September 2005

This is a list of books which I hope will be a useful resource for teachers and librarians for the Primary Years Programme of Inquiry of the International Baccalaureat.  I have tried to choose books which do not have a narrow focus but which are transdisciplinary in concept.  Please contact me if you would like recommendations for books on specific subject areas, and at a particular age level.  The list will gradually be added to and improved as I have time to add to it and as I get more feedback from teachers and librarians.  I have divided the list into the six organizing themes (though I realise that there can be considerable overlap between various themes) and have at this stage included both fiction and non-fiction titles in this list. Later as the list becomes longer, I shall probably separate fiction from non-fiction.  I have given an indication of reading levels to each of the titles.  Titles newly included in this updated list are marked •

Please Note   All prices are in Australian dollars and include the 10% GST tax.  However this GST does not apply to exports from Australia.

If you would like to order any of the books on the list, send the orders to Austral Ed by post, fax or by email.  Payment can be made with bank cheques in Australian dollars, by direct bank transfer or by Credit card.   Freight is sent by the most economical method within Australia or overseas, depending on urgency. 

Recommended by Kate Shepherd

Who we are

All About Me by Debbie MacKinnon  Photographs by Anthea Sieveking   pb $12.95  Big book $37.95    Beautifully photographed, this is a most engaging picture book for preschoolers showing the exuberance of young children in play, eating, getting dressed etc.    (3 - 7 years)

Kids by Catherine and Laurence Anholt     pb $12.95

This picture book contains many detailed charming illustrations of a large variety of kids doing all the different sorts of things that kids do.   Young children will love to look at the pictures and talk about what is happening.     (4 - 8 years)

• Dog In, Cat Out by  Gillian Rubinstein  pb $9.95  

Starting from early in the morning, when the dog goes out for food and the cat comes in, we see the activities of the family throughout the whole day as each animal comes in or out.  It is such a simple picture book but so clever in its concept as it shows the passing of a day, with the only text the changing refrain of “Dog in, cat out”, or “Dog out, cat in” or “Dog out, cat out”.  There is much to talk about.  (5 – 8 years)

Clive eats Alligators, Tessa Snaps Snakes, Rosie Sips Spiders and When Frank was Four each  by Alison Lester  pb $14.95 each.     These simple picture books show the individuality and strong likes and dislikes of seven children.  Good to use as a catalyst for discussion of what students like and dislike.  •  In the same series, Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo  pb $14.95 describes six new Aboriginal friends that Ernie meets when he goes to live in the north of Australia.  This is a wonderfully simple but vibrant introduction to Aboriginal life and to the tropical seasons in the north of Australia.      (5 - 8 years)

Cleversticks by Bernard Ashley illustrated by Derek Brazell  pb $11.95 

When Ling Sung starts school, he decides he doesn't like it as everyone can do things that he can't do.  However all his problems disappear when he discovers there is something he can do that others can't - he can use chopsticks.  A picture book which is a great confidence builder.      (5 - 7 years)

Would you rather? By John Burningham  pb $17.95

A book of choices which invites lots of discussion as children decide whether they would rather help a witch make stew or help Santa when he delivers presents, whether they would rather eat mashed worms or spider stew.    (5 - 8 years)

Chidi Only Likes Blue: An African Book of Colours  by Onyefulu Ifeoma  pb $14.95  • Big Book $37.95  While Chidi only likes the blue of his best shirt, his sister loves all the colours of their African village.  This picture book cleverly combines an exploration of colours with a description of an African village, a simple text and beautiful photographs of the houses, designs, food, plants etc in the village.   (5 - 10 years)

Guess the Baby  by Simon French and Donna Rawlins pb  $13.95  

A sparkling picture book about a class of young children who are delighted when Jake's baby brother comes to the classroom.  There is a lot of discussion about babies and when each child (and the teacher) bring a photo of themselves as a baby to school there is animated discussion as they try to work out who is who.  (5 - 8 years)

First Day by Margaret Wild illus by Kim Gamble  pb $14.95 

A delightful picture book which captures the varied emotions of a group of six very different children on their first day at school.  The book follows the actions and thoughts of the children throughout their whole day at school.   (6 - 10 years)

This is Our House by Michael Rosen illus by Bob Graham pb $13.95   George has decided that he is the only one who can play in the big cardboard house but the other children are determined that everyone shall play in it.  A charming and humorous picture book about sharing and cooperation.   (4 - 8 years)

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi  pb $16.95 

A story about a young Korean  girl who thinks she will choose an American name when she comes to live in America in order to fit in better.  However in the end she decides that her name, Unhei meaning Grace, reflects herself and her culture.  A lesson in cultural understanding in the classroom.  

Hats Hats Hats by Ann Morris photographs by Ken Heyman  pb $17.95

The text is very simple but the photographs are fascinating and show us people from round the world wearing hats which protect us, or are for fun or for work or for sport or keep us warm.  There are so many contrasts and so much to talk about.  Also in the same series with a similar worldwide theme are Shoes Shoes Shoes and Loving each pb $17.95

Beginning and Endings with Lifetimes in between  by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen   pb $16.95   This is a simply but beautifully written description of how for every living thing, there is a beginning and an ending and in between there is life.  For some creatures, the life span is very short, for others it is long.  Sometimes living things become ill and get hurt so badly that they can no longer stay alive.  “This can happen when they are young, or old, or anywhere in between.” Death is not an easy subject to write about but Mellonie Bryan writes about it in a sensitive, straightforward way showing that it is all part of life and this makes it easier to understand and to wonder at.  (4 years up)

W is for World  by Kathryn Cave   (in conjunction with OXFAM)  pb $14.95

Big Book $37.95  A large number of countries are included and the daily life of adults and children is brought to life with simple text and stunning photographs.  It is much more than just an alphabet book as it also has a message about people's basic rights of shelter, food, water, health care and education.                                      (5 - 9 years) 

