That's not a balloon! by Jacque Duffy

That’s not a balloon! by Jacque Duffy is an early reader that captivates and educates, investigating the Blimp and Hot Air Balloon. 

We found this book very informative and full of information we did not know. Blimps are something we do not see very often, less these days than we use to. How do they work? What are their dimensions? Did you know the lightsign is made of approximately 369,600 LEDs.

Hot Air Balloons are something we see a little more regularly and we admire as they float through the sky but something we do not give much technical thought too. Do you know what temperature the inside of the balloon is or how the heat is monitored? What are the different parts of a hot air balloon called? How much gas do the burners use per hour?

This book is a little package full of lots of information. The colourful illustrations complete the informative package. The comparison of the two balloons and their relationship to that of the hot air balloons that a child would see at a birthday party make this book easy to understand and a resource that gets the cogs of the mind churning. 

Well done Jacque Duffy, this is one of the most informative early readers I have read with my daughter in a long time.

ISBN: 978-0-646-49579-8

Find out more about Jacque Duffy: www.jacquesartandbooks.com

Purchase online from Angus and Robertson: www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/thats-not-a-balloon/3268894/

Monster by Lynette Duffy

In Monster Lynette Duffy has yet again produced a wonderful storybook that shows her deep understanding of childhood emotions. She has embrace this understanding providing a blend of fiction and reality that helps sooth and heal.

'Ben lived in the country and did School of the Air until one day his parents decide it would be better if he attended school in the city. This meant Ben would attend boarding school as it was too far for him to travel back and forth. Settling into boarding school was harder than Ben thought. The other kids laughed at him because he looked different in his farm clothes and his teachers yelled at him because he could not understand the work. By the end of the day tho other boys were calling him Monster.

That night Ben phoned his parents and told them how unhappy he was and that he did not fit in. His parents told him he had yet to settle in, but as the first week passed things didn't get any better. Ben decides that if everyone was going to call him Monster then that is what he would be. This starts a journey of setting school pranks and causing upheavel. Ben soon finds himself in the office of the school principal with his parents being asked to attend the school.'

Monster takes the reader on a journey of feeling different, bullying, right and wrong, change and friendship. This is not only a book for the child but holds important messages for all adults - that of listening to our children, talking of emotions and looking for reasons behind behaviour that may not always evident at first glance. Transition to school, no matter the age or reason, is a difficult time for most children. A time when acceptance and fitting in is important. A time of discovering your place in a new environment and amongst new friends. In Monster Lynette Duffy provides a tool that opens discussion, talking of fears and coping techniques. Used in a school group situation Monster allows the teacher to provide a fictional story that gives a safe place for children to open up to their emotions. Monster is also a great resource for the parent. Read before the school transition it allows for discussion of feelings and coping, then read with the school term it lends itself as a resource that can be used time and time again, providing a non threatening sharing tool that will help assess the possibility of problems and reinforce the child's coping skills.

Lynette Duffy has again teamed with Ann Marie Finn who provides illustrations that compliment the story and add a little humour to soften the seriousness of the topic. Monster is a resource that should be on all educators and parents bookshelves. Presented on high glossy paper Monster stimulates your touch, vision and emotion.

ISBN: 978-0-646-56004-5

Lynette Duffy can be seen at the Sunset Markets in Ipswich Qld each Friday night. She can be contacted for book orders on 0401781086

Join Lynette on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bookladylynette?fref=ts

Jimbo! Don't Go! by Teena Raffa-Mulligan

Jimbo! Don’t go! by Teena Raffa-Mulligan is a rhythmically written rhyme book that touches on the topic of stranger danger. 

One rainy day Jumbo Jim is on his way home from school alone when a tiger stops and offers him a lift. Time promises to get him home and dry quicker than a snake can blink an eye - but Jimbo says no. Mum has told him never to go with strangers. That’s when Tiger Tim says he is a family friend - and he has chocolate too.

Will Jimbo remember his mother’s stranger danger warning - or go with Tim?

Teena Raffa-Mulligan has a great story line and concept that should be discussed with all children. Stranger Danger is a topic that at one point in time should be addressed with children. It is a topic for the safety of our children.

