Children's Book Week 2006
The theme for Children’s Book Week, held 19th - 25th August 2006 was “Book Now!”
Notables and Shortlist announcements were announced on Wednesday 5 April, 2006. Winners were announced on Friday 18 August, 2006.
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
Thompson, Colin
The short and incredibly happy life of Riley
Book of the Year: Early childhood
Niland, Deborah
Annie’s chair
Book of the Year: Younger readers
Fensham, Elizabeth
Helicopter man
Book of the Year: Older readers
Burke, J.C.
The story of Tom Brennan
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Davidson, Leon
Scarecrow Army: The ANZACS at Gallipoli
2006 SHORTLISTED FINALISTS IN THE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Click on the award heading to be taken straight to the related Scan reviews
BOURKE, Nike & DANALIS, Stella (2005) What the sky knows, University of Qld. Press. SCIS 1212305, reviewed Scan 25(3)
DUBOSARSKY, Ursula & MACKINTOSH, David (2005) Rex, Viking. SCIS 1234535, reviewed Scan 25(2)
MATTHEWS, Cecily & BLACKWOOD, Freya (2005) Emily's Rapunzel hair, ABC. SCIS 1209941, reviewed Scan 25(3)
NILAND, Deborah (2005) Annie's chair, Penguin. SCIS 1239220, reviewed Scan 25(3)
SHANAHAN, Lisa & QUAY, Emma (2005) Daddy's having a horse, Hachette Australia. SCIS 1237133, reviewed Scan 24(4)
WATTS, Frances & LEGGE, David (2005) Kisses for daddy, Little Hare. SCIS 1229548, reviewed Scan 25(3)
BATESON, Catherine (2005) Millie and the night heron, University of Qld. Press. SCIS 1212382, reviewed Scan 24(4)
FENSHAM, Elizabeth (2005) Helicopter man, Bloomsbury. SCIS 1218162, reviewed Scan 24(4)
FLYNN, Pat & STEWART, Chantal (2005) To the light, University of Qld. Press SCIS 1223506, reviewed Scan 25(1)
GLEITZMAN, Morris (2005) Once, Puffin. SCIS 1226878, reviewed Scan 24(4)
GODWIN, Jane & DRAHOS, Zak (2005) The true story of Mary: who wanted to stand on her head, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1242921, reviewed Scan 25(3)
JENNINGS, Paul (2005) How Hedley Hopkins did a dare, robbed a grave, made a new friend who might not have really been there at all, and while he was at it committed a terrible sin which everyone was doing even though he didn't know it, Puffin. SCIS 1218802, reviewed Scan 24(3)
BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
(These books are for mature readers)
BURKE, J.C. (2005) The story of Tom Brennan, Random. SCIS 1237837, reviewed Scan 25(2)
CASWELL, Brian (2005) Double exposure, University of Qld. Press. SCIS 1225711, reviewed Scan 25(1)
CONDON, Bill (2005) No worries, University of Qld. Press. SCIS 1204855, reviewed Scan 24(4)
CROWLEY, Cath (2005) Chasing Charlie Duskin, Pan Macmillan Australia. SCIS 1210688, reviewed Scan 24(4)
JONSBERG, Barry (2005) It’s not all about you, Calma!, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1233347, reviewed Scan 25(2)
MOLONEY, James (2005) Lost property, Viking. SCIS 1235061, reviewed Scan 25(2)
EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS
BRIAN, Janeen (2005) Hoosh! Camels in Australia, ABC Books. SCIS 1203634, reviewed Scan 25(3)
BRIM, Warren & EGLITIS, Anna (2005) Creatures of the rainforest: two artists explore Djabugay country, Magabala. SCIS 1253423, reviewed Scan 25(3)
DAVIDSON, Leon (2005) Scarecrow army: the ANZACS at Gallipoli, Black Dog. SCIS 1202970, reviewed Scan 24(3)
JAMAL, Nadia & TAGHRED, Chandab (2005) The glory garage: growing up Lebanese Muslim in Australia, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1224102, reviewed Scan 25(1)
LONG, John & CHOO, Brian & PISAREVSKY, Segei (2005) The big picture book: see life on Earth unfolding through time, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1207845, reviewed Scan 24(4)
STEWART, Robin (2004) Charles Darwin's big idea: the revolutionary theory of evolution, Hyland House. SCIS 1239918, reviewed Scan 25(3)
PICTURE BOOKS
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; arranged alphabetically by illustrator)
CROSSETT, Warren & HARVEY, Jacqueline (2005) The sound of the sea, Lothian. SCIS 1200188, reviewed Scan 24(3)
DANALIS, Stella (2005) What the sky knows, University of Qld. Press. SCIS 1212305, reviewed Scan 25(3)
LISSIAT, Amy & THOMPSON, Colin (2005) The short and incredibly happy life of Riley, Lothian. SCIS 1215697, reviewed Scan 24(4)
RIDDLE, Tohby (2005) Irving the magician, Penguin. SCIS 1235527, reviewed Scan 25(1)
SHEEHAN, Peter (2005) The island, Scholastic. SCIS 1260376, reviewed Scan 25(2)
WINCH, John (2005) Run, hare, run!: the story of a drawing, Little Hare. SCIS 1215683, reviewed Scan 24(4)
Reviews of shortlisted books 2006
BOURKE, Nicole & DANALIS, Stella
What the sky knows
University of Queensland Press, 2005
ISBN 0702235342
