Arriving across our desk over summer have been quite a few new books for the 0-5+ age group of which our favourites are reviewed. Reading to preschoolers is always very revealing, and the genre of ‘picture books’ really does rely on the talent of the...
These recently released books are perfect for reading to children under 4 when you need them to understand new concepts. Siblings! written & illustrated by Rocko Bonella. (pub by Quirky Kid. Available online. RRP$19.99) This book is cleverly divided into two sections starting at either end and illustrating...
An exhibition, Miffy & Friends, is soon to open at the QUT Art Museum Gallery (Brisbane). As its director Vanessa Van Ooyen has noted, Bruna’s illustrations have a deceptive simplicity, which belies the artistry behind them, writes Margot Hillel. She couldn’t get much simpler in visual...
Children who love being read to are more likely to find learning to read easier. That's why I always get picture books for Christmas gifts! writes Kym Simoncini Christmas is just around the corner. If you’re wondering what to get your child, your friends’ children, your...
There’s an excellent new breed of non-fiction for young readers coming from publishers, writes Margaret Hamilton. With Christmas not very far away, there are ideas here for gift books for all ages. I recommend these. Also some non-fiction books are mentioned in this list. There’s an...
Only 18% of books available in four Australian childcare centres include non-white characters reports Helen Joanne Adam in her recent study Animal characters make up around half the books available, with the animals largely leading lives, and adhering to values, of middle-class Caucasians. My study, published in...
Dangerous animals get a bad rap but this new illustrated encyclopaedia helps us appreciate the incredible adaptions they have made to survive. The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals Written and Illustrated by Sami Bayly (Lothian Children’s Books HB $32.99) Age Group 5 years and over. Also by...
This is the first part of a list of Sustainability Reading provided by Fremantle Library, that every child should read by the time they get to high school! This is a compilation of resources for children (primarily for ages 3-10) on various environmental concepts such...
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden has been described as “the most significant children’s book of the 20th century.” writes Emma Hayes, First published in 1911, after being serialised in The American Magazine, it was dismissed by one critic at the time as simple and lacking...
Reading has always been an essential skill for every child, especially now that we’re all stuck inside a little more than usual. It’s an even more vital tool for them to keep entertained, relaxed, and inspired. Here are some simple ways to broaden your child’s...
