Story Rug

Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl (Hachette Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780734424464

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Class 203 has fallen in love with braiding, but there is nothing for Noah to weave – so Ms Morena rips up a whiteboard rag. When Noah runs out of rag, his dad cuts up an old shirt for him to use. Eventually, everyone in the class contributes material – an old baby blanket, an unwanted skirt, a stained tablecloth and more – and they help to stitch the ends while Ms Morena reads books to them. When the braid becomes too long, Noah has an idea – they will coil it up to construct a classroom rug that holds the stories of their textiles and the stories that they heard. Ms Morena is surprised!

Sophie Blackall’s thoughtful narrative entwines the power of storytelling with the joy of communal creation. There is also a subtle nod to the significance of environmental sustainability – forlorn and faded fabrics are repurposed in a useful manner rather than thrown away to exacerbate the landfill crisis. Children aged four to eight will be inspired to make their own ‘story rug’, and Sophie has generously supplied simple step-by-step instructions at the back of the book.

A patchwork of patterns and hues abounds in Phoebe Wall’s fabulous illustrations. There is an almost naive style to the thick, crayon-like strokes and incomplete colouring that is sure to appeal to little kids. Although the images echo an American experience of school, every reader is sure to find themselves reflected among the diverse class members.

In lacing together literature and craft, Story Rug is literally a rags-to-riches tale that reveals the treasure to be found in creativity, community and cooperation. Charm exudes from every page, ensuring that youngsters will reach for this book again and again.

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean by Andrew Plant (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $32.99 ISBN: 9781486320257

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A hundred million years ago, inland Australia was a sea. Flying pterosaurs built nests on islands, where they raised their hatchlings. One of the pterosaurs, Ferrodraco, teaches her babies to hunt. But she is soon carried away by a cyclone. She finds shelter on a southern cliff ledge. When she is ready, she takes flight – heading north to find her family. Along the way, she encounters Muttaburrasaurus, Weewarrasaurus, Diamantinasaurus and many other creatures of the era. Finally, she ‘hears a familiar call’ and glides to her rocky home.

Andrew Plant’s narrative non-fiction picture book is ideal for six- to twelve-year-olds who are fascinated by dinosaurs, especially Australian species. The presentation of the scientific information in story form – as well as the introduction of a compelling main character – helps kids to quickly connect to the knowledge. For those who want to find out more, Andrew has supplied extensive back matter incorporating details on the Eromanga Sea, scientific names and pterosaurs, plus a useful glossary.

Andrew’s realistic illustrations reveal the unique animals and habitats in dazzling true-to-life colour. From spiky teeth and streaky waves to prickly plants and spiral shells, every element helps to bring the prehistoric world to life. With Ferrodraco, Andrew has created a protagonist who is equal parts authentic and appealing, and in whose epic adventure readers will soon become invested. 

A fresh take on Australian paleontology, Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean is an immersive experience from the first page until the last. With its synthesis of irresistible images and striking story, it is sure to become a favourite of fossil fans both young and old.

If I Were Prime Minister

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug, illustrated by Ella Okstad (Lantana Publishing) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781915244451

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A little boy imagines what he would do if he were prime minister. His ideas start as simple actions that fulfil his heart’s desires, from wearing his favourite shoes every day to riding the tram back and forth. Then he thinks more deeply. He would leave Christmas lights up in trees all year, so it is safe to walk in the park. The oceans would be filled with special water that eats plastic, and he would guarantee that all sick people become well again.

Trygve Skaug’s wishful story encourages young kids to shoot for the stars when it comes to making a difference in the world. The text begins with concrete things that entertain children, from trampolines to libraries. Then it slowly transitions to deal with more abstract – and weightier – concepts, such as loneliness, economics and migration. All the while, the bright and breezy words inspire readers to chase curiosity and remain playful.

Ella Okstad’s illustrations are detailed and dynamic, but the slightly muted tones ensure that small eyes are not overwhelmed. The text is often entwined with the images at different angles, and youngsters will excitedly turn the book around to follow the tale. They will also delight in searching each spread for the boy’s dog, which is enjoying the fruits of the boy’s leadership labours immensely.

If I Were Prime Minister emboldens confident (and not so confident) children to be the change they want to see. They may not be a ‘team captain’ of a nation, but they can help their friends, look after the environment and welcome new people with open arms. Care, consideration and cooperation can create a better tomorrow.

Kev and Trev: Snot Cool Snow Stories

Kev and Trev: Snot Cool Snow Stories by Kylie Howarth (Affirm Press) PB RRO $16.99 ISBN 9781923293885

This is the third instalment in this hilarious new graphic novel series for early readers from bestselling creator Kylie Howarth.