A young girl’s fascination with the sky forms the basis of this imaginative journey in this picture book. She wants to know how it changes colour, holds up the birds and makes clouds, as she experiences her inquisitive journey. The unusual collage illustrations add to the story’s mesmerising feel. Each page holds many intriguing items hidden in the illustrations, and the minimal words take second place to the visual panorama. An unusual font and random placement of type carry the reader through the book, following the young girl’s flight across the pages. Young readers will love the story. Older readers will be engrossed in the illustrations. R. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1261005
DUBOSARSKY, Ursula & MACKINTOSH, David
Rex
Viking, 2005
ISBN 0670042269
Bold, cartoon style illustrations featuring lively, animated characters, complement and imaginatively extend the deceptively simple yet carefully honed written text in this appealing, child centred picture book. Every day, someone in the class gets to take Rex, the pet chameleon, home. Accounts of what happens to Rex during each visit, both in reality and in the children’s imaginations as implied through the illustrations, provide highly amusing and entertaining reading. This is an ideal book for sharing and stimulating creative and imaginative responses. Children will love anticipating and interacting, chortling and commenting on all of Rex’s real and imagined adventures, and they will be keen to respond to the narrator’s query of what they would do if Rex visited them. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$24.95 SCIS 1234535
MATTHEWS, Cecily & BLACKWOOD, Freya
Emily’s Rapunzel hair
ABC, 2005
ISBN 0733315232
Seven delightful stories in a traditional picture book format focus on the loving family life of four year old Emily. Impressed by her friend’s beribboned pigtails and inspired by her father’s bedtime reading of Rapunzel, Emily longs to be rid of her boyish locks. A pair of red tights provides a temporary solution to this problem as days of imaginative play form a timeline of waiting for her desired Rapunzel hair. This delightful book would be wonderful to read aloud in staggered sessions, a chapter at a time, to build up the students’ anticipation of coming events and to promote reading as a special treat. Students will enjoy a closer inspection of the softly coloured illustrations when they revisit the text independently. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$27.95 SCIS 1209941
NILAND, Deborah
Annie’s chair
Penguin, 2005
ISBN 0670042498
Annie’s chair is a versatile prop in her world. A place of comfort and play, its uses are many and varied. It has always been hers exclusively, to do whatever she wants to do with it, whenever she chooses. Sharing her chair is not something she is p re p a red to do until her sovereignty is unwittingly challenged by someone near and dear to her. This picture book captures the delightful world of young Annie and her family. The illustrations are c o l o u rful and contemporary, capturing and underscoring the characters, action and moods of the story. This book, like Annie’s chair, would be agreeable to share with someone special. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$24.95 SCIS 1239220
SHANAHAN, Lisa & QUAY, Emma
Daddy’s having a horse
Hodder Children’s, 2005
ISBN 0733616631
Older, more knowing readers will shake their heads and sniff contemptuously about the idea of daddies giving birth to horses, but even they may be sympathetic to Lachlan’s feelings about the expected addition to his household. The rest of his family might be excited about the prospect of a new baby, but Lachlan does not want a baby, he wants a horse. And he gets one, albeit a wooden one! This picture book reflects the conflicting emotions of very young children coping amidst the excitement and busy preparations of an extended family anticipating a new birth. Charming watercolour illustrations complement and extend the simple narrative, communicating diff e rent emotions of family members and exuding the warmth of family love, togetherness and support. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$27.95 SCIS 1215722
WATTS, Frances & LEGGE, David
Kisses for daddy
Little Hare, 2005
ISBN 1877003786
Realistic 3D representations of the bath and bed routine of a grumpy little bear bring this picture book to life. A young audience will easily empathise with the little bear’s antics as he plays one parent off against the other. Patient daddy bear tries many persuasive ways to get baby bear to give him his ritual goodnight kiss and hug. Teachers can draw attention to links between what is happening, the language used and the subtle artwork referring to different animals in each frame. Legge’s beautiful, rich illustrations will inspire discussion during shared reading time on a topic that will be familiar to all. The simple vocabulary makes it an excellent model for role play or drama. This sumptuous book will make a wonderful bedtime reading experience for emergent readers. M. Busch & C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$24.95 SCIS 1229548
