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Hats Are Not for Cats!

Jun1
Hats Are Not for Cats!

Hats Are Not for Cats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hats Are Not for Cats!

Jacqueline K. Rayner

HarperCollins, 2023

30pp., board book., RRP $A16.99

9780358731085

Who hasn’t heard of the cat in the hat – the Dr Seuss story that is a staple for all little people?  But what if hats are not for cats?

In this fun rhyming book for our youngest readers, a bossy dog in a very fancy hat is laying down the law to the cat that hats are not for them.  But the cat disagrees.  Who wins the argument? Or can there be a compromise?

Young readers can learn a lot about peaceful conflict resolution in this simple, silly story as they put themselves in the shoes of both the cat and the dog.  Perhaps they can figure out a win-win solution.  And then have fun designing a hat for a dog and a hat for a cat!

 

 

Kirra the Koala

May26
Kirra the Koala

Kirra the Koala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kirra the Koala

Beverly Jatwanti

Sarah Demonteverde 

New Frontier, 2023

32pp., 9bk., RRP $A16.99

 9781922326751

Each day Ling cycles to the local koala sanctuary to help care for the orphaned and injured creatures but her attendance is threatened when her bike is damaged beyond repair and there won’t be another one till her birthday in five months.  But when the call comes that a bushfire has destroyed the local habitat she finds herself in a dilemma.  Walking to the sanctuary is not a problem but does she let a local lad keep a baby joey in exchange for a ride on his new shiny red bike? 

Kirra the Koala is the fifth book in the ‘Together We Can Change The World‘ series. A series of seven stories, covering seven continents, with seven important virtues; Love, Courage, Compassion, Kindness, Integrity, Respect and Gratitude. Each book highlights a fundamental core value, whilst simultaneously encouraging children’s responsibility towards Planet Earth. The books’ protagonists are an endangered species from each continent, including Tala the Bengal Tiger.  All author royalties go to Wildlife Vets International. 

Parcel For Gorilla

May17
Parcel For Gorilla

Parcel For Gorilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parcel For Gorilla

Shelley Knoll-Miller

Puffin, 2023

24pp., hbk., RRP $A14.99

9781761046629

There’s a strange rumbling deep in the jungle and it’s coming from Gorilla’s tummy! But his friends’ attempts to get him a coconut to stop it are abandoned when the postmaster arrives with a parcel for Gorilla that is so big, he needs an elephant to deliver it!   What could be inside?

And so the fun begins as they try to guess and because it is more than just Gorilla’s tummy rumbling all the thoughts are on food! But what sort of food needs a box that big? Is it, indeed, food?

The young reader will have fun using their imaginations too –what would they send Gorilla? – and they will adore not only what Penguin has sent but what Gorilla does with it! Talk about “thinking outside the box” – pun intended!

As with Parcel for Penguin, our youngest readers will delight in being part of the storytelling as they try to predict what could be in the box using their existing knowledge, the eye-catching pictures and the conversational text.  Who can’t hear someone hissssssing like Snake?

This is one that offers so much to develop their joy in stories, their delight in being able to return to it again and again, and their belief that they, too, can be a reader that it is definitely be a series on every little one’s shelves.  And with two more to come – Koala in July and Turtle in October – there is much to look forward to.  

The Hats of Marvello

May16
The Hats of Marvello

The Hats of Marvello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hats of Marvello

Amanda Graham

Lavanya Naidu

HarperCollins, 2023

304pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781460761670

In the small Australian country town of Mount Dry, Olive is preparing for her starring role as a narrator in the Year 5 play. It’s a really big deal for her and she is very excited so she is determined to shine  and so she needs the perfect costume. She is delighted when she finds the perfect top hat at the local op shop, but when she gets it home she discovers it has a secret.  A talking rabbit called Robbit unexpectedly pops out – and a rabbit is something that Olive has always longed for but can never have because they are considered pests on farms and her grandfather has repeatedly refused her requests.

