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/

 

 

Book Review: The Boab Tree by Helen Milroy

The Boab Tree is a delightful story about friendship and belonging. 

 

 Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 29th October 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

When a tiny boab nut travels on the back of a bird far from the land of his ancestors he struggles to grow and survive in this unknown ground. Boab knew he had to return to his family. His new friends, the animals of the forest floor, work together to take the little boab tree back to his ancestral home and the land he knows.

 

The Boab Tree is a beautiful story about connection to country and ancestors with memories passed down through generations. This is a story about friends banding together and helping one another.

 

Helen Milroy captures the colours of country in her beautiful, bold double page spreads with text on one page and illustrations on the facing page.

The Boab Tree is an enchanting read-aloud story to share with your child. It would make the perfect bedtime story read over a few nights.

 

My rating 4 / 5 🌴🌴🌴🌴

Recommended age: 6 - 10 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press.

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-boab-tree/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: To Stir With Love by Kate Mildenhall

To Stir With Love is an ode to grandmothers and grandchildren everywhere and the bond that comes with the simple act of cooking together. 

 

 illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 2nd October 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Narrated through the eyes of a young girl as she tells the reader what she does on Mondays when she visits her grandmother. We learn all about Grandma's scrumpti-licious cake and how the recipe has been handed down from grandmothers to granddaughters through the generations. 

 

Follow our little narrator and her grandma as they go through the recipe for Grandma's special, scrumptious cake, as her small hands and Grandma's old, sure hands work together, side by side. 

 

To Stir With Love is a truly heart-warming story about the special connection between a grandmother and her grandchild and how baking together is a lovely bonding experience that will be remembered for the rest of a child's life.

 

To Stir With Love is filled with Jess Racklyeft's endearing water-colour washes in beautiful pinks, greens and yellows.

 

It took a second reading for me to notice the pictures hanging on Grandma's walls are actual real photos. A delightful and touching addition to the story! 

There is a recipe for Grandma's everything cake at the end of the book. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

Recommended age: 4 - 8 years.

Book Review: The Postman's My Mate by Kelly Louise Jarris

 The Postman's My Mate is a fun and heart-warming story of a young boy, living on a farm in country Australia, who looks forward to the postman's visit just a few times a year.

 

 Illustrated by Natalie Herington

 

Publisher: KLJ Books

Publication date: 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$29.95 (hardcover) 

Source: Won

This gorgeous picture book oozes country charm, from the dry red earth and rustic farmhouse to young Charlie with his Akubra hat and animal friends.

One day the postman drops a large box at Charlie's gate but Charlie is hesitant to open it as he and the postman love to play jokes on each other. Last year Charlie left a box for the postman and when he opened it out popped a clown!
 

Charlie and friends, emu and magpie, take a while to ponder what could be in the box. When Charlie finally opens it all there is inside is a note that reads; "Imagine the things this could be if you tried."

Charlie pulls out his craft box and lets his imagination run wild; a boat, a rocket, the possibilities are endless.
 

The Postman's My Mate is a wonderous story about recycling and the joys of using your imagination.

We love empty boxes, big and small, there are so many things you can make with them; boats, cars, trains, puppet shows, dolls wardrobe, dolls house, castles. I've even made a bookcase out of empty boxes!

Natalie Herington's illustrations are the best! Filled with heart and humour. She has brought to life Charlie's friends, the emu and the magpie. They are simply adorable. Kids will love them.

The Postman's My Mate is not only a story about the wonders of using your imagination it is also a fabulous introduction to young children of how other children live in remote areas.

 

My rating 5 / 5 📬📬📬📬📬 

Recommended age: 3 -10 years

The book can be purchased from the author:

https://kljbooks.com/product/the-postmans-my-mate-hardcover/

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Djinang Bonar - Seeing Seasons by Ebony Froome

Djinang Bonar - Seeing Seasons

by

Ebony Froome

illustrated by Leanne Zilm

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st August 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Djinang Bonar - Seeing Seasons

Discover the six seasons of the Noongar calendar in English and Noongar with emerging First Nations talent Ebony Froome and Leanne Zilm.

 

This beautiful dual language picture book is a gentle reminder to be aware of the environment and look around you to see the changing seasons, and how wildlife and nature herald in each change.

