Australian writers of influence by Bernadette Kelly
Our Stories series. Black Dog Books, 2014. ISBN:
9781922179937
(Age: 6-12) Recommended. I found this book to be very informative
with the information written in clear and concise language, with the
print bold and well spaced for easy and quick reading, which makes
it great for jotting down notes etc when researching a topic.
Illustrations and photographs are explicit and clear.
A recommended book for Teachers and students alike for the study of
Australian authors and their work, or just for an interesting read.
Lorraine Birks
Clementine Rose series by Jacqueline Harvey
Random House, 2014 Clementine Rose and the Treasure Box. ISBN 9781742757537 Clementine Rose and the Famous Friend. ISBN 9781742757551
(Age: K - Yr 3) Here are the next two adventures in this series
about this fun-loving five
year-old designed for the newly-independent reader who is looking
for a recognisable character and the support of short chapters, an
easy-to-read style with a splash of humour and cute illustrations
that add a richness to the story.
In Clementine Rose and the Treasure Box, Clementine Rose is
ecstatic because there are three new children in the new
family-next-door for her to play with AND the children's mother is a
ballet teacher. But as usual, fate steps in and things do not go
smoothly.
In Clementine Rose and the Famous Friend it's back to school
time and there is a new teacher who is very different from Mrs
Bottomley - a prospect nearly all our students are facing and
feeling a little anxious about. On top of that, there's a strange
guest at Pemberthey House whose mysteriousness adds to the anxiety.
Each time Miss 8 has come to visit lately, she's eyed these two
books in my review pile and asked "Have you reviewed them yet?" Even
though Clementine Rose is younger than she is, she really relates to
her as a character and I know Clementine Rose and the Treasure Box
with its ballet theme is going to be devoured when she finally gets
them. I will be the BEST grandma - I can hear it now!
This is a series that is going from strength to strength with the
newly-independent brigade and they eagerly await each new episode.
Clementine Rose shares a blog with Alice-Miranda and
her own website.
There are also teaching
notes for the series.
As a bonus this year there is also The
Clementine Rose Busy Day Bookfull of activities
to go with the series that is going to be a godsend in those lazy,
late January days when the heat is on and physical activity is off.
And if that's not enough, there are two more titles coming very
soon.
Barbara Braxton
You Choose series by George Ivanoff
Random House, 2014 The Haunting of Spook House. ISBN 9780857983862 Maze of Doom. ISBN 9780857983855
(Age: Yr 3+) It seems even our youngest children have been lured in
by the appeal of computer-based games as they allow each player to
have control of what happens to the characters driven by the
decisions he/she makes about the decisions the characters make. So
when that power is made available in book form, propelled not by
graphics and a controller but by words, reading and understanding,
everyone is happy - those who like to control the adventure and
those who like to see their children reading. Harking back to a very
popular format of about 20 years ago, where books were the most
accessible form of self-driven entertainment and where the reader
chose their own adventure by making a choice about what action to
take and therefore where to move next in the story, this series 'You
Choose' puts the power back in the reader's hands, rather than the
author's predetermined storyline. And each time the book is read a
different choice can be made and a new story created.
As with the first two in the series, The Treasure of Dead Man's
Cove and Mayhem at Magic School, the author has chosen
traditional venues that appeal to adventurers with just enough of
the dark stuff in them to maintain the suspense but not scare them
off completely. Maze of Doom is set in a 'lame-looking' sideshow at
the fun fair. However, its exterior belies what it contains inside
and if the reader doesn't discover its secrets, they may be trapped
inside forever. The Haunting of Spook House is all that is expected.
The reader is dared to go inside to investigate if a man was indeed
mummified there and now haunts the place.
Written by an author who, himself, was a devotee of this sort of
format and only became an avid reader after he discovered it -
something that my friend found happened when her 15 year-old
grandson who has been euphemistically called a 'reluctant reader'
discovered the books in her to-review pile - this is a series that
not only combines interactivity and reading, but also enables the
reader to think about cause and effect, to consider the options, to
take the time to make a decision, and to take risks in a safe
environment, all traits we try to encourage.
