Wednesday, August 13, 2008

FOUR VERY SPECIAL KIDS BOOKS

A DAY WITH DAD
Bo.R.Holmberg, illustrated by Eva Eriksson
Walker Books – Hardback - A$27.95 NZ$29.99

Tim’s Dad lives in another town so Tim doesn’t see him very often. But today Tim’s Dad is coming on the train and they are going to spend a whole day together.

Beautifully written, and illustrated, this is a heartwarming story that will be especially useful for children experiencing divorce or separation from a parent.

THE BOY FROM BOWRAL
The Story of Sir Donald Bradman
By Robert Ingpen – Walker Books – A$29.95 NZ$34.99

Here is one great Australian writing about another!
I have long admired the artistic talent of Robert Ingpen who is one of those clever artists who can also write. He has written and illustrated over 100 titles, both fiction and non-fiction, he has received the highest honour in the children’s book world, the Hans Christian Andresen Medal, he has an honorary doctorate from RMIT and he is a member of the Order of Australia for his services to literature. Wow, what a lifetime of achievement.
In his new book he writes, and illustrates, the life story of arguably the greatest cricketer ever, Don Bradman. This is the perfect book for every young cricketer.

MY PLACE – 20th anniversary edition
Nadia Wheatley & Donna Rawlins
Walker Books –Paperback A$19.95 NZ$24.99
Hardback edition also available.

I remember very well when this book was first published back in 1988 when it cleaned up just about every children’s book award in Australia and then went on to become an IBBY Honour Book in 1990. It is so good to see that it has been reissued in this special 20th anniversary edition. It is one of the great Australian contemporary children’s books.
It features new artwork, revised text with a new timeline that is right up to date with reference to Australia’s apology to indigenous Australians.
The combination of author/historian Nadia Wheatley and brilliant illustrator Donna Rawlins is a winning one today just as much as it was 20 years ago. Congratulations to them both and to Walker Books for attending to this new edition. You have done us all a great favour.

DUCK, DEATH & THE TULIP
Wolf Erlbruck - Gecko Press
Hardcover $29.99 Paperback $18.99

Looking at this exquisitely illustrated book one is not surprised to learn that German illustrator Wolf Erlbruck won the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration in 2006 for his previous title to go alongside the many other awards he has won previously. He is super talented.
This is a warm and witty story, if somewhat challenging and haunting perhaps for younger children dealing as it does with the subject of death.
Radio New Zealand’s Kim Hill went so far as to call it her favourite book of all time and one she reads over and over again.
Translated by New Zealand author Catherine Chidgey and edited by Penelope Todd.
Another winner from Gecko Press.

1 comment:

Heather Drescher said...

Hello!

I've recently illustrated the children's book "You and Me Make Three" which is sold in conjunction with B.B. the Bear (manufactured by Build-A-Bear Workshop). On each page is a Parent Tip from the court mandated SMILE Program co-authored by Richard S. Victor (an Oprah Show alumni). My partners and I (all divorced women) are certified in the Sandcastles Program by M. Gary Neuman, M.S., LMHC (Oprah's "Go-To" expert). We believe that educating both parents and children with the help of our book will open lines of communication between the two. Children will no longer imagine and wonder 'why' their parents are divorcing, and the advice to parents on each page will help them address difficult issues with their kids.

Our book has already been awarded the iParenting Award, as well as a Hermes Creative Award. The publisher of the book, EDCO Publishing, is owned by a veteran teacher of 25 years. Textbooks and educational material are her specialties. The mission statement of my company is "A B.B. Book and Bear in Every School in America!".

We hold charitable book launches that are geared to placing book and bear packages in schools and guidance counselor's offices. Please check our website, www.bbseries.com.

Remember, "The greatest gift you can give to your child is the right to love both parents equally".

Thank You for putting kids first!

Heather Drescher, Illustrator
"You and Me Make Three"