Books to Screen: The Baby-Sitters Club

Today I learned that the first Baby-Sitters Club book came out before I was even born. That blew my mind a little bit. I grew up reading these books, as well as the Baby-Sitters Little Sister spin-off series, and had no idea they were older than me. Which makes the diversity and representation even more impressive.

This review is about the Netflix adaptation, but with an almost cult-like retro following, I feel the need to make a few mentions of the books first, and representation is one of these mentions!

The original books did have a majority white/white-presenting cast, but in comparison to many books written before the advent of #weneeddiversebooks, they did very well. One of the main club members is Japanese-American, one of the junior members African American, and a number of the kids they sit for also have varying ethnicities and religions. The inclusion of a main character with Type One diabetes (which, for the record, actually gets discussed!) also feels progressive in a great way for books published late 80’s, early 90’s.

The Netflix adaptation steps this representation up in the perfect way. Our core BSC is true to the book, apart from a couple of changes. Mary-Anne in the books is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, but her ethnicity is not stated - in the Netflix adaptation, she is mixed race. Dawn, our “blonde haired, blue eyed Cali surfer girl” is the biggest change from the on page descriptions, being played by Xochitl Gomez a young Latina. This threw me for a little while, as I tend to not like change (the hill I am going to die on is the colour of Hermione’s Yule Ball Dress in the movie…), but honestly, Xochitl Gomez does a wonderful job of being Dawn, and I now can’t see her any other way. Just something to be aware of if you are the type who are sticklers for book-accurate adaptations!Not only do we have racial representation in the show, we also have a trans child played by a trans child! I’m not going to say which child, but it was handled so so well - from the POV of someone who does not identify as such - the whole episode handled the situation kindly and sensitively, while offering knowledge and appropriate ways to discuss with children. Not going to lie, there may have been some tears when one of the club members stood up for the child to hospital staff. Beautifully done.

Stacey and her diabetes were also covered in a way that felt age appropriate - her fears of being different felt realistic, as did the tension in the club due to the secrets she didn’t feel able to voice. Having a friend with Type-1 in real life, it was nice to see the medical equipment Stacey uses.

The books, to me, always read a little older than the girls were supposed to be, but not in a bad way. It may have more to do with the fact that where I live, you have to be 13+ to babysit, than with the actual writing. This adaptation shows the club members as actual tweens. Like, the actors are young; their relationships are age appropriate (there are two kisses in the show -  both chaste pecks on the lips followed by excited giggling); they have young person worries. On that note, the adults in the show are also written very well. They speak to the girls with respect, and acknowledge that they are in a transitional period in their lives - they speak to them about issues that concern them - family illness, re-marriage etc - without being condescending.

Given that BSC was released well before mobile phones and the internet were commonplace, we were pleasantly surprised to see how they merged the new tech into the old story. It was refreshing to see tweens who HAVE phones, but still act like kids and don’t have them surgically attached to their hands.

Basically, we binged this show in a day, and then wanted to re-watch from the beginning.

Content warnings: not a lot! Mentions of illness - on screen seizure, fever; discussions of transgender; wholesome romance.

Oh! How could I forget the best part?! Karen Brewer. Oh. My. Gosh. If that freaky little darkly funny kid doesn’t get a spin off, I will be unimpressed!

Overall Rating: 6 out of 5 stars.

Oh, bonus note! Each episode starts with the handwriting of the club member who is narrating the episode. Yes, they kept that in!

Posted by Li

Catalogue Links: The Baby-sitters Club (books and graphic novels)

A Reflection on Things that Helped a Parent During Lockdown

Well, hasn’t this been a strange time to be alive?!

Here we are in the third week at Level 2 on the Covid-19 alert system. We’re all doing things a little bit differently now while trying to get back a sense of normality and I thought I’d take the time to share some things that helped this parent through the lockdown. At first this was a list, but then I decided to refine it, and mention some of the library’s resources and these are still available now.

I also decided to put them in a particular order, because we like order, and we’ve so missed putting things in order!

Alrighty, on with my reflective list of things that helped a parent through life during lockdown:

1. Picture books and Look and Find books that I had around the house
A lot of these have been read over and over and over again, and that is completely OK. Of course, depending on your children’s age, having a book thrust into your lap with an accompanying moody grunt from your offspring can be annoying, however there are many (many) worse things to have put on you. Spending 5, 10, 20 or 40 minutes sitting down with a book and your child in your lap has been, is, and always will be a joy. I have been enjoying a number of look-and-find and maze books including these ones, Alice in Wonderland: a Puzzle Adventure from Big Picture Press and Follow Finn: a search-and-find maze book by Peter Goes, both large hardback books with beautiful illustrations.

