Review: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes (#book 2 The Super Spy)

Do you like baking? Do you like mysteries? Then you're going to love The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes.

The first thing you need to know about Zinnia Jakes is that her real name is Zoe Jones. Zoe lives with her Aunt Jam while her dad works away. She’s a normal kid with a best friend and a cat (who has some special cat skills), but… she’s also the secret baker Zinnia Jakes, who bakes the most amazing and delicious cakes.

The Super Spy is book 2 in this cool series (following The Crumbling Castle), but it’s no drama if you start here in the series. Author extraordinaire Brenda Gurr brings you up to speed on the series background quick smart (and naturally) and you’re off into the story…

In book 2, Zoe and her best friend Addie are getting ready for an ultra-special event happening at the school on Saturday night. Aunt Jam, too, has a big event happening on Saturday night and to top it all off, a cake order has come in for Zinnia Jakes for a super cool spy party. Zoe needs to figure out how to be in two places at once, all the while protecting her secret identity from her classmates and from the whole spy party.

This is a super fun junior fiction book. All the characters are funky and different, which I love, and yet real and relatable. Zoe is a cool kid with some very special talents, but she also gets in trouble in class and doesn’t exactly get along with all her classmates. These touches ground her character and make her someone kids can both relate to and aspire to be.

This novel doesn’t have illustrations but there are cute pictures at the start of each chapter. The text is large, and the chapters are a good, manageable size. You also get one of Zinnia’s fabulous cake recipes at the back.

It’s good junior fiction fun that will appeal to the kids who like stories set in the real world, with an added splash of fantastical.

Title: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes (#Book 2 The Super Spy)
Author:  Belinda Gurr
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, $14.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922326157
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction

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Review: The Nerd Herd

The Bookshop Cat

12 Curly Questions with author Raymond Huber

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I listen to television theme music from my childhood while I cook the evening meal. I loved 1960s shows like Lost in Space, Green Acres, and Mission Impossible.

2. What is your nickname?
My grandchildren sometimes call me Tintin – I like to think it's because I love the books, but it's more likely because of my (sometimes) quiff. A good nickname for a writer is 'me can ink' (an anagram of 'nickname').

3. What is your greatest fear?
No one fear is greatest; they can all get a bit wild at times. But I'm finally learning how to tame them (hint: it starts with naming the feelings), a skill I wish I'd learned earlier in life.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Concise. Every word must count: six, seven, eight, nine, ten.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Hopeful, fun, fascinating, slow, offbeat.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Moominpappa form the Moomin series by Tove Jansson. He is a kind, steady, optimistic, and vulnerable father. Moominpappa's credo is to "live in peace, plant potatoes, and dream". (Or Tintin).

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1968. I liked being 10 years old – a sweet-spot between childhood and the turbulent teens.

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

My 10-year old self is still with me. He says things like: "Let's go for a run on the beach"; "let's watch an old Dr Who episode"; and "don't worry so much".

9. Who is your greatest influence?
That's right, Dr Who. When I was young, watching Dr Who fired my writing imagination. These days, Dr Jane Goodall is my inspiration. She travels the world encouraging young people to look after the planet, and somehow she remains hopeful.

10. What/who made you start writing?
The first buzz I got from writing was when my Year 4 teacher praised a quirky science report I wrote: I've loved science writing ever since. Later in life, my partner (who is a wonderful writer) inspired me to write for children.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
It's 'mystery'. Because it makes me ask why. Why is there a universe? Why is Beethoven's 9th so moving? Why are donuts so delicious?

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
In such a dystopian world as that, I'd choose a hymn book (an ancient songbook) so I could read the words and the music, and sing as well.

Raymond Huber is a children’s author, teacher, and editor. His acclaimed picture books, Flight of the Honey Bee and Gecko, are published in several countries; his junior novels, Sting and Wings, are science-fiction books about bees; and Peace Warriors is a young adult fiction book about non-violence. Raymond has also written many educational books. He lives in New Zealand and was the Creative NZ-Otago University Writer in Residence in 2018. For more information see www.raymondhuber.co.nz.

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Review: In Australia - A Down Under Baby Animal Counting Book

From the Our World, Our Home series of educational books for younger readers. comes In Australia: A Down Under Baby Animal Counting Book. It focuses on mammals and marsupials, viviparous, oviparous known as monotremes, their breeding habits and protection of their young.

Creative activities for beautiful hand-made crafts are offered as a closing bonus, by talented artist, Jill Dubin, whose cut-paper illustrations adorn the book. She also shares the process of how she creates her collages. 

Australian surroundings background this journey through the natural world. Wild flowers, reeds and waters enhance the images of the birds and animals that live in them.

Rhyme, repetition, rhythm and counting is created using alliteration and assonance. This is an opportunity while counting, for the names of the baby animals to be added to children’s vocabulary while they learn how mothers teach them to survive. 

There are crocodiles, wallabies, koala, platypus, lorikeets, wombats, sugar gliders, brolga, bilbies, and a father emu caring for his brood of chicks. 

Australian animals are unique. 80 percent of our flora and fauna are endemic and we have 917 species of reptiles!

What does each species eat? Do they sip, slurp or chew? Dig or swim? How and where do they live; in swamps, trees, tall grasses or elsewhere? With which sounds do they communicate?

A map of Australia end indicates the areas of each animal’s habitat; whether desert, grassland or forest. A Fact or Fiction section clarifies any doubts as to how baby animals are cared for, either by both or a single parent.

A whole page is dedicated to The ‘Hidden’ Animals such as the frill-neck lizard, the tiger quoll, barking gecko, and Woma pythons amongst others.