I am a little uncertain of this book. As parents we all have differing points of view on how to bring up our children and what to teach them in different situations. I have to honestly say that Jimbo! Don’t Go! did not sit with my values of what I would teach my children. I found both the story and the illustrations to portray images that did not sit comfortably with myself. I actually found myself questioning if the aim of this book was to open discussion with our children on what not to do. 

So what upset me?

For me personally I found the violent way mother elephant dealt with Tiger, swinging him around by the tail and dealing with him herself until the police arrive as uncalled for, not only placing herself in danger but that of her child. Yes we would want to attack any predator that put our children at risk but this is not socially acceptable and we surely do not want to be encourage our children to lash out and call the police later.  Whilst this is happening in words the picture portrays Jimbo standing by laughing at what his mum is doing. 

‘Now she’d dealt with Tiger Tim it was time to deal with Jim. She ignored his woeful wail and tied a knot into his tail”

What! Is this the way we deal with our children by abusing them when they are in an upsetting situation. I surely would never deal with my children in this manner.  Would this not have been the opportunity to talk to Jimbo about the situation in a loving calm way opening the discussion of what to do when a stranger approaches you. I want my children to be able to confidently come to me when in danger knowing they can openly communicate with me without the risk of me yelling at them. 

What it is important to remember here is that books are a personal thing. Jimbo! Don’t Go! is not a book that sat well with me but this does not mean it is not a book that will sit with the morals and values of others. I loved the topical issue of this book and support a need for the teaching of stranger danger to our children but feel this can be done without instilling the need for violence in our children.

When seeking other reviews on this book I was only able to find one online which basically gave an overview of the book and no real opinion on how they found it. Maybe how I see this book is completely wrong. I would love to hear the opinion of others, after all book reviews are about opening discussion on the differing opinions of readers. 

Watch a reading of Jimbo! Don’t Go! on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ej6k42tsdo

The Croc Shock by Sharon L Norris

A true Aussie read that will have you smiling and laughing as you read about show and crow day and the wonders of childhood is the first thought I had as I went to write about The Croc Shock by Sharon L Norris. What would you take to show and crow day if you were a kid?  I am sure Grandad’s false teeth in a glass, your collection of stuffed dead cane toads or maybe your best baby saltwater crocodile were the first thoughts you had. This is only the start of what you will find within this Aussie school level reader. 

The Croc Shock by Sharon L Norris is part of set 2 of  the Aussies School Books series for Australian primary schools. These 100% Australian published and produced books are written by Australian authors and educators specifically for Australian students. I was impressed with the layout and quality of this book, finding it very appealing and inviting.

Sharon L Norris has done a marvelous job at capturing the humour that primary students love and using it to encourage a love of books and reading. The black and white cartoon illustrations by Chris Dent add to the fun loving mood of the book. This book is a comical representation of the true essence and uniqueness of Australian life and our wildlife.

‘Jack loves wildlife. When his class has Show and Crow day, he can’t wait to introduce Crook, the baby crocodile, to everyone. But is the school ready to meet Crook? How much trouble can one small crocodile cause?’

The Croc Shock by Sharon L Norris is a wonderful early chapter book of 27 pages over 6 chapters. I really can not fault this reader. It is a great size for kids to hold in there hands with my 6 year old being able to easily manipulate the book. Her eyes lit up when she first laid eyes on the book as chapter books recently became her world, sharing one with myself each night. Smooth to hold, pages that turn easy, content that brightens the room and illustrations that make you smile, The Croc Shock left me wanting to explore the the Aussie School Books series from set 1 onward.

Visit Sharon L Norris at www.sharonlnorris.com

ISBN: 978-1-921255-20-5

That's not a house! Written and illustrated by Jacque Duffy

That’s not a house! by Jacque Duffy is an early reader that talks of the devastation caused by Cyclone Larry in North Queensland in 2006. It speaks of the reality of the cyclone in a way that children can easily read and understand. 

I loved this early reader not only as a reader but as a book to be shared with children in a 1:1 and group situation. Not only is it educational but it is thought provoking and opens the door to the discussion of cyclonic destruction, families, the different ways people live, climate and weather and the rebuilding your life after devastation. In one short story Jacque Duffy has covered all areas that include humans, animals and housing. 

