Showing posts with label young children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young children. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Children's Books of 2014
Brainpickings has put together a list of top children's books of 2014. I haven't seen some of them, but Oliver Jeffers' "Once Upon An Alphabet" is simply genius.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Series: Little Bug Books (PB) (Jnr NF)
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Graeme Base (Aust)
PUBLISHED: Penguin ; 2015.
PAGES/ILL: 14 unnumbered pages : col. ill.
REVIEW:
This is a new series by author/illustrator Graeme Base. It uses pictures of animals to teach young children language. It starts off with the singular, and the pages pull/fold out to reveal the group. The original picture splits (you can see the fold going through the picture).
GENRE: Non-fiction.
RATING: 5 stars.
PUBLISHED: Penguin ; 2015.
PAGES/ILL: 14 unnumbered pages : col. ill.
REVIEW:
This is a new series by author/illustrator Graeme Base. It uses pictures of animals to teach young children language. It starts off with the singular, and the pages pull/fold out to reveal the group. The original picture splits (you can see the fold going through the picture).
- A Heard of Elephants teaches collective nouns (a caravan of camels, a swarm of bees, a pod of whales, etc).
- Starfish are pointy: adjectives.
- Birds fly: animal movement.
- Cows say moo: animal sounds.
- Monkeys live in trees: animal homes/habitats.
- Pigs have piglets: animal babies.
GENRE: Non-fiction.
RATING: 5 stars.
Friday, November 22, 2013
The Boring Book (PB)
AUTHOR: Vasanti Unka (NZ)
PUBLISHED: 2013
PUBLISHED: 2013
PLOT:
There was once a book so boring that everyone who tried to read it fell asleep. One day the words in the book said "We're tired of standing in rows, let's have fun instead!" So they escaped from the boring book, went out into the world, and things would never be the same again. The words jump into street signs, they leap onto shop signs, they decorate pathways and roadways and ponds. They change size and font. But one day they go too far...
REVIEW:
This is quite a complex book, complete with lift-the-flaps, fold-outs, and pull-out inserts in the form of books within books (ingenious and delightful). The Boring Book explores the importance of books and words in a fun and imaginative way. Children and adults alike will love it. The Boring Book is NOT a boring book.
AGE: 4-9
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
There was once a book so boring that everyone who tried to read it fell asleep. One day the words in the book said "We're tired of standing in rows, let's have fun instead!" So they escaped from the boring book, went out into the world, and things would never be the same again. The words jump into street signs, they leap onto shop signs, they decorate pathways and roadways and ponds. They change size and font. But one day they go too far...
REVIEW:
This is quite a complex book, complete with lift-the-flaps, fold-outs, and pull-out inserts in the form of books within books (ingenious and delightful). The Boring Book explores the importance of books and words in a fun and imaginative way. Children and adults alike will love it. The Boring Book is NOT a boring book.
AGE: 4-9
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
The Emu That Laid The Golden Egg (PB)
AUTHOR: Yvonne Morrison ; ILLUSTRATOR: Heath McKenzie
PUBLISHED: 2012
PUBLISHED: 2012
PLOT:
A hungry emu eats what she thinks is some corn...and ends up laying a golden egg! Two scoundrels discover this phenomenon, and thinking to make a quick buck, lock her up and try to make her lay some more. But when the emu eats more than gold, something strange happens - and everyone learns it doesn't pay to be greedy.
REVIEW:
Very cute story, with lovely pictures. Young children will love knowing the secret of the golden egg before the thieves do.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars
A hungry emu eats what she thinks is some corn...and ends up laying a golden egg! Two scoundrels discover this phenomenon, and thinking to make a quick buck, lock her up and try to make her lay some more. But when the emu eats more than gold, something strange happens - and everyone learns it doesn't pay to be greedy.
