Books from the Basement

Books reviewed 2.02.12

2012-02-11T17:00:00.000+10:00

Picture books of children’s songs with a CD included encourage a child’s early reading development. Songs are important because their beats can be matched with words in the lyrics, a bit like flash cards to a melody.

2012-02-11T16:57:00.000+10:00

Wash your face in orange juice

Peter Combe, ill. Danielle Mcdonald

Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781741699616 RRP: $16.99

Includes three songs, the title song, also known as Mr Clicketty Cane, Stuck in a pizza, and Spaghetti bolognaise; such is the popularity of food and nonsense in children’s songs. The illustrations are brightly coloured in poster-paint style, boldly drawn figures, all cartoon style animals though the songs mention people; and there’s lots of vitality across the pages to encourage action with the words and dancing to the music. This is a happy book to have in your children’s collection; keep it in the car to fill the drive with fun.

2012-02-11T16:55:00.000+10:00

There’s a hole in my bucket

Ill. Jenny Cooper,
Sung by the Topp Twins
Scholastic NZ
ISBN: 9781775430469 RRP: $16.99

This infinitely looping song has a German folk song origin. This version is given a comical blue-grass treatment by the popular country duo from New Zealand, with a strong appeal to children. Cartoon style illustrations show real personality, with Henry the hopeless questioner depicted as a goat, and Liza a common-sense farm duck. Their characters are distinct and their antics are hilarious; Liza’s expressions are particularly entertaining, frustration brimming on her bill.

2012-02-11T16:52:00.000+10:00

The lion sleeps tonight

Song by Solomon Linda

Ill. Shane Devries
Sung by Jay Laga’aia
Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781741698077 RRP: $26.99

Began life as Mbube in the 1920s, not as a traditional song. In recent times covered by several folk singing groups, when it was often known as the Wim-o-weh song. More lately borrowed for the score of The lion king, hence a colourful copyright history over many years. The storyline plays off the lyrics. While the lion is sleeping, other animals want to party on; only the humorous efforts of the hippopotamus stalls them, until all are tired enough from staying up that they too fall asleep. Glowing colours and majestic caricatures of African jungle animals, ensure the success of this book with children.

2012-02-11T16:49:00.000+10:00

The red poppy

David Hill, ill. Fifi Colston

Scholastic NZ
ISBN: 9781869439989 RRP: $26.99

The story of one battle of WW1, yet all battles of WW1 on the Western Front, inspired by the song Little red poppy, written by Rob Kennedy (CD included). A group of allied soldiers has to go over the top in an early morning rush against the German trenches and against machine guns and rifles. Nipper, their messenger dog, finds two injured soldiers sheltering in a bomb crater, one British, the other German; he brings help to them via a red poppy in his message pouch. The illustrations are beautifully drawn, showing the gloom of war in their sombre dark colours, touched with hope in the red of the poppy. This is a wonderful book for those times when we acknowledge the sacrifices of those in war.

Books reviewed 26.01.12

2012-02-03T17:42:00.000+10:00

Today is Australia Day and I have three more all Australian books, to go with those from last week, that show the diversity of our lives and our children’s literature.

2012-02-03T17:40:00.001+10:00

Nancy Bentley: the First Australian female sailor

Tracey Hawkins, ill. Jacqui Grantford

New Frontier Publishing

ISBN: 9781921042812 RRP: $24.95

The first female enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy was not from the WRANS (established 1941) but six year old Nancy bitten by a snake when she was living with her family at Port Arthur, Tasmania, no longer a penal colony but a small remote harbour. The nearest medical help was on HMAS Sydney which happened to be anchored there. But this was 1920 and women were not allowed aboard the King’s ships. The story tells how Nancy became an enlisted sailor, if only for a few days. In that time, she recovered, sailed to Hobart and enjoyed shore leave at the movies with the ship’s crew. The vignette illustrations are in watercolour and pen outline; they give the illusion of sketches in a journal. Beginning readers who are growing in reading confidence will enjoy this taste of historical writing.

2012-02-03T17:36:00.000+10:00

All the way to W.A.: Our search for Uncle Kev

Roland Harvey
Allen& Unwin
ISBN: 9781741758856 RRP: $24.99

Enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia in this fifth family vacation story. Uncle Kev has been searching for the elusive Bearded Night Parrot and is now reported as missing. The family set out to find him and this is the record of their search. Across the Nullarbor then up the west coast, through famous and beautiful places until Kevin is found – atop a bottle tree, surrounded by a pack of hungry crocodiles; it’s that kind of story. The text is filled with wit, irony and hilarious double-takes. So too the illustrations in their characteristic chaotic detail, filled with jokes that you are compelled to search for at the risk of losing the thread of the story. Beware the parent who tries to read this with a straight face.

2012-02-03T17:34:00.000+10:00

Lightning Jack

Glenda Millard, ill. Patricia Mullins

Scholastic Australia
ISBN13: 9781741693911 RRP: $26.99

Sam Tully sees Lightning Jack with his gleaming black coat and jagged white blaze in a herd of brumbies and is determined to tame him. Soon Sam and Jack are creating adventures as they round up the stock Clancy style through stringy barks. But there’s more fantasy than fancy in this horse which takes Sam on magical adventures, bringing rains to the dry plains, foiling an outlaw dressed in tin, and racing a big red horse down the track. Things are not as they seem of course, and Jack’s magic has more to do with a boy’s excitement on a show ride than gallant adventures. The text strides at ballad pace in couplets of rich language, seven beats to a line, with elegant rhymes that often catch your breath. The collage illustrations are in fine papers of gorgeous colours, fibres teased, pieces torn, folded and crumpled creating textures and movement that mesmerise the eye.

2012-02-03T17:31:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 19.01.12

2012-01-28T23:48:00.000+10:00

The first reviews of 2012 are all Australian new releases. I’m particularly happy to start with one from two Queenslanders.

