Cat Dog

Cat Dog by Mem Fox, illustrated by Mark Teague (Puffin) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761045868

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

A new book by Mem Fox is highly anticipated by readers of her more than 40 books including classics such as Possum Magic, Where is the Green Sheep? and Koala Lou. The cover of her latest is certainly eye-catching with appealing pictures of a dog and cat checking out each other. On the inside title page, both of them are looking curiously at a small mouse. ‘So there was a scary dog, right?’ reads the first sentence. From then on, the positions of cat and dog change on the lounge, as does the mouse which grows bigger and bigger as the reader ventures further into the story. Questions are asked. And answered – with either ‘Yes!’ or ‘No!’ All through the book the dog appears disinterested in the shenanigans of the other animals until it finally wakes up and barks. Then there’s a glorious double-spread with cat and dog staring at the reader (and the mouse).

Without the brilliant illustrations, the book’s text might seem ordinary, but Fox is lucky to share the talents of Teague who has obviously observed dogs and cats and knows them intimately. On the other hand, Fox’s use of questions – and answers – is sure to have young readers being read to by parents, teachers, or carers – calling out ‘Yes!’ or ‘No!’ This, of course, is the mark of a clever, interactive picture book.

Cat Dog is ideal for children aged 3+ years.

Early One Morning

Early One Morning by Mem Fox, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Puffin Books) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978176040030

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

It’s always good to see a new Mem Fox book for young readers as this Australian author has constantly produced picture books which become classics. This latest picture book is simple and uses few words with lots of repetitious phrases. There’s a small boy in blue overalls who’s ‘in search of a couple of things’, passing through a gate on a farm ‘but gates don’t lay them!’ It is instantly clear that he’s in search of some eggs for breakfast. Not spoken, but shown in every illustration, is a hen which is following the searching boy.

One can imagine as the boy comes to each thing on the farm and the text reads ‘but… (trucks, tractors, haystacks, cows, sheep, ponies) don’t lay them’, the child being read to will surely be screaming, ‘look behind you!’ Of course, the child’s engagement in the story will become louder and louder, more and more frantic as the walk continues. Finding how to engage her child reader is one of Fox’s strengths. And she does it to great effect in this story which is ideal for reading aloud. The book’s words are rhythmic and well-paced until the story reaches the final line (just for the child reader): ‘Well, YOU knew all along… of course!’

The final illustration in the book shows the little boy seated with his mum enjoying a boiled egg for his breakfast (and the hen on the windowsill outside, peering in at the domestic scene). The illustrations, using charcoal and muted colours, are free flowing and engaging, with vignettes which make the hen full of expressions (for example, amazed when she encounters the cow).

This is sure to be another winner for Fox. Ideal for children aged 3+ years.

The Tiny Star

The Tiny Star by Mem Fox, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Puffin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780670078127

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Two of Australia’s best-known and best-selling children’s picture book creators have collaborated on this book, which is a celebration of family and community following the loss of a loved one.

The fly and title pages depict a night sky and two houses side by side, both with windows lit up. This leads to the opening lines, ‘Once upon a time, although this happens all the time, a tiny star fell to earth. There’s a neighbour scene, though no depiction of where the star has fallen. 

On the next page, an interior scene, the reader discovers that the star is a baby, discovered by a couple who take it home ‘wrapped (it) warmly in a quilt covered in stars.’ The baby, which gets ‘rounder and rounder’ is loved by all in the neighbourhood until one day it is all ground up ‘loved and adored’.

The story relates how the child becomes an adult and then so old and ‘so tiny it disappeared altogether.’ The community grieves the loss but ‘the tiny star hadn’t vanished at all!’ It has returned to its home in the heavens and ‘there it remained, to rest.’ ‘Everyone knew that they star they had loved so much would be there always, loving them from afar and watching over them… forever.’

This touching story is timeless, and the book ideal for reading to a child who has lost a loved one as a way of simply explaining the cycle of life and death in a non-religious but touching way.

Blackwood’s illustrations are, as usual, ideal for the story. Here is an artist who can faithfully depict real-life children and put them into scenes which are warm and loving. There are pages with lots of white space, while others are full-page coloured spreads.

No doubt this book with its pared-back text, uplifting message and eye-catching illustrations, will win awards. It will also win the hearts of readers aged 5 years and up.

Ducks Away

Ducks Away by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Omnibus Book)

HB RRP $19.99   ISBN 978-1-76015-851-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

A mother duck is taking her five ducklings for a walk when a gust of wind blows one little duckling off the bridge and into the water below. One by one, as these curious little ducklings peek over the edge, they tumble into the water also, until the mother duck is left by herself wondering what to do. Her babies suggest she jump to join them, but it’s a long way down. What is Mother Duck to do?

The last book Fox and Horacek created together was Where is the Green Sheep? a delightful picture book full of humour, quirky characters/sheep, colour and entertainment. Ducks Away is just as enjoyable and engaging.

This simple story is perfect for the very young. The illustrations are entertaining and colourful, yet simple, with nothing distracting from the central storyline. It has a comfortable, story-telling voice, with repetition in the story structure as well as a repeated, rhyming refrain quacked by the mother duck.

