David Hunt (text) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator), My Real Friend, ABC Books, May 2019, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733334894 An endearing and witty tale that brings the imagination to life! My Real Friend qualifies as one of the most imaginative picture books around, with concepts that will put young readers’ minds into a spin. Bestselling author of The Nose Pixies, David Hunt, and highly acclaimed illustrator, Lucia Masciullo, work brilliantly as a pair to bring about a wildly explosive combination of heart, humour and energy. Rupert is the imaginary friend to young William. They have a lot in…
Author: Admin
Anthony Horowitz, Alex Rider: Secret Weapon, Walker Books, April 2019, 352 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781406387476 Alex Rider: Secret Weapon is a collection of seven stories from author Anthony Horowitz. Having never read the series before, I think starting with this collection is a good foundation for anyone wanting to dive into the series. The stories are all action packed spy adventures, in which Alex proves he’s a James Bond in the making. From Afghanistan, to being kidnapped and held for information on MI6, Alex is a calm, cool and collected action hero. He is also a reluctant one.…
Kate Mayes (text) and Sara Acton (illustrator), Mummy Cuddle, ABC Books, March 2019, RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733339431 Following the treasured tale, Daddy Cuddle, by bestselling author and illustrator duo, Kate Mayes and Sara Acton, is a new one especially for expectant mums, new mums and grand-mums; it’s the adorable Mummy Cuddle. There’s nothing better than a snuggle and cuddle with Mummy Bunny on a quiet and dark evening. But first, of course, it’s time to play! In an effortless bounce between line and word, the young bunny tests the boundaries with frivolity and determination to stay wide awake with…
Yohann Devezy (text) and Manuela Adreani (illustrator), Hugo, the Boy with the Curious Mark, Red Paper Kite, May 2019, 40 pp., RRP $26.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780648450207 Readers looking for a contemporary edge will find great satisfaction in this cool and quirky tale about a boy with a difference. We’ve all heard of a fictional boy with a curious mark on his forehead, who long struggled with self-identity and acceptance. Hugo is no different, and his emotional and adventurous rollercoaster journey helps him to discover something quite amazing. Author Yohann Devezy strongly advocates for social justice, diversity and inclusion through his…
Dominique Valente, Willow Moss and the Lost Day (Starfell #1), HarperCollins, May 2019, 288 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008308407 While most witches in Starfell were born with an interesting magical ability, Willow Moss was born with the ability to find things – lost things like socks and keys. It isn’t as impressive as her mother and sisters’ abilities, but it does come in handy to help her neighbours. And when the renowned and feared witch Moreg Vaine turns up requesting Willow’s help, it seems that finding things might come in handy after all. Because last Tuesday is missing. Gone.…
Lloyd Spencer Davis, Waddle: A Book of Fun For Penguin Lovers, Exisle Publishing, March 2019, 160 pp., RRP $29.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781925335910 This book is lovely to look at, but the text was disappointing. Waddle brings together a wonderful collection of photographs of penguins, standing, feeding, diving and swimming. There’s penguin families and penguin babies and different types of penguins too. Many of the images feature amazing backdrops – snow and ice and hundreds more penguins – and each picture covers a full page, giving it space to sing. There’s a charming introduction to the book that talks about human’s…
Amie Kaufman, Scorch Dragons (Elementals, #2), HarperCollins, March 2019, 448 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781460755280 This is the second book in the Elementals series by Amie Kaufman, beginning where the first book left off. Anders, his twin sister Rayna and Lisabet are now in the dragon stronghold, Drekhelm. The dragons are wary of the wolves and don’t know whether to trust them. Some of the members of council of the Dragonmeet are sure that the wolves of Ulfar are gearing up to attack the dragons and that Anders has given away their hiding place. But the Drekleid, Leif, convinces…
Delphine Davis (text) and Adele K Thomas (illustrator), The Talent Show (Mermaid Holidays #1), Penguin Random House, April 2019, 128pp., RRP $9.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780143796510 This shimmery, bright-pink book will jump out at mermaid fans keen to dive into chapter books. It’s a bit wordier than a Billie B Brown or an Ella and Olivia (my go-to first chapter books for girls). The typeface is smaller too, but still larger than a standard chapter book, and the pages are swimming with fun illustrations to break up the text. Four mermaid friends – Sophia Seashell, Willow Wave, Chloe Coral and Olivia…
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (text) and Laura Callaghan (illustrator), Vivienne Westwood (Little People, Big Dreams), Frances Lincoln, March 2019, 32pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781786037565. The Little People, Big Dreams series is fantastic at introducing readers to successful people and making them relatable, showing how they started off as children and then followed their dreams. This new book – Vivienne Westwood – introduces us to the iconic British fashion designer as a young girl who stood up for others and refused to follow the crowd. Westwood’s story is interesting and inspiring. She was curious and worked hard and her career…
Corrine Fenton (text) and Craig Smith (illustrator), A Cat Called Trim, Allen & Unwin, April 2019, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760631840 The story of the cat Trim’s has often been told. This time we learn a little more about how he became Matthew Flinders’ companion, and that sailor’s last days with him. Trim was born on the Reliance, saved from a watery death by Flinders, went with him on the Norfolk, then on the Investigator, the Porpoise and the Cumberland.. He travelled the world and was a part of Flinders’ crew when he mapped the coast of Australia.…