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: Leaf-Light by Trace Balla

Leaf-Light

by

Trace Balla

Publisher:  Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 1st August 2023

Genre: Picture Book / Graphic Novel

Pages: 80

RRP: $27.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Leaf-Light

 

Leaf-Light is told from the point of view of Miri, a young girl, who lives with her mother on Djaara Country in country Victoria. As Miri plays and explores with her neighbour and friend Wingo they learn about caring for native animals, the environment around them and being part of a community.

Leaf-Light is a stunningly illustrated and gentle graphic novel that empowers children, and adults, to embrace nature and community. The story shows the people, animals and birds living in harmony. Trace Balla encourages the reader to embrace joy from the little things in life, helping one another and spending time to be one with nature as we follow Miri and her friends go about their day playing, watching and learning.

 

There is so much love and detail in this book you could take days and days just going over the detailed illustrations and then come back and still find little things you missed. 

Leaf-Light is a truly special addition to any home library.

Age recommended 8 - 12 years (however suitable for all ages)

5 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Trace Balla is a well-loved Australian children's book author, illustrator and writer of song lyrics who lives on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. She has won the CBCA Book of the Year Award, the Readings Children's Book Prize, the Wilderness Society's Environment Award for Children's Literature, a Comic Arts Awards of Australia Bronze Ledger, and an Honour Award for the inaugural SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards. She has also been shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards (twice), Adelaide Festival Awards for Children's Literature, and ALIA Graphic's Notable Australian Graphic Novel Award.

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: A Very Dinosaur Birthday by Adam Wallace

 A Very Dinosaur Birthday

by

Adam Wallace

illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

 

Publisher: Harper Collins

Imprint: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: 20th June 2023

 5th July 2023 AUS

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: $12.99US $24.99AUD

Source: Courtesy of Smith Publicity 

 

Review: A Very Dinosaur Birthday

A Very Dinosaur Birthday is a funny, brightly illustrated rhyming story that will have kids laughing and eager to see what will happen next.

 

I'm not a big fan of 'fart' books but I know they are hugely popular with children and a vast array of titles can be found in any bookstore.

Jay loves dinosaurs but when I asked him if he wanted to listen to a new book he said no. So I decided to start reading it aloud. As soon as I read the first sentence - "Dinosaurs are big and strong, they're clumsy and they're farty." His ears pricked up. Then came the stinky, broken covered in mold presents and he was sold.

The book elicited lots of laughs and he was eager to hear it again. 

 

Jay understands the concept of fiction and that the dinosaurs, however well intentioned, can't do things that humans do.
The dinosaurs create much havoc doing conventional party games at a little boy's birthday party which causes him to be sad. But the dinosaurs save the day by engaging the children in lots of fun games you can only play with dinosaurs.

The cadence of the rhymes took me a few read throughs before the story flowed smoothly.

This is a fun book for any little dinosaur enthusiast. It opens with a double spread of dinosaur illustrations with names and also includes ideas for invitations, decorations, snacks and activities for your own dinosaur themed party.

 

Recommended age: 4+ years

 

Rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

Adam Wallace is a New York Times bestselling author, who has also had one of his books be a question on Jeopardy, and has also had one of his books read at the White House! Adam enjoys writing more than anything, but he likes drawing too, and doesn't mind long walks on the beach at sunset. Adam's previous books include How to Catch a Leprechaun and How to Catch an Elf (both New York Times bestsellers), How to Catch the Easter Bunny (read at the 2017 White House Easter Egg Roll), The Vanilla Slice Kid and SPARK.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9 by Anh Do

 Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9

by

Anh Do

illustrated by Lachlan Creagh 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication day: 4th July 2023

Genre: Illustrated Middle Grade

Pages: 256

RRP: 15.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sink or Swim

In Sink or Swim the reader is immediately plunged into the drama as Wolf Girl and her canine friends are being chased by the Hornets.

They escape in a small boat and soon come across a village being destroyed by a landslide. Here Wolf Girl meets Jarrod, a local athlete, and he convinces her to compete in the Championship Games where the winner receives one wish. This is where Wolf Girl is presented with a moral dilemma with who she should free with her wish. Although this dilemma isn't played out in this book.

With simple writing and full page illustrations throughout this isn't a challenging read. The pace starts out fast but slows towards the end of the novel. This is a series that needs to be read from the start as there is no backstory. The baddies are evil and Wolf Girl's doggie friends are fearless and dedicated. I loved the banter between the dogs it added some fun humour to the story. 

 

Extensively illustrated throughout with half and full page black and white sketches which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.

Sink or Swim ends on a cliff hanger that will have readers eager for more.

 

Rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Skydragon and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.

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 Breakfast Club Adventures: The Ghoul in the School by Marcus Rashford

 The Breakfast Club Adventures

THE GHOUL IN THE SCHOOL

by

Marcus Rashford with Alex Falase-Koye

illustrated by Marta Kissi

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 26th April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade / Illustrated

Pages: 280

RRP: $16.99AU (paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

 

Review: The Ghoul in the School

Book two in The Breakfast Club Adventures is every bit as suspenseful as book one. The Breakfast Club Investigators (BCI) are back in this exciting mystery The Ghoul in the School.

 

The BCI haven't been doing so well in solving mysteries lately and Marcus is concerned the club will close and he will lose his friends. When Gbenga, the captain of the school's basketball team, asks for their help Marcus thinks this mystery will get them back on their feet. The school's basketball team has been losing all their games. They think they are cursed and a ghoul is haunting the courts.

This is a great story about friendship, working together and not being afraid to ask for help when needed. It has themes of learning from your mistakes and trying again. I love that Marcus and his friends all have different personalities and each brings a different skill to the club. The club is a mix of boys and girls and they all work together to solve the mystery, there is no defined leader and everyone's opinion is listened to.

The Ghoul in the School is a fun story, easy to read and filled with page turning suspense.

I love that Marcus includes a welcome note to his readers in the front of each book.

 

"I hope that through this book you can broaden your horizons, you can dream bigger, you can champion and celebrate the differences in one another, and realize that difference isn't a negative, it's a strength.' - MR

Recommended age: 8 - 11 years

My rating 5 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the authors

 

Marcus Rashford MBE is Manchester United's iconic number 10 and an England International Footballer. in October 2020, he was appointed MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Marcus has committed himself to combating child poverty in the UK.

 

Alex Falase-Koya is a London native. He was a winner of Spread the Word's 2019 London Writers Awards for YA/children's. he now lives in Walthamstow with his girlfriend and two cats.

 

About the Illustrator

 

Marta Kissi studied BA Illustration & Animation at Kingston University and MA Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art. her favourite part of being an illustrator is bringing stories to life by designing charming characters and the wonderful worlds they live in. She shares a studio with her husband James.