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.

Book Review: A Very Dinosaur Birthday by Adam Wallace

 A Very Dinosaur Birthday

by

Adam Wallace

illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

 

Publisher: Harper Collins

Imprint: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: 20th June 2023

 5th July 2023 AUS

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: $12.99US $24.99AUD

Source: Courtesy of Smith Publicity 

 

Review: A Very Dinosaur Birthday

A Very Dinosaur Birthday is a funny, brightly illustrated rhyming story that will have kids laughing and eager to see what will happen next.

 

I'm not a big fan of 'fart' books but I know they are hugely popular with children and a vast array of titles can be found in any bookstore.

Jay loves dinosaurs but when I asked him if he wanted to listen to a new book he said no. So I decided to start reading it aloud. As soon as I read the first sentence - "Dinosaurs are big and strong, they're clumsy and they're farty." His ears pricked up. Then came the stinky, broken covered in mold presents and he was sold.

The book elicited lots of laughs and he was eager to hear it again. 

 

Jay understands the concept of fiction and that the dinosaurs, however well intentioned, can't do things that humans do.
The dinosaurs create much havoc doing conventional party games at a little boy's birthday party which causes him to be sad. But the dinosaurs save the day by engaging the children in lots of fun games you can only play with dinosaurs.

The cadence of the rhymes took me a few read throughs before the story flowed smoothly.

This is a fun book for any little dinosaur enthusiast. It opens with a double spread of dinosaur illustrations with names and also includes ideas for invitations, decorations, snacks and activities for your own dinosaur themed party.

 

Recommended age: 4+ years

 

Rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

Adam Wallace is a New York Times bestselling author, who has also had one of his books be a question on Jeopardy, and has also had one of his books read at the White House! Adam enjoys writing more than anything, but he likes drawing too, and doesn't mind long walks on the beach at sunset. Adam's previous books include How to Catch a Leprechaun and How to Catch an Elf (both New York Times bestsellers), How to Catch the Easter Bunny (read at the 2017 White House Easter Egg Roll), The Vanilla Slice Kid and SPARK.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9 by Anh Do

 Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9

by

Anh Do

illustrated by Lachlan Creagh 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication day: 4th July 2023

Genre: Illustrated Middle Grade

Pages: 256

RRP: 15.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sink or Swim

In Sink or Swim the reader is immediately plunged into the drama as Wolf Girl and her canine friends are being chased by the Hornets.

They escape in a small boat and soon come across a village being destroyed by a landslide. Here Wolf Girl meets Jarrod, a local athlete, and he convinces her to compete in the Championship Games where the winner receives one wish. This is where Wolf Girl is presented with a moral dilemma with who she should free with her wish. Although this dilemma isn't played out in this book.

With simple writing and full page illustrations throughout this isn't a challenging read. The pace starts out fast but slows towards the end of the novel. This is a series that needs to be read from the start as there is no backstory. The baddies are evil and Wolf Girl's doggie friends are fearless and dedicated. I loved the banter between the dogs it added some fun humour to the story. 

 

Extensively illustrated throughout with half and full page black and white sketches which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.

Sink or Swim ends on a cliff hanger that will have readers eager for more.

 

Rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

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

Book Review: Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon? by Serene Chia

 Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon?

by

Serene Chia

illustrated by Sinem Kilic Rabito

 

Publisher: Self published

Publication date: 3rd June 2022

Genre: Picture Book

Pages: 32

Source: courtesy of the author

Review: Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon?

The story opens with a full moon outside Kaitlyn's window and she wants to know what it is. Her mother tells her it's the moon. Every night Kaitlyn looks out of her window to find the moon. Sometimes it's hiding behind clouds or peaking between buildings. Sometimes you can't see it at all, but it's still there. 

This is a delightful picture book that follows Kaitlyn and her mum as they observe the changing face of the moon. She also learns about the first moon landing which instills a dream to one day fly to the moon herself. The nightly activity of looking for the moon gives mother and child precious time together.

The explanation of the new moon was a little confusing but with some added information Dot soon understood the concept. We have made our own moon phase sheet and are enjoying filling it out every few nights.

We loved all the details in the illustrations; the beautiful starry nights, the toys on the floor, the little octopus plushy, Kaitlyn running outside with only one shoe on. These are the small things that make up a beautiful, engaging picture book.

Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon? is an endearing illustrated book that is both fun and educational.

Instill a love and wonder for the moon in your child with Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon?

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Serene Chia began writing as a way to always hold the memories of spending time with her daughter close. Together they spent countless nights under the stars scanning the skies in what would be the inspiration for Mommy, Mommy, Where is the Moon?

Now a mother of two, Serene spends her free time savoring the perfect cup of coffee while planning family adventures guaranteed to live on long after they end.

You can purchase her books at serenechia.com

 

About the illustrator

 

Sinem Kilic Rabito is from a small town close to Varese in Italy. She has always been an illustrator at heart. From a young age, Sinem was always surrounded by crayons and doodling her own stories. Creating colourful and cute illustrations is her specialty. Her artwork is strongly inspired by nature.

visit her at sinemsimm.com