Stories for .....

Stories for ... 5, 6, 7, 8 years old

Random House are about to release (Dec 1st) some great classics with a twist. Remember those books when we were young: Stories for 7yos or Bedtime tales for 8yos? They are about to come into a book shop near you. These updated versions are from various Australian writers. (Ursula Dubosarsky; Andy Griffiths; Paul Jennings; Jackie Harvey; Robin Klein; Morris Gleitzman and more)

Stories for 5yo's: Large Print. Short stories which would hold attention; a little illustration every now and then; 10 stories to last more than a few readings.

Stories for 6yos: Very Australian and funny (I've only skimmed this one so grain of salt and all that); very contemporary - one story called "No Hat No Play"; and aimed well at the age group. Funny stories they will like to either read to themselves, or be read to by an adult.

Stories for 7 and 8 yos: Good; smaller print for kids to read to themselves. Lots of fun with kid humour; a good stocking filler. 

Random House recommend to book shops to sell them for around $15.00. Also remember they can be read by kids either said of the 'ages' that they are suppose to be written for. Enjoy these fun family friendly stories.

Went to a lovely literary dinner last night

Had a lovely chat with Libby Gleeson, and my dear friend, mentor and author, Toni Brisland.
Here's a photo from the night, with my other friend Lisa also.

Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café

Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café by Anna Fienberg and Stephen Michael King Publishers: Allen and Unwin, 2012

This is a whimsical little book which follows the drawn out adventure of best friends Figaro the dog and Rumba the cat. Figaro is desperate to go on the brand new super fast train which rapidly takes travellers all the way to the beach, though Rumba is concerned about the criminals and villains who frequent the journey. 

Before they even get to board the train, each chapter has a mini-problem that arises, for instance, they must clean the house, help out their friend Nat who is lost in the river, find dancing Nancy, and fix Mrs Foozy’s motorbike. 

With all these hurdles out of the way, the train trip is exciting, and Figaro and Rumba end up at their new friend’s café, but what does the crocodile really want from them? And what is the mystery of the humming house?

Enjoy the tale told by the creator of the Tashi series and the awesome illustrations by King.

Things that a Map Won’t Show You – Stories from Australia and Beyond.

Things that a Map Won’t Show You – Stories from Australia and Beyond. Edited by Susan Lamarca and Pam Macintyre Publisher: Penguin Books

This is a fun book, which is a collection of short stories, comics and poetry penned by some great writers from Australia (and beyond). With short blurbs about each author and their lives, we then read their offering which is often witty or insightful and seldom boring. It includes anecdotes of a boy who tries to fly, a cricket game in a refugee centre, a government guide to kissing, the perils of hunting goannas, an arranged marriage, an awkward blind date, a girl who stands on her head, an imprisoned king and a cursed Maori stone. 

Fun and fascinating. Great for readers who want short little bursts reading. 

Featured authors include: James Roy * Tanveer Ahmed * Michael Pryor * Ursula Dubosarsky * Sonya Hartnett * Doug MacLeod * Oliver Phommavanh * Brenton McKenna * Tara June Winch * Sudha Murty * Oodgeroo

A very, very enjoyable read. And great for kids who like 'bite sized' stories to paw through for bedtime reading.

The Moon Shines Out of the Darkness

The Moon Shines Out of the Darkness By Stephanie Dowrick and Anne Spudvilas Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Harry loves thinking about the moon. 

Harry is a child who is a thinker, and as he ponders all the things around him, he contemplates what is past, he imagines the future, and he focuses on the present. 

He likes to know exactly when things are going to happen. 

In this books Harry is missing his Mum, who often tells him what is going to happen and when. Without his mother’s voice he’s a little lost, although he is growing in confidence as he watches the moon shine out of the darkness.

Beautifully written by author Stephanie Dowrick and superbly illustrated by Anne Spudvilas.

For all ages, everyone should read this heart- warming book.

The GIRL WHO COULD SILENCE THE WIND By Meg Medina

 
The girl who could silence the wind by Meg Medina

Sonia's entire village believes she has a gift, but it's only in leaving home that she

finds out who she truly is. A compelling tale from a rich new voice in young adult

fiction.

