12 fabulous children’s books
Reviewer Mary Ann Elliott’s top holiday reads
Horrible Harriet and the Terrible Tantrum Author: Leigh Hobbs Publisher: Allen and Unwin
RRP: $15.99
FROM the very imaginative Leigh Hobbs, former Australian Children’s Laureate and the creator of Mr Chicken and Old Tom, comes Horrible Harriet’s wildest escapade yet.
First appearing in various adventures in 2001, this year marks Harriet’s 20th birthday.
This time, Horrible Harriet is on a mission to be good. Bored with being a bad girl, she wants to be good for a change.
This means practising good-girl smiles, thoughtful gift-giving, and playing nicely.
Her teacher, Mr Boggle, who can’t see very well, praises Horrible Harriet for her efforts; however there is a big problem. The Terrible Tantrum, a three-eyed monster she keeps locked in her bedroom, threatens to undo everything.
Horrible Harriet is a combination of all the misbehaving children who Leigh Hobbs taught at schools over 25 years. They were extremely naughty, but with their strong personalities, they’re the kids he’ll always remember.
He found that in spite of all, friendship triumphs and there is good to be found in everyone.
Hobbs clearly understands the vulnerability of growing up and finding one’s place in the world, and amidst the raucous fun and crazy exploits and utterly irresistible drawings, there is a serious underlying message; look for the best in everyone.
His very entertaining and inventive book will be loved and laughed over by the 5-8 year old cohort.
A Trip to the Hospital Author: Freda Chiu Publisher: Allen and Unwin
RRP: $24.99
Talented Sydney-based author and illustrator Freda Chiu’s first book is timely, providing a reassuring introduction to hospitals for children.
Designed to allay fears and be comforting in an often new and overwhelming environment, Chiu, with her lovely bright pictures of friendly nurses and doctors, brilliantly succeeds in bringing not only reassurance but delight to little readers who might need to spend time in hospital.
All of these superhero health professionals are there to help and have plenty of tips and tricks to make everyone feel better.
Freda’s book is the ideal antidote to worry for both children and their parents.
She interviewed many healthcare professionals to write the book. As an AsianAustralian woman, Freda also wants her book to reflect the diverse and multicultural nature of Australian hospitals and communities.
Cranky Chicken Author: Katherine Battersby
Publisher: Hachette RRP: $14.99
A curmudgeonly chicken and sprightly worm become unlikely best friends in this early reader comic-style book in five parts by Australian author and illustrator Battersby.
Cranky Chicken opens the story grumbling, as usual. Grumpily scratching around, she unintentionally digs up a plump worm, Speedy. His bubbly character is the antithesis of Cranky’s.
With cheerful persistence, Speedy forms an unlikely friendship and soon they learn to support one another.
You will find why a chicken might really cross the road, a tutorial on how to be cranky, and Speedy’s famous dirt drawings.
Battersby’s simple panels are charmingly illustrated, and the droll companionship she develops between two complete opposites couldn’t be more endearing.
It goes to show how mismatched friends can bring joy to each other’s lives. For ages 6-9.
Poppy the Punk Turtle Author: Aleesah Darlison Publisher: Puffin Books distributed by Penguin Random
RRP: $19.99
Here is the second book in the Endangered Animal Tales series, which highlights some of Australia’s cutest and most vulnerable wildlife.
Poppy the Mary River turtle is on an adventure to find a new waterhole to call home.
Mel Matthews’ large colourful illustrations will be sure to attract the little ones to this engaging story. At the same time, youngsters will learn about turtles’ special skills, the food they like to eat and referred habitats, and may help spread the word about one of Australia’s most threatened species. Fire Truck Santa Authors: Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom Publisher: Allen and Unwin RRP: $17.99
Dedicated to the bushfire volunteers around Australia, this delightful picture book features dear old Santa arriving in a rattling ancient fire truck on Christmas Eve, with not a reindeer in sight.
His faithful old truck is filled with bags of gifts from his North Pole workshop which he delivers all around the town. But will his sputtering old truck make it to all the children? There’s a lovely big surprise at the end, and the message is all about helping and giving in times of need. How to Greet a Gran Author: Donna Amey Bhatt
Publisher: Murdoch Books RRP: $19.99
In this charming book, you will travel the world meeting different grans. Each is one of a kind, although they often share similarities. Taking on many roles, they are usually warm and cuddly, funny and wise and are teachers, playmates and life-coaches.