2. Creative play

Small Fry Play Catalogue link

There is huge value in play, particularly creative play. I have seen my four-year-old son do some interesting things with ropes in the past 8 weeks. While concentrating on making loops and tying knots he said, “I’m making a trap for the baddies”. He also took to making sure his favourite soft toys have capes also, like him, naturally.

Lego: Awesome Ideas Catalogue link

My seven year old took to the trampoline a lot, and enacted classes for her younger sister and brother.
And the Lego play and creations, between them all, they carried on for days! Go sustained individual play! Actually I’d just like to give a big shout out to the value of play in general.

3. Teachers
I have to acknowledge that all school staff efforts have been amazing all throughout this crazy time. All the teachers in Aotearoa have been outstanding. In what has seemed the strangest time to live through, it has been revelatory to see who is actually essential and who isn’t. Teachers have definitely come out on top as vital, I believe.

4. Story Box Library
A good-looking, well-presented and curated collection of stories that are read by some well-known Australians and New Zealanders. Presented as a video with a storyteller holding the picture book, it is interspersed with two-page spreads and added subtle sound effects to accompany appropriate moments in the story. This is a resource that Hastings District Libraries has a subscription to, and is well worth a gander. I particularly liked I am Jellyfish, written and illustrated by Ruth Paul and read by Akina Edmonds. Story Box Library is an Australian outfit and they have a large range of books, authors and presenters including a focus on indigenous stories. Though the intro ditty at the start of every video would suggest Story Box is for a young audience, there are also stories aimed at the upper primary age group so you’ll find something in there for everyone.

And last but not least on my list of things that helped a parent through life in lockdown:

5. Home Learning TV / Papa Kāinga
The return of Suzy Cato!! Oh how I missed her voice and that giggle! And the whole cast of presenters, teachers and content is top-notch. The introduction of this TV channel in such a short amount of time from it being announced as happening, and going live was amazing to watch. Papa Kainga TV is actually still going too, it wasn’t just an alert level 3 and 4 offering. So if you have to keep your child or children at home and away from school for any reason, consider checking out some of the videos on there and participating in the activities at home.

Thank you for reading!

Posted by Hana

ANZAC eBooks for Kids

Looking for some ANZAC content to share with the kids? Our Wheelers eBook platform has you covered. We have the following ANZAC eBooks, plus many more, available for free using your library card. If you have never used ebooks before, or just need a refresher, check out the helpful guide on our website.

ANZAC Ted – Belinda Landsberry

The poignant story of a little boy's teddy bear that was passed down to him from his grandfather. He might look scary now but he's got a great story to tell, for Anzac Ted went to war.

Meet the ANZACS – Claire Saxby

A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia's history, including our brave ANZAC soldiers. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is the name given to the Australian and New Zealand troops who landed at Gallipoli in World War I. The name is now a symbol of bravery and mateship.

ANZAC Girl: The War Dairies of Alice Ross-King – Kate Simpson and Jess Racklyeft

It was 1914 when Sister Alice Ross-King left Australia for the war. Nursing was her passion - all she had ever wanted to do. But Alice couldn't have imagined what she would see. She served four long years and was brave, humble and endlessly compassionate. Using extracts from Alice's actual diaries kept in the Australian War Memorial, this true story captures the danger, the heartache and the history of the young nurse who would one day become the most decorated woman in Australia.

Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses – Susan Brocker

The true story of the courageous and loyal horses of World War One. The jet-black mare galloped wildly across the scorching white sands, the guns and shells exploding around her with a deafening roar. Her master spurred her on, his legs tightly gripping her heaving sides. With foam-flecked lips and ears laid flat, she thundered on through the flying bullets and choking dust. Every ANZAC Day we celebrate the brave soldiers who fought and died in World War One, but the story of the loyal horses who carried our troops in the desert war has remained untold until now. This is their story - and the story of Bess, one of only four horses to return to New Zealand. 

Zero Hour: The ANZACS on the Western Front – Leon Davidson

The First World War was only meant to last six months.

When the Australians and New Zealanders arrived at the Western Front in 1916, the fighting had been going for a year and a half and there was no end in sight. The men took their place in a line of trenches that spread through Belgium and France from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. Beyond the trenches was no-man’s land, an eerie wasteland where rats lived in the ribs of the dead and the wounded cried for help. Beyond that was the German Army.

The ANZACS had sailed for France to fight a war the whole world was talking about. Few who came home ever spoke about it again.

Scarecrow Army: The ANZACS at Gallipoli – Leon Davidson

As part of a World War I campaign, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders landed at an unnamed cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula. They had come to fight the Turks. They thought the battle would be over in three days. Months later they were still in the trenches they dug at the landing.