Similar beautifully photographed and informative titles in this series are

A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu   pb $14.95  Big Book $37.95

B is for Brazil by Maria de Fatima Campos  hardback  $27.95  pb $14.95 

C is for China by Sungwan So   pb $14.95

I is for India by Prodeepta Das   pb $14.95  Big Book $37.95

Geeta's Day: From Dawn to Dusk in an Indian Village by Prodeepta Das pb $14.95   Geeta's day is typical of children in villages throughout India.   Vivid photographs and simple text show us Geeta's family, her school, the jobs or crafts of village people and the games she plays.  It is part of an excellent series called A Child's Day.  In similar format are Bongani's Day (South Africa) hb $27.95, Boushra's Day (Egypt) hb $27.95, Cassio's Day (Brazil) hb $27.95  pb $14.95, Enrique's Day (Peru) hb $27.95, Huy & Vinh's Day (Vietnam) hb $27.95, Lina Marija's Day (Lapland) hb $27.95, Nii Kwei's Day (Ghana) hb $27.95 pb $14.95, Polina's Day (Russia) hardback  $27.95 pb $14.95, Yikang's Day  (China) pb $14.95.    (5 - 8 years)

For Every Child The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in words and pictures text adapted by Caroline Castle  pb $21.95   

A beautiful picture book which restates in simple language fifteen  of the most important Rights of the Child.  Each Right of the Child is illustrated in a very different style by a different artist from round the world.  There is much to discuss.    (7 - 11 years)

Wake Up, World!  A Day in the Life of Children Around the World  by Beatrice Hollyer    pb $14.95   

An exploration of the lives of eight children each from different countries showing the similarities and contrasts as the children wake up, get dressed, go to school, play, have dinner and get ready for bed. The children come from Australia, Brazil, Ghana, India, Russia, Vietnam, UK and USA.   There are very different levels of comfort in their way of living but the excellent photographs show us the vitality of the children, the strength of their family life and the ingenuity of their games.  A very appealing photographic picture book which celebrates the diversity of the children of the world.     (7 - 11 years)

Let's Eat! Children and their Food Around the World by Beatrice Hollyer hardback $27.95  pb $14.95

The format is similar to Wake Up, World! with a slightly more difficult text.  Children in South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, France, and in India describe the food they eat on an ordinary day and the special food they love to eat when there is a festive occasion.  There are many contrasts and similarities to discuss. (8 - 11 years) 

A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World   by UNICEF   hardback $39.95    The Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the basic needs of all children and this book explores how these needs are met in countries throughout the world.  The book is divided into sections on Survival, Development, Protection and Participation and also on Education, Play, Love and Care and Work.  The excellent photographs of children round the world show the diversity of their lives.  It provides a good introduction to some very complex questions.     (8 - 12 years.)

Topsy and Turvy  (Aussie Nibbles series)  by Justin D'Ath illustrated by Emma Quay  pb $10.95    A delightful, simple chapter book for young readers which is a humorous exploration of the theme of identity.  Topsy is a most unusual fruit bat in that she gets dizzy when she tries to hang upside down and loves to eat grubs.  The other fruit bats think this is gross.  Meanwhile the owls nearby can't understand why Turvy likes to sleep upside down and chokes when she tries to eat a yummy centipede.  Obviously there has been a mix-up of babies and parents.   (6 - 8 years)

• Sami and the Sea of Troubles by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland illustrated by Ted Lewin  pb $16.95   Sami and his family have to spend much of their day in doors, sheltering away from the bombs and gunfire that are everywhere outside in the streets of Beirut.  A beautifully illustrated and moving picture book describing the anguish of people trying to survive in countries torn apart by warfare.   (7 – 11 years)

My Dog  by John Heffernan illus by Andrew McLean pb $14.95

A very moving understated story in picture book format of terrible suffering as a consequence of ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia.  Seen through the eyes of a young boy, the story is illustrated sensitively illustrated in water colours by Andrew McLean. It would be a moving introduction to discussion on human rights.  (8 - 11 years)

• Smart Girls by Robert Leeson  pb $12.95

A marvellous collection of folk tales from round the world in which the heroines show that they can’t be outsmarted.  The stories are funny and lively and show heroines who are witty, smart and independent.  (8 – 11 years)

Flour Babies   by Anne Fine  pb $13.95

A very entertaining novel which a class is given a lesson in responsibility when they have to care for their Òflour babiesÓ which are really six pound bags of flour, as if they were real babies.     (9 - 13 years)

No Gun for Asmir  by Christobel Mattingley  pb $14.95 

This novel is set in war torn Sarajevo.   A Muslim mother and two children escape to become refugees without knowing what has happened to the father left behind in Sarajevo. This moving story is told from the point of view of Asmir, the elder boy and is based on a real life story.      (9 - 13 years)

Boy Overboard  by Morris Gleitzman   pb $14.95     Also as 2 audio cassettes  $14.95

Gleitzman has succeeded in writing a comic/tragic account of a refugee family from  Afghanistan.  Jamal and Bibi are ordinary kids who love soccer and kids will relate to their plight as they are forced to flee Afghanistan, because their mother has been running a school for girls, which was of course forbidden.  Their lives are often in great danger but amazingly enough it is often very funny.  There is much that can be discussed.  Girl Underground is the sequel where Bibi and Jamal are now in a detention centre in Australia.             (9 years up)

