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

Review: Ellie McDoodle:Most Valuable Player by Ruth McNally Barshaw

Author: Ruth McNally Barshaw

Age group: 7-12 years old

Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia

Pages: 192

Amazon – TBD - Bloomsbury

Release date: 1^st September 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Poor Ellie. When her friend, Mo, suggests they try out for soccer together, Ellie doesn’t know her own father has just been named the coach! To make matters worse, Ellie can’t seem to get her head (or her feet) around the game. She’d much rather be solving word problems and doing other brain-bending quizzes in the Journey of the Mind club. But when both teams have their tournament on the same day, will Ellie choose soccer or school? This lively story, told in words and doodles, will have kids cheering on the sidelines for Ellie!

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

My nine year old son recently read Ellie McDoodle:Have Pen Will Travel so he was quite excited when we received a copy of Ellie McDoodle:Most Valuable Player, especially since soccer is one of his favourite team sports.

I didn’t think my son would show interest in this series initially because it is about a girl and they are still a pretty gross species to my nine year-old and he is still of the mindset that boys stick with boys things and girls with girls so I was pleasantly surprised by his keen interest. He was especially excited about the take-home project, how to play finger football and shocked by the silence is golden day where there is no speaking.

At the beginning of the book, Ellie’s best friend Mo gets Ellie to try out for the soccer team, she isn’t the sporty type but she does it for her friend; we liked the friendship aspect and how Ellie was willing to try something out of her comfort zone.

Ellie McDoodle:Most Valuable Player is a great book about teamwork and learning to understand that you can’t always be the best at everything. The characters are well written and Ellie’s diary entries with doodle drawings were well done as were the fun to do lists.

I highly recommend the books for girls and boys alike, my seven year-old will be reading this book next.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Ellie McDoodle:Most Valuable Player. 

 

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When: 8th - 14th Sept

What: Save up to 50% off every kids book for 1 week only

Where: www.bookworld.com.au/kids-week 

Promotion is only valid on Australian RRP titles.

Review: Dragon Jelly by Claire Freedman illustrated by Sue Hendra

Author: Claire Freedman

Illustrated by Sue Hendra

Age group: 0-5

Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia

Pages: 32

Amazon – TBD

Release date: 1^st October 2014

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

TA-DAH! It's DRAGON JELLY time,
A sizzling scrumptious treat.
It's red. It's wobbly. Best of all,
It's SCARY HOT to eat . . . !

Max is having a MONSTER party. They play all sorts of yucky games then cool down in a fruitbat drool paddling pool! Then it's tea-time, with termite tarts, ear-wig rolls and eyeball birthday cake. But the REAL treat is the red-hot dragon jelly!

Dragon Jelly is monstrously gloopy, gunky fun from the bestselling Claire Freedman and Sue Hendra. - See more at: Bloomsbury

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

The cover of Dragon Jelly is vibrant and exciting; Miss 7 loved the glittery swirls and was quite eager to get started on this book and was so engrossed that she didn’t want it to end.

Dragon Jelly is about Max and his monster party with games, entertainment, scary treats and more, it was a lot of fun looking at the wonderfully detailed illustrations and to see what a great time the monsters were having.

The illustrations by Sue Hendra are amazing and the friendship you can see the monsters sharing was really delightful, the party was a lot of fun, even the scary hot dragon jelly!

Miss 7 was able to read the text easily & we thoroughly enjoyed Claire Freedman’s engaging and creative storytelling.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for providing us with a copy of Dragon Jelly to read and review.

  

About the author: Claire Freedman is the bestselling author of the Aliens Love Underpants series for Simon & Schuster, which has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. Spider Sandwiches is Claire's first picture book for Bloomsbury. Claire lives in Essex.
www.clairefreedman.co.uk