The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced the shortlist for the 2004 Children's Book of the Year Awards. The winners will be announced on Friday 20th August, 2004 . Book Week commences 21st August.
Remember that there is now a different entry process for Picture books . From 2001, all books are entered in one of the other categories with publishers indicating if they wish a particular book to be considered for Picture book of the year . The CBCA judges have the ultimate responsibility for selecting these entries from all books submitted for the Awards.
Additional reviews will be uploaded to this page as they come to hand. All prices quoted in the reviews (below) are GST inclusive, but are subject to change.
Also visit the official Children's Book Council of Australia web site.
CBCA 2004 SHORTLISTED FINALISTS
IN THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
- ALLEN, Pamela Grandpa and Thomas, Penguin/Viking, Australia, SCIS 1150648, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- BARBALET, Margaret (illus Andrew McLean) Reggie, queen of the street, Penguin/Viking, SCIS 1141778, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- COX, Tania (illus David Miller) Snap! went Chester, Hodder Children's Books, SCIS 1137888, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- GLEESON, Libby (illus Ann James) Shutting the chooks in, Scholastic, SCIS 1119394, reviewed Scan 22(4)
- WILD, Margaret (illus David Legge) Baby Boomsticks, ABC Books, SCIS 1144637, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- WILD, Margaret (illus Ann James) Little Humpty, Little Hare, SCIS 1140646, reviewed Scan 23(2)
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BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS
- BASE, Graeme TruckDogs: a novel in four bites, Viking, SCIS 1150731, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- HERRICK, Steven Do-wrong Ron, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1127974
- MILLARD, Glenda The naming of Tishkin Silk, ABC Books, SCIS 1148274, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- STARKE, Ruth Stella by the sea, Puffin, SCIS 1136805, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- STEPHENS, Michael Mudlark, HarperCollins, SCIS 1142623, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- WILKINSON, Carole Dragonkeeper, Black Dog Books, SCIS 1147767, reviewed Scan 23(3)
_____________________________________________________
BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
(These books are for mature readers)
- GARDNER, Scot Burning Eddy, Pan Macmillan Australia , SCIS 1121266, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- MARCHETTA, Melina Saving Francesca, Viking, SCIS 1123994, reviewed Scan 22(3)
- METZENTHEN, David, Boys of blood and bone, Penguin, SCIS 1131762, reviewed Scan 22(4)
- MOLONEY, James Black taxi, Angus&Robertson, SCIS 1132958, reviewed Scan 22(4)
- MURRAY, Martine How to make a bird, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1140658, reviewed Scan 23(2)
- NIX, Garth Mister Monday, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1144991, reviewed Scan 23(3)
_____________________________________________________
EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS
- CARLYTON, Patrick The Gallipoli story, Penguin, SCIS 1128154, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- DALE, Kim Bush babies, Lothian, SCIS 1148911, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- MALBUNKA, Mary When I was little like you, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1119968, reviewed Scan 22(3)
- MORECROFT, Richard & MACKAY, Alison Zoo album, ABC Books, SCIS 1144632, reviewed Scan 23(3)
- NICHOLLS, Christine Art, history, place, Working Title Press, reviewed Scan 23(3)
-
NICHOLSON, John Animal architects, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1125998, reviewed Scan 22(4)
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PICTURE BOOKS
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; arranged alphabetically by illustrator)
- BLACKWOOD, Freya (text John Heffernan) Two summers, Scholastic, SCIS 1150440, reviewed Scan 23(3)
|
Cover illustration by Frey Blackwood
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd
Do not reproduce |
- CURTIS, Neil (text Joan Grant) Cat and fish, Lothian, SCIS 1131289, reviewed Scan 22(4)
COMING SOON |
Cover illustration by Neil Curtis
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Lothian Books
Do not reproduce |
- JAMES, Ann (text Libby GLEESON) Shutting the chooks in, Scholastic, SCIS 1119394, reviewed Scan 22(4)
|
Cover illustration by Ann James
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd
Do not reproduce |
- KING, Stephen Michael Milli, Jack and the dancing cat, Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1137111, reviewed Scan 23(1)
|
Cover illustration by Stephen Michael King
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd
Do not reproduce |