Tips From the Author, offers advice on how to fully utilise the book’s information, expanding it with activities and knowledge challenges. into an interactive experience.

Title: In Australia: A Down Under Baby Animal Counting Book
Author: Marianne Berkes
Illustrator: Jill Dubin
Publisher: NewSouth Books, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781728247588
For ages: 4+
Type: Non Fiction

 

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Review: The Story of Us

The Story of Us is an activity book with a difference.

It's a way to introduce the concept of family history to young children, and to talk about how we all have stories we can share. 

You can turn The Story of Us into a family activity, one that can be contributed to over a period of time, short or long. Use it to generate discussion, to talk, and write.

It's been designed with illustrations accompanied by big blank pages for recording memories. This could be your child's memories, or perhaps they could interview and record those of their parents or grandparents.

There are prompts throughout, including: three things I loved to do when I was a child, my best ever holiday, someone I really admire, and the best or worst meal I've ever eaten.

The beginning of the book has a simple family tree where you can add the names of the people in your family. And at the back of the book, there is space for some favourite family photos to be added.

Australian author Michael Wagner and illustrator Beck Feiner have designed a high quality, large format, hardcover book that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

The Story of Us is a great inter-generational activity which, as a message in the book explains, will help you create something that can become a special reminder of family and stories, both old and new.

Title: The Story of Us
Author: Michael Wagner
Illustrator: Beck Feiner
Publisher: ABC Books, $ 24.99
Publication Date: September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733339936
For ages: 3+
Type: Activity Book

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Giveaway: Magic, Mystery & Fantastical Friendships Prize Pack

Review: The Most Magnificent Thing

What are the most important things that children remember about their parents all their life? 

I believe it is time together and all that transpires during that time.

Memories of sharing and togetherness are the most magnificent things to every child.

That’s what this book is about.

Every page is a notable activity between parent and child in words and images; a gesture that brings joy. A collection to look back on.

It could be happy bubbly bath time, a shared drink, a ride in a grocery trolley, applause at an achievement, seeing things from someone’s shoulders or from a grassy seat. It is play and learning to stimulate the imagination, or sharing a moving moment while surrounded by nature.

Jennifer Loakes’ minimal text on every page goes straight to the heart. It sits against Nicky Johnston’s own visual narrative that slips hand-in-glove with the writer’s intention. The usual warmth that springs from her work is again evident.

Full page images in watercolour, ink, pencil and pastel, contain expressions of enjoyment in togetherness, sharing tasks, and creating something that gives a sense of achievement. Large and detailed illustrations draw the reader into the scene, welcoming them into an atmosphere of serenity.

Stunning end pages begin and end with their own story.

This beautifully illustrated picture book speaks of family, the necessity and meaning of warm, daily, family interaction, and of the important things in life that have nothing to do with material goods

Title: The Most Magnificent Thing
Author: Jennifer Loakes
Illustrator: Nicky Johnston
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, $ 25.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922081957
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book

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Review: The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name

Guest Post: Dennis Wesley on Children’s Literature: The Challenges of Encouraging Children to Read

Editor's own image

Reading is no longer the only form in which children explore stories. The video and multimedia formats have been growing increasingly popular in this context. 

Nonetheless, reading remains one of the best ways to help children develop their cognitive, intellectual, and emotional skills. 

As is almost universally recognized, this is because reading for children is more than just a way to explore stories. 

Besides, children’s literature is also extremely diverse: it ranges from simple books with extensive illustrations, images, or pictorial narratives to fairly complex works that might require additional effort on children’s part. Yet both types of works sometimes tend to have great literary merit. As a result, the diversity of children’s literature is also perhaps its greatest strength; more on this shortly.

Children’s literature also debunks the notion that books that rely on images and pictorial narratives are not complex. On the contrary, illustrated works are sometimes substantially complex, and more often than not, the illustrations also help children appreciate the complexities of the work. Therefore, in addition to developing their literacy skills, reading also enables children to explore the vagaries and complexities of the human condition.

Videocy Versus Literacy

The rapid emergence of the video format as a learning tool in early education and as an entertainment option often worries parents and teachers. Some of these concerns are indeed deeply troubling: for instance, some critics use the term 'videocy' to refer to the ubiquity of video technology in our lives. Videocy is also associated with the growing tendency to reduce nuanced information and data to snippets and bite-sized summaries that typically ignore or miss key aspects of complex matters. The larger argument here is that videocy has endangered our ability to think critically and deal with ambiguities and nuances. This is particularly worrying because critical thinking requires practice, and videocy has made it difficult for both adults and children to practice critical thinking.

Editor's own image

Though reading is becoming more and more endangered today, encouraging children to read is immensely doable. At the same time, it must be said that the video format does not necessarily compromise our critical thinking ability. With moderation and control, adults and children can enjoy the richness of the format, which also has its fair share of benefits. The key then is to help and encourage children to find time for reading in a culture that now seems to mainly incentivize watching videos. Since the video format is here to stay, it is also futile to frame the issue in terms of 'reading versus videos': it is important that children become discerning consumers of videos, and indeed of all media (including the written word), but this shouldn’t come at the cost of forcing children to read.

The Pitfalls of Forcing Children to Read

This influential work on the effects of reading highlights that forcing children to read constitutes a highly unrewarding and stressful experience for them, which can also be detrimental in the long run. The work claims that this typically leads to 'less involvement in reading-related activities.' In effect, forcing children to read tends to create an aversion for the activity. Forcing can also take the form of pressurizing children to read difficult materials. If, for instance, a child seems to be below the prescribed standard of reading competency for a given age group or grade level, forcing or expecting them to read at that standard would be counterproductive. Worse, it is likely to be a deeply unpleasant experience for children. This is an instance where parents and teachers should capitalize on the diversity of children’s literature as well as the diversity of reading experiences. In fact, as we will see in what follows, the diversity of children’s literature and the inherent diversity of reading experiences are especially helpful in encouraging children to not just read but to do so in a fairly stress-free manner.