Parvana by Deborah Ellis  pb $14.95

This novel describes life under the rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan.  Parvana is an eleven year old girl who used to love going to school but under the Taliban ruling was forced to stay at home.  When both her parents lose their jobs and then her father is arrested, their plight becomes desperate since girls and women were not allowed to leave the house unless accompanied by a man.  In order for the family to survive, Parvana disguises herself as a boy.  The story gives us an insight into some of the recent traumatic events in Afghanistan.  It is a disturbing story but the emphasis is on a young girl's courage and determination.  The original Canadian edition is called The Breadwinner.     (10 - 14 years)  

Festivals (Little Nippers series) by Monica Hughes hardback $22.00  each

My Baisakh                                                                      

My Chinese New Year

My Christmas                                                       

My Divali

My Easter                                                                     

My Hannukkah

My Id-Ul-Fitr                                                       

My Rosh Hashanah

These are very simple information books.  Each title looks at the preparations and details of the festival described.  Each book follows a young child enjoying the preparations and then the celebrations.  Very helpful for there are few books as simple as these at this level.     (5 – 7 years)      

What Makes Me Me?  By Robert Winston  hardback   $29.95

This book is a dynamic and different look at how our bodies work and what makes each of us a unique person.  I t also looks at what our bodies are made of and discusses some of the complexities of how our brains work.  There are fascinating sections on personality traits, multiple intelligences, body language, dreams and phobias.  There are also a number of tests for genes, memory as well as verbal, spatial and numerical skills and for personality.      (10 – 14 years)   

Children’s Rights series hardback $34.95 each

Education                                                                       

Health

Home                                                                                   

Safety

Voice

These five titles have been published in conjunction with Save the Children Fund. Each title begins with a brief explanation of how Children’s Rights were first proposed in 1919 but were not accepted as International Law till 1989 at the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.  In addition to a general introduction to each subject, each book has individual portraits of particular children from different countries throughout the world. There is also discussion of the various rights that should be provided under each of the headings of home, safety, education, health and voice and as a result the reader gains a good idea of how many childhood rights are regularly violated and the many problems involved.  However many positive individual stories of cases where children’s rights have been improved are also included.    

(9 - 14 years)

Culture in series  by Melanie Guile  hardback $29.70

Culture in China                                        

Culture in Indonesia

Culture in Japan                                         

Culture in New Zealand

Culture in North and South Korea         

Culture in Papua New Guinea

Culture in Singapore                                

Culture in Thailand

These books provide a good introduction to the discussion of what is culture and how is it expressed in these countries.  It examines the ways in which people identify themselves through language, social customs and habits as well as traditions of art, craft, dance, music and spiritual belief.  They also look at the different cultures of various ethnic groups within each country.    (9 - 14 years)

Life Times series by Anita Ganeri  hardback  $33.00 each  pb $19.95

The four titles in this series looks at how rites of passage in people's lives are celebrated in the six major religions.   (8 - 12 years)

New Beginnings:  Celebrating Birth              

Growing Up: From Child to Adult

Wedding Days:  Celebrations of Marriage

Journey's End: Death and Mourning pb only $19.95                            

Where we are in place and time

Houses and Homes  by Ann Morris,  photographs by Ken Heyman pb $17.95

The very simple text is contrasted by the complexity of the photos which show a wonderful variety of houses and homes from round the world.  

(4 - 7 years)

Out there Somewhere It’s Time to … by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom   pb $12.95  An exuberant picture book in the Wonderwise series which looks at the different time zones round the world, so that young children can discover that when it is midnight in New York, it is lunchtime in Taipei and breakfast time in Amsterdam.  A map of the world also shows the various time zones.  (5 – 9 years)

Dear Daddy  by Philippe Dupasquier  pb $18.95

In this innovative picture book, a young girl describes what she does each day in text and illustration, and in a banner strip on the same page we see what her father is doing on the other side of the world as he works on an ocean going ship.  (5 - 10 years)

• The Cherry Dress by Elizabeth Honey  pb $13.95   

The story of Sally’s much loved cherry dress which was altered again and again as Sally grew and then was passed from one family to another till finally it was a dress for teddy.  A simple story in which the passing of time and sense of community are very strong.    (5 – 8 years)

Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester  hardback  $24.95

This is a picture book about a journey round Australia made by Grace who is eight years old and her family in a campervan. She describes the many special highlights of the trip: places they visited, things they did together in the car to make the long hours travelling pass amicably and also the different reactions of the various members of the family to the trip. This is a very entertaining way to get an idea of the vast differences in the various regions of Australia while following the detailed map of their journey.  (6  to 11 years)

• Where’s Jamela? Story and pictures by Niki Daly  hardback $27.95   pb $14.95  Jamela is not happy about shifting to a new house in a new neighbourhood but when they shift in and Jamela looks out of the window she is reassured by the sight of the same stars in the night sky.  A story set in a lively black South African neighbourhood.     (5 – 8 years)

How My Parents Learned to Eat  by Ina R Friedman illus by Allen Say  pb 14.95        A charming and amusing story of a young girl recounting how her parents, one as a young Japanese school girl and the other a young US sailor, learned to master the difficult art of eating with the utensils of the other culture (chopsticks or knife, fork and spoon).   (6 – 10 years)

Masai and I   by Virginia Kroll,  illustrated by Nancy Carpenter   pb $16.95

A young girl from the city imagines how different her life would be if she were a Masai living on the East African plains.  On each double page spread of this picture book, the illustration blends and links the two ways of life. For example, the sheet the girl spreads to make her bed merges on the opposite page into the cowhide spread on the bare earth of the Masai dwelling.  An extra dimension to the story is given to the story because the girl and her family are black and she is exploring her feelings of kinship with the Masai.                            (6 - 10 years)

• The Two Bullies by Junko Morimoto translated by Isao Morimoto  pb $14.95   Ni-ou was the strongest man in Japan and Dokkoi was the strongest in China but when they get within hearing distance of each other they show that bravery is not one of their strengths.  This traditional story from Japan is illustrated with great inventiveness, humour and beauty using both traditional and modern elements of style.     (6 – 10 years)

