New Frontier Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925059786
(Age: All) Highly recommended. In The Great Zoo Hullabaloo,
the animals are missing. Jess and Jack don't have a clue. The
flamingos are gone. The rhino has escaped. The new roo can't be
found. Jack follows the trail of scat and feathers before hearing
music coming from the trees. Jess isn't far behind. What are the
animals up to? What is causing that orange glow between the trees?
Is that a roo playing a didgeridoo? Is that a birthday cake? The Great Zoo Hullabaloo is a beautiful rhyming picture book
full of great illustrations. Young children will love hearing adults
read this book to them, whether at home or in the class. It is an
excellent resource for any rhyming unit. Primary school children can
investigate the rhyming, the rhythm and the adjective use. The Great Zoo Hullabaloo is highly recommended for all school
libraries. All readers will enjoy it.
Kylie Kempster
Timmy Failure series by Stephan Pastis
Walker Books, 2017. The Book you're not supposed to have. Book 5. ISBN
9781406373653 The Cat stole my pants. Book 6. ISBN 9811406377163
(Age: 7-10) Recommended. Themes: Detective stories, Humorous
stories, School stories, Mysteries. The popular Timmy Failure
series follows the exploits of this self-assured young detective,
with his smart and witty straight talking; he is a very popular
character. Stephan Pastis understands exactly what his fans want, a
multi-layered story with a large cast of quirky characters and
another set of crazy situations that show Tommy's unique way of
coping with them. The Book you're not supposed to have warns the reader to put
the book down immediately. Do not continue! Why, because his mother
has banned Timmy from detective work for six months, so is there any
point reading the rest of the story? His life is in turmoil, his
mother is about to marry Doorman Dave, his cousins Merry and Larry
arrive for an extended visit and there is a teacher's strike at
school. Ms Hardie-Heron torments Timmy with piano lessons, he is
involved in a great bike tragedy and his best friend Rollo is
kidnapped. Timmy's determination leads him to set up a covert
operation at Home Depot in a garden shed.
Pastis' comic illustrations are entertaining: there is his dancing
polar bear, his bicycle with a flag advertising Bras for Sale and
his cousins' takeover of his bedroom. This illustrated diary style
is accessible for junior readers who enjoy a balance of text,
graphic cartoons, speech bubbles filled with prickly comments and
strong central character who rolls with everything that comes along.
In the sixth episode, The Cat stole my pants the action
moves to Key West, Florida. Timmy, his mother and her new husband
Doorman Dave fly there for their honeymoon. In addition, Dave brings
along his nephew Emilio who becomes Timmy's unpaid intern when his
former partner Total the Polar Bear swims off to Cuba. Timmy's
exploits in this tropical paradise involve attacking chickens, a
bout of seasickness, his writing a book and stealing and selling
hotel items to make money so for admission to the Lighthouse.
Stephan Pastis continues to surprise and delight his fans, with
Timmy Failure's inimitable approach to life.
Rhyllis Bignell
Chook Doolan: Un-happy camper by James Roy
Ill. by Lucinda Gifford. Chook Doolan series. Walker Books
Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781925381573
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. Themes: Worry, Family life, School stories,
Camping, Self-confidence. Author James Roy's Chook Doolan
stories are easy to read; they explore real life situations,
emotions, family problems and school dramas. He understands the need
for accessible stories with simple sentences, short chapters, with
large font and black and white illustrations to support the emergent
reader.
Simon Henry Doolan is a chicken, a real worrier, and his nickname of
course is Chook. He worries about things at home, going to sleep at
night and when things change at school. When Mum reads the school
newsletter announcement about Mr Rashid's class camp Chook is
horrified. His imagination runs wild, and he stresses about many
concerns - over liking the food, snakes, homesickness, and is the
hospital close to the campsite? His Mum even packs his bag while
Chook watches a movie at his best friend's house. He is adamant he
is not going camping with his class. Luckily, for this young boy,
there is a surprise waiting for him at school! Chook Doolan: Un-happy camper is a relatable and fun story
for young boys and girls. James Roy's Chook Doolan chapter
book series are a great reading resource for Junior Primary classes,
with their realistic characters dealing with relatable situations.
