Chris Ferrie, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney with a love of quantum physics, has become well-known for his Science baby board books and he has now branched out into the early years of schooling. His book Do You Know Rocket Science? is a Level 1 Brainy Science reader for those beginning readers who are starting to become more independent.
The scientific learning behind this book is rocket science – lift and thrust. It is explained with simple vocabulary and diagrams with clearly drawn arrows to explain air movement. The second part of the book explains how a rocket is lifted up into the sky and moves forward by a force called thrust. Once again the diagrams are very important for understanding.
The text in this early reader is short and accessible with brightly coloured pages, perfect for this age group.
Themes Science, Scientific Theory, Qantum Physics, Rockets, Non-fiction, Early Reader.
Kathryn Beilby
The month that makes the year by Inda Ahmad Zahri
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068423.
This month is different from the others. It starts with the sighting of a new crescent moon. 'Slow down, be kind to yourself and think good thoughts.' This month, we learn to do big things by changing one little thing at a time.
For Deenie, the youngest member of a Muslim family, it is her first time to fast during Ramadan. She wonders how she will survive without food or water until sunset but although she faces some challenges, by the end of the month, she learns that there is a lot more to Ramadan than giving up food and water.
This year, 2023, Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday 22 March, following the sighting of the moon over Mecca and last 30 days ending on Friday 21 April, with the celebratory days of Eid al-Fitr starting on Saturday 22 April or Sunday 23 April. While fasting is not compulsory for children, it is seen by many as a rite of passage as they come to learn 'patience, gratitude, self-control, mindfulness and a sense of solidarity with everyone on the planet' as well as 'strengthening [their] faith on [their] bond with Allah' and thus there will be many in our school communities who are going through this period of denial and for whom, as teachers, we must make allowances, not the least of which is ensuring other students have some idea of this important time in the lives of their classmates.
Told in the first person by a Muslim who has practised the tradition since being a child, its narrative format makes this a personal story that connects to both those of the faith, and those outside it. Other Muslim children will enjoy seeing themselves in a book that acknowledges their beliefs while showing that it is a struggle to go without and there will be times that they, too, might falter but that there is much that can be gained by distracting their thoughts from hunger and thirst. Sharing it with all our students will also raise awareness with non-Muslim children helping them to understand not just why their friends might be unable to participate as they normally do, but also the deeper reasons. As well as the enlightening introduction, there is also a glossary to help students understand not only the meaning of some of the terms but also their deeper implications.
From the first year of school, the Australian Curriculum has outcomes explicitly supporting 'students to recognise the emotions, abilities, needs and concerns of others [and to] develop their understanding about how respecting the perspectives, emotional states and needs of others is essential to social interactions' and this is an ideal book to meet that goal. It might even be an opportunity for all to share their own religious beliefs, customs and traditions so that they can provide a foundation for investigation throughout the year as they occur.
The Blinky Bill stories will be familiar to many of the older generation of readers. Dorrie is an ingeniously written and strikingly illustrated picture book by Tania McCartney that will reintroduce Dorothy Wall to a new generation of readers.
The story of Dorothy, or Dorrie as she was known, begins in New Zealand in 1894. Dorrie had an idyllic childhood where she was free to dance, sing, play the piano and create with paint, metal, fabric, paper, and a little bit of stardust. In 1914 Dorrie moved to Australia where she worked as a book cover designer and freelance artist. It was here that she began to write about a mischievous koala she named Blinky Bill.
Tania McCartney has created a beautiful tribute to Dorothy Wall who found her circumstances later in life very challenging. Dorrie is full of gorgeous and engaging illustrations with the text cleverly spread throughout the pages. At the end of the book there is more information about Dorothy Wall which may encourage readers to research further and seek out the Blinky Bill books.
This is a very special book and one to be treasured.
A drowning accident sees eleven-year-old Jake caught in a strange afterlife inhabited by animals waiting to be reunited with their former owners or Givers. He gradually befriends the huge and stoic Ursus, a dog that has been cruelly treated by humans, but who takes on the role of Jake’s guide and guardian.
Jake embarks on a quest, to find out what has happened to the dogs that have gone missing, and to save the animals from the cruel junk men, the Malbinocks or Bad-watchers who torture and kill at night. It is a quest that sees him recognise the roles that humans assume in relation to animals, the Givers, the Riders, the Keepers, and the Makers, and in the process, comes to understand how much humans misuse and ill-treat the creatures that are dependent on them.
