Reviewer Grace Nolan shares her picks for the past year…
Janeen Brian, Yong – The Journey of an Unworthy Son
This is an engaging and memorable story of a thirteen year old Chinese boy who leads a group of his countrymen on a journey to the Ballarat goldfields in the mid 1850’s. A captivating story that gives insights into Australian history, racism and father-son relationships.
Lucy Worsley, Eliza Rose
A fascinating insight into the court of King Henry the Eighth and Tudor England as twelve year old Eliza undertakes two years of training to become a courtier. Told from Eliza’s perspective, the story is an absorbing blend of fantasy and historical fact as we learn of the expectations placed on the heiress of a noble family who must marry well to save her crumbling estate.
Aleesah Darlison (text) Shane McGrath (illus.), Stripes in the Forest – the story of the last wild Thylacine
A thought-provoking picture book written from the perspective of the last wild Tasmanian Tiger. With emotive text and illustrations that promote care for the environment and endangered species, it provides scope for discussion and inspires awareness of our effect on the natural world.
Margaret Hamilton (text) Anna Pignataro (illus.), Counting Through the Day
An excellent book for 1 – 4 year olds as they learn to count. Beautifully structured, its simplicity of text and wonderful illustrations convey the unlimited possibilities of numbers, challenging the child. This is a delightful picture book that is perfect for bedtime reading.