Rhyllis Bignell
1, 2 pirate stew by Kylie Howarth
Five Mile 2017. ISBN 9781760403201
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. 'Take one large cardboard box, two
imaginative kids, a splash of pirate pets and you have a recipe for
adventure!'
Written by award-winning graphic designer and artist, Kylie
Howarth's exciting text 1, 2 Pirate Stew allows readers to
count along from 1 to 22 to discover the secret of the missing
treasure and some very special pirate stew.
With a raised text cover, and cheerful imagery, 1, 2 Pirate Stew
will have children delighted to learn to count along with clever
rhyming additions. With its sturdy pages, it is perfect for
encouraging imagination, is playful, and easy to read or sing with
the same metre as One, Two Buckle my Shoe.
Keely Coard
Do not lick this book by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293055
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Microbes. STEM. An infectiously funny
look at microbes and their place in the world is given in this
delightful tale of Min as she navigates some of the more
recognisable things in a child's environment to see how it is made
up.
Min is introduced as something very very small, so small in fact,
that millions would fit upon the dot placed in the middle of the
page. Over the next few pages, Min is shown as part of all the
things around, and then when our eyes zoom in more closely to the
page, we see Min as part of the fabric of the page. The microscopic
image of the page will stop the readers in their tracks as they take
in the detail from a completely different perspective, with Min
sitting there inviting them to go with her by picking her up and
putting her on their finger. Readers will delight in this activity,
placing their finger on the circle on the page to have Min on their
fingers. That little circle will be the brownest thing in the book!
With Min firmly in place, the reader visits their teeth, their belly
button and their shirt to look into the microscopic image. Each
time, Min is joined by another microbe.
When the story is finished, Min and her friends are placed back
onto the page. Readers will have gained a little understanding of
what microbes are and certainly seen some microscopic images which
will thrill and entertain them.
Humour abounds in the dialogue between the microbes, and the page at
the end of the book which outlines just what sort of microbes the
four friends are, adds another level of interest to the reader.
This is a hugely involving tale of microbes for the early reader,
sure to be part of any STEM activity in the classroom.
Fran Knight
Alex Rider: Never say die by Anthony Horowitz
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406377040
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Spies. Adventure. Alex Rider
is a young super-spy who has been utilised in the past by MI6 - but
he should really be still at school. In this action-packed thriller,
he is driven by the loss of his companion Jack Starbright, to
unravel a mystery that eventually leads him into life and death
scenarios. His amazing skill and quick thinking gets him out of many
awful situations. But this is a spy and action novel and the 'bad
guys' will stop at nothing including death and torture to attempt to
thwart anyone who is opposed to them. Alex is at great risk, and
many others will need him too. Bullets fly, violence is directed at
those who get in the way of the nefarious few and technology is used
in James Bond-esque ways to solve problems; and the hero is 15 years
old!
Anthony Horowitz writes well for the visual generation. His
experience as a script writer for television enables him to write
plot twists that stimulate the imagination and draw in those who
love action and adventure. This is a real page-turner, and unusually
for this genre there is no swearing (lots of violent and
life-threatening acts, though). Scenarios in the plot are very like
a 'James Bond' movie - without the romance. This will fly off a
library shelf into the hands of the young teenage readers - enjoyed
by male readers first, but realistically it is exciting for any
reader that enjoys the action-adventure genre. Note: readers could
easily transition from the Alex Rider series into adult spy novels.
Carolyn Hull
The three legged kangaroo from Uluru by Michelle Worthington
Ill. by Dave Atze. Big Sky Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925520415
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. Written by internationally published and
award winning children's author Michelle Worthington, The three
legged kangaroo from Uluru is a unique story told with lovable
Aussie characters that kids will adore. Follow the three legged
kangaroo from Uluru as he leaves behind everything he has ever known
about friendship and he tests his bravery whilst discovering and
celebrating what makes us unique.
Dave Atze's illustrations are captivating and will take children on
an adventure from the red centre to Western Australia's beautiful
coast line.
Overall, The three legged kangaroo from Uluru will delight
children in this adventure story told through rhyme and enchanting
illustrations whilst addressing the many facets of our wonderful
country.