Jake has to learn how to overcome his fears, restrain his anger, and give and accept kindness, lessons that he learns from his little group of companions, Ursus, Blue the horse, the little dog Gordon, and Azrak the rat, all admirable characters.
In his journey, Jake moves from one ordeal to another, learning kindness, compassion, trust, courage, and bravery. At the same time he is haunted by a recurring dream of a sad woman, waiting somewhere. Only when he has fulfilled his quest can he break through to find his place in the world again.
A place to run free is a story that would engage young adult readers who enjoy fantasy, but particularly readers who are dog lovers and pet owners as LaReaux’s depiction of each of the animal companions is so lifelike and captivating. They each have their own personality and quirks that just make you smile in recognition.
Themes Quest, Coming of age, Courage, Dogs, Abuse of animals, Fantasy.
Helen Eddy
Growing green: A first book of gardening by Daniela Sosa illus.
The beautiful embossed cover of Growing Green will be a drawcard for young children. The bright colours of all items garden related plus a number of busy, happy children will guarantee a growing audience.
The contents page has sixteen chapters beginning with a ‘Getting Started’ page with tips on what basic items will be needed to start gardening, followed by fifteen different fruit and vegetables to be grown. These include strawberries grown in Wellington boots, tomatoes, Dwarf French beans, new potatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkins, avocado pits, radishes, cress heads, tin can herb garden, salad leaves, nasturtiums and finally sunflowers.
Each fruit or vegetable has a double page spread with an introduction to the plant, a ‘You will need’ segment with illustrations plus a ‘How to Grow’ section with step-by-step instructions and clear images. On each page there is also a season, time and environment table. On some of the pages there is a ‘Did you know?’ bubble with further information about the fruit or vegetable.
The glorious illustrations throughout this book plus the vibrant final endpapers will appeal to children and engage them in the task at hand. With support from a trusted adult this book may provide hours of enjoyment. Teachers may find this a useful text when teaching procedure as it is clearly set out and easy to follow.
In Plume: festival seeker, Plume excitedly sets up a calendar of world festivals and invites all his penguin friends to join him on a festival tour of the world on the Albatross Express. Even after offering chocolate as an enticement, no one wants to join him, so he heads off on his own with Ava the albatross.
Their first stop is Scotland to celebrate the Up Helly Aa, where a Viking boat called a galley is set on fire. This celebrates the end of the Christmas season. Plume returns home to have a fire festival with his friends but fire and ice do not mix! A month later Plume flies into Brazil to celibrate the Rio Carnival where Portuguese culture is celebrated with colour, music and spectacular costumes. He tries to do the same in Antarctica, but it just does not work. Next Plume is off to India to celebrate Holi. The spreading of colour is everywhere but once again, it just does not appeal to his penguin friends in Antarctica.
Throughout the rest of the year, Plume travels to Guatemala to celebrate Easter, Algeria to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, South Korea to celebrate the Boryeong Mud Festival, in Spain, La Tomatina, in Costa Rica, the Day Of Masquerade, and Diwali in Fiji. Finally, it is Christmas Eve in Antarctica and Plume tempts his friends with all sorts of Christmas treats. When he wakes up, Plume discovers his penguin friends have a wonderful surprise in store for him.
As with the other earlier books in the series, these beautifully illustrated and engaging stories full of diverse cultural snapshots are a must have for all home, school and public libraries.
Themes Penguins, World Festivals, Culture, Diversity.
Australian pop artist Isaiah Firebrace is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man who grew up on the banks of the Murray River. His first picture book, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples is a wonderful introduction and reflection of First Nations People and their Culture. Perfect for both children and adults.
The book begins with an explanation of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country. This is followed by information about Ceremonies and their important connection for the author. Fascinating topics are discussed throughout the book and include Oldest Continuing Culture, First Inventions which highlights Ngarrindjeri man David Unaipon, Caring for Country, The Dreaming, Creation Stories, Songlines, Elders, Clans and Languages, Totems, Flags, Seasons, Astronomy, Food, Music and Dance, Yidaki (didgeridoo), Dot Painting, Art, Marngrook which inspired AFL, Significant Annual Events such as National Reconciliation Week and Naidoc Week, and The Stolen Generations.
