Children's Book Week 2001

Children’s Book Week commenced on Saturday 18^th August, 2001. The theme for 2001 was "A Book Odyssey". Winners of the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year awards were announced on Friday, 17th August.

Note that a new category, Early childhood, was introduced this year. Award in this category is intended for outstanding books of fiction, drama or poetry for children who are at pre-reading or early reading stages. They may be picture books, picture storybooks, or texts in which illustrations play a substantial part in the storytelling or concept development.

Another change inaugurated in 2001 was the different entry process for Picture books. All entries for Picture Book of the Year must now first be entered in one of the other categories. Publishers may indicate if they wish a book to be considered for the Picture book award, however, the judges have the ultimate responsibility selecting these entries from all books submitted for the Book of the Year Awards.

You may also like to visit the official Children's Book Council Web site to view information about their activities in children's literature, including conferences, author information and news of other literary awards managed by the Council.

Award Winners by Category

Picture Book of the Year
BROOKS, Ron & WILD, Margaret	*Fox*

Book of the Year: Early Childhood
JINKS, Catherine & McLEAN, Andrew	*You’ll wake the baby!*

Book of the Year: Younger Readers
KIDD, Diana	*Two hands together*

Book of the Year: Older Readers
CLARKE, Judith	*Wolf on the fold*

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
KENNETT, David & BLACKLOCK, Dylan	*Olympia: warrior athletes of ancient Greece***

2001 SHORTLISTED FINALISTS IN THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Click on the award heading to be taken straight to the relevant Scan reviews.

Picture Book of the Year
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; note that CBCA listing is arranged in alphabetical order by name of the illustrator)

BROOKS, Ron (text Margaret Wild) (2000) Fox. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1001015, reviewed Scan 19(3)

HUXLEY, Dee (text Cathy Applegate) (2000) Rain dance. Scholastic (A Margaret Hamilton book), SCIS 1005199 reviewed Scan 19(4)

OTTLEY, Matt (2000) Faust's party. Hodder Children's, SCIS 1011211, reviewed Scan 20 (1)

RIDDLE, Tohby (2001) Thesinging hat. Penguin (Viking), SCIS 1022036, reviewed Scan 20(2)

RUSSELL, Elaine (2000) A is for aunty. ABC, SCIS 1006498, reviewed Scan 20(2)

TAN, Shaun (2000) The lost thing. Lothian, SCIS 1014762, reviewed Scan 20(1)

Book of the Year: Early Childhood

GRAHAM, Bob (2000) Max. Walker, SCIS 1015779, reviewed Scan 20(2)

JINKS, Catherine (illus Andrew McLean) (2000) You'llwake the baby! Penguin (Viking), SCIS 1020093, reviewed Scan 20(3)

LEE, Lyn (illus Kim Gamble) (2000) Pog. Omnibus, SCIS 1021851, reviewed Scan 20(3)

LESTER, Alison (2000) Ernie dances to the didgeridoo. Hodder Children's, SCIS 1006880, reviewed Scan 20(2)

WILD, Margaret (illus Kerry Argent) (2000) Nightynight! ABC, SCIS 1024836, reviewed Scan 20(2)

WILD, Margaret (illus Stephen Michael King) (2000) Thepocket dogs. Omnibus, SCIS 1018041, reviewed Scan 20(2)

Book of the Year: Younger Readers

BROOME, Errol (2000) Awaywith the birds. Fremantle Arts Centre Press, SCIS 1016045, reviewed Scan 20(2)

DUBOSARSKY, Ursula (2000) Thegame of the goose. Viking, SCIS 1016137, reviewed Scan 20(3)

HIRSCH, Odo (2000) Something'sfishy, Hazel Green! Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1011264, reviewed Scan 19(4)

KIDD, Diana (2000) Two hands together. Penguin (Puffin), SCIS 1026794, reviewed Scan 20(2)

STARKE, Ruth (2000) Nips XI. Lothian (Takeaways), SCIS 1017676, reviewed Scan 20(3)

THIELE, Colin (illus Peter Gouldthorpe) (2000) Pannikin & Pinta. Lothian, SCIS 1014754, reviewed Scan 20(1)

Book of the Year: Older Readers
(These books are for mature readers)

CLARKE, Judith (2000) Wolf on the fold. Duffy & Snellgrove, SCIS 997412, reviewed Scan 19(4)

CONDON, Bill (2000) Dogs. Hodder Headline, SCIS 1014758, reviewed Scan 20(3)

