Children's Book Week 2009

Children's Book Week 2009 will be held on 22–30 August with the theme Book safari.

The Notables and Shortlist were announced on Tuesday 31 March, 2009. Winners will be announced on Friday 21st August, 2009.

Reviews of these and other resources are available in Scan and online in the Resource reviews database.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia website has information about their activities in children's literature, including conferences, author information and news of other literary awards managed by the Council.

2009 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.

Early Childhood

GRAHAM, Bob (2008) How to heal a broken wing, Walker. SCIS 1363984, reviewed Scan 27(4)

KING, Stephen Michael (2008) Leaf: ideas, sound effects and pictures, Scholastic Australia. SCIS 1360567, reviewed Scan 27(4)

MCKIMMIE, Chris (2008) Special Kev, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1368653, reviewed Scan 28(2)

MILLARD, Glenda & KING, Stephen Michael (2008) Applesauce and the Christmas miracle, ABC. SCIS 1390074 reviewed Scan 28(2)

SULLIVAN, Rosemary & HUXLEY, Dee (2008) Tom Tom, Working Title Press. SCIS 138500, reviewed Scan 28(3)

WILD, Margaret & VIVAS, Julie (2008) Puffling, Omnibus. SCIS 1346143, reviewed Scan 27(3)

Younger Readers

BATESON, Catherine (2008) The wish pony, Woolshed. SCIS 1378348, reviewed Scan 28(3)

FUSSEL, Sandy (2008) Polar boy, Walker. SCIS 1377973, reviewed Scan 28(2)

GLEITZMAN, Morris (2008) Then, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1365563, reviewed Scan 28(3)

HARRIS, Christine & JAMES, Ann (2008) Audrey of the outback, Little Hare. SCIS 1355502, reviewed Scan 27(4)

MILLARD, Glenda & KING, Stephen Michael (2008) Perry Angel’s suitcase, ABC. SCIS 1364002, reviewed Scan 27 (4)

RODDA, Emily (2008) The wizard of Rondo, Omnibus. SCIS 1383939, reviewed in Scan 28(2)

Older Readers
(These books are for mature readers)

CORNISH, D.M. (2008) Lamplighter [Monster blood tattoo; book 2], Omnibus. SCIS 1360569, reviewed Scan 28(3)

EATON, Anthony (2008) Into white silence, Random. SCIS 1380870, reviewed Scan 28(3)

FRENCH, Jackie (2008) A rose for the ANZAC boys, HarperCollins. SCIS 1360370, reviewed Scan 28(3)

MARCHETTA, Melina (2008) Finnikin of the rock, Viking. SCIS 1381966, reviewed Scan 28(3)

MOLONEY, James (2008) Kill the possum, Penguin Group (Australia). SCIS 13819663, reviewed Scan 27(4)

TAN, Shaun (2008) Tales from outer suburbia, Allen & Unwin. SCIS 1364081, reviewed Scan 28(3)

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

DUBOSARSKY, Ursula & RIDDLE, Tohby (2008) The word spy, Viking. SCIS 1355512, reviewed in Scan 27(2)

GREENWOOD, Mark & LESSAC, Frané (2008) Simpson and his donkey, Walker. SCIS 1353399, reviewed in Scan 28(1)

HALL, Lincoln (2008) Alive in the death zone, Random. SCIS 1389244, reviewed in Scan 28(3)

NICHOLLS, Catriona & PATERSON, Janet & WALLER, Rod (2008) Chicken: the story of chicken in Australia, Kondinin. SCIS 1392569, reviewed Scan 28(3)

RAMAGE, Ian & HICKMAN, Ellen (2008) Tuart dwellers, WA Department of Environment and Conservation. SCIS 1386427, reviewed Scan 28(3)

ROSS, John & BOOTH, Anna (2008) Every picture tells a story: adventures in Australian art from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Thames & Hudson. SCIS 1393230, reviewed Scan 28(3)

Picture Books
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; arranged alphabetically by illustrator)

BLABEY, Aaron (2008) Sunday Chutney, Viking. SCIS 1369240, reviewed Scan 28(1)

DUNSTAN, Kylie (2008) Collecting colour, Lothian Children’s. SCIS 1354586, reviewed Scan 27(3)

OTTLEY, Matt & MARSDEN, John (2008) Home and away, Lothian Children’s. SCIS 1380848, reviewed Scan 28(1)

RIDDLE, Tohby (2008) Nobody owns the moon, Viking. SCIS 13778538, reviewed Scan 28(3)

