Reviews

Circles of life by Gregg Dreise

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Well-known Kamilaroi and Euahlayi author and illustrator Gregg Dreise has brought together his proud knowledge of his own traditional art and culture in this beautiful picture book Circles of Life. In this gentle book readers are taken on a journey alongside two young girls and shown how to create a traditional painting of Gabayindah Guroos or Thank You Circles that are a celebration of the different elements of our world. Using ochre from Mother Earth, sticks and stones, readers are encouraged to create their own Thank You Circle.

The painting begins with a small circle in the centre of the page representing Father Sky. This is followed by circles placed around Father Sky which represent Mother Earth and what she brings. More circles follow representing water and trees, followed by even more dots representing animals. Ancestors who have cared for Country surround the circular formation, followed by Elders and then children. The last layer is perhaps the most poignant, a wish for the children of the future - that they have a sustainable Country to connect with. After the completion of each layer thanks is given for what nature has provided.

Written in careful and reflective verse, surrounded by striking illustrations in bright and bold colours, this book is wonderful introduction to an aspect of traditional art and story. The dramatic endpapers show a handprint amidst many Thank You Circles.

Circles of Life deserves to be read slowly, savouring the words while creating a thoughtful Thank You Circle. This book would be an excellent resource for Harmony Day as it sends a message of being in harmony with the land by connecting to Country, and listening to Songlines through the words of Ancestors and Elders.

Themes First Nations People, Art, Drawing, Country, Connection, Culture, Respect.

Kathryn Beilby

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Tayta’s Secret Ingredient by Amal Abou-Eid. Illus. by Cara King

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For the Harmony Day celebration at school this year, Billy is excited to bring one of his Tayta’s (grandmother) special treats. Tayta is happy to make kaak, a Lebanese biscuit with a very special ingredient. Billy watches as Tayta takes all sorts of strange ingredients from her pantry and wonders which one is the special one. He asks Tayta why she does not use a recipe is and this is her response:

My fingers know what the food should feel like.
My eyes know what the food for should look like.
My nose knows what it should smell like.

While Tayta is preparing the dough, Billy is searching high and low for the secret ingredient but he cannot find it. He helps roll out the dough and makes biscuits shaped firstly like little logs and then joined together to make rings. Tayta finally tells Billy what her secret ingredient is and he realises it is very special. When Billy is asked for the recipe at school he knows that he cannot share it as it will always be missing the secret ingredient.

This warm and engaging story is perfect for Harmony Day as it presents a delightful multicultural experience of both school and home. The watercolour illustrations gently reflect the text and children who have experienced baking with a grandparent will particularly find the images of Billy and Tayta in the kitchen very appealing. A wonderful story to read aloud on Harmony Day.

Themes Diversity, Harmony Day, Family, School, Recipes, Baking.

Kathryn Beilby

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Demon daughter by Lois McMaster Bujold

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Another novella starring Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona will thrill fans of the series. When Otta, a six-year-old girl, becomes possessed by a brand-new demon Penric is called to the village that has taken her in. Unable to control the fire that she can call she has been cast into a well to keep everyone safe, and Penric must rescue her. His duty to his god means that he should cast out the demon, but Desdemona rejects this and the pair are cast into conflict. As usual, the pair’s quest is to help whenever they are called upon, but this time their difference in opinion is very painful. How will they resolve this problem and bring harmony back?

I found the background to Demon daughter very appealing. Scenes of domesticity are described and Penric’s love for his wife Nikys and daughter are very evident. The story is often told from the point of view of Otta who describes her tribulations in a matter-of-fact way, and Bujold manages to get inside the mind of a six-year-old with skill and empathy. Nikys plays a significant role in the novella; she is helpful, loving and clear sighted about what could happen to Otta and prepared for the upheaval that another child in the family could bring.

Although Demon daughter is short, it is multilayered and has a very satisfying conclusion. It is a powerful and memorable story and left me wishing I had another new book in this series to read immediately.

