November 2011 Update
Many of the following books have been short listed for the CBC Book of the Year Awards and have also received other commendations however, because of lack of space, I have only mentioned the CBC Book of the Year Awards and a few other major International Awards. These picture books are suitable for use throughout the Elementary School but where a book is especially suitable for preschoolers or older readers, I have indicated it. Titles newly included in this list are marked with •
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Recommended by Kate Shepherd
Pamela Allen
Her picture books are loved by young children because of their bold bright illustrations and their fast moving storyline with lots of rhyme, rhythm and repetition. Her books have twice won the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award as well as many other awards.
Who sank the Boat? pb 9780140509403 $14.95 and Mr Archimedes' Bath pb 9780207172854 $14.99 Marvellous stories which are unusual in that they also deal with science concepts.
Fancy That! pb 9780140509717 $14.95, My Cat Maisie pb 9780140542370 $14.95, Bertie and the Bear pb 9780140509724 $14.95 Winner of CBC Award 1984.
The Bear’s Lunch pb 9780140562415 $14.95
Mr McGee pb 9780140509694 $14.95 and Mr McGee Goes to Sea pb 9780140544039 $14.95 These are simpler stories, especially popular with preschoolers because of their noisy exuberance. And a very itchy, scratchy Mr McGee and the Biting Flea pb 9780140564198 $14.95 and Mr McGee and the Perfect Nest pb 9780140564969 $14.95 where the bird decides that Mr McGee’s umbrella is the perfect nest. Mr McGee and the Blackberry Jam pb $14.95 and the most recent is Mr McGee and the Big Bag of Bread. pb 9780143501411 $14.95
Belinda pb 9780140544930 $14.95 Belinda the cow has a mind of her own but Old Tom is determined to match her, and milk her.
Alexander's Outing pb 9780140554786 $14.95 (Alexander is a wayward duckling).
Clippity-Clop pb 9780140553321 $14.95 Two stubborn donkeys won't shift and so the little old man and woman have to think hard...
The Pear in the Pear Tree pb 9780140564976 $14.95 Lots of action and fun as two children want to get the pear on the pear tree but how? It’s too high. Pamela Allen uses their attempts to illustrate a number of science concepts such as gravity and water displacement, beautifully integrated into this very simple story.
The Potato People pb 9780143500865 $14.95 When Jack and his grandma make potato people Jack is very surprised when he sees what happens to them over time. There are more science concepts in this simple picture book which is great fun to read aloud.
Grandpa and Thomas pb 9780143501312 $14.95 describes the special relationship between Grandpa and his small grandson as they spend a day at the beach.
Grandpa and Thomas and the Green Umbrella hardback 9780670029730 $24.95 pb 9780143503682 $14.95 is the latest in these delightful stories about Thomas and Grandpa at the beach..
Doodledum Dancing written by Meredith Costain illus by Pamela Allen pb 9780143501336 $14.95 is a collection of simple lively rhymes for young children.
Shhh! Little Mouse hardback 9780670070688 $24.95 pb 9780143503675 $14.95 Pamela Allen uses black and white illustrations to contrast very effectively with colour pages to tell the story of this little mouse who dares to taste so many foods even though the cat is near.
Our Daft Dog Danny hardback 9780670073351 $24.95 pb 9780143503446 $14.95
Trips to the beach with Uncle Peter are wrecked because Danny their dog gets overexcited and spoils everything but the two children work out a way to entertain Danny and they all have a great time again.
Jeannie Baker
Jeannie has an international reputation because of her intricate collage work.
Where the Forest meets the Sea hardback 9780862033170 $27.95
pb 9780744513059 $16.95 Big Book 9780744563016 $44.95 is set in the Daintree rainforest in northern Queensland.
The Story of Rosy Dock hardback $29.95 pb $16.95 shows the devastating effect of an introduced plant to the desert area of central Australia.
Window hardback 9780744596762 $29.95 pb 9780744594867 $16.95
Big Book 9780744594874 $44.95 This 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. There is no text but much to discuss.
Belonging hardback 9780744592276 $29.95 pb 9781406305487 $16.95 Big Book 9781406309416 $44.95 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..
The Hidden Forest hardback 9780744561630 $29.95 pb 9780744578768 $16.95 Big Book 9781844285181 $44.95 This work is set in the Tasmanian kelp forests, giving an eerie quality of luminous pale green and blue, as if looking through the water. As usual the collages are made up of natural materials - rock, sand, wood, feathers and seaweed.
