Lion Is That You?

 

Lion Is That You? by Moira Court (Freemantle Press) ISBN 9781760991241 RRP $24.99 

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Are there really lions in Australia? This delightful picture book answers this question with a clue on the first double page spread. A clever look and reveal story we see parts of Australian animals hidden in various landscapes all created from prints and/or collage techniques. Each animal is revealed on the next page with another clue hidden within.

There are so many great features in this picture book, children will love guessing the animals, looking for “bones” of ancient creatures and listening to the beautiful language. An introduction to the concept of camouflage, the reader seeks out and identifies the fauna of Australia which adds even more enjoyment to this title. The text is well developed with language that encourages intonation, using alliteration and rhyme which means adults will love reading aloud to one child or a group. This fabulous book will be enjoyed by families, in childcare centres, libraries and in the classroom. I loved Moira Court’s last picture book Dog Park: this title adds to her clever and creative body of work.

 As I finished my review reading with my 4-year-old granddaughter, she insisted that she MUST have this book at home to read again with her daddy tonight!

Highly recommended for ages 3-6 years.

Bella and the Voyaging House

Bella and the Voyaging House by Meg McKinlay (Fremantle Press) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN 9781760990695

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Bella marvels over her beloved Grandad’s inventions and his special flair for making amazing things out of junk and spare parts. One of Grandad’s most intriguing creations is Bella’s bedroom, made from the wood of his treasured old boat. This upgrade gives the house a life of its own and the ability to sail. Bella’s house often sets off at night to enjoy the water while the family are asleep, returning safely to its seaside spot by sunrise.

Grandad’s birthday is coming up and Bella wants to make it special, starting with the perfect gift. But what do you give someone who has the ability to make anything they want? Bella has a priceless idea but it involves captaining the house on a special voyage, without her parents’ permission. Despite the love in her heart, the expedition quickly goes awry and her good intentions become all but useless stranded in the middle of the ocean.

Bella and the Voyaging House is the sequel to the CBCA notable book Bella and the Wandering House. It is a junior fiction novel that would suit readers aged 6+ years old, who enjoy imaginative tales. Monochrome sketches scattered throughout the book break up the pages of text for young readers and help them to visualise the creative concepts. This book tells a quirky story about a house with the ability to stroll down to the beach to sail, but ultimately portrays a precious relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter.