Look Inside Maths by Rosie Dickins. Illus. by Benedetta Giaufret and Enrica Rusina
Usborne, 2021. ISBN: 9781474986304. (Age:6+)
Almost 40 years ago in a school where literacy and maths classes were streamed from Kindy onwards (an argument for another day) I was assigned a maths group deemed at the lower end of the spectrum and expected to teach them in a way that had already failed them for two years, killing not only their interest in maths but their belief in their being able to master the subject. And so a new approach was needed. For the kids' sake I was prepared to wear the wrath of the PTB who were determined that the be-all and end-all was an English text book series that even to me, spoke in riddles. Having had great success with a whole-language classroom, I decided to try a whole-maths classroom and for an hour a day while they were with me, my Year 2 students were immersed in maths that related to their everyday lives so they could see that it had purpose, meaning and relevance for them. From this grew my first book, Maths About Me and later a sequel, Maths About My Year. By the end of that year my students could see why maths was important to them, how it drove so many aspects of their lives and their belief in their ability to conquer its abstraction reinstated.
So to be asked to review a book that takes a similar approach by demonstrating through bright, busy illustrations and hundreds of flaps to lift and explore, the ubiquity of maths - numbers, shapes, measurement, processes and even a challenge to put what has been learned into practice was such a treat. Even though it is in board book format, that is to ensure the durability of the lift-the-flap design and it has a place in any early childhood collection. In fact, it could be used as a model for older students who might like to create their own page of how maths is embedded in their lives.
There are those who believe that if you have a calculator you have all you need to solve maths problems (just like there are those who believe that all information is available on the internet) but it is that deep understanding of and engagement with the processes and the way they are embedded in everyday life that is the critical element of success. If we can get our youngest students appreciating this through books like these, attitudes will change and competency soar.
Themes Mathematics.
Barbara Braxton
Little Days out: At the park by Illus. by Sally Garland
Catch a Star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326324. (Age:1-3) Recommended.
Toddlers will love the familiar scenes that appear in Little Days Out: At the Park and will easily recognise the activities that occur. Granny is seen packing a picnic hamper full of sandwiches, cupcakes and fruit for a little boy and his sister. The accompanying lift the flap shows the park on a beautiful autumn day. The little boy has fun stomping through the leaves and hiding behind a big tree, then finding the swings and building a sandcastle. Finally, after feeding the ducks, the picnic lunch is spread on a blanket and the little boy emerges from his hiding spot behind a lift-the-flap urn of red leaves.
One short sentence on each double page spread, plus one behind the flap, make it an enjoyable read aloud and new vocabulary will be learnt. The simple text is beautifully complemented by the brightly coloured pictures and the lift-the-flaps are easy to manage and very strong, making the book ideal for young children.
Themes Parks, Picnics, Excursions.
Pat Pledger
Guinness World Records 2022
Guinness World Records, 2021. ISBN: 9781913484149. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
The Guinness World Records books are some of the most popular non-fiction reads for both children and adults. This latest 2022 edition will not disappoint fans of these annually released books. With reference to the global pandemic and the changes that it brought to the way people choose to do things, this newest release showcases amazing tenacity and accomplishments by people from all over the world.
The Contents page lists ten chapters to browse through with the headings of Environment, Natural World, Humans, Recordology, Adventures, Science & Technology, Society, Young Achievers, Pop Culture and Sports. Each chapter lists the topics or people discussed with adjacent page numbers and recognises one Hall of Fame award under each main heading. In the Society chapter, Malala Yousafzai is the Hall of Famer, and she has a double page spread devoted to her amazing achievements for justice. There is also a weblink on the page to find out more information about her.
At the end of the book is a very detailed index, a list of consultants, acknowledgements, a stop press section where approved entries are added after the official closing date for submissions plus a behind the scenes explanation of the decision to extend the very popular Rod Hunt theme ‘Where’s Wadlow?’ and head to the beach. If you look closely at the front cover, you will notice a Tasmanian student Beth, sliding down a sandcastle after Tassie teacher Katelyn Cramer encouraged her class to enter the Guinness World Records 2022 Cover Competition.
This book is full of fabulous photographs, diagrams, tables and segmented information which is easy to comprehend and follow. In the Human chapter under the title of oldest is a snapshot of Captain Sir Tom Moore (1920-2021) who raised the most money ($44.5 m) by a charity walk (individual). His story resonated with viewers across the world when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all nations into lockdown. In the Society chapter there is a double page devoted to Pandemics from the earliest time to today. The Pop Culture section covers well-known online games and icons such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Star Wars and Pokemon. This latest addition just has so much to offer and will be in demand in any home, classroom, school or public library.
