Review: Bird & Squirrel on Ice by James Burks

Bird & Squirrel

Author: James Burks

Illustrated by Robin Preiss-Glasser

Series: Bird & Squirrel #2

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 126

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 30 September 2014

Ages: 7-9 Grades: 2-4

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Bird and Squirrel are back and ready for adventure!

After Bird and Squirrel crash land in the South Pole during a raging blizzard, a penguin named Sakari thinks Bird has come to rid her village of a hungry Killer Whale. But when Squirrel finds out that Bird will actually be fed to the Killer Whale as a sacrifice, they hatch a crazy plan to escape. With a good timing, a little luck, and help from Sakari, they just might make it out alive. Or they might end up as whale food!

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

My 9 year-old son loved this book, with easy to understand text and language he was entertained from the very beginning and not overly worried about the book length which he tends to find quite daunting, he said it reminded him more of a comic with a small amount of reading and entertaining images.

Bird and Squirrel have crash landed into a mountain and meet an enthusiastic penguin named Sakari who believes Bird is the chosen one to rid her village of a hungry Killer Whale and bring peace to them all.

The adventures of Bird & Squirrel were often humorous, Bird was the optimist and brave and squirrel the pessimist and quite wary, they made a great team and had an enjoyable adventure as they planned and plotted what they would do.

This is a wonderful book about thinking positive and trying something new as well as knowing what is right and wrong,  with great action, humour and detailed illustrations, it all came together nicely and made for an entertaining read.  

Thank you to Scholastic / Graphix via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Bird & Squirrel on Ice by James Burks.

 

About the author: For the past fifteen years I've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Fan Boy and Chum Chum.

Currently I'm writing and illustrating my own books. My first graphic novel for kids, GABBY AND GATOR, published by Yen Press, was a Junior Library Guild selection. I have an upcoming picture book with Lerner/Carolrhoda entitled BEEP AND BAH, an upcoming graphic novel with Scholastic/Graphix, and I'll be illustrating Tara Lazar's picture book THE MONSTORE for S&S/Aladdin

Review: The Numberlys by William Joyce

Author: William Joyce

Illustrated by Christina Ellis

Series: -

Publisher/Source: Simon & Schuster Australia

Pages: 56

Amazon – TBD

Ages: 3-7

Release date: July 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

From the team who brought you The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore comes an alphabet tale extraordinaire!

Once upon a time there was no alphabet, only numbers;
Life was fine. Orderly. Dull as gray paint. Very numberly. But our five jaunty heroes weren’t willing to accept that this was all there could be. They knew there had to be more.

So they broke out hard hats and welders, hammers and glue guns, and they started knocking some numbers together. Removing a piece here. Adding a piece there. At first, it was awful. But the five kept at it, and soon it was artful! One letter after another emerged, until there were twenty-six. Twenty-six letters they were beautiful. All colorful, shiny, and new. Exactly what our heroes didn’t even know they were missing.

And when the letters entered the world, something truly wondrous began to happen; Pizza! Jelly beans! Color! Books!

Based on the award-winning app, this is William Joyce and Moonbot Metropolis-inspired homage to everyone who knows there is more to life than shades of black and gray.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

What first caught our attention when we received this book was the beautifully detailed cover, Miss 7 loved removing the sheer overlay covering to check out the hard cover below; it was quite unique.

The next thing we noticed was we had to flip the book around so that it was lengthwise to read which was a little awkward when tiny miss 7 was holding the book, it became a bit awkward.

The book goes from black and white muted tones to full vibrant colour by the end of the book, we really enjoyed this aspect.

The book started off with only numbers existing in a world that was dull and bland, letters don’t exist so numbers 1-5 gathered to create letters; it was educational and enjoyable but Miss 7 did point out the importance of numbers in our world as well.

The illustrations tell a story themselves, they are amazing. The moral of the story to make change for improvement was done very well and my little people found the changes entertaining; they loved the way the alphabet and words came about.

The Numberly’s was a wonderful experience, we really enjoyed this book and appreciate the opportunity to read and review it. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia for providing us with a copy.

  

About the author: William Joyce does a lot of stuff—films, apps, Olympic curling—but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Numberlys, The Man in the Moon, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, Toothiana, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also an Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives with his family in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

SHAUN TAN’S RULES OF SUMMER

WINS CBCA PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR

Published by Hachette Children's Books

Hachette Australia is thrilled to announce that Shaun Tan has won the 2014 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award for his book RULES OF SUMMER.

