Category Archives: Animals

Ocean Lullaby

May 7, 2018 by mstuart720

Sally Odgers Lisa Stewart Scholastic ISBN 9781742769110 RRP $24.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Ocean Lullaby is a really lovely publication. Rhyming song-like text gently moves beneath the waves with a variety of sea life. Page colours and illustrations are soft and dreamlike. The themes of babies and parents and silently moving sea animals and plants is very restful. A perfect bed time story. Advertisements

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: Oceans, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, rhyming, Scholastic

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Dogasaurus

May 7, 2018 by mstuart720

Lucinda Gifford Scholastic ISBN 9781743810712 RRP $16.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Dogasaurus is a narrative about a girl who finds an egg in a mysterious forest. The egg hatches and a friendship is formed. Complications arise as the pet continues to grow … and grow! After “Cat wants custard” here is another good book from Lucinda Gifford to read out loud to children and discuss the ideas and illustrations presented.

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

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Lullaby and Goodnight + CD

October 24, 2017 by mstuart720

P Crumble Kim Dale Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760276331 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication September 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is such a sweet little book and although it is recommended for children 3+ I think younger children will love it too. How affirming to have a book read to you before going to sleep about love, warmth, security and permanence. The illustrations and bonus song all match the high quality of the text.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: CD, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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The awesome book of animals

October 23, 2017 by mstuart720

Adam Frost Bloomsbury Children’s Books ISBN 9781408885130 RRP $11.99 Age 4+ Date of publication October 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart Well although I am mildly interested in the fact that elephants need to drink a bath full of water per day and a pig only needs a bucket full and a Chinese couple got married covered in bees in 2009 and gorillas east their own poo … there are simply thousands of children who are just delighted to read these facts. […]

Categories: Animals, Bloomsbury Children's Books, Children's Books, Children's Non Fiction, humour, International, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: animals, Bloomsbury, humour, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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My dog Socks

October 6, 2017 by mstuart720

Robyn Osborne Sadami Konchi Ford St ISBN 9781925272826 RRP $24.95 (hc) $16.95 (pb) Age 3 – 8 Date of publication October 2017 (hc) March 2018 (pb) Reviewer Megan Stuart This book cleverly uses rhythm, rhyme and alliteration. There are some great words, ideas and illustrations to discuss in this beautifully written and illustrated book. This book is essentially about the love of pets but it has lots more to offer.

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

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The ugly five

October 6, 2017 by mstuart720

Julia Donaldson Axel Scheffler Scholastic ISBN 9781407174198 RRP $24.99 Age 2 – 6 Date of publication October 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart Another wonderful book from the award winning combination of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. We all have heard people say that mothers love their babies no matter what … well this books turns that around. Julia Donaldson has been on safari in South Africa and this book was inspired by the visit. It is surly headed for the best […]

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

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My Meerkat Mum

May 19, 2017 by mstuart720

Ruth Paul Scholastic ISBN 9781775434894 RRP (NZ) $27.99 Age 2 – 6 Years Date of publication April 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart Out in time for Mother’s Day this picture book is more than about motherly love. There is information about meerkats, rhyming text, words which will lead to discussion about position and place and lovely illustrations too.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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The cat wants cuddles

May 11, 2017 by mstuart720

P Crumble Lucinda Gifford Scholastic ISBN 9781743811412 RRP $16.99 Age 4+ Date of publication May 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book sees the welcome return of the wily Kevin who has made up his mind this time that he does not want a cuddle. The skills of Lucinda Gifford always enhance our impression of Kevin on every page. He is certainly a cat with personality.

