Seven New Children's Books that Shouldn't be Missed

In this post I review 8 books that are suitable for children aged 6-10 years. Most are from Walker Books, a publisher that continues to produce wonderful books for readers in this age group. I will review them in age order, with the books for the youngest readers first.

1. 'Be the Bus: The Lost and Found Wisdom of The Pigeon, as told to Mo Willems' Written by Mo Willems 

This hilarious picture book has a helpful intro from who else but 'The Bus Driver'! He is fascinated by tough questions, like "What is the best stop for the centre'? Or "WHY can't The Pigeon drive the bus?" Of course this is no ordinary pigeon, but it seems the Pigeon has other passions and gifts.

And another contribution from Pigeon, "Genius is seldom recognised." Of course, Pigeon solves this by always wearing a badge that says "Hello, I am a GENIUS." And of course, wer should all pretend to have "an active imagination."

Readers 6-8 will laugh their heads of as they read this book again and again; alone but often with other readers.

2. "Friendly Bee and Friends" by Sean E Avery in similar vane to Mo Willems offers two hillarious books under the banner of "Friendly Bee and Friends" but with two books.

a) 'Friendly Bee and Friends!

It's hard to believe that a Bee and a Wasp could be 'friends', just suspend disbelief. Having Bee as a friend can be dangerous. When Bee assures Wasp that he should wear a dress for a party hosted by a giant spider, he is doubtful, but Bee convinces him that it's perfect. But it seems the dress makes his wings useless. In the second part of the book we meet some 'Pessimistic Friends' (you know 'Oh woe is me!). But even a worse 'Not-so-hairy' friend arrives, 'Angry Wasp'!

The book is in four parts, Part 1 'Grumpy Friends', Part 2 'Boring Friends', Part 3 'Hairy Friends' and Part 4 'Fabulous Friends'. There is such great wisdom in these pages, so don't be put off by Pigeon's statement "that everything has already been said"! As we know it was Plato who said, "Never trust a quotation." 

Children aged 5-6 won't be able to stop reading this book and sharing them with their friends.

b) 'Friendly Bee and Friends: Woe is for Worm' in Three Parts

In this book a Bee decides that she and Wasp need to be best friends. But Wasp is a reluctant friend. However, Bee is persistent and somehow seems to take charge. He wants to find something that Wasp will like. Perhaps flowers? Or wait on, how about ice cream?! When Bee tries to steal a boys ice cream cone, Wasp comes to the rescue. The fun and madness with Bee and Wasp continues until an enormous 6 eyed scary spider captures them both for his supper. How will this end? You'll love reading it to your young readers aged 5-6 and you'll see them trying to read it themselves too!

3. 'Riz Chester' by R.A. Stephens

Once again we have two books under one banner with common characters and the central character 'Riz Chester'. Each is illustrated by Em Hammond. They are suitable for readers aged 6-7. 

a) 'Riz Chester - The Fingerprint CODE' by R.A. Stephens & illustrated by Em Hammond.

Riz Chester juts LOVES mysteries. She has a special interest in forensic science, and just LOVES to organize forensic parties for her friends and family. But when real life collides with her creative genius, she is ready to solve the crime.

Riz also loves mystery parties that she plans for her friends, Lachie A, Lochie C (no I haven't made a spelling mistake), Jenny and Sabrina. All are interested in science. For example, Riz sets up a party centred on finger printing. Table 1 is where they do the fingerprinting. Table 2 has the moulds ready to match the prints. And it doesn't stop there, she moves us on to:

• Making moulds of animal tracks
• Fingerprinting & footprinting
• Forensics

Where will this investigation end? Just get the book and find out. 

b) 'Riz Chester - The Evidence Track' by R.A. Stephens & illustrated by Em Hammond.

Riz is getting ready for a party at his house. But this is no ordinary party. This mystery party was itself inspired by past mystery-solving. His interest in solving things came after he found a bag of counterfeit money in a shopping centre.  

 To solve mysteries he needs lots of stuff like picnic tables for the sleuths. Gear for fingerprinting, moulds and more. Riz is always thinking about weird stuff. His friends Sabrina and Pieter are coming and everyone is excited. They learn about how animal tracks are different, and how to mould them.

But then, a real opportunity appears; a robbery at the local petrol station. And when they discover some large footprints in their front yard after seeing some movement, the speculation and investigation begins. This is a delightful book that would be investigators will love.