REVIEW:
Very cute story, with lovely pictures. Young children will love knowing the secret of the golden egg before the thieves do.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars
Goose On The Farm (PB)
AUTHOR: Laura Wall
PUBLISHED: 2013
PUBLISHED: 2013
PLOT:
When Sophie and Goose go on a trip to the farm, they meet lots of new animals, but soon Goose feels left out and wanders off to have his own adventure and make a new friends. One of which follows them home.
REVIEW:
Another title in the "Goose" series. An absolutely adorable character, sure to be a favourite in all pre-schools. The story line and humour can have subtle nuances, which is enough that adults won't be driven mad by having to read it for the 5th time (although it's simple enough that madness may set in after the 10th time...)
AGE: 2-5
RATING: 4 stars
When Sophie and Goose go on a trip to the farm, they meet lots of new animals, but soon Goose feels left out and wanders off to have his own adventure and make a new friends. One of which follows them home.
REVIEW:
Another title in the "Goose" series. An absolutely adorable character, sure to be a favourite in all pre-schools. The story line and humour can have subtle nuances, which is enough that adults won't be driven mad by having to read it for the 5th time (although it's simple enough that madness may set in after the 10th time...)
AGE: 2-5
RATING: 4 stars
The Nowhere Box (PB)
AUTHOR: Sam Zuppardi
PUBLISHED: 2013?
PUBLISHED: 2013?
PLOT:
George's little brothers wreck his toys and his games and trail after him wherever he goes. Try as he might, there's just no hiding from them. George has had enough! So he commandeers an empty washing-machine box and goes to the one place his brothers can't follow: Nowhere. Nowhere is amazing! It's magnificent! It's also, however, free of pirates and dragons and...well, anyone at all. Eventually George decides that Nowhere isn't as fun as he thought it would be, and returns home to his adoring younger brothers, who are more than happy to play pirates and dragons.
REVIEW:
An ode to imagination - and annoying but indispensable siblings. A great book for early primary school ages learning that younger brothers and sisters may be annoying, (and it is important to have you own space), but also that they can be a lot of fun to play with, and you can't do without them.
AGE: 4-7
RATING: 4 stars
George's little brothers wreck his toys and his games and trail after him wherever he goes. Try as he might, there's just no hiding from them. George has had enough! So he commandeers an empty washing-machine box and goes to the one place his brothers can't follow: Nowhere. Nowhere is amazing! It's magnificent! It's also, however, free of pirates and dragons and...well, anyone at all. Eventually George decides that Nowhere isn't as fun as he thought it would be, and returns home to his adoring younger brothers, who are more than happy to play pirates and dragons.
REVIEW:
An ode to imagination - and annoying but indispensable siblings. A great book for early primary school ages learning that younger brothers and sisters may be annoying, (and it is important to have you own space), but also that they can be a lot of fun to play with, and you can't do without them.
AGE: 4-7
RATING: 4 stars
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
My Friend Fred (PB)
AUTHOR: Hiawyn Oram ; ILLUSTRATOR: Rosie Reeve
PUBLISHED: 2011
PUBLISHED: 2011
PLOT:
Rose's big sister tells her that Fred the dog belongs to the whole family, but Rose knows better - Fred is HER friend. Her friend Fred. But when Roe tries to keep Fred all to herself, she learns that sometimes sharing your best friend is the best way to stay best friends.
REVIEW:
A sweet story about family, pets, friendship, and sharing.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars
Rose's big sister tells her that Fred the dog belongs to the whole family, but Rose knows better - Fred is HER friend. Her friend Fred. But when Roe tries to keep Fred all to herself, she learns that sometimes sharing your best friend is the best way to stay best friends.
REVIEW:
A sweet story about family, pets, friendship, and sharing.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 4 stars
The Swap (PB)
AUTHOR: Jan Ormerod ; ILLUSTRATOR: Andrew Joyner
PUBLISHED: 2013
PUBLISHED: 2013
PLOT:
"This baby brother is not exactly what I want. It's smelly and it dribbles, it's no fun, and it takes up all the room on my mama's lap." Jealous and not happy with her baby brother, Caroline Crocodile trades him in at The Baby Shop for other animal infants, but soon finds they all have issues - the baby panda is a fussy eater, and the baby elephant squirts water everywhere. Eventually, Caroline finds a baby that is just right.
