Five Wonderful New Children's Books for Readers Aged 4-12

1. 'Ant Party' by Ross Montgomery & Illustrated by Sarah Warburton

As we all know Ants are very hard workers; no lazy life for them! In an unspectacular piece of ground, a new day was dawning for a nest of ants. The farmer ants were collecting food, and the worker ants were building tunnels. And of course, the soldier ants were guarding the Queen. "But for one ant, it was a very special birthday!" While he wanted to celebrate properly, his house was very small, so he decided just to invite the neighbours for the 'little' gathering. That's simple; but then again, perhaps not.

But the few neighbours they invited spread the news about the party at Andy's that night. The neighbours thought they were such great workers that they invited a few extra friends. But after the flying ants sent a message across the jungle... Well, the message spread everywhere - including ants from 'The Nutshell', 'Sunflower City', 'Ant Hills' and the 'Great Puddle'. The first guests soon arrived, but when Andy opened the door, he could see a massive sea of ants.

But then there their ant hill rumbled and they heard a knock at the door. It was an Anteater! He was hungry. But Andy wasn't afraid. He shouted to the other ants "CONGAAAA!". And the ants formed a great conga line. They caught him and threw him into the river. What a great move. And they celebrated well into the evening. It was the best party ever!

2. 'Tomato Sandwich' Written & Illustrated by Caroline Magerl

You may have seen me post on this wonderful book recently, but I wanted to say a little more about this fabulous picture book. Now, right off the bat, let me say that soggy tomato sandwiches bring up some VERY bad memories for me of such school lunch 'delights'! So when the fly leaf tells me this is for those "who turn soggy sandwiches into delicious days" they have my attention!! For my American friends, I should tell you that sit down dining room lunches, is not what Australian schools generally have. We used to bring lunch from home and eat these un-refridgerated delights in hot schoolyards. This is still much the same today, but High Schools (and some Elementary or Primary Schools), have canteens where better food can be purchased, if you can afford such things.

Award winning author-illustrator Caroline Magerl has given us an incredible wordless book! There is a uniqueness in this work rarely seen. Our central character wakes to a less than normal day. Just who has decided to start the vacuum cleaner so early?! This must be stopped! So, with 'magic' wand in hand she stops the culprit. Perhaps a nice breakfast will calm her down. She has the cleaning culprit at her mercy. What will she choose for her treat?

Cereal? Boiled eggs? No, I have them at my mercy. A very special cupcake. Sadly' it ends up as just a sandwich. She sets off with her trusty dog and her sling shot for a day out. Perhaps she can get a cup cake at the local cake shop? Meanwhile, her Dad, has been cooking a cup cake, unsuccessfully. She arrives at home with the smell of smoke. The day continues in many unexpected ways. 

Caroline Magerl was born in Frankfurt Germany, but came to Australia aged 2 (so we're claiming her as our author)! She lived on her families' yacht until she was 14. In 2001 she won the Children' Book Council of Australia Crighton Award for new talent in children's book illustration for 'Maya and Cat'. Her book 'Nop' was awarded a CBCA Honour book, and her latest book 'Piano Fingers' was awarded as a 'Notable Book'.

3. 'Something Terrible - Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This wonderfully illustrated book for children aged 7-9 is very funny and yet it has a wonderful underlying message about pollution. Author Sally Barton and illustrator Christopher Nielsen also produced a book about the environment and the varied waste that finds its way into our drains and sewers.

This current book is 84 pages long, but is typically at least half illustrations on each page. Every page has illustrations which are very comical. The black and white drawings while cartoon like are not like most comics you will find.

Tim Mulligan is the boy at the centre of the story. This boy, aged about nine, never (I repeat NEVER!) ties his shoelaces. In fact most people think his name is "Tim-tie-your-shoelaces". This is because both his mother and father EVERY day would tell him to TIE his shoelaces. They would call out to him as he ran for the bus, "Tie Your Shoelaces". He didn't listen and NEVER tied his shoelaces.