The website is a treasure trove of information, activities and opportunities to utilise this amazing book and all it offers to its readers.
Themes Achievements, Science, People, Pop Culture, Environment, Nature, Sport.
Mouse has never had a friend quite like Pig. Pig is so incredibly kind, endlessly thoughtful and fabulously fun, that he is the best friend anyone could ever have. But Pig also has a big secret. he's a tremendous worrier!
So when he decides to throw a party for all his friends the concern kicks in and he worries about everything from a lion eating the invitations to his guests comparing this party to others. In fact, he worries so much that he decides to call it off.
Luckily, Mouse is attuned to Pig's mental health and suggests a walk so they can talk things over before he makes a final decision...
Anxiety about the what ifs are becoming a real part of the psyche of so many of our students these days because adults seem to be attaching such high stakes to the smallest things. And with lockdown in many places stretching out seemingly endlessly the lack of that interaction with their peers that normally provides some perspective and balance is lacking and so molehills become mountains very quickly. So sharing stories like this in which we are assured that "things don't stay grey for very long" is an essential part of helping our little ones cope and develop strategies for when the what ifs seem to take over.
As well as the positive story which is charming in itself, the quirky illustrations and visual tricks with the text really make this book stand out, offering an introduction to the ways illustrators and designers can add so much to words on a page. It demonstrates the differences in style between artists - compare this pig to one from Three Little Pigs for example and talk about the similarities and differences yet the legitimacy of each style. This is the age when children become super-critical of their own artwork, and if it doesn't look like the real thing or what they envisage, many dismiss their efforts, tell themselves they "can't draw" and this self-talk destroys their creativity.
So, all in all, this is a must-have for so many reasons.
Themes Pigs, Mice, Worry, Friendship.
Barbara Braxton
Squeals on wheels by Renee Treml
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526481. (Age:6-9) Recommended.
Ollie the owl wants to go skating and tries to encourage a more reticent Bea the bunny to join her. Bea is worried about the size of her feet and feels she will look ridiculous on skates, but Ollie never gives up, offering support and friendship to convince Bea to overcome her worries.
This graphic novel has larger pictures so the amount of text and information on a page makes it easier for younger students to read. There are many fun word plays and jokes throughout the book that students will enjoy.
“Hey Bea. Do you know what the hardest part of skating is?” “Balance? Coordination?” “The ground!”
This is a book about friendship and supporting and encouraging someone who needs reassurance to try something new and overcome personal anxieties.
Renee Treml moved from the USA to Australia in 2007 and is the author/illustrator of Wombat Big, Puggle Small, Sleep Tight, Platypup and the creator of another graphic novel series Sherlock Bones. I am pleased to see more Australian made graphic novels for children.
Do Not Mess With The Mermaids written by Michelle Robinson is an entertaining and amusing adventure fantasy. Set in a fabulous kingdom with mythical creatures, including dragons, unicorns, gnomes and more, this story is sure to please many young story lovers of make-believe.
Grace and her sister Portia are not your average princesses. They, with their Dad King Wonder, live in a magnificent castle in the Kingdom of Wondermere. However, that is probably the only part of being a princess that they are. Grace and her sister, both do things a little differently, and Grace doesn’t like wearing frilly dresses. They are both courageous, brave and bold, but they also break many rules. Grace is not afraid to take on any challenge, however, big or small. So, when they find a large spotted, shimmery egg in the bottom of the moat, Grace decides to take it back to its dragon parents.
There is only one…. or maybe two… or maybe actually an abundance of things that could go wrong!
For one thing, the King has very important guests coming to the kingdom; the Mermaid Queen of the Outer Ocean. Everyone at Wondermere need to make a good impression and be on their best behaviour. Secondly, what do you do when you discover the egg has hatched? Will Grace and Portia be able to successfully reunite the lively little dragon, without upsetting too many people, or will this be the biggest disaster yet?
Michelle Robinson has written an entertaining and captivating story. The plot moves along at a great speed, keeping the reader entertained. The illustrations throughout by Sharon Davey add to the engagement level. A thoroughly good read, combined with strong female protagonists, this book will be enjoyed by many. With another story in this new series to be released, the wonderment of what could possibly happen next will keep the readers waiting in anticipation.
Themes Fantasy, Adventure, Mythical creatures, Problem solving.
Michelle O'Connell
Aussie STEM Stars John Long: Fossil hunter by Danielle Clode
John Long, an Australian palaeontologist and author, has had a rich and varied life. Author Danielle Clode has shared John’s story from childhood to present day in an engaging book that will leave readers wondering what he will achieve next.