REVIEW: A new take on the relationship between an older sibling and a new baby, with sweet pictures and a feel-good ending. Perfect for the pre-schooler with a new baby in the family.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
"This baby brother is not exactly what I want. It's smelly and it dribbles, it's no fun, and it takes up all the room on my mama's lap." Jealous and not happy with her baby brother, Caroline Crocodile trades him in at The Baby Shop for other animal infants, but soon finds they all have issues - the baby panda is a fussy eater, and the baby elephant squirts water everywhere. Eventually, Caroline finds a baby that is just right.
REVIEW: A new take on the relationship between an older sibling and a new baby, with sweet pictures and a feel-good ending. Perfect for the pre-schooler with a new baby in the family.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
Black Dog (PB)
AUTHOR: Levi Pinfold
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011
AWARDS: 2013 Kate Greenway Medal Winner
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011
AWARDS: 2013 Kate Greenway Medal Winner
PLOT:
One day, a black dog appeared outside the Hope family home. Dad was the first to see it - it was the size of a tiger! When Mum saw it, it was the size of an elephant! The black dog grows and grows the more family members see it. Only Small, the youngest of the Hope family, has the courage to face it, and as she shows no fear, it grows smaller and smaller.
REVIEW:
With gorgeous, stunning pictures, this story is about exaggeration and facing fears.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
One day, a black dog appeared outside the Hope family home. Dad was the first to see it - it was the size of a tiger! When Mum saw it, it was the size of an elephant! The black dog grows and grows the more family members see it. Only Small, the youngest of the Hope family, has the courage to face it, and as she shows no fear, it grows smaller and smaller.
REVIEW:
With gorgeous, stunning pictures, this story is about exaggeration and facing fears.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
Friday, October 18, 2013
The Hoppameleon (PB)
AUTHOR: Paul Geraghty
PUBLISHED: 2013, c2001
PUBLISHED: 2013, c2001
PLOT:
When the world is still quite young, there was a sleepy, slurpy swamp. And in it swam a very odd-looking creature. As he makes his way in the world, this very odd-looking creature, with a long sticky tongue, who can hunt like a chameleon and swim like a turtle, isn't quite sure who or what he is. Nor is anyone else. But he does know that he wants to find a friend who is just like himself.
REVIEW:
A story of self-perception, similarities and differences, and belonging.
TEACHERS: It would lend itself to a creative writing activity where children make up a name for another animal by comparing it and taking names from other animals as in the story.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
When the world is still quite young, there was a sleepy, slurpy swamp. And in it swam a very odd-looking creature. As he makes his way in the world, this very odd-looking creature, with a long sticky tongue, who can hunt like a chameleon and swim like a turtle, isn't quite sure who or what he is. Nor is anyone else. But he does know that he wants to find a friend who is just like himself.
REVIEW:
A story of self-perception, similarities and differences, and belonging.
TEACHERS: It would lend itself to a creative writing activity where children make up a name for another animal by comparing it and taking names from other animals as in the story.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
Dragon Loves Penguin (PB)
AUTHOR: Debi Bilori
PUBLISHED: 2013
PUBLISHED: 2013
PLOT:
It's bedtime in the land of ice and snow. "Night, night," says Bib's mummy. "Sleep tight," says Bib's daddy. But Bib has a better plan. "Please," says Bib, "can I have a story? The one about dragons." And so begins the heartwarming tale of a dragon in need of an egg and an abandoned egg in need of a mummy. It seems like the perfect fit, but what happens when that egg hatches and the little baby doesn't look like all the other dragons (in fact, he looks remarkably like a penguin)? Of course, his mummy loves him no matter what. But the other babies aren't so sure. Little do they know that being different can be good and soon their little feathered friend is saving the day.
