All About Books

S KID

Autumn - 2020 Welcome

Hi everyone,

We are well into 2020 now and hasn’t it just flown by? We hope you are all keeping and well. We are busily working on new projects for the second half of the year and updating our collection with fresh books and resources for you. As always, please don’t hesitate to request an item if there’s something you think we’re missing. Also, if you’re not familiar with how to reserve items that might not be on the shelf, we can assist with that as well.

March-May is chock-full of exciting events and activities. Our regular craft club continues on the first Wednesday of each month, we have Story Room happening at our Epping and Parramatta branches, and if you know some 12-25 year olds, we are holding one of our biggest competitions of the year – the YouthWrite competition! If you know someone who fits into that age group, pick up an entry form from any of our branches and introduce them to opinion writing. Not sure where to start? We are running some workshops here at Parramatta to help.

In May we are celebrating mums! You are all out there, doing your best and we see it every day. We see you bringing your little ones into story time, rain or shine. We see you on your weekly visits to the library in the evening, waiting while they select their handfuls of books for the week. We see you reading the same book out-loud, over and over with patience and enthusiasm. We see you, and we’re so impressed by your dedication and love for your children.

Earlier this year we were thrilled when Ursula Dubosarsky was chosen as the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2020-2021. Ursula has always been a fantastic supporter of City of Parramatta Libraries and libraries in general! Turn to page 4 to read Ursula’s interview and find out her tips for encouraging kids to read more.

As always, we are looking ahead and planning for activities and programs in the cooler months. We cannot wait to share our Book Week competition with you next quarter, it’s going to be fantastic! June- is one of our busiest periods so we’re already planning celebrations for NAIDOC Week, Book Week and Science Week. Just keep dropping by regularly and you’re sure to stay in the loop.

Next quarter, look out for our interview with award winning author and illustrator Anna Walker. We can’t wait!

From, The Kids Team. n. oks is fu ding bo Rea ead , read, r So read ne! everyo

2 2 Welcome 4-5 Chatting With Ursula Dubosarsky 6-7 Ursula Dubosarsky, Our Favourites 8-45 BOOKS, BOOKS & MORE BOOKS 9 Mother's Day Colouring 10-13 All About Mums 14-17 Easter 18-21 Harmony Week 22-24 Stories to Share 25 Read and Colour Activity

S 26-27 Little People, Big Dreams 28-29 What We're Reading T 30-43 COMING SOON 30-32 Picture & Board Books N 33 Person, Place or Thing

E 34-40 Easy Junior & Junior Fiction 40 Just For Fun T 42-43 Junior Non-Fiction 44-46 Premier's Reading Challenge N 47 1000s Books Before School

O C Chatting with Ursula Dubosarsky

Ten Quirky Questions with Ursula Dubosarsky

Congratulations on your appointment as the latest Australian Children's Laureate! How can we encourage children to read more books?

I think every child in the family should go to the library and get their own library card with their name on it. And then they can go to the shelves and look for books, whatever books they like, to take home and read. If you do that often enough, you will start to find books you REALLY love, and want to read more and more and more.

Your story ' at the Library' looks at a book through time. Have you seen any precious books or old libraries during your travels?

The oldest book I have ever seen close up is the Book of Kells in a library in Dublin, Ireland. This book is more than 1000 years old! It’s very beautiful. All the words and colourful pictures were done by hand. You have to stand in a very long line outside the library to see it. Inside, the library is very dark and there is a light above the open book. You can only see one page at a time – every day they turn to a new page. It would take a long time to read it!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be?

I think I would like to be Thing One or Thing Two from 'The Cat in the Hat'. I would love to be able to run that fast and bounce that high. And they never seem to get into trouble!

What are some of your favourite words in 'The Word Spy'? Why? I love the word UNEARTHLY. I love the way it sounds and also what it means – something so strange it feels like it doesn’t belong on earth! I also love the word PALINDROME, which is a word that is written the same backwards and forwards, like TOOT or EYE. And I love the word SNURTLE. Do you know what that is? A very unusual animal – a mixture of a SNAIL and a TURTLE. Mmm, sounds rather UNEARTHLY, doesn’t it?

4 "Rea You have written many books over your career ding m is so far! Do you have some advice for any of our y fav ourite aspiring young writers? act ivity." Try your hardest to finish what you are working on. It might be a story or a poem or a song or a play. Whatever it is, make yourself finish it. It can be hard sometimes, and you might think it’s not very good. But it’s amazing how much you learn about writing, just from finishing something. And then next time, your writing will be even better.

How many elephants is too many in your house? If you had elephants in your house, Do you have a special place at home what games would you play with them? where you keep all your awards? Even one elephant might be one too many in Hahaha! Yes I do. I keep them in a my house! I have a lot of stairs – I don’t know cupboard in my study. I would find it a how they would get up and down. But if they bit embarrassing if they were on the were in my house, I would like to play hide shelf and I had to look at them all the and seek with them, like Eric does in my book. time. But I like knowing where they are, safe in the cupboard….

What is the best advice you You are already an awarded author and have ever received? now the Australian Children's Laureate! “The first pancake is always If you could have a super power, what a failure” That’s an old would it be and why? proverb actually but I think Definitely flying. I would love to be able it’s true. And it certainly to fly up in the sky and look at all the applies to writing – the first city from way up high and then further draft is always a bit lumpy or out to the ocean and all the world burnt! beyond. I often dream I can fly and I’m always disappointed when I wake up and it’s not true.

Do you prefer writing picture books or books for older readers? Why?

Well, I feel happier when I write picture books. It uses a different place in my brain. Perhaps it makes me a bit more playful, like Thing One and Thing Two. I’m less bouncy when I’m writing for older readers. But they are both different parts of me, so I think I need them both.