2012-01-28T23:45:00.000+10:00

Not this little black duck

Mark Svendsen, ill. Ben Redlich

Koala Books
ISBN: 9781742760049 RRP: $13.99 (softcover)

A little black duck shows how serious humour can be. Other ducks tease him with puns on his name - Duck. When his chance comes for a payback on their golf-range home, he knows they will be confused by the calls duck! and fore! Is this his chance for revenge – or could he be a hero? The text chuckles along with quirky internal rhymes and rhythms, and is well-matched by the energetic illustrations that contain their own laughs for the observant reader. Beyond the hilarity this is a book about breaking the bullying cycle and how effective choices achieve better outcomes. This partnership is gaining popularity as Australia’s best humorists for early childhood readers.

2012-01-28T23:41:00.000+10:00

Ten Blue Wrens and what a lot of wattle!

Elizabeth Honey

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742377872 RRP: $24.99

A counting book that includes kelpie dogs and potoroos, meat pies with sauce faces, the wrens and the wattle in bottles, and flies on your back, as well as Two straight fingers for a goal in Aussie rules – what could be more originally Australian! The text is in rhyming couplets, sometimes in a risky rhythm daring the critics to be critical. Flies and crowds and fireworks take the count beyond 12 into very large numbers – thrillions even. The illustrations, done using stencils, are playful and bright-coloured and bring a musical vibrancy to the text. The originality of this counting book makes it essential for all children’s collections.

2012-01-28T23:38:00.000+10:00

The little refugee

Anh Do and Suzanne Do, ill. Bruce Whatley

ALLEN & UNWIN
ISBN: 9781742378329 RRP: $24.99

Adapted for children from the best-selling and award-winning memoir for adults The happiest refugee, comes this story of the author’s childhood days. From dangerous times in Vietnam at the end of the war, across precarious oceans in an unreliable boat and attacked by pirates, finally to be picked up by a German cargo ship, the story takes us to Australia. The next phase is starting at school and dealing with a strange culture, while the parents work hard at home to make things better for the family. Neither is an easy task but the hope and resilience that the mother has always shown finally has its rewards when her son is chosen as class captain in his last year of primary school. Heartwarming and candid, no hint of sentimentality, just the hope that things will get better, a sense of humour prevails. Two styles of illustrations are used, with artistic pen and wash drawings detailing the dramatic events of escape gradually giving way to more open, almost caricaturist drawings as life for the family lightens and, as the mother has said, things turn out okay in the end.

2012-01-28T23:33:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 22.11.12

2011-12-29T12:31:00.000+10:00

Now that the annual frenzy has passed, it’s a good time to remember that good books make great gifts at any time. There is always something special for young readers on the shelves of good bookstores.

2011-12-29T12:29:00.000+10:00

Aesop's Fables

Beverley Naidoo, illustrated by Piet Grobler

Frances Lincoln Children's Books
ISBN: 9781847800077 RRP: $29.95

Both author and illustrator are UK based but South African born and this origin shows strongly in these versions, told with the vigour of African folktales in which the wise and witty survive. Aesop used many African animals in his tales, but not warthogs, jackals and klipspringers. Several other African animals occupy these tales and these new characters in such ancient roles bring freshness to the stories. Readers will also enjoy the illustrations, all set in an African landscape, in a style that resonates with ancient Greek murals, but showing a light hand of humour and a modern execution.

2011-12-29T12:27:00.001+10:00

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406315110 RRP: $32.95

This version of the popular German folktale highlights the divide between rich and poor as well as the consequences of unfilled promises that the story is well-known for. Here, it is the careless disposal of rubbish by the rich which attracts the rats into the town. There’s a timeless nature to the illustrations as well. Instinctively we realise the story is set in the past but sometimes these costumes seem closer to the recent past. The colourful palette of the illustrations and their vitality truly reflect the piper of the story. The piper himself is dressed in an outfit that could well suit a flute-playing hippy minstrel of today. This mix of fairy tale fantasy and modern reference to social and environmental themes, will appeal to all the family.

2011-12-29T12:24:00.003+10:00

North: the Greatest animal journey on Earth

Nick Dowson, illustrated by Patrick Benson

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781844287758 RRP: $29.95

A spare poetic text describes the changes that Spring brings to the Arctic north, then recounts the great Summer migrations to the North, where many animals will feed and breed until the time comes to roam southwards for the Winter. The journeys made by animals far and wide, through water, the air and across lands are described: whales from the Mexican Pacific; white cranes from China; caribou from the Canadian forests; and more, each with a hazardous story to tell. The shimmering illustrations illuminate the tales of the animals and the realistic style reveals further details of information for the watchful eye. This magnificent, majestic book will engage the budding naturalist in many hours of exploration.

2011-12-29T12:22:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 15.11.12

2011-12-24T17:33:00.000+10:00

Here are some last minute gift suggestions for the festive season.

2011-12-24T17:31:00.000+10:00

Tin Toys

Bruce Whatley and Ben Smith Whatley

Random House
ISBN: 9781864719918 RRP: $19.95

At least the third special Christmas story from the Whatley family – I hope it is becoming a tradition. This one is about toys and magical events on Xmas Eve. Set in a toy shop that is more likely a toy collector’s shop for its vintage toys as well as modern toys on the shelves. The older toys reminisce about the old Space Ride, a toy merry-go-round with space rockets and satellites. It’s a wind-up toy. But the shopkeeper keeps the key on his vest chain. So the adventure begins, and doesn’t always take the right turn. The computer-drawn illustrations are as realistic as photographs and bring liveliness to the story. Entertain for boys around 5, and their dads and granddads for the memories of their toy years.

2011-12-24T17:28:00.000+10:00

Just right

Birdie Black, illustrated by Ros Beardshaw

Nosy Crow (through Allen & Unwin)
ISBN: 9780857630308 RRP: $22.95

On Xmas Eve the king buys a bolt of bright red cloth to have a grand cloak made for his daughter. The scraps are left on the back stairs where they are taken by a kitchen-maid to make a jacket for her mother. The scraps at their back door are taken by Bertie Badger who makes a hat for his pa, and his scraps by Sam Squirrel, and his by Milly Mouse, each making something smaller from the scraps that are left. Not only has the red fabric been shared, but also the spirit of giving, from the King to mouse. The universal theme of about the goodwill and giving gives it a place on your gift list. The bright colours, inspired by the red of the cloth, convey the happiness of the theme.