HARTNETT, Sonya (2000) Thursday's child. Penguin, SCIS 1014764, reviewed Scan 20(1)

HERRICK, Steven (2000) Thesimple gift: a novel. University of Queensland Press (UQP young adult fiction), SCIS 1007038, reviewed Scan 20(1)

MOLONEY, James (2000) Touch me. University of Queensland Press (UQP young adult fiction), SCIS 1005365, reviewed Scan 19(4)

ZUSAK, Markus (2000) Fighting Ruben Wolfe. Omnibus, SCIS 1001037, reviewed Scan 19(4)

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
(Some of these books are for mature readers)

FREEMAN, Pamela (illus Philip Blythe) (2000) Pole to Pole. Koala, SCIS 1005203, reviewed Scan 19(4)

JENNINGS, Gael (illus Roland Harvey) (2000) Sick as: bloody moments in the history of medicine. Roland Harvey, SCIS 995632, reviewed Scan 20(3)

KENNETT, David (text Dyan Blacklock) (2000) Olympia: warrior athletes of ancient Greece. Omnibus, SCIS 997413, reviewed Scan 19(2)

NICHOLSON, JOHN (2000) Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Allen & Unwin, SCIS 1018440, reviewed Scan 20(2)

PEARSON, Jane (2000) Animal food. Echidna (Let's look at Australian animals), SCIS 1020772, reviewed Scan 20(3)

RUSSELL, Elaine (2000) A is for aunty. ABC, SCIS 1006498, reviewed Scan 20(2)

Reviews

Picture Book of the Year

WILD, Margaret & BROOKS, Ron
Fox.
Allen & Unwin, 2000
ISBN 1864484659
Here is an inspiring picture book. Beautifully spare, elegant text is illuminated by powerful illustrations and intriguing page design. The result is a rich reading experience. Dog and Magpie become friends when Dog's goodness enables the injured Magpie to survive and again find pleasure in life. Magpie feels deep foreboding when Fox arrives and disturbs their relationship. The resulting temptation and betrayal unfold in an understated and compelling way. Young readers will understand and appreciate this story about friendship, presented on pages designed as a pastiche of a child's handwritten story. More experienced readers will find much to contemplate in this outstanding work. The interaction of its elements creates a resonance that provides a wonderful example of the power of good picture books. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
$27.95

OTTLEY, Matt
Faust's party.
Hodder Children's, 2000
ISBN 0733601898
Ottley's delight in his canine and alien characters is abundantly evident on every double page spread picture in this rollicking, uproarious picture book, a companion and sequel to What Faust saw. Size and placement of text on the page show equal playfulness and invention. In the absence of the family, Faust's visitors return, and the confrontation between them and Faust and his neighbourhood supporters quickly turns into a riotous and uncontrolled romp through the house. Young readers will envy the abandon with which the characters play, and relish the absurdities of their behaviour. Human characters are amusingly matched to their canine companions. Look for the joke on the second last page! W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$27.35

APPLEGATE, Cathy & HUXLEY, Dee
Rain dance.
Scholastic Australia, 2000 (A Margaret Hamilton book)
ISBN 1876289392
The first person, present tense narrative of this evocative and atmospheric picture book firmly establishes the narrator's voice. The details of setting, characters, and events are illustrated and enlarged by Huxley's free, sweeping drawings. The hot, dry conditions, and the child's joy in the rain shower, are well captured. An attractive, well presented book, this is the story of one family's experience of drought and a passing rain storm. Students might compare the situation to drought in other parts of Australia. This book could be a useful model for first person, present tense narrative, and a discussion starter when comparing city and country lifestyles, and particularly the effects of the weather on people's lives. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$25.00

RIDDLE, Tohby
The singing hat.
Viking, 2000
ISBN 0670892661
A bird makes its nest on Colin Jenkins' head. Colin's gentle, courteous, and matter of fact acceptance of what has happened to him, and his reaction to it, defines his character, and redefines his life in this lightly told, whimsical and charming story. Young readers will enjoy the ironic tension between the deadpan treatment of the absurd situation, Colin's reactions, and those of his daughter. Clever illustrations combining collage, watercolour and line drawing add to the appeal of this picture book, recommended not least for its subtle message of the inherent value of all living creatures. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$25.00

