Tag Archives: Geography

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.

Jul25

Aussie Kids series – Books #5 & #6

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Penguin Australia

July 2020

Get your little newly independent readers excited when you add these two new volumes to the Aussie Kids books! This is just a truly charming series as children take a vicarious trip around our beautiful country, learning a little about kids from other spaces, cultures and backgrounds as well as information about the particular locale.

Meet Mia by the Jetty – Janeen Brian and Danny Snell

  • ISBN: 9781760893668
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • RRP: $12.99

Visit South Australia in this episode and meet Mia, who fancies herself a tour guide especially when visitor Jim is coming to stay. Mia knows her bossy older sister, Alice, will want to take over but she is very determined to take the lead in showing Jim the local sights of Victor Harbour, like the jetty, the island and the beach.

A delightful ride on a horse-drawn tram (the only one in Australia we learn) is a real highlight but building sandcastles and exploring the beach, including fairy penguin burrows, as well as whale spotting are also huge moments in Mia’s deluxe tour.

By the end of the day even Alice has to admit that Mia has been a pretty successful tourist guide and this is only the first day of Jim’s visit!

Meet Sam at the Mangrove Creek – Paul Seden & Brenton McKenna

  • ISBN: 9781760894122
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • RRP: $12.99

This one is particularly special for me as we visit the Top End and go fishing with Sam and his cuz Peter among the mangroves. Sam has a brand new throw net and can’t wait to try it out. He’s really hoping to catch a big juicy barra but really needs a bit of tuition in using his net properly. Luckily for the boys an old-timer quietly sitting nearby knows just the right technique for success and while the barra eludes the pair, they do manage a nice little haul of good sized whiting. Pretty chuffed with their catch they plan to take them home until they notice that the old man seems to be ‘camped’ in the park with just a bag of clothes and a blanket. The boys show their gratitude by gifting their fish to the old Uncle and go home happily planning their next great fishing adventure.

This one not only allows some virtual exploration of a landscape which will be very different to that most children know but also an insight into First Australian culture. As it’s written and illustrated by two Indigenous creators, one knows that the language, actions and attitudes of the characters is completely authentic. Definitely a winner!

I’d be surprised if primary libraries haven’t yet taken up this series but if you haven’t, I’d strongly urge you to do so. I know that particularly for those units of inquiry that focus on Australia – landscapes and diversity (around Year 2 for me) would benefit hugely from the inclusion of this series with the narratives, maps and additional facts.

There are two more volumes to come so pick up the first six now if you have not yet done so. Naturally they would also make a superb addition to your own home library for children from around 5 years upwards.

Don’t forget to check out the activity pack and there is also a Teach at Home lesson.

Aug21

On the River – Roland Harvey

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ontheriver

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781760112455

Imprint: A & U Children

 July 2016

RRP $24.99

 

“The book is about the Murray River, from top to bottom. The system is vitally important to graziers, food growers, communities for drinking and domestic use, for irrigation, for hydro power, for recreation and for the health of the environment wildlife and habitat. I thought there was a great opportunity to reveal the history and some of the secrets of the Murray. Most people cross the Murray, see little bits of it, fly over it, visit a few tourist spots but seldom see the system as a whole, or appreciate its complexity or the role it plays in our cultural environment, economy and lives.”

Roland Harvey (@ Allen & Unwin)

Not only is this a fabulous picture book with a wealth of discoveries to be made in each illustration as we are well used to with Roland’s books but it is a superb teaching resource. What better way to teach geography, ecology, historical and cultural importance than through a gift of a book such as this.

Beginning with the fantastic annotated maps on the endpapers readers can journey through the entire Murray River system learning about the many aspects that make this river such a significant part of our country.

They will also find out why the Murray was threatened and the steps that have been taken to restore it to its former health and beauty.

This is a must have for any school library as it will become an important resource for many units of work as well as providing great pleasure for any children who closely examine its delights.

With some very useful teaching notes and a fun activity sheet as added value, this has to be on your shelves.

Highly recommended for children aged around 8 and upwards and teachers as an amazing teaching resource.

On_the_River_9781760112455_TN

On the River Activity Sheet