5 Ursula Dubosarsky - A Few of Our Favourites

The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

An irresistible picture book about a little rabbit who learns that some things in life aren't as scary as they seem. Based on a Tibetan myth, a sound in the forest sets all the animals running for their lives from the Terrible Plop. Children will be charmed by the wonderful zany energy of the illustrations and the rollicking rhyming story. The Spy Word by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Tohby Riddle The Honey and Bear Stories Join the WORD by Ursula Dubosarsky, SPY on an entertaining illustrated by Ron Brooks journey through the English language. In Honey and Bear - the Learn more about the silver-eyed bird and the alphabet came from, cuddly, rotund bear - Ursula find out what ATM Dubosarsky has created stands for, make up characters that children will your own palindromes love, in the tradition of (it's easy!) and impress Winnie the Pooh, and Frog your friends by and Toad. The tales are the speaking Pig Latin. perfect length for beginner readers to attempt themselves, or to read aloud to younger children.

Rex: The Adventures of Our Class Pet by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by David Mackintosh

This is an utterly original picture book about a familiar classroom practice, which highlights the fantastic imaginations of young children. Rex is a chameleon and a popular class pet. Every day someone gets to take Rex home, along with a book in which to write all the things Rex did on his visit. If a child can't write, they can draw a picture and as you might expect, the pictures are exaggerated and very funny. Although Rex is small, he seems to have dinosaur-sized adventures!

6 Ursula Dubosarsky - A Few of Our Favourites

Reindeer's Christmas Surprise by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Sue deGennaro

It's Christmas time in Australia, and Reindeer has great fun giving presents to his friends Cat, Dog and Guinea Pig. But even when it's warm and sunny outside, it's hard to be far from home and family on Christmas Eve. Luckily, The Game of the Goose Christmas is a time for exciting by Ursula Dubosarsky, surprises, and this year Reindeer might just get one of In her hand was a hinged his very own . . . wooden box with a black clasp. On the lid was a painting of a white bird with a long neck, its wings stretched The Deep End out in flight. Fred rubbed it by Ursula Dubosarsky, with her fingers, wiping away illustrated Mitch Vane the dust. 'The Game of the Goose,' she read slowly. Becky has reached the point in her swimming 'Open it,' said Rowley . . . lessons when she has stopped being a Frog and Fred, Rowley and Rabbit has moved up to be a hardly knew each other Platypus. She has to go into before the game. But the the deep end, and she's not game changed everything. It at all sure that she's ready took each of them on an for it. She wishes she could adventure – a terrifying, be a Frog for just a little wonderful journey that they while longer. would remember for ever.

Brindabella by Ursula Dubosarsky, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Pender and his father live in an old house made of honey-coloured stone in the bush by the river, with only the company of his father's paintings and the loyal dog, Billy-Bob. Then, on one winter morning, a gunshot amongst the trees changes everything.

When Pender rescues Brindabella from the pouch of her dead mother, an unusual friendship blossoms between the lonely boy and the orphaned joey. But Brindabella is no ordinary kangaroo. And though Pender has saved her life, the untameable wildness of the bush - and freedom - call to her ...

7 Books, books and more books! I you Mum

9 All About Mums

We have picked some beautiful books about Mothers for you to explore.

My Mummy's Magic by Shaun Bartlett, illustrated by Denise Muzzio Here Come the Mummies and Babies This is a heart-warming tribute by Hilli Kushnir to motherhood, which provides a great platform to Here Come the Mummies teach children about and Babies is a playful pregnancy at the same time touch-and-feel book, full as entertaining them. of energy, fun and of Understanding where babies course, lots of cute come from and appreciating mummy and baby the changes and demands on animals! Toddlers will a mother's body can be laugh, shout, clap their challenging for young children. hands and join in the fun as the simple text encourages them to point, count, match and talk about the friendly, fluffy My Mum Always Looks pals playing on every After Me So Much! page. by Sean Taylor, illustrated by David Barrow

A funny, heartwarming picture book about the love between a mother and a child.

There's Only One Mum Like You by Jess Racklyeft

I love your quiet stories, songs sung loud in the rain. No one can hug like you, Mum or makes me feel the same.

Brave mums, playful mums, cuddly mums, quiet mums – every mum is special in her own way.

Charming, heartfelt and delightful, There’s Only One Mum Like You is a tribute to the unique magic of mums.

10 Some Mums by Nick Bland

Some mums are graceful and some mums are tough. Each mum has her own way of being a mum and they are all delightful! A silly and heartwarming picture book to share. My Mum's the Best by Rosie Smith, illustrated by Bruce Whatley

Beautifully illustrated with My Mum delightful animals, My Mum's by Anthony Browne the Best captures the fun- loving bond between mother She's nice, my mum ...My and child-from big, cosy mum's a fantastic cook, bear hugs to bathing and a brilliant juggler. elephants She's a great painter, and the strongest woman in the world! She's really nice, my mum. A warm, funny tribute to Mum (and to mums everywhere). mum, ve my I lo um d my m an e! loves m

Thanks Mum by Matt Cosgrove

Snuggling up for a bedtime story. I Want My Mum Kissing a sore knee to by Tony Ross make it better.

When things don't go well for Pushing the swing as high the Little Princess, she knows as the sky. there is only one person who can make them better, so she There are a million yells, "I WANT MY MUM!" But different reasons to say… when the Little Princess finally Thanks Mum! learns to cope on her own, how does the Queen feel?