RUSSELL, Elaine
A is for aunty.
ABC, 2000
ISBN 0733307299
Memories of having a Possum as a pet, and Aunty Goldie using Zinc ointment for just about every ailment, are examples included in this interesting account of living on an Aboriginal mission in New South Wales. It is an alphabet picture book with a difference, reflecting the fond memories and joy associated with living on an Aboriginal mission with extended family and friends. Many of the featured memories are shared with humour, often reflecting events of that time. For example, on Inspection day, the houses would be checked by the manager's wife to ensure that they were clean. The colourful, distinctive illustrations complement and add insight to the story, with interestingly drawn maps showing features of the community. The text highlights the stylised use of capital letters for effect, and to reflect cultural significance. Biographical information about the author/illustrator is included. The collection of childhood memories would generate interesting discussion and comparisons. D. Anderson
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$22.95

TAN, Shaun
The lost thing.
Lothian, 2000
ISBN 0734400748
Brilliant! Read it. Relish it. Return again and again to this intriguing, multi layered picture book, delighting in new discoveries and understandings. In Tan's surreal, high tech, mechanised world, a sad, lost thing, richly exotic and alien, remains virtually unnoticed by a busy populace. The story is told with a child's voice and finely wrought illustrations. It is rich in allusion, and set against a background of scrapbook clippings from newspapers, maths and science textbooks. Essentially it is an allegory about the degradation of the natural world, raising serious questions about humanity, market driven modernity, bureaucracy, conformity, isolation, and responsibility. Every intricately detailed page offers fascinating fun and search for meaning. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Community
$24.95

Book of the Year: Early Childhood

GRAHAM, Bob
Max.
Walker, 2000
ISBN 0744567874
The themes of parental expectations, peer pressure, valuing difference and nurturing individual talent are examined in this delightful picture book. Following in the footsteps of superhero parents can be extremely difficult as Max soon discovers. Despite encouragement, Max is unable to fly like his crime fighting parents. Will he ever be able to fly? Will he become more than just an ordinary boy wearing a mask and cape? These questions, the unusual text organisation, and engaging narrative could form the basis of fruitful class discussion. Gender representations of the characters could also be considered. Inevitably, fans of Graham's previous picture books will not be disappointed at this latest offering. H. Gardiner
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$27.44

JINKS, Catherine & McLEAN, Andrew
You'llwake the baby!
Penguin Books Australia, 2000 (Viking)
ISBN 0670891231
A young brother and sister endeavour to appease their mother by playing quietly so as not to wake their younger sibling. Each game inevitably ends in noise and the story has the happy, but fairly unsurprising conclusion of the tired children falling asleep and the roles reversing. Andrew McLean's pen and ink drawings, washed with soft colours, accompany the comfortable writing style. The actions of the characters would promote creative play for young readers: the use of pipe cleaner whiskers turns the children into cats; or tying pillows around their middles transforms them into clouds. The gentle humour and the predictability of the storyline make this an appealing book. S. Leslie
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$25.00

LEE, Lyn & GAMBLE, Kim
Pog.
Omnibus, 2000
ISBN 1862914125
In this engaging twist to the perennial story of a child about to start school, but still scared of monsters, Pog is a warty, bug eyed monster terrified of children. This fear is eagerly exploited by big brother Vandal, and prevents Pog from feeling confident and independent. When Pog encounters a lost boy, none of Pog's family are helpful and Pog must resolve Tom's problem. Author and illustrator have collaborated well to create a wonderful cast of eccentric monster characters. Many hilariously perturbing details about them await discovery by sharp eyed readers and viewers. This picture book, destined to become a favourite, can be used to discuss many early childhood issues. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Community
$22.75

LESTER, Alison
Ernie dances to the didgeridoo.
Hodder Headline, 2001 (Hodder Children's)
ISBN 0733613624
The non-Aboriginal author recognises that this picture book is based on a story written by students of the Gunbalanya Community School in Arnhem Land, while she worked with staff and students during time she spent there. The story is told in simple text, accompanied by colourful illustrations, which are the strongest feature. These lighthearted pictures vividly portray the landscape as it changes through the year, and aptly capture associated activities enjoyed by the children. Students would delight in discussing the additional information provided visually. It is unclear if the class activities depicted in the illustrations involve consultation with Aboriginal people. Teachers undertaking such activities or using this book are reminded to consult with their local Aboriginal community. The book reflects life in a contemporary, remote Aboriginal community. It highlights Indigenous knowledge of the interrelationships of the seasons, the ecosystem, and community practices. Some words from the Kunwinjku language are used, mainly for the seasons. A pronunciation guide is provided for these. It is a pity the title provides the answer to the final question posed by the story. C. Foley, B. Percival
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
Paper $14.50