RULES OF SUMMER is a deceptively simple story about two boys, one older and one younger, and the kind of ‘rules’ that might govern any relationship between close friends or siblings. Rules that are often so strange or arbitrary, they seem impossible to understand from the outside. Yet through each exquisite illustration of this nearly wordless narrative, we can enjoy wandering around an emotional landscape that is oddly familiar to us all.

Shaun Tan draws upon his own personal experiences with a surreal snapshot of fishing adventures with his older brother, leaving a sock on the clothes line, and buildings inspired by Brunswick and greater Melbourne. As you venture deep into the story, these poetic images become darker, more mysterious and unsettling, drawing towards a redemptive ending that affirms the depth of true friendship, a bond that is equally wonderful and inexplicable. Moments of humour, surreal fantasy, and the sometimes devastating ways we interact with the people we love the most are presented in Shaun Tan’s typical thought-provoking style. 

A Word from Shaun 'It's absolutely wonderful to be receiving this award for a picture book that's very close to my heart, as well as to have been nominated in the company of so many excellent creators who have also become good friends over the years. So much is still possible in the world of picture books, as perhaps the most universally accessible of all literary genres, and I think Australian creators and publishers are uniquely placed to explore this form, particularly with the support of funding bodies and other organisations such as the CBCA: Australia could easily be an internationally recognised leader in the production of innovative picture books.'

A Word from Suzanne O’Sullivan, Commissioning Editor, Lothian Children’s Books

‘All of us at Hachette are thrilled that RULES OF SUMMER has been honoured by the CBCA. This beautiful, thought-provoking book is Shaun’s most accessible book yet, and it has touched readers of all ages, across Australia and around the world. Shaun is a true visionary and a unique talent, and it is an honour to have published this book.’

About Shaun Tan: Shaun Tan’s award-winning books include the highly acclaimed wordless novel THE ARRIVAL, THE LOST THING, THE RED TREE, THE RABBITS and TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA.

In 2011, Shaun won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, shared an Academy Award for his work on the animated short film version of his book THE LOST THING, and was presented with the Dromkeen Medal for services to children’s literature in Australia.

Shaun has also worked as a theatre designer, as a concept artist for the films ‘Horton Hears a Who’ and Pixar’s ‘WALL-E’ and as an animator on the Academy Award-winning short film adapted from his book THE LOST THING. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won many prizes both in Australia and internationally.

  

For more information about Rules of Summer, including multimedia resources, please visit:

www.rulesofsummer.com.au

Book reviews by author Eric B. Thomasma

We were recently provided with a delightful set of books from author, Eric B. Thomasma; we read these nightly as a part of our bedtime routine over the course of the week and found them all really wonderful.

Sam and the Dragon 

Author: Eric B. Thomasma

Illustrated by Lanin D. Thomasma

Pages: 26

Release date: May 2010

Amazon – TBD

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Sam told his mother, “It really doesn't get cold. That’s just a myth, like dragons and unicorns.” But he soon learns the truth about winter... and dragons. Sam and the Dragon - You’ll never see your furnace the same way again

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Sam & the Dragon is a wonderful story about a young boy named Sam who believes Dragons are a myth until he meets one named Freness.

This book is for the younger child, it is imaginative with simplistic illustrations and a heartfelt underlying message about acceptance and friendship. We all really enjoyed this book, DS was especially keen because of his fascination with dragons.

Billy's Family 

Author: Eric B. Thomasma

Illustrated by Lanin D. Thomasma

Pages: 26

Release date: May 2011

Amazon – TBD

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

An only child, Billy wishes for a bigger family. But spending a day at his great-grandfather's family reunion shows him that 'family' includes far more than just Mommy and Daddy. Billy's Family is an introduction to some of the terms and concepts of family relationships. Billy’s Family – It’s bigger than he thinks.

Review: 3 ½ out of 5 stars

Billy's Family  is a book about a young boy named Billy who is an only child and longs for a bigger family, it isn’t until he spends some time with his grandfather that he learns that it’s not just immediate but extended as well that are a part of his family.

My children often ask about friends and family and who is who and how they are related so it was nice to be able to show them this book, it was educational for them but the beginning explanations were a little confusing. Miss 7 read it aloud to us and enjoyed doing so. The wording was easy to read and the illustrations were delightful, this was a quick read.

The Wizards of the Body Shop 

Author: Eric B. Thomasma

Illustrated by Lanin D. Thomasma

Pages: 26

Release date: March 2012

Amazon – TBD

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Repairing a crumpled fender is pure magic. So when Cindy’s Daddy’s car gets damaged, she goes along as Daddy takes it to The Wizards of the Body Shop.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Cindy’s dad’s car has been in a bit of a bingle so it’s off to the body shop to get repaired.