- McLEAN, Andrew (text Margaret BARBALET) Reggie, queen of the street, Penguin/Viking, SCIS 1141778, reviewed Scan 23(3)
|
Cover illustration by Andrew McLean
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Penguin Books Australia
Do not reproduce |
- THOMPSON Colin The violin man Hodder Children's, SCIS 1148249, reviewed Scan 23(2)
|
Cover illustration by Colin Thompson
Cover reproduced with kind permission of Hodder Headline Australia
Do not reproduce |
ALLEN, Pamela
Grandpa and Thomas
Penguin/Viking, 2003
ISBN 0670041572
Totally relaxed and content, Thomas and his Grandpa enjoy sharing each experience on their day at the beach. This loving relationship needs very little conversation as actions speak louder than words, especially when aptly supported by black outlined illustrations, subtly coloured with a wash to match the gentle mood of the text. Setting up the umbrella and towels, building and decorating a sandcastle, sharing a picnic lunch, feeding the seagulls, and splashing along the water's edge, demonstrate the passing of time against the constant alliterative background of the waves as they swish, swash, swoosh . Observant young readers will be eager to point out the creeping advance of the waves which threaten the sandcastle and herald the end of another enjoyable day. This gorgeous picture book is a must to share. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1150648 |
BARBALET, Margaret & McLEAN, Andrew
Reggie, queen of the street
Penguin/Viking, 2003
ISBN 0670040576
McLean's familiar illustrations portray Regina , a much loved pet, her genteel owners, and the friendly cricket playing children in the idyllic city suburb in an engaging light. Appealing to all, and offending noone, this picture book has all the hallmarks of a safe read aloud, complete with mild doggy adventure and happy family ending. The transition from urban to semi rural environment presents no real contrast between the monocultural neighbours in both settings. The reader is imbued with homogenous characters and a fairly predictable story told in gentle language throughout this award winning book. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1141778 |
COX, Tanya & MILLER, David
Snap! went Chester
Hodder Children's Books, 2003
ISBN 0733617727
David Miller's realistic paper sculptures leap off each page, supporting and enhancing the written text, while telling the story of a bored crocodile that amuses himself by scaring unsuspecting animals at the waterhole. Sure to engage a young audience with its repetitive and predictable text, the ending will be as much a surprise to them as to Chester , the crocodile, and could promote discussion about animal characteristics and habitats. Paper: coloured; painted; fringed; crimped; scalloped; curled; cut; layered and stuffed; is the star of this appealing picture book. Teachers will find it difficult to resist an opportunity for students to develop fine motor skills while producing a colourful classroom display based on this story. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| Paper $14.95 |
SCIS 1137888 |
GLEESON, Libby & JAMES, Ann
Shutting the chooks in
Scholastic, 2003
ISBN 186388985X
It's late afternoon at the farm. A young boy takes pleasure in his daily task of gathering the chooks, feeding them and safely locking them away for the night. Young listeners will be fearful for the boy and one of his charges when routine becomes extraordinary, and the boy's gaiety becomes a race against rising panic, darkness and the unknown until the safety of home is reached. Charcoal line sketches, enhanced with oil pastels for colour, ably reflect the changing moods and wealth of descriptive language in the text. An unusual picture book, it could be used for oral recounts and would work well for a story mapping activity. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.94 |
SCIS 1119394 |
WILD, Margaret & LEGGE, David
Baby Boomsticks
ABC Books, 2003
ISBN 073330740X
Reminiscent of Gulliver's travels , this picture book involves a giant baby growing up in a miniature town amidst little people. Legge's vibrant illustrations show detailed facial expressions, scenic backgrounds and humorous cameo situations. Students will enjoy the numerous hidden surprises and the larger than life occurrences. This is an ingenious story in which the big baby uses his differences to solve problems caused by his size, and finds happiness and acceptance in a teeny tiny world. Teachers may find that the lessons played out here could assist students feeling alienated amongst their peers. The language and visual literacy techniques in this book could support a range of literacy outcomes. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2 |
| $25.95 |
SCIS 1144637 |
WILD, Margaret & JAMES, Ann
Little Humpty
Little Hare Books, 2003
ISBN 1877003166