WILD, Margaret & ARGENT, Kerry
Nightynight!
ABC Books, 2000
ISBN 0733305903
The perennial struggle of parents to encourage their lively offspring into bed at night is presented here in a farmyard setting. The four parental roles are evenly divided between male and female, and each parent is faced with a surprise by the tricky members of the younger generation. Beautiful colour illustrations of the animals in an idealised setting bring the story to life. They are full of colour and movement, and work well with the carefully constructed text. The simple, direct narration, with its use of repetition and dialogue, makes this picture book a rewarding story to read aloud. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$25.95

WILD, Margaret & KING, Stephen Michael
The pocket dogs.
Omnibus, 2000
ISBN 1862914184
No deep message in this whimsical picture book, but with its appealingly vibrant cover, perky dog characters, amusing dialogue, and light, predictable story, it is a winner! Biff and Buff are very tiny dogs who fit snugly into Mr Pockets' coat pockets. Biff notices a hole developing in his pocket and, after a bad dream in which he falls through the hole and lands on his head, the inevitable happens during a shopping expedition. King's delightful illustrations vary from double page spreads to repeated series of small pictures of Biff in action, as he leaps from several would be rescuers. This book would provide an ideal script for readers' theatre. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$24.90

Book of the Year: Younger Readers

BROOME, Errol
Away with the birds.
Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 2000
ISBN 1863682988
Establishing friendships in new environments is a common issue for many students. For Sebastian, fresh from the country, befriending old Mr Neary and his racing pigeons is easier than associating with new peers in a suburban neighbourhood. The ice is broken when the local students become interested in the pigeons in Sebastian's care, especially when one of the birds is late returning from a race. With short chapters, and using a simple, conversational narrative style, this book is suitable for able readers who have made the transition from picture book to novella. Information about pigeons, including raising and racing them, is woven into the story. L. Crofts
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $11.95

DUBOSARSKY, Ursula
The game of the goose.
Viking, 2000
ISBN 0670894389
Three solitary children forge a fast but strong friendship when a fencing factory burns down, leaving their backyards as one huge playing area. They form a secret club, then pool their meagre savings to buy an antique wooden board game and, reminiscent of Jumanji, the players are each magically transported into it after taking turns to throw the numbered die. The author's vivid yet poignant descriptions of Fred, Rowley and Rabbit, and their varied family circumstances, quickly endear these characters to the reader. This suspenseful book is ideal as a serialised novel to read to a class; the dramatic, fantastic events, both predictable and unpredictable, unfold at a relentless pace. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $17.95

HIRSCH, Odo
Something'sfishy, Hazel Green!
Allen & Unwin, 2000
ISBN 1865082570
In this sequel to Hazel Green, we are reintroduced to Hazel, a girl of indeterminate age and cultural background, and an eclectic mix of shopkeepers and children. Two expensive lobsters have disappeared from the fish shop. The only clue: a coded ransom note. Hazel puzzles over why the fishmonger is so upset. It's not that he cannot decode the message; in fact, he cannot read at all! The illustrations by Andrew McLean are appropriate, but the mystery story lacks suspense. Hazel is, at times, reminiscent of Madeline, albeit a poor copy. Hirsch is a talented wordsmith who is capable of manipulating language for maximum reading enjoyment, although some may find this book overly long and tedious. J. Donovan, I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $14.50

KIDD, Diana
Two hands together.
Penguin Books Australia, 2000 (Puffin)
ISBN 014130748X
A clever book, about a pre adolescent friendship, this deals with many cultural issues, including racist attitudes. A young girl who idolises her father discovers a different side to him when she strikes up a close friendship with their new next door neighbours, an Aboriginal family. Through Aunty Maisie's stories about her possum-skin rug, we gain an insight into the trials and emotions of certain members of the Stolen Generations. Written by a non-Aboriginal author, this book is suitable both as a novel for Stage 3 students and as a precursor for class discussion on Reconciliation in contemporary Australia. L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
$14.95

STARKE, Ruth
Nips XI.
Lothian, 2000 (Takeaways)
ISBN 0734401132
Multiculturalism; ethnic diversity; racism; sexism; socioeconomic status; public versus private education; and fair play in sport; are examined through the eyes of young boys in a multicultural public school in this contemporary Australian novel. The boys at North Illaba Primary School (NIPS) form a cricket team to highlight the sameness, rather than the diversity of their cultures. The team includes students of different cultural backgrounds who were born in Australia, but who speak languages other than English at home. Some are newly arrived students. Cross cultural difficulties are also examined. This is an enjoyable, well written book suitable for use in English and PDHPE. G. Taylor
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $12.95

