Where is Pim? by Lena and Olof Landstrom Warm fuzzy picture book for toddlers@geckopress wp.me/p1FRYN-At3 hours ago
sch kids Love that dog "why wld u write this in a bk i thought it was sposed 2 b a nice bk" @ sad bit loved it bt cried @ciaobellacreech LOL 12 hours ago
Where is Pim?
By Lena Landstrom
Illustrated by Olof Landstrom
Gecko Press
ISBN 9781927271735
Translated by Julia Marshall
This delightfully simple story is told by Lena Landstrom and beautifully illustrated by her husband Olof. Pom’s soft toy Pim goes missing while playing together. Well actually Pim is kidnapped by a dog. The search begins as Pom goes looking under bushes, park seats and just about everywhere but still no sign of Pim. I love the expressions on Pom’s face. You can see how heart-broken Pom is as tears begin to brim over and this is gorgeously emphasized as Pom sits on the page all alone. The anguish is real, just as it is for young children when they lose their favourite toy. A story everyone can relate to.
Yes, there is a happy ending, as there must be, and Pom and Pim are reunited. A story to read over and over.
Blood of my blood
By Barry Lyga
Book three in the Jasper Dent trilogy
ISBN 9780316198707
Wow – Just wow. What a trilogy and what a ride. Having loved the series there was no way I was not going to read the final book. I sat glued to the pages and the lives of Jazz, his girlfriend Connie and best friend Howie. I needed to make sure they were safe and out of Billy Dent’s way. If you have read the first two books then this is a must read. Everything comes out in the end but what a body count to get there. The creeping sensation that Jazz may end up like his father, a serial killer like no other – well I can’t tell you what happens. It really is up there in terms of quality writing and intense suspense. Blood and guts aside, the what-if’s, and who did-it’s is tops.
“Jazz has been shot and left to die in New York. His girlfriend, Connie, is in the clutches of Jazz’s monstrous father, Billy–the world’s most notorious serial killer. And his best friend, Howie, is bleeding to death on the floor of Jazz’s new home.
Somehow, these three must rise above the horrors and find a way to come together in pursuit of Billy.
But then Jazz crosses a line he’s never crossed before, and soon the entire country is wondering: “Like father, like son? Who is the true monster?”
From New York City to the small town of Lobo’s Nod, the chase is on, and this time, Jazz is the hunted, not the hunter–while Billy Dent lurks in the shadows.
And beyond Billy? Something much, much worse. Prepare to meet…the Crow King.”
I have to wonder about how an author can come up with such a gripping story and be so realistic – brilliant series!
Here is a reminder of the first two books.
Book 2
The Game
Max is a delightful toddler learning to negotiate the world around him. He loves his dog, his bath and his wagon. In fact his dog’s antics and facial expressions are just adorable and a little mischievous. Max and his dog have little adventures; the kind every young child can relate to. There’s Max’s soft toy bear who falls in to trouble. There is a wagon full of toys and a lost cookie. Then of course, there is the fun of playing in the bath. These board books are gorgeously illustrated by Eva Eriksson. Text on one page allows the focus of the illustrations on the opposite page to grab our full attention. I love that there are no adults in the illustrations allowing Max his own little independence. These gentle and sweet stories will delight very young readers who will beg for them to be read over and over again.
Max’s wagon
By Barbro Lindgren
Illustrated by
Eva Eriksson
Gecko Press
ISBN 978177650010
Max’s bath
By Barbro Lindgren
Illustrated by
Eva Eriksson
Gecko Press
ISBN 9781776570003
Max’s bear
By Barbro Lindgren
Illustrated by
Eva Eriksson
Gecko Press
ISBN 9781776570027
Book of the dead
Tombquest : Book 1
By Michael Northrop
Scholastic
ISBN 9781743629246
“Nothing can save eleven-year-old Alex Sennefer’s life. That’s what all the doctors say, but his mother knows it’s not true. She knows that the Lost Spells — the most powerful piece of the Egyptian Book of the Dead — can crack open a door to the afterlife and pull her son back from the brink. But when she uses the spells, five evil ancients known as the Death Walkers are also brought back to life.
