Category Archives: Animals

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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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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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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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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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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Macca’s Christmas Crackers

November 6, 2018 by mstuart720

Matt Cosgrove Koala Books ISBN 9781742998824 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Matt Cosgrove has introduced us to some endearing alpacas this year so it is fitting that Christmas should have Macca with crackers. We look forward to the ALIA simultaneous read in 2019 which features “Alpacas with Maracas”.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, humour, Koala Books, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: animals, Christmas, humour, Koala Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Hopping around the Christmas tree + CD

November 6, 2018 by mstuart720

John Marks Benjamin Johnston Scholastic ISBN 9781743811429 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart This version features wombats, kangaroos, crocodiles and birds all getting into the Christmas spirit. There is plenty of dancing, gifts and lamingtons too. Colin Buchanan sings this updated version of the old favourite and I’ve noticed children soon swing along even if they don’t know the words.

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

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The heart of a whale

July 30, 2018 by mstuart720

Anna Pignataro Scholastic ISBN 9781743817629 RRP $24.99 Publication date August 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a love story full of hope, magic and wonder. It is written and beautifully illustrated by Anna Pignataro. We join the whale on his journey and realise the importance of this majestic animal and his song in the oceans.

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

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Th cat wants kittens

July 30, 2018 by mstuart720

P Crumble Lucinda Gifford Scholastic ISBN 9781742769097 RRP $17.99 Date of publication August 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Hooray the cat is back again. This time the cat has some company to deal with. Although there is a new story line there are the same great illustrations, wry humour and the cat hasn’t changed much either. You don’t have to be a cat lover to appreciate this book.

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

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Ella and Olivia. A wild adventure

July 10, 2018 by mstuart720

Yvette Poshoglian Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742761947 RRP $7.99 Date of publication June 2018 Age 5+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Another book in the series. The topics are always relevant, the price is fair and the books encourage reading …… The books certainly tick a lot of boxes.

Categories: Animals, Austrlalian, Children's Books, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia • Tags: early reader, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia

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Pig in a wig

July 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Chrissie Krebs Omnibus Books ISBN 97817422762654 RRP $16.99 Date of Publication May 2018 Age 4+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Pig in a Wig by Chrissie Krebs has a “pick me up” cover in bright pink, green and black. The pig has definitely got great energy but how much is driven by the gorgeous wig? Is there a follow up with a cat in a hat?

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

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Zoo House

July 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Heath McKenzie Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742767628 RRP $16.99 Date of publication June 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Zoo House really caught the imagination of my “trial audience”. This I think is because the illustrations ignited discussions and activities. There is humour and rhyme and plenty to examine and reflect on.

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

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Alpacas with Maracas

July 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Matt Cosgrove Koala Books ISBN 9781743816349 RRP $17.99 Date of publication July 2019 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart The friends Macca and Al are back. This book is about entering a competition but coming first isn’t always the perfect ending to a story. This is a very good choice for the ALIA Simultaneous Read for 2019 because there is plenty to discuss about competing as well as friendships, talent, Alpacas and making music.

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

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Barney

July 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Catherine Jinks Stephen Michael King Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742996226 Publication date July 2018 RRP $16.99 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Here is a great book and a treat to read aloud. It’s flowing rhythm, great illustrations and lovable central character Barney all prove why Catherine Jinks and Stephen Michael King are both multiple award winners.

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

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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.

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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Bug in a Book

Celebrating Literacy for Everyone

Category Archives: Animals

Dumazi and the big yellow lion

Theodore the unsure

I need a parrot

A stack of Alpacas

Weirdo 12 Hopping Weird

Macca’s Christmas Crackers

Hopping around the Christmas tree + CD

The heart of a whale

Th cat wants kittens

Ella and Olivia. A wild adventure

Pig in a wig

Zoo House

Alpacas with Maracas

Barney

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