Saturday 21 June 2014

Possum’s big surprise

Join Flossy the Possum as she scurries and scampers across the great Australian outback, coming across many hidden Aussie creatures. 

Playing ‘Guess the creatures’ with each page turn adds to the delight of this new book from Colin Buchanan and Nina Rycroft.

The text has great rhythm and pace directly relating to the action as the story unfolds.

So what are all these hidden creatures up to? Possum might just be in for a big surprise!

A great rollicking read – ideal for 3 years and older.

Scholastic
Paperback 
RRP $14.99




Monday 16 June 2014

Gigantosaurus

Gigantosaurus, so fierce and wild, with teeth as long as you are tall - all baby dinosaurs are warned of this most treacherous of threats!

Join Bonehead, Tiny, Fin and Bill as they set off to play one day during the Cretaceous period. Knowing that Gigantosaurus was never far away, Bonehead offers to be on the look out.

Soon enough the baby dinos realise that Bonehead is the prehistoric Boy who cried wolf. Very quickly they learn to ignore his warnings. Tired of his games, his friends leave Bonehead behind, only for him to finally face his nemesis, Gigantosaurus. What will happen to Bonehead?

While a work of fiction - the characters in the book are based on real dinosaurs. A vertical gatefold illustration reveals just how big Gignatosaurus is - complete with an information page at the end, this book is sure to delight all young dinosaur fans!

Written and illustrated by Jonny Duddle
Recommended for 3+ years
Koala Books
Paperback $14.99



Sunday 15 June 2014

Snail and turtle are friends

'Snail and Turtle are friends' celebrates friendship, diversity and companionship.

Snail and Turtle are great friends and like to do things together, at their own pace, in their own way.

Stephen Michael King brings a wonderful sense of humour to this story as seen in both the words and pictures.  The irony depicted between the two brings another layer to this otherwise simple yet endearing story. Subtle messages in the drawings are ideal discussion starters particularly when looking at the literal meaning versus the inferential meaning.

The high gloss snail trails on various pages add to the overall sensory experience. Beautiful illustrations experiment with layout and colour throughout including vignettes and double page spreads.

Another winner from Stephen Michael King!


Hardcover
RRP $24.99
Scholastic 
Recommended for ages 4+ years

Saturday 14 June 2014

Do you dare?

On the back of the success of Penguin's 'Our Australian Girl' series, the 'Do you dare?' series promises to wrap you further into Australia's great history.

Pitched at boys aged between 8 and 12 years, this series fills a much needed hole in the market for historical fiction with an all Australian boy-hero flavour.

Written by prominent Australian authors, the 'Do you dare?' series takes us from 1836 through to 1931. These stories promise to be face paced and driven by adventure and I certainly think they have delivered. 

The title read for review purposes was 1844 - The last horse race, written by James Moloney. Gripping narrative, memorable characters and steeped in historical references, this book brought history to life and is sure to engage girls and boys alike. 

Based in Brisbane in the days of very early settlement, 'The last horse race' is an adventure packed novel with young Toby as the main protagonist. Join Toby and his mates as they take on villains and crooks, all in the name of freedom.

This was a great read - looking forward to reading the other titles in the series, namely: 1836 - 'Fighting bones'; 1841 - 'The bushranger's boys'; and 1931 - 'Tough times'.


Puffin (Penguin Group Australia)
RRP $14.99
Paperback novel 179 pages