Beautiful Picture Books

There are some really delightful picture books starting this year. Here are the ones that have just arrived that I really enjoyed.

Clinton Gregory's Secret Bruce Whatley (Scholastic)
Clinton Gregory has seven secrets - a secret for each night of the week. and with each night comes a new friend and they all gather togehter on Sunday to do nothing much at all ... or do they. where DO these friends come from? This is another wonderful book full of Bruce's humorous illustrations with simple exciting text. Kids will love the fun!

Columbia Sneezes Janeen Brian and Gabe Cunnett (Omnibus/Scholastic)
Columbia is a camel and so thoroughly enjoys the desert life. The only problem is that the desert breezes carry sand and that causes Columbia to sneeze. How does Columbia solve the problem - well after coming to the aid of a weary traveller a solution is soon found. The story in verse is accompanied by amusing pictures making this a great readaloud book.


I love to Dance and I Love to Sing Anna Walker (Scholastic)
These are beuatiful little books with simple langauge and illustrations about Ollie a zebra and his friend Fred, a dog. They are just right for little hands to hold. They explore the fun and excitement and joy of being young and singing or dancing ... sometimes in some unusual places!


Paraphernalia's Present Diana Lawrenson and Dee Huxley (ABC Books)
This is a lovely book about a special fiendship between Dottie and her friend Paraphernalia - a chook! Dottie is a very friendly person often saying 'hello' to those she meets without many 'hellos' in return. Thankfully there was always Paraphernalia so when Dottie has an accident Paraphernalia surprises her with a most eggcellent gift ... and lots of hellos are the result! A toughing friendship story.


Puffling Margaret Wild and julie Vivas (Omnibus/Scholastic)
These two great picture book creators are together again wonderfully telling the story of a young puffin as he learns to find his way in the big exciting world, from his hatching through until the time when he is strong enough and tall enough and brave enough to leave the burrow alone. A beautiful book about beginning independence.


These are wonderful books so go and grab them and share the joy of reading!

Recent Reads & Some for Teens

Welcome to 2008 ... The Christmas holidays are well and truly over but one of the many grand things I was able to do on my escape to my aunt's was to read a bunch of books from last year, while ducks and geese and all sorts of fowl were calling in the background! And just a few mossies too!!! So here are a few of the titles that I read and enjoyed (a few more will come later).


Letters to a Princess Libby Hathorn (ABC Books)
Diana is an average girl. Her mother is dead and she lives with her stepfather and his bullying son. Friends betray her, her self image is poor, she is angry, she stuggles with life and often feels alone so she begins writing to her idol Princess Diana. This book looks at eating disorders, family relationships, and has a wonderful teenage voice. Libby writes wonderful books. This is another.



The Secret Army: Operation Loki Sophie Masson & Anthony Davis (ABC Books)
For teenagers, especially boys, who love the grahic novel format this is one to devour. Filled with adventures and mystery and amazing mind forces it is the story of three teenagers (and they have psychic powers) who find themselves on a remote island. And it is not by chance they are there.
This is a great boys own adventure book in graphic novel format.


Wishing For Trouble Kate Rorsyth & Mitch Vane (Pan Macmillan)
Ben and Tim wished they were knights in a real castle ... and, along with cousins, they soon were. Suddenly they were seen as witches and devils and fighting for their lives battling knights and helping a countess under seige from a dastardly neighbour.
This chapter book for primary school readers is thoroughly enjoyable and part of Kate's Ben and Tim's Magical misadventures series.

Laugh Even Louder Camp Quality (Scholastic)
Want a joke book that is really funny? Here is one that supports kids with cancer! Filled with original - and not so original jokes - from celebrities and not so well known people this book will have you giggling all the way. So ... have a chuckle, spilt your sides, laugh your head off ...

Here are two examples:
An atom walks into a bar and says "I've lost an electron."
The barman says "are you sure?"
The atom replies "I'm positive!"
Adam Spencer - radio announcer.

What happened after the two fish got married?
They had jelly babies.
Melissa Doyle - Sunrise Host.

Laugh even louder - great medicine for kid with cancer.
http://www.campquality.org.au/
www.campquality.org.au/help/fundraising.cfm?section=joke-a-thon