Book Review: The Race is On (Wolf Girl #10) by Anh Do

 The Race Is On: Wolf Girl 10

by

Anh Do

Illustrated by Lachlan Creagh

Publisher: Allen & Unwin 

Publication date: 28th November 2023

Series: Wolf Girl #10

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages: 224

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Race Is On 

The Race Is On opens straight where Sink Or Swim left off. Gwen and nine other contestants are about to start a grueling cross-country challenge with the winner having a wish granted.

 

The Race Is On is another faced-paced story filled with half and full-page visually engaging illustrations.

I liked that this story had a bit more substance which will have readers thinking and learning in a subtle way.

 

The Race Is On sees the nine contestants pitted against each other through a challenging, and at times life threatening, cross country run. Gwen always shows good sportsmanship but there are others that will do anything to win. When another contestant finds themself in serious trouble Gwen cannot turn her back and stops to help. The other contestants see this and begin to work as a team. But only one can win? During the course Gwen battles with this dilemma and also the question of what her wish will be if she wins. 

 

Gwen is a wonderful role model, considerate, forgiving and smart. The search for her parents continues as Gwen and her canine friends move on to a new adventure. 

 

Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is no backstory included.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Recommended age 8 -12 years 

 

Other books by Anh Do I've reviewed:

 

Brave the Storm: Skydragon #4 

Firestorm: Skydragon #7 

Sink or Swim: Wolf Girl #9 

 

 

Book Review: The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty

 The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet

by

Jaclyn Moriarty

illustrated by Kelly Canby

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 31st October 2023

Series: Kingdom and Empires #5

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 544

RRP: $22.99AU (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is an enchanting tale filled with magic, danger and unexpected twists. The plot is set out like a puzzle with different scenes appearing like random chapters and in a book and it isn't until the story nears its conclusion that it all comes together and makes perfect sense.

The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet is book 5 in the Kingdoms and Empires series and even though it is the first book I've read in the series there is plenty of backstory and rather than feeling lost it just made me want to rush out and buy the previous books. Which I did!

Featured throughout the book are beautiful, half and full page monochrome illustrations by the talented Kelly Canby.

Young readers will find Lillian Velvet intriguing, she has been raised by a cold, unloving and strict grandmother. Having never attended school, she has never spoken to or played with other children. Lillian is smart, kind and most of all obedient.

 

Lillian is given a jar of gold coins for her tenth birthday. The coins transport her to another time in another world. Lillian doesn't know why she is being transported to these places, all she knows is someone always needs help and she could never say no.

 

At 544 pages it is the perfect book to sink your teeth into. The short chapters make it easy to pick up and read just a few chapters at a time. It won't be read in a single night but I can assure you, your child will want to read it over and over.

 

The Kingdom and Empires series would make the perfect gift. They are not only fantastic reads, they look good too, making them a treasured addition to a child's bookshelf.

 

Jaclyn Moriarty is a truly gifted children's author who can weave a plot that is both complex yet simple to follow.

 

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Book Review: Firestorm (Sky Dragon #7) by Anh Do

 Firestorm: SkyDragon 7

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st October 2023

Series: Skydragon #7 

Genre: Children's Middle Grade

Pages:208

RRP: $15.99AU (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Firestorm

Firestorm is another fast paced read in the Skydragon series. 

Dot is an avid reader of many of Anh Do's series with Wolf Girl and SkyDragon being amongst her favourites.

Firestorm has Amber and her new-found brother Reggie trying to escape the evil agents of the National Service. The action never lets up as they use their special powers to first evade capture, save a family from a burning forest, then work together to find information about their parents. 

I like that Amber isn't always brave, sometimes she is overwhelmed and breaks down and cries. Crying isn't a sign of weakness. This edition is all about family and helping each other and the grandmotherly Irene is always close by to offer love and sound advice.

These books are an easy read, they flow well and the plot line isn't taxing. Filled with pages of detailed monochrome comic style illustrations that add a visual comprehension to the story.

Each book has it’s own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.

Firestorm is a superb addition to the Skydragon series which I am sure will be read over and over as fans wait for the next book in the series. Perfect for younger readers and reluctant readers.

recommended age 8 -12 years

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Ninja Kid and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.