Now terrible things are starting to happen. Mummies are awakening. New York is overrun with scorpion messengers. And worst of all, Alex’s mom and the Lost Spells have both disappeared. Alex and his best friend, Ren, will do anything to save his mom and save the world . . . even if that means going head-to-head with a Death Walker who has been plotting his revenge for 3,000 years.”
And if that isn’t enough to whet your appetite then check out the adventures you can have online. You can build your own Egyptian maze, hide treasure and protect it with traps and more. You can even find out about the author too. Check it out here.
“In this first book of the Monkey’s Journey series, Sun Wukong becomes the king of the monkeys and embarks on an adventure to conquer death by gaining special powers of transformation and magic.”
Follow Sun Wukong, as he rebels against the gods and attempts to make penance for his actions.
Adventure, fun and learning and bilingual too. What more could you ask?
Dragon Knight : Fire
By Kyle Mewburn
Illustrated by Donovan Bixley
Scholastic NZ
For all those children in your schools or at home, who love the Dinosaur Rescue books, this new series is also one they will love and want to dive in to with great speed. I know the Dinosaur Rescue series is never on the library shelves at school as the books are always out being read, enjoyed, and laughed over. This new series set in medieval times is about a boy who is half dragon and half knight. I am pretty sure you will find a heap of gross and snotty bits too which will have you laughing out loud. The humor, the adventure and the wonderfully funny illustrations by Donovan Bixley all add to reasons children will love this series. Another hit in the making!
Sometimes being half boy, half dragon gets really messy!
All the bright places
By Jennifer Niven
ISBN 9780141357034
I stick by my predictions that this was going to be brave and honest. And it was!
I sat on my back porch, sun streaming down on a glorious afternoon reading All the bright places.
Finch and Violet meet at the top of the school tower, both of them overwhelmed by a sense of deep, dark despair. From that meeting, while it takes a bit of time and negotiating, their relationship grows and I felt myself smiling as I was watching a young couple fall in love. Both have things they need to deal with and bit by bit things begin to change. Finch forces the situation and they are teamed together to work on a school project. He manages to encourage Violet to step well out of her comfort zone as they travel outside of the safety of their small town as part of the project’s requirements to find the natural wonders of their state. But as Violet’s world opens up, his world becomes more and more difficult to cope with. By the end of the book, I was still sitting on my porch in the sunshine, but tears falling (hoping the neighbours didn’t hear) feeling I just wanted to reach out and hug them both.
Mental health issues, especially for teenagers is often a taboo subject but it shouldn’t be. We need open discussions and we need to not be afraid to talk. Finch and Violet are both broken people, both needing help but not knowing where to turn. There is hope, always hope but sometimes, like Violet, you need to be shown where hope hides and find all the bright places. Very moving, thought provoking YA novel.
Check out the great trailer for this book posted earlier right here.
Much like Mandy Hager’s Dear Vincent in an earlier post I applaud authors of YA fiction for bringing us such poignant novels.
Again, if you need help or know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to ask someone. There are agencies to call, and teachers at school who will listen. Reach out!
Pathfinder
The magical world of Todhunter moon
By Angie Sage
ISBN 9781408858189
Bloomsbury
UK cover
What a cool trailer. Great to encourage middle/older readers with a bit of magic and mayhem. I thoroughly enjoyed Angie Sage’s earlier Araminta Spook series. In fact I even have a little Araminta doll sitting in a basket on my desk.
While it has been suggested that readers read the Septimus Heap series before reading the new Pathfinder series, it isn’t essential. So briefly this is the blurb.
“Tod has grown up a PathFinder, one of an ancient seafaring tribe. Her mother, who died when Tod was young, had a very different history. She was from a mysterious magykal desert-dwelling family. When Tod’s father disappears she is not only alone, but soon finds herself swept into the path of an evil sorcerer. Now Tod must choose which of her pasts will help her to survive: PathFinder or Magician. Magyk will allow her to fight like with like, but her PathFinder heritage gives Tod something special – the edge.