The appeal and importance of gaming within the formal education
setting is becoming the focus of a lot of research and literature
and this series provides a great foundation to actively engage and
explore options. Map the story, its choices and consequences on a
flow chart; have students add a few twists of their own and discuss
how these can have an exponential effect on the outcomes; perhaps
even venture down the Technologies strand of the Australian
Curriculum and let your budding programmers start to design the
coding. Then set a new scenario and start to explore the pathways
and fun of 'what if . . .', encouraging the students to let their
imaginations go, push the boundaries, think beyond the usual as they
draw on all they've seen and experienced. As well as offering an
engaging read, skilled teachers could use these books as models for
an absorbing, integrated project that would draw in their writers,
their illustrators, their mathematicians, their computer experts,
and their gamers to create something new that accentuates the need
for a team, encourages negotiation and compromise as well as the
skills of seeing things from another perspective and looking for
alternatives, and perhaps, even, the concept of empathy.
So glad this format is back on the reading agenda of the younger
readers in my life.
Barbara Braxton
Found You! by Mardi Davies
Ford Street, 2014. ISBN 9781925000672
(Age: Preschool - Yr 2) The backyard is full of great hiding places
and Florence Moon and her dog Trevor are having a wonderful game of
hide-and-seek. Trevor is doing the hiding and Florence Moon is doing
the seeking but Trevor is not very good at finding places to conceal
himself. Florence Moon finds him in seconds. Every time. They talked
about camouflage, disguises and choosing places that were big enough
but still she found him. Every time. She counted forward she counted
backward, she counted every number she knew. But still she found him
easily. This game was running out of fun so Florence Moon stopped
playing. But Trevor didn't get the message. He followed her wherever
she went. Everywhere. And that gave Florence Moon an idea . . .
Who doesn't like a good game of hide-and-seek? Miss 8 and Miss 3
play it endlessly when they are here but Miss 8 is a bit like
Florence Moon and Miss 3 is a bit like Trevor - obvious places,
giggles and little calls of 'I'm here!' give Miss 3 away every time.
So when this was their bedtime story on Saturday night, they loved
it, and not just because it resonated so strongly with their own
games.
Author/illustrator Mardi Davies has spent many years creating
animations at Walt Disney Animation Australia and her skill and
knowledge shine through this book. Both Florence Moon and Trevor are
very appealing with their expressions and body language being an
integral part of the text as well as the pictures, and the
techniques of frame-by-frame, close-ups and subtle hints like the
chicken reading 'Does Your Pet Have Separation Anxiety?' drag the
reader right into Florence Moon's thinking. Miss 3 loved looking for
the chickens -she'd spent the day trying to get friendly with our
new ones which she named Chicken and Licken - and Miss 8 was
fascinated by the representation of Trevor as a shadow. 'That's just
like Stacey - she follows me like a shadow!' Every page has riches
to explore and offers opportunities for talking and learning.
This is a charming book about friendship, loyalty and the joy of
childhood which has wide appeal.
Barbara Braxton
The Last King of Angkor Wat by Graeme Base
Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780670077151
When the Italian non-reading male in the house picks a picture book
off the ever-growing pile that has mounted up on the dining table
all month, opens it up and goes 'Wow - what amazing illustrations!'
- you know it's something out of the norm.
And Graeme Base is definitely something out of the norm - it hardly
seems fair that one person can be so talented but for over 30 years
Graeme has continued to astound and enchant readers with his
astonishing art.
His latest book was inspired by a trip to Cambodia and South China -
you can read more about that here.
The Last King of Angkor Wat is a fable with themes of wisdom
and introspection with four animals all attempting to prove their
boastful claims of being the most suited to the kingship, only to be
humbled by the astuteness of Elephant.
From my first Graeme Base purchase (The Eleventh Hour for no.
2 daughter who fell in love with it at school, closely followed up
by backtracking to buy Animalia for no. 3 daughter) I, as
well as myriad others, have been overwhelmed by his sumptuous
artwork.
There is really so much to say but no need to say it about this
latest title - if you have not yet seen it, be prepared to have your
breath taken away yet again!
Fans will enjoy this interview
from the ABC and if you missed it when it screened here is the
transcript from the ABC Talking Heads interview.
From the Penguin site:
10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT GRAEME BASE
1. He has two Bengal Cats called Stella and Atticus. Stella is
spotty like a leopard; Atticus is marbled like an ocelot.
2. He has a secret way of crushing plastic milk cartons so
they take up the least room possible in the recycling bin.
3. He has a strange fascination with quantum physics and
astronomy and puts himself to sleep at night by reading New
Scientist magazine.
4. He is a keen but so far unknown inventor of games, musical
instruments and household appliances including a new kind of vacuum
cleaner and a baby-stroller.
5. He learnt clarinet in school and later played alto sax and
keyboards in a band called Rikitikitavi. His now-wife Robyn was the
lead singer.