THIELE, Colin & GOULDTHORPE, Peter
Pannikin & Pinta.
Lothian, 2000
ISBN 0850919886
From a "big picture" beginning, showing the grandeur of this continent and its weather, Thiele gradually narrows and concentrates his focus onto one pelican family, nesting on Lake Eyre during its last inundation. The pelicans, while individually realised in words and pictures, are also emblematic of the vast numbers of waterbirds that have shared their various experiences. The author's gift for explicating the lives of wild creatures, without trivialising or anthropomorphising them, engenders an emotional response in his readers. This is vividly demonstrated in a handsome picture book for independent readers. Gouldthorpe's magnificent gouache paintings amplify the text, individualise human and avian characters, and reinforce the subtly conveyed environmental message. W. Smith
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$24.95

Book of the Year: Older Readers

CLARKE, Judith
Wolf on the fold.
Duffy & Snellgrove, 2000
ISBN 1876631058
While not in purely chronological order, each story in this collection starts a single member of a new generation of the same family tree on the road to a full life. In doing so they impart a wonderful sense of the progression and permanence of life, while dealing competently with a variety of issues such as: stranger danger; senility; social equity; racism; displacement; abuse; and love. Reading itself gets a positive treatment as a survival strategy when making life choices. Stories are linked thematically. As the first story began with fourteen year old Kenny pedalling off to an uncertain future, so the final story concludes with his posthumous advice to great grandson, James, to keep pedalling. W. Bowie
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
Paper $16.95

CONDON, Bill
Dogs.
Hodder Headline, 2000
ISBN 0733612040
Two boys and their fathers, drawn together by a dog, enjoy the sport of greyhound racing, where winning is everything. While the story is compelling and well written, some readers may find the violence and coarse language confronting. This is greyhound racing at its most seedy, involving doping, backyard veterinarians, and animal cruelty. As the story unfolds, the relationships between the boys and their fathers are contrasted: each one imperfect, but real. Issues of child abuse, both emotional and physical, emerge amongst the range of challenges faced by the adolescent boys. This book could be used to explore child protection education themes such as use of power in relationships. W. Alford, D. Doust
USER LEVEL: Stage 4
Paper $14.95

HARNETT, Sonya
Thursday's child.
Penguin Books Australia, 2000
ISBN 0140297324
There is a sad inevitability in Harper Flute's recount of her brother Tin's development as a digger, and a troglodyte. There is much danger in the life she reveals. Everyone does what they are born to do, be they: a soldier settler, short changed by a jealous father; a country wife struggling with the demons of poverty; or an elder daughter struggling to maintain her integrity. The figurative presence is deft; light but telling, extending into a wonderful metaphor of mining, collapse, and burial. The story beautifully renders the essence of hard struggle with change, cruel misfortune, and the idea that life is a predetermined fall from a great height. W. Bowie
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $19.95

HERRICK, Steven
The simple gift: a novel.
University of Queensland Press, 2000 (Young adult fiction)
ISBN 0702231339
"Throwing rocks down Longlands Road" is sixteen year old Billy's way of saying goodbye to his abusive father and the tedium of school. Hitching a freight train ride out of town brings him to Bendarat, where home becomes a disused railway carriage, and life affirming friendships are forged with drunken dropout Old Bill, and Caitlin, a privileged private school girl. Written in free verse, and told by several characters, the changes in narrative voice and shifts in time provide a comprehensive perspective, and an excellent medium for communicating thoughts and emotions. This moving and compassionate novel about friendship, growing up, love, and responsibility resonates long after the last page has been turned. Don't miss it. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $16.37

MOLONEY, James
Touch me.
University of Queensland Press, 2000 (UQP young adult fiction)
ISBN 0702231517
A dramatic prologue entices the reader into this absorbing, well crafted narrative that maintains interest and sympathies to the end. Central to the story is the relationship between Year 12 students Zavier McLachlan, and the feisty, troubled Nuala Magee. Other narrative threads trace the widening gap between Zavier and his football mates, and the development of his friendship with Alex, a quiet newcomer in remission from leukaemia. Attitudes to sex, sexuality and intimate relationships, game playing with the primary focus on football and the ethos of winning at all costs, the meaning and quality of friendship, the gaining of self knowledge and facing one's own mortality, are thought provoking issues integral to this moving, memorable novel. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $16.95

