Reviews

Colour with Chipmunk by Katie Saunders

The Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760401504
(Age: 2-4) Recommended. Colour with Chipmunk is one of the two brand-new early learning series from best selling author and illustrator, Katie Saunders. Accompanying Count with Panda, Katie's other early learning book, Colour with Chipmunk follows a similar concept with children recognising and identifying colours. Katie Saunders' bold illustrations create a fun and retro feel which jumps out and appeals to readers of a young age.
Colour with Chipmunk follows Chipmunk and his friends through bright and colourful pages, however whether Australian children can identify with this animal as a main character may be contemplated. How familiar are they with this type of mammal and do children know what a chipmunk is?
Much like Count with Panda, the pages are sturdy but might be challenging for little fingers to open the flaps without the worry of them tearing. A concern regarding the durability of the book. However, overall, Count with Chipmunk is an ideal resource to assist early language development and colour recognition.
Little ones will enjoy interacting with this large formatted board book as they explore the colours of the rainbow.
Keely Coard

Count with Panda by Katie Saunders

The Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760401498
(Age: 2-4) Recommended. One half of the Panda Paws duo by Katie Saunders, Count with Panda is a sturdy lift the flap book aimed for children aged 2-4. Perfect for early language development, Panda and her pals need your help to learn to count. Readers explore the hidden pictures behind the doors as children develop their language and counting skills.
Ideal for children in the toddler years, Count with Panda is a bright and engaging learning experience with surprises to find behind flaps found on every page. Additionally, Panda is adorably drawn with big eyes and will appeal to young and early readers. Katie Saunders provides children with several opportunities to explore and engage as they turn each page. The only concern surrounding the book is durability. Although it is thick and sturdy, it may be seen as a struggle for little fingers to open the flaps.
Keely Coard

Chronologica: the incredible years that defined history compiled by the Whitaker's Almanack team

Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781472932945
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a rather nerdy child. I had quite the obsession with books of 'general knowledge' and random facts and perused them for hours. Clearly, why I love trivia competitions so much now.
Since December 1868, the famous Whitaker's Almanack has been published in the UK chockfull of all the year's happenings. As an iconic publication, the work has been referenced in other literary texts from Stoker's Dracula to Fleming's Moonraker. This volume spans 100 years and devotes three pages to each year featured covering several topics. For example, 1789 - why was this year important? George Washington was elected as the first American president, sailors mutinied on HMS Bounty and the storming of the Bastille initiated the French Revolution.
I have had such fun 'dipping' into it over the past few days and I know that kids with similar tastes will love doing so as well.
There is something to fascinate all types of tastes from popular culture (when was Nintendo founded, the creation of the first pizza) to more serious historical events.
For your non-fiction reader, this would be a terrific addition to Christmas shopping and would certainly keep him/her absorbed for quite some time over the holidays!
Highly recommended for children from around ten upwards.
Sue Warren

Hello little babies by Alison Lester

ABC Books, 2016 ISBN 9780733330414
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Babies. Development. Family. Welcoming a new addition to a home and family is developed in this funny book about babies and families. From the start we know a new baby has arrived. Each of the six shown are differently dressed and sleep in a different bed, and each has a short statement told about them. Alice has her father's hair, Tom has a dimpled chin, and Zane has silky skin.
The wonderful illustrations will attract readers' eyes to look more closely at the humour, as they read the text. Turning the pages the reader will find the rest of the book divided into sections: sleeping, playing, eating, moving and exploring.
Each section plays with the things the child does, showing the development of the babies' skills and abilities from birth to about twelve months old. Each of the six babies in each section, again, is shown to be quite different with different parents, doing different things together. Readers will recognise the baby in their own home on many of the pages, and see the stages that the baby goes through as it grows older. Behaviour of the parents is modeled, and readers will see how the baby and parents interact, one teaching the other as it grows from being a helpless baby to a child crawling and then walking.
The book is quite delightful and would be a wonderful tool in the classroom to talk about new siblings, the stages of growth and development, or simply as a show and tell about what happens in people's homes where a new baby has arrived. The love shown within the family illuminates every page and shows the reader what a family offers.
Fran Knight

