Review: The Boy and the Toy

Title: The Boy and the Toy

Author: Sonya Hartnett

Illustrator: Lucia Masciullo

Publisher: Penguin, $24.95 RRP

Publication Date: May 2010

Format: Hard cover with dust jacket

ISBN: 9780670073627

For ages: 5+

Type: Picture book

About: When an inventor manages to build the best toy in the world, he gives it to his son. This toy, he promises, will be a companion to the boy while his father is away.

The boy is thrilled. This toy can do everything. It can follow instructions, play games, swim, do puzzles – everything.

Everything except play with other toys, that is. The boy is horrified when he wakes one morning to find this toy has destroyed all his other things, wanting the boy to play with it, and only it. And the toy is so focused on things just being between itself and the boy, it won’t even let him send a note to his father.

The boy must devise a plan to contact his father, and when he arrives home he takes a look at the toy. Something is missing, he discovers. Something important: this toy can never be a great friend. Instead, the boy’s father brings home a real friend.

This is an adorable story with a beautiful message about the importance of friends. Children are shown – and adults are reminded – that toys and gadgets have their place in the world, but that place is limited.

People need more than just toys.

The illustrations have a real classic feel to them, with colours that you feel you could melt into, and a touch of whimsy that is fun and irresistible.

This is a must for all book collections.

This book is available online

Event: Story Time at the State Library of Victoria

Itsy-bitsy babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents are invited to enjoy rhymes, stories and activities at this special celebration with Margaret Wild and Jan Ormerod, the award-winning author and illustrator of Itsy-Bitsy Babies.

Itsy-Bitsy Babies is the latest book to be distributed as part of the Young Readers Program.

Itsy-Bitsy Babies storytime:

Date: Friday 1 October, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Cost: Free
Bookings required
Email: bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 8664 7099
Venue: (Main Entry) State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Review: The Song of the Winns

Title: The Song of the Winns

Author: Frances Watts

Publisher: HarperCollins, $14.99 RRP

Publication Date: September 2010

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780733327865

For ages: 9 - 12

Type: Novel

About: The first in the new Gerander trilogy, The Song of the Winns is a sweeping adventure of three young mice.

Alistair, Alex and Alice are triplets. Their parents passed away when they were little and their loving grandparents are now raising the three scamps. Life is happy and carefree, until Alistair suddenly and mysteriously disappears overnight.

The only clue Alex, Alice and their grandparents have to work with is a loose thread from Alistair’s scarf caught on a bush outside the bedroom window.

And when their grandparents reach the conclusion that he must have been kidnapped, they must explain their reasons to Alex and Alice. There is a whole side to their nation’s history that the triplets have been unaware of, and it involves their family and a lot of secrets.

Alex and Alice, unhappy with the adults’ approach, decide to begin their own quest to find their brother, heading off over the mountains to rescue him.

Meanwhile, Alistair has landed – literally – on top of another mouse, Tibby Rose, who quickly becomes a friend. The two ginger mice unravel another side to the great mystery, and head on an adventure to get Alistair home.

This is a thrilling tale of adventure, friendship and families. More than that, there are wider issues dealt with here: prejudice, war and a good dose of classic good versus evil.

In Kids Book Review’s recent interview with author Frances Watts, she told us her inspiration for writing The Song of the Winns:

“My partner David and I were on a walking holiday in the Snowy Mountains, and one evening I saw a news story about a powerful country attacking a less powerful one. When I was a kid I used to be fascinated by books set during wartime. They were very dramatic and compelling, but they were very character-driven too — and the questions they posed, the demands they made of their characters, had an urgency and immediacy that spoke to me then and still speaks to me today; questions about justice and integrity and personal responsibility.”

In this trilogy, Watts has shown herself to be a talented Australian novelist, creating what are sure to become classic stories and characters that children will enjoy time after time – and generation after generation.