About the illustrator

James Hart was raised in the Uk on English Comics and classic eighties and nineties cartoons before moving to Australia and studying illustration, electronic design and multimedia. James's illustrations can be viewed at jameshart.com.au

 

 
 

Book Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter

 The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

by

Reece Carter

illustrated by Simon Howe

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd October 2023

Series: Elston-Fright #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy (8-12)

Pages: 352

RRP: $17.99AU Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is every bit as good as A Girl Called Corpse.

The town of Elston-Fright doesn't believe in magic anymore. It has been so long that everyone has forgotten it exists. Everyone except Flip, who lives in the lighthouse with his grandmother. Flip knows he has to find the light and return it to the lighthouse to restore its lost magic but there is something stirring in the air and Flip feels it is something bad.

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is book two featuring Corpse (a girl made of wax and seaweed), Girl (a ghost) and Flip (a young boy). The story reads well as a standalone and includes some backstory but you will want to read book one, A Girl called Corpse. It's the book that endeared me to Corpse.

Flip has a greater role in this book as the three friends face a new danger in the Poltergusts (malevolent winds) and embark on a mission to find the light.

Reece Carter has come through with another highly imaginative tale rich in danger, suspense and magical battles. Both Flip and Corpse learn some truths about their family's past and that friendship is the strongest magic of all.

The addition of a new magical creature, the seafoam sprites added another level of fantastical appeal. But are they friend or foe?

Told through the alternating voice of Corpse and Flip we see both characters embrace bravery and true friendship. Girl seems to be a side character in this book so I do hope she gets a bit more purpose in book three.

There is a subtle lesson included about doing the right thing even if it is a difficult choice.

 

The story ends on a breath-holding cliff hanger leaving me eager for the next book.

 

The wonderful black and white sketched illustrations by Simon Howe add a visual dimension  to the story.

 

Content: Allusion to child murder. "..the Merchant handed me to the Witches like I was nothing. In return, she asked them to take my heart and encase it inside a layer of silver." 

About the author

Some of Reece Carter's earliest memories involve books. His love for stories - especially those filled with whimsy, magic and a little bit of weirdness - began as a child growing up in rural Western Australia. There was an unfortunate lack of witches and ghosts on his family farm, and so Reece had to find them in books instead. It wasn't until high school, though, that Reece thought to try his hand at writing his own stories. He loved it, and never looked back. Reece now lives in Sydney.

 

Book Review: Paper and Tape Crafts by Jennifer Perkins

 Paper and Tape Crafts

by

Jennifer Perkins

28 Inventive Activities for Kids Ages 8 - 12

 

Publisher: Rockridge Press

Publication date: 4th April 2023

Genre: Children's Craft

Pages: 130

Source: eBook via Netgalley 

 

Review: Paper and Tape Crafts

We are very big on crafting here and I was excited to get some new craft ideas.

Paper and Tape Crafts opens with an introduction and notes on safety which led me to think the book is aimed at the children working on the crafts alone. A list of supplies is a handy addition and I liked that many of the items can be found in a well stocked craft box.

There are also notes at the end of each activity to challenge you to take the craft further and to expand on what you have already made.

 

I've been involved in childcare and Playgroups for many years so most of the crafts were ones I had already made many times with preschoolers. I found of the 28 crafts detailed there were only 16 I found appealing.

I think this would be a handy book if you are new to crafting with recyclables however for me there was nothing particularly new or innovative.

Recommended age 5 - 10 years

My rating 2 / 5 ⭐⭐

Book Review: My Mum's a Pillow by Fiona Merrin

My Mum's a Pillow

by

Fiona Merrin

Illustrated by Simon Howe

 

Publisher: Empowering Resources

Publication date: 1st January 2020 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: My Mum's a Pillow

This is a lovely gentle picture book told from the perspective of a young boy who thinks his mum is the best in the world because his mum is as soft as a pillow and that is very special to him.

 

He comes home one day and says he is picked on at school for his big ears. His mum explains that everyone is beautiful just the way they are. The things that make us different, are what make us wonderful.

 

The story has lots of fun illustrations about his mum having lots of fun with him and how he loves that his mum is loud and noisy and sings in the supermarket.

