Imagine opening a page in a book and finding yourself staring into a lifesize eye of a baby blue whale. There's not much more of the whale on the page, but nevertheless, it gives an idea of its overall size.
From the tiny baby honey possum about the same size as a fullstop, young readers are taken to visit various animal babies all portrayed in the same scale so they understand the difference in size, inviting them to think about how they compare with these amazing creatures. From baby zebra seahorses that look like comma-sized squiggles on the page to the amazing four-page spread that is as tall as a baby elephant, young readers can compare themselves in all sorts of ways suggested by the text as well as learning the concepts of measurement and scale as they work out the dimensions of the adults using the book itself as their measuring tool.
This is one of three in this fascinating series which includes Dinosaurs (already published) and Deadly Animals (due April 2023), each of which is intriguing in itself but also an opportunity to show how the library can support the maths curriculum making them relevant to a much wider audience than early readers. Imagine a collaboration between older and younger students where they actually mapped the real sizes of creatures, first using the book's size as suggested, and then converting this to more formal measurements. As well as bringing the concept of scale to life in a meaningful way for the older students, they could compare the babies to the adult versions and determine which grows the greater amount both in proportion and percentage, and compare that to human growth. Younger students would have lots of fun consolidating the vocabulary of measurement beyond just comparing themselves to their peers, as well as mapping their own growth since birth or comparing the length of their bones or even trying to find an accurate way to measure around their head.
The value of books like this that go far beyond their intended purpose and audience, including building connections between children, cannot be underestimated. IMO, this a must-have.
Themes Baby animals, Size.
Barbara Braxton
The sun and the mayfly by Tang Tang. Illus. by Zhang Xiao
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922678041. (Age:5-8) Highly recommended.
The Sun and the Mayfly is a beautifully written story about a curious mayfly who begins and ends life in a single day. She is the happiest of creatures and when she sees Sun rising in the sky she begins her questioning of Sun and all whom come into contact with her. She is keen to learn as much as she possibly can about everything around her. She tells all that she interacts with in nature that she only has one day to live as they tell her about their own life cycles. Mayfly asks Sun to tell her what it is like living beyond one day and Sun explains about night and day, the seasons, the weather and the whole world. Mayfly realises that her time is running out and she tries to fly to the sun.
The illustrations in this story are quite stunning and brilliantly complement the text. There is so much that can be discussed and shared in this gentle story especially about finding the positives in every day. A worthwhile book for a school or public library. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Mayfly, Sun, Nature, Questions, Positive Thinking, Life Cycles.
Gus’s mum, Delphine Able has a gift; she can see and talk to dead people. However, her bullying boyfriend Troy has been exploiting this gift, taking money from people keen to communicate with their dead relatives. The whole experience leaves Delphine distressed and anxious so when she bundles the family into the car and blocks the boyfriend’s number, Gus knows they are not going back. Big sister Alice seems to take it all in her stride and little brother Artie is only concerned about leaving his Transformer toy behind, but for nearly 12 year old Gus, that was the 10th house she could recall and she dreads going to yet another school where she won’t fit in, afraid to make friends she will inevitably lose. This time they drive north for four days until, at a service station their mother spots an advertised position at Calvary, a small town surrounded by sugar cane fields. The job is to manage the Starlight Drive-in Cinema, a run-down venue with a caravan for them to live in. They set about cleaning and sprucing up the place which was established in 1956 with an update in the 1980’s and Gus settles in to the local school where the big event will be the coming of 'Rileys Comet', seen in the sky every 70 years. Working on a science project on the comet helps Gus settle in and planning the re-opening of the drive in absorbs the whole family. Gus is to be the projectionist and when the owner’s father, Henry, who is supposed to be dead, helps her out Gus assumes she has the family gift of being able to talk to dead people. In spite of the first opening being far from successful the family settle in to the place and gradually win the support of the community but there are many hurdles to negotiate and unexpected insights to be gained.
