Bug in a Book

The things that will not stand.

November 12, 2018 by mstuart720

Michael Gerard Bauer Omnibus Books ISBN 9781742997582 RRP $18.99 Age 12+ Date of publication September 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book is full of hope and some funny puns too. The action takes during one day which is an open day for prospective students at the University of Queensland. Although the location is Brisbane the themes are universal. Some of the themes addressed are coming to terms with the past, families, loss, bullying and standing up for what you believe […]

Categories: Austrlalian, Middle Grade, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Realistic fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Young Adult • Tags: omnibus books, Realistic fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Bonnie and Ben rhyme again.

November 8, 2018 by mstuart720

Mem Fox Judy Horacek Omnibus Books ISBN 9781742996240 RRP $19.99 Publication date October 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Any new work by Mem Fox will probably become a classic! “Possum Magic” and “Where is the Green Sheep” are two of Australia’s favourites. “Bonnie and Ben Rhyme Again” highlight old and new rhymes. Rhyming is important because it helps children to learn about words, sounds and language. The text is again supported by the great Judy Horacek illustrations.

Categories: Children's Books, Children's Recommended Read, Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: omnibus books, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, rhyming

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The art of doodle words

November 7, 2018 by mstuart720

Sarah Alberto Murdoch Books ISBN 97801631065286 RRP $29.99 Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart At a time when mindfulness can include colouring in comes this lovely book called “The art of doodle words”. Here is an opportunity to reduce stress, be creative and enjoy calligraphy. The book shows you how to artistically combine hand lettering and carefree doodles based on the work of the artist Sarah Alberto. (Doodles by Sarah on YouTube)

Categories: Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Murdoch Press, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Art, Mindfulness, Murdoch Books, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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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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Dear Santa

November 6, 2018 by mstuart720

Elise Hartley Shannon Horsfall Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742993683 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication October 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a delightful book with real letters to take out and read. Each animal’s requests are somewhat predictable. The turkey is thinking about a possible vegetarian Christmas and the skunk is exploring the idea of perfume. It’s thoughtful and funny and backed up with lovely illustrations. It’s a winner!

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

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Excuse me, Santa!

November 6, 2018 by mstuart720

Dave Hughes & Holly Ife Philip Bunting Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742997896 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart There are lots of books on the market that take advantage of the fact that small children see rumbling tummies and farts hilarious. This book is one of them however the illustrations by Philip Bunting lift it to another level.

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

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Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer +CD

November 6, 2018 by mstuart720

Johnny Marks Louis Shea Scholastic ISBN 9781742993638 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Johnny Marks composed Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer in 1949 and it is still a great favourite with children aged 3+. This version has beautiful illustrations by Louis Shea and Penny McNamee sings the song on the accompanying CD. It’s a favourite with children.

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

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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 Survivors

October 26, 2018 by mstuart720

Kate Furnivall Simon & Schuster ISBN 9781471172281 Date of publication October 2018 Age 12+ (General) RRP $39.99 Reviewer Barbara Hoodless A gripping story of love, hate, forgiveness and moving forward in the aftermath of war.

Categories: International, Miscellaneous, Reviewer Barbara Hoodless, Simon and Schuster, War • Tags: Reviewer Barbara Hoodless, Simon & Schuster, War

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Jacaranda Magic

October 16, 2018 by mstuart720

Dannika Patterson Megan Forward Ford St ISBN 9781925804003 Date of publication September 2018 Age 4 – 7 RRP $24.95 hardcover ($16.95 paperback February 2019) Reviewer Megan Stuart The author says that this is a book “for children with bare feet and wild imaginations” but it’s magic goes much further. It’s a joy for the reader to share with small children too….. due in part to the author’s use of rhyme, alliteration and assonance. The illustrations are soft watercolours and the […]

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

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Pig the Grub

September 20, 2018 by mstuart720

Aaron Blabey Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742769691 RRP 17.99 Date of publication September 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Most children (and those reading to them too) see a little bit of this lovable pug in all of us. The message is always the same … whatever the failing Pig never quite gets away with it.

Categories: humour, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Rhyme, Scholastic Inc • Tags: humour, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, rhyming, Scholastic Press

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The unscary book

September 19, 2018 by mstuart720

Nick Bland Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742994147 Publication date September 2018 Age 4+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Everyone from 4 – 84 is delighted that Nick Bland has released a new book and that Nicholas Ickle is back in our lives. This time Nicholas Ickle is faced with the problem of presenting a book full of scary monsters. There are plenty of laughs.

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

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Olivia’s secret scribbles: amazing acrobats.

September 13, 2018 by mstuart720

Meredith Costain Danielle McDonald Scholastic ISBN 9781760277086 Date of publication August 2018 RRP $9.99 Age 6+ Reviewer Megan Stuart It’s worth acknowledging that this series does a lot to encourage reading. They are very popular and it is hardly surprising that there are currently half a million copies of the Ella Diaries in print!

