lives in Tidgy Bay with her dad Rory, stepmother and new sister. They rent out cabins for holiday makers. School holidays are approaching with High School at the other end. Rory is building an attic room for Milly to move into, reflecting the change taking place in Milly’s life.

 

 

The spiteful Mrs Meaney and her strange cat Sultan keep Rory and Milly on their toes with threats of reports to the council and lots of trouble-making.

A quiet and shy child that mostly keeps to herself, Milly’s life shifts when the mysterious Eliza Vanda moves into one of their cabins.

When Milly goes to give Eliza her receipt and finds the cabin empty, curious, she enters a world of unimagined surroundings, including a treadle sewing machine.

Eliza is working on a wedding dress and there are boxes of beads, buttons, laces and all things connected, in rows on shelves. Where did they come from if she came with only two bags? She discovers a button box on the shelf and opens it.

Unknown to Milly, the contents of the box are instrumental to time travel, magical places, and communication.

After Eliza asks Milly to deliver something to someone for her, she offers her a warm coat to wear, with three buttons sewn into the pocket. She puts a mouse named Oliver inside the collar to accompany her. Eliza whispers a rhyme in Milly’s ear and tells her that by reciting these words, she will return home safely.

Oliver transforms into a boy on arrival in Blanca, a place where people display their emotions through some decorative but strange form or another. They call this their mysie.

After Milly resolves a difficult situation, Oliver realises she has a gift for Travelling, and is a talented mender of problems. This display of strength of character and perception, gives Milly the chance to see herself through other's eyes.

Although these magical adventures reshape Milly into a glowing, confident girl, Eliza’s time at Tidgy Bay is nearly over and one last dilemma needs to be solved.

Title: Eliza Vanda's Button Box
Author: Emily Rodda
 Publisher: Harper Collins, $ 22.99
Publication Date: 5 May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460759608
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Review: Bear and Rat

‘Bear,’ said Rat. ‘I’ve been wondering. Will we always hold hands like this, even when we are old and wrinkly…

Bear and Rat are special friends. The best of friends. Forever friends. Soul mates.

As they journey together through the seasons, Rat ponders and asks Bear...

...will they remain together forever? Will they always hold hands, even if Rat is cranky or sick or does something bad?

No matter the scenario, Bear always says he will be there for Rat, no matter what Rat does or needs.

‘Of course I’ll hold your hand,’ declared Bear. ‘And I’ll even rub your toes until they get better.’

But then Rat asks a different question. Rat asks what will happen if she has to leave and go somewhere Bear can’t go.

What will happen then?

Bear and Rat is a heartfelt, emotion-filled, tear triggering masterpiece. It explores the true meaning of friendship and love and loss and grief. But it does it in a way children will understand and relate to. And more than that, it speaks to readers about the time after someone leaves and what you can do to hold onto memories so they are never truly gone.

Christopher Cheng has infused real and raw emotion into this story, and you feel it on every page. Written to help him work through his wife’s cancer diagnosis, with the characters being their favourite animals, the book is a true look at what it means to share a love and friendship so powerful it can never fade.

Filled with hope and truth and love, this is a story that shows readers a path to forever friendship. A magical place of being that will never disappear if you hold onto the memories that make up your life, history and the people you hold dear.

Stephen Michael King brings so much to this story with his beautiful illustrations. On every page, Bear and Rat stick together through the changing seasons, each bringing different challenges for our friends to overcome. But on every page they support each other, even when the wind blusters and the rain falls.

With its layered meaning, the book will be interpreted differently by different kids at different stages of their lives, and that in itself is a gift because it means you get more from the book each time you come back.

Thank you Christopher Cheng for giving us this book and letting us into your world. And thank you Stephen Michael King for bringing these magical words to life on the page so that we might get to know Bear and Rat more intimately. I for one will never ever forget them.

Title: Bear and Rat
Author: Christopher Cheng
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Puffin, $24.99
Publication Date: 4 May 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760896287
For ages:  3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Once We Were Witches

Review: The Rock from the Sky

Jon Klassen is back! And he’s kind of outdone himself this time.

The Rock from the Sky is more than just a picture book. It’s a picture book extravaganza!