Olive faces a dilemma – how can she obey her grandfather who is trying to rid the farm of rabbits altogether (and is obliged to by law) and still help Robbit who tells her that 100 of his friends have been kidnapped by the wicked Reynard  and need to be rescued?   Her hat is one of a magical set that allows the rabbits to travel between hats through time and place and so when they turn up on the farm  does she hide and protect them so they can go back to Wilby’s Magic Shop in England or does she tell her grandfather?

As well as being torn between Robbit’s pleas and her grandfather’s beliefs there is also the question of how a magician’s hat turned up in an op shop in rural Australia and so Olive is drawn into a mystery that becomes much more exciting than the school play.

Although this is a book that is based on mystery and magic, it is set against a backdrop of people and places that are very recognisable as they face familiar, real-life problems.  Olive has choices to make but there are many elements influencing her options and she has to navigate these while trying to make the right decision to suit everyone.

Short chapters and illustrations make this an intriguing read for independent readers, but one which has some more complex layers that will provoke thought and consideration, and perhaps even further investigation into the impact of introduced animals on the Australian landscape, particularly those species which have become feral.

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

May15
Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedgehog the Wonder Dog

Dannika Patterson

Ross Morgan

 Ford Street, 2023

32pp., pbk., RRP $A17.95

9781922696212

Each day of the week, Hedgehog has a routine he follows with his owner Jo – going to the cafe, the dog park, the beach and even just staying at home on Thursdays. Some people think he is a strange-looking dog, all rough and hairy and sometimes smelling of shorebird poop. But there is more to Hedgehog than meets the eye and only Sam can see this.

Meanwhile, in a parallel world, Sam also has a routine – drawing pictures, playing cards, going outside if it’s fine, having tests… all the while counting down the sleeps till Friday. Because Fridays are the best days  – that’s when Hedgehog comes to visit. Sometimes it’s for cuddles and stories from Jo, but sometimes it’s just for cuddles and comforts as Sam is topped up with Superpower Juice.   No matter how weird or strange Hedgehog might seem to others, to Sam he has superpowers too, and right now that’s what Sam needs.

In this heart-warming, beautifully illustrated story that treads new ground in children’s picture books, exploring the connection between a child in hospital receiving treatment for cancer and a little dog whose owner brings him to visit every Friday and celebrating the healing powers that therapy dogs like Hedgehog can offer. 

Even though Sam’s surroundings and illness are not explicitly stated, close attention to the illustrations beginning with Sam wearing a beanie inside while drawing will offer clues and cues that there is something special happening – sadly, something that will resonate with many whose lives have been touched by cancer.  Even though the situation is one we would wish that no child has to encounter, nevertheless there are touches of humour throughout that lighten the mood, such as Hedgehog rolling in the bird poop, Sam receiving treatment at the Superpower Charging Station, and just Hedgehog’s cheerful appearance and expression. While teaching notes allow for the literary aspects of the book to be examined, the power in this book is the hope and joy that shines through the trauma and sadness.  

Something different to read and share but something essential and illuminating. 

The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

May12
The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

9781760655129

Boris in Switzerland

9781760655327

Lucinda Gifford

Walker Books, 2020-2023

240pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

When Boris and his parents Randall and Leonora learn that the Scottish Conservation Society is re-introducing wolves into the wilds of Scotland, they leave their mansion in Morovia for their Scottish homeland. But these wolves aren’t planning to settle in the wild, oh no! Instead, they book into the exclusive Highland Hotel, from where they plan to enjoy Scotland’s best tourist spots and cuisine. But is Scotland ready for holidaying wolves? Especially such hungry ones? While some scarcely notice them as though wolves in a hotel are an everyday occurrence, there are certain people unhappy to see them -and with good reason. From spooky dungeons to scheming developers, the Greycoats’ new adventure is full of surprising discoveries.

