Category: Picture Books

How Many Dogs in the House? by Beverley Boorer

On the front porch lies a big old dog named Nemo:
A snoozing in the sun dog.
A dreaming of a bone dog.
A come and scratch my back dog.
But Nemo isn’t the only dog in the house. In fact there are dogs in every room of the house – dogs of all shapes and sizes. Just how many dogs are there?

This delightful counting book will have youngsters guessing, counting and eagerly turning pages. The rhythm of author Beverly Boorer’s text makes for a fun read-aloud, which parents and teachers will enjoy sharing with preschoolers.

The illustrations of award-winning artist Kilmeny Niland use bright pastels and a combination of whimsy and cute in a style which youngsters will love.

All round, a cute little number with the added bonus of helping youngsters learn to count.

How Many Dogs in the House, by Beverley Boorer, illustrated by Kilmeny Niland
Scholastic Press, 2004

Koala Number One, by Jill Morris

Until now, Kolo has lived with his mother, safe within the koala colony. Now, though, his father tells him he must leave. There can be only one big male koala in the colony.

Out on his own, Kolo has difficulty finding a safe place to live. Much of his habitat has been destroyed, and he faces feral predators and other perils such as cars and bushfire. Finding food and shelter is his greatest challenge, but finding company his greatest desire, as he finds it is no fun being alone.

Koala Number One is a fictional story but, like all of the author’s books, is also very educational. Children are being given a glimpse of the threats faced by koalas as man encroaches on what was once koala territory. As well as facts and information scattered within the story, the final page of the book also presents relevant facts.

The illustrations of Heather Gall are a superb complement to the text of Jill Morris, with delightfully detailed depitctions of the koalas, the bush and more.

Koala Number One is suitable for ages 4 to 8 and, as an educational tool is appropriate even for upper primary aged students.

Lovely.

Koala Number One, by Jill Morris, illustrated by Heather Gall
Greater Glider, 2004

Warnayarra the Rainbow Snake, compiled by Pamela Lofts

One of a series of eight Aboriginal stories compiled by Pamela Lofts, Warnayarra the Rainbow Snake tells the story of the rainbow Snake and of the Warlpiri people, who were forced off their land. They settled the Lajamanu community.

Although they were in unfamiliar territory and forced to adapt to a new lifestyle, the people’s culture and traditions helped them to adapt and stay strong.

This story, told and illustrated by the children of Lajamanu, is an example of the strong storyelling tradition of the Aboriginal people. It will appeal to, and educate, children of all cultures.

An excellent classroom resource.

Warnayarra the Rainbow snake, Told by the Senior Boys Class, Lajamanu School, Compiled by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Press, 2004

Pudding & Chips, by Penny Matthews

Chips the sheepdog takes his role very seriously. If he isn’t needed to round up the sheep, he gets busy rounding up the other animals. Except there is one animal – Pudding the goose – who refuses to be rounded up. When Chips chases Pudding, she flies at him, and soon he is the one being chased.

When a fox starts visiting the farm, it is Pudding who raises the alarm. but when he catches two of the other geese, Pudding changes. All the honk goes out of her. Then, without warning she disappears.

Everyone misses Pudding, but Chips misses her the most. So, when early one morning he hears her honking on the hill, he is the first to go and greet her. Together they chase off the fox, who has made another visit, before Pudding reveals the secret reason for her absence.

Penny Matthews’ gentle but richly woven text is delightfully complemented by the pen, ink and watercolour illustrations of Janine Dawson. For teachers in preprimary or lower primary classrooms, Pudding & Chips would make an excellent complement to Matthews’ award-winning A Year on Our Farm, although of course it stands wonderfully on its own for home or school reading.

Pudding & Chips, by Penny Matthews, illustrated by Janine Dawson
ABC Books, 2004

The Echidna & the Shade Tree, by Mona Green and Pamela Lofts

Under the shade of a huge tree in the desert, Echidna spends his days minding the young of the other animals while they hunt for food. But, in spite of his assistance, the other animals will not share their food. In anger, Echidna uproots the tree, endangering their safety. Their efforts to stop him explain why today he has stubby feet and spikes.

The Echidna and the Shade Tree is one of a series of eight Aboriginal stories told in picture book format and published by Schoastic press.