There is an underlying message that some people bully because they are unhappy.

recommended age 5+ years

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Book Review: It's Up to U! by Jeremy Kalbstein

 It's Up to U!

by

Jeremy Kalbstein

illustrated by Leigh Brown

Publisher: Empowering Resources

Publication date: 1st September 2020

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: It's Up to U!

In It's Up to U! Jeremy Kalbstein uses animated and gender neutral letters of the alphabet, instead of children, to make the story less confronting.

 

"I" liked to play with the other letters but most of the time "I" just liked to spend time alone. One night while "I" was looking online "I" saw that "N" had posted an embarrassing picture of "I" and it had likes and hurtful comments.

 

"I" became very unhappy and stayed away from everyone at school.

More and more comments were added until "U" told everyone to stop being mean and remove the post.

Told on a child's level with large full page colour spreads and delightful illustrations It's Up to U! is an important resource to help children understand the force of online bullying and it only takes one person to stand up and stop the bullying. That person can be U!

Children are using technology at a young age now and It's Up to U! is an important story to help make using technology engaging and safe for children of all ages.

 

It's Up to U! would be a valuable resource for all classrooms. 

You can order the book through the author: https://jeremykalbstein.com.au/books/

Recommended age: 5 - 10 years

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Book Review: The Bravest Word by Kate Foster

 The Bravest Word

by

Kate Foster

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 4th May 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 240 (paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

Review: The Bravest Word

The Bravest Word is a heartfelt story about a young boy and an abandoned dog, and how they saved each other.

 

Matt has been anxious and tired lately. He can't even manage a full game of football, and he's the star of the team! The more anxious he gets  the more he pulls away from school, his friends and his family.

 

The Bravest Word is a beautifully told story about an 11 year-old boy with depression and his battle within himself to understand his feelings and to cry out for help.

 

Kate Foster explores the sometimes overlooked condition of depression in children and how even the most well-meaning of parents can miss the signs.

 

The Bravest Word is not a sad story, it's a story that builds awareness and empathy in children. In The Bravest Word social media is a happy place, Matt's friends are super supportive, his parents are gentle and understanding.

 

Kate highlights the power of animals to heal when Matt finds an abandoned and abused dog and in searching for ways to help his dog he finds the answers to his own feelings.

The Bravest Word is well written for a child's level of understanding. It is a story that will help a child suffering from depression to open up and will also build empathy in other children as they come to understand the condition.

My rating 5 / 5 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

About the author

Kate Foster writes book for children about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from the UK, she now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast with her family and second-hand dogs.

Book Review: The Magic Gems: Lily Halfmoon by Xavier Bonet

The Magic Gems: Lily Halfmoon #1

by

Xavier Bonet

translated by  Marie Trinchant

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: A&U Children

Publication date: 29th August 2023

Series: Lily Halfmoon #1

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Pages: 80

RRP: $16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Magic Gems: Lily Halfmoon #1

Lily Halfmoon is a new graphic novel series by illustrator Xavier Bonet flawlessly translated by Marie Trinchant.

 

The Magic Gems is a fun story about witches, potions, gems and finding your true vocation. 

Lily is nervous about starting a new school, she is always clumsy and having accidents. When she makes friends with Gigi and Mai she learns that her accidents are her magic revealing itself. She's a witch, just like them!

Lily must learn about special magical gems, guardian spirits, potions and plants, and uncover her special power all whilst keeping her new identity secret.

The Magic Gems is an easy to read graphic novel for younger middle grade readers. It includes lots of information on gems, the phases of the moon, magic potions and a slime recipe. The cliff hanger ending will have readers eager for the next book.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age: 7+ years

About the author

Xavier Bonet is a self-taught illustrator and comic book artist. He lives in Barcelona with his two children. He started in a little animation studio as a background artist, and eventually embarked on a career as a professional illustrator. He has illustrated many children's books including Omnia by Laura Gallego, the volumes of Michael Dahl's Really Scary Stories, The Keepers Trilogy by Lian Tanner and Jabberwocky and Other Poems by Lewis Carroll.

 

 
 

Book Review: The Long and Muddy Road by Paul Dekmetzian

The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

The Long and Muddy Road

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 26th April 2022

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #2

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: The Long and Muddy Road

Cargo is an old army truck with a new life delivering supplies around outback Australia.