Really five books in one, The Rock from the Sky centres around our hat-wearing turtle friend. 

Turtle has a favourite spot to stand until a rock falls from the sky and ruins everything.

His world is forever changed, and each story is a continuation of life with the rock that fell from the sky. 

Along with (I want to say) Armadillo and Snake, Turtle falls from the rock, reflects on the future, misses the sunset and ponders moving to a new spot.

His stubbornness gets in the way in every story with hilarious and serendipitous impact. So on one hand you’re rooting for Turtle to change so that he stops missing out on things, but on the other hand you are cheering on his decisions because they tend to help him avoid catastrophe.

Written in Klassen’s dialogue-only style, with loads of laugh-out-loud raw humour, this is a hilarious read that is beyond fun to explore. It’s silly, funny, honest and real. A book that reflects on life from both a kid and adult perspective.

Klassen’s illustrations are, as always, stunning, with earthy colours and eyes full of expression. When it comes to faces in this book (and many other Klassen books), Klassen really only details the eyes. To be able to pack in the emotion he does into black and white dots is something truly magical.

If you’re a fan of Klassen’s work, you really need to add this one to your collection. And if you have never heard of his story telling genius before, The Rock from The Sky will have you hooked.

If you’re looking for silly, funny and fun in a picture book, this one is for you.

And for more Jon Klassen masterpieces, make sure you check out This is Not My Hat, We Found a Hat and I Want my Hat Back.

Title: The Rock from the Sky
Author/Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Publisher: Walker Books, $27.99
Publication Date: 21 April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781406395570
For ages:  3 - 6 
Type:  Picture Book

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Review: Night Ride into Danger

Jackie French takes us on a journey through Australia’s infamous, yet exciting early history of 1874, that reveals how legends were made. The era is displayed through a rich and beautifully designed tapestry, woven from the stories the characters tell and share.

It’s a time when people disguise their identities for hidden reasons which are revealed like slow moving sand in an hour glass.

The Cobb and Co stage is preparing for the Braidwood to Goulburn night run with the mail. Young Jem Donavan rides on top with his father, as he has learnt the craft of handling five horses. He looks forward to taking control so his father can rest.

They pass the time telling and listening to stories to keep each other awake.

No one is prepared for the mystery that envelops each of the six travellers. Nor for the occurrences that take place along the familiar yet frequently changing roads.

A baby is born by the side of a bush track. Father and son are forced at gunpoint to obey a bushranger who is travelling incognito. Secrets are revealed about who each person on the stage really is and why they are so eager to reach their destinations.

When Jem’s dad is badly injured, Jem must take his place. Everyone rallies together to help and support Jem, whose life and future are measured by his ability to bring the coach in and on time.
 

Flooded roads, birds in flight, flocks of Emus, of course a wombat, and a dead horse, become part of the string of obstacles that Jem must overcome.

Can he make it through the night, with a coach and four to reach the train that must be caught?

French is a master storyteller. Through her characters’ actions and dialogue, the resilience and courage of men and women of those early years is illuminated.

Another fabulous read!

Title: Night Ride into Danger
Author: Jackie French
Publisher: Harper Collins, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 5 May 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781460758939
For ages: 10+
Type: Historical Fiction

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Review: Masters of Disguise: Camouflaging Creatures & Magnificent Mimics

12 Curly Questions with author Michelle Macwhirter

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
As well as being a writer, I am also an actor! I was cast in the Australian tour of the play Mother and Son this year, but it was postponed because of Covid before I really got to tell anyone!

2. What is your nickname?
Shelley, Shell, Muuuuum!

3. What is your greatest fear?
That I will dream up a fantastic story... and forget it! Since my best ideas come to me when I’m driving or in the shower, this is entirely possible.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I write fun and magical stories to ignite imaginations.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Imaginative, inspired, passionate, resilient and addicted-to-coffee.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Fancy Nancy, because I do love frills and sparkles.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
The future! Let’s say the year 2345. Because I am super curious to know what happens.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
‘I can’t believe you have your own 10-year-old. Would I like her?' (And the answer is yes, you would play for hours together in your own fantasy worlds and she would understand you like no one else.)