The bold and vibrant illustrations in earthy tones are by self-taught illustrator Jaelyn Biumaiwai of Mununjali and Fijian ancestry. They are simply stunning and reflect the uniqueness of this very significant publication. There is so much to learn and understand about First Nations People and the strong message in this book is that we can Come Together in harmony. It is imperative that this book is shared amongst all children and the caring adults in their lives. A must for all school, community and public libraries.
Themes First Nations People and Culture, Living in Harmony.
Kathryn Beilby
The sinister booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761180002. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
I am a fan of The left-handed booksellers of London and was thrilled to be given the sequel, starring Susan Arkshaw an art student with a magical heritage, the left-handed bookseller Merlin and his right-handed sister, Vivien. When they uncover a sorcerous map, Merlin vanishes, and Susan and Vivien must attempt to rescue him, battling statues that come to life and a serial killer, the Lady of Stone, who is determined to murder unsuspecting people.
This time Nix has moved from London and set his story in Bath, where Sulis Minerva rules the ancient hot spring. Readers who have enjoyed stories set in the Regency period in Bath will readily recognise the ancient buildings and parks. The mythical place that Merlin finds himself marooned in, is fascinating too, with its living statues made of Portland Stone, maze and old manor. Against this vivid setting, Susan, who had decided that she wanted to pursue her art, finds that she must leave her aspirations for a normal life and use her knowledge of art and magical powers to locate Merlin. There is also the mystery of all the disappearances of so many people over the centuries and the question of what the Lady of Stone intends for the inhabitants of Bath.
Susan and Merlin’s romance slows down in The Sinister Booksellers of Bath as Susan is afraid that she will be dragged into the supernatural life of her father who is due to rise in the New Year. She also fears that the booksellers may pull her into dangerous alternative worlds like the one which has captured Merlin. However their attraction for each other doesn’t fade, and Susan knows that she must rescue Merlin, regardless of the consequences for her aims to be normal. And the action and danger that she, Merlin and Vivien face will keep the reader rivetted to the page.
Garth Nix’s world building and characterisation are so good that readers are certain to want to read anything else that he has written, in particular The Old Kingdom series starting with Sabriel. Fans may also like books by Neil Gaiman, Diana Wynne Jones and Jaclyn Moriarty. A teaching resource is available.
Themes Fantasy, Bath, Magic, Monsters, Booksellers and bookselling.
Two young boys welcome the readers to their gathering. On the first double page we are welcomed in both English and Gamilaraay the language of the Kamilaroi people of the south east corner of Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The first double pages thank the elders of the community for their past struggle, for keeping alive stories, for caring for Mother Earth, for looking into the night sky and sharing the tales found there, for listening.
Everyone is welcome: 'different colours, different people, together in harmony'.
Later Dreise thanks the environment for what it offers its people: Father Sky for the air we breathe, the sun on our faces, Mother Earth for the plants and the animals, even the ants. Then the visitors are thanked: for sharing, celebrating and being respectful of the culture. And finally the reader is thanked for being there, for sharing in the culture being presented at the corroboree, for growing with the presenters, knowing that they too will be filled with pride.
A celebration of Indigenous culture, this lively book invites everyone to the gathering, to share in the culture presented, to learn the language being offered, to share in the stories of the Kamilaroi people.
The vivid illustrations showcasing traditional Aboriginal motifs and styles, are full of colour and detail, with children on every page inviting the reader to share their experiences.
A companion to Gregg Dreise's My Culture and Me, this joyful picture book celebrates Australia's Indigenous heritage and the diversity we enjoy today.
And I love the endpapers, with the Dark Emu filling the night sky from the Southern Cross, across the Milky Way, reflecting not only the story of the Dark Emu one of the creators, headed into the night sky after he died, but also a nod to Bruce Pascoe's recent books, Dark Emu, and Young dark emu which present a new perspective on the way we see Aboriginal life in Australia before Europeans arrived.
Dear Greta written by Yvette Poshoglian is a captivating and thought provoking novel, that is an easy and delightful read. Written in letter form, this is a highly engaging, culturally connected and inspiring novel that would appeal to many.