BATESON, Catherine
Millie and the night heron
University of Qld. Press, 2005
ISBN 0702235261
After her parents separate, Millie and her mother move to a new town, where Millie’s problems include her mother’s new boyfriend and her new school peers. Moving has its upside as well though, and Millie learns that change is not always bad. Told in the first person, this is a personal journey of identity and discovery, as Millie finds her way in a new environment with new relationships. She discovers photography through her mother’s boyfriend, and this allows her to see things from a different perspective. This is a thoughtful, well written novel, which students will enjoy. F. Campbell
USER LEVEL: Stage 4
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1212382
FENSHAM, Elizabeth
Helicopter man
Bloomsbury, 2005
ISBN 0747575495
It is not until half way through this interesting novel that Pete acknowledges in his diary entries that his father has a problem. The two characters are constantly on the run from imagined fears, and when schizophrenia is identified as the problem, Pete is sent to live with wealthy foster p a rents. The narrative has multiple layers, including socioeconomic contrasts, the mystery of Pete’s mother’s death, and his bonding with his two pet mice. Conflict is minimal, and all problems are satisfactorily resolved. This makes for pleasant reading, and is not necessarily a narrative fault. Pete is loyal and protective, a realistic character who encourages empathy, and one to whom students should respond positively. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
Paper $14.95 SCIS 1218162
FLYNN, Pat
To the light
University of Queensland Press, 2005
ISBN 0702234923
The use of everyday happenings as a narrative basis has been effectively achieved in this book. Jamie loves to surf and the book is structured around that activity. When Jamie meets an old pro surfer on the beach she decides that she wants to be as good a surfer as she can be. Jamie narrates the story in present tense, and she deals with situations which will be recognised by many students. The short chapters are well supported by Chantal Stewart’s energetic illustrations. This is a very good narrative for independent readers, with a nice touch in that the narrator’s gender is only revealed on the last page. J. Hancock
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1223506
GLEITZMAN, Morris
Once
Penguin Books Australia, 2005 (Puffin)
ISBN 0143301950
Felix is hidden by his Jewish parents in a Catholic orphanage during the Nazi invasion of Poland. Naively optimistic for much of the novel, Felix relates events in a wonderfully authentic voice. He runs away to find his parents, and lands in the middle of Holocaust. This is a novel about the war, its effect on children, and the power of books and stories. Felix constructs his own reality of events, and Gleitzman maximizes the irony inherent in the young storyteller’s narrative. There is humour, sadness, and drama in this deceptively simple novel, with a strong and positive conclusion. It is beautifully written. It needs a slow reading by mature readers who can comprehend the grim reality of events, and who can empathise with the novel’s style and its resolute hero. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1226878
GODWIN, Jane & ZAK, Drahos
The true story of Mary: who wanted to stand on her head
Allen & Unwin, 2006
ISBN 1741147166 [A821]
Sophisticated language and grim drawings depict Mary’s difference and quirky individuality in this nonsense rhyme. The story is fantastical and an attempt at the end to suggest reality sits oddly. This is an unpleasant narrative, with Mary’s parents seeking a cure for their daughter through punishment and torture. They confine her to a medical institution, tie her up, abandon her in the desert and finally commit her to a Dickensian school. The book’s language and style are pitched at older readers. Mary does not have the jovial independence of Lewis Carroll’s Father William, who stood on his head, nor, despite the similar language, does the narrative have the positive and humorous energy of Jabberwocky. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
$22.95 SCIS 1242921
JENNINGS, Paul
How Hedley Hopkins did a dare, robbed a grave, made a new friend who might not have really been there at all, and while he was at it committed a terrible sin which everyone was doing even though he didn’t know it
