Book Review: Always, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak

 

Title: Always, Clementine

Author: Carlie Sorosiak

Publisher: Nosy Crow 

Publication date: 1st November 2022

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 320

RRP: $14.99 Paperback

Source: Publisher 

 

My review of Always, Clementine 

 

Always, Clementine is the sweetest book! An epistolary novel narrated through letters from Clementine to her friend Rosie a chimpanzee. 

 

Clementine has been freed from a research lab by a concerned worker and finds herself in the home of Gus and his grandfather, Pop. They soon learn that Clementine is no ordinary mouse, she is exceptionally smart. The lab scientists are determined to get Clementine back to continue their experiments but Gus and Pop have a plan to save Clementine and her friends.

 

The voice of Clementine is so funny, sweet and cute you can't help but fall in love with her.

Carlie Sorosiak has written a gentle book about the important topic of animal testing laboratories.

I loved that Clementine still had all the little idiosyncrasies of a mouse even though she had super intelligence and could understand humans.

 

Always, Clementine is a gorgeous tale of friendship, kindness and always trying the best that you can. It is an immersive story that is filled with enough suspense and danger to keep any child engaged.

 

This story will be an extra delight to chess players as Clementine is involved in a mega chess challenge.

 

My recommended age 8+ 

A book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Carlie Sorosiak grew up in North Carolina. She has a master's in English from Oxford University and another in publishing from City, University of London. She is the author of two novels for young adults, If Birds Fly Back and Wild Blue Wonder. Her goals include traveling to all seven continents and fostering a wide variety of animals. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and her American dingo. 

Book Review: Buddha and the Rose by Mallika Chopra

 

Title: Buddha and the Rose

Author: Mallika Chopra

Illustrator: Neha Rawat

Publisher: Hachette Aus

Imprint: Running Press Kids

Publication date:13th December 2022

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AUD (Hardcover)

Source: Pacific and Court

 

 

My review of Buddha and the Rose

 

Buddha and the Rose is a retelling of the myth of Buddha and a simple rose. Told by Sujata a milk maid who brought food to Buddha to break his fast.

 

This is a simple and calming story reminding us to stop and see the world in all its wonder.

In our busy everyday lives this is a poignant reminder for both adults and children to stop listen and really see the world.

Beautifully illustrated with calm yet vibrant water colour pictures that give an uncluttered feel whilst also showing tiny elements of the life around us. Butterflies flitting, bees , stars and birds; there is a quiet joy in the pictures and simple dialogue that evokes a mood of serenity.

Buddha and the Rose is the perfect book for parents and children to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures in life.

 

Ages 4 - 8 years

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Mallika Chopra is a mum, media entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. She is the author of the Just Be series, which includes Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement and More, Just Feel: How To Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier and More, and Just Be You: Ask Questions, Set Intentions, Be Your Special Self, and More, and My Body is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings, her first picture book. In September, she’ll release Buddha and the Rose.

In Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy, Mallika shares insights she gained while seeking meaning and balance as a mom and entrepreneur who felt she was overwhelmed by work, family, and too many responsibilities.

Mallika has taught meditation to thousands of people and is currently a mindfulness consultant for the animated series, Stillwater, on Apple TV+, which recently premiered its second season. She enjoys speaking to audiences around the world about intention, balance, and living a life of purpose.

About the illustrator

Neha Rawat is a children's book illustrator from India and the grand prize winner of the SCBWI Summer Spectacular Portfolio Showcase 2020. She worked as a software engineer for five years before freelancing as an artist creating personalized illustrations, comics, and merchandise. She eventually realized her love for children's books and storytelling through art. In her spare time, Neha can be found cuddling dogs, doing yoga, and being around nature. 

 

Book Review: The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck - Cargo Gets a New Job!

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo Gets a New Job!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

 

Title: The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck: Cargo Gets a New Job!

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #1

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 8th March 2022 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

 

My review of Cargo Gets a New Job!

 

If your child loves everything cars and trucks they are going to love Cargo the Army Truck.

 

Paul Dekmetzian has delivered a truly delightful and engaging series for young truck enthusiasts. In book one we are introduced to Cargo and how he worked as an army truck until he was retired. 

 

 

He was then bought by Billy and they delivered supplies to people in remote areas in outback Australia. Cargo and Billy could always be counted on to get the supplies to the people who needed them. 

 

 

When Billy retires Cargo meets is next owner, Paul.

 

We all loved this book and can't wait to start book 2 to see what adventures Cargo and Paul will have.

The stories are narrated by Cargo which makes him appear larger than life with a real personality of his own, strong and proud of the job he does to help people in remote localities.

 

I could see this story as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows. 

Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline based on a true story. Cargo Gets a New Job! is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts.

 

You can buy the book on Amazon

There is also a matching colouring-in book!

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: The Lolly Shop #3 - Calm Before the Snow

 

Title: Calm Before the Snow

Author: L,B & E Hackney

Series: The Lolly Shop #3

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 25th July 2022

Genre: First Chapter Book

Pages: 170

Format: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

My review of Calm Before the Snow 

Calm Before the Snow is the third book in The Lolly Shop series and what a fun read it is!

The series is set in Queensland, Australia and Bax and Ethan are hoping it give the town snow for Christmas. Dex the bilby is trying to think of ways to stop Vulpes destroying the bilby habitat in the alternate world of Nochternelle. He uses a portal to visit the boys for help.