First, what does it mean to say that reading is a diverse experience? Simply put, it means that different children relate to different things in a book. Besides, some children benefit from reading a book all by themselves, whereas other children might prefer to discuss their reading experiences--be it with other children, or parents and teachers.

Even if they are reading for entertainment, some children might be unable to appreciate a book without guidance or some additional support. This is not to be frowned upon. Indeed, this is not just an opportunity for parents to bond with their children but also a way to show that they take their children’s concerns seriously. That they are willing to converse and discuss with their children. More importantly, doing so also enables parents and children to deal with any stigma that might be attached to the idea of seeking assistance. Additionally, when children say that they don’t understand something, this is usually an example of higher-order thinking. The ability to realize that one hasn’t grasped a concept well enough is a mark of critical thinking and intellectual honesty; this is not to be shunned. In other words, reading competency is not always a measure of children’s intelligence; it is perfectly normal for children to be intelligent and find reading challenging at the same time.

Dealing With Negative Tags Surrounding Children’s Literature

Although schools are now trying to rescue terms such as 'reading competency' and 'letter knowledge' from the oppressive spirit of cutthroat competition, these terms still do have the tendency to make children and parents feel inadequate and inferior. However, the internet has made it easier for parents and teachers to find a wide range of reading materials to suit children’s reading competencies. Consider, for instance, some canonical works of children’s literature, such as Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, and The Little Prince. Though they all address complex matters, their stylistic approaches could not be more different. The prose in The Little Prince is sparse but deeply engaging and thought-provoking, and it also features some wonderful watercolor illustrations by the author. On the other hand, Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies are widely recognized as prime examples of dystopian literature.

It is no surprise that more children tend to find these two works more challenging than The Little Prince. This is of course not to say that the latter isn’t as valuable a literary work as the other two. In fact, the condescension toward The Little Prince for its simple style lays bare another troubling tendency: 'children's literature' is sometimes used as a pejorative, driven by the assumption that it is not critical and presents an inaccurate, fairy-tale-like view of the world. In other words, it is seen as a source of empty enjoyment, not as a particularly good way for children to develop language skills, critical thinking skills, or emotional intelligence. Negative tags surrounding children's literature, such as 'juvenile' or 'uncritical,' might prevent parents, teachers, and caregivers from introducing or encouraging children to read. Worse still, in some cases, these negative tags might even urge anxious adults to force children to read material beyond their reading competency.

A good way to fight this tendency is to remind ourselves that children’s literature is also deeply useful for adult ESL learners; since the writing is usually simple and easy to follow, ESL learners are better able to develop an understanding and appreciation of the nuances of the language. That children’s literature is mostly written to enable ease of understanding doesn’t necessarily mean that it is 'simplistic' or 'reductive.' Claiming that something is patronizing merely because it employs a simple style is inaccurate and unfair. Conversely, something that is written in a simple style does not automatically make it children’s literature. In other words, not every simple work is suitable for children, and children do not necessarily have to read works classified as easy or simple. Besides, what is simple for one child might be complex for another.

To help children navigate difficult texts, parents and teachers can now choose from a wide range of introductory and supplementary study materials online without worrying about diluting or oversimplifying these works. Most of these are free and accessible via a simple online search. Encouraging children to read in this era of videocy is essential to enhance and diversify their learning experience. And helping children read better might be the best way to do so, especially since this approach focuses on making reading an enjoyable experience.

Dennis Wesley is an independent researcher. His interests include STEM and Humanities education, especially interdisciplinary practices and methods. You can follow his personal blog here.

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Review: Dragon Skin

Multi-award winning author Karen Foxlee of the magnificent Lenny’s Book of Everything, has produced another astonishing and imaginative novel. Layered and immensely emotive and magical, Dragon Skin will keep you in your seat till the last word.

Pip is a collector of odd things dug up with her stick around the waterhole where she spends all her out-of-school time. There she finds a tiny, indistinguishable object resembling a piece of scrunched up rag that turns out to be a baby dragon. 

She pricks her palm on a point of its wing while taping icy pole sticks to repair the damaged areas.

Pip names it Little Fella and knows she must hide it otherwise Matt, her mother’s partner, will discard it in a second.

When Matt came into their life, everything changed. He stole what they had – their money and warm relationship, and turned them into other people; quiet, wary, afraid. He took over all the house, stole her mother’s laugh and all they shared together.

When Pip’s hand first gets infected, she is taken by her mum to the doctor. When her arm becomes heavier and the skin change spreads to other parts of her body, she is able to smell words.

She constantly hears the voice of Mika, her best friend, in her head. He was left at his great grandmother’s place near Pip’s home for safety. Although now absent, he continues to guide and comfort her. His cleverness, love and knowledge of all things supernatural and otherworldly, surround Pip.

We learn what happened to him at the end.

It isn’t long before the inquisitive and persistent Laura, a classmate, discovers Pip’s secret. Never a friend due to their contrasting social status, Laura surprises Pip with her support and secrecy about her pet, and her skill at Dragon Singing that surfaces.

Then Arthur sneaks a peek at the foundling and demands to be part of the group. He later becomes the dragon teacher that ultimately teaches Little Fella how to fly.