This is a new series for young independent readers and in the second adventure Boris, who can speak English, French, Prussian and Morovian is attending the Institute of International Excellence, a fancy Swiss boarding school while his parents are staying with Great Aunt Orfilia who has injured herself and needs their help.. Although worried about being the only wolf, and having to navigate around the rude vice principal, he quickly makes friends, learns how to “log in” and heli-board, and has a plentiful supply of cake, Boris can’t shake the idea that something funny is going on and it is his father’s book The Art of the Wolf that helps him solve the mystery.  

Even though this may seem a daunting read for young readers, it has lots of illustrations to support them as they go, enjoying sharing Boris’s adventures as he grapples with being judged for what he is rather than what he can do. Discrimination based on appearance is a core theme of the series as is working together to overcome injustice and greed,

With wolves being a popular focus among young and old, this is one that would be good being shared between parent and child (or teacher and class) as they immerse themselves seamlessly into a world that is a mix of real0life and fantasy.  

Robodog

May8
Robodog

Robodog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robodog

David Walliams

Adam Stower

HarperCollins, 2023

320pp., pbk., RRP $A19.99

9780008581435

Bedlam is one of the most dangerous places on Earth – home to a host of wicked villains, it has a huge crime problem. Nothing and nobody is safe from these evil criminals. The Chief of Police is stressed because she can’t  get ahead of it, and the entire city is now suffering. There is rubbish everywhere, smog in the air and pollution in the rivers.  Usually  the city Police Dog Training school trains excellent crime-fighting dogs to help her and the police force to keep the crims in check but even this isn’t working any more. She needs MORE. What could possibly help the city of Bedlam? And then she gets an idea!

At home, she asks her clever wife who is a Professor to build her the perfect dog. A dog than can do all the things the Police Dogs can, but even better! At first the Professor isn’t sure about building such a thing – a Robot Dog and their cat Velma is horrified at the idea. until now, she has had the Chief and Professor to herself and that’s how she likes it. Why on earth would they introduce a dog of all things to her happy household? She goes completely mad when the Professor presents Robodog!

The bedlam in Bedlam really steps up. There is a billion dollar robbery to be foiled, where only a rat who swears he’s a mouse can save the day. Velma is determined to wipe not only Robodog off the planet but every other dog in Bedlam, and suddenly every villain has escaped from Bedlam Prison. What is a Robodog to do?

Thoroughly modern, action-packed and easy to read with all sorts of illustrations that enhance and explain the text throughout, this is one for all Walliams fans, those who enjoy fast-moving slapstick humour and those who may be reluctant to tackle such a thick book, thinking they don’t have the skills to master it.  David Walliams is such a prolific author that this could become an opportunity to create a display of his works with your older, not-so-able readers taking the lead in providing a review or synopsis of each one to entice others to read them.  Not only does it give them a purpose for reading, but provides an opportunity to read at their level without stigma.  

 

 

Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue

Apr30
Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue

Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Willa and Woof 4: Wedding Rescue

Jacqueline Harvey

Puffin, 2023

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

 9781761043345

It’s summer and Willa is looking forward to her Aunty Jane’s wedding.  But it is also a time for bushfires and  and Willa’s town is in danger. When a spot fire burns down the wedding venue, she has to jump into action to save the day. But while she figures out that the showground might be a good new venue, she is trapped with a secret.  Local bully Robbie has hidden some injured koalas there and because he has her diary, he threatens Willa he will tell her secrets if she tells his….

The fourth is this series for emerging independent readers,  Harvey has captured the black-and-white, do-or-die world of eight-year-olds well. What to an adult may seem trivial, young ones seem as really important and they don’t yet have the world experience that enables them to prioritise so the possibility of the “world” knowing about her crush on a particular boy is as devastating as what might happen to the koalas.  Robbie has her over a barrel.  And so whether she is able to rescue the wedding remains to be seen…

The importance of and scope for using series with emerging readers has been outlined in reviews of previous episodes in the series and this one consolidates that work.  Because the series has characters and situations that will be recognisable to the readers, perhaps they can think about how the text relates to their own lives,  and how they would respond if they were in a similar situation.  What can they learn from Willa, Tae and Frank that they could draw on in the future? How has reading this series helped them better understand themselves and their friends?  And if all that is too deep and meaningful for a holiday read, they can look forward to Episode 5 in July! 

