The Book Chook

The Last Post

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Recently I realised that after ten years of regular writing, creating, reviewing and sharing, it's time for me to stop.

Being part of several warm and friendly internet communities, being able to immerse myself in children’s literature, having the fun of playing with apps and tools, brainstorming ideas that encouraged kids to read, write, think and create - all these and more have made life at The Book Chook a pleasure. I’ll truly miss them. But to balance that, there has also been the discipline of regular writing, making, creating and sharing, the time taken by social media, the hassle of stumbling and bumbling with technology and, alas, realising that spelling errors and typos are slipping by me more and more. It’s enough to make me think I’m getting old!

Both my websites will close. However, I will certainly pop up occasionally on The Book Chook Facebook page, Twitter etc to share useful creative and educational resources I find or re-find.

The Book Chook has been such a big part of my life for so long, that I have a lump in my throat just typing this. A million thanks to all The Book Chook readers for your feedback and support. It’s you and your kids who have kept me going this long!

Meanwhile, I leave you with some lines from Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day, lines which describe some of my future plans:

I do know …how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

Let’s Celebrate Make a Hat Day

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Make a Hat Day is January 15 in the USA. There’s a Hat Day in Australia on October 7. But any day we choose is a wonderful time to celebrate the fun and practicality of hats. Indeed, the hat is an excellent concept to base all sorts of learning activities around. Teachers can bring in Sun Safety, History, Art/Crafts, Performing Arts, Literature and more.

Activities for Make a Hat Day

Design a hat relay. How many teams? How many people per team? What is the aim of the activity? Will there be a winner? Is it a competitive or co-operative activity? What will make it enjoyable?

What can we find in the house/outside/in the playground that we could wear as a hat?

Create an imaginary hat and improvise some dialogue about it with a friend.

What craft materials, found objects, natural things can we find that we can turn into a hat? Make that hat!

Plan a story about a character who wears a very strange hat. What is strange about it? What characters will you have? How will your story end? If you have time, write your story.

Design a hat from newspaper that you can wear on your head for at least five minutes.

Let’s look at hats from the past and reflect on how we can use those ideas in a hat we want to make for ourselves.

Who was the Mad Hatter? Ask an adult to help you find the book this character is found in.

Find some books and movies where a hat is important. Some of my favourite books with hats are Pig the Grub, I Got this Hat, Clara Button and the Magical Hat Day , Now that's a Hat by Heath Mackenzie, and Old Hat.

Learn the Mexican Hat Dance and teach it to someone else.

Organise a hat parade. Will there be prizes? What for? Consider things like Cleverest Hat, Fanciest Hat, Character Hat, Craziest Hat etc.

If animals wore hats, what kinds of hats would they wear? Design and label a hat for your favourite animal.

List some different kinds of hats.

Make up a story where a hat is a bad thing. How will your story be resolved?

Design hats for your toys/models and pose them against a background so you can photograph them. Bring the photo to school for a class display.

Bring in some hats from home and choose one. Develop a character who might wear that hat. How does the character walk? Speak? Interact with others? Swap hats and start over. Find a partner and create a scene based on your two characters.

You might also like to read Creative Prompt for Kids - Start with Some Junk.

Recent Children's Picture Books 2019 (4)

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Reviews by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Did you know that July 10 is Don’t Step on a Bee Day in the USA? Why not take your kids to the library to look for books about bees, think of words that start with B, sing songs about bees and celebrate with honey sandwiches? Failing that, check out all the great books reviewed bee-low!

Car, Car, Truck, Jeep is a children’s picture book written by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Nick Sharratt and published by Bloomsbury (2019.) RRP: $Au 14.99

From the publisher:

This book is bursting with cars, buses, planes, trains, trucks, diggers and many more things that go. Add to that a text that is read aloud to the tune of 'Baa, Baa, Black Sheep' and ... What a combination!

Car, car, truck, jeep,
have you any fuel?
Yes, sir, yes, sir,
three tanks full.

One for the red bus,
one for the train,
and one for the pilot
in her jumbo jet plane.

With bold, colourful illustrations by the instantly recognisable Nick Sharratt and text by talented newcomer Katrina Charman, vehicle-obsessed little ones will never want to put this book down.

Go, Go, Pirate Boat is a children’s picture book written by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Nick Sharratt and published by Bloomsbury (2019.) RRP: $Au 12.99/ $NZ 14.99 PB

From the publisher:

Join two seafaring pirates and their captain on a nautical adventure to find a treasure chest. Add to that a text that is read aloud to the tune of 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' and you have a book that will be enjoyed time and time again!

Go, go, pirate boat,
Across the salty sea,
Raise the anchor, hoist the sail,
It's a pirate's life for me.

Little pirate fans will have endless fun singing along to the tune of a favourite nursery rhyme and doing the pirate actions in this fun ocean adventure. With bold, colourful illustrations by the instantly recognisable Nick Sharratt and text by talented newcomer Katrina Charman.

I loved both Go Go Pirate Boat and Car, Car, Truck, Jeep (above). They are both such FUN! It’s a great idea to have two well-known tunes behind the rhythm of the rhyming stories, and Charman has chosen simple, active language perfectly pitched at the pre-school and Kinder set. Sharratt’s illustrations couldn’t be more perfectly suited to the books. Bright primary colours, cute child characters and toy-like objects will have strong appeal to kids.

Both these books would be perfect in any early childhood or early school situation. For starters, having the well-known tunes reinforcing the text is going to help kids memorise it. And we know that memorising is one of the steps in the journey to reading! The rhyming and rhythmic text will definitely appeal to kids, even without the tune, but the tune is icing on the cake. I envisage children eager to sing the new words to both tunes, and predict these books will be very popular.

B is for Baby is a children’s picture book written by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank and published by Walker Books (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba!

Baby’s brother is getting ready to take a basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow in the next village. He will have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. What he doesn’t realize is that his cute, very curious baby sister is secretly coming along for the amazing bicycle ride, too!

B is for Baby works on multiple levels. It can be an elementary book for toddlers, one where they point to images and say the words. It is also a story, with text and illustrations combining to show us a journey and a surprise. Slightly older kids can use all their visual literacy and reading skills to learn about life in West Africa, and perhaps go on to study other texts that expand their knowledge.

Both Atinuke and Brooksbank grew up in West Africa, so the book has an authentic flavour of the area. The illustrations are brightly coloured and redolent of a very different life to the urban one many kids may be familiar with. However, children will still be able to recognise many of the things and people in the book that start with B, and perhaps go on to identify different B things in their own environment. But remember, Don't Step on a B(ee)!

The Wall in the Middle of the Book is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Jon Agee and published by Koala for Scholastic (2019.) RRP: $Au 16.99 PB.

From the publisher:

There's a wall in the middle of the book, and a young knight is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side.

Dangers such as an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all an ogre who would gobble him up in a second!

But the knight doesn't seem to to notice the crocodile and the growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When the water's almost over his head and he's calling for help, who will come to his rescue?

This is a very appealing children’s picture book. I hadn’t encountered any books by Agee, but hope to meet more soon. His illustrative style is superb. I loved the muted colours, and the quirkiness of characters like the ogre and the little knight. Kids will love the way suspense builds as the knight continues his dialogue unaware of the worsening situation behind him.

Kids in junior grades will accept the story of the wall and what is on other side at face value. But The Wall in the Middle of the Book will work well as a discussion starter for older kids. Why do we build walls between ourselves and others? Are all walls physical? Can walls always protect us? Are all the fears we feel justified, or might we be afraid of something we just don’t understand? I’ll be adding it to my list of Picture Books that Celebrate Diversity.

Up to Something is a children’s picture book written by Katrina McKelvey, illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan and published by EK Books for Exisle (2019.) RRP: $Au 24 99. HB.

From the publisher:

One day, Dad invites Billy into his shed to build something, but Billy soon finds out that he is only allowed to watch. As Dad becomes engrossed in his project, Billy takes Dad’s off-cuts and other items from around the yard and starts to copy what his Dad is building. When they reveal their creations, Dad discovers that Billy has more talents than his dad had ever imagined! Up to Something explores the father–son relationship, and the satisfaction to be gained from making things ourselves.

The premise of Up to Something certainly resonated with me, and I am sure it will with many kids. Dad reckons Billy is too young to build, and relegates him to sweeping - NOT what Billy had in mind when they agreed to work together on a billy cart for the big race. Instead Billy creates his own cart, thereby making Dad realise that they can, indeed, work together.

Lonergan’s illustrations are perfect for the story and provide lots of gentle humour and subtext. I loved that Billy wears his own version of safety goggles - his snorkelling goggles - and that his own billy cart appears utterly achievable and child-built.

This heart-warming story will appeal to both kids and parents. It might even remind some dads of the joys of co-building! It makes a great makerspace resource for schools and a lovely story to read aloud.

