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Countdown to Yesterday – Shirley Marr
Penguin Australia January 2024 I love Shirley Marr’s description of herself ‘as having a Western Mind and an Eastern Heart‘, and the success of her books for middle grade readers that explore the experiences of children living in this mix of cultures is self-evident. Her narratives not only speak to the children of Asian heritage…
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The Kindness Project – Deborah Abela
Penguin Australia May 2024 I have followed Deborah’s progress with this one for the duration of its development, and been eager to read it. And yayyy! it arrived the day before yesterday (27/3). As it happens, I had done a day’s relief teaching in Christian Studies at my local Lutheran primary that same day, and…
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I Love Grandma with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Penguin Australia Mrach 2024 These little books all follow the pattern set by the VHC and its creator, the late Eric Carle, combining the simple text with selected illustrations from across the vast gallery of Carle’s work. One assumes that additional material created in the same style is also added. This one will make a…
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Kevin the Sheep – Jacqueline Harvey. Illustrated by Kate Isobel Scott.
Penguin Australia March 2024 It would be fair to say that I’ve been waiting for this one for some time. Since I knew it was on the way, I was keen to see it, but then (as can happen) delivery of the actual book was problematic but at last it is here. HUZZAH!! And, of…
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Shower Land #1: Break the Curse – Nat Amoore/James Hart
Penguin Australia February 2024 Well, I’ve read a lot of ‘portal’ books. Portals that were books. Portals that were a piece of jewelry. Portals that were doorways…or mirrors…a wardrobe…a grandfather clock.. a railway platform or a board game – so many different types of portals. But, I have to say, I’ve never thought of a…
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Q&A with Belinda Murrell
Welcome to Just So Stories, Belinda! And how exciting to have you here at last (I have no idea why it’s taken so long really!). But with the debut of another brand-new series, it certainly is good timing. Let’s start off at the very beginning. Tell us about Belinda the little girl: family (of course,…
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The Daredevil Princess and the Goblin King [#2] – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.
Penguin Random House February 2024 After a slight hiccup in delivery, here is #2 in Belinda’s fun new series for your younger readers. Those kiddos who are now so proud of being able to read ‘chapter books’, all of whom will relish the humour and adventure in these stories. Princess Tillie, now constantly accompanied by…
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National Day for War Animals
A few weeks ago I reviewed the beautiful new picture book Wear a Purple Poppy. I was going to schedule it for today but knew that there would be many who would wish to order in time to share, now that everyone is well and truly back at school. So here are a few more…
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The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn: #1 – Belinda Murrell. Illustrated by Rebecca Crane.
Penguin Random House February 2024 Make way, make way, for Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mathilda Amalia Charlotte Adelaide Rose! Or, as readers will come to know her, Princess Tillie, newest character from one of our favourite authors, Belinda Murrell. The first in a brand new series especially pitched at freshly independent readers, this has…
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