Penguin Books Australia, 2005 (Puffin)
ISBN 0141306114
In this charming and partly autobiographical coming of age novel, Paul Jennings uses his usual wit and humour to explore some important issues. Racism, prejudice, bullying, cruelty, and loneliness are all part of Hedley Hopkins’ life, but so are friendship, hope, and love. Links with Jennings’ life are explained in a postscript, as are the writer’s perceptions of narrow attitudes towards minority groups, especially people with intellectual disabilities. Appropriate but explicit sexual references might challenge some young readers, and guidance might also be needed for less mature readers to distance themselves from, and to challenge, some of the characters’ values. This is a wonderful story which many readers will find both empowering and inspiring. K. Rushton
USER LEVEL: Stage 4
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1218802
BURKE, J. C.
The story of Tom Brennan
Random, 2005
ISBN 1741660920
Contemporary youth themes of excessive drinking, drink driving, lack of responsibility and family fragmentation are addressed in this compellingly suspenseful book. When Tom Brennan’s brother, Daniel, drink drives and is involved in a car accident, their cousin is paralysed and two people die. Daniel is convicted and gaoled, and the Brennans are forced to leave town. Tom and his sister have to adjust to a new life, his mother remains in bed, and his father struggles with their new situation, and the debt of his paralysed nephew. There are no easy answers as Tom and his family search and work towards solutions. This fast paced, mutli-layered story avoids confusing realism with pessimism, and while very dark at some points, demonstrates hope for the present and future. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1237837
CASWELL, Brian
Double exposure
University of Queensland Press, 2005
ISBN 0702235334
Twins Cain and Chris are each gifted in some way. Artists will enjoy this narrative, as art, painting, photography, film, and design concepts feature in plot and theme. Caswell uses an interesting collection of characters, from wealthy lawyers to street prostitutes, and he switches the narrative between characters and third person. The twins move in and out of their own unhappy family life, intersecting with other families, and domestic and street violence. Violence is clearly expressed but it is not gratuitous and is appropriate to the situation. The pace is slow but as the book gathers momentum, its plot, themes and characters meld to create a meaningful narrative. Complex mental issues are handled sensitively, as is the unexpected psychological twist. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $18.95 SCIS 1225711
CONDON, Bill
No worries
University of Queensland Press, 2005
ISBN 0702234915
Seventeen year old Brian wants a normal life; instead, he has an overly carefree father, a mother with bipolar disorder, and a new job working nights in a factory. Brian narrates events in the novel, which deals with the usual teenage angst, including falling in love. While these issues are competently handled, it is Brian’s relations with and descriptions of the adults in the novel that are especially insightful. His mother’s erratic mood swings cause him grief, but he does his best, and students will empathise with Brian’s shifts between caring and wanting to escape. This fine narrative has balanced emotion, and Condon has expert character control. Minor swearing and sexual references should not dissuade teachers from using the novel as it is very well written, and many students will be standing in Brian’s shoes. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $18.95 SCIS 1204855
CROWLEY, Cath
Chasing Charlie Duskin
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2005
ISBN 0330421603
Sixteen year old Charlotte Duskin spends the summer visiting her grandfather in a country town. She has to deal with the antagonism of local kids, Rose and Luke, her grieving father, and her own lack of confidence. Crowley weaves parallel narrative strands, the voices of Charlie and Rose, into a straightforward narrative of self discovery and hope. Characters and settings are realistically portrayed so that readers are drawn into Charlie’s burgeoning independence and romance while having less sympathy for Rose, who wants to escape the limitations of a small town. The revelation of Charlie’s mother’s death, years earlier, and her father’s guilt about this, creates pathos. This is a gentle and charming novel. H. Cobban
USER LEVEL: Stage 5
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1210688
JONSBERG, Jon
It’s not all about you, Calma!