My Friend Fred is a children’s picture book written by Frances Watts, illustrated by A. Yi and published by Allen and Unwin (2019.) RRP: $Au 19.99 HB.

From the publisher:

A delightful picture book about a friendship between an exuberant but loveable dachshund and his more retiring, tidy housemate.

My friend Fred eats dog food for breakfast.
I think dog food is disgusting.

My friend Fred howls at the moon.
I don't know why.

He does a lot of funny things.
But even though we are different, Fred is my best friend.

Do children know a dog like Fred perhaps? If so, there will be a lot of giggling, head-nodding and story-sharing when you read this book with them! Watts points out the differences between Fred and his cat friend, with humour and charm, and gently nudges young readers to the realisation that despite many many differences, a friend is a friend. Yi’s illustrations contribute much exuberance and fun to the story, bringing the characters to life on every page.

My Friend Fred will make a wonderful gift for any dog-lover, and an excellent resource for libraries. There’s something about that slightly goofy and adorable dachshund on the front cover that woofs out “Buy me! Borrow me!”

I Would Dangle the Moon is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Amber Moffat, and published by MidnightSun Publishing (2019.) RRP: $Au29.99 HB.

From the publisher:

What would you do if you could pluck the moon from the sky? Would you scoop it up in an ice cream cone, or ride it like a snail shell across the night sky? I Would Dangle the Moon is an imaginative and playful story about all the wonderful things a mother would do with the moon for her child if she could do anything in the world.

Lyrical and poetic, this unique and beautifully illustrated story evokes the love and warmth between a parent and child.

In this charming children’s picture book, we witness the moon being transformed by a child and mother’s imaginations. Rather than being a straight forward linear narrative, it is more a reflection and almost a dialogue where the characters muse about the moon and special things in their lives. The illustrations are simple, naive and follow the text.

I Would Dangle the Moon is a great choice for parents and teachers who want children to visualise and use their imaginations. It is uplifting and will appeal to those gentle souls who love to wonder and dream.

Wandering Star is a children’s picture book written by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated by Stephen Michael King, and published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

I have a horse, a beautiful horse, and her name is Wandering Star.
We roam wild and free, from the hills to the sea, and it's magic wherever we are.

Follow this truly enchanting story of discovery, adventure and wonderful friends by two much-loved Australian picture book creators.

It’s always satisfying to find a picture book where neither author nor illustrator overtly dominate. Instead they combine seamlessly to deliver a story, and indeed to beguile youngsters into a love of reading. This is certainly true of Wandering Star, a rhyming tale about a beautiful horse and her owner. The two have charming adventures - in a circus, on a farm - until they chance upon a talisman and go on a quest to find its magical owner. They brave the perils, find the Fairy Queen and are given a reward. At last the two reach home and snuggle down together. Was it real, or a dream? Does it even matter?

I know Wandering Star will appeal to kids who love horses. But I'm certain it will interest youngsters who love stories about quests, magical elements, animals, and adventures. There is a wonderful ethereal feel to the book, which will feed children’s imaginations and give them pleasant dreams.

The Panda Problem is a children’s picture book written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Hannah Marks and published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 15.99 PB.

From the publisher:

Every story needs a problem.
But Panda doesn't have a problem.

Unless Panda IS the problem!

Lots of children understand that when you’re writing a narrative, you need a character with a problem. The narrator in this book has a very cute panda character but sadly, he has no problem! What he does have is attitude, and it brings lots of opportunities for humour.

Marks’s illustrations are adorable. My favourite page was when Panda x 2 is in the Antarctic and there are a couple of Emperor Penguins observing the action as the story takes a sudden swerve towards resolution. One looks at the other and says, “I find that hard to believe.” The other says, “This is fiction, anything can happen.” It’s nice when picture book creators add a little something extra for adults reading aloud, without interrupting the flow!

Kids will adore the invitations to interact in this book. There is lots of dialogue between the narrator and the panda, and once they have heard the story a couple of times, I know children will be keen to play one part or the other. The Panda Problem would make an excellent model for a re-telling, and for reader’s theatre. It’s a delightful story to share and to read-aloud.

Duck Duck Moose is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Lucinda Gifford and published by Allen and Unwin (2019.) RRP: $Au 19.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Who can resist a gloriously goofy moose? These ducks apparently. Or can they?

Duck duck … moose?

A hilarious and heart-warming story about finding friends in unexpected places.

This entertaining children’s picture book reminds me a little of Oink which I reviewed in May. Using only a couple of words, Gifford nonetheless shows us how eloquently a story can be told, and how we can infer so much more than those words because of the illustrations.

I loved the palette Gifford chose and the clarity and charm of her characters. Kids will appreciate the animal’s expressions, particularly the moose. As an almost wordless picture book Duck Duck Moose would make an excellent choice for schools looking to expand their visual literacy resources, as well as being a fun book to share with kids.

Goat on a Boat is a children’s picture book by Nick Dent and Suzanne Houghton, published by Omnibus for Scholastic (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

Although suitable for children 4+, this picture book works well on two levels. Little ones will enjoy the fun, the drama, the interesting and clear pictures and the rhyming text. Older children will admire the cleverness, the way the book provokes thought, and characters like Bighorn Bill who sounds a lot like people we know. They will be bursting to share the humour of, and explain, lines like “Stop the Goats!” Goat on a Boat would be great to share with older kids when exploring topics like sharing, benefitting from other cultures, refugees, acceptance, fear of what we are not familiar with etc.

I’ll be adding Goat on a Boat to my list of Picture Books that Celebrate Diversity. Regardless of your purpose, I very much enjoyed and admired this book, and hope I’ve persuaded you to purchase it for your class, home and library!

You will find earlier lists of my 2019 Picture Book Reviews here, and here.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Writing Tips for Kids 11 - Write Great Dialogue

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Last year I began a series of Writing Tips for Kids. This is the eleventh in the series. Over coming weeks you’ll see more short articles, each of them addressing young writers and dealing with a topic helpful to them. I’ve created a new List for these articles and will add to it over time. The List is embedded below.

How to Write Great Dialogue

In real life, people have conversations. Listen to your family chatting and you might hear:

"Hi Mum."
"Hello Jack. How was school?"
"Okay I guess."
"Did you hand in your homework."
"Yes."
"Good."

It might be realistic, but it's not interesting to a reader, and it doesn't tell us much about the people talking.

Writers use dialogue. It needs to sound realistic, but it isn't a real conversation like the one above. Dialogue does something in your story. Maybe it reveals something about a character. Maybe it gives some information we need to understand the story. It should also move the story along.

Here's another snippet of dialogue, this time from a story. Notice how we always start a new paragraph when someone new or different speaks.

"Hi Mrs Mangle," said Jack, sliding toward his room fast.

"Stop right there, young man." Mrs Mangle narrowed her eyes. "What's that behind your back?"

Jack tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Was there anything he could say to convince his foster mother to let him keep his new pet? "Huh? Oh, you mean this?" He brought his trembling hands to the front. "Isn't it great? It's a white mouse. Tam gave it to me and he says I can keep it."

“Oh, he did, did he?” She stared at the mouse and licked her dry lips.

What did you learn? What do you think MIGHT be going on?

If you want to write great dialogue, try these ideas:

* Pay attention to dialogue between the characters in your favourite books.

* Many adult writers nowadays use "said" in dialogue, rather than always trying for more interesting words like "chortled" or "exclaimed". It helps a reader’s eyes race down the page.

* It can still get boring if what each character says has a speech tag, like "she said". Take a look:

“The robots are coming,” he said.

“Oh no,” she said.

“Yes, and their crazed leader has sparks shooting from his eyes!” he said.
.
“We’d better leave now,” she said.

“I agree,” he said.

* Try action tags for variety. Here's an example of an action tag. We know Joe said it because what he said is followed immediately by what he did.

"You mean there's an elephant on the roof?" Joe flinched and stared at the ceiling. "Should we call the fire brigade?"

* Sometimes you don't need any tag because it's obvious who's speaking. But be careful to use a character’s name if you need to. Ask others to read your story and point out if they get confused.

* Remember that sometimes, having a character not speak will make a scene more dramatic and tell us a lot about what's going on between characters. Here's an example:

Mrs Mangle glared at Jack, and her nostrils flared.

"Please let me keep him. I want to call him Mickey. Please, please, please," he pleaded.

Mrs Mangle picked up the carving knife. Without a word, she whacked it down hard on the cutting board, and two potato halves flew up and plopped onto the floor.

Clipart Credit: Phillip Martin

Children’s Book Review, Nullaboo Hullabaloo

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Review by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Nullaboo Hullabaloo is a children’s chapter book written by Fleur Ferris, with occasional illustrations by Briony Stewart, and published by Penguin Random House (2019.) RRP: $Au14.99 PB. I have previously reviewed Ferris’s YA book, Found.