This book is available online

Read our interview with author Frances Watts

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Review: Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Title: Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$9.95RRP

Publication date: 01/08/2009

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406322194

For ages: 4 - 7

Type: Picture Book

About: Elephant and Piggie are back in this ball-throwing romp, part of the Elephant and Piggie series in which Piggie gallantly undertakes the task of lightening Elephant up a little.

A modern day Dr Seuss, the dry wit and clever use of simple words make this book another hilarious addition to the bookshelf. When Piggie wants to throw Elephant’s ball, Elephant is not so sure Piggie will know how, especially as his philosophy behind ball-throwing is the utterly Draconian “just have fun.”

To our eye-rolling elephant friend, it’s clear Piggie has no idea how to throw a ball and sure enough, when he throws the ball and it ends up BEHIND him, Elephant delights in his ineptitude.

So what does Piggie do? He whoops it up! He has thrown the ball so far, it has encircled the world! Watching Elephant stew with frustration is just precious, as is the way Piggie deals with it and the lesson it teaches Elephant.

The combination of clever, highly-relatable text and hilarious illustrations are what make Willem's books work so very well – perhaps an obvious statement but a true one. This talented literary force once again shows children deeply embedded moral codes that are as subtle as speck of dust on a ballroom floor. His use of humour, fun and emotion makes his books collector’s items, and will for a long time to come.

You can buy this book online

Review: Time to Pee

Title: Time to Pee

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication date: 01/06/2006

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406301588

For ages: 2 - 5

Type: Picture Book

About: Okay. So you’re having a wee potty problem in your house. What better, then, than a highly instructional, perfectly laid-out, illustrated tome on the wherefores, whys and how-tos of potty-training?

That’s right – there’s no need to fret when ‘that feeling’ comes over you. No need to stress, no need to run. And for goodness sake, don’t ignore it. It’s all good. Everything is ok. You can do it. You can pee.

In Willems’ adorable instructional book, we meet a series of gorgeously-illustrated kids in various states of ‘holding on’ – who show us how big there are, and how clever they are – by marching down the hall to that illustrious bathroom.

And illustrious, it is. The scene of a toilet covered with the cutest gaggle of little mice, playing music, dancing, cavorting and otherwise celebrating the great porcelain potty, is just sensational, complete with a little red carpet and bowing mice, welcoming the peeing child to their throne.

The text is minimal and each word is announced with much fanfare in a series of signs, banners and coloured shapes, making easy-reading for both parents and children. Kids are treated to pictures of kids sitting and standing most confidently to pee (boys should stand and girls should sit).

There are plenty of reminders – don’t forget to use toilet paper and flush (though I take exception to the flush occurring with an open toilet lid! ugh!), wash your hands – and most importantly of all – get back to playing.

The back of this book features a sticker sheet with those super cute mice and lots of encouragement (including a Better Luck Next Time!) for little ones who achieve their bathroom objectives.

You can buy this book online

Review: Kuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Title: Kuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication date: 01/06/2008

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406313826

For ages: 2 - 6

Type: Picture Book

About: There’s a reason Mo Willems’ books have done so well. His inherent sense of humour, both in his text and illustrations, is just completely huggable. My first Willems book was the original Knuffle Bunny (A Cautionary Tale) and I was totally addicted.

This second book in the Knuffle series (book three is out soon), sees Trixie a little older now – kindergarten age – and her faithful sidekick, K.Bunny is still firmly attached to her person (and still as cute as ever).

But when another little girl brings a Knuffle Bunny identical twin to school, things start to go pear-shaped. Knuffle Bunny is no longer a one-of-a-kind friend, and when some childlike ego battering ensues, teacher steps in and removes the bunnies altogether.

At the end of the day, the stuffed rabbits are redistributed… but of course, it’s not until the middle of the night, when Trixie is snuggled up with Knuffle in bed, that she… realizes something…

That’s right. It’s not her bunny.

