Book Review: The Backyard Games by Alister Nicholson

In The Backyard Games you can join in with the neighbourhood kids as they organise their own Olympic Games with lots of friendly competition, cheering and medals for all. 

 illustrated by Tom Jellett

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children

Publication date: 29th October 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

The Backyard Games is a fun rhyming book written by Alister Nicholson and illustrated by Tom Jellett in fabulous full-colour double page spreads.

 

"What a glorious day for the Backyard Games! 

Who will be champions, household names?

We've planned and practiced; we've built our venue.

Now, a great sporting feast is on the menu."

The children pick the country they will represent and the games begin. There is competition, fun, cheering and a few mishaps but most of all there is laughter and working together as they celebrate the ceremony and fun of the games.

As the light begins to fade medals are given and everyone's a winner in The Backyard Games.

 

This is such a fun book and perfect for the upcoming school holidays. The Backyard Games is the perfect inspiration to gather the kids outside and make your own Olympic games day. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🚲🏏🛹🏹🎾

Recommended age: 4 - 7 years 

 

 

 

Book Review: Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica by Alison Lester & Coral Tulloch

 In Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch take their readers on a fascinating exploration of Antarctica through a specially selected mix of their own and others' work, through the stages from early exploration to present day.

 

 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Children's

Genre: Non Fiction

Pages: 96

RRP: AU$35.00 (hard back)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. It has been published under Allen & Unwin's Children's imprint and written with ages 8 - 14 in mind however Into the Ice will truly appeal to all ages. I've always had an interest in the early explorers of Antarctica and I love how this book shows the early history and also highlights the beauty and wonder of the continent.

You don't need to have an interest in Antarctica or its history to be captivated by this beautiful hardcover compilation of photos, paintings, sketches and notes from diaries of some of the most noted explorers.

Lester and Tulloch include their own reactions and feelings of awe as they see first-hand the wonder that is Antarctica.

Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica is the perfect coffee table book. A spellbinding book that you will be urged to pick up again and again.

My rating 5 / 5 ❄❄❄❄❄

I recommend Into the Ice for all ages - 96 pages of wonder and awe.

 

 

 

Book Review: Say Hello by Renae Hayward

 Say Hello is an adorable board book designed to captivate and celebrate baby's every move.

 

 

illustrated by Rebecca Mills

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Children's board book

Pages: 13

RRP: AU$14.99 (board book)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Say Hello is bright colourful and lots of fun! 

Babies and toddlers will recognise themselves in the little ones depicted in the book as they see the characters enjoying the activities that they love too.

Rebecca Mills full page vibrant and colourful illustrations immediately draw the eye and her cartoon style characters are simply adorable. Each picture has a short rhyming verse on the facing page.

Say Hello is the perfect book for read-aloud fun anytime of the day

Renae Hayward has depicted some of baby's fun, learning everyday activities in this sturdy board book that will appeal to ages 0 - 4 years.

 

My rating 5 / 5 👶👶👶👶👶

Recommended age 0 - 4 years

Teaching notes and activities can be found on the Fremantle Press website

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/say-hello/