Kids' Book Review: May 2012

Thursday 31 May 2012

Review: Junior MasterChef Australia - Series 2 Cookbook

What can I say? Another quality production from HarperCollins for Junior MasterChef Australia - the second series cookbook for kids. Like the TV show, this is quality all the way.

A striking blue cover, gorgeous typefacing, layout and design are the bones for a fabulous set of recipes that both kids and adults will enjoy whipping up in la cuisine.

The book has been cleverly divided into sections from around the world - starting with Australia and moving through Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Review: Hairy Maclary's Hat Tricks

"I remember Hairy Maclary!' I squealed. I must confess, like a bit of a loon, when I saw this book.

It makes sense, Hairy Maclary made his first appearance in 1983 and since then, the series has sold over five million copies worldwide. Incredible.

There are a whooping twelve books in the series, and a further nine are about his friends. His friends include:

Review: 10 Little Insects

Davide Cali may be poised to leave our fair shores (after a stint in Australia, on tour) but his legacy remains thoroughly onshore, with his collection of stunning picture books and newest addition 10 Little Insects - a book that is somewhat of a departure from his usual bookish fare.

We recently hosted Davide on KBR with a series of book reviews and interview (see them here) and we are delighted to review his latest award-winning book.

Review: Owl Know How

Well, if you want stunning visuals, you've come to the right place. Absolutely one of those picture books that look so good, you want to lick the pages, this truly beautiful book by two creative Aussies is a complete eye-fest for both kids and adults.

Owl Know How was created by artist Cat Rabbit and animator Isobel Knowles. Cat is a textile-based artist working in soft sculpture, and has a cult following in both art and craft circles. Isobel's work spans many types of animation and she has won awards at several prestigious festivals.

Melbourne School and Library Book Launch Competition!

Ford Street is releasing its latest baby Trust Me Too (edited by Paul Collins) into the literary stratosphere! The anthology comprises 57 original works from some of Australia's leading children's authors, illustrators and poets.

A Special Invitation

Calling all Melbourne schools and libraries. How would you like the following authors and illustrators to attend your school or municipal library FREE, to celebrate the launch of Trust Me Too?

Krista Bell
Isobelle Carmody
Paul Collins
Meredith Costain
George Ivanoff
Felicity Marshall
Marc McBride
Hazel Edwards
David Miller
Sean McMullen
Michael Panckridge
Leigh Hobbs
Wendy Orr
Corinne Fenton
Judith Rossell
Lucy Sussex
Kim Kane
Gabrielle Wang
Jenny Mounfield
Margaret Clark
Janeen Brian
Kirsty Murray*

Sounds too good to be true? It's not! Isobelle Carmody will read from her Obernewtyn prequel and will launch Trust Me Too on July 27. We're looking at a commencement time of around 6pm.

To win this amazing opportunity, just tell us:

why your venue would be perfect for the launch of Trust Me Too
how many people you would invite and expect to attend
your ideas on promoting the launch

The deadline for entries is 5pm, Friday 22 June. The winner and three short-listed entries will be notified by email and will each receive a complimentary copy of the book. Winners' names will be posted on Ford Street's NEWS page late June.

Email your interest please to Terrie Saunders at fordstr@internode.on.net or call Ford Street Publishing on (03) 9481 1120 if you have any queries.

*Author/illustrator line up may change but at time of promotion is fixed. Entries restricted to Melbourne metropolitan schools and libraries only.

Sponsored by Creative Net Speakers Agency www.fordstreetpublishing.com/cnet and Ford Street Publishing www.fordstreetpublishing.com

View and/or download the Trust Me Too poster (with author/illustrator/poet pics) right here.

Saturday 26 May 2012

Review: Bipolar Bears

Once upon a time there was a family of polar bears. Mummy Bear, Daddy Bear and Brother and Sister Bear. Brother and Sister - Arty and Sporty - loved to draw and play basketball. Mummy bear was a nurse at the local hospital and Daddy Bear loved to fish at the local fish farm.

