Cassowary Dad

Cassowary Dad written by Beverley McWilliams, illustrated by Julian Teh, (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781486317578

Reviewed by – Sarah Tegerdine

Cassowary Dad is a heartwarming and visually captivating picture book that brings to life the world of the magnificent Australian cassowary. Author Beverley McWilliams, paired with the stunning illustrations of Julian Teh, delivers an endearing story.

The narrative follows the journey of a dedicated cassowary father who takes on the challenging role of nurturing and protecting his three stripy chicks. From the moment the pearly green eggs hatch with a "tap, tap, CRACK," readers are drawn into the rainforest, where the father cassowary must raise his chicks alone after patiently incubating the eggs for 52 days.

The story beautifully captures the trials and triumphs of this devoted dad as he teaches his chicks about their lush rainforest home. The challenges intensify when a cyclone tears through their habitat, putting the father's protective instincts to the ultimate test. The tension and drama of this event keep young readers engaged, while the overarching theme of family and resilience is both touching and inspiring.

Julian Teh's illustrations complement the narrative perfectly, bringing the vibrant rainforest and its inhabitants to life. The detailed and colourful images not only enhance the storytelling but also provide a visual feast for young eyes.

Overall, Cassowary Dad is a charming and educational read that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the cassowary while imparting valuable lessons about perseverance, love, and the importance of family.

It's a perfect addition to any child's bookshelf and a wonderful way to introduce young readers aged 5 to 9 to the wonders of Australian wildlife.

 

 

 

When the Rain Comes

When the Rain Comes written by Alma Fullerton, illustrated by Kim La Fave, (NewSouth Books – Pajama Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781772783049

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

When the Rain Comes is a beautifully crafted picture book that transports readers to a Sri Lankan community during the monsoon season, when paddy crops like rice are cultivated. The story follows Malini, a young girl who is both excited and nervous about helping with the rice crop for the first time. Her journey is filled with anticipation, responsibility, and courage.

Fullerton's expressive free verse beautifully captures the emotions and energy of the rainy season in Sri Lanka. The narrative builds tension as Malini is left in charge of the ox and cartload of seedlings while the driver takes a break. Suddenly, a flash flood separates her from her family, and Malini must summon all her bravery to save the ox, cart, and precious seedlings.

La Fave's illustrations are a perfect complement to Fullerton's words. The vibrant colours and dynamic style bring the story to life, vividly depicting the lush landscapes and the dramatic weather. The illustrations enhance the narrative and help young readers visualise the challenges Malini faces.

When the Rain Comes shows that even the youngest among us can overcome immense challenges with determination and strength. When the Rain Comes is a wonderful introduction to life in Sri Lanka and a testament to the power of bravery and perseverance.

In summary, Alma Fullerton, and Kim La Fave have created a captivating and heartwarming picture book that will inspire and delight young readers. The book's universal message about courage and resilience resonates deeply.

Recommended for ages four and up and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of adventure, courage, and the beauty of nature.

Night Animals

Night Animals written and illustrated by Gianna Marino (Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761643491

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Did you hear something?

There are all sorts of noises we hear in the night when almost everything is asleep and the world is quiet. It can be a little scary. But have you ever wondered if the things making those night noises are just as scared?

This question is the premise for Night Animals, which follows a growing group of nocturnal animals who are fearful of the ‘night animals’ – not realising that they too are ‘night animals’.

It’s possum who starts it all, and with him being so small, you can sort of understand his fear – but does that provide bear with an excuse? Author Gianna Marino uses this storyline to gently explore fear and how it can affect everybody differently; however, as a ‘small creature’ myself, it is somewhat satisfying that bat seems to be the most sensible of the night animal’s crew.

Told entirely through simple dialogue between the animals, with bold character illustrations against a pitch-black background, the story really draws the reader into the night scenes as you feel like you are right there – wide-eyed and staring – with the animals. That being said, I am most thankful that the story is not completely immersive, given that a skunk is part of the crew. Poor possum.

Perfect for young readers from 3 to 7 years of age, Night Animals is a humorous look at things that go bump in the night. A very enjoyable read that I can see becoming a firm bedtime story favourite in some households. 

Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets

Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets by Magda Gargulakova and Marie Urbankova (New South Books) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9788000072470

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Teeth! Our teeth rank fairly high if any body part is taken for granted. But should they? After all, unlike crocodiles and sharks – we only get two sets.

Written as a ‘family friendly’ book aimed at young readers of the ‘wobbly tooth’ age (around 5 to 9 years), Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets is full of toothy facts and tips to help us understand why teeth are so important and how to take care of them.

With large, bold illustrations, clear headings and pockets of information in child-friendly text, readers can whet their appetites selectively with information that intrigues them, or munch away at the text from start to finish. Whatever way you choose to engage, you’ll be able to digest information about the structure of a tooth, how teeth develop and grow, and the things we need for tooth care.

Everything within the pages is information our dentists, teachers and parents tell us – but presented in a much more palatable form that really helps the message take root and sink in.

Plus, there’s a fun page at the end where you can imagine what it would be like to have hippopotamus teeth, the teeth of a shark, or even the teeth (tooth?) of a narwhal.