Born in Melbourne in 1957, John’s first foray into the world of fossils began as a seven-year-old when his friend’s father took the two boys to the Lilydale quarry. It was there that John, who was hoping to find a dinosaur such as a T-Rex or Stegosaurus, discovers that by splitting rocks he would find fossils inside. From this outing John’s interest was ignited and he began his amazing journey.
John’s family were not wealthy and he persevered to overcome financial roadblocks by gaining scholarships and grants, working in various odd jobs and seeking out opportunities in his field of study. What is portrayed clearly in this book is that with the support of family, friends, like-minded contacts and his own inner drive, John was able to achieve his dream of becoming a palaeontologist.
Included in this story are text boxes expanding on information or explaining unfamiliar terms. There are simple images distributed throughout the book and an important glossary at the end. The final page is a brief snapshot of South Australian author Danielle Clode. She was the ideal person to tell John’s story as her own interest in Australian fossils is evident in her published books.
The true value in reading this book and others in the Aussie STEM Stars series is the opportunity to discover the stories of ordinary Australians who have made significant contributions to STEM. A perfect addition to any home, school or public library.
These are the memoirs of ME, Holly Hopkinson, aged almost ten. I am writing this, so that, in the future, historians will have a real account of what life was like in the twenty-first century except without any of the rubbish adults usually put in, thank you very much. My dad just lost his job, which means me and the rest of my family have to leave London and move to the middle of nowhere, which is a TOTAL DISASTER! There's no Wi-Fi, the local kids are FERAL and there's animal poo EVERYWHERE.
But then for my birthday, my eccentric aunt gave me a magic pocket watch, which I can use to hypnotise and CONTROL people. I actually wanted a new phone, but I won't complain because this new power is REALLY FUN and has led to the MOST unexpected things - including a visit to the QUEEN.
Maybe the countryside isn't so bad after all. (Publisher)
This is the first in a new series (the second, A Little Bit Of A Big Disaster is due in early 2022) that will appeal to independent readers who will put themselves into Holly's story and ride the rollercoaster with her. With text features interspersed with line drawings, this is one that is definitely going to Miss 10 as she battles being in isolation in lockdown. (They're allowed gifts by post so she will like that too!) She is the social butterfly who is missing the contact with her classmates the most and so this will be a new set of "friends" for her to engage with.
Themes Hypnotism, Magic, Diaries.
Barbara Braxton
Afloat in Venice by Tina Wilson. Music by Matt Ottley
One Tentacle Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9780648511960.
Long ago when people were allowed to travel where and when they wanted, Monkey decided to take a holiday. First to be packed was his new camera and then everything else he was sure he would need. Two days in a plane, a long boat ride and a lot of stairs saw him arrive in a city that seemed to grow straight out of the sea! He was in Venice in Italy.
Almost as soon as he steps out to explore the city, he meets Clarabella, a friendly cat who offers to show Monkey the sights of the city and they spend the day taking photos of all the iconic places. But when Monkey drops his camera and it falls into a disappearing gondola, he discovers that there are more important things in his life...
This is a unique book and it is going to appeal to a broad audience, not just those who are familiar with Venice or who have dreams to go there.
Most striking are the illustrative techniques. Monkey and his friends are soft toys, lovingly knitted by the author's mother who has also provided the patterns on Monkey's website, and they are pictured against stunning photographic images of Venice. After being given Monkey as a gift and sharing photos of him with her partner Matt Ottley while they were separated because of work, the author realised that soft toys are a universal language among adults and children, particularly given the number that have their own Instagram accounts, and that this could be a unique way for readers to travel when circumstances (not just COVID-19 restrictions) prevented it. Monkey's adventures were born.
Monkey's adventures reminded me of the fun we had with hosting exchange teddies back in the early days of the Internet when we could share their adventures in almost real time using the early digital cameras and creating webpages using raw html code. The places those toys could take us once people learned why we were photographing them against particular backdrops! And what our students learned about the world and their place in it, the friendships made - Monkey and Clarabella epitomise those.
Enriching the experience enormously, partner/composer/illustrator Matt Ottley (winner of the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year) has composed a soundtrack to accompany the book so that all its nuances are experienced in full sensory mode. There are two tracks - one to accompany the child holding the book and listening to it being read to them; the other a more extended version to take the whole experience into the world of those with visual disabilities who may have braille for the words but nothing for the pictures. The extended narration and music enable them to 'see' the whole thing. These are included with the book as a CD but for those without the equipment, it can be downloaded.
