Reviews

The tales of Mrs Mancini by Natalie Jane Prior

Ill. by Cheryl Orsini. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780733335655
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Cats, Humour, Short stories, Friendship. Three short stories are contained in this book, each delightfully illustrated by Orsini, making the mouth water at the range of wonderful cakes in Mrs Mancini's shop.
The cat with her human friend, Filippina, watches out for the humans in the street where they live. Many come into the shop for regular treats: the twins have a meringue on their way home from school, Jack likes banana muffins, while Claudette and her brother Ziggy, share their eclairs.
But one day Mrs Mancini sees Ziggy get into a taxi, leaving his sister bereft. He doffs his cap for her to keep while he is away but a breeze catches it and it lands on the roof. It is up to Mrs Mancini to get it back for Claudette who is so lonely without her brother. The next story concerns the accident prone Jack, at home with his dad while mum is in hospital with the new baby. When Mrs Mancini finds out why Jack has a bruised knee and a bandage around his wrist, she decides to do something about the bullies. The third story shows the twins, usually inseparable, falling out over a minor rift. Mrs Mancini again saves the day, bringing the girls together again.
Each of the stories shares lessons about living together. Loneliness, grief, bullying, friendship, companionship and so one are dealt with in these short stories and could form the basis of discussions within the classroom or at home. Combined with the yummy illustrations, this will be a treat for all who read it.
Fran Knight

Animasaurus: Incredible animals that roamed the Earth by Tracey Turner

Ill. by Harriet Russell. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408884850
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Animasaurus is a prehistoric compendium filled with fascinating facts about the plant-eaters, sea creatures, predators and creepy crawlies that once inhabited the Earth. Discover amazing information, their statistics, habitats, diet, size and weight and compare these with photos of modern day relatives.
Unusual dinosaurs not commonly known such as the Therizinosaurus lived on the Mongolian Plains 75 million years ago scared predators away with its metre long claws. The fossils of Gigantopithecus or giant ape were discovered in India and Southeast Asia. They grew to three metres in height, had big teeth just right for their vegetarian diet. Deep under the sea Cameroceras, nine-metre long shellfish with metre long tentacles and sharp beaks used a jet-propulsion swimming style to stalk their prey. Animals that are more familiar are included as well -Giant Kangaroos, Woolly Mammoths and Megaladons great white sharks.
Each double-page spread includes an introduction, exploration of the animal's features, a map, timeline and size comparison to a human. Centred on bold backgrounds of earth, sea and sky tones are Harriet Russell's simplistic creature drawings.
As part of the Earth and Space Science strand of the Australian Science curriculum, Animasaurus links to geological processes and history, the fossil record and past environmental conditions and changes over time. This non-fiction volume provides information suited to student research projects and enquiry-based learning. Fans of scientific encyclopaedias and budding palaeontologists will also enjoy this book.
Rhyllis Bignell

The last beginning by Lauren James

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406358063
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Clove Sutcliffe is determined to solve the mystery of Katherine and Matthew who vanished 16 years ago only to be reincarnated at every key point in history. As Clove follows her quarry from life to life, historical era to historical era, it seems that she too is being stalked. Ella is as enigmatic as the mysteries Clove must solve to unravel the past and secure her future.
The sequel to The Next Together, Lauren James's debut novel, The Last Beginning, is a fitting follow on. The characters are believable and the literary devices used at the beginning of each chapter add credibility and interest. The book also provides satisfying links with its prequel allowing for a truly satisfying conclusion.
Ros Lange

Counting on you by Corinne Fenton

Ill. by Robin Cowcher. The Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760403898
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Emotions. Written by award winning author Corinne Fenton, Counting on you follows a boy and his kite and a theme of emotion. The story begins with a whimsical feel but as you read along, you begin to feel a bit down which may suggest it focuses on the emotion of sadness.
Visually, the book is tactile with the front cover having a spongy pillow affect. It feels like a good quality book with the opportunity for individuals to give it as a gift which is a sweet touch. Additionally, Robin Cowcher's illustrations have been created using a limited colour palette and using a watercolour technique.
Keely Coard

Rain Stones by Jackie French

25th Anniversary Edition. Harper Collins Publishers, 2016 (First published in 1991). ISBN 9781460753170
(Age: 9 - adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Short Stories; Australian stories; Vision and Blindness; Aboriginal traditions; Mythology; Ecology. Jackie French is a prolific story weaver with every one of her books a testament to her great skill with words; Rain Stones is where she started as a published author. These stories have not lost any of their power and intrigue with age. And as a collection of short stories it stands as a great reminder of the craft of the short story - leaving the reader wishing they could follow the next chapter in the life of the characters or see the next twist in the plot. I loved each of the stories, all connected with the thread of the Australian landscape, but I especially loved the Afterword where Jackie French reveals the genesis of this book and her career. She is the Australian J. K Rowling in that she began her writing career to stave off poverty and to enable her to provide for her child as a single mother. But we also see how a true storyteller can overcome difficulties and create a masterpiece with meagre ingredients, but with great passion. It's a pity I am not a movie maker, because Jackie's story and her Rain stones stories would make a wonderful Aussie film. This is also a book to share with children who battle with learning issues or have come from difficult circumstances, as Jackie French proves that from these seeds can grow opportunities. And learning to see 'story' in the dreams and environment around all of us is part of Jackie's story for aspiring writers. She has had 140 books published, and I have read many of them . . . . there is not a single story that would disappoint! (And to think that her first manuscript created on her type-writer from the tip (without the e-key) was so disgustingly presented that the publishers laughed at its presentation . . . . and yet the story won them over, as it will for you.)
Highly recommended for aged 9 - adult, and lovers of Short Story.
Carolyn Hull

Hilda and the Stone Forest by Luke Pearson

Hilda series, bk. 5. Flying Eye Books, 2016. ISBN 9781909263741
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Luke Pearson's fantasy adventure series stars Hilda the lively, blue-haired young girl, her pet deerfox Twig and Tontu a house spirit who can walk through walls. In Hilda and the Stone Forest she is swept up into the magical adventures of her house spirit's world, chasing little nisse-sprites through the forest of trolls. Hilda's mother becomes worried at her disappearances and her dishevelled appearances and suspects her daughter is lying. Sent to her room as a punishment, Hilda sneaks out of her window to take an enchanting flight on the back of the magic raven with her friend Frida. Grounded, for three days, Hilda watches the world from her bedroom window as the troll fires burn on the mountain.
While trying to stop Hilda from escaping through the wall with Tontu, mother, daughter and Twig fly through the air and land in the strange, shadowy forest of the trolls. Their journey takes them deep into the mountain inhabited by trolls, where they learn to rely on each other's abilities. Fantastical creatures, trolls with two heads, a baby troll, worms with giant teeth and threatening landscapes with rock falls, dead ends and dark caves prove dangerous for Hilda and her mother. With the help of Twig and surprising assistance from an unexpected character, they finally return to the safety of their home in Trolberg.
Pearson's graphic novels are dynamic and fast-paced with his creative illustrations displaying his understanding of connectivity to space, time and movement. There is an energy created by images that wrap around, with the unexpected placement of action panels and diagonal lines, which burst across the page pushing the action forward. The characters move across, up, down, defy gravity and burst out from the scenes with minimal speech bubbles; the reader is immersed in the drama. Pearson's use of a muted palette is visually engaging with swathes of colours, greys, reds, earth tones, leaf greens, colouring the characters and their backgrounds.
Hilda and the Stone Forest ends with the assurance of more magical stories to come.
Rhyllis Bignell

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