In The Long and Muddy Road Cargo is preparing to deliver supplies to remote, outback Australian areas other trucks and cars find hard to access.

 

Cargo has all the equipment he needs to drive on muddy roads. Before Cargo came along all the supplies had to be delivered by plane when the roads were inaccessible.

Along the way Cargo meets a sheep farmer in need of help and a lost and hungry dog. Cargo is always happy to help whenever he can.

After a long and muddy trip Cargo makes it to town with a delivery of food, mail and essential supplies.

The Long and Muddy Road is beautifully illustrated with double page colour spreads. The story-line is engaging and is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts.

My rating 5 / 5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

About the author

Paul Dekmetzian lives in Melbourne, Australia. Between 1973 and 1981, he was engaged with the Australian Army, first as a School Cadet and then as a young Private at Monash University Regiment. This involvement sparked the interest of a lifetime.

 

 As the grandfather of eleven and an active member of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps (VMVC), Paul has witnessed firsthand how excited people of all ages get when they see these historic vehicles, both on the road and on display.

He believes that the positive effect of engaging with this history should not be underestimated and hopes that The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck will ignite the curiosity of a new generation of Australians.

 

 

Book Review: Who Lives Here? by Julia Donaldson

 Who Lives Here?

by

Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books 

Publication date: 25th July 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 24

RRP: $26.99AU (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review Who Lives Here?

A little boy is excited when he is invited to a friend's house to play. However he doesn't know which house on South Street is Dan's.

The story invites the reader to look at each house and guess who might live there then lift the flap to see if you are right. A cook, a knight, a ghost, which house is Dan's?

We love everything Julia Donaldson here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf! Her rhyming prose slide off the tongue and the children were eager to see who lived in each house.

This story is all about fun and when the boy finds Dan's house they have a great playdate playing with Dan's toys.

Rebecca Cobb's double paged illustrations are full of detail; a visual delight and wonderful prompts that enhance the prose.

Who Lives Here? with its hands-on lift the flap pages is sure to delight any child.

My rating 5 / 5 🏠🏠🏠🏠🏠

About the author

Julia Donaldson is the author of some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle books illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs - and her brilliant live shows are always in demand.

About the illustrator

Rebecca Cobb has created a number of well-received picture books, including the heart-breakingly beautiful Missing Mummy and the critically acclaimed Aunt Amelia. She has also collaborated with some of the best-known names in children's publishing. Rebecca lives in Falmouth with her husband and young daughters.

 

Book Review: Pink Santa by Tanya Hennesssy

 Pink Santa

by

Tanya Hennessy

Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Publication date: 29th August 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 30

RRP: $19.99AU (Hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Dot's review of Pink Santa

This book really did "sleigh". The book was absolutely amazing!!

 

My favourite part was when the boy looked out the window and saw Pink Santa and said, "Santa you SLAYYYYYYY" and honestly I would do the same if I saw any coloured Santa, even Santa himself. 

My fav characters were the little boy who called out to Santa and the burly old elf who said, "for the first time in ages I'm feeling myself. I'm loving this vibe."

This is definitely a 5 star book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from Dot aged 9

My thoughts

Pink Santa is a delightful rhyming story about embracing change, overcoming mishaps and turning mistakes into a positive.
 

It's the night before Christmas and Santa is ready to go but first he needs to wash his suit. Rudolph throws it in the washing machine and it comes out PINK! Rudolph doesn't know what to do, Santa's red suit is iconic. Then Santa declares this year Christmas will be pink.
 

We loved the cute elves with their cheeky suggestions for Santa. There are lots of fun visuals and changes to spot, as Christmas turns from the iconic red & green to PINK.
 

Brightly coloured double page illustrated spreads catch the eye and there are lots of things happening in the background to keep little ones engaged.
 

Sometimes the best things come from a simple mistake and just maybe a new tradition will be born.
 

My rating 5 / 5 🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅

About the author

Tanya Hennessy -comedian, radio announcer and social media sensation. Originally from Newcastle, Tanya started in radio in 2012. Since then she has become an international social media sensation; written her first book, bestseller Am I Doing This Right?; become an ambassador for Priceline Pharmacy; sold out 27 venues for her first comedy show Low Expectations; and appeared on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! in 2017.