One Hungry Spider pb 9781865046570 $13.99 is one of her earlier college picture books. And also Home in the Sky hardback 9780744575859 $29.95 pb 9780744578492 $16.95 An earlier picture book featuring pigeons in an urban environment.
• Mirror by Jeannie Baker hardback 9781406309140 $39.95
Inspired by a trip to Morocco, Jeannie Baker has told two stories in the one book. Page by page we experience a day in the life of two boys and their families; one in inner Sydney and the other in a remote village in Morocco. The landscapes are very different and also their clothes and their houses but in the way the families care for each other and for their communities they are essentially the same. The two families are essentially a mirror image of each other. The collage work is extraordinary and the images convey so much without the need for words. (8 – 15 years)
Graeme Base
Graeme Base is world famous for his phenomenally successful Animalia hardback 9780670815364 $29.95 pb 9780140541120 $19.95 It is an A - Z which has a wealth of hidden objects and ideas.
Also The Eleventh Hour pb 9780140541489 $19.95 and The Sign of the Seahorse pb 9780140563870 $19.95 The earlier My Grandma lived in Gooligulch pb 9780140509410 $16.95 is well worth a look because of the stunning illustrations of emus, lizards, galahs and others.
The Discovery of Dragons hardback 9780670070480 $29.95 is a delightful tongue in cheek tribute to the wonder of dragons and their discoverers round the world. Beautiful illustrations support this text on Serpentology.
The Worst Band in the Universe pb 9780140565874 $19.95 This is a cosmic musical adventure written in verse, a search for musical freedom. (9 - 14 years)
The Waterhole pb 9780140567533 $19.95 At one level this is a counting book but for those who search there are many other delights to find. It also has a strong message about the diversity of animal life round the world and the importance of water. It is a complex beautiful book that will reward and delight all ages.
Jungle Drums pb 9780143500964 $19.95 Another ingenious treat from Graeme Base this time set in the African jungle and involving the distinctive colours and patterns of African animals.
Uno’s Garden hardback 9780670041916 $29.95. This one again has an environmental theme. This is, like so many of Base’s books, part-counting book, part-puzzle and part storybook and of course there is always the search for the elusive Snortlepig. (5 – 9 years)
Enigma hardback 9780670072019 $29.95. It is very complex with lots of puzzles and things to search for. (8 – 12 years)
The Legend of the Golden Snail involves a quest. hardback 9780670073498 $29.95
His latest The Jewel Fish of Karnak is set in Ancient Egypt. Hardback 9780670074679 $29.95
Aaron Blabey
Sunday Chutney hardback 9780670071791 $24.95 I found the strong cartoon style illustrations a little confronting at first but any reservations quickly fell away on reading this lively, engaging and exuberant story. Sunday Chutney is always starting new schools because her family shifts frequently to different places round the world. This has many advantages which Sunday lists, but she can’t help hating her first days at a new school even though she has developed her own idiosyncratic ways of coping with this. I think that kids would love to give their own thoughts about Chutney’s life and her quirky views on life. (7 – 10 years)
Nick Bland
The Runaway Hug illus by Freya Blackwood hardback 9781865044057 $24.99
This is a delightfully exuberant story. Mummy is busy in the laundry but gives Lucy a hug which she has to return. Lucy gives a hug to everyone in the family but when she gives a hug to the dog and he runs off and so how can she return it to her mother! From the lively and detailed illustrations we learn so much about everyone in the family as Lucy gives them hugs. A great book for sharing. (3 – 6 years)
The Very Cranky Bear hardback 9781741691344 $15.99 pb 9781741699920 $13.99 In the Jingle Jangle Jungle on a cold and rainy day, four friends find a perfect place to play except there is a very cranky bear trying to sleep there. Fun illustrations and rhyme, rhythm and repetition make this a fun book to read aloud as the four friends come up with some novel ideas to cheer up this cranky bear.
Also The Very Itchy Bear hardback 9781741696516 $15.99
Nan Bodsworth
A Nice Walk in the Jungle pb 9780140541274 $14.95 Miss Jellaby is such an enthusiastic teacher that as she walks and talks her way through the jungle she doesn't notice that her class is, one by one, being consumed by a hungry boa constrictor.