 

 

4. 'How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks and Other Advice' by John Larking & Illustrated by Chrissie Krebs

This funny book is a collection of hilarious, nonsensical, witty and mischievous subjects - the best (and worst) advice for growing up. The author John Larking, relates his tried and tested advice for navigating the mysteries of life, with a sprinkling of some the facts and history he’s discovered along the way.

How can you avoid being eaten by sharks? What does it mean to ‘skateboard’ someone? Is there a chance you could be abducted by aliens? Are there zombies hiding under your brother’s bed?

If you're scared by sharks Larking suggests you might live in Liechtenstein, that has had "zero shark attacks"!Of course, this is a land locked nation many miles from the sea. In Australia a number of the very rare attacks have occurred in creeks connected to the ocean. Did you know that only nine people were killed by sharks worldwide in 2021. While roughly 450 people die from falling out of bed each year.

There is one sure-fire method to avoid being eaten by sharks. Don’t go in the ocean. Although in Australia, a number of the very rare attacks have occurred in creeks connected to the ocean.

In this hilarious guide, John Larkin relates his tried and tested advice for navigating the mysteries of life, with a sprinkling of some the facts and history he’s discovered along the way. Accompanied by entertaining comic-style illustrations from Chrissie Krebs, this is an education not to be missed!

Of course, this book has more advice than just avoiding sharks. For example, 'Is the Earth really Flat'? How can you translate parent speak? Ah, this book provides a very comprehensive (and very funny) account some of the key concerns in our world.

5. 'One Wise Sheep' by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jorg Muhle (translated by Helena Kirkby).

This story is set in 4 BC. The shepherds who care for the sheep have mysteriously left! Tonight, the sheep can't sleep. The pasture is floodlit by a strange new star and their shepherds have disappeared. It is a very dark night with no moon when suddenly, lit up as something bright zooms across the sky. The sheep are scared and puzzled.

But why have the shepherds gone!? Their back packs have been left behind. Perhaps the shepherds have been kidnapped by a UFO. It seems one sheep was a witness to what happened that night.

"I woke in the middle of the night... I felt a weird tingling and prickling all over my body. Then a huge, silent, glowing apparition floated down. Out of nowhere this voice started singing."

It said "fear not: for, behold, I bring good tidings. The shepherds were scared then a host of angels appeared in our field singing praises. I think I even heard trumpets."

What could they do? Well, head off to find out more about this event and what is going on. On the way, they meet an exhausted donkey who needs to have a rest. The sheep survive a river crossing and ferocious wolves in their quest and reach a 'Box Office'!?! They are told, "you needed pre-booked tickets?" They had missed it. The special person had left. So they head home to a very happy shepherd who thought he had lost them. 

This little book is hardly a faithful retelling of the story of Jesus, but it is an amusing story of what this great even might have meant for some hapless sheep.

6. 'Ducky The Spy - Expect the Unexpected!' by Sean & Avery

You should always expect the unexpected from Sean & Avery. Once again they have produced a very funny who-dunnit story with its crazy characters from across the farm yard. 

This new graphic novel from Sean E Avery will engage readers aged 6-8, with its laugh-out-loud who-dunnit ridiculousness.

A thief on the farm. A goat kidnapped by a gang of cats. A giant chicken. Ducky the Spy and Donny the Donkey “The Distraction” are on the case. These are no ordinary characters. Donny, for a start gets very 'Gassy', so stand back. But that's not all, 'Gretta' the chicken becomes involved too and is the master of making handy gadgets.

This funny book is from the internationally renowned creator of Frank’s Red Hat. This new terrific tale is "fresh from the funny, and funky, farm".

Five New Books for Readers Aged 4-12 years

In this post I review five wonderful books. Four are from well-known publishers, and another is in a special category of its own. All can be used as read aloud books, or some as personal reading for children aged 6-8.

The reviews include two Graphic Novels (or are they comic books), and a wonderful illustrated history of the world filled with hilarious (and funny) facts. 

I also want to introduce my followers to the work of Nigel Osgood. Nigel is self publishing his books, but I'm keen for my readers (and perhaps some publishers) to know about this very talented British author/illustrator who SHOULD have a publisher to get his work to a wider audience. This is the first book in a series he has planned. Perhaps one of my friends in publishing, might just take a look at the work of this talented author. Let me know if you'd like to know more. Here's an example of his wonderful work.