Learn how to greet each one in their own language and share their traditions and wisdoms. They are always ready with a smile and a story, and ready for hugs, bouncing on knees, tickling, dancing, treats and lots of adventures. A gran has a special place in every family around the world. She is someone to lean on, to learn from and to love.
The Australian Climate Change Book
Author: Polly Marsden Publisher: Hachette Australia
RRP: $24.99
The creator behind the TV documentary series Big Weather and How to Survive it, Polly Marsden is passionate about the power of words to inspire positive social change.
Together with illustrator Chris Nixon’s delightful drawings, including a beautiful big poster, Marsden’s book teaches children about Australia’s climate challenges. Originally home to diverse and amazing ecosystems, fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, deforestation and warming oceans are causing havoc to plants, animals, fish, and humans.
She suggests important actions little Australians can take, and explains why climate change upsets the world’s balance.
It is not only up to scientists and our leaders; every small person can help by switching off electricity more often, walking and riding rather than using cars and buses, eating locally grown food, and repairing, re-using and recycling. The smallest acts can make a big difference to your little one’s future.
Lily Takes a Walk Author: Satoshi Kitamura Publisher: Scallywag Press RRP: $22.99
Part of the Spooky Surprise series, Kitamura’s picture book follows Lily as she takes her dog, Nicky, for a walk along the town’s streets at night.
Lily isn’t worried though; she knows Nicky will protect her and so he does!
Lily notices many lovely things like trees and flowers and ducks by the pond, and waves to friends at windows, but poor Nicky only sees monsters lurking at every turn.
Lily’s parents love to hear what she has seen on her walk, but Nicky has encountered some scary stuff.
See if your little ones can spot his monsters. If you look carefully, they are everywhere. Here’s a mix of delicious scariness mixed with reality and gorgeous pictures. Cat Dog Author: Mem Fox Publisher: Penguin Random House RRP: $19.99
The much-loved Mem Fox has written more than 40 books for children, including the best-selling picture books Possum Magic and Where is the Green Sheep?
Her latest, illustrated by the acclaimed Mark Teague, features some irresistibly funny antics by an unlikely stripy cat and white spotty dog duo, before a violin-playing mouse joins in the fun.
Children can make up their own stories and add names to this remarkable trio while enjoying the very large and colourful pictures of these adorable and feisty animals. Littlies will love this readaloud gem.
Magic Flute Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle Publisher: Frances Lincoln RRP: $27.99
The Mozart Effect on children is well-documented. This exquisite book confirms the idea that children benefit from Mozart’s beautiful music.
Press the brightly coloured buttons on each page to hear the enchanting music of The Magic Flute come to life. Follow Prince Tamino on his quest to find Princess Pamina while escaping dragons and charming everyone with his magic flute.
All the musical notes appear again on the last page and littlies might remember where the sounds appear in the story. The bird catcher Papageno and his magic tinkly bells, the breathtaking Queen of the Night and of course gallant knights and horses will thrill budding musicians and all adventure lovers.
Go to: www.quartoknows.com
Train Party Author: Karen Blair Publisher: Puffin Books distributed by Penguin Random House Australia RRP: $16.99
Welcome to Castleview Railway and ride the steam trains. The children are at the park, unpacking a picnic lunch. The driver and his crew are ready to take everyone on a train adventure.
Learn new words, sights and sounds as the wheels go clickety-clack.
This delightful colourful book captures all the fun of a birthday at a miniature railway park. All aboard the train party!
Little Bilby’s Aussie Bush Christmas
Author: Yvonne Mes Publisher: Hachette Australia
RRP: $19.99
Here’s a joyful rhyming picture book for ages 0-4.
Beautifully illustrated by Jody Pratt, a group of little bilbies are looking for colourful decorations for their bush home.
Join them in their adventure and meet some friendly native animals along the way. The littlies will soon recognise the lizard, wombat, emu and others as they go back over their favourite pages.
There’s a puzzle at the end as well as ideas for making your own tree decorations from leaves, twigs and flowers, with the help of an adult of course.