Children's Book Reviews
The Night We Made the Flag by Carole Wilkinson & Sebastian Ciaffoglone1 July, 2008In her first picture book, award-winning author Carole Wilkinson offers a unique view the Eureka Stockade.
Emily and the Big Bad Bunyip by Jackie French, illus by Bruce Whatley, Angus & Robertson1 July, 2008It’s Christmas Day in Shaggy Gully. All the animals are revelling in the joys of the holiday according to their various natures (kangaroos bouncing, kookaburras chortling, echidnas prickling) all except one, that is.
Sprite Downberry by Nette Hilton1 July, 2008Sprite is in primary school, dealing with the collective unkindness of her fellow classmates, and the loss of her former best friend, who is adding to her taunting.
Special Kev by Chris McKimmie1 July, 2008Kevin is the only one in his family with curly red hair and freckles. His mother calls him Special Kev.
Donald Loves Drumming by Nicholas Bland & Nick Bland1 July, 2008Aimed at children from three years of age, this book will enchant both children and their parents
Sophie Bakes a Cake by Tina Burke1 July, 2008There are some things that should go in a cake and others that should not! With initial help from her mother, who gathers together the ingredients, Sophie enthusiastically puts together the cake mixture.
Short Stuff by Mark Stevens1 July, 2008Short stories are a useful vehicle with which to encourage the reluctant reader.
Cat on the Island by Gary Crew1 July, 2008I sit up and pay attention whenever Gary Crew releases a new book.
Captain Congo and the Crocodile King by Ruth Starke1 July, 2008Captain Congo and his assistant Pug are given an assignment to search for a professor from Chicago, missing in Abyssinia (AKA Ethiopia).
An Aussie Day Before Christmas by Kilmeny Niland1 July, 2008This book is so dinky-di Aussie it almost needs a glossary to explain some expressions that seem to be disappearing from our vocabulary!
A Bush Christmas by C.J. Dennis1 July, 2008Dee Huxley’s considerable artistic talents bring a fresh look to this classic poem.
The Volcano Book by Gill Jolly1 July, 2008Volcanologist Gill Jolly lives among the volcanos of the South Island of New Zealand and has worked with volcanos all her life.
30 Australian Sports Stories by Loretta Barnard1 July, 2008The name says it all in this latest instalment of Random House’s ‘30 Australian’ series.
Word of Honour by Michael Pryor1 July, 2008In the third instalment of the ‘Laws of Magic’ series, Word of Honour, we follow Aubrey Fitzwilliam as he accompanies his father (the Prime Minister) on a viewing of the new ‘underwater ship’ which could bolster Albion’s military strength against its rivals.
Tom Tom by Rosemary Sullivan1 July, 2008This first-time author has spent many years working as a primary teacher in the ‘top end’ of the Northern Territory, and is currently the teaching principal of a small school 200km south-west of Darwin.
Lu-Lu’s Wish by Matt Zurbo, illus. Ben de Quadros-Wander28 June, 2008I am in two minds about this book; the words of the blurb describe it as ‘a whimsical tale of hope and a little girl who wanted something more’, indicating the essence of the storyline, and yet I found it hard to find any clear purpose to the story.
Come on Everybody, Time to Play! by Nigel Grey, illus. by Bob Graham25 June, 2008Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning before everybody else. Has this happened to you? Where is everybody?
The Minister for Traffic Lights by Tony Wilson & Andrew McLean23 June, 2008In The Minister for Traffic Lights, Tony Wilson has created a father whose entire life revolves around traffic lights.
Roadworks by Sally Sutton21 June, 2008‘Plan the road. Plan the road. Mark it on the map. Hammer in the marking pegs. PING! BANG! TAP!’
Three Wishes by Isabelle Merlin11 June, 2008Rose Dumerle is a 16-year-old orphan who leaves her native Australia after being informed that she is the sole heir to a French castle and estate. Once in France, she is introduced to the luxurious trappings of wealthy aristocracy by her ageing, remorseful grandfather.
Pope Max by David Caddy11 June, 2008A brilliant story with a great twist—Pope Max by David Caddy is about Max, a 14-year-old Italian Australian who wants to be Pope. Max promised his dying Nonno that one day, Max would become Pope.
The Pearl Hunters by Kim Wilkins11 June, 2008Exactly as the blurb says, The Pearl Hunters is ‘a love story, an adventure and a ripping yarn.’ So, first and foremost, the audience is 11- to 14-year-olds who are at the stage to enjoy a romance mixed into their adventure story.
No Free Lunch: Hal Spacejock, Book 4 by Simon Haynes11 June, 2008Hal Spacejock, a space freighter pilot, and his loyal robot Clunk are bordering on bankruptcy and desperate for any business they can get. While at the peaceful ‘retirement’ planet of Dismolle they meet Harriett Walsh, a trainee peace officer who is eager for a case to investigate.
|
|
|