Goodnight Grandchild

Goodnight Grandchild (Penguin Random House) Michelle Robinson & Nick East PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780241766569

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Michelle Robinson loves making up stories and being silly. Her picture book, There’s a Lion in My Cornflakes, won the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards. She lives with her family in Frome, an historic market town in Somerset, England.

Nick East has been shortlisted for the English Picture Book Awards. He is a museum designer and has always been a storyteller. Nick lives near York, in Northern England, with his family. When he isn’t drawing, he is out riding bikes and spending time with his family.

This is a new “Goodnight’ bedtime story by the creative team of Michelle Robinson and Nick East in the Goodnight books series – Goodnight Digger, Goodnight Spaceman, Goodnight Princess, and Goodnight Pirate, etc.

‘Our day together’s almost through. Goodnight, Grandchild, I love you.’

Michelle Robinson has written a gentle bedtime story for a grandparent to share with their grandchild when the grandparent is sleeping over. Take my hand and hold it tight. It’s time for us to say ‘Goodnight.’ The rhyming text is light and easy to read aloud to a small child. It quietly tugs on hearts with a simple story. Sharing this book with a grandchild creates a lovely bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

It is part of the series of ‘Goodnight’ books, so a child can choose from a book in the series for a goodnight read. It has a series familiarity. Making memories we’ll both keep… It’s a celebration of a grandchild sleeping over, and we all know grandparents love this. It’s a way for a grandchild to hear loving words from a grandparent with a book. Life’s great fun now you are in it.

Robinson’s lines are short and musical. This is a marketable, sweet book. Grandchild, I’ll love you forever. It is very clever not to mention whether the grandchild is a boy or a girl, giving it greater appeal.

Nick East has created friendly, rounded characters with expressions and movements that are calm and reassuring. There are no harsh lines. The book’s softness matches bedtime. The colours are gentle blues, purples and soft yellows. The bedroom and the rest of the house are cozy and appealing, with the colours dimmed in the evening light. It has a traditional picture book warmth with a contemporary feel. There is wonder, joy, and delight with an illustration focused on moments in the story.  East has captured the generational closeness of a grandparent and a grandchild.

Goodnight Grandchild is a picture book that has a wonderful appeal to both grandparents and grandchildren because it taps into the emotional bond that they share. A loving grandparent and a familiar bedtime routine are soothing and predictable. With each page turn, the book slows down. The words and pictures gently guide attention.  It’s comforting to the children listening to the story and meaningful for the adults sharing it. This book is a lovely read for 0-5 years. It’s also a good book for teachers and librarians to use on Grandparents’ Day.

  

The Break Up: It’s a Twin Thing

It’s a Twin Thing: The Break Up by Kristin Darell, illustrated by A.Yi (Penguin Random House Australia) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 978-1-7613-535-98

Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com )

Identical twins Abi and Brook do everything together. They play in the same rock band, dance at the same dance studio and share the same friends. Together they’re unstoppable.

The night before the first day of Grade Five, Abi and Brook’s parents break the news. For the first time in their lives, they will be in separate classes. Brook feels an unexpected and tiny thrill of excitement, while Abi is devastated.

Both girls find separation challenging in their own ways. Abi finds it difficult to watch Brook make new friends and feels her sister has moved on without her. Brook is trying to find her way as an individual, but misses her sister, who has suddenly become distant and unhappy.

Their ever-present ‘twin tingle’ that has connected them since birth has gone missing.

As the term continues, Brook dives into her role as the school talent show organiser, and Abi takes on a coveted role as a library monitor trainee. They both continue playing music with the Cherry Jammers, but Abi eventually discovers her own interests lie more with Tessa, the wildlife rescuer who lives nearby.

After plenty of heartache, misunderstandings, and learning to follow their own passions, Abi and Brook come to accept that, although they may look identical, they are not. Their individual strengths and interests help them navigate their lives, while they are always there to support each other.

The twin tingle returns.

From the very first page, Abi and Brook will captivate young readers. They take turns telling their stories from their unique perspectives, making it easy to relate to both girls' emotions and actions. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings are easy to understand.