When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest illust by P J Lynch  hardback $29.95  pb $14.95   A beautifully illustrated picture books vividly describing a young girl's journey from eastern Europe when she migrates to a new life in America at the turn of the nineteenth century.     (7 -13 years)

My Place  by Nadia Wheatley illus by Donna Rawlins   pb $16.95

By moving backwards in decades from 1989, this sophisticated picture book shows how a particular neighbourhood in Sydney has changed from an urban street to the first white settlement and before to the time when the Aborigines lived there. The story is told through the eyes of the various children who lived there.  An innovative book which inspires students to work on similar projects wherever they are in the world.         (8  years up)

• Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325 – 1354  by James Rumford  pb $14.95   This is the most amazing story of Ibn Battuta who at the age of 21 left his home in Morocco to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca.  However he continued on travelling to Jerusalem, Persia, south by sea to Delhi, on to China and finally reached Morocco again after an amazing 29 years.  This picture book is beautifully illustrated with detailed maps showing his travels and the world as it looked in 1325.  (8 – 12 years)

Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say   hardback  $26.95 

A beautifully illustrated picture book for older students.  Allen Say's grandfather made the journey from Japan to the United States when he was a young man and this story beautifully describes through text and illustrations the love that he and his grandson feel for both countries.  Many students will relate to the feelings of longing expressed.     (8 years up)

Sarindi and the Lucky Bird  by Janine Fraser illustrated by Kim Gamble  pb $12.95  

A simply told and beautifully structured story of young Sarindi who lives in Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia.  His father is a becak driver (a type of bicycle taxi) and his mother makes batik  They live in just one room in a bustling crowded city but Sarindi knows he is lucky.   A vivid and warm portrait of a family who are struggling to make a living and perhaps from a western perspective have very little.  (7 - 11 years)

Abdullah's Butterfly by Janine Fraser illustrated by Kim Gamble   pb $12.95  

Set in a village in Malaysia this is the story of Abdullah, his love for his grandfather and his family and how he tries to bring extra money into the family by catching beautiful butterflies.  Told by a tourist visitor to the village who at first does not understand that Abdullah's family has very little money, the story is simple enough for seven year olds to read but opens up possibilities for discussion about topics such as poverty in developing countries for older children as well.            (7 - 11 years)

Ride the Wild Wind: The Golden Pony and other Stories   by Jackie French  pb $14.95  

A most unusual collection of horse stories as it has stories from a wide range of periods over the ages.  It begins with a story set six thousand years ago in the Ukraine, which shows how the first contact of friendship between a horse and young girl could have come about.  Other stories are set in Ancient Greece, at the time of Genghis Khan, of King Arthur and in Australia in the nineteenth century.  Jackie French writes about the bond that has developed over thousands of years between people and horses.   (8 - 12 years)

• Barefoot Book of Knights written by John Matthews illustrated by Giovanni Manna hardback $34.95  pb $24.95  

When ten year old Tom is sent to the castle to be a page, he is much comforted by the stories told to all the pages and squires by Master William, the Armourer.  The stories about Knights are from Britain, Germany, Russia, Brittany, Persia, Japan and France.  Each one illustrates some aspect of the knightly code of chivalry showing that not only is a brave heart required but it is also necessary to learn to cooperate with others, to have a sense of humour and to know one’s own weaknesses.  (8 - 11 years)

Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page by Richard Platt and Chris Riddell  hardback $34.95 pb $17.95  

Set in the year of Our Lord 1285, this book describes a year in the life of 11 year old Toby Burgess as he sets out to become a page in his uncle’s castle.  Toby is an articulate chronicler and he writes with humour and occasionally indignation, about his duties as a page, his lessons, his first hunt, attempts at archery and so on.  This vivid description is “illuminated’ by the detailed and carefully researched illustrations of Chris Riddell.   (8 – 13 years) 

• Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht by Richard Platt illustrated by David Parkins  hardback  $34.95 

Set in the year 1455 BC, Nakht is the son of a scribe and he is learning t be a scribe himself.  This is the story of their journey from a small town on the southern Nile to the city of Memphis where his father has been appointed as an important scribe.  The exciting story involves a tomb robbery and describes the daily life of many Egyptians including artisans, farmers and builders.  The detailed and lively illustrations as well as Notes, Glossary and Index provide additional information.   (9 – 14 years)     

• Casting the Gods Adrift by Geraldine McCaughrean  pb $14.95

This dramatic story is set in Egypt  in the time of Akhenaten and his beautiful wife Nefertiti.  Tutmose and Ibrim are honoured by the Pharaoh because of the exotic animals and birds that their father captures and presents to the Pharaoh.  Tutmose describes his life at the new capital and the plans of the Pharaoh (shocking to his father and many other Egyptians) to allow only the worship of just one God, Aten, the sun-God.  This is an extremely well told story which makes life in the Egyptian court come alive.  Part of a series called Flash Backs.    (8 – 11 years)  

Ramose Prince in Exile by Carole Wilkinson  pb $16.95

This is the first book in a series set in Ancient Egypt about Ramose who was the pharaoh’s rightful heir but who has had to escape and live in disguise since a plot against his life.  These are exciting adventure stories which give many details of courtly and everyday life at the time of Ancient Egypt.  Other titles are Ramose and the Tomb Robbers, Ramose Sting of the Scorpion and • Wrath of Ra  pb $16.95 each    (9 – 12 years)

Sing to the Dawn  by Minfong Ho  pb  $12.95 

Set in a marginal rice growing area of Thailand this short novel would be an excellent introduction to a discussion of the effect of climate and geography on village life in parts of Asia.  Some of the frustrations, difficulties and injustices of village life are revealed in this story of Dawan, a 12 year old girl who strives to continue her education at a city high school in Thailand in spite of competition from her brother and opposition from her father.  (10 years up)

Kensuke's Kingdom  by Michael Morpurgo  pb $14.95 

When Michael is washed up on an island he struggles to survive on his own.  He is about to give up when food appears.  He is not alone.  This is a wonderful story of survival and about Kensuke, an elderly Japanese man who lives on the island and has survived for many years using traditional Japanese skills and crafts.   (9 - 15 years).