John Brennan
A is for Australia pb 9780701631222 $10.95 A stunning photographic alphabet book in which some of the best known Australian icons are shown such as U for Uluru and V for Vegemite and B for billy tea. An excellent introduction to Australia for elementary age children.
Thelma Catterwell
Sebastian lives in a Hat illus by Kerry Argent pb 9781862910980 $13.99 The true story of Sebastian, the baby wombat who was orphaned and lived the first few months of his life in a woollen hat.
Rod Clement
Counting on Frank pb 9780207173226$14.95 The story of a boy who is a whizz at mathematics and is always estimating and working things out. How many Franks would fill up the bedroom? (Frank is a dog). Striking illustrations add to the fun.
Also Just Another Ordinary Day pb 9780207188398 $14.95 Except that the day isn't that ordinary...
Gary Crew
Gary Crew is well known for his thought provoking novels and the way he experiments with a range of styles in picture books especially for older children.
The Watertower illus by Stephen Woolman pb 9781863743204 $17.95 Won the 1995 CBC Picture book Award. It is a story for sophisticated readers who can sense the alien threat that is present as two boys go for a swim at the old water tower. The stunning illustrations and understated text combine very effectively to convey the enigmatic latent menace.
Beneath the Surface pb 9780733619328 $16.99 is the even more chilling sequel.
The Lost Diamonds of Killicrankie illus by Peter Gouldthorpe pb 9780850918007 $18.99
Using a range of textual styles including letters, diary entries, newspaper cuttings and maps this absorbing book explores a mystery involving of the early settlers in Tasmania and Aboriginal peoples. Middle School and Secondary.
C J Dennis
A Bush Christmas illus by Dee Huxley hardback 9781742030500 $24,99 pb 9781742032078 $16.95
Written in 1931, this is a much-loved poem about a very Australian Christmas in the bush. It is a stiflingly hot day and Mum is cooking the traditional turkey and vegetables, followed by hot plum pudding. Dee Huxley brings the family and the hot dry dusty countryside vividly to life through wry, at times satirical illustration.. This picture book would be great for discussion of Christmas in different lands. (4 – 10 years)
Mike Dumbleton
Cat illus by Craig Smith pb 9781876288839 $14.95
There is so much life and vitality in this book. The text is minimal while the illustrations vividly depict a series of vignettes in the life of cat as he encounters a dog, a sprinkler, a mouse, a bird, a bike, milk and a mat. At the end of each amusing encounter is repeated the heartfelt expression “Thank goodness for that!” (3 – 7 years)
Mem Fox
Mem is extremely well known because of the success of Possum Magic, illus by Julie Vivas hardback $29.99, pb 9781862915657 $15.99, Big Book 9781862916678 $39.95 and she is also a wonderful storyteller. Also:
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge illus by Julie Vivas hardback 9781862918177 $27.99 pb $15.99
Hattie and the Fox illus by Patricia Mullins hardback 9781741699166 $27.99, pb 9781741698206 $15.99
Shoes from Grandpa illus by Patricia Mullins pb 9780868963723 $15.99
Wombat Divine illus by Kerry Argent pb 9781862918412 $15.99 Wombat, who is a most appealing creature, wanted desperately to take part in the Christmas nativity play but for each part he was too big, or too small or … A marvellous text to read aloud and the illustrations have charm and humour.
Night Noises illus by Terry Denton pb 9780143501480 $14.95 Lily Laceby is an old lady and is dreaming of happy times long ago when there are strange noises outside. (5 – 9 years)
Where is the Green Sheep? illus by Judy Horacek hardback 9780670041497 $19.95 pb 9780143501763 $14.95 Great fun to read aloud. In this rhythmic rollicking quest for the green sheep, we come across many other amazing sheep.
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes illustrated by Helen Oxenbury hardback 9780670072392 $24.95 Board Book 9780143503583 $16.95 A delightful book about babies/’ fingers and toes.
• The Little Dragon illustrated by Roland Harvey hardback 9780670028740 $24.95
It was just a little mistake from a little dragon but it caused lots of flames.
Jackie French
Diary of a Wombat illustrated by Bruce Whatley hardback 9780207199950 $24.95 board book 9780732286620 $14.99 This is a very funny book, ironic and whimsical. Bruce Whatley’s illustrations of this hefty, very determined but endearing wombat called Mothball are also a delight. The text is very simple but it has layers of irony. Baby Wombat’s Week is the exciting week of Mothball’s baby who is also cute and very determined. hardback 9780732286941 $24.99 Board book 9780732293185 $14.99
• Queen Victoria’s Underpants illus by Bruce Whatley hardback 9780732288228 $24.99
A fun look at how Queen Victoria made the wearing of women’s underpants popular.
