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	These are my hands & These are my feet Reviewer: Sally Hall Author: Judy Horacek Publisher: National Library of Australia This picture book is a double whammy featuring These are My Hands and if you flip it over you also get These are My feet. My feet take me places... hopping, skipping, jumping races, crazy, zany, backyard chases. It is written in simple rhyme that is perfect for reading aloud. The illustrations are colourful and interesting and the subject matter of all the amazing things we can do with our hands and feet will no doubt appeal to toddlers and babies. It is a great size for throwing in a nappy bag and is a lovely hard back edition complete with a dust jacket. A perfect distraction tool just in case you get stuck in a long queue with a restless child! For more information see: http://bookshop.nla.gov.au/book/these-are-my-handsthese-are-my-feet.do http://horacek.com.au/books/hands-feet/
	Little Good Wolf Reviewer: Sally Hall Author: Aleesah Darlison Illustrator: Shannon Melville Publisher: Wombat Books Little Good Wolf wants to be liked and to have friends. He wants to belong. But Little Good Wolf has one HUGE problem. His dad is the Big Bad Wolf, the most feared villain in all of Fairytale Land. The Big Bad Wolf scares girls in red capes. He chases grannies in their nighties. He blows houses down and frightens little pigs. No wonder no one will play with Little! Little Good Wolf is a very cute story featuring familiar fairy tale characters. When Little's Dad's reputation prevents Little from making friends he sets out to help his dad find a new vocation with some hilarious results. This is a great book for young readers with large font and some fantastic black and white illustrations. Will the Big Bad Wolf find a new career that his son approves of? You'll have to read it to find out. For more information check out this link: http://www.wombatbooks.com.au/littlegoodwolf.html
	Australian Backyard Naturalist Reviewer: Sally Hall Author: Peter Macinnis Publisher: National Library of Australia Did you know that the Giant Gippsland earth worm grows to a metre in length? Or that daddy long-leg spiders hunt and eat redbacks? Australian Backyard Naturalist is a fantastic collection of facts, photos, illustrations and projects, as well as notes from the authors own experiences. There are fun projects to complete in your own backyard, e.g. making nest boxes for possums, making pit and fly traps, creating a frog pond, catching and keeping spiders and slugs, or creating a worm farm. The topics covered include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, butterflies, flies, mosquitos, ants, stingers, snails, slugs, earthworms and leeches. The graphic design is varied and interesting with no large chunks of text to discourage reluctant readers. Photos of deceased animals and close ups of fly eyes and maggots, as well as the array of fun facts will keep children turning the pages. The projects are user friendly and include checklists and easy to follow instructions using mostly every day materials. At 222 pages it is a substantial resource for a classroom or library. It would make a lovely gift, especially for boys. My own sons were quick to grab this from the pile of review books and anything that encourages them to get away from the computer screen and discover nature is a hit with me! For more information please see the National Library of Australia website http://bookshop.nla.gov.au/book/australian-backyard-naturalist.do This edition is the sister publication to the Australian Backyard Explorer.
	Bureau of Mysteries Reviewer: Paris Raphael (age 9) Author: H.J Harper Strange things happen in Little Obscurity - but the Bureau Of Mysteries is always there to investigate. George Feather and Imp Spektor are on the case to solve the case of the Clockwork Octopus Society. The whole point of this adventure is so that George will be getting a better life and earn some money so he can at least get some real food instead of beetle infested bread AKA (beetle  bread as George calls it.) George is a chimney sweeper that has got a big exciting life ahead of him. They meet all sorts of crazy people and things. One of my favourite parts was when Imp had got his sleeve caught on the mechanical Destructo'o'Dragon's scales and George had to save him with solving a special code of the Octopus Society. I think the age range to enjoy this book is around about 8 to 11 and is for both girls and boys. For more information see http://hjharper.com/books/bureau-of-mysteries/ or http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/h-j-harper/bureau-of-mysteries-9781742752143.aspx