Poems from the First World War – Gaby Morgan
Poems from the First World War is a moving and powerful collection of poems written by soldiers, nurses, mothers, sweethearts and family and friends who experienced WWI from different standpoints. It records the early excitement and patriotism, the bravery, friendship and loyalty of the soldiers, and the heartbreak, disillusionment and regret as the war went on to damage a generation.

Posted by Kristen

El Deafo by CeCe Bell

Genre: Junior Non-Fiction Graphic Memoir

When Cece is around four years old, she gets sick. Really sick. Her parents rush her to hospital and discover she has meningitis. When CeCe recovers from the initial illness, she starts to realise something. She can’t hear. Her meningitis left her alive, but deaf.

This memoir is gorgeous and informative and funny all at once. It tells CeCe’s story of growing up in a world that has suddenly become silent, with adorable bunnies as the characters, and spectacular visual techniques such as fading text in speech bubbles as CeCe’s hearing aids fail.

We follow CeCe as she grows; as her hearing aids are upgraded as technology changes; as she learns how to navigate a loud world in silence; how to make friends when you wear something that marks you visibly as “different”. Honestly, this is just such a great book. Perfect for children (easily accessible, funny) but also with enough adult humour to keep grown-ups involved (Spock = Emotionless Mumbler!). 

Reviewed by Li

Catalogue link:  El Deafo

Sas' Top Ten Picture Books of 2019

Aroha’s Way by Craig Phillips

I was very excited when we finally got this book, as its initial run sold out pretty fast, and I heard nothing but glowing reviews. This book is about Aroha, and how she wards off nervousness, fear, worry and apprehension with simple mindfulness tools that can be used by both children and adults. At the back of the book there are two pages titled ‘Aroha’s ways to help with Anxiety”, as well as a third page with different websites, 0800 numbers to call, and numbers to text if you, your whanau, or your friends need help with anxiety or depression. A wonderful book that I will be recommending to everyone who has, or works with children.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty & illustrated by David Roberts

This is a fun picture book aimed at older picture book readers, as it is a bit long, and has a couple of concepts that might fly over younger kids heads. However it is a funny story about a girl with a giant imagination, and a thirst for knowledge. Ada is a young girl who draws on walls, makes stinky concoctions, and causes chaos wherever she goes, all in the name of science.






There’s Only One You by Kathryn Heling & Deborah Hembrook, illustrated by Rosie Butcher 

This is a book that celebrates all the things that makes a child different. A book about finding the awesomeness in your uniqueness - whether tall or short, thin or stout, outgoing, meek, no matter your skin colour, or hair type, whether you speak sign language, or with an accent, if your voice is booming, or just a squeak, if you need glasses, a wheelchair, or a hearing aid – this book is all about celebrating diversity. Top it all off with beautiful, colourful art and you end up with an excellent picture book.





I Will Be Fierce by Bea Birdsong & illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

This follows a day in the life of a young girl going to school, attending classes, making new friends, and speaking in front of the class. While this may seem like a rather plain idea for a book, it is turned into an exciting read as our young hero compares it all to a fantasy story, with her colourful dress becoming her armour, the school bus is a ‘many-headed’ serpent, and (my personal favourite) the library contains a ‘mountain of knowledge’ with the librarian as the ‘Guardian of Wisdom’. This is a clever, sweet book about a young girl with a lot of imagination treating every day like an adventure.

When You Are Brave by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
A beautiful story about trying to be brave when things may seem scary. My favourite line was “At times the world can seem… Too big. Too loud. Too hard. Too much.” which I think will be very relatable to both children and adults alike. It then goes on to compare courage to a light hidden inside of you, before giving a couple of techniques to find and focus on feeling brave. A lovely story that may go over younger readers heads, so it would be best to read with an adult who can help them understand.

Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival

A wonderful story about what to do when you are feeling overcome by worry. Ruby is a typical young girl, until one day she notices she has a worry following her around. While it starts off small, it keeps growing and growing and she doesn’t know what to do about it. Thankfully she finds a friend, and the two talk about their troubles until their worries shrink. A beautiful story about the importance of friendship, and talking to people you love when you feel worried about something. A great way to introduce younger kids to looking after their mental health.


I Say Ooh, You Say Aah by John Kane
This is a super fun book that requires at least two people reading it together. It is one of my favourites to read to a class or a group of children, as it is interactive, very silly, and can become very loud! Just be warned, this book will cause any children you are reading it to to shout the word Underpants very loudly, and very often.




All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Set in a class room, ‘All are Welcome here’ is about the beauty in diversity, and that no matter who you are, or where you come from, all children are wonderful, and that the classroom is a safe space for everyone. – “No matter how you start your day, what you wear when you play. Or if you come from far away. All are welcome here” and a few pages later “We’re part of a community. Our strength is our diversity. A shelter from adversity. All are welcome here.”