Both writing and illustrating a book is a tough task that is not only challenging but time consuming. Jacque Duffy has done a great job of blending her writing with her artistic talent. The pictures are simple pencil like drawings that compliment the words nicely. They are clear and precise with just enough detail to allow the early reader to use them as reading cues. 

I enjoyed sharing this book with my 6 year old who, although not at the level of reading ability to read it alone, enjoyed it’s content. As a home educating mum it was a great opportunity to sit awhile and share knowledge and questions in the company of my child. 

ISBN: 978-0-646-53621-7

Find out more about Jacque Duffy at www.jacquesartandbooks.com

The Negatees by Adam Wallace

If you are looking for a beautifully illustrated and fun loving book that makes you think twice about moaning and groaning The Negatees by Adam Wallace is the book for you.

This is a beautifully presented paper back book that invited in the first instance. The cover is quirky with the pages on the inside offering a soft textual experience that sits nicely with the theme of the story. 

I love the moral of this story.....A negative attitude creates negativity where everything seems to go wrong yet a positive attitude creates a life of happiness and positivity. Who wouldn’t want their child to be given this message and be empowered to make a change to their life for the better. 

This is the first Adam Wallace story I have read, or even seen. I was very impressed with the professionalism of the finished book and the creation of a product that is sure to leave an impression in the minds of children and their carers. It has left me wanting to further explore the literary world of Adam Wallace.

If I had to really pick this book to pieces I would have to say that it could be tightened a little in places as some sentences were a little rough and in times it was a little lengthy. Overall it is an enjoyable book that adds fun, laughter and a good feeling to a message that promotes positivity in little people who will be empowered to make changes within themselves that they will pass on to others. The overall effect can only be that of positive empowerment for all. 

Well done Adam Wallace and illustrator Heath McKenzie. The teaming of the two work well together as they compliment each other, showing a like mindedness and goal of capturing the heart and minds of children. 

I recommend The Negatees by Adam Wallace to anyone looking for a feel good story with a positive message. This is a book that opens the mind, stimulating the thought processes and turning the frown upside down. 

Find out more about Adam Wallace and his books at www.adam-wallace-books.com

Marlo Can Fly by Robert Vescio

Everyone expects Marlo to fly, but she would rather slither like a snake, hop like a kangaroo and swim like a crocodile. But when someone needs her help can she still rise to the challenge?

Marlo Can Fly By Robert Vescio is an early introduction into Australian animals and the way they move. Beautifully illustrated by Sandra Temple this book touched our emotions. The personality of the character shone through in each word and each illustration. In the short space available in a children’s book Robert Vescio has bought Marlo to life giving her a personality of her own. 

There are many hidden messages within Marlo Can Fly. The two that stood out most to myself was that of accepting oneself and finding who you truly are. Then there is that of standing up to a challenge and giving it a go, learning your strengths and weakness’ and  your can and cant’s on the way. Marlo Can Fly is about friendship and fun times. The humour thrown in adds to the enjoyment of the book, providing a little bit of fun and giggles between the child and reader. 

Marlo Can Fly ends on a high feel good moment as Marlo achieves her challenge of flying in order to help Kev, a Koala who has lost his mum. Here we see the true Aussie spirit of lending a hand and helping a mate when he is down.

This is a book that will be enjoyed by young and old. It is a feel good book I could read a million times. Sandra Temple has done a marvelous job with the illustrations. They are clear and precise replica’s of the animals, providing a visual that accommodates the descriptive words beautifully.

I loved this book and can definitely say I have found another children’s author to add to the top of my list. Marlo Can Fly is targeted at the primary school child but I would have to say I disagree, this book has way more scope than that. As an early childhood educator I would have no problems reading this to a group of children within a child care centre or individual children from the age of 3 years.  Although word lengthy on some pages Marlo Can Fly lends itself to being able to be shortened slightly for a younger audience, but I feel the pictures will captivate and hold attention so this would not be needed. 

Marlo Can Fly by Robert Vescio is a book I will remember and be recommending for a long time to come.

ISBN: 978-1-921632-41-9

Find out more about Robert Vescio and his books at” www.robertvescio.com

Watch the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqHEQJ9Xa-U

Purchase a copy:http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/marlo-can-fly/39808570/