	Hal Junior – The Secret Signal Reviewer: Paris Raphael (age 9) Author: Simon Haynes Publisher: Fremantle Press and distributed by Penguin Australia Hal Junior and his friend Stinky live in a futuristic space station. Hal is a mischievous boy and loves to find adventure wherever he can get it. One day on an excursion with his classmates to the “tiger” a spaceship docked at the station he discovers that his mum [a famous scientist]is sending him a message in Morse code. The message says that his class and his mum are all being held hostage by the men on the “tiger” and to get help. Hal junior manages to somehow escape and get help. It’s one big adventure for them all on an ordinary school day. I found the book a bit slow at the beginning as it’s probably suited to boys more than girls around 8-10 years. For more information please see http://www.spacejock.com.au/HalJunior.html
	Monkey Business (Star League 5) Reviewer: Paris Raphael (Age 9) Author: H.J Harper Publisher: Random House ‘Le Nice Pets’ is all the rage among the rich and famous - Aunt Petunia promises to turn your misbehaving pets into perfect angels. But Leigh suspects something’s not right, and when animals start to go missing it’s time for the Star League to step in. But the closer they get to finding the missing animals, the more dangerous it becomes for those close to Leigh. Is cracking this case worth losing what Leigh cares most about in the world? What is the Book about? The book is about saving the word from evil aunt petunia with her le nice pets collars and saving the animals. What did you like best about the book? My favourite part was when they saved the world What age range do you think is best suited to this book? 8 -10 Did you think it was a good length? Yes Did it keep you interested right to the end? Yes Would you read more books by this author? Yes What would you give this book out of 10?  9.5/10 For more information check out this link: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/h-j-harper/star-league-5-monkey-business-9781864718706.aspx
	The Boy Who Ate Himself Reviewed by Sally Hall Author: Colin Cardwell Illustrator: Tony Lowe Publisher: Random House Australia This is a very cute, quirky picture book about a boy who ate himself, yep, you read that right! The illustrations are very amusing, I particularly like the cover image of a boy dousing himself with salt, preparing himself for the feast of fingers, toes and knees until there is nothing left but a mouth. Harold Jones would rather eat himself than the 'healthy stuff' his mother has prepared. This is the gruesomest story, the horriblest of tales. It's worse than spiders and snakes and snails. It's the scariest story upon the bookshelf. It's about the boy who ate himself. This book is highly original, told in rhyme, with bright illustrations and a crazy subject matter which I think will particularly appeal to boys. It is a square format of 23 x 23cm's in paperback and is also available as an e-book. For more information see http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/cardwell-and-lowe/the-boy-who-ate-himself-9781742752433.aspx
	Erasmus James & the Grat Siege Reviewed by Sally Hall Author: DC Green Publisher: Barrel Books DC has created a magical, yet slightly terrifying world of giant rats, unicorns, enormous flying carrier chickens and talking horses. Twelve year old Erasmus James the star of previous books Erasmus James and the Galactic Zapp Machine and Erasmus James, Kings of Kid’s Paradise returns to narrate the excitement of the Grat Siege. The inhabitants of Uponia are in deep trouble.  A military force of giant armoured rats called Grats, led by the evil Queen Dice, is after Erasmus. Holed up in the Golden Castle, Erasmus and his friends are bravely defending the Grat attack but will they survive?  Their food and water is almost gone, their weapons aren’t quite making the grade and the attack just keeps coming in wave after terrible wave. Using a Zapp machine, Erasmus searches for help from other worlds.  Will he find it in time to save his friends and the Island of Uponia from total destruction? The Grat Siege is full of page turning terror, amazing creatures and amusing one-liners that will appeal especially to boys, holding their attention until the very last full stop.   For more information visit http://dcgreenyarns.blogspot.com/ Be sure to check out the interesting facts about Author DC Green at the end of the book.
