Review: Good night, Me by Andrew Daddo

Author: Andrew Daddo

Illustrated by Emma Quay

Age: 3+

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books

Pages: 32

Release date: 25th November 2014

Amazon

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Someone’s ready for bed, but it’s going to take a long, long time to say goodnight.
A baby orang-utan is sleepy and it’s time for bed, but not before saying ‘Good night, me,’ from head to toe. This captivating, unique gift book celebrates that precious moment when a parent tucks a child into bed at the end of the day. Anyone who is a parent, or is about to become one, will appreciate the simplicity of this enchanting picture book.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Good Night, Me is the most perfect bedtime story! I now read this book nightly to my daughter to help her wind down and she is actually beginning to memorise the book which I think is wonderful.

We are introduced to a little Orangutang who is going through his nighttime routine and resting parts of his body starting with his feet and ending with his eyes in preparation for slumber.

This is the second children’s book I have read by Andrew Daddo now and he has a real knack for storytelling and engaging the child with his natural way with simplistic wording; it is also an easy book for Miss 7 to read and understand.

The illustrations are beautiful detailed with the orangutang relaxing each part of his body whilst in bed, the colours are muted and not vibrant – perfect for night-time reading.

Thank you to Hachette Books Australia for the opportunity to read Good Night, Me

About the author: Andrew’s published 24 best selling books for children, and one for bigger kids.

He started writing late last century, and after a pretty woeful attempt at a picture book called The Big Green Smiling Wobbly, found his voice with the Sprung! series for Hachette books.  It’s a series about a kid called Fergus Kipper and his family, and it’s really about growing up and doing the sorts of things kids do and the things they do because they shouldn’t. There are six books in the series and it’s been very successful in getting boys who don’t normally like reading into books.

Since then, Andrew has gone on to write two series of chapter books – one about a family who move from the city to the country, the other about a sleepwalking dog called Skoz.  There are two novels – Youse Two and Muffin Top – for older readers and a growing list of picture books which, as we all know, are for everyone.

Andrew’s been published in lots of different countries and languages, he’s got one brand new book called Ned and at least two (maybe three) new picture books on the way.

He talks in schools throughout the year, and does dinners and breakfasts for kids and parents to talk about the importance of sharing stories, reading and writing.  And he tells lots of funny stories!

Review: My Hiroshima by Junko Morimoto

My Hiroshima

Author: Junko Morimoto

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books

Age group: 8+

Pages: 32 pages

Release date: 23^rd December 2014

Amazon

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

On 6 August, 1945, 13-year-old Junko Morimoto's life changed forever. That was the day that an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, the Japanese city where she lived.First published in Australia, widely praised, and subsequently translated into fourteen languages, the picture book MY HIROSHIMA is Junko's powerful and deeply moving story of a period in history that should never be forgotten.

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

My Hiroshima was certainly a surprise, it was probably a little too graphically detailed for my children but the overall heart-breaking message and the way it is explained from a child’s perspective was done extremely well.

Despite the graphic nature of some of the images, it was a realistic portrayal at what happened in Hiroshima during this war torn time. It was educational and the kids had many questions about it all. The narrator starts off by explaining her happy childhood in Hiroshima which abruptly halted on August 6, 1945 when an atomic bomb was dropped; the images show the extent of the destruction and the heartbreak of loss during the aftermath. The images and details are extremely poignant and powerful.

Overall, this book was very well written and detailed the tragedy in a way that was easy for a child to comprehend. A suggestion to parents would be to read this book yourself to see whether or not it would be suitable for your child, there are images that can be quite upsetting.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s Books for the opportunity to read and review My Hiroshima.

About the author: Junko Morimoto was born in Hiroshima and came to live in Australia in 1982. She has written and illustrated many best-selling picture books including MY HIROSHIMA, THE INCH BOY, KOJURO AND THE BEAR (Winner CBC Best Picture Book 1987), The Two Bullies (Winner CBC Best Picture Book 1998) and RUN DAMON, RUN! (with Anne Ingram).

