My Little Bookcase » Book Lists & Reviews

The Other Christy by Oliver Phommavanh

Jackie Small — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 10:21:26 +0000

We love Oliver Phommavanh’s work… he is an entertaining, engaging and relevant writer for middle and upper primary readers, regularly writing content around the themes of friendship and diversity.

We’re quite lucky to have Oliver visit My Little Bookcase today to share the inspiration and research behind the story of his latest book, The Other Christy (perfect for girls in middle and upper primary).

You’ve got a Friend in Me- guest post by Oliver Phommavanh.

In my latest book, The Other Christy, I drew on my personal experiences as a teacher. I had classes with kids with the same name. Every class had its different way of telling the two or three kids apart, whether by using their surnames like Julie B and Julie W, or by variations of their names, Matty and Matthew. In one particular class, the two girls couldn’t be further apart. One was loud and hogged the spotlight with her presence. The other girl was just that…the other one; The shy girl who only said something when I marked the roll. She was a bright girl, but she just couldn’t come out of her shell. She wanted more than anything to have a friend and be heard.

The two girls never became friends in my class. But in my head I kept thinking what if?…what if two girls with the same name become unlikely friends? It follows a similar trend in my books, where two characters worlds apart, come together. In Con-nerd, Connor is a nerd who befriends a cool troublemaker kid. I’m fascinated by these friendships because it’s a reflection of what I see in the playground. For every conventional friendship brought together with a common interest like sport, there are friendships that are formed through circumstances, like being forced to do a project together.

All my books have themes of friendship. It’s funny that friendship is an actual theme but I don’t mind the tag. Friendships are family you can choose. It’s a ripe area for drama and laughs. One of my favourite books of all time is Robin Klein’s Hating Alison Ashley. I thought it perfectly captured the dynamics of friendships, especially ones between girls. Erica Yurken and Alison Ashley started off as rivals and ended up friends. Erica never saw it coming. Christy Ung would never have thought she could be friends with her enemy, but she gives Christie a chance and lets her guard down.

Christie Owens is a queen bee in class, but her besties become beasties and she’s left on the outer. I’ve seen friendships and groups form, break and make up over the course of a year. Nobody stays popular forever. Kids change. It all makes for interesting and funny stories.

More recently, I’ve enjoyed Randa Abdel-Fattah’s Friendship Matchmaker series. In these books, Lara spends her time matching kids together at school, but she doesn’t really have a friend herself. Abdel-Fattah nails the playground politics that go on at school, and I found myself nodding at those awkward moments kids have when they first meet new people.

Friendship books are not meant to show kids how to make friends. It’s not as easy as kids just having to be nice to make friends. If anything, it’s more like being yourself and finding your tribe. Even so, I think when kids read these kinds of books, they will relate to the characters without thinking too hard about any morals. It will come to them in a different way when they reflect on the story. I think about all the friends I’ve made at school, and they were more than just being stuck together in a class. The friendships that are genuine and enduring have a quality that is more than just common interests. It’s a bond and it’s something that I try to capture myself when I write my stories.

Book Details:

Title: The Other Christy

Author: Oliver Phommavanh

ISBN: 9780143505723

Publisher: Penguin Australia, June 2016

RRP: $16.99

Look out for these other titles:

Click the book covers to visit The Kids’ Bookshop for more details on these books by or recommended by Oliver:

Book Review: Hannah’s Night by Komako Sakai

Jackie Small — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 05:20:40 +0000

I realised when sharing this book on Instagram for a #picturebookchallenge, that I never got around to officially reviewing Hannah’s Night on the blog- even though it is one of our family’s most treasured picture books.

Devastated and disappointed in myself, I set to rectifying the error of my ways…and thus, here you have my first book review in 7 months.

Hannah’s Night was originally published in Japan in 2012 and this English language edition was published by Gecko Press in 2013. I suspect there are many reasons that this book tugs at my heart strings, with my soft spot for Japan possibly playing a part.

On first glance, it is easy to fall in love with the rich, textured illustrations in warm blues and gentle pastels. Komako Sakai’s use of acrylic layers makes you feel as though you are secretly observing Hannah through a sheer veil- effectively portraying a moonlit setting.

Yes, the illustrations are truly exquisite but the story is also cleverly simple, tender and universal. Hannah, an adorable and familiar toddler, wakes in the night to find her family still sleeping. Hannah soon discovers she can raid the fridge and play with her sister’s doll, music box and pencils without being reprimanded.