This had never been a problem to him until one day he was to meet Mr Willbanks, who had the less than desirable job of cleaning the sewerage drains underground. When he entered each day he always posted a sign "DO NOT ENTER"! Now Tim as it happened was walking along the path to school as usual with his shoelaces flapping when he trod on one lace. He tripped and slid into an open drain hole and into SEWER NUMBER 9. Now Mr Willbanks was there, NOT just to clean and dodge rats, bats, lizards and snakes, and cope with smells and sewerage. He was there to hunt for a very large crocodile named Matilda! You will need to get this special book to find out how it ends.

4. 'Something Terrible - Becky Brush-Your-Hair!' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Here is another gem from Sally Barton, in what I hope will be a longer series of very funny books for 7-9 year olds. Becky Culpepper has wonderful hair, but her parents who have to chase her out every day and call out "Becky Brush Your Hair". So much so, that most people think that this is her name. Her Dad will implore her by saying "you'll be mistaken for a bird's nest". She never listened so her hair remained "knit-knotting, twist-twirling" as she walks. But one day, something terrible did happen! It was Tim Mulligan who spotted the problem one morning while riding his bike. He exclaimed "Becky, you have two little birds in your hair".

Becky tried everything to rid her hair of the birds, but nothing worked. Her teacher was not happy. Her teacher would exclaim "stop that cheap-chirping". Eventually, she was sent to the Principal's office. 

Becky didn't mind the birds or the cheep-chirping, nor did her friend Tim Mulligan, and strangely no-one else seemed to notice.

But eventually, because it disturbed others, she felt she needed to be rid of them. But nothing seemed to get rid of them!! Worse still, more birds came! Middle-sized birds and then quite large birds.

What on earth could possibly make things worse? You'll need to get the book to find out. Young readers aged up to 12 will enjoy this book. While the book is 80 pages, every page has wonderful drawings that take up at least 50% of the book. The images mean that even younger readers could be 'stretched' by reading the books. The language used is no more than a Grade 5-6 level.  

5. 'Down The Plot Hole' by Annaleise Byrd

Terry began to read the book before him, "The Complete Fairy tales of the Brother's Grim", but he suddenly stopped and exclaimed as he pointed to the book, "there's a word missing"!! It was missing the small golden swan symbol beneath the title. He knew this cleverly showed to those who were wise, that this book had a portal into the Fairytale world! To go there you need only to touch the golden symbol.   

This is a more substantial 174 page book with no illustrations. As such it is more suitable for better readers aged 12 yrs. The spacing and print size means that it would be a reasonably quick read for average readers in less than two weeks, at 2-3 chapters per day. 

In the story, we meet two boys, who were reluctant readers were reading the Bothers Grimm again. This was in spite of the fact that the last time they read this book, they were plunged into the fairy tale world. They have no hesitation in doing this again.

This action packed 174 page book will be loved by children who enjoy reading about funny action packed adventure stories. As well, it is filled with mystery, magic and fantastic adventures. It also has a novel short quiz at the end that children will enjoy completing.

 

 

 

 

Five Quirky New Picture Books that Will Make Everyone Laugh

Christmas is closer than we think so what better time to get some special Christmas books for children aged 1-10. Five new books from Walker Books. I know it seems early, but sometimes delivery times at Christmas can be very slow.

1. 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!' Written & illustrated by Mo Willems

Now here's a title to get your interest! You'd expect something a 'little' different from Mo Willems, but a pigeon who wants to drive Santa's sleigh?! What could go wrong? And why can't he sneak a drive while Santa's not looking? But, what's wrong with this sleigh? 

But there aren't any gears, or a steering wheel, or even a horn!?

And how does he get it to move? I'll leave you to guess, but better still, just get the book and find out.

2. 'Merry Christmas, Little Wombat' written & illustrated by Charles Fuge 

Now this is an Aussie Christmas story! With a Wombat, Echidna, Kangaroo, Platypus, Rainbow Lorikeet how will this work out? This might be an Aussie take on Christmas, but as the northern hemisphere is often buried in snow, how do they celebrate 'down under'?

