World Kid Lit Month 2024: Traditions.

From celebrations to traditions - over this month I've travelled the globe, and subjects - and I hope you enjoyed the journey with me. 

The big bath house by Kyo Maclear & Gracey Zhang. 

A celebration of traditions and growing up. And of bodies of all shapes and sizes. 

Come together: things every Aussie kid should know about the First Peoples by Isaiah Firebrace & Jaelyn Biumaiwai. 

In this essential book, Isaiah, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, establishes a foundation of First Nations knowledge with 20 key topics. Alongside bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah connects us to each topic through his own personal story and culture, from the importance of Elders to the Dreaming. From Koori Curriculum. 

This is a taonga (treasure). It is worth trying to find, to get some insights into one of the oldest continuous culture on our planet. 

Coming home to country by Bronwyn Bancroft. 

The colours, smells, and sounds of the author's Country are vividly brought to life. Australia is home to many a Country.

Country is the connection Australian First Nations have to a place. To the lands, seas, and waterways. To their family and community. 

The ocean calls by Tina Cho & Jess X. Snow. 

The pull of traditions, and aspirations. But, seriously, wouldn't you want to grow up and be a haenyeo - a free diving mermaid? 

How my Koro became a star by Brianne Te Paa & Story Hemi Moorhouse. 

The author, Brianne Te Paa, is a local for me. Literally works a ten minute walk away. We've done story readings at the same events - at a venue equidistant. 

Even without that geographical connection, this book would pull on my heart, and I would find a home for it in my house, and my life. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Social Issues

There are so many topics I could have covered, but I thought this selection represented some of my recent reading, and showed a range of topics. 

A cat called Waverley by Debi Gliori. 

A story of homeless and love. And, saddest of all, it is inspired by the story of Darren Greenfield, a homeless war veteran, who lived in Edinburgh. 

A child like you by Na'ima B. Robert & Nadine Kaadan. 

Inspired by real life, young activists, this book shows how children can still make a difference. 

It's a no-money day by Kate Milner. 

Told from the point of view of the child, you can see that the mother is doing a really good job of protecting her child from the harshness of their situation. But, it also doesn't show that it's all sunshine and rainbows. 

The old man by Sarah V, Claude Dubois, & Daniel Hahn. 

A tale of connection and homelessness - and of actually seeing someone so many people ignore. 

I am a little voice by Linda Tuhiwai Smith & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. 

Part of a series of realistic, somber, but - ultimately hopeful - books by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith. This title looks at family violence, and being unable to express your feelings - looking yourself away, within your being.

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Self-esteem

We all need to believe in ourselves, and this books express this perfectly. 

The boy who tried to shrink his name by Sandhya Parappukkaran & Michelle Pereira. 

With the help of a new friend Zim - Zimdalamashkermishkada - learns to celebrate his name - and himself. 

Fauja Singh keeps going by Simrat Jeet Singh & Baljinder Kaur. 

Age does not limit your drive or ambition. And this picture book biography shows that, in spades. 

I love me by Sally Morgan & Ambelin Kwaymullina. 

I Love This Book. It is simple and expressive and so joyous. This mother-daughter pair of creators works perfectly. Sally's mother was from the Bailgu  people of Western Australia, and was part of the Stolen Generations. 

Koko and the coconut by Turia Pitt, Célestine Hitiura Vaite, & Emilie Tavaearii. 

The authors' Tahitian heritage - and personal stories - help to add nuance and depth to a story of determination. 

Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai by Michaela Keeble & Tokerau Brown. 

The power of standing strong in your identity, and being who you are, is so powerful. And is beautifully expressed in this book. The main character's identity is front-and-centre, with the Māori tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) flag around his arms. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Nature

Up in a tree a bird sings so sweetly

Nature's own voice, I hear

Rustling whistling trees turning breeze to speech

Talk to me now, ease my mind 

~ Nature, by The Fourmyula. 

The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson. 