 

Harriet’s Hungry Worms

Apr27
Harriet’s Hungry Worms

Harriet’s Hungry Worms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harriet’s Hungry Worms

Samantha Smith

Melissa Johns

EK Books, 2023

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

9781922539472|

At Harriet’s place it’s her brother Fred’s job to walk Walter the dog, and her sister Sa;;y’s job to look after the chooks.  Harriet’s job was to take care of the nine-hundred-and-eighty-three worms that live in in the big green box in a shady corner of the garden.  Each day she fed them different scraps and waste that the family generated but after a whole week it seemed that they did nothing but eat and wriggle.  And then Harriet spotted the tap at the back of the big green box and discovered something quite magical…

There have been some outstanding books helping our young readers understand how they, themselves, can contribute to looking after the environment released recently, and this is one of them.  Back in the days of the dinosaurs when I was at school the only thing we learned about worms was that they were hermaphrodites  (something I can still recall all these years on) but nothing about how essential they are to keeping the planet healthy and balanced, even helping to reduce methane gas production which is such a contributor to climate change.  By writing an engaging story that will appeal to young readers as it takes the reader through worms’ menu through the days of the week (a much healthier version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar) with a nod to alliteration as well as some essential worm facts and their foodie likes and dislikes, this is narrative non fiction that will inspire our children to investigate having their own worm farm either at home or at school, as well as understanding the concept of composting and generally giving Mother Nature a helping hand. 

Ready-made farms are readily available and many councils offer rebates on their initial cost, although it is easy enough to build one, while there is plenty of advice and information available to ensure the farm is healthy and active. Teachers’ notes linked to the Australian Curriculum also offer insight and information to help not only appreciate the story but also inspire the students to be more pro-active about being involved so they too, can feel they are contributing,  

Ratbags 2: Midnight Mischief

Apr26
Midnight Mischief

Midnight Mischief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midnight Mischief

Tim Harris

Shiloh Gordon

Puffin, 2023

192pp., pbk., RRP $A14.99

9780143777458

Rats, in general, do not have a good reputation for being friendly and kind, and The Ratbags are no exception.  Their goal in life is to make trouble and to look for naughty things to do.  They ream of mayhem and believe rules are for losers.  Except for one – Jigsaw.  He got his name because he does not fit in, like a puzzle piece that won’t squeeze into place no matter how much you twist and turn it. Jigsaw likes both rules and humans so he doesn’t fit in with the other rats and they shun him. 

But things might change when a new pizza shop opens in town…

This is the second in this  new series from the author of titles like Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables and this time he has joined with illustrator Shiloh Gordon to create a series that is likely to appeal to young boys, particularly those who don’t choose reading as their first choice for free time.  With minimal text, cartoon-like illustrations, and lots of laughs,  the story moves along at a fast clip more like an animated television program than a print resource, driven by the characters rather than events.  

This time, having gained a reputation for being good because of rule-loving, leaf-collecting, piano-playing  Jigsaw’s actions in the first book, the other Ratbags need to change this immediately and Ripple and Onion are the best ratbags for the job. But while performing some ratty mayhem, they fall into Cracker the cat’s claws… Will their midnight mischief turn them into a midnight snack? Or will Jigsaw find a way to save them? Again!

Despite the fun and naughtiness, just below the surface there are subtle messages about friendship,  peer pressure and having the courage to stand your ground.  ‘It’s not preached at all, but there’s a nice subtle message that we can be friends with other people, no matter what our belief system or no matter how different we are to them,’ says Tim Harris.

If the first one in the series captured your reluctant readers, they will be glad that this one is hot on its heels and there are at least two more to come… Best of Pets in July and Take Flight in September.