Allen & Unwin, 2005
ISBN 1741144841
The fast paced, humorous misadventures of Calma Harrison, an unreliable narrator, will engage readers in this outstanding stand alone sequel to The whole business with Kiffo and the pitbull. Calma continues to correspond with her mother via notes on the fridge. She actively discourages her father’s attempts to re-establish contact, gets herself a job and boyfriend, and continues to do well in English at school. Calma is often arrogant and sarcastic, with few friends. Letters and poems provide chapter interludes and reveal Calma’s inner feelings. Even Vanessa, one of the few people to put up with her, becomes annoyed. Jonsberg’s novel will engage middle and senior students, as he has captured the funny side of being a teenager, and the twist brings seriousness to the novel. A. Frost
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1233347
MOLONEY, James
Lost property
Viking, 2005
ISBN 0670029432
Well-drawn and realistic characters, interesting themes, and controlled dialogue feature in this readable novel. Josh is a likeable hero whose summer job in the Sydney railways’ lost property office causes him to ponder the mysteries of people’s lives. His boss is an older man with much depth, who makes Josh think about people and loss. Religion, music, and girlfriend issues form a supporting background to these thoughts. Moloney adroitly leads us into Josh’s troubled family as Josh discovers a clue to the whereabouts of his missing older brother, Michael. He heads off to Mackay to find Michael, an intriguing and complex prodigal son. This is a thoughtful, crafted novel; light on action, but with plenty for readers to think about, and an upbeat ending. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
Paper $19.95 SCIS 1235061
EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS
BRIAN, Janeen
Hoosh!: camels in Australia
ABC Books, 2005
ISBN 0733315046 [636.2]
In response to the cameleer’s cry, ‘hoosh,’ 450 kilograms of camel groans and sits, waiting to be loaded with supplies or yet another tourist. These hardy ships of the desert were first used in Australia for inland exploration and were instrumental in the construction of the overland telegraph line, the rabbit-proof fences and the dog fence, as well as being used by miners, the outback police and soldiers in WWI. Essentially a tourist attraction nowadays, the important role of camels in Australia’s history of European settlement is told in an accessible narrative style and supported by photographs, maps and interviews. Although this fascinating text would easily support studies of early Australian exploration, working animals or the environmental impact of introduced species, it is, above all, an entertaining read. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; HSIE K–6
$29.95 SCIS 1203634
BRIM, Warren & EGLITIS, Anna
Creatures of the rainforest: two artists explore Djabugay country
Magabala, 2005
ISBN 1875641998 [591.9943]
A celebration of Aboriginal culture, this handsome book is a visual delight with its attention to detail in beautiful reproductions of linoprints and acrylic paintings. Entries are laid out in alphabetical order, and each double page has two images of rainforest flora or fauna, with Aboriginal captions subtitled in English. A paragraph describes the topic, its growth patterns, habits, and uses. Notes regarding the interaction of the Djabugay people with the landscape are interesting and useful for Aboriginal Studies. The book strongly and enthusiastically depicts the natural environment of the Djabugay landscape. S. Taylor