But one day, things start going awry for the Polar Bear family. Daddy Bear starts acting strange. He starts building a cubby house but before he's even finished, he gets to work on baking some biscuits but before he's even finished, he starts cleaning the shed but before he was even finished, he tears around the toy store, cramming a trolley with toys.

News: National Year of Reading Love2Read app!

Love2Read is a free app designed celebrate the National Year of Reading 2012, by giving you easy access to tools that will help you participate - and to just get reading!

The app allows you to:

- View Upcoming Events
- Locate your nearest library (GPS enabled!)
- Share a picture of a library to us via the app so we can add it to the library profile
- Free reads to download to your phone (PDF)
- Program Information for NYR 2012

The National Year of Reading 2012 is a collaborative project joining public libraries, government, community groups, media and commercial partners, and of course the public. As well as creating specific new campaigns for the National Year of Reading, we'll be using our joint efforts to bring together and showcase the wonderful projects and organisations across Australia which already exist to promote reading and literacy.

Click here for your FREE app - suitable for both iPhone and iPad.

Review: Of Poseidon

When Emma and Galen first meet at the beach there is an instant attraction, but when Emma's holiday ends in tragedy and she returns home, she has no reason to believe that they will ever see each other again.

What Emma doesn't know is that Galen's interest in her goes beyond their own sizzling chemistry. Galen is a royal member of the House of Triton and he believes that Emma possesses the Gift of Poseidon, a special talent that marks her as the chosen bride of a Triton prince. Unfortunlately, that prince is Galen's older brother, Grom.

Interview: Author Tania Cox

KBR would like to warmly welcome author Tania Cox with this interview on her life, her writing processes and her wonderful collection of books. We are big fans of your books here at KBR. Thank you for talking to us. Take it away Tania.

There is a something special about this book. It is the super lovely Millie and it's Tania Cox' words beautifully blended with David Miller's delicious paper art sculpture dinosaur illustrations.

I just want to give Millie, the small dinosaur, a big cuddle. When we meet Millie she is being terrorised by big, bad Reggie. He loves to scare Millie, but Millie is not having any fun at all. She is scared.

Review: Anorak magazine

I stumbled across Anorak magazine some time ago now, and fell head over heels in love in an instant. Based in the UK, Anorak produces a quarterly magazine for kids that's unlike any other.

Launched in 2006, and called 'the happy mag for kids', the magazine is aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 12. Content includes stories, colouring, things to do, and lots of cool and fascinating facts - to make everyone HAPPY!

Review: Vampyre

Graphic Novels for Young Adults have arrived, but Vampyre is not a Graphic Novel. It holds true to the style of a simple picture book with tight language and short sentences, however, Vampyre is not for younger children. It pulls in the attention of an older audience with dark, desolate images. Vampyre's themes of discrimination, rejection and taking life threatening risks are also not for younger children.

Interview: Nina Lim, author & ebook publisher

KBR warmly welcomes the lovely Nina Lim, author and ebook publisher, with this insightful interview on her new creation. If you are interested in the ebook market, this is a must-read.

Tell us a little about you.

I’m a former university teacher turned author and mother of three.

I live in Sydney’s north, a stone’s throw from national parks, beaches and wonderful cafes.

Guest Post: Mental Health Books for Kids with Karen Tyrrell

Kids Book Review is delighted to welcome author Karen Tyrrell, on tour with her brand new book Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness. Here, Karen gives us insight into a fabulous array of children's books that promote mental wellbeing. We at KBR strongly feel that an early understanding of mental illness is a vital component in both dealing with and supporting this prevalent health issue. Take it away, Karen!

When I was a primary teacher, parents at my school harassed me to breaking point and beyond. After I was released from a psyche hospital, I wrote my gutsy memoir, Me & Her: a Memoir of Madness, sharing my strategies to recovery.

I’ve since become a writer for children and a passionate mental health advocate.