2011-12-24T17:26:00.000+10:00

Mr Darcy

Alex Field, illustrated by Peter Carnavas

New Frontier Publishing
ISBN: 9781921042836 RRP: $24.95

Not at all about the gift-giving season but a new release charmer. The romance of Austen comes to picture books as Mr Darcy, a reserved though mannered duck, tries hard to ignore Lizzy’s invitation to tea. He is flustered by her persistence, then humbled when he falls into a puddle of mud and she organises his retrieval. He begins to have a change of mind then ultimately one of the heart, when he joins Lizzy and her sisters and their friends after all. The delightful illustrations in pen-lined watercolours create a range of perky characters in top hats, bonnets and ribbons, and add lots to its charm.

2011-12-24T17:21:00.003+10:00

Books reviewed 8.12.11

2011-12-17T17:44:00.000+10:00

It’s wonderful to have some new releases from the bright lights of Australian children’s literature at this time of the year because it means there are some high quality books available as gift selections.

2011-12-17T17:42:00.000+10:00

Look, a Book!

Libby Gleeson, illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Little Hare (Hardie Grant Egmont)
ISBN: 9781921541803 RRP: $24.95

From an international award winning duo, this book takes up the catch-cry that reading can bring adventures not otherwise encountered. That is what happens to two children when they find a book, which they ‘borrow’. As they peer into the pages the world transforms around them: a sailing boat of a corrugated iron sheet and a bed sheet for a sail; a teacup becomes a canoe. Further riches of imagination await when the book is read aloud. The text is a simple one, but a skeleton to these images, which open the many layers the text hides. The illustrator’s interpretation shows sheer brilliance.

2011-12-17T17:39:00.000+10:00

A Bus Called Heaven

Bob Graham

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406334197 RRP: $27.95

A small community adopts an abandoned bus and turns it into a community centre. Donations bring all sorts of comfortable things, even a soccer game table with rattling players and one goalie missing. Local graffiti artists are convinced to paint the bus in spring scenes all over. But the front wheels encroach on the footpath. What if the authorities find out? We know that they have when a tow truck arrives. The joyful community centre is towed away until intrepid Stella steps forward to challenge the junkyard owner to a game of table soccer. The gentle illustrations are filled with community spirit in this story of community action for beginner readers.

2011-12-17T17:37:00.000+10:00

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

Graeme Base

Penguin Viking Australia
ISBN: 9780670074679 RRP: $29.95

In this fabulous journey into the world of Ancient Egypt Jackal and Ibis are brought before Cat Pharaoh, for stealing in the market place. Pharaoh is in an unusually generous mood and offers to set them free – if they can return the golden Jewel Fish stolen from her by the Crocodile Prince of Karnak. But, they must not get the fish wet, or steal anything else there. At Karnak they quickly find the Jewel Fish and are bedazzled by the Prince’s treasures. He won’t miss a few pieces – they think. Disaster! They are left with nothing but the curse of Cat Pharaoh. Sumptuous illustrations entertain the reader’s eye, and hide a game that will free Jackal and Ibis; but first they must unravel the clues given at the author’s website.

2011-12-17T17:35:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 24.11.11

2011-12-10T14:52:00.000+10:00

Children learn a lot about emotions from stories; and perhaps it’s preferable they encounter some feelings there before they meet them in life.

2011-12-10T14:49:00.000+10:00

Grumpy little King

Michel Streich

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742375724 RRP: $24.99

Meet a little king who is nothing but grumpy. He’s a little king of a tiny country who wants to be a big king of an enormous country. His advisors suggest a war; his general loves the idea. But all the promises of medals and glory count for nothing when the soldiers realise their king is nowhere to be seen when the battle line is drawn. The line drawings with splashes of pure colours, drawn with spontaneity and wit, depict a pompous little king with a manic glare. Under 8s will enjoy the joke of this modern cautionary tale.

2011-12-10T14:47:00.000+10:00

Love waves

Rosemary Wells

Candlewick Press (Walker Books Australia)
ISBN: 9780763649890 RRP: $19.95

This is a story of family love for the times, for the parents here are both working, and the book shows that even when they are away, the parents are thinking of their child. Love still binds the family. The story is told in a lilting rhyme, which never slips into sentimentality; it is genuine in tone. The perky animal characters, a signature of the author-illustrator, have a captivating charm and the glorious colours wrap them in a glow of affection. This lovely little book has oodles of appeal for the under 5s and would make a precious gift for a new born.

2011-12-10T14:45:00.000+10:00

How do you feel?

By Anthony Browne

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406330175 RRP: $27.95

Begins by asking the question of the title, then the book’s single character – typically simian as in most of Browne’s books – describes the emotions he feels from time to time. The text is quite simple and repetitive, exploring a gamut of feelings for very young readers. The genius is in the illustrations which reflect in facial expression, posture and gesture, and in colour, exactly the emotion which is described. Under 3s will certainly recognise the feelings and even imitate them, like looking into a mirror. This is a wonderful book for adult and child to share, to pull faces and describe the emotions they feel.

2011-12-10T14:42:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 17.11.11

2011-11-26T21:14:00.000+10:00

Most children’s books about colours are concept books which teach the names of colours and display their hues. But colour is more than that in our lives; colour can be associated with mood and emotion; it can also express personality.

2011-11-26T21:11:00.000+10:00

Nana's colours

Pamela Allen

Penguin Viking Australia
ISBN: 9780670075379 RRP: $19.95

This takes a concept book approach in introducing a sequence of colours and their names, with children parading across the pages, each with a bunch of flowers in a different colour to give to Nana for her birthday. Each child is drawn in black and white while the flowers are simple prints of colours, something children could easily copy given some paint and a carved carrot-end. When all of the children have delivered their gifts, the scene bursts into colour as Nana’s infectious happiness sets the children dancing and playing. This is a charming book for the under 3s.