Readers will be immersed in the emotional highs and lows, cheering for Abi and Brook as they learn to love each other while following their individual paths.

I highly recommend this book for middle-grade readers. It captures the angst and joys of school with sensitivity and authenticity. This series is sure to be a winner.

My Name is Malala

My Name is Malala by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi (Penguin Random House) Board Book RRP $16.99

ISBN 9780241581964

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has written a beautifully simple autobiography aimed at a very young audience. In this board book Malala begins by describing herself in a series of short yet powerful statements that young children will be able to connect with (e.g., ‘I am a friend’). Later, her statements include ones that will inspire (e.g., ‘I am an activist’). She finishes with statements that look to the future (e.g., ‘I am hopeful’). The final pages provide a more in-depth biography for the adult reader/educator.

My Name is Malala is a positive and aspirational book that would suit an audience aged 3 years and older. The illustrations are bright and colourful and complement the text beautifully. This book would be a great addition to any kindergarten or lower primary school library and would serve as a great conversation starter about how we can make the world a better place.

Busy Betty

Busy Betty by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761047480

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Betty loves ‘doing things and making things and playing all day long’. She’s looking forward to her playdate with Mae, until her stinky dog Frank threatens to ruin their fun. So, Betty gets busy! She tries to wash Frank in a bubble-filled blow-up pool, but disaster strikes – both she and Frank end up messier than before. When Mae turns up, she thinks Betty is amazing for making a magnificent dog wash for Frank. With Betty’s ‘busy brain and Mae’s perfect plan’, the girls create a business washing all the dogs in the neighbourhood.

Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon’s story zings with hectic energy. Kids aged five to nine will quickly identify with Betty’s desire to always be on the go, experiencing life to its fullest. Along the way, they’ll discover the power of perseverance, the thrill of teamwork and the satisfaction that arises when your seed of an idea comes to fruition.

Xindi Yan’s light and lively illustrations are beaming with happy hues. Taking inspiration from Reese, Xindi’s characterisation of Betty is bubbly and blonde and bustling – and kids will adore everything about her! (Particularly her big blue eyes framed by even bigger, pink-rimmed glasses.) Each spread is bursting with spirited movement that reflects the busy theme beautifully.

Popping with positivity, Busy Betty encourages kids to celebrate their unique skills. By the end of the book, they’ll truly believe that anything is possible – especially when they collaborate with equally enthusiastic friends.

Meerkat Christmas

Meerkat Christmas by Aura Parker (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9780143777229

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

‘Hip hooray! It’s Christmas Day! Meerkat One, it’s time to play.’ One by one, more Meerkats join in the fun. Number Five takes flight as a red-nosed reindeer, while Meerkat Eight is sleeping in a stocking and almost misses out. Together, they build a Christmas tree tower – but what happens when there’s an ‘enormous Meerkat sneeze’?

Aura Parker’s captivating rhyming couplets will charm littlies aged three to six every time the words are read aloud. Simple yet active language encourages youngsters to sway, wobble, shake and swing along with the Meerkats. As well as being a joyful ode to Christmas, Aura’s delightful picture book nurtures number recognition and makes counting from one to ten a lively game.

With their dark eyes and winning smiles, Aura’s Meerkats are marvellously appealing. Rich reds and deep greens support the Christmas theme, as do the satisfying nods to holiday favourites: puddings, bonbons, candy canes and more. Aura’s entertaining endpapers deserve a special mention – they feature a wealth of incredible details.

Overflowing with warmth and whimsy, Meerkat Christmas is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Dynamic images and rollicking rhymes roll across the spreads, taking eager readers along for the ride.

Reader Achievement

Janeen Brian’s junior fiction story, Meet Mia by the Jetty published by Penguin Random House and illustrated by Danny Snell, was released on 1 July 2020. It is part of the inaugural and popular Aussie Kids series, targeted at readers 6 to 8 years. Each story features a child in a different state in Australia.

School Magazine will be reprinting two stories and three poems written by Janeen, while publishing one new poem, Just a broomstick now, and a story, Twin Time.