The Wizards of the Body Shop was fun and imaginative, the kids were excited about the wizard and who would be fixing the car so the mystery kept them flipping through the pages.

Mr. Thomasma’s detailed writing flows well and the simple illustrations keep things entertaining and the kids curious.

Yeti In The Freezer 

Author: Eric B. Thomasma

Illustrated by Lanin D. Thomasma

Pages: 26

Release date: November 2013

Amazon – TBD

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Do you have a freezer that growls when ice is being made? Brady and Dot do, and it’s a little scary. But they’re no longer afraid, now that they’ve made friends with the Yeti In The Freezer.
 

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Yeti In The Freezer is a book about Brady and Dot’s new freezer that makes an unusual growling sound when ice is produced, they come to find they have a yeti named Frasier living in there.

This was an enjoyable little book with fun images and details that get the kid's minds thinking. It also showed how to work as a team and of acceptance, both important messages.

Master 9 and Miss 7 enjoyed this book immensely.

About the author:

Born and raised in West Mitten, USA (Grand Rapids, MI), He still lives in the area in a house he built, (literally), with the help of his wife, Therese, and two sons, Eric Jr. and Nicholas, (and various other friends and relatives). The boys are grown and gone now, although they both live in the area. Eric and Therese have managed to get past the empty nest syndrome and currently only share their home with their dog, Tucker. 

For more information, visit Eric's website at http://rtycati.webs.com

Review: Goodnight, You by Geneviève Côté

Goodnight, You

Author: Geneviève Côté

Series: -

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Pages: 32

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 1^st September 2014

Synopsis: Piggy and Bunny are having their first campout. As the shadows loom larger, Piggy and Bunny playfully imagine scary scenarios and how they might deal with them. It's all good fun, until Piggy reveals a secret fear. This sweetly humorous story shines a light on ways young friends can acknowledge each other's worries and enjoy new experiences. Goodnight, You is the fourth book in the Piggy and Bunny series, which features endearing tales that celebrate friendship and encourage individuality and self-acceptance.

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodnight, You was an easy to read simple book with beautiful illustrations and a sweet story within.

We meet Piggy and Bunny, two good friends who are sharing their first exciting camping experience together and the worries and fears that they both have.

This part of the synopsis describes the book beautifully ‘This sweetly humorous story shines a light on ways young friends can acknowledge each other's worries and enjoy new experiences.’ The real fears were realistically written as was the outcome which was appropriate for the young target audience.

This was a lovely book to read to my daughter. I didn’t realise it was the fourth book in the series but it can most definitely be read as a stand-alone, we’ll definitely be on the lookout for the other books though.

Thank you to Kids Can Press via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review Goodnight, You.

Giveaway! A book of your choice to $10aud from TBD + delicious toddler muffin recipe.

Hi there & welcome to Little Ones Read! my new blog where I will share the books my little ones love, like and don’t enjoy so much. Here we will share with you not only children's books but also middle grade up to 12 years.

I have two children, my reluctant reader Master 9 and little Miss 7 who is obsessed (just like her mum) so it’s great to also get their input on books and series they enjoy.

As an introduction and a welcome I am offering a chance to win a book of your choice from The Book Depository up to the value of $10aud, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a children’s book – any book is a good book in my opinion!

The giveaway is open internationally as long as TBD ships to you, not all options on the Rafflecopter form are mandatory.

Thanks for stopping by & goodluck!

Before I leave we have another great toddler snack to share! Enjoy.

My Young adult + reviews can be found atwww.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

Oat date and honey muffins recipe

Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Lightly grease and base line with non stick baking paper a 12 hole (1/3 cup capacity) muffin

Serving Size:

12

Ingredients:

·         1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

·         1 teaspoon baking powder

·         1 1/4 cups Oats (I used Uncle Toby’s)

·         1/3 cup castor sugar

·         1 cup dried dates, roughly chopped

·         150ml vegetable oil

·         1 egg, lightly beaten

·         1/2 cup milk

·         3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF).

Lightly grease and base line with non stick baking paper a 12 hole (1/3 cup capacity) muffin tin.

Sift together flour and baking powder, add sugar, oats and dates.

In a medium bowl whisk together oil, egg, milk and honey/syrup.

Fold flour into the liquid, mix until combined.

Spoon into the prepared tin.

Sprinkle evenly with the reserved oats.

Bake 15-18 mins or until golden and firm to touch.

(This is a recipe we found on http://www.kidspot.com.au - a fabulous website for amazing toddler snacks)

a Rafflecopter giveaway