I once told Cammy that as a child, planning a midnight feast was one of my favourite things to do when sleeping over at my friend’s house. She has been fascinated by these midnight escapades ever since, but as a first-born child she didn’t quite have the courage to plan one for herself. As such, Cammy quite enjoys reading about the nerve of Hannah to explore the fridge and her sister’s belongings without permission in the middle of the night.

As a first-born myself, I empathise with Hannah’s older sister and her need to protect her belongings. But Ike has taught me to sympathise with the plight of little brothers and sisters, in which they must obey the rules of their big sibling or endure the wrath if they dare break them. For little brothers and sisters it is only in the secrecy of the night that one could get away with such antics as Hannah’s…and her quiet giggles clearly demonstrate that such freedom brings pure and innocent joy for little siblings.

And at the end of the night, Komako Sakai leaves us with an image of Hannah snuggled and fast asleep on the edge of her big sister’s bed- a true symbol of the very special and close, if not complicated, relationship that exists between siblings.

Hannah’s Night is beautiful in every way, and a treasure for every family member to enjoy.

Book Details

Title: Hannah’s Night

Author/Illustrator: Komako Sakai

Publisher: Gecko Press, 2013

ISBN: 9781877579554

RRP: $16.99

BOOK AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE VIA THE KIDS’ BOOKSHOP

Book Review: Pig Dude- He Can Do Anything by Michael Wagner and Adam Nickel

Jackie Small — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 03:02:43 +0000

Meet Pig Dude.

He is the flavour of the month here and Ike’s new favourite book character. He really does idolise Pig Dude. In fact, it’s become common at home for Ike to call out, “Look Mum!” as he sidles down his nappy ever so slightly to show me the top of his bottom, “Just like Pig Dude,” laughing with pure joy and mischief.

In all honesty, I was mortified when Ike first pulled down his nappy. We were in The Little Bookroom just after a special school holiday storytime. But I take no responsibility for Ike’s latest shenanigans. I completely and utterly blame author, Michael Wagner, who inadvertently pointed out Pig Dude’s bottom on every page while he read to the kids!!!!!!!!

Sounds dreadful doesn’t it? Quite the contrary actually. Michael is a consummate author and entertainer. He had the children, and their parents, absolutely enthralled. Children were eating out of the palm of his hand, laughing at every page turn as Michael read from his newest release, Pig Dude- He can Do Anything. And, as for Ike, if my kids are thinking about books and talking about characters, then I call that a WIN!

Pig Dude – loose pants aside- is far from an undesirable character. He is completely lovable. The endpapers tell us that Pig Dude had been abandoned as a baby and adopted by a loving mother who encourages Pig Dude to do anything. Filled with encouragement, Pig Dude sets out to fly, and actually achieves some degree of success.

The reaction of the children as Michael read the story proves that Michael is onto a good thing. He seems to genuinely understand what makes kids tick and what makes them laugh… boys in particular (without meaning to be stereotypical). But I must point out that girls enjoyed the book as much as the boys. Pig Dude is full of silliness and nonsense and unbelievable acts. They’re the kind of acts that have kids turning the pages of the book so quickly, searching for MORE. In fact, if it was possible to capture slapstick comedy in a book, I’d say Michael has done just that.

Silliness aside; despite foiled plans, a careless flock of birds and a wayward arrow, Pig Dude forges on and demonstrates to our beautiful youngsters the values of creativity, self-belief and persistence.

This is essentially a book for early-independent readers. Short paragraphs, large font and coloured illustrations help it bridge the gap perfectly between picture books and chapter books.

Ike simply loves his signed copy.

Book Details:

Author: Michael Wagner

Illustrator: Adam Nickel

ISBN: 9780994251718

Publisher: Billy Goat Books, 2015

Age recommendation: 4-8

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE KIDS’ BOOKSHOP

Other (coloured) illustrated early-reader books we love:

The Boris series by Andrew Joyner

The Cleo Stories by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood

The Little Rockets series (New Frontier Books)

Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp

The Figaro and Rumba series by Anna Fienberg and Stephen Michael King

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R U OK? Books for Children about Anxiety and Depression

Jackie Small — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 04:27:06 +0000

Today is R U Ok? Day, and Australians are being encouraged to check in with family and friends and start conversations about health and well-being, providing friendship and support to people who are struggling with life.

Mental illness and struggles with life aren’t only experienced by adults. Children too struggle with anxiety and sadness. Sometimes I find picture books can start some incredible conversations with children, so today I’ve compiled a list of six Australian picture books that see characters struggle with grief, anxiety and daily blues… and maybe by reading one of these books, your child might open up to you about something they haven’t shared with you before.