After I recovered, I returned to teaching. I taught my beloved year two class mental health strategies, to strengthen their emotional resilience. I advocate that parents, teachers and librarians support children on how to cope with the stresses of life. Reading and discussing these books will strengthen their resilience . . .

Review: Sophie Scott Goes South

Sophie is going to work with her dad, a ship's captain on an Icebreaker. Their voyage will take them to Mawson Station in Antarctica and back, an amazing journey for anyone let alone a nine-year-old girl. Sophie is nervous and excited and she doesn't want to forget a thing, so she takes a diary with her to record all the amazing things that she sees and learns on her trip.

With everything from whales and penguins to icebergs and the southern lights, Sophie shares her amazing adventure in the pages of this enjoyable picture book by popular Australian author and Australian Children's Laureate, Alison Lester.

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Sometimes Love Is Under Your Foot

Sometimes Love Is Under Your Foot written and illustrated by Colin Thompson, $33.65 Scholastic Australia 2008

This picture book is about learning to appreciate someone who loves you. The main characters are Brian, a man who works at King Of Pies and Kevin, Brian’s dog.

Brian ignores Kevin until Brian starts to get ill. He realises that Kevin is more than just an old silly dog. He needs to appreciate Kevin a bit more. The part that made me laugh was when it said Kevin Loves Brian so much he thinks he is God!

My favourite part is when Brian comes down stairs, picks up Kevin and stares at the moon. I thought it would be sad all the way through but it had a happy ending. It was a great picture book for people 9+. The book is also good for people who love dogs and understand love.

The illustrations are done with pencil and water colour. The pictures set a sad mood at the beginning but as you read on they get happier. This is helped by the pictures starting off dull and getting lighter as you read on. The pictures are funny at the same time as being sad.

- by Abby, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Star Navigator

Star Navigator by Allan Baillie and Wayne Harris, 1997, ABC Books, $19.95, not published anymore.

A story about a star navigator that needs to rescue a crippled freighter from the depths of the galaxy, can he make it? Zooming through space the star navigator leads the fleet to gather precious materials to save the crew of the freighter. Many dangers await star navigator Bryan Hanrahan.

Bryan is the main character, his pet, which came from his purple breakfast egg on Antares, is Styg. Styg likes tasting everyone he meets even though Bryan tells him not to. Styg is a green small alien with a long tongue.

The admiral is a brown alien with four short stubby horns in a line on his head, the engineer a green alien with yellow eyes and big ears looks a bit like a goblin. The cook looks a bit like a bull with two noses, his two ears each have three earrings. The technician has yellow skin and his two big blue eyes and he looks a bit like a woman. The crew of the many ships come from many different planets and galaxies.

Bryan comes from and lives on Earth but when the call comes he is willing to fly into space.

This picture book has illustrations that show the story’s details and even help telling the story, because the dry brush acrylic gives a spacy effect and makes the ships and aliens look realistic. Star Navigator is a good fantasy book for kids who like sci-fi and are between the ages of 6-8 years.

- by David, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Red Tree

The Red Tree by Shaun Tan, $29.99 Published by Lothian Books

Do you ever feel gloomy? The little girl in this book feels upset and gloomy. She has orange hair and it makes her stand out. I think the illustrator gave her orange hair because it shows she is different. She is the main character in this book and she doesn’t have a name. (I don’t think that matters!)

My favourite part of this book is when the girl has a bad day and comes back to where she started, in her bedroom and she feels better. It shows that you can bounce back again. The illustrations are painted and help by setting the girl’s gloomy mood. I liked this book because of the great pictures and they have great detail in them. I felt like I was looking through the girl’s eyes. It was a great feeling.

The message of this story is think positive. The Red Tree is a picture book for 6+ year olds.

- by Eleanor, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Eleventh Hour

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base, Penguin 1988, $14.95

Mysterious pictures tell the story. The book is about an elephant who is turning eleven and he makes everything at his party eleven.

The book has lots of detail in the pictures and you really have to look right into the pictures.

My favorite part is when the tiger gets the pig out in cricket!

