Monthly Archives: December 2021

Dec31

Happy New Year!

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  • 2nd year in my role as Head of Library Services and kicked some big goals along the way, with more plans already in the works for the new year
  • The Kid started at a regular school in Year 10 and there were plenty of ups and downs but fortunately the ups came out on top and fingers crossed we are through the worst of the bumpy road and I won’t have to send her to juvie for respite…
  • The Kid has now got a QATSIF scholarship to help out with her senior schooling which is useful
  • The Kid has also joined Surf Lifesaving and qualified as Surf Rescue and Bronze Medallion – big achievement for her! Now she’s out and about on the beach in her red-and-yellow being a caring and competent human bean.
  • I presented (paid!) at a seminar with some very positive feedback from well-regarded colleagues (please for some more paid gigs!)
  • My blog continues to grow – around 10 000 visitors from almost 100 countries- about half from Australia – and somewhere around 150 posts and I also contribute to another highly respected children’s literature blog on a regular basis- thank you to all my regular visitors!
  • Money has got tighter but that just means we get more creative I guess – though raising a teen is not conducive to being frugal it seems – and hey at least we don’t need to spend much on holidays 😉… however…
  • A couple of nights away in Noosa, then a couple more in Caloundra and a couple more coming up in a week or so – our holidays are close by, economic and relaxed
  • Confirmed that you can effectively be a productive teacher-librarian remotely as well as onsite – we got lots done working from home in fact
  • Covid may be the biggest pain-in-the-arse ever but it heartens me to see so many of my friends and colleagues remain upbeat, positive, caring and considerate for others. 2022 may not be shaping up to be any better in this respect but as the damned virus adapts so do we and I have confidence that we, the positive ones, will come out on top over the nutters, doomsdayers and ignorant twats.

That’s pretty much my year in summary – how about you? I hope you and yours are well and safe.

Happy New Year to one and all – wishing you the very best for 2022!

virtual new years
Dec31

Papa Mawal-mawalpa Tjuta – Johanna Bell-nga & Dion Beasley-nyu

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Allen & Unwin

August 2021

ISBN:9781760526696

Edition No: Pitjantjatjara

Publisher: A&U Children’s

Imprint: A & U Children

RRP: $24.99

Mantaina anu ngayuku kuntiliku walikutu. Nyaana puta nyangu?

This is the beginning of the  Pitjantjatjara version of 2016’s award-winning book Too Many Cheeky Dogs.  Pitjantjatjara is a First Nations language widely spoken in central and southern Australia, It is long overdue that our children’s books be translated into First Nation languages and let’s hope we see many more forthcoming.

Of course, we don’t all speak Pitjantjatjara but don’t worry – there is an English translation included at the back of the book – or you could share both editions – Standard English and  Pitjantjatjara – in the same unit of work. Help your jarjums learn their colours, numbers and days of the week bi-lingually this year!!

On Monday I walked to my auntie’s house and guess what I saw?

Dec31

What do You do to Celebrate? Ashleigh Barton/Martina Heidnezek

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Harper Collins Australia

October 2021

ISBN: 9780733341595
ISBN 10: 0733341594
Imprint: ABC Books AU
List Price: 19.99 AUD

I’m pretty sure that in our current situation when many are feeling despondent or fearful, there are many people who have not felt much like celebrating. Personally, I’m of the opinion that we still have plenty to celebrate at this time of year and have endeavoured to make our own family festive season meaningful for us all.

And just as it is important for us to rejoice at the blessings we do have, whether large or small, it is equally vital for us to impart cross-cultural perspectives to our children.

This picture book is part of a series that focuses on families and their similarities and differences ( What do You Call Your Grandma? What do You Call Your Grandpa?) and offers children insight into how other families around the world celebrate at the end of one year, beginning of another.

Many years ago when I first started teaching (actually in one of my prac blocks) my focus was on this very topic and the Year 2 class I was working with explored the end-of-year traditions of many cultures around the world including gift-givers and New Year traditions. This was a theme I returned to consistently and still to this day. continue to promote wherever possible. With our increasingly multi-cultural society (not to mention the insidious growing swell of intolerance/hate in some quarters) it behoves us to ensure that we do all we can to actively promote inclusive attitudes and behaviours in our kiddos.

With engaging and fun books such as this, it is no hardship to bring these ideas to our audience and I congratulate Ashleigh and Martina on their collaboration which ensures that not only will children be invested in the narrative but keep it in mind.

Highly recommended for small humans from pre-school upwards.

Dec31

Rapperbee: poems to give you a buzz – Harry Laing. Illustrations by Anne Ryan.