2011-11-26T21:09:00.000+10:00

The artist who painted a blue horse

Eric Carle

Penguin Picture Puffin
ISBN: 9780141340012 RRP: $24.95

Also in the format of a colour concept book in introducing colours and their names but is much more than that. Here, the colours are out of harmony with their objects – a red crocodile, an orange elephant, a polka-dot donkey and of course a blue horse. The inspiration comes from leading German Expressionist Franz Marc, who expressed emotion in his work through the unusual colours he used. Carle takes the view that children’s creativity is best developed when they express themselves freely rather than by following a set of rules. This delightfully uncomplicated book is a joy of creative colour, to be shared with under 5s.

2011-11-26T21:07:00.000+10:00

If kisses were colours

Janet Lawler, ill. Alison Jay

Templar Books (Hardie Grant Egmont)
ISBN: 9781848776197 RRP: $14.95

Draws all these notions of colour into an expression of the love between mother and child. Rhyming couplets describe the mother’s kisses in several metaphors, all framed in the embrace of colours, either directly or indirectly: rainbows, fiery comets, silvery snow. While the colours are not all identified, they are there to be named and through the illustrations they tenderly illuminate the maternal affection of the verse. It is in a larger size board book format and would make a wonderful gift for a new born.

2011-11-26T21:05:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 10.11.11

2011-11-19T22:52:00.000+10:00

Christmas is looking grim on the Australian publishing scene this year. So far I have found only four new Australian Christmas releases. In the meantime here are some special gift books as something different for that special occasion.

2011-11-19T22:49:00.000+10:00

Aladdin

Niroot Puttapipat

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406316636 RRP: $29.95

Illustrated through a series of three dimensional scenes which take the form of silhouette dioramas in three planes, the text of the story is found on panels that open out at the edges of the pages, each panel fronted with an artistic impression of a character. The colours are mainly black and white, embroidered with the richness of blues, greens, auburns and gold, creating a magical ambience for the tale. The story is told with the lyrical elegance we associate with the Arabian fairy tales. This is an extraordinary book that even adults would be pleased to receive.

2011-11-19T22:47:00.000+10:00

Have you ever ever ever?

Colin McNaughton, ill. Emma Chichester-Clark

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406322880 RRP: $29.95

Not so much a collection of nursery rhymes but a gathering of characters there from, one after another they are introduced along with their wives in a galloping rhyme. The young character in the story doesn’t know them and says as much in a verse that reflects the introduction. And so it goes to the end of the story where we finish in a library filled with the characters and books they come from. The comical but delicate illustrations suit the pace and rhythm of the rhyme, offering a lot of fun to under 5s.

2011-11-19T22:45:00.000+10:00

A Song for Lorkie

Jennifer Castles, ill. Dean Bowen

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742377186 AUD $29.99

Lorkie is a roofbird. He’s been friends since the egg with Brian, and together they’ve had lots of roof adventures. But Lorkie yearns to escape the order and conformity of the roof community. The time comes when he breaks free and chases the dizzying chaos of the roadbird life. When he rests in the Argy-Bargy roundabout he realises he is alone. Has his urge to be true to himself cut him off from the only world he has known? This is a dilemma many children will face along the way and into their adulthood. It’s refreshing to find a book that is able to present such a philosophical question to such a young age. The artwork is magnificent with bright modern colours outlining the geometric pattern of suburban roofs, and splashes of all colours dotting the black roadway as the erratic traffic swirls by. This sweetly thought-filled tale is one to be shared between parent and child, creating lots of room for discussion afterwards.

2011-11-19T22:43:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 27.10.11

2011-11-13T22:42:00.000+10:00

Internationally renowned author for adults and children Neil Gaiman has initiated a new Halloween tradition. He calls it All Hallow’s Read www.allhallowsread.com and it entails giving or sharing a scary book during the week of Halloween. Here are some newly released scary books for children.

2011-11-13T22:40:00.000+10:00

Sounds Spooky

Christopher Cheng, ill. Sarah Davis

Random House
ISBN: 9781864718799 $19.95RRP:RR RRP: $19.95

A little girl awakes to strange sounds she hears and some are coming from inside the house. She’s not scared - she says - as the noises creep closer. Then they are right there in the room! The text uses onomatopoeia very effectively to create a scary atmosphere. The illustrations are quite unique, models and sculptures which have then been photographed under muted light, dark-shaded colours and a touch of luminous transparency. Creepy without the crawly, there’s a twist in the tale which readers can see from the start - and a happy ending.

2011-11-13T22:38:00.000+10:00

The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon

Aaron Blabey

Penguin Viking
ISBN: 9780670074747 RRP: $29.95

Another story that uses an undercurrent of humour to lighten the ghoulish. Annabel is a cranky ghost who vexes the villagers of Twee at all times of the day. In steps unlikely hero Herbert Kettle, whose brilliant suggestion is to ask the poor ghost why it’s here. So he does - after he has walked through the dark crooked forest to the dark little house and open the dark creaky door before he finds her ‘looking spooky and somewhat unstable’. He draws closer and Annabelle pours out her soul – so to speak. The story is written in ballad style and the ebb and flow of its rhythms follow the fluctuation of plot; gaunt colours open out to the light as Annabel is finally released from her roaming. Be happy to know that Annabel becomes a happy ghost and Twee returns to its happy self.

2011-11-13T22:35:00.000+10:00

Vampyre

Margaret Wild, illustrated by Andrew Yeo

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781921529221 RRP: $29.95

It seems every romantic lead is a vampire these days (if not a werewolf); but not in this case. The vampire of this story remembers a childhood spent in midnight games and dark forests with glimpses of the light. As he grows he yearns to break free from the wretched chains of the underworld and seeks the light and enlightenment of the world. The question remains, if he succeeds, will he survive. The spare text is filled with powerfully evocative imagery, and allegorical in its tone. Dramatic illustrations extend the emotions of the text in shadowy greens and blues of nighttime and twilight, and oranges of a Mephistophelean glow. This is not a book for the under 8s but for older children, to reflect on the power of self belief.

