Rather than terrifying the boots off you, these two gentle yet energetic picture books caper around the Halloween spirit whilst addressing themes of responsibility, friendship and teamwork at the same time. A perfect opportunity to share some magic, cheeky giggles and affection with your little ones. The Witch’s Britches, P.Crumble (author), Lucinda Gifford (illus.), […]
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Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: halloween, friendship, teamwork, children's picture books, New Book Releases, HarperCollins Publishers, Scholastic Australia, P. Crumble, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Romi Sharp, David Cornish, Anne Mangan, Angus&Robertson, Emu's Halloween, Lucinda Gifford, The Witch's Britches, Add a tag
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: margaret wild, Wendy Binks, Scholastic Press, New Book Releases, bond, affection, Working Title Press, Anna Pignataro, Scholastic Australia, P. Crumble, Karen Blair, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, How I Love You, Our Baby, Romi Sharp, Deborah Mailman, Hush Little Possum, Our Love Grows, love, child, mother, Add a tag
When our little ones begin to show a curiosity for the world around them, this may include exploring nature; its particular features, elements of growth and change, as well as discovering their own individual attributes and the differences in one another. Understanding and appreciating these fascinating aspects can be facilitated through gentle and nurturing guidance, […]
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JacketFlap tags: Book News, friendship, Pets, dragon, lisa shanahan, Gus Gordon, Random House Children's Books, Dr Suess, New Book Releases, Scholastic Australia, P. Crumble, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Romi Sharp, Nathaniel Eckstrom, Big Pet Day, Lothian Children's Books, Me and Moo, Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award, What Pet Should I Get?, Add a tag
Why do animals feature so heavily in picture books? 1. They are so relatable. 2. They provide a sense of comfort and nurturing. 3. They reinforce positive emotions and behaviours such as empathy. Whether these animals are represented as their true natures or anthropomorphically, children (and adults) feel connected to these cute characters and regard […]
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JacketFlap tags: Jenny Hessell, P. Crumble, Kiwi Corker Series, Donovan Bixley, Marie Sanders, Errol McLeary, belynda Smith, Add a tag
Belynda Smith has lots of experience as a children’s librarian, so she knows what works in a picture book and what doesn’t. Her first book is based on a true family event. It’s a peaceful, repetitive story about a little girl who won’t stay in her bed. Her long-suffering and increasingly tired mother carries Polly back to bed several times. But the last time it happens, Mum is so tired she gives in and lifts the bedclothes for the visitor to slide in – but a twist in the tale reveals that Mum is sharing her bed with someone other than Polly... Marie Sanders’s pastel illustrations are obviously intended to be calming and non-eventful – as befits a bedtime story – but I think I would have preferred more variety in the format rather than having very similar pictures for each repetition of the text. However congratulations go to Duck Creek Press for choosing a sturdy hardback format. This book is best for the littlies, aged about three to five.
ISBN 978 1 877378 49 2 RRP $29.99
Reviewed by Lorraine Orman
Phoebe and the Night Creatures by Jenny Hessell, illus. Donovan Bixley, Scholastic NZ
This quirky tale picks up the age-old theme of monsters in the dark. Phoebe needs to go to the toilet – but she can’t get out of bed because there’s a wolf under it. “Take the wolf with you,” calls her nonchalant mother. So Phoebe sets off, wolf in tow, but then they bump into a smelly troll at the end of the bed. Phoebe decides he needs to come to the bathroom too, for a wash. And so the story proceeds until Phoebe reaches the bathroom door with an amazing procession of creatures behind her. But when she turns on the bathroom light ... well, I won’t give away the plot twist. Parents might need to explain the fate of the monsters and the moral of the story to very young readers. Donovan Bixley’s computer-generated cartoon illustrations are striking and colourful and very contemporary – they will appeal hugely to children familiar with modern TV cartoons. Should be suitable for children of about five to eight, though Scholastic thinks four to seven.
ISBN 978 1 86943 976 7 RRP $19.50
Reviewed by Lorraine Orman
There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Weta by P. Crumble, illus. Errol McLeary, Scholastic NZ
Scholastic are on to a pretty good thing with their Kiwi Corkers hardback series (Great New Zealand Yarns). This one is based on a perennial favourite. Of course it will be a joy to read/sing aloud, as the intrepid old lady swallows a bat, jandal, stoat, tuatara, haw