Edward's Magic Paintbox by Sue Robinson and Helen Leach

Another interesting tale from Sue Robinson who grew up in the Blue Mountains. This beautifully illustrated book by award winning artist Helen Leach not only deals with bushfires but the rebirth of nature after the devastation. Edward can't believe no-one is making a fuss of him on his seventh birthday. Why all the rushing around and why are they going to Grandma's when he could be celebrating his birthday with his friends at school? His initial disappointment is quickly abated after he receives a special set of water colours which Edward immediately puts to good use. Everyone is intrigued by the painting, could it really be magical?

1. Edward at work

Rosie and Mack Head Outback: an Adventure in the Kimberley by Celia Shelmerdine

What a fantastic book for children to learn more about the Kimberley region, its geographical marvels and its fascinating flora and fauna. Rosie and Mack who have visited big cities around the world such as New York, Rome, Paris and London decide to explore their own country more and head off to the far north of Western Australia. They land at a terminal where there are bulls grazing on the airstrip and they are warmly greeted by Jackaroo Jim who has all sorts of activities planned to fill up their days. From the aboriginal rock art to the starts in the skies, as children accompany Rosie and Mack they will emerge from this book with a greater awareness and understanding of this beautiful part of Australia. The end papers show a map of El Questro Satation and Wilderness park and there is a detailed glossary at the back explaining the many aboriginal words in this text.

The Clown Said No by Mischa Damjan and Józef Wilkoń

The unexpected defiance of a clown who would prefer to tell stories than alternate between laughing and crying despite the ringmaster's pleas, quickly becomes a rebellion against the constraints of circus life. The donkey, who no longer wants to be stereotypically stubborn, the Dancing Pony who is wearisome of dancing, Louise the Giraffe who is tired of just being known for her neck, Gus the homesick Lion, and Otto the Dog who resents being shackled by a chain, all decide enough is a enough. One night they simple leave...but how will they survive by themselves whilst they raise the necessary finances and recognition to begin their own circus where they can all call the shots and be happy? Read it and find out if they can eventually follow their dreams.

This book was originally published in German as Der Clown sagte Nein. Extra informations about the amazing polish  illustrator/artist, Józef Wilkoń, can be found on http://culture.pl/en/artist/jozef-wilkon
on Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/lynniemarieb/j%C3%B3zef-wilko%C5%84/

No Such Thing as Far Away by Laura Langston and Robert Amos

This  Canadian picture book explores a child's attachment to place and could quite easily be set in any major Australian city with a China Town. It is in fact set in Vancouver's Chinatown which I had the pleasure of exploring some years ago. Michael loves his Chinatown home, its smells, its interesting alley ways, and the dragons from the nearby neon sings which cast their golden and red images through his bedroom window upon his wall during the night. He is very upset when he hears from his mum who runs a second hand shop of their impending move to another suburb. Michael's acceptance of the situation comes largely through the counsel of his Chinese friend, Grandpa Doc. 

In summer Michael would go into the little store where Grandpa Doc straightened his jars of herbs and boxes of powders. Michael would sit on a high stool and sniff the air. The smells of star anise, ginger and sweet licorice mingled with the conversation as Grandpa Doc talked about the old country. Once Michael asked Grandpa Doc how he could be happy when he was so far away from the China that he loved.

"There's no such thing as far away when you carry a place in your heart," Grandpa Doc said, laughing at Michael's frown. "In here." The old man lifted both hands to his heart.

 who tells him, "There is no such thing as far away when you carry a place with you. In here." (Your heart.) 

Robert Amos, a water-colour artist, well-known for his depictions of inner city streets, captures the detail and colour of the scenes in Chinatown beautifully. 

The result is a well-written appreciation of Chinatown and a satisfying, reassuring look at the heartache of leaving a loved places and loved ones.

School Yard Jokes by Hinkler Books

Laugh and the class laughs with you.
But you get detention alone.

What do you get when you cross a kangaroo with a skyscraper ?
A high jumper. 

Where do elephants come from?
Very big storks.

If you like jokes that make you chuckle out loud or even on the inside or maybe even groan, you will enjoy this book. It has some of the old standard jokes but there are many refreshingly new ones as well. It is a pocket size book with modern colourful illustrations; one of the better quality joke books I have seen around. It was published in 2010 so the jokes are not too corny.

Dimity Dumpty; The Story of Humpty's Little Sister by Bob Graham

Now Dimity Dumpty knew what was about to befall her somewhat egotistical brother Humpty, but few know the real family story. I am a sucker for the other perspective, be it fiction or non fiction, and this book was destined to adorn my shelf along with those entertaining gems of one of my favourite authors, Jon Scieska.  Dimity predicted that one day Humpty would come a cropper, and a right one at that! Illustrator/author Bob Graham certainly dishes up just desserts! So what was the life of Humpty's unknown, shy, and somewhat timid sister like? Interesting to say the least.  No-one knew of the circus-orientated Tumbling Dumpties clan. Humpty Dumpty has a much better outcome including chocolates and  a full recovery. A fun read!

The Butterfly by A. Delaney

It was the tiny and humble splash of orange flitting amongst the fine line ink drawings inside the covers that drew me to this totally unpretentious little book. Not only does the story tell about the flights of a lone butterfly on a summer's day but it also illustrates the story of the energetic and fun-loving dog and a troupe of close friends as they gamble through the daisy and grass fields encapsulating life itself. It is a book about really enjoying the little things in life and appreciating the moment for whatever it may be. The energy and joy is captivated so well in the illustration and the  rhyming flow of text. The warmth and absolute joy of the day is ever present.