6. He has written several musicals based on his books
including The Sign of the Seahorse, Gooligulch, The Worst Band in
the Universe and Jungle Drums. They have all been performed but not
nearly enough!
7. He has a nifty way of winding guitar leads and garden hoses
so they don't get tangled and curly when they are unwound.
8. He has visited 40 of the 50 United States of America and
all seven continents, and dislikes airport terminals more than he
can adequately express.
9. He has recently rediscovered several big boxes full of old
sketches and drawings that have never been published and has decided
to start an Instagram post with a new drawing every day - or maybe
every second day . . . we shall see!
10. He has sold over 4 million books in Australia.'
Sue Warren
365 Days of Wonder: Mr Browne's Book of Precepts by R.J. Palacio
Corgi, 2014. ISBN 9780552572712
In his masterpiece Wonder, the must-read book for everyone from Year
4 onwards, we were introduced to Augie Pullman and his remarkable
English teacher Mr Browne who helped him overcome all the obstacles
that a seriously-deformed child entering school after years of
home-schooling could expect. Guiding his students through their
essay-writing, Mr Browne shares precepts - inspirational sayings
that stretch beyond the essay to life in general - which help to
change not only Augie's thinking but those of his classmates.
Based on the belief that we should 'Teach him then the sayings of
the past, so that he may become a good example for the children . .
. no one is born wise' (The Maxims of Ptahhotep, 2200BC) it seems
very appropriate that on January 1, 2015 I begin my reviews by
reviewing this wonderful book which has something for everyone for
every day of the year. Filled with thoughts ranging from
contributors as diverse as Gandhi and Harry Styles, Milton and Carl
Sandberg it is such a positive guide. Many of the contributions have
come from children who sent their thoughts to Palacio and their
insight and wisdom remind me of a poem written by my Years 4, 5, and
6 classes as the old century bowed out and the new one ticked over.
Based on John Marsden's book of the same name, it is as relevant on
the first day of 2015 as it was on the first day of 2000. A Prayer for the 21st Century
May we all have a safe journey
And may our journeys take us to where we want to go.
May we be forgiven for the wrong turns we have taken.
May we all have a place in our hearts for each other.
May those who live in darkness, find their way into the sun.
May the blind be able to see, the deaf be able to hear,
And those who can't walk, run.
May our earth stay beautiful, the seas filled with fish, the gardens
filled with flowers and the sky filled with sunlight.
May the pins stay in the grenades.
May the guns remain unused.
May the bombs stay unexploded.
May the wars end.
May the unlucky have some luck
And the lucky realise the luck they have,
May everyone's nightmares end.
May everyone's dreams come true.
May we all share the joy of loving and living.
May every thought be free, every problem solved.
May the worst turn out to be good.
May there be lots of fun and laughter, especially for the children.
May friendship be plentiful.
May we all think of others before we think of ourselves.
May we all live with knowledge, understanding, respect, tolerance
and harmony.
May we all share the joy and love of our family and friends.
May we be not forgotten and may we not forget others.
May the angels not lift us up early.
May the world live on in peace forever.
Beginning with an introduction about his collection of precepts, Mr
Browne offers the one that stopped him in his tracks as the thought
for today, January 1. 'We carry within us the wonders we seek around
us'. How wonderful for us as teachers and teacher librarians to be
in a position to help so many children understand that everything
comes from within, they can make their own dreams come true and
realise their potential. To have such influence is a privilege and a
gift.
Every day our social media feeds are bombarded by memes with words
of wisdom - here is a collected volume of them that we can have on
our desks and on our classroom walls. As contributor Clare says,
'Your life is your story. Go write it.'
Barbara Braxton
Tim and Ed by Ursula Dubosarsky & Andrew Joyner
Penguin Australia, 2014. ISBN: 9780670074631
Highly recommended for young readers from around 5 years up! Same
ears, same eyes. Same feet, same head' Meet Tim and Ed - they are
the same - but different.
These two adorable identical koala twins are so alike - and yet,
like most twins, each have their own personality as well. They
do everything together and most of the time, their Dad seems to cope
very well (although it appears he is bringing up this lively pair on
his own).
After a particularly strenuous day with his bouncing offspring, Dad
calls in reinforcements and Aunty Pim invites Ed for a sleepover.
Just Ed? Tim is just a little put out by this development -
expressively illustrated by Andrew Joyner - but is consoled by the
attraction of a night with just himself and Dad. So while Ed and
Aunty Pim have fun together at her place, Dad and Tim do likewise -
in different ways.