2011-11-13T22:30:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 20.10.11

2011-11-06T22:08:00.000+10:00

Many children’s authors and illustrators have such clear memories of their childhood they inform their stories and bring to them a sense of authenticity.

2011-11-06T22:06:00.000+10:00

Babbit

Lydia Monks

Egmont
ISBN: 9781405254236 RRP: $16.95

What adventures childhood toys have! Babbit the blue rabbit is on a picnic with his child owners when he is stolen away by the Witchy One, the Snappy One, the Growly One and the Snorty One. They are on the brink of dividing him up when his owners sneak him away from the meanies’ den. Almost free they are caught again. In steps the Biggest One of All who soon gets them sorted out! This is the stuff of childhood imaginative games. The story is told in sparkling language and illustrations that have a beguiling simplicity in muted pastels and dashes of bouncing patterns. This is a book sure to inspire under 5s in their own toy games.

2011-11-06T22:04:00.000+10:00

Come Down, Cat!

Sonya Hartnett, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo

Penguin Viking
ISBN: 9780670074754 RRP: $24.95

What can Nicholas do to entice his cat from the roof, a second story roof at that? He has bravely climbed a ladder but she still stays just out of reach. Will he have to leave her there all night with the creepy-crawlies of the dark, and the ghosts and the monsters? He dozes off with those worrying thoughts but comforted that she will bravely face the dark. Then comes the rain and the cat can soon tell where her contrary game has left her. Will she have to bravely sit out the rain? The words will grip children’s attention as they join Nicholas in his concern. The wonderful illustrations with their many perspectives and slight medieval resonance create the perfect uncertain atmosphere for the story.

2011-11-06T22:01:00.000+10:00

The Road to Goonong

David Cox

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742375212
RRP: $29.99

These are real memories, recollections of the author-illustrator’s childhood growing up on a family farm in rural Queensland, where mechanisation has wrought many changes though the challenges of living remain the same. This was a time and place of horses and the space to ride them. It was also a time of the Great Depression and drought. The details make up the joys and dramas of this story, written with a charming bush-yarning style. The vitality and spontaneity of the illustrations create a landscape that seems as fresh as yesterday. It’s just like sitting at a grandparent’s feet and listening to the reminiscences of an era gone by.

2011-11-06T21:59:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 13.10.11

2011-10-29T19:23:00.001+10:00

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Colin Thompson’s first children’s book. He came from the UK and adopted Australia with no interruption to his success at all. This week we celebrate his achievements.

2011-10-29T19:21:00.000+10:00

Pictures of home

Colin Thompson

Random House Australia Childrens
ISBN: 9781742750903 RRP: $17.95 (pbk)

One of his first picture books, using selected illustrations from calendars done for a UK building society, rereleased for this anniversary year. Short impressions of home by local school children caption the illustrations. The illustrations show houses of various styles and stages of construction emerging surreally from chairs and sofas, as well as from garden nooks. Miniature figures of people at work and rest, motor vehicles parked in quiet corners, and cats peering from odd places give a narrative mystery to the pictures. The intriguing detail of the pictures and the wistful philosophy of the children’s thoughts will still appeal to a wide audience.

2011-10-29T19:19:00.001+10:00

Barry

Colin Thompson

Random House Australia Childrens
ISBN: 9781864718836 RRP: $24.95

In this new release, Barry is an alien invention, sent by his makers to save the world; but he has been stuck down the back of a sofa. Messages still arrive from his home planet – it seems - but things are not quite right. Strange things are happening, like the Loch Ness monster, the Bermuda Triangle and reality television. His release from the sofa is a difficult one and he’s been a little unscrewed along the way. At least Barry can begin to do better things – or can he? The writing is direct, almost dead-pan, and the illustrations at their surreal best. Read at many levels from the silly story it seems to a commentary on our treatment of our planet.

2011-10-29T19:17:00.000+10:00

The naughty corner

Colin Thompson

Lothian Hachette
ISBN: 9780733619915 RRP: $24.99

George is just two-and-a-half and he is in the naughty corner for using a rude word – 57 times in the biscuit aisle of the supermarket. Big brother Peter is there next because he taught George the word. Then dad Bruce, who uses the word much too often, and that’s where Peter heard it. Mum doesn’t go into the naughty corner; it’s her job to send people there for them to become better. That makes her a bit boring; that’s why she is drawn in grey tones. The thing about the naughty corner is that it is fun getting there; a little bit of risk-taking lets the colour into life. This is a very subversive book on family discipline. Children ought to be sharing it with their parents.

2011-10-29T19:15:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 6.10.11

2011-10-22T17:57:00.000+10:00

Books make great gifts for any occasion, especially if you can tie the theme of the book into the particular occasion.

2011-10-22T17:54:00.000+10:00

Let's Go, Baby-o!

Janet and Andrew McLean

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742375649 RRP: $24.99

Are you looking for a book to give as a gift for a new born? Not only is this a book to entertain pre-toddlers; it is also a book to show parents how to keep pre-toddlers entertained. A baby sitter keeps her precious charge busy by making up chants and moving to the rhythm and the words of these: turn around; wibble and wobble; bounce and pounce. In between chanting games she takes the child to the window to watch what is going on in the garden, with older relatives working, other children playing, pets running around and bird chicks in a nest in a tree. Their stories change at every visit, opening up opportunities for the very young reader to describe what they see happening. These are scenes that are straight out of childhood and the illustrations have a playful charm that suits. Designed to be shared.