                                                      
Bottoms! By Nikki Slade Robinson
Another great book by New Zealand children’s picture book writer and illustrator Nikki Slade Robinson. She has written some of my favourite picture books, and this one is a great one for kids who love potty humour. Filled with different types of bums (both human, and animal) it is a fun rhyming book for those who don’t mind a bit of silliness. A line that is sure to make even the grumpiest child grin is “Your bottom follows you around (and sometimes makes a little sound).”


Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack

This is the story of a young prince who finds his true love. At the beginning of the story he is told by his parents that he must find someone to marry and rule by his side, unfortunately none of the princesses his parents introduce him to are what he was looking for. One day a dragon attacks his kingdom, and the prince goes to battle it alone, until a mysterious knight shows up and helps him defend the village. The two fall in love, and the book ends with a beautiful same sex wedding as the entire kingdom cheers. It is a pretty standard fairy-tale, with a fantastic LGBT twist.

Reviewed by Sas

Aroha's Way by Craig Phillips

Aroha is a child of Aotearoa New Zealand: warm hearted, adventurous and full of life. The first few pages of this picture book are bright and blustery, their palette alive with orange leaves, yellow kowhai; the colours of the autumn outdoors. The pages burst with childish joy and adventure, picturing Aroha playing with friends and being a great Kiwi kid. Children will recognise themselves in the diversity of Aroha and her friends represented in the illustrations.

Children will also recognise that, although life can be joyful, now and then a cooler, or even downright icy mood can come upon us. The palette that identifies emotions of fear, sadness and anxiety are bleached of the previous warmth; the beach of the troubled Aroha is blustery and grey.

The great strength of this book is that it identifies normal human feelings and experiences. Aroha has a lovely bunch of friends but at times can feel lonely and unsure of herself. As the hero of the book she has strategies in place to identify and confront the negative emotions; she knows what to do when anxiety strikes and the illustration accompanying this thought is extremely powerful. No longer looking anxious and meek, Aroha is standing tall, clearly empowered by the knowledge that she can breathe, talk and share her way through her worries.

Not only is this a perfect book to share with children, who will enjoy the life and movement of the pictures as well as the acknowledgement of light and dark, it’s a tool for parents, caregivers and educators, and a reminder for grown-ups that more challenging feelings are usual and that there are ways to deal with them. The book ties up Aroha’s narrative beautifully with her safe in the knowledge that she is not alone and has extra tips at the back for breathing away fear, relieving nervousness, sharing thoughts and apprehensions. A timely, useful and beautiful book.

Reviewed by Louise Ward

Wardini Books

Craig Phillips will be discussing illustration in ‘Telling tales With Pictures’ at Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival -  Readers and Writers on Sunday 20^th October at Hastings City Art Gallery. See hbaf.co.nz for further details.

The Traitor and the Thief by Gareth Ward

Having met the author, seen him perform as the Great Wardini, and shopped at his beautiful bookstore, I really REALLY wanted to like this book. Friends who had gone to his Steampunk ball book launch had all raved about it (both the book and the ball), and while people always say not to judge book by its cover, I'm sorry but I do (and this one has such a wonderful cover).

I thought that because of all the high hopes and expectations I had for the book that there was no way it would be able to live up to them all.
I’m happy to say that I was wrong.

Gareth Ward wrote a magical adventure story that I could not put down. With spies, mysteries and Steampunk gadgets it was a wonderfully crafted story that has left me wanting more. The story follows Sin, a 14 year old orphan boy who lives on the streets and makes a living by stealing and fighting for a man named ‘The Fixer’. However one day he is offered an escape from his life of crime, and a chance to become a spy for COG (the Covert Operations Group). He is given new clothes, delicious food, and a luxurious place to sleep. It seems too good to be true. It doesn’t take Sin long to realise that there is a spy in COG and that if he wants to find out more about his mysterious past, he must first work out who the traitor is.

Who can he trust? A life of the street has meant that he thought he had all the skills needed to survive, but in secret organisations, surrounded by fighting experts and scientists he realizes that he might be outclassed.

The story also has an eccentric and interesting group of supporting characters. There is Zonda Chubb the tech-wizz, Velvet Von Darque the rich school bully, and a range of fascinating staff members at the school (including Major C who seems to be half man, half steampunk robot and a mysterious magician Noir).

Fans of Harry Potter, CHERUB, Alex Rider, Oliver, or really just fans of fun adventure stories -  this book is for you.

Seriously Wardini - I hope you're writing the next one already!

Gareth Ward joins award winning writer Kate de Goldi in the Spiegeltent, Sunday 1 Oct, 2.30pm for It’s a Kind of Magic chaired by Jessica Soutar Barron. We’ll see you there!