9. Who is your greatest influence?
I’m a huge fan of the filmmaker, James Cameron. He writes and produces incredible films and has forged a creative path that is truly his own. I love that he can take something from his imagination all the way through to a finished production. I’d say his films have been a huge influence on me, as well as his tenacity to succeed in a challenging industry.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I’m a night owl but I had an early bedtime as a kid. To while away the wakeful hours I would make up stories in my head. As I got older, the impulse to tell a story never really left me. Anything would spark an idea... the ocean would have an undiscovered creature lurking beneath, a noise in the sky would be a plane arriving from the future. There’s something in me that wants to tell stories. It doesn’t care about commitments and rejections and failed projects. It’s like a hunger (and I get really cranky when I don’t write!)

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Day spa. Wait, that’s two words. I’m going to say ‘breathe’ because I can’t read or say the word without taking a deep breath. And then I always feel good.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose the biggest anthology of ancient mythology I could find. I love ancient myths of all cultures. I have one book with Norse, Persian and Greek mythology in it, called The Encyclopedia of Mythology by Arthur Coterill, but I’m sure I could find a bigger one. Is that a challenge?

Michelle Macwhirter is a children’s author, actor and lover of all things shiny. Her book There is No Magic in This Book (Walker Books) was released November 2020. When she’s not making stuff up for page, stage or screen, she’s driving her two daughters to dancing or walking the dog, Coco. For more information, see www.michellemacwhirter.com

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Review: Introducing D'Lila LaRue

D’Lila LaRue is a smart, sassy, independent young girl, ready for adventure.

Along with her nanny Nanny-Anny, D’Lila is ready to take on the world.

Three stories in one, Introducing D’Lila LaRue takes readers to the theatre, to painting classes and into a gardening competition. 

D’Lila isn’t a trouble maker by any means, brought up right by Nanny-Anny, but trouble does still seem to find her, even when she’s doing her very best to be on her best behaviour.

This is a charming junior fiction story collection, perfect for new readers. The stories are fun and compact, and kids will adore sweet and independent D’Lila. She’s the kid you want to be. She says the things you want to say and she does the things you want to do.

Sprinkled with divine black and white illustrations from A.Yi, the book is a great one for newly independent readers. Large text and short chapters also help.

If you’re looking for a great, fun read for your junior reader, and your reader likes sweet stories about girls taking charge, this one is for you.

Title: Introducing D'Lila LaRue
Author: Nette Hilton
Illustrator: A.Yi
Publisher: Walker Books, $13,99
Publication Date: 3 March 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760654610
For ages: 6 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction

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Winner: The Rock From The Sky

Our lucky winner is...

Veronica Joy, NSW

Congratulations! 

You have won a copy of the stimulating new picture book, The Rock From The Sky, by the esteemed, Jon Klassen.

Enjoy!

Thank you to ALL who entered. 




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Review: Move That Mountain

The award-winning Kate and Jol Temple are back with another picture book, illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton, that shows there are two sides to every story.

Move That Mountain is a reminder that no problem is too big to overcome, and no creature too small to overcome it.

Puffins and a whale are the feature characters in this story, and they are super cute.

The poor whale has become beached, stuck out of the water, and unable to return to its home in the the depths of the ocean.

There's no one around to help. Except for a colony of puffins (yes, the collective noun for puffins is a colony or a circus, or sometimes a burrow, gathering or improbability!).

The puffins try hard to move the whale, but it just won't budge. Its far too big for the tiny puffins, as
big as a mountain!

It's only when they really work together that the puffins and whale will see success.

Start from the front of Move That Mountain and when you reach the back you will need to read from there back to the beginning again, to experience the full story and see how it is possible to move mountains. 

Move That Mountain is a sweet story with cute illustrations, that reminds us that problems are not insurmountable, and that it's easier if we help each other. Bound to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Title: Move That Mountain
Author: Kate and Jol Temple
Illustrator: Terri Rose Baynton
Publisher: Scholastic, $ 24.99
Publication Date: April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760974275
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: There's Only One Grandma Like You

Grandmas are the best. 

They are magical people who are there for us in ways no one else in the world can be. 