HOLFELD, Greg & STARKE, Ruth (2008) Captain Congo and the crocodile king, Working Title Press. SCIS 1373414, reviewed Scan 28(1)

THOMPSON, Colin (2008) The big little book of happy sadness, Random House Australia. SCIS 1359653, reviewed Scan 27(4)

Crichton Award for New Illustrators

CARNAVAS, Peter (2008) Jessica’s box, New Frontier. SCIS 1359538, reviewed Scan 27(4)

COURT, Moira & FORRESTAL, Elaine (2008) Miss Llewellyn-Jones, Fremantle Arts Centre Press. SCIS 1358766, reviewed Scan 27(4)

DAVIS, Sarah & POULTER, J.R. (2008) Mending Lucille, Lothian Children’s. SCIS 1374252, reviewed Scan 28(3)

DAWSON, M.S. & Gyan (2008) How weird is that-, Museagency. SCIS 1410502, reviewed Scan 28(3)

DUNSTAN, Kylie (2008) Collecting colour, Lothian Children’s. SCIS 1354586, reviewed Scan 27(3)

OLIVER, Jo (2008) Pilgrim, New Frontier. SCIS 1356783, reviewed in Scan 27(4)

Reviews of shortlisted books 2009

EARLY CHILDHOOD

GRAHAM, Bob
How to heal a broken wing
Walker, UK, 2008
ISBN 9781406307160
This ever dependable writer and illustrator presents the warm and gentle tale of Will, a tiny boy with a big heart. Little Will discovers an injured, neglected pigeon in the busy city. He retrieves the bird and, together with his family, administers first aid, nursing the avian patient back to health. The full page artwork in this picture book alternates with sections which resemble storyboard panels, bringing refreshing variety to the storytelling. There are many extra details that do not become obvious until rereading, such as the humorous prevalence of pigeon droppings on the city's buildings and statues. The strong familial bonds between Mum, Dad and Will are conveyed efficiently and effectively through the artwork, and will lend themselves to class discussions. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$27.95 SCIS 1363984

KING, Stephen Michael
Leaf: ideas, sound effects and pictures
Scholastic, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781741691160
A compact, whimsical, almost wordless picture book, this publication relates the story of a little boy who hates having his hair groomed. A bird drops a seed into his unruly mop and soon a seedling sprouts! While the finer details of this story are quite open to a viewer's interpretation, King's cartoon style illustrations do lead to a satisfying, humorous conclusion. The book would be useful for a range of teaching and learning activities relating to storytelling through pictures and a minimal number of onomatopoeic words. The sequential art creates a storyboard to inspire creativity through other means of expression, like playwriting and drama. I. McLean
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2
$19.99 SCIS 1360567

McKIMMIE, Christopher
Special Kev
Allen & Unwin, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781741755503
In this creative picture book, Special Kev finds himself in trouble – grounded and feeling sorry for himself. Readers learn all about his interesting and unusual extended family, as Kev realises that his parents love him despite his bad behaviour, because he is unique. Special Kev explores themes of family, self worth, conflict resolution, and friendship. The detailed illustrations, created with collage and acrylic paint, are certain to be discussion starters as readers delight in all they have to offer. McKimmie makes colloquial language, particularly the use of nicknames, a feature of this story, creating another stimulus for dialogue. L. Doyle
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2
$29.95 SCIS 1368653

MILLARD, Glenda & KING, Stephen Michael
Applesauce and the Christmas miracle
ABC Books, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9780733322495
A poignant parable of the first Christmas is told in this picture book. We see two parallel stories as three elderly aunties visit a baby who has been born in a shed in the Australian outback. Applesauce, the pig, fears that Christmas may not come to her people at all after their valley is ravaged by drought and bushfire. Students will easily recognise the Australian flora and fauna so sensitively painted in King’s watercolour illustrations, however discussion may be needed to fully appreciate some of the colloquial language. The irony of the protagonist’s name may generate lively debate about satire in story writing. The visual subtleties in this book will be appreciated by perceptive students. S. Rasaiah
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$24.95 SCIS 1390074

SULLIVAN, Rosemary & HUXLEY, Dee
Tom Tom
Working Title Press, 2008
To be reviewed in Scan 28(3)
SCIS 138500