‘What shall I do?

Where should I go,

With four on the bridge

And one below?’

The numbers in the refrain change each time another duckling falls, adding a new dimension to the traditional counting book.

Mem Fox is one of Australia’s best loved story tellers for the very young and with this new twist to the ‘Five Little Ducks’ classic it is easy to see why. This is a wonderful book to read to babies, toddlers and preschoolers at bedtime - or anytime of the day. The ending satisfyingly tips the mother/child bond on its head and sees the ducklings giving mum the confidence she needs to make the leap from the bridge.

Nellie Belle

Nellie Belle by Mem Fox (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-76027-410-8

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Nellie Belle is an adventurous dog who likes to have fun in the yard, on the street and at the beach. She loves to meet people and other animals. But maybe not all animals...

Children will happily follow the wanderings of such a cute puppy dog and relate to the places and actions.

A lovely rhythmical tale, full of repetition, this story is perfect for the very young and reading aloud.

Is it fun in the street,

Nellie Belle, Nellie Belle?

Is it fun in the street,

Nellie Belle?

The illustrations are playful and full of bright colours and happy faces. Although there is variety in the sizes of the pictures, the layout too follows a repetitive pattern, with a clue as to what is coming up next. This helps to build anticipation.

I especially love that after the climax the story unwinds, going back on itself until Nellie Belle is back where she started -- at home. This helps to make it just right for reading at bedtime.

Nellie Belle is a new book by Mem Fox, a highly respected and award- winning picture book author and is based on a beloved pet Fox once had.

This & That

This & That by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $19.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-253-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Mem Fox’s latest picture book is a lively romp through a whimsical world of bedtime stories. This & That is a rhyming tale for two mice having adventures via stories.

‘I’ll tell you a story of this,

And I’ll tell you a story of that.’

The mice flow beautifully from one story to the next – down a river, on the back of an elephant, and so on – until they are back home, mother mouse kissing her child goodnight. The bedtime procrastination routine and the value of stories run clearly through the pages, but it is the bond between mother and child which shines thorough strongest as they journey through the world of stories together.

Horacek’s vibrant and joyous illustrations echo the energy of the text and her recognisable style and colour fill the sparsely worded pages. The partnership between word and pictures is beautifully balanced throughout.

The rhythm and repetition of the text make this a perfect bedtime read aloud story for the young. Both words and pictures leave so much scope for the imagination to flourish and grow.

The previous collaboration from this pair, Where is the Green Sheep? has been on top of best-selling lists for the last ten years.

Baby Bedtime

Baby Bedtime by Mem Fox, illustrated by Emma Quay (Penguin Books)
Padded Cover RRP $24.99
ISBN 9780670075195
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Baby Bedtime is a tender and gentle expression of love from a mother to a baby – no matter what form or shape the baby takes. Here it is a purple elephant. Every line of Mem Fox’s delicate rhyming verse is a caress of love; the cuddle, the tickle and stroke is a hymn to love. From the singing of songs her mother sang to her, to reading a book or listening to the child breathing, every action speaks of love.

The impeccable illustrations have been created by the stylish and innovative illustrator and writer Emma Quay, whose work has been purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, chosen as CBCA Notable Books, and who has collaborated with writer Andrew Daddo and a string of other authors in creating all types of books for young children. It has been produced in a delightful, soft blue padded cover.

Here Emma’s illustrations are born through imagination and the use of acrylic paints, pencil, and Photoshop. The patterns and textures are from knitting by Byrnece, and objects found in Op Shops such as handkerchiefs, doilies, lace, belts and baskets. It is the ideal present for new born babies, or a simple expression of love.

Possum Magic Animals

Possum Magic Animals by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas (Omnibus Books)
HB RRP $9.99 [board book]
ISBN 978-1-86291-973-0
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Possum Magic Animals is a new book which introduces very young readers to the characters from Mem Fox’s classic story Possum Magic. Beginning with Grandma Poss – who looks at her reflection in the water while brushing her teeth – and the word possum, each page in this wonderfully simple board book has the name of an animal and Vivas’ beautiful illustration of that character. It moves through all the animals who inhabit Hush’s and Grandma Poss’ world – snake, kangaroo, wombat – ending with friends and goodnight.
As in the original story, the illustrations are soft with a touch of gentle humour. Some of them contain subtle hints about the Possum Magic storyline.

Classically Australian, this is a beautiful book for every baby to begin their ‘reading’ life with. A sturdy board book with a cloth spine, it would make the perfect gift for any new baby, toddler, or expectant mother in your life.

Possum Magic

Possum Magic by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas (Omnibus Books)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN 978-1-74299-000-2
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Possum Magic is one of the best selling picture books in Australia. It is an enduring classic which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Possum Magic is the story of Hush and Grandma Poss who live happily together in the Australian bush. Grandma Poss makes bush magic and her best magic is the one which makes Hush invisible. This provides the little possum with not only amusement, but safety as well.

The problem begins when Hush wants to know what she looks like and Grandma Poss cannot find the magic which will make Hush visible again. So Hush and her grandma travel around Australia tasting classic Aussie foods. They eat ‘Minties in Melbourne’, ‘pumpkin scones in Brisbane’ and keep tasting through cities until the possum’s body begins to appear.