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

Watch out for muddy puddles by Ben Faulks

Ill. by Ben Cort. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408867204
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Humour, Water, Rhyming story. English readers know well the author of this rollicking rhyming story, as he appears as Mr Bloom in the TV show for kids, Mr Bloom's Nursery. Australian audiences need not be concerned however as the story of a young boy splashing through puddles with his wellington boots, warned to watch out for what lies beneath the surface, will grab the readers' attention as he plays in the water. From crocodiles, to two frogs kissing, to pirates and polar bears, each thing lurking beneath the surface could be there to catch an unwary child.
But treading on the water sees the boy swirling down underneath the surface to find out what lies below. He goes through layers of all sorts of things including fossils and granite but the worst thing of all to find in a puddle is the big bad rubber ducky. The children run as fast as they can from this monster until they come to a puddle that is just their size, and splash around in it most unconcerned, but watch out for it may contain more than you think.
With rollicking rhyme to read aloud, great illustrations to ponder over, I can imagine kids calling out in anticipation of something that lurks beneath the surface of the puddle. And wouldn't it be fun to read this on a rainy day then go out with your boots and try it out.
Fran Knight

Let's go for a drive by Mo Willems

Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 9781406373578
(AGe: 3+) Recommended. Themes: Friendship; Creativity. Elephant has lots of good ideas . . . and Pig is good at seeing them through. With delightful repetition, the two friends come up with all they need for a drive. Almost! Fortunately Piggie is clever enough to come up with an alternate plan, and the two friends can enjoy their planning after all. With Mo Willems delightful and gentle humour, and simple illustrations, this is a book that young children will love. The winner in this book is friendship and creative thinking!
Recommended for aged 3+ (Older children will also love the quirkiness!)
Carolyn Hull

What noise comes from a giraffe? by Craig MacLean

Harper Collins Publishers, 2016. ISBN 9781460752234
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. We all know what sound comes from a cow, duck and sheep but have you ever wondered what noise comes from a giraffe? Written by debut author and illustrator Craig MacLean comes a fresh and funny picture book that will delight young children as they ask 'what noise comes from a giraffe?'
Through bright and in-your-face colours with a large format print, young readers engage in rhyming text as they follow a number of familiar animals and their sounds with the pressing and continuous question, 'but what noise comes from a giraffe?' Children aged 3-6 are provided with opportunities on every page to share their ideas and mimic animal sounds. Illustrations delightfully depict well known animals with a slightly textural appearance.
Allowing and promoting creativity, Craig MacLean's silly but thoroughly enjoyable story will have children giggling and guessing as they turn every page.
Keely Coard

The silent owl by Clemency Pearce

Ill. by Sam McPhillips. Big Sky Publishing, 2016. ISBN 9781925520019
(Age: 3-8) Recommended. 'In the great, old hollow oak lived an owl who never spoke' - a great rhyming opening to this clever and engaging story written by Clemency Pearce and illustrated by Sam McPhillips. In the deep and dark forest lives a silent owl and his forest friends. The forest animals are worried about Owl, but to their surprise, he has a few tricks up his sleeve! Follow collage-like images by Sam McPhillips, various animals just want Owl to notice them in this cute rhyming picture book.
Sam McPhillips' illustrations are uniquely created using patterns and shapes. This creative technique appeals to readers of any age as it has the potential to spark inspiration for artistic individuals. Additionally, Clemency Pearce's words see charming creatures continuously pester their friend before Owl shares a unique and humorous hidden talent. A story to be enjoyed by many readers.
Keely Coard

River Rose and the magical lullaby by Kelly Clarkson

Ill. by Laura Hughes. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008211806
(Age: 2-5) Themes: Lullabies, Adventures, Fantasy. Kelly Clarkson, American Idol and Grammy Award winner has authored her first picture book, based on a lullaby she wrote for her daughter River Rose. This whimsical rhyming story introduces a young girl who loves singing, dancing and her puppy friend Joplin. Tomorrow River Rose is visiting the zoo for the first time and cannot contain her excitement. Her mother sits beside her in bed and sings a special lullaby to her daughter.
Every night you lie with me.
When I wake you're still here.
I don't know if I ever could find
someone as kind and dear.
In the middle of the night, River Rose is awakened by the squeaky sound of magical balloons ready to sweep off to the zoo where the animals are having a fun party. She hops across lily pads, plays hopscotch with a hippo, takes a ride on a zebra, enjoys a giant fudge sundae and happily shares a carousel ride with Joplin. After a nap with the polar bears, River Rose remembers the soft refrain of her special song and ends her adventure tucked in her own bed.
Laura Hughes bright energetic paintings bring the enchanting story to life. Kelly Clarkson's gentle, soothing lullaby is available online. This delightful story is just right for sharing as a bedtime story. A link to Clarkson's song is provided on the back cover.
Rhyllis Bignell

Caleb's cab by Sally Chomet

Ill. by Sylvain Chomet. Walker, 2016. ISBN 9781406342277
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Husband and wife team, writer Sally and comic-book illustrator Sylvain Chomet have previously collaborated on animated films - Belleville rendezvous and The illusionist. In Caleb's cab they have created another fantasy adventure story with the central character Caleb searching for his father in a dark world, where children have disappeared and hope has been lost.
Mopsy, Caleb's mother has given up hope; her husband has disappeared and she is at the mercy of evil loan sharks. Caleb is left to his own devices, forced to make meals like spam curry and take his dad's taxi out after dark looking for fares. He disguises himself with a large fake moustache, peak cap and trench coat. Their town Fethererham is rundown, municipal buildings closed, the airport abandoned and the only children and teenagers remaining are the SODs - Spoilt Over-educated Delinquents. Parents have been forced to sign their daughters and sons over to the Money Mongers for C.A.S.H. - Children Acquired to Settle Home Loans. Amongst this bleak setting, Caleb rescues strange Madame Zis from the SOD gang in his taxi, swings a hard left on the steering wheel and lands in an alternate world.
Time slips, Machiavellian enemies, eccentric characters, devious plots and a young hero and his sidekick Myra on a desperate quest to free Caleb's father, release the captive children and restore order to the city.
Sylvain Chomet's animated illustrations incorporate line drawings, painted backgrounds, expressive caricatures and entertaining scenes. Caleb's cab reads like a movie script, each setting ripe for showing on the big screen, with moody backgrounds and the play of evil characters pitted against the central cast.
Rhyllis Bignell

In focus: 101 close ups, cross sections and cutaways by Libby Walden

Little Tiger Press, 2016. ISBN 9781848575059
Twenty years ago one of the most popular series of books in my library featured the cutaway illustrations of Stephen Beisty as the children were fascinated by being able to look beneath the outside of things to see what lay concealed and how these things worked. In this fascinating book compiled by Libby Walden, ten illustrators have placed ten everyday subjects under the microscope to uncover what lies beneath their surface and produced 101 fascinating pictures that are familiar to children and which will fascinate them for hours.
Using the broad headings of Oceans, Home, Earth and Space, Landmarks, Nature, Everyday Objects, Buildings, Fruit and Vegetables, Animals and Transport, they can explore the workings of everything from a shark to the Statue of Liberty to the inside of a banana in close-ups, cross-sections and cutaways. They can even discover how their toilet works!
Even though the book nominally has 26 pages, each opens out to a double spread giving each topic six pages of fascinating information. On the exterior of the gatefold is an illustration of a number of objects and then by opening it, the interior of each object is exposed, a clever design technique that adds to the notion of peeking inside. Because the captions are brief and sometimes technical this is more suited to the independent reader who can use it as a starter to find out more, but nevertheless would still be good in the hands of an adult and child who is curious and just wants a simple explanation.
Another example of why and how we can keep our print collections vibrant and interesting. A perfect adjunct for those with a makerspace in the library.
Barbara Braxton