Calm before the Snow would have to be my favourite book in the series, although Dot loves them all.

Bax and Ethan are back to making more magical treats after the big break in from book 2.

There are are treats to give your pets so they can talk. Who wouldn't like to know what their pet is thinking! This made for some humorous moments that caused us all to chuckle.

Along with all the fun there are ecological themes such as sustainability, regeneration, protection and growth of native species, plus the danger of introduced species killing native animals and destroying the eco-system of the area.

Calm Before the Snow is a fun story with an engaging plot sure to be enjoyed by the 6 to 10 years age group.

my rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

Book Review: Lego City Building Site

 Lego City Building Site

 

A Push, Pull and Slide Book

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 10th August 2021

Genre: Children's Educational

Pages: 8

RRP: $9.99AU

Format: Boardbook

Source: Own purchase 

Our review of Lego City Building Site

 

Everybody get to work - let's knock down that wall.

 

Join the construction crew as they demolish the old building, clear the rubble and start on a new buiding.

 

What can it be? 

 

Work the cement mixer, clear the rubble and lift the heavy doors.

 

Turn the page to reveal what the workers are building!

 

Lego City Building Site is another hands on book for toddlers, rich in imaginative play and themes of working together. We loved matching the Lego pieces and making our own building site.

 

⬇️⬆️➡️⬅️ With tabs to push, pull and slide on every page it’s a fun way to enhance motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination and grow the imagination.  

 

Made in hardy board format with thick pages and tabs that won't easily be torn or ripped out ensuring hours and hours of play.

The Lego City is a fabulous collection of books and we are eager  to collect the whole series.

 

Recommended age - 18months to 5 years

Our rating 5 / 5 👷👷👷👷👷

 

 

Book Review: Runt by Craig Silvey

Runt

by

Craig Silvey 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Pages: 352

RRP: $19.99AU Hardback

Source: Won - uncorrected proof

My review of Runt

Annie Shearer is 11 years old. She likes to fix things just like her grandpa Wally Shearer. The people of Upson Downs think it's weird that Annie wears a leather tool belt wherever she goes but Annie finds it very useful. Annie connects with a stray dog everyone calls Runt and the two become inseparable.

Runt is small but fast, and an expert at rounding up sheep. When Annie sees a dog agility competition with prize money she pictures it as a way to fix all her family's problems. But first she will have to fix Runt as he refuses to perform in front of a crowd.

Runt is a heartwarming story filled with humour and love. Craig Silvey gives his readers messages of being yourself, living with kindness, staying optimistic, accepting people (and dogs) how they are and not having to fix everything around you.

Annie and her family are characters you will want to cheer for. They try their best at all they do and sometimes fail but never give up. Brother Max is a Youtubing dare devil, mum loves to cook, quite often with disastrous results and dad Bryan has a secret project in his shed.

I can see Runt on the big screen with its larger than life characters to cheer for and dastardly villains to boo. Silvey has produced two almost comical villains. Earl Robert Barren is buying up the town and he has his eye on the Shearer farm. Fergus Fink is out to win the dog agility competition and he's not adverse to cheating.

Runt is an outstanding story, perfect for fans of Babe and Matilda. With its simple prose and uncomplicated plot it is suitable for the younger middle grade reader aged 6 - 10.

Adult readers will enjoy the themes of family, community and kindness. Runt is a pleasurable escape for all readers.

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

 

Craig Silvey is an author and screenwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia.

His critically acclaimed debut novel, Rhubarb, was published in 2004. His bestselling second novel, Jasper Jones,  was the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year for 2010.

His third novel, Honeybee, published in 2020, is an award-winning bestseller. Honeybee was the 2020 Dymocks Book Of The Year, won the Indie Book Award for Best Fiction, and was shortlisted for both the Literary Fiction Book of the Year at the 2021 ABIA Awards and the Adult Fiction Book of the Year at the ABA Booksellers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, Honeybee was voted Number 1 in the Better Reading Top 100.

Runt is his first novel for Younger Readers. 

 

 
 

Book Review: Make Tracks - Cars by Johnny Dyrander

 Make Tracks: Cars

by

Johnny Dyrander

 

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Publication date: 2nd August 2022

Series: Make Tracks #4 

Pages: 10

RRP: $19.99

Format read: Boardbook 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

My review of Make Tracks: Cars

Jay loves this fun board book that helps build hand eye coordination

This sturdy board book features five different styles of cars and each car has their own track and tiny car counter that you can manoeuvre around the track. Stop at the crossings, drive around the winding road, race around the track, drive a four wheel drive around the muddy lake and catch a taxi into the airport.

Each car has a large glossy picture with all their features labeled. 

 

This will be a much loved book by any little car enthusiast. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Recommended age: 2+ 

About the author

Johnny Dyrander is an illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden. He was born and raised above the Arctic circle in northern Sweden and grew up surrounded by reindeer and northern light. He moved to Stockholm in his early twenties and began studying at various art schools. He's been working as an illustrator since he finished his studies at the University College of Arts, Crafts & Design in Stockholm.

When he's not spending time in his office illustrating, Johnny likes to travel, spend time with his family or drive down to his house in southern Sweden, pick up a hammer and saw and pretend to be a carpenter. He builds things in wood with quite mixed results.