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Ford St Publishing

October 2021

ISBN: 9781925804775

RRP: $14.99

Harry’s poems are a delight for both young and old. If you and your kiddos enjoyed his previous books, including MoonFish, this one will equally entertain you. Particularly for rollicking read-alouds or, for performances, (think 2022 assembly pieces!) this collection of funny and quirky verses will become part of your standard repertoire.

Rhymes, raps, songs, cheese poems, animal poems, shape-poems...combined with Anne Ryans’s highly creative illustrations will ensure this is not just a book for the classroom and teaching, I can guarantee your kiddos will want to claim this for their own reading pleasure.

Given I still have my childhood copy of Spike Milligan’s Silly Verse for Kids, much dilapidated and clearly well-loved, you will understand why I think this is just a gem of a book. My suggestion is that you grab a copy for your collection, either personal or professional and, may I also suggest that if you are a relief teacher this would be a super addition to your ‘bag of tricks’ for those one-off days in unknown classrooms.

Highly recommended for readers from around 7 years upwards.

Click to access RapperBee-Teaching-Notes.pdf

Dec30

The Beatryce Prophecy – Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

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Walker Books Australia

October 2021

ISBN: 9781529500899
Imprint: Walker
Australian RRP: $24.99
New Zealand RRP: $27.99

It goes without saying that anything Kate writes is superlative, but what I love especially is her ability to create narratives that are so completely different to those by anyone else, as well as her own creative diversity. From the chivalrous Desperaux to the amazing Ulysses, the friendship of Raymie, Louisiana and Beverly and the delicate Edward Tulaine and so much more, we have long recognised her superiority as a writer. Now Kate has created a medieval fantasy that will utterly bewitch readers with the charm and magic of both characters and plot.

We shall all, in the end, be led to where we belong. We shall all, in the end, find our way home

In a land beset by war and violence a prophecy causes a usurper king to be wary of a young girl. When a mysterious child is found curled up with a very cranky goat in the stable of a monastery, a gentle monk takes it upon himself to be her protector. As Brother Edik tends to Beatryce, who seems to have lost her memory, he discovers she has a dangerous secret – one which could bring disaster down upon all connected with her.

Beatryce’s journey to safety, along with the unfortunate looking monk, a wild boy who is in possession of a dangerous sword and a man who once was a king, is a tale of courage and loyalty, danger and the power of words. Part-fairy tale, part-fable, this is a story that will linger with the reader for some time and one to which readers will return to savour again its beauty, both text and the medieval-styled illustrations and illuminated letters.

As we have already seen with several of Kate’s books, I predict this could well be taken up at a movie adaptation given its memorable characters, not least of which is the obstreperous goat, Answelica, another truly stand-out animals from Kate’s imagination.

This was a binge-read for me and I am giving it a big promotion as a read-aloud for our middle primary kiddos when school resumes. I highly recommend it to you for your readers from around year 4 upwards.

Dec30

My Skin, Your Skin – Laura Henry-Allain MBE. Illustrated by Onyinye Iwe.

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Penguin Australia

November 2021
ISBN: 9780241512739
Imprint: Ladybird
RRP: $19.99

A ongoing discussion amongst my circle of family and friends is how the pandemic has brought out both the best and the worst in people. Of course, racism has been a worrying problem for many years but in some sectors it appears to be a growing hate factor, and one which we, as educators, must do our very best to address. Of course, making this explicit and understandable can be tricky when it comes to little people.

I am in love with this book for its message, its clarity, its simplicity and its overall positive vibe. The riot of colourful illustrations and the depiction of children from all cultures and backgrounds complements the text perfectly and makes for engaging reading whether as an independent read or a shared read-aloud.

The first in an ongoing series to help young children understand big and complex issues this will support young learners in their journey to become empathic and tolerant adults. Help your small humans to understand what racism is and how it can affect their friends and classmates. I highly recommend this for your junior collection and in particular, at the start of a new year, as children may encounter new members of their classes.

Dec30

Our Country: Ancient Wonders – Mark Greenwood/Frané Lessac

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Walker Books

February 2022

ISBN: 9781760652241
Imprint: Walker Books Australia
Australian RRP: $26.99
New Zealand RRP: $28.99

What a talented partnership this couple is and how grateful am I that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with them both, as well as see them present. Now this first in a new series from the always remarkable Walker house will be a highly sought-after addition to any collection: personal, classroom or library. In particular, this title is the perfect fit for middle primary HASS studies , and if you, as I would, opt for literature-based units wherever possible, add this to your list (as I would also employ such titles as Alison Lester’s Are We There Yet? and Tania McCartney’s The Gum Family Finds Home among others).