MR HUFF by Anna Walker (Penguin Books)

Mr Huff hangs like a dark shadow above a young Bill’s shoulder, turning small worries into dark and difficult days. Instead of trying to run away from this foreboding shadow, Bill finally learns to acknowledges his Mr Huff, and his days no longer seem so daunting; instead, he can smile, hear laughter and see sunshine.

DUCK AND THE DARKLINGS by Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King (Allen & Unwin)

When Peterboy and his community find themselves in a dark place, they go searching for something that will return the light. With the help of a wounded but wandering duck, they rediscover light, music, dancing, tenderness, love, community and hope.

BLUE WHALE BLUES by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

Consumed by anxiety and the blues, Whale is lucky to have friends who guide him through each little concern, offer solutions to his problems and ultimately help him see the funny side of life.

CHASING SHADOWS by Corinne Fenton and Hannah Sommerville (Ford Street Publishing)

Hannah Sommerville so tenderly captures the sadness and shadows in a little girl’s life after her mother passes away; while the story talks of time passing until Beth is ready to welcome a new life into her home by the way of an excitable puppy.

WINTER’S BLANKET by Phil Cummings and Donna Gynell (Windy Hollow Books)

The gentle and comforting book for children uses winter as a metaphor for a time of concern, worry, anxiety or sadness; while spring represents the hope that this difficult time will pass.

COMING HOME by Sharon McGuinness and Shannon Melville (Wombat Books)

Coming Home gently describes the ebbs and flows of depression: the dark moments and the warm moments that a sufferer might experience. The garden is used as a symbol of these contrasting periods.

Do you or a loved one need help? Find help now.

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging and empowering all people to ask “are you ok?” of anyone struggling with life. Our vision is a world where everyone is connected and is protected from suicide.

Find out more: ruok.org.au

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DISNEY JUNIOR’S THE BOOK OF ONCE UPON A TIME- BOOK WEEK PREMIERE

Jackie Small — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 09:58:02 +0000

Whether it’s through play, performance, or even themed-food, bringing stories to life is at the heart of My Little Bookcase, and I love discovering new ways to engage children with stories.

Disney Junior The Channel is bringing to life some favourite Disney characters, including Snow White, Winnie the Pooh and Aladdin, in the new interactive and locally-produced series of The Book of Once Upon a Time. With the help of talented actress and playwright, Kate Mulvany, Disney Junior The Channel brings timeless stories to life with classic storytelling, animated page turns, character voices, re-enactments and humble animations.

The second season of Disney Junior’s The Book of Once Upon a Time launched during Book Week with Snow White and the Great Jewel Hunt screening on Disney Junior The Channel (Foxtel 709) at 7:10pm on Monday 24 August. In case you missed it, Snow White and the Great Jewel Hunt along with future episodes from The Book of Once Upon a Time can also be viewed through the Disney Junior website.

Personally, I am captivated by Kate Mulvany’s storytelling. As a young girl, Kate became very ill and had to spend long periods in hospital. During one stay, her godmother brought her Kit Williams’ picture book, Masquerade, which transported Kate far away from the stark hospital corridors to a magical new world and sparking a life-long passion for storytelling.

As a mother myself to a young boy who has also experienced lengthy stints in hospital, I understand the power of books for children in hospital and it is no wonder that Kate developed such a connection to stories. I know the stories from The Book of Once Upon a Time would light up Ike’s eyes if he found himself in hospital once again.

Disney Junior’s The Book of Once Upon a Time will continue with a new story and lullaby each night at 7:10pm (AEST) on Disney Junior- The Channel (Foxtel 709), making it easy to incorporate into a bedtime routine.

Disney stories, including Winnie the Pooh, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and Frozen, can also be viewed through the Disney Junior website and the Disney stories featured in The Book of Once Upon a Time are also available as eBooks from the Disney Story Central app, available to download from iTunes.

This post brought to you by Nuffnang and Disney Junior The Channel

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BOOKS LIGHT UP OUR WORLD- Simple Book Week Ideas for Homes and Classrooms

Jackie Small — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:09:10 +0000

There are so many ways to interpret the theme or Book Week 2015, Books Light Up Our World.

FIND A SPECIAL PLACE TO READ DURING BOOK WEEK

Read under moonlight
Read under the stars
Read by torchlight
Read at sunrise
Read by the fire or by candlelight
Read under fairy lights

PLAY WITH SHADOWS AND LIGHT

Light and Shadow Book Play: Use a projector to light up your favourite story or play with books on a light table.
Put on a shadow puppet show
Play with shadows

GET CRAFTY WITH LIGHTS AND BOOKS

Make paper bag lanterns to light up your favourite books and characters
Make a glow-in-the-dark bookmark
Make a glow-in-the-dark reading bug

READ THEMED BOOKS:

~Start with books that make YOU light up with joy!

