Say Hello is bright colourful and lots of fun! Babies and toddlers will recognise themselves in the little ones depicted in the book as they see the cSay Hello is bright colourful and lots of fun! Babies and toddlers will recognise themselves in the little ones depicted in the book as they see the characters enjoying the activities that they love too.
Rebecca Mills full page vibrant and colourful illustrations immediately draw the eye and her cartoon style characters are simply adorable. Each picture has a short rhyming verse on the facing page.
Say Hello is the perfect book for read-aloud fun anytime of the day
Renae Hayward has depicted some of baby's fun, learning everyday activities in this sturdy board book that will appeal to ages 0 - 4 years....more
The Boab Tree is a delightful story about friendship and belonging. When a tiny boab nut travels on the back of a bird far from the land of his ancestoThe Boab Tree is a delightful story about friendship and belonging. When a tiny boab nut travels on the back of a bird far from the land of his ancestors he struggles to grow and survive in this unknown ground. Boab knew he had to return to his family. His new friends, the animals of the forest floor, work together to take the little boab tree back to his ancestral home and the land he knows.
The Boab Tree is a beautiful story about connection to country and ancestors with memories passed down through generations. This is a story about friends banding together and helping one another.
Helen Milroy captures the colours of country in her beautiful, bold double page spreads with text on one page and illustrations on the facing page. The Boab Tree is an enchanting read-aloud story to share with your child. It would make the perfect bedtime story read over a few nights....more
How can you not fall in love with Quokkas, with their lovely round tummies and cute smiley faces!
When Quokka meets Seal he thinks he's sad because heHow can you not fall in love with Quokkas, with their lovely round tummies and cute smiley faces!
When Quokka meets Seal he thinks he's sad because he isn't smiling (Quokka loves to smile). He tries his hardest to be Seal's friend and make him smile. He tries lots of funny faces but still no smiles. Copying the humans, Quokka pretends to take a selfie with Seal (this always makes the humans smile) then Quokka falls in the water.
Seal says he will teach Quokka to swim but when Quokka says he really doesn't want to swim Seal replies that he really doesn't want to smile. They soon find something they both love doing; watching the sunset together.
Quokka Finds a Friend is the sweetest story about friendship and that friends don't need to like everything the same. Differences don't mean you can't be friends, you just need to find some common ground.
Highly detailed, colourful illustrations pair with minimal text to make this read-aloud story book warm and inviting. Could Quokka get any more adorable!! Quokka and Seal's personalities pop from the page through Katie Stewart's adorable illustrations.
Beside its wonderful moral about friendship the story can be read for sheer cute appeal.
Quokka Finds a Friend is perfect for parents, carers, grandparents and educators to read aloud with children, and use it as a tool to discuss the concept of understanding other people's emotions....more
I've always enjoyed Alan Carter's writing and Prize Catch is no exception. Not only are his characters engaging the settings are always evocative and I've always enjoyed Alan Carter's writing and Prize Catch is no exception. Not only are his characters engaging the settings are always evocative and beautifully described.
With Prize Catch Alan Carter has mixed a cleverly crafted plot with superb character development.
Sam Willard is a complex mixture of hero and villain. I haven't come across such a likeable anti-hero as Sam since Jack Dunne in Outrider.
Prize Catch is rich in suspense and although I found the beginning slow the pace soon picked up and I became totally immersed in the story.
I liked that it was set during the early days of Covid lockdowns which made an isolated Tasmania the perfect setting for a manhunt.
With dual plot lines of activists against a big salmon farm and war crimes in Afghanistan, I was eager to see how these two vastly different areas would come together.
Prize Catch is a riveting crime novel but I think it was the fabulous characters that really stood out to me....more
A Leaf Called Greaf is an invaluable resource for parents and educators which explains, in gentle terms, the changing nature of grief and sadness afteA Leaf Called Greaf is an invaluable resource for parents and educators which explains, in gentle terms, the changing nature of grief and sadness after loss.
We do love Kelly Canby's books with her lyrical prose and whimsical pictures and A Leaf Called Greaf is another heartwarming book to add to our favourites shelf here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf.