The debacle that follows is truly giggle-worthy, and parents will groan and nod in empathy as a nighttime rendez-vous is organized to facilitate an undercover swap. And when both girls are finally reunited with their respective bunnies, they extend that warm fuzzy relief into a new best-friendship.

The use of photographs and coloured sketches in this book are so gorgeously done. Willems not only has a knack for styling (without over-styling), he also uses each page to heighten the drama and emotion. When Trixie first sees the rival bunny at kinder, for example, the use of separate successive shots zooming in on Rival Rabbit is priceless. You can just hear the ominous music – da da daaaaaaaa…………

Trixie is an adorable character and her dad is glorious, but of course, it’s Knuffle Bunny always steals the show. Bring on Book Three!

Teacher's Notes

You can buy this book online

Review: Leonardo the Terrible Monster

Title: Leonardo the Terrible Monster

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$16.95RRP

Publication date: 01/09/2008

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406312157

For ages: 3 - 7

Type: Picture Book

About: Leonardo isn’t very good at being a monster. In fact, he is a terrible monster. As terrible as they come. He can’t scare anyone to save himself. He doesn’t even look the part.

Keen to live up to his full monstery potential, Leonardo researches how to not only scare people but find the perfect victim, and when he does find one – a trembling, corner-sitting Sam, Leonardo sees his chance.

He sneaks up on Sam and gives him the scaring of his life. And Sam cries. But is he crying because Sam scared him… or is there something more serious afoot?

Leonardo may be a terrible monster, but he’s a great hugger. And a very good friend.

Using the quintessential Willems pastel pages and gorgeous retro-style illustrations, Leonardo the Terrible Monster is another masterpiece in the Willems conglomerate of fun.

You can buy this book online

Review: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Title: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication Date: 01/04/07

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406308129

For ages: 3-6

Type: Picture Book

About: After Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late proves that Mo Willems knows when he’s onto a good thing. And good on him.

In this adorable book, Pigeon does a fast con job on the reader about going to bed. Every excuse under the sun is rolled forth for consideration – “Can I have a glass of water?” and “I’ll go to bed early tomorrow night” are only superceded by the borderline hysterical wail of “I’m not tired!!!”

Pigeon is a character unto himself, and Willems once again uses beautifully-balanced kid-style text that is engaging, easy to emote and totally creative. You night notice the appearance of Knuffle Bunny in the book, and the addition of a be-capped man who introduces the story and pleads with the reader to help him get pigeon to sleep, is adorable.

Kids will laugh. Adults will nod their heads in eye-rolling recognition, and here’s hoping against hope the utter sleepyness of our birdie friend by the end of this very tiring book. Tiring in a good way.

You can buy this book online

Review: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Title: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication Date: 01/08/05

Format: Softcover

Language: English

ISBN: 9781844280599

For ages: 3-6

Type: Picture Book

About: When little Trixie misplaces her best friend, Knuffle Bunny, at the laundromat, who knew this small crisis would instigate a major, life-changing event in a young toddler’s life?

This delightful book, written and illustrated by the irreverent Mo Willems, is one of our family’s favourites (read: MY favourite). The use of witty text and stunning black and white photos is only rivalled by the hilarity of the emotion in its characters.

Willems' simplistic yet sophisticated signature drawings perfectly complement a blatant sense of humour that hits adults and kids right on the funny bone. An instant classic that will have you flicking for a giggle long after the kids have entered college.

Teacher's Notes

You can buy this book online

Bibliography: Mo Willems

image credit

We are hopping around with glee to feature talented author/illustrator Mo Willems on Kids Book Review's Behind the Books. For the next two days you will be Mo-Fested! We kickstart things with a bibliography from the present to waaaaaay back... Warning: it's long.

Knuffle Bunny Free: an Unexpected Diversion

City Dog, Country Frog (Author)

Cat the Cat, Who is That?

Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly!

What’s Your Sound, Hound the Hound?

Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep!


We Are In a Book!

Can I Play, Too?

I Am Going!

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Big Frog Can’t Fit In!

Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Elephants Can Not Dance!

