Out of the Ashes by Michael Morpurgo

This is one of the most powerfully emotional children's  books I have read.It is simply told but really delivers a powerful blow. I had heard of foot and mouth disease but until I read this novel had not really understood the implications it causes for whole communities and the heart break it brings to each farming family watching their life's work destroyed before their eyes.  This is Becky Morley's story of how she and her family coped with losing all that was precious to them over a few short months, and of her sudden awareness that even her very strong dependable dad cannot cope with such a soul destroying experience. It is told through a diary she received as a thirteenth birthday present from her dad. It tracks the family's days before the outbreak, during the outbreak, until it reaches it heart wrenching conclusion. But, it is also a book about hope and the support that communities give in such times of hardship.  I have always appreciated the illustrative powers of Michel Foreman and his illustrations really do justice to this amazing story. I would also recommend his novels War Horse and Butterfly Lion.

The Lonesome Howl by Steven Herrick

Now this might be a good book to take a look at since we are doing a big poetry unit in third term when I get back from France. Steven Herrick was the youngest of seven children, thought you might like to know that Caleigh. Lots of descriptive poetry about two families and bush life: Dad accidentally shooting Winnie the pig, a son escaping onto the shed roof for some peace and quiet, a wolf at Wolli Creek, Lucy crouching by the creek, Jake getting mad with Lucy at the swamp. The poems all link together to give you insight into family life: fun times, arguments, resentments and children with too many questions. Want to meet the author, see what he's like? Click on this link to hear him recite his poem Ten Things Your Parents Will Never Say:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3jZyonew2Y&feature=related

Goat in the Garden by Lucy Daniels

Author, Lucy Daniels, was born and brought up in the Yorkshire countryside, where she still lives. She has always loved animals. She is a full time writer. In this novel, Houdini, Lydia Fawcett’s prize goat, is in real trouble. And why do you think he is called Houdini? He keeps escaping and eating Mr. Western's prize plants. Now Mr. Western is taking matters into his own hands. Can Mandy and her friend James save the goat and save his home High Cross Farm? This enjoyable little novel is now out of print. It has beautiful ink illustrations interspersed throughout the text.

After the Storm/Helping Out by Sheryn Dee

This is the second title in a series of books, each often containing two stories in one is great for those children making the transition into chapter books. Theses pony stories are laden with details and instructions about horses and would certainly be appreciated by horse-lovers. There are detailed ink drawings which accompany the text. The stories are about Jessia and her pony, Magic, set on a beautiful property in the South Australian Riverland area. This little book is now out of print. Read more about these two stories by clicking on the link under the book.

http://www.aussiereviews.com/article1395.html

They've Put Custard in My Bone by Murray Ball

Published in 1983 the humour has not dated and students will appreciate the rivalry between Dog, the pampered corgi Prince Charles, and the ever-intimidating and invincible Horse, the cats who rules the roost. Most of the regulars are there: Cooch, Wal, Pongo and Aunt Dolly. Murray Ball from New Zealand does amazing comic strips. He well-known for his Footrot Flats series. This is but one of a staggering twenty-seven. These strips are based around the life of Wal Footrot's sheep dog, called the very original name of "Dog" and also other characters both human and animal that come into their lives. The humour comes through the day to day adversity of farming life. Dog likes to think of himself as tough and intelligent but often he is soft and a bit of a coward. Wal lives on 400 acres of swamp and is unmarried, but he does have an interest in Darlene, a hairdresser. There are many other characters but a memorable one is Prince Charles, a very spoilt corgi belonging to Aunt Dolly whose life is infinitely easier than Dog's life.

Here is a clip about the making of the film Footrot Flats:

http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/the-making-of-footrot-flats-1986

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

This would have to be one of my all time favourites. I did it as a book study when I was in grade 7. I also love the film in which Dakota Fanning stars as Fern. I have added a link to the trailer and also to an interview with Dakota who incidentally has always loved this classic. The book begins when John Arable's sow gives birth to a litter of piglets. One of them is a runt and he decides to kill it. However, Fern is outraged, and Wilbur, as she names him, becomes her pet. However, later on Wilbur discovers he is going to be eaten at Christmas and luckily Charlotte his spider friend writes a message praising Wilbur "Some Pig" which amazes all he he can live a little longer. Templeton, the rat, keeps the story interesting. What eventually happens to Wilbur and Charlotte? Read the book to find out. There are now three copies of this novel in the Little Library of Rescued Books, so you could read it with a couple of your friends.

Film Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCHDS_a_4Ms

Dakota Fanning interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3PHVqn2Gvg&NR=1&feature=fvwp

After Alice by Jane Carroll

I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. Another little gem from Australian authoress Jane Carroll. It was published in 1999 and is now out of publication. The main character is Bree and her parents have adopted eight-year old Alice whose mother has recently died. She is coming to live on the farm and Bree can't wait. However, upon her arrival Alice finds the reality of having a new little sister nothing like she had imagined. Sibling rivalry soon rears its ugly head. Bree now finds little solace at school or at home and her special friendships are suddenly in jeopardy. This book would appeal to girls more than boys and would be suitable for 10-12 year olds.