The story takes on another dimension when Pip undergoes a physical and emotional transformation. This is juxtaposed with the tragic changes that take place in their lives. 

The power and courage that mother and daughter had stolen from them, is retrieved in an explosive climax when powerful, heart-wrenching decisions are made.

Title: Dragon Skin
Author: Karen Foxlee
Illustrator: Dale Newman
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760526108
For ages: 10 – 12
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

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Winner: Where's My Dinosaur?

Junior Review: Amari And The Night Brothers

12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Jo Dabrowski

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
My dream job is to be a Play School presenter.

2. What is your nickname?
Some of my girlfriends call me Joey, but my husband calls me Weasel.

3. What is your greatest fear?
That the world will stop making denim overalls in my size.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I like to write stories that will make children laugh.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
I will try again tomorrow.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’m definitely Elephant in Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books. I’m anxious, melodramatic and also have a tendency to over-analyse everything and catastrophise. But, like Elephant, I’m also a very loyal friend and I will share my ice-cream with you. Sometimes.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d go back to the late 1950s, put on a dress with a big, colourful skirt and layers of tulle underneath, and use an entire can of hairspray to do my hair. But, once I’d gotten my Doris Day impersonation out of my system, I’d come straight back. It wasn’t exactly a great time for women, so I’d much rather be living today.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
I’d like to think 10-year-old me would be pretty happy with where I ended up and would say something like, ‘Wow, you’ve done ok. I should stop worrying so much.’ But, in reality, 10-year-old me was very self-critical, so she’s far more likely to look at me and say, ‘You’re not as tall as I expected.’

9. Who is your greatest influence?
There are so many authors, illustrators and film makers whose work I admire, usually for their humour or graphic simplicity or both. But the person who has been the greatest direct influence on me would have to be my mum. She’s a talented dressmaker, the hardest worker I know, and she has an incredible make-do attitude. She’s definitely the reason I love working with my hands today.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I used to love writing when I was in primary school, especially rhyming poetry, but by the time I got to secondary school I became completely focused on studying hard and getting a ‘proper job’. I ended up working as a copywriter, in advertising, where funnily enough writing was my least favourite part of the job, but I loved coming up with visual ideas. I’ve only recently started writing for children and, although there wasn’t a specific event or person that led me to start, I know I wouldn’t have had the self-confidence to persist if it wasn’t for the constant encouragement and support of my husband.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Bedtime.

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I will never get tired of Anne Shirley and her terrible temper. And I will never stop loving Gilbert Blythe.

Jo Dabrowksi’s writing career started in advertising in Melbourne and continued across agencies here and in London. Jo and her husband now run a small creative agency from home in Melbourne, where they live with their two boys. You can read our review of her picture book, Have You Seen My Friend here. For more information, see www.jodabrowski.com.

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Review: Peek and Boo

Coral Vass is the author of Sorry Day, winner of the 2019 CBCA Book of the Year Eve Pownell Award, and the outstanding Grandma’s Treasured Shoes, amongst others. 

In Peek and Boo, she teams up with the talented Jess Racklyeft to create a picture book full of emotion; a soothing, tender and loving salute to the family unit.

Peek and Boo are owls. A pair of the chosen ones that mate for life. They share their days, being kind and considerate to one another. 

On their branch, through the seasons, they feel comfort and security knowing the other is close by, for their love is a permanent thing.

Slowly Peek and Boo begin to gather the makings of a nest. They sit through cold nights protecting their nesting place and warming each other, till an egg appeared!

Sharing the responsibility of keeping the egg warm, the owls take turns to search for food and bring some back to their mate.

While Peek is away and Boo sits warming the egg, the strangest thing happens!

Cracks appear in the shell and Boo doesn’t know what to do. What will Peep say when she gets back?

He tries to stop the cracks from spreading; the egg from splitting. To no avail.

What a surprise when the tiny owlet appears with a Hoo-Hoo!

But Peek knows who it is. It is their baby bird! And Hoo he becomes. The two of them now will teach their new family member all it needs to know, together.

Boo is sure to know what to do the next time.

Vass once more allows language to steer the story. Less is more, and it’s all that’s needed, for Racklyeft’s immersive translation using full-page illustrations in soft watercolour, allows the text to sparkle while it too, bathes in beauty.

Title: Peek and Boo
Author: Coral Vass
Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, $ 25.99
Publication Date: 2 October 2021
Format: Hardcover 
ISBN: 978122051230
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

Review: Rosie the Rhinoceros

Rosie is a rhinoceros. 

She lives in the savannah with giraffes, elephants, lions, and other wild animals.

She must be a rhinoceros! 

But, no, Rosie is a unicorn. That's what she tells her friends. Just like a unicorn, Rosie has a horn. She walks quietly and daintily, and leaps in the air.

Unfortunately everyone who greets Rosie calls her a little rhinoceros. They don't understand that Rosie sees herself differently.

Rosie needs to tell them the truth and enlists Mrs Elephant's help to bring all the animals together for a meeting.

Rosie explains to the other animals that they are mistaken, and asks them to please call her Rosie the unicorn.

Her friends ask her forgiveness for misunderstanding, and tell her how much they appreciate her kindness and caring ways.

Rosie is so happy at being recognised for simply being herself, and that's what makes this story special. It celebrates individuality and uniqueness, and encourages acceptance and inclusion.

Rosie the Rhinoceros is a happy and heartfelt story, with an important message, written by rock superstar and bestselling author, Jimmy Barnes. This book was inspired by Jimmy's granddaughter, and follows hot on the heels of his three bestselling books for adults.