If you are planning a trip into nature, wherever it may be in the world, you need this book! No, seriously. 

Our Dreaming by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffler. 

Dreaming has a specific meaning for Australian First Nations. It can mean asleep-visions, but also something so much more. You could read it as a straight story, like so many lullaby-style stories of animals going to bed. But, if you know a little teeny bit, about the depth of what Dreaming and Country means - then this book means so much more. 

Seree's story = Te kōrero mō Seree by Irma Gold, Kanapu Rangitauira, & Wayne Harris. 

Another addition to the collection of bilingual te reo Māori and English Vox talking books. 

The story of Rosy Dock by Jeannie Baker. 

Australian icon Jeannie Baker does it again, with her 3D assemblages, and commentary on nature and 'process'. In this case, it is the story of an invasive species to Australia. 

Tuatara, a living treasure by Katie Furze & Ned Barraud. 

Aotearoa has some amazing fauna and flora - and the tuatara is right up there. 

Where are you, Puffling? By Erika McGann & Gerry Daly. 

Baby puffins are called pufflings - and I think that is one of the cutest names around! How could you resist this Irish tale, with some of the cutest birds you could find. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: LGBTQIA+

For some people, these books push the boundaries and need banning. 

I think they need highlighting and celebrating.

And, this is only a tiny selection of the books I *could* have recommended. 

Rere atu taku poi! Let my poi fly! By Tangaroa Paul & Rebecca Gibbs. 

Another moment for me to share my pride in my work organisation. For those who don't know, poi are a female accessory. But, if you are a boy - or AMAB (assigned male at birth) - who loves the poi, what do you do? Based on the author's own experiences. You can see Tangaroa in action, in this video - filmed in one of the local libraries. 

The frog's kiss by James Mayhew & Toto. 

A queer retelling of the Frog Prince fairy tale. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Mayhew, illustrator (@mrjamesmayhew)

 

Grandad's Pride by Harry Woodgate. 

This book has faced negative review bombing online. It is a sequel to Grandad's Caravan, and both are beautiful, and deserve support. 

Jenny lives with Eric and Martin by Susanne Bösche, Andreas Hansen, & L. Mackay. 

Old school review! How many people have ever heard of this one? It is from 1981, and has faced controversy since its first publication. 

You need to chill by Juno Dawson & Laura Hughes. 

I want the confidence of this main character, if I ever need to defend my relatives - politely. 

Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, & Daniel Sousa. 

A retelling of a traditional Hawai'ian moolelo (a story which bridges legend and history) about a group of mahu (beings who carry both male and female mind, spirit, and heart). 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Languages

Language can divide.
Language can unite.
Language can be a barrier.
Language can be a door. 

Dancing hands by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez. 

Filipino sign language underscores this tale of new friendships, and new languages. 

Hello world by Jonathan Litton & Atelier Cartographik. 

I'm never not going to recommend this lift-the-flap non-fiction book about languages. I love languages (I can't speak any, other than English), and words. 

Luli and the language of tea by Andrea Wang & Hyewon Yum. 

Tea is universal, as Luli and her classmates find, in this story of finding common ground (or leaves). 

World languages for kids by Sachiko Otohata. 

A quirky collection of words / phrases and languages. 

Languages Included in the Book
English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Persian, Arabic, Hindu, Tagalog, Swahili, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean. 

Words and Phrases in the Book
Hello, Goodbye, Thank You, Sorry, Please, Excuse Me, Yes/No, One/Two/Three, Belly Button, I Love You. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Grandparents

I had a wonderful relationship with (most of) my grandparents. And, the relationship between child and grandparent can be a very special one indeed, with support going both ways. 

The encyclopedia of Grannies by Éric Veillé & Daniel Hahn. 

Quirky illustration and text makes this a riotous read. 

Koro / Pops by Gavin Bishop. 

A deceptively simple board book, which is available in both English and te reo Māori. 