About the illustrator

Ben Whitehouse is a character designer and children's book illustrator born and raised in Birmingham UK. At the moment, he lives in Germany with his wonderful partner, Yvonne and their son, Timmy and their border collie, Sparrow.

Book Review: Marjorie Magic by Joy Norstrom

 Marjorie Magic

by

Joy Norstrom

Illustrated by Anushka Shenoy

Publisher: Dixi Books

Publication date: 24th November 2022

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

Price: $16.49AU (on AmazonAU)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Marjorie Magic

Marjorie Magic wondered why her name was Magic. She couldn't do any of the magic things her mum, dad and baby brother did. Could she really belong in this magical family?

 

One day she found a book on magic spells. It filled her with hope that maybe she could learn magic.

 

Marjorie Magic is a delightfully illustrated picture book filled with enchanting, cartoon style, full page illustrations that will ignite a child's imagination and have them in giggles as Marjorie's magic spells go slightly wrong each time.

 

Marjorie Magic is a cute story about feeling like you don't fit in and trying to find your place. It's a story about perseverance and not giving up when things go wrong.

 

The book came with gorgeous cards to write your own magic spells on.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age 3+ years 

 

About the author (from publisher website)

 

Joy Norstrom is a Canadian writer and social worker. She enjoys sharing stories about the human experience, exploring the outdoors with her family, and reading late into the night when she should be asleep. Whether she is advocating for inclusion, attempting to parent teenagers, or popping into the local coffee shop, she can generally be found engaged in conversation. Why? She believes human connection and laughter keep her grounded in a muddled world. 

Book Review: Orson the Great by Colm McElwain

 Orson the Great

by

Colm McElwain

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 5th October 2023

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 214

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Orson the Great

Orson Whitlock is Orson the Great a 12 year old who is also one of the world's top magicians.

The story opens with 12 year old Orson and his assistant Agatha finishing up a performance. An ominous feeling hangs over the story as Orson is being followed and then threatened by another magician, Daxton the Destroyer.

 

Daxton vows to beat Orson in a magic competition and become the new leader of the Magicians Guild.

The story then jumps back ten years to when Orson was 10 and how he became the greatest magician in the world.

The magic scenes in the story were so well portrayed, I could picture it all. Orson is a likeable and relatable protagonist. He always wants to please. Agatha, Orson's assistant and manager, is another wonderful character, a very worldly wise 12 year old.

The story is rich in tension, danger, suspense and (of course) magic. Orson the Great has all the right ingredients to keep middle grade readers enthralled. It may even get them interested in trying a few magic tricks of their own!

Do you believe in magic!?

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

The book is currently available for pre order on Amazon. 

About the author

 

 Colm was raised and educated in Monaghan, Ireland. He has always loved storytelling, whether through literature or film. Orson the Great is his third novel. He is the author of the James Clyde book series. 

 

My review of Colm's previous book:

 

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2018/12/book-review-james-clyde-and-tomb-of.html 

Book Review: Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson

 Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament

by

Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson

Publisher: Indie Publishing Group

Publication date: 2nd April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade

Series: Hockey Wars #12

Pages: 115

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament

Hockey Wars  #12: Euro Tournament see the girls ice hockey team preparing for a tour to Sweden. The boys team will be playing in Canada next year.

Both teams have fun with fundraising events to help pay for their trip.

This was another fun story in the hockey wars series. The boys and girls all get along well and encourage and support each other. There is some light fun ribbing included but it's all about the kids having fun together.

The full page black & white illustrations are a wonderful visual inclusion. Illustrated middle grade books are a good buffer between first chapter books and full on novels.

This is a fun story with movie and pizza nights, a fundraising car wash and going on an overseas trip as a team.

There are themes of having fun, doing your best, forgiving mistakes, good sportsmanship and losing gracefully.

With ice hockey books becoming very popular in the young adult genre it is nice for middle graders 8 -12 years to have age appropriate novels too.

Recommended age 8+

My rating 5 / 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children's books.

They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles.

They have published a series of children's books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. 

