Tag Archives: Frané Lessac

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.

Apr16

Under the Milky Way – Frané Lessac

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1562542914602

Walker Books Australia

January 2020

ISBN: 9781536200959
Imprint: Candlewick
Australian RRP: $24.99
New Zealand RRP: $27.99

 

I had the very great pleasure of meeting Frané at the 2019 Voices on the Coast Literature Festival (thank you again for the lovely sketch of Duffy!) and she is such a wonderful and warm, not to mention talented creator.

While arguably it is for her Australian themed books that (for most readers) she is best known, this one focuses on North America – the USA and Canada – and connects these by means of the Milky Way,  the splendour of which is something which we can all appreciate.

Each vibrant double spread focuses on one location and includes special little facts, both scientific and cultural, that will fascinate readers making this a very beautiful factional offering. It concludes with another spread which gives some fabulous astronomical information about our galaxy.

I absolutely adore this book – Frané’s illustrations alone are always such a joy – and there is no doubt in my mind that young readers will feel likewise. The subject matter is one which is somewhat neglected in our collections for kiddos but is certainly one that deserves to be better known.

Beneath a blanket of stars, crowds cheer at Little League games, campers share fireside stories, bull-riders hold on tight, and sled dogs race through falling snow — all under the Milky Way. Vivid artwork, engaging verses, and facts about the United States and Canada will captivate readers of all ages in a joyful offering from Frané Lessac.

Highly recommended for readers from around 7 years upwards.