Pigs Make Me Sneeze!

The Pigeon Wants A Puppy!

I Love My New Toy!

I Will Surprise My Friend!

Are You Ready To Play Outside?

The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970 (Writer, Introduction)


Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Today I Will Fly!

My Friend is Sad!

There is a Bird on Your Head!

I Am Invited to a Party!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day (forward by Dave Barry)

Edwina, the Dinosaur That Didn’t Know She Was Extinct

'Honestly', Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road Anthology (Illustrator)

'Eye Poker', Rush Hour: Reckless (Illustrator)


Leonardo, the Terrible Monster

Time To Say ‘Please’!

The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!

'The Unbeatable' Every Man For Himself: Stories About Being A Guy

ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2006, NYPL Books for the Teen Age 2006

'Aw, Nuts!', Guys Write for Guys Read

'Machiavelli On The Telly', PEN America (#6) (Author)

'The Wonder of It All', Bizarro World (Author)

Adventures in Cable Television Featuring That Lovable Sap, Mo Willems, Death of Monkeysuit, Monkeysuit Press comix anthology


Knuffle Bunny; a Cautionary Tale

The Pigeon Finds A Hotdog!

'Nuts To You', Marlo Thomas’ Thanks and Giving All Year Round (Illustrator)

Time To Pee!


Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Walking the Williamsburg Bridge to Work, 911: The World’s Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember, Comics anthology

'Freak Show of the Less Than Bizarre', Viva La Monkeysuit, comix anthology, Monkeysuit Press

'Just Some of the People Who Hate You', Bride of Monkeysuit, comix anthology, Monkeysuit Press

The Mo Willems Sketchbook

More here

GIVEAWAY! Review: Down to Earth, Rusty and the Rainbow

Read below to find out how to WIN both of these books!

Titles: Down to Earth; Rusty and the Rainbow

Author: Karin Cox

Photographer: Steve Parish

Publisher: Steve Parish Publishing, $14.95 RRP each

Publication Date: September 2010

Format: Hard cover

ISBN: 9781741936315 / 9781741936322

For ages: 3+

Type: Picture books

About Down to Earth: Jemima the koala has lived all her life in the tree tops. She’s never before been down to the ground; she hasn’t even stopped to wonder what it’s like down there.

Until her daughter, Mimi, grows up and begins asking questions about what it’s like down there.

Meanwhile, the other animals are planning a party. They think the koalas are snobby, never bothering to come down to talk to them, so they don’t think to invite them. Except for Daisy the glider, that is, who delivers an invitation and urges them to come along.

All the animals could be in for a shock when they realise they have misunderstood each other.

Kids will love so many aspects of this story.

Personally, I love the deeper message contained in words like these: “I have never been down to earth… I have everything I need right here in the tree tops.” Many of us may have our heads stuck in the clouds, but it’s important to know that right here in real life, there are things to be lived.

The use of other pictures with the photographs also works really well. This is a book full of stunning Australian wildlife images, with little extra bits added in here and there, like the pink invitations each animal is holding. This adds a whimsical feel and a real touch of fantasy that complements the story perfectly.

But my favourite part? The photos of cuddly, sleepy koalas – they’re just so cute!

About Rusty and the Rainbow: When Rusty the numbat and his friend Pogo the wallaby spot a kangaroo, they decide to take an adventure to find the pot of gold at the end.

Along the way they meet some animals that match the colours of a rainbow: parrots, rainbow fish, a rainbow bee-eater – all of whom have tried to catch the bright arc in the sky before. Rusty and Pogo are warned that their search will end in failure, but still they persist.

When they finally reach the end, there’s a little surprise in store for this adventurous pair – they may have found a reward for their efforts after all.

The numbat is a fascinating creature and a rare, endangered species that is so important to be aware of. After all, knowledge and familiarity (beginning with childhood stories such as this one) are the first step to protecting our amazing native animals.