Though definitely a little strange to not have his mirror-image
playmate with him, Tim soon adjusts to this unfamiliar situation -
and is more than reconciled when the morning brings back Aunty Pim
and Ed, along with the promise of '. . . Next time Tim can come
instead!'
As usual, the deft writing of Ursula Dubosarsky gives young readers
a humorous take on a sometimes daunting topic - small children's
growing independence, successfully removing the worries that some of
them have when faced by such a situation.
Tim and Ed manage beautifully - I wonder how Dad felt? Perhaps a
follow up could look at separation anxiety in parents?
A very stylish cover, delightful endpapers, a romping fabulous text
(especially for read-alouds!) and joyous illustrations.
Sue Warren
Tashi and the wicked magician: and other stories by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg
Pictures by Geoff Kelly & Kim Gamble. Allen & Unwin, 2014.
ISBN 9781743315088
(Age: 5-8) I have discovered over the past twenty years, most of
those as a teacher-librarian, that everyone loves this heroic and
clever little figure, who comes from far away. Tashi's adventures
have entranced readers, both boys and girls, from his very first
appearance and this latest instalment will prove every bit as
enchanting.
Tashi's gift as a storyteller is only rivalled by that of his
creators and this lovely hardbacked collection of five stories would
make a wonderful gift - but will also be a hot favourite in any
primary school library. I have seen the toughest and most advanced
readers excitedly scoop up new Tashi books with a nonchalant
disclaimer 'I loved these when I was younger Miss' - then take them
home and devour them!
In this collection Tashi and his friends deal with a nefarious
wandering magician (though there is some doubt as to whether saving
the greedy Baron's treasures is a worthy cause), have a narrow
escape in a dangerous house fire, thoroughly rout some thieving rare
orchid snatchers and finally, as told on the fun camping trip with
his 'adopted' family, Jack & Co, a story that demonstrates
Tashi's resourcefulness and courage in the face of a rather wily
dragon.
The Tashi books, including this one, offer children and teachers to
explore themes of friendship, bravery, loyalty, ethical problem
solving, teamwork and more. There is a richness in the stories that
can springboard into many follow on activities including exploring
other cultures and countries.
Sue Warren
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Allen & Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781742375281
(Age: Preschool - F) In the spirit of Harold and the Purple
Crayon, this book by Frenchman Herve Tullet is so simple in
concept yet so engaging in practice. Speaking directly to the
reader, Tullet encourages the very young reader to 'press here' on
the yellow dot and then rub, tap and shake their way through the
book. Using nothing more than coloured dots, every action causes a
reaction on the next page, one that is almost magical in its
manifestation. This is interactivity through imagination - no bells,
whistles, electronics, sound effects or other whizbangery. It's
fabulous for getting little ones to follow instructions and talk
about what happens when they do - perhaps the beginning of
understanding cause and effect.
For a better understanding, have a look at the book trailer
and an internet search will bring up a range of activities including
instructions for making your own mini-book.
Even though this is a 2010 publication, it is well worth seeking it
out as Tullet has a new one called Mix It Up which explores
colour and which is already featuring on many most-popular charts.
Barbara Braxton
Our Village in the Sky by Janeen Brian
Ill. by Anne Spudvilas. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743318140
(Age: Yr 2 - Yr 6) 'Our village sits above the great river, nestled
in the Himalayan mountains. This is what we do on summer days when
school is closed for holiday time, in our village in the sky.'
Written as a series of narrative poems which merge seamlessly
together, this is the story of a day in the life of the children in
a remote Buddhist village showing how ordinary, everyday chores are
turned into games and fun. There is Drummer Boy who makes music on
the container that he has to take to the village water pipe. There
is Washer Girl whose job is to launder her brother's trousers,
dreaming as she soaps, squeezes, rubs and rinses. Washer Boy ensures
that the lamas have clean bed linen and robes while Herd Boy tends
the goats and chases after runaways. Each child has work to do and
each does it as part of the family and the community, without the
distractions of modern technology or even toys. But, nevertheless
there is plenty of joy and fun . "A ladder lying down makes no
sense. But a seesaw does." Five stones make the traditional game of
knucklebones.
With beautiful imagery and evocative language, Janeen Brian has
captured the joy of life in summer in the high alps, so different
from the white, cold and frozen of winter. Anne Spudvilas's soft
water-colour images are the perfect accompaniment as they complement
the gentle, uncomplicated, peace-loving life that we associate with
these people. Simply drawn, they capture the friendliness and
happiness of the children, and coupled with the colour choice they
evoke a feeling of warmth and contentment.