Red Scarf Girl  A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji Li Jiang  pb $13.95  

A deeply moving autobiography set during the Cultural Revolution in China.   Ji Li Jiang describes her own experiences as a twelve year old girl puzzling to understand the strange and terrifying events that befell her family at that time.  An excellent introduction to any study of the Cultural Revolution.          (11 years up)

One World series: Where We Live   hardback $35.00

Simple text and colourful photographs show us a variety of homes around the world.  Good for discussion  of the different of places where people live round the world.   ((5 – 8 years)

Homemade Houses: Traditional Homes from Many Lands by John Nicholson pb $14.95  

As well as being beautifully illustrated, this book is very informative about the different styles of housing in various countries that have developed, using local materials which suit the environment and way of life of the builders.   There are many detailed sketches showing plans, elevations and cross-sections.  (9 years up) 

Fishing for Islands: Traditional Boats & Seafarers of the Pacific  by John Nicholson hardback  $24.95  pb $14.95    

Nicholson links his obvious love of boats and their design, decoration and how they are built with an outline of how the islands in the Pacific were settled.  He describes through beautiful detailed illustrations and text, the first boats or rafts that must have been built and how they were used, through to dug-out canoes, outriggers and the canoes used by the Polynesians on their vast journeys across the Pacific.           (9 - 16 years)

Tough Stuff: True Stories about Kids and Courage by Kirsty Murray  pb $14.95

A fast paced and inviting collection of short stories about children who have done amazing things.  It includes the story of Iqbal Masih the 12 year old Pakistanit bonded carpet maker who led a movement for children's rights, as well as stories about exceptional children including those who saved lives, or were geniuses, earned a fortune or survived war and oppression.                 (9 - 14 years)

• Three Wishes: Palestianian and Israeli children speak out by Deborah Ellis pb $14.95 

In 2002, Deborah Ellis talked to many children in Palestine and Israel about their daily lives, their frustrations and their hopes for the future.  In this book Deborah Ellis records what these children said.  Many of these stories are extremely moving and revealing of the suffering of children living under at times under great difficulties.  Deborah Ellis has also written a short introduction to the present day situation in Palestine and Israel.    (11 years up)

Travelling Solo Series  pb $10.95 each

Travelling Solo to France, Travelling Solo to India and Travelling Solo to Vietnam  written and illustrated by  Bettina Guthridge  

Very appealing books which describe what a traveller would see on a visit to these countries.  Emphasis is on the culture and customs.  Wide in scope (62 pages) but very simple interesting text.  Many illustrations and maps.  Also very useful for ESL students.        (7 - 12 years)

One day we had to run! By Sybella Wilkes  pb $29.70

In dealing with a group of young refugees from the Horn of Africa, this excellent book portrays the tragedies they witnessed but through the vitality of their stories it also celebrates the lives and culture of these refugees.  Some of the children tell their traditional stories, others describe their long journeys and the dangers they faced when they were forced to flee.  Others express themselves most vividly through their paintings.  These moving stories are set against background information about Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia which helps explain why refugees have been forced to flee these countries. The roles of UNHCR and Save the Children Fund are outlined and ideas for using these books in the school classroom are also included.  (8 up.)

Legacies from Ancient China by Anita Ganeri  pb  $19.95  

Excellent introduction to history of Ancient China and some of its legacies including silk making, papermaking, printing, Chinese medicine, and gunpowder.  

Also in the same series:

Legacies from Ancient Rome          hardback $33.00           

Legacies from Ancient Greece        hardback $33.00          

Legacies from Ancient Egypt          pb only $19.95   (9 - 15 years)

• Rivers through Time series  hardback $37.50

These books look at the many settlements along the length of a number of important rivers and how over many thousands of years, some of them developed into modern cities.  They also look at the changing role of the river in people’s lives over time.  Each book includes timelines, maps, diagrams, photos, glossary and index.  Titles in the series are

Settlements of the Ganges River

Settlements of the Indus River

Settlements of the Mississippi River

Settlements of the River Nile

Settlements of the River Thames                                   (11 – 15 years)

Upside Down World Map   pb $10.95       Laminated $24.95

Drawn from the perspective of those living in the southern hemisphere, the Upside Down World Map is centred round the Pacific Ocean, thereby giving Asia and Australia a prominent position and relegating Europe to a small group of countries in the far top left hand corner of the map.  It promotes some interesting discussion about the history of cartography and how this has affected our perspective of the world.  (8 years up)

How we express ourselves

My painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me by Maya Angelou  photographs by Margaret Courtney-Clarke   pb $18.95  

Told in the words of Thandi an 8 year old Ndebele girl from South Africa, this is an engaging portrait of Thandi, her mischievous little brother and the importance in the lives the people of the village of the vibrant paintings on their houses and colourful beads and embroidery which they love to wear.  A lively rhythmic text and beautiful photographs make this picture book a delight.   (4 – 9 years)

Skip across the Ocean : Nursery Rhymes from around the world collected by Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Sheila Moxley  pb $16.95   

A collection of nursery rhymes and lullabies from round the world, some of which are written in English and also in their original language.       (5 - 8 years)

A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Form  selected by Paul B Janeczko illustrated by Chris Raschka  hardback $29.95    