Illustrator Matt Shanks has brilliantly imagined Rosie and her friends with a loveable depiction of Rosie living life to the fullest. The illustrations are gentle and incredibly appealing.

Add Rosie the Rhinoceros to your family's home library and revisit it whenever you need to feel good.

Download teachers' notes and activities from the illustrator's website.

Title: Rosie the Rhinoceros
Author: Jimmy Barnes
Illustrator: Matt Shanks
Publisher: Harper Collins, $ 19.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460758854
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Manta Ray Dreams

In her publishing debut, Nadine Rajeh uses bold images in vibrant colours. A child’s strong narrative voice draws us into a story of longings, dreams, and wishes.

Although not named in the book, the little girl longs for more time with her father. As a single parent, he has life’s daily demands to complete before he can share pre-bedtime with his little daughter.

Each night when the child goes to her room, her nightly rituals bring her comfort and a sense of direction.

I listen to my secret thoughts.

 These are powerful and connected to the sea that sparkles like gems stones; the whisper of the waves as they lap the shore and fall against each other in the deep oceans.

She snuggles down into the warmth and softness of her bed covers, imagining they are those calming waves rocking her to sleep, and to what she knows as her manta ray dreams. Here she finds solace, while the stars of her night light, dance and swirl through the shadows.

At times, this is not enough.

Behind her eyes, manta ray glide with her and carry away thoughts about all the things she longs for and cannot have – mainly her father’s company, replacing them with calm sleep.

In her dreams she floats in a boat on swirling waters, as glistening rays from stars fall upon her as manta rays protect and guide her to a mermaid’s warm embrace, that reminds her of her mother’s love.

The symbolism attached to the beautiful manta ray, water and varying shades of blue as the dominant colour creates the perfect atmosphere for the messages of patience, hope, guidance, imagination and calm that the story carries.

A perfect bedtime read.

Title: Manta Ray Dreams
Author/Illustrator: Nadine Rajeh
Publisher: Spiral Beast Publishing, $NZ20.00
Publication Date: 30 July 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780473579609
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Itty-Bitty Kitty Corn

Review: Where's My Dinosaur?

Mummy’s tummy is growing. Dad says it will be a playmate for the little girl that narrates the story. 

Obsessed with dinosaurs, she hopes it will be one. With the size it currently is, she imagines it is a chick, so she chooses a name for it.

As Mummy’s tummy gets bigger, so do the pets the child imagines will become part of her family. 

A rabbit to share her room? A puppy perhaps, to chase around the yard or park, with lots of bones to keep him happy?

During the last stages, the possibility of it being a bear is also considered.

Then the bear becomes an elephant!

While all these animals pass through the child’s mind, each is accompanied by the wonderful play time they will share.

More joyous than all these imaginings, is the one in which she believes it will be a dinosaur. She hugs this thought tightly. She even has the perfect name picked out for him.

Banners of welcome will greet him. A shiny name tag will be hung around his neck.

Excited when the time has come, dad and daughter head to the hospital.

Mummy is holding something wrapped in a blue blanket. It’s not a chick, a dog, a bear, an elephant, or a dinosaur!

How does the little girl come accept her new sibling?

With a wonderful ending that solves all questions with answers that delight, this beautifully presented picture book, has a diverse family at its core, and addresses the sensitive issues of adjustment and change for parents and children, at a new addition to the family unit.

Stunning covers and gorgeous full page, detailed illustrations filled with humour and activity, complement the the text. The choice of colours used throughout by Jasmine Berry add a vibrant and lively atmosphere to the main character’s thoughts and expectations.

Title: Where's My Dinosaur?
Author: Ashling Kwok
Illustrator: Jasmine Berry
Publisher: Yellow Brick Books, $26.99
Publication Date: 30 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780648492559
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book

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Guest Post: Allison Paterson on I Wonder

Giveaway: Where's My Dinosaur?

Review: Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum

Horrible Harriet turns 20 this year! 

Hip hip hooray for the cheekiest kid on the block!

And to celebrate, Harriet has decided it’s time for a change.

In Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum, Harriet is bored with being bad. 

She’s decided to be a good girl.

Mr Boggle, her teacher, has always thought she was good, but Harriet wants EVERYONE to think she’s good.

She tries really hard, but no matter what she does, it just doesn’t seem to convince her classmates that she’s changed. And Harriet thinks she knows why.

See, up in her room lives a terrible tantrum. Harriet keeps it locked in a cage because it cannot be controlled (smart girl!), but it is truly terrible. It’s rude and demanding and so, so naughty. It makes Harriet feel angry and mean.

And then one night, the terrible tantrum escapes. And not only does it escape. It takes Harriet’s seat in class! Can Horrible Harriet get the terrible tantrum back in its cage? Will Harriet’s classmates ever think she’s good?

This is a brilliant instalment in the Horrible Harriet picture book series, and I’m so delighted we get to jump back into Harriet’s world. Harriet is that character who speaks to all of us because, in so many ways, she is all of us. She is a little on the naughty side, but she is also vulnerable and insecure and just looking to make friends, and maybe finds it more difficult that she expected to connect with others.

What I love about this book is the ‘realness’ of the story. It is just so ‘kid’. The humour weaved throughout speaks to kids directly. It has the perfect amount of silliness, with a perfect dash of gross.

Leigh Hobbs is a super-loved Australian creator. An author and an illustrator, Hobbs has brought so many delightful characters to life, including Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona The Pig, Mr Badger, The Freaks in 4F and Mr Chicken. And, he was the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2016/2017.

Find out more about Leigh in our interview about what he's reading.

And check out more of his wonderful picture books by reading KBR reviews for Mr Chicken all Over Australia, Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma, Old Tom's Big Book of Beauty, Hooray for Horrible Harriet and Mr Chicken Lands in London.

