Tag Archives: books

Thank you, Mr PandaMy girls, Haki and I all enjoyed the latest Antony-Panda-Lemur collab; Please, Mr Panda (a concise and cheeky lesson in manners).  I think it adds a dimension to Mr Panda’s character.  He’s such an interesting fellow! … Continue reading →

I’m sure like us, you have a collection of books for your little one and although there is a huge pile of books, you always end up reading the same ones. So I thought I would share our March favourites with you and maybe give you some ideas for new books to read to your… Continue reading Our Top Books Continue reading →

Wing Jones, Katherine Webber One of the highlights on Walker’s YA new release shelves this season is Wing Jones.  What a treat!  In addition to enjoying the luxury of starting and finishing a book within a day (a long dental appointment + sic… Continue reading →

What Girls Are Made Of, Elana K. ArnoldI am all for girls talking about their bodies and for sex being something that isn’t about just for men.  But I am also in favour of those discussions being led by parents, big sisters, aunts and trusted fami… Continue reading →

Rock Pool Secrets – Narelle Oliver

Visiting rock pools is one of our favourite pass-times, making this book a winner for our little guys.  I’m always a fan of educational books.  They make my job easier, and homeschooling that much more fun.  This one makes a perfect addition to our homeschool kindergarten –> Where Garland is at (he was an absolute fan of Rock Pool Secrets from the get-go).  And while Garland may be the perfect target audience, I learnt a thing or two myself.  Next time we go rock pool hunting we’ll have added purpose to our observations.  I particularly appreciated the picture index at the back.  Always a bonus!

Rock Pool Secrets is a lift-the-flap book, appropriate considering (as the name suggests), you need to keep your eyes peeled when spotting real-life rock pool creatures.  The camouflage style illustrations provide a challenge (albeit slight) for younger readers spotting critters.  Honestly, ours found it easy, but fun, regardless.  I’m looking forward to reading it to Wilco when he’s bigger, our kids always loved these ‘find-me-a…’ type books when they were around 2-3 years.

We’ve spotted most of these creatures in our rock pool hunts, but still keeping an eye out for an octopus or sea slug.

Rock Pool Secrets is out in hardback on April 1st, so keep an eye out!

Many thanks to Walker Books for this review copy. Continue reading →

Triangle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

Fans of I Want My Hat Back rejoice!  Another Klassen classic for your collection  👊  (yes, I do realise how 👍 that sentence is).  We’re big-time fans of Klassen, who has teamed up with Mac Barnett for this hilarious tale.  I haven’t encountered Barnett before, but with a string of awards and that collab partner choice, I’m figuring he’s an author we need to know about.  We’ll be keeping an eye out for him, for sure.

Triangle is everything I wanted it to be.  Beautifully illustrated, as per, with that trademark wry humour we’ve come to expect from our (I’m gonna call it) favourite children’s author.  I love the sneaky shapes.  I love how their sneakiness comes undone.  I love the twisty, surprising humour.  It’s funny in a way that’s accessible for kids, but really 👌 for adults too.  

This is one beautifully packaged book.  Matte pages, soft corners and a restrained colour palette.  Guys, it’s so pretty!  It’s pretty hard to say who was more excited when Triangle arrived in our letterbox, the kids, or me 😻.

If you haven’t given Klassen a go, I urge you to hunt down some of his books.  Triangle is a great place to start and can be found in stores now.

 Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books Aus. Continue reading →

Strange the Dreamer, Laini TaylorThis, my most anticipated book of the year, arrived —  a bound proof accompanied by a vial of golden glitter and themed crepe wrapping.  When I reported its arrival to friends and the quickening that was taki… Continue reading →