Review: The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young

Author: Timothy Young

Pages: 40

Publisher: Schiffer

Source: Netgalley

Release date: 19th September 2014

Amazon - TBD

Synopsis: Look at the funny little penguin! and What a silly-looking penguin! Hearing this all day long is enough to make any little bird angry, especially when he s NOT A PENGUIN! This is the story of a puffin who is upset that he s constantly mistaken for a penguin. He finally reaches his breaking point and goes on a rant about the many differences between the two. A little girl stops him in mid-speech because she does know the differences, and he listens as she explains to her father why puffins are her favorite. When you are feeling alone and misunderstood, sometimes it only takes the understanding of one small person to turn things around. A charming picture book with 18 fun colorful spreads showing children what frustration and feeling alone looks like from the outside, how to get over anger, and how to reach out to others when they are frustrated."

Review: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Miss 7 enjoyed this book, the illustrations were cute and she was eager to find out why the little Puffin was so upset over being mistaken for a Penguin.

The message was sweet and it was written in a way that was easy to understand and sympathise with but I felt it could have been done in a way that wasn't so aggressive, Miss 7 thought the Puffin was then being mean to the Penguins.

"I live at the zoo and my roommates are dumb, dorky penguins." 

The pages were vibrant and the text was easy to read, there were a few words in there that my children aren't allowed to say such as dumb and stupid and I think other words could have replaced these but we overlooked this to enjoy the overall story. It's also a great learning experience as we find out the difference between Puffins and Penguins. The Angry Little Puffin is a great little story that children can easily relate to, it shows emotions and feelings and the why's of his reaction.

A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

VERY GOOD LIVES: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination by J.K. Rowling

VERY GOOD LIVES: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination by J.K. Rowling

Hachette Australia announces the publication of an illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard Commencement speech,Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination. The book will be illustrated by Joel Holland and will be published worldwide in the English language on 14th April 2015.

About the book:

In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, Very Good Lives offers J.K. Rowling’s words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life, asking the profound and provocative questions: How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?

Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, the world-famous author addresses some of life’s most important issues with acuity and emotional force.

Sales of Very Good Lives will benefit Lumos, a charity organisation founded by J.K. Rowling, which works to transform the lives of disadvantaged children, and university-wide financial aid at Harvard University.

Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust said, “I have heard and read many commencement speeches, none more moving and memorable than J.K. Rowling’s. Years after her visit to Harvard, people still talk about it—and still find inspiration in her singular evocation of the idea that living a meaningful life so often means daring to risk failure. What a powerful example she embodies, and what a remarkable gift her speech was, and is, for all of us privileged to hear it then—and to read it now.”

About the author:

J.K. Rowling is the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, which have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories, are translated into 77 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films. She has also written two small volumes, which appear as the titles of Harry’s schoolbooks within the novels: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages were published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books in March 2001 in aid of Comic Relief. In December 2008, The Tales of Beedle the Bard was published in aid of the Children’s High Level Group (now known as Lumos) and quickly became the fastest-selling book of the year. Her first novel for adult readers, The Casual Vacancy, was published in September 2012 and her first two crime novels, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, were published in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

As well as an OBE for services to children’s literature, J.K. Rowling is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees, including the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord, France’s Légion d’Honneur, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She supports a wide number of charitable causes through her charitable trust Volant, as well as being the founder and President of the children’s charity, Lumos, which works to end the institutionalisation of children globally and ensure all children grow up in a safe and caring environment.

HACHETTE AUSTRALIA ACQUIRES SELF-PUBLISHING PHENOMENON – ZARKORA

HACHETTE AUSTRALIA ACQUIRES SELF-PUBLISHING PHENOMENON –  ZARKORA

Hachette Australia is excited to announce the acquisition of Nicholas and Alison Lochel’s four-book Zarkora series. 

Zarkora is the story of brothers Neleik and Ervine Fyrelit, two poor farm boys whose parents have been killed by a mysterious and powerful stranger. In the first book, THE FYRELIT TRAGEDY, the kidnapping of their little sister by that same stranger begins an epic quest to rescue her and discover their family’s mysterious past. Along the way they encounter magical creatures, loyal friends, dangerous enemies and strange new lands.

This children’s fantasy adventure has been a self-publishing phenomenon. Brother and sister duo Nicholas and Alison published the first two books to huge success, particularly in their home town of Brisbane. Their talent and dedication saw them shortlisted for an Express Media Award for best work or project by a young person or young people under 30 in Queensland in 2013.