The travellers in this book cross our continent visiting beautiful and ancient wonders and the narrative of their journey is accompanied by succinct but informative additions along with lyrical ‘one liners’ of description. As always, Frané’s artwork is both sumptuous and evocative, embodying the rich and vibrant colours of our landscapes. And the endpapers (one of my hallmarks of excellence in picture books, always) are simply stunning!!

From Winton’s dinosaurs to the opals of Lightning Ridge, from the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road to Cradle Mountain and from Lake Mungo, where our First Peoples roamed, to our spiritual heart of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, this is an exploration of country that will both delight and entrance your readers. The richness of class discussions and activities that will arise from your shared reading will, I have no doubt, be hugely beneficial and impactful.

Highly recommended for readers from around Year 1 upwards – it is, without doubt, a must-have for your collection. Pre-orders are available now from all the regular suppliers.

Dec30

Born to Run (picture book edition) – Cathy Freeman. Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.

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Penguin Australia

  • November 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761043802
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • RRP: $24.99

There are some moments in Australia’s sporting history that are just complete standouts: Bradman’s first international century or, indeed, his final ‘duck’, Australia II crossing the finish line in the America’s Cup, Adam Scott’s US Masters playoff win or Cadel Evans’ triumph in the Tour de France, and Cathy Freeman’s Olympic glory is right up there alongside all of these. Those of us who were fortunate to witness her success still remember it very clearly. In fact, I was in Cairns having taken my late mother on a holiday and we happened to be in the casino at the time – the whole place came to a standstill as we watched Catherine Astrid Salome Freeman OAM blaze a trail for her mob, her country and her own personal victory.

Cathy’s memoir was a hugely successful book and now, younger readers, can follow her life story and her determination to succeed in this beautifully realised picture book. The facts of Cathy’s life and sporting career are easy to come by but the inspiration she can provide to young people, whether Australian or otherwise, is what sets this book apart.

Cathy’s words are, in and of themselves, a great recollection of her story but for young people, the illustrations from Charmaine Ledden-Lewis will not only truly bring this to life but to the forefront of their personal ambitions. I particularly love that Cathy concludes with her own Top 10 tips for kids to keep in mind as they pursue their own dreams.


This is a superb addition to your collection both as a fine example of First Nations literature and as a wonderful encouragement for your students, of all abilities. I highly recommend it to you for readers from around Year 2 upwards. I will certainly be suggesting it to our Year 3 cohort as they focus quite heavily on cross-cultural perspectives.

Dec19

Christmas Always Comes – Jackie French/Bruce Whatley

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Harper Collins Australia

October 2021

  • ISBN: 9781460757895
  • ISBN 10: 1460757890
  • Imprint: HarperCollins AU
  • List Price: 24.99 AUD

Jackie and Bruce are always a formidable team, and their picture books are always memorable and en pointe despite the setting, theme or plot. In this instance, while the narrative reflects a period past – one of many tough times in Australian history, when drought, lack of finances, insecurity over livelihood and home and challenges rise up to face ordinary people – the intent and message does not deviate from today’s uncertainties for many families.

After two years of increasingly worrying social circumstances, many are feeling the strain which is imposing on relationships, family bonds, workplaces and financial security (not wealth). It is hard to focus on the true meaning of life, and indeed the spirit of Christmas – and I do not refer to that in a religious sense – when you are afraid you won’t meet your next mortgage or rent payment or be able to buy groceries let alone gifts.

I don’t think I am alone when I think that for many children the wonder and magic of Christmas has diminished in our times, but I also believe that it is children who, more often than not, ‘get’ the message and import of what is meant by the Christmas spirit. I truly think that the majority of kiddos have an innate sense of generosity and also ‘fairness’ – that it is not fair for some to have much and others to have little. And that latter, in itself, is a relative concept.

For Joey and Ellie, in the drought of 1932, droving cattle with so little in the way of resources and what must be so sickeningly worrying for their parents, Christmas is still a special time. Ellie is old enough to realise that perhaps Christmas won’t happen as it should in normal circumstances but Joey has all the confidence of one who knows the secret of magic. And so it comes to pass, that the children meet with Bill Darcy, someone who has long ignored Christmas as often happens after tragic personal loss, and while by today’s often extravagant terms, their shared Christmas is modest, it is still a triumph of spirit and giving.

This, of course, is a must for any collection and will make its way to your list of top Christmas titles to share with your little folk, or to gift to small people in your circle. Another splendid offering from this remarkable pair of creators – to whom I wish a very Merry Christmas, with many thanks for all that you give us, as educators, and the children we teach.

Highly recommended for littlest ones upwards 5 years+.