Archive | December 31, 2013

What’s Wrong with the Wobbegong?

What's Wrong with the Wobbegong?

What’s Wrong with the Wobbegong?

Phillip Gwynne and Gregory Rogers

Little Hare 2013

hbk RRP$A24.95

9781921714962

Crab is worried.  Wobbegong has his towel, his music on his retro radio and his sunscreen and looks set for a day on the beach sunbaking, but he has no picnic basket or esky or any sort of food.  “What’s wrong with the wobbegong? He doesn’t eat a thing” says the crab to the stingray.  And so begins a quirky cumulative tale as the various marine creatures become more and more concerned about the wobbegong, until…

A wobbegong in budgie smugglers, an ice cream loving crab, a clam in boardies, a humpback in a floral dress and a seabird selling beach treats make up the cast of this endearing story and accompanied by the unmistakeable illustrations of Gregory Rogers – one of the last books he did before he died – it is just delightful.  The ending is delicious!!!

This is a story that works on all levels – the rhythm of the language will engage the little ones, while older students will appreciate the humour.  Miss 7 will love to share this one with her school friends when she donates it to her school library.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

 

 

Max & George

Max & George

 

 

 

 

 

 

Max & George

Cori Brooke & Sue deGennaro

Penguin/Viking 2013

hbk., col.ill., $A24.99

9780670076352

Max was never lonely.  As long as there was a window, he had a friend because George lived in windows. No matter where the window was, Max could see George and he spent a long time looking at him. Because they were very similar – same height, same clothes, and whenever Max moved, so did George. They even shared the same feelings. But then the time comes for Max to start school. And he’s nervous.  Even though George was there in the school window, Max’s teacher made him sit where he couldn’t see him. Will Max find the confidence to leave George and make a real friend?

This is a delightful book, perfect for the child about to start school and finding it hard to let go of what is known and take the leap into the unknown. With its charming illustrations, it will appeal to all children – those who are like Max and empathise with him, and those like Sam who are a bit more confident and can reassure him.  Tip for parents- teach your child a joke before they leave …