Keely Coard
You're! series by Shelly Unwin
Ill. by Katherine Battersby. Allen & Unwin, 2017. You're one. ISBN 9781760291273 You're two. ISBN 9781760291280, You're three. ISBN 9781760291297 You're four. ISBN: 9781760291303 You're five. ISBN: 9781760291310
(Age 1-5) Recommended. Board books. Shelly Unwin and Katherine
Battersby's You're! series features five board books
focusing on growing up from the ages of 1 to 5 years.
Each book has a specific focus on an age along with different animal
families such as ducks, crocodiles and bears.
Illustrations are beautifully bright with a textural look, ideal for
children in the younger years.
Overall, it is a wonderful series that would be perfect for children
as they age over the years.
Keely Coard
Wild animals of the South by Dieter Braun
Flying Eye Books, 2017. ISBN 9781909263970
(Age: All) Highly recommended. How beautiful is this book! Wild
Animals of the South looks at many of the animals that live in
the southern hemisphere. Africa, South America, Asia, Australia and
Antarctica each receives a chapter that highlights many of their
indigenous creatures. A map of the world clearly shows the areas
covered in the book and a simple drawing indicates where each animal
lives.
Dieter Braun has created stunning stylised pictures using muted
colours on naturally coloured paper. Each animal is given both the
common and scientific name. The focus of the book is on the
illustrations, as only a few animals receive a paragraph of
information. Even the index is one of the most beautiful I have seen
with an illustration for each entry.
Dieter is a freelance illustrator and children's book author from
Germany. He strongly believes in the importance of the role of the
human race in ensuring that the wonderful creatures illustrated in
this book do not become extinct.
'Humankind could exist without tigers, tapirs or ocelots, but it
would be wrong to assume that we are the most important creature on
Earth. We are intruders in the animal kingdom and with every animal
that dies out, our life on this planet loses a part of its power and
colour and beauty.'
Dieter has shown how remarkable our world is and the animals are so
stunningly created that the reader is in awe of their 'power, colour
and beauty'. I would readily buy another copy of this book to turn
into framed prints. It is an art exhibition in a book.
Dieter has also created the companion book Wild Animals of the
North.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase. For whom? Everyone!
Jane Moore
The upside of unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Penguin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780141356112
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Non-identical twins who couldn't be more
unalike will ultimately grow apart - as all siblings must when their
adult worlds expand. That's basically the gist of this readable
romance in a nutshell. However arriving at this painful realization
is not without some angst and laughter. Albertalli describes a
variety of modern relationships and teaches us that friendship is
the foundation of love, not physical attraction.
Molly is a late bloomer by comparison to her outgoing twin. Cassie
is blonde, green-eyed, willowy . . . and gay. Whereas our narrator
is a brown-eyed, chubby brunette who has never kissed a boy despite
having an inordinate number of unrequited crushes on the opposite
sex. Living with an anxiety disorder is no fun and Molly's stream of
consciousness supplies heaps of insights.
When Cassie meets Mina, Molly is positioned to 'hook up' with one of
Mina's friends, Will. He's attractive and it makes sense to get
closer to him in order not to lose Cassie completely, given he is
Mina's best friend. But Molly's summer job means she is spending a
lot of time with Reid, who, actually seems to be attracted to her -
for a change. Who will she choose?
Cousins and friends extend the teenage worlds of both sisters but
their own nuclear family consists of a baby brother, Xavier and two
Jewish mothers - Patty and Nadine. When the same-sex marriage law is
passed, Patty and Nadine announce their intention to marry as soon
as possible. Crafty Molly is asked to take charge of the
decorations. The upcoming nuptials heighten tensions between the
sisters, who are both grappling with their first serious
relationship. Will there be happy endings for everyone?
Readers will delight in Albertalli's clever dialogue and text
messages to track the complexities of both love and friendship in
this cosmopolitan family.
Deborah Robins
The boy and the spy by Felice Arena
Puffin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780143309284
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. The Boy and the Spy, tells the
story of Antonio who lives in Italy during World War 2. Antonio
lives with his adopted mother and they do not have much. By chance,
Antonio discovers an injured American spy called Chris. Antonio is
invisible in his community due to being an orphan from birth. This
gives him the chance to help Chris as well as to spy for him.
