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Children’s book thought-provoking

25/7/2018

My Grandfather’s War
by Glyn Harper & Jenny Cooper

War is never an easy subject for a children’s book, but this beautifully illustrated 32 page picture book addresses the Vietnam War with finesse.
Eight year old Sarah has a close bond with her grandfather but wonders why sometimes he gets sad. Her curiosity is aroused when she discovers he was a Vietnam veteran, so she asks her grandfather about the war.
The text is age appropriate for younger readers and the full page illustrations skilfully represent the storyline.
Kids may have questions after reading this thought-provoking story so the reference section at the end of the story, providing a summary of facts about the Vietnam War, is useful. The section finishes with a commentary highlighting how many veterans were treated by their countries on their return home.

Review by WJ Scott
children’s author

Title: My Grandfather’s War
Author: Glyn Harper & Jenny Cooper
Publisher: Exisle
ISBN: 9781775592990
RRP: $24.99
Available: Now at www.exislepublishing.com

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Wildly creative story

7/7/2018

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Elastic Island Adventures Jewel Lagoon
by Karen McMillan

Unwrapping a mysterious book-shaped package is always a delight and the moment my gaze touched upon the bright cover and wonderful illustrations I sensed I’d uncovered a gem. This is a standout book cover that entreats children to grab it off the shelf.
Physically, the book felt solid nestled in my palms and the front cover begged me to flip it open. Inside the book, styling, formatting, and text were professionally executed. The text is large enough to appear non-threatening to an emergent reader.
Jewel Lagoon may sound like a paradise but when the children are unexpectedly catapulted out of their ordinary lives they find themselves in mortal danger where they bounce from one dangerous situation to the next and are never quite sure who they can trust in this strange land. Some of the themes are dark (kidnapping, maiming, and murder) but they are handled with sensitivity.
The story is wildly creative and populated with an array of vibrant characters, including adaptations of animals many children will recognise. The four main characters: Kiri, Jed, and twins Emma, and Ethan, have distinct personalities and varying skill sets which help them navigate through the challenges they face on their adventure.
Children will identify with particular characters as they find common denominators with their own lives.
The story works as a stand-alone read and there’s plenty of scope for more tropical island adventures in this series.

Review by WJ Scott
children’s author

Title: Elastic Island Adventures Jewel Lagoon
Author: Karen McMillan
Publisher: Duckling Publishing
ISBN:9780473427542
RRP:$19.99
Available: bookshops

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Welcome back, Wally

2/7/2018

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Woolly Wally
by Dawn McMillan
Illustrations by Ross Kinnaird

Woolly Wally is back. First published as a popular Reed title 12 years ago, it’s reappeared in a new edition to be enjoyed by another crop of Kiwi kids.
And, I suspect, lots of adults will like it even more than the littlies they read it to.
Wally’s the farm ram. He’s a big hair guy, immensely proud of his fleece and taking pride in its superior quality – thick and crinkled, extra fine, long and waxy, perfect fibre. And he knows its value to impress the ewes. Until –

…one day in sunny weather
   All the sheep were gathered together
   Wally in front, and off to the shed;
   An uneasy feeling in his head!
   Hadn’t he been here just last year
   Did he hear someone say…
Yep, in a few passes of a handpiece it’s now un-woolly Wally, at least for a few weeks; but long enough, it’s hoped, for him to learn the lesson pointed out at the story’s conclusion.
Adults, and children who grow up on farms, will fill in the gaps (“all ewes girls will be mums”) that add to the depth of the woolly Wally’s pride in his appearance and performance.
The illustrations help greatly too. The difference, particularly the facial expressions, between the big and the bald are most telling.
And the colour pictures provide additional fun for little ones in spotting the presence of both the author and the illustrator on most pages – see the back page for a clue.
Welcome back, Woolly Wally.

Review by Emily R.

Title: Woolly Wally
Author: Dawn McMillan. Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird
Publisher: Oratia Books
ISBN: 978-0-947506-42-1
RRP: $19.99
Available: bookshops. Oratia Media https://www.oratia.co.nz

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Children’s book thought-provoking

Wildly creative story

Welcome back, Wally

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