Reviewed Sas Hill

Catalogue link:  The Traitor and the Thief

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce

This book is from a kids’ series so good it was made into a DreamWorks movie. Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King was so absorbing I couldn’t put it down for an entire day! Filled with magic and imagination, this story will take you to a fantastic world where we learn the origin of ‘Santa Claus’; once known as ‘Nicholas St. North’, the greatest bandit and swordsman in the world.

It was amazing to learn of the Boogeyman’s origins: how the dreaded ‘Pitch Black’ was locked away for years until he was accidentally released with his army of Fearlings. What I found the most absorbing was the story of the war at the end of the Golden Age. This was a fantastic time where people travelled across the universe in steampunk-like airships, which were ruined by Pitch Black releasing the nightmares from their prison, they then go to take down the royal family who live on the moon.

In order to defeat Pitch, North is aided by a brilliant wizard named Ombric, guardian of a secret village alongside a powerful bear and a Forest Guardian that can turn people to stone; a little girl named Kathryn with a powerful imagination who can make anything happen just by believing in it; and a strange spectral boy who flies around the world and watches out for the children alongside his special ‘Moonbeam’.

It’s so wonderful reading this story, because the way William Joyce retells the tale of the characters we think we know so well just gives us an incredible and new way of looking at them. So far, the second novel in the series is just as good and delves into the past of the Easter Bunny, aka ‘A. Aster Bunnymund’. The third edition looks at the Tooth Fairy and I am actually tempted to look for the side stories like ‘The Man in the Moon’.

Trust me, any child or adult who picks this up will disappear into another world, and won’t want to return. Take a trip to ‘Samtpff Claussen’, the ‘Place of Dreams’, and be sure to stay for a good long while.

Reviewed by Rhiannon Edwards

Catalogue link:  Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King 

April Update: 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up

Tikki Tikki Tembo
Once upon a time, a long time ago, it was custom in China to give the first son great long names. Second sons were given short names. Through misadventures involving a well, Chang, a second son, teaches everyone the ridiculous nature of this custom.

I really enjoyed Tikki Tikki Tembo. I know that some people have issues with the non traditional names used in the book but I felt like it was an enjoyable story which would be great for a read aloud.

Rosie Revere, Engineer
Rosie dreams of inventing. After an unfortunate incident where her favourite uncle laughed at her failed invention she vows to give it up for good- this is until her aunt mentions her dream of flying.

I loved the message in this book. Nothing is perfect the first time and if you keep trying you will succeed. It also has an enjoyable rhythm making it a good read aloud for 6+

Mango, Abuela and Me
Mia's Abuela is leaving her sunny house surrounded by parrots and palm trees to live in the city with Mia and her family. Mia realises that her Abuela does not know how to speak English, while she struggles to understand Spanish. Mia undertakes the challenge to help her Abuela while learning in return.

This book has a great story of love weaved through. Mia wants to connect with her Abuela and even though they can't understand each other they find ways to break through the barrier until they can both communicate.

The Giving Tree
"There once was a tree and she loved a little boy." Every day the boy would come and play under the
tree. As the boy grows up he spends less and less time with the tree and wants more and more from the tree, yet the tree still loves him unconditionally.

When I finished this book, I actually said to the others in the room, "What a horrible book!" I don't like the fact that I felt like the tree kept giving and giving until the tree had nothing left the give and the boy just kept taking and taking without giving anything in return. In my opinion it does not deserve to be on this book list. Judging by Goodreads, there are others that agree with me.

Journey
Journey follows the story of a young girl who draws a door on her bedroom wall and once she goes through it she discovers a wonderful world where amazing things happen and she is free to create what she wants and what the world needs.

I struggled with this book. It has no words, which in itself was OK but I just found myself skimming through it. I wouldn't bother reading it again.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is set in the town of Chewandswallow. In Chewandswallow, food just magically falls from the sky and provides the town with just what they need until one day they falling food becomes unpredictable and dangerous. It might just be time for the townspeople to leave and find somewhere new.

I loved the idea behind the book. It is told via Grandfather telling his grand kids a bedtime story. The illustrations were amazing and the story was interested and easy to follow. 

Wonder
Auggie is ten years old. He was born with a severe facial abnormality and has been home schooled Wonder is told in four parts from four different points of view. All four are well written and a pleasure to read.
his whole life. Now, coming into 5th grade it is time for him to go to school. Auggie must learn how to navigate all the ups and downs that come with it. Will his classmates learn to look past what they first see?

I LOVE this book. I have read it twice in the last year because it gives you all the feels. There are highs and lows and it really makes you think about other people. Auggie does seem wise beyond his years but he has spent most of his life with mainly adults to talk to. Highly recommended- I don't know of anyone who has not enjoyed this book.