WILD Margaret & VIVAS, Julie
Puffling
Omnibus, SA, 2008
ISBN 9781862915985
Describing the development of a young puffin, this charming picture book is an educational narrative based in fact. Illustrations are fine line drawings with abstract brown and orange backgrounds imbuing informative authority. These pages suggestively depict the land, until the young puffin leaves for the sea and the pages change to blue. The story will resonate with most young readers as it deals with the care and attention parents lavish on their young. It also informs young students about the development of the young of another species and what is necessary for their survival. Images are just right for the subject matter: somewhere between fact and fiction. K. Rushton
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$27.99 SCIS 1346143

BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS

BATESON, Catherine
The wish pony
Woolshed, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1378348

FUSSELL, Sandy
Polar boy
Walker, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781921150388
An insight into Inuit life at the time of the coming of the Northmen, this story is told in present tense through the eyes of Iluak, a young boy travelling with his village to their summer camp in Alaska. Inuit life is lovingly recreated in this carefully researched tale. The extent of the villagers’ trek is shown in maps; the novel also depicts Iluak's personal journey as he confronts polar bears and gradually learns to conquer his demons. Throughout the novel, Iluak is guided by the mystical Ananaksaq who is the shaman of the village. The harsh reality of this relentless environment, with its dangerous predators, both animal and human, is graphically portrayed in words. This well constructed story is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy historical adventure novels. J. Eade
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
Paper $14.95 SCIS 1377973

GLEITZMAN, Morris
Then
Allen & Unwin, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1365563

HARRIS, Christine
Audrey of the outback
Little Hare, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781921272189
Set during the depression years in the Australian outback, this tale offers a glimpse into the hardships of early pioneering life. Dad is away working, leaving Mum and her three surviving children in their dirt floor hut with hessian over the windows. Audrey, the middle child, has a vivid imagination and an endearing natural curiosity. She ponders on the natural wonders of the world and her place in it. She has an imaginary friend who she realises must be set free when the timing is right. There is an accompanying website that has additional information on author and illustrator. R. Higginbottom
USER LEVEL: Stage 2
Paper $14.99 SCIS 1355502

MILLARD, Glenda & KING, Stephen Michael
Perry Angel’s suitcase
ABC Books, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9780733322556
Primary classes will be entranced when this book is read to them. It is well illustrated and is the third book in the Kingdom of Silk trilogy. Teachers concerned with welfare may wish to share this book with students, as it is about a boy moving to a new foster family and his feelings of fear and confusion. A book about friendship, it is told largely by Layla, who was sent to comfort the Silk family after Tishkin went away. It is a story of acceptance, of creatively dealing with life’s challenges, and there is a touch of magic. A. Soutter
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
Paper $14.95 SCIS 1364002

RODDA, Emily
The wizard of Rondo
Scholastic, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781862917927
Young readers who enjoy tales of fantasy lands, wizards, and battles between good and evil, are sure to be enthralled by this novel. In the sequel to Rodda’s The key to Rondo, cousins Leo and Mimi step into the magical, mystical world of Rondo, a place full of intrigue, danger and adventure. Escaping an evil queen and searching for missing wizards are among their challenges. Skilled writing ensures that readers will feel that they are right there in Rondo, alongside the characters. An engaging plot is enhanced by Rodda’s expertise with dialogue and vivid descriptive language. Readers will be captivated by the characters, setting and narrative surprises that are hallmarks of the writer. L. Doyle
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4
$29.99 SCIS 1383939

BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
(These books are for mature readers)

CORNISH, D.M.
Lamplighter
Omnibus, 2008 (Monster blood tattoo; bk. 2)
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1360569

EATON, Anthony
Into white silence
Random, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1380870

FRENCH, Jackie
A rose for the ANZAC boys
HarperCollins, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1360370

MARCHETTA, Melina
Finnikin of the rock
Viking, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1381966

MOLONEY, James
Kill the possum
Penguin Group (Australia), 2008
ISBN 9780143004202
The brutality and torment of domestic violence are explored in this harrowing novel, in third person and present tense. Sixteen year old Dylan Kane becomes embroiled in the complicated lives of Kirsty and Tim Beal who are engaged in an insidious emotional war with their estranged stepfather. The perpetual threat of danger experienced by the teenagers builds to a shocking climax that leaves the reader stunned. Due to its controversial topic and inherent violence, careful consideration would be required prior to use in schools. However, for mature readers, the enduring impact of this brilliant and dark novel is both astonishing and disturbing. H. Gardiner
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
Paper $19.95 SCIS 1358682

TAN, Shaun
Tales from outer suburbia
Allen & Unwin, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1364081