Readers would benefit from learning a few facts about Arabian camels, they are the ones with one hump, and their habitats, in preparation for reading this beautifully illustrated picture book. A young camel is caught up in a world where his mother and the local vegetation are his only companions. Mum, concerned about the size of the world perceived by Little Humpty, decides to take her offspring on a journey of anticipation, based on the things they might discover together after they cross the desert. Readers will empathise with the young camel and join in the predicting game which helps to distract from the toil of the long journey. This is a happy story, with good examples of expressive verbs working well to portray the childish energy of the young camel. S. Bremner
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
KLA: English
SYLLABUS: English K–6 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1140646 |
_____________________________________________________
BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS
BASE, Graeme
TruckDogs: a novel in four bites
Penguin, 2003
ISBN 0670893331
The town of Hubcap is inhabited by intriguing creatures which are a cross between various breeds of dogs and vehicles. The town is a battleground between the mongrel pack and the RottWheeler gang. Adept language use and the extended metaphor of dogs with human personalities creates a humorous and engaging story which relies on short sentences and fast paced action to describe the battle. Written text is supported by full page colour illustrations with clever profiles of the main characters laid out as colloquial fact sheets. The novel lends itself to reading aloud as the expressive dialogue cleverly depicts different personalities. Mature readers will enjoy the experimentation with form and style in this wonderfully original tale, and there is plenty for teachers to explore in classwork. E. Derouet
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1150731 |
HERRICK, Steven
Do-wrong Ron
Allen & Unwin |
| |
SCIS 1127974 |
MILLARD, Glenda
The naming of Tishkin Silk
ABC, 2003
ISBN 0733313140
This beautifully written novel is not just about a sensitive boy starting a new school. Sharing the sadness of the main character, Griffin , the reader feels a sense of loss, but is not sure why until discovering that Griffin 's baby sister is a victim of cot death. Compelling the reader to travel on this sad and special journey with Griffin , the narrative also explores how the other family members interact and cope with this tragedy. The author creates a magical feel around this unusual family and handles an extremely difficult topic with sensitivity and respect. F. Kyle
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 |
| Paper $11.95 |
SCIS 1148274 |
STARKE, Ruth
Stella by the sea
Puffin, 2003 (Aussie chomps)
ISBN 01433006660
A crafted and intelligent narrative, with a likable and slightly eccentric heroine, this well written novel is a lovely reading experience. Starke gently satirises the real estate business in this tale of Stella who wants, and gets, a private property that she can call her own, a cubbyhouse with an ocean view. The narrative's main characters are cleverly drawn; distinct and interesting personalities emerge clearly despite the story's short length. Dream analysis, gardening, cooking, financial awareness, and older people in society, are some of the issues encountered in the novel, and these are incorporated and described with all the skill of a talented writer who knows her market. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 |
| $12.95 |
SCIS 1136805 |
STEPHENS, Michael
Mudlark
HarperCollins, 2003
ISBN 0207199809
Dealing with the dislocation of his family after his mother becomes terminally ill, Jim retreats into a world of imagination. The class bird is a mudlark, entrusted to Jim for the weekend by his teacher, who had saved the bird from attack by other mudlarks. To Jim, this bird becomes the symbol of a species turned on by its peers, and he empathises with its plight. The extent to which Jim is different from the other boys is not made clear, although the character development throughout the novel is strong. The description of Jim's neighbourhood and his exploits, which include thwarting a potential attack on a girl he admires, are plausible, if somewhat unresolved. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 |
| Paper $13.95 |
SCIS 1142623 |
WILKINSON, Carole
Dragonkeeper
black dog, 2003
An engrossing read, this novel takes independent readers on a thrilling journey. Meet Ping, a slave girl neglected by her master and struggling with daily challenges, including feeding the dragons. What happens to Ping and the dragons when the Emperor arrives? What adventures and dangers does she experience? This has all the elements of the quest as Ping makes important personal choices, faces her fears in meeting perilous situations, and draws on her inner resources and strengths to overcome foes threatening her life. Recurring themes include friendship, loyalty, self perception and courage in a world of shape shifters, sorcerers and necromancers. Ping 's character continues to develop throughout this strong, rewarding work. It also provides an interesting taste of Chinese culture in the ancient Han Dynasty. A helpful glossary and brief pronunciation guide at the end support readers. C. Foley
