Macca and Al, Super Pals

Macca and Al, Super Pals by Matt Cosgrove (Koala Books) HB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781760970246

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Macca and Al, Super Pals is the seventh book in the Macca the Alpaca picture book series. What can I say, other than these books are universally adored by children? They are clever and funny with catchy rhyming texts, wonderfully quirky illustrations, and a cast of intriguing characters.  

In Macca and Al, Super Pals, Macca and Al take their love for comic books and superheroes to the next level: they decide to become superheroes. Their antics are gut-wrenchingly funny for both children and adults. I read this book to a class of kindergarten and year one students. They were literally rolling on the floor with laughter, particularly when the scenes involved underpants. I also read the book to my eighty-year-old mother who was laughing so hard she was crying and nearly wet her pants. 

This series of picture books is one of my favourites and Macca and Al, Super Pals does not disappoint. This book is light and funny and will be loved and re-read by children of all ages. I definitely recommend this book!

Ida, Always

Ida, always by Caron Levis, Illustrated by Charles Santoso (Koala Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-190-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Gus is a polar bear who lives in the New York City Zoo. Ida is his best friend. Every day they swim together, play together, sit together, cuddle, watch and listen to the world around them from their home. Then one day, Ida is not there when Gus emerges from his sleeping quarters.

Based on a pair of real polar bears in New York City’s Central Zoo, Ida, always is a stunning, poignant, breath-taking picture book about friendship, love and death.

The writing is beautiful:

Gus lived in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city. Buildings grew around him and shifted the shape of the sky. Zookeepers poked in and out. Visitors came and went.

The words have a lyrical and rhythmic quality,  and evoke strong images and powerful emotions. They read smoothly and portray the noises of the city, ‘the city’s heartbeat’, the connection between the two bears as well as with the keeper, and with the visitors as well.

The illustrations glow. The emotion of the story is emphasised by these beautiful and moving pictures. The bond between the two friends can be seen strongly and these illustrations capture their togetherness, their care, and the eventual loneliness of Gus, not only through the images but also with the use of colour throughout the pages.

It is not often that a picture book moves me to tears. This one did every time. Even on today’s fourth read I sobbed. An adult reader may like to read it to themselves first, before sharing it with a younger reader. But please do share it; there is so much to gain from this story. It is not just sad; there is friendship, love and hope offered.

This is one of the best picture books I have read all year. Its text and illustrations work together to create an amazing reading experience.

Stick and Stone

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-167-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Stick and Stone is a deceptively simple story about friendship and kindness which will delight young readers. Using few words, this picture book cleverly depicts the importance of friendship, celebrates difference and presents a subtle anti-bullying message without being at all moralising. The story is told well through both the text and illustrations.

The gentle, warm rhyming text is sprinkled with humour - “You rock, Stone,” says Stick. – often leaving the illustrations to tell the story. Friendship and fun shine through on all the pages.

The pictures have a softness about them, yet use lots of colour and boldness. The illustrator has captured the energy, emotion and personalities of Stick, Stone and Pinecone, which enables readers to relate to these normally inanimate objects and become involved fully in this adventure.

This is a fun, easy to read book with a clever numeracy twist and truly shows that ‘Friends who stick up for each other rock’!

I like picture books which make use of the end papers to subtly expand the story. This book is a great example, using black and white sketches to show the beginning of Stick and Stone.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Alison Jay (Koala Books)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-114-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Twelve Days of Christmas is a classic Christmas carol which most people know well. On each of the twelve days of Christmas, a man buys a gift for his true love, each one getting bigger and more extravagant.

The counting and the repetition within the lyrics make it perfect for a picture book but the absolute delight (and cleverness) of The Twelve Days of Christmas is the illustrations. There is so much to marvel over on so many different levels.

At first glance they are old-fashioned paintings; beautiful, glowing scenes, cracked with age. But the closer you look, the more you see. From the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations in the town to the quieter, but still active, country life, there is so much going on around the man and woman as they walk through the story.

Every page provides a clue to what the next gift will be – on the page before ‘six geese a-laying’ two geese float on the river as the couple cross a bridge. Hidden away on every page is Father Christmas, and he is not always easy to spot!