And there are more of Monkey's adventures to be released in 2022.
This is going to be a stand-out read-aloud and read-alone in your collection because it is that wonderful combination of story and illustrations with characters and situations that its audience will relate to and all the added extras will make Monkey and his friends their friends too. A book trailer is available.
Themes Venice (Italy), Toys, Adventure.
Barbara Braxton
You don't belong here by Elizabeth Becker
Black Inc., 2021. ISBN: 9781760641535. (Age:Adult - Adolescent) Highly recommended.
This is a collection of stories, written by Elizabeth Becker, herself a journalist at that time, about three women who chose to report on the war in Vietnam, when such a choice was not acceptable to men, who traditionally have reported on wars. Becker writes that all three challenged the common notion that only men knew about and could thus report on, war, each woman referring to their country’s involvement, and commenting on certain events as they occur, their analyses riveting and intelligent. Long rejected by male reporters, for moving into this ‘male’ area, Australian journalist Kate Webb, French photo-journalist Catherine Leroy, and Frances Fitzgerald, an American intellectual, and also a photo-journalist, all assert their right to work within that world, despite its being traditionally covered only by male journalists.
Highly successful in their work, their writing skills were considered to be clearly equal to their male colleagues, who had dominated this area in the past. Bringing a fresh view to the aspects of war, as seen through their work, the women clearly depicted the conditions of the soldiers, and the resolutions that they describe at the time of their reporting. Long denigrated by the western world as being unable to be appropriate reporters of war, these women chose to reject that notion and their writing sheds light on their particular area, enabling the reader of their time to gain a deep understanding of that time and world.
Quoting the expectations for women who chose to be reporters at that time, Becker includes a list of conditions under which Leroy was permitted to work at her job: “Leroy was expected to be ladylike … it came down to her gender.” Also it was suggested that she didn’t belong because “she wasn’t a guy”. Some members of the military tried to get the Air Force to exclude her, one even suggesting that she was ‘unwashed’ in the Biblical sense. Fortunately, other men in leadership supported Leroy, stating that she was professional and that she produced photographs of ‘world class standards’. All three women, and Becker herself, worked under similar conditions.
Accessing letters and interviews, as well as their actual writing, Becker describes their worlds, the responses of readers, and the depth of their work. In a revelatory and riveting manner, this book taking the reader into an area that was not discussed in that time. Becker has addressed the notion that women ought to have had a justifiable place in the reporting world, that being ‘permitted’ to report on war, and thus to consider another perspective of the conditions, events and world of the Vietnam War, was very important.
Becker had been thinking deeply about the impact of the war on the people of Vietnam, wanting to alert the readers of that time to consider also how the war changed not only the lives of the soldiers, but indeed it changed so drastically the world of the people and the lives of so many of the Vietnamese community. She states that the three women worked with her in the compilation of their stories. Becker’s book is highly recommended for adolescent and adult readers.
Themes Short stories.
Elizabeth Bondar
The glint of gold by Kate McGann & Patricia Ward
Little Pink Dog Books, 2021. ISBN: 9780648964032. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Kate McGann, an Australian author, teams up with Patricia Ward, whose illustrations are truly whimsical and with a suggestion of the ‘glint of gold on’ every page. The front cover will draw any child in to want to read it. With that beautiful gold leaf falling from the tree and the happiness on the child’s face.
From the very beginning of this wonderfully illustrated book, the reader believes that the gold can be seen, but what really is it?
The young girl telling the story draws the reader in to believe that hope is all around us in our everyday lives. It is about hope and believing in yourself. You need to look around you, that glint of gold is everywhere. It’s in the blossom of trees, in the classroom. It doesn’t have to be seen, it’s what you hear, feel and touch. That glint of gold can strike when you complete that tricky math problem, or when someone gives you a hug. The glint of gold is what makes you happy.
I would highly recommend this book to readers. I would also use it for wellbeing lessons.
Themes Wellbeing, gratitude.
Natalie Fisher
Let's go! On a Submarine by Rosalyn Albert and Natalia Moore
Catch a Star, 2021. ISBN: 9781922326270. (Age:1-4)
Another in the board book Let’s Go! series, that features different forms of transport and vehicles (Let's go! On a digger, Let’s go! On a train), Let’s Go! On a submarine is a fun book that toddlers will love.
'Let's go on a submarine And cruise beneath the sea. Discovering strange creatures Who swim so fast and free.'
Told in the first person, the text is written in rhyming couplets that facilitate a pleasant read aloud for young children. The excitement of going on an underwater adventure is evident on the faces of the children who embark on the trip on the submarine.