Maia and what matters to Tine Mortier, Kaatje Vermeire, & David Colmer. 

The relationship between a grandchild and their grandmother, especially after the grandmother has a stroke, and their grandfather dies. 

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour & Daniel Egneus. 

Tibble and Grandpa has a similar story to the above: a grieving grandparent, recovering from a stroke. 

Weekend Reading: 15 September Part Two

New Zealand title: Spotty the Zebra. 

Written by Peter Millett. 

Illustrated by Raymond McGrath. 

Scholastic NZ, 2024. 

ISBN 9781775438724.

Rhyming text. 

A tale of accepting and celebrating your differences and individuality. 

New Zealand title: The squeakling: the tale of Spike, Max and the tiny intruder. 

Written by Kristin Kelly. 

Illustrated by Ronja Schipper.

Scholastic NZ, 2024. 

ISBN 9781775438588. 

A new baby disrupts the comfortable life of Max and Spike. 

This is lovely. But, I would caution using it if you have a new arrival coming, and an uncertain older sibling around. 

Hooray, hooray, it's Library Day! 

Written by Julie Anne Grasso. 

Illustrated by Heath McKenzie.

Scholastic Aust, 2024. 

ISBN 9781760266042. 

A book gets to live its dream / wish to go home to be read.

I'm not sure I'd advocate for treating library books like this poor book. Its dream comes with spaghetti, a bath, and being dropped on the train. 

The girl who loves bugs. 

Written by Lily Murray. 

Illustrated by Jenny Løvlie. 

Macmillan Children's Books, 2023. 

ISBN 978152904804. 

Rhyming text. 

Evie, the main character, has hearing aids, two mothers, and a baby brother. She also has a great-grandmother who loves bugs, too. 

Rainbow days. 

Written by Margaret Hamilton. 

Illustrated by Anna Pignataro. 

Little Hare Books Aust, 2022. 

ISBN 9781761210242. 

Rhyming couplets tell a simple story of days of the weeks and rainbow colours. 

Bluey: Grannies. 

Puffin Books Aust, 2020.

ISBN 9781760899363. 

Cute. With dancing Grannies Rita and Janet at the end. 

A bird day. 

Written and illustrated by Eva Lindström. 

Translated from the Swedish by Julia Marshall. 

Gecko Press NZ, 2023.

ISBN 9781776575275. 

A slice of anthropomorphic bird life. 

Once upon a Big Bad Wolf. 

Written by Leigh Hodgkinson. 

Illustrated by Adam Ming. 

Farshore, 2024. 

ISBN 9780008526238. 

One act of kindness changes to course of fairy tale characters' lives. 

Walls. 

Written by Tania Ingram. 

Illustrated by Ruth-Mary Smith. 

Wombat Books Aust, 2024. 

ISBN 9781761111518. 

Two families - well, fathers - want their families to be safe, while the two children want to be friends. 

Fate intervenes, and peace descends - once the walls come down. 

Mia's world. 

Written by Amelia Donnelly. 

Illustrated by Jennifer Bouron. 

Little Steps Publishing Aust, 2024. 

ISBN 9781922678317. 

An introduction to the five great faiths - and the themes that combines them all. 

Worthy. 

Goldilocks and the three bears and other stories. 

Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins. 

Walker Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9781406377378. 

Lucy Cousins' usual fun style, and simplified traditional stories, make this a good introductory read for younger children. 

Tell your own story: pick a new story again and again! 

Written by Adam & Charlotte Guillain. 

Illustrated by Tony Neal. 

Ladybird Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9780241622254. 

So many silly stories! You could spend hours on this. 

This is a window. 

Written and illustrated by Lauren Paige Conrad. 

Minerva, 2024. 

ISBN 9781662651595. 

Rhyming text tells the story of imaginative play. 

Rainbow shopping. 

Written and illustrated by Qing Zhuang. 

Holiday House, 2024. 

ISBN 9780823458837. 