This year is supposed to be Alice’s best one yet! It is her last year in primary school and she has high expectations. So, when she is given the ‘old fashioned’ task to ‘write to your hero’, she is less than impressed. It is even worse when she is given environmental activist, Greta Thunberg as her hero. Why could she not have been allocated a rock star, sports champion or social media sensation? In her opinion, they would be so much easier to write to because she already knows some much about them. But as Alice begins to research Greta, she discovers many fascinating facts.
Alice continually pours her life out to Greta each day and shares everything. She shares her troubles about having to give up her bedroom for her recovering grandma, ongoing arguments with her sister and then there is the Harmony Day disaster, just to name a few. But are these really big problems, or are there greater problems to think about? Will Alice be brave and make a difference to right her wrongs and become a better person? And could she possibly turn the Harmony Day Fiasco into a Cultural Celebratory Fiesta?
Yvette Poshoglian has created a highly relatable character in Alice, who many people will connect with. Sharing family connections, cultures and acceptance of others, this is a skilfully written and insightful book to stimulate and challenge your thinking.
This novel could also make a great read aloud for teachers to share with their students.
Themes Environmental issues, Harmony day, Cultures, Creativity, Taking Action, Open minded, Resilience, Reflection, Problem solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Egg by Clare Atkins and Harrison Vial
University of Queensland Press, 2022. ISBN: 9780702265594. (Age:3+) Recommended.
A very funny story of difference is told through the inhabitants of an island of eggs. This island is bleak without trees or shade, but the eggs can remember stories of what it was once like. They look seriously at the newcomer commenting on his similarities and differences. He looks like them but is different. Suspiciously they suggest that he go back to where he came from. They discuss whether he can float or not, whether he is a viable egg, and conclude that although they don’t want him there, they cannot force him to leave. Eventually they build a high wall and confine him to the end of the island. But he climbs up the wall, offering his shade to one of the eggs below. The shaded egg becomes friendly with the little egg and his tears fall to the ground and sprout a tree. The tree attracts some birds and it offers shade to the eggs below who now look at the little egg with feelings of friendship.
This multi layered story has overtones of acceptance and diversity. It touches on themes of multiculturalism and inclusion, refugees and kindness and includes comments about climate change as well. The book would be a worthy discussion starter, offering children a simply told story of welcoming. Younger readers will love following the egg as it lands on the shore, quietly listening to all the discussion about its appearance, then confined behind a wall, offering friendship.
Harrison Vial, an Adelaide based illustrator, uses fine pen and digital colouring techniques to create his art work. More about him can be found here, while author, Clare Atkins has a fascinating web site showcasing the variety of work she does. Teacher's notes are available.
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2022. ISBN: 9781760983529. (Age:9-12) Highly recommended.
This is a funny heart-warming story about friendship and acceptance of diversity. It centres around two young girls and the new boy in school, Aria, or Mute Boy, as he is teased by the others. Hero, named by her father after a Shakespearean character, and Jaz, her highly enthusiastic best friend, try to protect Aria from the school bully Rufus. The chapters fly by as Hero recounts embarrassing family situations and school mishaps. But gradually we also build up a picture of Aria, a refugee from Iran, as interweaving chapters tell of his family’s escape from persecution.
Much of the humour comes from scenes involving Hero’s father who seems to have bi-polar disorder. It is when he is UP with determination and drive that he inspires the trio of friends to overcome their fears and take on a challenge that will free Aria from his silence.
Maryam Master, an Iranian Australian, has written an uplifting story that has many funny moments, but also manages to deal with serious issues of bullying, refugees, and mental health, in a way that is easy to read and understand. The chapters are short and the print is broken up with different text highlights; a format that is sure to appeal to young readers. As a whole it makes for a fun and rewarding read with really positive messages about overcoming fear and finding inner strength.
A lively colourful look at a neighbourhood and all of its inhabitants will catch the eye of early readers as they peruse the detailed illustrations and listen to the spare text. A neighbourhood is a community of different people, and when new children move in the local children take them around the streets to show them what is there but also to tell them that everyone is welcome. The refrain, ‘we are all neighbours here’ appears every few pages, marking the end of a stanza of rhyming lines which tell the newcomers about the community in which they now live.