2011-10-22T17:52:00.000+10:00

Prudence wants a pet

Cathleen Daley, illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Scholastic Press
ISBN 9781596434684 RRP: $24.99

Are you looking for a book for a child bothering for a pet? Prudence’s parents keep saying No! If she can’t have one she’ll make one up. First Branch, a small tree branch which trips dad 8 times on the verandah, so becomes kindling for the firewood. Then Twig, which becomes lost in the spin-dry cycle when it is left in a pocket on washing day. And so Prudence trials many more pets, even baby brother, who doesn’t take well to eating grass. Finally her persistence makes an impression and with a birthday coming up who knows what might arrive in a pink box with a big ribbon and several holes in the sides. The simple illustrations with limited colours and quirky line are spaced across the page to show Prudence’s determination. Under 5 readers will delight in strategies they may not have thought of yet.

2011-10-22T17:50:00.000+10:00

Lazy Daisy, busy Lizzie

Mary Ellen Jordan, illustrated by Andrew Weldon

ALLEN & UNWIN
ISBN: 9781742374291 RRP: $19.99

Are you looking for a book for a child visiting a farm for the first time? A farm child introduces her animals to the reader, giving her assessment of each; it seems that most like to take it easy, except for Lizzie the hen – who is so busy anyway that she doesn’t lay eggs. In fact none of the animals do what they should! But at night they all do and all is quiet. The boldly coloured illustrations show the character of each animal and play off the catchy rhythms of the rhyming couplets in which the story is told. Under 5s will find the scenes of the farm animals not doing what they should very amusing in this entertaining read aloud.

2011-10-22T17:46:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 29.09.11

2011-10-16T15:33:00.000+10:00

The development of self-esteem is one of the major themes of children’s literature though the metaphors used to get there are diverse, from humorous fantasy to realistic change, as demonstrated in this week’s books.

2011-10-16T15:30:00.000+10:00

Nog and the Land of Noses

Bruce Whatley

Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781741698091 RRP: $26.99

In Nog’s land of noses, there are noses of all shapes and sizes. Everyone else seems to have a nose that is good for something. Even Nog’s dog Blog has a nose for balancing colourful bouncing balls. Nog’s nose just catches colds. Then one day he realizes that all that sniffing and snuffling and itchiness is not a cold coming on at all. Nog has a nose for the one thing that the people of the Land of Noses fear most of all! Nog saves the day and finds he is special, just like everyone else. The illustrations are suitably ridiculous in this nonsense story, which really does make a lot of sense after all. Under 5s will think this book is, well, a real hoot!

2011-10-16T15:28:00.000+10:00

The great expedition

Peter Carnavas

New Frontier Publishing
ISBN: 9781921042812 RRP: $24.95

A group of friends have a special package to deliver and must travel across dangerous territory. Through dry grasslands and into sandy plains, attrition is high until just the leader and his navigator are left to press on. After their map is blown away, they find rest under a large shady tree. With determination they strike out once more across the sun-baked soil and finally see their destination ahead – Grandma, at her front fence and they rush joyfully to deliver her birthday present. Readers can see the joke all along in the delightful illustrations, filled with homely humour. But it’s still a surprise to all when the final illustration reveals just where they have trekked. The main characters are named Robert and Will, and the author acknowledges in the end notes that the story was inspired by the Burke and Wills expedition.

2011-10-16T15:25:00.002+10:00

The red bridge

Kylie Dunstan

Windy Hollow Books

RRP: $27.99 ISBN: 9781921136726

After moving to Vietnam Claire is feeling the solitude away from her friends and the confusion of a different culture. To get to know the place better, she and her mother venture out into the town. After a couple of such ventures, Claire gains the confidence to try on her own. She becomes lost. Suddenly a red bridge is in front of her, and her smiling neighbour is there to help her home, just around the corner. From then on, the red bridge is Claire’s landmark for home and her symbol for new beginnings. The cut-paper collage illustrations with flashes of red through the colours and scattered calligraphy are particularly appealing, showing the clutter of a large Asian town, particularly in the representations of the flood of traffic streaming past. A satisfying adventure in an unusual setting for under 8s.

2011-10-16T15:21:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 22.09.11

2011-10-09T15:13:00.000+10:00

There’s a connecting theme to this week’s books; they are all about animals. That’s possibly been a connecting theme for some time but with this group they are from very different points of view, as you will see.

2011-10-09T15:07:00.002+10:00

Ben & Duck

Sara Acton

Scholastic Press
ISBN: 9781741699142 RRP: $24.99

At the park Ben feeds the ducks and one in particular takes a fancy to him. It begins to follow him home but when Ben gets on the bus, Duck doesn’t have a ticket. In any case, ducks have better ways to cover large distances, probably quicker too. When Ben answers the quack at the door, it’s the befriended duck from the park; so Ben invites it in for tea and … well, that’s where the magic of the story begins. The water colour, ink and crayon illustrations give the impression of snapshots in time. There’s a special delight in the deceptive simplicity of this tale. Magic realism? (It’s always been a feature of children’s books.)

2011-10-09T15:05:00.001+10:00

Bilby secrets

Edel Wignell, illustrated by Mark Jackson

Walker Books Australia
ISBN: 9781921529320 RRP: $29.95

This is an information book with two texts. One is a lyrical narrative that traces the day to day events in the life of an imagined male greater bilby from birth to the time he builds his own burrow and is ready for mating. The other is a series of factual comments about the events in the story acting as annotations to the story text. They are also distinguished by different typefaces. The mixed media illustrations are very impressive in an expressive but realistic style which captures the busy-ness of bilby activity. Young reader should explore these scenes carefully to discover other details that tie into a bilby’s life. This is the latest title in the exquisite Nature Storybooks series, ideally suited to under 8 readers.

2011-10-09T15:03:00.000+10:00

Naamah and the Ark at Night

Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Holly Meade

Candlewick Press (Walker Books Australia)
ISBN: 9780763642426 RRP: $27.95

Naamah is one variation of the name Naomi, the anglicised version of Noah’s wife’s name. The author has taken inspiration from this variation to write a tender lullaby as it is said to mean ‘great singer’. It attributes the calming of the restless cargo and uneasy souls during 40 days and nights of stormy assault on tossing seas to Naamah’s serene singing. The words are written following the pattern of an ancient Arabic poetic form called the ghazal, which is explained in the author notes. The illustrations are cut-paper collage, the kind where the illustrator draws and paints elements of the pictures first, then lays them out to form the final illustration, here creating luminous, dramatic images that evoke this old and powerful story.

