Archive | December 2019

Christmas Wonder

Dec20
Christmas Wonder

Christmas Wonder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Wonder

Vicki Conley

Cheryl Orsini

Affirm Press, 2019

32pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781925870770

Christmas time,

Seven sleeps.

Busy house

Tummy leaps.

In a series of eight-word rhymes, the magic and excitement of the countdown to Christmas in Australia is captured in this charmingly illustrated book.  Embracing all the familiar things that families do at this time, combining the traditional with the contemporary, young readers will enjoy spotting their family in the illustrations while talking about what’s happening and sharing their stories of what they do that is similar as well as what they do that is a bit different. It’s a great opportunity to broaden understanding and share diverse perspectives – there are few who don’t celebrate Christmas, even if they do it differently. 

In a storyworld with many Christmas-themed books to choose from, it is refreshing to have a new story that has some depth, reflects who its readers are and what they do while not making them caricatures of all that is “ocker”, and opens up the opportunity to explore and explain.  

Don’t tickle the hippo!

Dec19
Don't tickle the hippo!

Don’t tickle the hippo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t tickle the hippo!

Sam Taplin

 Ana Martin Larranaga

Usborne, 2019

10pp., board book, RRP $A24.99

9781474968713

“Don’t tickle the hippo – you might make it snort!”  But, of course with its touchy-feely patch being too tempting to leave alone, the littlest reader is going to tickle it – and won’t they get a surprise when they do (if the adult has turned on the switch for the sound effects!). 

This is another series in this new generation of board books that invites the child to interact with the text and the illustrations, to find the fun in the print medium and start to build up an expectation that stories are fun, that they have a part to play in making them come alive and they have the power to do so.  Each creature makes its own sound when the patches are felt and the cacophony at the end of the book makes for a satisfying conclusion.  

It will become a firm favourite bound to generate a thousand giggles as the child is in control. 

Roly Poly

Dec18
Roly Poly

Roly Poly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roly Poly

Mem Fox

Jane Dyer

Puffin, 2019

32pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781760896348

Roly Poly, the polar bear, was very content with his life.  With a mother and father but no brothers or sisters, he liked that his bed was his alone, the fish that he caught were his alone and his toy walrus tooth was his alone.  He had to share with no one and that was just how he liked it. So when he is suddenly presented with a little brother called Monty, his world is turned upside-down and he does not like it at all.

Mem Fox, author of so many stories for our littlest ones, including The Tiny Star, has an absolute knack for turning everyday situations that will resonate with her target audience into charming stories that not only captivate the imagination but deliver the reassuring message that they are not alone in dealing with these unfamiliar circumstances and that there is a way through to the other side. Accompanied by Jane Dyer’s unique illustrations this story of having to welcome a new sibling into the family when everything was already perfect is such a familiar scenario that it should be part of the preparations of any parents facing the same prospect. It offers the perfect opportunity to talk about the impending arrival and how things might change, the child’s feelings and their roles and responsibilities, but overall that there is more than enough love for everyone.  It is more like the magic pudding that continually replenishes itself rather than a pie with limited pieces.

Another winner from one of Australia’s most-loved authors who really does know what our youngest readers want and need as their understanding of print, our language and reading develops. 

A peek inside....

A peek inside….

Paddington’s Post

Dec17
Paddington's Post

Paddington’s Post

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paddington’s Post

Michael Bond

R. W. Alley

HarperCollins, 2019

48pp., hbk., RRP $A29.99

9780008357245

Living with the Browns in London is very different from Paddington’s original home in Darkest Peru and there is much to see and do and absorb.  Using Michael Bond’s original stories, Paddington reflects on the changes and writes letters, draws maps, and creates other mementos, each of which is enclosed in its own envelope waiting for the young reader to discover and read. 

Since his 60th anniversary in 2018, there has been a resurgence in love for this childhood favourite and this is another opportunity to share the love with a new generation.  Children love stories that have letters that they can pull out and read – it adds an extra layer of intrigue and mystique – and this will be no exception.  It might even inspire them to write to Paddington and tell him about where they live and the things they like to do. 

Rainbow Magic: Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy

Dec16
Rainbow Magic: Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy

Rainbow Magic: Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Magic: Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy

Daisy Meadows

Orchard Books, 2019

155pp., pbk., RRP $A12.99

9781408352465

Best friends Kirsty and Rachel are very excited to give each other their Christmas presents! But when Jack Frost steals Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy’s magical objects, the magic of giving is in danger. Can the girls help get Camilla’s items back and save Christmas for both the human and fairy worlds?

The Rainbow Fairies have been delighting young girls who are newly independent readers since 2003 with 254 fairies published and 11 yet to come.  The series follows the lives of Kirsty Tate and Rachel Walker and their magical adventures with their fairy friends, Queen Titania, Queen of the fairies, King Oberon, King of the fairies and Jack Frost, who is the enemy of the fairies and his servants, the Goblins. With all the elements of fantasy that young girls love, the series has remained popular for 16 years so if you have someone ready to make the transition to novels this could be the one to start them. This new release features three stories, each with short chapters and illustrations to support the reader and with so many others in the series to move on to, it is perfect for managing this new step of the reading journey.There is also an online site so that there is much more to explore and engage in to enrich their experience., as well as suggestions for other series that will broaden their reading horizons.