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 |
| Paper $19.95 |
SCIS 1147767 |
_____________________________________________________
BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
(These books are for mature readers)
GARDNER, Scot
Burning Eddy
Pan Macmillan Australia , 2003
ISBN 0330364014
Fifteen year old Dan is not the most popular boy in Bellan. He is the brunt of harassment from his peers and he endures a great deal of suffering. Thankfully, he finds a semblance of normality when he meets Eddy, an eccentric eighty six year old Dutch woman. The two forge an unlikely friendship which releases Dan from cruelty and his fragmented family life. Unfortunately, the plot is slow moving in places, and some events seem to happen for no apparent reason. In addition, seemingly complex situations are resolved in a superficial manner. Because of these narrative problems, the novel may not appeal to all readers. H. Gardiner
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 |
| Paper $14.95 |
SCIS 1121266 |
MARCHETTA, Melina
Saving Francesca
Viking, 2003
ISBN 0670040452
Relinquishing none of her trademark humour and joie de vivre, this second novel by Marchetta will engage and please readers. Pretence, acceptance, loyalty of friends and family, and disillusion, are strong themes that suspend Francesca in a world of ambivalence. Moving from the secure but shallow adolescent friendships of junior high school, Francesca and her female minority cohort enter the strong male bastion of an all boys' school for Years 11 and 12. Certainties in Francesca's life are swept away as her mother, Mia, battles with depression and the family struggles with a new identity without its driving force. The issue of depression is sensitively and realistically portrayed in this long awaited novel. E. Maxwell
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 |
| Paper $24.95 |
SCIS 1123994 |
METZENTHEN, David
Boys of blood & bone
Penguin, 2003
ISBN 0143001302
Eighty five years separates the lives of Henry Lyon and Andy Lansell, but the young men share a common bond. They are adventurous, they love to spend time with their mates, and neither can resist pretty girls. Henry is stranded in the town of Strattford and Andy is fighting in the trenches of France , but their lives collide when Henry is given Andy's diary to read. The beautifully written plot features realistic characterisations and incredibly moving scenes. The dominant themes of loyalty, loss, and the utter senselessness of war could be explored in detail. Undoubtedly, this powerful novel will leave an indelible mark on the reader's consciousness. H. Gardiner
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 |
| Paper $18.95 |
SCIS 1131762 |
MOLONEY, James
Black taxi
Angus & Robertson, 2003
ISBN 0207199892
When Paddy Larkin is sent to jail, only his granddaughter is entrusted to take care of his prized black Mercedes and his mobile phone. Rosie Sinclair soon discovers that this seemingly simple task brings unexpected burdens. From ensuring elderly folk meet their social engagements, to picking up gorgeous guys, and outwitting a slippery uncle, Rosie finds herself in many humorous predicaments. However, someone keeps making sinister phone calls and Rosie has no idea who might be responsible. With larger than life characters, embarrassing moments, and the element of mystery, teenage readers should enjoy this excellent novel. H. Gardiner
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 |
| Paper $16.95 |
SCIS 1132958 |
MURRAY, Martine
How to make a bird
Allen & Unwin, 2003
ISBN 1741141095
Mannie undertakes a journey from her home in rural Victoria to Melbourne which also takes the reader on a journey through the turbulent mind of a grief stricken teenager who is searching for answers. Told in the style of the road novel, this filmic construction is a series of incomplete flashbacks interwoven with the journey, withholding key information until the last possible moment. Despite clear writing, wonderful characterisations, and interesting scenes, the novel is difficult to read in parts and emotionally challenging due to its reflective nature. Dealing with grief and personal journeys, the novel could be a supplementary text for the English Stage 6 Area of Study: The journey . F. Crum
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 |
| Paper $16.95 |
SCIS 1140658 |
NIX, Garth
Mister Monday
Allen & Unwin, 2003 (Keys to the kingdom)
ISBN 174114213X