This is a life very different to that lived by most Australian
children where for most, getting water is as simple as turning on a
tap, so it is a perfect introduction to a compare and contrast
investigation as students examine their lives, their roles and
responsibilities in their families, the way they entertain
themselves and then relate it to that of the children in the story.
It would also be a wonderful introduction to narrative poetry and
free verse and the use of imagery to convey a message and an
atmosphere. "Sometimes my fingers flutter like small, brown
butterflies and the sound is their heartbeat." The best picture
books are more than just a story - they are a symbiosis of text and
illustration that offers many layers of meaning and response. This
is one such book.
To explore if further, teachers'
notes are available and there is a QR link to listen to poems
read aloud.
Barbara Braxton
Alice-Miranda at Camp by Jacqueline Harvey
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9781742757612 Alice-Miranda 2015 Diary. ISBN 9780857984104
(Age: Yr 3 - Yr 6) Alice-Miranda and friends are back on a new
adventure at their school camp. "There are sleep outs, treasure
hunts and so many other activities to look forward to! However, it's
not all fun and games. Alice-Miranda and Millie will need to keep a
close eye on Caprice, the school's newest student, who seems
determined to cause trouble. Next door to the camp is Pelham Park,
where Alice-Miranda's father, Hugh, grew up. These days, Hugh's
beautiful old house serves as a retirement home but when some
startling objects are uncovered in its cellar, the peaceful estate
is turned upside down. With help from a much-loved relative,
Alice-Miranda sets out to investigate".
If your girls haven't discovered Alice-Miranda
Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones who attends boarding school at
Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, then
make this series a new year's reading treat for them. This is the
11th in this series and it is sure to be just as popular with those
in Year 3-6 as the others have been, because despite her
important-sounding name and prestigious school, she is a young lady
with whom they relate and can imagine themselves being. School-based
series have been popular for generations and this is the 21st
century version that is capturing the hearts of today's.
Alice-Miranda now has such a following that she has her own blog (which she
shares with Clementine Rose Appleby) and there's a book
trailer and other goodies for Alice-Miranda at Camp.
Even better news is that her 2015 diary has now been released. This
is a beautifully illustrated tome in which young ladies can not only
record their daily doings and secret thoughts, but there is a host
of other things to do like quizzes and puzzles, recipes to follow
even learning a few Japanese words! This is one to be adding to your
list of recommendations for Christmas gifts which parents value so
much (I know just who I'm giving one to) or even as an end-of-year
presentation prize.
Barbara Braxton
The Cleo Stories: The Necklace & The Present by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN: 9781743315279
(Age: 5-8) You just know when you pick up a book created by this
pair of very talented individuals, that you are in for a real treat.
Certainly, this is no exception!
Cleo is six and like most little six year old girls loves her family
and her friends very much. She also loves necklaces and presents and
in these two stories, her imagination and ingenuity come to the fore
- amid some tiny mishaps.
When my eldest daughter was this age, she came home from school one
day asking for pink court shoes because 'everyone' at school wore
them. So when I read The Necklace with Cleo asking her parents for a
necklace because 'everyone' else has one, I laughed with the
reminiscence. As Mum and Dad kindly point out, three friends do not
make 'everyone' and necklaces are special presents, not everyday
gifts. Undeterred, Cleo is inspired by her clearly much-loved Uncle
Tom and comes up with a highly creative solution!
Cleo's next dilemma is trying to think of just the right present for
her Mum's birthday. Having only a few coins in her piggy bank
doesn't allow for buying something expensive and flashy, she doesn't
want to 'share' in Dad's present, she doesn't think helping Dad cook
dinner is much of a present so what can she do? She wants to give
Mum a proper present, wrapped up and tied with a bow. Then once
more, her imaginative little mind results in the most perfect
present Mum could ever want!
This is a gorgeous book - with sweet gentle stories which will
resonate with little people, especially girls, and the
ever-beautiful illustrations of Freya Blackwood (oh those
endpapers!!! Just lovely!).
I am put in mind of the simple but charming stories of
Milly-Molly-Mandy from so long ago - stories which still engage
young readers. I foresee this will be in the 2015 shortlist - and
deserves to be.
Imagination, creativity and values which we should be encouraging
and nurturing in our small humans imbue the text throughout.
