Today I’m sharing my review of a lovely new picture book Let’s Play, written by Karen Tyrrell and illustrated by Maddi Gray at Brothers & Co. The book was commissioned by Play Matters Australia and was partially funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
The book has instant appeal. Its pages are bursting with vibrancy and joy. Children will
Continue reading: Let’s Play by Karen Tyrrell – a review – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review a brilliant new picture book: When Grandma Burnt Her Bra, written by Samantha Tidy, illustrated by Aśka, and published by EK Books.
When Grandma Burnt her Bra
Samantha Tidy & Aśka
9781922539465 | Hardback | 32 pages | 215 x 288mm | $24.99 | 6th September 2023 | Children’s Picture Book
A revolutionary grandma tells her grandchild the story of the women’s rights movement, and the ‘dinosaurs’ she had to fight against. History and humour combine in this lesson about equality for little readers.
Maggie’s grandma burnt her bra when she was young!
Not because she didn’t like underwear, but because she wanted to protest against women not having the same rights as men.
Maggie and her grandma think those kinds of ideas should be extinct – just like the dinosaurs!
Join them on this fun-filled adventure through the history of women’s rights and be inspired to keep the feminist flame burning!
About the author Samantha Tidy
Samantha Tidy is a writer of fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults. She seeks out stories that cultivate connection, resilience and build community. She believes strongly that books can help us imagine a better world for the next generation to inherit. She is passionate about libraries, sustainable stewardship of our planet and using hope, action and compassion to regenerate our future. Samantha’s previous titles include Our Bush Capital (Storytorch Press, 2020) and The Day We Built the Bridge (MidnightSun Publishing, 2019).
Aśka, (pronounced ‘Ash-ka’), is creative dynamite. She is an energetic visual storyteller, a comic maker and an ex-quantum physicist. Passionate about visual literacy, Aśka is an engaging presenter who travels across Australia teaching drawing-as-a-language to enthusiastic audiences. She has published many books and comics, volunteers for numerous literary organisations, and is the recipient of several government Arts grants, prizes, and the May Gibbs Fellowship. Sometimes she sleeps. Aśka’s illustrations are featured in previous EK Books titles My Storee, The Incurable Imagination and This is NOT a Book!
A book that includes a feisty grandma, an inquisitive child and a whole bunch of cave men and dinosaurs – what’s to not love?
Continue reading: When Grandma Burnt Her Bra by Samantha Tidy & Aśka – a review – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review the hilarious new picture book Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA!, written by Sharon Giltrow, illustrated by Dhwani Gosalia and published by Dixi Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.
Sharon Giltrow grew up in South Australia, the youngest of eight children, surrounded by pet sheep and fields of barley. She now lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband, two children and a tiny dog. Sharon is a children’s author who writes humorous and heartfelt picture books and speculative, adventure-filled middle grade books. Since 2020 Sharon has built a collection of literary work including BEDTIME, DADDY! and GET READY, MAMA! LET’S GO SHOPPING, GRANDMA! is her third picture book. A fourth, LET’S GO TO THE BEACH, GRANDPA! is due to be released in 2024. Her debut early middle grade book SAMARA RUBIN AND THE UTILITY BELT – Book one in THE UTILITY BELT series was released in July 2023.
Sharon can be found at her website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
For ages 3 – 8
Published by Dixi Books
A hilarious tongue-in-cheek role-reversal story, following the success of Bedtime, Daddy! and Get Ready, Mama!, Sharon Giltrow has done it again!
Taking Grandma shopping can be tricky! She will dawdle to the bus, ask to push the trolley and plead for chocolate. But with cuddles, a few deep breaths and a piggy back ride, you and your grandma will get the shopping done!
Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA! is an essential guide for anyone who has ever had to take a grown-up shopping.
Let’s Go Shopping, GRANDMA! is such a fun book. I was immediately captivated by the bright vibrant colours of the cover illustration. The characters appear to be having a lot of fun while they shop. Though I do wonder if that’s a little frazzle I see around Grandma’s edges, she has an armful of chocolate so it can’t be all bad.