League of Llamas – The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible

League of Llamas – The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible by Aleesah Darlison (Penguin Random House) 

RRP $6.99 ISBN: 9781760894160 and 9781760894184

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

The Golden Llama and Llama Impossible are the first two books in Aleesah Darlison’s League of Llamas books for children. They are a fun, and very pun-filled mix of James Bond, Mission Impossible and Get Smart spy dramas with wonderfully flawed, hero llamas and dastardly, evil flatulent badgers. What more could a child ask for?

Phillipe Llama has a magnificent fringe, which often distracts him from his duties as an agent of LOL, the League of Llamas. His partner Lloyd has an unfortunate eating disorder. He is unable to resist the temptation to eat everything in his path.

In the Golden Llama, these bumbling agents must find a way to stop the evil badger General Bottomburp, and find the Llama Republic’s most prized relic, the Golden Llama. To complicate matters they must solve the mystery of the alluring lady Llama in red.

In Llama Impossible, we see a runaway train, a muscle-bound, eyeball-licking gecko, a bank robbery, and dazzling diamond heist. But don’t worry, our intrepid (or ineptid) LOL agents are on the case. Is General Bottomburp up to his tricks again, or is there a new kingpin in town?

The League of Llamas books are packed full of interesting and wonderfully flawed characters. There are amusing spy references throughout the books that are sure to keep parents engaged, and so many llama and other animal puns, that kids will be howling with laughter as they follow the antics of Phillipe and Lloyd. The fun black and white illustrations by Simon Greiner add to the reading experience.

The League of Llamas books are short, fun, and easy to read adventures that play brilliantly to the funny bones of young readers. With a villain called General Bottomburp, these books are sure to be a hit, particularly with boys. Working in a primary school, I know, fart jokes still rule. Highly recommended.  

Derek Dool Supercool Bust a Move

Derek Dool Supercool Bust a Move by Adrian Beck, illustrated by Scott Edgar (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781760892951

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

School friendships, two school rivals with big egos duel it out at the school disco with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. A dance off between the school loser and the school cool kid. Who will be the winner?

This hilarious new book by Adrian Beck is sure to be a winner.  Derek thinks he’s the coolest, funniest, most handsome kid in school, amp that up a gazillion times and you have Derek Dilbert Dool. The only problem is he is the only one that thinks so.

Derek has a front that hides the insecurities he holds inside, that are revealed as we get to know him. At first you wonder why anyone would be his friend. As a reader you to get laugh along at his embarrassing misfortunes, all brought on by his own belief that he is the best dancer in the whole school. He’s kidding himself and his dancing skills are a big problem. But deep down he wants to be liked by all the cool kids and fit in.

Derek, along with his two sidekicks Big Denise and Booger, and Cruz with his blinding smile and friends go head to head. Bring into the picture vice principal Verne who should have been on the stage and you have setting for a dance off like no other. There are laughs galore but there’s also clever writing that shows the inner side of the characters and their behaviours. This allows a reader to not only laugh but think and empathise with each character and champion for Derek and his friends in the end.

Scott Edgar’s cartoon sketches add to the humour and bring more layers of meaning to the character, setting and events. They also show how small Derek feels when the spotlight is upon him at the big dance off.  The cover is perfect for the book with Derek front and centre along with a disco ball. It captures the heart of the story well.

The text is engaging, action packed and easy to read. The story moves along at a fun pace that really engages a reader. This is a great book for middle grade readers, especially those in grades 2-4.

When I Grow Up: Sports Heroes

When I Grow Up: Sports Heroes by Clare Lloyd, Illustrated by Lucy Semple (Penguin Random House) ISBN 978-0-2414-1268-8 RRP $12.99 (Board book)

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

Sports Heroes is part of the ‘When I Grow Up’ series of books, originally put out by DK books in the US. In board book format, this book summarises the lives of a selection of famous sports stars from around the word, beginning with their childhood. Colourful illustrations cover the pages and are a combination of drawings and photographs of the real people. The text describes how each sportsperson developed from a child who loved the sport, to one of the top athletes in their field in the world. 

