Reviewed by Wendy Lipke The 21st Century has seen a marked change in attitudes. Many traditional beliefs have been questioned and people are more prepared to speak out to support their ideas. The children’s book, Jamie, by L. D. Lapinski highlights some of these changes. The main character and narrator is 11 year old Jamie
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve The title itself indicates an exciting tale is about to be revealed and it instantly captures a reader’s attention with its positive message – having life is tremendous. The bygone revolutions, agrarian and industrial, have made way for the new age of science and technology. As a result, educators are beseeched
Reviewed by Gail McDonald What a great counting book this is. There are many aspects of the book which are really fresh and educational for young children starting with the Acknowledgement of Country at the front of the book written in Dharug language with the English meaning below. This introduces young people to the fact
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Some very young children, in their exuberant joy of living, are driven by ego and unrestrained pursuit of all they enjoy or interests them. In this story of a gecko, who has a similar failure to consider his fellow geckos, eventually finds he is not popular. Under the illusion that he
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Anh Do is a Vietnamese-born Australian author, actor, comedian, and artist. He has appeared on many Australian TV shows. He is probably best known for his book The Happiest Refugee, and his TV show Anh’s Brush with Fame. But this talented man has written over thirty children’s books in several series.
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve The best architects not only have imaginative skills related to their profession, but also are sensitive to the client’s needs and personality. Henrietta, Ms Mouse, is a splendid example of this. This much loved classic, first published in the 1980s, has delighted adults and children alike, for decades. George Mendoza is
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve The Raven’s Song is evidence of the range, quality and stimulating puzzles that may be found in current children’s fiction. Everything is far from straightforward. In a world that is 100 years from now, characters Shelby and Davy live on 700 hectares, carefully tended by its strictly numbered population of 350.
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Each of its 28 pages is certain not just to raise a smile, but lots of laughter. The combination of the hilarious rhyming text and illustrations that are beyond amusing makes You Can’t Let an Elephant Drive a Racing Car an irresistible book for young readers. In fact, it is bound
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve The chief characters Sidonie (Sid) and Zennor (Zen) are good detectives- but definitely not dead, as the title suggests. It is a clever play on words, where ‘dead’ means, in current vernacular, excellent; but, at the same time, the clients for Sid and Zen are actually dead and fast fading away.
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve The title suggests the aspect of the novel that is, like the art of origami, delightfully creative. This Japanese skill is extremely precise and delicate in its essential simplicity. Special papers are carefully folded to create unlimited possibilities. In this book for children, it is a bird and a boat. Mina
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve People of all ages who value our wildlife will undoubtedly love the story of Flipper and Finnegan. Based on the events following the oil spill off Phillip Island in Victoria in 2001, it focuses on two little penguins who belong to the smallest of this species of bird. Unsuspecting of the
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Children’s books perform so many valuable tasks. They can foster a love of reading, entertain, banish boredom, and sometimes educate and reassure. The Golden Swift fulfils all of the above. A delightful mix of fantasy, fact and plot, it will have wide appeal to middle school children. In the second of
Reviewed by Gail McDonald Ash Barty, after her successful tennis career, joined forces with Jasmin McGaughey in writing a series of books for young readers which were each illustrated by Jade Goodwin. The books focus on Ash’s love of sports trying karate, softball, netball and gymnastics, but none of them gives her that tingly feeling
Reviewed by Gail McDonald Dancing with Memories was written by Sally Yule with this being her inaugural book. Sally is Managing Director of Humble Access an organisation focussed on Executive Coaching, governance and consultancy in Health and Aged Care. The book was written in consultation with Professor Ralph Martins and Maggie Beer with a portion
Reviewed by Gail McDonald Sibéal Pounder is the author of two previous much-loved and seriously stylish children’s fiction series, Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked for the Financial Times. Sibéal is also a talented illustrator and lives in England. Neon’s Secret Universe takes the reader on a journey