A delightful selection of poems which are examples of 29 different poetic forms.  The author explains that knowing the rules makes the writing of the poem more challenging, more exciting, more like a game.  Each poem is imaginatively illustrated and the poems are chosen for their wit, beauty and as examples of their particular form.  There is a detailed description of the forms and how it works at the end of the book.       (10 – 14 years)

Linnea in Monet's Garden by Christina Bjork & Lena Anderson  hardback  $24.95

A fictional story about a little Swedish girl, Linnea, who visits Monet's house and gardens at Giverny and also the art galleries on a journey to Paris.  Information about Monet's life and discussion of his paintings is included in the text and there are also reproductions of paintings, photos and illustrations.  This is a captivating story which also provides a large amount of factual information.   (7 years up)

D is for Doufou: An Alphabet Book of Chinese Culture  by Krach Maywan Shen illus by Hongbin Zhang   pb $24.95   

An exceptional book which gives an insight into the pictographic nature of the Chinese language through 25 Chinese words and phrases.  It gives a fascinating historical and cultural background through well known words such as kungfu, feng shui or more complex words like "ai" meaning "love" where the explanation shows some of the cultural differences between Chinese and western ways of thinking.   Wonderful illustrations in the style of Chinese folk art.   (9 years up)

• The Kingfisher Treasury of Myths and Legends by Ann Pilling illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton pb $16.95 

Ann Pilling has divided these retellings of myths and legends into the common themes of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, Love and Death, and Fools and Heroes.   This is an excellent collection of ancient tales from round the world which are retold simply and skilfully.  The illustrations add to the appeal.   (7 – 11 years)

Seasons of Splendour by Madhur Jaffrey  pb  $16.95

These are marvellous retellings of traditional tales from Hindu epics, which Madhur Jaffrey has enriched with descriptions of how the stories were told and celebrated in her own family.  The stories have been arranged in sequence as they might be told at religious festivals in the course of a Hindu calendar year.   It is a collection which gives a rich personal insight into Indian life.      (8 years up)

• Tales Told in Tents: Stories from Central Asia  by Sally Pomme Clayton and illustrated by Sophie Herxheimer  hardback $27.95 

Sally Pomme Clayton describes how on her visits there she has always been warmly welcomed with food, hospitality and stories.  She has further researched the stories and retold them in a lively engaging style.  The stories are from the steppes, mountains, deserts and cities of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.  They give us a glimpse of the countryside and the history as well as the resilience of the people and also their sense of humour.  Notes at the end of the book describe the origin of each story and some of its background.     (8 - 14 years)   

• Stories from the Silk Road  retold by Cherry Gilchrist, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry  hardback $34.95  pb $24.95  

This is a collection of stories from the many cultures and peoples along the ancient trade route, the famed Silk Road, which caravans and travellers used from eastern China, through deserts and high mountains to the fabled city of Samarkand, on through Iran and then on via various routes to Europe.  In her vivid retelling of these stories Cherry Gilchrist uses a narrator called the Spirit of the Silk Road to give some background information about the Silk Road and to introduce each story.   (8 - 13 years)

This Same Sky A collection of poems from around the world selected by Naomi Shihab Nye   pb $28.00   An excellent collection of poems from round the world.  A very impressive range and choice of inviting poems from a truly wide range of countries and cultures. (8 years up).

Weird Stuff by Richard Tulloch  pb $14.95

Scripts of the World  by Suzanne Bukiet  hardback $49.95

This beautifully presented book mainly in black and white illustrations makes us aware of the beauty of the different scripts throughout the world.  Discusses how writing came about and the five scripts most in use in the world.  There are five traditional beautifully illustrated stories written in English with examples of the script of the original language (Latin, Arab, Cyrillic, Indian and Chinese).       (8 - 14 years)

Musical Instruments of the World series by Barrie Carson Turner  hardback $33.00  

Drums                                                                  

Sound Effects

Flutes                                                                   

Percussion

Keyboards                                                          

Strings

Modern Instruments                                         

Woodwind and Brass          $33.00 each

These books include both familiar and unusual instruments from a variety of cultures round the world.  Illustrations and photos show the instruments being played and give an idea of how each instrument works.  (7 - 11 years)

Discover other Cultures series by Meryl Doney  pb $19.95 each

Festivals around the World                             

Musical Instruments around the World

Masks around the World                                  

Papercraft around the World

Puppets around the World                               

Toys and Dolls around the World

An excellent source of practical information on crafts from around the world.  Background cultural information on the crafts is given as well as step by step instructions on how to make puppets, masks, paper etc.  (This series was originally published as World Crafts.)                (8 - 13  years)

Traditions Around the World series  edited by James Kerr  pb 22.95 each

Body Decoration                                                

Masks

Costumes                                                               

Musical Instruments

Jewellery and Accessories

This series is more descriptive with fewer practical examples of crafts to make but contains interesting examples of traditions from round the world.  It is levelled at a higher age range than the Discover other Cultures series.       (10 - 14 years)

Look! Zoom in on Art!  by Gillian Wolfe  pb $16.95

This is an exceptional book which encourages us to look carefully at paintings and makes us think about the different ways artists paint when they attempt to portray perspective, movement, emotion and many other complex ideas.   (8 - 15 years)

Picture the World:  Children's Art around the Globe by Tracy V Spates  hardback  $49.95   

This book features a number of art works from children of different ages and from eight different countries.  The art work presents an opportunity for storytelling and discussing similarities and differences between cultures as well as a chance to focus on familiar and new ways of being creative. Countries included are Japan, Ecuador, India, Russia, Kenya, USA and Vietnam.       (10 - 14 years)

• Dickens: His Work and His World by Michael Rosen  illustrated by Robert Ingpen  hardback $29.95   

