Children’s and Young Adult book reviews.
Baby Band, Diane Jackson Hill (author), Giuseppe Poli (illus.), New Frontier Publishing, 2017. With a lively, orchestral celebration of clangs, squeaks, stomps and Cha-Cha-chas, here is a joyous book that is set to get your hearts racing, feet pacing, and instruments hooting and hustling in your own little world. Baby Band is a harmonious arrangement […]
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 […]
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 […]
There are some books that really stick in your mind long after you’ve read them. They grip your heart and delve deep to the core. They lift you up and make you realise that those inner most desires are attainable, no matter what challenges are in your way. Just believe in yourself. Here is a […]
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 […]
Magic Fish Dreaming, June Perkins (author), Helene Magisson (illus.), Gumbootspearlz Press, 2016. “Listen to the fish. Listen to the water. Listen to the moonlight. Watch the twinkle, twinkle of the stars.” “If you ever found a fairy’s tooth what kind of magic do you think it would do?” If that description doesn’t stir up evocative […]
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 […]
Every year I, together with my two girls, reflect on our year in books – the ones that made us laugh, cry, connect, ponder and encourage affection. I also usually review my statistics on books borrowed, received for review and bought, but this year let’s just say, it’s hugely extensive, and still counting. So, […]
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 […]
One Photo, Ross Watkins (author), Liz Anelli (illus.), Penguin Books, 2016 Dad came home one day with one of those old cameras, the kind that use film. But Dad didn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph… Created by Ross Watkins (who you may know as the illustrator of The Boy Who Grew Into […]