The story is compiled by Pamela Lofts based on a telling by Mona Green of the Jaru people to students in Halls Creek, Western Australia. The book’s illustrations are adapted from the children’s picture interpretations of the story.

Simply told and presented, this is a book which is accessible and entertaining for all children and which would make an excellent classroom resource for students of all backgrounds.

The Echidna and the Shade Tree, told by Mona Green, compiled by Pamela Lofts
Scholastic Press, 2004

123 – A First Board Book from Scholastic Australia

One of four titles in Scholastic’s First Board Book series, 123 is, as the title suggests, a first counting book. With bright photo illustrations and clear labels, the book presents the numbers 1 through 10, as well as 20, 50 and 100.

Each number is illustrated by objects which youngsters will know – 1 teddy bear, 2 socks, 3 trucks and so on. Kids will especially love the 50 bright buttons and 100 lollies (yum!).

There are also four double page spreads encouraging counting and discussion, with children being asked to count various objects.

The board book format provides a sturdy learning tool perfect for viewing and interaction for chidlren from birth through to preschool age.

123: A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia, 2004

Wombat Down Below, by Jill Morris

Big Foot the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat lives alone in his comfortable burrow. He comes out at night to feed and exercise, but is very aware of the dangers he faces oustide. The grasses are drying up and the night is full of predators – dingoes, wild cats and owls.

When Big Foot finds better feed in another feeding ground, he decides to build a new burrow. Night after night he works on this burrow, returning to his old place to sleep each day. Eventually, though, he moves to his new burrow. Here, his greatest moment of danger comes on the night of the full moon, when the bright light exposes him to predators. His quick thinking and the element of surprise help him to overcome the danger.

Wombat Down Below is a fiction story, but it is based on real events in a small national park in central Queensland, where the only remaining colony of Northern Hairy-nosed wombats is found. A double paged spread at the back of the book describes the plight of this critically endangered species, and efforts to ensure their survival.

Author Jill Morris is passionate about Australian wildlife and about educating children (and adults) through her stories. Illustrator Lucy Everitt has provided life-like detail, with a special feature the cross sections showing the inside of the wombat’s burrow.

Wombat Down Below is both an entertaining story book and an outstanding educational aid.

Wombat Down Below, by Jill Morris, illustrated by Luci Everitt
Greater Glider, 2004

ABC – A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia

Parents like ABC books (also called alphabet books) for obvious reasons. It’s nice to think your young one is being educated at the same time he is being entertained. Youngsters like ABC books too – because they are full of bright pictures of things they know. They are able to point at, name and discuss these items, making reading an interactive experience. For older readers there is the thrill of being able to ‘read’ the book themselves by pointing at the pictures and saying the words.

ABC: A First Board Book is a sound example of the alphabet book format. Each letter has a page (or double page spread) of its own, with the letter clearly printed in the corner and several photgraph illustrations of objects beginning with the letter. Each picture is acompanied by its name.

The board book format is ideal for toddlers, with its small size and chunky pages making the book sturdy. The book is also full of bright colours, making it visually appealing.

Good value, at just $5.95 (rrp).

ABC: A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia, 2004

Trucks- A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia

Littlies love things that move – and the bigger the better. This new board book is full of big machines, making it a definite winner with toddlers.

From trucks of all sizes, to emergency vehicles, tractors and loaders, every big road machine possible is included. Each double page spread has a theme, with pictures of the relevant machine-type individually labelled. The farm page, for example, includes a harvester, tractor, loader and animal transporter.

Perfect as a first book for a baby, with its sturdy format and bright photo-illustrations, older toddlers will enjoy the novelty of being able to ‘read’ by pointing at the pictures and saying the names of the different vehicles. There are also four spreads at the end of the book providing learning opportunities, including counting to five and relative size (small, medium and large).

With a small price tag (just $5.95), this one won’t break the budget.

Trucks: A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia, 2004

Words, A First Board Book

There are no bells or whistles with this little board book offering. Instead there are clear, bright pictures and words making the book appealing for toddlers.

Arraged in categories including colours, numbers, shapes, body parts, animals and more, each double paged spread has several photographs of objects in the particular category with an accompanying label.

Younger children will like to point and discuss the pictures, while older children will enjoy being able to ‘read’ the words (with the help of the picture clues. And, of course, the sturdy board book format means the book can be carried around and explored without being easily damaged.

Words: A First Board Book, from Scholastic Australia, 2004