PAGE 12 11 All About Mums

Mummy Cuddles by Kate Mayes, illustrated by Sara Acton

Mummy play? 'It's getting late, but one little rabbit is wide awake. A charming tale of a playful bunny who would A Thousand Kisses rather snuggle than go to from Mummy bed. by Anna Pignataro

A kiss to wake me from my sleep, then more to treasure and to keep. And I'm as happy as can Mummy's Kisses be- A thousand kisses, by Paula Clark all for me! A beautiful story that is full to the Mummy's Kisses are so brim with kisses. special, they're just for you to keep. They will stay with you forever, and calm you while you sleep. A mother echidna accompanies her baby through the day. Encouraging her little one "L with kisses, to make friends, et me try new things, learn to swim read a sto you and much more until it is ry Mu time to sleep. m!"

Heather Has Two Mummies by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Laura Cornell

Heather’s favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, two pets—and two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same.

12 The Greatest Mother's Day of All by Anne Mangan, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

A delightfully funny and heartwarming take on a typical family's celebration of Mother's Day with presents, breakfast in bed I Love You Mummy ... and all the ensuing mess, fun and good intentions Duck gone astray that will be by Dawn Richards, familiar to so many illustrated by Heidi mothers. D'hamers

It's Mummy Duck's first ever Mother's Day and when Little Duck takes her on a special picnic, they dream Mama's Day With Little about their perfect day Gray together. Would it be a room by Aimee Reid, illustrated by full of cakes, a garden party, Laura J. Bryant a visit to a chocolate factory? Soon it's the end of "Mama, when I grow up, will the day though and they you grow down? "What would haven't done any of the it be like if, one day, Little things they've thought about Gray were the big elephant - will Mummy Duck have had and Mama the small one? a lovely day after all? A Little Gray can picture it gorgeous, gentle, reassuring perfectly. He'd shade her tale which is perfect for from the sun, teach her to Mother's Day. make mud, and find pictures in the clouds with her. In fact, he would do for her exactly what she does for him.

My Aussie Mum by Yvonne Morrison, illustrated by Nicola Bright

An Aussie mum doing her best every day and in every way. If she's not playing netball or cheering on her kids at cricket, she is looking after her sick children and being a chauffeur and more, all without breaking a sweat . . . well, sort of. My Aussie Mum's a ripper, yep, she's as tough as nails . . . She'll give anything a burl, from taekwondo to saving whales. 13 Easter

Have fun exploring some of the interesting and fun Easter books we have picked for you.

Celebrations Around the World Another Dorling Kindersley Easter Bunnyroo Book by Susannah Chambers, illustrated by Laura Wood Explore different celebrations from across the globe Last week my dad found an through fun and beautiful orphan who needs our help. illustrations. She has LONG ears and BIG feet and a BUILT-IN BASKET. He says she's a joey but I know who she really is - THE EASTER BUNNY!

The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! by John Jory, illustrated by Pete Oswald Santa Claus vs the The Great Eggscape is when the Good Egg and his Easter Bunny pals escape their carton by Fred Blunt and drop into the store for a morning of fun, enjoyed by The holidays just aren't fair! everybody. While Santa gets a lot of help, the Easter Bunny has to struggle on alone. There's "He lp me trouble ahead for this egg- I n ! cellent adventure. eed to find a book to r ead."

14 Nadiya's Bake Me a Celebration Story by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Clair Rossiter

A unique combination of storybook and cookbook, with all recipes, stories and activities devised and written by Nadiya herself, Bake Me a Celebration Story combines playful photography of Nadiya and her children with vibrant illustrations by Clair Rossiter.

It's Easter by Richard Sebra

Easter is here! Learn Tucker Digs Easter! about Easter symbols by Leslie McGuirk such as eggs, bunnies, and flowers, and the different It’s Easter, and this year ways that people Tucker is helping the celebrate this holiday. Easter Bunny hide eggs. But the talented terrier might be too good at hiding them!

Otter Loves Easter! by Sam Garton

This year the Easter Bunny brought Otter lots of chocolate eggs—her favorite! Otter Keeper said she had to share them with her friends, but sharing is very hard . . . and eating chocolate is very easy.

15 Easter - Find a Word

Find and circle all the EASTER words. The words appear up and down, forward and backwards.

d m w c h o c o l a t e s u h u f t i b b a r a r h c d e c o r a t e s e j h k p r w s k h p t w r o b a s k e t u a e o m p f r i k y p n i r l z s g a t q c b t n l f t b a d s g g e l t u q a m v e n u h y w i e c h i c k s x p t c r b basket chicks eggs chocolate hunt parade duck rabbit flowers paint bilby easter hat decorate hops

16 Easter - Just for Fun

Count and colour.

How many eggs did you count? ______

17 Harmony Week

Everyone Belongs!

Harmony Week 15-21 March 2020. Enjoy reading and learning about different cultures and how we all fit together.

The Roots of My Family Tree by Niki Alling

Take a trip around the world with a little girl, who is I'm a Global Citizen: proud of her Culture and Diversity rich multicultural by Georgia Amson- heritage. Bradshaw, illustrated by David Broadbent

How can you be a good global citizen? By We've Got the Whole understanding the world World in Our Hands we live in and how we can by Rafael Lopez effect change. This book explores the issues around Come and read along and diversity in modern life sing along as we celebrate from the positives around the magic of unity. From multiculturalism to the rivers to the mountains prejudice, racism and to the oceans and to the discrimination. It features sea — we've got the whole a case study on Apartheid world in our hands. and ideas for how we can activate against racism.

Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street: A Collection of Recipes to Share by Felicita Sala

Something smells good at 10 Pomegranate Street! Delicious, actually!

In each apartment, someone is preparing a special dish to share with their neighbours. Mr Singh is making coconut dahl with his daughter while Maria mashes some avocados for her guacamole. Will everything be ready on time?

18 Hello! illustrated by Tony Flowers

Yiasou! That’s hello in Greek!

Or would you like to speak Chinese? What about Italian or Korean? Murinhpatha or Kaurna?

Meet 12 Australian friends who can speak different languages. They tell us how to count from 1 to 10, say hello and goodbye and lots of other words in their languages about play, food, hobbies and clothes.