From the publisher:

A spark of magical fairy dust causes a hullabaloo in one Australian country town!

In faraway Nullaboo, Gemma Hart's day isn't going well. Her family might be evicted from their farm, and her science competition topic is march flies. How can she possibly win against perfect Nina, who gets to study butterflies?

But wait, that's not a feather in Gemma’s special bug catcher . . . it's a fairy!

Janomi the fairy isn’t supposed to talk to humans, but desperately needs help. Her grandfather has been captured by the silver spiders. Gemma agrees to help Janomi, and to keep the fairies' existence a secret. But her bug catcher has recorded their conversation - and Nina finds it.

With a media frenzy taking over Nullaboo, a secret government agency barges in to take control, and suddenly the fairy colony is under an even bigger threat. Gemma and her kooky family, school and resourceful neighbours must take matters into their own hands in an against-all-odds bid to save the last fairy colony on Earth.

When I was in Primary School, I had the same kind of belief in fairies as I did in Santa Claus. I was skeptical, but oh, I wanted them to be real! I suspect there are many children who feel the same. They will grab Nullaboo Hullabaloo with glee! It’s a chapter book, but I found it hard to pin down re age recommendation. Middle-grade, yes, but the slightly larger font and occasional illustration will definitely appeal to good readers on the younger end of that spectrum. Regardless, it is an exciting and action-packed read that kids 7+ will enjoy.

Stewart’s black and white sketches definitely add an extra charm to the story. I loved the way Ferris takes us through the scenario of what would happen if someone really DID discover fairies were true. There’s strong dramatic tension, lots of details to bring the world to life, and plenty of characters we can relate to. I know kids will look at the whole fairy trope with new eyes after reading Nullaboo Hullabaloo.

Consider asking kids to create their own fairy worlds after a shared reading of this book. There’s also a very cute activity pack about the book on Penguin’s website.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

App Reviews and Articles January to June 2019

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Here is a round-up of the apps I’ve reviewed in the first half of 2019.

You can browse through all the apps for iPad I’ve reviewed in the last few years on my Pinterest board.

You might also be interested in App Reviews and Articles January to June 2018, and App Reviews and Articles July to December 2018.

Children’s Book Review, How to Build the Perfect Cubby House

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Review by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

How to Build the Perfect Cubby House is a children’s picture book, written and illustrated by Heath McKenzie, and published by Scholastic Press (2019.) RRP: $Au 17.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Ollie is building THE PERFECT CUBBY HOUSE! Everyone has some great ideas, and pretty soon, the whole family is involved!

A fun and funny story about the importance of family and togetherness—and always having a plan!

Kids LOVE to make cubbies. With good reason - they are achievable with everyday materials, are fun to build, and can be transformed into almost anything with a healthy dollop of imagination. So I know most children will be able to make a connection to their own lives as soon as they see this book’s title and cover.

And inside? Well, there is so much wacky humour of course, but even better - there are fourteen rules that not only help build the perfect cubby but also make a wise plan for a creative life! Kids will adore this book. The illustrations are side-splitters, celebrating the chaos of a happy helpful family. There are lots of intricate details, authentic child-like perspectives and a joie-de-vivre that can’t help but brighten anyone’s day.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Looking Back to April, May, June 2018

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

A regular feature on The Book Chook is where I look at popular articles from previous months and years. Today my focus will be on posts from, you guessed it, April, May and June of 2018. Don't forget you can use the right sidebar to find more useful resources.

Click Creating, Learning, Reviews, Reading, Writing and Celebrating to explore those themes, or try the Blog Archive to browse by months. The Free PDFs button takes you to my other website where you can download any of the free educational PDFs I’ve created.

I hope you find something useful here, and if you do, thanks for sharing it with others who can benefit too.

Let’s Celebrate Screen-Free Week: Screen-Free Week is in April, but this list of activities is perfect for when your kids use the “b” word (bored)!

Incorporate technology into something children love - creating picture puzzles for other kids to do.

Recently published picture books from 2018 that just might entrance a youngster you know!

Help Kids Detect Fake News has tips for teachers and parents, plus a free PDF poster called be a Fake News Detector.

Want to go even further back into the past? Jump in my time machine and check out April, May, June of 2017.

Have kids create a digital rebus story.

Need some great children’s picture books about Australia? Here are some little beauties!

Children’s Book Review, When Billy Was a Dog

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Review by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

When Billy Was a Dog is a children’s picture book, written by Kirsty Murray, illustrated by Karen Blair and published by Allen and Unwin (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

'Can I please, please, please have a dog?' asked Billy.
'Would you walk it every day and wash it if it got dirty?'
'I would, I promise!' said Billy.

Billy wants a dog. He really really really wants one.
Billy's parents aren't so sure. So one morning, Billy takes matters into his own paws.

A gloriously funny, warm and true story from the creators of Puddle Hunters.

Kids will resonate with this tale of a young man who is desperate for a dog of his own. I really liked Billy’s attitude. Whereas many kids would pout and whine for what they wanted, Billy BECOMES the dog he wants. He sniffs things, he barks, he even lifts his leg near a fence until Dad puts a stop to that idea quick smart. In fact, Billy throws his heart and soul into being a dog.

But then, when Fluff the dog next-door begins to have her pups, Billy stops being a dog and worries about her instead. Will Billy ever get the puppy he wants?

Blair's illustrations are just perfect for the story, and will certainly help children not only understand what is going on, but rejoice in it. Read this book aloud if you dare - I envisage 30 Kinder kids all channelling their inner canines!

Heart-warming and positive, with several laugh-aloud moments, When Billy Was a Dog is a wonderful choice for libraries and homes everywhere - especially those that appreciate dogs and those who love (to pretend to be) them.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Let’s Celebrate Grandparent’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Grandparents are great, aren’t they? Lots of countries have a special day to celebrate that. In the USA it’s September 19, 2019 and in Australia it’s 27 October 2019. But of course any day can be set aside to remind us all how special grandparents are, and how very fortunate WE are to have them in our lives.

Whichever day you choose to call Grandparent’s Day, here are some ideas to help you celebrate. And below you will find a list I’ve begun to create featuring books about grandparents.

Activities

* All family members love to see what kids do in school. Why not invite them to your classroom as special guests for a session one day. My experience suggests making it a defined amount of time that maybe adjoins a lunchtime or morning tea.

* Prior to this session, kids could create portraits of their grandparents and display them!

* Invite some grandparents to come and talk to the kids about life when they were young, and how things were different and the same.

* Create a class or library display of things that may have been used by grandparents or great-grandparents.

* Visit a museum where children can see clothing, transport, cooking items etc from earlier times.

* Are there grandparents who would help out by sharing a favourite book or magic trick, or with a class cooking or gardening session?

* Have kids talk about, write about and draw their grandparents or someone older than their parents who is important in their lives.

* Older kids could make a presentation about a grandparent. Will it be a multimedia presentation? Questions to get kids started might be: What do we know about Grandpa/Grandma? What is his/her favourite thing to do, or place to visit? What are his/her hobbies? What does he/she like to say or do to make us laugh? What is special about my grandparent?

* Challenge children to make a gift for a grandparent. Will they make a card? A poem? A comic? Perhaps they could decorate a pot or make a peg basket.

* If you have iPads, check out the Grandma and Grandpa apps by Fairlady Media. You can find my reviews for these apps and others on my Pinterest page.

Books

Below you’ll find a list of some books I would recommend to help you celebrate Grandparent’s Day with kids, or just to celebrate our good fortune in having them part of our lives.

Check out other celebrations here at The Book Chook by browsing under the Celebrations button in the right sidebar.

Children’s Book Review, Cocoon

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Cocoon is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Aura Parker, and published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Dawn and her best friends have a plan! They are going to eat as many leaves as they can, weave cocoons and turn into moths so they can FLY!

Easy peasy, right? But what happens when days go by and Dawn still doesn’t have her wings? What if she doesn’t grow them at all? Will Dawn ever get to chase the lights with her friends?

A beautiful story about patience and achieving your dreams.

Aura Parker won my heart with Twig, which was one of my top children’s picture books in 2016. So I was thrilled to see Cocoon arrive Chez Chook. Ten seconds later, after drinking in the cover and the absolutely delightful endpapers, I plunged into a tale about Dawn, a caterpillar. And immediately I have a new contender for Top Picture Books of 2019!

Parker triumphs as both author and illustrator. Young readers will find themselves immersed in the life of an insect larva, and incidentally learning about metamorphosis without realising. I particularly admired the way Parker helped us see Dawn’s world through her eyes, helped us imagine her life.

There are also so many fascinating visual details for kids to appreciate. I loved the varied perspectives, such as an aerial view of eager little caterpillar faces surrounding the paper diagram of “the plan” - eat lots of leaves, weave a cocoon, become a moth and FLY! And the cut-away views of the inside of the cocoon are delightful. Kids will adore the blue prints of Dawn’s imagined dream cocoon, the sheer variety of illustration formats, and the wonderful seek and find activities in the end-papers. This is definitely a picture book to pore over, and read again and again.

