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.

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins by Dimity Powell & Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) PB HB RRP $26.95 9781922696298

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Dimity Powell is an award-winning children’s author who writes and reviews books exclusively for children. This is her second book about Pippa, the adventure seeking pigeon.

Pippa loves her new twin brothers, Pepi and Penn but their constant cries and need for attention is more than she can bare. She longs to fly away from her babysitting duties and seek adventure. How can she be a big sister and still have fun?

Dimity Powell has created a child-relatable story that is not only well told but filled with delightful language. Pippa loved her treetop home with its swaying branches and dancing leaves. The page turns ensure the reader wants to know what’s next and the story is well paced. Pippa is a well-formed character, and her voice is distinct.  Powell allows her carefully chosen words to show character and add flavours to the text. They looked like chunky little sacks of wheat, but all they did was squeak and eat! Her experience as a writer really shows with a tight word count and a story arc that builds, leads the reader and surprises. The simplicity of the story shows how well-crafted it is as a picture book. Strong verbs are paired with onomatopoeia and dialogue that’s used in all the right places.

Andrew Plant is an experienced illustrator with more than a hundred books under his belt. He is the second part of this successful picture book team. His use of vibrant colour is eye catching and joyful. The bright green cover with Pippa centre and her twin brothers squawking behind lets the reader instantly know what this book is about. He has cleverly crafted movement and personality to the three birds. Their faces, particularly their eyes visually speak to the reader with much emotion. My favourite double page spread is when Pippa is babysitting the twins. There are only eleven words used and this has allowed Plant’s illustrations to show how pesky and annoying the twins are. Plant uses a mix of single-and double-page spreads and changes perspectives by zooming in and out from their tree. The scary page with a close-up of the prowler’s face expertly showcases a pivotal moment in the story.

Pippa and the Troublesome Twins is a picture book for children 3-8 years that showcases being true to yourself, being adventurous, and family. The book sings as a read-aloud and is appealing to children. It relates to a small child’s world and reflects what happens in families when new siblings arrive. I love that the role of becoming a big sister is showcased. This is a book that will appeal to children, parents, and schools.  Teacher notes accompany this lovely book.

Stardiving

Stardiving by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781922696021

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When two dolphins chitter excitedly about the stars in the sky, Fluke – a sperm whale calf – is desperate to see them. But that night, the stars are hidden by clouds. An enormous bull whale called Cachalot encourages Fluke to look down rather than up – to dive ‘where no star has ever shone’. Fluke descends to the depths and discovers an underwater world brimming with glimmering and shimmering creatures that ‘no dolphin has ever seen’ … all twinkling like stars.

Andrew Plant’s tranquil tale is perfect for six- to twelve-year-olds who are drawn to the splendour of the sea. Elements of natural history – such as the way whales breathe – are enfolded into an entrancing narrative that touches on themes of identity and exploration. Evocative phrases place the young reader right in the moment, especially when Cachalot’s voice vibrates ‘like soft thunder through the water’.

Rendered in acrylic paints and watercolour pencils, Plant’s illustrations flow effortlessly across each spread. Shades of azure and teal transition to the deepest midnight blues as Fluke plunges to the bathypelagic zone, allowing the brilliance of bioluminescence to glow on the final few pages.

A stunning ode to the boundless wonders of the sea, Stardiving is ideal for quiet bedtime reading. It inspires kids to stay true to themselves as they seek the glittering gems in their own environment.

Good Night, Ivy Bright

Good Night, Ivy Bright, written by Ben Long, illustrated by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 978 1 925804713                                 

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Ivy Bright can’t get to sleep. The usual boring things like counting sheep just don’t work. Ivy decides to paint her dreams with imagination. As her mind drifts she goes on a wondrous and colourful journey.

 

Ben Long and Andrew Plant are both CBCA Notable award winners who have combined to make a delightful book that is a stunning way to enter the world of dreams. Ben enjoys writing stories that are fun to read aloud. Andrew rarely has a brush out of his hand as he explores unique angles and colour combinations.

 

Ben Long has used rhyme and playful language with picture book perfection. The text is a glorious read aloud and literally sings on each page. The word play brings a smile to my dial. Splish! Splash! Splot! Splat! Until the job was done. The dialogue is used sparingly in the right places. We can dip into Ivy’s thoughts when she is pondering her colour choices. Ben has cleverly included the concepts of bedtime, dreams, creativity, colour, and resilience.  If you make reading fun children will always be ready to jump on board and dive into a story. And this is exactly what Ben has done. Ben’s other titles include Jasper Juggles, Jellyfish, Ready, Steady, Hatch, and Higgledee,Giggledee.

 

Andrew Plant’s skills include designing and painting theatre sets and murals and this shows in this book’s spectacular parade of colour. The vivid double page spreads are breathtakingly bright, and happy, just like Ivy Bright. The movement of Ivy on each page is whimsical and the detail allows the reader to find hidden gems on each spread. Andrew has not only supported the text but spilled the play of dreams into his creations. They encourage a child to play within the images and discover hidden creatures and interesting things. This is a book that wants to be revisited and shared. It’s a bit like having your cake and eating it too. Andrew is an internationally published creator of children’s books and this book shows his depth and experience.

 

Good Night, Ivy Bright, is a picture book that is suitable for 4-8 years, and parents, teachers, and librarians alike will be sure to adore this one. This book takes children on a dream ride full of fun, with exploration and imagination to find the colour purple and is well done.

Float or Sink?

 Float or Sink? by Kylie Covark, illustrated by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $24.95

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Float or Sink? is a delightful picture book for young children written in rhyming couplets. The story begins with a simple stick bobbing along a creek. The question is posed to the audience: Float... or sink? The cumulative tale technique is used as a variety of bugs land on the stick, one by one, and the same question is asked each time. In the end, it is not a bug that has its eye on the stick.

The illustrations and shimmering blue endpapers are uniquely glorious. The pictures are presented on double page spreads and alternate between monochrome sketches and brightly coloured artwork.

The rhythm, rhyme and repetition make this book an enjoyable read aloud for children aged 3-6 years old. Float or Sink? would be a great addition to any early years’ classroom and a thought-provoking prelude to a fun science lesson.

Achievement

Liz Ledden's picture book Tulip and Brutus, illustrated by Andrew Plant, is out via Ford Street Publishing on 1 October 2019.

Tulip and Brutus is about a ladybug and a stinkbug who live different lives in separate parts of a yard. They NEVER play together! But one day, a storm merges their habitats and a new threat looms. Will the bugs team up and save themselves? Tulip and Brutus is a fun (and stinky!) story for 3 to 6-year-olds about friendship, differences and teamwork.

The book can be found here: https://fordstreetpublishing.com/book/tulip-and-brutus/

More about Liz can be found here: http://www.lizledden.com You can also find her Facebook page @LizLeddenAuthor, and she's on Instagram and Twitter: @liz_ledden  

The Perfect Leaf

The Perfect Leaf  by Andrew Plant (Ford St. 2018), picture book 32pp, ISBN 9781925736007, HB $24.95, PB $16.95

Reviewed by Pauline Hosking

The Perfect Leaf tells the sweet story of a friendship that develops when two girls meet on a ‘cold-sun’, ‘wind-in-the-branches’ Autumn day. The girls, Elly and Mai have their own favourite coloured leaves, but neither manage to find the perfect leaf. Instead they discover something else – the power of imagination. The last few pages have no text and give the reader the chance to share the lovely feelings of childhood joy and new friends discovered.

Andrew Plant is the author and illustrator of the CBCA Notable Book The Poppy. His illustrations for The Perfect Leaf are glorious, with washes of gold and red spilling over the pages. Observant young readers will also find insects and fairies hidden in the leaves.

The Poppy

The Poppy by Andrew Plant (Ford Street Publishing)

HB RRP $26.95

PB RRP $16.95

HB ISBN 9781925000313

PB ISBN 9781925000320

Reviewed by Francine Sculli

The Poppy is a war story close to home, but a war story largely untold. Poetic language wraps around this historical story, delivering a picture book that is full of importance and remembrance and tells of the soldiers who have given up their lives to protect people and places.

The Poppy is an ANZAC story. Andrew Plant tells of the desperate night counter-attack in the small French village of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918. On this night, Australian soldiers fought hard to protect the village and its people, stopping the enemy breaking through and pushing them back. It was one of Australia’s greatest victories, as soldiers succeeded in recapturing the village from the Germans. But it was also a victory, like many in war, which came with great loss. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers, mostly Australian, died holding the line, their blood shed across the fields.

Plant tells the story beautifully. He tells of the battle, but he also speaks of the unbreakable bond forged between Australia and France during the battle. Statues, crosses, woodcarvings of Australian plants and animals and many unnamed plaques of all the unknown soldiers, pepper the landscape and dot the hills. The children of the village know the stories. Australian and French flags fly side by side. These stories are painted throughout the pages; bright and vibrant illustrations lyrically depict the village resurrected after the war.

Plant’s language is accessible, simple in its retelling but poetic in its delivery. The visual imagery he creates with his words is impeccable, like the vision of the poppies and their petals that “turn the fields red where once they were stained with the blood of the fallen.”

The Poppy is a book of remembrance and togetherness; a book about the sacrifices that are made in war and the people that never forget these. It’s a book perfect for primary school readers and one that belongs in the history section of every library. With ANZAC Day fast approaching, this book will be an imperative read in schools across Australia.  

Warambi

Warambi by Aleesah Darlison and Andrew Plant (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978 1921504 28 0

Reviewed by Jenny Mounfield

Little bent-wing bat, Warambi, lived in comparative safety with her colony in a forest cave, growing and learning to fend for herself until ...

          ‘One day the bat colony was woken

          by a terrible noise. The earth shook.

          Trees were ripped from the ground and came

          crashing down. Forest animals fled in panic.’

Amid the chaos that followed, Warambi became separated from her mother. Gone were the familiar sounds and smells of home. Eventually she found somewhere to tuck herself away from hostile eyes. But it was far from ideal.

Based on a true event, Warambi’s story is one of survival. With themes of family, safety and the fear change can bring, this is a story that will resonate with children everywhere. Even a first day at a new school can induce similar feelings to those experienced by Warambi.

Darlison’s language is evocative; sentences such as: ‘Sunlight and metal burst into the darkness.’ are alive with imagery and emotion. So, too, are Plant’s illustrations. Having trained as a zoologist and with a background in scientific illustration, there is none better equipped to illustrate books involving animals. Plant’s depictions of Warambi, from tiny newborn to half-grown hunter, are a delightful combination of detail and sweeping lines. His use of colour and movement to convey mood, from subdued blues and sunset pinks in times of peace, to the starkness of jagged black and ochre, adds richness to Darlison’s well-chosen words. Warambi will stand the test of time and will make a beautiful addition to every child’s bookshelf.

Aleesah Darlison is the author of: Puggle’s Problem and the Totally Twins series. Andrew Plant has illustrated over 130 titles, including Working Title picture book, Puggle written by Catriona Hoy.

Jenny Mounfield is the author of three novels for kids, her most recent title being: The Ice-cream Man (Ford St). She has been reviewing for Buzz Words since ’06 and also contributes to The Compulsive Reader: www.compulsivereader.com