Bear is grieving, his brothers and sisters have left him, and he is all alone. Bear becomes attached to a soft green leaf and takes it everywhere with him. He names it Greaf and finds comfort in its company. As time goes by Greaf starts to wither and crumble and no longer gives Bear comfort so Bear starts to let it go. One morning Bear wakes and Greaf is whisked away on the breeze and Bear is ready to face a bright new day. Bear's journey will give children a helping hand to understand big emotions in a child friendly setting.
Kelly Canby's expressive illustrations pair with meaningful and lyrical text to deliver a heartwarming story of the phases of grief.
I think, with a little guided explanation, A Leaf Called Greaf can help children understand their feelings of sorrow when a beloved grandparent dies or moves away, or the passing of a much loved pet....more
The Hole Story is written and illustrated by the talented Kelly Canby and she continues to delight with each new book published.
The Hole Story is aboThe Hole Story is written and illustrated by the talented Kelly Canby and she continues to delight with each new book published.
The Hole Story is about a young boy named Charlie who is delighted when he finds a hole. When he picks it up and puts it in his pocket he soon realises that 'a hole in your pocket' is not a good thing. Charlie proceeds to the village to find someone who might need a hole but no-one wants the hole. Deflated, he takes the hole back - it's no good to anyone. We then learn the hole had an owner all along!
Jay loves this book! He liked the play on words. "It's the whole story, get it." he would say. I love it when he gets excited about a book and has picked this up and read it himself a few times.
The shop names in the shopping strip also have a delightful mix of word play; more for the adult reader here. The bakery is named Bread Pitt, the florist is Florist Gump, the boat builder is Seas the day, and there are more. I loved this bit of added humour.
The illustrations have much to pore over. Can you spot who is following Charlie?
The Hole Story introduces children to imagination, humour and magical realism. With her lovable characters and playful illustrations Kelly Canby is on our must read list. ...more
More children's book reviews at: Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding oMore children's book reviews at: Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding onto your dream.
Breaking Pointe is the second book by Chenee Marrapodi featuring the students of the Perth Ballet Academy. The first book is titled One Wrong Turn.
Valentina is worried that her parents can't afford the dance fees and she may have to give up her dream.
Amelia is not coping, she is tired and can't seem to focus. When she collapses and is rushed to hospital a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shatters her world. Will she have to give up dancing?
Marrapodi includes themes of cultural differences, the pressure of elite dancing and the complexity of friendships when they are in competition against each other.
I loved that Chenee Marrapodi portrays the type1 diagnosis so accurately. From the point of view of Amelia who felt like it was a life ending diagnosis to the point of view of her parents who fretted, panicked and over reacted. Having an adult child with T1 I could relate to it all.
Breaking Pointe is an invaluable resource, not only for children who have been diagnosed with T1 but also their friends and teachers.
Breaking Pointe is a story that teaches empathy and understanding about cultural differences and living with a chronic condition.
Breaking Pointe will be particularly enjoyed by girls and boys who love to dance. ...more
Children's book reviews: This special 30th Anniversary hardcover edition celebrates an Aussie classic first puChildren's book reviews: This special 30th Anniversary hardcover edition celebrates an Aussie classic first published in 1992.
A Sausage Went for a Walk is a funny little story about a sausage who decides it doesn't want to be eaten for breakfast so walks out. Then all the other breakfast items walk out too.
A breakfast time mutiny led by a sausage!
Jay enjoyed this. It's a nice easy read that older children can read themselves. Filled with fun and mischief as each item on the plate decides one by one that they are leaving. And I loved that toast didn't leave butter and jam behind.
Vividly illustrated in comic form by Peter Kendall bringing each food item to life.
A Sausage Went for a Walk is a humorous classic, picture storybook reprinted for a new generation of children to enjoy.
My only very small problem with this was the rhythm and flow of the words took me a couple of readings to get the hang of. ...more
More children's reviews at: The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History HunteMore children's reviews at: The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History Hunters series.