Also hidden away on most pages are little humorous scenes – such as a policeman chasing a turkey down the street – and links back to precious gifts. And I’m sure much more that I have missed. These are illustrations which can be studied for great lengths of time.

So many themes of Christmas are included; families, carolling, gifts, and parties. 

This is an engrossing book for quiet contemplation as well as for reading to young ones during the December preparations.

Two Birds on a Wire

Two Birds on a Wire by Coral Vass, Illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-161-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little Blue Bird is happily sitting on a wire one morning enjoying the view when Little Black Bird joins him.

          Two birds on a wire

          Together they sat

          Little Bird Blue

          And Little Bird Black

But neither bird wants the other to be there. They both want the wire, and the view, to themselves and what follows is a very funny tale of the tussle they have to decide who gets to stay.

Told in humorous verse, with rhyme and rhythm which both work beautifully, this story is reminiscent of sibling or schoolyard arguments over toys, swings or even friends – and is one which every child and adult will recognise and relate to. There is a wonderful build up. They begin politely, move on to ‘I’m bigger,’ but ‘I’m louder,’ then a little pushing and shoving, until a full on competition puts it all on the line.

          They snapped and they snorted

          They pushed and they shoved

          They hassled and heckled

          But neither would budge

The text is lovely to read aloud. The energy of the words is matched by the vibrancy of the illustrations. The background is full of colour, with a few farm animals who watch the action unfold. But its softness allows this to stay in the background while the two bright and glossy birds take centre stage always. With fabulous expressions in both their faces and bodies, these quarrelsome creatures seem just like preschoolers.

This is a great story for young children about sharing. It shows up the silliness of fighting over something with subtlety and humour, I think it will be a big hit with both young children and their readers, be they parents, older siblings, grandparents or teachers.

Silly Squid!

Silly Squid! by Janeen Brian, illustrated by Cheryll Johns (Koala Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-096-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Silly Squid is a picture book packed full of poems about Australian sea creatures. Inside its pages you get to meet all manner of characters which frolic in or under the waves. From the Leafy Sea Dragon to the Penguin to the Whale, these animals are explored in poetry and explained by prose fact which is written around the edges of each page.

The poems are fabulously fun. I did not trip over any awkward rhymes. Each one has a great rhythm, which makes reading them out loud a joy.  They all differ in form, length and tempo, which really make this collection sing. They are each individual and some of them short enough for young children to memorise.

Pitched perfectly at the preschool age, these humorous poems will entertain children and also teach them about undersea animals. The illustrations are bright and vibrant and based on the environment and colors of these sea creature’s homes. 

This is a great book for any young child who likes the sea, animals or poetry and would be a fun way to introduce poetry to those not yet indulging. A really great addition for any young person’s library!

Snow Day

Snow Day by Sam Usher (Koala Books)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-116-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Imagine the excitement off waking up to a world covered in snow. When this happens for one little boy he is impatient to go outside and play, but Granddad is SO slow at getting ready. What if they miss all the fun?

This is a beautifully simple story about the frustrations of waiting and of the joyful surprises which may be just around the corner. Some things are definitely worth the wait.

The language of Snow Day is straightforward and flows in a deeply satisfying way. As Granddad slowly gets ready…         

          'I said, "Don't forget the snow!'

          And he said, “Don’t forget your scarf!"

This exchange forms part of the rhythm of the story, as does the wide, white expanse of snow which starts off clean and fresh, but is slowly filled with footprints, then people, then neighborhood dogs as the young boy sits on his front steps waiting for Granddad.

The crisp, clear illustrations evoke feelings of a sunny but cold day, just what’s required for the perfect snow day. And it is through these pictures the surprise is slowly revealed.

This is a happy book, full of wonder, imagination and fun. And being a large, sturdy hardback it should be up to countless.

Boa’s Bad Birthday

Boa’s Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-095-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Boa is excited about his birthday. He has invited all of his jungle friends and is looking forward to the presents. But as he opens each one, his disappointment grows. The gifts seem to be more suited to his friends than to him. Sloth brings him a hairbrush when Boa has no hair to brush! Jaguar brings him some brightly coloured mittens, but Boa has no hands!