Themes Fantasy, Demons.

Pat Pledger

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Like a charm by Elle McNicoll

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London based, Scottish, bestselling, award-winning children's writer, Elle McNicholl has in Like a charm, a third novel that follows in the path of A kind of spark in its theme and atmospherics. Her books have been aptly described as "bewitching" and Like a charm certainly fits that bill. 

Travelling with the first person perspective of 12-year-old Ramya, the reader is immersed in a magical world that is powerfully set in Edinburgh, both in the dark corners and bookshops of the city, underground and across the River Forth to the isle of Inchkeith. A magical atmosphere of foreboding - of dark, swirling mists, statues that come to life and dangerous supernatural beings is conjured. Through this moody place stumbles Ramya, a lonely, neglected girl with dyspraxia. She slowly learns that she can see through glamour (a magical shield that supernatural beings use to hide themselves). This very special power grows as her courage is tested and as she negotiates challenges in both the human and supernatural world.

In Like a charm, the magical world exists in parallel to the human world and both worlds are subject to increasing division and upset. In a way, the book reads as a political allegorical story describing what goes wrong when humans don't work together in harmony. When there is division, evil escapes through the cracks. Ramya is a brave and feisty character. The reader can't help but cheer her on through all the danger and suspense.

McNicoll is autistic herself and a great champion of the representation of neurodivergence in literature. It is of no surprise that she has teamed with Knights Of, a multi award-winning inclusive publisher that focuses on "bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of commercial children's publishing."

Like a charm is a touching, inspiring and cerebral book. It is for advanced readers who can understand multi-layered, complex and unpredictable storylines featuring a cast of characters. It is also for readers who might catch a glimpse of themselves in a character like Ramya and who need to learn that everybody is special and everyone can find a friend. It's for those who need to learn something about themselves - that if you do a good thing for the right reason, you can be light and free and beloved and stylish and glamorous! 

Highly recommended.

Themes Family, Dyspraxia, Neurodivergence, Magic, Community,.

Wendy Jeffrey

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Alice’s shoe by Julie Thorndyke

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Alice’s Shoe written by Julie Thorndyke tells the story of Alice Mary Betteridge (14 February 1901 – 1 September 1966) who was an Australian woman known as the first deafblind child to be educated in this country. Born in Sawyer’s Gully, NSW, Alice became deafblind at the age of two after a childhood illness.

The opening pages of this beautifully illustrated picture book with expressive and lyrical language, showcase the sounds and colours of the farm and surrounding forests experienced by a very young Alice: the green world of cedar forests, the golden world at sunrise, the crimson world at sunset, the noisy brown world of her brothers. One night though Alice falls ill with a fever. When she wakes everything is different for Alice. Sounds are muffled and images are dull. Alice is diagnosed in Sydney as deafblind and her mother takes her to the Deaf and Blind School at Darlinghurst where she is told to return when Alice is older. Back at home, Alice learns to rely on her sense of touch. In particular she loves the feel of textures beneath her feet and struggles to keep on her shoes.

At the age of seven, Alice returns to Sydney to begin at the Darlinghurst School. She is far away from what she knows and in particular cannot adjust to wearing shoes. Miss Reid, her teacher, makes four signs on Alice’s hand over and over again which Alice soon realises spells shoe. This is the first word Alice learns to finger sign and her learning begins. Alice masters the deafblind alphabet and then to read and write in Braille. 

The striking illustrations by Jennifer Harrison in soft muted hues are full of detail and in perfect harmony with the era of the story. The sepia toned endpapers showcase important aspects of the Alice’s life journey. The author has thoughtfully included the Deafblind Alphabet and UEB uncontracted (grade1) Braille symbols. This gentle story is a joy to read and one that may encourage further research on Alice Mary Betteridge and deafblindness.

