02 December 2009

A Very Onion Christmas, part the second - Younger Readers

Here are a few excellent things:


Here are several more:

Younger
Readers

Tashi and the Golem by Anna Fienberg Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble
The irrepressible, the indefatigable, the ingenious Tashi is back!
And you can watch Kim Gamble draw a Tashi scene here. Is there anything more fascinating than watching an artist create a rich world on an empty page?
Age guide: 5-8
Four Bonnie & Sam books in one. So much horsey goodness. So much love.
Age guide: 7-9






A Croc Called Capone by Barry Jonsberg
We've been on the incredible cover journey; we've had the honour of the author dropping in for a chat. Now, for your Christmas delight, here is A Croc Called Capone wherein you'll meet the charmingest, most mobster-accented croc ever - and even better, he's accompanied by Blacky, the famously foul farting dog, and his long-suffering human friend Marcus!
Age guide: 8-12


Cicada Summer by Kate Constable
This is such a lovely book. It's a bit sad and wistful, a bit wry and funny, a whole lot heartwarming - and there's even a Christmas in it. Perfect holiday reading, particularly for those who like some time-slip adventure in the mix. And just look at that gorgeous cover!
Age guide: 8-12
One of the nicest things among the many many nice things about this book is how very Melbourne it is. Sunny and her loveable, messy, odd-bod family have left Elwood for a mansion on the Yarra river - but that hasn't reined in the mayhem. On the contrary. Hooray!
Age guide: 8-12


The Loblolly Boy by James Norcliffe
In America they're calling this, The Boy Who Could Fly. For those children of the 80s - need we say more?! Well Margaret Mahy (Margaret Mahy!!!) did say more: 'This is a rich fantasy - alive with original twists, surprises and mysteries which I dare not reveal. Children's literature is about to be enriched with a new classic.'
Age guide: 10-13
Is she dreaming, or has Chinese Cinderella lived a previous life? Historical fiction inspired by a famous Chinese painting? Starring Chinese Cinderella? Oh yes. Yes, please!
Age Guide: 10-14


The 10 PM Question by Kate De Goldi
If you are one of those families that has lots of kids of different ages and you read aloud to all of them at once, then this is the perfect book for you. (Also, can I come and live with you?) It's thoughtful and funny and raises big questions. As Agnes Nieuwenhuizen said, it's 'A truly special book. Kate de Goldi's dazzling writing will break your heart and make you wonder, marvel and laugh all at once.'
Age guide: 12-14 (but really anyone, older or younger)


Vulture's Gate by Kirsty Murray
One girl - could she be the last girl alive? One boy, pursued by reckless men who have kidnapped him. OMG read it; read it right now. (How could you not, with a hook like that?) Very clever Kirsty has managed to write a book that is thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating but also a read-til-you-drop adventure. If you don't want to see your child (or your sibling) for the whole of Christmas day, give them this and wave them goodbye until they've turned the last page.
Age guide: 12-14



And the quick list of always-favourites that are worth revisting:

The Wombat and Fox series by Terry Denton Ages: 7-11
The Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix. (Lord Sunday - the final book - is out in February. Squeeeeal! If you haven't read this series, you've got all of the summer holidays to read Mister Monday through Superior Saturday. Get on it!) Ages: 10+
Pip: the Story of Olive by Kim Kane Ages: 10-13
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks (and its two sequels) Ages: 13+

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