Giving books to kids is a fantastic gift. Why? It encourages reading which is such an important skill, it develops imagination (which helps problem and solving and creativity in life), it is a healthy pursuit, it is a change from computer games & TV (it takes more imagination, too) and broadens their horizons. But buying [...]
Kit’s Law by Donna Morrissey Viking Penguin Book Canada Ltd The bargain table out the front of a bookshop is impossible to resist, I just have to have a look for that special book to appear there. Recently, the book Kit’s Law, caught my eye from such a table and at $2.50 I thought it [...]
EYES IN THE DARK by Kim Dale Published 2001 Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, South Melbourne A beautiful picture book that uses poetry, images and questions to introduce children to the wonderful array of nocturnal animals found in Australia. Most of the book is black with white text and detailed illustrations. Pictures are colourful, but [...]
The Persimmon Tree by Bryce Courtney Penguin Books, Australia, 2007 A very different book on World War II in the Pacific, The Persimmon Tree is interesting look at relationships and standards. Seventeen year old Nick falls in love with Anna in a matter of days and then is separated from her by the war. Nick [...]
Given that it is women’s history month, we wondered what books you have enjoyed about historical women and events? We’ll see about getting some related book reviews up this month, but will also try to review some of the books you tell us about, too. The following books may be of interest if you want [...]
The Freedom Writers are a gorup of 150 Californian students who want to encourage tolerance and hope in the world. Their diary shares their journey from near-drop-outs to published authors.
Just recently I discovered that Nancy Drew has joined the 21st century! Here is my review of one of her new books… books still suited to 8 – 13 year old readers.
Book Review by Tash Hughes Who Says I can’t? by Catherine DeVrye Bantam Books, 2005, Australia A mix of motivation and autobiography rolled into one, this book will inspire to you follow your own path for a satisfying life. And is a very positive gift for anyone you care about. Adopted out for reasons that [...]
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Little, Brown and co, United States, 2005 After having heard this author described as the new Anne Rice I had to go check it out. With high expectations in comparison to Anne Rice’s vampire stories I was wary of being disappointed as I expected the Twilight series to mimic Anne Rice’s [...]
Today (Wednesday 21 May) is a great day to read – and encoruage reading in everyone around us – because today is National Simultaneous Storytime. You can get further details from NSS Homepage. How did you participate in today’s celebrations? Did you make an extra effort to read something, or to read with/to someone special?