But hang on, what might the Christmas tree be like? There are no pines or spruce trees in a southern summer. We need a tree! Help someone!

3. 'Socks' written by JD McPherson and illustrated by Anika Orrock

I love this book! What child doesn't drop hints for the special gifts they'd like at Christmas time? Then again, not all parents are wealthy and can afford many gifts at Christmas. But, while this is very much a wealthy class view of Christmas expectations and gifts it is very funny, it does end with the our cranky kid reflecting on how "love and cheer" don't come in a box. 

Wonderful illustrations from Anika Orrock, and a funny little story from JD McPherson.

4. 'Mr Santa' Written and illustrated by Jarvis

Jarvis (yes that is the full author name) offers a different take on Christmas in this beautifully illustrated and written picture book. What child hasn't wanted to catch Santa at work late at night when they should be sleeping soundly? Or, at least dream about it. This little girl (or perhaps boy) has quite the adventure.

With a stirring in their moonlit room, there's movement at the foot of the bed. Santa is caught 'red' handed! Had he wiped his feet? Well, Santa decides he might just as well sit down for a chat, a nice hot cup or tea or coffee with this little nosy one before heading off.

So Santa, "like to see my fish"? Have some ginger bread. "Do you prefer dogs or cats"? "Can a reindeer talk"? "Can I ride your sleigh"? Wow! Where are we now"? All those penguins, "Are we lost"? "Do you stop at traffic lights"? "Can we visit your house?" "Just one more question" he mumbles as he wakes. "Was it really real?"

5. 'One Wise Sheep' by written & illustrated by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jorg Muhle 

Now last, but not least, a short novel for older readers 8-10. Ulrich Hub has written a delightful story with an interesting traditional take on a special time in 4 BC. The sheep are all awake in the dark of night as a new star is in the sky shining as brightly. They're concerned as all the shepherds have gone! Shouldn't "shepherds abide in the fields; they have to stay with their sheep at night". They've even left their back packs behind. Here's an opportunity, there is food in their backpacks!

Then a sheep with a "bobble hat" (beanie) and cries "Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings!" The sheep shares how in the middle of the night "... suddenly a host of Angels appeared in our fields singing praises. I think I even heard trumpets-" "And the good tidings?" the other sheep asked? "What were they? "Oh, I've forgotten he replied."

But while this absent-minded sheep takes some prompting, he manages to remember and share the true meaning of the Christmas. He declares, "A baby was born unto us tonight.. he is wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger...". Not all the sheep were persuaded by the tidings. So they follow the star in the night sky for they hear that this baby was sent to save the world! It seems the mother and father and child had to come because the Romans had declared a census must occur. Sadly, the sheep arrive too late to see the baby in the manger but find out there is a happy ending, this is just the beginning of the story this little one had ushered in, for He would change the world.

 

 

Three New Picture Books & An Illustrated Junior Novel

This post previews four wonderful picture books and one brilliant Junior Graphic Novel suitable for readers aged 6-8 years by the brilliant Jon Klassen.

1. 'Dads and Dogs', by Mick Elliott

Author illustrator Mick Elliott has produced another engaging picture book for children aged 6-8 years. I love the way Elliott targets the younger end of the range with a very funny book that highlights just how distracted Dads can be when minding a toddler. This isn't a Dad who just takes his toddler out for an afternoon walk down a favourite walkway. No, this type of Dad always attempts to do some other things as well, with some 'interesting' outcomes. Dad can be easily distracted.

There's the 'Coffee Dad' who sits in the sun with his toddler in the pram and while they both snooze, their dog eats the cake he bought at the cafe to go with his coffee. Then there's the 'Dashing Dad' who has to chase the escaping and 'Muddy Dog'. The 'Bikie Dad' takes his daughter and their dog in the sidecar. And what could possibly go wrong if Dad paints with the 'help' of his daughter and the dog. But there's more.... This is a very funny book.