I recommend this truly beautiful picture book to libraries and homes everywhere. It will make an excellent resource for junior grades in science, and appeal particularly to kids 4 - 7. I think it will also be useful to adults looking for a read-aloud about perseverance and following your dreams.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Writing Tips for Kids 10 - Use Your Senses

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Last year I began a series of Writing Tips for Kids. This is the tenth in the series. Over coming weeks you’ll see more short articles, each of them addressing young writers and dealing with a topic helpful to them. I’ve created a List for these articles and will add to it over time. The List is embedded below.

Using Senses and Point of View

Ice. What do you think of when you read that word "ice"? Do see a picture of an iceberg in your head and hear the splash as a chunk breaks away and plummets into the sea? Maybe you imagine the cold, wet feeling when an ice block melts in your hand, or dissolves on your tongue.

One thing writers do to help readers enjoy their stories is to use words creatively. They try to make pictures in a reader's mind. And they make those pictures fit the character we're reading about. Suppose we’re witnessing a battle scene inside a castle kitchen through the eyes and ears of Ralf, a boy who works there. We could write, "It was very loud." But if we choose words the boy himself might use, we could write, "It was as if all the plates in the world shattered inside his head." Both times we’re using words that make a noise image inside a reader's head, but the second way makes the boy's character and life more real to us.

Writers try to use words that appeal to our senses. Their images tell us about things the character experiences. Do you ever feel so caught up in a novel that it’s like you’re living in the story? Writers capture our imaginations and transport us to the world they’ve built inside a book. It’s as if we really are hearing, tasting or seeing things the characters do.

If our kitchen boy, Ralf, was hungry, would this be a good choice of words? “Ralf was hungry enough to eat ten burgers.” We are learning about the book world through what Ralf sees, feels, hears and thinks. He probably lives in the past, a time when boys worked in castle kitchens. Can you re-write that sentence about Ralf being hungry so it sounds more like something Ralf would think?

Author Sandy Fussell wrote a book called Polar Boy. It’s a great book. Sandy uses language that puts us right inside a character's head. When we're there, looking out at the world through a character’s eyes, it's called point of view. Sandy makes the point of view strong by choosing words that suit the character. Her hero, Iluak, describes his grandmother in words we would expect a boy from a land of snow and ice to use. “Nana’s face is crinkled like caribou hide, brown and withered hard.”

If a character from a very cold place was scared, what words might he use to describe his fear? Can you use words that make us remember being very cold, and afraid as well?

When you’re reading, be on the alert for writing that grabs you and puts you inside a character’s head or feelings. I like to keep a note pad handy and jot down ideas the author gives me for my own writing. A tablet can work just as well.

Using skills that published writers use, like strong point of view and word pictures that make us feel something, is one more way to make your stories effective.

You might also like to read Writing Tips for Kids - How to Start, Writing Tips for Kids 2 - Write What You Know, Writing Tips for Kids 3 - Developing Characters, Writing Tips for Kids 4 - Writing Funny Stories, Writing Tips for Kids 5 - Start with a Hook, Writing Tips for Kids 6 - Remove Repetitions, Writing Tips for Kids 7 - Use Strong Verbs. Writing Tips for Kids 8 - Use Specific Nouns, Writing Tips for Kids 9 - Remove Fluff Words.

Clipart Credit: Phillip Martin

Children’s Book Review, Lottie and Walter

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Lottie and Walter is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Anna Walker and published by Penguin Random House (2019.) RRP: $Au 24 99 HB. I have previously reviewed many books either written and illustrated, or just illustrated by Anna Walker eg Florette and Go Go and the Silver Shoes.

From the publisher:

'I'm not swimming,' Lottie announced.

Lottie doesn't want to be afraid, but no matter what she does, she just can't go in the water.

Until she finds a surprising friend, who turns out to be more helpful than Lottie could ever have imagined...

I love Anna Walker’s picture books. There is always such a warmth and kindliness to them. I believe young children need lots of positive books in their lives, and Lottie and Walter is a fine example of this. Lottie is a little girl, who like many, is afraid of learning to swim. Mostly because she knows there is a shark hiding in the pool, waiting to EAT her. Luckily she meets a walrus called Walter who doesn’t seem to mind her decision not to swim, but sings gently, and eats lots of fish fingers.

The illustrations in Lottie and Walter are excellent. Water colours now hint at the terror of a lurking shark, and next at the delight of sharing a bubble bath with a walrus. Kids will make connections to their own lives via all the lovely details of pool parties and getting changed after a successful swimming lesson.

I loved that the adult characters in the story don’t pressure Lottie to swim, and that it’s her friendship with Walter that finally enables her to conquer her fear. Lottie and Walter reminds kids that it’s okay to be afraid, and that there are ways we can overcome our fears. It’s going straight on my list of contenders for Top Picture Books 2019.

Parents and teachers will be pleased to find that Penguin has a Lottie and Walter downloadable activity pack available. There’s also a gorgeous Youtube trailer you can show your kids to whet their appetites for this excellent children’s picture book, embedded below.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Children’s iPad App, PrestoBingo Shapes

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 30 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

PrestoBingo Shapes is an iPad app for children from developers Spur Design.

From the developers:

Learn SHAPES! Brought to you by Joyce Hesselberth, author and illustrator of the children's books SHAPE SHIFT and MAPPING SAM. Each animated puzzle hides up to 20 shapes. This game teaches your child circles, diamonds, ovals, rectangles, semicircles, squares, trapezoids, and triangles. Each type of shape is explained and identified. Play a game of hide and seek. Some shapes are in plain sight, but some can be tricky to find! Do I spy an oval, hidden in the tree? Do I spy a diamond kite floating in the sky? See how many shapes you can find in each puzzle!

What I liked:

I really loved the artwork. There’s a lovely limited palette in citrus flavours. I also really appreciated the way the illustrator had made an effort to alter sizes, colours, details etc to make kids really persevere and search for shapes. While it is at its heart a puzzle app, it also helps kids learn to identify geometric shapes. It is also an easily navigable app. Some of the puzzles are trickier than others, and there’s a voice that encourages kids to keep searching to find ALL the shapes. Kids can click on an information button to find out more about the shapes. I can see preschoolers playing with the app, but it is not too easy for K-2.

It would be nice to know how many shapes need to be found in each puzzle - there is no way of knowing if you have them all until a little animation occurs and the screen changes to the next puzzle. I believe young kids will benefit from playing this app with a parent or another adult who can discuss the puzzle illustrations with them. I suspect many children will be inspired by the artwork to want to go on and look for shapes in their environments as well as to create with them. I'll be adding PrestoBingo Shapes to my list of Intriguing iPad Puzzle Apps for Kids.

Where to get it?

iTunes Australia

iTunes USA

Check out all of my iPad App Reviews on Pinterest, and find more apps and articles via my Listly page.

Recent Children’s Picture Books 2019 (3)

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 28 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Reviews by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

My first instalment of recent children's picture book reviews for 2019 can be found in this article, and the second is here. You can also browse through my book reviews here at The Book Chook via my Pinterest board.

Baz and Benz is a children’s picture book, written and illustrated by Heidi McKinnon, and published by Allen and Unwin (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB. I have previously reviewed (and loved!) I Just Ate My Friend.

From the publisher:

'Benz, are we friends?'
'Yes, Baz, we are best friends'
'For how long?'
'For ever and ever.'

But what do you do when your best friend is... kind of annoying?

A delightfully funny and warm-hearted story about a little owl exploring the boundaries of love and friendship from the creator of I Just Ate My Friend.

I’m not sure how anyone could go past this book without being attracted to its vibrant artwork! Bright orange, dark purple, teal and black will call out to young readers. Inside they’ll find a delightful story about two friends, one that will tickle funny-bones and yet give everyone something to think about. Kids will certainly relate to someone in their own lives being “kind of annoying”, and will perhaps even remember an occasion when they too have set out to irritate!

As with I Just Ate My Friend, this charming children’s picture book gets the coveted Book Chook Feather of Approval and is on my List of books to be considered for Top Ten 2019. It will make a great addition to a school’s Friendship resources, and a fine choice for a read-aloud that entrances an audience.

Ivanhoe Swift Left Home at Six is a children’s picture book written by Jane Godwin, illustrated by A.Yi, and published by Allen and Unwin (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB. I have previously reviewed Godwin’s Go-Go and the Silver Shoes, and Bear Make Den, one of my all-time favourite picture books.

From the publisher:

A lyrical exploration of those bittersweet moments when children first begin to explore the world for themselves.

Ivanhoe Swift left home when he was six.
He had heard many songs about the world, and it was time to see it for himself.
'We won't know where you are!' cried his father.
'I'll know where you are,' said Ivanhoe. 'And you can look out for my kite in the sky. Goodbye, parents!'