All Kinds of Families by Norma Simon

Multicultural and multigenerational people demonstrate what it means Whoever You Are to be a family and how all by Mem Fox, illustrated by families offer each other Leslie Staub support and love. Every day all over Australia, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same or speak the same language but inside, they are just like you.

This story weaves its way across cultures and All Are Welcome generations, celebrating the bond that unites us all. by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

No matter how you start your day, What you wear when you play, Or if you come from far away, All are welcome here.

19 Harmony Week

Who We Are! by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Join Nellie, Gus, baby Jake, and their parents at Funland as they go on rides, watch performers, Australian Kids and play games along Through the Years with many other children and grown-ups. As they by Tania McCartney, enjoy their excursion, they illustrated by Andrew — and young readers — Joyner notice that people are the same as one another Can you imagine living in lots of ways, and 50 years ago . . . 100 different in lots of ways years ago . . . or even 200 too. years ago? What would you be doing? What would you be eating and wearing? What games would you play? We All Come From Different Cultures by Melissa Higgins

People come from many different backgrounds and cultures. What's yours like?

This book is about sharing and celebrating what makes our cultures special.

Lulu Bell and the Arabian Nights by Belinda Murrell

Lulu Bell is about to make a new friend!

It’s Harmony Day at Shelly Beach School, and Lulu’s class is going to star in the school play. What will be the special theme this year?

Lulu is sure that the new girl in her class will have good ideas. How can she make Amira feel welcome? The answer is a happy surprise for everyone!

20 Harmony Badge

Design and create your own 'Harmony Badge'.

21 Stories to Share

Autumn highlights from Parramatta Library Story Time.

Read along with us!

Theme: Starting School Theme: Australian Authors Maddie's First Day My Australia by Penny Matthews, by Julie Murphy, illustrated illustrated by Liz Anelli by Garry Fleming Maddie has everything Beautiful illustrations ready for her first day of highlighting a range of school- uniform, Australian habitats hat, a backpack with and wildlife accompany a lunch and pencils, and simple rhyming story. tucked inside the backpack is her special blanky. A good book to prepare children for starting school.

Theme: Libraries

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

One day, a lion came to the library… The head librarian is very particular about following rules but there are no rules about lions in the library! See whether the lion can stay or has to Theme: The Beach go. Magic Beach by Alison Lester

"Th An Australian classic e Mag b ic Bea highlighting many ways to y Alis ch on Le o ster i have fun at ne of s our A Time ll the beach- swimming, Favou rties." playing in the sand, investigating rock pools, paddling in a boat, fishing and more.

22 Theme: Numbers and Counting

One Keen Koala by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Bruce Whatley

One keen koala and his animal friends are getting ready for school. Learn to count with Australian animals.

Theme: Sleeping

Maisy's Bedtime by Lucy Cousins

Join Maisy as she gets ready for bed. Bright illustrations and simple text show Maisy's bedtime routine.

Theme: Dogs

My Dog Spot by Jack and Norma Levin Theme: Hugs Cute black and white illustrations accompany the simple The Runaway Hug story of a boy’s best friend, his by Nick Bland, illustrated dog. Watch Spot as he barks, by Freya Blackwood begs for food, plays with slippers, chases things Lucy borrows Mummy’s and goes for a walk or a ride in last hug and shares it with the car. her family. But then the hug runs away- will Lucy get it back?

23 Stories to Share

Theme: International Women's Day

Bold Australian Girl by Jess Black, illustrated by Fern Martins

Be inspired by all the things a bold Australian girl can do- run, dance, jump, surf and more. But even bold Australian girls need time to curl up with a good book.

Theme: In the Ocean "Hea ds an U d Tai Heads and Tails: nderw ls ater; in how Underwater teres ting." by John Canty

Use the illustration of a sea creature’s tail to guess what it is. Turn the page to see if you are correct. If you enjoy this book then look out for a similar book on insects.

Theme: Harmony Day

I'm Australian Too by Mem Fox, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh

Celebrate the original inhabitants of Australia and the immigrants who have come here and now live in peace beneath the Southern Star. An award winning book by one of Australia’s most loved picture book authors.

24 Read, Count and Colour

Colour one hat purple. Colour curly hair red. Colour the ocean blue. Colour two pairs of shorts brown. Colour one dress orange, and two yellow. Now finish colouring the picture in your favourites colours.

25 Little People, Big Dreams

The 'Little People, Big Dreams' series, discovers the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. Frida Kahlo All of them went on to achieve by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Gee Fan Eng incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a Follow Frida Kahlo, whose dream. desire to study medicine was destroyed by a childhood accident. Frida began painting from her bedside and produced over 140 works, culminating in a Jane Austen solo exhibition in America. by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Katie Wilson

Little Jane grew up in a big family that loved learning and she often read from her father's library. In her teenage years she began to write in notebooks and craft her own novels. As an adult, Jane created stories that shone a light on the English Mary Shelley upper classes and provided by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, a witty social commentary illustrated by Yelena of the time, creating a new Bryksenkova dialogue for female characters in books. When Mary Shelley was a little girl, she used to write stories beneath the trees in her garden. As an adult, Mary was inspired by this same imagination to create a ghost story, which became the famous novel: Frankenstein.

Coco Chanel by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Kass Reich

The first instalment in the Little People, Big Dreams series follows Coco Chanel. Starting with her early life in an orphanage where she is a genius with needle and thread, the story moves to her time as a cabaret singer, hat maker, and, eventually, international fashion designer.

26 Dolly Parton by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Daria Solak

Little Dolly grew up in Tennessee in a family "as poor as dirt." She started performing at an early age, singing on local radio and television. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue her singing dreams. Her managers wanted her to sing pop, but she followed her heart to sing and write country songs. Her heart was right—Dolly became a musical superstar, but she never forgot where she came from. She now uses her wealth to give back to people, children, and animals in need.