In this book, Rosen endeavours to make Dickens’ work, his life and also the times in which Dickens lived come to life for the younger reader.  Rosen begins by describing Dickens the performer and then goes on to describe his life, especially his childhood.  Perhaps the most fascinating parts are his descriptions of the social and political upheavals of that period and the way these changes influenced Dickens’ work.   Rosen also looks closely at four of Dickens’ books, A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Great Expectations.  This book contains a vast amount of information told in simple language so that children from ten years up can understand it.    (10 - 15 years)   

How the world works

Who sank the Boat?    By Pamela Allen  pb $14.95 

Pamela Allen has written a number of picture books which deal with science concepts.  In this story the vivid illustrations show how the boat sinks further each time that donkey, then cow, pig and sheep get into the boat.  The boat manages to stay afloat but finally sinks when tiny little mouse gets into the boat.  The question is who sank the boat?   It is wonderful to have a picture book demonstrating a science concept with such exuberance.    (4 - 11 years)

Mr Archimedes' Bath   by Pamela Allen  pb $13.95

Mr Archimedes is having a bath with various animals, as they get into the bath water splashes over the side.  Again Pamela Allen has great fun in getting children to think about what is happening.  (5 years up)

• My Body, Your Body  (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom  pb $16.95 

Children will love to compare their bodies with a variety of animals and the surprising way their bodies work.  An innovative introduction to the bodies work.  (4 – 8 years)  

• Tick-Tock (Wonderwise series) by James Dunbar  pb $16.95

An innovative look at time.  We look at what can be done in seconds, and then minutes and over years.  There is also discussion of how e measure time. (5 – 8 years)

• Yum-Yum! A Book about Food Chains  (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom   pb $16.95 

An excellent introduction to the concept of a food chain in which every living thing plays a part.  It is also great fun to see who eats what in the chain. 

(5 – 8 years)

• Materials (Kingfisher Young Knowledge series) by Clive Gifford  pb $14.95

This book attempts to give a good overall understanding of the wide variety of materials that exist.  There are many illustrations which support the simple but clearly explained text.  A number of other series contain individual books describing the various materials in much more detail but this book is a good introduction for younger readers.    There is an Index and suggestions for recycling.  (7 – 9 years)

• The Big Picture Book.  See Life on Earth unfolding through time by John Long illustrations by Brian Choo hardback 29.95 

This book truly deals with the Big Picture since it explores the origin of the Universe and the solar system as well as the origins of life on Earth.  On the left of each page is a timeline showing the vastness of the time scale involved and this really helps us understand the Big Picture.  The many excellent photographs and illustrations help explain clearly the changes in the Universe and the evolution of life on Earth.  John Long is a palaeontologist and he also has a talent in explaining his science to children and in creating beautiful books.                       (9 - 14 years)                                                                                                                

Great Inventions series by Paul Dowswell  pb $26.95 each title

Communications                                                     

Computers

Entertainment                                                          

Everyday Life

Medicine                                                                  

Science

Space                                                                         

Transport

This series has fascinating insights into inventions over the ages as well as more modern ones.  Each title describes life before the inventions, the inventors, and how the inventions have made a difference to the way we live.  The text is supplemented by an excellent use of photos, illustrations, early advertisements and timelines.  In the title Everyday Inventions information is arranged chronologically, beginning with the first locks invented in 2000 BC and progressing to  central heating, clocks, flush toilets and later inventions like the vacuum cleaner and Velcro.     (9 - 15 years)

• Eureka! Great Inventors and Their Brilliant Brainwaves by Richard Platt pb $16.95 

This book emphases the “eureka moment” when an inventor discovers the idea which leads to the invention.  This can sometimes be as a result of many years of work, or a chance connection of ideas or even by accident (very unusual this one.)  Richard Platt also includes interesting background information on each inventor as well as his work and the particular problem he was working on.  The book includes a wide range of discoveries from the time of Galileo and his work on the pendulum in the 1500s to the development of the World Wide Web in the 1970s.   (10 - 15 years)

• Communication: From Hieroglyphics to Hyperlinks  by Richard Platt pb $16.95 

Richard Platt is himself a skilled communicator and is able to make this discussion of many different types of communications both interesting and accessible.  In his introductory chapter, he discusses various types of communication such as communication between animals, facial expression and gestures, language and speech, and written language.  The second chapter concentrates on sending messages from the development of the alphabet to the postal service, use of fires and flags, telegraph and the telephone.  The third chapter covers printing, recording of sound, as well as photography, cinema, radio, television, video and DVDs.  The final chapter looks at the world as a global village in which the internet has made enormous changes to our ability to communicate and in which many media are now merging.  Very well set out with many photos and glossary and index.   ((12 years up)     

*Science Issues series  by Pennie Stoyles, Peter Pentland, David Demant  hardback $27.95

Global Warming                                                    

Genetic Engineering

Nuclear Energy

The scientific background on these topics is presented to encourage students to debate these topics.  Three main issues on each topic is presented.   (9 - 15 years)

How we organise ourselves

• One is a Snail Ten is a Crab: A Counting by Feet Book   by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayre Illustrated by Randy Cecil  hardback $24.95  pb $14.95

This is a counting book with a difference for it encourages children to add up and to see the differences between numbers and patterns of numbers and even to attempt simple multiplication.  The snail with its one foot is used for one.  A boy has two feet and so three is a person and a snail.  Six is an insect, and seven is an insect and a snail.  It gets more complicated at ten which is a crab and that means twenty is two crabs.  Thirty is three crabs or ten people and a crab.  And so on up to one hundred which is ten crabs or “if you're really counting slowly” one hundred snails.  Great fun.    (4 – 6 years)

On the Go  by Ann Morris, photographs by Ken Hillman  pb $17.95

The very simple text contrasts with the complexity of the photos showing a wide variety of the ways in which people get around.   Great for discussion.  (4 - 7 years)

One World series: On the Move  hardback 35.00

The text contains more detail and the photographs also are good for discussion of the different types of transport that  people use around the world.  (5 – 8 years)

Also Going to School hardback $35.00  in the same series shows children attending a wide variety of schools through the world. 