EVE POWNALL AWARD FOR INFORMATION BOOKS

DUBOSARSKY, Ursula
The word spy
Penguin Books Group Australia, 2008
ISBN 9780670072279 [420]
Full of fascinating details on the history of the English language, this book is engaging for both late primary and secondary students, especially those with an interest in words. Containing secret messages and challenges, it traces the origins of the language from 4000BC and highlights the influence of a range of alphabets and the invention of the printing press. Exploring the etymology of spelling in English, it manages to make the complex nature of the language appear coherent and even logical. The section on punctuation is illuminating and the word and letter enjoyment continues with entertaining pieces on palindromes, clichés and Tom Swifties, among others. This fascinating publication covers the quirkiness of English with humour and maintains its light-hearted and informative tone throughout. H. Evans
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
KLA: English
SYLLABUS: English K–6; English 7–10
$24.95 SCIS 1355512

GREENWOOD, Mark & LESSAC, Frané
Simpson and his donkey
Walker, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781921150180 [940.4]
This well referenced picture book tells the traditional story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, from his humble beginnings leading holidaymakers on donkeys along English beaches, to carrying injured soldiers on donkey back in the Turkish battlefields in WWI. Childlike paintings using colours appropriate to the settings complement the story. Atmospheric language creates a sombre mood, without being too explicit for its intended young audience. Good use is made of onomatopoeia, alliteration and effective, repetitive rhythm. A montage of everyday life on the battlefields will provide a basis for discussion, as will the two pages of historic notes. This significant book may support the Stage 3 COGS Unit (B): Identity. A. Beedles
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3
KLA: HSIE
SYLLABUS: HSIE K–6
$27.95 SCIS 1353399

HALL, Lincoln
Alive in the death zone
Random, 2008
To be reviewed in Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1389244

NICHOLLS, Catriona & PATERSON, Janet & WALLER, Rod
Chicken: the story of chicken in Australia
Kondinin, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1392569

RAMAGE, Ian & HICKMAN, Ellen
Tuart dwellers
WA Department of Environment and Conservation, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1386427

ROSS, John & BOOTH, Anna
Every picture tells a story: adventures in Australian art from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
Thames & Hudson, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1393230

PICTURE BOOKS
(Some of these books may be for mature readers; arranged alphabetically by illustrator)

BLABEY, Aaron
Sunday Chutney
Viking, Vic, 2008
ISBN 9780670071791
Moving from place to place around the globe following parental work commitments brings with it the glamour of foreign places and an air of sophisticated experience. However, as this poignant picture book reveals, while Sunday Chutney appreciates this lifestyle, she has no place she feels she belongs. She longs for the comforts that lasting friendships bring. There is potential to explore and discuss issues to do with families, feelings, self and relationships through the artwork and the written text. A reader’s visual literacy and self awareness can be developed while engaging with this book. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
$24.95 SCIS 1369240

DUNSTAN, Kylie
Collecting colour
Lothian, NSW, 2008
ISBN 978034410221
Rose and Olive explore traditional Aboriginal weaving in this picture book. The concise and informative text accurately but superficially describes the techniques used to gather, dry, dye and weave pandanus palm leaves. The book is primarily a narrative, and it does not have instructions for making anything shown here. The story is supported by bright, colourful illustrations. These images have a lovely simplistic quality and, at times, they incorporate examples of collage weaving. Different coloured written text indicates a new point or aspect of the story and this interacts nicely with the book’s visuals. Students will enjoy the book as a positive story of family life and fibre artistry in the Top End. The author consulted fibre artists, the Committee of Injalak Arts and Crafts, and the traditional owners of Gunbalanya during this project. N. French
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
KLA: CA; English; HSIE
SYLLABUS: Creative Arts K–6; English K–6; HSIE K–6
$28.99 SCIS 1354586

MARSDEN, John & OTTLEY, Matt
Home and away
Hachette, NSW, 2008 (A Lothian Children’s Book)
ISBN 9780734410566
Satirically using the title of a television soap opera, this powerful picture book shows a typical Australian family impoverished and displaced by war. The narrative explores physical and psychological suffering, through the sudden loss of livelihood and homeland, in disturbing diary entries and jottings of the 15 year old narrator. Both parents die and the three siblings’ hopes are shattered when they are imprisoned as illegal refugees in the country where they had hoped to gain political asylum. The tale is emotionally supported by a blend of realistic illustrations and childlike art, which shifts from joyful, colourful images to oppressive, sombre artwork. This disturbing visual narrative is extremely thought provoking and a valuable choice to support the English Stage 6 Area of Study: Belonging. Teachers should be aware that the book may evoke strong emotions in students who have lost family members or experienced war, violence and displacement. C. Sly
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: English
SYLLABUS: English 7–10; English Stage 6
$28.95 SCIS 1380848