Another chance moment sees Antonio meeting a family who are members
of the resistance. What follows is more adventure, tragedy and
escape. Can Antonio continue spying and not get caught? Will Chris
make it home? What will happen to Antonio after the death of his
beloved adopted mother? The Boy and the Spy is an emotional adventure set against the
backdrop of Italy and war. Author, Felice Arena, shows the tragedy
of this war in a caring and descriptive way while keeping the reader
on the edge of their seat. It is an easy text to read and follow,
opening up a war that a young reader will have no knowledge of.
Readers will be cheering for courageous Antonio.
Kylie Kempster
The cat wants cuddles by P. Crumble
ISBN: 9781743811412.
Mosquitos can't bite ninjas by Jordan P. Novak
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2017. ISBN 9781681192154
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. 'Mosquitos can bite all kinds of people -
you me, old ladies with blue hair, and even babies. But they can't
bite Ninjas!'
With bold and clear colours, Mosquitos Can't Bite Ninjas will
have children engaged from the beginning to the end.
With a not very stealthy appeal, Jordan P. Novak's debut text
delivers a buzzy, wacky and hilarious story that will have children
rolling on the floor laughing.
Keely Coard
Nanna's button tin by Dianne Wolfer
Ill. by Heather Potter. Walker Books Australia, 2017. ISBN
9781922077677
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Nanna's button tin is a delightful
story that highlights the special relationship between a nanna and
her granddaughter. This little girl is on a mission, determined to
find the perfect button to replace her teddy's lost eye. As they
open the tin and spread the colourful buttons across the carpet,
Nanna shares some special stories. Together they search and sort,
there's the button from the newborn matinee jacket, the three bears'
buttons added to a birthday jumper, even the angel buttons sewn on
the corners of a hospital blanket. Buttons of all shapes, sizes and
colours are separated and set aside, until the perfect little brown
button is discovered.
Heather Potter's gorgeous pastel pencil-and-wash drawings add a
richness and warmth to the story. Her detailed scenes are fun to
explore; she shows Nanna and Pop's comfy house that is perfect for
the grandchildren to visit; there is a busy birthday party with
cheerful costumed children and a poignant hospital visit where teddy
first appears. In the close-up scenes, she beautifully portrays the
range of emotions on the young girl's and her Nanna's face. From the
hand sewn letters of the title, to the button necklaces shown on the
endpapers, this is a celebration of buttons and stitching.
Told from the young girl's point of view in uncomplicated expressive
language, this story celebrates the simple things a family can do to
build togetherness. Dianne Wolfer's narrative is a delight to read
aloud to a kindergarten class or to share as a family.
Rhyllis Bignell
Mimi stories by Fatima Sharafeddine
Ill. by by Rasha Mouib Al Hakim. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2017, Mimi and the Piano. ISBN 9781408887448 Mimi in Paris. ISBN 9781408887400
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. These are two culturally diverse stories
following a girl called Mimi as she goes on a number of exciting
adventures and will promote intercultural understandings. They are
quite simply written with bold illustrations and perfectly capture
small adventures in a little girl's life. The important thing to my
mind is that this little girl is Muslim and with all the negativity
about Islam in the media it's even more necessary for our readers to
understand that diversity is not something to reject.
In Mimi and the piano, like many kids Mimi decides on a new
hobby - in this case the piano. She really does love it but oh my
goodness, the practice as her lessons grow harder. Her teacher wants
her to perform in the end of year concert but Mimi puts on her
seriously grumpy face and wants to pack it in. Will her mum
and teacher be able to persuade her to keep going? Sounds like quite
a few children I've known!
In Mimi in Paris Mimi and her family are off to Paris for a
vacation. How very exciting! So much to see, so many new things to
explore and people to meet - not to mention the glorious food! Even
though her mum warns her not to wander off, Mimi can't resist
chasing some very amusing pigeons and oh oh! She's lost. Luckily she
has a card from the hotel in her pocket and so even though she can't
speak French, a kind female police officer helps her find her way
back. Lesson learned!
Sue Warren