Amelia Earhart by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Maria Diamantes

The book follows Amelia Earhart, whose strong will Georgia O'Keeffe and self-belief helped her by Isabel Sanchez overcome prejudice and Vegara, illustrated by technical problems to Erica Salcedo become the first female aviator to fly solo across the Cookie's life is basically Atlantic ocean. over.

As a child, little Georgia viewed the world differently from other people. She roamed outdoors with her sketch book, while other girls played. As an adult, she painted all day. From New York City to New Mexico, she was influenced by the landscapes of her environment. Audrey Hepburn by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Amaia Arrazola

This book follows the life of Audrey Hepburn, from her early life during World War Two, to ballet school, her acting career and UNICEF work. PAGE 12 27 What We're Reading

I think it is fair to say we love reading. But we also enjoy sharing what we're reading. We hope you find something to read from.

Wombat Big, Puggle I Just Couldn't Wait to Small Meet You by Renee Treml by Kate Ritchie, illustrated by Hannah Sommerville Wombat is big and puggle is small - watch them play and When you were still a have a ball. treasured bump, tucked safe away inside, I thought about Join in the mischief as a little you night and day and in my wombat and an echidna sleep - it's true. My heart was puggle play with opposites full of hope and love. I just and word pairs. couldn't wait to meet you.

A heartwarming story to share with the children in your family.

Amelia Chamelia and the Birthday Party by Laura Sieveking, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

Amelia has a secret power. A power that nobody else knows about. When she is furious or frightened, she can change colour.

Amelia's eighth birthday is just Easy Junior around the corner and she is SO excited. She's going to have the Froggy Green best party ever – even if she does by Anna Walker have to invite her troublesome twin cousins. But then something Joe's favourite colour is strange and magical happens . . froggy green, and all his Now Amelia has a very big secret. friends at the park like different colours. But which Will Amelia be able to keep her colour do you like best? chameleon powers hidden, even when disaster strikes and the party bags go missing?

28 One Photo by Ross Watkins, illustrated by Liz Anelli

Dad came home one day with one of those old cameras, the kind that use film. But Dad didn't take photos of the regular things people photograph . . . The Dog With Seven Names Told in stunning prose, with by Dianne Wolfer creative heart-warming illustrations, this book is a The heart-warming story of a celebration of what we hold golden-eyed dog in a time of closest to our hearts. war.

A tiny dog, the runt of the litter, is born on a remote cattle station. She shouldn’t have survived, but when Elsie finds, names and loves her, the pup becomes a cherished That Magnetic Dog companion. Life is perfect … by Bruce Whatley until War arrives.

Skitty is a very special dog - she's magnetic. But instead of attracting metal, she attracts food. All kinds of food, even peas!

What's the Point of Maths? A Dorling Kindersley Book

What's the Point of Maths? is perfect for those who need some inspiration when it comes to numbers. It combines stories from history with simple visual explanations to bring maths to life. From spotting a bargain to talking to computers, from filling in a giant sinkhole to becoming a trillionaire, it shows children why core maths ideas were invented and how to apply them today - in the classroom and the real world!

29 Coming Soon - Picture & Board Books

We had a hard time choosing which books to highlight in this edition. But we managed to narrow our choice down to a few gorgeous titles!

Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Kindness Monkey's Tail: A Tiger & by James Dean Friends Book Kindness is cool! by Alex Rance, illustrated by

Shane McG Pete the Cat shares some

groovy words on kindness in Howler Monkey was one of this fun collection of his the best climbers in the whole favorite famous quotes about jungle - until the day he sharing, lending a helping landed on his tail with a big hand, and having thump. compassion for others. He kept smiling and playing with his friends, but on the inside he was very sad... What if he could never climb again? Can Howler Monkey get his confidence back and reset his sense of self? A gorgeous picture book about resilience and change, sharing worries and staying positive.

Skunks in Trunks by Russell Punter, Bizzy Bear: Aeroplane illustrated by David Semple Illustrated by Benji Davies A gang of excitable skunks is off to the water park for a Bizzy Bear and his flight fun afternoon. Their aquatic crew are taking to the skies! antics soon land them in Little readers will love to use trouble - but perhaps they the chunky mechanisms to can put their swimming skills help Bizzy take off and land to good use? in this robust board book all about flying. With wonderfully detailed illustrations by Benji Davies, it's perfect for engaging the very young.

30 Don't Mess With Duck! by Becky Davies, illustrated by Emma Levey

No more quacking! No more chatting! And no more SPLASHING! Duck is on a mission to find a peaceful, private pond. He wants to The Other Brother be ALONE. And he means by Penny Jaye, illustrated by business. What will Duck do Heidi Cooper Smith when he finds the perfect pond ... but someone's Jayden James thought his already in it? family of five was perfect – until last Wednesday when Mitchell David arrived. Now the car’s too small, picnics are ruined and no one’s paying attention to Jayden anymore. Jayden knows something My Possum Plays the needs to be done. And he’s the Drums only one who can do it! A gentle story about acceptance, by Catherine belonging and what it means Meatheringham, illustrated to be family. by Max Hamilton

Night-time falls and the possum orchestra begins. Drums bang, violins scratch and I can’t sleep! Children will love to join in in this noisy celebration of possums and their night time antics.