This is an appealing story about family and finding a place to belong, the main character bravely faces challenges and takes responsibility for the success of their venture. The first half flowed well but then got more tangled and complicated. There was little character development with a stereotype of a vegan family and the comet story was confused. A quick read with a nice family feel.
Themes Family, Friendship, Ghosts.
Sue Speck
Finding you by Robert Vescio and Hannah Sommerville
New Frontier, 2022. ISBN: 9781925481495. (Age:4+) Recommended.
A story of few words that pulsate with meaning and layers of interpretation, Finding you tells the tale of a boy and a dog coming together. Either character could be the focus of the story, someone lost and friendless finding another to be with, to be safe, to feel at home.
The boy sees the lone dog in the crowd and the two create a bond, walking the city together, roaming thought the parks and gardens. Sometimes others are friendly, sometimes they are shunned. They find each other, playing together until night falls and a decision has to be made. It is here that the twist in the story develops which children will find absorbing, turning the story on its head, making them want to read it again with clearer eyes.
The story of refugees, of abandoned children, of newcomers, of people in need will bubble to the surface in classrooms where this tale is read.
Differing perspectives will intrigue readers as they realise that the story can be read on different levels of meaning, and applied to many people in our society who many of us chose to ignore. Be it the homeless, marginalised people, refugees or those new to the country, each deserves our compassion and support, just as the dog owner shows to the dog’s friend.
The dreamy illustrations, created with water colour and gouache using digital techniques will appeal to readers as they delve into the lives of the two characters, seeing what they see, using the city as their home.
More can be found about Hannah here. While more can be read about Sydney author, Robert Vescio here. Teacher's notes are available.
Just as Ana and Louis are about to sit down after a long day at school and watch a new episode of their favourite movie, Mum rushes in all dressed for action. Just five minutes she pleads wanting her children to play Battle with her. They are exhausted but are willing to give her five minutes, reminding her that she must be careful, because last time she broke the vase Dad gave her. As she parries across the couch she bangs her knee. Not to be daunted she invents a crane move to accommodate her wounded knee, and keeps them to their promise. But they become testy with her as the rules are changed and she dons new personas with different sets of skills, making it hard for them to keep up. Exasperation written all over their faces, the children put up with Mum’s battling until she begins to tickle them, breaking a rule they all agreed to. When Dad comes home, the two look to him for help, but he is definitely not helpful as he rushes to the bedroom to put on his new Battle clothing to join the fun.
Fantasy Battle has begun in earnest as the pair roams through space firing their lasers at each other.
A laugh a minute, the sight of Mum looking in the mirror, imagining just what she looks like in her Battle gear is infectious as are her eye rolls at her children’s indifference to joining in the fun. The tables are turned in this hilarious outing for the family, as Battle is a fantasy game that Mum wants to play, much to the chagrin of the children. And just when they think Dad will help them, he becomes involved as well.
High paced fantasy illustrations will entertain the reader as they watch the antics of the children and their parents, noting the variety of fantasy creatures in the background.
Themes Play fighting, Family.
Fran Knight
Mrs Turtle becomes a Grandma by Julia Hopp. Illus. by Michael Lee
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922678720. (Age:3-6) Recommended.
Mrs Turtle is so excited that she is to become a grandma. She knows she will love the new hatchling more than anything. However, Mrs Turtle worries that she may not be quite good enough as she is not just an ordinary turtle. Mrs Turtle is not a good swimmer or diver, does not like basking in the sun without sunscreen, has excellent teeth, loves being surrounded by friends, enjoys being fit, travels the world, has excellent vision and loves listening to rock music. All of these special traits make her very unusual in turtle world. Will she be the right type of grandma? When baby turtle finally arrives, she knows all will be well.
This is a very engaging story about being true to ourselves. The illustrations are bright, colourful and very appealing. The reader might just see turtles in a new light! This book could be a great gift for anyone becoming a grandmother for the first time.
Themes Turtles, Grandmothers, Family.
Kathryn Beilby
Violin and Cello by Catherine Greer, Joanna Bartel and Alexander Lau
EK Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781922539274.