The main character is Horace the elephant.

If you look right into the pictures you can make out words of who stole the feast.

I think this book is for 8 to 10 year olds.

- by Josh, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales!

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Puffin Books, 1993, $16.95

This is the best book I’ve ever read!!!! This book is full of REALLY funny modified fairy tales. You should read it!!!!!

My favourite part of the book was when Chicken Lichen thought the sky was falling but the table of contents fell instead!

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales is an illustrated story.

The one disappointing thing about this book is that the way it is set out makes it a bit confusing.

The language used in this book is slightly funny and a bit rude.

The illustrations make the story funnier and the story would be pretty boring if the illustrations weren’t there. Anyway, people like illustrations.

I liked the entire book it makes people laugh and cheers sad people up, except the way it was set out made it a bit puzzling.

I think anyone would like this book but they would understand it better if they read some of the stories the book is based on.

SO GET OUT AND READ IT TODAY!!!

- Kate, age 9

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Luke’s Way Of Looking

Luke’s Way Of Looking by Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley, Hodder Headline, 2001

What happens when you have a great imagination but you can’t use it? Read this book to find out.

This book is about a young boy, Luke, who has a great imagination but his grumpy art teacher, Mr. Barraclough, won’t let him use it. Luke feels like he can’t share his ideas and he is upset.

My favourite part of the book is when Luke paints a watermelon; he makes it look 3D and colourful.

At the end Mr Barraclough finally sees Luke’s way of looking and Luke finally finds his confidence.

The illustrations help because they show you how Luke sees things and what he is feeling.

The moral of the story is to always be yourself and it doesn’t matter what other people think.

This colourful book will make you feel happy and creative and I recommend it for 7+

- by Kristen, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Shaggy Gully Times

The Shaggy Gully Times by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, Harper Collins, 2007, $22.49

THIS BOOK IS THE FUNNIEST BOOK I’VE EVER READ!!!

It is the funniest book you will ever read guaranteed. This book is about a town of animals. It is written in a style of a newspaper. Bruce Whatley has made it look like a newspaper that the animals made. It looks like it’s been scrunched up like a real newspaper and it also has a crossword and find-a-words etc.

It is full of funny stories. My favorite part of the book was when the animals pooped on the zookeeper.

It has more words than pictures so I would recommend this book for people who like words more than pictures. One of the best things about this book is that when you read it you find little things. Then the next time you read it you find other little things that you haven’t seen before which I really like.

- by Lachlan, age 8

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Weslandia

Weslandia by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, first published in 1999, Candlewick Press $23.95

Weslandia is the name of this awesome book. It is about a boy who is different to all the other boys and girls, his name is Wesley.

All the other boys and girls hate him so he decides to make a land of his own. He makes up his own civilization. After he has created his land, he has no shortage of friends. The pictures of Weslandia show detail, person and place, set a mood and complement the text.

The text tells a story that you couldn’t tell just with Weslandia’s pictures.

My favorite part in Weslandia is where Wesley is in his land making a bed on top of the trees/flowers out of the roots of his new plant. I like it because it is colourful and detailed and because it gave me a feeling that I never wanted the book to end. It is an awesome book!! One part of the story that made me laugh was when the bullies felt sorry for themselves.

I reckon everybody who is imaginative would love this book.

- by Matthew, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Ned Kelly and the Green Sash

Ned Kelly and the Green Sash by Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac

Publisher: Walker Books in Newtown (2010) $29.95

If you think Ned Kelly was always bad, Think again and READ ON!

This book is about a boy who started off as a sweet young lad and ends up as a crook.

My favourite part of the story is when Ned Kelly saved his friend, called Richard Shelton, who fell into a rushing creek because it shows that Ned Kelly has feelings for his friend no matter what.

Ned Kelly and The Kelly Gang are the main characters. Ned Kelly started off as a sweet boy and then was raised by crooks. Then he made a gang called The Kelly Gang.

