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: 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: My DAD is the BEST! by Nic McPickle

 My DAD is the BEST!

by

Nic McPickle

illustrated by Tommy Doyle

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: My DAD is the BEST!

Every child thinks their dad is 'the best dad ever' and it's no different for this cute collection of animals as they tell us why their dad is the best of all.

Filled with funny little dadisms that every child, and parent, will relate to.

"He tells bad jokes, and sings old songs."

"Is it just my dad? Or is it other dads too?"

My DAD is the BEST! will make adults laugh as they read out things they say themselves.

Little koala goes on to tell all the wonderful things his dad does for him.

This humorous and heartwarming picture book is a must read for this Father's Day. Children will love all the little animals and their dads too.

Delightfully illustrated by Tommy Doyle with big, bright and happy illustrations.

My DAD is the BEST! is a tribute to dads of all shapes, sizes and species.

My rating 5 / 5 👨👨👨👨👨 

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years 

 

Book Review: A Sausage Went for a Walk by Ellisha Majid

 A Sausage Went for a Walk

by

Ellisha Majid

illustrated by Peter Kendall

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: A Sausage Went for a Walk

This special 30th Anniversary hardcover edition celebrates an Aussie classic first published in 1992.

 

A Sausage Went for a Walk is a funny little story about a sausage who decides it doesn't want to be eaten for breakfast so walks out. Then all the other breakfast items walk out too.

 

A breakfast time mutiny led by a sausage! 

 

Jay enjoyed this. It's a nice easy read that older children can read themselves. Filled with fun and mischief as each item on the plate decides one by one that they are leaving.

And I loved that toast didn't leave butter and jam behind.

 

Vividly illustrated in comic form by Peter Kendall bringing each food item to life.

 

A Sausage Went for a Walk is a humorous classic, picture storybook reprinted for a new generation of children to enjoy. 

 

My only very small problem with this was the rhythm and flow of the words took me a couple of readings to get the hang of. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 🍽🍽🍽🍽 

Recommended age 2 - 6 years

 

 

 

Book Review: Blink and Glow by Raven Howell

 Blink and Glow

by

Raven Howell

illustrated by Ann Pilicer

Publisher: Tielmour Press

Publication date: 15th July 2024

Genre: Children's picture book

Pages: 36

Price: AU$11.74 (Kindle)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via WOW Blog tour

 

Review: Blink and Glow

Leo and Lilly love to chase fireflies and spend time at the pond. Leo catches a firefly in a jar to take to school. Lilly catches a salamander. As their lights begin to fade both Leo and Lilly soon learn that nature is more beautiful when it is free.

 

Blink and Glow is a delightful children's picture book that is fun to read and also teaches the importance of respecting and caring for nature.

Bugs and insects may be pretty but they need to stay in their natural environment to lead a happy life.

 

After the children free the salamander and firefly Grandma shows them how to make a craft salamander and firefly sun catcher.

This book also has all the details so you can do the crafts with your children.

 

With beautiful double page colour illustrations and only a couple of sentences to each page Blink and Glow is the perfect bedtime read. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎

Recommended age: 3+ years 

 

 

Book Review: When the Lights Went Out by Lian Tanner

 When the Lights Went Out

by

Lian Tanner

Illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: When the Lights Went Out

Lian Tanner and Jonathon Bentley have teamed together to produce a gorgeous picture book that will entrance and delight as we join a young family when one dark, cold night the power goes out. 

Narrated by a young child we follow the family as they get that first startlement when everything goes dark. As they search for candles it is turned into an adventure in the dark.

Just when they are thinking of having an early night they hear someone playing music and singing outside, so the family rug up and go out to see who is singing. All the neighbours come outside and sing and dance late into the night.

 

When the Lights Went Out shows it only took one person to venture outside and play music and sing for the whole neighbourhood to join in, have a marvellous time and celebrate a moment of connectedness.

When the Lights Went Out is a delightful children's book that turns what some may conceive as an inconvenience into a family adventure.

The realistic, full colour sketched illustrations are a lovely depiction of a community coming together.

Jonathon Bentley has cleverly placed nocturnal animals, a fox and an owl, into his illustrations and it was fun to try to spot them in each double spread outdoor illustration.

When the Lights Went Out is a reassuring story for young children during times of fear and uncertainty.

My rating 5 / 5 🕯🕯🕯🕯🕯

recommended age: 3 - 6 years

 

 

 

 

Book Review: How to Move a Zoo by Kate Simpson

 How to Move a Zoo

by

Kate Simpson

illustrated by Owen Swan

 

The incredible true story

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th June 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 38

RRP: $24.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: How to Move a Zoo

How to Move a Zoo is a beautiful picture book that illustrates the true story of how, in 1916, Jessie the elephant walked from Moore Park Zoo to her new home in the Taronga Zoological Park at Mosman.

The pencil full colour illustrations are charming and nostalgic, presented with a hazy softness that encompasses the nighttime setting.

How to Move a Zoo is a wonderful story from a bygone era. The story follows Jessie the elephant as she quietly walks through the streets of Sydney, whilst everyone sleeps.  From Moore Park down Burke street through the Botanical Gardens to Bennelong Point where she boards a barge to take her across the harbour.