They love you unconditionally. 

They are a shoulder to cry on, a confidant and a sneaker of treats.

There’s Only One Grandma Like You is a celebration of all the grandmas. It’s an exploration of all the things that make grandmas special and all the different ways kids might connect with theirs.

Strolls on winding pathways, stories wrapped in your shawl.

Treats snuck in my pockets, a boost in basketball.

Written in glorious rhyme, author/illustrator Jess Racklyeft delivers a loving story that rolls off the tongue and delights through rhythm and beat. It’s a delightful picture book to read and so much fun to explore.

Grandmas are represented by the animal kingdom in this special book, and Racklyeft uses a wide variety of animals to depict all the ways grandmas are amazing. To me this is a beautiful metaphor to celebrate diversity, and also the uniqueness of each grandma-child relationship — all different, but all connected by a love that cannot be broken.

There’s only One Grandma Like You is a beautiful story to share with grandmas everywhere.

And if you’d like to celebrate more family members, make sure you check out There’s Only One Mum like You and There’s Only One Friend Like You, also by Jess Racklyeft.

Title: There's Only One Grandma Like You
Author/Illustrator:  Jess Racklyeft
Publisher: Affirm, $19.99
Publication Date: 30 March 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922400680
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book

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Giveaway: Mother's Day Picture Book Pack

Review: The Katha Chest

The Kartha Chest is the first picture book to ever celebrate Bangladeshi culture.

Each visit to Nanu’s house is a voyage of discovery for Asiya. The thing that thrills her the most is The Katha Chest. It is filled to the brim with quilts made from layers of worn saris. These have been collected over the years by her Grandmother.

When the family is gathered together, the quilts are taken out of the chest to be indicators for the stories that are shared. Priceless history is passed down by word of mouth like heirlooms handed to new generations, to preserve and pass on.

That time is supremely special. It is the opportunity for the aunts to tell stories of their past, their personal lives and experiences, customs and traditions.

These stories are all woven into the quilts, absorbed by the fabric that has heard the tales so many times. The swirling colours and patterns are held together with golden threads, conserving the history of their family line.

Bora Khala’s medals from the war are represented by the circles on the fabrics. They help recall how he left his wife alone with his children, to return after too many years.

Stunning wordless double spreads, depict the lives of Asiya’s family in framed illustrations of stunning colour, encompassing all that has gone on before and all that will continue to be.

The Katha Chest superbly addresses the Bangladeshi culture, but simultaneously speaks for all multicultural traditions that every migrant carries inside them, and the importance of preserving all the beautiful and meaningful customs that have been proudly handed down for years.

Truly an outstanding publication, this exceptional picture book will be of interest to every child regardless of their background.

Title: The Katha Chest
Author: Radhiah Chowdhury
Illustrator: Lavanya Naidu
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 30 March 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760524326
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book

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Junior Review: Mortal Engines

Junior Review: Young Shadow

Review: Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Many people (particularly children) want to be heroes with superpowers. They see themselves in capes and tights fighting for what they believe, and to bring about change. In truth, a hero is anyone who wants to live in a better world and decides to do something about it.

It’s because a superpower is the special gift that each one of us has hiding inside. We just have to discover what that is and put it to use.

Countless people have found their purpose in life through books. They have been inspired by something they’ve read that triggers a dormant dream of their own.

Amongst the many inspiring lives, mentioned in this book, is Ellen McArthur. 

She read Swallows and Amazons and dreamed of owning her own boat. She saved and saved, and later sailed alone around the world.

Joanne Liu read a story about Doctors Without Borders which inspired her to reach for high ideals and found medicine her life’s calling.

Ordinary people have done extraordinary things that others would class as heroic, but that they would see as having pushed through barriers of doubt, to become what they truly are.

Dreams change as a person grows. In childhood and youth, the dream may have been something totally different which changed with time. To recognise your real dream, you must find the things that interest and excite you.

Make a list. Find the skill that is the difference that makes you an asset to the world.

Helping others gives equal satisfaction to the one helping as to the one being helped. Look for those who can be helped by something that you are capable of offering.