Angie Sage’s new book combines breathtaking action with fabulous plotting. The characters are instantly engaging, the tension is relentless and Angie’s superlative storytelling weaves the threads seamlessly together for an utterly satisfying read.”
I know a group of year sixes who loved Septimus Heap so this is on the list of books to buy for school this year. And with a trailer like this one, who wouldn’t want to read it?
And the band played Waltzing Matilda
BY Eric Bogle
Illustrated by Bruce Whatley
ISBN 9781743317051
Allen and Unwin
We all know the famous anti-war song but in this sophisticated picture book format, the song takes on new meaning. It is the story of the battle at Gallipoli and with the 100 year commemorations happening soon, this book is ideal as a talking point at all levels across the school curriculum. I can see primary, intermediate and secondary school teachers and librarians using it to tell students about the Gallipoli Campaign and how even now their are still many lessons to learn. For Australians and New Zealanders, the ANZAC’s and the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign will forever be part of our shared history. This book is a must have for any school library.
It is an iconic song with a powerful message and beautifully illustrated. I have seen and read many of the books Bruce Whatley has illustrated with his humorous style but this book is completely different. The mostly sepia tones of the illustrations help create a mood and feeling that left me quite stunned. The trailer, a combination of the song and the book’s illustrations reflects the images of a war that won’t be forgotten. I was reluctant to return the book to the public library as I wanted to read it over and over again but I have since ordered one for school.
There are teacher notes for classroom use found here.
White tiger legend
By Hu Yuan Nabe
The trailer to this book is very well produced. In fact it is eventually going to be an animated film.
“Take a journey with Zi beyond reality. Go beyond space. Go beyond time. Go beyond the inner workings of your mind. Are you ready for the answer to all things?
Warriors throughout history have journeyed to the famed Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Kung fu, to embark upon this incredible journey – seeking adventure, challenges, and answers to life’s deepest questions.”
Glazed man & rat girl
By Scott Cahan
Quirky well produced animated book trailer just right for middle grade readers.
“A superhero who gets his super powers from donuts, and a girl who keeps turning into a rat no matter how hard she tries to stop herself. Together, they stumble their way through a story of heroic adventure and bad eating habits. When the evil RoboCreep threatens their city, Glazed Man and Rat Girl are the only two people brave enough and foolish enough to stand in his way.
It’s a classic tale of good vs. evil starring the lovable but dim-witted Glazed Man,and the good-hearted but totally berserk Rat Girl.”
The right word : Roget and his thesaurus
By Jen Bryant
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
ISBN 9780802853851
Eerdmans Books
Wow! What a find. I saw the trailer to this book and immediately ordered the book from my public library but had to wait as it was on order and not ready for release yet. The wait is well worth it. This book is magic. “If only all the ideas in the world could be found in one place, then everyone would have one book where they could find the best word, the one that really fit. Peter carried this idea with him like a secret treasure.”
This is a picture book biography of the life of Peter Mark Roget and his fascination with words and making lists of words. This is a beautifully produced book. It has everything. I just love the wonderful vintage scrapbook end pages.The illustrations are perfect. Collage, scrapbook, all in-keeping with the times Roget lived.Very well thought out. There is the author and illustrator notes pages as well as a list of principal events in Roget’s lifetime. There are also teacher notes available here.
His Thesaurus was published in 1852. The word Thesaurus means “treasure house” in Greek and this is indeed a treasure of a book. Not only will I make sure I get one for school but it is one I will add to my own collection.
The walled city
By Ryan Graugin
ISBN 9780316405058
The trailer for this new YA thriller may be short but I love it. I love the dark shadowy alleyways and the soundtrack is just perfect. It is a pacey and tense trailer worth watching over and over. I have added the book to my “must read” list as the trailer is so enticing I just have to read the book.