Title: Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum
Author/Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760878221
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Books

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12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Katrin Dreiling

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I would love to single-handedly solve a crime and present the culprit to the police. In the peak of the ensuing excitement I would then quietly leave the building not needing any thanks or attention.

2. What is your nickname?
Katrinchen or Frau Dreiling

3. What is your greatest fear?
To run out of dog food with the shops closed. What can I say, I have a Golden Retriever and he doesn’t negotiate...

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Straightforward, hopefully humorous, quirky, fun and kind but also a bit clumsy due to me not being a native speaker.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Eager to learn, cooperative, disciplined, passionate and driven.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Miss Marple because she can just do her thing without being noticed – most people don’t expect an old lady to have detective skills.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
The Victorian era – the illustrator in me would just go to town sketching that kind of fashion.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you for being brave.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
As a child it most definitely was the books that I read and in a more concrete sense it was Astrid Lindgren. Her character’s humour and way to look at the world greatly inspired and influenced me. Nowadays, I would say it’s my husband – he’s my best friend, too.

10. What/who made you start writing?
I have always written stories ever since I could write whole sentences. Things got difficult when I studied German and English at uni and the style I used in German stood in the way of my English writing. This is a constant challenge for me but I love it.

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Flamboyant – one day I will create an evil character named Flam Boyant!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Beatrice Alemagna’s The Marvelous Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty of course! 

Katrin Dreiling is a teacher-trained illustrator based in Brisbane who loves to come up with quirky creations that inspire children to get creative themselves. She has illustrated several picture books, and her first author/illustrator work, A Perfect Pig, has just been released. She contributes the Meet the Illustrator posts for Kids' Book Review and just recently took the role of SCBWI QLD Illustrators Coordinator. Katrin is represented by US literary agent Essie White at Storm Literary. 

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

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Review: The Australian Climate Change Book

Identical in its exceptional design and presentation to their previous The Bushfire Book, Polly Marsden and Chris Nixon have collaborated again on the thought-provoking, The Australian Climate Change Book.

Full of information intended to arouse awareness in children about actions that can be taken to restore balance to our planet, it examines the how and why of dangers the planet faces. It dissects these through in-depth examples so that children can understand and become involved, be informed and make a difference.

Nixon’s delightful almost delicate illustrations visually reinforce the strong text that encompasses the connection of ecosystems, climate change and its effects on life and environment, energy resources, and the effects of fossil fuels that an increasing demand has created.

It refers to the Barrier Reef and the effect the warmer climate is having on corals, fish and other under water life, the extreme droughts and fires that are increasing which affect our ancient forests, and the rising sea levels, stronger winds and rain that cause erosion.

It is told in a simple but detailed narrative, with the illustrations complementing the meaning.

So many people are doing something about it, but more action is needed and reflects on the issue of alternate renewable energy. This resolution lies in areas of education including changing farming methods, stressing the absolute importance of trees, and reaffirming that every person can play a role in slowing climate change, no matter how young or old they are.

For Your Toolkit allows a broader examination on the subject and how to get involved through a list of websites.

Repair, recycle, re-use and eat local, a few of the small changes that can be made in life style, are introduced on a lift-out wall poster.

Title: The Australian Climate Change Book
Author: Polly Marsden
Illustrator: Chris Nixon
Publisher: Hachette, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 29 September 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734420831
For ages: 5+
Type: Non Fiction

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Winner: Australiana Picture Book Prize Pack

Review: Happy Hoppy Home

Happy Hoppy Home is the story of a family of hares, called the Cottontails.

Their home is a small and crowded one.

There rarely seems to be enough room for the youngsters to play games, or practice ballet in the burrow.

And it's far too noisy for naps.

So what do you do when your burrow is too small? You find a bigger one.

However, Papa Hare and his family find that their new house doesn't quite feel like home.

Perhaps there is another way for them to make the perfect Happy Hoppy Home.

Author and illustrator Tull Suwannakit has created an appealing and relatable story with beautiful, soft and muted pastel illustrations. There's also a quirky comfort in the characters.

Readers can follow the characters by tracing their path through the burrows and tunnels. And see who else they can discover living in the maze of underground burrows. Hint: there are foxes, snakes, moles, and other creatures.

A tale about loving your family and your home, Happy Hoppy Home will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Title: Happy Hoppy Home
Author/Illustrator: Tull Suwannakit
Publisher: Scholastic Australlia, $ 19.99
Publication Date: August 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742999937
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Books

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Review: Slow Down… and Sleep Tight

Following on from Slow Down with wholesome nature exploration at an even more relaxed bedtime pace, Slow Down… and Sleep Tight is the perfect modern lullaby.

The book begins with gorgeous flowing rhymes which make you want to snuggle up and embrace the evening. It then journeys through 7 spreads saying goodnight to creatures and nature of the day, and then through 4 of the night and dawn. Each spread explores a brief story with facts to absorb before leading you to the next. 

From goodnight to bunny, bee and blackbirds to hello moon, fox and more, this gentle story encourages calm to your bedtime ritual.

The soft, whimsical illustrations tell much of the story. Traditional pencil lines and digital colour create a sense of light which shows evening, night and dawn in perfect unity with the text.

I adore the bonus end spread with mindful breathing suggestions and questions about the day to ponder or discuss. 

Slow Down… and Sleep Tight would best suit reading time with a loved one before sleep. It would make a gorgeous gift, bound to be treasured and read time and time again. It also has a sturdy cover, flowing typography and gold foil.