Choi Doe was a martial arts student travelling in Singapore, when he came across an elderly lady on a bus with no shoes. He took off his sandals and put them on her feet. This random act of kindness is the response of a superhero.

Who does that sort of thing, you may ask? Many people live by a code of kindness.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes: 10 Things We Can Learn from Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things, shows how you can reach your true potential by finding what you are good at and using it. Dare to imagine! Dream big! Ask yourself, what if?

Ben Brooks is the author of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different which was the winner of the Children’s Book of the Year at the National Book Awards, and many other titles. His books inspire and encourage children to find their hidden skills and put them to use to realize their dreams, and make the world a better place through change.

Title: Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Author: Ben Brooks
Illustrator: Nigel Baines
Publisher: Hachette, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 30 March 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781526362896
For ages: 10+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Review: Three Dancing Frogs

Guest Post: Felicity Marshall on The Honey Bee

10 Quirky Questions with author/illustrator Graeme Base

1. What's your hidden talent?
Filling in question and answer form s wihtout llojjinf at the keyboarf,

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Gollum from The Lord of the Rings - he is so fabulously conflicted.

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Oh, definitely dead. I find the alive ones tend to eat more, leaving less for me. And does it have to be five?

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
The Time Machine, so that I could go back and look at the keyboard while I wrote the answer to Question One.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Passion, perspiration, persistence, perseverance, patience, pizza. Sorry, that was six.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
All of the above but with pictures instead of pizza.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
A cup of coffee, my computer, another cup of coffee, three baby hedgehogs. a cheque for a million dollars.

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!)
Boost your chances of literary fame and fortune by taking note of the answer to Question Seven. (New Scientist Magazine, 5 Sept 2020) I need to add here that the baby hedgehogs are the most crucial bit. I cannot explain why. The cheque comes a close second.

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
Dear Mr Tolkein, what did you think of the ending of the last film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy where they totally ignored the Scouring of the Shire bit and did an overly protracted and awkwardly soppy departure scene at the Grey Havens instead?

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
Never write another story. You can make books without words you know. Just ask Shaun Tan.

Graeme Base is one of the world’s leading creators of picture books. Animalia received international acclaim when it was first published in 1986 and has achieved classic status with worldwide sales of over three million copies. Other favourites by Graeme Base include The Eleventh Hour, The Waterhole, Uno’s Garden, Moonfish and The Tree. Graeme lives in Melbourne, Australia, with his artist wife, Robyn. For more information, see www.graemebase.com.au.

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Review: Rainbow Is My Favourite Colour

Review: A Chronicle of History and Hope: Holocaust

Hugh Dolan is the author of the graphic novels, Reg Saunders: An Indigenous War Hero, and Gallipoli: The Landing. These books won the Educational Publishing Award in 2014 and 2015. His latest is A Chronicle of History and Hope: Holocaust.

On an outing to David’s Bakery, Thomas and his family discover that David, the owner, was a child at the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943. Thomas, currently doing that subject at school, asks and listens to learn about that tragic time in human history. Through David’s powerful narrative, a visual history of Germany’s role in WW2 comes alive.

Attacks on the Jewish people begin after Hitler is made Chancellor of Germany. 

Things worsen after the German Parliament burns down. A sequence of destruction and deaths follow the forced closing down of Jewish businesses in Germany.

Laws are enforced forbidding Jews to attend schools and Universities. Classed as foreign, Jazz music is also banned.

Non-German books are removed from libraries, and Jews are stripped of their citizenship under the Reich citizenship law. The weak and handicapped have no place in the New Order and are put to death. These are just the beginnings.

The horrendous Kritstallnacht sees Jewish homes burnt down.

Many Jews decide to migrate to Australia and America. Other don’t get their visa on time and become part of the river of humanity that moves by trains to Concentration Camps then onto Death Camps.

This historical and beautifully illustrated graphic book opens shutters, windows and doors to the internal working of Hitler’s master plan. It allows children to visually and textually experience how horrifying and futile war is,  with death the only conqueror.

With the use of maps, documents and the strong narrative voice of David, we learn not only about death and war, but more so, about courage, survival, resilience and a legacy of love and hope.

