KBR Recommends Summer Reads: Junior Fiction Part I

Some wonderful books for younger readers were released during 2010 - here are some gorgeous books that will make for great reading over the summer holidays.

"Magic is always impossible," said the magician. "It begins with the impossible and ends with the impossible and is impossible in between. That is why it is magic."

What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune-teller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchenne knows the questions that he must ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune-teller's mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it is true.

Guest Post - Author Rochelle Killiner

Kids Book Review is delighted to welcome new author Rochelle Killiner with a post about writing her very first picture book.

My high school English teacher would vehemently disagree, but I’ve always loved creative writing. Although if I think back far enough, publishing my own book was a dream long before then.

As a kid I spent many hours writing poetry, recording what seemed at the time a very trying and tragic childhood. In retrospect the only trying part was the poetry and the tragedy was that I inflicted it on so many people!

Review: Wicked Warriors and Evil Emperors

Who wouldn't want their book illustrated by the illustrious Terry Denton? No one could be more perfect to add visuals to this amazing book by author Alison Lloyd - whose affection for China drips (along with oozings of blood) from every page.

Living in China during the Tian'anmen Square massacre, Lloyd has certainly seen it all, and having lived in Beijing myself for four years, I was absolutely fascinated by this book - one of my favourite non-fiction books this year.

Guest Post - CB Lindsay

KBR is delighted to welcome Belfast author CB Lindsay with this wonderful guest post. You can read our review on her fabulous book Who Ate All the Pies? right here.

Childhood and the Gift of Words

As a child, books were my world. My parents were very young when I was born and have since gone their separate ways, but I will always be grateful to them for the seeds of imagination they planted in me at an early age.

Review: Fire Lizard: Samurai Kids #5

I have to say, I have so intensely enjoyed this amazing series by the talented Sandy Fussell, it's difficult to keep reviewing these books without sounding sychophantic. But truly, the goodness just keeps coming - five books into the series (of hopefully many more).

The Samurai Kids of the Cockroach Ryu find themselves in Korea for this fifth instalment, after a series of adventures in China, and the challenges just keep coming.

Book Five is all about lesson-learning, and when one-armed Mikko, with the spirit of the striped gecko, is chosen as an apprentice by Ki-Yaga's former teacher, Pak Cho, his learning lessons come thick and fast.

Review: Madame Pamplemousse and the Enchanted Sweet Shop

I adored the first book in this series, Madame Pamplemousse and the Time-Travelling Café by the talented Kingfisher. This author's storytelling style has an almost fable-like bent to it - and a magical nature that keeps readers permanently guessing.

I mean, who doesn't enjoy a bit of enchantment, and from the lolly shop front cover to the deliciously sweet way he writes and characterises his literary cast - it's just droolworthy.

Review: Odd and the Frost Giants

Gaiman's soaring imagination once again takes flight in this beautiful new book about a young crippled lad - the son of a Viking father and Scottish mother.

When Odd's father is killed on one of his Viking expeditions, his bereaved mother takes up with a new husband - the father of several kids, who invade the family home.

Unhappy, Odd feels compelled to leave home, dragging his crippled foot across the snow-ridden landscape to his father's old hunting cabin, where he encounters the virtual impossible - a talking bear, fox and eagle.

But these talking animals are not who they seem...

Review: Harry's Hat and Gus Has a Gap

Finger puppets are so much fun - for storytelling, playing games, using your imagination and as craft projects. Kids will love this series of books, with finger puppets to help bring the stories to life.

In Harry's Hat, a young boy, Harry, heads to the beach with his hat right where it belongs - on his head. But it doesn't stay there for long, with the wind claiming it and whizzing it away.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

to all our wonderful

KBR Readers!

Have a beautiful day...

and may it be bountiful with books!

On Christmas with KBR's Tania McCartney

Despite a complete and utter addiction to the written word, my finest Christmas memories are not about books. They are about cake.

This morning I slid a large glass bowl from the refrigerator. It was brimming with dried fruit - golden sultanas, currants, raisins, cranberries and candied peel - shiny with cherry brandy. I lifted off the wrap, stuck my nose into the bowl and inhaled deeply. The aroma reached my toes.

I carefully laid the bowl on the kitchen bench where the sun had made it warm. I then slid a large spoon down the side of the glass bowl and lifted the gleaming fruit up and over, berries and fruit tumbling and rolling, drunken and fat and glistening sweetly like a bowl of aromatic jewels. This motion affects my heart.

Review: The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas

Ever had your doubts? I mean, all of us have at some time. About how he does it. You know - delivers all those presents in one single night to every household in the world.