Sixteen-year-old Sonia Ocampa was born on the night of the worst

storm Tres Montes had ever seen. And when the winds mercifully

stopped, an unshakable belief in the girl's protective powers began.

All her life, Sonia has been asked to pray for sick mothers or missing

sons, as worried parents and friends press silver milagros in her hands. Sonia knows

she has no special powers, but how can she disappoint those who look to her for

solace? Still, her conscience is heavy, so when she gets a chance to travel to the city

and work in the home of a wealthy woman, she seizes it. At first, Sonia feels freedom

in being treated like all the other girls. But when news arrives that her beloved

brother has disappeared while looking for work, she learns to her sorrow that she can

never truly leave past or family behind. 

With deeply realized characters, a keen sense of place, a hint of magical realism, and a flush of young romance, Meg Medina tells the tale of a strong-willed, warmhearted girl who dares to face life's harsh truths as she finds her real power
.

A very haunting tale. Well written.

Red by Libby Gleeson

Red

By Libby Gleeson

Synopsis (from the publisher): Mud. In her mouth, her nose and her eyes. Mud in her hair and caked on her neck and her arms. Mud filling her shoes and seeping through the thin cotton weave of her trousers. She lay sprawled on her side, a garbled, barely distinct sound coming from her: jaymartinjaymartin. Her world was mud and pain.
'What's your name?' A boy was sitting on a kitchen table floating in a muddy pool. At his feet was a child's doll, the head lolling to one side.
'jaymartinjaymartin' she repeated mechanically.
He stepped forward and slapped her hard across the face. 'Shut up that stupid talk.'
Red can't remember the cyclone. She can't remember anything - her name, where she lived, who her family might be. Her identity has been ripped away. Then she makes a discovery, and finds she has an important mission to accomplish. But in this chaotic, bewildering world, can she do it on her own? Who can she trust? Wonderfully written!

I liked this book because it was unexpectedly fascinating, well thought out and wonderfully unfolded in it's telling. Gleeson does not disappoint in the junior fiction section. I interviewed Gleeson about her writing to go with an article for the book:

Q: What was your favourite picture book growing up?

A: There were no picture books back then_ just Little Golden Books and some illustrated stories.  The Taxi That Hurried was a favourite .

Q: What was your favourite novel that you read when you were teenager?

A: The Girl of the Limberlost – a  gothic American novel from the early 20^th century. It’s about a girl in conflict with her mother over her attempts to get an education. It’s also a novel of conservation.

Q: Where do you find ideas for your books?

A: Everywhere – my life, my family’s life and also social and political history.

Q: Who or what helped you to write the way you do?

A: I joined a writer’ group when I lived in London and that group helped shape my first novel. They taught me to focus on language and structure as well as the obvious plot and character.

Q: Your latest book is about a teenage girl called, ‘Red’, who finds she’s lost her memory after Sydney was hit by a natural disaster. What gave you the idea to write a book with this opening?

A: My fear of the consequences of Global Warming and the possibility of extreme weather events.

Q: If you could encourage young readers and budding writers out there to do anything, what would you say to them?

A: Read, read read and write, write and write some more.

Find out more about Libby on her website: http://www.libbygleeson.com.au/

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory by Peter Smith, illustrated by Bob Graham

Monsieur Albert Rides to Glory by Peter Smith, illustrated by Bob Graham (pub. 2012) *Warning: I think Bob Graham is the BOMB!

This is a cleverly written (almost too clever for the age group intended) story about Mr Albert and his tour de France with a Tortoise and the Hare-esque twist. Written in verse, it's clever timing with rhyme and metre is lovely to read aloud, but must be practiced beforehand. (It is important to have the knowledge of where the sentence is heading and on which word emphasis is to be placed does not necessarily come naturally.)

The illustrations are fun, and light-hearted and not only create unique mirroring to the text, but also allows a depth of exploration to be enjoyed. Graham does this with every piece of literature I've seen his work accompany. He is truly an Australian gem, in the world of literature and illustrations.

Although some children may find this a hard story to follow, due to some complicated and long verse, it is one worth reading to them time and time again, as it educates them in how rhyme and metre work, beyond a two stanza poem. This is very, very important and is a point in society we seem to be losing within the field of children's literature. (For more on this hobby horse read any of Michael Rosen's articles when he was children's laureate.)