ZUSAK, Marcus
Fighting Ruben Wolfe.
Omnibus, 2000
ISBN 1862914311
Meet (or revisit) the Wolfes: Dad, unemployed, refusing to collect the dole; Mum, working overtime, battling to make ends meet; Steve, the eldest boy, asserting independence; young teen Sarah, a little on the wild side. Then there are the mid teens, Ruben and Cameron, and this is primarily their story. Cameron, in immediate, wry and gritty style, tells of their money making venture as fighters in a brutal boxing underworld: a world of battering, bruising, of never saying die. Despite the unsavoury nature of some of the action, the story is compelling. The true meaning of courage, facing and overcoming fear and self doubt, family love, unity, loyalty, and identity are all perceptively explored in this commendable novel. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
Paper $13.95

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

FREEMAN, Pamela
Pole to Pole.
Koala, 2000
ISBN 086461232X
An information book with the format and feel of a picture book, this work gives a good overview and general insight into humanity's interest in and use of the polar regions. Though the print is small, the relatively simple text successfully presents the wonders, myths and mysteries, the biodiversity, and unique character of the species which live for at least part of the each year in the Northern and Southern polar regions. Philip Blythe's colour illustrations dominate each page, highlighting and supporting the text. While information cannot be accessed through a contents or index page, a numbered key to each illustration allows for accurate identification of the creatures illustrated. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$24.95

JENNINGS, Gael & HARVEY, Roland
Sick as: bloody moments in the history of medicine.
Roland Harvey, 2000
ISBN 0949714682
Drawing upon knowledge and experience as a medical researcher, and as a reporter for television's Quantum, Dr Jennings presents fascinating historical aspects of medicine. From Ambroise Pare, a 1536 barber-surgeon working with leeches, through to discoveries about bacteria, plagues, designer transplants and human cloning, a lot of information is conveyed in frenetic, humorous style. Inimitable illustrator/designer Harvey incorporates labels, cartoons, speech balloons, and other visual elements that influence possible sequences in which material is retrieved, viewed or read. Unfortunately, such devices replace traditional contents and index pages. As recreational reading, this book proves difficult to put down; it also supports the Stage 2 science and technology unit, A look inside. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
Paper $27.95

KENNETT, David & BLACKLOCK, Dyan
Olympia: warrior athletes of Ancient Greece.
Omnibus, 2000
ISBN 1862913889
Kennett's illustrations are the main focus of this book. Pages feature combinations of large and small colour illustrations and black and white drawings, accompanied by single paragraphs of text. The effect is dramatic, dynamic and reminiscent of comic book layout. One double page spread features a useful line map of ancient Olympia. The background to the ancient Olympic Games is described, the nature of the competitions discussed, and the religious and cultural significance of events is explained. This is an accessible work, which provides a background to the modern Olympics. The strong visual focus makes it an interesting resource to use for developing strategies for teaching about the literacy demands of visual texts. J. Buckley
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $16.95

NICHOLSON, John
Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Allen & Unwin, 2000
ISBN 1865082597
The fascinating story of our most famous bridge, from the selection of the winning design, through the implications and intricacies of its construction to become an Australian icon, is presented in this timely and comprehensive work. The presentation of information is given the look of a diary or sketchbook, with the addition of snippets of information and the soft, scaled, detailed pencil illustrations featured on every page. Included are details of construction materials and methods, the stories, skills and conditions of the workers who built it, the controversies and characters who combined to create this unique Sydney landmark, affectionately known as The Coathanger. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Community
$24.95

PEARSON, Jane
Animal food.
Echidna, 2000 (Let's look at Australian animals)
ISBN 1863912614
An excellent information book to use with young students, this resource introduces fourteen examples of Australian fauna and their eating habits, using a full page photograph and descriptive sentence for each. Entries include: Kangaroo; Pink cockatoo; Dugong; Bee; and Wattlebird. The stunning, full colour images capture animals in refreshingly different, expressive poses, particularly the leaf munching Koala, and a Tree frog leaping to catch a cricket. Pearson ensures that her very brief text is informative and predictable, yet not too repetitive. Four challenging words appear in the glossary. Used with other resources, this book provides accessible research material for ESL (English as a second language) students or others requiring additional support in reading. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$27.95

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