Simon French and Donna Rawlins
Guess the Baby pb 9780733306143 $14.99 A delightful picture book about a class of young children who each bring a photo of themselves as a baby to school. Lots of animated discussion results.
What Will You Be? hardback 9781741143416 $24.95 The same children and their teacher Mr Jarvis prepare for a special day at school when parents and friends are invited to see all the children dress up for a costume parade.
Libby Gleeson
Shutting the Chooks In by Libby Gleeson and Ann James pb 9781863889865 $15.99
There is a distinctly Australian feel to this story about a young boy in the country who goes out to shut the chooks in for the night. However by the time he finds a missing chook, dusk is falling and then he makes a breathless dash through the darkening shadows to the warmth and light of the house.
Amy & Louis by Libby Gleeson, illus. Freya Blackwood pb 9781865049366 $15.99
A simply written and poignant story about the close friendship of two children who lived next door to each other and who are bereft when Amy moves away with her family to the other side of the world.
• Clancy and Millie and the Very Fine House illus Freya Blackwood hardback 9781921541193 $24.95 pb 9781921541902 $14.95 Clancy has to leave his old comfortable and familiar home and shifts to a new house which feels very big and strange. His feelings of strangeness are beautifully evoked by Freya Blackwood’s illustrations. However when Millie from next door comes over to play in the leftover cardboard boxes, he is quickly happy and at ease again. After all, it is family and friends that make a home.
Bob Graham
Through his own very idiosyncratic cartoon style of illustration and gentle sense of humour, Bob Graham creates wonderful stories about families.
Greetings from Sandy Beach pb 9780850915211 $16.99 A superb portrait of a family camping trip to the beach! Winner of the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award 1991.
Queenie the Bantam pb 9780744563283 $16.95 is a warm, typically haphazard story about a family and their very important relationship to Queenie the adopted bantam and Bruno their dog.
Buffy An Adventure Story pb 9780744577853 $15.95 Buffy is a talented performing dog who is searching the world for a place where he can just be himself and be loved.
Has Anyone Here seen William? pb 9781406316131 $15.95 This is a common cry as William is always wandering off.
Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten pb 9780744598292 $16.95 Rose is a little frightened of fierce old Mr Wintergarten but she overcomes her fears and her delightful spontaneity and the fairy cakes baked by her mother have a surprising effect on the grumpy old man.
Max pb 9780744598278 $16.95 Max, the son of flying superheroes, is slow to learn to fly until he spontaneously leaps to the rescue of a baby bird falling from its nest.
“Let’s get a PUP!” pb 9781406308518 $16.95 A wonderful evocation of a family - the type of warm slightly zany family that Bob Graham creates so well. When Kate breathlessly decides she wants a pup they end up getting Dave, a wonderfully bouncy excitable puppy and also Rosy, an old grey dog.
The Trouble with Dogs hardback 9781406303384 $29.95 pb 9781406326017 $16.95 is the delightful sequel. Dave is still wonderfully excitable but the family decides that is hard to live with such excitement and consult a severe dog trainer to help. But he too succumbs to Dave’s infectious enthusiasm.
Jethro Byrde Fairy Child by Bob Graham pb 9781844284825 $17.95 Bob Graham succeeds again in bringing a touch of the magic and fantasy of a child’s world to the most mundane of family outings.
Crusher is Coming pb 9780734410702 $16.99 It is wonderful that this old favourite back in print. When Crusher, the tough kid from school comes round after school, Peter is amazed that all Crusher wants to do is play with Peter’s little sister Claire. A delightful story about stereotypes and expectations. (4 – 9 years)
How to Heal a Broken Wing hardback 9781406307160 $29.95 pb 9781406325492 $16.95 The city is full of skyscrapers and high up a pigeon flies into the glass and falls to the ground. The young boy Will is the only one who notices the injured bird lying on the crowded pavement; everyone else walks past. He and his mother take the bird home and car for it. The book is endorsed by Amnesty International as contributing to a better understanding of Human Rights. (4 – 8 years)
• April Underhill, tooth fairy by Bob Graham hardback 9781406321555 $29.95
A charming story about a tooth fairy and her sister who fly out on their very first tooth visit to collect a tooth from young sleeping boy. They have to show considerable ingenuity and their parents are much relieved when they fly back safely. (4 – 7 years)
John Heffernan
Two Summers illus by Freya Blackwood pb 9781865045979 $15.99 The difference between two summers on an Australian farm is graphically illustrated but subtly told by a young boy pondering the difference between the last year when Rick came to stay on the farm and this year when the farm is stricken by drought.
