Wanted: The Perfect Pet Fiona Robertson (Penguin)It's about a boy who wants the perfect pet and for him that perfect pet was a dog. It's also stars a duck who wants to be wanted. So when the boy advertises for the perfect pet - also known as a dog, and the duck reads this advertisement he turns into - a dog! Lovely illustrations, with clever story, and further text in the sides, make this picture book for young readers a delight to share.
Running With The Horses Alison Lester (Penguin)This picture book for older readers is inspired by the rescue of the rare and precious Lipizzaner stallions from the Spanish riding school in Vienna during World War 2.
To escape the oncoming war ten year old Nina, her father and an old friend flee with the horses riding through the nights, through forests, past rivers and through snow over the distant mountains. The drama of the escape and the special bond that Nina has with the old carriage horse makes this a powerful read.
Australia at the Beach Max Fatchen & Tom Jellett (Scholastic)This is the 10th anniversary edition and it is still the great Australia Day book!!!
What do Aussies love to do on Australia Day ... go to the beach and this book, written in rhyming verse, fills out a glorious Australia Day - from heading off, to the beach activities (of course including cricket), building sandcastles, swimming in seaweed forests and finally coming home exhausted.
With great side notes too -- like how to get an ice cream if you are a dog -- this book is a wonderful celebration of Australia and the beach!
Enjoy!