Although disappointed, Boa is a polite snake and thanks each friend nicely. His mother reminds him, ‘it’s the thought that counts’. Then Dung Beetle brings his last gift. It is the worst of the lot. Or is it?

This is a story about seeing the value in something you may first dismiss as useless. And Boa learns this lesson gently with a loving mother by his side. The repetitive rhythm within the story is perfect for preschoolers and the element of guessing what is inside each well wrapped gift will engage these young readers. 

Tony Ross has an instantly recognisable illustration style, particularly in his people and trees. The warmth of the mother and the excitement of Boa’s friends as they give, what they think is the perfect gift, comes thorough strongly in the pictures. The emotion of the story is in these illustrations. Ross has illustrated over 800 books which are published worldwide. His Little Princess stories are very popular with young girls and is now an animated television series.

Jeanne Willis is a successful and well known picture book author and has written many prize winning stories.

Gigantosaurus

Gigantosaurus by Jonny Duddle (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-101-5

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When young dinosaurs go out to play they need to keep an eye out for danger, especially the hungry Gigantosaurus.

     His feet go STOMP!

      His jaws go CRUNCH!

      In the blink of an eye

     you'd be his lunch!

But what happens when the dinosaur on lookout, a mischievous Bonehead, decides to play a prehistoric version of the boy who cried wolf?

This is a noisy book in the best of ways. It has a rollicking rhythm, beautiful rhyme and is full of thuds, stomps, burps and other fabulously loud sounds. It exudes energy and humour and has the feel of The Three Little Pigs about it. From the first page it just begs to be read aloud.

When Bonehead calls out that the predator is on its way the young dinosaurs run to hide.

     They ran!

     They hid!

     They shook with fear!

     The Gigantosaurus was coming near!

And when, after many false sightings, Gigantosaurus really does appear, the page folds upwards to become double the height to accommodate the truly huge and awe inspiring meat eater.

Some of the dialogue is in speech bubbles (which still carry the wonderful rhythm and rhyme) and these bubbles become part of the playful illustrations. The picture on the front cover conveys the characters of the dinosaurs and hints at the role each one will play in the story. These characteristics remain consistent throughout the illustrations.

At the end of the book are two pages with pictures and factual explanations of the dinosaurs throughout the story. This is written in the same tone as the story and will keep dinosaur mad pre-schoolers who want to learn a little about these prehistoric animals happy.

This is such a fun book. It is fantastic to read and there is so much detail in the illustration to keep kids and their adult readers coming back again and again.

Wimpy Shrimpy

Wimpy Shrimpy by Matt Buckingham (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-102-2

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

‘Down at the bottom of the sea lived a little shrimp. And this little shrimp was a bit of a wimp.’

Shrimpy is too scared to play with his friends. He is worried he will get lost in hide-and-seek, worried the ball will squash him during a game of catch or that his legs will get tangled during hopscotch. His friends encourage him to join in but nothing will convince him. Until one day something does happen.

This story identifies the anxieties many young children have. As young children begin to step into the world by themselves, at playgroup or kindergarten, the possibilities of things that can go wrong are endless. The courage it takes for most of them to become involved in social groups is enormous. And this is all explored in a light and humorous way.

The illustrations are bright and playful. I love that some pictures are close up and some further away, encompassing more. Shrimpy’s loneliness and isolation is emphasised so well in this manner.

This is a tale told well. It has a nice structure, with a repeated refrain. Kids will enjoy chanting “Oh, don’t be wimpy, Shrimpy!” over and over again. And when the worst that can happen does, it is unexpected, but perfectly logical.

The story has a satisfying solution which should be a confidence booster for any young children with similar fears to Shrimpy’s. A great read for three to six year olds.

Big and Small

Big and Small by Elizabeth Bennett, illustrations by Jane Chapman (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-105-3

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Big and Small are two friends out on a walk one bright and sunny day. They are having a great time together on their picnic but sometimes Small gets stuck. “A little help, please!” calls Small. Big is always happy to help and no matter how many times this refrain is repeated, Big steps in to rescue his little friend.

I fell in love with this book as soon as I opened it at the first page. It is filled with such beautiful and vibrant colours. I want to roll in! The easy friendship, their protectiveness and joy in one another and the comfortable relationship they share shines though in every picture and every word. And the simplicity of the story and message it conveys is perfect for young children.