Zog and the flying doctors by Julia Donaldson

Ill. by Axel Scheffler. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781407164953
(Age: 4-6) Recommended. Princess Pearl, Gadabout the Great and Zog the helpful dragon fly across the kingdom assisting the sick. The flying doctors have special roles: 'Princess Pearl gives medicine, pills and vaccinations, while Gad the knight is an expert at field operations.' Zog the dragon is happy to ferry them to the ailing animals and creatures but unfortunately, he needs a little practice in landing. They assist a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with an extra horn and a lion suffering from the flu. Here Zog lights a warm fire to keep his cave warm and Pearl administers a special pill to stop his symptoms.
When Pearl and her friends visit her Uncle's castle, things change dramatically. Pearl is captured and locked up, allowed to sew pretty cushions and make floral arrangements, jobs suited to a princess. Zog and Gadabout try unsuccessfully to rescue her. When the king falls ill and none of the visiting doctors can make him better, it is time for Pearl to send her friends on a mission.
Julia Donaldson's rhyming text is easy to read, and children enjoy predicting the rhyming words - sneeze, cheese and unicorn, horn. When sharing this book with a young audience take time to stop at the scenes where Pearl is imprisoned. Ask them to think of the things that she will need to save her uncle. Astute readers will predict the importance of the Flying Doctor's previous stops.
Axel Scheffler's familiar illustrative style of working with ink, watercolours and coloured pencils brings the vibrant fantasy world to life. Hidden somewhere in the story is Donaldson and Scheffler's most famous character The Gruffalo.
Rhyllis Bignell

Dance with me by Penny Harrison

Ill. by Gwynneth Jones. EK Books, 2016. ISBN 9781925335231
The ballerina lived in a little wooden box and every day she stood straight and tall and danced for the little girl who would laugh and clap her hands and dance like the ballerina herself. But as the years passed, the little girl grew up and the ballerina danced for her less and less, until, eventually, she danced no longer.
So one day she jumped down from her box, skipped out the windowsill to find a new dance partner. But the bee in the flowers was too busy; the turtle on the seashore wasn't a dancer; and the leopard on the island wanted her for his lunch! So the ballerina hurried home to her box and danced one last time for the little girl. But sadly, it was not enough and the lid was closed and the box stored away for many years. Until one day another little girl opened the lid...
This is a poignant story about growing up and the treasured keepsakes we grow beyond as we do so. For while it is the story of the ballerina wanting to do what she loves, it is also the story of those things that we always think of when we think of our childhood and which we know we will pass on to our own children in the hope they will get similar joy. Gwynneth Jones's illustrations are charming - gentle pastels while the ballerina is happy dancing for the girl and a bolder palette as she gets bolder - and feed right into the vision we have when we think about musical boxes with their magic tucked inside.
A great opportunity to talk about memories with our children as well as what they love enough to want to keep for their children, creating bonds across generations.
Barbara Braxton

Penguin problems by Jory John

Ill. by Lane Smith. Walker, 2016. ISBN 9780553513370
(Age: 4-8 and adults) Recommended. Always look on the bright side of life, have an attitude of gratitude, don't worry be happy,
wait, this penguin had definitely not embraced these pearls of wisdom. He addresses us in a bold and in your face manner. His life in the frozen wilderness of Antarctica is a constant cause for complaint; too early, too cold, too noisy even the sea is too salty! This grumpy bird informs us of all the inherent difficulties living in this freezing environment. Underwater there are predators like sharks and leopard seals to avoid; even finding your parents is difficult because every penguin looks the same.
Mr. Walrus stops the little penguin with a monologue filled with sage advice, reminding him about the beauty of his surroundings, the blue of the sky and the warmth of the sun. When Penguin stops to observe the snow capped mountains, he pauses and realises that 'maybe things will work out after all.'
Jory John's penguin character is relatable, as some days children can fall in to the habit of complaining and self-absorption. Lane Smith's icy blue and white landscapes and black underwater settings bring the character to life. The tempo of the story halts when the walrus appears and begins to speak. Is this full page of conversation necessary?
Penguin problems is suitable for families to share and as part of health and wellbeing class activities. Discuss positive thinking, appreciating your everyday surroundings and by showing kindness to others and accepting yourself.
Rhyllis Bignell