This month there is an interesting collection of new picture books; some with an important message and one raising money for Rural farmers suffering from the recent effects of floods and drought. A Flair for Hair by Bilyana Di Costanzo & illustrated by Mauro Di Costanzo (New...
Concepts of friendship, kindness and inclusion are becoming more important in our increasingly angry world. These picture books for the young offer a range of ways that we can look at improving their understanding of these concepts as they grow up. Who’s Afraid of the Quite...
Joelie Hancock reports that while most schools and education departments provide information for parents on how to support the learning of schoolchildren, similar details are not readily available to the carers of preschoolers, even though it is widely understood that these early years are when...
Stories that you read to very young children do not need pictures – children will create their own. They just need the opportunity to hear the rich, descriptive language and a satisfying story say Vivienne Hand. “What are you doing? Are you helping with gardening?” I...
Reading aloud to young children is akin to going on the stage. It requires a willingness to be theatrical, to sing, to change voices and be animated in your actions and facial expressions says Nan Williamson It is true that the magic of reading lies in...
In 2019, July is the 50th Anniversary of man landing on the moon and these new books celebrate earth’s satellite moon in their own way. I Would Dangle the Moon Written and illustrated by Amber Moffat (Midnightsunpublishing.com, hardback, $29.99) Age Group 3-6 years. Available late June 2019. If...
Rob Pegley investigates the fascinating, and often downright frightening, world of children’s classics. Like most parents of preschool children, we try to shield the kids from television programs of a slightly adult nature with borderline offensive content. Even something as universally accepted as The Simpsons fails...
Although romance is the most popular genre of books for adults, the mystery comes second and it starts with the young reader. Reviewing books for older young readers often takes more time as they have many more pages than picture books! These books reviewed (with...
Just released for April reading are some meatier books for older readers, including a series that is being developed into a major film and two new picture books for the littlies. Kids Who Did: Real kids who ruled, rebelled, survived and thrived by Kirsty Murray (Allan &...
12 of the best books to read to your children this Easter to improve literacy as suggested by Brian Caswell. “If your children are very young, then these Easter books will be ideal choices:” The simple and engaging Egg by Kevin Henkes Easter Babies: A Springtime...