People in the Community in Me and My Community series   hardback $29.70

A range of different jobs in the community are shown through clear illustrations and simple text in this non-fiction book for young readers.     (6 - 8 years)

*The Eco series by Helen Whitty   hardback $27.95 each

Home                                                            

Travel and Transport

Community

Shopping                                                     

This series looks at ways we can use resources and how we can work with nature, rather than against it, in a sustainable way.  It gives eco warnings of some of the ways people are wasting the world's wealth, eco solutions, eco villains and also gives examples of the some of the people who are leading change in this area.  (9 - 13 years)

Kids Around the World Play!  by Arlette N Braman  illustrated by Michele Nidenoff pb $24.95    

This book contains an array of games from round the world, clearly described and illustrated so that children can make their own and then play them.  The games are divided into those that Tease Your Brain, Games of Chance, Board games, Toys and also Games of skill.  They include games from Russia, India, China, Italy and Board games from Kenya, Germany and Ancient Egypt.     (8 - 12 years)

Building Works series by John Malam  hardback $33.00 each

Airport                                                         

Library

Hospital                                                       

Theatre

A very interesting series which shows how examples of these buildings have been designed, how they function and how people work in them.  A foldout map of the building is included in each book.             (9 - 13 years)

World Organizations Series:  European Union  pb $22.95

This series looks at key world international organizations.  It discusses how and why they were established, their structure and their various functions. Each book has an Index, a Glossary and also useful addresses and websites.  

The complete list of books in the series is:

Amnesty International                              

European Union

NATO                                                           

The Red Cross

UNICEF                                                       

United Nations

World Health Organization                    

World Wildlife Fund         (11 - 16 years)

Sharing the planet

What if ? A book about recycling  by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom pb $14.95

This absorbing picture book for young children discusses what could happen to a glass bottle thrown away at the beach.  It is part of the Wonderwise series, an informative and stimulating non-fiction series for young children.  (5 - 8 years)

• Wild and Free.  A book about animals in danger (Wonderwise series) by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom  pb $16.95  

This simple introduction to endangered animals describes a range of animals in danger from around the world through the eyes of children from different countries round the world.

Splish, Splash, Splosh!  A book about water  by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom  pb $14.95   

Also in the Wonderwise series, this lively book relates the water cycle to the everyday life of a young boy and his dog.           (5 - 8 years)

The Waterhole  by Graeme Base  hardback  $26.00  pb $19.95 

At one level this beautifully illustrated picture book is a complex counting book.  However for those who search the detail on its pages, it also has a strong message about the diversity of animal life round the world and the importance of water, as the level of the water in the waterhole gradually becomes less.    (8 years up)

Where the Forest meets the Sea  by Jeannie Baker   hardback $27.95  pb $14.95   Big Book $37.95   

This picture book is made from intricate collages.  Set in the Daintree rainforest in northern Queensland, it shows a fragile rainforest area next to the sea, easily threatened by too much human activity.  (7 years up)

The Hidden Forest   by Jeannie Baker  hardback  $27.95

This latest picture book, also made from collage work, is set in the kelp forests of the oceans round Tasmanian.  As usual the collages are made up of natural materials - rock, sand, wood, feathers and seaweed.  This is an unusual look at life in a very different type of forest - a forest which is in the ocean.   (8 up)

Window   by Jeannie Baker pb 14.95    Big Book $37.95  is a study of a changing view through the window of a house as more and more houses encroach on the countryside seen from the window.

Belonging  hardback $27.95   follows the same format as Window  but it looks at an inner city suburb bleak in its drabness, ugly signs, graffiti and dilapidated houses and how over time the street is gradually transformed into a green inviting place where people can meet and enjoy their environment.

River Story by Meredith Hooper  illus by Bee Willey  hardback $27.95  pb $14.95

A beautifully illustrated and written account in picture book format of a river's journey from its source to the sea.    (8 - 13 years)

Blueback: A Fable for all Ages  by Tim Winton   pb $14.95 

An environmentally conscious story about Abel and his mother who live by the sea and whose lives revolve round the ocean.  They endeavour to protect their bit of ocean and the creatures who live in it from anything that may harm them.   (9 years up)

Me and My Community series  by Jane Pearson hardback 29.70

Rubbish and Recycling

Informative simply written text describes which part of the rubbish we put out in the bin is recycled, why recycling is important and how we can help the process.  Also Environment Alert looks at energy resources, pollution, recycling and the school environment.   (7 – 9 years)

* The Eco series by Helen Whitty   hardback $27.95 each

Land                                                              

Water

A series looking at ways we can use resources and how we can work with nature, in a sustainable way, rather than against it.  It gives eco warnings of some of the ways people are wasting the world's wealth, and discusses eco solutions.    (9 - 13 years)

* Our World: Our Future by Sharon Dalgleish hardback $27.95 each

This series looks at the problems of sustaining the environment round the world   and also our responsibility to contribute to the protection of our planet.

Caring for Wildlife                                   

Cleaning the Air

Managing the Land                                    

Protecting Forests  

Renewing Energy                                      

Saving Water

Books marked * cannot be supplied by Austral Ed within Australia.

All prices are in Australian dollars.   If you would like to order any of the above books, send orders to Austral Ed by fax, post or email.

For additional lists of recommended books and newsletters from Austral Ed, visit our website www.australed.iinet.net

© Kate Shepherd 2008.