Categories: Austrlalian, Children's Books, Diary, humour, Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Reluctant readers, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Australia, Series • Tags: Children, Diary, humour, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic Press

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New York Capital of food

September 13, 2018 by mstuart720

Lisa Nieschlag Lars Wentrup Murdoch Books ISBN 9781760523633 RRP $39.99 Date of publication 1st September 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart “New York Christmas” by the same authors was a fabulous book. Can the same team do it again? Well yes they have. Lars Wentrup’s and Lisa Nieschlag’s photographs again manage to create the atmosphere as well as the food in some of the best places to eat in New York. Combined with their knowledge of cooking and their knowledge of the […]

Categories: Cook Books, Food, Information, International, Miscellaneous, Murdoch Press, New York, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: cooking, Murdoch Books, New York, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Hide and seek with grandpa

August 28, 2018 by mstuart720

Ed Allen Nicky Johnston Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742765426 RRP $17.99 Date of publication August 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart With Fathers Day in September it is a good time to think about Grandfathers too. This is a gentle book with soft colours, humour and family fun. A book to share.

Categories: Children's Books, Illustrated, Miscellaneous, Picture Books, Rhyme, Scholastic Australia, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: family, humour, Picture Book, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Scholastic

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How did I get here?

August 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Philip Bunting Omnibus books ISBN 9781742769660 RRP $24.99 Age 6+ Date of publication August 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart The illustrations are distinctly Philip Bunting but although the story may be an abbreviation of the history of the world it undoubtedly took a long time to write with such brevity and humour. A class act!

Categories: Children's Books, Children's Recommended Read, humour, Miscellaneous, Omnibus Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Special Topic Books (For Children) • Tags: Omnibus, Picture Books, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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Detective Gordon. A case for Buffy

August 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Ulf Nilsson Gitte Spee Gecko Press ISBN 9781776571796 RRP $15.99 Ages 7 – 9 Date of publication August 2018 This is essentially a detective story but it is full of gentle characters who are wise, gentle and caring. Many of them we have met before in “The first case” and “A case in any case”. The books are well written and beautifully presented. The illustrations, the colours and even the paper they are printed on all contribute to making this book […]

Categories: Children's Books, Gecko Press, humour, Junior Novel, Miscellaneous, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, Series • Tags: Children, Detective Stories, Gecko Press, humour, Junior Novel, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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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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My old man he played rugby

July 30, 2018 by mstuart720

Peter Millett Jenny Cooper Scholastic ISBN 9781775435280 RRP $17.99 Date of publication August 2018 Age 3 – 7 years Reviewer Megan Stuart New words to “This old man” which actually fit very nicely and are good fun to read. The illustrations support the text beautifully and are full of action. There is a CD of Jay Laga’aia singing the words included. Even if your Dad plays soccer, tennis or golf you’ll like this book.

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

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Fizz Boom Bath!

July 30, 2018 by mstuart720

Isabel Bercaw, Caroline Bercaw Allen & Unwin ISBN 9781631064623 RRP $32.99 Date of publication July 25 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Well this book is “the bomb”. With increased interest in everything everything we eat and use this book enables you to make your own products and have some control over the ingredients used. The authors also contribute to organisations that clean up the world’s oceans from the sale of their products. Everyone’s a winner. The story behind the bombs is interesting […]

Categories: Allen & Unwin, Guide Book, Information, Miscellaneous, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Allen & Unwin, Environment, Non-Fiction, Reviewer - Megan Stuart, science

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Cauliflower is King

July 15, 2018 by mstuart720

Leanne Kitchen Murdoch Books ISBN 9781760523602 RRP $19.99 Date of publication 27th June 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart It is difficult not to begin this review by asking “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I do love cauliflower and there are 70 recipes in this book (which has gold rim around the pages) which will excite even those who are indifferent to the vegetable. The cauliflower must be embraced as the king of vegetables because it has the […]

Categories: Cook Books, Food, Miscellaneous, Murdoch Books Australia, Reviewer - Megan Stuart • Tags: Food, Murdoch Books, Recipes, Reviewer - Megan Stuart

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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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Thimble

July 9, 2018 by mstuart720

Rebecca Young Tull Suwannakit Scholastic Press ISBN 9781743811627 RRP $24.99 Date of publication June 2018 Age 4+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a lovely story which in a very gentle way looks at the death of a grandmother. A thimble is the key which unlocks some great memories for Mable and in her own way Mable is able to help her Grandfather and her mother begin to adjust to a different life. The book is beautifully written and illustrated.

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

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Newer posts →

Bug in a Book

Celebrating Literacy for Everyone

Welcome to buginabook.org Celebrating Literature For All!

The things that will not stand.

Bonnie and Ben rhyme again.

The art of doodle words

Macca’s Christmas Crackers

Dear Santa

Excuse me, Santa!

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer +CD

Hopping around the Christmas tree + CD

The Survivors

Jacaranda Magic

Pig the Grub

The unscary book

Olivia’s secret scribbles: amazing acrobats.

New York Capital of food

Hide and seek with grandpa

How did I get here?

Detective Gordon. A case for Buffy

The heart of a whale

Th cat wants kittens

My old man he played rugby

Fizz Boom Bath!

Cauliflower is King

Ella and Olivia. A wild adventure

Thimble