Associate Publisher Suzanne O’Sullivan said, ‘I absolutely fell in love with the Zarkora books. It is one of those rare series that feels simultaneously fresh and classic, and I was gripped by the Fyrelit brothers’ adventure. Nicholas and Alison are incredibly dynamic — they have a huge career ahead of them.’

Fiona Hazard, Publishing Director, said, ‘We are all so impressed by Nicholas and Alison’s talent and drive, and are excited to be bringing their work to the wide audience it deserves, across Australia and around the world.’

Nicholas and Alison Lochel said, ‘After an incredible self-publishing journey, we are absolutely thrilled to embark on a new adventure with the wonderful team at Hachette Australia, to bring our epic tale of two brothers to readers everywhere.’

A new and fully revised edition of the first book in the Zarkora series, THE FYRELIT TRADEGY, is scheduled for release in July 2015. THE LOST KINGDOM will be published in November 2015, and THE MARK OF THE JACKAL and THE LAST STAND OF FYNAGLYDE will follow in 2016.

Review: You are (Not) Small by Anna Kang

You are (Not) Small

Author: Anna Kang

Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books

Age group: Pre-school to Year 1.

Pages: 32

Release date: November 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Two fuzzy creatures can't agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all!

The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size it all depends on who's standing next to you.

Review: 3 out of 5 stars

You are (Not) Small is about two different creatures who can’t agree on who is small and who is big, it’s a lot of back and forth to work it out until a third party comes along with a diversion.

The text is simplistic and easy to read and the wonderful illustrations by Christopher Weyant are vibrant and bold; my children are too old for this book but they still enjoyed hearing me read it aloud with expression which they too got involved in as well, but I did have a small gripe with the simplicity and lack of a plot but otherwise it was humorous and fun.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s Books for the opportunity to read You are (Not) Small by Anna Kang.

 

About the author: Anna was born in the Bronx and grew up on Long Island where she spent much of her free time reading TV Guide, Teen Beat magazine, Archie comics, and going to the movies at the local multiplex. After graduating with honors from Tufts University with a degree in International Relations and Asian Studies, she went on to work as a Research Associate at the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy think tank in Manhattan. Despite the allure of the world of international policy, Anna went back to her first love of film and television. She moved to Los Angeles and received her M.F.A in Film/Video Production from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. While at USC, Anna won a scholarship for Excellence in Screenwriting and directed a short documentary as her thesis film, "not black or white," an irreverent look at media stereotypes of Asian woman. Anna participated in the Sundance Institute's prestigious Screenwriters Lab with her first feature script, The Lost Tribe of Long Island, and was also selected to participate in Film Independent's Screenwriters and Directors Labs. Besides writing and reading, Anna loves a hearty meal, a belly laugh, and a solid nap. Anna lives in New Jersey with her husband, New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant, and their two daughters.

Review: Amelie and Nanette – Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes by Sophie Tilly

Amelie and Nanette – Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes

Author: Sophie Tilly

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Age group: 0-5 years

Pages: 32

Release date: 1^st October 2014

Amazon - TBD - Goodreads

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Amelie and Nanette are very excited! Christmas is coming, and they are busy making their fairy costumes for the party at school. There are cakes to bake and paper chains to make too. But on the day of the party, poor Nanette starts to shiver and sneeze – and has to stay at home! 

They are both very sad, but when Nanette gets better, a special fairy comes to visit, and Pilou the dog delivers a sack full of cards from her school friends! 

An enchanting festive story featuring two very special girls, who discover that the best gift of all is to have a friend to share Christmas with. - See more at: http://www.bloomsbury.com/au/amelie-and-nanette-snowflakes-and-fairy-wishes-9781408836644/#sthash.yuEv8snm.dpuf

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Amelie and Nanette – Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes is such a beautifully illustrated and written book, I would happily give this book as a Christmas gift as it’s about Christmas and how two best friends celebrate and prepare for it together.

The messages within this book were delightful:

‘Because there is nothing nicer than having a best friend to share your secrets and adventures with… ‘{page 1}

It was sweet seeing these best friends super excited about Christmas and their preparations for their school party; Miss seven excitedly want to do the same thing closer to Christmas such as make paper chains and bake fairy cakes – unfortunately, with our climate making a snowman was off the list but the fun the friends shared was wonderful until one of them became sick but the kindness the other showed was a mark of their bond.