My understanding is that this is Bob Graham's first ever illustrated book, never before published. So he's kept this one in his back pocket for a number of years, and due to his illustrative popularity, this work has finally been put to press. I'm sure it must be a delight to him and his brother-in-law, the author, Peter Smith, for this piece of work to be published.

About the authors:

Illustrator Bob Graham was born in Sydney, and studied painting, drawing and design at the Julian Ashton Art School where he met his future wife Carolyn. They had two children, Naomi and Pete, and a dog called Oscar. Bob has written and illustrated around 35 picture books, and illustrated as many again for other authors. His books are known for their charm, simplicity and humour, and have won countless awards in Australia and overseas, including fiveChildrens Book Council of Australia awards and the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Peter Smith was born and grew up in England, but at age 19 came to Australia with his sister Carol. Pete is a dedicated cyclist, having ridden from Sydney to Melbourne and from Sydney to the Gold Coast among other trips, and works in Abbey's bookshop in Sydney. He is Bob Graham's brother-in-law.

LITTLE WITCH WALKER STORIES By Juliette MacIver Illustrated by Cat Chapman

Little Witch Walker Stories By Juliette MacIver 
Illustrated by Cat Chapman (Pub. 2012)

Little Witch’s favourite things are broom races with her best friend Billy Wicked and lemon-and-slime ice-cream with crunchy spider sprinkles. She would love to eat marshmallows for breakfast too, but she’s stuck with toadflakes. Little Witch doesn’t mean to get into mischief. Somehow though, she always does. Join Little Witch and her friend Billy Wicked for three fun stories full of word plays, set in a magical land

This is a great book for those emergent readers. It feels like a chapter book, without being too think and young readers loosing energy or interest to get to the end of the tale.

This will also be teaching the readers how to play with words, and to have fun with them... I'm all for the didactic relationship of emergent books of teaching whist the kids are enjoying reading.

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon (Pub. Sept 2012)

*Disclaimer - I am a huge Gus Gordon fan, especially after his book Wendy.

Herman is an oboe-playing crocodile by night and an office worker by day. Rosie is an aspiring jazz-singing deer by night and a waitress by day. Both are struggling to make ends meet and slowly giving up on their dreams, until one day their paths cross.

Set in New York, this picture book is an urban tale of music, friendship and following your dreams. It is a story of two music-loving souls who lose their way in a big city that’s too busy to care. Until they find each other.

I thinks this is a lovely books showing parts of New York, as Gordon has interwoven into the story. As you read it to your child, explore the pages and teach them about the various parts of this city. It is interesting in subject matter - eg a children's book about money problems - but it is done in such a gentle way that it opens up this topic for thought and discussion taken whatever pace the child-listened may want.

I love the ideology in this book, the message, of following what you want to do, even when it's hard to do, and maybe, just maybe, it'll work out. A cute tale.

Socks by Nick Sharratt and Elizabeth Lindsay

Socks 

By Nick Sharratt and Elizabeth Lindsay
Pub. 2012

My kids love anything by Nick Sharratt (and so do I). Here is a follow on from Pants and More Pants.
Sharratt has teamed up with Lindsay this time, instead of Giles Andreae, and this book doesn't disappoint.

With lots of colour and variation in language it can be read man times over. Although these aren't books with a trajectory of narrative (ie story line), Sharratt has done well to create a fun adventure on each page to easily enjoy as he takes us through the imagination of how many different ways you can use sock and create characters.

By using the colours of the socks in each page, and contrasting the the main protagonists in black and white, it's a very different way to get the child reader involved the text, as they are watching and engaging with the imagination and sock placement, rather than focussing in on the alignment of the boy and girl narrators.

A fun and enjoyable book. Great for reading aloud in one-on-one, small group and big group setting. Double thumbs up.

GREAT AND THE DANGEROUS By Chris Westwood

GREAT AND THE DANGEROUS

By Chris Westwood Pub. 2012

Follow-up to the highly acclaimed Ministry of Pandemonium.

We have a list too and your name is on it. . . Ben Harvester and Becky Sanborne are clocking off after a normal shift at the Ministry of Pandemonium, guiding the souls of the newly-dead to the afterlife. But the enemy are still smarting after their catastrophic defeat at Halloween and are keen for revenge. A freak tornado that destroys Becky's house is only the start. 