REVIEW:
A twist on The Ugly Duckling, kids will love the secret (that the story of the dragon is true) being revealed at the end.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
It's bedtime in the land of ice and snow. "Night, night," says Bib's mummy. "Sleep tight," says Bib's daddy. But Bib has a better plan. "Please," says Bib, "can I have a story? The one about dragons." And so begins the heartwarming tale of a dragon in need of an egg and an abandoned egg in need of a mummy. It seems like the perfect fit, but what happens when that egg hatches and the little baby doesn't look like all the other dragons (in fact, he looks remarkably like a penguin)? Of course, his mummy loves him no matter what. But the other babies aren't so sure. Little do they know that being different can be good and soon their little feathered friend is saving the day.
REVIEW:
A twist on The Ugly Duckling, kids will love the secret (that the story of the dragon is true) being revealed at the end.
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
Can't Sleep Without Sheep (PB)
AUTHOR: Susanna Leonard Hill ; ILLUSTRATOR: Mike Wohnoutka
PUBLISHED: 2011, c2010
PUBLISHED: 2011, c2010
PLOT:
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep jumping over a fence. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep who are growing tired and finally they quit! When the sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, chaos ensues as chickens, cows, pigs, hippos and more try their hand at jumping over Ava's fence. Finding the perfect replacement for sheep might not be so easy after all.
REVIEW:
With adorable pictures, this is a very cute bedtime story (although the concept of counting sheep to get to sleep may need to be explained, since the concept is something that is passed on - it's not innate knowledge).
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
Whenever Ava can't sleep, she counts sheep jumping over a fence. But Ava takes so long to fall asleep, it's the sheep who are growing tired and finally they quit! When the sheep promise to find a replacement that Ava can count on, chaos ensues as chickens, cows, pigs, hippos and more try their hand at jumping over Ava's fence. Finding the perfect replacement for sheep might not be so easy after all.
REVIEW:
With adorable pictures, this is a very cute bedtime story (although the concept of counting sheep to get to sleep may need to be explained, since the concept is something that is passed on - it's not innate knowledge).
AGE: 3-6
RATING: 4 stars
Cloth from the Clouds (PB)
AUTHOR: Michael Catchpool ; ILLUSTRATOR: Alison Jay
PUBLISHED: 2012
PUBLISHED: 2012
PLOT:
The boy who spins cloth from the clouds is wise. He spins only enough cloth for a warm winter scarf, not one stitch more. But a greedy King sees the marvellous cloth and demands that the boy spin cloaks and gowns galore. Soon there are fewer clouds in the sky and finally the rain stops. Will it be possible to undo the damage?
REVIEW:
The story aims to promote a sense of care and respect for the natural environment and illustrates the impact humans can have through greed and thoughtless selfishness.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
The boy who spins cloth from the clouds is wise. He spins only enough cloth for a warm winter scarf, not one stitch more. But a greedy King sees the marvellous cloth and demands that the boy spin cloaks and gowns galore. Soon there are fewer clouds in the sky and finally the rain stops. Will it be possible to undo the damage?
REVIEW:
The story aims to promote a sense of care and respect for the natural environment and illustrates the impact humans can have through greed and thoughtless selfishness.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
Doodleday (PB)
AUTHOR: Ross Collins
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2011
PLOT:
Mum has just one thing to tell Harvey on Doodleday - no drawing allowed! But before Dudley can ask why you don't draw on Doodleday, she's out the door. Surely one little fly won't hurt? Not until Harvey's fly comes to life and starts to wreck the kitchen, that is! What can Harvey draw that will catch it? Will anything, or anyone, be capable of stopping Harvey's rampaging doodles?
REVIEW:
The thought of line drawings coming to life and causing chaos is just a lot of fun.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
Mum has just one thing to tell Harvey on Doodleday - no drawing allowed! But before Dudley can ask why you don't draw on Doodleday, she's out the door. Surely one little fly won't hurt? Not until Harvey's fly comes to life and starts to wreck the kitchen, that is! What can Harvey draw that will catch it? Will anything, or anyone, be capable of stopping Harvey's rampaging doodles?