“There are three rules in the Walled City: Run fast. Trust no one. Always carry your knife. Right now, my life depends completely on the first. Run, run, run.”
“Jin, Mei Yee, and Dai all live in the Walled City, a lawless labyrinth run by crime lords and overrun by street gangs. Teens there run drugs or work in brothels—or, like Jin, hide under the radar. But when Dai offers Jin a chance to find her lost sister, Mei Yee, she begins a breathtaking race against the clock to escape the Walled City itself.”
If you want to hear the author talking about the inspiration for her book just watch the clip below.
All the bright places
By Jennifer Niven
ISBN 9780141357034
I must say I have not read this novel but have been following its build up and it is high on my list to buy and read. I am in two minds though, as I can’t wait to see how this book about Violet Markey and Theodore Finch plays out but I am almost afraid to read it. In the space of 12 months 4 young men I have known have all tragically taken their lives. However, we can not hide the fact, that teen depression and mental illness exists. We can not ignore the damage and impact these illnesses have. So yes! I want to read this book but no spoilers please. I want to find out for myself how it all ends.
From the publisher’s web site because their blurb says it best. “Theodore Finch wants to take his own life. I’m broken, and no one can fix it.
Violet Markey us devastated by her sister’s death. In that instant we went plowing through the guardrail, my words died too.
They meet on the ledge of the school bell tower, and so their story begins. It’s only together they can be themselves . . .
I send a message to Violet: ‘You are all the colors in one, at full brightness.’
You’re so weird, Finch. But that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.
But, as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. How far will Violet go to save the boy she has come to love?”
I commend the publishers who have made the following announcement as part of their publication details.
“Please be advised that this novel explores themes and issues that may be disturbing or upsetting to some individuals. These include self-harm, mental illness and grief.”
Please be mindful whom you recommend this book to. It is not for everyone. Those that it is for, will no doubt love it for its honesty and bravery.
Once a shepherd
By Glenda Millard
Illustrated by Phil Lesnie
ISBN 9781921720628
Walker Books
I was moved to tears the first time I read this book and the next and the next. It is book which haunts the reader with its powerful story and wonderful illustrations. The story begins with Tom the shepherd out in the field with his sheep. We see his life played out when he falls in love and marries his sweetheart Cherry. We see him go off to war but we don’t see him return. Published in time to commemorate World War 1 this is ideal for all levels. It certainly leaves it wide open for all manner of discussions.
Millard uses words sparingly producing a succinct yet poignant story. As the saying goes, less is more! This is Phil Lesnie’s first picture book but I bet you it won’t be his last. I love the plain weave of the end pages, symbolic of the story and the love between Tom and Cherry.
You can find teacher notes here to help explore this book further. This is a must-have for any schools contemplating a study on World War 1 and the impact of war on ordinary people.
As an aside, two of my favorite books by Glenda Millard are The duck and the darklings where the language is just brilliant and one of the best books to use for teaching creative writing.
The other is The Mbobo tree another hauntingly beautiful picture book, this time in a more traditional story telling format.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Trickster tales)
By Russell Brand
Illustrated by Chris Riddell
ISBN 9781476791906
Simon & Schuster
What a joy to read such a funny retelling of an old familiar story. Russell Brand takes the traditional story and fills it with humor and laugh-out-loud moments which will delight not just kids but adults as well.
Hamelin is a town filled with the most obnoxious, self-obsessed and mean-spirited people you can imagine. When the town is suddenly plagued with hundreds and thousands of rats, the Mayor seeks the help of a stranger to dispose of them. However, like all good stories, promises are broken and prices are paid. Lessons to learn, for sure but what a gorgeously funny way to make a point.
Chris Riddell excels at bringing characters to life in his very humorous illustrations. The personalities shine through, the good, the bad and the down-right nasty, warts and all. The combination of author and illustrator works so well that this is sure to be a hit. I certainly hope there will be other trickster tales and soon!
Take time to listen to the author read from his book.