My Place in Space by Sally & Robin Hirst and illustrated by Roland Harvey & Joe Levine pb 9781741754049 $14.95 A most innovative book. When the bus driver in a small country town in Australia asks Henry and Rosie if they know where they live, he is dumbfounded when they answer the question in extraordinary detail, giving not just their address in Gumbridge but also providing complete and up to date information about the astronomical whereabouts of earth in the universe. Illustrations are cartoon style of the town of Gumbridge but as Henry and Rosie describe the various parts of the universe, air brushed paintings of the sky show the changes through the Solar System, to the Milky Way etc. (7 – 14 years)
Lachie Hume
Clancy the Courageous Cow pb 9781862915671 $15.99
Written by Lachie when he was just 11 years, the book has a charming sense of humour in the text and illustrations. Clancy was different from the other Belted Galloway cows and so the other cows were mean to him because of this. He courageously takes on bigger cows in the annual Cow Wrestling competition. A very funny book which can be used to discuss discrimination. (4 – 7 years)
Sheena Knowles
Edward the Emu illus by Rod Clement pb 9780207170515 $14.99 Edward is the most expressive emu imaginable as he shows his boredom at being an emu and tries to imitate the other animals in the zoo. The sequel is Edwina the Emu pb 9780207189142 $14.95 .
Sofie Laguna
On Our Way to the Beach illus by Andrew Mclean pb 9781862915206 $15.99 As the family travels over days by van from the country to the beach the little girl tries to imagine the beach which she has never seen before.
Alison Lester
Her illustration style has a charming simplicity. My favourite is Imagine pb 9781741147124 $14.95 in which there are detailed scenes of children at play among the animals of the jungle, ocean, farm, Australian bush, dinosaur swamp etc. Bordering the page are the names of all the animals shown in the illustrations. So there is lots of searching and learning.
Also Magic Beach hardback 9781742373126 $19.99 pb 9781741144888 $14.95
Big Book 9781741757255 $39.99 This picture book shows children playing at a beautiful beach. It also invites children to imagine what might happen if the sandcastle they are building became real or if they found pirate treasure. A border highlights details of beach life for children to search for and discuss. (3 – 9 years)
My Farm pb 9781741147865 $14.95 Life on an Australian farm.
Clive Eats Alligators pb 9780733621093 $16.99, Tessa Snaps Snakes pb 9780733621109 $16.99, Rosie Sips Spiders 9780733621079 $16.99, When Frank was Four pb 9780733621086 $16.99, Celeste Sails to Spain pb 9780733621062 $16.99 These simple picture books show the individuality and strong likes and dislikes of seven children. The latest in this series is Ernie Dances to the Didgeridoo pb 9780733621055 $16.99 A wonderfully simple but vibrant introduction to Aboriginal life and to the tropical seasons in the north of Australia.
Are We There Yet? A Journey around Australia hardback 9780670880676 $24.95 vividly depicts a family journey by campervan around Australia. Told though the eyes of 8 year old Grace it describes the many adventures and different landscapes of Australia.
• Running with Horses by Alison Lester hardback 9780670868339 $29.95
When Anna was ten years old, a war was raging in the world and she and her father and a friend have to flee on a dangerous journey across the snow-covered mountains taking with them four of the dancing horses and an old horse Zelda that Nina loves. The illustrations of this picture book with a longer text are striking. The story is fictional but is inspired by the evacuation of the famous Lippizaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna during the Second World War. (8 – 12 years)
• Noni the Pony hardback 9781741758887 $24.99
This is an engaging rhyming story about Noni the Pony and her other animal friends. Noni is friendly and funny and loves to dance with the hens and ducks. The illustrations are simple but warm in colours. Fun to read aloud to the very young . (2 – 5 years). KS
John Marsden
The Rabbits illus by Shaun Tan hardback 9780734410788 $28.99 pb 9780734411365 $17.99 A sophisticated picture books for middle & secondary students. A powerful allegory which surveys, aided through extraordinarily innovative illustrations, the impact rabbits (and human rabbits) have had on the Australian land. Winner of the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award 1999.