Emily Brown and Father Christmas

Dec13
Emily Brown and Father Christmas

Emily Brown and Father Christmas 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emily Brown and Father Christmas

Cressida Cowell

Neal Layton

Hodder Children’s, 2019

32pp., pbk., RRP $A15.99

9781444942002

It’s Christmas Eve and Emily Brown and Stanley  have hung up their Christmas stockings and are snuggled up in bed reading when they hear “ho Ho Help” coming from outside their window. It is Father Christmas and despite having the latest climbing equipment, he is swinging precariously from a rope and needs rescuing.  Emily suggests that dropping down the chimney might be better because “Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.”  But Father Christmas is determined to embrace the new ways even though it gets him into strife all night. Will the children around the world get their gifts on Christmas morning or will they all be disappointed. 

This is a very funny story that will appeal to both the reader and listener alike. With its refrain of  “Sometimes the old ways are the best ways” it marries the magical side of Christmas deliveries that we are familiar with, with the idiosyncrasies that we have all experienced with modern technology.  This is a Christmas story that has some substance to it with a determined, credible main character who will resonate with many and a storyline that will linger, particularly when our technology next plays up and we are wishing for some traditional Father Christmas  magic. 

Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas

Dec12
Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas

Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas

Lou Carter

Nikki Dyson

Orchard, 2019

32pp., pbk., RRP $A15.99

9781408355824 

Oscar the unicorn is always hungry and on Christmas Eve he is eating his way through the palace Christmas preparations.  The stockings, the tree the presents… But the trouble really starts when he eats the reindeer food meaning the reindeer no longer have their magic power to fly.  How will Santa deliver the presents?

This is a bright captivating tale that will enchant our youngest readers as they continue the Christmas Countdown to that special night. There is lots of humorous detail in the pictures, particularly the one focusing on Christmas morning and this is likely to be one that is requested again and again.  

Roald Dahl’s The Twelve Days of Christmas

Dec11
Roald Dahl's The Twelve Days of Christmas

Roald Dahl’s The Twelve Days of Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roald Dahl’s The Twelve Days of Christmas

Puffin Books, 2019

128pp., pbk., RRP $A12.99

9780241428122

The Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas has had many versions and interpretations over the centuries including originally being a game in 19th century to being a catechism song for young Catholics forbidden from practising their faith in England, but one thing is for sure – none is quite like this version that combines the traditional  lyrics with the literature of Roald Dahl. 

 . . on the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . Three Naughty Muggle-Wumps, Two Smelly Twits
and Matilda in the library!

Focusing on the stories that have been children’s favourites over the years, “This gloriumptious book is packed full of:
– whipple-scrumptious recipes for festive feasting
– tricksy pranks guaranteed to get you on the naughty list
– amazing chrimbo activities to impress (or prank) your family
– jolly jokes that are even better than the ones in the crackers.”

Each day centres on a different book and there are activities, recipes, stories, poems and a host of other things that will keep the Dahl fan fascinated and occupied once the anticipation and excitement of December 25 has passed.  Combine it with a gift pack of the books themselves – Matilda, The Twits, The Enormous Crocodile, The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The Giraffe, The Pelly and Me, George’s Marvellous Medicine,  Esio Trot, The Witches and a couple of twisted tales – and you have the perfect gift for the fan or to introduce a new reader that will keep them entranced for the whole holidays!

 

 

The First Christmas

Dec10
The First Christmas

The First Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The First Christmas

Jess Racklyeft

Puffin, 2019

32pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9780143796909

A long time ago, in a country far away, a star shone in the night sky and a baby boy was born . . .

In this new release of this age-old story, illustrator Jess Racklyeft has captured the Christian version in her unique style that has led to her being included in the CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year two years running. Modern in design and detailed with vignettes that highlight the joy and wonder of the occasion, this is a distinctive interpretation that can be shared over and over with new tings to discover and discuss. For those who know the story, the text is hardly required because the illustrations tell it themselves; for those for whom it is new, the text gently complements the artwork making it easily understood by even the youngest listener. 

A worthy addition to the Christmas Countdown collection.  

Sarah’s Two Nativities

Dec9
Sarah’s Two Nativities

Sarah’s Two Nativities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah’s Two Nativities

Janine M. Fraser

Helene Magisson

Black Dog Books , 2019

32pp., hbk., RRP $A26.99

9781925381795

This is the story of Sarah, daughter of Sadek and Anna, granddaughter of Ali and Azar, and granddaughter of Maria and Paul. 

In Sarah’s house the Bible and the Koran sit side by side on the shelf, each full of stories which her grandmothers tell her when they come to visit.  Sarah’s favourites are those about the birth of Baby Jesus, but she is confused because even though parts of each story is similar to the other, there are parts that are different.  “how can they both be true?” she asks.

Sarah’s situation is not an uncommon one – there are many families where there are differing belief systems, and these are often highlighted at this time of the year.  Similarly, in our classrooms where we share stories about the Nativity with children who might hear a different version at home.  How can the two be reconciled? Grandmother Azar provides an answer that satisfies Sarah and celebrates the richness of the two cultures her family straddles.  

This is a beautifully illustrated story that is sensitively told and acknowledges that this is a special time of year for many, not just Christians, and that there can be bonds that are stronger than anything else.

Watch the story read aloud here