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: 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: Dot! Scribble! Go! by Herve Tullet

 Dot! Scribble! Go!

by

Herve Tullet

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 56

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Dot! Scribble! Go!

Dot! Scribble! Go! is our first look at a Herve Tullet book here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf. Herve encourages artistic talent through imagination. His readers are invited to touch the pages and follow instructions to reveal the magic of art.

 

Filled with positive affirmations and exclamations of wonder each step of the way Dot! Scribble! Go! is a hands-on way to learn about following directions and an introduction to toddlers about colour, shape and the endless possibilities of dots, lines and scribbles.

 

I found the children got more enjoyment from trying the art hands on.

 

Dot! Scribble! Go! would be a wonderful book to use in an art class for young children to teach them to follow directions and that art can be fun, abstract and free flowing. It's all about having fun!

 

My rating 3 / 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: 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: The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood

 The Vanishing

by

Mark Greenwood

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Series: History Hunter

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction 

Pages: 112

RRP: AU$14.99 US$9.95 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Vanishing

The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History Hunters series.

 

The Vanishing delves into the 1978 unsolved disappearance of a pilot whilst flying across the Bass Strait.

 

Mark Greenwood recounts the disappearance of 20 year old pilot Fred and his plane after radioing the control tower about seeing a UFO. After extensive air and sea searches no sign of the plane has been found.

 

Greenwood sets out the facts and includes Fred's radio conversation, photographs, newspaper articles and the submitted flight plan.

 

It's up to the reader to decide what could have happened in this cold case disappearance.

 

If your child is fascinated by all things extra-terrestrial they will love The Vanishing! 

Fascinating and a little bit eerie.

 

My rating 5 / 5 👽👽👽👽👽

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press:

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-vanishing/

Book Review: The Dragon's Treasure by Mark Greenwood

The Dragon's Treasure

by

Mark Greenwood

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 2nd July 2024

Series: History Hunter

Genre: Middle Grade / Non Fiction

Pages: 112

RRP: AU$14.99 US$9.95 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Dragon's Treasure

In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of lost explorers, glittering treasure and baffling mysteries to life. Awe filled stories to entice young readers to explore the unimaginable.

 

History Hunters is a four book series with books 1 & 2 out now.

The Dragon's Treasure opens in 1931 Australia when two young boys find ancient coins on a Western Australian beach. However it started long before this with a shipwreck off the coast of WA in 1656.

 

Mark Greenwood recounts the story of the shipwreck and the subsequent search for the ship and survivors but nothing was found. It wasn't until 1963 when divers found the wreck of the Gilt Dragon and it's sunken treasure. To this day no-one knows what became of the survivors.

 

Wonderfully written with the inclusion of photos, illustrations and maps it will ignite the imagination of young readers and hold their attention through the whole story.

The Dragon's Treasure is a fascinating story that will have junior readers searching for more information on the Gilt Dragon and its treasures.

My rating 5 / 5 🪙🪙🪙🪙🪙

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press:

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/the-dragons-treasure/

 

 

Book Review: Rosie by Lisa Van Der Wielen

 Rosie

by

Lisa Van Der Wielen

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 9th April 2024

Series: Rosie #1

Genre: Children's First Chapter Book 

Pages: 64

RRP:  The book can be purchased on Amazon in softcover and eBook.

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Rosie (book 1)

Meet Rosie, she is a cute little toy poodle who loves to comfort humans and give them lots of love.
She also manages to get into all sorts of mischief. She is inquisitive and loyal, guarding her family from danger; like the postman and garbage trucks.

One day she is accidentally scooped up into the green-waste recycling truck.

Rosie is a fun first reader narrated by Rosie and noting all the mischief she gets into (although she doesn’t think it’s mischief) and a suspense filled ride in a green-waste recycling truck.
How will she get back to her family?

Perfect for read together from 3+years and read alone from 5+years. Large text and super cute illustrations give added appeal.

End notes on recycling green-waste and making your own compost make a perfect intro to talks on sustainability. 

My recommended age 3 - 10 years

Publishers recommended age 6 - 10 years

 

Rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 

 

 

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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

Book Review: The Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson

 The Bowerbird

by

Julia Donaldson

illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 28th March 2023

Genre: Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $26.99AU (Hardback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of The Bowerbird

We are big fans of Julia Donaldson's books here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf and we especially love her nature themed stories.

 

The Bowerbird features Bert, an irresistible little bird with a very big heart. Bert is a bowerbird and he is looking for love. He builds an impressive bower and decorates it with items he finds but he never has enough to attract the bird he has his eye on, the haughty Nanette.

 

 

I love that Julia and Catherine are bringing out books to teach children about nature and the way birds interact with each other. We fell in love with the Go-away bird who was a bit aloof and didn't interact with the other birds only to find that friends can be fun and there for you when you need help. Now we have fallen in love with Bert! He is so sweet and just wants to find a mate. We also learnt a lot about bowerbirds and how they collect things to make their bower pretty. We also meet the cunning Claude who likes to steal items from other bowers.

 

Will Bert find love?

 

Catherine Rayner’s delightful, full spread, watercolour illustrations add an extra visual dimension to this enchanting tale of finding your perfect match.

 

The Bowerbird is an enchanting rhyming story that's a delight to read and engaged the children. It is a wonderful introduction to bowerbirds and nature in general which can be expanded on with some more fact-finding. I was surprised how many different species there are!   

Our rating 5 / 5 🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦

We decided to leave some blue objects out to see if we had any bowerbirds in our area.

About the author

Julia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over one hundred languages. Her other books include Room on the Broom, Stick man and Zog, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks.

About the illustrator

Catherine Rayner studied illustration at Edingurgh College of Art and has been short-listed for the prestigious Kate Greenway Medal four times, and won in 2009 for Harris Finds his Feet. In addition to illustrating for other authors such as Michael Bond, Holly Webb and Michael Morpurgo, she has also written her own picture books, including Ernest, Solomon Crocodile, Solomon and Mortimer and Smelly Louie, which won the Peter's Book of the Year award in 2015.