How to Be a Wonder Hunter

How to Be a Wonder Hunter, written and illustrated by Josh Langley (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922 765406

Sub-titled Find the extraordinary in the ordinary, this book asks children to unlock mysteries, discover new worlds and go on incredible adventures. A wonder-full book, it shows children that everybody, irrespective of size, colour, or ability, already has everything they need to discover amazing and awesome things all around them. It starts with the words, ‘Life doesn’t have to just be about schoolwork, watching TV, and picking up dog poo,’ and then proceeds to tell the reader that life can be cooler if he or she becomes a wonder hunter. The wonder hunter of the book becomes an octopus, a hatted mosquito, and a variety of other animals.

It invites readers to use their senses, imagination, curious mind, and dreams to explore the world. It says, ‘When you start to notice what’s around you… it’s like finding treasure!’ It continues to invite the reader to ‘try watching a ladybird through a magnifying glass,’ watching ants to see where they’re going, and to really explore their senses.

This book with is simple, coloured illustrations is one of a series of books by Langley which ask children to find good when things seem bad, telling them it’s okay to feel the way you do, and to be wildly kind (finding the magical power inside).

Being Wildly Kind

Being Wildly Kind written and illustrated by Josh Langley (Big Sky Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922488053

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Sub-titled ‘Finding the Magical Power Inside’, this is a hope-filled book packed with ideas to build empathy and compassion in kids of all ages. It encourages young readers to be wildly kind to people, to animals, and to the planet. It starts by saying you don’t have to be strong, brave, and confident to make a difference; instead, you just have to be kind – wildly kind! “Put your hand on your heart and feel it beating. That’s where your wildly kind power is.’

The book encourages readers to think about how other people might be feeling and put themselves in their place. It gives practical situations where this might occur, such as sharing with a lonely person or talking to someone who seems different. Don’t bully, it urges. ‘Use your powers to make someone feel good, not bad.’

The message the author/illustrator is giving is that we need kindness now more than ever. Langley uses simple, full-colour, quirky illustrations and simple yet empowering suggestions for bettering oneself and the world. This charming book is packed full of fun, practical ideas, and inspiration.

Magnificent Mistakes and Fantastic Failures: Finding the good when things seem bad

Magnificent Mistakes and Fantastic Failures: Finding the good when things seem bad by Josh Langley (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 781922265692

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

The modern world with its pervasive technology and intense pressures affects children and adults alike.  With its straightforward advice for finding confidence and building resilience, Magnificent Mistakes and Fantastic Failures is a practical guide to navigating some of life’s key challenges.

The text is written in clear, concise language and addresses a broad spectrum of the concerns that weigh on kids’ minds on a daily basis.  Perfectionism, social media, anxiety, self-worth and friendship are all tackled head-on.  Techniques are offered for putting worries into perspective, reframing problems and reaching out with kindness.

Bold, colourful cartoon illustrations featuring a wide cast of stick figure characters provide examples - sometimes touching, sometimes hilarious - of the concepts explored in the text. 

This book will be a valuable resource for parents and teachers of primary-school aged children, and one the kids will also find amusing and engaging.  Teaching materials are available.

Magnificent Mistakes and Fantastic Failures

Magnificent Mistakes and Fantastic Failures written & illustrated by Josh Langley (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781922265692

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Subtitled ‘Finding the good when things seem bad’, this square-shaped 100-page illustrated book begins with an author note. Langley tells how when he was young, he made ‘heaps of mistakes’ but he soon learnt that ‘by looking at mistakes, failures and problems in a different way, things didn’t seem so bad.’ In fact, as you turn the next page, you learn that ‘Mistakes can be magnificent!’

In simple sentences, Langley shows how in fact mistakes can be helpful. The accompanying illustration shows a (stick figure) person accidentally smashing a ball into a window. There’s a page that shows how to turn a mistake into a ‘magnificent one’. Failing, the text says, can be ‘fantastic’. And so, the book goes on, showing how mistakes, failings and problems can be transformed. Friendships are emphasised as is accepting others (and oneself) no matter what they look like. Also addressed is social media (attractive face) vs real life (accompanied by someone using the toilet), as well as feeling weird and awkward being normal, too. Langley challenges readers to ‘be the star and director of your own life.’ One’s ideas, friendship, kindness, and love can make the world a better place ‘for all of us.’

At a time when mental health is high on everyone’s agenda – even as it relates to children – this is a book which is sure to be on the bookshelves of psychologists as well as in classrooms and libraries. It is ideal to give to (and be read to) any child who is having problems adjusting to his or her world, perhaps feeling out of place and not knowing how to cope. It is also an ideal book to initiate discussion about relationships and how to negotiate the world.

Langley’s illustrations are not high art by any means with all the people depicted being stick characters. Nevertheless, each page is brightly coloured with the stick people doing things such as juggling hearts, dreaming in bed, releasing butterflies, joining hands with others. Some of the characters depicted are (non-stick) animals, such as a giraffe, bird (dropping a message from high), and cat. The illustrations are often humorous which is needed in a book which is attempting to teach positive messages.

It’s good to see such a positive and helpful book for readers aged 5 to 8 years. Recommended.

Being You is Enough (and other important stuff)

Being You is Enough (and other important stuff) written and illustrated by Josh Langley PB

ISBN: 9781925275827

Reviewed By Josie Taylor

  

The bright coloured cover and title of this picture book immediately attracted me, especially with its sub –heading “And more important stuff” which made me open the book and continue reading.  

Being You is Enough focuses on inspirational messages to children. It’s a positive affirmation book for kids to help with self esteem and making them feel comfortable in their own skin.

The bright colours and cartoon illustrations give great context to the writing with its eleven important animals created with a touch of the writer’s bold fun and cheeky humour. This will pull you in and enhance the meaning of your life and other interesting ways it can be looked at.

This book is sure to become a fast seller suitable for adults and children.