While a high brick wall might separate the balconies of the two apartments and prevent the players from seeing each other, it doesn't stop the music. One played a violin and the other a cello, and while each practised alone and at their own pace, both lonely, the music mingled. And then the violinist had an idea and sent a secret message to the cello player.
Cello from a backpack. Violin from a case Each musician still played at their own pace. It was tricky. It took some time. Then music flew from the violin and from the cello, too.
And then the cellist made a paper plane and sent her own secret message to her new friend. And together they played music from their balconies and connected many more than themselves.
Learning and playing music can be a solitary activity, bringing pleasure to the music-maker but even greater isolation than has been enforced over recent times. With between 45% of children (Australia) and 70% of children (UK) currently playing a musical instrument and even more (as many as 9 out of 10) wanting to learn - most beginning their classical music education with piano, violin or cello lessons - this is a story that will resonate with many young readers and show them that music is indeed a universal language and can indeed "act like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens" as Maria Von Trapp declared in The Sound of Music.
The score for the allegro and adagio movements of "The Mystery Friends", the music which brings the children together, is an original duet for violin and cello composed for the book by Australian composer, Alexander Lau, are printed in the book as well as being available via the links in this review. Thorough teachers' notes are also available so that even the most non-musical person like me can bring this book to life well beyond the words and pictures on the page.
Themes Music.
Barbara Braxton
Tulips for breakfast by Catherine Bauer
Ford Street Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922696199. (Age:12-17) Recommended.
Tulips for breakfast could be read as a companion novel to The Diary of Anne Frank. It is a very similar story covering similar content though the outcome is different. Told in the first-person voice of Adelena, whose character is loosely based on the real-life story of Hannell Goslar-Pick (a friend of Anne Frank) Tulips for breakfast draws on research and first-hand accounts of "Hidden children" for historical and emotional authenticity. The author, Adelaide based Catherine Bauer, was inspired by her father’s stories as he recounted his life growing up in a Catholic, non-Nazi supporting family in SW Germany during WW11.
The confinement of children, the risks that their protectors took and the work of the resistance during the Nazi occupation are fascinating topics that simultaneously horrify and inspire young people with the question always being, “What would I have done in this situation? Would I have been brave or would I have been a coward?”
Adelena is a fully rounded character. Through her eyes the reader shares the range of emotions as she faces varying experiences and grows from a child into a young woman. This window of time is WW11 in Amsterdam. Adelena hides in the home of her music teacher because her Jewish parents believed that she stood the greatest chance of survival if she did so.
Catherine Bauer describes the fears and privations of the time - hence the title Tulips for breakfast. Amongst the dreadfulness there are moments of intense demonstrations of the power of the human spirit which gives one faith in the overall goodness of human beings even within the realm of an evil regime. The occasional, accidental meetings of Adelena and Officer Hass provide a thread of hope for humanity. The ending is powerful and enigmatic… especially for young people who love romance…
Tulips for breakfast is a book about the importance of hope, friendship, loyalty, being smart, staying alive, being strong, reliable and courageous even under the toughest possible conditions where your mistake or your cowardice could cost the lives of others. Teacher's notes are available.
Recommended.
Themes WW11 Amsterdam Nazi occupation, "Hidden Children", Jewish Holocaust.
Wendy Jeffrey
This is a school by John Schu. Illus. by Veronica Miller Jamison
An invitation to the very best of schools: inclusive, diverse, entertaining, fun and a place of learning, greets readers as they open the pages of this book. John Schu, a well known and promotional teacher librarian from Illinois pours all the positive aspects of going to school within these pages. And even a few negatives are thrown in to show that sometimes life does take a small turn: like dropping the fish bowl. But all is good - a solution is found and the fish survive. The first few pages are an introduction to kids going to the school, welcoming them as they step inside the building. Parents drop them off, and they sit on the floor listening to a teacher or librarian, or helper as they learn the routines of being in a classroom. Each line gives a positive aspect of learning: sharing, asking questions, helping, sharing, speak, learn, grow and heal, reminding the reader that the school is a community. Each few pages this line is repeated along with other words which delineates some aspect of school: celebrating, welcoming, growing, transforming, while the push is for children and staff to work together. Readers will love looking at the different things they can expect at school; a library, science experiments, music lessons, celebrations, art lessons, gardening and dressing up. All facets of school life are included, making the place more than just a building, but a humming communal space where all are welcome. Readers will enjoy looking at the different things being experienced in this school, and compare it with their own experience in Australian schools.
Themes School, Inclusivity, Diversity.
Fran Knight
My best friend is a giraffe by Roger Priddy. Illus. by Sian Roberts
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781838991395. (Age:Pre-school) Recommended.
Another in the Priddy Books series, My best friend is a giraffe is just as warm and funny as My best friend is a dinosaur. Both books use a variety of materials for younger readers to touch and feel as the rhyming lines are read to them. They will enjoy the sensory attraction. and join in with the reading, predicting the rhyming word and eventually joining in with the text. The giraffe’s face on the front cover is covered in a furry material, making it instantly attractive to younger readers. Their hands will roam over the whole front cover as they take in the extent of the material. A small bird flies over his head and as the best friend describes the giraffe as the book is read. This singular giraffe likes to wear a red bow tie, and likes to try anything, especially skating. She loves cake, she plays the saxophone at night, but other residents do not seem as keen as she. The two friends do a lot of things together, and even though they are quite different get along very well. The soft touching on each double page will draw readers in as they listen to the book being read to them and the humour on each page is sure to draw plenty of laughs.
Themes Giraffes, Best friends, Friendship, Humour.
Fran Knight
Which egg? by Roxanne Gajadhar and Rob Foote
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781912678716. (Age:3-6)
Three jungle animals, Stork, Crocodile and Parrot are waiting for their eggs to hatch. While they are waiting they mention a characteristic that each might have; sharp, pointy teeth for Crocodile, magnificent beak for Parrot and long long legs for Stork. A strong wind shakes the nests of Parrot and Stork and their eggs roll into Crocodile’s nest. Oh dear! Whose egg belongs to whom? They wait patiently together for the eggs to hatch and finally out pop the babies each having the characteristic they discussed. The three adults take their offspring to the waterhole for a drink as one big family.
This is a short but delightful story with full page colourful illustrations which young children will enjoy.
Excited readers are invited in to watch a family live and work in the farmhouse and its environs, marvelling at the intricate detail on each page, stopping to look at the scenes before their eyes with astonishment. Caldecott winner Blackall has created a homage to the family, winning over the readers as they turn each page to reveal a new vista. Like peering into a doll’s house, the scenes resemble something in miniature, and are engrossing, familiar and intimate.
Blackall came across the deserted farmhouse and bought it, searching through the generations of detritus left by the owners. Amongst this she found memories of a large family, a grandfather clock, an organ, kitchen dresser and equipment, clothing and furniture. All of these excited her imagination in such a way that she needed to recreate what she had found, in some way to honour their memory. An afterward tells of her journey and photos on the end paper shows what she found. Young and old readers will delight in the revelation of this farmhouse seeking out the familiar and equally intrigued by things no longer seen.
Several pages show the farmhouse in its fields, roads leading to the house in the distance surrounded by sheds and silos. We are introduced to the family, the twelve children posing for a photo in the hall. At night they sleep in the attic, beds in a row against the wall. During the day work is to be done, cows milked, eggs collected, hay to toss in the dray, fish to be caught and apples picked. All of the children help their parents with the chores. The images of the kitchen will ensure readers take notice of the family, as mum cooks the fish caught in the stream, and the children sweep the floor and set the table, afterwards washing the dishes. Readers will love looking at the detail on every page and the kitchen will take their interest as it shows the style of a kitchen rarely seen today. The wonderful kitchen range is put to good use as a huge pot of soup boils, fish are cooked, vegetables steamed and bread baked. All to be placed on the serviceable kitchen table for all to eat together, some children needing to sit at a smaller table nearby. But the family is very much together, eating together, helping each other, taking some responsibility for the work that needs to be done in the house. The rhyming text parallels each of the wonderful images, revealing a life from the past, a lifestyle no longer pursued, nostalgia oozing from every page. Children will love following the lives of this family, watching the cats in the house, seeing what each child does, and coming near the end see what happened to them all, as the last child leaves her home and the house is abandoned. Blackall includes herself in the text as she discovers the place, describing what she found in words and images, inspiring her to recreate what she found.