An accidental hero crosses real and fantasy worlds on his quest in this plot driven novel. Arthur unwillingly wields the magic power of the minute key, and he seeks the hour key, held by the villain Mister Monday, to cement his power and save the world. A lack of character and theme development affects the reader's empathy; dangers are not keenly felt, and conflicts, of which there are many, fail to sustain interest. Arthur manages to hold the plot together, but other characters tend to behave like players in a farce. The story is easy to follow and mildly entertaining but often too much is revealed in the narrative. An emotional involvement from the reader is not demanded. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 |
| Paper $12.95 |
SCIS 1144991 |
_____________________________________________________
EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS
CARLYON, Patrick
The Gallipoli story
Penguin, 2003
ISBN 0143001434 [940.4]
Well researched, with clearly labelled black and white photographs and maps, this book collates much of the existing material about Gallipoli into an interesting read. Laid out in short sections with boxed inserts, graphics, quotes and data tables, the book uses the new style of history writing, where the big picture is interwoven with the lives of people who bore the brunt of this ill made military decision. Besides providing accurate, often graphic, accounts of events, this chronological text poses questions about values and beliefs. The comprehensive bibliography, endnotes, and appendices allow for follow up work. C. Dorbis
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; HSIE K–6; Modern History Stage 6
|
| Paper $16.95 |
SCIS 1128154 |
DALE, Kim
Bush babies
Lothian, 2003
ISBN 0734405936 [591.3]
Poetry, information, and a series of cute paintings of baby animals in a lift the flap format, give this informative picture book a range of classroom uses. The charm of this book lies in the illustrations, which have been referenced from photographs, and are painted in life like textures and colours. The three stanza poems on each double page use stilted language in an attempt to make the animals facts rhyme. Students can guess the correct name of each native animal from the verses, before lifting the illustrated folded page. The last two pages contain clearly expressed fact boxes about each Australian species and its habitat, and could support What's alive? S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
KLA: ST
SYLLABUS: Science & Technology K–6
|
| $29.95 |
SCIS 1148911 |
NICHOLLS Christine
Art, history, place
Working Title Press, 2003
ISBN 187688434 [704.03]
A simple account of Australian Indigenous art; the world's oldest, continuous artistic tradition, this appealing resource could be used by a wide age range of students. Starting with the history of the 1970s acrylic art movement by the Aboriginal men at Papunya Tula, the artworks featured in the book are predominately from the Central and Western deserts, while a map, on the opening page, plots the location of all the artists discussed. The text and images portray the diversity of Indigenous artistic expression found throughout Australia , including the work of a few contemporary artists that incorporate new ideas and practices in their art making. Useful definitions are recorded at the side of each page, and each picture is accompanied by a relevant descriptor. L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
KLA: CA
SYLLABUS: Creative arts K–6 ; Visual Arts 7–10; Visual Arts Stage 6
|
| Paper $12.95 |
SCIS 1169542 |
MALBUNKA, Mary
When I was little, like you
Allen & Unwin, 2003
ISBN 1865089036 [305.8]
Continuing the oral tradition of story telling to instruct the young, the author tells of mission life, the role of mission managers, and experiences with white teachers. As well, she passes on knowledge of her Dreaming, bush tucker, and the Papunya art movement. The book is beautifully illustrated, shifting between traditional and western styles, with text mainly in English. Where Aboriginal words are used, an English equivalent is provided in brackets. Hand drawn maps are included, along with a glossary, and biographical notes. This is a wonderful production from the Papunya community, and a particularly valuable resource as it reaches across cultures, and across subject areas. B. Corr
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Studies 7–10; Aboriginal Studies Stage 6; Creative Arts K–6; English K–6; English 7–10; History 7–10; HSIE K–6; Society and Culture Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10; Visual Arts Stage 6 |
| $29.95 |
SCIS 1119968 |
MORECROFT, Richard & MACKAY, Alison
Zoo album
ABC Books |
| to be reviewed Scan 23(4) |
SCIS 1144632 |
NICHOLSON, John
Animal architects
Allen & Unwin, 2003
ISBN 1865089559 [591.56]
Green turtles, shell fish and hermit crabs carry their homes on their backs while trapdoor spiders and wombats dig underground homes. Characterised by the type of homes they build, this hard cover book explores a wide range of animals. The intricate ways that animals go about building their homes, and why and how they go about it, are explained in detail. An emphasis is placed on the use of the home for breeding and protection. The text is supported by colourful illustrations and annotated diagrams. It uses simple language and is a useful resource for the study of homes in the Stage 2 study of Living things . J. Hancock
