364. Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door by Julia Donaldson illustrated by Hannah Shaw

Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door by Julia Donaldson illustrated by Hannah Shaw
Published August 2012 Barrington Stoke

From the publisher:
Beautifully packaged book from Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by the wonderful Hannah Shaw. A tiger in the back garden! A bird-eating spider in the cupboard! Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, that is, until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in. But when it appears that Mr Birdsnest has kidnapped the children's grandma they must sneak back in to rescue her!



The name Julia Donaldson is a name that anyone who knows even a little bit about children's books would have hear of.  Does the book The Gruffalo mean anything to you?  While Julia Donaldson is most well known for her fantastic read-a-loud picture books, she has also written a number of novels, and this is one of them.

358. There’s a Fly Guy in my Soup by Ted Arnold

There’s a Fly Guy in my Soup by Ted Arnold

Published January 2013 Scholastic

From the publisher:

When Buzz and his family have dinner at a fancy hotel's restaurant Fly Guy isn't allowed in. After searching through the hotel's garbage Fly Guy smells a wonderful aroma coming from the restaurant's kitchen. Fly Guy causes some messy mayhem in the restaurant and, in the end, everyone needs a bath!

In this adventure Buzz and family, including Fly Guy are staying in a fancy hotel.  It’s so fancy that Fly Guy isn’t allowed in the restaurant, because no one wants a fly hanging around their food.  Buzz is sent out into the night and all he finds is a lot if horrible stinky rubbish.  Most flies would be overjoyed at such a bounty, but not this fly, he wants something nicer.

A delicious smell leads Fly Guy to the kitchen where he finds himself in the most lovely soup, perfect for a Fly Guy bath.  The only problem is that the diner who received the soup was not so happy with the bathing fly, in fact she shrieked and jumped causing her soup to fly, which then caused a neighbouring diner to shriek and throw his hands in the air, causing his soup to fly…and so the chaos begins, resulting in everyone being covered in soup!

 

Ever since the very first fly guy book Hi, Fly Guy! Book was published in 2005, young readers haven’t been able to get enough of these books about Buzz and his pet fly.  They work well because they are bright, funny and have chapters.  Chapters are very important to readers moving on from picture books, as it makes them feel very grown up!

Who will like this book: Boys and girls age 5+
Read it if you like: Fly Guy

353. Marvel Ready-To-Read Level 1: This Is Spider-Man by Thomas Macri

Marvel Ready-To-Read Level 1: This Is Spider-Man by Thomas Macri

Published January 2013 Scholastic

From the publisher:

When Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider he becomes super-agile and amazingly strong. He makes a disguise and calls himself Spider-Man. Sometimes, though, keeping his superhero identity a secret isn't easy.

Little boys LOVE superheroes, but there’s often a big difference between the age appropriateness of books about superheroes and the age of the children who love them.  Now that problem has been solved, as we have three new ready to read titles all about our favourite heroes.

350. Stories for 5 Year Olds Edited by Linsay Knight

Stories for 5 Year Olds compiled by Linsay Knight

Published December 2012 Random House

From the publisher:

Top stories specially chosen for 5 year olds! Authors include Janeen Brian, Ursula Dubosarsky, Victor Kelleher and lots more! Two toy gorillas, twelve princesses with a secret, a problem with bubblegum, a very hungry boy, a girl who likes exploring, a very popular dog, a class visiting ducklings, a postman with a problem, mysterious bush creatures and a gorilla adventure ...you'll find all these in Stories for 5 Year Olds. And you'll find some of your favourite Australian authors too. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop!

When I first saw these books for 5, 6, 7, and 8 year olds I was really excited as it’s good to have short stories that will appeal to specific ages groups.  When I had a quick look at the contents page I was momentarily disappointed as I realised that many of these stories aren’t new.  It’s when I saw one story in particular that I was extremely happy that they had chosen stories that have been out of print, and are up there with my favourites stories of all time.

348. Chocolate Dog by Holly Webb

Chocolate Dog by Holly Webb

Published December 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:

Amy and Laura aren't looking forward to the arrival of their new brother or sister. There doesn't seem to be any room for them anymore. But at least they still have their gorgeous dog Choc-he always knows how to make them feel better.

You would be forgiven if you thought that this book was a book about a gorgeous chocolate brown dog, and while it does have a gorgeous chocolate brown dog in it, the story is more to do with families, and the way they grow and change.