Home and Away illustrated by Matt Ottley hardback 9780734410566 $28.99
In this picture book for older readers, John Marsden and Matt Ottley challenge us to imagine that we are refugees, sailing the world in search of refuge. An ordinary family living in the suburbs of Sydney has to flee because of a sudden disastrous war. They have a harrowing journey and the children are finally taken to a very unwelcoming detention camp. This is a bleak depiction but well worth discussing in the light of the plight of refugees throughout the world. (9 – 15 years)
David Mackintoch
• Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School hardback 9780007361410 $24.99
Marshall Armstrong is different. His differences are illustrated rather than described in words by the boy who sits next to him at school and who is clearly perplexed by the fact that Marshall Armstrong is such a nerd. When everyone at school is invited to Marshall’s birthday, there is great reluctance and expectation that they will have a terrible time but to everyone’s surprise the house is filled with amazing things to do and to explore and games to play. This is an amusing story giving a different perspective of how kids can be different and also can be great fun. It shows how our expectations can be very wrong. (6 – 10 years)
Penny Matthews
A Year on Our Farm illus by Andrew McLean pb 9781862914926 $15.99 This picture book is a vibrant account of a year on an Australian farm. The text is simple but the illustrations add complex detail as we see the children helping their parents in the many farm activities. The book is a celebration of the seasons on an Australian farm in the country, not in the harsh outback but a softer Australian countryside.
Junko Morimoto
The Two Bullies translated by Isao Morimoto pb 9780091834722 $16.95 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. Illustrated with great inventiveness, humour and beauty using both traditional and modern elements of style.
Deborah Niland
Annie's Chair pb 9780143501985 $14.95
Annie has a very special chair that no one else is allowed to sit in. The only exception is for Benny the dog but only, says Annie, if they sit in the chair together! Very appealing bright illustrations show Annie as a character with a very distinctive personality. The lively text will appeal especially to three and four year olds.
Annie to the Rescue pb 9780143503095 $14.95
Another delightful story about Annie who is very resourceful as she climbs a tree to rescue her cat and then climbs carefully down again.
Kilmeny Niland
Fat Pat pb 9780733328411 $14.99
“That dog is a big pudgy pudden”, says the vet. When Pat is put onto a strict diet he runs away in horror to discover that life on the streets is much more difficult. When he is finally found, he is a very bedraggled and skinny dog. (4 – 7 years)
Leonie Norrington
• Look see, look at me! Illust by Dee Huxley hardback 9781741758832 $24.99
A very simple text describes the exuberance and pride of a three year old who describes all the things he can now do. Free flowing delightful illustrations by Dee Huxley show families and life in northern indigenous communities.
Narelle Oliver
Fox and Fine Feathers hardback 9781862918061 $27.99 pb 9781862918078 $15.99 Four native Australian forest birds, the nightjar, the lyrebird, the coucal and the Pitta warn each other when there is danger. In this case the danger comes from the European fox. Information is given at the end of the book on the four native birds and also on the introduced European fox. (6 – 11 years)
Home pb 9781862916692 $15.99
Two falcons make their nest on the ledge of a multi-storey building in a large city. For them the high buildings are very similar to the cliffs in the wild. (6 – 12 years)
A B Paterson
Some of the most well known and popular poems by Australia's most well loved poet who wrote at the turn of the last century, beautifully illustrated by a variety of artists.
Waltzing Matilda. The classic edition was illustrated by Desmond Digby in 1991 pb 9780207170980 $14.99 and a new edition illus by Freya Blackwood pb and CD 9781865048161 $19.99
Mulga Bill's Bicycle illus by K & D Niland pb 9780207172847 $14.99 IBBY Illustration Diploma 1976
The Man from Snowy River This famous poem is also available in two editions, each illustrated by a different illustrator. The version illustrated by A Macarthur-Onslow is a classic pb 9780207157080 $14.99, the version beautifully illustrated by Freya Blackwood pb 9781865046969 $15.99 was published in 2008.