Holes
Stanley Yelnats is an unlucky guy. Nothing ever goes right for him or his family and they all blame it on their good for nothing, pig stealing, great great grandfather. Stanley's latest spate of bad luck has left him at Camp Greenlake, a correctional facility for young boys. Every day, each boy must dig a hole five feet wide and five feet high. What are they looking for?

Holes is just like Hatchet. Ask anyone who went to school around the same time as me and they had it as a read-aloud. By the sound of things everyone loved them both. In my re-read of the story, everything happened a lot quicker than I remembered!

Matilda
Matilda is an extraordinary young girl. Ever since she was three years old she has been working her way through the public library. Once she starts school, her teacher, Miss Honey, notices just how special she in. All the other adults in her life, her parents and her principal Ms. Trunchball, think she is trouble. Can Matilda get her
self out of a horrible situation?

As a child I loved Matilda, as an adult I see how horrible many of the adults in her life are. Matilda is a strong young women who has a golden heart. I am revisiting my love of all things Roald Dahl

March Update: 101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up

March was a productive month. I have had conversations with many people who are undertaking the same challenge which has been great! I also managed to knock a few more titles off my list but I still haven’t managed to tackle 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
I have always been a massive fan of Dr. Seuss. Not as much as an adult because reading his books out loud always involve a mass of twisted tongues and mispronunciation on my part but as a child I remember pouring over the pages of many of his stories.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go has the most amazing message anyone can give to a child (or adult who needs a bit of a boost). A reminder that everyone has the potential to be great and even though there will be bumps along the road there is a 98 and ¾ per cent guaranteed chance that you will succeed.

Where the Wild Things Are
After Max is sent to his bedroom, he imagines a world filled with wild things. Eventually he begins to miss home and begins the long trek back to his family.

Although I think the illustrations in Where the Wild Things Are are amazing, I found I did not connect to the text in the way that I was expecting. In my opinion there are many other pictures books I would rather share with others.

The Snail and the Whale
Snail wants nothing more than to travel the world and see faraway places, much to the disbelief and
dismay of all his snail companions. Thus begins the tale of two unlikely travel companions - a whale and a snail.

I absolutely LOVED the rhyme and rhythm of this book. As I was reading it, I was tapping my foot along to the beat. I can’t wait to share this book with my classes this week.

Whoever You Are
All around the world people look different, live differently have different life experiences. This book reminds the reader that although this is true, beneath it all we are all the same when it comes to our feelings.

Whoever You Are has a great message which people do need to be reminded of. It wasn’t the best picture book I have ever read but I believe it is a book to be shared widely.

The Story of Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a bull. He doesn't want to fight and butt heads with the other bulls, he loves sitting under his favourite cork tree and smelling the flowers. One day five men arrive to take the strongest, fiercest bulls to fight in Madrid. Ferdinand, stung by a bee, catches their eye and is taken be in the bull fights. Much to everyone's surprise he refuses to fight and returns home to sit under his favourite cork tree and smell the flowers.

I enjoyed this story and I really enjoyed talked to my co workers who remember this from when they were children or read it to their children. What I was most interested in was finding out about how the message of peace in this story got it banned in many countries, including Nazi Germany where it was burned.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Alexander's day starts of dismally, complete with gum in his hair, tripping on a skateboard and dropping water all down his front. The day does not get any better and the more that goes wrong the more frustrated Alexander feels. Will things start to look up?

Who doesn't have those days where nothing goes right? You really feel for Alexander even though some of his misfortune is of his own making. It is easy to see yourself in Alexander which makes this a fun read aloud and book in general.

A Long Walk to Water
A Long Walk to Water is told as two story lines following two 11 year olds in Sudan. In 2008, Nya does a four hour round trip walk, twice a day, seven months of the year to provide her family with drinking water. In 1985, Salva is forced to run from school with only the clothes on his back after it was attacked by rebels and bombed. He becomes a lost child moving from camp to camp hoping to find his family one day.

I was given it by a friend who had shared it with his 11 year old. This book is deceptive. It is small, only 128 pages but it is 128 pages that make you think, feel and remind yourself how lucky you are. There were times I had goosebumps and wanted to cry but I feel like it is a story that needs to be told. Salva is a real person and this book follows his journey across Africa and to America and his goal to help others back home.

The 13-Storey Treehouse
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton live in a treehouse as they write an illustrate books together. They
both managed to forget their latest book deadline and now have only 48 hours to produce a book to Big Nose, their manager, or they will be sent back to live in the money enclosure at the zoo. Of course, nothing goes to plan including procrastination, sea monkeys who are actually sea monsters and sea monkeys who are actual monkeys, flying yellow catnaries and a giant banana eating gorilla.