There is something very appealing about a child who sets off on an adventure at the age of six with a casual “Goodbye, parents.”! Like all good adventures, Ivanhoe Swift has difficulties and problems to solve. Luckily he also finds a side-kick called Maisie Jane.

Yi’s characters are quirky and appealing. I loved the atmosphere conveyed in the various stages of Ivanhoe’s journey, and the way the words of his mother's song were interwoven throughout. I think children will enjoy what is essentially a “quest”, particularly the possibility inherent in the final page where we see Ivanhoe tucked up in bed at last, but looking at his map by torchlight under the covers.

Where’s Mrs Kangaroo? is a children’s board book by Ingela P. Arrhenius, published by Nosy Crow (2019.) RRP: $Au 12.99 BB.

From the publisher:

A fabulous new title in this brilliant board book series for pre-schoolers. With easy-to-grasp, shaped felt flaps, a repetitive refrain and beautiful artwork from Swedish homewares designer, Ingela Arrhenius.

What fun to have Australian animals in this novelty board book series by Arrhenius! Little ones can look behind flaps to find them. As I said in an earlier review - Where’s Mr Duck? - the felt flaps are a great idea, and seem strong. The ending is similarly cute and involves a mirror for babes to spy themselves in.

The Book Chook is a children’s picture book written by Amelia McInerney, illustrated by Connah Brecon and published by Omnibus for Scholastic (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

When Ray realises he is a drawing of a chicken, he panics! Can he hatch a plan to get out of the book? Luckily, his plucky, clucky friend Janine is there to help.

A hilarious tale of flying the coop—and discovering home. Of finding out who you are, learning to love who you are and where you are—even if you might have been a bit mistaken on the way.

Kids will enjoy the humour in this zany tale about Ray and Janine. There are great chooky noises - “Bok, book, bgerk!” - rhymes, and invitations for kids to join in and interact. Brecon’s illustrations really bring out the quirkiness of the characters and highlight the humour and action. I liked the way Ray settled happily for being a book-bird who could talk and read - the world needs more of those!

I’ll be adding The Book Chook to my list of Children’s Picture Books about Books. (My tip to those who want to read this book aloud is definitely to practise first, as the rhythm is a little tricky.)

One Tree is a children’s picture book written by Christopher Cheng, illustrated by Bruce Whatley and published by Penguin Random House Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

One tall tree on the mountain once marked Grandfather’s farm. Now there is a busy city and Grandfather lives with us in our apartment.

Once he told stories but now he stays silent. Until one day, in the city market, I find something precious . . . something that brings Grandfather’s memories alive again.

Cheng unfolds a story about a young boy and his Grandfather, who now lives in the city, but misses his home in the mountain and is silent and withdrawn. Gradually though, via Grandson’s interest in a tree seedling he brings home, Grandfather share his plant knowledge and begins to take an interest in the world around him. The language used in One Tree is simple and appropriate both to a child narrator and the theme. The joyous final scene in the book shows how much one or two people can influence others to make a change, and how life-affirming change can be.

Whatley is such a versatile and prolific artist! He is always pushing himself to innovate and has tried a new illustrative style in One Tree - how perfectly it fits the subject matter. Although digital, it looks like linocut printing, giving a real reflection of Chinese culture and tradition. The colours are subdued, while there’s a level of detail that really enhances the crowded city scenes. Together Whatley and Chen create such a beautifully gentle and meaningful story that is one of hope, change and family.

One Tree will be a good match for schools looking to augment their resources about the environment, about the way people live, about rural vs urban environments and about life in Asian countries. I’ll be adding it to my List of Children’s Picture Books about Change. Do keep an eye out for this one!

Are We There Yet is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Alison Lester and published by Penguin Random House Australia (2004.) RRP: $Au. 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

The year I turned eight, Mum and Dad took us on a trip around Australia. Luke, Billy and I missed school for the whole winter term. Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition. A warm, heartfelt story based on an actual journey undertaken by the much-loved, award-winning author and illustrator, Alison Lester.

There’s lovely gentle humour, lots of learning and so many things to interest young readers in this charming children’s picture book about a family’s trip around Australia. It must have been a huge labour of love for Lester the artist as there are so many different illustrative formats and details for kids to pore over. They will enjoy following the children’s journey throughout the book, and also in the detailed maps. Above all young readers will come away from Are We There Yet with a greater appreciation of Australia, and of Home.

Are We There Yet is a classic of children’s literature. I believe it should have a place in all Australian schools and Libraries. It would also make the perfect gift for kids who are setting off on an Australian holiday. Or for overseas friends. It also makes an excellent model for kids to use to describe their own family journey.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Nick Bland, and published by Scholastic (2019.) RRP: $Au 17.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Trip, Trap, Trip, Trap, Trip, Trap!

Three billy goats named Gruff want to cross a bridge to get to where the sweetest grass grows. But under the bridge lives a great ugly troll! Will he gobble them up?

Nick Bland fans are legion and they will be quick to grab this latest book of his. The classic tale about a family of goats named Gruff deserves a place in every library - it is such a wonderful story for children to dramatise, or to use as inspiration for their own stories and artwork. I admired the way Bland put his own spin on it, while remaining quite true to the original folk tale. Kids will enjoy the repetition, and clamour to join in with a read-aloud. Emphasis on the LOUD! I predict children will also love Bland’s troll as much as I did - a green, pointy-headed, bulbous-nosed, saucepan-banging creature with tufted eyebrows and a terrible temper. (The Book Chook before coffee?)

Oink is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by David Elliot, and published by Gecko Press (distributed by Walker Books) (2019.) RRP: $Au 22.99/ $NZ 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

A comical story about a very busy bath from one of New Zealand's top children's writers and illustrators

Pig has been looking forward to a lovely peaceful bath all day ...In come Sheep, then Cow and Horse. They are very noisy! Pig finds a way to make them go away. Oink!

Oink is an almost wordless picture book that I know kids will love. Gentle but expressive water colour illustrations combine with animal noises and regular knocking to tell the story of a poor pig who just wants to relax in his peaceful bath. Unfortunately for Pig, boisterous and loud others join him. Luckily Pig comes up with a clever and delightfully cheeky solution to his problem that children will think is hilarious. This is a perfect picture book to use with kids for oral storytelling. I particularly admired the way Elliot shows us that one word eg “Moo” can have different meanings depending on its context!

We’re Stuck is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Sue DeGenarro, and published by Scholastic (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

When Turtle races into the lift of Building 24, there is a nod and a blink and a step to the side. A grunt and a sigh and a lean to the right.

But what happens when the lift stops moving? Crocodile has a meeting to get to. And Giraffe has a doctor’s appointment.

And Turtle really, really needs to get to the shop.

The charming cover of We’re Stuck sums the beginning of the book up perfectly - the way humans get into lifts, in a hurry to get somewhere, and the way we ignore those crammed in next to us, will certainly be noticed by young readers after reading it! But this children’s picture book slowly reveals a gentle, feel-good story - it’s Turtle’s birthday, and instead of racing to the shop with is list, he is stuck. In the lift. It’s an emergency! His fellow lift-riders and neighbours create a birthday inside the lift and subsequently everyone seems to enjoy life a little more.

DeGenarro’s illustrations are mellow, happy and fun. Kids will enjoy the different perspectives, the humour and the contrast between the way apartment life is portrayed at the start - a long portrait spread of tidy insular apartments, and the close-knit chaos of the ending.

We’re Stuck is a great choice for students studying the way we live, urban environments, or for those who simply want a story that’s fun and uplifting.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Creative Prompt for Kids - Start with a Secret Power

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 23 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Because the Children’s Book Week theme for 2019 in Australia is “Reading is my Secret Power”, I’ve brainstormed some prompts that use the idea of a “secret power” to nudge kids towards some kind of creative activity. The deal is to use my ideas simply as a springboard to any kind of creativity, and the more, the better.

Whether kids are drawing, composing music, designing graphics, embroidering, sculpting, choreographing, writing, telling digital stories, decorating a cake, making a movie or designing the set for a play, they are thinking creatively and expressing themselves. And that’s just as exciting as having reading as a secret power! Far below, you’ll find the list of all my other creative prompts.

* If you could choose any one secret power, which one would it be? Would you choose super strength? The ability to fly? The power to read minds? Write a list of all the good things about your power. Now write a list of the problems it might cause. Which list is longer?

* Secrets are important. But sometimes we trust a few people with a secret. Write a list of people you would trust with a secret and keep the list somewhere secret.

* Which superheroes do you know that have secret powers? What makes a power secret anyway?

* Work together with your friends to create a list of special powers that could also be secret powers. Have a vote to choose the top three secret powers.

* Make a play about a character with the secret power of being able to transform into an insect.