• The Hero of Little Street by Gregory Rogers hardback 9781741145243 $29.99
This is a delightfully expressive textless picture book. The Boy is already a well-known character from two earlier picture books. (The Boy, The Bear, The Baron and the Bard pb 9781741145359 $15.95 and also Midsummer Knight hardback 9781741145236 $27.95 and pb 9781741754827 $15.95) Escaping from some bullies, he finds himself in an Art Gallery and as he wanders past one of Vermeer’s famous paintings a little dog suddenly jumps out of the painting. They explore together and then hop into another of Vermeer’s paintings and find themselves in the streets of Delft in the time of Vermeer. More adventures follow. There is so much to observe and so much action which is very easily followed in spite of the fact that there are no words. Gregory Rogers has created some remarkable characters and a wonderful world through his vibrant and expressive illustrations. (6 – 10 years)
Gillian Rubinstein
Dog In, Cat Out illustrated by Ann James pb 9781862911277 $13.99 Through the simple changing refrain of dog in, cat out, we follow the activities of a family through a whole day as the dog and cat come in and out of the house.
Sharon Keep Your hair On illustrated by David Mackintosh pb 9780091831608 $14.95 This rap poem is such fun to read aloud. It is a virtuoso rhyming performance about an extended family which grows and then shrinks.
Captain Congo and the Klondike Gold by Ruth Starke illustrated by Greg Holfeld hardback 9781921504273 $24.95
Captain Congo is an unflappable super-sleuth who also happens to be a gorilla. His loyal offsider is a penguin who makes wise-cracks and loves sardines. Lots of adventures and tongue-in-cheek jokes as the two travel deep in the Canadian north west to solve the mystery of ghost or monster terrifying miners in an old Klondike gold mining area. Great cartoon illustrations and humour as well as adventure has made these two characters very popular. (8 – 12 years)
And Captain and the Crocodile King hardback 9781876288914 $24.95 pb 9781876288976 $16.95 the first book in the series and here Captain Congo searches for a missing professor fro m Chicago who has disappeared in the depths of Abyssinia.
Also Captain Congo and the Maharaja’s Monkey hardback 9781921504044 $24.95 pb 9781921504150 $16.95 This was the second book and took readers to the India of the British Raj where the team are called on to investigate the death of the Maharaja of Bekar and to watch over his successor. (8 – 12 years)
Sally Sutton
Roadworks illustrated by Brian Lovelock hardback 9781921150166 $27.95 pb 9781921529535 $16.95 Big Book 9781921529719 $44.95
The text is noisy and full of action as the trucks and loaders and bulldozers and graders make the road. This is an exuberant story showing how the road is made and how the signs and lights and trees are added till finally the cars and buses and trucks can drive along the road. It won the Picture Book Category of the NZ Post Book Awards 2009.
Shaun Tan
The Arrival hardback 9780734406941 $39.99
This extraordinary book has delighted everyone I have shown it to. It is textless and depicts many strange things and a world that we do not understand and yet at the same time it is not difficult to understand. It shows the experience of an immigrant when he or she comes to a country where they know no one and understand very little. However on his arrival in this new land, he meets new friends who show him how to get to places and how things work and they also tell him the stories of how they too came to this new land. The illustrations are meticulously drawn in detailed panels of illustrations or sometimes full page illustrations in black and white or various shades of grey and sepia. It is a very evocative and moving book. (9 years to adult)
Also The Lost Thing hardback 9780734400741 $28.99 and pb 9780734411389 $17.99 abut a boy who discovers a strange creature which no one else seem to notice. (9 up)
The Red Tree hardback 9780734401724 $28.99 and pb 9780734411372 $17.99 A story about feeling and hope as the little girl discovers that the seed in her bedroom has grown into a beautiful red tree. (8 – 12 years)
Tales from Outer Suburbia hardback 9781741149173 $35.00
It contains fifteen very short stories in which Shaun Tan explores the experience of growing up in the Australian suburbs. Through these imaginative, quirky stories and unusual illustrations, he explores the mysteries which lurk just below the surface of suburban life. (14 years up)
Fearless by Colin Thompson illus by Sarah Davis hardback 9780733320255 $24.99
This is such a fun book. When he was a puppy, Fearless seemed a good name for him but he grew up to be frightened of everything. However one night, completely by accident, Fearless lived up to his name. Wonderfully engaging illustrations show Fearless to be endearing, loving, and not very bright though a much loved part of the family. (4 – 7 years)
Julie Vivas
The Nativity pb 9781862916623 $15.99
The beauty and solemnity of the text of the original King James version of the Bible is wonderfully contrasted with the vitality, humour and originality of Julie Vivas’ illustrations.