A story of immigration and finding your place in a new country. 

Mr Darcy the cat and the Matariki glow. 

Written by Dr Janice Belgrave. 

Illustrated by Ella Gordon. 

J and J Literacy, Kiwi Tamariki Books, 2024. 

ISBN 978047371270. 

Rhyming text, which tries to hard to be inclusive, but... 

A cat takes a dream journey around the world, and time, to learn about different Matariki traditions. 

Worthy. 

Tomorrow's lily. 

Written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. 

Greenwillow, 2024. 

ISBN 9780063049376. 

The short life of a lily and why we can use those lessons in our own lives. Also days of the week. 

When Isaac hears the rain. 

Written by Julie Thompson. 

Illustrated by Leah Giles. 

WorthyKids, 2024. 

ISBN 9781546004615. 

Canadian. 

Isaac loves the rain, and worms, and is a delight! 

New Zealand title: The witch of Maketu and the bleating lambs. 

Written by Anika Moa. 

Illustrated by Rebecca Ter Borg. 

Puffin NZ, 2024. 

ISBN 9781776958184. 

See my piece for the October Kiwi Kids Books! 

New Zealand title: But then ... : the almost true story of an overdue book. 

Written by Swapna Haddow. 

Illustrated by Daron Parton. 

Scholastic NZ, 2024. 

ISBN 9781775438823. 

A great story of consequences and library books. 

New Zealand title: Woollies & uggs. 

Written by Emma Vere-Jones. 

Illustrated by Lisa Allen. 

David Bateman, 2024. 

ISBN 9781776890767. 

Rhyming text. 

Alas, not very inspiring. 

Our dreaming. 

Written by Kirli Saunders. 

Illustrated by Dub Leffler. 

Scholastic Aust, 2022. 

ISBN 9781742995113. 

Includes Gundungurra words, which have pronunciation and translation at the back. 

Deceptively simple, but deeply spiritual. 

Billy's brilliant butterflies. 

Written by Jacquie Ward. 

Illustrated by Winona Kieslich. 

Little Steps Publishing Aust, 2024. 

ISBN 9781922678324. 

Highly sensitive Billy finds ways to be comfortable at school, with an accepting friend, and understanding teacher.

If only school really was like this for every neurodiverse child. 

The girl and the mermaid. 

Written by Hollie Hughes. 

Illustrated by Sarah Massini. 

Bloomsbury Children's, 2024. 

ISBN 9781526628107. 

Rhyming text. 

The story of a young girl living with a grandmother who, possibly, is in the early stages of dementia. 

But magical mermaids help fill their stories, and grandmother's memories.

From the illustrations, Alina and her grandmother appear Pasifika. 

Open very carefully. 

Illustrated by Nicola O'Byrne. 

Written by Nick Bromley. 

Nosy Crow, 2013. 

ISBN 9780857630841. 

An interactive story, with holes! 

The day Bell found her sound. 

Written and illustrated by Lizzy O'Donnell. 

Viking, 2024. 

ISBN 9780593621776. 

Orange tinted illustrations, which lends a touch of retro. 

A tale of trying to fit in, but learning how to embrace yourself - while being part of the community, by doing so. 

The mermaid with no tail. 

Written by Jessica Long. 

Illustrated by Airin O'Callaghan. 

Foreword by Michael Phelps. 

Sounds True, 2023. 

ISBN 9781649630933. 

A celebrity-written moral story is often a recipe for a trite and unappealing book. But this one is better than most. 

Kisses from space. 

Written by Anna Menon and Keri Vasek. 

Illustrated by Andy Harkness. 

Random House, 2024. 

ISBN 9780593811146. 

Another book where I wish the publishers include art information. 

Rhyming text.

The bee who loved words. 

Written by Helen Docherty. 

Illustrated by Erica Salcedo. 

Puffin, 2023. 

ISBN 9780241450680. 

The love of words can save the day, if you know what you're doing.