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
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve This book of backyard buddies, delightfully depicted in just twenty pages, could soon be regarded as an historic document, as grandparents are known to bemoan the changes that have occurred in their lifetimes when their yards were once visited by a great variety of creatures, including grasshoppers, beetles, butterflies and lizards.
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Children’s books are responsible for some of the best writing available today. Such is their quality that many which were published decades ago (Harry the Dirty Dog is just one example) are still very much loved today. One that is bound to join the group is the recently published August &
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve David Walliams never fails to strike an irresistible and funny chord with young children. His latest series of books, including The World’s Worst Parents, The World’s Worst Teachers and The World’s Worst Children, have sold millions of copies and establishes him as one of the most successful children’s writers of all
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve In the very competitive educational resource field, the exciting news is that the English-based ‘Twinkl’ has arrived in Australia offering materials that are Australian Curriculum-aligned. The initial impression is that it is an excellent tool for teachers. The fact that one of the first books in the Twinkl Originals collection is
Reviewed by Gail McDonald Susannah Crispe is a Canberra based children’s book author and illustrator with a background in zoology. Susannah has previously partnered in writing and illustrating two children’s books but this one Under the Moonlight is written and illustrated by Susannah alone. The book is a delightful tale of Moose who is an
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Brilliant female detectives are not exclusive to the adult world of books and television. Penelope Snoop believes she has the skills to solve any mystery. Accompanied by her dog, Carlos, and both wearing their eye-catching pink hats, they both set out to find the missing smelly sock. Penelope’s imagination takes her
Reviewed by Gerard Healy A charming tale for older children and adults about greed, kindness and community by American author Kelly Barnhill. The setting is a small rural town named Stone-in-the Glen, which could be almost anywhere and which used to be a lovely town (everyone said). The townsfolk are a typical cross-section of humanity.
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Delight and charm, quite rare in adult fiction, is often used in discussing children’s books. Remy Lai, the young Brisbane based author, has this in abundance in her series ‘Surviving the Wild’. She has a contract to write three books for the series. These are the first two, which will be
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke The book Dare to be Different: Inspirational Words from People who Changed the World is a hard covered 19.5 x 25.5 cm publication which is a rich and exciting compendium for children of quotes from speeches, letters, lyrics, stories, and poems by people who have done wonderful things during their lifetime.
Reviewed by Antonella Townsend I have long since been an enthusiastic reader within the category of Young Adult Fiction, but had never anticipated loving so very much a book produced for ages 4+. Such is the magic of Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho. Joanna Ho is passionate
Reviewed by Clare Brook Learning made easy and fun sums up Ouch: Tales of Gravity. Illustrated beautifully by Andy Hardiman, Kate Simpson’s Ouch: Tales of Gravity, is an excellent example of science being presented via charming, colourful, and amusing illustrations. The illustrations are a mixture of full-page colour, or individual pictures surrounded by white space,
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This hardcovered, landscape 29x23cm book is the latest in a series of ABC books for young children, aged 3 years and up which promote ways we can all help enjoy a healthy and sustainable way of living. Previous books in this series have been about Food, Seasons, Transport, Places to Go,