* Choose a simple catchy tune and change the words to something about a secret power. Teach your new song to your friends and work out a way to present it to an audience.

* Create a cartoon about a character who believes he/she has a secret power, but doesn’t.

* Paint a picture of yourself using your secret power(s).

* Imagine a machine that can give people secret powers. Draw your machine, and label it.

* What if you had the secret power to walk through walls? What might go wrong? Create a cartoon about it.

* List some secret powers. Now invent a name that would go with each. For instance, one secret power a hero could have might be being able to transform into reptile form. Her name could be Leapin’ Lizard Woman. Choose one hero from your list, write a description about them, and draw them.

* Imagine that you had a secret power where everything you touched turned to gold. How would you feel? Would you be excited, happy, feel safe? What sort of problems could you have? Write the story.

* Bake a cake and decorate it with a secret power theme.

📚You might also be interested in Children’s Book Week 2019, Activities and Resources.

Children’s Book Review, Australian Backyard Earth Scientist

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 21 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Review by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Australian Backyard Earth Scientist is by Peter Macinnis and published by NLA (2019.) RRP: $Au 29.99

I have previously reviewed Macinnis’ The Australian Backyard Naturalist and The Big Book of Australian History.

From the publisher:

Find out where rain comes from and what geysers look like! Read about soil becoming too salty and why greenhouse gases are increasing. Did you know that fog is a cloud sitting on the ground and that ice can tell you about the environment of millions of years ago? And what is lightning anyway? Australian Backyard Earth Scientist is full of fantastic photos and fascinating information that help explain different aspects of earth science - a science that discovered how old the Earth is, what fossils tell us, how mountains were created, what causes earthquakes, what the difference between weather and climate is, and why glaciers are melting.

From the beginnings of the planet through to climate change, 'Australian Backyard Earth Scientist' includes interesting and fun facts and projects help develop an understanding and appreciation - like making your own fossils, collecting cloud types, and using tree rings to find out about past weather. Young readers can discover the influences that have fashioned our earth - and are still acting to change it.

If you know Macinnis’ other books, you will not be surprised by the excellence of this one. Using language and sentence structure children will understand, the author delves into earth science, explaining what it is, and encouraging kids to delve into it right alongside him. The format of this book, like the others, is well-designed, with intriguing photographs, maps, diagrams, colourful headings and call-outs, cartoons, sketches, project pages, and special fonts - as well as all the explanations a young scientist could ever hope for.

I loved the hands-on projects Macinnis leads children through, so they can discover earth science for themselves. I also loved the cute cartoons that popped up to add humour and visual interest. There is evidence of meticulous research and scrupulous editing, and above all the enormous effort that has gone into making the subject matter accessible and entertaining.

With chapters about Rocks, Erosion, Water, Weather, The Oceans, Climate Change … and snippets about glaciers, salination, lightning strikes, king tides, carbon-dating - including what it’s like inside a volcano from personal experience - this is not just a book for schools, but also one adults can dip into, be fascinated by and learn from. I recommend it to both public and school libraries, and to homes where science and knowledge are valued.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Children’s iPad App, Fiete Choice

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 16 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Fiete Choice is a children’s app from developer, Ahoiii Entertainment. It’s available for iOS and Android. I have previously reviewed Fiete Match, and Fiete Islands. (22/2)

From the developers:

You see two sheep and a pig. „Which one is out of place?“ - That’s right! The pig is the odd one out and you have to click on it. The levels in this logic game carefully build upon each other and are sure to make you laugh. After all, it’s not every day that you get to see a sheep wearing wellington boots :)

What I liked:

All the things I liked in the other Fiete apps are here too. I especially value the lovely art work. This one focuses on making choices, hence the name. Finding the odd one out or the one that doesn't "belong", discriminating between objects and elements, deciding on a choice between several - these are all activities that are part of pre-reading. For kids to be able to practise them in a fun, game environment is definitely worthwhile. There are lots of levels, and I sadly admit I had to stop and think at least once! Adults can also use the app to discuss things like positional vocabulary, colours, shapes, direction, size, counting, one-to-one correspondence etc.

There ARE ads for other Ahoiii apps and t-shirts BUT I like the way the t-shirts are behind a code and the other app pics don't link through to the app store. This is a great app for kids up to six years, in my opinion, with a good balance of learning and fun.

Where to get it?

iTunes Australia

iTunes USA

Google Play

Check out all of my iPad App Reviews on Pinterest, and find more apps and articles via my Listly page. I’ll be adding this app to my List of iPad Puzzle Apps for Kids

Children’s Book Review, This is Home

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 14 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Review by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

This is Home: Essential Australian Poems for Children is a children’s poetry book with poems selected by Jackie French, illustrated by Tania McCartney, and published by National Library of Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 34.99 HB.

From the publisher:

In 'This Is Home', much-loved author Jackie French has gathered a poem for every child and every mood. What do you feel like doing today? Sit beside a bush campfire with Oodgeroo Noonuccal, watch people going by with Henry Lawson, float away with Alison Lester, learn to read with Andy Griffiths or be brave with Shaun Tan.

Ideal for sharing with the whole family, this extensively illustrated edition brings together old favourites and sure-to-be new favourites in an indispensable addition to children's bookshelves. From poems that whisper to poems that roar, from words of tranquillity and heartbreak to those of the witty and absurd, there is something within these pages to make everyone feel at home.

This is Home: Essential Australian Poems for Children is an excellent choice for teachers who want to share Australian poetry with their students. I also love the idea of parents buying it so they can make it a priority to include poetry in their family read-alouds. Anything that raises the profile of Australian poetry, and indeed of poetry in general, is a truly wonderful idea. For those children or adults who have sadly already developed an aversion to poetry, there are many inclusions in This is Home to tempt them to change their minds.

French has included a range of appealing poems, from classics to moderns, and from serious to silly. She has given short introductions to each section, and has offered suggestions for those who prefer to read by “inclination “- eg for those in primary/high school, for those who like animals etc. McCartney’s illustrations really sing. They will immediately attract youngsters, and are also appropriate to the accompanying poem’s theme.

I admit to being a little disappointed in one part of the book’s appearance. Not the illustrations - as I said, they are excellent, and will attract young readers to This is Home. But with a couple of the poems, I thought the size of the font and the length of lines made the text look blocky and off-putting for those kids who like more white space. However, the idea of an anthology is to have a range of poems, with the understanding that some will appeal to this person, and some to that. So my observation is minor, in that context.

I hope children will enjoy the many wonderful poems as much as I did. This is Home - Essential Australian Poems for Children is a must-have resource for Australian libraries, will round-out a unit on poetry or Australia, and makes an amazing gift for those special children who love words.

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Writing Tips for Kids 9 - Remove Fluff Words

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 09 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Last year I began a series of Writing Tips for Kids which I continued in 2019. Today’s article is the ninth in the series. Over coming weeks you’ll see more short articles, each of them addressing young writers and dealing with a topic helpful to them. I’ve created a new List for these articles and will add to it over time. The List is embedded below.

How and Why to Remove Fluff Words

What are “fluff” words? Is it words that mean people have gas? Not today it isn’t!

Do you remember in Writing Tips for Kids 6 - Remove Repetitions, we talked about removing repeated words and sentence types to make it easier on a reader? Fluff words slow our writing down the way repetition does. Such words are filler. Examples are: very, really, quite, a bit, sort of, got, just. Mostly we don’t need those words in a sentence. They clutter up our writing and make it slower and more boring to read.

Here’s an example: My brother is sort of cranky when he wakes up. I tease him about it quite a lot but Dad just says that’s not very nice.

Here’s one way to write it without the fluff words: My brother is cranky when he wakes up. I tease him about it but Dad says that’s not nice.

Fluff words have less impact than a strong verb, adjective or noun. They don’t create as clear a picture for the reader. Instead of "a really big pile of rocks", we could write "an avalanche of rocks" or "a mountain of rocks", depending on the situation. Would you choose avalanche of rocks or mountain of rocks if the rocks were looming above you? Which would you choose if the rocks were starting to fall on you?

Sometimes "that" can be removed. Example: "Trey thought that he would go". "Trey thought he would go." means the same, but is quicker to read. One word sounds so small, but in a whole story, removing one word here and another there can make a huge difference. If you have to write a set amount of words, taking words out can make your story tighter, and make it an easier read.

Sometimes "the" can be removed. Example: The candle flames flickered as an icy wind blew. The shadows danced on the wall, creating monstrous, menacing shapes. I shuddered as the clammy hands circled my neck.

Can you remove "the" to make stronger sentences?

Here's one way: Candle flames flickered as an icy wind blew. Shadows danced on the wall, creating monstrous, menacing shapes. I shuddered as clammy hands circled my neck.