When thirteen souls are stolen following a bomb explosion on Bad Saturday, the Ministry staff know that it heralds an all-out war with the Lords of Sundown. But little does Ben suspect how far their influence spreads. Who is the mysterious whisperer at his school? And why does Ben feel so uneasy about his mother's new boyfriend? 

The brilliant follow-up to the highly acclaimed Ministry of Pandemonium by Chris Westwood takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of London and to the gates of Abhorra. 

Fantastically gripping until the very last page.

ANCIENT EGYPT: TALES OF GODS AND PHARAOH By Marcia Williams

ANCIENT EGYPT: TALES OF GODS AND PHARAOH

By Marcia Williams: Pub. 2012


Nine stories of Ancient Egypt, wittily retold in comic-strip style. Full of mystery and adventure, the stories of the Egyptian pharaohs and their ancient gods are steeped in thousands of years of history. From the creation myth to the curse of Tutankhamen and the fall of Cleopatra, Marcia Williams' classic comic strip retellings bring new life to the myths and wonders of this ancient civilization.

Although you may not agree with the ideology in this book, and it's emphasis on the religiosity of the time, it is a great study of ancient Egypt in a fun, interactive way, with it's comic book-like strips and sense of humour used in the timeline at the bottom quarter of the page.

For good reader 6+ or

For ages 8 – 14 

Sound Bender By Lin Oliver & Theo Baker

Sound Bender

By Lin Oliver & Theo Baker: Pub. 2012

After their parents’ plane goes down over the ocean, Leo and his brother Hollis are forced into the custody of their rich and enigmatic uncle Crane, a dealer of rare and probably illicit antiques. 

But almost as soon as he’s settled—or as close to settled as he can get in the bleak Brooklyn mansion, surrounded by his uncle’s dubious staff—Leo receives a mysterious package his father put together long ago, to be opened on his 13th birthday. 

With the package, Leo discovers he has an amazing ability. He can hear the history of any object by touching it. But when Leo finds a strange helmet buried among his uncle’s artifacts, and hears a pained cry coming from it, a mystery unravels as to its origin.

A great little piece of easy to read escapism.

n the Beech Forest By Gary Crew and introducing: Den Scheer

In the Beech Forest

By Gary Crew and introducing: Den Scheer Pub. 2012

In the Beech Forest is a picture storybook, which is not bound by a time stamp but works to transcend the notion of being set from long ago, from now and from the future. This book is about an ordinary boy, who takes a path leading him from the safety of his home into the dark beech wood forest. His head is full of the fearful images from his computer games that so excite, and yet terrify him; battles between heroes and dreadful beasts that may haunt this primal landscape. What will become of him on this journey? Will he survive? Will he defeat his fears? Will he emerge, still an ordinary boy?

Gary Crew is at his superb best with this picture book letting the story unfold. It captured my attention from the very first sentence until the last. Crew’s literary strategy of using first person narration mixed with third person narration, placing the reader in the story interbred with being a spectator. This is an effective strategy for focalisation for readers. That is, with it’s outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters, from the outset.

We see that Crew is almost bombarding the audience with counter acting forces –the ordinary boy becoming special; the child becoming and adult; nature alone versus human alone; nature, as in the wilderness, versus the wildness of computer game fantasies; the old nature – beech forest - as opposed to the new, technology. It moves from realist to fantasy. And like most teenagers, they think the world revolves around them, and here the reader might see the boy as the central figure throughout the text, but is he? 

A great book to add to anyone's growing library. And a text which should be studied for years to come in any classroom.

The Ice-Cream War By Edwina Howard

The Ice-Cream War

By Edwina Howard: Pub. 2012

It’s hard to know how a war can start, but this one started with mouse poo. 

There’s not much to do in the Forest in the summer holidays, except hit the beach and enjoy a refreshingly cold ice-cream from Uncle Sunny’s cart. But when he starts dishing up ice-creams embellished with mouse poo, Jake and Jeremy decide to start their own ice-cream cart. And that’s when the war starts. But then again, the trouble might have started when Jake agreed to look after Hoppy, the mad Shetland pony. 

Anyway, the boys will have to hope the legend of Fergal the Headless Fisherman will get them out of trouble, make them a profit, and end the war.

