I’ve got a big head. I don’t mean that I’m full of my own self-importance. Rather, that my head is physically quite large. I know this because… 1) I can’t wear hats. As my Aussie Mum would put it… all hats on me look like “a pimple on a pumpkin”. 2) When I was a…
Staycations seem sensible. You artfully dodge the perils of flying with a 3 and 1 year old (see my review for Mr Postmouse Goes on Holiday), but then have to work extra hard at being on holiday. You are, after all, still on home turf. We pitched up at a cabin in the woods and…
The Nut Stayed Shut, from Mike Henson, is a fabulously funny story about determination, great onomatopoeia… and those really annoying nuts that simply WON’T open. Frustrating? Oh yes! But doubly frustrating for Rodney, because ‘of all the nut crackers in the world, Rodney is the best.’ There’s one little nut that eludes his talents. No…
In Australia we’ve got a phrase for everything. And if you’re not an Aussie, it’s a fair bet you won’t have a clue what we’re on about. For instance, if we want to wish someone bad luck, we might say… “I hope your chooks turn into emus and kick your dunny down”. I’m not making…
If you’re lucky, your Dad, like mine, is a bit of a hero. Now, that’s not to say he’s perfect. Dad doesn’t always get stuff right. Like the time he washed the underside of the boat and unwitting wound up with a barnacle in his ear. First we knew of the barnacle was Mum complaining…
Horatio Clare took the Branford Boase Award last year (2016), for his impressive novel Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot. As the new winner for 2017 is soon to be announced, we reached out to Horatio Clare to find out what life has been like since winning the award. Huge congratulations on last year’s Branford Boase win. Describe…
The Dressing-up Dad from Maudie Smith and Paul Howard. As a little one you adore your parents. Absolutely adore them. Then that time emerges when their quirks become a little less adorable, a little more embarrassing… until you feel the need to hide them away. Safely. As a parent I’ve accepted, even relished this role,…
When I think back to my childhood, it’s like a slowmo rerun of the ‘Wonder Years’; barefoot brats pedalling through suburbia, spokey dokes clacking and Joe Cocker wailing in the background. Fast-forward a couple of years and I’m leafing through a Judy Blume while Roxette’s ‘Dressed for Success’ reverberates from my boombox. Then… High school.…
Seven debut authors shortlisted for award known as ‘the one to watch’ Stars of the future named on the shortlist for the award that singles out the most talented debut authors for children. Two from Chicken House on the shortlist including Waterstones Children’s Book Award winner Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.…
You’ve got to love a book that makes you chuckle, giggle and guffaw. They’re wonderfully addictive, and such a pleasure to read. Michael Rosen, children’s novelist, poet and former Children’s Laureate, today (Monday 4th June 2017), announced the shortlist for the 2017 Laugh Out Loud Awards (The Lollies), a set of awards, now in its…
The Birthday Invitation, a delightful picture book from Lucy Rowland and Laura Hughes, takes its readers on a wonderful and unexpected journey. It all begins with a birthday invitation. Ella’s birthday party is tomorrow. She diligently writes her invitations for a special birthday tea, then heads off to deliver them. As she rushes through the…
My New Room is the latest picture book from Lisa Stickley (Handstand). Little Edith, who will obviously be bigger next year, moved… last Wednesday. Thankfully all her toys came with her. Each of her toys has a special new place, in Edith’s special new bedroom. But where? Little ones will enjoy the voice Stickley gives…
My Dad’s name’s Dave. He always goes by Dave. Not Dad. Just Dave. It suits him. Once, when Mum was high on Novocaine at the dentist, she called for her ‘Man of Steel’. That’s because Dave runs an Australian steel business. Dave… The Man of Steel. It has a certain ring to it. Making a…
If you like funny books, read this now. I could actually leave my review at that, but in the interest of conscientiousness, I had better say a little more. Who Let the Gods Out, written by Maz Evans, is the tale of Elliot, who lives with his mum on their old family farm. He has…
Grumpy Frog is NOT grumpy, he’s quite insistent about this fact – even when questioned by a rather knowing narrator. But, this particular frog does like very particular things… the colour green, hopping, and winning. No other colour will do, no other activity will do (even when his friends ask him to do other things),…
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Ooh, this sounds fantastic!
Great review, thanks for posting the pictures. Really makes a difference with picture book reviews. Will order for the store…
I often hope to find interviews with Margaret Wild who fascinates me and whose work I adore. Thoroughly enjoyed this…