Dannika Patterson (text), Megan Forward (illustrator), Jacaranda Magic, Ford Street Publishing, February 2019, 32 pp., RRP $16.95 (pbk), ISBN 9781925804010 This large format paperback is a gentle story about the enormous pleasure children derive from using their imagination. Five girls and boys with ‘nothing to do’ on a hot summer day have dismissed the usual bikes rides, swings and sandpits. As they lie beneath a jacaranda tree, a gust of wind blows numerous blossoms to rest on the children who imagine that the petals are in turn mermaids, dragon scales, asteroids, and fairies. As they climb the tree it becomes…
Author: Admin
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #2) – Jessica Townsend This is the book I was waiting on all year, and it was so worth the wait. Morrigan Crow has passed the tests and become one of the lucky new members of the Wunderous Society, but the challenges haven’t stopped. Mysterious disappearances are happening in the fantastical city of Nevermoor, and the security and acceptance Morrigan was hoping for within the Society are more elusive than she’d thought. Anyone, adult or child, who loves Diana Wynne Jones or (and I don’t say this lightly) J.K. Rowling needs to get…
For Young Readers Favourite picture book – How Did I Get Here? – Philip Bunting This book is brilliant, thoughtfully explaining the evolution of our planet from the big bang to the arrival of our littlest readers. It’s a must read, putting everything into perspective in an entertaining way that can be read over and over again. The pictures are bright and fun and I love the humour. There’s just the right amount of factual information about how babies are made and the ending will make you laugh and perhaps draw your own version. Favourite non-fiction – Do Not Lick…
S J Morgan, Heaven Sent, Midnight Sun Publishing, October 2018, 256 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781925227451 Heaven Sent is the first young adult novel by Adelaide author S. J. Morgan. Evie lives with her mother and stepfather in the Adelaide Hills, has a close friend and school, but life usually isn’t exactly what it seems. Woven into a well written cadence of everyday events and modern dialogue, fifteen-year-old Evie wrangles the twisting tangles of her negative inner thoughts. Serendipity delivers up a guardian angel of sorts, the enigmatic Gabe, who appears just at the right time, a perfect companion,…
Thimble by Rebecca Young and Tull Suwannakit This book is beautiful in every way. From the gorgeous front cover to the heart melting moments shared, to the memories captured in the sublime illustrations. Thimble is a touching story of love and loss, and the healing power of memory. It represents a symbol of protection and tenderness that every reader will grasp and beautifully soothes the heartache of losing a loved one. Thimble is a special treasure. All the Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys These creators are such an amazing duo with several books successfully achieved…
Initially when asked if I could review three books,published in 2018, I expected to choose from my favoured picture book genre. But once I looked at the list of titles read during the year, I was surprised that these were the ones I came up with. Of course, I could compile a picture book or a younger readers list too, but here are the ones I’ve chosen. Small spaces by Sarah Epstein This first novel was a great young adult thriller. Tash, as narrator, remembers seeing her (imaginary?) and threatening friend Sparrow abduct Mallory from the fairground. Of course, no…
Well, what a year 2018 was. I read so many amazing books, it’s hard to pick favourites, let alone only three of them! However, I’ve managed to narrow down my list and select a trio of finalists. Unsurprisingly, for a year in which actual reality has been something of a disappointment, my favourite books were all stories set in alternate worlds or realities. The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer E Nielsen Let’s start with The Traitor’s Game – Book One by Jennifer A. Nielsen. The fantasy genre has always been a bit of a fave of mine ever since I was a…
With the year zooming to its usual crazy end and the promise of long summer days lazing by the pool/beach/river or, if today is any indication, huddled inside with the rain pattering down the windows, it’s imperative to have a pile of fabulous books nearby. To help with this, I’ve put together a short list of my favourite reads of 2018. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, you won’t be sorry when you do. And the best thing is you’ll be supporting Aussie writers! The Peacock Detectives by Carly Nugent This book was shortlisted for the Text…
Tom Gates: Biscuits bands and very big plans by Liz Pichon The book that I enjoyed reviewing most this year was Tom Gates : Biscuits, bands and very big plans – the 14th book in the popular Tom Gates series. There seems no limit to Pichon’s talent for relaying everyday happenings in Tom’s school and family life with wit, warmth and a touch of suspense. Tom is lovable in his ability to laugh at himself and face life’s travails with humour and optimism. I love how Tom’s craft and doodling ideas are incorporated in the story, providing an active, creative element…
Having read and reviewed some incredible titles for the CBCA over the last twelve months, I am delighted to share my top three books for 2018. Choosing my absolute favourites was no easy task but for me, as a mother and former educator, this little selection spans various age ranges and contains the literary gems I would most highly recommend. Whichever way we look at it, it’s been another turbulent year for the wider world and it sometimes seems to me as if authors of children’s books are fighting against all odds to show us all the magic and wonder…