This story acts to inform children – in a fun and relatable way – of the animals that live in our midst. What they like to eat, their habitats, other creatures found in the same environment; it’s all here.

Of course, Parish’s photography is the first thing one notices, but look even further and you’ll find a lovely story with a positive message. And an important one at that.

These books are available online

Now, it's time to WIN!

THREE lucky Kids Book Review readers will win both these stunning picture books, Down to Earth and Rusty and the Rainbow!

To enter, simply click here. Good luck!

Author Interview - AJ Betts

Talented YA Author AJ Betts joins us with a wonderful interview on why she's obsessed with making up stories. Welcome AJ!

What's your story? I currently live in Perth, by the sea. I work as a secondary English Teacher, so I have to write at nights, on the weekends, and on school holidays. I’ve been here for six years now, after driving across Australia and loving the Indian Ocean. Prior to this, I’d grown up in Far North Queensland, and lived in Brisbane and the UK.

How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing for as long as I remember. My first poem got published at twelve. I was a poet for a long time until I turned to writing novels ten years ago. I remember loving the opportunity to write stories at primary school.

What genre do you write in? I write for older teenagers (15+) but adults enjoy my books too. I write realistic novels that people can identify with.

What other genres have you written in? Sometimes I write non-fiction, including a biographical story I wrote about my grandad, published in the collection ‘Lines of Wisdom’, published by Affirm Press, 2008. As a teenager I was interested in comedy and sci-fi – I was influenced by Douglas Adams. I’d like to try more fantasy and sci-fi in the future.

Why do you write? I write because I’m obsessed with making up stories and if I didn’t get them down, I’d explode! I’m fascinated by people and the strange ways that life works. I love using language to show an aspect of life that readers haven’t considered before. I love the endless possibilities language holds – it’s like weaving magic out of sound and symbol.

What made you decide to do a young adult fiction? I only realised halfway through my first novel that it was young adult. I really like writing teenaged characters because they’re interesting and I never know what they’re going to do. I love working with teenagers (as a high school teacher, I get to do this every day).

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? I think it was called ‘Evil Otto’ and it was heavily influenced by a computer game I’d been playing. Back when I was eight, I didn’t have the confidence to write brand new ideas.

Tell us a little about Wavelength, your new release. It’s a story about Oliver, a 17 year old guy who’s stressed out about his upcoming final exams. For study week he decides to stay with his dad, in Busselton. The novel looks at what happens to Oliver in this new place, and how it changes his view on things: his studies, his exams, and everything that comes after.

Are Oliver and Emma modelled on anyone? They both draw on hundreds of people I’ve met and taught, but they’re also influenced by my own experiences. They share my ambition and perfectionist streak. Emma probably has my sense of humour and biting sarcasm.

Why do you think slice-of-life fiction is so engaging for young adult readers? I think teenage readers identify with the characters because they’re going through similar experiences. There is a place for fantasy and sci-fi, but realism gets that little bit closer to the heart of real life.

What do you hope Wavelength will impart to its readers? I hope readers begin to feel what Oliver does at the end of the novel – that life is good; life is long; and that it helps to go with the flow. The more we try to control every aspect of our lives, the more stressed we become.

What are the greatest obstacles you've experienced on your writing journey? The biggest obstacle was initially my lack of confidence. For years, I was focusing on developing my poetry and prose, without the belief they should be published. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I got to really hone my skills without the embarrassment of putting something out there when it was underdone. I’m still learning and improving and every day, and I hope to continue doing so for the rest of my life.

What do you love most about producing books for young adults? Definitely the feedback I get from readers – it’s so exciting and reassuring!

What advice would you have for anyone wanting to write a book in the young adult genre? I’d say to write because you love to write. Forget you’re writing for teens – write for yourself. And never patronise your reader!

If you couldn’t be a writer, what would you be? A teacher…but frustrated!