2. 'A Boy, His Dog And The Sea', by Anthony Browne

Dogs also make an appearance in Anthony Browne's wonderful new picture book 'A Boy, His Dog and the Sea'. Young readers will love Scruff.

This is a poignant picture book about a boy and his dog finding adventure where they least expect it. Anthony Browne is the acclaimed Kate Greenaway and medal-winning author-illustrator and former Children's Laureate. The British Sunday Times review says of the book:

“As is usual with Browne, the scene expresses the mood. Painstaking artwork conjures the wide sea, while faces are hinted at in beach huts and pebbles. Misunderstanding and suspense lead to a happy, heroic rescue.”

The images of faces hinted at in the stones are interesting. Kids will have fun looking and searching them, as well as a few in the clouds. But how the images reinforce the central message of the narrative, wasn't clear to me, but it is intriguing? It reminded me of fun collecting fragments of old glass on pebbled beaches with my children along English seashores; perhaps the stones will have that same impact. 

3. 'The Wheelbarrow Express', by Sue Whiting & Illustrated by Cate James

The Wheelbarrow Express is a lovely story that every child close to their grandparents will understand. After a stay with Grandparents and the inevitable fun you have, going back to normal life is difficult. The love of a grandparent for their grandchildren is typically unconditional and without the demands of everyday parenting. I remember well how every holidays when I left my grandparents how sad and empty I felt. Back to my home with lots of rules, school and more.

It’s Tommy’s last day at Pa’s farm and it’s time to say goodbye. Tommy doesn’t want to go. Not yet. He loves the farm and its playful pigs and clucking chickens and galloping goats and the dam that is deep and blue and perfect for skimming stones. And he loves Pa.

Like any besotted grandparent (and speaking from experience), there is always time for "...one last run on the wheelbarrow express." And I thought only I had one of these!

There isn't much that can compare with a holiday on the farm with Grandparents who love you. Such a lovely story and Cate James' wonderful sensitive and loving illustrations, help to bring out the emotions of the story. A beautiful example of text and illustrations in perfect union. Bravo!

4. 'The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale' by Jon Klassen

In this post, I find myself in the unfortunate position of being a little equivocal with one of my favourite Author/Illustrators. Jon Klassen, has received every award and honour imaginable. The art is stunning as usual, and the text is so well supported by the illustrations. 

The plot is simple. A small child called Otilla is running through a dark forest at night, and hears her name being called by a strange voice in an abandoned house. She knocks at the door and calls out "Hello" and the reply "Hello" comes back. It comes from a window. A skull was looking at her. It shows her around the house and a series of magical things occur. The skull tells how a skeleton comes each night looking for his head. Otilla steps in and destroys the skeleton (in a gruesome way) and lives 'happily ever after' with the skull.

I struggled a little with his re-imagined take on an old Tryolean story or yarn. Klassen takes a child friendly story that in the original was amusing - and yet still a little weird - and turns it into a fairly bleak and potentially disturbing story, especially for children aged 6-8 years.

I enjoyed reading his Author's Note at the end of the book, that explains how his reading of the original stayed with him for a year, and he spent time wondering how he would use it for a picture book. He wrote his version without reference to the original, which he suggests is what happens to Folktales. "They are supposed to be Changed by who is telling, and you never find them the same way twice".

In summary, this is an intriguing book, but I don't think I'd read it to a six-year-old at bedtime. I'm sure if it is used in classrooms with children 7-8 years, there will be an interesting discussion.

 

The 'New York Times' book reviewer Ransom Riggs has no problem with the dark ending and says:

"Folk tales are meant to be flexible things, open-source stories infinitely mouldable to the needs of teller and era." 

Riggs believes the original version has been "marvelously reimagined". I'm interested to hear what teachers and parents think.

Four Special Children's Picture Books

1. 'Harriet's Hungry Worms' by Marcus Pfister (translated by David Henry Willson)

Not everyone likes worms, but after hearing or reading this wonderful 'eco story', children will! They will be pulled along by the clever story line and as they are, they will learn more about these wonderful creatures.

"Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING’. Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee!"