345. Daisy and the Trouble With Coconuts by Kes Gray

Daisy and the Trouble With Coconuts by Kes Gray

Published December 2012 Red Fox

From the publisher:

'The trouble with coconuts is that they are the worst type of nuts in the whole wide world. If you ask me, coconuts shouldn't be allowed in a funfair. If you double ask me, they shouldn't even be allowed to grow. Coconuts are too big. Coconuts are too hairy. Plus, if you try to win one, they just get you into trouble. Which isn't my fault!' Get up to no good with Daisy as she heads to the funfair - for a whole lot more trouble!

And now for something completely different.  Two days and two ghost stories, I though it was time for a change.Daisy, Daisy, Daisy, what can I say?  If you haven’t discovered Daisy yet (there have been 7 novels and a handful of picture books too) you really should give her a go.  If you’re looking for a funny read for a beginning readers, or want something longer than a picture book for a bedtime read, find a Daisy book.

341. Geronimo Stilton Book 51: The Enormouse Pearl Heist by Geronimo Stilton

Geronimo Stilton Book 51: The Enormouse Pearl Heist by Geronimo Stilton

Published December 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:

One day, my friends and I, Geronimo Stilton, made an amazing discovery. We found a huge oyster-with an enormouse pearl inside! I was so excited about this extremely rare, precious pearl that I wrote a special feature about it in The Rodent's Gazette. That article attracted lots of attention-both good and bad! The enormouse pearl was in danger of being stolen. Would my friends and I be able to protect.

So many confessions this year…and here’s another, this is the first Geronimo Stilton book I have ever read!  I am sure I have said before, that I pretty much read what I want in a regular year, and occasionally I read things I think I should read, to see what the content is like so I can determine its suitability, and them there are things I don’t have to read because they are so popular that they just fly off the shelves, Geronimo Stilton is one such series.

336. Alfie Small: Pirates and Dragons by Alfie Small

Alfie Small: Pirates and Dragon by Alfie Small

Published November 2012 David Fickling Books

From the publisher:

Alfie Small is a famous explorer like his older cousin, Charlie. When he goes to the bottom of his garden, he finds himself transported to another world (via speed boat, hot air balloon, submarine or crocodile!). He has extraordinary adventures and always ends up the hero. Unlike Charlie, Alfie always comes back home safely in time for tea!

The surname Small may be familiar to you.  Alfie Small is the younger cousin of the very popular character Charlie Small (of the Charlie Small series of books).  This is the sort of book that will fly off the shelves.  Not only is the story good, it’s full of colour illustrations, it doesn’t have too much text, and there are chapters which really appeal to early readers.

327. Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp

Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp
Published November 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Ruby Red Shoes lives in a colourful caravan with her grandmother. Ruby is gentle and kind and cares for all living things, including plants and trees, animals and people.

Ruby is also particularly fond of strawberry jam and peppermint tea.

This book would be the perfect choice for little girls who think they are too old for picture books (although we know you are NEVER too old for picture books).  It’s half way between the size of a novel and a picture book,  but it feels more like a novel as it is longer than a picture book, with, 48 pages but it still has coloured pictures on every page.

313. Footsteps through the Fog by Margaret Mahy illustrated by Gavin Bishop

Footsteps through the Fog by Margaret Mahy illustrated by Gavin Bishop

Published October 2012 Puffin

From the publisher:

Unlike her brothers and sisters, Anthea cannot see, so when they all go to the beach one day, their mother tells them to take care of her.  While they are all playing on the sand, a thick fog rolls in from the ocean. Suddenly it's up to Anthea to get everyone home safely Written by the legendary Margaret Mahy and with artwork by master illustrator Gavin Bishop, this is a beautifully told story that will give readers young and old a new perspective on blindness.
Mahy and Bishop have both donated their royalties for this project to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

This book is just wonderful, but I wouldn't have expected anything less from Margaret Mahy.  Through this book we can experience a world where, without sight, we can 'see' the world in a completely different way.

308. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter Reynolds

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter Reynolds

Published November 2012 Candlewick Press

From the publisher:

Will Judy's lucky penny lead her to the nation's capital or to third-grade C-A-L-A-M-I-T-Y? And what do her spelling-bee nemesis and a pot-bellied pig have to do with it?

The lucky penny in Judy Moody's pocket sure does seem to be working. She can't stop winning-at bowling, spelling, the unbeatable Prize Claw, everything! For sure and absolute positive, she'll ride that wave of good fortune all the way to Washington, D.C. Watch out, District of Cool, here comes Judy Moody, the luckiest kid ever, until ... oh, no! Her lucky penny just did a belly flop into a porcelain bowl of yucky, blucky UN-luck. Has the coin's magic gone kerflooey? Are some people, like Jessica Finch or Stink, destined to have all the luck, while she, Judy Moody, gets stuck with a yard full of three-not-four-leaf clovers, a squealing pot-bellied pig in an elevator, and a squashed penny with cooties? ROAR!