Other than writing, what else do you love?
Cycling
Nature
Films
Reading
Friends

Can you name your top five young adult books of all time?
The Outsiders
Lord of the Flies
The Hunger Games
The 10pm Question
Tomorrow When the War Began

Describe your perfect day. Cycling with friends, swimming at the beach, writing in a café, seeing a film with friends. Bliss!

What five words best sum you up?
Indecisive
Easily excitable
Perfectionist
Cheeky
Down-to-earth

What’s next for AJ Betts? Everything! All at once! But realistically, I’d like to keep writing young adult fiction, and perhaps try my hand at children’s and junior fiction… and maybe adult fiction… one day.

Amanda is thrilled with the overwhelming response she's received over her new YA novel - Wavelength. She says it’s so affirming to get great feedback, after so many years of 'solitude bordering on manic obsession'. Read KBR's review of Wavelength here and learn more about Amanda and her work at her website.

Review: Willy Waggledagger: A Belt Around My Bum

Being a great lover of Shakespeare, I was keen to sample this Willy Waggledagger comedy (yes, yes, Willy Waggledagger is another silly name for The Bard) by Liverpool native and Shakespeare-addict Chatterton (who, by an amazing coincidence, traced his family tree and discovered the world's most famous writer was not his great-great-great-great-great-great uncle!).

Eleven-year-old Willy Waggledagger is on the road with his troupe of players, including the gruff, rotund and hairy Yorick, when the King of the Faeries stops the caravan in its tracks, demanding help to re-capture the famed gold belt supposedly snaffled from the King by Queen Elizabeth. By another amazing coincidence, the King is actually the brother of Yorick (only possibly hairier).

Tricked into helping this wing-wearing nutbag reclaim the golden belt, the King offers them some love potion to help smooth the way, and the troupe enters the palace under the guise of performing their latest play.

But reclaiming the belt doth not goeth smoothly. When the love potion is mistakenly gulped down by the Queen, Yorick, page boys and all manner of hangers-on, you can only imagine the amorous chaos that ensues.

Clever, witty, funny and totally bonkers, this story will attract both boys and girls - and also the odd parent or 678, for its riotous attempt at making sense of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Illustrations by Brisbane native Rogers, beautifully round out this fun series of books. Any excuse to expose kids to Shakespeare, I say - even if it is via the stylings of a bumbling eleven-year-old boy in pantaloons.

Title: Willy Waggledagger: A Belt Around My Bum
Author: Martin Chatterton
Illustrator: Gregory Rogers
Publisher: Little Hare, A$14.99RRP
Publication Date: November 2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781921272981
For ages: 7 - 12
Type: Junior Fiction

Also in this series:
By the Picking of My Nose
Coming soon: To Chew or Not to Chew

This book is available online

KBR Recommends: Great Junior Fiction for Boys

Most boys love to read, but they are also very busy and so partial to many other things like sport and hobbies and electronic brain-sappers.

Our boys are reading more and more sophisticated books at a younger age, yet there are just as many who struggle to read, and suffer enormously from it – not only academically and socially, but also for the fact that they’re missing out on the glory of stories – something so vital to a growing brain.

A KBR reader tweeted me some weeks ago about books she could buy for her 4-year-old son who is reading so well and devouring so many books, she would like to extend him to chapter books. Her only issue was finding suitable books, so she asked my advice on great junior fiction for very young readers.

The following line-up of books has such a variety in tone and reading difficulty, they will suit young kids who read well… and also older kids who don’t read so well. Depending on your child, their interest and their reading capabilities, you’re sure to find a series that will encourage your boy to read.

These books are specifically for kids who are extending themselves beyond picture books to text – aged roughly between 4 and 8, though as ‘old’ as 10. If you have a chapter book series your son or students have enjoyed or that you would like to recommend to other parents and teachers, please do leave a comment below.

Aussie Nibbles

The Aussie Nibbles series (Bites and Chomps are for older readers, respectively) has been a best seller for Penguin for many years now, and is still going strong, with books selling in overseas markets, proving there is a large market for great stories that extend children and draw them into other worlds.