Jenny Wagner
The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek illus by Ron Brooks pb 9780140501261 $14.95 A classic with a marvellous text and illustrations. The bunyip stirs from the billabong but doesn't know who he is and none of the animals or people that he meets are much help. Winner of the CBC Picture Book of the Year Award 1974.
John, Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat illus by Ron Brooks pb 9780140503067 $14.95
A more subtle story about love and possessiveness. One of those stories that younger children love but there are depths that children in upper elementary will also appreciate. Winner of CBC Picture Book of the Year Award 1977.
Bruce Whatley
The Ugliest Dog in the World pb 9780207174278 $15.99
Many might think that Skitty is ugly however her owner thinks she is just beautiful.
That Magnetic Dog hardback 9780207183652 $19.99
Skitty is a very special dog. She attracts food just like a magnet. The very expressive realistic illustrations of Skitty make this picture book a delight.
Nadia Wheatley
My Place illus by Donna Rawlins hardback 9781921150708 $29.95 pb 9781921150654 $19.95 This new edition published in 2008 has a timeline of important events up to 2008. Brilliant in concept and in execution. By moving backwards in decades from 1989, the book shows how a particular neighbourhood in Sydney has changed from a modern urban street to the first white settlement and earlier to the time when the aborigines lived there. The story is told through the eyes of the various children who lived there. Winner of the CBC Award Younger Readers 1989.
• There is a DVD of the television series of My Place which has 13 episodes from 2008 to 1888 and an accompanying Teachers’ Guide. $99.00 (8 – 14 years)
Sue Whiting
• The Firefighters illustrations by Donna Rawlins hardback 9781921150296 $29.95 pb 9781921529498 $16.95 Big Book 9781921529702 $44.95 The children at kindergarten pretend to be real firefighters getting into their truck and racing along to get to the fire and squirt it with their hoses. Later the real fire engine arrives and two firefighters arrive to show them their truck and tell the children stories about fires. Bright illustrations and the lively text will make this book very popular with preschoolers. (3 – 6 years)
Margaret Wild
First Day illus by Kim Gamble pb 9781864481105 $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 thought of the children throughout their whole first day at school. (6 – 10 years)
Fox illustrated by Ron Brooks hardback 9781742373195 $27.99 pb 9781864489330 $15.95 A highly acclaimed moral fable about the friendship between Dog and Magpie. Beautifully illustrated by Ron Brooks.
Little Humpty illus by Ann James pb 9781877003585 $14.95 Very endearing illustrations of camels add to the charm of this story about Big Humpty and Little Humpty who set off across the desert, beautifully depicted in soft muted oranges, to the Big Waterhole. A warm story about playing, family love and making friends.
Very Best of Friends illus by Julie Vivas. pb 9781865048000 $13.99
A moving story about friendship and loss.
Pocket Dogs illus by Stephen Michael King pb 9781862914445 $15.99 Children will love this story about two little dogs who go shopping carried in the pockets of Mr Pockets’ coat until the day when Biff falls through a hole in one of the pockets.
Pocket Dogs Go on Holiday hardback 9781862917385 $24.99 pb 9781862917392 $15.99 is the latest book about these little dogs.
Chatterbox by Margaret Wild, illus. Deborah Niland hardback 9780670029327 $24.95 pb 9780143501619 $14.95
The charming story of Daisy who is a lively baby sister for Max but who can’t say any words. To everyone’s surprise when Daisy does start to speak she speaks in sentences and
then the family wonders when will she ever keep quiet.
• Leo the Littlest Seahorse illus by Terry Denton hardback 9780670073559 $24.95
A delightfully rhythmic and espressive story to read aloud. When Potbelly the father seahorse gives birth to 100 little seahorses, he and Polly teach them skills that they will need to survive in the coral reef. Leo is the littlest and he has problems with eye swiveling and fin fluttering but luckily is very good with changing colour and camouflage. Denton has created a wonderful world under the ocean in which there are so many colours and patterns and 100 little individual seahorses to search for! (2 – 6 years)
Tim Winton
The Deep illus by Karen Louise pb 9781863682107 $14.95
Another book which celebrates Winton’s deep love of the ocean. Alice can swim but is very frightened of the “deep.” Intensely realistic illustrations.
If you would like to order any of the books listed above, send orders to Austral Ed by fax, post or email. All prices are in Australian dollars.
For additional lists of recommended books and newsletters from Austral Ed, visit our website www.australed.iinet.net.au
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