Title: A Chronicle of History and Hope: Holocaust
Author: Hugh Dolan
Illustrator: Adrian Barbu
Publisher: Scholastic, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742996202
For ages: 9+
Type: Graphic Novel

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Review: The Gentle Genius of Trees

Trees have a lot to teach us and The Gentle Genius of Trees is here to help.

Trees are versatile and offer humans many things, including food, shade, and wood for building, heating, and even making books.

They are also essential in helping provide the air we breathe, so we should learn about them and how to take care of them.

Through The Gentle Genius of Trees, Philip Bunting explains all about photosynthesis, and how a tree grows.

The importance of sunlight and air and large root systems are explained using simple scientific concepts, and fun facts.

Did you know that trees are social and love to be connected and communicate with each other? Their roots help them do that by sending signals.

The growth and ageing of trees is explored to show how they develop to be a long-living and hardy part of our landscape.

As you read The Gentle Genius of Trees, look for the different ways Philip Bunting adds personality and quirky elements, like speech bubbles featuring the thoughts of the trees.

A valuable piece of science communication, The Gentle Genius of Trees would make an excellent classroom tool, as well as being well suited to a home library.

Title:  The Gentle Genius of Trees
Author/Illustrator: Philip Bunting
Publisher: Scholastic, $ 19.99
Publication Date: April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760975173
For ages: 4+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction

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Giveaway: The Rock From The Sky by Jon Klassen

Review: Weirdo

You wake up in a box surrounded by a bird, a cat and a dog. 

You know your Kit’s birthday present and you know you like Judo, but other than that you don’t really know much about yourself.

The animals think you’re weird and you try desperately to fit in, but when an unfortunate accident blows you out the window and into Emily Brookstein’s house, you learn a little something about being a weirdo — something that makes you think it isn’t all that bad.

Weirdo is a funny, affirming, warm story about embracing your differences and not letting bullies make you feel like you need to follow the crowd to fit in. It’s about self-discovery and identity, wrapped in a fun and quirky story that is deeply layered in the most glorious details.

The characters in this book are so wonderful. In very few pages their personalities shine and histories are revealed. Words and stunning illustrations combine to create a community in an apartment block that seems like it truly is just down the street and you could go and meet these people.

Our little protagonist is a true hero, and I love how relatable her journey is, first trying to fit in before realising she should be herself. It’s authentic and raw. We’ve all done it, and we’ll all do it no matter how many times we’re told not to bend to peer pressure. It’s a journey everyone must take for themselves — a journey every child must take.

Writing duo Zadie Smith and Nick laird have created an immersive story with Weirdo. It’s a book you’ll keep coming back to for its quirky language, rich characters, layered story world and beautiful message.

Magenta Fox is an illustrator talent to be reckoned with. Rich earthy colours fill the pages, and there are so many gorgeous picture layouts that zoom in from interesting angles or scatter images across stunning vignettes. Fox’s illustrations are filled with amazing details that bring the rich backgrounds of the characters to life. Weirdo is her first picture book, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

I adore this book. It’s different. It’s quirky. It’s warm and inviting. It’s a book I find myself reaching for again and again because I want to get to know the characters more and live within their world for a while.

For a special story about embracing your inner weirdo, I highly recommend Weirdo.

Title: Weirdo
Author: Zadie Smith and Nick Laird
Illustrator: Magenta Fox
Publisher: Puffin, $27.99
Publication Date:  13 April 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN:  9780241449608
For ages:  3 - 6
Type:  Picture Book

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Review: The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S

This is a riveting mystery that will glue you to your seat. Which side will you take at the end of the story? Why are lies more believable than the truth?

Twelve year old Aidan and his brother Liam are very close. They have slept in the same room all their lives.

Then Aidan suddenly goes missing for six days. The town searches everywhere. Vigils are held. The family are questioned repeatedly by police. Has he simply run away?

Just as suddenly, he returns. Aidan tells the truth about his disappearance but the story is too incredulous to accept. Liam wants to believe his brother and is torn between what is said to have happened and what in his mind, is plausible. Their parents certainly can’t accept the truth, and Aidan wishes he had told lies.

Their close knit family structure fractures. The parents war with each other and themselves. We watch as the relationship between the boys shifts and his school friends play tug-of-war with what they create from what they hear.