This is another delightful picture book that tells a story while teaching as well. And as a bonus, you get a set of "Worm Facts" at the end. Did you know there are "...around 3500 species of worms in the world"? And did you know that "...worms breath through their skin?" How cool is that.

Readers aged 2-6 will enjoy this great book. Of course, reading to a 2 yr old will be different than to a 6 year old, but it could be just as engaging.

2. 'One Book Was All It Took' by Wenda Shurety & Illustrated by Amy Calautti

Sometimes finding the right book to read on a rainy day can be difficult. But Violet has a special problem. As a keen reader, how can she find a book she hasn't read before? Ordinarily, I'd say the library. But what if you don't have one in your town?

Violet begins a campaign and writes to the mayor to ask him to do something about it. But, "will anyone read it?" she wonders. She becomes desperate for something to read. She spots a book propping up the dining room table. In desperation, she pulls it out from under the leg to read. This starts a chain reaction. When Dad's breakfast crashes to the floor, he knows it's time to act! They head to the Town Hall and the mayor.

Her quest, with her Dad's help leads to an interesting outcome, with twists and turns along the way. The book offers a great insight into how advocacy can lead to action, and sometimes can have great outcomes. A wonderful read-aloud book for children 3-6 years. Children 6-7 years will also enjoy reading it themselves.

3. 'This is My Dad' by Dimity Powell & Illustrated by Nicky Johnston

'This is My Dad' celebrates families of all shapes and sizes in a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that parents and carers will love sharing with their children. 

"Leo loved Show and Tell, but when his teacher, Miss Reilly, announced the topic, Leo's tummy belly-flopped."

His classmates can’t wait but all Leo can think is … "how can I celebrate someone I’ve never met?" Leo is an only child who lives with his mother. He has never known his Dad, nor had someone like a Dad in his life. He tries to find out more about his Dad, then decides he already has someone who is VERY special to him. His Mother! He decides to tell them about her. This is a timely book given the diversity of families in children's lives, with 25% of British children living with one parent.

4. 'Violin & Cello' Written by Catherine Greer, Illustrated by Joanna Bartel & music by Alexander Lau

I love this book! 

"In a tall apartment tower two busy families live side by side. A calico cat played on one balcony. A garden grew on the other. Someone played a violin... and someone played a cello. But the musicians never met."

The children can hear each other person playing, but neither knows who it is and what they are like. Till one day, the violinist sends a message by paper airplane. A duet is born from their paper plane exchanges, and one day it is played, each on their own balcony. A crowd gathers in the street to listen and marvel. And from this the mystery friends become real friends.

Award-winning Australian composer, Alexander Lau, composed an original duet for violin and cello, ‘The Mystery Friends’. The score for the allegro and adagio movements are printed in the book. This beautiful composition is simple enough to be played by young cellists and violinists.

What an inspirational idea for a story, but one that offers even more!

 

When Fears Rush In: How children’s books might help anxiety.

As Russia continues to invade and attack the nation of Ukraine, children will be fearful and afraid around the world. While nations seek to push back an international bully, parents wonder across all nations, how can we encourage and reassure our children? As children see and hear newsflashes that adults seem very interested in, what might they be thinking. Also, if they ask questions about the situation in Ukraine, what might we say? Some parents will say little or nothing, others will say too much. Perhaps taking some time to hold your children and read to them might be a good thing to do.

Throughout history, stories have been helpful to allow humans to gain insights into specific life situations, as well as comfort and encouragement not to allow fear to take a hold of them. This post looks briefly at a number of wonderful books that might be helpful to share at this time to allow any lingering fears within our children to be discussed. These aren’t necessarily, the ‘magic’ books that will help to remove all fear, they are examples of books that might allow parents to open up difficult fears, shine a light on them and offer comfort and hope to our children.