The story is engaging and fun through the whole shopping experience, from the initial invitation to shop to the recuperation afterwards. The story is told from the child’s point of view, having to keep a check on Grandma’s behaviour throughout the shopping process. Adults and children alike will recognise and identify with behaviours that are explored. Other than a misbehaving trolley, there are not too many events that couldn’t be interpreted from either’s point of view. But it is the twist, telling the story from the child’s point of view, that really accentuates the humour in what can be a challenging situation if we let it. If we can expect, accept and laugh at the things that happen when we’re out shopping, like stopping to talk to friends, wanting treats at the checkout, having to pee halfway through the shop, etc,
Continue reading: Let’s Go Shopping, Grandma! By Sharon Giltrow — a review – readilearn
In August, I received a message from a former year one student of mine, inviting me to read to her prep class as part of her Book Week celebration. As reading to children is one of my favourite things and I consider read aloud to be one of the non-negotiables in any classroom, especially early childhood classrooms, I was delighted to accept. I was even more delighted to visit her as a teacher […]
Continue reading: An invitation to read aloud – one of my favourite things – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Jack’s Best Day Ever! written by Gabrielle Bassett, illustrated by Annabelle Hale and published by Woodslane Press. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.
Gabrielle Bassett is a scientist, mum and author. She started her career as a Microbiologist. Later, she hung up her white coat and started working in recruitment and discovered she got great joy in finding other scientists their dream jobs.
Through her work in an Australian University, Gabrielle leads programs of work around disability inclusion, Indigenous employment and female leadership within STEM.
Jack, the boy in her story Jack’s Best Day Ever!, is based on her son.
You can connect with Gabrielle Bassett on Instagram and Facebook.
Annabelle graduated in 2017 and is an illustrator based in Melbourne, Australia. She loves drawing, dancing and spending time outdoors in nature.
Visit Annabelle Hale on her website Annabelle Hale or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook
For ages 4 – 8
Published by Woodslane Press
Jack loves anything that zooms, digs and races.
Continue reading: Jack’s Best Day Ever! by Gabrielle Bassett – a review – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Easy Peasy, written by Ky Garvey, illustrated by Amy Calautti and published by EK Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.
Ky Garvey is a mother to two boys who are both diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Through her experiences with her boys, she has been inspired to write fun and engaging stories that turn challenges into triumphs. Ky aims to share supportive, inclusive and empowering stories for children.
Ky also writes and hosts the podcast Totally Lit! a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and creating literature. The podcast features amazing writers, illustrators and all types of creators of books and stories.
Ky can be found through Facebook and Instagram, and her Totally Lit Podcast
Amy Calautti loved to draw from a young age and often made up games based around drawing to entertain her younger brother and cousins. She now lives with her small tribe of humans who inspire her every day.
Amy can be found at her website, Facebook and Instagram
For ages 4 – 8
Published by EK Books
Ruby loves her shiny new red roller skates.
She’s never roller skated before, but she’s sure it will be easy peasy! So when her dad offers to help her learn to skate, Ruby says no.
But things don’t go as planned …
Easy Peasy is a fun story about determination, persistence and resilience. It’s about the joy of learning to do something by yourself but also knowing that it’s okay to ask for help.
When Ruby receives a pair of shiny, sparkly, red roller skates for her birthday, she loves them so much that she sleeps with them in her bed.
Continue reading: Easy Peasy by Ky Garvey and Amy Calautti – a review – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book My Brain is Magic, written by Prasha Sooful, illustrated by Geeta Ladi and published by Soaring Kite Books. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.
Prasha Sooful is a Clinical Audiologist and Educator with Masters degrees in Audiology and Global Learning. She has worked clinically and in research and education for 17 years. Born in South Africa, she now lives in Australia with her serene husband, an energetic toddler, a lazy German Shepherd, and an ever-growing book collection.
Prasha can be found at her profile and Instagram.
About illustrator Geeta Ladi
Geeta Ladi is an illustrator born and raised in Mumbai, India. She has been designing and developing hands-on, activity-based learning materials for young children for more than a decade. She is deeply influenced by the cultural and ethnic diversity of Mumbai, which itself reflects the richness of India.
About My Brain is Magic
For ages 3 – 8
Published by Soaring Kite Books
My Brain is Magic is a sensory-seeking celebration that shines a light on Sensory Processing Disorder in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy. Written by a mum of a neurodiverse child, Prasha Sooful, and beautifully illustrated by Geeta Ladi
Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be! Take a journey by way of a child’s favourite animals to learn how your brain interacts with the world around you.