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
KLA: CA; English; HSIE; Languages
SYLLABUS: Aboriginal Languages K–10; Aboriginal Studies 7–10; Creative Arts K–6; English K–6; HSIE K–6; Visual Arts 7–10
$26.95 SCIS 1253423
DAVIDSON, Leon
Scarecrow army: the Anzacs at Gallipoli
Black Dog, 2005
ISBN 1876372606 [940.42]
Using fiction and nonfiction texts, this book redresses a perceived New Zealand imbalance in the ANZAC tradition. Student understanding of the issues will be broadened by the text’s perspectives of the Australian, New Zealand, and Turkish roles in the campaign. Personal and historical narratives emphasise the human aspects of the struggle. The text focuses on the conditions, detailing such things as toilet use, which other texts often skirt. The suffering of the conflict is clearly described. The resource is a realistic account of people achieving extraordinary things in extreme circumstances. It has value for the Topic: Australia and World War 1 in Stage 5 History, and its primary sources, including quotations, maps, and photographs, support the Core: World War 1 1914–1919 in Modern History. B. Kervin
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: History 7–10; Modern History Stage 6
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1202970
JAMAL, Nadia & CHANDAB, Taghred
The glory garage: growing up Lebanese Muslim in Australia
Allen & Unwin, 2005
ISBN 1741146496 [305.48]
The stories in this book are informative, touching, and sometimes very funny. Lebanese Muslims have super sized the glory box experience and this book provides a unique insight into the lives of some contemporary Australians. It shows how families weave cultural and religious beliefs into the fabric of their Australian identities. Sensitive issues such as religion and politics are discussed in the context of personal stories about Australian families. Readers will be able to develop an understanding about Islam, and Lebanese culture, in an extremely enjoyable way. K. Rushton
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: Society & Culture Stage 6; Studies in Society 7–10
Paper $18.95 SCIS 1224102
LONG, John
The big picture book: see life on Earth unfolding through time
Allen & Unwin, 2005
ISBN 1741143284 [576.8]
With his impeccable credentials, author John Long uses his fount of knowledge to explore the beginnings and development of life on Earth. The use of a chronological timeline on each double page provides a reference point, and excellent photographs, diagrams, drawings and maps ably support the succinct written text. Bringing the reader from 12 billion years ago to the present, the author presents the fact that the present is but a snapshot in time. This resource would be an excellent starting point for a discussion on natural history and evolution, and would support the achievement of the Stage 4 Science outcome 4.9, and studies of the Strands: Living things and Earth and its surroundings in the Science and Technology K–6 syllabus. G. Cale
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
KLA: Science; SciTech
SYLLABUS: Science 7–10; Science & Technology K–6
$29.95 SCIS 1207845
STEWART, Robin E.