REVIEW:
The thought of line drawings coming to life and causing chaos is just a lot of fun.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
The Santa Trap (PB)
AUTHOR: Jonathan Emmett ; ILLUSTRATOR: Poly Bernatene
PUBLISHED: 2010, c2009
PUBLISHED: 2010, c2009
PLOT:
Bradley Bartleby is bad, and the older he got, the badder he became. He's greedy and naughty and selfish and spoilt -- and Santa Claus knows it. But when beastly Bradley empties his Christmas stocking to find nothing but a pair of socks, he does quite the baddest thing he has EVER tried to do. He builds a trap -- a SANTA TRAP! With guillotines, dynamite and a tiger or two, Santa doesn't stand a chance. Will Santa be forgiving?
REVIEW:
Most children love it when the bad kid gets what's coming to him in stories. The simple karma of a child who gets trapped in his own trap is a winner, not to mention the story is told beautifully, with illustrations to match.
AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
Bradley Bartleby is bad, and the older he got, the badder he became. He's greedy and naughty and selfish and spoilt -- and Santa Claus knows it. But when beastly Bradley empties his Christmas stocking to find nothing but a pair of socks, he does quite the baddest thing he has EVER tried to do. He builds a trap -- a SANTA TRAP! With guillotines, dynamite and a tiger or two, Santa doesn't stand a chance. Will Santa be forgiving?
REVIEW:
Most children love it when the bad kid gets what's coming to him in stories. The simple karma of a child who gets trapped in his own trap is a winner, not to mention the story is told beautifully, with illustrations to match.
AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
Fussy Freya (PB)
AUTHOR: Katherine Quarmby ; ILLUSTRATOR: Piet Gobler
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2008
PUBLISHED: 2012, c2008
PLOT:
Freya has an appetite as fine as can be until one day she declares, "Your dhal and rice are just not nice." She spurns baked beans, sausages, and soon she's very thin indeed. Mum, in despair, phones Grandma Clare. "We'll sort her," says Grandma, "the fussy little beast." So off Freya goes for a fabulous feast and a lesson she will never forget.
REVIEW:
The cover sums it up nicely: "For children who like their food familiar and their rhymes revolting." This story about fussy eating is sure to get a laugh.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
Freya has an appetite as fine as can be until one day she declares, "Your dhal and rice are just not nice." She spurns baked beans, sausages, and soon she's very thin indeed. Mum, in despair, phones Grandma Clare. "We'll sort her," says Grandma, "the fussy little beast." So off Freya goes for a fabulous feast and a lesson she will never forget.
REVIEW:
The cover sums it up nicely: "For children who like their food familiar and their rhymes revolting." This story about fussy eating is sure to get a laugh.
AGE: 3-7
RATING: 4 stars
Owl Babies (PB)
AUTHOR: Martin Waddell ; ILLUSTRATOR: Patrick Benson
PUBLISHED: 2007
PUBLISHED: 2007
PLOT:
Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy and Bill, wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. So they sit on a branch and wait and think (all owls think a lot). "I think she's gone hunting," said Sarah. "To get us our food!" said Percy. "I want my mummy!" said Bill. Darkness gathers and the owls grow anxious, wondering when their mother will return. But, at last, she does and they bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.
REVIEW:
One of the very cutest feel-good picture books, it's standard-issue in all pre-schools.
AGE: 2-4
RATING: 4 stars
Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy and Bill, wake up one night in their hole in a tree to find that their mother has gone. So they sit on a branch and wait and think (all owls think a lot). "I think she's gone hunting," said Sarah. "To get us our food!" said Percy. "I want my mummy!" said Bill. Darkness gathers and the owls grow anxious, wondering when their mother will return. But, at last, she does and they bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.
REVIEW:
One of the very cutest feel-good picture books, it's standard-issue in all pre-schools.