You have? Me, too. But fear not - your faith in the man in red will not be tested here - for this version of the magical possibilities of Christmas-gift-delivering is certainly one to ponder... written for us by one of Australia's favourite author/illustrators - Bruce Whatley.

On Christmas with KBR's Megan Blandford

Christmas is a time of tradition, and each family has their own.

But, when you start your own family, part of the fun of Christmas becomes in beginning your own new traditions.

And, although adults like to think they set the traditions, the best traditions often begin with little to no input from the adults.

Review: Angelina's Christmas

The classic little ballerina mouse has her own festive book in this gorgeous story with accompanying audio CD containing two recordings - one complete reading with music, and one with a read-along component.

After dance rehearsals at school, Angelina is dancing along the pavement on her way home when she peeps in a neighbourhood window and notices a little old man huddled by a fire, all alone.

Review: Father Christmas

Oh sigh. Modern books are super glorious but thank goodness for vintage. There is just something timeless and heart-palpitating about books of the past – and their hold over modern day children is often totally underrated.

This glorious 1973 book was reissued in 2004 and is a must-own for serious book lovers (ie: children). Using almost wordless comic book forms the author/illustrator is renowned for, Father Christmas typifies Briggs’ use of an almost haunting, fly-on-the-wall mood that pervades all his books.

Review: Mrs Christmas

When Mrs Christmas wakes to find Santa - and the reindeer! - covered in spots, she knows she has some work to do. It's right before Christmas, and there's much to catch up on.

There's children's letters to compile and respond to, there's toys to finish making, there's even a new gift-delivery vehicle to create... after all, the reindeer aren't going anywhere...

Review: Baby Jesus is Here!

If the curling white yarn on the front of this book makes a forty-something woman reach and touch it adoringly, you can only imagine what it does to a two-year-old.

This sweet little board book is a serious retro-style gem, reminiscent of the Sunday school stories we all enjoyed as children. Charming illustrations beautifully complement a simple but poignant storyline, as the manger animals gather around that starlit night to welcome the new saviour.

On Christmas with KBR's Sheryl Gwyther

Sheryl with her younger sister, Meryl,
and their Christmas dolls

You couldn’t imagine anywhere less like a Northern Hemisphere Christmas experience than Innisfail in Queensland’s far north – sticky humidity, lake-like puddles in the backyard from yet another tropical downpour; watermelon feasts, mozzies, cane toads and rotting mangoes on the ground.

Review: Dear Father Christmas

The first thing I love about this book is that the man in red is called Father Christmas, not Santa! I love this reference to a man I once knew as a child. I know times - they are a moving... but how whimsical to read those Father Christmas words.

The next thing I love about this book is the absolutely beautiful sentiment, that prickles the eyes with tears surprisingly early into the book.

On Christmas with KBR's Cat Conidi

Everyone sing along with me... “Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your branches full of books we hope you are”...

My Mum started a tradition of giving us books for Christmas when we were wee babies and this tradition has never stopped. In fact, it’s a tradition I have kept going by buying a book for every person in my life who is even vaguely bookish.

Review: Mrs Wishy-Washy's Christmas

Mrs Wishy-Washy is a practical farm girl. When it's time for her animals to get spick and span for the festive season, she orders them into an ice cold tub in the snow.

But cow, pig and duck are not happy. "I'll wheeze and sneeze!" cries cow. "My snout will freeze!" wails pig. But duck has a plan.

On Christmas with KBR's Kelly Morton

Christmas is just über exciting when you are small.

When I think of Christmas when I was growing up, I think of tradition. I think of the same old bloody Christmas record that would come out year after year after year. The one that everyone groaned about yet no one ever turned it off.

Review: Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star

Precious is the first word that comes to mind upon reading Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star.

Firstly, it's a goose afterall. And who doesn't love a goose? Especially a goose who believes in the magic of stars in the sky. Pluckable stars. Reachable stars.

Review: The Christmas Book

Oh hurrah. The real story of Christmas. And you don't need to be a Christian to appreciate it or enjoy it. Whatever your religious incarnation, it's just so nice to see it there - written out - as is - the original deal.

Originally published in 1964, this gorgeous, classic book has been reissued by Hardie Grant Egmont - and beautifully so.

Review: The Jolly Christmas Postman

Classic team Janet and Allen Ahlberg give children the greatest Christmas gift... a classic book of their beautiful work in this divinely traditional story about The Jolly Postman at the most festive time of the year.

This is just the most adorable Christmassy stocking-stuffer book. It not only contains the stunningly detailed illustrations Janet is famous for, but a bunch of treasures secreted away in full-page pockets - making it a real Christmas treat.