The books are illustrated in black and white and feature no more than around 60 words per page, with around 6 or 7 short chapters. These books would suit kids aged between 5 and 8, and the tone of the stories is younger to mid-range, fun, heroic and imaginative. The books are written and illustrated by a strong variety of well-known talent.

Little Lunch

The Little Lunch series from Black Dog Books is more heavily illustrated (B&W) than the Nibbles and would again suit kids aged 5 to 8. The books aren’t divided into chapters but do have scene-changes and are romping, rollicking stories that will hook boys in.

The tone of these books is a little older (around 7) and the themes are a little more whacky and action-packed. Written by award-winning team Danny Katz and Mitch Vane – the kooky illustrations work perfectly with the text.

Mates – Great Australian Yarns

Published by Scholastic, these fun chapter books have obvious appeal in that they are very Australian and tackle relatable and entertaining topics.

The authors for the series vary from Ian Horrocks to Tom Jellett and Sue Degennaro. The illustrations are a strong point with these books – there are fabulous colour illustrations throughout. The books are beautifully styled and are a relatively light read, suiting kids from 5 through to 8. The tone would suit kids around the age of 6.

Text is broken up with the occasional word in larger or different font face and stories are funny, totally charming, laid back and full of fun lingo. Perfect for very young readers.

Zac Power

Hardie Grant Egmont have had huge success with the Zac Power chapter books because they tackle older kids who struggle to read – and do it with flair. Even for kids who are reading well, they are a quick read with storylines that pack a punch.

Zac is a top secret spy (along with his brother Leon) and these adventures are fast-paced, imaginative and super cool, attracting older readers. With large font and high tech gizmo illustrations, these books would attract 8 to 10 year olds. The storylines may be concise and simply written but they aren’t dumbed down and use all the lingo required to hit the mark.

Battle Boy

Similar to Zac Power but longer and with more text, the Battle Boy: Spying on the Past is a brilliant chapterbook series combining history with high tech action. Published by Pan Macmillan, these books continue to hit the shelves in quick succession – a clear indicator of their need in the market.

Author Carter writes with an obvious passion for things of the past, introducing boys to a series of historical figures from the Aztecs to the Red Baron, in a light but meaty way. The book’s hero – Napolean Augustus Smythe is an 11-year-old spy who travels back in time to meet the great historical battle figures of the past.

High tech language and graphics will entrance older readers and the text type and length hits the mark for 8 year olds, with the tone set for those aged 7 and up.

Boyz Rule!

Another Pan Macmillan series combining established talent, these books are penned by a talented duo – Felice Arena and Phil Kettle, with illustrations by a variety of clever people from Gus Gorden to Susy Boyer and Mitch Vane. With dialogue set playscript style, the stories focus on sports and pastimes boys will love and would suit kids aged 4 to 8.

The books are broken into chapters and include a glossary of terms (‘Lingo’), tips, information and a Think Tank where kids are challenged to pondered the story they’ve just read and answer a quiz. School readers just got really cool.

Perfectly suited to kids who love to absorb information and love outdoor pursuits, boyish antics and sport.

Walker Stories

This beautiful series from Walker Books is written and illustrated by a variety of talent including the illustrious Bob Graham. The series is ideal for younger readers, with family and friendship-oriented themes. Filled with stories that hark back to classic storytelling, the books would suit readers between 6 and 10, and the tone would be towards the younger end of that group.

Broken into three titled ‘scenes’, the books feature wonderful line drawings on every page. Not for kids who want fast-paced, super cool action – these are instead warm, hearty books that younger readers and adults will also love. Perfect for bedtime stories.

Wombat and Fox

For parents wanting to drag their boys away from comics, this series by Terry Denton (published by Allen & Unwin) is a glorious compromise. Full to bursting with glorious illustrations, the considerable text of these books is most happily chopped to pieces by fun visuals, making them somewhat of a relief for boys struggling to read.

