'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 28 April 2013

KBR Recommends: New Picture Books, April 2013

Books Always Everywhere by Jane Blatt (Nosy Crow, $22.99, 9780857630896)

For the very young, books can be anything - a chair, a tower, to a hat - but the best thing they can be... is a book... and it's never too soon to share a good book with your little ones.

A lovely celebration of imagination and the way picture books fascinate babies and toddlers with their colourful pages and entertaining stories.

There is also a wonderful message, mostly through Sarah Massini's appealing illustrations, that a book is something to be shared.



Night Watch by Phil Cummings (Working Title Press, $24.95, 9781921504365)

Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo and Baboon all live by the lake, happily going about their own business, until one day Giraffe spies the shadow of Lion - prowling, creeping, stalking, sneaking. What are they to do now?

Phil Cummings' wonderfully rhythmic text will have young children itching to act out the story and is perfectly complemented by Janine Dawson's witty, vibrant illustrations in this lovely story about friends working together.

Meet Mary MacKillop by Sally Murphy (Random House, $19.95, 9781742757216)

Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint.

Mary was born in the 1800s and devoted her life to teaching children. Mary believed everyone should have the chance to learn, no matter how rich or poor they are. In 1866 she set up her first school and founded an order of nuns called the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The Sisters continue to do the good work Mary started.

The Boys' Book of Things to Make (DK, $24.99, 9781409322337)

The ultimate book of things to make, play, create and do ...and it's boys only! Welcome to the club - The Boys' Book of Things To Make is the ultimate compendium of making models, games, quizzes and puzzles, and it's all perfect for active boys. 

With over 150 amazing projects, there is enough here to keep busy bodies occupied all year long, with monster puppets, DIY crazy golf, pirate games and garden Olympics and more. Split into three sections - things to make, things to do and things to know, this book is a good source of information as well as fun. 

Weasels by Elys Dolan (Nosy Crow, $22.99, 9780857631992)

Megalomania has never been so furry. This gorgeous picture book is packed with cross-over humour to amuse both kids and big kids, too. 

The art is stylish yet accessible and full of details for poring over time and time again. There are machines and maps and even a laboratory ...oh, and lots of lots of weasels.

Review coming soon.