Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

Grandmas are lovely

Meredith Costain Nicolette Hegyes Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781743832769 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book celebrates Grandmothers. It is beautifully illustrated and features all sorts of animals from home and abroad. It reminds us of the traditional picture of the grandmother being the loving and gentle presence in a child’s life….. however grandmothers are often of great practical use in their grandchildren’s lives … Continue reading Grandmas are lovely

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Children's Books, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Ella at Eden. The secret journal

Laura Sieveking Scholastic ISBN 9781743834947 RRP $15.99 Age 9+ Date of publication May 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is the second book in the series which follows the adventures of Ella who is a student at Eden College. This book involves a mystery and some adventures but I think the book reflects school dynamics, friendships and behaviour realistically. Looking forward to the next one! Continue reading Ella at Eden. The secret journal

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Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

The colouring competition

Heath McKenzie Scholastic ISBN 9781760158859 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is another cute and quirky book from Heath McKenzie. It features two boys who become absolutely committed to winning a colouring in competition. The theme of the book gives Heath McKenzie wonderful opportunities to show off his great skills as an illustrator. There are some pages just begging for a … Continue reading The colouring competition

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Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

Ribbit Rabbit Robot

Victoria Mackinlay Sofya Karmazina Scholastic ISBN 9781743834060 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book has rhyming text, relevant themes and is well illustrated and these all add value to it. As well as the language used there are themes about friendship, selfishness and the importance of examining details to discuss. Useful to parents and teachers. Continue reading Ribbit Rabbit Robot

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Children's Books, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc, Series

Ella diaries. Passion for fashion

Meredith Costain Danielle McDonald Scholastic ISBN 9781743832318 RRP $14.99 Age 7+ Date of publication: June 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Even though there are about 18 books in the series the ideas keep coming and “Passion for Fashion” should be of great interest to many young readers. Of course the true hero of the story is Nanna Kate!   Continue reading Ella diaries. Passion for fashion

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Animals, Children's Books, humour, Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc, Special Topic Books (For Children)

Bin chicken

Kate and Jol Temple Ronojoy Ghosh Scholastic ISBN 9781743830048 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication: May 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a great book highlighting how the ibis has adapted to living in a modern environment. It is a clever rhyming story and the illustrations and text are terrific. Despite the humour, this book gives the reader plenty to think about and discuss. Be nice to … Continue reading Bin chicken

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Animals, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Nali and friends: Bwindi the windy gorilla

Dan Sultan and Rhys Graham Tali Gal-on Scholastic ISBN 9781743836378 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication: April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Dan Sultan (an ARIA-award winning singer and songwriter) and Rhys Graham (a film-maker) have collaborated with Tali Gal-on (an award winning art director) to create books about Nali. The books accompany Dan Sultan’s children’s album, “Nali and Friends”. In this story Nali meets a windy gorilla. It’s … Continue reading Nali and friends: Bwindi the windy gorilla

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humour, Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Who am I?

Philip Bunting Scholastic ISBN 9781743834084 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication June 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another wonderful and thought provoking book by Philip Bunting. In this book he explores the parts of us that make us who we are. Is it our clothes, colour of skin, belongings or something else? This book can be the beginning of many conversations. ….. thank you Philip. The book of … Continue reading Who am I?

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Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Dumazi and the big yellow lion

Valanga Khoza Matt Ottley Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742994116 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Although initially the story reminds us of the Aesop fable as it unfolds we realise that it has its own plot with a surprising ending. The themes include bravery, harmony, animals and compassion. The book includes a CD with orchestral music composed by Matt Ottley … Continue reading Dumazi and the big yellow lion

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Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

Liarbird

Laura Bunting Philip Bunting Omnibus Books ISBN 9781743831571 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Oddly enough “Liarbird” is about honesty and always telling the truth. Without opening the cover you know already that it will be well written (Laura Bunting) and have the distinctive illustrations from Philip Bunting. This book won’t disappoint you. Continue reading Liarbird

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Animals, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

Theodore the unsure

Pip Smith Beau Wylie Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760661861 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication August 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart I hope there are more Pip Smith and Beau Wylie books to come because this is such a good story. A lion who although lacking confidence and decision making qualities pulls it together and triumphs with a most interesting solution at the end. Definitely worth … Continue reading Theodore the unsure

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Austrlalian, Children's Books, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