USER LEVEL: Stage 2
KLA: ST
SYLLABUS: Science & Technology K–6 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1125998 |
_____________________________________________________
PICTURE BOOKS
GLEESON, Libby & JAMES, Ann
Shutting the chooks in Scholastic, 2003
ISBN 186388985X
It's late afternoon at the farm. A young boy takes pleasure in his daily task of gathering the chooks, feeding them and safely locking them away for the night. Young listeners will be fearful for the boy and one of his charges when routine becomes extraordinary, and the boy's gaiety becomes a race against rising panic, darkness and the unknown until the safety of home is reached. Charcoal line sketches, enhanced with oil pastels for colour, ably reflect the changing moods and wealth of descriptive language in the text. An unusual picture book, it could be used for oral recounts and would work well for a story mapping activity. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.94 |
SCIS 1119394 |
GRANT, Joan & CURTIS, Neil
Cat and fish
Lothian, 2003
ISBN 0734404816
A modern day fable of the attraction of two unlikely creatures, the story of cat and fish sharing some special moments together has cat showing fish aspects of his life. When fish misses the ocean, cat takes him there. After meeting fish's friends, they decide to compromise and live where the land and sea meet. The stark structure of rectangular white borders around full page pen and ink illustrations, contrasts with the opposite page of one sentence in black print. The book would be a vibrant tool in teaching about tolerance and harmony. E. Derouet
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 |
| $26.95 |
SCIS 1131289 |
HEFFERNAN, John & BLACKWOOD, Freya
Two summers
Scholastic, 2003
ISBN 1865045969
Bridging the gap between city and country experiences and knowledge of life on the land, this picture book is ideal as an awareness raising discussion starter. Employing the anticipation and excitement of a much loved city cousin's holiday visit to the farm, while contrasting the colours and activities of a good season and a bad s eason, the narrative highlights the effects of drought on a farm. The illustrations enhance and give real detail to the story, through the images portrayed and the judicious tones of green and brown. This is a highly visual text which touches on both the joys and hardships of farm life. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
|
| $27.95 |
SCIS 1150440 |
KING, Stephen Michael
Milli, Jack and the dancing cat
Allen & Unwin, 2003
ISBN 1865087483
This delightful picture book engages readers of all ages in its celebration of creativity and friendship. The importance of artists and artisans is underscored, as a solitary shoemaker, who longs to be free to create and move beyond the practicalities of her everyday work, meets with a couple of free spirits. These travelling players dance their way into her life, and together they make the ordinary extraordinary, and enrich a community. The water colour, pen and ink illustrations are both whimsical and poetic, creating the setting, giving form to the characters, supporting, and enriching the text while intoxicating the reader with their charm. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.95 |
SCIS 1137111 |
BARBALET, Margaret & McLEAN, Andrew
Reggie, queen of the street
Penguin/Viking, 2003
ISBN 0670040576
McLean's familiar illustrations portray Regina , a much loved pet, her genteel owners, and the friendly cricket playing children in the idyllic city suburb in an engaging light. Appealing to all, and offending noone, this picture book has all the hallmarks of a safe read aloud, complete with mild doggy adventure and happy family ending. The transition from urban to semi rural environment presents no real contrast between the monocultural neighbours in both settings. The reader is imbued with homogenous characters and a fairly predictable story told in gentle language throughout this award winning book. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 |
| $24.95 |
|
THOMPSON, Colin
The violin man
Hodder, 2003
ISBN 0733614000
When Oscar plays the violin outside the theatre, his street audience can temporarily suspend their everyday lives and soar into the freedom of dreams. This touching human tale about a man who lives in his dreams has an extended written text and complex illustrations. The book marks a change in visual style for this talented author, and very successfully uses computer generated images. It is the humanity of the story that lifts this book above the ordinary. There is plenty to work with here for older students studying the genre of picture books. S. Taylor
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
KLA: English
SYLLABUS: English K–6; English 7–10 |
| $27.95 |
SCIS 1148249 |
|