Review: Merry Christmas, Splat

From the author of the gorgeous Russell the Sheep books, Splat the Cat is back in his own Christmas special. And this book is special.

Scotton's illustrations are just so gorgeous, your brain smiles first, then your eyes, and then finally your mouth. Everything smiles when you stare at these pics.

Splat's fur is so soft and fuzzy, you could reach out and feel it. His lustrous google eyes. The glassy shimmer of the baubles on the Christmas tree. It's all so touchable. And smileable. It's truly mesmerising.

Review: Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers

I first fell in love with Lynley Dodd's books back in the Hairy Maclary days - and have to say - I still can't get enough.

No one, but no one, does rhyme like Dodd. Her work is not only infallible, it's utterly gorgeous - rollicking, rolling, raucous and totally addictive... I own and will futurely own every single one of her books.

Review: The Australian Twelve Days of Christmas

You’re pretty well assured of a good thing when you open a Heath McKenzie book (yes, I’m a fan) and his typically patriotic humour is indeed resplendent in this take on the Twelve Days of Christmas.

With his lustrous and funny illustrations, enriched with eye-popping colour, McKenzie takes us through the twelve festive days with a major Ocker twist.

 A kookaburra up a gum tree. Two pink galahs. Three little penguins. And all with a fun – and funny – twist.

Review: The Christmas Giant

Humphrey the Giant and Leetree the little elf have a fabulous job. They make wrapping paper so Santa can wrap the world’s presents on Christmas Eve – how cool is that? The patterns and styles they make are exquisite, and the duo work so gorgeously as a team.

But when Christmastime is over, Leetree and Humphrey always become bored and sad. So one year, Santa gives them a special assignment – to grow the town’s Christmas tree.

I Have 10 Little Fingers: Learning to Write

It has bones. It is echidna.

There are many fun things you can do to promote the development of fine motor skills. And this ‘winding-down’ part of the year is an ideal time to think about some fun activities with your children over the holidays where you can do something positive.

Author and KBR contributor Sheryl Gwyther writes...

How children learn to write is one of the most intriguing growth areas. What amazes me is how those little bodies eventually develop the long list of skills that enable them to become proficient in handwriting.

Review: Cheryl the Christmas Tree Fairy

The latest in the Rainbow Magic series, this book features Kirsty and Rachel who are best friends. Kirsty and Rachel are on Christmas holiday with their families and when they reach their holiday house they discover they have no Christmas Tree. It’s no matter though, they have their fairy friends to help and so they set off on their adventures.

Review: Santa's Suit

Can Davide Cali get any better? His comic wit and genius is just rollicking and oh so deliciously dry in this wonderful Christmas book.

Laid out in a quasi-comic book style, the storyline is nonetheless easy to read out loud to your child (ensuring voice changes for Santa and his dog, of course) and is also a treat for your little one to pore over once you’re done reading. And giggling.

Review: If You Love a Christmas Tale

I still remember the very first time I saw a book with sliding images - like a magical window, revealing another world. I can still feel the skin stretching around my eyes as they bugged out in surprise.

Well, this happened again when I opened the front cover of If You Love a Christmas Tale. Featuring the time-honoured festive classics - The Night Before Christmas and The Nutcracker - this amazing book showcases the gorgeous work of artist Lockheart in a series of stunning pages - every second one containing a shutter-like slideshow effect that changes as you open the page.

Review: Paper Angels

I'm just not sure this book could be any prettier. This is a unique and gorgeous Christmas book that has 'gift' written all over it - yes, even for paper-addicted adults like me!

Emma Calder has designed a visually-striking book in Paper Angels, which follows the story of a group of papery angels who argue over whose turn it is at the top of the Christmas tree.

Review: Spot's Magical Christmas

Spot loves a good adventure, and there's no better time to have one than at Christmastime.

In this large format book with accompanying read-along CD, Spot and his friends must help two lost reindeer on a very important mission: finding their way back to Santa's sleigh.

Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers - Part II

Welcome to Part II of our Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers! See Part I here, and enjoy this sensational KBR-recommended line-up.

Merry Christmas!
Penguin (2010), A$9.95
ISBN: 9781409304586

The perfect introduction to Christmas, this buggy book will charm babies with its sparkly cover, bright illustrations and details of what Santa does at Christmastime.

Review: Santa Koala

Written to the tune of Waltzing Mathilda, this new release book combines a rollicking text with iconic and wonderful illustrations by Glen Singleton, whose work has become a household observance here in Australia.