I was a big fan of Andy Griffiths when I was younger and after reading this book, I remembered why. He is a great author to recommend to get anyone to pick up a book and read and you will always have a good giggle.

Frindle
Nicholas Allen cannot sit still, he has an idea and he runs with it. He has just entered the fifth grade and he has heard how strict his new teacher, Mrs Granger, can be. She is in LOVE with the dictionary and after a time wasting stunt goes wrong, Nicholas is forced to do some research about the dictionary and how words come about. Thus begins a war between Nicholas and Mrs Granger over the new word for a pen - a frindle. This is a story about how an idea can become bigger than just one person.

Who hasn't sat down an pondered who decided that a chair would be called a chair. Why can't it be called a fork!? This book perfectly captures the curiosity that is in all of us and the power that friendship and an idea and a great teacher can have.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Dorothy lives with her Aunt and Uncle in Kansas until, during a tornado, she is transported, along
with her house and dog Toto, to Oz. To find her way home she must make it to the Emerald City to visit the wonderful wizard of Oz. Along the way she makes friends and some enemies. Will she be able to make it home?

I have never read the book or seen the movie before so I was in for a surprise. Quite possibly, everyone is my workplace has heard my rant about how dark this book is in places. If you don’t believe me just read about how to tin man became the tin man. Otherwise, the book ticked along nicely for a quick read.

Hatchet
Brian’s parents have recently divorced and he is on his way to spend the school holidays with his dad. As they are flying, in a one man plane, over the remote Canadian wilderness, the pilot suffers a heart attack. The plane crash lands in the middle of nowhere and with no way to know how far away help might be Brian must learn to survive with only a hatchet gifted to him by his mother before he left.

Hatchet is a book that was read aloud to me while I was in school. I remember loving it and over the past month I have had many discussions with others who had the same experience. Not one person said “Oh yeah, we read Hatchet and I hated it!” I think it says a lot about the content and story line that it is a book that is still remembered 15 or 20 years on.

Reviewed by Kristen

January/ February Update: 101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up

January started off with a hiss and a roar. My goal for the year was to slog through a portion of chapter books before I started on picture books. By the 8^th I had already flown through The Secret Garden and A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning and by the end of the month I had added Better Nate than Never to the list.

If I am being honest, February was a write off. I lost my book mojo. I had multiple starts of books, some personal, some from the list but I did not have one finish during the month of February. Books that were started but (fingers crossed) will be conquered during March include Twenty Thousands Leagues Under the Sea, Hatchet and The Wizard of OZ.

The Secret Garden
As I said before, my grandparents brought me this book when I was young. There was a big ship in at port that had a bookstore on board. I remember being so excited to pick two books from ‘the floating book store’ as I called it. Ever since, it has sat on my book shelf being moved from house to house.

Mary, an unwell and spoilt child is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire after her parents are killed during a cholera outbreak. During her time in the house she discovers a cousin she never knew she had, a secret garden and herself.

Even though at times I struggled with the Yorkshire slang, I really enjoyed this book. My favourite character was Mary’s maid, Martha.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning
A series from my childhood, it has been many years since I first laid hands on The Bad Beginning. Luckily, Netflix was realising series one of a TV adaption in conjunction with the author, Lemony Snicket. I finished this book the day before it was released and upon watching episode one I was amazed at how much of it was word for word.

Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are sent to live with their evil relative, Count Olaf, where their parents are killed in a house fire. All Olaf wants is to get his hands on their family fortune. As the title suggests, it is not a bright and fun story but really a series of very unfortunate events. (told in 13 parts).

I found it very interesting how little the children were listened to by the adults in their life, even though they were well aware of what was happening. Although I had read the series before I loved revisiting it. I believe it is a book that will appeal to kids of all ages, and the rest of their family.

Better Nate than Ever
My fellow book nerd lent me his copy of this book otherwise I don’t think I would have read it so soon in the year. It is great having someone to share my thoughts with but I must remember to return it!

Nate has dreams - He wants to star on Broadway. Too bad it will never happen since he lives in Pennsylvania, or will it? His best friend devises a plan to send Nate on an overnight trip to New York, while his parents are away, to audition for the part of Elliot in the musical E.T. As we can all expect, everything that could go wrong does and nothing goes to plan.

Although the story was good and I did read it in on sitting, it wasn’t my favourite book of the month.  I haven’t found myself desperate to read the rest of the series but one day I might.

Posted by Kristen

101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up by Bianca Schulze

If you are like me and in denial of your age, if you are on the hunt for a good book to read aloud to your class, or buy for your children or grandchildren or if you just want to reread some great books – this is the book for you. Author, Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review and flicking through this book, you know she knows what she is talking about.