…and CBCA award-winning and shortlisted books

~Books about Light

Boris Sees the Light by Andrew Joyner (Penguin Books Australia)

The Extraordinary Mr Qwerty by Karla Strambini (Walker Books)

The Bush Book Club by Margaret Wild and Ben Wood (Omnibus Books) ~‘He switched on the lamp and looked around for something to do.’

The Light by Jo Oliver (New Frontier Publishing) ~‘The Light shines from dusk until dawn to protect those at sea.’

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch

Follow the Firefly by Bernardo Carvalho (Book Island) ~ ‘Excuse me, have you seen a flashing light?’

EJ Spy School- Lights Out by Susannah McFarlane (Scholastic)

Shadow by Suzy Lee (Chronicle Books)

~Books about the Moon

Moomin and the Moonlight Adventure by Tove Jansson (Penguin)

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon (Viking Penguin Group)

Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod and Freya Blackwood (Little Hare)~‘Then they rumbaed and jived and salsaed by the light of the moon.’

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Puffin Books) ~‘In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.’

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichenheld

The Very Noisy Bear by Nick Bland (Scholastic Press) ~‘Then when the show was over and the moon had settled in, when everyone was fast asleep…he tried the violin.’

Milo and the Moon Kangaroo by Dan Taylor (Simon and Schuster)~ ‘Milo danced over moon rocks and around craters, until he reached a moon cave.’

Waiting for Later by (Walker Books)~ ‘And she could hear the moon… Now here’s a funny story. I’m fat, then I’m thing, then I’m gone.’

A Surprise for Dingo by Rina A Foti and Sandra Kendell (Windy Hollow Books)~ ‘One moon bright night, under a star speckled sky, at the edge of the Great Sandy desert…A dingo howled.’

Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester (Viking Penguin Group)~ ‘And may you baby, be kissed by the moon.’

The Cow Tripped over the Moon by Tony Wilson and Laura Wood (Scholastic Press)~ ‘Hey diddle diddle. You all know the riddle, A cow jumps over the moon. It happened, all right, On a crisp, cloudless night on the second-last Friday in June.’

Can I Cuddle the Moon? by Kerry Brown and Lisa Stewart (Scholastic)

Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng and Yuyi Morales (Walker Books)~ ‘The moon is a grey place, it’s true, but the songs of the moon are many.’

~Books about Stars

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins Books)~ ‘He thought he could fly up in his spaceship and just grab a star. But his spaceship had run out of petrol last Tuesday when he flew to the moon.’

Twinkle by Nick Bland (Schoalstic Press)~ ‘Penny Pasketti stared into space and pretended the stars were her friends. She imagined that every twinkle was a smile or a secret or some such wonderful thing.’

Bushland Lullaby by Sally Odgers and Lisa Stewart (Scholastic Press)~ ‘Under sparkling skies, by friendly seas. In your own backyard by the rivers and trees. Think of this when it’s time for bed…You’re not the only sleepy head.’

Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer (Scholastic) ~‘It’s time for bed, little goose, little goose. The stars are out and on the loose.’

Shine by Trace Balla (Allen & Unwin)~ ‘This was their daddy’s star, looking down on them, shining its bright, golden light onto them and into their hearts, for ever and ever.’

Stars by Mary Lyn Ray and Maria Frazee(Simon and Schuster)

~Books about the Sun

How the Sun got to Coco’s House by Bob Graham (Walker Books)

First Flight by David Miller (Penguin)

~Books that have a message that dark days will pass

Mr Huff by Anna Walker (Viking-Penguin Books)~ ‘The day was cloudy with a chance of sunshine.’

Chasing Shadows by Corinne Fenton and Hannah Sommerville (Ford Street Publishing)~ ‘One yellow morning when the sun is new and shadows long a puppy comes to live at Beth’s house.`

Duck and the Darklings by Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King (Allen & Unwin)

Coming Home by Sharon McGuinness and Sharon Melville (Wombat Books)~’The sun shines on the garden, but her father pulls his jacket tighter round his body.’

Winter’s Blanket by Phil Cummings and Donna Gynell (Windy Hollow Books)~ ‘No matter how long winter lingers, spring will always come.’

~Books about the World

On a Beam of Light- Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and Vladimir Radunsky (Hardie grant Egmont)~’ Albert’s ideas helped build spaceships and satellites that travel to the moon and beyond. His thinking helped us understand the universe as no one ever had before.’

Visit The Kids’ Bookshop for books that will help you learn about the world.

Childhood 101 takes you Around the World in 40 Books.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT BOOKS YOU’D ADD TO THIS LIST.

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