Other books by Rachel Williams include Illuminature and Atlas of Animal Adventures. Freya Hartas has illustrated many books including The Dragon With A Chocolate Heart and Frankie Frog and the Throaty Croakers. 

Title: Slow Down... and Sleep Tight
Author: Rachel Williams  
Illustrator: Freya Hartas
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $29.90
Publication Date: 1 September 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781913520304
For ages: 3 – 5
Type: Picture Book

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Review: Where Ya Goin'?

Where Ya Goin’? opens onto the Australian outback. It’s the start of an adventure into new friendships, companionship, and sharing.

Echidna sets out towards the unknown. With a string of amazing native animals picked up along the way to who-knows-where, anything goes.

Echidna has planned a journey in his worn, rickety bus with just a bag of marshmallows. 

Guided by a map, is he headed towards the Black Stump, the Back of Beyond, Woop Woop, there and back, or down the track? It doesn’t matter!

Stopping for petrol, he finds Galah perched on the tin roof with his guitar, busking for offerings. Echidna decides a song or two on the way will do them good. One becomes two.

Further along, they encounter Emu boiling her brew over a campfire. Two become three.

They come across Wombat; a solitary, sad and sorry sight, sitting beneath a tree decorated with coloured flags, celebrating his birthday. May I join the jolly gang? He does.

The old bus is filling fast and just past the Gnarly Beach sign they find Koala and Dingo engrossed in their gumnut bingo.

Where ya goin’? Dingo howls. Before they know it, six new friends are hanging from the bus windows.

Snake with a six-tiered cake at his by the roadside bakery, hisses his way onto the bus. The gang press on.

A stop at the seaside sees Lizard and Skink along with their esky full of drink, added to the loaded bus. Soon after, Crocodile has goodies to offer if they take him along to the Back of Nowhere.

The deal done, they can’t say no to Bandicoot and his Kiwi fruit for they are now eleven and extra food will be needed. Parrot and his carrot, with Pademelon and a watermelon are added to the busload of buddies that arrives in Dunedoo.

What have Kangaroo and Joey cooking on the barbie?

With a camp fire burning in the background, could this will be the best birthday party Wombat will ever have?

Full page illustrations by Matty Mitchell allow an earth to sky view of the surroundings. The expressive features of the characters detail their sense of freedom and easy-going Aussie attitude, hilarious activities, and conversation between new friends.

For more fun, kids can download colouring sheets and activities. There is also a cipher for kids to uncover the secret message hidden throughout the book.

Written, illustrated and printed in Australia, this superb counting picture book in rhyming slanguage with fabulous alliteration and assonance, can claim the completely original, dinky-di Aussie label.

Title: Where Ya Goin'?
Author: Steve Heron
Illustrator: Matty Mitchell
Publisher: Wide Eyed Press, $ 15.90
Publication Date: 1 August 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780648161189
For ages: 4 – 8
Type: Picture Book

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Guest Post: Q & A with Beth Bailey: Winner of The Guinness World Records 2022 Book Cover Comp!

GWR competition winner Beth Bailey at 11-years-old submitted a drawing of what she thought the cover of the Guinness World Records 2022 should look like and out of thousands of applicants Beth won! 

She is now featured on the GWR 2022 Australian edition. Discover more about Beth and this fantastic experience in this exclusive interview.Full Name: 

Elizabeth Bailey but everyone calls me Beth!

Age: 

I am 11

Hometown: 

I live in Togari near to Smithton, we moved to Tasmania when I was seven before that I lived in the UK in a village called Walcote, in Leicestershire, England.

Tell us a little about yourself! What year are you in? Do you have any brothers or sisters? Any pets?
I like horses! I’m in grade 5. I have one brother and we live on a dairy farm. We have 2 horses, 4 dogs, 1 cat, 5 ducks and 1 rabbit.

Do you have a super cool special skill?
Riding Stormy (my pony!)

Why did you enter the competition to get on the cover of Guinness World Records 2022?
My teacher, Miss Cramer told my class about it and we were doing it at school and then I took it home and finished it.

We loved your drawing! Tell us about it...
It is about Australia and a person doing a cartwheel.

How does it feel to be on the cover of Guinness World Records 2022?
I feel happy and excited to see it!

What’s your favourite thing about the Guinness World Records books?
I really like the amazing animals one and the funny records people have done.

Is there a record that you think you could or wish you could break? What is it?
Most horse hugs in a minute!

What would you like to see on the cover of Guinness World Records 2023 (next year’s book)?

My friends and pets.

Global pandemics and lockdowns haven't stopped record breakers from achieving spectacular things: indeed, they've given many people the chance to focus on their ambitions and attain goals beyond their expectations.

The changing pace of the last year has also given GWR the opportunity to take stock of our planet and explore the current state of the environment, as seen through our unique record-breaking lens. Plus, GWR has reached out to some of the young people who refuse to let their age be a barrier to success. What are they doing to change their world? What inspires them? Find out in Guinness World Records 2022.

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Meet The Illustrator: Cindy Lane

Name: Cindy Lane

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Aiming for ‘Happy accidents’, not perfection!

What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Natural light, growing green things, towers of books, a cup of tea, a kitty or two and a ‘What if?’ attitude.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I like creating with anything that allows unexpected results to occur. Even if it means I’ve spilt my water jar over something! 💦

Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Aargh! Three is not enough! I’m a huge fan of quirky, a bit crazy, and graphic styles, which can say so much with so little on the page. I LOVE the work of Bill Watterson (creator of Calvin & Hobbes), Leigh Hodgkinson (books & Olobob Top on the telly), and David Mackintosh (illustrator of his own books, and designer of Lauren Child’s books, whose work I’m also mad for! Can I include her as well? Pleeease?