If you have a special little girl in your life - this will make a
treasured gift - and for your newly independent readers wanting to
move into a lengthier picture book, a perfect addition to your
library shelves.
Check out Libby's website
and also Freya's.
Sue Warren
Ten Terrible Dinosaurs by Paul Stickland
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780552572514
(Pre-school - F) What do you do if you have ten terrible dinosaurs
standing in a line? Well you count them down until there is just one
and then . . . you bring the others back again. This is another of the
traditional rhyming counting-backwards book that have appealed to
young children for generations but it is so beautifully illustrated
that it will become a firm favourite. Firstly, using dinosaurs is a
masterstroke because 40+ years of experience has shown me that this
is a perennially favourite topic of the very young. Secondly the
colour and detail of each dinosaur will appeal and make it really
easy to help young children with their visual discrimination. Who's
missing this time? And thirdly, it help with prediction skills as
the reader thinks about who will go next and who might be the last
dinosaur standing - or sleeping in this case.
The rhythm and rhyme of the text not only help children appreciate
the nuances of the language they hear each day but also help them
join in as they predict the next number based on the rhyming
pattern. Is there much that is better than hearing young children
shout out with the delight as they join in knowing they are right?
Such a feeling of empowerment over those squiggles on the page as
they realise they can make them make sense.
Miss 3-and-almost-time-for-preschool loved this book as did Miss 8
who loves to play school and was very busy showing Miss 3 how to
write the number sentence for each page. Not sure that Miss 3 got
that part but she certainly got a lot of enjoyment out of reading
this with her sister and to herself.
Timeless.
Barbara Braxton
Baby Days by Alison Lester
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781760111724
(Age: 1-4) Is there a new baby or a toddler in your circle? If so,
the inimitable Alison Lester has once again created a beautiful book
that would make a perfect first-book gift.
Combining four stories, Bibs and Boots, Bumping and
Bouncing,Crashing and Splashing, Happy and Sad,
previously available as board books, into an exquisite single volume
with a lovely padded cover, Baby Days is a delightful collection for
small humans 'discovering the world of things they love to do'.
Each double page spread is like a snapshot framed in a border, with
the signature Alison Lester style, displaying activities that tiny
people will recognise and to which they will respond.
Little details abound - such as the rather shocked faces of toys who
are being speedily pulled along in a wagon attached to a billy cart
or the baby eating sand in the sandpit, rather than digging in it.
Scenes from the backyard, the playroom, the beach, the park, the
farm, the kitchen, Grandma's place and more will resonate with the
small audience and provide much conversation and little ones explore
language.
In sunshine and rain, whether happy or sad, babies will recognise
much that corresponds with their own families and homes.
Pop one into the Santa sack of your favourite little human this
Christmas!
Sue Warren
Augustus and his smile by Catherine Rayner
Little Tiger, 2014. ISBN 9781845062835
(Age: Preschool - Yr 2) Augustus the tiger has lost his smile. So,
after doing a huge tigery stretch he sets off to find it. Under
bushes, to the tops of the tallest trees, scaling the crests of the
highest mountains and down to the bottom of the deepest oceans- but
still he could not find his smile. He even pranced and paraded
through the longest desert without success. And then it started to
rain. Augustus danced and raced as the raindrops bounced and flew,
and he splashed in puddles when suddenly . . .
This is an excellent book for young readers, not just because of its
engaging text and illustrations. It is full of movement, textual and
visual, that beg the children to emulate as well as emphasising the
meaning of those common positional prepositions. It also encourages
them to look closely at the pictures because Augustus' face changes
as his quest continues - as does his tail. The pictures in picture
books are not just decorations - they add so much more to the words.
As Augustus learns that he carries his smile with him - it would
come whenever he was happy - readers can also learn this and talk
about the things that make them happy and bring their smile out.
The addition of some important tiger facts at the end is a bonus - a
first step in learning about this amazing, critically endangered
species.
Catherine Rayner spent many hours at the Edinburgh Zoo sketching
tigers so she could get Augustus just right and she has already won
the Kate Greenaway Medal for her work. The UK Daily Telegraph said,
'Catherine Rayner has a marvellous gift for capturing the souls of
animals in a few, rich washes of colour' and this is very evident in
her depiction of Augustus. He is just charming. Such is the power of
this story it has been translated into Albanian, Arabic, Bengali,
Simplified Chinese, Czech, Farsi, French, Haitian-Creole, Hindi,
Irish, Lithuanian, Panjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian,
Slovakian, Somali, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese and Welsh.
Barbara Braxton