This is a brilliant and well-constructed mystery full of questions about truth and fabrication. Is it acceptable to lie when the truth is more destructive?

Will Liam accept Aidan’s story? If so, at what cost?

The Disappearance of Aidan S is heart-pounding, and breathtaking in its imaginative approach. There’s no way you will put this down even for a toilet break. (Perhaps take it with you as I did).

Fast-paced, forceful and intriguing, you read the truth but find it hard to believe.

Title: The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Text Publishing, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922330918
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Fiction

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Junior Review: Music For Tigers

Meet The Illustrator: George Sweetland

Name: George Sweetland

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Whimsical, humorous, loving, fantastical, textural, silly, and imaginative.

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My sketchbook, a few handy pencils, Mac desktop, and my trusty iPad Pro round out my essential art tools. I mostly work with digital art and rely predominantly on using Procreate with the occasional splash of Adobe Illustrator.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I utilize digital art software, mostly using Procreate to create my artwork. Procreate has honestly brought me to a new level in creating illustrations and I am producing pieces I never thought I could do until I used this program.


Name three artists whose work inspires you.
There are so many incredibly talented artists out there from my childhood to the present. It makes it so difficult to choose. However, if I had to select three current artists/illustrators, they would probably be Emma Yarlett, Nicola Slater, and Benjamin Mantle. But there are so many other artists out there that inspire me everyday.

 
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
I have thought about this before and honestly, my answer is the present. We’re living in an artistic period when such an astonishing amount of artists are producing unique and wonderful artwork that range from digital to more traditional pieces. This is a time where I feel the artwork and picture books being illustrated are beginning to highlight more diverse artists from all backgrounds and ethnicities. Books are starting to be more culturally relevant. I am constantly picking up picture books from artists who are bringing their own voices and styles front and centre. Artists such as Courtney Dee, April Harrison, Dapo Adeola, Alea Marley, Lenny Wen, and Dzung Ho.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
Being an only child and keeping myself busy growing up, played a role in my love of art. Times when I was entertaining myself, I would either being playing with action figures or picking up a crayon or colour pencil. I genuinely enjoyed drawing my own made up characters and even writing stories and creating my own picture books. There was a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfilment. I always had the dream to do it professionally.
Teaching elementary school students from preschool to third grade for over 14 years has also had a significant impact on me becoming an author/illustrator. I’ve always enjoyed performing read alouds with my students. I love to be animated and make different voices to help bring to life the characters authors and artists create. After experiencing this first hand, and maintaining my love for creating art over the years, I told myself one day I wanted to make that same impact. I want to help foster that love for reading through my own picture books.

 
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
My work area consists of a desk with my computer and my iPad Pro, along with a library of picture books that inspire me to do my best work everyday. This workspace is located in my basement. This is a place for me to work and create. You’ll find stacks of picture books that I read and admire. One of these days I’ll get a proper bookcase.

 
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Every part of the process of creating illustrations is vital. However, for me personally, its most enjoyable when I’m in the thick of it. The storyboard has been approved and I’m now working on final draft illustrations and the story is coming to life with colours and textures. It’s an amazing feeling to watch as you breathe life into the pictures and witness first hand a story truly come together.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
The biggest advice I can give other artists out there is to really believe in your potential and always be willing to improve; but also have the openness to listen to advice from other artists who have experience in this world of picture books and publishing. There is always room to grow and evolve and you want to remain faithful to who you are, but sometimes advice and constructive criticism have a helpful role in your journey.
With that, you also want to block out negative reviews or criticisms. I never let that deter me from reaching my goals and I still don’t to this day. If you work hard every day and push yourself to become better, I really truly believe that you can accomplish your dreams. I always think of a quote from the famous actor Denzel Washington, who said “if you hang around the barbershop long enough….. sooner or later you're gonna get a haircut."

 

George Sweetland is an author and digital artist. He has currently illustrated six books ranging from stories about dragons, to playing in the mud, to dogs acting like cats. He lives with his wife, two sons, and a fluffy golden doodle in Connecticut, USA.


For more information, please visit George's website or follow his instagram

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