Hayden's Bedtime Madeline Talbot Has a by Wendy Haynes, illustrated Bunny on Her Head by Breet Curzon by Kiah Thomas, illustrated by Connah Brecon Hayden’s Bedtime is a fun bedtime book to help parents Madeleine Talbot has a bunny get kids to bed and overcome on her head, which is strange, the fear of something lurking sure, but wait until you discover in the bedroom. Make bedtime why she can’t take it off. a breeze with this delightful rhyming picture book. Discover An outrageously funny story with Hayden what’s behind the about an unlikely friendship, by door, under the bed, inside the the inimitable picture-book duo cupboard, and in the drawer. Kiah Thomas and Connah Brecon. PAGE 12 31 Coming Soon - Picture & Board Books

The Bad Bassinis by Clair Hume, illustrated by Tom Jellett

The Bassinis were BIG. The Bassinis were BURLY. And those BIG, BURLY Bassinis . . . were BAD. The Bassinis are the baddest dogs in town, that is, until they come across Pipsqueak! Mummy Days by Sue deGennaro

Some days are full of tree climbing, cloud watching, and games of hide-and-seek. Other days are for rushing through the shops or What the Fluffy Bunny answering emails. But no Said to the Lazy Llama matter what kind of Mummy by P. Crumble, illustrated by Day it is, there's always fun Chris Saunders to be had and hugs to be shared. The sports carnival is next week, and Fluffy Bunny is reminding everyone to practise. Can his friends stretch, lift and bounce in preparation for the big day?

The Koala Who Couldn't Sleep by Robert Cox, illustrated by Jim robbins

Everyone knows that what koalas do best is sleep, but young Clive can’t help feeling different.He hardly ever wants to sleep! He’s itchy and twitchy, and sleeping on branches is a dangerous game when you just can’t stop moving! Maybe he was mixed up at birth and is really a monkey! Maybe he’s an elephant? Or something much, much bigger . . . One day, somewhere between sleep and wild imagination, Clive wonders what adventures he might have if only he were a different kind of animal . . . and soon discovers that being himself is not so bad after all!

32 Person, Place or Thing

Circle the correct answer. Is the picture a person, place or thing?

Person Person

Place Place

Thing Thing

Person Person

Place Place

Thing Thing

Person Person

Place Place

Thing Thing

33 Coming Soon - Easy Junior & Junior Fiction

So many interesting books to look forward to in the next few months!

The Chicken's Curse by Frances Watts

Felix and Livia are being Wigglesbottom Primary: pursued across the Roman empire, from the darkest, Break-Time Bunnies dampest corner of Gaul to by Pamela Butchart, the dry, desert sands of illustrated by Becka Moor Tadmor. They must reach Rome by the Ides of April to Laugh out loud school-based rescue Livia's brother before fun in these short stories, he is sent into the arena to perfect for encouraging do battle with lions - and independent reading. perhaps a vicious ostrich or two! Along the way, the pair All is chaos in Year 2! An are helped (and hindered) by unexpected visitor, a a selfish sacred chicken, a bewitched violin and an foolish camel and a grumpy invasion of bunnies! What magic carpet as they can it all mean??? encounter bandits, a shipwreck and a false accusation. Will they save Livia's brother in time, or will they all fall victim to the chicken's curse?

E-Boy by Anh Do, illustrated by Chris Wahl Ben Braver and the Ethan is supposed to be Vortex of Doom doing regular teenage things by Marcus Emerson —like playing sports and

hanging out with friends. He Ben Braver has one day to is not supposed to be in save the world. hospital getting a brain

tumour removed by Gemini, The students of Kepler a high-tech android doctor. Academy are under

threat . . . again. And, this And so the story begins.... time, so is the rest of the world. Ben Braver might just be humanity's only hope. 34 January Stars by Kate Constable

When twelve-year old Clancy and her fourteen-year-old sister, Tash, visit their Pa at his aged-care facility, they have no idea that the three of them Wanda Seasongood will soon set out on an intrepid and the Mostly True adventure. Secret by Susan Lurie, illustrated by Jenn Harney

Wanda hates her little brother, Zane. But don't judge her for it--Zane is an absolute terror, and her parents blame Wanda for Midnight on Strange his monstrous behavior. On Street her eleventh birthday, by K. E. Ormsbee Wanda makes a wish: to find her true family, because AVERY MILLER is looking for she knows deep down that a fresh start, away from all this one can't be hers. She the bomb sirens and talk of gets a surprise visit from a war in Los Angeles. She talking bluebird named expects to find a haven in Voltaire who seems wise Callaway, Texas, where the and confirms her suspicion cool new substance glow that someone has been was first discovered. What meddling with her life. He she doesn t count on is knows the secret . . . he just making friends with can't remember what it is glowboard skaters Dani, right now. Together they Bastian, and Lola, AKA the venture into the Scary Sardines Wood, where they encounter many magical creatures as they search for the truth.

The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny by Bella Swift

Peggy the pug's family have adopted an adorable little bunny, just in time for Easter. Peggy used to be top dog, but now she has to share their attention with this long-eared newcomer. Jealous of the new pet, Peggy decides that she must become a rabbit to compete. Can every-bunny learn to get along and realise that there's more than enough love to go around?

A funny story with an uplifting message about sibling rivalry.

PAGE 12 35 Coming Soon - Easy Junior & Junior Fiction

Petorix the Winged Slicer (Beast Quest) 24 by Adam Blade

When Tom's adversary Ria steals an old boot from King Hugo's palace it turns out she has a shocking plan. She uses a powerful magic stone circle to travel back in time, planning to stop Tom's ancestor Tanner from succeeding in his battle against Petorix the Winged Slicer. If she manages to change the course of history, Tom himself will never have been born! Tom and Elenna must follow Ria into the past, defeat Petorix and save Tanner before Tom himself vanishes completely ...

Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows by Robert Muchamore

A town. A forest. A hero. You can't go far without a quick brain and some rule-bending in a place like Locksley. After its vast car plants shut down, the Orion Lost prosperous town has by Alastair Chisholm become a wasteland of empty homes, toxic land The transport ship Orion is and families on the brink four months out of Earth when catastrophe strikes - leaving the ship and everyone on board stranded in deep space. Suddenly it's up to thirteen- year-old Beth and her friends to navigate through Landing with Wings treacherous and uncharted by Trace Balla territory to reach safety. But a heavily-damaged ship, A young girl's nature diary space pirates, a mysterious is a joyful journey of alien species, and an discovery. From the multi- artificial intelligence that award-winning creator Beth doesn't know if she of Rivertime and Rockhop can trust means that ping comes another getting home has never celebration of the world been so difficult... around us.

36 Timmy the Ticked Off Pony and the Poo of Excitement by Magda Szubanski, illustrated by Dean Rankine

Timmy is rude. He's lazy. He's ALWAYS cranky. And he's also one of the most FAMOUS ponies in all the known world! Until one day when...POO HAPPENS. Surely one little poo of excitement cant ruin Timmys life. Can it? Yes, it can. Find out how in the funniest new series by award-winning Frankie Fish and the comedian and author Wild Wild Mess Magda Szubanski! by Helliar, illustrated by Lesley Vamos

Frankie Fish has a hunch that a famous Medicine Man Cloudburst from the Wild West holds by Wilbur Smith the answer to his grandad’s forgetfulness, so he and Brand new Wilbur Smith Drew pack their cowboy series for readers of 11+ - hats and spurs and take the starring fourteen-year-old Sonic Suitcase for another Jack Courtney. spin. But when they arrive, gold fever has struck, and Jack Courtney has lived in Frankie and Drew must take London his whole life. But on some sneaky outlaws this summer his parents are and clear their new friend’s travelling to the Democratic name. Can Frankie Fish and Republic of the Congo for a Drew Bird yee-haw their gorilla conference, and way into the history books? they've promised to take Jack and his friends with them.

MegaBat and Fancy Cat by Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Kass Reich

Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning- presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present.

Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet- a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He's always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat.

PAGE 12 37 Coming Soon - Easy Junior & Junior Fiction

Vote Weirdo by Anh Do

It’s time to vote! Weir Do’s in the running for class captain... but will an EPIC HAIR DISASTER destroy his chances of winning?! It won’t be easy... but it will be funny.

Weirdo 14

Scary Mary and the Stripe Spell by Emily Rodda, illustrated by Lucinda Crack Up Gifford by Jules Faber Monty lives on a perfect Max Crack and his best island in the middle of a friend Frankie are back with magical sea. Sometimes even more quest- the sea throws up ordinary adventures! Armed something interesting … with a shiny new quest list, and Monty goes on an they are on a mission to amazing adventure! find a meteorite, make a movie, solve a sisterly feud, eat truckloads of chocolate, set a World Record ...

Funny Kid Peeking Duck by Matt Stanton

Every kid wants to laugh, but Max is the boy who can make it happen.

He's not the smartest kid; he's not the fastest kid; he's not the prettiest kid; but he might just be the funniest kid you've ever met.

Max and his friends take a road trip to Adventure Park to dare each other to ride The Tower of Dying Deathly Doom. But it may be Duck who is the bravest one of all.

38 Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valour by Ally Carter

When 11-year-old April joins a group of kids living at Winterborne Home she doesn't expect to be there for very long. But she soon learns that this home isn't like any of the others - especially when she unearths the secret of the missing-and-presumed-dead billionaire, Gabriel Winterborne, who is neither missing nor dead but is actually living in a basement lair, sharpening his swords and looking for vengeance.

Monster Mayhem by Christopher Eliopoulos

In this funny, action-packed graphic novel adventure, a science-obsessed girl finds herself in the middle of one of her favorite monster movies. Can she invent her way out of disaster while also saving the monster who has become her friend? Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World by Konnie Huq Attack of the Heebie- Jeebies Cookie's life is basically over. by Tom Percival Her best friend in the Erika is fed up of her parents whole world is moving to paying all their attention to Solihull because one of her annoying little brother, her dads has a new job Randall. But when she goes to there. Solihull?! Where sleep angry at Randall, her even is that?! Cookie begs dream is stolen by a pack of her parents for a pet to fill hungry Heebie Jeebies! the void but they have Trapped in given her an absolute NO. with no way to get home, It would be way too Erika's only hope is the Dream expensive and way way Team – a motley gang of too messy. creatures whose job is to see dreamers safely through the night.

PAGE 12 39 Coming Soon - Easy Junior & Junior Fiction

Bust a Move by Adrian Beck, illustrated by Scott Edgar

Think of the COOLEST, FUNNIEST, most HANDSOME kid in school, times it by a gazillion and you get DEREK DILBERT DOOL. At least he thinks so . . . Pity he’s the only one. The Golden Llama by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Simon Greiner

The League of Llamas The Ghost Network (LOL) are a group of secret (Book 3) Systems llama agents and they’re Failure on a mission to save the by I.I. Davidson and Aleksi world – if only Agent 0011 Delikouras Phillipe Llamar could stop looking in the mirror at his The gang are back in the luxurious fringe and Agent Wolf's Den and are finally 0013 Lloyd Llamanator ready to put their abilities could resist the temptation toward forces for good. The to eat everything in his threat of Roy Lykos has path! There’s also the finally been put to rest . . .or thieving General has it? His tentacles of Bottomburp to contend power may stretch further with and a mysterious lady than John had initially llama in red. thought.

The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt

First Frost has touched Cape Fen, and that means Baron Dire has returned. For as long as anyone can remember, the baron has haunted the town, striking magical bargains and demanding unjust payment in return. Sisters Eliza and Winnie Serling know better than to bargain with Dire, lest they find themselves hunted by the Baron's companion, the Wolf. Then, without warning, the Wolf attacks Winnie. The Serling sisters manage to escape, but they know the Wolf will be back — the Wolf only hunts those who owe Baron Dire payment. Eliza refuses to lose her sister. If she can learn the truth, she might be able to save Winnie. But learning the truth will put her own life in danger...