Respected author Buchanan has obviously had a great deal of fun with this book, penning bite-sized morsels of text that would make anyone smile - like when Santa Koala jumps in his sleigh and is off in a flap like a mad cockatoo.

Review: Snowy's Christmas

Snowy the kangaroo is odd. He stands out against the rest. With his soft white fur emblazoned against the red dirt of the Australian outback and the endless cobalt skies, he's not particularly good at hiding Christmas presents because he's too easy to see.

Review: Santa's Aussie Holiday

As Santa whizzes by on Christmas Eve, did you know there's one thing other than presents on his mind? Yes, Santa is also looking for a place to take a holiday. After all, he needs a break after all that work - and his home is so cold.

Watch out kids; this year, Santa has decided to holiday in -  you guessed it - Australia!

Review: Christmas Songs

It's time for a singalong!

There's nothing to get you in the spirit of Christmas like a good Christmas Carol... or ten.

Review: An Aussie Day Before Christmas

An Aussie Day Before Christmas is a Strine-rhymed, joyous romp through the Clement Clarke Moore’s Night Before Christmas – only this time we’re traveling through the day.

Twas the day before Christmas
And in his beach shack
Santa was snoozing
Flat out on his back

Review: Where Are Santa’s Pants?

Where’s Wally? Who cares! It’s Santa’s pants we’re after here in this hilarious look-and-find book, stuffed with the most remarkable gaggle of illustrations, the eyes will boggle.

Starting with an introduction on why Santa has lost his pants (and how he can’t possibly deliver presents without them?), readers are invited to trek through the book and try to find those pesky pants.

Not only that, there’s a lucky sixpence to be found on every page, along with a certain 8 reindeer.

Review: The Christmas Eve Ghost

There's nothing that sets the feel of the festive season like an old-fashioned Christmas tale, a story from the olden days.

A story of hardship and love, fear and comfort.

Two children, Bronwen and Dylan, live with their mother, having moved after the death of their father. Their mother works hard to support them; working, cooking, cleaning and doing whatever it takes to make sure her little family survives.

Look! - An exhibition of picture book art

The State Library of Victoria has a real treat for picture book lovers. Look! The art of Australian picture books today is stunning - and, complete with activities for the kids, it's a great family activity.

The artwork is on show until the end of May 2011, so there's plenty of time to make your way there.

I spent some time there with my daughter - here are some of our favourites on show...

Review: The Little Drummer Boy

Bruce Whatley may be one of Australian’s best loved children’s illustrators, but he’s also a dab hand at penning books, and in this glorious new book released just in time for Christmas, Whatley has produced a heartfelt classic in the making.

Review: The Night Before Christmas

Yes, it’s another version of Clement C Moore’s timeless poem, but honestly – who can ever get enough? With some many versions on the market, it’s a collector’s dream to find beautiful editions that recapture verse we all know and love so well.

Illustrator Isadora showcases a true love of Africa in this visually resplendent book – one of the many classic stories she has recreated with an African setting (such as Rapunzel, The Ugly Duckling and The Princess and the Pea).

Review: The Night Before Christmas

Clement C Moore’s timeless Christmas rhyme has been brought to life many times over the years – in a multitude of forms… and it’s testament to the beauty and desirability of his prose that these books continue to sell and enchant children (and adults!) all over the world.

Christmas Books for Junior Readers

This little selection of Christmas books are perfect for the avid junior reader in your family... perfect for curling up and reading on the couch while mum and dad take a Christmas Day siesta!

Magic Reindeer: A Christmas Wish
Sue Bentley
Puffin (2009), A$7.95
ISBN: 9780141325996

Can you hear the jingling bells and patter of hooves?  A magic Christmas reindeer needs you to be his friend!

Review: The First Noel - A Christmas Carousel

Looking for something different in a Christmas book this year? Well, you're in luck.

Telling the story of Christmas, as told by the Bible, this book comprises five pages, which stand together to create a carousel of red, white, gold and green.

Review: A Bush Christmas

It’s always a good thing to exposure our children (and ourselves!) to classic Australian literature, and doing this via a stunning picture book is the perfect vehicle.

Back in CJ Dennis’ time, things were a little different at Christmas time. They weren’t white with snow (real nor from a can), nor brimming with holly bushes, nor permeated with the call of carolers, rugged up in their winter’s best.

Review: Christmas Time

Think of every word you associate with Christmas. Go on. Most, if not all, are covered in this gorgeous picture book.

Each page of this book contains just one or two words. That's it. Oh, and stunning illustrations, of course.

The simplicity makes it easy to skip over, but this is an important style of book to share with your children. Children of all ages, that is.