	Sticky Tricks (Star Girl Series Book 10) Reviewed by Paris Raphael (age 9) Author: Louise Park Publisher: Pan Macmillan Adelaide Banks has made it into the captains year of the SEAS Space Agent program. Does Second Year Space Captain Star Girl have what it takes to save space – one planet at a time? An evil force has struck planet Perilenda and the skunettas are disappearing. When Space Captains Star Girl and Supernova 1 are sent to investigate they soon learn that seeing isn't always believing. Can they see through the evil tricks in time to save the alien skunettas? What is the Book about? The book is about two friends going into outer space and discovering a planet that goes through 4 seasons in a day. Their mission was to kill a shape shifting alien. What did you like best about the book? My favourite part was when they went snowboarding. What age range do you think is best suited to this book? About 7 to 9 years of age. Did you think it was a good length? Yes Would you read more books by this author? Yes What would you give this book out of 10?  8/10 For more information check out the Pan Macmillan websites http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/display_title.asp?ISBN=9781420293791&Author=Louise Park
	Tropical Trouble Review by Paris Raphael (Age 9) What is the Book about? The book is about two twins named Perse and Portia that go with their grandma to Fiji. Then all these problems start to happen, they lose their luggage and Portia’s hair turns bright hot pink and to top it all off they’re stuck in kids club for most of the trip. They are forced to bring their annoying seven year old neighbour Dillon AKA Dill pickle .ha ha ha. Perse has a travel diary that she writes everything in, including all the adventures they had in kids club. What did you like best about the book? My favourite part of the story was when Perse went snorkelling and had to face her fear of sharks. What age range do you think is best suited to this book? About 9 to 11 Did you think it was a good length? Yes. Did it keep you interested right to the end? Yes. It was a fun exciting book to read. Would you read more books by this author? Yes I definitely would. What would you give this book out of 10? Any other comments. 9.5/10 and I really enjoyed this book. For more information see: http://www.aleesahdarlison.com/home http://www.totallytwins.com.au/
	Pearlie in Paris Book review by Paris Raphael (Age 9) Author: Wendy Harmer Illustrator: Gypsy Taylor Publisher: Random House What is the Book about? It’s about a fairy named Pearlie from Australia who goes to Paris to visit the famous Fifi fairy. She designs the latest fashion for fairies and lives in the gardens of the “Palais Royal”. That night a snail named Percy smells a beautiful scent and munches on Fif’s spring collection [all the clothes for the fashion show]. Then it’s up to Pearlie’s quick and artistic thinking to help Fifi save her fashion show. What did you like best about the book? When Pearlie watched the fashion show with Fifi in her garden. What age range do you think is best suited to this book? 5-8 years old. Did you think it was a good length? Yes it was a good length. Did it keep you interested right to the end? Yes it did. It was very interesting. Would you read more books by this author? Yes I would. I love this author and have read many books she’s written. What would you give this book out of 10? Any other comments? I give this book 9.5/10. It was a really fun book to read. I love all of Pearlie’s adventures.
	The Great Expedition Reviewed by Uma Singh Author: Peter Carnavas Illustrator: Peter Carnavas Publisher: New Frontier Publishing  Inspired by the legendary explorers Burke and Wills, this story details the adventure of a group of young, intrepid explorers facing a mighty trek – across the park! The individuals in the team have been recruited for their specific strengths to ensure success, and our group set off with an important package to be delivered at their destination. However, unforseen events during the journey see some of members distracted from the task at hand and numbers dwindle. How many explorers will be left? Will the important package be delivered? Imagination is the key to this story, as an every day trip turns into an epic journey. The story keeps you turning pages, and the lovingly illustrated pictures depict the adventures beautifully.
	Killer Koalas from Outer Space Review by Daniel Hall (aged 11) Author: Andy Griffiths Illustrator: Terry Denton Publisher: Pan MacMillan Killer Koalas from Outer Space is a funny book. It was written by Andy Griffiths and Illustrated by Terry Denton. This book has a whole heap of jokes, funny stories and other stuff, especially killer koalas that will rip your face off. The granny's were pretty funny too. I think it would be enjoyed by kids from about 8 to 12 years old. I give it a 9 out of 10 because it made me laugh a lot.
	The Sorcerers Apprentice Reviewed by Uma Singh Author: Tom Skinner Illustrator: Annie White Publisher: New Frontier Publishing  The Sorcerer’s car and camel wash (yes, you read correctly), is the place to be, and with esteemed clientele like the Mayor, business is good. Rizwan, the sorcerers apprentice, works at the car and camel wash, but soon tires of his ‘boring’ duties. Left in charge and wanting to impress, Rizwan get’s a little bit ahead of himself, and even after an express warning by the sorcerer, conjures spells beyond his control which lands him in all sorts of trouble! The bright and colourful illustrations in this book add to the magic of this tale. It is entertaining and also teaches a classic lesson in patience and perseverance. The book also comes with a CD narration by Antonio Kidman for something a little bit different! For more information see the New Frontier website at http://www.newfrontier.com.au/home.htm
	Alice Miranda by Sea Reviewed by Jemma Carey (aged 11) Author: Jacqueline Harvey Publisher: Random House Australia The book is about Alice-Miranda going on a fabulous cruise called Octavia, because her Aunt Charlotte and Lawrence Ridley are getting married and Alice's Aunt Gee is hosting the ceremony. Just before the ceremony everything goes wrong. There is wild weather, and there is even rumours to be a jewel thief and Alice-Miranda has a feeling she knows the ships doctor somehow. The best part of this book was when Alice-Miranda see's the ship for the first time and just is amazed! I think that this book is best suited for 10-13 years of age it was pefect length because it had room for every detail. I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the rest of the Alice-Miranda books. I give this book an 8/10.