Owen Swan's engaging illustrations perfectly portray a long-ago era with milk-carts and street-sweepers. With a little prompting children can spot the many birds that inhabit the area; kookaburras, magpies, seagulls, cockatoos, lorikeets, rosellas, even a brush turkey can be spotted in the pictures.

The picture of Jessie's new home, the elephant house, will be recognised by many children today.

How to Move a Zoo is a heartwarming picture book that will give hours of enjoyment to children and carers alike.

My rating 5 / 5 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

 

Book Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 12th January 2024 

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #6

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! is book 6 in The Adventures of Cargo series. In this book Cargo introduces his little brother and the different things they like. Cargo likes the cold, freezing weather and the mushy snow whilst Elvis prefers it nice and hot. Even though they liked different things they loved to catch up when they have their annual mechanical check-up. Sometimes they are apart for long periods but their friendship never changes.

 

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis is another wonderful picture book filled with adventure as Elvis visits a crocodile and hippo park and a takes a family to the beach.

 

Large, bright full page illustrations and a fun storyline are sure to delight little car and truck enthusiasts.

 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo and His Mates! by Paul Dekmetzian

The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Mates!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 19th July 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #5

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Mates!

Cargo loves road trips with the other army trucks!

Book 5 introduces Cargo's vehicle friends. Tippy the tip truck, Shorty the land rover, Bella the rescue helicopter, Bevan the jeep and Big John the crane truck.

Bevan the jeep works in Italy, England, France and Australia. Famous landmarks are named in each country he visits.

Shorty the land rover was with the military police then he went to work on a farm.

Tippy the tip truck worked on the roads doing road repairs.

Bella the helicopter is busy flying sick children to hospital and rescuing lost hikers from a mountain top.

Big John is a crane truck and he can lift the heaviest loads.

Travel around the world with Cargo's friends as they tell you all about the places they have been and the important work they do.

This is another great addition to the Cargo series and is sure to be loved by little truck enthusiasts.

Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Footprint by Phil Cummings

Footprint

by

Phil Cummings

Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 27th February 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 24

RRP: $24.99AU (Hard Back)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review: Footprint

Footprint is a beautiful reflective picture book teaching children to discover the beauty of the world around them and to care for the environment.

Children will be awed by the charming and detailed illustrations of the delightful fauna and flora that inhabit our world and for parents it's a chance to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures of life.

Footprint is an enchanting picture book for younger children and older children will understand the message of conservation and caring for the environment behind the lyrical prose.

Sally Soweol Han's mixed media art work is a stunning addition to this contemplative and calming picture book.

 

 My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Publisher recommended age: 5 - 10 years

My recommended age: 3+ years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo's Furry Friends! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo's Furry Friends!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 10th February 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #4

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo's Furry Friends

Cargo's Furry Friends is another beautifully illustrated picture book in the Cargo series. In book #4 we are introduced to Paul and Cargo's pets. Coco the golden Cocker Spaniel, Poppy the Cavoodle, Carmen the fluffy white cat, Percy the shiny black cat and Olivia a sandy-coloured Groodle. When they are all together there is lots of fun and even a little mischief!

 

Spend the day with the pets as they do some important jobs around the yard and have fun playing together. Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline.

 

Cargo's Furry Friends is an uplifting and positive story about friendship. It's a lovely, fun read that will be enjoyed by all children, especially those who love trucks and animals. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My age recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Most Amazing Thing by Ian Hayward Robinson

 The Most Amazing Thing

by

Ian Hayward Robinson

Illustrated by Matt Shanks

 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 27th February 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $19.99AU (hardback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Most Amazing Thing

Come along with Henry as he discovers the most amazing thing of all!

 

Henry is stuck in the house with nothing to do. His mother suggests he draw something, something amazing. One by one he asks members of his family what the most amazing thing is. 

 

'Life,' says his sister.

'The mind.' says his brother.

'The universe,' says his father.

 

These are all amazing, but are they the MOST amazing thing?

 

Philosopher and primary school teacher Ian Hayward Robinson adds this enchanting children's picture book to his already impressive string of achievements. 

The Most Amazing Thing is delightfully illustrated with colourful full page mixed-media spreads throughout. Illustrations filled with wonder and humour that will spark the imagination of young readers as they follow the story to find that they are unique and one of a kind which truly is The MOST Amazing Thing.

 

Recommended age: 4 - 7 years

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: The Gruffalo Special Edition by Julia Donaldson

 The Gruffalo

25 years special edition

by

Julia Donaldson

illustrated by Alex Scheffler

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 9th January 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $14.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: The Gruffalo

Join Mouse as he comes face to face with a fox, an owl, a snake and  .... oh help! Oh no! A Gruffalo!

 

The Gruffalo is an enchanting story about a very clever little  mouse who outsmarts his predators.

 

What is better than a copy of The Gruffalo?

A copy of the 25 years special edition with a shiny gold cover!! 

It's the same enchanting story that we have read and loved in a shiny new edition for the next generation to enjoy.

Comes with bonus material from Julia and Axel. Plus ideas for Gruffalo cupcakes and how to make the full cast of characters from wooden spoons. The last page features music and words to the Gruffalo song and a QR code to hear the song.

The Gruffalo has become a classic in children's picture books.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended age: 3+

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