Each page has just two lines and a vivid illustration with a diversity of characters can be seen across the double page spread. Young children will enjoy learning the meaning of the new words that are encountered (ballast, propellers, coral, shimmer, sonar, sound waves and periscope) and finding the illustration that shows them just what the object looks like.
Bright colours bring the underwater world to life. The illustrations are very detailed, and all the creatures seen have very cute, happy faces that will appeal to children. As with others in this series, the book is very sturdy, and its small size will be helpful as young children learn to turn the pages.
The Let’s Go! series is a useful addition to a home or pre-school collection and On a submarine is sure to have fans.
Themes Submarines.
Pat Pledger
Making Friends: A Book About First Friendships by Amanda McCardie. Illus. by Colleen Larmour
Walker Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781406394542. (Age:3+)
Sukie is starting a new school and shares the concerns of every child in the same situation - will she make friends. But she soon learns that making friends can happen in all sorts of ways, big and small, even unexpected. However, it is not enough to make friends - you have to work on maintaining the friendships by respecting others' differences as well as the things you have in common.
So many children who have been restricted by stay-at-home orders in parts of Australia are separated from their friends right now - even though they have visual contact through online sources or audio through the phones, it is the physical, spontaneous face-to-face contact they are missing and which is impacting on their mental well-being. Even Miss 10, the family social butterfly, is worried that she will be forgotten and won't have any friends when school eventually returns.
If nothing else, this time at home has demonstrated the critical role schools play well beyond the formal academic teaching and this book would be a worthwhile addition to any teacher's toolkit as they help their students navigate making friends and being friends again after such a long social isolation. It has a wider reach than just supporting those who will be starting a new school as a new year approaches. Readers are invited to agree, disagree and add to the situations in which Sukie finds herself - should she be embarrassed and uncomfortable that Mikkel refuses her help with his jigsaw puzzle or is it OK to say no sometimes? And cleverly, illustrator Colleen Larmour has included a picture of someone sharing kindness on almost every page, opening up not only an opportunity to look closely but also the concept of doing a random act of kindness every day.
Our children are negotiating a tricky time at the moment, different but just as confronting as children in past generations, and the strategies and coping mechanisms we help them to develop now will play a large role in how they will survive and thrive. This book has a role to play in that.
Themes Friendships.
Barbara Braxton
The Australian climate change book by Polly Marsden. Illus. by Chris Nixon
Polly Marsden and Chris Nixon, author and Illustrator of the 2020 release The Bushfire Book: How to Be Aware and Prepare, have collaborated to produce The Australian Climate Change Book, an excellent resource for younger readers. Climate change is predominant in the media and school children today are more environmentally aware than ever before. For students of all ages the simpler the explanation, the easier it is for them to grasp the concept. The thoughtful text and beautifully drawn images are presented in a picture book that will provide both teachers and parents with a valuable tool which answers the simple questions children may have. The book begins by asking the reader if they can balance. The response is: “I can if everything around me is just right”. It then goes onto explain how the earth is constantly doing a balancing act to keep its ecosystems connected. The explanation of how our climate is changing too fast for our ecosystems to adapt, leads the reader to a growing understanding of climate change. They are introduced to the causes of climate change and the effects on our Australian weather which then affects our precious habitats for plants, animals and human beings. The final pages of the book provide hope for the reader and share knowledge of what experts around the world are doing to try to stem climate change. There is important information for children on what they can do to help which is also reinforced on a pull-out poster that can be placed on the wall as a reminder. The last page gives further information on where you can go to search for more about this very significant problem.
A very worthwhile resource for home, school and public libraries.
The author of Norton and the Bear, shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Picture Book of the Year Award 2021, has written a companion book, Norton and the Borrowing Bear. In this beautifully written story, Norton learns a valuable life lesson after he invites Bear, who has moved in next door, over for dinner. Norton is so keen to have a friend in his busy bustling neighbourhood living next door. The evening is very pleasant but ends with Bear wanting to borrow Norton’s slippers. While Norton allows him to, it does not sit well with him and he worries all night. The next day Bear borrows even more of Norton’s precious things, his teapot and cup, his yoga mat, calming flute music and peace lily picture, his new jumper and finally his special chair. That is the last straw for Norton and he loses it with Bear. Bear is embarrassed and returns the borrowed items. Will Norton and Bear be able to salvage their friendship and learn to accept each other as they are?
Younger readers will love hearing this story read aloud and looking at the detailed illustrations. A perfect addition to any home, school or public library.