 

Djinang Bonar takes the reader through each season exploring the indicators that announce each change.

Djinang Bonar is a gentle book that teaches children about nature and that the changing of seasons can be seen in everything around them.

 

The exquisite, full colour, double page illustrations inspired by the natural environment of Western Australia are like beautiful paintings and are sure to capture every child's imagination.

Djinang Bonar is the perfect addition to any school library or classroom.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press.

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/djinang-bonar-seeing-seasons/

 

 

Book Review: Quokka Finds a Friend by Katie Stewart

 Quokka Finds a Friend

by

Katie Stewart

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st August 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Quokka Finds a Friend

How can you not fall in love with Quokkas, with their lovely round tummies and cute smiley faces!

 

When Quokka meets Seal he thinks he's sad because he isn't smiling (Quokka loves to smile).

He tries his hardest to be Seal's friend and make him smile. He tries lots of funny faces but still no smiles. Copying the humans, Quokka pretends to take a selfie with Seal (this always makes the humans smile) then Quokka falls in the water.

 

Seal says he will teach Quokka to swim but when Quokka says he really doesn't want to swim Seal replies that he really doesn't want to smile.

They soon find something they both love doing; watching the sunset together.

 

Quokka Finds a Friend is  the sweetest story about friendship and that friends don't need to like everything the same. Differences don't mean you can't be friends, you just need to find some common ground.

 

Highly detailed,  colourful illustrations pair with minimal text to make this read-aloud story book warm and inviting. Could Quokka get any  more adorable!!

Quokka and Seal's personalities pop from the page through Katie Stewart's adorable illustrations.

 

Beside its wonderful moral about friendship the story can be read for sheer cute appeal.

 

Quokka Finds a Friend is perfect for parents, carers, grandparents and educators to read aloud with children, and use it as a tool to discuss the concept of understanding other people's emotions.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻 

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years (older kids will love this too)

 

 

Book Review: Ethel the Penguin by Ursula Dubosarsky

 Ethel the Penguin

by

Ursula Dubosarsky

illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st October 2024 

Genre: Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review: Ethel the Penguin

We've been loving books about penguins lately and Ethel the Penguin is another 'must read' that we've added to our shelf.

Ethel is that wild friend everyone needs! She is not afraid to make a fuss and have some fun. The teacher makes her sit by herself in class because she's full to the brim with mischief.

When she climbs to the top of the Ferris wheel and scares her poor parents, she really is sorry ...... for a little while. 

Ethel the Penguin is such a fun story! Ethel gave us all a bit of a giggle as she misbehaves in class causing a ruckus and jumps from the Ferris wheel forgetting penguins can't fly. She is totally impulsive and very much wild.

Ursula Dubosarsky uses anthropomorphism but I love that she didn't make Ethel totally human. Rather than living in a house she lives with her parents in an igloo. 

Christoper Nielsen's full page illustrated spreads are bright and colourful and the rhyming prose flow effortlessly making Ethel the Penguin an energetic and delightful read.

I can see this being one of our favourites for a long time to come.

 

We can hardly wait to see what Ethel will do next!

My rating 5 / 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: South With the Seabirds by Jess McGeachin

 South With the Seabirds

by

Jess McGeachin

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Non Fiction / Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$29.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 Review: South With the Seabirds

At the moment Jay is really enjoying true stories and stories about penguins. Imagine his delight when we received South with the Seabirds; a true story with penguins!! Wide eyed he asked me if this is a true story. "Yes". "So it really happened." "Yes, a long time ago."

South With the Seabirds, written and illustrated by Jess McGeachin, is the true story of Mary Gillham, Hope MacPherson, Susan Ingham and Isobel Bennett. The first female scientists to join an Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition.

Through simple language and full spread colour illustrations Jess tells the amazing story of these four women who were trailblazers for all women interested in science and the environment. An inspiration to both boys and girls and a reminder to follow your dreams even if the odds are against you.

South With the Seabirds is a fabulous resource for environmental talks for primary aged children. It includes information on the trip from Melbourne to the subantarctic Macquarie Island. The birds, ocean life and land animals of the area are illustrated and labelled.

Through the work of environmentalists Macquarie Island is slowly recovering from the damage caused by introduced species.