The sports stars mentioned are Usain Bolt (Jamaican runner), Ellie Simmonds (British Paralympic swimmer), LeBron James (American basketballer), Zhu Ting (Chinese volleyballer), Simone Biles (American gymnast), Yuzuru Hanua (Japanese ice figure skater), Angelique Kerber (German tennis player) and Lionel Messi (Argentinian soccer player). Each double page spread shows a description of what they were like as a child and how they got their success. Young readers can easily relate to the content and be inspired to get into sport. The message is that no matter what sort of background you come from it is possible to achieve great things. 

The board book format suggests it could be used for pre-primary school readers (to be read to) although the early primary school age group, who are more likely to be starting out in sports, will probably get the most out of it. Because it is originally a US book, no Australian sports stars are included, so Aussie kids will not find a local hero in there to relate to. But male and female genders have been equally included as well as a disabled athlete, along with the mix of nationalities, which is very good to see.

Children who are inspired by When I Grow Up: Sports Heroes can also read the next in the series Great Leaders.

Taking the Lead

Taking the Lead by David Hill (Penguin Random House New Zealand) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780143774518

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This picture book is one of a series about well-known international identities from New Zealand (with titles such as ‘First to the Top, Hero of the Sea and Dinosaur Hunter). Taking the lead is the world’s youngest female leader, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

The book tells of Adern’s childhood in a Waikato orchard where she lives with her family and drives a tractor and collects – and sells – golf balls from a nearby course. Adern, whose father was a police officer, observed that some children who attended her school (her mother ran the canteen) had no shoes and often no lunch. Ahern’s interest in politics came when, for a school project, she worked for her local MP, Marilyn Waring. She then worked for the Labor Party in the 1999 General election: this work helped her organise meetings and election events.

Following this, Adern studied at University and worked for NZ’s second female PM. She travelled overseas, worked at a soup kitchen in New York, then joined the cabinet office of British PM, Tony Blair, joining the International Union of Socialist Youth, taking on the Presidency which took her to other countries.

IN 2008, at the age of 28, Adern was elected to Parliament as the country’s youngest MP. Her first speech was for action against climate change.

The rest of the book covers Adern’s parliamentary work and

personal life, including her meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. She went to work (still as PM) when her first child was born in 2018. The baby sat on her father’s lap while her mother spoke to world leaders at the United Nations.

As PM, Adern has accepted many refugees into New Zealand, speaking in Arabic in some of her speeches.

Told in a straightforward manner, this is a story that can surely inspire many young girls who want to make a difference to the world through politics. The story is accompanied with brightly coloured, full-page illustrations and smaller pictures accompanying pages of text.

Bluey (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $14.99. Bluey: The Beach ISBN9781760894054 Bluey: Fruit Bat ISBN 9781760894047. Bluey: Time to Play Sticker Activity Book ISBN9781760894030

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, the Bluey books have taken the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iView, with over 100 million plays. It has also topped the Australian iTunes Kids Chart with the series peaking at #1 and consistently remaining in the Top 5. Thus, it’s no wonder that the powers to be have decided to capitalise on its success and thus published a book series.

Bluey: The Beach is about a family’s day out together in a lift-the-flap board book. While Mum is walking along the beach, Bluey (a blue cartoon dog) discovers a beautiful shell. She runs to show Mum and has a series of encounters – such as confronting an army of crabs and an old sandcastle -- that both excite and test her.

Bluey: Fruit Bat starts with Bluey not wanting to go to bed. She wishes she was a fruit bat so when she goes to bed that night, she dreams adventures as one. This time the Bluey book is a glow-in-the-dark board book.

Bluey: Time to Play! is a sticker activity book perfect for engaging little Bluey Fans. The first page shows the Heeler family in their Brisbane front yard. Another page shows all of Bluey’s friends such as Muffin and Socks, and Mackenzie. Surely young children and their parents will have hours of fun with all the activities in this paperback book.

Bluey has been praised for its realistic yet joyous portrayal of modern Australian parenting.