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

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Australian animal atlas

April 3, 2017 by mstuart720

Leonard Cronin Marion Westmacott Allen & Unwin ISBN 978176029414 RRP $29.99 Age 6+ Reviewer Megan Stuart There are many layers to this book in both the presentation and information supplied. The book shows the regions on a map where species of particular animals are found in Australia and then a detailed picture of each habitat. It’s really beautifully done. The book also reminds us of how many dangerous animals live in Australia and in my experience there are a lot of […]

Categories: Allen & Unwin, Animals, Austrlalian, Miscellaneous, Non-Fiction, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Young Adult • Tags: Allen & Unwin, Non-Fiction, Picture Book, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Hotdog

November 2, 2016 by mstuart720

ANH DO Scholastic ISBN 9781760279004 RRP $12.99 Age 5+ Date of publication November 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart We were all wondering who we would meet after Weir Do left the stage …. who would have guessed that a hot dog and his friends would appear? This book will appeal to an even younger audience because it is funny, well illustrated and introduces some very appealing characters. There is a shortage of suitable books for this age and I think […]

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, humour, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: humour, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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Ida, Always

November 1, 2016 by mstuart720

Caron Levis Charles Santoso Scholastic ISBN. 9781742761909 RRP $24.99 Age 5+ Date of publication September 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a “tearjerker” based on the lives real polar bears (Gus and Ida) who lived in Central Park Zoo in New York. It explores friendship, loss and memories. A lovely story beautifully illustrated by Charles Santoso.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Children's Recommended Read, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Inc • Tags: Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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What do they do with all the Poo from all the animals at the zoo?

October 22, 2016 by mstuart720

Anh Do Laura Wood Recording Simon Mellor Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760276324 RRP $19.99 Age 4+ Date of publication; October 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart Anh Do has moved into the world of picture books with ease. This is well written and funny of course and it is also well supported by Laura Wood’s illustrations. There is a lot here to read and enjoy … including the recording by Simon Mellor. And what do they do with all the poo in the […]

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

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Noisy nights

August 11, 2016 by mstuart720

Fleur McDonald Annie White Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781925059663 RRP $24.99 Age 3 – 6 years Date of publication August 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart After reading noisy nights you will consider that life in the city is a far quieter option than the country. Poor old farmer Hayden struggles to get the animals settled and sleeping at night so he can get some peace. The answer to his problem is obvious of course. This is another lovely book from Fleur McDonald.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: 3+ Years, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Aus

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Grandpa is Great

August 10, 2016 by mstuart720

Laine Mitchell Alison Edgson Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760276638 RRP $16.99 Age 3+ Date of publication August 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a dear little book which acknowledges the important role Grandfathers can play in children’s lives. They are all different in their approach as the book illustrates. My own father had a big impact on my children. He was the meerkat grandfather.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Children's Recommended Read, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: 3+ Years, Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

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Don’t call me bear!

August 10, 2016 by mstuart720

Aaron Blabey Scholastic Press ISBN 9781760159849 RRP $16.99 Age 3+ Date of publication August 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart How much can a koala bear? Well not much more according to Warren in Aaron Blabey’s latest book “Don’t call me bear!”.This is a great book with a very annoyed koala making a point about his name. Thank goodness someone is “clearing the air” on behalf of koalas.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: 3+ Years, Australia, Megan Stuart, Scholastic Aus

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Little koala lost

July 21, 2016 by mstuart720

Blaze Kwaymullina Jess Racklyeft Omnibus books ISBN 9781742991283 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication July 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book introduces some lovely Australian animals who help each other. There is also the opportunity to think about alliteration with kooky koalas, tricky turtles and marvellous magpies and the reader counts from 1 – 10 too. There is plenty to discuss as well as admire the illustrations.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Australia, Omnibus for Scholastic, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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The cat wants custard

July 21, 2016 by mstuart720

P Crumble Lucinda Gifford Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760155780 RRP $16.99 Age 3+ Date of publication July 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart Cat owners know how clever cats can be but this one can even use it’s body to spell the word “custard”. However at the end of the story we are reminded that when we finally get what we want it turns out that actually it’s not quite what we thought it would be. Nevertheless a very likeable and determined cat.