Themes Disability, Deafblind, School, Family, Braille, Sign Language.

Kathryn Beilby

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Alight: A story of fire and nature by Sam Lloyd. Illus. by Samantha Metcalfe

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In Australia we are unfortunately accustomed to the devasting effects of fire especially during the season of summer. However, what if fires were carefully planned and only burnt those areas needing to be controlled?  Alight by scientist, Dr Sam Lloyd, thoughtfully answers this question and introduces children to the positive effects that a healthy fire can have on the natural environment.

The appealing cover with its pale tones, and the gorgeous endpapers depicting the plants and animals discussed in the story, provide a clue to where the fire will burn and what might be impacted. Each of the animal and plant characters mentioned are introduced in the beginning and the author has shared brief and interesting facts.

The story begins with Old Eucalypt becoming aware of the smoke but not worrying as people were working together and listening to the bush. The animals are warned to find shelter and the plants are reminded that it is time for new growth. Each of the plants and animals survive the fire in their own way and the rain brings newness to the landscape.

This is a fire that burns gently and in harmony with the bush ecosystems. The stunning illustrations by Samantha Metcalfe show incredible detail and perfectly complement the text. In the final pages there is further important information about ‘Fire in the Australian Bush’ as well as a glossary to explain the highlighted words used in the text. A wonderful book to share with both children and adults.

Teacher notes are available.

Themes Australia, Planned Fires, Bush Habitats, Ecosystems, Plants, Animals.

Kathryn Beilby

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Gurawul the whale by Max Dulumunmun Harrison. Illus. by Laura La Rosa

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As a young 10-year-old boy, Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison, was given the ancient legend of Gurawul the Whale from his grandfather and uncles with a promise that he would go the southern land to search for the whale dreaming of their Ancestors. Seventy years later, his journey to fulfil this promise has been published in a strikingly presented factual story with stunning images and a beautiful cover. The cover shows two panels of a three-sectioned painting displaying the bubbles left by the whales for people to follow to safety and Gurawul migrating from Antarctica to Kari (Hervey Bay).

The story of Gurawul The Whale begins with a contents page followed by a foreword by Dean Kelly acknowledging Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison and the importance of the teachings he has passed on to others. This is followed by a preface by Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, grandson of Uncle Max, who was privileged to be with him as the story of Gurawul was revealed.  Following this is the story of the promise with the subsequent chapters sharing Gurawul’s Story, the journey, traditions, finding the place where the rock images and formations are, and how the legacy has been handed down and will continue to be. All through Uncle Max’s journey, there were spiritual connections made, lore passed down and lessons to be learned. Traditional and cultural stories are shared, and the outstanding illustrations add to the mystic and gentleness of the story. There are photographs, acknowledgements, and further information about the author, Max Dulumunmun Harrison, who passed into the Dreaming in December 2021.

This deeply engaging story is one which is important to be shared with others. As well as sharing the story of Uncle Max and his journey, it talks about living in harmony, taking only what is needed and learning from the natural environment. A truly special book that has a place in a school or public library.

Themes First Nations, Story, Whales, Ancestors, Family, Journey, Lore, Dreaming.

Kathryn Beilby

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Come together by Isaiah Firebrace

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Australian pop artist Isaiah Firebrace is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River. His first picture book, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples is a wonderful introduction and reflection of First Nations People and their Culture. Perfect for both children and adults.

The book begins with an explanation of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country. This is followed by information about Ceremonies and their important connection for the author. Fascinating topics are discussed throughout the book and include Oldest Continuing Culture, First Inventions which highlights Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon, Caring for Country, The Dreaming, Creation Stories, Songlines, Elders, Clans and Languages, Totems, Flags, Seasons, Astronomy, Food, Music and Dance, Yidaki (didgeridoo), Dot Painting, Art, Marngrook which inspired AFL, Significant Annual Events such as National Reconciliation Week and Naidoc Week, and The Stolen Generations.