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Ancient Egypt, or anything with ‘Ancient” in front of it. I have always found the graphic style and weird perspective of those times irresistible!

 
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I was illustrating before I even knew it was called that, making and drawing my own miniature books before I started school. It was the sheer excitement of creating MY own worlds within those pages that had me hooked!

Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.

This is my studio, purpose built when I built my new house. There is no flat ceiling because in previous studios my extended easel kept hitting it, almost punching a hole through the plaster! There are windows on three sides for maximum natural light, as I don’t like working under artificial lights as colours can shift too much.

 
I’m a bit obsessive over storage, and have unusual finds spread throughout the studio to house all my creative accoutrements. Vintage timber map/planner drawers for my large sheets of watercolour paper, wooden library card catalogue chest of drawers for my pastels, vintage timber Japanese letterpress trays for my bottled pigments, old leather travelling trunks and suitcases for sketchbooks, a 100 yr old leather Dr’s Medicine Bag for my eggs, bones and feather collection, and a lacquered Korean apothecary cabinet for my pens and paints.

 
The studio has separate entrances, so I can ‘physically’ leave home, walk down the garden path, and ‘arrive for work’ with my mind focused on creative tasks for the day.

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?

There are two :

1. the very beginning, where I list all the possibilities – so exciting!

2. the very end, where I can see all of the work as a complete collection – an entire book – so satisfying!

  
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don’t quit! I’ve found that even ‘overnight success’ takes at least ten years!

 
Cindy Lane is an award-winning artist and illustrator who loves the ocean. She was born and grew up by the sea in Sydney, lived by the Great Barrier Reef in FNQ, and now has her seaside studio by the Indian Ocean in Perth.

Cindy loves to make her own paints with materials she finds in nature, and collects waters from all over the world to use in her paintings. Seawaters from across Australia were used in Great White Shark, her first picture book.

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

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Guest Post: Claire Saxby on Writing Great White Shark

10 Quirky Questions with author Anna Cidor

1. What's your hidden talent?
Making porridge! Seriously, I am a terrible cook and the only thing I can make is porridge. All my grandchildren demand ‘Nana porridge’ as soon as they see me. My secret is soaking rolled oats in milk all night before cooking, and never spoiling the dish with sugar or fruit.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
It would have to be Lord Vetinari, the evil Patrician, from the Terry Pratchett Discworld series. All of the characters in Pratchett’s books are hilarious spoofs, and Vetinari, despite his dastardly ways, adds a great humorous touch.

“I have to ask, sir...Why does it have to be done like this?"
Vetinari smiled. "Can you keep a secret, Mister Lipwig?"
"Oh, yes, sir. I've kept lots."
"Capital. And the point is, so can I. You do not need to know.” (From Raising Steam, by Terry Pratchett)

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
Oh, fantastic! I’m going to invite some of the authors who were my favourites when I was a child – the people who put me on the path to becoming the writer I am now:
Rumer Godden, who wrote Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, and fascinated me with her unique writing style; Rachel Field, who wrote Hitty, the adventures of a wooden doll, and ignited my obsession with the past; Enid Blyton who carried me off into other worlds with all her fantasies; Joyce Lankester Brisley, who wrote Milly-Molly-Mandy, and taught me the joy of music and rhythm in prose; Noel Streatfeild who wrote Ballet Shoes and other stories that pulled at my heart strings; A.A… Oh dear, that’s five. I’ll have to stop. Do you think they’ll mind if I serve them porridge for dinner?

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Time travel, of course! For as far back as I can remember, I have wanted to visit other times. But I definitely wouldn’t want to actually live in another time. When I sent Perry back to the Roman Empire, in The Boy Who Stepped Through Time, he had to sit on a shared toilet seat with other people, wipe his bottom with a sponge on a stick, and share a bath with people he didn’t know, in dirty, scummy water. Yuck!

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Research, research, research, research, research. I have to drag myself away from the research to actually write – but then I procrastinate for ages with lots of planning! And if I ever get stuck with the plot I just head right back to research and I always find the answer there!

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Took me into another world.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
A closed door – I need peace and quiet to write, a photo of all my grandchildren, a computer, a printer, a pencil – because, although I compose on the computer, every now and then I print out what I’ve written and read it out loud with a pencil in my hand, making corrections. By reading out loud, I hear the rhythm and flow of the words – and check they make sense!

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!)
Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. (Word taken from The House at Pooh Corner by AA Milne that I’m in the middle of reading to a grandson)

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I always have problems thinking up plots, so I would like to ask any author who writes really gripping, emotionally powerful plots to give me an idea for my next book. Garth Nix would be a good start… Or Glenda Millard…

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
That’s easy. I looove reading, and ever since I was little, I’ve kept a book to read on the kitchen table (while I eat my porridge). But if I have to make a choice, I’d have to say I’d never read another book, because I never, ever want to give up writing. While I was writing The Boy Who Stepped Through Time, I was so caught up in the plot that I propped my laptop on the table instead of a book and kept on writing while I ate. I was so emotionally involved in the life and world I was creating, I didn’t want to leave it to read any other book! 

Anna Ciddor has always been fascinated by the past. It would be her dream come true to step through time! Instead, she immerses herself in research and hunts out the tiniest details so she can bring the past to life in her imagination – and in her books. Anna's meticulous work has been recognised by a grant from the Literature Board of the Australia Council, three of her novels have been selected as Notable Books by the Children's Book Council of Australia, and several have been translated into other languages to be enjoyed around the world. For more information, see www.annacidor.com.

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