Young boys who are starting to independently read will love this book, however their parents may not enjoy it quite as much :p .

Archie’s Letter: An Anzac Day Story By Martin Flanagan. Illus Ainsley Walters

Archie’s Letter: An Anzac Day Story

By Martin Flanagan. Illus Ainsley Walters: Pub. 2010

On Anzac Day 2010, a 96-year-old man in Hobart, a returned soldier from World War II, wrote a letter to the local paper thanking the people who were going to that morning’s dawn service. Who was this man? Why did he write this letter?

Archie’s Letter tells the story of an ordinary man who went off to fight in World War II. His experiences included surviving the Burma Railway, where he was under the command of Australian war hero, Weary Dunlop. 

Archie’s Letter also tells how he dealt with his wartime experiences; how, at the age of 91, he agreed to meet a group of elderly Japanese women interested in world peace; how he could never forget the young men who were with him during the war and who didn’t come back.

The Moon Over High Street By Natalie Babbitt

The Moon Over High Street

By Natalie Babbitt: Pub. 2012

Joe Casimir needed help with the choice he had to make. But how do you choose the person who will help you choose? Mr Boulderwall, the millionaire, knew exactly what he wanted Joe to choose. And millionaires are experts at making choices. Well, aren’t they? 

But Vinnie, the number-two man down at Sope Electric, didn’t much approve of millionaires. He said to Joe, ‘Listen, kid, all of ’em act like they’re the only ones with a ticket to the show!’ But he didn’t have any real advice to offer. Joe’s Gran didn’t either, as it turned out, and neither did Aunt Myra.

The good advice was there, though. Right across the street. Just waiting right across the street. There are a lot of good things just waiting. You’ll see.

Through Time: London By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon

Through Time: London

By Richard Platt. Illus Manuela Cappon: Pub. 2012

A sumptuous recreation of London’s story: publishing to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. Through Time: London follows the story of the historic capital, from its Celtic origins right up to the present—including the settlement of the Romans, the Anglo-Saxon era, the Viking invasion, and the growth of medieval London in Norman times. 

The book explores major events in London’s history, such as the Great Plague, the Blitz and preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.

An easy way for children to get a quick grasp on London's history and the main eras and interest points of the great city.

Pandemonium By Chris Wooding

Pandemonium

By Chris Wooding Illu. Cassandra Diaz: Pub. 2012

Seifer’s life is about to become a royal pain ... As captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. He’s fast, he’s strong, and he flies circles around the competition. But Seifer’s always dreamed of more—of leaving his tiny, remote village for a new life beyond the mountains.

He just never dreamed it would happen like this. Knocked unconscious and abducted, Seifer awakens in the royal palace to learn that Price Talon Pandemonium has gone missing. And since Seifer is a ringer for Talon, it’s his duty to replace the missing royal in his roles of diplomat, warrior, and Lord Defender of the Realm. He might fool Talon’s sisters. He might fool Talon’s army. But Seifer has little hope of fooling Talon’s enemies.

Chris Wooding and debut artist Cassandra Diaz team up for a classic tale of mistaken identity set against the breathtakingly original backdrop of the Darkling Realm.

Teenage boys will like this text, especially if they don't like to real straight novels.

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion By Ben Boos

Swords: An Artist’s Devotion

By Ben Boos - Illustrated Fiction: Pub. 2008

“Every nick, notch, decorative motif, and gleaming highlight is rendered in lovingly realistic detail ... Armchair warriors and budding graphic artists will be riveted.” – Kirkus Reviews Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place – from ancient warriors such as Beowulf, medieval knights, stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war.

Wonderfully detailed.

Side note: this is a reprint of the original as the author passed away last year. What a great way to honour this true artist. Here is the information from his memoriam facebook page: 

Ben Boos (1971-2011)

It's with sad hearts that we announce that our beloved author/illustrator Ben Boos passed away June 22nd, 2011 in a tragic accident. He leaves behind a loving wife and 4 children. Ben Boos was the creator of Swords: An Artist's Devotion and Fantasy: An Artist's Realm as well as a designer for the Diablo video games. His artwork also appears in the upcoming Spring 2012 title What Color Is Your World? The world has lost a great talent.