Approved by the dental profession, Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets is a must-read for parents and their young children who are coming up to the wobbly tooth stage. (There’s even a section on how to get rid of those wobbly teeth!)

Moonboy

Moonboy by Anna Ciddor (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781761180743

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Ten-year-old Letty misses her grandfather. Not that he’s passed – but he lives in a nursing home now and doesn’t remember who she is. Usually, when her parents visit Grampa, they let her stay in the car, but Nan doesn’t. Nan insists that Letty come inside with her, and now Letty is staying with Nan while her parents are away, so she must see Grampa every day.

Letty’s dad is no help when she speaks to him. Instead, he tells her about the box of Grampa’s treasures at the back of the cupboard in his old room in Nan’s house, and suggests she look for it and maybe take something in to the home to see if she can jog Grampa’s memory. This is the room Letty is staying in – it was her dad’s room before that, and Grampa’s room originally – and when she checks the cupboard, the box is still there. It’s full of newspaper clippings about the first moon landing – and a threadbare St Kilda footy jumper.

When she decides to put the jumper on – it might help Grampa remember something – Letty finds herself in a strange, yet familiar room, standing behind a boy who is kneeling on the floor cutting out newspaper clippings. As they question each other, it turns out that the mysterious boy has the same name as Grampa – Keith. “But everyone calls me Moonboy,” he tells her.

In her desperate desire to see the Grampa she once knew and loved, Letty – who now wants everyone to call her by her real name, Charlotte – unwittingly sets out on a dangerous mission to change the course of history, or at least her Grampa’s history.

A good timeslip novel is a challenge to write – particularly for a midgrade audience – but Anna Ciddor has done a brilliant job, taking Letty back to 1969 at the time of the moon landing, a topic that is of interest to many readers. Letty and Keith’s confusion about vocabulary changes and technology advances is presented in humorous dialogue and the changes Letty manages to put into effect are believable.

Moonboy is funny, poignant, moving and devastating all at the same time. It introduces readers to life in the late 1960s and interesting facts about space travel. And it explores aging as well as relationships – between family members and friends – in a relatable and meaningful way that will resonate with readers aged 8 to 12.

A beautiful and heartwarming story that I read from start to finish in one sitting – a rare occurrence these days.  

The Bee Squad – Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood

The Bee Squad – Boosting biodiversity in your neighbourhood by Judy Friedlander and Josephine Pajor-Markus (New South Publishing) PB RRP $27.99 ISBN: 9781742238227

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Matthew Kelly said: ‘Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life.’ Therein lies the essence of The Bee Squad.

Part information text and part workbook, this book about biodiversity and the changes we can make in our own backyards and neighbourhoods offers a wealth of ideas for children who want to make the world a better place but feel too small or insignificant to do so.

If you doubt your ability to effect change – you’ll want to turn straight to the stories about ‘Local Nature Champions’ found in each chapter. These stories focus on kids from all over Australia who are learning about, and implementing, positive environmental change.

Perhaps you’ll want to dive straight into the quick facts and find out about all the animals that live in tree hollows or which of our native plants are the tallest flowering plants or older than dinosaurs.

Or you might want to get started on one of the many projects described in the book – working on observation, planting natives, redesigning your garden or even creating a neighbourhood nature corridor. There are also arty activities, tips on photography and advice on how to start a school project or campaign.

As you read, you can feel author Judy Friedlander’s passion for the environment – and you also get the sense that this book could well have been much, much longer than it is. As it is, though, the information and ideas are sure to keep readers and new ‘bee squad’ members busy for well over a year – and into the future.

Perfect for young environmentalists aged 8 years and above, The Bee Squad could also serve as an ideas bank for parents of younger children, as well as teachers wanting to bring more sustainable practices into their classroom programs. 

Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book

Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern and Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99 ISBN: 9781761111808

Ariana Treasure: The Secret Ingredient by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern and Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99 ISBN: 9781761111822

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Ariana Treasure helps her mum in their shop, the Treasure Chest – a thrift shop started by Ariana’s grandfather and specialising in reusable and recyclable goods. Ariana loves their little shop and delights in finding items to help her friends and the community.

In Book 1 of the series, The Missing Book, Ariana’s mother mistakenly sells Ariana’s favourite book. It belonged to her grandfather and was not for sale. Unfortunately, the boy who bought it is in no mood to return it – having just moved house and feeling very upset about having to leave behind his own ‘treasures’.

Book 2, The Secret Ingredient, sees Ariana and her friends, Hunter and Jake, excited for the upcoming food truck competition. The boys’ parents own the Taco Garcia food truck and think they have a good chance of winning – until they come down with a mystery bug.

In writing the Ariana Treasure series – six books in total – author Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern has focused on creating short chapters with a simple plot and one problem to solve, which is perfect for beginning readers. Themes including kindness, sustainability, friendship and teamwork will resonate with this younger audience, and send positive messages in a gentle way.

Karen Erasmus’ black and white illustrations bring the characters to life and focus on transmitting the emotions felt as the story unfolds.

Readers aged 5 to 7 will enjoy solving the relatable problems faced by Ariana and her friends, and the stories are sure to inspire personal connections and deeper conversations about sustainable practices and kindness.