Author Archives: mstuart720

Dumazi and the big yellow lion

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Valanga Khoza Matt Ottley Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742994116 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Although initially the story reminds us of the Aesop fable as it unfolds we realise that it has its own plot with a surprising ending. The themes include bravery, harmony, animals and compassion. The book includes a CD with orchestral music composed by Matt Ottley and sung by Valanga Khoza.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: animals, Music, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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Liarbird

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Laura Bunting Philip Bunting Omnibus Books ISBN 9781743831571 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Oddly enough “Liarbird” is about honesty and always telling the truth. Without opening the cover you know already that it will be well written (Laura Bunting) and have the distinctive illustrations from Philip Bunting. This book won’t disappoint you.

Categories: Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: animals, Omnibus, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Theodore the unsure

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Pip Smith Beau Wylie Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760661861 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication August 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart I hope there are more Pip Smith and Beau Wylie books to come because this is such a good story. A lion who although lacking confidence and decision making qualities pulls it together and triumphs with a most interesting solution at the end. Definitely worth reading.

Categories: Animals, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: humour, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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Ella and Olivia: fun friendship tales

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Yvette Poshoglian Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760660833 RRP $16.99 (HB) Age 5+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart There’s always new readers coming along to enjoy these books. They are aimed at beginner readers and are hugely popular.

Categories: Austrlalian, Children's Books, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: Junior Novel, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic, series

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Weirdo weirdomania 13

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Anh Do Jules Faber Scholastic ISBN 9781742997933 RRP $15.99 Age 6+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Although recommended for ages 6+ the humour in these books is such that the series has been used for teenage International students who are just learning to read and write English. The first book “Weirdo” was published in 2013.

Categories: Children's Books, humour, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reluctant readers, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: humour, Junior Novel, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic, series

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Super Nova

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Krys Saclier Rebecca Timmis Ford St ISBN 9781925804317 RRP $24.95 (HB) and $16.95 (PB) Age 4+ years Date of publication October 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart A great story about aspects of family life. Most children know all about dealing with siblings but Super Nova is certainly talented! Beautifully presented with great illustrations and text which tells the story without rhyme.

Categories: Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: family, Ford Street Publishing, humour, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Tulip and Brutus

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Liz Ledden Andrew Plant Ford St ISBN 9781925804355 RRP $24.95 (HB) or $16.95 (PB) Age 3 – 6 years Date of publication October 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book has a lot to offer because of its themes dealing with animals, diversity and habitats. However it is also beautifully presented with clear font and illustrations.

Categories: Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Ford Street Publishing, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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I need a parrot

September 29, 2019 by mstuart720

Chris McKimmie Ford St ISBN 9781925804287 RRP $24.95 (HB) or $16.95 (PB) Age 4+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Here is a great book for children, prents and teachers. It’s got a big future because it deals beautifully with lots of worthwhile ideas…. like animal needs and human wants.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: animals, Ford Street Publishing, humour, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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The frooties #3 Punky Pineapple

August 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Hilary Rogers Josh Lefers Scholastic ISBN 9781742765983 Age 5+ RRP $12.99 Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another in this great series which examines personalities of fruits in a fruit bowl. It’s a great way to get children who may be reluctant about eating fruit to take a new interest.

Categories: Children's Books, Food, humour, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: fruit, humour, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

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Tiny Timmy # 9. The next level

August 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Tim Cahill Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760666118 Age 7+ Date of publication April 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another in the Tiny Timmy series which address real situations faced by young readers. In this book (the ninth in the series) Tinny Timmy learns to decide what is “right” for him and this may mean he has to follow his own path which may not be the same oath as the “cool group”.

Categories: Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia, Series, Sport • Tags: Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia, series, sports

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A funny thing happened to Simon Sidebottom 2

August 9, 2019 by mstuart720

P Crumble Dean Rankine Koala Books ISBN 9781743810392 Age 7+ Date of publication December 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Simon Sidebottom might not be the first book I’d take down from the shelf but it certainly would be for a lot of children. Poos toilets, farts, vomits … it’s all there and aimed at reluctant readers too. If it starts a child along the road to becoming a reader then the series deserves to be a wild success.

Categories: Children's Books, humour, Illustrated, Koala Books, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: humour, Koala Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Der Glumph went the little green frog.

August 7, 2019 by mstuart720

Matt Shanks Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742993676 RRP $15.99 Age 1+ Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a great version of the well known nursery rhyme. The illustrations highlight Matt Shank’s skill with water colours. It’s a book to read to new born babies and beyond and it’s a song that stays in your mind all day!

Categories: Miscellaneous

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Wandering star

July 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Natalie Jane Prior Stephan Michael King Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760663339 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication May 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book captures with words, colours and illustrations the sensation of riding through a dreamlike landscape without fear on a beautiful horse. It’s both charming and uplifting and the text just flows along with the watercolour pictures. Lovely.

Categories: Children's Books, fantasy, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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Grace’s mystery seed

July 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Juliet M Sampson Karen Erasmus Ford St ISBN 9781925804218 RRP $24.95 Age 3+ Date of publication March 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Grace’s mystery seed is a lovely story which also highlights the pleasure to be found in gardens and the virtue of patience. The back page also reminds older readers of the pleasure gained from reading books by Bryce Courtenay.