Ella and Olivia: fun friendship tales

Yvette Poshoglian Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760660833 RRP $16.99 (HB) Age 5+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart There’s always new readers coming along to enjoy these books. They are aimed at beginner readers and are hugely popular. Continue reading Ella and Olivia: fun friendship tales

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Children's Books, humour, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reluctant readers, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Weirdo weirdomania 13

Anh Do Jules Faber Scholastic ISBN 9781742997933 RRP $15.99 Age 6+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Although recommended for ages 6+ the humour in these books is such that the series has been used for teenage International students who are just learning to read and write English. The first book “Weirdo” was published in 2013.   Continue reading Weirdo weirdomania 13

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Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

Super Nova

Krys Saclier Rebecca Timmis Ford St ISBN 9781925804317 RRP $24.95 (HB) and $16.95 (PB) Age 4+ years Date of publication October 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart A great story about aspects of family life. Most children know all about dealing with siblings but Super Nova is certainly talented! Beautifully presented with great illustrations and text which tells the story without rhyme. Continue reading Super Nova

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Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

Tulip and Brutus

Liz Ledden Andrew Plant Ford St ISBN 9781925804355 RRP $24.95 (HB) or $16.95 (PB) Age 3 – 6 years Date of publication October 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book has a lot to offer because of its themes dealing with animals, diversity and habitats. However it is also beautifully presented with clear font and illustrations.   Continue reading Tulip and Brutus

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Animals, Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

I need a parrot

Chris McKimmie Ford St ISBN 9781925804287 RRP $24.95 (HB) or $16.95 (PB) Age 4+ Date of publication  September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Here is a great book for children, prents and teachers. It’s got a big future because it deals beautifully with lots of worthwhile ideas…. like animal needs and human wants. Continue reading I need a parrot

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Children's Books, Food, humour, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

The frooties #3 Punky Pineapple

Hilary Rogers Josh Lefers Scholastic ISBN 9781742765983 Age 5+ RRP $12.99 Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another in this great series which examines personalities of fruits in a fruit bowl. It’s a great way to get children who may be reluctant about eating fruit to take a new interest. Continue reading The frooties #3 Punky Pineapple

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Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia, Series, Sport

Tiny Timmy # 9. The next level

Tim Cahill Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760666118 Age 7+ Date of publication April 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another in the Tiny Timmy series which address real situations faced by young readers. In this book (the ninth in the series) Tinny Timmy learns to decide what is “right” for him and this may mean he has to follow his own path which may not be the same … Continue reading Tiny Timmy # 9. The next level

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Children's Books, humour, Illustrated, Koala Books, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

A funny thing happened to Simon Sidebottom 2

P Crumble Dean Rankine Koala Books ISBN 9781743810392 Age 7+ Date of publication December 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Simon Sidebottom might not be the first book I’d take down from the shelf but it certainly would be for a lot of children. Poos toilets, farts, vomits … it’s all there and aimed at reluctant readers too. If it starts a child along the road to … Continue reading A funny thing happened to Simon Sidebottom 2

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Miscellaneous

Der Glumph went the little green frog.

Matt Shanks Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742993676 RRP $15.99 Age 1+ Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a great version of the well known nursery rhyme. The illustrations highlight Matt Shank’s skill with water colours. It’s a book to read to new born babies and beyond and it’s a song that stays in your mind all day! Continue reading Der Glumph went the little green frog.

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Children's Books, fantasy, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc

Wandering star

Natalie Jane Prior Stephan Michael King Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760663339 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication May 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book captures with words, colours and illustrations the sensation of riding through a dreamlike landscape without fear on a beautiful horse. It’s both charming and uplifting and the text just flows along with the watercolour pictures. Lovely. Continue reading Wandering star

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Austrlalian, Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, Gardening, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Special Topic Books (For Children)

Grace’s mystery seed

Juliet M Sampson Karen Erasmus Ford St ISBN 9781925804218 RRP $24.95 Age 3+ Date of publication March 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Grace’s mystery seed is a lovely story which also highlights the pleasure to be found in gardens and the virtue of patience. The back page also reminds older readers of the pleasure gained from reading books by Bryce Courtenay. Continue reading Grace’s mystery seed

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Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, humour, Koala Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

A stack of Alpacas

Matt Cosgrove Koala Books ISBN 9781742998848 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Matt Cosgrove has given the relatively unknown alpaca a whole new focus. In this new book we see Macca in the role of an Uncle. It’s funny but it has a worthwhile message….. Continue reading A stack of Alpacas

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