The ever popular Judy Moody is back, and this book is all about luck.  Is there such a thing as a lucky penny?  Or do we create our own luck?  You will have to find out.

305. I Don’t Believe It, Archie! by Andrew Norriss

I Don’t Believe It, Archie!  by Andrew Norriss

Published October 2012 David Fickling Books

From the publisher:

Odd things happen to Archie every day. Some very odd things. On Monday, a piano rolls down the hill and traps his new friend Cyd in her mum’s car. And then a lorry tips a load of gravel on top of it. At least Cyd finds it exciting. Though of course she doesn’t believe that this sort of thing happens to Archie every day. Until Tuesday, when Archie finds a dead dog in his pocket . . . Poor Archie. But as he soon discovers, if odd things have to happen to him, it’s a lot better if they happen when Cyd's around. Join Archie and Cyd for a whole week’s worth of completely surprising and outrageously funny escapades.

Meet Archie, the boy whose life is anything but boring!  With Archie, a walk to the shops for milk can turn into an unforgettable adventure.  In this book we follow Archie for one week, and on each day things get more and more preposterous.  Needless to say, Archie's Mum wonders why Archie can't seem to complete any of the errands he is sent on.

300. The Land of Neverbelieve Explored and Documented by Norman Messenger

The Land of Neverbelieve Explored and Documented by Norman Messenger
Published October 2012 Walker

From the publisher:
On setting foot on the island I was immediately spellbound. There could be nowhere else on Earth quite like this. Such trees, plants, creatures and intriguing people you would never believe. This was a place I had to explore and record. When Norman Messenger stumbled upon the Island of Neverbelieve, he couldn't quite believe his eyes: here was a world where chocolate grew on trees, mountains told stories, and fish flew in the sky at night. Here is your chance to explore the delights of the island from the Hamlet and the Flowering Meadow to the Magical Lake and the Spooky Dark Mountains.


This is my favourite kind of book, the kind of book that doesn't really fit into any genre.  It's not a picture book because it's not a story.  It's set out like a non fiction title, a documented account of a particular island and the animals that can be found there, but it's not a non fiction title because the land of Neverbelieve doesn't actually exist.  So while I love this book, my book selling side knows that it will be difficult to sell...not everyone can appreciate a book for being 'what it is', especially when 'what it is' doesn't 'fit' anywhere.

298. Princess Betony and the Unicorn by Pamela Freeman and illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

Princess Betony and the Unicorn by Pamela Freeman and illustratedby Tamsin AinsliePublished October 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

Princess Betony’s mother is a dryad and misses the Wild Magic of the Dark Forest. When the princess sees her mother running into the Dark Forest, Betony is worried she will never return. Humans are forbidden to enter the Forest. Betony doesn’t care. She has to find her mother, no matter what. But first she must catch a unicorn!

This book makes quite the change form Oblivion which I read earlier this week, while that book was huge, this one is quite small, it’s dimensions are, 149mm x w96mm.  For this reason alone, it may get overlooked by school libraries because it will disappear on their shelves.  While libraries may decide against this tiny treat, I think most girls would love it, because of it’s size. It has the added bonus of having on of those ribbon book marks attached to the book, which seem to be favoured by many younger readers.

295. My Funny Family by Chris Higgins and illustrated by Lee Wildish

My Funny Family by Chris Higgins and illustrated by Lee Wildish

Published October 2012 Hodder Children’s

From the publisher:

Mattie is nine years old and she worries about everything. Which isn't surprising. Because when you have a family as big and crazy as hers, there's always something to worry about. Will the seeds she's planted in the garden with her brothers and sisters grow into fruit and veg like everyone promised Why does it seem as if Grandma doesn't like them sometimes And what's wrong with Mum Fortunately, reassurance is always close to hand in this first winning story about the lovable Butterfield clan.

Mattie is telling the story, she is 9, her sister V is 7, brother Dontie is 11, brother Stanley 4 and Anika who is 2.  Mattie is a worrier, she worries about everything, from how will they eat if there isn’t enough money for food, why doesn’t her Grandma like them and what would happen if her parents stopped liking each other?

288. There's An Alien In My Belly Button by Jimmy Mars

There's An Alien In My Belly Button by Jimmy Mars

Published September 2012 Jelly Pie EUK Fiction

From the publisher:

A giggle-tastic tale of cheese, chums and chimples! If you like Captain Underpants, you'll LOVE this . Binko the alien is in for a shock when he crash lands in Pete Perkins' belly button. Pete's a bit surprised too. Life's great when you have a good friend. Even better when your buddy is an alien who lives in your bellybutton...

This book is a super fast read, perfect for boys who haven’t quite jumped on the reading bandwagon.  Within the first 20 pages there’s mention of snot, wee, toe cheese and bottom burps.

285. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Published October 2012 Candlewick Press

From the publisher:
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it s a good thing that enormous fish won t wake up. And even if he does, it s not like he ll ever know what happened. . . . Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.

My absolute favourite book last year was I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen.  The book was laugh out loud funny, and clever to boot.  It was an exciting day when I heard there was a new Jon Klassen book coming out this year, and joy of joys it's here!

The last book followed a bear looking for his lost hat.  This book is also about a stolen hat, albeit a different one.  This book is told from the point of view of the hat thief, and his genius plan to get away with his thievery!



The cleverness of this story is that the humour is portrayed entirely in the illustrations.  The story is a running commentary from the hat thief explaining how he stole the hat and fool proof plan to get away with it.

The illustrations show that clearly the owner of the hat is on to him, and not far behind.  Without giving too much away, I will say that the hat isn't the only theme that is carried over from the first book.

Who will like this book: Boys and girls age 5+
Read it if you like: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

282. Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets by Wai Chim

Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets by Wai Chim

Published August 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Since the death of Mei’s father, her ma has refused to keep animals on the family farm. So when Mei finds two baby chickens, she shares her delightful discovery with no one but her older brother Guo.

Mei does her best to keep her new found friends a secret, but all does not go as planned. When Ma sells the chooks to the fearsome one-eyed butcher, their fates seem sealed.

Is there anything Mei can do to save her beloved chooks from the butcher’s knife?

A new book by first time author that fits in wonderfully with the ever popular theme of animals and pets.  In the case of this book, there are no wild animals like alligators or tigers, but at the same time the pets in this book are not the run of the mill cat or dog either.  The title alone gives it away, and if not that, then the illustration of the cover.  This book is about ‘chooks’ or chickens to my non Australian readers.

272. Zoo Story: Stop! There's a Snake in Your Suitcase by Adam Frost and illustrated by Mark Chambers

Zoo Story: Stop! There's a Snake in Your Suitcase by Adam Frost and illustrated by Mark Chambers
Published September 2012 Bloomsbury

From the publisher:
The Nightingale family live on a barge on the canal near London Zoo, and Mum is a vet. When Tom and Sophie find a bag of snakes dumped at the gates of the zoo, a great and exciting adventure begins. Soon they are finding out about the trade in illegal animals and learning how to care for these wonderful creatures. The snakes are carefully housed in the zoo and, just as they are about to be introduced to the many visitors to the reptile house, a desperate race begins to collect some precious antivenin.The first book in a new series of pacy adventure stories with two courageous children and lots and lots of fascinating animal facts.

Animal books are most definitely the big thing right now.  i have read more animal stories this year than I have in years.  This book has been published in conjunction with the ZSL London Zoo (Zoological Society of London), and that is the setting for this reptilian tale.

258. Lulu Walks the Dog by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Lane Smith

Lulu Walks the Dog by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Lane Smith
Published September 2012 Simon & Schuster

From the publisher:
The stubbornly hilarious Lulu has decided it’s time to buckle down and earn some cash. How else can she save up enough money to buy the very special thing that she is ALWAYS and FOREVER going to want? After some failed attempts at lucrative gigs (baking cookies, spying, reading to old people), dog walking seems like a sensible choice. But Brutus, Pookie, and Cordelia are not interested in making the job easy, and the infuriatingly helpful neighborhood goody-goody, Fleischman, has Lulu at the end of her rope. And with three wild dogs at the other end, Lulu’s patience is severely tested. Will she ever make a friend—or the money she needs?
In this standalone sequel to Lulu and the Brontosaurus, industry legends Judith Viorst and Lane Smith once again prove that even the loudest, rudest, and most obstinate of girls can win us over.

One of the first things you will notice about this book is it's size.  It is a little larger than a 'regular' novel, and because of this I know that some people get put off straight away because it is too tall to fit on the shelf!  This is true, but it's not a good reason to miss out on such a great story, so find a way to make it fit, because the kids will love it!