A Little Bookshelf

Penguin, Australia, 2009

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-670-86833-9

Suggested reading age: 9+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

A fabulous tale of adventure and bravery from wonderful Australian author and illustrator, Alison Lester.  Nina and her father, Viktor the stable master,  live above the palace stables at the Royal Academy of Dancing Horses.  Nina dreams of of one day becoming a rider at the Academy.  Her dreams are dashed when war rips throughout the country, forcing Nina, her father and Karl the groom to take the remaining Academy horses on a long and perilous journey across the mountains to her grandparent's home.

Barefoot Books, New York, 1999

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-9022-8360-9

Suggested reading age: 5+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ***

Mabuti is a Pygmy who lives with his tribe in a forest on the slopes of the Mountains of the Moon.  Everyone in his tribe sings whenever they can.  Searching for berries, making a new camp and gathering mushrooms.  When Mabuti tried to sing, all his friends covered their ears and teased him.  Although he was sad at being teased, he practiced in private until he learnt to sing.  

This is a lovely story of preserving in spite of ridicule and it is something that every child (and adult!) can relate to.  The end of the book also has more information about Pygmies for readers curious to learn more.   

Simon & Schuster, New York, 1999

Hardback, 42 pages

0-689-81072-5

Suggested reading age: 8+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

This is just the antidote for all those stories about helpless damsels in distress waiting for a prince to rescue them.  Please, give our girls more bold and brave heroines like Margaret.  I love sneaking books like these into my daughter's book bag and watch her reading them when we get home!

Brave Margaret is from Ireland and she can cast a spear as well as a herring net.  She longs to travel beyond the wide sea.  She talks a travelling sailor into taking her with him on his voyage in exchange for her cattle.  On the journey many strange and terrible things happen.  This story has the feeling of myth with sea serpents, giants and a hag.  Where it differs from most myths I know is that the hero of the tale is a woman.  Well worth checking out.

Kids Can Press, Ontario, 2013

Hardcover, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-554-5378-15

Suggested reading age: 6+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

This book is about Martin who lives on a street where nothing changes. That is until the astonishing Mr Flux moves into the street. Mr Flux is an artist who doesn't paint pictures or create sculptures and yet he creates art and celebrates change.

A wonderful story about the inevitability and wonder of change. Everything changes, a dewdrop, a bubble, a cloud. Even Martin and his street change under the influence of Mr Flux. Mr Flux is based on the founder of the 60s Fluxus movement, George Maciunas.

Freemantle Press, Freemantle WA, 2011

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-9216-9600-8

Suggested reading age: 9+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

I'm loving the great children's books I'm finding at our local library that celebrate Australian history.  I don't remember books like these from when I was growing up and they're a welcome addition to the great pantheon of children's literature.  Australian children deserve to have stories that tell of their unique history and culture.

This book is based on a true story of a shipwreck off the south coast of Western Australia in 1876. Michelle Gillespie has managed to make this tale come alive with a beautiful retelling of events and portrayal of the two main characters - 16 year old Grace and stockman Sam.  The story is ably illustrated by the talented Sonia Martinez.

Barefoot Books, Bath, 2000

Harback, 36 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8414-8300-9

Suggested reading age: 10+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

"A person's life is just a moment in infinity." Leonardo da Vinci

I really like the illustrations in this book about the life of Leonardo da Vinci.  They are in a more abstract style, reminiscent of paintings from the period.  The story itself is told from the perspective of his apprentice, Giacomo.  His master had this to say about the young Giacomo "1490. Giacomo has come to live with me.  He is ten years old.  He is a liar, a thief and a greedy brute."  The book skilfully weaves quotes from Da Vinici's journals into the story.

At the beginning and end of the book are two double page spreads that describe the work of Da Vinci, using pages from his journals.  A great book to introduce readers to the work of this influential thinker.

Frances Lincoln Publishers, London, 2008

Hardback, 40 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8450-7588-0

Suggested reading age: 4+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

"Its good.  A bit funny." - Phoebe Perera, aged 5

In this charming book, Eddie's grandad is coming to dinner for his birthday.  Eddie, his mum and sister Lily have to hustle to get all the food cooked in time for the party.  While they are busy trying to cook, Mum has lots of interruptions.  First their neighbour with the new baby comes visiting, then the cat brings a mouse into the kitchen, next Mrs Beamish needs a band aid and finally Martin calls and needs to be cheered up. Luckily, Eddie knows just what to do and with some help from Lily they manage to get ready for the party just in time.

This is an inspiring read for kids who love to mess about in the kitchen.  The back of the book has recipes for all the food that Eddie makes as well as some tips for cooking with toddlers.

Other titles in this series: Eddie's Toolbox: And How To Make and Mend Things, Eddie's Garden: How To Make Things Grow

Nosy Crow, London, 2013

Hardcover, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-8576-3089-6

Suggested reading age: 3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

This is a gorgeous book for little readers and neatly sums up my feelings about books and reading - Books Always Everywhere.  

HarperCollins Publishers, Place, 1999

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-0602-3710-3

Suggested reading age: 9+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

In this lavishly illustrated book, Ms Lattimore tells the story of three Irish brothers who worked on illustrating the Book Of Kells. The brothers lived in a time invasion from Viking lords and Irish kings. Beautiful Celtic knot work and sensitive illustrations compliment the story of an artist finding his voice. 

Other books in this series: The Flame of Peace: A Tale of the Aztecs; The Prince and the Golden Axe: A Minoan Tale; Why There is No Arguing in Heaven: A Mayan Myth

Templar Publishing, Surrey, 2015

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-7837-0169-8

Suggested reading age: 2+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

Your toddler will love trying to find all the animal and insect pairs in this gorgeous hardcover. The text rhymes and flows beautifully and is accompanied by delightful illustrations. A wonderful addition to any collection.