	The Koala Bounces Back Reviewed by Sally Hall Author: Jimmy Thomson Illustrator: Eric Lobbecke Publisher: Random House Australia Karri the koala is enjoying his peaceful bush home until a gang of fierce cats move in. The cats are frightening the small animals and birds but when Karri asks them to leave they refuse. They've been dumped by their owners and have no where else to live. Karri and the cats make a deal. They'll play football (soccer!) and if the cats win they get to stay, the only problem is Karri and his friends don't really know how to play. Will the bush animals band together, using their strengths to make a successful sporting team or will the cats take over forever? This book touches on several themes including protecting native animals, the importance of looking after pets and the differences between the two. The illustrations are colourful and appealing. The story is engaging with a happy ending and embraces the idea that fueding parties can find a solution that doesn't involve violence. The Koala Bounces Back is a sequel to the The Koala Who Bounced. According to the author's website the original version of the bouncing koala was created 18 years ago & it has now reached a second generation of readers. For more information check out the Random House Australia website: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/THE-KOALA-BOUNCES-BACK/9781742750071/Hardback/
	Nanny Piggins and the Rival Ringmaster Review by Jemma Carey (age 11) Author: RA Sprat Publisher: Random House What is the Book about? Nanny Piggins is an adventurous pig who likes to live her life dangerously, but in this book she comes across The Ringmaster from the Circus. She meets a princess who wants her to make a cake for her wedding but then the princess ends up hiding in the cake to get out of it. Nanny Piggins wins a nobel prize that was meant for her sister but she impersonates her and she meets her old friend Esmeralda again. What did you like best about the book? I think the best part of this book was all her adventures because it really felt like you were there watching them happen. What age range do you think is best suited to this book? I think 9-12 year olds would enjoy this book best. Did you think it was a good length? This book was a great length for the story itself because it was not too long but it was long enough that you always knew exactly what happened and and every little detail too. Did it keep you interested right to the end? I definitely think this book was great and I never wanted to take my eyes off the page. Would you read more books by this author? I would most definitely read more books by this author because this book was great. Summary: I would give this book a 10/10. It was amazing. There are many other adventures to read as well. Want to know more? See http://www.randomhouse.com.au/Books/The-Adventures-Of-Nanny-Piggins/9781741663167/Paperback/
	The Mystery of Nida Valley Review by Jemma Carey (age 11) Author: EJ Ouston This Book is about a fourteen year old girl named Meg, her older cousin Jaiden and Meg's friend Amanda who happen to stumble upon a secret valley. It is a dangerous world of magic and there is time travel and creatures that they believed were extinct. What I liked best about the book that no one knew about their secret land where they could have their own adventures. I think this book is best for ages 10-14 years old and was a great length. In this book there was a lot of adventure so it definitely kept me interested the whole story. I really loved this book so I would definitely love to read more books by this author. I am giving this book a 9/10. Want to know more? Check out EJ Ouston's website at http://themysteryofnidavalley.wordpress.com/
	Riley and the Curious Koala (a journey around Sydney) Review by Sally Hall Author: Tania McCartney Illustrator: Kieron Pratt Riley and the Curious Koala is the third book in the Riley adventure series. My seven year old son plucked this book from a large pile of books in my office and asked me to read it to him the moment he saw it. Junior pilot Riley takes us on a journey around Sydney's landmarks in search of an elusive koala. Riley and his friends swoop all over, taking in Bondi Beach, the Opera House, Luna Park and many more iconic views of this famous city. The colourful cartoon illustrations coupled with black and white photographs of Sydney's attractions are an unusual but very appealing combination. As we are regular visitors to Sydney my son enjoyed seeing Riley and his friends at familiar locations, however this was just a bonus, you don't need to know the city to appreciate the images. In fact, this book would be a perfect gift to take overseas. Riley and the Curious Koala was a hit in my house and I'm sure it will be in yours too! I look forward to reading the next book in the series - Riley and the Grumpy Wombat (A journey around Melbourne). Other books in the series include Riley and the Sleeping Dragon (A journey around Bejing) and Riley and the Dancing Lion (A journey around Hong Kong). Want to know more see www.taniamccartney.com
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