Categories: Austrlalian, Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, Gardening, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: Ford Street Publishing, Picture Book, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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A stack of Alpacas

July 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Matt Cosgrove Koala Books ISBN 9781742998848 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Matt Cosgrove has given the relatively unknown alpaca a whole new focus. In this new book we see Macca in the role of an Uncle. It’s funny but it has a worthwhile message…..

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, humour, Koala Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: humour, Koala Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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How to build the perfect cubby house

July 9, 2019 by mstuart720

Heath McKenzie Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760152673 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication May 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart A really good story with great illustrations to support. There is plenty visually to discuss with children in this book which explores the importance of family and special talents we all have to contribute to a joint project. The story also reminds us that having a plan is useful but in the end the journey is as important as the destination.

Categories: Austrlalian, Children's Books, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: family, humour, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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Pippa

June 30, 2019 by mstuart720

Dimity Powell Andrew Plant Ford St ISBN 9781925804270 RRP $16.95 (PB) $24.95 (HB) Publication date 1 July 2019 Age 3 – 6 Years Reviewer Megan Stuart. This story is about an early adventure of a young pigeon called Pippa. We dip and swirl and slice over a patchwork of paddocks with Pippa but feel her panic when she becomes lost and threatened. It is a story beautifully told and illustrated….. Don’t worry about the ending!

Categories: Miscellaneous

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Weirdo 12 Hopping Weird

June 11, 2019 by mstuart720

Anh Do Jules Faber Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742997926 RRP $15.99 Date of publication April 2019 Age 6+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Although this is the 12th in the series the books are still very popular with both Australian and International students. In this book Weir copes with school work and his mothers new job at an animal hospital.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, humour, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: animals, Australia, humour, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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Rebellion at Eureka

June 11, 2019 by mstuart720

Alan Tucker Omnibus Books ISBN 9781742994314 RRP $16.99 Date of publication April 2019 Age 8+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Alan Tucker’s favourite genre of realistic fiction is a wonderful way to explore history and enjoy a good read at the same time. Other topics he has covered are Cyclone Tracy, Gallipoli and Kokoda. This new one “Rebellion at Eureka” is set in 1854 at Ballarat where the central fictitious character, Alf, meets Peter Lalor and other real life characters. The story […]

Categories: action, adventure, Austrlalian, Historical fiction, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Realistic fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Historical, omnibus books, Realistic fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Liars. No Survivors

June 11, 2019 by mstuart720

Jack Heath Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742761930 RRP $14.99 Date of publication December 2018 Age 10+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Jack Heath has to be recognised as an important children’s author because although his books are well marketed they are also thoroughly enjoyed and promoted by thousands of young readers. His books are full of action and the topics are relevant. “No survivors” is the second in the “Liars” series.

Categories: action, adventure, Austrlalian, Junior Novel, Middle Grade, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: action, Adventure, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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We’re stuck!

May 28, 2019 by mstuart720

Sue deGennaro Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760663476 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication April 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart A rather Bohemian group of individual characters meet in a lift. The reader can’t imagine they would have anything in common but as the story progresses we discover they can become a cohesive group who celebrate together. Stylish and heartwarming.

Categories: Miscellaneous

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Through the smoke

May 28, 2019 by mstuart720

Phil Cummings Andrew McLean Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760274702 RRP $24.99 Age 4+ Date of publication February 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another wonderful book by Phil Cummings and Andrew McLean’s illustrations provide an excellent accompaniment to the text. The book is about an Australian country bush fire and three children who seek shelter in a cave called Everdell. Despite its setting and reference to snakes the book uses medieval metaphors. The fire is the dragon. There is a castle, jousting and […]

Categories: Miscellaneous

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The wall in the middle of the book.

May 14, 2019 by mstuart720

Jon Agee ISBN 9781760663490 RRP $16.99 Age 5+ Date of publication April 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart. This is not only a quirky book but it also has a powerful message about how we worry about what might or might not happen and judging others. It has a very satisfactory ending which reminds us we should be tolerant and not quick to judge others. There’s plenty in the book to begin discussions with children about the environment, tolerance, pride and self-awareness.

Categories: Miscellaneous

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Kicking Goals

December 4, 2018 by mstuart720

Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw Murdoch Books ISBN 9781760523855 RRP $24.99 Age 12+ Date of publication December 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart With the long Summer holiday stretching ahead young people have time to reflect and this book is a good place to start. It gives ideas about how to be social, how to cope with bullies and body changes and relationships … in fact it covers a lot of areas. The two authors are good role models and they […]

Categories: Guide Book, Information, Miscellaneous, Murdoch Press, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Young Adult • Tags: Health, Murdoch Books, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Social media

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← Older posts

Bug in a Book

Celebrating Literacy for Everyone

Author Archives: mstuart720

Dumazi and the big yellow lion

Liarbird

Theodore the unsure

Ella and Olivia: fun friendship tales

Weirdo weirdomania 13

Super Nova

Tulip and Brutus

I need a parrot

The frooties #3 Punky Pineapple

Tiny Timmy # 9. The next level

A funny thing happened to Simon Sidebottom 2

Der Glumph went the little green frog.

Wandering star

Grace’s mystery seed

A stack of Alpacas

How to build the perfect cubby house

Pippa

Weirdo 12 Hopping Weird

Rebellion at Eureka

Liars. No Survivors

We’re stuck!

Through the smoke

The wall in the middle of the book.