Words like meet and greet, work together, smile and laugh, belong, sharing and so on set the tone of a cooperative community in which everyone shares. A diverse community is shown with a range of ethnic backgrounds depicted, making up a community where support and kindness, sharing and love is apparent as everyone is welcome.
This gloriously positive book shines with possibilities as children appreciate the sentiments shown. They will look at their own neighbourhoods alive with the thought of being inclusive and welcoming, friendly and sharing. They will look again at what their community offers them and new comers, assess how welcoming they are when new people join them, and think about ways they can encourage everyone to feel part of their neighbourhood.
An engaging positive model of good neighbourly behaviour will be part of any school’s promotion of inclusivity and community.
Lively illustrations promote those places within a community which are shared places, encouraging people to join in: libraries, schools, playgrounds, cafes, community centres, all figure prominently.
And there are pop up cars, lots of balloons and street music to enjoy.
This book follows on from two others, All are welcome, and Big feelings, which promote similar themes of positivity.
Wild Dog Books, 2022. ISBN: 9781742036342. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Libraries are the most welcoming of places, and the front cover invites all readers to step inside and join in with the fun.
Each day has a different focus and the reader is take through what happens on each day with a variety of participants. Monday is making new friends day and the children, Sami and Tian Tian introduce their mothers, encouraging them to sit on the comfy chairs and chat, while the children learn the words and actions of a new making new friends song. Sami and Tian Tian then borrow a book to take home for the week. Tuesday is dinosaur day and Amina wears her dinosaur costume while Zak roars like a t-rex. Suzy the librarian reads a dinosaur story to the group but is not as good as Amina and Zak in saying the names of the animals. Both children borrow a dinosaur book and take it home to share with their family. Wednesday is a I can do day where all sorts of bits and pieces are laid out for the children to make something. Henry and Bridget make paintings to hang on the wall.Thursday is a wiggle and jiggle day with everyone joining in while Suzy sings, ‘The wheels on the bus’, a firm favourite. Erik and Yasmin sing the song all the way home, and mum suggests that they learn a new one to surprise Suzy.
Each new day sees a new activity at this wonderful library, including everyone in its programme, supporting parents and grandparents as they come along and join in with their children
The fun activities lead the children on to borrow a book to take home, to sing again the song they have learnt, to learn a new song to surprise the librarian, to dance with the family. Each brilliant page reflects family togetherness, each child confident with a family member nearby joining in. Rawlins includes a range of people and children in her lovely illustrations, underscoring the diversity of the Australian population. But it is the library and all it promotes that stands centre stage. Libraries are community centred, providing a safe environment in which children can meet and learn, join in and express themselves. The programmes offered by libraries are as diverse as the people who use them, and need to be nurtured and supported. And using your local library will do this, making sure it is there for the next generation of users. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Libraries, Family, Activities.
Fran Knight
Heroes, rebels and innovators by Karen Wyld and Jaelyn Biumaiwai
Heroes, Rebels and Innovators is an inspiring non-fiction book containing seven stories about First Nation and Torres Strait Islander people from the past. The stories have been written by author Karen Wyld of Martu descent born on Kaurna yerta in South Australia and illustrated by self-taught artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai who is of Mununjali and Fijian descent.
Each story opens with the narrative told from a First Nation perspective and then a brief historical summary of the First Nation and Torres Strait Islander inspirational figure. The stories include notable historical First Nation people such as Patyegarang, Bungaree, Tarenorerer, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, Mohara Wacando-Lifu, Fanny Balbuk Yooreel and David Unaipon a well-known Ngarrindjieri korni(man) who now features on the Australian fifty dollar note.
David Unaipon’s story will be of particular interest to South Australian readers. He was born on Point McLeay Mission now known as Raukken and was a preacher like his father. David’s incredible intelligence and visionary insights were spread across science, engineering and all aspects of writing. Unfortunately, he was unable to patent or build any of his inventions but that never stopped his dreaming. He advocated for co-operation between First Nation people and those not of First Nation descent and was the earliest First Nation writer to be published.
These seven stories provide the middle grade and lower secondary reader with an insight into an historical perspective of First Nation people not presented before. An important resource for all school and public libraries that will be a welcome addition to Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week literature.
Themes History, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander People, Colonisation, Conflict.