This book is a picture book because there are more pictures than writing.

The pictures are simple like a child actually did illustrate the story.

I liked this book because it is a very old story that we have heard about a lot.

The thing that was good about the book is that Ned Kelly earned the green sash which meant that he was a hero and it was the colour of Ireland (green) and the tassels were the colour of gold. There were no parts where I laughed. It felt like I was looking through Ned Kelly’s eyes.

People from ages 10 and up would be suitable for this book.

Now you know that there was some good in Ned Kelly!

- by Maya, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: Sailing Home

Sailing Home by Colin Thompson and Matt Ottley, Hodder Headline, 1996

Endless amounts of rain cause a house to set sail. My favourite part of this story is when they explain what they are doing while on the sea.

The main characters are the family and gran, they are all very adventurous and in the story they travel around the world in their house.

Sailing Home is a picture book that relies on its pictures more than its words.

The pictures help the story because if there were no pictures you would not know where they lived, what they were doing or even that they were out at sea.

I liked the book because I felt like I was looking through the main character’s eyes and I felt that I was a part of the story. This book is for people who like sailing, love the ocean and are interested in travelling.

- by Tim, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: I Saw Nothing

I Saw Nothing by Gary Crew, illustrated by Mark Wilson, published by Lothian Books in 2003

I Saw Nothing is about Rosie, who lived in Tasmania when the last thylacine died. She sees it trapped in a dirty cage at the Hobart Zoo. When Rosie hears about its death, she gets really sad and starts to wish she’d done something when she saw it trapped.

This is a picture book for 7-13 year olds. It’s based on true facts, and isn’t the happiest book on earth. The illustrations help set the mood and show you how things look from Rosie’s point of view. My favourite part is the end, because after you think about it for a couple of minutes, you start to understand how Rosie felt. I liked it because it told me a lot about how Rosie felt and how it was during her life.

- by Sophie, age 9

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Lost Thing

The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan, published 2000, Lothian Books, $28.99

A strange creature is lost in a giant city, a young man named Shaun finds the thing and must return it to its home. The author says, “ It is a tale for people that have more important things to do”. I like the way Shaun uses gloomy pictures with a splash of red colour. My favorite is after Shaun finds a button and presses it.

There is an amazing picture with detail of some amazing creatures and places from Shaun’s imagination.

I would recommend this to anyone 9 to 11.

- by Finn, age 10

Year 4 Literacy Class Review: The Paper Bag Prince

The Paper Bag Prince by Colin Thompson

Published by Random House Children’s Books

This book made me roll on the floor laughing; it has funny and sad parts. It is about a man whose house burned down and the council wouldn’t let him rebuild his house so he has to live on the dump, in a train carriage.

My favorite part of the book is when the Paper Bag Prince gets his farm back from the council after so many years.

The main characters in this book are Princess the dog, the lorry and crane driver and the Paper Bag Prince. The illustrations have hidden pictures and a message in them.

I liked this book because it has a happy ending and it explains why he is living on a dump. I think that this book is appropriate for children from 8 and up!!!

- by Ethan, age 11

Year 4 Literacy Class Reviews from Burgmann Anglican School

Today we are absolutely delighted to play host to a number of book-loving kids, who have taken the time to write some pretty fabulous book reviews. These year 4 kids from Burgmann Anglican School in Canberra will today be sharing their really insightful comments on a number of fabulous books.

Kids Book Review has loved reading these reviews and takes great pleasure in sharing them with you. Reviews will be posted on the hour throughout the day - we hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

So wonderful to see children so utterly immersed in the joy that is books. Thanks, kids, for sharing your amazing reviews! And thank you to teacher Sue Martin for contacting us to organise this. If you or your school would like to do something fabulously literary on Kids Book Review, just let us know!

Get reading!

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Review: The New Jumper

'I [heart] The Hueys. My love is such that if I could be wearing a t-shirt right now that said 'I [heart] The Hueys' to proclaim my love, I would.