The Vanishing delves into the 1978 unsolved disappearance of a pilot whilst flying across the Bass Strait.
Mark Greenwood recounts the disappearance of 20 year old pilot Fred and his plane after radioing the control tower about seeing a UFO. After extensive air and sea searches no sign of the plane has been found.
Greenwood sets out the facts and includes Fred's radio conversation, photographs, newspaper articles and the submitted flight plan.
It's up to the reader to decide what could have happened in this cold case disappearance.
If your child is fascinated by all things extra-terrestrial they will love The Vanishing! Fascinating and a little bit eerie....more
More children's reviews at: In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of loMore children's reviews at: In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of lost explorers, glittering treasure and baffling mysteries to life. Awe filled stories to entice young readers to explore the unimaginable.
History Hunters is a four book series with books 1 & 2 out now. The Dragon's Treasure opens in 1931 Australia when two young boys find ancient coins on a Western Australian beach. However it started long before this with a shipwreck off the coast of WA in 1656.
Mark Greenwood recounts the story of the shipwreck and the subsequent search for the ship and survivors but nothing was found. It wasn't until 1963 when divers found the wreck of the Gilt Dragon and it's sunken treasure. To this day no-one knows what became of the survivors.
Wonderfully written with the inclusion of photos, illustrations and maps it will ignite the imagination of young readers and hold their attention through the whole story.
The Dragon's Treasure is a fascinating story that will have junior readers searching for more information on the Gilt Dragon and its treasures....more
Father of the Lost Boys for younger readers is a rewrite of the adult edition to be appropriate reading for younger readers aged 8+ years. I haven't rFather of the Lost Boys for younger readers is a rewrite of the adult edition to be appropriate reading for younger readers aged 8+ years. I haven't read the adult version but I feel this book will have less graphic detail of the death and destruction rained on the people of Sudan.
Yuot recounts the harrowing journey of Mecak Ajang Alaak as he walks 20,000 displaced boys aged 8-12 years, over a period of 2 years, to freedom. He was a man of tremendous moral and ethical stature and he instilled this in his son and the boys that looked to him for guidance
Not only is Father of the Lost Boys a wonderful story of courage and perseverance it also teaches a lot about the history of unrest in Sudan and neighbouring countries. I learnt a lot from Yuot's story.
Reading Father of the Lost Boys gives the opportunity to teach empathy and compassion for refugees and displaced persons. A real eye opener for children to see what children in other countries deal with and how they work together and still manage to find joy in the simplest things in life....more
4.5 stars When Eli's friend Max tells him that a kelpie pup is going to be sent to the pound if it isn't adopted, Eli's family decide they are ready fo4.5 stars When Eli's friend Max tells him that a kelpie pup is going to be sent to the pound if it isn't adopted, Eli's family decide they are ready for a new dog in their life. They go as a family to visit the farm and pick up their new dog and name him Zoom.
In Kelpie Chaos Deb Fitzpatrick portrays the challenges of having a new pup in the house as Zoom gets up to lots of mischief and the family needs to adjust to his puppy stage.
I liked that the whole family took on the job of exercising Zoom and taking him for walks. The parents didn't push the chores solely on the children.
Kelpie Chaos is an action packed read with lots of fun moments as Zoom likes to chase lawnmowers, at the local park, as though he is rounding them up. Lots of danger and suspense when Zoom goes missing during a picnic in the bush and as night falls they still haven't found him. Eli and his family refuse to give up hope.
Kelpies are fast becoming a popular family pet and Kelpie Chaos shows the fun in owning such an energetic dog and also the commitment required when sharing your life with this breed. Age: 6 - 10 years...more
When a day of adventure goes terribly wrong Blair is torn between silence and guilt or speaking up and disappo When a day of adventure goes terribly wrong Blair is torn between silence and guilt or speaking up and disappointing his family.
Into the Blue is a delightful story. We feel Blair's excitement and anticipation of going snorkelling, the chill of the water as he first enters the ocean then the panic and devastation as he realises he has lost his brother's precious camera. The reader feels Blair's anguish as he goes through days of knowing what he has done but can't face up to the consequences. The guilt gnaws away at him as his brother is punished for losing the GoPro.