 

1. 'Can't You Sleep, Little Bear?' by Martin Waddell & illustrated by Barbara Firth

 

It's another sleepless night for Little Bear in his dark cave. Big Bear lovingly brings brighter and brighter lanterns to help ease the cub's fears. When those don't help, there's only one thing left to do: show Little Bear the warm, ever-shining glow of the stars and moon. This soothing story ranks up there with our other favorite bedtime stories like Good Night, Moon.

 

This book by Martin Waddell has been described as 'the most perfect children's book ever written'. It is about a Little Bear, who just can't sleep. There is dark all around him in the Bear Cave. Not even Big Bear's biggest lantern can light up the darkness of the night outside. Can Big Bear find a way to reassure restless Little Bear and help him fall fast asleep?

Recommended age: 3 and up.

 

2. 'What a Bad Dream' by Mercer Mayer

Nightmares happen to everyone, including Little Critter. One night, one of his dreams starts out great, with him skipping baths, eating fudge pops for breakfast, and getting a gorilla as a pet. But it quickly turns into a nightmare when he realizes his family is nowhere to be found, so he has no one to read to him, tuck him in, and give him a hug. Everything is better when he wakes up to his mom and dad comforting him.

 

3. 'Wilma Jean the Worry Machine’ by Julia Cook and Illustrated by Anita Dufalla

"My stomach feels like it's tied up in a knot.
My knees lock up, and my face feels hot.
You know what I mean?
I'm Wilma Jean,
The Worry Machine."

 

 

Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is arguably the number one health problem in most nations. While common, anxiety in children is often misdiagnosed or even overlooked. Everyone can feel fear, worry and apprehension occasionally, when feelings prevent someone from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability.

 

This is a fun book that addresses the challenge of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It also offers strategies for parents and teachers to use with children to lessen the severity of anxiety. The book aims to help children develop tools to feel more in control of anxiety. The book also includes a note to parents and educators with tips on dealing with an anxious child.

 

4. ‘How Big are Your Worries Little Bear’ by Jayneen Sanders & illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

 

Little Bear is a worrier. He worries about everything! But with Mama Bear’s help, he soon learns his worries are not so big after all. 

 

Through this engaging and beautifully illustrated story, children will learn that everyday worries and fears can be overcome. It just takes a willingness to share with a helpful listener, and an understanding that making mistakes is how we learn. 

 

Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators, and extra hints to help children manage anxiety.

 

 5. 'The Invisible String' by Patrice Karst & illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

 

‘The Invisible String’ has been acclaimed as a wonderful tool for helping children to cope with separation anxiety, loss, and grief. It is a relatable and reassuring contemporary classic. The story centres around a mother who tells her two children that they're all connected by an invisible string. "That's impossible!" the children insist. But still they want to know more: "What kind of string?" Their mother says it is simple. There is “An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can't see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love."

 

The book poses many questions. “Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away?” It is a wonderful picture book for all ages. It explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and those who love and care for us. The book will allow deeper conversations about love, fear, security and hope.

 

The book has been recommended and used by parents, bereavement support groups, foster care and social service agencies. It has also been embraced by military library services, church groups, and educators. This special book offers a simple approach to dealing with loneliness, separation, and loss.  with an imaginative twist that children easily understand and embrace, and delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times.

 

6.  'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' by Judith Kerr

This is a book for older readers 10-13. It is a semi-autobiographical classic, written by the beloved Judith Kerr, it tells the story of a Jewish family escaping Germany in the days before the Second World War. It tells the story of Anna living in Germany in 1933. As a child, she has not listened to talk of a leader called Adolf Hitler. She is too busy with her schoolwork, Friends and tobogganing.

 

This beautiful new edition celebrates the fifty-year anniversary of an adventure that Michael Morpurgo called “The most life-enhancing book you could ever wish to read.” But one day Anna and her brother Max are rushed out of Germany in alarming secrecy, away from everything they know. Their father is wanted by the Nazis. This is the start of a huge adventure, sometimes frightening, but also funny and always exciting.

 

Judith Kerr wrote the book based on her own journey, so that her own children would know where she came from and the lengths to which her parents went to keep her and her brother safe. It is recognized today as a classic that is required reading for children all over the world.