From the time the Earth was formed four billion years ago, until the present day, Valley of Goldtraces the story of one valley – the Araluen Valley, where author Jackie French has lived for most of her life. Although the valley is real, the stories in Valley of Gold are fictional, because, as French says, … Continue reading “Valley of Gold, by Jackie French”
When Barney’s Dad gets funding to conduct his special research, it means a move to the country. The house they move to is huge – and comes complete with a high-grade secruity system and a strange caretaker with a propensity to seem like a prison warder. The new town might be pretty small, but the … Continue reading “The Black House, by Jackie French”
Pigs don’t fly …. But sometimes they do like to wallow in the mud. Bear’s don’t bounce … But they snooze all winter. Two new lift-the-flap picture books, combining the talents of author Jackie French and illustrator Matt Cosgrove are sure to delight young prereaders and their parents. Each page combines a little fantasy – … Continue reading “Pigs Don't Fly and Bears Don't Bounce, by Jackie French”
Harlie is in bed when the shadow man appears from nowhere. He is very frightened – the shadow man is going to get him – until, in a flash of fur and claws, Captain Purrfect appears and sends the shadow on his way. Harlie is pretty surprised to learn that his grandfather’s cat, Moggs is … Continue reading “Captain Purrfect, by Jackie French”
Sam’s friend Cherry is bored. It is school holidays and nothing exciting is happening. That’s because nothing exciting ever seems to happen on Callisto. Everyone there is so nice to everyone else. And that’s the way Sam like sit – she’s had enough adventures in her life. But Cherry wants more. She wants to have … Continue reading “Space Pirates on Callisto, by Jackie French”
’Rory?’ “Mmmm? Emily’s brother didn’t look up from his book. ’What’s big and gold and goes boo?!”. ‘Dunno.’ Rory turned the page. ‘A bomb?’. Emily shook her head. ‘It came from the sky!’ Emily is the only one who sees the meteorite hit the school toilets, which gives her plenty of time to check out … Continue reading “The Space Bug, by Jackie French”
Recently I posted a big list of recent awards and shortlists. No sooner had I done this than there were several more announcements. It may be hard to keep up, but it is really exciting seeing books (and their creators) in the spotlight. So, hoping I don’t miss any, here’s a summary of recent announcements … Continue reading “Even More Awards News”
It is awards season in the Australian book industry, and I have been a bit remiss in not posting about the various short lists and awards announced in recent weeks. So, here’s a wrap-up. Firstly, the Notable books and shortlists for the annual CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Awards was announced. These books will … Continue reading “Awards, Awards and More Awards”
Another month has passed, and so it’s time to have a look at what I read for February. Pleasing to see my balance being restored towards my chief love – books for children. This month I indulged my six year old self and tracked down old copies of AA Milne’s poetry from Ebay. I loved … Continue reading “February Reads”
It’s the last day of 2012 which means the last day of the wonderful National Year of Reading. It also means that it’s the last day of my year-long challenge. Back on January1 I set myself a challenge: to see if it was possible to read 366 books in 366 Days – ie a book … Continue reading “366 Books: The Outcome”