2011-10-09T15:01:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 15.09.11

2011-09-23T13:49:00.000+10:00

There’s something in the recurring motifs and metaphors of children’s stories that reassure them that all is well with their world, even those parts that blur into imagination: family and friendship; animal characters; good against evil. Even if a story pokes fun at some of these things, well, that just makes it funny – and even more secure.

2011-09-23T13:46:00.000+10:00

No bears

Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Leila Rudge

Walker Books Australia
ISBN: 9781921529924 RRP: $27.95

Ruby is writing a children’s story with no bears in it. In her story a pretty princess from a faraway castle wanders through a faraway forest. Things get scary when a monster trudges through the kingdom, determined to kidnap the princess and steal her away to read bedtime stories for him. Who can save the princess? The reader sees what is going to happen but not Ruby nor the princess, and of course I am not going to let the bear out of the bag here. The quirky illustrations are in soft whimsical colours, with well-known fairy tale characters in cameo appearances. Under 8s will enjoy the fun both inside and outside this book within a book.

2011-09-23T13:44:00.001+10:00

Puffin Peter

Peter Horacek

Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406324600 RRP: $27.95

In this animal fantasy about friendship, puffins Peter and Paul are playmates that become separated by a big storm. Peter gets blown out to sea. He awakes, floating on the back of a blue whale. Peter describes h

is missing friend to whale and after a series of mistaken identities, meeting parrots and penguins and a toucan, Peter is feeling a little bereft. That is, until they come upon some remote islands. This is a short, unpretentious text with the generous, brightly coloured illustrations that make a delightful story for the under 5s.

2011-09-23T13:41:00.000+10:00

When you wish upon a star

Leigh Harline (lyrics) and Ned Washington (music)

Illustrated by Eric Puybaret
Koala Books
ISBN: 9780864619679 RRP: $26.99

After Puff the magic dragon and Over the rainbow comes this elegantly illustrated rendition of the Oscar winning song written by for Walt Disney’s Pinocchio. Surely the beauty and appeal of this book is its magical artwork. The rich colours glow from the page in dreamy landscapes that float with the captivating melody of the song. A CD accompanies the book, with the clear, resonant voice of Judy Collins providing a version of the song, and two others not related to the book as a bonus. This is a book to enchant all ages.

2011-09-23T13:39:00.002+10:00

Books reviewed 8.09.11

2011-09-21T09:34:00.000+10:00

It’s remarkable just how theatrical children’s books can be. But this allows for a dramatic performance by the reader that makes the story much more entertaining and appealing.

2011-09-21T09:30:00.000+10:00

King Hugo's huge ego

Chris Van Dusen
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763650049 RRP: $29.95

Hugo is a shortish king, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in haughtiness. One day, when on a golden carriage ride, he bumps a hay-carrying maiden off the road, into the muddy gutter. Little does he know she is a sorceress and the spell she casts on him will soon fill his head with the hot air he blows. In time his head has the proportions of a flying balloon. As he stands upon the parapet, ready to deliver his weekly Speech of Adoration, a sudden squall blows in. What follows is an undignified come-uppance with a rescue by the only person who can save him; and a surprise happily-ever-after ending. The illustrations, from one of the best comical illustrators in the business, are bold, colourful and exaggerated, and enrich the humour of the tale.

2011-09-21T09:28:00.000+10:00

Chase through Venice

Sally Gould, illustrated by Laura Paterson
Windy Hollow Books
ISBN: 9781921136733 RRP: $27.95

Marco helps his papa show the tourists around Venice in their Gondola. When one leaves his expensive-looking camera behind, Marco makes it his business to return it. While he chases the tourist’s trail, the reader is given a tour of the beautiful setting of Venice, ending up in San Marco Piazza. The colourful illustrations have a slight varnish tinge, reminiscent of the vintage setting. The traditional masks of some actors making a movie create a feeling that Marco is being watched on his chase. The town is given a touch of character and humour in the unusual perspectives of the buildings, reflecting the vivacious Italian personality.

2011-09-21T09:26:00.000+10:00

The Last Viking

Norman Jorgensen, illustrated by James Foley
Fremantle Press
ISBN: 9781921888106 RRP: $24.95

When Josh and his white-haired Scotty, Wolverine, go to Nan and Pop’s house for a holiday, Pop gives him his book about Vikings. Josh decides to become one. He pillages around the park with sword, shield and helmet, but the local bullies soon put paid to this costume. To the surprise of the bullies on their next raid, it’s the great Norse Gods that they must contend with! Josh and Wolverine are a little surprised too. The illustrations cleverly move from the present to the Viking past to finally merge in Josh’s final Wagnerian battle with the bullies. great fun for those 8 y.o.s who are a little more adventurous in their imaginative play.

2011-09-21T09:23:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 1.09.11

2011-09-04T13:59:00.000+10:00

And welcome to Spring!

2011-09-04T13:57:00.001+10:00

Kangaroo and Crocodile: My big book of Australian animals

Bancroft, Bronwyn
Little Hare (HGE)
ISBN: 9781921714252 RRP: $24.95

With its gleaming jewel-like colours this makes a handsome companion to Possum and wattle: my big book of Australian words. Also a word book, the format of the illustrations has changed from pocket style in various sizes to full page, focusing on Australian fauna, most of which are located in their typical habitat. The exquisite detail and brilliant colours of the illustrations lend them to story making, as is the foundation of indigenous art.

2011-09-04T13:53:00.000+10:00

E is for echidna: my Australian word book

Bancroft, Bronwyn
Little Hare (HGE)
ISBN: 9781921714610 RRP: $14.95
A board book companion to W is for Wombat: a first word book of Australian words which followed Possum and wattle sampling some of its words and illustrations. This time the illustrations are not so strongly linked to the larger book, Kangaroo and crocodile; but the signature illustration style is there with its vibrant colouring that will capture the eyes of the little ones. Like W is for Wombat, produced specifically for a toddler audience.

