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.

Goose in a hole by Judith Kerr

Goose in a Hole by author/illustrator Judith Kerr is a gentle story revolving around a missing pond that has mysteriously disappeared down a hole. The main protagonist of the story, Katrina the goose, leads gander Charlie and their goslings on a convoluted search for it underground popping up in some quite disturbing places. Meanwhile, Millie Bushwell is concerned for Katrina's safety whilst the people from the township are more occupied with  the reestablishment of a new pond than they are about the wildlife that used to inhabit the missing one. Judith Kerr's famous cat, Mog, makes an appearance in a few of the illustrations. This is a sequel to Judith's first book about Katrina the goose entitled The Other Goose.

Boris the Riverbank Artist by Bruce and Anne Riddell

Boris the Riverbank Artist was first published in 1986 and is like a comic and a picture book in one. Boris is a hare and enjoys a pretty good life on the riverbank really, a very comfortable home, good friends and a hobby he loves, painting. He doesn't earn a lot despite his paintings being in demand so sets out to find his fame and fortune in the city. Despite his optimism and his immaculate personal presentation  things don't go so well. Then he meets Garth from "Almost Originals" company and the work comes flooding in...but is this what Boris really wants?

Author Bruce Riddell  was born in Cape Town South Africa, in 1944. He studied graphic design at St Martin's School of Art in London. He has worked as a book designer and art editor, an art teacher and lectured  in graphic design at the University of New South Wales and the Sydney College of Arts.  In 1982 he was appointed Head of Department of Graphic Design at Canberra College of Technical and Further Education. He also wrote a book, Art in the Making, for secondary students which was published in 1982. 

Coauthor, Anne Riddell was born in Glasgow in Scotland in 1941. She trained as a speech therapist and practised in both Scotland and Barbados before changing careers to become an editorial assistant. When the family moved to Sydney in 1979 she became a publications editor in a New South Wales government department. She also worked as a journalist with the Australian Public Service in Canberra.

Mummy Goes to Work by Kes Gray and David Milgrim

First published in 2006, this is a great book for all working mums explaining the love for their little one despite the realities of having to return to work. It simply explains that mum would like to be home doing lots of fun activities and it also explains that when mum is home the phenomenal effort she puts in; same could easily be said of the working dads. It is a cheerful; comforting picture book which will strike a chord in any home with a working parent. Author Kes Gray resides in Essex with his wife and young son, young family a menagerie of animals. He has already won awards after only one year of publishing his first book.David Milgrim has illustrated some 15 books. The bright illustrations leap of a stark white background clearly reinforcing the words of a mother's dedication to her son and also the humour that comes with Mum doing "SO MUCH!". I liked this one so much that I bought it for my grandson Archie who now goes to childcare.

Robber Girl by Margaret Wild & Donna Rawlins

This book by Margaret Wild is probably best suited to upper primary students due to the language which is heavily influenced by traditional literature and its themes of physical and emotional isolation. That's not to say that the book isn't accessibe to, or couldn't be enjoyed and unpacked by a younger audience; depends on their experience with literature I guess. The illustrations by Donna Rawlins place Wild’s tale in the deep and unrelenting winter of a pre-industrial Europe with Wild drawing on many familiar motifs from this time, notably the feral child, the stolen child and groups of three in terms of animals and events. The main character "the robber girl" yearns for human companionship, yet finally understands that a person cannot really enjoy or justify keeping what is not rightfully theirs. The story centres around a young girl who ekes out an existence in an untamed forest which is harsh and unforgiving during the long winter months. Her closets companions are a wise old bear, a wolf and an owl. Despite their protective and nuturing ways, she feels overwhelmed by lonliness during the dark wintery months and when a farmer's son, Josiah, strays far from the house one day, the "robber girl" is compelled to do what she does... 

"Robber girl" with her companions, old bear, fox and owl

Tuck Me In! by Dean Hacohen & Sherry Scharschmidt

This book is the perfect book when settling down and tucking your child in for the night. Children will relate to it and mimic it by tucking their favourite animals into bed. It is brightly illustrated by Sherry Scharschmidt and the wide-eyed animals stand out on the white background. Each animals is tucked  in up to its chin with swish and appealing blankets. Children instinctively love repetition and the simple rhythms of this book will ensure that this book is revisited many times. I couldn't resist buying for my grandson Archie who turned one yesterday.

The Beast and the Boy by Massimo Mostacchi & Monica Miceli

If you appreciate beautiful art in children's books you can appreciate this book based on its illustrations alone. The book features full panel and double page spreads of Monica Miceli's waving trees and abstract hills which give enormous warmth to the story. Appearances aren't everything and the beast in this book may well look ferocious, but really he's harmless and desperately in need of a friend. One day he meets a runaway boy who also lacks friends. And so a new friendship is forged with the two revelling in each other's company. Meanwhile, the boys parents who are desperately searching for him, are faced  by a pack of menacing wolves and the plot develops from here. This is a straightforward morality tale which can easily be appreciated by all primary students.

Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with no Feathers by John Birningham

Borka the Adventures of a Gooes with no Feathers, John Burningham's first picture book, is a stunning picture book which is somewhat reminiscent of The Ugly Duckling. Only this time, Borka, the goose born without feathers is the bird of central interest. Her mother, Mrs Plumster,  even knits her a grey woollen jersey that looks like feathers to keep her warm, but this just makes her a further object of derision amongst her five siblings. This timeless book deals with difference and exclusion. The big bold illustrations and intricate end papers ensure its appeal. Author/illustrator, John Burningham, is among the most prestitigous illustrators working the children's book arena whose career spans over 60 years. This year he was nominated for The Hans Christian Andersen Award. This particular book won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1964. 

An end paper from Borka

Below is one of my favourite illustrations in the book:

Captain McAllister, Fowler, Borka and Fred

The Singing Hat by Tohby Riddle

I just adored this completely absurd story The Singing Hat by Tohby Riddle. Colin Jenkins awakes one day after a nap under a tree only to find that his head is now adorned with a bird's nest complete with bird. Not wishing to interfere with nature, he decides that he can carry on his daily routines with his new hat. The bird brings both positive and negative things into his life. Life becomes even more challenging when the eggs in "hat" hatch just as he is being dismissed from his job! It is a book of contrasts, as too is the illustrative style with solid and lightly sketched images. The pen and ink gouache, collage are cartoon like and add to the humour in the story. It's definitely a book to share with middle and upper primary students as they would appreciate the ambiguity and the amusing incidents much more than a younger reader. This book was first published in 2000 in Australia and has one a number of awards for both literature and design. These include Honour Book in the Australian and CBC Picture Book of the Year Awards and APA Best Designed Cover. So if you enjoy the bizarre you will love this book. The following website has some excellent discussion and teaching ideas on the book as well as some questions which could be explored:

http://www.tohby.com/Images/Notes_on_TheSingingHat.pdf

Arno the Garbo by Gary Crew & Craig Smith

Arno the Garbo by Gary Crew and Craig Smith is an off-beat book about a boy who basically, smells like and looks like garbage. You see Arno lives smack bang in the middle of a tip and this of course makes him the target of many jokes at school where he is known as Rat Head, Stink Bum, and Arno the Garbo. Academically, his performance is dismal and he has no friends. In fact his only consolation in life is his ability to make amazing inventions out of garbage. One day he decides to build a mechanical boy in his own image; the replica turns out to be smart, heroic and popular with the girls, and best off all minus the junkyard pong. This is certainly not in my top five favourite Gary Crew books, nevertheless the quirky illustrations by Craig Smith are up to his usual standard with many jokes to be had from the illustrations.

You and Me, Little Bear by Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth

This is just one book in the Little Bear Big Bear series which are popular world wide. Little Bear wants to play yet there is a lot of work to be done first. After gathering wood for the fire, fetching water from the stream and cleaning up the cave among other jobs, Big Bear finally takes a rest then spends time playing with Little Bear. This story mirrors what might be a typical day with a preschooler at home with Mum or Dad. Author, Martin Waddell is very skilled at depicting life's lessons in a gentle and natural manner.

Muted water colours and pencil drawings depict the forest habitat and the facial expressions of both bears show the love these two bears have for each other. This would be a great book to take home and share with a pre-school sibling.

Click on the link below to hear this book read in Dutch. So cute:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNcathQUM44

The Turtle and the Island retold by Barbara Ker Wilson

A strikingly illustrated tale about how a turtle created Papua New Guinea. One day a turtle is swimming the expanses on the ocean and laments the fact that he has nowhere to rest. He see a lonely man in a cave beneath the sea and upon discovering a small hillock of land jutting from the sea, he decides to bring more sand and create an island for them both.

Sarah and the Stone Man by Françoise Joos, Frédéric Joos

For a hundred years a great stone man has been holding up the ceiling of an ancient castle and he feels that his life is drab worrying that this is all there will be to his life, until one day, a little girl called Sarah befriends him and shows that he can leave the castle. So off they go out into the streets, down to the docks and onto a ship. It is written by talented French artist Frédéric Joos in collaboration with his wife. The colourful cartoon-like characters are very appealing offering a bright contrast to the castle and the township. There are interesting scenarios in the pictures not referred to in the text, like the birds nesting in a shirt on a washing line, and the shadowy business men in the streets. This would be a great book to share with a book buddy.