I was immediately captivated by the title. I believe we should all be more appreciative of this remarkable organ that we use every day, mostly without even thinking about it, and even though we think with it. It is never too soon to begin teaching children about the brain, its functions and how we use it.
Even before I opened the book, I was sold on its innovative packaging.
Continue reading: My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful and Geeta Ladi – a review – readilearn
Today it is my pleasure to review a beautiful new picture book Love ME, Love my ADHD written by Chrissie Davies, illustrated by Trish Burton and published by Chaos to Calm Consultancy. This post is part of a Books on Tour promotion.
For ages 5 – 12
ADHD kids are pretty amazing! They have a special way of thinking that’s different from their neurotypical friends, which can sometimes make them feel like they don’t fit in. But don’t worry; with the right support from family, friends, and peers, ADHD kids can do incredible things!
Welcome to the world of Clancy and Tully – they see the world a little differently and in the most amazing ways!
Love Me, Love My ADHD is a heartwarming book that shines a light on the world of children (and families) living with ADHD.
Focusing on the strengths and challenges that come with being an ADHDer, this book emphasises that ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all experience and that no two ADHDers are the same.
Even on their hardest days, our ADHDers have something valuable to offer, and we should always celebrate our differences. Now you can spend a day in the life of these kids and see how their family, friends, and peers support them to achieve their best.
Written by child behaviour expert Chrissie Davies and illustrated by Trish Burton, Love ME, Love My ADHD encourages families, educators, and, most importantly, children to understand this complex neurotype and how it presents itself in the human brain.
Includes strategies and resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.
About author Chrissie Davies
Chrissie Davies is a child behaviour expert, trauma informed educator, consultant, writer, guest speaker, loving mama of two, and passionate advocate for understanding neurodivergent children. She is committed to empowering and supporting families to live their life with radical acceptance, curiosity, playfulness and a bucket load of love. She lives with her husband and young family on the Surf Coast of Victoria.
Chrissie can be found at her website: https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/ and on social media at Facebook & Instagram.
Trish Burton is a Melbourne based artist, illustrator and educator with a dedication to inspiring creativity in others and creating artworks and illustrations that captivate audiences and set brands apart. She skillfully manages to add a little piece of her magnetic personality to all she creates through her love of pattern and colour. Trish is an Artist, Illustrator, Educator and lover of everything creative!
Trish can be found at her website: https://www.trishburton.com.au/ and on social media on Instagram.
The vibrant colours and energetic illustrations are immediately captivating, and the opening text invites us to enter to find out about the world of ADHDers, telling us it may not be what we expect.
Continue reading: Love me, Love my ADHD by Chrissie Davies – a review – readilearn
Are you ready for National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) next Wednesday 24 May?
This year’s NSS book is The Speedy Sloth, written by Rebecca Young, illustrated by Heath McKenzie and published by Scholastic.
Follow this link to the Australian Library and Information Association where you can register for the event and download some wonderful (and free) teaching resources.
It was finally time for the event of the year,
Spike couldn’t believe it—
THE GREAT RACE was here!
The other sloths said it couldn’t be done,
but Spike didn’t care, she was ready to run!
Rebecca Young is an award-winning author from Sydney. Her first book, Button Boy, illustrated by Sue deGennaro, was a Notable Book for the 2012 CBCA Awards and has been published internationally. In 2016, Teacup, illustrated by Matt Ottley, won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature in the NSW Premier’s Literacy Awards.
Heath McKenzie is an award-winning children’s book illustrator who has written and illustrated countless books for children. Heath lives in Melbourne with his wife, two kids, dog, and a fish that he considers more of a lodger than a family member.
Continue reading: Race into Reading with National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 – readilearn
This Thursday 26 January 2023 is Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD), a day for celebrating diversity in children’s books. I am pleased to be a MCBD reviewer for the fifth time this year; and was delighted to receive a copy of 123 Who Comes Next? from Star Bright Books.
Here comes a boy, that is 1. Next comes a girl, that together makes 2. A lady joins the two, which makes them 3. Then comes a dog! How many will they make?
Creatures great and small—and even a vegetable— all come together to help children learn to count 1 to 10 and to recognize numbers. Young readers will be eager to see who comes next, and what number they are. The last page, of course, is the most surprising and fun to all. Artist Amy Matsushita-Beal presents a simple and delightful counting book of diverse characters. The whimsical details on each character add another layer of playfulness for young children.
