Nonna's Library: This Little Roo Went to Market, Our Dog Knows Words & That's (Not) Mine

Title: This Little Roo Went to Market

Illustrator: Mandy Foot
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: 29th September 2015
Pages: 24
Book Source: Hachette Australia

Synopsis: An Aussie reimagining of 'This Little Piggy Went to Market' from bestselling illustrator Mandy Foot.

My Thoughts: 

Absolutely adorable read, cutest illustrations. Bright, colourful and fun! Mia loves having This Little Piggy Went to Market played on her feet so she was happy to go along with this reimagined story complete with Aussie animals.

'This little roo went to market.
This little platypus stayed at home.
This little croc had tasty treats.
This little quokka had none.'

And there's a surprise in store for little Roo when he gets home ...

I love Mandy Foot's artwork, check out her inspiration in the clip below. My granddaughter loves animals so I'll be picking up more of Mandy's delightful books. 

Connect with Mandy Foot

Website
Twitter

Title: Our Dog Knows Words

Author: Peter Gouldthorpe
Illustrator: Lucy Gouldthorpe
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: 27th October 2015
Pages: 24
Book Source: Hachette Australia

Synopsis: Meet our very clever dog. He always knows just what we're saying to him. He knows, but does he always obey?

A funny story about a clever (but not always obedient) dog, from a father-daughter team of dog lovers.

From playing in the park to dinnertime, bath time and bedtime - this very smart dog knows what's going on!

My Thoughts:

Mia loves dogs and she knows they don't always do as they're told so she adored the clever, cheeky dog in Our Dog Knows Words. Not only does this dog know words, he understands when they're spelt. 

I didn't find this quite as appealing to read as some of the other books but there's a lot to look at and the dog's funny antics held Mia's attention.

The illustrations are cartoony and fun. A cute story, one dog lovers will relate to.

Title: That's (Not) Mine
Author: Anna Kang
Illustrator: Christopher Weyant
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: September 2015
Pages: 32
Book Source: Hachette Australia

Synopsis: The two fuzzy creatures from You Are (Not) Small argue over a chair, each shouting 'It's mine!' But they soon realise it's better to play than to fight with your friend.

The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of The New Yorker cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about sharing.

My Thoughts: 

A funny story about two very cute, fuzzy creatures sharing (or not) and with just a few big bold words (no more are actually needed) and bright, funny illustrations this story is a treat for shared reading. 

The illustrations are so expressive they'll have you and your little reader giggling and nodding because what little person isn't obsessed with the word mine and hasn't wanted to keep a toy (or chair) all to them self. 

Nice message and a fun lesson for little ones on sharing and taking turns. 

Mia liked it and declared the book "mine" ... oops, don't think she quite got the message lol 

Connect with Anna Kang

Website

Twitter

Nonna's Library: Be Brave, Pink Piglet! by Phil Cummings, Sarah Davis

Title: Be Brave, Pink Piglet
Author: Phil Cummings
Illustrator: Sarah Davis
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: 29th September 2015
Pages: 24
Book Source: Hachette Australia

Synopsis: A timid little piglet learns to be a brave explorer, confronting his fears and finding hilarity along the way - but still loves coming home to Mum. This warm and lively story will delight youngsters and parents alike with Phil Cummings' adorable characters and superb artwork from Crichton Award-winning illustrator Sarah Davis.

Nonna & Mia's Thoughts:

From the pile of picture books that arrived this year, Be Brave, Pink Piglet jumped out as my granddaughter's favourite. It's also one of mine, a bonus that's made reading it 100+ times an absolute pleasure :) 

A little pig heads off on his very first adventure alone, finds courage with each new experience and returns home to his loving and supportive mum. Be Brave, Pink Piglet is a delightful, endearing story about the rewards that come of trying new things even though you may be afraid. 

Mia was drawn to the cover of Be Brave, Pink Piglet (who wouldn't be, look at all that cuteness) she asks for the story time and time again and it holds her attention every time. She interacts, naming the farm animals the little pig comes across, making each of the animal noises, kissing little pig and giggling at his antics.

The illustrations are bright and beautiful and little pig's facial expressions are adorable, actually all the farm animals have very expressive faces. Both Mia and I fell in love with brave little pig. 

There's not a lot of text which makes it perfect for young children and with the gorgeous artwork and important message Be Brave, Pink Piglet is a delight.  

I'm sure this will be favourite addition to any young child's bookshelf. 

Recommend: age 1-5 years 

Connect with Phil Cummings

Website

Banned Books Week ~ Childhood Favourites

Head over to Sheila at Book Journey to check out everyone's posts for Banned Books Week. 

You know what I love most about banned and challenged books? Far from deterring they often promote, encourage and inspire reading of said works. (there's always a positive) 
And Banned Books Week is the perfect discussion forum for anyone passionate about the freedom to read whatever the hell you like!