This is an enchanting book that many readers will want to revisit and talk about. The rhythm of life meanders through every page, enabling readers to think about their own family and the journey it will take.
Themes History, Nostalgia, Family, Life events, Farming.
Fran Knight
My best friend is a dinosaur by Roger Priddy. Illus. by Sian Roberts
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781838991388. (Age:Pre-school) Recommended.
This durable board book with have instant appeal as toddlers instantly reach for the soft skin of the dinosaur on the front cover. Opening up children will find a range of things to touch and feel from shiny paper to fur, glitter and woven straw. Each page will delight and amuse as the dinosaur and his best friend do all sorts of things dinosaurs are certainly not usually seen doing. From cleaning the house, with many accidents, to dancing and cooking, the dinosaur and his best friend, the little mouse, make their way through the book in rhyme, encouraging young readers to predict the rhyming words and join in with the reading of the text. From cooking, cleaning, dusting, to just lolling around, the dinosaur is attractive, and with the added incentive of feeling something different on each page, the book is sure to win readers. Priddy Books promote ‘big ideas for little people’ and as dinosaurs are all the rage in junior primary classes, this is a must have for pre-school kids as well.
Bold, bright and colourful, the book will be eagerly picked up by toddlers as they peruse their book collection.
More can be found about the illustrator, Sian Roberts here.
Themes Dinosaurs, Humour, Touch and feel book.
Fran Knight
Out of the pouch by Laura Hamilton. Illus. By Nandina Vines
Little Steps, 2022. ISBN: 9781922358431. (Age:3-6) Recommended.
Poppy is an inquisitive joey who likes nothing better than to explore the bush outside her pouch. She heads off, zig zagging all over the place until she realises she has wandered too far away from her mummy. Poppy becomes anxious and worried and begins a search to find her. She asks some other bush creatures for help along the way and the kookaburra, koala and echidna are all friendly but too busy eating so are no help to Poppy at all. Thankfully the yellow-crested cockatoo has seen Poppy’s mummy searching for her and leads Poppy on a journey to safety.
This book is a thoughtful and gentle read with gorgeous illustrations. Children may be able to identify with that big feeling of worry when they may have lost the adult who is looking after them.
Themes Australian Animals, Australian Bush, Being Lost & Found.
Kathryn Beilby
Nice Garry: Bowled over by Nathan Lyon and Michael Wagner
The Keenan boys are tricksters who like a joke. But they also like cricket. 10 year old Garry Keenan tags along to his older brother Jamie’s cricket practice. Jamie is trying to make the team for the Under 16s team, even though he normally plays for the Under 14s. Practice in the nets is challenging and Garry is making life difficult for his older brother with his ‘motor-mouth’ commentary and so is directed to help out by bowling a few balls at the batters who are practising in the next net. Within a short space of time, and with only a little bit of direction, the coaches discover that he is a very talented spinner. When Garry is unexpectedly selected for the Under 16 team it makes life difficult for Jamie who has missed out. The first game for Garry is both an amazing experience and a disaster as well. Success is never guaranteed in sport, all that is required is trying hard.
This is a simple, sport-based story with inspiration from Garry Lyons’ life and early journey in cricket. It has funny moments, family moments and also frenzied times when we feel the nerves of the young Garry as he must challenge himself above the expectations of his years. For readers learning to play cricket this is a great story that will also give them tips and hints. Garry’s team includes players of different genders and cultural backgrounds, so many readers will be able to connect to the story. I am not a passionate cricket viewer, but I was interested in a story that detailed early years cricket contests. This is a book to recommend for cricket fans, aged 8-11 years.