The illustrations are amazing. Happiness bounces off each page with glowing colours soft and bright all at once. The colours of the bear and mouse seems to change depending on the background they are standing against and their expressions, not just in their faces, but in their whole bodies as well, are fabulous.

So much of the story is conveyed in the pictures but much is in the wonderful text as well. The words are big and bold and visual. They bounce along pages, wander up tree trunks and nearly get squashed beneath the two rolling friends. It also has lovely rhythm and rhyme, and is delightful to read aloud.

This is an attractive picture book for two to five year olds, happy, playful and rhythmic. And is one of my favourite picture book reads of the year so far.

I Spy Pets ...

I Spy Pets ... by Edward Gibbs (Koala Books)

PB RRP $13.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-070-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

I Spy with my little eye is classic game played by many children. In this picture book version young readers are asked to guess what animals are pictured on the following page with the help of a clue - I like to munch lettuce - an eye, and a peek through a hole of the animal skin (fur, feathers etc.) This hole very cleverly becomes the creature’s eye when the page is turned.

This is a lovely, simple book for the very young. Babies can start their 'reading' life with animal recognition and toddlers will love the guessing and revealing ritual. Uncomplicated and bright illustrations show endearing animals which are commonly kept as pets and the peek-a-boo holes add a fun twist.

This is an entertaining book for story time with pre-schoolers.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood by Alison Jay (Koala Books)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74276-071-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

This is the story of Little Red Riding Hood. As far as versions of this classic fairytale go, this retelling doesn’t stray too far from the path. Like the girl herself, this tale strolls through the wood, is momentarily distracted by the wolf, and then continues on towards grandma’s house where trouble is waiting in the form of The Big Bad Wolf with his big ears, big eyes and big teeth. Little Red Riding Hood is saved by a brave woodcutter, Grandma is let out of the wardrobe and they all live happily ever after.

However...Little Red Riding Hood does live in Fairytale Village. And it is here, according to the prologue, ‘where stories happen every day’. These stories happen in every picture, in every scene in this charming, engrossing picture book. If you look closely in the illustration where Little Red Riding Hood is picking flowers for Grandma (at the wolf’s suggestion) you may see Puss in Boots asleep up a tree while his boots rest at the foot of the trunk. You may see Hansel & Gretel in the distance, or the Three Billy Goats Gruff crossing a bridge. And many of these stories are continued on throughout the book.

It is a treasure trove of characters for young children who know their fairytales. The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Enormous Turnip, Henny Penny, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Gingerbread Man and the Frog Prince are among those who make an appearance. A child could spend hours spotting and following different fairytales through this story.

Jay’s illustrations are lovely. They are colourful and busy but not over-detailed. Despite the amount going on in each picture, the scenes are uncrowded and calm, allowing young children the space to easily see all the stories within. The crackled appearance of these illustrations makes them seem like old oil paintings.

This is a picture book which blends the experience of pictures and text perfectly. And it gives young children who do not read yet the chance to ‘read’ their own story in the pages. It is a fantastically entertaining book.

There, There

There, There by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Ivan Bates (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-072-8
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little Hansie Bear loves to play outdoors. He plays imaginary games, and games by himself or with others. Unfortunately Hansie is a little clumsy and manages to hurt himself a bit. But Dad is never far off, with a kiss, a hug and a few words of comfort and Hansie can go back to playing. When Dad hurts himself, Hansie knows just what to do.

There, There is a lovely story for the very young. Hansie’s games are simple, everyday activities which children will relate to – hide and seek, digging holes, swinging. And the relationship between the small bear and his father is a close loving one. The role reversal at the end between the two is touching.

The illustrations are soft. Gentle colours fill the pages behind the writing, continuing beyond the pictures. Wind, swirling leaves and bending grass bring the feeling of constant movement, not only of the young active bear, but also of the world he inhabits. Looking closely into the pictures, readers will discover other creatures who appear throughout the story such as the duck family who follow Hansie about. There is much in these deceptively simple pictures to discover.

And the sense of family at the end is strong, through both the words and pictures.
“Ouch!” he [Dad] said, as Mum pulled out the thorn. “We are definitely not having a good day!”
Hansie cuddles Dad and says, “There, there, we’ll be alright now.”