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

One night Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief of one kind and another, so his mother calls him 'Wild Thing' and sends him to bed without his supper. That night a forest begins to grow in Max's room and an ocean rushes by with a boat to take Max to the place where the wild things are. Max tames the wild things and crowns himself as their king, and then the wild rumpus begins. But when Max has sent the monsters to bed, and everything is quiet, he starts to feel lonely and realises it is time to sail home to the place where someone loves him best of all.

Mum and Dad bought me this one back in the day, surprising considering how strict they were (children-should-be-seen-and-not-heard-strict.) My copy is so well-loved and well-read it has fallen apart. 

I always found Where the Wild Things Are fiercely fascinating, not scary, fascinating. I still love it for Max's mischief making, his wild imagination, his realness and as an adult and parent, Max reminded me of my eldest son lol. 

Challenged for it's dark, disturbing nature and I'm sure I read it has also been challenged for witchcraft/supernatural elements ...  seriously? why not challenge imagination.

 Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results.

Banned in some US states after publication in 1969 for its portrayal of police as pigs. I'm not sure whether this book still receives challenges. 

I was a little over a year old when this book was published and my copy is the original hardcover published in 1969 by Windmill Books. I don't know what age I was when I first read Sylvester and the Magic Pebble but as an adult looking at the cover I can faintly recall the sadness for Sylvester and his parents and joy at the heartwarming end. A lovely message and water colour illustrations. 

I wasn't aware of the earlier ban until a few years ago but just so you know, the police were very helpful in the story lol 

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White & other Pig stories.  

I adore Winnie the Pooh and friends ... these little felt guys were made by a friend for my baby girl. They're 25 years old, moth-eaten and became even more precious when Taleah died not long after she was born.

Winnie the Pooh is not on ALA challenge lists but ...

In 2003 at an infant and nursery school in West Yorkshire, UK, where a large percentage of pupils are Muslim, Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte's Web, Three Little Pigs, Babe and other books featuring pigs were banned from under-sevens' classes. The ban has been in place for a number of years with the head teacher sensitive to causing offense and distress, following complaints from the Muslim community. 

The Muslim Council of Britain appealed for an end to a "well-intentioned but misguided" policy and urged for 'pig stories' to be returned to open shelves. (http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/mar/05/schools.books) ... Hallelujah good sense prevails.

As a one off incident, why draw attention to it? Because these forms of 'censorship' should concern us. I'd be spewing very unhappy, if this occurred in my child's school. 

I was shocked earlier this year (yes 2015) when I read about a top UK publisher, Oxford University Press, under scrutiny for allegedly prohibiting authors from mentioning pigs or pig products in their children's books. 

Revealed by British radio presenter Jim Naughtie when he read out a letter he had obtained from Oxford University Press to an author, prohibiting the mention of “pigs plus sausages, or anything else which could be perceived as pork” in their book. 

OUP deny the ban, stating editorial guidelines have been in place for many years ... "what we do, however, is consider avoiding references to a range of topics that could be considered culturally sensitive."  

What utter nonsense. This seriously gets my blood boiling.

It's obvious, violence, alcohol and swearing are not included in children's picture books but if everything that 'could' be considered culturally sensitive is censored where on earth does it stop?? 

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Based on the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo in New York Central Park Zoo who were given an egg to hatch and raise ... enter baby Tango

It's been one of the most frequently challenged books since 2006, holding the number 1 spot a few years running and it was back at number 3 in 2014. 

Reasons: Anti-family, homosexuality, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, unsuited for age group. Additional reasons: “promotes the homosexual agenda” (ALA website)

How sad this delightful picture book was removed from state libraries in Singapore in 2014 for its anti-family stance. *sigh* 

Obviously this wasn't one of my childhood favourite's being published in 2005 but what a beautiful, sweet, true story about family and love, one I can't wait to share with my granddaughter, the illustrations are adorable.

“	We wrote the book to help parents teach children about same-sex parent families. It's no more an argument in favor of human gay relationships than it is a call for children to swallow their fish whole or sleep on rocks.	”
— co-author Justin Richardson  Celebrate the Freedom to Read :)

Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin by Stephanie M. Ward ~ Review & Giveaway

Title: Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin
Author: Stephanie M. Ward
Illustrator: Vanessa Landin
Genre: Children's
Publication Date: 9th November 2014 (1st published April 2014)
Pages: 21 
Book Source: From Author

Synopsis: Wally is an Emperor Penguin from Antarctica who isn't exactly like the other penguins. Wally is always cold. So, he takes a journey to the Galapagos Islands in search of warm weather and discovers an amazing world of tap-dancing crabs, racing hundred-year-old tortoises and diving birds with bright blue feet. 

Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin is a delightful rhyming book for children aged 1 - 4. Children will love the bright and colorful illustrations of the unique wildlife in the Galapagos Islands while the simple, rhyming text brings these curious animals to life. Come along with Wally and visit this very special place!

My Thoughts:

A delight to read, Wally will capture the hearts of children and adults alike. He's an adventurous young penguin who longs to be warm and sets off from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands. 

