Review: The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

This is the story of a girl who was told she was different, whose parents were told to send her away, who was teased simply for being who she was. This is also the story of that same girl who became a champion for animals, a giant of science, and an inspiration to people all over the world, particularly for anyone who has ever been told they don't quite fit in.

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures is a brief biography of Mary Temple Grandin (known as Temple), written by Julia Finley Mosca, who spent many hours talking with Dr. Grandin.

Giveaway: Ollie and Augustus

Ollie was small – like a pickling jar or a shoe box. Augustus was big – like a fridge or a table. They did most things together, including cycling, painting, dressing up, digging (Ollie's favourite thing) and stick collecting (Augustus's favourite thing).

Ollie and Augustus is a  funny, heartwarming picture book story about little Ollie's determination to make sure his great big dog, Augustus is okay when he's at school.

Thanks to the wonderful people at Walker Books Australia, we have not one but three copies of this beautiful book by Western Australian author illustrator, Gabriel Evans to give away!

To enter, in 25 words or less simply tell us,  what is your favourite thing to do with your pet.

Winners: Harold's New Friends R Aliens!

And our three lucky winners are...

Mel Sajeva, VIC

Joseph Spagnolo, NSW

Kirsty Polujan, NSW 

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of the exciting, Harold's New Friends R Aliens!

We hope you enjoy this prize.

Thank you to ALL who entered.

Review: Hayden's Bedtime

Hayden's Bedtime, will become a new favourite for children who delay going to bed, fearing things that hide in the dark. Come play Hadyen and Dad's bedtime game.

The clock says eight and Hadyen and Dad begin their bedtime ritual, '...off to bed before it's too late...for what tomorrow brings.' Dad lists all the things that they might do tomorrow; playtime, cooking and swinging.

Hayden begins to prolong getting into bed. He fears what might be lurking in his bedroom once the light is turned off.

Review: Boo!

Fabulous, fun and interactive, Boo! By Margaret Wild and Andrew Joyner is a delightful rhyming book about characters who say boo! 

Everyone in this book says Boo! six different babies, the monkey, the piggy and more, but it’s the clever order and context which creates a fun flowing story. From realistic moments to more and more imaginative circumstances, it takes readers on a fabulous uplifting adventure.

Review: Survival for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Camping and Outdoor Skills

Ever wondered how to navigate using the sun and moon?

How about how to build a shelter using only what you can find in a forest?

Do you know how to safely build a fire? 

Would you like to know more about exploring and camping?

Look no further than Survival for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Camping and Outdoor Skills.

This book has information about everything: navigation, camp craft, first aid and so much more.

Review: The Land of Roar

The imaginary worlds of our childhood seem so vivid at the time, but all too quickly fade to a distant memory. Arthur and Rose are now so grown up that they are about to start high school. The times of playing imaginary games with dragons and mermaids are gone.

Rose is obsessed with her phone and trying to impress the cool neighbour, Mazen, who is already 13. She has no need for silly childhood games. But Arthur is lonely. He misses the fun he used to have playing with Rose every summer at Grandad’s house.

When Arthur finds an old hand drawn map in the attic and Grandad mysteriously disappears, memories begin surface. What if those games they used to play, weren’t just games?

Review: Queen Celine

Who knew one little picture book could pack so much punch. In this seemingly ordinary story about an ordinary girl who becomes queen of the most beautiful rock pool, Matt Shanks manages to convey a powerful environmental, political and social message, without being didactic.

Queen Celine thinks her seaside kingdom is so perfect, she decides to build a wall around it, to keep intruders out and make sure nothing will ever change.

Guest Post: Eric Simmons on Invoking Kindness in Children

US author, Eric Simmons is convinced that kindness is a trait we can develop in our children. Today he shares his 10 Most Effective Ways to Invoke Kindness in Children.

The world we live in can sometimes be complex for young children exploring life. Today’s society is de-humanising the humans more and more and children are becoming insensitive towards nature, people and the environment. Our children are the future of the earth, and if they are not taught to be kind, the world is going to turn bitter every day. 

Review: Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do and Stories Too

Liz Pichon's Tom Gates series is super popular and this is a great addition to it.

Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do and Stories Too is part novel and part activity book.

Everyone loves holidays and in this book the kids in school are excited about having a week off. They're even more excited when they find out there will be no homework.

What do you do on holiday, though? Tom has a mega plan for his break, starting with thinking about ideas for names for his friend's aunt's new puppy.

12 Curly Questions with author/illustrator Maree Coote

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I speak Japanese (a little rusty). I love to swim in winter (very quickly).

2. What is your nickname?
I have a few: Mouse, Min, Ree.

3. What is your greatest fear?
A sky full of drones.

Review: Storm Whale

With whales travelling up and down the coast seeking warmer waters, we have a general fascination with these graceful creatures of the sea. 

Sarah Brennan’s story highlights this fascination and the bonds that are forged between humans and whales.

On a bleak and stormy day, three sisters on holiday are walking into town along the beach when they discover a stranded whale.