Charles Darwin’s big idea: the revolutionary theory of evolution
Hyland House, 2005
ISBN 1864470933 [576.8]
The combination of sophisticated scientific notions with warm, biographical detail will engage curious minded youngsters in this readable resource. Diagrams, maps and many photographs appealingly illustrate this biography of Darwin and the explanation of his discoveries. The book would provide some interesting ideas for teachers of the HSIE K–6 Unit: People and their beliefs, as students learn how Darwin, originally trained in theology, came to doubt current religious theory and write his own doctrine. The book would usefully support outcome 4.1 in Science 7–10, as it presents the changing view of natural history very well. S. Taylor
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Professional
KLA: HSIE; Science
SYLLABUS: HSIE K–6; Science 7–10
Paper $18.95 SCIS 1239918
CROSSETT, Warren & HARVEY, Jacqueline
The sound of the sea
Lothian, 2005
ISBN 0734407424
The beauty of the lifelike illustrations in this picture book will attract many children who need help to come to terms with bereavement. This is a story of grief and loss. When a boy loses his mother he feels only rage, until his grandfather wisely takes him to the beach where the boy and his mother used to play. There, the sensory experience of the sea allows the boy to let go of his anger when he realises that in some sense she will always be with him. This book was written by a teacher and it shows a great understanding of what appeals to children. A. Soutter
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
$26.95 SCIS 1200188
DANALIS, Stella & BOURKE, Nicole
What the sky knows
University of Queensland Press, 2005
ISBN 0702235342
A young girl’s fascination with the sky forms the basis of this imaginative journey in this picture book. She wants to know how it changes colour, holds up the birds and makes clouds, as she experiences her inquisitive journey. The unusual collage illustrations add to the story’s mesmerising feel. Each page holds many intriguing items hidden in the illustrations, and the minimal words take second place to the visual panorama. An unusual font and random placement of type carry the reader through the book, following the young girl’s flight across the pages. Young readers will love the story. Older readers will be engrossed in the illustrations. R. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1261005
LISSIAT, Amy &THOMPSON, Colin
The short and incredibly happy life of Riley
Lothian, 2005
ISBN 0734408064
Whether read as a simple narrative about the engaging and happy life of a rat, or as a philosophical commentary on the elusive state of human happiness, this terrific picture book is a winner. Riley’s wants and needs are simple, and his life is contrasted with a middle aged man who represents humanity. Thompson’s entertaining text cleverly sends up the human obsession with unhealthy food, material possessions, being somewhere else, falling in love, and appearance. With some pages reminiscent of an E.E. Cummings’ poem, and Lissiat’s intricate and lovely references to well known art works, this book has plenty of substance for a picture book analysis in English 7–10. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
$27.95 SCIS 1215697
RIDDLE, Tohby
Irving the magician
Penguin, 2005
ISBN 0670896497
Irving’s world is bleak. He lives in an apartment with his aunt, surrounded by people whose loneliness and isolation is echoed by locked doors, empty letterboxes, and a lack of colour. By chance, Irving overhears an exclamation on the street that leads him to search for magic. After finding an old book of magic, his world begins to change, and night after night he is mesmerised by its contents, determined to become a magician. Subtle use of line and colour emphasise the starkness of the neighbourhood while highlighting the magic within Irving. This magic is his gift of drawing lonely people together to celebrate the joy of connecting. This unusual picture book will appeal to thoughtful readers, and its illustrations and spare writing will invite further investigation. C. Keane
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
$24.95 SCIS 1235527
SHEEHAN, Peter & HEFFERNAN, John
The island
Scholastic, 2005
ISBN 1865048135
Messages about humans, their preoccupation with work and business concerns, along with their often unappreciative attitude to the joys and beauties of their environment and the happiness to be derived from it, are strongly implied in this sophisticated picture book. The blind urchin, who sleeps under the stars, is in tune with nature and, for a short while, he enables the people of the island to share his enjoyment of a magnificent sea monster. Without thinking about the consequences of their actions, the people capture the creature in the hope of keeping it forever. In response, the boy helps it escape, which leaves the people unhappy once again. Colourfully expressive illustrations and a simple narrative combine in a story that would be useful for initiating discussions on human society, happiness, environmental awareness and conservation. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
$27.95 SCIS 1233297
WINCH, John
Run, hare, run!: the story of a drawing
Little Hare , 2005
ISBN 1877003875
Inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s drawing The hare, Winch has created a truly winning picture book that has appeal across all ages. Richly coloured, painterly scenes of countryside and Renaissance architecture provide glorious backgrounds. As readers take up the cry of Run, hare, run! they join the hare in his wild dash through fields and forest, farmyards, streets and lanes away from a pursuing hunter and hound. The exhausted hare is finally netted, but thankfully there is an unexpected reprieve. It is revealed that the hunter only wants to capture the hare’s image so that it will live on forever. A brief postscript provides some historical background and will hopefully act as an incentive for readers to research Dürer and his work. B. Richardson
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
KLA: CA
SYLLABUS: Creative Arts K–6; Visual Arts 7–10
$24.95 SCIS 1215683
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