The bold and vibrant illustrations in earthy tones are by self-taught illustrator Jaelyn Biumaiwai of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry. They are simply stunning and reflect the uniqueness of this very significant publication. There is so much to learn and understand about First Nations People and the strong message in this book is that we can Come Together in harmony. It is imperative that this book is shared amongst all children and the caring adults in their lives.  A must for all school, community and public libraries.

Themes First Nations People and Culture, Living in Harmony.

Kathryn Beilby

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Hello and welcome by Gregg Deise

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Two young boys welcome the readers to their gathering. On the first double page we are welcomed in both English and Gamilaraay the language of the Kamilaroi people of the south east corner of Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The first double pages thank the elders of the community for their past struggle, for keeping alive stories, for caring for Mother Earth, for looking into the night sky and sharing the tales found there, for listening.

Everyone is welcome: 'different colours, different people, together in harmony'.

Later Dreise thanks the environment for what it offers its people: Father Sky for the air we breathe, the sun on our faces, Mother Earth for the plants and the animals, even the ants. Then the visitors are thanked: for sharing, celebrating and being respectful of the culture. And finally the reader is thanked for being there, for sharing in the culture being presented at the corroboree, for growing with the presenters, knowing that they too will be filled with pride.

A celebration of Indigenous culture, this lively book invites everyone to the gathering, to share in the culture presented, to learn the language being offered, to share in the stories of the Kamilaroi people.

The vivid illustrations showcasing traditional Aboriginal motifs and styles, are full of colour and detail, with children on every page inviting the reader to share their experiences.

A companion to Gregg Dreise's My Culture and Me, this joyful picture book celebrates Australia's Indigenous heritage and the diversity we enjoy today.

And I love the endpapers, with the Dark Emu filling the night sky from the Southern Cross, across the Milky Way, reflecting not only the story of the Dark Emu one of the creators, headed into the night sky after he died, but also a nod to Bruce Pascoe's recent books, Dark Emu, and Young dark emu which present a new perspective on the way we see Aboriginal life in Australia before Europeans arrived. 

Themes Aboriginal life, Aboriginal language, Indigenous culture, Corroboree, Reconciliation, Dark Emu.

Fran Knight

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Dear Greta by Yvette Poshoglian

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Dear Greta written by Yvette Poshoglian is a captivating and thought provoking novel, that is an easy and delightful read. Written in letter form, this is a highly engaging, culturally connected and inspiring novel that would appeal to many.

This year is supposed to be Alice’s best one yet! It is her last year in primary school and she has high expectations. So, when she is given the ‘old fashioned’ task to ‘write to your hero’, she is less than impressed. It is even worse when she is given environmental activist, Greta Thunberg as her hero. Why could she not have been allocated a rock star, sports champion or social media sensation? In her opinion, they would be so much easier to write to because she already knows some much about them. But as Alice begins to research Greta, she discovers many fascinating facts.

Alice continually pours her life out to Greta each day and shares everything. She shares her troubles about having to give up her bedroom for her recovering grandma, ongoing arguments with her sister and then there is the Harmony Day disaster, just to name a few. But are these really big problems, or are there greater problems to think about? Will Alice be brave and make a difference to right her wrongs and become a better person? And could she possibly turn the Harmony Day Fiasco into a Cultural Celebratory Fiesta?

Yvette Poshoglian has created a highly relatable character in Alice, who many people will connect with. Sharing family connections, cultures and acceptance of others, this is a skilfully written and insightful book to stimulate and challenge your thinking.

This novel could also make a great read aloud for teachers to share with their students.

Themes Environmental issues, Harmony day, Cultures, Creativity, Taking Action, Open minded, Resilience, Reflection, Problem solving.