101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up is a comprehensive list of new, classics, old favourites and books you may not have even heard of aimed at ages 4-11. Each book has information about the text, target rage, genre, publication dates, interesting facts and suggestions about what to read next. It is laid out in an easy to read and easy to follow manner. You can search books by target age range or genre.

I took this book home from the library, flicked through it, got in my car, went out and brought my own copy. 2017 will be the year where I read all 101 books from this list. It doesn’t matter if I have read them before, I will read them again. I am not alone in this challenge as a fellow book nerd is not only going to read all 101 books but is going to buy them for his class too.

Already, I have dug into my bookshelves, searched the libraries, downloaded e-books and had many conversations with friends and family about the books they have read, or books they think should have made the list. I have even twisted a few arms to borrow much loved editions of certain titles. I have finally read the copy of the Secret Garden my Grandma brought me when I was 8, re-read The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket and am looking forward to revisiting the first book to ever make me cry, Stargirl.

Will 2017 be the year I finally grow up? Check in with me monthly on the Hastings District Libraries Readers’ Blog to follow my journey and see what I have been reading. Between us, I think I am in a bit of trouble. It has just been announced that the next book in this series 101 TV shows to see before you grow up is coming in April.

Reviewed by Kristen

Catalogue link: 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up

Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

Can twelve 12-year-olds escape from the most ridiculously brilliant library ever created?

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library plunks a dozen sixth-graders into the middle of a futuristic library for a night of nonstop fun and adventure.

In a nod to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this fast-paced new novel features an eccentric billionaire who welcomes a group of children into a fantasy setting full of weird, wondrous touches.

Lynette, one of our children's librarians, recommends Escape from Mr Lemoncello's Library:

"If you love libraries, if you love board games, if you love solving riddles and puzzles then you will love this book. It is fun, it is clever, and it is intriguing. Even though the book is for kids ( junior fiction), you don’t have to be a kid to love this book."

Catalogue link: Escape from Mr Lemoncello's Library

Author website/book trailer

There is Never Enough Poo

I am sure that reading a book ALL about poo is sometimes cringe-worthy, stomach-churning and even a bit awkward. For children it is often, quite simply, the funniest book they have EVER heard. Once you have taken the plunge and decide to delve into the endless stream of poo, fart and wee related picture books there is NO GOING BACK. Check out some of our favourites- all of which are guaranteed to keep adults and children alike in stitches. 

Poo Bum by Stephanie Blake 

Once there was a rabbit who could only answer “poo bum” whenever he was spoken to. One day the rabbit meets a hungry wolf. Will the little rabbit be his usual rude self, or will he learn his lesson once and for all?

Poo in the Zoo by Steve Smallman

There’s too much poo in the zoo- and little Bob McGrew is the one who has to scoop it all up. One day, a mysterious glowing poo appears! Could it be alien poop from outer space?

The Story of the Little Mole who Knew it was None of His Business by Werner Holzwart

When Little Mole looks out of his hole one morning…PLOP! Something lands on his head. Whodunit? Mole must visit all his animal friends so they can prove their innocence.

Harvey the Boy Who Couldn't Fart by Matthew John

Everyone can fart. Everyone except Harvey. No Matter how hard Harvey tries, he can’t manage even a squeak. Harvey was beginning to feel pretty sorry for himself until Grandad came up with an interesting solution.

Baa Baa Smart Sheep by Mark Sommerset

Little Baa Baa is bored so he decides to play a practical joke, telling Quirky Turkey that the pile of round, brown things on the ground are “smarty tablets”.

Baa Baa Smart Sheep has to be followed by I Love Lemonade where Quirky Turkey gets his revenge. 

Father Christmas Needs a Wee! by Nicholas Allen

Father Christmas enjoys drinking and eating all the goodies left out for him on Christmas eve. Before long, he really, really, really needs to wee! He rushes home, to make sure he avoids embarrassment, except poor Father Christmas has lost his house key!

I Need a New Bum by Dawn McMillan

Oh no- What do you do when your bum if broken? Will your new

bum be blue or yellow- will it be a rocket ship or a robo-bum? Wait… do other peoples bottoms have cracks in them too?

There is a Monster under my Bed Who Farts by Tim Miller

Everyone always says, “It wasn’t me! But what if it REALLY wasn’t you? What is it was a monster who lives under your bed? How much trouble can one little monster cause, really?

The Dinosaur Who Pooped a Planet! by Tom Fletcher

One boy, one space rocket and one VERY hungry dinosaur. How will Danny get home once his dinosaur eats their rocket?

Must be followed up by:

The Dinosaur that Pooped the Bed!

The Dinosaur that Pooped the Past!

The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas!