My Band

My Band by Elizabeth Lea, illustrated by Chantal Stewart (National Library of Australia)
HB RRP $17.99
ISBN 9780642278364
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This is a musical book full of fun and movement that educates and informs. The focus is on the introduction of ten instruments that any child would learn if they were to join a band. Each instrument is introduced by the letter that it begins with set in large font on the outside of the lift-the-flap section. Underneath is the instrument with information on how to play it, what it is made of, how it is held, what the major pieces are called and the family it belongs to: woodwind, brass, percussion or string.

The pages are made of sturdy but light plasticised cardboard that will easily wipe clean. The illustrations are enchanting – light-hearted and joyful, surrounded by notes and filled with colour. After the ten instruments have been presented, it’s time for the whole band to play together.

At the back of the book there are eight craft activities to make: a guitar, French horn, castanets, tambourine, panpipes, violin, oboe, and a kazoo. The method is easy and most households would have the things that are needed for these projects. Below each activity is a picture of, and information on, each instrument in the project section.

All NLA books are specifically created with combined learning and entertainment in mind. They are produced with great insight and meticulous preparation and thought.

Aussie Animal Opposites

Aussie Animal Opposites by Elizabeth Lea, illustrated by Liz Faul (National Library of Australia)

BB RRP $14.99

ISBN – 9780642277664

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Using vividly coloured images of native animals, this sturdy board book displays actions that children will identify with as they are introduced to adjectives and their antonyms. It’s an excellent tool to help expand vocabulary in a fun way. I particularly like ‘quiet quokka’ with a finger to her lips, hovering over her baby in its cot and then, on the opposite page, ‘noisy numbat’ bashing drums. This effectively instills opposite emotions in readers.

Besides the commonly used emu, koala, dingo, wombat, goanna, crocodile, bandicoot and numbat, this production also displays our yabby, owl, frog, seal, quokka, honeyeater, mole, lizard, lorikeet, heron, cassowary, ant, snake, rat, turtle, and mouse. I found it refreshing to see such a wide range of species acknowledged and was pleased that ‘calm cassowary’ was not at all perturbed by ‘angry ant’. Ant was rather red with wrath too!

As ‘energetic emu’ heads for the finish line in a race, ‘lazy lizard’ lounges on a deck chair near the backyard shed. Toys are packed away by ‘tidy turtle’ but ‘messy mouse’ has spilled his breakfast.  A sand castle is kicked over by ‘mean mole’ while ‘kind koala’ helps baby put a band aid on its grazed knee. Clever use of everyday situations ensures young readers will easily understand the words.

The back of the book also includes a selection of images from the National Library of Australia’s own collection. Below each image are facts about each animal and suggested activities that will expand on the reading, ensuring the book is not quickly outgrown.