Beautifully written, with a fun, catchy rhyme and the illustrations are gorgeous; colourful and eye-catching. Wally's sense of fun and adventure will appeal to children and the child in us 'big people.' 

As Wally explores the Galapagos Islands, readers are introduced to some of the unusual creatures that make their home there. At the end of the story is a Fascinating Facts section about the animals which older children and adults reading to children will also appreciate. 

I adored Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin, this was a fun book to read aloud and my granddaughter loved the bright colours. I'd love to join Wally for more adventures ... somewhere else warm of course.

Connect with Stephanie M. Ward

Website

Twitter

 Facebook

Purchase

@Amazon

@Wally's Bookstore

@Boomerang Books

GIVEAWAY: 
I'm excited to offer readers the chance to win this great gift pack - print copy of Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin, "Say Yes to Adventure" canvas tote & cute postcards. It's international too ... woohoo thanks Stephanie! 

ENTRY DETAILS:

Easy Peasy ... just leave a comment and tell me your favourite childhood picture book. If you aren't easily contactable via blog, website etc please leave an email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES: 

+2 tweet giveaway and leave a link

+2 follow Stephanie on Twitter

Entries close 24th May and winner will be emailed & announced on my blog. Good luck everyone. 

Review: Great-Grandma's Gifts by Marianne Jones

Title: Great-Grandma's Gifts
Author: Marianne Jones
Illustrator: Karen Reinikka
Genre: Children's 
Publication Date: 23rd November 2013
Pages: 34
Book Source: From Author for Review

Synopsis: Arlene is a little girl who loves to make things. She begins by making presents for her doll, Maggie. As she grows up, she moves on to creating gifts for her own children and grandchildren. This is a lovely story that is designed to help children see a different side of the elders in their lives and understand that they were once children, too.

My Thoughts:

Great-Grandma's Gifts is such a precious read, it's one of those children's books that will hopefully be passed down through generations. I adored my Gran and loved spending time with her and my adult sons had a very special relationship with their Nana (my mum) and now with a sweet little granddaughter of my own, this story felt extra special. 

The illustrations are simple, almost child-like and I like how the descriptive words look like what is being described. It not only celebrates the bond between a child and great grandma but shows them that grandma and great grandma were once little girls too.  

It's a lovely story to share with children and one I think young readers will relate to. It invites a child in, I can imagine this encouraging a wonderful conversation between a child and parent; sharing memories, fun times, favourite things about grandma or great grandma. 

With Mother's Day approaching I think this would be a beautiful gift for a mother, grandma, great grandma or that special someone in a child's life.

Recommend: one to treasure

Purchase @Amazon

Review: Corduroy Lost and Found by B.G. Hennessy

Title: Corduroy Lost and Found
Author: B.G. Hennessy
Illustrator: Jody Wheeler
Genre: Children's fiction
Publication Date: 14th September 2006
Pages: 32
Book Source: We Give Books

Synopsis: A classic character in children's literature for nearly forty years is back for a brand-new adventure! Corduroy the beloved bear slips out very early one morning to get a birthday present for Lisa. He spies what he thinks is a yellow balloon up in the sky, thinking that would be perfect for her. But when the sun rises, the balloon (really the full moon) disappears. And now Corduroy is lost. Lisa finds him, but not before Corduroy succeeds in getting just the right gift—, a lollipop as yellow and round as the moon. This brand-new Corduroy picture book is written in the whimsical style of Don Freeman and illustrated in the exact scratchboard technique he used to create Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy. 

My Thoughts: 

Am I too old to say I love Corduroy. He's the most caring, sweet little bear ... Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy were two of my boys' favourites when they were little. Corduroy Lost and Found is another delightful story about this intrepid little bear.

Corduroy loves his best friend Lisa and Lisa loves Corduroy. I adore Corduroy's innocence and sense of wonder and my boys always delighted in Corduroy's misadventures, mishaps, adventures. It's a sweet story about friendship, with much the same charm as the original books by Don Freeman and the whimsical illustrations will enchant both children and adults. 

I had a bear best friend as a child, the teddy that I've had since I was born and boy has that bear had some adventures (much like Corduroy.) We lived in Papua New Guinea for a few years when I was little and Ted dropped from my stroller, was picked up by a dog and a month or two later was found in a fence. 46 years on, my Ted is still with me, a little moth-eaten and worse for wear but still much loved ... so Corduroy Lost and Found really resonated with me.

 my well-loved Ted and my eldest son's - A Pocket for Corduroy

I can't wait to read these to my granddaughter

I read Corduroy Lost and Found at WE GIVE BOOKS, a digital initiative created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation, supporting literacy awareness worldwide.

The more you read, the more they give - for each free book you read online We Give Books donates real books to charities working in communities around the world ... awesome initiative!! 

Corduroy Lost and Found is no longer available on We Give Books but check out the site, there are so many other cute books to choose from for ages 0-10 years ... like Spot Loves His Daddy (another of my boys' favourites) and the Llama Llama books. 

Connect with B.G. Hennessy

Website

Twitter