Karana: the Story of the father emu

Uncle Joe Kirk, illustrated by Sandi Harrold.
Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781743623138           RRP: $14.99 (pbk)

This is a story from the Wakka Wakka culture about the role of the male emu in hatching and raising the chicks. The story is told in rhyming text with humour and warmth; after all Karana has 16 eggs to hatch and so 16 chicks to raise and teach about surviving in their land – you would need a sense of humour! No wonder he has a constant state of surprise on his face! Thank you to Uncle Joe Kirk for sharing this story with us.

Books reviewed 12.06.14

If a child is having difficulty in reading a book, then share it with them. In fact shared reading is seen as one of the more important habits in developing children’s enjoyment in reading.

Thomas the Tank Engine : Story collection

Rev. Wilbert Awdry with various original illustrators
Hardie Grant Egmont
ISBN: 9780603563089           RRP: $24.95

This is a collection of 56 original stories by the from the classic Railway series is arranged into sections according to the main engine character of the story. Hence there is a section on Thomas, and Percy, and Gordon and so on - start with your favourite. The illustrations are the original as well, by various illustrators, each of whom is acknowledged at the beginning of the story. All Thomas fans of any age and gender would be thrilled to receive this as a gift. The price is amazing too.

Giant vehicles

Rod Green, illustrated by Stephen Biesty
Walker Books Australia
ISBN: 9781922244444          RRP: $24.95

Cross-sectional illustrations reveal the insides of huge machines like the Airbus A380, the Saturn V Moon rocket, the Oasis of the Seas floating hotel cruise ship, the Russian Typhoon class submarine and other mighty machines. The text consists mainly of labelling and information panels, not to distract from the illustrations; it is small for under 8 readers so some adult intervention would be desirable. The book has been designed with younger children in mind with a sturdy board construction and rounded corners, just like a board book only much larger. Surprise hidden flaps reveal even deeper information about the vehicle interiors.

The story of buildings

Patrick Dillon, illustrated by Stephen Biesty
Walker Books
ISBN: 9781406335903          RRP: $32.95

The subtitle to this book is World architecture from the Pyramids to the Pompidou Centre which encompasses its scope and purpose – a historical view on the development of public architecture. A text difficult for most under 8 readers but nevertheless directed towards young readers, needs an adult to help out. Each chapter deals with one of 25 famous buildings – including the Sydney Opera House, Notre Dame and the Crystal Palace. The illustrations though are eminently browseable; children will be fascinated by the detail and intrigued by the viewing angles employed here. A handsome addition to the family collection.