2011-09-04T13:50:00.000+10:00

Ten juicy radishes

Beatrix Potter

Frederick Warne (a Penguin imprint)
ISBN: 9780723266969 RRP: $19.95

Keeping Beatrix Potter in the public attention is this Peter Rabbit innovation written in the style of a nursery rhyme with the original charm of her words and illustrations nevertheless present. As the title suggests this is a counting- down tale, with the 10 radishes that hungry Peter Rabbit finds in a garden – you can guess whose garden - disappearing one by one. The book does this in a clever novelty way which will mystify toddlers the very end.

2011-09-04T13:47:00.000+10:00

Colours and 1 2 3

May Gibbs
Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781742830421 (Colours)
ISBN: 9781742830230 (1 2 3)
RRP: $9.99 [board books]

First books in a series for very young readers which incorporate the delightful artwork of May Gibbs, each feature her cherubic gumnut and blossom babies. Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are there though never named when they appear. Adults may have to brush up on original versions to point them out to the child reader. These are simple concept books for under 3s but there is a descriptive richness in the language that shows children of this age a more aesthetic use of words than usual. Parents should take advantage of this opportunity.

2011-09-04T13:43:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 18.08.11

2011-08-21T21:42:00.001+10:00

These books have at least two things in common. They tap into the often eccentric humour of childhood. Second, they are all illustrated by local (Brisbane) illustrators. Yes, they are among us - and they are very talented.

2011-08-21T21:40:00.002+10:00

Good Morning Mr Pancakes

Chris McKimmie
Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742377193 RRP: $29.99

At breakfast time, Bee is already planning what she has to do before her holiday. A cat, two dogs, three chooks and a caterpillar all have to be accounted for; the fish can stay and mind the house. Come Saturday she is off to her island, where the world is so different. All too soon it is time to return but this is joyous with reunion as all the pets greet her. Except for the caterpillar, which is not quite what it used to be. Words resonate with childlike recollection, echoed in the signature style of childish illustration of painterly quality; another ingenious peek into childhood by this unique storyteller.

2011-08-21T21:38:00.001+10:00

See you later alligator

Rina A. Foti, illustrated by Ben Redlich

Koala Books

ISBN: 9781742760025 RRP: $13.99 (pbk)

A mean alligator delights in creeping up on other swamp animals and frightening them with a loud snap of his jaws. They scramble away, followed by a smug call of see you later! The animals have had enough and conspire to get back at the alligator once and for all with a thunderous surprise. To stop a scary bully be scarier than him! Exuberant illustrations deliver character and humour in this lively tale of table-turning one-upsmanship. The opening spread of this alligator arrogantly floating in his swampwater domain is enough to start the laughter rolling and it doesn’t finish until the end.

2011-08-21T21:36:00.002+10:00

Pink

Janet A. Holmes, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

Little Hare Books [Hardie Grant Egmont]

ISBN: 9781921541797 RRP: $24.95

A solitary little girl is looking for a playmate but as long as she is surrounded by her favourite colour she gets by. Strawberry ice cream, a pink bike, her pink tutu and more keep her happy but sharing would be better. Some of her animal friends don’t get the point of her games, but all the while, unseen to Lily but in full view of the reader, a shy creature watches in the background only too pleased to be invited to play. And the best thing is that it comes in Lily’s favourite colour too. The spacious illustrations warmly reassure young readers a little misunderstanding need not be a stumbling block to friendship.

2011-08-21T21:33:00.000+10:00

Books reviewed 3.08.11

2011-08-06T19:48:00.000+10:00

The prestigious CBCA Book of the Year Awards will be announced later this month; on 19 August in fact. This week is a catch-up on some of the shortlisted books suitable for beginner readers that I haven’t previously reviewed - and I’m going to be a little subjective about these, if I may. All of these books are from the Picture Book category.

2011-08-06T19:46:00.000+10:00

Two peas in a pod

Chris McKimmie

Allen & Unwin
ISBN: 9781742373041 RRP: $29.99

Two friends, as close as ‘two peas in a pod’ are separated when one moves to Broome with her family. It is a very tender and affirming book features his signature quirky, childlike illustration style and insight into childhood thinking, which I certainly recommend for reading but it is very similar in theme (almost only a matter of style) to a fairly recent winner of the Early Childhood category, Amy & Louis [Scholastic] written by Libby Gleeson and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Comparisons will inevitably be drawn between the two books and the different categories.

2011-08-06T19:43:00.000+10:00

Family forest

Kim Kane, illustrated Lucia Masciullo

Hardie Grant Egmont
ISBN: 9781921564703 RRP: $24.95

Here we have a child of the blended generation discussing her family tree, but the branches go in many directions, more like a forest – a metaphor that runs through the book even to the colours in the illustrations. I think judges like to see metaphors in picture books. However, the excellence of this book is in the way it presents such a complex topic to early childhood readers and may have been better listed in that category. It is certainly a delightful read to share. For metaphors, the same illustrator’s The boy and the toy [Penguin] with Sonia Hartnett, or for family life, the lyrical All through the year [Penguin] by Jane Godwin, ill. Anna Walker, are arguably (my argument!) richer examples of the picture book genre.

2011-08-06T19:41:00.000+10:00

My uncle’s donkey

Tohby Riddle

Penguin Viking
ISBN: 9780670040339 RRP: $24.95

An oddity of a book but a delightful read with a preschool audience so may have been better suited for the Early Childhood category. No metaphors here as far as I can tell, just sheer whimsical fantasy about a donkey living as a person with an uncle who doesn’t seem to notice that he is there. It’s the kind of absurd nonsense that 3 to 5 year olds knowingly respond to - they get the secret. Adults shouldn’t expect this story to make sense but don’t be surprised if before school-age listeners are giggling away as you read.