When I was ten, I would have devoured this gem of a book, several times over! The Secret Library of Hummingbird House features a mysterious old house, a secret book and time travel (amusingly, back in time to the 1970's when I was ten)! What's not to love?Especially when it's all wrapped up with a very … Continue reading The Secret Library of Hummingbird House | Julianne Negri #AWW
I recently read an interview with Ann Patchett where see was asked about how hard it was to scrap a piece of writing that wasn't working, and to start again. The interviewer thought it might be like a little death to let go a hard-won piece of writing, but Patchett was more pragmatic. Her reply … Continue reading The End of the World is Bigger than Love | Davina Bell #AWW
For Lisa's Indigenous Literature Week I had planned to post a selection of new Indigenous picture books, however my plans were bigger than my time management abilities!Fortunately, these beautiful books deserve to be shared at any time, regardless of NAIDOC week or ILW.Baby Business (2019) by Jasmine Seymour is a wonderful story for new parents, showing … Continue reading Indigenous Picture Books for Children
I feel that the CBCA has slightly tweeked their judging criteria this year. The categories for the Early Childhood Prize and Picture Book of the Year have been clearly differentiated by how the illustrations are used and by the ages of their readers.CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood:Entries in this category should be books … Continue reading A Walk in the Bush by Gwyn Perkins
Eve Pownall Award for Information BooksBooks entered into this category should intend to document factual material with consideration given to imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of style, for kids aged anywhere between 0-18 years. The 2018 shortlist for the Eve Pownall Award looks a little like this: Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian … Continue reading CBCA Eve Pownall Information Book Shortlist 2018
Once Upon A Rhinoceros is my kind of picture book.As a child I dreamed of setting off into the big, wide world to explore. I've always wanted to see what there was to be seen. I couldn't wait to be grown up so that I could finally just go.Small rhinoceros has the very same dream; she … Continue reading Once Upon A Small Rhinoceros by Meg McKinlay
My Brother is a CBCA shortlisted book that is all about family. It is written and illustrated by Dee Huxley, with the visual characters drawn by her son Oliver and the book designed by her daughter Tiffany. My Brother is dedicated to Morgan.The story is also very personal.This book came about because of the loss … Continue reading My Brother by Dee Huxley
Rockhopping is Trace Balla's follow up book to Rivertime with Clancy and Uncle Egg once again getting ready to head off an eco-adventure.I love these books a lot.I love their gentle pace and laid back attitudes.I love their environmental credentials and back to nature ethos.I love their attention to details.I love their emphasis on problem … Continue reading Rockhopping by Trace Balla
Reflection: Remembering Those Who Serve in War by Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg & Robin Cowcher has been made a CBCA Notable book for 2017.A rather big part of me sighed when I saw this book, as I'm feeling overwhelmed and inundated by war books at the moment. The trouble is, all these lovely picture books have … Continue reading Reflection by Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg
It was only a matter of time before we saw picture books for children that contained themes about mobile phone use. The two latest offerings deal with the positive aspects as well as the addictive nature of technology and social media.Australian writer/illustrator Nick Bland gives us The Fabulous Friend Machine. Popcorn the hen is a … Continue reading Picture Book Technology & Online Safety
Circle is one of those amazing, gorgeous picture books that I love and adore...right up until the very last page.But that last page does my head in every single time I read it. Before I go into the final page, let me tell you all the reasons why I love and adore the rest of … Continue reading Circle by Jeannie Baker
It's that time of year again, when all the longlists and shortlists are making their appearances.We've just had all the excitement of the Stella shortlist and Bailey's Women's Prize longlist - both announced on International Women's Day. But last week the Children's Book Council Australia outdid them all be releasing their MAMMOTH, HUGE, ENORMOUS list of … Continue reading CBCA 2017
The how and why of babies being made is a curious choice for the CBCA.Most primary school libraries automatically take a copy of all the shortlisted books, but I've been told by my reps that a number of the Catholic schools are not taking this one.I find it a little sad and disturbing that in … Continue reading The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made by Fiona Katauskas
Perfect by Danny Parker has been illustrated by award winning illustrator Freya Blackwood.When Parker found out who had been assigned to illustrate his book, he must have rubbed his hands together with delight and thought, 'perfect!'Perfect is also the perfect theme for Blackwood. A story that promotes the simple pleasures of childhood is something she … Continue reading Perfect by Danny Parker
Flight has been shortlisted for this year's CBCA Picture Book category.This is the category where author and illustrator need to create a 'unity' of purpose to appeal to the judges.In an interview on the CBCA Reading Time blog, Greber mentioned that, even though Wheatley's theme appealed to him, he was sure he could take on … Continue reading Flight by Nadia Wheatley
bronasbooks.com 