There is also a timeline of Macquarie Island, photo and bio of the four female scientists and notes on what young naturalists can do to help heal our world.

My rating 5 / 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧

Recommended age: 6 -12 years

Book Review: The Hole Story by Kelly Canby

The Hole Story

by

Kelly Canby

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Hole Story

The Hole Story is written and illustrated by the talented Kelly Canby and she continues to delight with each new book published.

 

The Hole Story is about a young boy named Charlie who is delighted when he finds a hole. When he picks it up and puts it in his pocket he soon realises that 'a hole in your pocket' is not a good thing.

Charlie proceeds to the village to find someone who might need a hole but no-one wants the hole. Deflated, he takes the hole back - it's no good to anyone.

We then learn the hole had an owner all along!

 

Jay loves this book! He liked the play on words. "It's the whole story, get it." he would say.

I love it when he gets excited about a book and has picked this up and read it himself a few times.

 

The shop names in the shopping strip also have a delightful mix of word play; more for the adult reader here. The bakery is named Bread Pitt, the florist is Florist Gump, the boat builder is Seas the day, and there are more. I loved this bit of added humour.

 

The illustrations have much to pore over. Can you spot who is following Charlie?

 

The Hole Story introduces children to imagination, humour and magical realism. With her lovable characters and playful illustrations Kelly Canby is on our must read list. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🕳🕳🕳🕳🕳

Recommended age 3 - 8 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-hole-story-2/

 

 

 

Book Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson

 Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

by

L. M. Wilkinson

illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: Bravepaw #1 

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Pages: 192

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.

 

Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.

 

Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.

 

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.

 

This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others. 

Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.

Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.

Content: mild battle scenes

               not so scary monsters

My rating 5 / 5 🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Recommended age: 5 -12

Publisher recommended: 7-11

 

Book Review: A Leaf Called Greaf by Kelly Canby

 A Leaf Called Greaf

by

Kelly Canby

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Leaf Called Greaf

A Leaf Called Greaf is an invaluable resource for parents and educators which explains, in gentle terms, the changing nature of grief and sadness after loss.

 

We do love Kelly Canby's books with her lyrical prose and whimsical pictures and A Leaf Called Greaf is another heartwarming book to add to our favourites shelf here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf.

 

Bear is grieving, his brothers and sisters have left him, and he is all alone. Bear becomes attached to a soft green leaf and takes it everywhere with him. He names it Greaf and finds comfort in its company.

As time goes by Greaf starts to wither and crumble and no longer gives Bear comfort so Bear starts to let it go. One morning Bear wakes and Greaf is whisked away on the breeze and Bear is ready to face a bright new day. Bear's journey will give children a helping hand to understand big emotions in a child friendly setting.

Kelly Canby's expressive illustrations pair with meaningful and lyrical text to deliver a heartwarming story of the phases of grief.

 

I think, with a little guided explanation, A Leaf Called Greaf can help children understand their feelings of sorrow when a beloved grandparent dies or moves away,  or the passing of a much loved pet.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🥬🥬🥬🥬🥬 

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/a-leaf-called-greaf/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Scorpion's Curse (Sky Dragon #8) by Anh Do

 Scorpion's Curse

by

Anh Do

illustrated by James Hart

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 30th July 2024

Series: Sky Dragon #8

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 200

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Scorpion's Curse

Scorpion's Curse is another fast-paced and adventure filled story in the Sky Dragon series.

 

When Amber is asked to help rid a town of a scorpion plague she doesn't hesitate to accept and Amber and Irene are on the next plane to Toroc. 

 

As Amber tries to understand where the scorpions are coming from she finds herself in a life or death situation and time is running out.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a suspense filled ride as Amber must manoeuvre through a labyrinth of traps chased by the evil Scorpios.

Amber is a fabulous hero for middle graders to admire. She is smart and brave but is not without fear.

The evil money-hungry men from MineCorp make another appearance in Scorpion's Curse this time they have stolen precious artefacts, gold and gems.

 

Scorpion's Curse is a compelling plot driven adventure with an engaging protagonist and a villain that adds humour as well as suspense. 

 

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 its own mini story and resolution but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture. 

 

recommended age 8 - 12 years

My rating 5/ 5 🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