RIDDLE, Tohby
Nobody owns the moon
Viking, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1377853

STARKE, Ruth & HOLFELD, Greg
Captain Congo and the Crocodile King
Working Title Press, SA, 2008
ISBN 9781876288914
A graphic picture book in the style of an old adventure comic makes an interesting format for this adventure story. Tin Tin and Asterix fans will be keen to get their hands on this book. The front cover shows the heroes battling a very large crocodile and will definitely entice readers. Captain Congo, a gorilla, and his assistant Pug, a penguin, are given an assignment to search for a professor from Chicago who has gone missing in Abyssinia. Captain Congo is a wise and clever hero while Pug, his sidekick, is the source of most of the visual jokes. With spies, scorpions, crocodiles, unlikely heroes, and deliciously bad baddies, this story has it all. It is an enjoyable picture book that takes the reader on a rollicking adventure. G. Maugle
USER LEVEL: Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
$24.95 SCIS 1373414

THOMPSON, Colin
The big little book of happy sadness
Random House Australia, NSW, 2008
ISBN 978174662566
A poignant picture book for older readers, this resource examines the need for and value of love and friendship in our lives. Through the story of George, an orphan who lives with his elderly grandmother, and Jeremy, a three legged dog at the local dog shelter, readers are readily absorbed in the tale. Thompson employs colour and words to engage and evoke the reader’s empathy while highlighting his theme throughout the narrative. As the needs and longings of these humble beings are revealed and requited, the mental and physical impact of the way they feel is illustrated. This resource has potential for use as a discussion starter focusing on emotional wellbeing. N. Chaffey
USER LEVEL: Stage 3
$24.95 SCIS 1359653

CRICHTON AWARD FOR NEW ILLUSTRATORS

CARNAVAS, Peter
Jessica’s box
New Frontier, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781921042911
Carnarvas combines interesting illustrations with a simple story in this picture book about a young girl starting school. Her mother assures her that she will make lots of friend on her first day, but Jessica finds that the stuffed toy she brings in a box is cause for merriment and isolation rather than friend making. Each day she brings something new in her cardboard box. Young readers will be engaged by the story, wondering how Jessica will use the box to make friends and perhaps empathising with the troubles in transitioning into school life. Of course, she does make a friend, a boy who takes the initiative, and the narrative ends with a powerful self esteem message. V. Roach
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
$24.95 SCIS 1359538

FORRESTAL, Elaine & COURT, Moira
Miss Llewellyn-Jones
Fremantle Press, WA, 2008
ISBN 9781921361173
Miss Llewellyn-Jones needs some new, stronger pegs. One by one, her knickers, jeans, t-shirt and socks all disappear from the washing line. Predicting where each item may end up will be the subject of spirited dialogue between young listeners. Plain, brightly coloured illustrations display humorous details not included within the written text, again providing stimulus for discussion. Lovely end papers open and close this pleasant, straightforward picture book, which will be useful for activities involving prediction, sequencing and storyboard work. It could also be used as a basis for students’ own story writing efforts and for the creation of collage displays. Children are sure to enjoy revisiting this entertaining narrative. A. Beedles
USER LEVEL: Early Stage 1 Stage 1
Paper $16.95 SCIS 1358766

DAVIS, Sarah & POULTER, J.R.
Mending Lucille
Lothian Children’s, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1374252

DAWSON, M.S. & Gyan
How weird is that-
Museagency, 2008
To be reviewed Scan 28(3)
SCIS 1410502

OLIVER, Jo
Pilgrim
New Frontier, NSW, 2008
ISBN 9781921042850
A close connection between father and son takes place on a fishing adventure in this moving tale. Their dinghy, Pilgrim, is special as it has been passed down through the generations of their family. The strong illustrations in this picture book strengthen the notion that there is no place this young boy would rather be than safe on a still lake with his father. Bold linocut prints, framed in black ink, create a feeling of history, heritage and endurance. Brief references are made to the ANZAC story and a mystical encounter with dolphins adds a sense of wonder to the story. S. Taylor
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
$24.95 SCIS 1356783

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