Michelle O'Connell

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It's up to us: A children's Terra Carta for nature, people & planet by Christopher Lloyd

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This beautiful non-fiction release for children is… 'based on the Terra Carta – a road map that was created by HRH The Prince of Wales and his Sustainable Markets Initiative to put Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation.' The forward by HRH The Prince of Wales talks about children being connected to Nature and he hopes that this book will inspire them to discover, celebrate, support and care for our Planet.

The book is divided into four sections: Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta and has been stunningly illustrated in vibrant colour by 33 artists from around the world. From Australia is well known Aboriginal artist and environmentalist Blak Douglas. His double page spread is striking in concept and reflects the statement on the page about the use of carbon dioxide and the threat to the environment by changing weather conditions. Throughout the first three chapters the emphasis is on how the decisions and actions of humans have brought about great changes in our natural world and the consequences that are being felt now and will continue to be felt if positive change does not happen. The fourth chapter, Terra Carta, shows the reader that we can bring Nature back into balance and highlights a number of 'WE WILL' statements with the final page sharing the declaration: 'We Can do this. We Must do this. And we have to do it Now. Because…… IT’S UP TO US!'

The final pages of the book contain further details about the Terra Carta, a brief bio about each of the 33 artists, information about The Prince’s Foundation as well as a Glossary, a statement about Carbon Footprint and a mention of the Fibonacci spiral that occurs in Nature.

This wonderful resource for all schools and public libraries is a perfect book to share with children in the upcoming Harmony Week March 21-27, 2022.

Further information can be found at: Inspiring ideas for a sustainable future and Terra Carta. A book trailer is also available.

Themes Nature, Planet Earth, Children, Sustainability, Global Issues, Harmony Day.

Kathryn Beilby

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The cockatoo wars by Helen Milroy

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The Cockatoo Wars is the fourth book in the beautifully presented Tales from the Bush Mob series. First Nations author Helen Milroy has captured the essence of collaboration and resolution in a story about two warring cockatoo clans.

The two cockatoo clans, one black and one white, are at loggerheads over who is responsible for looking after the ancient forest. The continual bickering of the boss cockatoos leads to stress for the young chicks whose health suffers; nor do they hear the traditional stories of looking after the forest. After a particularly heated argument, two chicks fall from their nests and the mothers are not sure which baby is their own. They all flee to the other side of the forest and the babies are raised in harmony and grow strong. A fire threatens the ancient forest, and the cockatoo clans must join together with the other bush animals to save their home. The warring bosses realise the error of their ways and peace finally reigns.

This book is cleverly set out in narrative style with three separate sections: The Cockatoo Clans, Fire Warning, How the Bush Mob Saved the Forest.  The striking full-page illustrations with white or black text are engaging and add so much to the story. The endpapers show a map of where each of the bush mob live.

The Cockatoo Wars is a delightful read to share with children of all ages with a valuable lesson about conflict with its possibility of devasting implications, as well as the joy and harmony a resolution can bring.

Themes First Nation’s Stories, Australian Animals, Collaboration, Conflict, Problem Solving, Harmony, Listening, Family, Resolution.

Kathryn Beilby

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An ungrateful instrument by Michael Meehan

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Exquisite, like the music wrought from a precious musical instrument, Meehan’s latest book is rich in melodic language, telling the story of the acclaimed musicians, the Forquerays father and son, in the time of Louis XIV in Paris, France.

The story is recounted by Charlotte-Elisabeth the mute sister of Jean-Baptiste, a child prodigy cruelly and brutally forced by his father Antoine to be his successor as the most acclaimed violist of the royal court. He is a child compelled to play the music of his father, music never written down; constrained to be the unique perpetuator of those original compositions. Jean-Baptiste’s sole existence is to be the ongoing voice, the instrument, for his father’s music.

Voice is a recurring theme of the novel: Charlotte-Elisabeth is mute from the age of seven, in stubborn defiance of her father’s demands. She draws out the unsaid words of the other characters, the secret cache of hidden passions, as she narrates their story. She is one of a number of women who find a different way to resist the stifling oppression of men.