AGE: 2-4
RATING: 4 stars
Once Upon A Time (PB)
AUTHOR: Nick Sharratt
PUBLISHED: 2011
PUBLISHED: 2011
PLOT/REVIEW:
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived on top of a hill in a ..." Where she lives and what she finds is up to the reader. Using the 36 removable and interchangeable parts depicting the nouns to finish the sentences, children can make up their own simple story.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 3 stars (2 of those stars are for the interchangeable pieces that create a mad-lib type story)
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived on top of a hill in a ..." Where she lives and what she finds is up to the reader. Using the 36 removable and interchangeable parts depicting the nouns to finish the sentences, children can make up their own simple story.
AGE: 3-5
RATING: 3 stars (2 of those stars are for the interchangeable pieces that create a mad-lib type story)
Have You Seen Who's Just Moved In Next Door? (PB)
AUTHOR: Colin McNaughton
PUBLISHED: 2013, c1991
PUBLISHED: 2013, c1991
PLOT:
Meet the neighbours - Mister Thing and the Dumpty's (he's in bed; he cracked his head). There's a school for birds and a wig shop for pigs, King Kong lives at number 50, the churchyard is full of ghosts and ghoulies, and there's a houseful of pirates at number 94. But you'll never believe who's just moved in next door to us! The answer lies behind a gate-fold page, but can you guess before you get to the end?
REVIEW:
A fairly typical aliens-are-normal/humans-are-strange stories that kids love. The pictures are detailed, and would be a great "find the answer" book for a guided reading activity (i.e. create a list of questions that children need to use the book to answer: Who lives on the left of King Kong? Who lives at number 12? How many birds are in the school? etc). AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 stars
Meet the neighbours - Mister Thing and the Dumpty's (he's in bed; he cracked his head). There's a school for birds and a wig shop for pigs, King Kong lives at number 50, the churchyard is full of ghosts and ghoulies, and there's a houseful of pirates at number 94. But you'll never believe who's just moved in next door to us! The answer lies behind a gate-fold page, but can you guess before you get to the end?
REVIEW:
A fairly typical aliens-are-normal/humans-are-strange stories that kids love. The pictures are detailed, and would be a great "find the answer" book for a guided reading activity (i.e. create a list of questions that children need to use the book to answer: Who lives on the left of King Kong? Who lives at number 12? How many birds are in the school? etc). AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 stars
Ten Tiny Things (PB)
AUTHOR: Meg McKinlay ; ILLUSTRATOR: Kyle Hughes-Odgers
PUBLISHED: 2012
PUBLISHED: 2012
PLOT:
Tessa and Zachary have a machine that is swift and splendiferous. Every day it carries them from here to there and back again in cool calm comfort. But one morning, the machine breaks down. To their horror, Tessa and Zachary are forced to walk to school. Along the way, they find things that are smooth and blue, shiny and red - ten tiny things. The next day their machine is fixed, but they chose to walk - it is an excellent walk, simple and splendiferous.
REVIEW:
The description of a car without saying it's a car (swift and splediferous machine) is a nice touch. It adds that extra little layer of fantasy without losing touch with reality. It makes the children appear to live in an alien land, while children still know exactly what they are talking about. The focus on observation skills and looking at things with new eyes is dealt with in a very cute way and would be the perfect segue to a nature walk.
AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
Tessa and Zachary have a machine that is swift and splendiferous. Every day it carries them from here to there and back again in cool calm comfort. But one morning, the machine breaks down. To their horror, Tessa and Zachary are forced to walk to school. Along the way, they find things that are smooth and blue, shiny and red - ten tiny things. The next day their machine is fixed, but they chose to walk - it is an excellent walk, simple and splendiferous.
REVIEW:
The description of a car without saying it's a car (swift and splediferous machine) is a nice touch. It adds that extra little layer of fantasy without losing touch with reality. It makes the children appear to live in an alien land, while children still know exactly what they are talking about. The focus on observation skills and looking at things with new eyes is dealt with in a very cute way and would be the perfect segue to a nature walk.
AGE: 4-8
RATING: 4 1/2 stars
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