This delightful counting board book of diverse characters will be available in May 2023. It was created for a Haitian Creole book project at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. School Library Journal (Starred Review) calls it “remarkably clever count book” and “an essential purchase for all collections.”
Amy Matsushita-Beal is a freelance illustrator, designer, and hand-lettering artist based in Tokyo. Amy was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from the Art Center College of Design. While presented in a variety of styles, Amy’s work tends to focus on people, their intentions, and vibrancy in color and character. 123 Who Comes Next? is Amy’s first book with Star Bright Books. Visit: amymatsushitabeal.com
This counting book 123 Who Comes Next? is surprisingly delightful. By that, I mean it delights with a surprise at every page turn.
We’re all familiar with books that count from one to ten and know just what to expect. It’s true that this book fulfills those expectations, starting with one friendly boy greeting one friendly girl, adding one more on each page up to ten.
What surprises and delights, both characters and readers, is what is added to each page. The characters’ differing reactions to each newcomer create humour and provide opportunities for discussions of emotions, reactions and reasons for responding so. The minimal text (simply numeral and number word) leaves plenty of room for storytelling.
On the other hand, being able to focus on the numerals and number words helps develop number recognition as well as counting. In addition, having the numerals written on each of the characters in order of their appearance helps to develop one-to-one correspondence, an early number concept just as important as the ability to count.
I won’t give away any more. I’ll just say that this fun book provides many opportunities for language development as well learning beginning number concepts. The inclusion of diverse characters broadens its appeal. It’s a fun one to add to the collection. We can never have too many counting books.
(Information supplied by MCBD)
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2023 (1/26/22) is in its 10th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.
Ten years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE.
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr’s (Audreypress.com)
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 50+ Languages
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Interlink Books, Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Cardinal Rule Press, Lee & Low, Barefoot Books, Kimberly Gordon Biddle
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Vivian Kirkfield, Patrice McLaurin , Quarto Group, Carole P. Roman, Star Bright Books, Redfin.com, Redfin Canada, Bay Equity Home Loans, Rent.com, Title Forward
Poster Artist: Lisa Wee
Classroom Kit Poster: Led Bradshaw
Authors: Sivan Hong, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Josh Funk , Stephanie M. Wildman, Gwen Jackson, Diana Huang, Afsaneh Moradian, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Eugenia Chu, Jacqueline Jules, Alejandra Domenzain, Gaia Cornwall, Ruth Spiro, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Kiyanda and Benjamin Young/Twin Powers Books, Kimberly Lee , Tameka Fryer Brown, Talia Aikens-Nuñez, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Jennie Liu, Heather Murphy Capps, Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, John Coy, Irene Latham and Charles Waters, Maritza M Mejia, Lois Petren, J.C. Kato and J.C.², CultureGroove, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Red Comet Press, Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Nancy Tupper Ling, Deborah Acio, Asha Hagood, Priya Kumari, Chris Singleton, Padma Venkatraman, Teresa Robeson, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, Martha Seif Simpson, Rochelle Melander, Alva Sachs, Moni Ritchie Hadley, Gea Meijering, Frances Díaz Evans, Michael Genhart, Angela H. Dale, Courtney Kelly, Queenbe Monyei, Jamia Wilson, Charnaie Gordon, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Debbie Zapata, Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, Natasha Yim, Tracy T. Agnelli, Kitty Feld, Anna Maria DiDio, Ko Kim, Shachi Kaushik
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts!
MCBD 2023 is Honored to be Supported by theseMedia Partners!
Check out MCBD’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
📌 Register for the MCBD Read Your World Virtual Party
Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9 pm EST for the 10th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day Read Your World Virtual Party!
This epically fun and fast-paced hour includes multicultural book discussions, addressing timely issues, diverse book recommendations, & reading ideas.
We will be giving away a 10-Book Bundle during the virtual party plus Bonus Prizes as well! *** US and Global participants welcome. **
Follow the hashtag #ReadYourWorld to join the conversation, and connect with like-minded parts, authors, publishers, educators, organizations, and librarians. We look forward to seeing you all on January 26, 2023, at our virtual party!}
Norah Colvin 