 

Book Review: A Very Silly Reading Book: Meow by Alan Smith

 A Very Silly Reading Book : Meow

by

Alan Smith

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 6th February 2023

Genre: Children's / first reader

Pages: 27

Price: $7.71AU Kindle / $19.13AU Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the author 

 

Review: A Very Silly Reading Book Meow

A Very Silly Reading Book is a fun way to get reluctant readers to pick up a book. Jay isn't interested in learning to read and I was eager to see how he would respond to this book.

 

It starts with an oath that the adult reads to say they will do everything the child reads in the book. We started with Dot reading the book and Jay's ears pricked up when she read 'kids are now the reading boss'. He does like to be the boss. There are lots of funny actions, like meowing like a cat, shaking your tail, rubbing your nose, that the adult has to do when the child reads from the book. Suddenly Jay wanted to read the book and be the boss. 

 

The pages are set out with extra-large text and and simple diagrams so as not to distract the reader from the text. It is well structured for first readers with repeated words at the start of each page to build confidence. The colour words have the corresponding background such as GREEN   YELLOW which also adds to the reader's confidence.

I think we read this book about twenty times with everyone having a turn at reading and doing the actions. I tired well before Jay.

I thought the colour background was a brilliant idea however, I would have liked to not have the colour background on the words at the end of the book so it wasn't as easy to guess the words. Other than that this was a fun book that included family time with learning.

Jay gave it 1,000 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dot's rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

 

 

Book Review: Leaf-Light by Trace Balla

Leaf-Light

by

Trace Balla

Publisher:  Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 1st August 2023

Genre: Picture Book / Graphic Novel

Pages: 80

RRP: $27.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Leaf-Light

 

Leaf-Light is told from the point of view of Miri, a young girl, who lives with her mother on Djaara Country in country Victoria. As Miri plays and explores with her neighbour and friend Wingo they learn about caring for native animals, the environment around them and being part of a community.

Leaf-Light is a stunningly illustrated and gentle graphic novel that empowers children, and adults, to embrace nature and community. The story shows the people, animals and birds living in harmony. Trace Balla encourages the reader to embrace joy from the little things in life, helping one another and spending time to be one with nature as we follow Miri and her friends go about their day playing, watching and learning.

 

There is so much love and detail in this book you could take days and days just going over the detailed illustrations and then come back and still find little things you missed. 

Leaf-Light is a truly special addition to any home library.

Age recommended 8 - 12 years (however suitable for all ages)

5 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Trace Balla is a well-loved Australian children's book author, illustrator and writer of song lyrics who lives on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She has won the CBCA Book of the Year Award, the Readings Children's Book Prize, the Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature, a Comic Arts Awards of Australia Bronze Ledger, and an Honour Award for the inaugural SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards. She has also been shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards (twice), Adelaide Festival Awards for Children's Literature, and ALIA Graphic's Notable Australian Graphic Novel Award.

Book Review: Being Zelda by Russell Irving

 Being Zelda

by

Russell Irving

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 24th April 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 42

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Being Zelda

Russell Irving has written and illustrated a fascinating story about the Mantis shrimp. They can pack a mighty punch and accelerate faster than a bullet.

 

Shrimps, like humans, have different personalities and motivations.

Zelda is outgoing she wants to know what is beyond her burrow. She is curious about the bluefin tuna and the humpback whales. George is an introvert, preferring to stay in his burrow. He helps Zelda to explore the ocean in a safe way.

 

Irving's art is subtle and calming he uses the colours of the ocean floor and the swirling pastels of the coral spawn in his water-wash illustrations.

 

Being Zelda was an enjoyable story about a little adventurous shrimp however I don't think the children understood the concept of the different personalities. I think this needs to be spelt out clearly in the text. 

Being Zelda is a calming nature book that is enjoyable simply for its illustrations of the ocean floor and ocean life.

4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Russell Irving is a contented introvert who enjoys small gatherings, inner reflection and quiet time in nature. He has spent most of his professional life living and working as an environmental manager and educator across regional and remote parts of Australia, including many years working with the Aboriginal Ranger groups and in Indigenous Protected Areas.

These experiences have taught him the calming and healing benefits of spending quiet time in nature, learning to watch, listen and learn.