I loved that Into the Blue is educational as well as fun. I learnt that the Omero wreck is a real shipwreck off Perth's coastline near Coogee Beach and it is a big snorkelling attraction.
Cristy Burne combines a moral message with themes of adventure and this is a fun way to open discussions on honesty and respecting others belongings. Blair's great-grandmother is introduced as a safe adult for Blair to open up to and I found this a heartwarming inclusion to show that the older generation is full of experience and sound advice.
Into the Blue is a story about owning up to your mistakes and facing the consequences....more
This is such a fun story about "time". We never have enough of it, time flies by, yet sometimes it seems to stand still.
Emit is a young boy fascinateThis is such a fun story about "time". We never have enough of it, time flies by, yet sometimes it seems to stand still.
Emit is a young boy fascinated by time. The story follows Emit as he tries to capture time as he unravels sayings, literally. If time flies maybe he can catch it with a net or if time passes you by, maybe if he stood still he would see it go by.
We found it fun to think of all the sayings that involve time; too much of it or not enough of it.
The gorgeous watercolour illustrations are busy on the page and there is a lot to take in. In contrast the text is simple and spare which made it easy for the children to connect with the story.
Timeless by Kelly Canby is a story that will delight any child. We have read it over and over....more
The Bookshop on Jacaranda Street was originally published in 2009 and has been re-released by Fremantle Press with a new, modern updated cover.
The booThe Bookshop on Jacaranda Street was originally published in 2009 and has been re-released by Fremantle Press with a new, modern updated cover.
The book opens on quite a dramatic scene as Helen has had enough of her husband's hoarding and living with dead people's belongings, she drags her bed outside and attacks it with an axe.
Helen, hoping to start a new life, eventually leaves her husband and with the help of her long-time neighbour, Astrid, she buys an old rundown bookshop.
I quite enjoyed this quirky and poignant story about the messiness that is family. Glorie shows how serious hoarding can destroy relationships. Helen and Arnold's two sons had left home to get away from the mess and they very rarely saw them but when they heard their mother had actually left their father, both boys found their way home.
Marlish Glorie's writing is witty and candid. I felt this story was a bit of a tragi-comedy. It's a story of love, loss and grief, of second chances and doing the best you can. I loved the finely nuanced characters, all inexplicably tied to each other. The story is funny at times and at other times quite profound.
I'm a bit of a hoarder myself, not to the extent that Arnold hoards, but I love teacups and teapots. And of course books!
This quote in the book had me in stitches, because this is exactly what I tell my children. ...more
What is Left Over After is Natasha Lester’s debut novel, recently re-released by Fremantle Press. I’ve been a b What is Left Over After is Natasha Lester’s debut novel, recently re-released by Fremantle Press. I’ve been a big fan of Natasha Lester’s books for years. Her Historical Fiction novels have been published all over the world. I have loved following Natasha’s strong female leads in her historical novels; trail blazers for women’s rights.
For me, What is Left Over After was a little different to Lester’s novels I am used to reading. This is contemporary fiction and the main character, Gaelle, is broken after suffering a life altering tragedy. Gaelle is filled with self-hate, she feels she can never be any different from her mother, she acts out on these feelings filling herself with more hate and self-doubt. She does the only thing she knows; she runs away from her life and husband.
As Gaelle hides in a small seaside town in Western Australia where no-one knows her past, she begins to open up to a vivacious thirteen-year-old girl. She tells the young girl the story of her life, growing up with a mostly absent mother and no father, continually moving from place to place. The pouring out of her life story comes as a strange fairytale her mother told her as a child.
What is Left Over After is a heart-breaking story of love and loss. Lester explores the concept of what makes us who we are and can you change your life after a dysfunctional childhood. The story is emotional and the tragedy real. It has a strange story within a story with the inclusion of the fairytale.
Natasha Lester’s writing is engaging and even in this debut novel her potential shines through. *This review first appeared on the Beauty and Lace Book Club....more
Veronica ⭐️
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