Sam McBratney is the author of the very popular Guess How Much I Love You, and this story has the same strong emotional tug with a dreamy quality which makes it perfect to read to preschoolers. The repetitive element to the storyline and the gentle caring nature of the characters, along with the beautiful illustrations will make this a popular bedtime reading choice.

Clumsy Duck

Clumsy Duck by Britta Teckentrup (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-035-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Clumsy Duck has trouble staying on his feet. Hills make him trip, mud makes him slip and he cannot get a good grip to perch on a branch. It is very frustrating for him. But his friend Chick is sure there is a good reason for his big feet. It is just a matter of finding it.

Clumsy Duck is a sweet story about friendship, embracing differences and perseverance. Young children will be charmed by Duck, Chick and the small band of followers they pick up along their travels. They will also be reassured by the notion that everyone is different and it is just a matter of finding your own special talent.

The illustrations are charming and bright and match the upbeat positive feel of the story. This is a delightful picture book for toddlers to six year olds.

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Kate Hindley (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-077-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

I’m sure many young children would not know how to wash a mammoth if they had to. And now here is an informative, entertaining and easy to follow guide, in step-by-step format: ‘Woolly Mammoths are quite big and wool is notoriously tricky to clean.’

Right from the front cover and initial endpapers – with bottles of Elbow Grease, Meadow Fresh, Tusk Whitener and Aquaphobic Dry Shampoo – this book promises fun and it does not disappoint. Young children will be instantly attracted to the two main characters, the girl and her woolly mammoth. They will also recognise the bath time rituals, along with the tricks which are employed in washing, (or avoiding being washed in the case of the mammoth).

This is funny, satisfying, uncomplicated and very enjoyable. I loved the whole reading experience, the steps (1 – 10) with accompanying figures, the illustrations and especially the voice of the girl which comes through so strongly. Don’t miss this book. You’ll regret it. (Who knows when you’ll be required to wash a mammoth.)

Don’t Wake the Troll!

Don’t Wake the Troll! by Ben Kitchin, illustrations by Ben Redlich (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-060-5
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

In a dark cave, deep in a mountain, a big and ugly troll sleeps on his hoard of stolen treasure. The dwarves want their gold and gems back. Are they brave enough to make the journey? Are they quiet enough to get through the twisting tunnels without waking the troll?

This is an action adventure with an exciting build-up of suspense. The language, structure and repetition give the story a lovely rhythm: “They hadn’t gone far into the dripping gloom when kerlunk, kerlunk, kerlunk.”

The dwarves have to stop and leave behind their bumping shields, then their swinging, tinging swords, then their creaking armour and so on until they even have to leave behind their spluttering, puttering torches. Little do they know this trail of belongings will be their saviour.

The illustrations depict great characters for these five brave dwarves and the humorous pictures add to the suspense of the tale without making it scary. This is a fun read for preschool children.

Good Morning Possum

Good Morning Possum by Coral Vass, illustrations by Sona Babajanyan (Koala Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 978-1-74276-050-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

From the front cover illustration’s, and incredibly cute possum with huge eyes hugging a plum, Good Morning Possum is a very sweet book about sharing with friends. Blossom the possum is hungry one morning and goes out to find herself a plum. But when she brings it home, other creatures in the tree ask for a bite.

   Out on the branch
   Came a rum, rumble tum.
   Tree Mouse was hoping
   To share Blossom’s plum.

So Blossom shares with all her friends - except Dingo as Blossom knows he would rather eat her than the plum – until there is nothing left for poor Blossom’s rumbling tum. Then Grandma Possum arrives with a basket of plums to share.

This is a great book to read out loud to the very young. The soft, gentle rhythm is consistent and the rhyme works. The verses are repetitive throughout the story which is perfect for young children and the text is filled with lots of sounds – ‘ratter, tap, tap,’ ‘nip, nibble, nip!’ and ‘rum, rumble rum’.

The story ‘builds up to’ the dingo but by then all the animals are safe in the tree nibbling on the plum. The illustrations glow with warm light. And the many Australian animals that are pictured so sweetly in Good Morning Possum commonly live in our trees.

This is a delightful happy story, perfect for sharing with preschool children.