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

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Midnight Possum

July 18, 2016 by mstuart720

Sally Morgan Jess Racklyeft Omnibus Books ISBN 9781742991047 RRP $24.99 Age 4+ Date of publication April 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a very successful union of writer and illustrator. The story is interesting and thoughtful and the illustrations support it beautifully. In reality possums can be a nuisance especially if they are in the roof at night but we forgive this one for any noise.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Australia, Omnibus for Scholastic, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Penelope and the Mountain Pygmy Possum

June 29, 2016 by mstuart720

Gordon Winch Stephen Pym New Frontier Publishing ISBN 9781925059595 RRP $24.99 Age 4-8 years Date of publication May 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart There is factual information woven into this beautiful book about mountain pygmy possums. However to me the most wonderful part is the truth shown in the illustrations. I know that region and Stephen Pym has created it’s magic perfectly.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, New Frontier Publishing, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Australia, New Frontier Publishing, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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The Pony Show

April 25, 2016 by mstuart720

Kate Welshman Heath McKenzie Scholastic ISBN 9781743624326 RRP $9.99 Date of Publication April 2016 Age 6+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a very good example of some of the great books available for young independent readers which are in chapter form. The Pony Show is well illustrated and supports important behavior such as trying new things and being a good sport. This is the third book in the Pine Valley Ponies series.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Illustrated, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: Scholastic Aus, Series Megan Stuart

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The Whole Caboodle

April 25, 2016 by mstuart720

Lisa Shanahan Leila Rudge Scholastic ISBN 9781743629321 RRP $24.99 Date of publication April 2016 Age 4+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This book is “a winner” on many levels. It is an imaginative book (Lisa Shanahan CBCA award-winning author) with fabulous illustrations (Leila Rudge CBCA shortlisted illustrator) which makes a winning combination. There are hidden dogs to find on each page, great dog names which will make you LOL and we are reminded through the story about community, companionship and diversty. There is […]

Categories: Animals, Children's Books, humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: humour, Megan Stuart, Scholastic Aus

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My Mum’s Special Secret

April 15, 2016 by mstuart720

Sally Morgan Ambelin Kwaymullina Omnibus Books ISBN 9781742991368 RRP $24.99 Age 3+ Date of publication April 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart It takes someone special like Sally Morgan to give Mother’s Day a special twist and this beautifully illustrated book (Ambelin Kwaymullina) does just that. We see the magic of motherhood through the eyes of a kookaburra. The loving and nurturing although shown in the lives of a bird can easily be transferred. Lovely.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Aus

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Echidna Jim went for a swim

March 4, 2016 by mstuart720

Phil Cummings Laura Wood Scholastic ISBN 9781760152994 RRP $16.99 Age 3+ Date of publication February 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart Phil Cummings often gives us something important to consider in his books (Newspaper Hats and Anzac Biscuits) but this book is good fun and the illustrations are fabulous. Of course an echidna would be a disaster at the beach but nobody even seems to care.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: Australia, humour, Scholastic Aus

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Dance, Bilby, Dance

March 4, 2016 by mstuart720

Tricia Oktober Ford Street Publishing ISBN 9781925272130 RRP $22.95 HC and $14.95 PB Age 5+ Date of publication March 1 2016 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book is happy and the bilby really knows how to dance! He just throws himself into it with a look of great joy on his face. He even manages to make friends with a bunyip who proves the love of dance is universal. Lovely.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Ford St Publishing, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Bug in a Book

Celebrating Literacy for Everyone

Category Archives: Animals

Ocean Lullaby

Dogasaurus

Lullaby and Goodnight + CD

The awesome book of animals

My dog Socks

The ugly five

My Meerkat Mum

The cat wants cuddles

Australian animal atlas

Hotdog

Ida, Always

What do they do with all the Poo from all the animals at the zoo?

Noisy nights

Grandpa is Great

Don’t call me bear!

Little koala lost

The cat wants custard

Midnight Possum

Penelope and the Mountain Pygmy Possum

The Pony Show

The Whole Caboodle

My Mum’s Special Secret

Echidna Jim went for a swim

Dance, Bilby, Dance