When you're checking your work (editing or revising), look at each word or phrase you've written. If you can take it out, without changing the meaning, it's not necessary. Our goal is to make writing strong and clear. Very few writers can do that the first time. That's why they read it over several times and change it. Some even read it backwards to help themselves look at words more carefully. Don't worry though, there's no need to stand on your head!

You might also like to read Writing Tips for Kids - How to Start, Writing Tips for Kids 2 - Write What You Know, Writing Tips for Kids 3 - Developing Characters, Writing Tips for Kids 4 - Writing Funny Stories, Writing Tips for Kids 5 - Start with a Hook, Writing Tips for Kids 6 - Remove Repetitions, Writing Tips for Kids 7 - Use Strong Verbs and Writing Tips for Kids 8 - Use Specific Nouns.

Clipart Credit: Phillip Martin

Children’s Book Week 2019, Activities and Resources

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 07 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Children’s Book Week in Australia is August 17 - 23, 2019. The theme this year is Reading is My Secret Power.

Here are some prompts to start discussions with kids:

🔆 How can reading be a power?
🔆 How can reading be a secret power?
🔆 What is the difference between a secret power and a super power? Could reading be both?
🔆 Why would somebody want to keep a power secret?

Here are some ideas for educational and creative activities for kids, based on the theme:

💥 Tell someone about your favourite book. What makes it so good? Write several sentences/paragraphs about your book so others can discover it too. You might like to read the tips in my article, How Do Kids Write a Book Review?

💥 Imagine a day when you must cover up the fact that reading is your secret power. How do you dress? How do you act? Create a costume that would help someone whose secret power is reading to disguise themselves.

💥 Think up a situation where a character solves a big problem by being able to read. What is the problem? What is the resolution? Tell the story.

💥Lots of stories have secrets in them. Explore your library and try to discover books that are about secrets, or that have “secret” in the title. How many secret” books will you read?

💥Write an advertising jingle that sells reading as a secret power. Get together with some friends and perform your jingle for an audience. How will you know if your communication is effective?

💥Reading truly is amazingly powerful. Design a poster that communicates the power of reading to change people’s lives.

💥 Because you have reading as your secret power, you have a great imagination. Let’s put that imagination to work! Imagine that one day you stumble across a hidden valley, a place so secret that you are the first person to find it. What does it look like, smell like, sound like? What kinds of creatures live here? Make up some interesting names for all these different creatures. Perhaps there are some really strange ones like Galoppalegs or Lubadups. Draw a picture about your secret valley, and don’t forget to draw and label your creatures!

➽ Teachers and librarians, if you're new to Children's Book Week celebrations, check out the Book Week for Beginners site for display and celebration ideas, character parades and more!

Here are some resources I have made this year for teachers/librarians/parents to use with students:

NB: All of my Children’s Book Week resources are free to use for teachers, librarians and parents who work with kids.

1. This first group of resources is three quizzes designed as a way for students to become familiar with the books chosen as Notables by the CBCA. Children should look carefully at the book covers on the long list page to solve the clues in the PDFs. How many of these books have they read, or plan to read?

Quiz based on CBCA Notables - Find the Book (Older Readers) PDF
Quiz based on CBCA Notables - Find the Book (Younger Readers) PDF
Quiz based on CBCA Notables - Find the Book (Picture Book of the Year) PDF

Download these PDF quizzes here.

2. The next group of resources is brightly coloured posters you might like to use to keep Book Week front and centre in people’s minds, or for Children’s Book Week displays.

Download these PDF Posters here.

3. The next resource is a PDF where kids can work out their secret agent code name.

Download Secret Agent Code Name PDF here.

4. The final 2019 resource is a “top secret” PDF document explaining to kids that they must become secret agents, develop skills and defeat MMAR (Mischief Makers Against Reading.) Students complete the activities in the booklet.

Download the PDF TOP SECRET Activity Booklet here.

You might also be interested in my other Children’s Book Week articles from earlier years, embedded in the list below.

NB: After ten years, sometime in the next few months will be my final time of publishing both The Book Chook, and my own website, so please download any other useful resources from my Free PDFs while they are still available.

Let’s Celebrate World Turtle Day

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 02 May 2019 19:00:00 +0000

by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

World Turtle Day is celebrated on May 23. I know you’re as excited as I am! In the lead-up to this special day, let’s think of ways we can help kids celebrate it, and gain a better understanding of these wonderful reptiles. World Turtle Day is already in my list of Important Special Days for Kids, which you'll find embedded below.

Learning about Turtles

* Did you know a turtle belongs to the reptile family? What other animals do you know that are part of this family?

* Check out your library and do some reading about turtles.

* Draw a picture of a turtle and label its important features.

* What different habitats do turtles live in?

* Are all turtles exactly the same? Make a list of different kinds of turtle.

* What noises do turtles make? Can anyone in your class do an impression of a turtle?

* How is a turtle different from a tortoise? Generally the convention goes that tortoise applies to the land-dwelling creatures and turtle applies to those that live in the water. We sometimes see turtles on the land near water though. Look at some drawn images of turtles online and see if the artist might have mistakenly drawn a tortoise.

* Some species of turtles are becoming extinct. Why might this be?

Creative Activities for Kids

* Can you draw a cartoon turtle and create a short cartoon about him/her?

* Use recycled materials to create a turtle family for your classroom.

* Design a menu for a turtle-themed party. What games could you play? How might you bake and decorate a turtle cake?

* Create invitations that invite your friends or imaginary people to a turtle party.

* Imagine a superhero turtle. What is it called? What is its side-kick called? What adventures do they have? Uh - oh! What goes wrong?

* Draw an outline of a turtle in lead pencil. Divide the inside into sections and fill each section with doodle patterns or zentangles. Go over the lines with colour, or keep it black and white.

* Write a diary entry for one day in a turtle's life.

* Here are some turtle pages to colour.

Resources

The Australian Museum has information about Australian turtles.

The US Humane Society has information too.

Nat Geo Kids has facts about turtles.

Sea Turtle Conservancy has games, quizzes and printable activities about turtles.

The San Diego Zoo website has excellent information about the Galápagos tortoise.

SLOActive has all the appalling facts about plastics pollution in the ocean and what we can do about it.

Below is a video of green sea turtles hatching.

Below you will find more special days you can celebrate with kids.

Recent Children’s Picture Book Reviews 2019 (2)

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Children's Book Reviews by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

My first instalment of recent children's picture book reviews for 2019 can be found in this article. You can browse through my book reviews here at The Book Chook via my Pinterest board.

Circle is a children’s picture book written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen and published by Walker Books (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB. Circle is the third in the shape series that began with Triangle and Square. I have also reviewed Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Barnett and Klassen.

From the publisher:

Triangle and Square are visiting Circle, who lives at the waterfall. When they play hide-and-seek, Circle tells the friends the one rule: not to go behind the falling water. But after she closes her eyes to count to ten, of course that's exactly where Triangle goes. Will Circle find Triangle? And what OTHER shapes might be lurking back there?

Kids will enjoy the fact that our shape friends sound and act a lot like children! When Circle states the rules of her hide and go seek game, it seems inevitable that one of the friends will break the rule about not going behind the waterfall. It is very dark back there but Triangle is not (yet) afraid of the dark. I think children will also love that as it gets darker and darker, all they can see are eyeballs! Klassen’s art work is beautiful, as usual. I particularly enjoyed the ending and the way it rounded off the whole series.

Walker Books have a Shape Trilogy Activity Kit PDF available on their website.

Let Me Sleep, Sheep! is a children’s picture book written by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Leila Rudge and published by Walker Books (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB. Another McKinlay/Rudge picture book I reviewed recently is Once Upon a Small Rhinoceros.

From the publisher:

When Amos starts counting sheep, there’s one thing he doesn’t quite count on … How’s he supposed to sleep when the sheep land – THUD! THUD! – in his bedroom? This zany tale of bedtime shenanigans is the new picture book from the award-winning duo behind No Bears and Once Upon A Small Rhinoceros.

McKinlay and Rudge make beautiful picture books together. This story is an imaginative one that has us pondering just where all those sheep we count actually come from and what they get up to. In Amos’s bedroom, they begin to make demands, and try though Amos does, they never seem satisfied.

What a great read-aloud this book makes! Kids will love the pushy sheep, and will delight in the softly coloured detailed illustrations. There will be much laughter over the sheep antics too. Let Me Sleep, Sheep! is a definite contender for my Top Picture Books of 2019, and I recommend it to homes and libraries everywhere.

Bear Moves is a children’s picture book written by Ben Bailey Smith, illustrated by Akyüz, and published by Walker Books (2019.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

With funny word play and bold imagery, actor Ben Bailey Smith and artist Sav Akyuz have created a Bear to remember. If there's one thing Bear knows, it's how to move. And when the music starts up, Bear just can't help grooving to the beat – spinning round, belly dancing and even doing the foxtrot. This infectiously rhythmic and hilariously funny sequel to I Am Bear will keep readers in stitches from start to finish.