1. 'Bedtime for Ella: A Giggly Furbottom Adventure'  

Author Nigel Osgood. Nigel uses the pseudonym of 'Goose in Gold' on his publications (Illustrations by Kriss Lillyman).

'Bedtime for Ella' is the story of 6-year-old who is not your average child! "For 6-year-old Ella, night-time was not for sleep, but to explore a kingdom where monsters creep."

"For in this world of wonder, Ella felt free. To dance and dream, wild and full of glee."

And "Suddenly, poof! A fuzzy surprise... A monster appeared with angry red eyes! The Monster bellowed, such a spooky noise. Ella yelled back, "No silly monster steals my toys!"

 

The wonderful illustrations of Kris Lillyman support so beautifully the engaging text. Nigel has another 5 books set to be released on Amazon as self-published works. I hope a one of the many publishers that follow my blog will make contact with Nigel and see if he's prepared to seek a wider audience in collaboration with a publisher.

2. 'Friendly Bee and Friends' by Sean E Avery

Sean E Avery is a teacher, writer-illustrator, sculptor and designer born in South Africa; living in Perth, Western Australia. He’s known as the writer-illustrator of well-loved children’s picture books, All Monkeys Love Bananas and Harold and Grace published by Freemantle Press.

He’s also known as a sculptor who uses CDs and DVDs to create breathtaking works of art that reside in galleries and private collections all around the world. But, he's creating wonderful children's books!

This is a funny graphic novel about friendship, helping others, accepting our differences and tolerance, and with facts supplied by Clever Cricket, it is sure to be enjoyed by all students in junior to middle primary.

A wasp and a bee are friends?! Or are they just acquaintances? Bee is always friendly and trying to help, but this isn't always reciprocated as things always seem to go wrong for wasp. Bee is dressed for a party, but Wasp doesn't see that as necessary. Bee makes one for him, but when he tries it on (under sufferance) things go very wrong. This is a quirky book that young readers will find intriguing and engaging. The illustrations alone will keep them returning to the book time and again.  

3. 'Friendly Bee and Friends: Woe is for Worm' by Sean & Avery

In this crazy second adventure of a Bee and his friend who is a Wasp things go a little wrong when they are invited to a party by a Worm. Bee decides it would be fun for Wasp to wear a dress like she did to the last party. Wasp doesn't think this is a good idea. No! But Bee launches a sneaky attack from behind to get it on him. Alas! Wasp's wings get stuck and he makes an ungainly crash landing. Ouch!

They meet a distraught worm nearby who is complaining because he can't feel his legs. Ever helpful Bee suggests they must help him. Bee tries some of his jokes. Mmm, these don't seem to work. What next? 

A hairy Spider with far too many legs, and finally a whole swarm of Bees. This funny little book will keep children fascinated. Some might even make up their own version of the story as they flip the pages. Another wonderful book for children aged 4-6.

 

4. 'Be the Bus: The Lost & Found Wisdom of the Pigeon' Mo Willems 

 

The great Mo Willems has another book out that will captivate children aged 4-8 years. Willems is a legendary author/illustrator. He is a number one New York Times bestselling author and illustrator and has been awarded three Caldecott Medals for his picture books. As well, two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals and five Honours for his 'Elphie & Piggie' books for early readers. 

In this funny book The Pigeon decides to share wisdom. Wisdom once lost, but now found by Mo Willems. We must be grateful for this amazing gift to humanity. The Pigeon humbly suggests that all great things have already been said. For example:

"Never trust a quotation" Plato

"I am not susceptible to flattery" (Unless it's about me)

"Genius is seldom recognised" (That is why I wear a name tag)

"Drive like no one is watching." (HONK like no one is listening! Dream like no one is thwarting)

"Dropped food is gravity's way of sharing"

"Aren't complainers the WORST?"

5. 'History FACTopia! Follow Ye Olde Trail of 400 Facts' Written by Paige Towler & illustrated by Any Smith

As a young boy in my Primary School years, if I'd had this book it would have been my favourite. It would have been revisited every time I went to the library. What a wonderful way to present history to 8-12 years old.

What's even more wonderful is that the facts are funny and yet they will expand worlds and minds. As well, every fact is connected in some way. You can wind your way from facts about sport to horses, armour, pyramids or from underground to discoveries, tombs and burials, curses, decorative arts, the Incas and so much more. What child wouldn't want to know that Australia's world-renowned Opera House had its sail-like shape inspired by the Architect peeling an orange!