40 Just for Fun

Find and circle the ten differences.

41 Coming Soon - Junior Non-Fiction

Feed your curiosity!

With these great coming soon non-fiction books.

Australia's intriguing Anzac Girl: The War Past (Fantastic Facts Diaries of Alice Ross- About) King by Frances Payne by Kate Simpson, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft Convicts and bushrangers, pirates and princes, they The true story of Anzac girl have all had a part to play in Sister Alice Ross-King, who Australia's past. The history sailed to war in December of the Indigenous Australians 1914 and became the most goes back for over 60,000 decorated woman in years, a length of time that is Australia. so vast it is difficult to It was 1914 when Sister Alice comprehend. Find out the Ross-King left Australia for stories of all these people in the war. Nursing was her this book, and discover how passion - all she had ever they have left their mark on wanted to do. But Alice today's Australia. couldn't have imagined what she would see. She served four long years and was brave, humble and endlessly compassionate.

50 Reasons To Love Endangered Animals by Catherine Barr, illustrated by Hanako Clulow

There are so many reasons to love animals: lions have Survivor Kids magnificent shaggy manes, by Peter Macinnis penguins go tobogganing on their tummies, bears wiggle and Starting with bush safety and dance as they scratch, whales moving on to look at sing songs, and elephants can surviving fire, earth feel sadness. But all the animals movements, wild water, wild in this book especially need our winds and dangerous love—now more than ever. animals, Survivor Kids is a fun Learn about their habitats, what introduction to the risks of makes them special, and show the natural environment and them you care with simple the ways in which children activities you can do at home. can try to avoid harm. 42 Super Sporty Girls by Penguin Random House Australia

What sport will I try?

I love to run, kick a ball and jump. I'm happy gliding through the water too - maybe that could be the place for me. Or on a track, going as fast as I can. And it's such a great feeling being part of a team and playing with others. Maybe Australia's top sportswomen can help me discover my passion and inspire me to be the best that I can.

Your Planet Needs You! by Philip Bunting Super-Funny ROFL

Your Planet needs you! Jokes by Thomas Nelson Everyday environmentalism for everyone. An entertaining Get ready for some and enlightening look at how funny family time! Your to wallop waste and reduce children will want to rubbish. share with friends and family the jokes they find in Super-Funny ROFL Jokes.

How Art Works by Sarah Hull

What is art? Where do artists get their ideas from? How do artists make pictures look "real"? This lively book answers these questions and many more, to explore how art works. It features scores of cartoons and over 65 full-colour reproductions, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst.

43 Premier's Reading Challenge

Do you know what 'The Premier's Challenge' is?

It is a wonderful program organised by the Premier's Department of NSW that aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.

The above statement is something we as Librarians believe in whole heartedly. So although we are not officially involved in the program we still want to support you, our wonderful little readers in your reading challenge. What we have done to help you on your way is place, special PRC stickers on some of the titles to help you locate them on the library's shelves.

However it is important to remember to check your list first to make sure the book is currently on your reading list.

If you would like more information on the 'Premier's Reading Challenge' talk to your teacher, School Librarian or go the website: www.premiersreadingchallenge. nsw.edu.au

Happy Reading!

44 Some of Our Favourites - Premier's Reading Challenge

Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack (K-2) by Lynley Dodd

Hairy Maclary is looking for some peace and quiet for his afternoon snooze. But Zachary Quack, a small but very determined duckling, sets out to make friends with Hairy Maclary - whether he wants it or not. Will Hairy ever get any peace?

Wombat and the Great Poohjam (3-4) by Jackie French, illustrated by Andrew Marlton

The Grand Poohjam of Stink'um knows exactly how to make kids do as they are told-that is, before the Princess of O'Straylia arrives in his court with her pet wombat. He thinks he's going to The Wishing Spell, Land make mincemeat of the of Stories book 1, (5-6) Princess, but he has another by Chris Colfer think coming! It's going to take more than a bed with silk Alex and Conner Bailey's cushions, a huge marble bath world is about to and a big-screen TV to bring change.When the twins' untold riches to his kingdom! grandmother gives them a treasured fairy-tale book, they have no idea they're about to enter a land Dragonkeeper, beyond all imagining: the Land of Stories, where fairy Dragonkeeper Series tales are real. But as Alex book 1, (7-9) and Conner soon discover, by Carole Wilkinson the stories they know so well haven't ended in this Ancient China, Han Dynasty. A magical land - Goldilocks is slave girl saves the life of an now a wanted fugitive, Red ageing dragon and escapes Riding Hood has her own her brutal master. Pursued by kingdom, and Queen a ruthless dragon hunter, the Cinderella is about to girl and the dragon make an become a mother! The twins epic journey across China know they must get back carrying a mysterious stone home somehow. But with the that must be protected. This is legendary Evil Queen hot on the story of a young slave girl their trail, will they ever find who believes she is not worthy the way? of a name but finds within herself the strength and courage to make this perilous journey - and do what must be PAGE 12 done 45 My PRC Reading Log

PRC Code Title Author

46 By reading with a child every day you can....

Help them understand Develop themselves Instill a love literacy and others of language skills and learning

1000 BOOKS BEFORE SCHOOL Read and be ready!

City of Parramatta Libraries 1000 Books Before School program, aims to encourage children from birth to five years to read 1000 books with their parent or guardian before they start school.

Register online at https://parralibrary.beanstack.org or pick up an information booklet at any City of Parramatta Libraries. Connect Participate Learn

CITY OF PARRAMATTA LIBRARIES

The information contained in this document is believed to be the most recent and accurate available at the time of publication. The City of Parramatta gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information. You should seek your own independent advice before relying on any information contained in this document.