Going to Big School

Going to Big School by Laura Sieveking, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9781761201585

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Ava is excited to start ‘big school’, but Jack feels nervous. When the bell rings, Ava races to the front of the line, while Jack clings to his mum. In the classroom, Ava makes Jack laugh, and the two children colour in pictures together. During the afternoon, when the children are allowed to play with the classroom toys, Ava and Jack enjoy building block towers so much that Jack doesn’t feel scared or shy anymore.

In this gentle story aimed at three-to six-year-olds, Laura Sieveking juxtaposes two very different experiences of the first day at school in order to normalise children’s feelings about this momentous occasion. Effortless first-person text draws the child reader deep into the mind and emotions of each character, while the clever use of two distinct fonts ensures that youngsters always know whose perspective they are seeing.

Danielle McDonald’s cartoon-like illustrations are bold and bright, and they visually entwine the idea of school with the concepts of pleasure and positivity. Her contrasting characterisations of Ava and Jack celebrate diversity and reveal that skin colour is no barrier to fun and friendship.

A perfect present for any child who is about to begin kindy or prep, Going to Big School will pave the way for a settled start to the school year. This book is sure to be read again and again as children seek to settle the fluttering butterflies in their tummy.

Ella Diaries: Worst Camp Ever

Ella Diaries: Worst Camp Ever by Meredith Costain, Illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-718-0

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

In the safety of her diary pages, Ella writes about her life, events, fears, triumphs and biggest secrets, many of which will be totally recognisable for the young girls – between the ages of seven and eleven years – who will read the Ella Diaries series. From her struggles at school to tackling the complicated tangles of social relationships and navigating the currents of friendships, Ella bares her soul on the pains of growing up and grade six.

In Worst Camp Ever, Ella goes on school camp with her class and discovers it is not all fun and excitement. Firstly, she has to share a cabin with scheming Peach Parker and her mean girl clique. Then there are scary noises at night. Not only that, she has to face the flying fox, one of her greatest fears.

And then it was my turn next.

And then the butterflies started fluttering around inside my stomach.

And whirlpools started whirling around in my ears.

And my brain went all fizzy, like it was going to explode into a gazillion trillion pieces.

So I swapped places in the line with Zoe. And then with Cordelia. And then with all the other Barracudas who hadn’t had a go yet.

Filled with doodles, drawings and the occasional poem, this is a light and humorous look at just how hard primary school can be. Ella has a delightful and entertaining voice and the intimacy of the diary text comes off naturally.

A popular series already, Ella Diaries is similar in feel to the well-known and loved series for boys, Tom Gates.

Ella and Olivia: Spelling Superstar

Ella and Olivia: Spelling Superstar by Yvette Poshoglian, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-741-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Ella is excited. She has been chosen to be a contestant on her favourite TV games show Spelling Superstar. Her younger sister Olivia is excited for her too, but also a tiny bit jealous. She is almost a good speller. But through helping her sister, Olivia’s spelling gets better too.

 Olivia is also hoping her sister can win her a red bike. Ella is a very good speller but will the spotlights and cameras make her nervous? Will she remember the spelling rules like ‘i before e, except after c’ which Olivia has helped her with?

The Ella and Olivia books are gentle stories about two sisters and their families. The sisters have a lovely bond and their relationship is much like most sisters would experience – loving and close, but not always best of friends. Olivia helps Ella with her words but ‘Ella sometimes gets a bit grumpy with Olivia. She can be so bossy!’ And Olivia is the younger one.

This story is written simply for a young readership, but simply does not mean uninteresting.

Super Speller Sally glides across the stage. Her smile is brighter than bright. Her teeth are whiter than white. ‘Welcome to Spelling Superstar,’ Sally croons into her microphone. Her voice is louder than loud.

It is descriptive writing and the reader doesn’t actually need the illustration of the TV show host to get a picture of her. But the black and white images do add to the story, emphasising characteristics which help beginner readers with the experience of reading a chapter book.

Spelling Superstar is packed full of words, their meanings and how to spell, so readers get to learn many big words, making this title great for extending reading confidence.

Christmas Wonderland: Ella and Olivia

Christmas Wonderland: Ella and Olivia by Yvette Poshoglian, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-055-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

‘Ella and Olivia love Christmas. They love the smell of the tree. They love waking up early on          Christmas morning. They love giving and receiving presents.’

Christmas is just around the corner so Dad and Uncle Stu have a surprise for Ella and Olivia that is going to be big, bold and very, very bright. 

Christmas Wonderland is a Christmas title which captures the funny tale about a friendly neighbour Christmas decoration battle. The excitement of getting ready for Christmas shines through this story.  Ella, 7, and Olivia, 5, help Dad and Uncle Stu decorate the front yard, sing Christmas songs with Mum and wait excitedly for the Christmas street fair.  Of course baby brother Max and their puppy dog Bob share in this excitement with the rest of the family.

Written for beginner readers, the text is simple. Short sentences and chapters encourage reading and the sweet illustrations help make the book appealing and manageable. The writing is evocative too.

    ‘‘Into the tree we’ll wind flashers and blinkers and winkers,’ cries Dad.’

The Ella and Olivia series is a lovely family focused series with stories well suited to the five plus readership age.

Flower Power: Ella and Olivia

Flower Power: Ella and Olivia by Yvette Poshoglian, illustrated by Danielle McDonald (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 978-1-74362-053-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Ella and Olivia are sisters. Ella is seven and Olivia is five. In Flower Power Ella has decided she would like to start a garden at home just like the one they have at school. She is happy for Olivia to help, but Ella wants to be in charge. Mum and Dad help the girls build and prepare the garden bed, then leave the panting to them. The only problem is Ella wants to grow just herbs and vegetables while Olivia wants flowers as well. Is Ella being too bossy? Can they find a compromise?

This is a great story about a family working together. Even baby Max is involved, mostly making mud pies but creating this garden is a family effort. There are discussions about making the garden bed, staking tomatoes, seedlings, different herbs and other gardening issues.

Ella and Olivia have a realistic sibling relationship which many young girls will relate too and the way the family interacts is also grounded and positive. This title explores cooperation, bossiness and responsibility.

The sweet illustrations add to the story, showing the family working together as well as the growing frustrations of Ella. Every page is decorated making the book appealing to young readers.

Ella and Olivia is a lovely series for young girls, five plus, who are starting to read.