Join Kev and Trev's epic mountaintop adventure - full of chilly thrills and high-flying fun! Watch out for penguin paps, soak in steamy hot springs with snow monkeys and dodge the dreaded Abominable, all while searching for the rare and elusive snow pugons. And this time, the clock is ticking. Book Three is due one week earlier!

Jump on board Kev and Trev's popcorn-powered houseboat-balloon and brace yourself for their coolest adventure yet!

'It's brrr-illiant!'
'Snow much fun!'
'Un-brrr-lievably funny!'
'Chill-arious!'
'An avalanche of laughs!'

Oceanforged 3: The Sinking Ruins

Oceanforged 3: The Sinking Ruins by Amelia Mellor (Affirm Press) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN9781922992413

From the bestselling author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World comes the third instalment of an epic fantasy adventure series in the tradition of Skandar and Percy Jackson. 

Having found two parts of the legendary Oceanforged Armour, Cori, Tarn and Jem set sail to find the third in Halcyon, the secretive island once famed for its beauty. But now that the Prime Council knows of their quest, the journey is more dangerous than ever.

In Halcyon, Cori and her friends are shocked to discover how much has changed since the Age of Glory. The island’s cruel and unpredictable leader forbids all magic in the region except his own. His word is law – and obeying the law has never been Cori’s strong point …

The adventure continues in the action-packed third instalment of the Oceanforged series, from the bestselling author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.

Eighty-Nine Questions for After

Eighty-Nine Questions for After by Ashleigh Barton (Hachette Australia) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780733654596

This is a wise and beautifully written middle-grade novel about finding answers to life's big questions, by popular children's author Ashleigh Barton.

Ester Star is a germophobe and hypochondriac, and she's convinced she's going to die. To prepare for her imminent and inevitable demise, Ester keeps a list of all the questions she hopes to have answered in the afterlife - things she knows she'll never have the answers to during her lifetime. What really happened to the dinosaurs? Just how big is the universe? Are ghosts real? She's up to eighty-nine questions and counting.

When Ester's usual after-school sitters announce they are moving away, her mum comes up with an alternative arrangement that turns her world upside down. Every day after school, Ester spends her afternoons with Mum at work. At a hospice. Terrified of all the things she might catch at a hospice, Ester is anxious every second she's there.

But soon she meets Joan, an elderly lady who used to be in the circus. Joan tells Ester she doesn't believe in the afterlife, but she does have one question she'll regret never having answered while she's alive. Why did her sister disappear all those years ago, after they had been so close growing up in the circus together?

With the help of Peter, another kid who spends his afternoons at the hospice, and her new next-door neighbour, a tech whizz named Mackenzie, Ester sets out to have Joan's question answered.

Will Ester realise there's more to life than worrying about dying?

Kid

Kid by Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9780702269257

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

‘Bravest goat in the world.’

Every kid needs a mantra. Something to say out loud several times a day. Something to strive towards. And something to believe.

‘Kid’ is a kid – of the baby goat kind. And like many human ‘kids’, Kid is determined, unstoppable, a little literal and sometimes in need of a hug.

Life on the farm is calm and happy. Kid has friends who care for him – Audrey the hen, Harriet the pig – but he misses his parents who left the farm in pursuit of a fox and never returned. Every night, Audrey tells Kid stories of his parents’ bravery and how they found happiness in ‘the wild ’, but after time, Kid starts to wonder why they never returned.

Kid wants to be brave, just like his parents, so every day he practises what goats do best – jumping, climbing and butting.

Eventually, with some encouragement from Cow and Bird, who live at the far end of the farm, just before the wild, Kid decides he’s going to leave and find his family. His friends warn him that, because of Ma the Maremma’s strict adherence to ‘Farm Law’, he’ll never be able to return, but the pull of family overrides everything.

There are many questions to be answered. How will a tiny kid survive out in the wild? Are Kid’s parents even there? Why are Audrey and Harriet so determined to accompany him? And who is that big, dark beast that seems to be following him?

While Kid is a goat, and while all the other characters – Audrey, Harriet, Ma, Cow, Bird and so on – are also animals, they are so human-like in their qualities that it is easy to draw comparison with the people you know and love (and are maybe slightly apprehensive of) in your life. For me, Audrey was the teaching colleague who took me under her wing when I was new to the game; it was her voice I heard as I read.

Peter Carnavas’ beautiful words, his ability to develop relatable, lovable characters and to simultaneously create a quiet but tension-filled plot really shine in Kid. This is a story that is going to become a firm ‘read-it-again’ classic.

The perfect book for independent readers, Kid would also be a delight to read as a bedtime serial or class novel. (Teachers – there are teaching notes on the UQP website.)

With its gentle narrative, pops of dry humour and characters you want to cheer along, readers aged 5 to 8 – along with their parents and teachers – are going to fall in love with Kid.