book reviews

Picture Book Review: The Very Noisy Baby

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
The Very Noisy Baby, Alison Lester (author/illus.), Affirm Press, Nov 2017 Synopsis: Here is the story of a very noisy baby. She could bellow like a buffalo. And roar like a lion. And howl like a wolf for a very long time. The baby loves to make all kinds of sounds. She’s really very loud. But when some animals in the town go missing, can the very noisy baby help? Find out in this wonderfully boisterous story, full of action, fun (and noise!). If you already have a number of picture bo...
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Picture Book Review: Parmesan, the Reluctant Racehorse

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Parmesan, the Reluctant Racehorse, Jacqui Halpin (author), John Phillips (illus.), Little Pink Dog Books, 2017 Synopsis: Parmesan, the racehorse, thinks he's a dog. Instead of training with other horses, he's off with his doggy friends, playing doggy games. Will he be ready to run like a racehorse in the Spring Carnival? A humorous light-hearted tale that celebrates the joy of being yourself and running your own race. Review: As an animal lover, and someone who particularly adores both hor...
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A New Eco-Fantasy Adventure from Karen Tyrrell

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Just Write a For Kids are thrilled to welcome back resilience and anti-bullying author expert, Karen Tyrrell! Her current blog tour includes the sequel to the fabulous Song Bird Superhero; introducing the 'un-bee-lieveable' The Battle of Bug World! REVIEW: Song Bird: The Battle of Bug World, Karen Tyrrell (author), Digital Future Press, 2017 Synopsis: A superstorm destroys Rosella Ava Bird’s flower garden. All the bees are disappearing. A giant sinkhole cracks open beneath Rosie’s schoo...
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Review of the the Latest in the Ottoline Series by Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Ottoline and the Purple Fox, Chris Riddell (author/illustrator), Pan Macmillan, 2016 Synopsis: Ottoline and Mr Munroe love puzzles, clues and mysteries. One day, they meet an enigmatic purple fox, who offers to take them on a night-time urban safari. The fox shows them all the hidden animals of the city and Ottoline makes notes on them in her field notebook. Mr Munroe is making notes too - on the anonymous poems he finds stuck to lampposts on their journey. Who is the secretive poet, and h...
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Review: Two Fun Board Books for Bubs

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Looking for a fun board book for your own bub, or to buy as a gift? Here are two animal stories you might want to check out. Charlie Chick Wants to Play, Nick Denchfield & Ant Parker, Pan Macmillan, 2017 Synopsis: Charlie Chick Wants to Play but he can't find his ball. Can you help him find it? Lift the flaps to see if it's in the pig sty, the kennel, the reeds or the hen house in this delightful book about friendship, farm animals, and fun! This “chirpy” board book, made from stron...
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Review: A fun-filled junior fiction sports series suitable for kids of all abilities

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Ball Stars: The Bench Warmers, David Lawrence (author), James Hart (illus.), Random House, 2017 Synopsis:  Meet the Bench Warmers – Danny, Crystal, Angie, Omyr, Leanne and Cody. They're the new basketball players at Robdale Primary and according to hot shot Greg 'The Goat' McGriffin, they don't have a chance of winning a lunchtime game. But when the gang are picked as part of the school squad things start to look up. SWISH! Can the newbies shake off their name in the upcoming interschool comp...
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Review: A New Series Perfect for Fans of Horrible Histories

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
How to Beat Genghis Khan in an Arm Wrestle, Nick Falk (author), Tony Flowers (illus.), Random House, 2016 Brief Synopsis: Join three friends as they use their imagination, settle playground scores and alter the entire course of history in the process! Author Nick Falk and illustrator Tony Flowers have created a number of books together in the past, including the popular Samurai vs. Ninja series. Like those books, How to Beat Genghis Khan in an Arm Wrestle is loads of fun and a guaranteed p...
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Review: A Humorous Anthology of Short Stories by Australian Children’s Authors

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Laugh Your Head Off Again, Various authors, Andrea Innocent (illus.), Pan Macmillan, 2016 Synopsis: 9 authors, 9 stories to make you laugh your head off again. A busting moment + a pet show + a ten metre high concrete tomato + a dog with a knack for trouble + the perfect footy pie + a mischievous monkey + a king on a break from his kingdom + a legendary lunchtime bandit + a llama farm camp = one hilarious book. Laugh Your Head Off Again is the companion title to the 2015 Pan Macmillan book...
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Review: A Fun Look at the Adventures of a Raccoon Who Thought She Was a Dog

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Pumpkin: The Raccoon Who Thought She Was a Dog, Laura Young (author), Pan Macmillan 2016  Synopsis: When Laura Young found an injured baby raccoon in her back garden she didn't know what a big part of the family she was about to become. Laura and her husband, William, named her Pumpkin and her bond with their rescue dogs, Toffee and Oreo, was soon obvious. The three of them take naps, watch TV and cuddle each other and Pumpkin is always with her two new mums. Be prepared to fall in love with ...
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Review: A Picture Book Exploring the Life of Dame Nellie Melba

Posted on by Kellie Byrnes
Meet... Nellie Melba, Janeen Brian (author), Claire Murphy (illus.), Random House, 2016 Synopsis: Dame Nellie Melba was Australia's first classical music star. The beauty of her singing was celebrated around the globe. She was appointed Dame Commander, OBE for her enormous fundraising efforts during World War One and today she is commemorated on Australia's hundred dollar banknote. This is the story of how she rose to fame, and how she brought opera to Australians in the city and in the bus...
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