Dr Seuss’s Horse Museum

Dr Seuss’s Horse Museum, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (PenguinRandom House) HB RRP $27.99 ISBN 9780241425725

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This beautifully presented and designed book with the sub-title A Canter Through Horse History, is based on a manuscript and sketches by the beloved Dr Seuss (aka Ted Geisel). Australian illustrator Andrew Joyner studied the sketches and created illustrations that pay homage to Seuss’s line, characters and artistic energy, while being uniquely his own.

The book is uniquely about horses in art and explores how different artists have depicted them. The initial pages show, in cartoon style, the interior of an art gallery where members of the public are surveying artworks – in two and three dimensions – of horses. The artworks are labelled (for example, ‘Harnessed Horse’ from the northern Wei dynasty) so there is an educational aspect to the book. Cleverly hidden in the illustrations are cartoony characters invented by Seuss.

As children (and their adult companion) look at artworks, the book tells how the works were created (for example using line, colour, shape). Other aspects the artists studied about horses we are told were speed and strength. The book talks about specific artists in history, such as Velazquez who ‘painted horses by the dozen’, Picasso, Meissonier and Raphael. Art styles, such as Impressionism, Abstract, Surrealism and Expressionism are also shown along with reproduction of famous paintings, such as ‘Blue Horse 1’ by Franz Marc.

Also included in this jacketed book are excellent endnotes on the artists and artworks featured, as well as how the book came to be. This book is highly recommended for readers aged 7 to 12 years.

Mr Walker Braves the Night

Mr Walker Braves the Night by Jess Black illustrated by Sara Acton (PenguinRandom House Australia) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780143793106

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Following on from The Tales of Mr Walker, comes this new story about a dog with a nose for adventure. The stories about Mr Walker are inspired by the real-life Mr Walker, a Labrador Guide Dog Ambassador who now calls Park Hyatt Melbourne home.

The publisher has spared no expense with the design and format of these splendid hard-back books which are liberally illustrated with black and white pen and ink drawings. As this story starts, Mr Walker is being taken on a walk by Josephine the groundskeeper and Henry Reeves, the hotel manager. The two adults are discussing plans for Halloween at the hotel. Mr Walker can’t wait for the special night. However, strange noises start up in the hotel, and the dog’s toy wombat disappears. Is there a spooky guest staying at the hotel? It’s up to Mr Walker to investigate. This he does with intelligence and enthusiasm.

Mr Walker and the Perfect Mess by Jess Black illustrated by Sara Acton (PenguinRandom House Australia) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780143793113

In this book in the series, one of the hotel’s most treasured staff members is leaving, and while Mr Walker is sad to see Josephine go, he is determined to make her last week a memorable one.

With short chapters, cheerful stories and simple language, these adventure books are perfect for beginner readers to read with an adult, or for newly independent readers to tackle alone. To help readers new to the book series, there is a list in the back of the book of Mr Walker’s friends, including hotel staff and their children such as Sophie and Amada Reeves, and their cousin Lawrence.

Royalties from sales of this and other Mr Walker books go to Guide Dogs Victoria.

Inside the Tiger

Inside the Tiger by Hayley Lawrence (Penguin Random Australia) PB RRP  $19.99  ISBN 9780143788959

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Bel Anderson is the daughter of a politician who is living in a boarding school when a Legal Studies assignment sees her writing to Micah, a 19-year-old on Death Row in Thailand. Of course, Micah responds and thus sets a train of communications between the two which results in Bel flying to Thailand to visit her pen-pal, notwithstanding the fact she does not know why he is incarcerated. Meeting him, Bel falls for him which eventually results in her destroying them both.

Lawrence says her own experience writing to and visiting a death row prisoner in Thailand was the inspiration for this story. A captivating and raw read, this is a story of hope, determination and personal sacrifice and deals with many issues which have not been addressed in YA novels before, such as Death Row, conditions in prison and the murder of Bel’s mother. It is likely to appeal to teenagers (and shock) with a romanticised view of prison life and life between an inmate and a visitor.

This debut novel about love, life and the redemptive power of love was shortlisted for the Vogel Award in 2017 and won a Litlink Residency in 2016 and a PIP Fellowship in 2017 at Varuna, the Writers' Centre.by Hayley Lawrence (Penguin Random Australia) PB RRP  $19.99  ISBN 9780143788959