Meet the Hueys. A wonderfully offbeat bunch of characters from the wonderfully offbeat mind of Oliver Jeffers. I think Oliver Jeffers could take the crown of the modern picture book King. His original, minimal artwork is beautiful. Using colours in such a way as to highlight and compliment the story of these fabulous little creatures. The Huey's are adorable. I have absolutely no idea what they are, but I love them.

Review: My Big Book of Learning

Looking through this book was like being shuttled back to my early days as a parent, when board books packed with sparkling ABCs were de rigeur before breakfast, lunch and tea.

This new large-format board book from Ice Water Press is heaven in a cardboard sandwich for tots (and parents) because it combines all those myriad books we need to impress upon our wee ones - colours, numbers, shapes, animals, favourite words, opposites and the ABC, all into one brightly coloured book.

Review: What Makes my Mum Happy

What makes mum happy? Other than breakfast in bed and best behaviour, of course? Well, it depends who you are.

If you are a little girl with coffee-coloured skin and curly hair, baking morning tea from a secret recipe is what makes her happy.

If you are a little boy with blonde hair and a stripy top, it's when you run quickly to her after school, because you know she's missed you.

We've always loved Susannah McFarlane's gorgeous aliterated alphabet series - Little Mates - featuring a slew of adorable animal characters.

This series is small format (think Mr Men) and is designed for younger kids who are ready for a little more text. The aliteration is also perfect for vocab and speech extension.

No one needs an excuse for Mummy kisses, but it's still nice to hear them.

There's Mummy kisses for the morning. There's Mummy kisses when it's time for adventure. There's some for having fun, and for learning a trick or two. There's even Mummy kisses for just having a go, for knowing it's okay to cry and because the day has gone and it's time to rest a weary head.

Two well-known talents come together in this hilarious little picture book like no other.

This is a tell-all picture book, oh yes it is. Written with consummate ease and hilarity by the masterful McLeod, we learn the true shenanigans that occur on Mother's Day - not the warm tea and the button-clad cards, no no - this is the real deal:

The shoddy clay mug that won't hold water (honesty's so cruel) . . .

It's Mother's Day and the only way to start it is in bed with breakfast - naturellement. Then it's off to make mum a very special gift - paint, crayons, glue - obligatory.

But - uh-oh! What's this? Baxter the dog is up for some fun. How on earth can he resist upending the pots of paint and thrusting his doggy mug through a painting of Mum?

Review: The Mr Putter and Tabby series

A kind, elderly man and his orange, arthritic cat. Meet Mr Putter and Tabby, an unlikely pair with an inseparable bond. They live next door to spunky, gray-haired Mrs Teaberry and her good bulldog, Zeke.

Mrs Teaberry has a knack for fixing Mr Putter’s problems. This jolly band of four shares many memorable adventures you’ll enjoy experiencing through Cynthia Rylant’s imaginative voice. They overcome obstacles side-by-side, and each one strengthens their already-untouchable friendship.

Review: Fallout (The Phoenix Files #5)

There are only 35 days until the end of the world and Phoenix is a very different place to the picture-perfect town that Luke arrived in only 65 days earlier. Most of the town's population has been confined to the Shackleton Building under armed guard with their food and other necessities strictly rationed.

In their underground bunker, Luke and Jordan continue to work furiously to find Tobias, the only thing that has any hope of saving the world from the effects of the Tabitha virus when it is released. As if that wasn't challenge enough, they have to deal with their friend Peter's violent fits of rage, Jordan's very pregnant mother and factions within their little group of freedom fighters. Can they find the answers they need before time runs out?

Event: Carole Wilkinson at Three Four Knock on the Door

Ach - I wish I was in Melbourne for this! Carole Wilkinson talks Dragonkeeper at Three Four Knock on the Door. You won't want to miss this. Click the poster to enlarge or phone 03 9645 2058 or email to RSVP.

Review: The Story of the Snow Children

Little Poppy is alone in the house. She is gazing out at the falling snow when she notices something - the snowflakes are dancing as they fall!

