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| Recommended for 5+ |
Rivertime
Trace Balla
March 2015 | Allen & Unwin | $24.99hb
“It’s like the world has stopped…even the birds are quiet…I listen…nothing…just breathing…”
If it wasn’t for the enthusiastic (see below) David Suzuki quote on the cover, or the animated conversation (prompted by Trace Balla’s lovely drawings) that Sue and Kristy were having about the joys of river holidays at the back counter one afternoon, I’m not sure I’d have noticed this book. What a shame, for this picture book is very special indeed.
Clancy isn’t looking forward to the canoeing trip that his Uncle Egg, a bird enthusiast with a deep love of nature, has organised. But the trip opens up a whole new world for 10-year-old Clancy and, in turn, to us as readers. They meet the locals while faffing around on the river, see the stars in crystal clear night skies and even spy – how cool! - a wallaby swimming. Shortlisted by the CBC in the Picture Book of The Year category for 2015, this treasure of a story book, complete with thoughtful, detailed drawings, is a celebration of our unique Australian river systems, specifically The Glenelg. I sincerely hope this book wins as its environmental message is presented in an affirming and delightful way. Timely, gently funny and very beautiful.
“All children need an Uncle Egg to open up the magical world of nature. We all need to get outside, away from the television, computers and mobile phones…a delightful story about the joys of the outdoors.” David Suzuki
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| Recommended for 4+ |
Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
Alicia Potter and Birgitta Sif
July 2015 | Walker Books | $24.95hb
A tale with many tails, perfect for animal lovers of every hue! Full of scaredy cats, some terrified of mice, others frightened of birds; cats who can't pounce, cats who won't purr. Miss Hazeltine takes them all into her Home for Shy and Fearful Cats and teaches them everything she knows: 'Bird Basics', 'How Not to Fear the Broom' and how to "Hold your tails high! Arch your backs! Think good thoughts!". But under the bed hides nervous little Crumb...Will Miss Hazeltine be able to help the most shy and fearful kitty of them all? Stunningly illustrated by Birgitta Sif, this is a story about conquering your fears, being brave and finding your moment to shine.
A tale with many tails, perfect for animal lovers of every hue! Full of scaredy cats, some terrified of mice, others frightened of birds; cats who can't pounce, cats who won't purr. Miss Hazeltine takes them all into her Home for Shy and Fearful Cats and teaches them everything she knows: 'Bird Basics', 'How Not to Fear the Broom' and how to "Hold your tails high! Arch your backs! Think good thoughts!". But under the bed hides nervous little Crumb...Will Miss Hazeltine be able to help the most shy and fearful kitty of them all? Stunningly illustrated by Birgitta Sif, this is a story about conquering your fears, being brave and finding your moment to shine.