The text was easy to read and comprehend, this book was entertaining and easy for my daughter to read without guided help and as previously mentioned the illustrations were absolutely beautiful.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Australia for the opportunity to read and review this title.

We are looking forward to reading more about Amelie and Nanette’s adventures.

About the author: Sophie started her working career as an in house writer for IPC Magazines then moved into the fashion sector before going freelance. She now works from her studio in North Wales where she lives with her husband and three children. Her successful series, Princess Evie's Magic Ponies, was published by Simon & Schuster. 
http://www.sophietilleydesigns.com/

Writes: Picture Books

Author of: Amelie and Nanette: Sparkly Shoes and Picnic Parties, Amelie and Nanette: Snowflakes and Fairy Wishes

Review: YIKES Santa-CLAWS by Pamela Butchart

YIKES Santa-CLAWS 

Author: Pamela Butchart 

Illustrated by: Sam Lloyd

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Amazon

Release date: 1^st November 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

It was Christmas Eve and the dino-tots were tucked up in bed dreaming of Christmas magic . .

But where were the jolly jingle bells?
The hearty “Ho! Ho! Ho!”?
And who was this green scaly creature
stomping through the snow?

YIKES, It's Santa-CLAWS and he's causing chaos.
Can ANYONE stop him and save the day?
Find out in this crazy Christmas caper. - See more at: http://www.bloomsbury.com/au/yikes-santa-claws-9781408851364/#sthash.i9Rl9bP0.dpuf

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

YIKES Santa-CLAWS was a fun, entertaining story that Master 9 thoroughly enjoyed reading out aloud to us. It came at the perfect time as Christmas is fast approaching!

The illustrations were wonderful and the story of an imposter Santa Claus covered in scales, opening kid’s presents & eating their Christmas food had the kids giggling.

Overall, YIKES Santa-CLAWS was written well and was easy for the kids to read and comprehend; it was a delightful story about a naughty dino who in the end righted his wrongs.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing Australia for the opportunity to read and review this title.

About the author: 

Pamela Butchart is an exciting young picture book author. Yikes, Stinkysaurus (9781408837061) is the first title in a brand new commercial picture book series for Bloomsbury. Pamela is a teacher of Philosophy and lives in Dundee.

Writes: Picture Books

Author of: Yikes, Stinkysaurus!, Yikes, Santa-CLAWS!, Never Tickle a Tiger, Yikes, Ticklysaurus!

Review: Wombat Went A' Surfing by Lachlan Creagh

Author: Lachlan Creagh

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books Australia

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 1^st September 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

It’s summertime and Wombat and his friends have gone to the beach for a holiday. Croc’s water-wise cousin, Salty, is teaching surfing to everyone – Emu, Koala, Goanna and Croc – and each of them is a natural. But Wombat is shy and too scared to try, even though he can see how much fun his friends are having. It’s the ocean and the crashing waves – they’re so big and he’s so small. Can Wombat’s friends help him overcome his fears and help him to get his feet wet?

Review: 4 ½ out of 5 stars

Wombat Went A’ Surfing is the fifth book in the Wombat series from Brisbane-based author and illustrator Lachlan Creagh and I have to say little miss seven adored this book as did I with it's fabulous Aussie feel.

The quality is beautiful, the illustrations wonderfully detailed and the story of Wombat and his friends and their trip to the beach delightful.

Miss seven was very curious about why a crocodile would be nice and friendly to a koala so the message of kindness and friendship as well as facing fears was one we certainly enjoyed.

The text was easy to read and was written in rhyme, always a favourite of ours. We highly recommend Wombat Went A’ Surfing to all young readers, it’s a wonderful Australian read.

Thank you to Hachette Children’s Books Australia for the opportunity to read and review this title. 

 

About the author: Lachlan Creagh is a versatile and talented illustrator, concept designer and animator. He has illustrated books in the Little Mates series (Scholastic) and the Robert Irwin, Dinosaur Hunter series (Random House). His picture books include Wombat Went A' Walking, Wombat Went A' Racing, Wombat's Birthday Surprise, Wombat Jumped Over the Moon and Dinosaur Rocks. For more visit www.wombatwentawalking.com.au and www.lach-land.com