Other interweaving chapters detail the meticulous hand-crafting of an absolutely beautiful viola by an ancient craftsman who has gathered precious pieces of timber throughout his life. The viola created for Jean-Baptiste is a work of art in itself - another unique voice threatened to also be crushed by the savagery of the father; for the son’s subservience leads him to always seek the love and approval of the oppressor and he is compelled to reveal his treasure.

Meehan’s exceptional work of historical fiction has created a thing of beauty and mystery giving voice to music, art, beauty and passion, the voice that struggles to rise above cruelty and oppression. As Jean-Baptiste learns
‘Our aim is not harmony and perfection. Our aim is energy. This is what music is about. Not as a creation but as an action of creating, of driving pleasure and energy and power into the hearts of all who listen’.

An ungrateful instrument is a joy to read. The themes of the book are complemented by its beautiful presentation; it is a hardback volume with marbled endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, with the cover image from a painting by Alexandre-Francois Desportes. This is a book to keep and treasure.

Themes Historical fiction, Music, Musicians, Musical instruments, Coercion, Voice, Women’s role.

Helen Eddy

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I'll take care of you by Maria Loretta Giraldo and Nicoletta Bertelle

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The title, I’ll take care of you underlines the theme of harmony within our world as we all have a share in this place we call home. As a little seed hits the ground, small and alone, the Sky, the Water and the Earth console it saying they will take care of it. The Water drops rain upon it, the Sky warms it as it takes root in the soft Earth. Here it grows into an apple tree, blooming and magnificent. One day a small lonely bird sits on its branch and the tree tells it not to worry as the tree will look after the bird. And so it does offering shelter to the bird which builds a nest and raises a hatchling, which in turn the bird keeps warm and looks after until it is big enough to leave the nest. Apples drop to the ground and split open, leaving apple seeds upon the Earth. One seed falls in the rocks and the bird picks it up to carry it back to the Earth, where is is planted and eventually produces a shoot.

The cycle of life continues, each part in the cycle supported and nourished by another, each one aware of its place within the cycle and sharing the responsibility that being part of the cycle brings.

This wonderful book echoes the aim of Blue Dot Kids Press, to ‘inspires curiosity with beautifully crafted stories that connect us to each other and the planet we share’. A world of possibilities is open before the reader, encouraging an empathy for the global community we call Earth. The interconnectedness shines through the acts of the Earth, Sly, Rain, Tree and Bird, each repaying the kindness shown to it by replicating that kindness to an other. We are all stewards of the world we occupy, and nowhere it is this more apparent than when we look at our environment, and this book will encourage a deeper understanding of what we owe to it. Nicoletta Bertelle’s distinctive style encompass bright colourful illustrations which make use of acrylic paint and forms of collage, and cover the larger than usual pages with drawings that direct the eye to themes of kindness, compassion, helpfulness and so on, as we watch each take its turn in helping something that is lost or alone.

Find out more about Blue Dot Kids Press an independent publisher based in San Francisco and Wellington.

Themes Compassion, Kindness, Interconnectedness, Caring, Environment, Cycle of life, Earth.

Fran Knight

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Winston and the Indoor Cat by Leila Rudge

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Winston is an outdoor cat and because that's all he has ever known, it suits him perfectly. Then he spies the Indoor Cat and thinks that it is trapped so he devises a plan to free it so it, too, can enjoy the outdoors as he does. But the Indoor Cat soon learns that it prefers the indoors - can the two ever be friends?

In the vein of the old story of the town mouse and the country mouse, this is a story that introduces the concept of being able to be friends even if you have differences in beliefs, values and habits. Both the simple but powerful text and the gentle illustrations in their subtle palette convey a tone of harmony even though the cats are distinctly different.

A good one for the beginning of the school year when new classes are formed and friendships forged even though everyone is a unique individual.

Barbara Braxton

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