"Come out and play!" the snowflakes call, and Poppy is stunned to see they are really teensy snow children, promising to take Poppy to see the Snow Queen.

Without hesitation, Poppy dons her best red coat and races outside. I mean, who wouldn't?

Review: The Pirates Next Door

Ahoy!
How much money did the pirate pay to get his ear pierced?
A Buck An Ear !

*I almost feel like a 'Wokka, wokka, wokka' should follow that.*

Events at The Children's Bookshop

Meet Author / Illustrator Oliver Jeffers!
Come along for afternoon tea and meet celebrating author Oliver Jeffers who will be sharing his new picture book, The New Jumper.
When: Thursday 24 May, 4.30pm -5.30pm - RSVP Essential

Meet Acclaimed International Children’s Author Davide Cali!
All children, teachers, librarians and interested readers are invited to a morning tea to meet acclaimed author illustrator Davide Cali who will be promoting his new picture book Ten Little Insects.
When: Saturday 26 May, 11am - 12pm

Libby Gleeson discusses her new novel!
All teachers, librarians and interested readers are invited to a champagne afternoon event to meet renowned author Libby Gleeson who will be discussing her new novel Red - a gripping mystery that unfolds in the aftermath of a devastating cyclone, leaving a young girl unable to remember her name or where she comes from. Vivid, compelling writing from popular, multi-award winning author.
When: Thursday 31 May, 4.30pm - 5.30pm

RSVP Essential
The Children’s Bookshop
6 Hannah Street, Beecroft, Sydney
tel: 9481 8811
staff@thechildrensbookshop.com.au

Review: Poo at the Zoo

Shovels at the ready! From safari parks to city zoos, a mountain of poop is on the rise . . . as author Sarah Eason explains - what goes in, must come out, and in this wonderful new book, we get to learn about the power of poop.

Want to know what happens to animal poo once it's been scooped up by shovel-bearing zoo keepers? Some zoos sell it for manure - it's packed with vitamins and minerals that help plants grow. Other zoos use it for power!

Review: Bananas in My Ears: A Collection of Poems

What do you get when you mix grunge images with everyday humour? A rib-tickling series of poems that have to be read again and again.

Michael Rosen is the master of one-liners. He crams layers of images, emotion and quirkiness into a few precious words.

Quentin Blake's understated sketches with simple details add a twist to Rosen's verse, so you end up with hours of fun.

News: Illustrator Residencies at Pinerolo

It is with a great deal of excitement that literary doyenne Margaret Hamilton announces a very special program for 2012 at Pinerolo, the Children's Book Cottage.

Applications are invited from emerging and established illustrators who would like to enjoy a week's residency at Pinerolo, fully funded by Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

This is a unique opportunity for illustrators and only four places are available for this year. More information and the application form can be downloaded from: http://www.pinerolo.com.au/PDF/Residencies.pdf

This is the first time such an opportunity has been offered to illustrators at Pinerolo. Email Margaret or phone her on 02 47878492 if you require any further information.

Canberra Kids Love2Read

Year one students from six of Canberra’s public primary schools are participating in the Canberra Kids Love2 Read program, a Libraries ACT initiative as part of the National Year of Reading 2012.
The National Year of Reading promotes literacy and encourages a love of books and reading. This program has been developed to encourage reading in younger students as well as the habit of visiting the library.

The program, which commenced in March 2012, includes monthly library visits by each of the schools, during which the students get to participate in a fun, educational activities as well as have the opportunity to borrow items from the library.

During the program, each participating student will receive a special pack including a library bag and book for them to keep – many of these books have been kindly donated by publishers via National Year of Reading ACT Ambassador, Tania McCartney.

Development of the Canberra Kids Love2Read program has been in collaboration with the ACT Directorate of Education and Training and is proudly supported by FE Technologies who have provided sponsorship for the program.

Libraries ACT would like to thank the following people for their kind donations, and for their support for this important NYR12 event.

Hardie Grant Egmont