Possum Magic is a wonderful book. The text and illustrations weave seamlessly together and there is a magical quality to the story which endears it to children and adults everywhere, placing it firmly in their hearts.

This 30th anniversary edition is a stunning book - cloth bound with a slipcase - it would make a wonderful gift. The front cover is red with a beautiful small illustration of Grandma Poss reading at night to the invisible Hush, who is peering over her shoulder. It is a simple classy cover for a classic book.

This edition will only be available during 2013 and deserves to be on every child’s bookshelf.  

Tell Me About Your Day Today

Tell Me About Your Day Today by Mem Fox, illustrations by Lauren Stringer (Scholastic Australia)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283– 578-5
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

This is a bedtime story about a boy who loves to go to bed. After his last kiss, story and goodnight, he asks his soft toy friends about their day. Then he tells them about his.

Tell Me About Your Day Today is a stunning book. Mem Fox is a brilliant story teller and I would place this one amongst my favourites. It is a perfect example of how the illustrations can speak as clearly as the text does. And Lauren Stringer does this masterfully with gentle and soft pictures which portray emotions, relationships and quiet humour. Bold and bright colours that glow on the page create a surprisingly a warm and cosy atmosphere.

This is a positive bedtime story. The ritual embedded in the bedtime routine and the repetitive nature of the ask-and-answer about the day’s events reinforces how children learn and act. Young children love repetition and find it comforting and reassuring. And talking about the day’s events is one way they can process all that has happened to them. This is a great message to convey to children.

This fabulous story is full of imagination and is entertaining and humorous. Children will relate to the bedtime routine and to the interaction with the soft toys as friends. Most children will have a ‘Greedy Goose’, or a ‘Blue Horse’, or ‘Fat Rabbit’ to sleep with.

Many young children like to have the same story read every night for a period of weeks and this one would be enjoyable to read over and over again. I loved this book, from the ‘boy who loved bedtime’ to the Fat Rabbit with the band-aid on his bottom. I would highly recommend it to all who have young children to read stories to. I can see many children taking the cue from this boy and talking to their bed buddies about their day before they go off to sleep.

Mem Fox is a highly regarded picture book author. She has written over 35 picture books and is very popular among children and their parents and other older readers.

Lauren Stringer has illustrated many picture books, including The Princess and Her Panther by Wendy Orr. Her bright bold style characterised by a gentle glowing quality is recognisable in all her illustrations.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Good Night, Sleep Tight by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horacek (Scholastic Australia)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-257-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It is bedtime, and Bonnie and Ben are told a goodnight rhyme by their favourite babysitter Skinny Doug. When they request it again he replies ‘No’:
“But I’ll tell you another
I heard from my mother:”
and he recites another rhyme.

Where is the Green Sheep? is a long time favourite and it is great to see another book by this author/illustrator combination. Mem Fox is always a joy to read aloud and Good Night, Sleep Tight is especially fun with its changing rhythm and pace - from the text of the main story, to the nursery rhymes and back to Bonnie, Ben and Skinny Doug.

The illustrations by Judy Horacek are bright and energetic. She blends beautifully the world of Bonnie and Ben with the action of the nursery rhymes by involving the children in the rhyming worlds. Bonnie’s stuffed horse becomes their steed in This is the Way the Ladies Ride, and the children, along with their babysitter, ride into the picture at the end of the line of ‘ladies, gentlemen and farmers’. Horacek also manages to balance the lively illustrations and characters with the bedtime atmosphere.

Good Night, Sleep Tight has great rhyme, rhythm and repetition. Young children will find familiarity in the seven classic nursery rhymes such as Good Night, Sleep Tight, Pat-a-Cake and It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, as recited by Skinny Doug. The characters are fun and engaging and the message, of stories before sleep, is beautifully and simply portrayed. It makes a wonderful bedtime story for the under fives.

Possum Magic Numbers

 Possum Magic - Numbers [Board book] by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas (Omnibus books)
HB RRP $9.99
ISBN 978-1-86291-972-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Possum Magic is one of Australia’s best loved and well-known picture books, still widely popular after more than 25 years in print. Possum Magic Numbers brings those much adored bush characters back to life in a counting adventure for the very young.

This beautifully presented board book starts with Grandma Poss, ‘one possum’ climbing a tree and ends with a branch full of sleepy animals watching the stars. The artwork of Julie Vivas, who illustrated Possum Magic, is full of magic as well. These are gorgeous pictures, soft and gentle, bringing Fox’s characters to life. They flow wonderfully. Grandma Poss drops a slipper, which falls past ‘two kookaburras’ on the next page, who lose a feather which ‘three koalas’ then play with. This creates the narrative in the counting book. The slippers weave in and out of the pages which also tie the book back to the original Possum Magic.

This is a board book any parent could happily read many times a day and is sturdy enough for babies and toddlers to look at and play with over and over again. It would be a lovely Christmas gift for any new babies in your life. Read it and revisit the bush magic of Grandma Poss, Hush and the lamingtons.