I believe kids will respond with enthusiasm to this rhyming, rhythmic story about Bear and the moves he makes! Whether it’s Furry Breaking or Foxtrotting, this bright purple bear grooves so smooth, kids will definitely want to join in. There’s a hidden message about enjoying activity, and a fun twist at the end. The illustrations are vibrant and lots of fun, adding even more humour to the story. Another great read-aloud! I will add it to my Picture Books with Strong Rhyme and Rhythm list.

Where’s Mr Duck? is a children’s board book by Ingela P. Arrhenius, published by Nosy Crow (2019.) RRP: $Au 12.99 BB.

From the publisher:

A fabulous new title in this brilliant board book series for pre-schoolers. With easy-to-grasp, shaped felt flaps, a repetitive refrain and beautiful artwork from Swedish homewares designer, Ingela Arrhenius.

Our youngest readers deserve quality in the books they encounter. Where’s Mr Duck? is a sturdy board book. The flaps children lift are made of firmly attached felt-like material that should not tear under reasonable wear I would guess. The “story” is simply questions and answers that invite kids to guess and find animals by lifting flaps.

I loved the art work. There’s a really retro vibe about it. Little ones will adore playing peekaboo with colourful creatures they know. And they’ll giggle over the surprise at the end when they see themselves clearly in the excellent quality mirror on the final page.

Rainbow Bear is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Stephen Michael King, and published by Scholastic Press (2018.) RRP: $Au 24.99 HB. I have reviewed many Stephen Michael King-illustrated books, including The Duck and the Darklings.

From the publisher:

Bear likes to dive into the deep blue ocean, blowing bubbles and turning somersaults. He wakes with the Sun and sleeps with the Moon. One morning, Bear is shocked to discover that his coat has changed. Is Bear dreaming? Or are two cheeky polar bear cubs responsible?

I don’t think I’ve ever found a book written or illustrated (or both!) by Stephen Michael King that I didn’t like. Rainbow Bear joins the list. Bear is bewildered at first when he wakes up and realises he has been transformed. In fact, each day he wakes up, his coat has a new colourful pattern. Finally the penny drops, and Bear remembers the art-making gifts he had just given to his cubs. Being a great dad, Bear decides to play the same trick on his cubs.

All these shenanigans mean that King gifts the reader with a riot of colour and pattern. I know children will adore not just poring over the details, but attempting their own rainbow bears. There is no heavy-handed moralising here - just fun, a tribute to creativity and the joy of being alive, and a definite nod to fathers everywhere who play with their kids. A truly lovely book!

The Flying Light is a children’s picture book created by Yuanhao Yang and published by Starfish Bay Publishing. (2018.) RRP: $Au 25.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Enter a mystical world where a man and his strange pet lizard attempt to lure luminous flying creatures to their town. Through innovative wordless storytelling and wonderfully detailed panel illustrations that invite children to use their imagination, this story will light up the lives of those in search of direction and allow each reader to interpret it according to their own unique vision of the world.

The Flying Light is an unusual picture book. It is almost wordless. Right at the end there is a half-page narrative that explains what the illustrations have portrayed for us throughout the book. The illustrations themselves are beautiful, and presented sometimes as multiple small panels, almost like a comic book format, and sometimes as half or full page. The colours are soft and muted, almost like coloured pencil and the intricacy is amazing.

I believe this book would make an excellent acquisition for those libraries looking to expand children’s visual literacy and inference skills. While at first glance it is almost enigmatic, it is certainly a book that kids will ponder, and want to show their friends.

Queen Celine is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Matt Shanks and published by Walker Books (2019.) RRP: $Au24.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Celine Beaufort is queen of what she is quite certain is the most beautiful rock pool in the world. It's perfect. And to make sure nothing ever changes, she decides to build a wall around it. Unfortunately, that turns out to be a royal mistake. As self-proclaimed ruler, it's up to Celine to right her wrong and restore her rock pool to its former glory, this time with everyone welcome.

Celine is very cute, as you can see in the cover image of her in her goggles, snorkel, flippers and duck floatie. She is ordinary, and like lots of us, she naturally wants to protect what is hers. So she builds a big wall to protect her kingdom which is, in fact, a rock pool at the beach. For a while, things are fine, but soon Celine starts to experience problems. And comes to realise that building a wall so nothing can change does not, in fact, work out the way you want.

The illustrations are great, with lots of humorous detail young kids will love and relate to. There are environmental aspects to the story, and Queen Celine also makes a great discussion starter for older kids who are exploring immigration and refugees. I’ll add it to my Picture Books on Environment list.

On the First Day of School +CD is a children’s picture book written by P. Crumble, illustrated by Dean Rankine and published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au19.99 HB.

From the publisher:

“On the first day of school, my teacher said to me, Raise your hand if you have to do a wee.”

Starting school has never been more hilarious. Join Australian musical theatre and television actress, Penny McNamee, for some joyful sing-along fun.

Even little ones starting school will have heard On The First Day of Christmas song. Crumble has changed the words to reflect perceived life in Prep or Kindergarten, although I’m not too sure about the research!

An array of cute animals learns about show and tell, painting, singing and the correct procedure for visiting the amenities. Like the song, the story is cumulative, meaning kids will have it memorised in no time, and be proud of their cleverness. I enjoyed the fact that the same little guy always seems to need to do a wee - just like in real life! The illustrations are bright, colourful and complement a book children will think is hilarious. An accompanying CD to a book is always a bonus.

AND JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY (May 12 in Australia):

Mum for Sale is a children’s picture book, written by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Philip Bunting, and published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 17.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Errol's mum won't get off the phone. So there's only one thing for Errol to do...

Find out what happens when cheeky Errol puts his mum up for sale!

Kids who have already met the cute penguin, Errol, will be delighted to meet him again. And those who don’t know him, will definitely be intrigued by the idea of selling …a mother! The way Mum is fixated on phone chat makes that sale sensible. Until we start to pick up clues on why it might not be such a great idea. This makes a fun read-aloud to follow-up with a discussion about Mum’s great qualities!

Thanks, Mum is a children’s picture book by Matt Cosgrove, published by Scholastic Australia (2019.) RRP: $Au 17.99 HB.

From the publisher:

Snuggling up for a bedtime story.
Kissing a sore knee to make it better.
Pushing the swing as high as the sky.

There are a million different reasons to say…Thanks Mum!

This is a nice uncomplicated story that reminds kids about all the different ways our mothers impact our lives. It features brightly coloured young animals, rhymes, and lots of action and humour. A great choice for a read-aloud, or even to use as a model for children’s own writing - why not make a whole class poem about Mums?

Find more Children's Book Reviews on The Book Chook by clicking Reviews in the right sidebar.

Children’s iPad App, Build with Grandpa

noreply@blogger.com (BookChook) — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Reviewed by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com

Build with Grandpa is a children’s iPad app. I have previously reviewed At the Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa, and Grandpa’s Workshop by the same developers, Fairlady Media.

From the developers:

Demolish an old building with a wrecking ball, clear the lot with a bulldozer - then design, build, paint, decorate, and landscape a brand new house! Along the way you'll learn about safety equipment and power tools, empty your dump truck, dig and pour a foundation, mix cement, drive construction equipment, enjoy lunch with Grandpa, and measure and build a wall with wood! Be creative as you design from blueprints, paint the house with rollers, and choose your own windows, doors, shutters, landscaping, and fun extras! Ages 5-9.

What I liked:

I loved the way the developers have gone the extra mile and designed activities kids can do that mimic the actual building process. First up they swing the wrecking ball to smash down an old building. I took a screenshot which you can see in my main image. Who hasn’t wanted to operate a wrecking ball? Such fun! And kids can experiment by changing the arc of the ball swing and pulling back to apply more power. Then it’s time to clear the debris, and then up come some blueprints to match up and choose from. Lots of extra activities guide children through the process of building, and Grandpa’s kindly voice is always at hand with encouragement and explanation.

I also liked that the developers included some short educational activities — maths and reading actually applied to practical situations are much more fun! Kids who love big machines will get such pleasure out of this one, as will children who like to learn about things that happen in real-life.

Because there are problems to solve and questions to answer in Build with Grandpa, I’ll be adding this app to my list of Intriguing Puzzle Apps for Kids.

Where to get it?

iTunes Australia

iTunes USA

Check out the short trailer for Build with Grandpa, below.

Find all of my iPad App Reviews on Pinterest, and find more apps and articles via my Listly page.

The Book Chook is taking a break and will be back May 1, 2019.

The Book Chook

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Children’s Book Week 2019, Activities and Resources

Children’s Book Week in Australia is August 17 - 23, 2019. The theme this year is Reading is My Secret Power.

Let’s Celebrate World Turtle Day

Recent Children’s Picture Book Reviews 2019 (2)

Children’s iPad App, Build with Grandpa

Recommended Books for Older Readers 2019