The content of the books is fast-paced, kooky and lots of fun, and the tone would suit kids aged 5 through 10. Packed with dialogue and written in a verse-like fashion, these books are easy to read in that they flow beautifully. They are not dumbed down in the least, but the text is clear and concisely written, making them very user-friendly.

The Stanley Series

For readers who love classic storylines, Stanley (Hardie Grant Egmont) is a whimsical series featuring a most lovable character and his adventures. The text is a little heavier in these books and would suit boys aged 7 to 10. The tone would suit younger kids – older boys may lose interest if they’ve not been raised on classic books.

The Stanley books are filled with friends, family and relationships yet also feature adventure and a healthy dose of humour and warm magic. Charming.

Do you have a junior fiction series you would recommend for boys? Leave a comment or email us and we will feature them on Kids Book Review!

Author Interview - Peter Macinnis

Kids Book Review is delighed to welcome award-winning Australian author Peter Macinnis with this insightful interview on the wherewithalls of writing books and attempting to retire...

Tell us a little bit about you. Officially, I'm retired, but don't believe it. I have written all my life, and I have now been a full-time writer for five years. I see no reason to stop, not while I'm having fun and my readers are having fun.

I was born in Ipswich during World War II, but I have lived (and still live) on Sydney's northern beaches for most of my life. I have been a teacher, a bureaucrat, a researcher, a management consultant and fraud investigator, a museum educator and encyclopaedist. My wife and I have three children, a lawyer and two scientists, and we have two grandchildren.

I have always been or wanted to be a writer. I got the writing bug when I was about 10, when I wanted to be the next Ion Idriess. I started on my first book in 1971, though it was only published in about 1982. Since then, I've had about 40 books published.

What genre do you write in? Lots! Most of the time I write about science, but history interests me as well, sometimes I combine the two. I used to (and still do) write serious books for adults, looking at how things like sugar, rockets, poisons and even lawn changed our world, books I call 'histories of things'. The fancy name is 'narrative non-fiction'.

The thing is, I'm restless, and I like looking at the reasons why things happen (or happened the way they did). That's how I cross the border from science to history, because both those areas are about causes. Most of my books for younger readers are also attempts to explore the reasons for something. I like to offer insights.

Mind you, my next book, due out on November 1, is very different because it's about monsters, but these aren't your normal vampires and zombies. And after that, I may be about to switch again—keep reading, because there's a Big Secret later on! [Ed: we can't wait!]

What other genres have you written in? Well, the next book, the monster one is probably best described as comedy (if people like it) and as tragedy if they don't. It's supposed to be about monsters but I'm afraid the larrikin that lives in my head took over. The publishers enjoyed it, so I'm hopeful. See The Monster Maintenance Manual for more.

Your book Australian Backyard Explorer won the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books – how did it feel to win this prestigious award? My wife and I work as a team. She was originally a science teacher as I was, and she is always part of the planning and editing process. We had been visiting the grandchildren in New Zealand and we flew into Brisbane for the awards.

After it was all over and we had shouted 'yippee!', we flew home and headed off to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia to see Wilpena, Lake Eyre and other places, and to get some photos for the next National Library book, which is to be called Australian Backyard Naturalist. This book is about looking at, observing and sometimes catching animals and plants. It's very much a hands-on, how-to book. Except for the Monsters: you can't blame her for that, though she checked every word, even there. It's how we work.

Riley and the Curious Koala Colouring Competition

Kids! To help celebrate the upcoming launch of Tania McCartney's new picture book - Riley and the Curious Koala: A journey around Sydney, you could win a copy of the book!

Just head to Tania's website to enter a fab colouring-in competition for your chance to win! Entries close 30 November and are open to Australian and New Zealand residents only.

You'll also find some wonderful fun and games for kids - mazes, spot-the-difference, even paper dolls to print and play with!

Glorious illustrations by Kieron Pratt.

Don't miss Tania's blog tour for Riley and the Curious Koala - 15 - 21 November 2010.