The Rainbow Bear by Michael Morpugo

I am snow bear. I am sea bear. I am white bear. I wander far and wide, king in my wild white wilderness.

Thus begins The Rainbow Bear written from the point of view of the polar bear, with its crisp short sentence delivery, alliteration and poetic text. With its frisking foxes, slow seals, wallowing walruses and flashing fish, and the grinding and groaning ice, the story of the polar bear and the harshness or its existence gently unfolds. He follows rainbows and is desperate to become a rainbow bear, and one day his wish is fulfilled. Then come the hunters, looking for the unique things in nature and his life takes a turn for the worse...I collect polar bear picture books and this one is a welcome addition to my collection. Michael Foreman's delicate and evocative paintings do not disappoint. Be careful what you wish for!

Father William by Lewis Carroll

This nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll has been faithfully reproduced and illustrated by John Anthony King. It is a puzzling piece and it would be interesting to know what students may make of it. Father William appears eccentric but full of energy and his idiot questioner probably should be "kicked down the stairs." The young man is worried about becoming old, whereas the old man is content with his age. This poem appears in his book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland which was published in 1865 and is recited by Alice in chapter 5.Evidently, it is a parody of Robert Southly's didactic poem The Old Man's Comforts and How He Gained Them

Old Coyote by Nancy Wood

With its evocative cover, its beautiful starred-filled end papers, its touching text, and warm yellows and golds throughout the entire publication, this book about an aged coyote would capture anyone's heart. A lone coyote reminisces as he wanders through his habitat, bidding goodbye to his friends and giving thanks to all the elements of nature before he finally ventures forward into a new world. Illustrator Max Grafe's double page spread as coyote contemplates the end of his journey is simple stunning and no text is necessary to convey the poignant sentiment. The back cover suggests this is a book to be enjoyed by 5-8 year olds, but I beg to differ. There are not many books which deal with death as well as this one does. Adults, older readers and the very young can all benefit greatly from this story which very simply and gently portrays death as a natural part of life whether animal or man.

Old coyote went up to the top of the tunnel and looked out. It was a clear night, with millions of stars shining overhead. He knew them all by heart. Little bats flew past. And nighthawks. A full moon shone. "Sister Moon," he said, "light the path I have to take." And sister Moon did just that.

Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh and Kathy Jakobsen

There are many book about John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, and this beautiful poetic tribute to him is an enjoyable read. The poetic narrative relates the story of his crusade to spread apple seeds from Masachusetts to America's Midwest. This version shows Johnny to be a gentle, religious with a genuine interest in the environment. The story is told through the eyes of Hannah Goodwin who observed his unusual career over the course of her lifetime. The full-paged and detailed folk art illustrations by Kathy Jakobsen complement the quilt pattern borders on the facing pages of text. The illustrations really warrant close attention as they hold many secrets.

Carrot Tops and Cottontails by Jan Mark & Tony Ross

Being quite a sophisticated picture book, I think this picture book would really be apreciated by an upper primary student for its descriptive language, its use of rhythm, illiteration, and its at times off-beat humour. The carrots are brazen and vain and are indignant that the rabbits never pay them the attention and the respect they think they deserve. So they set about on a campaign to harass the rabbits to arouse their attention at the very least, but they get far more than they bargain for. This is a very clever and witty fable which explains why vegetables never speak and why no carrot is ever safe from rabbits. Ross' illustrations are exceptional and the sassiness of the carrots and the outrage of the rabbits are beautifully captured. I am still yet to find his famous I Don't Give a Damn About this Dumb Toilet..

Grandad Barnett's Beard by Kristine Church

This beaut little book is now out of publication and has limited availability. Basically it's all about Colin Reginal Barnett and his grandad who is also laughing except when he is angry with his beard. He has an extremely long beard which makes some of his day to day activities extremely frustrating. Colin loves the beard especially in his imaginative play. The illustrations by Kilmeny Niland are very detailed, colourful and good fun. She passed away in 2009 and was best known for her children's book illustrations but she worked in a wide range of genres including animation, wildlife art, portraits, prints and cards. She won the Visual Arts Board award for her illustration in Mulga Bill's Bicycle.

Wedding Birds by Jutta Ash (translated by Naomi Lewis)

This is a beautifully illustrated version of a traditional German song with English words by Naomi Lewis. Jutta Ash is already renowned for her book Jorinda and Joringel. The wedding story flows works well with the use of simple but effective rhyming couplets and this would be a great way to introduce this literary device to students. A blackbird and a thrush marry in a splendid ceremony attended by an array of well-plumed birds. Naomi Lewis sadly passed away in 2009 but will be remembered for her translations of the Danish author Hans Cristian Andersen. She reached the grand old age of 98.