Storybook Corner Book Review: Where's My Dinosaur? by Ashling Kwok

 

 

Where's My Dinosaur

by

Ashling Kwok

Illustrated by Jasmine Berry 

 

Publisher: Yellow Brick Books

 

Publication date: 30th September 2021

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 32

 

RRP: $26.95AUD

 

Format read: Hardcover

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Back cover blurb

 

Daddy told me I'm getting a new playmate.

 

I'm so excited!

I hope it's a puppy. Or even a little chick.

Ooh, it might even be a bunny.

But most of all I hope it's a dinosaur - I love dinosaurs!

 

As mum's tummy gets bigger and bigger, a little girl dreams about what could possibly be growing inside....

 My review

 

Where's My Dinosaur? is a fun story about a misunderstanding. When daddy tells his daughter a new playmate is growing in mummy's tummy she starts to speculate about what that playmate would be. She would love a dinosaur but mummy's tummy is too small.

 

As mummy's tummy grows so does the idea of the new playmate; a chicken, a rabbit, a bear, an elephant. Until mummy's tummy is soooo big she is convinced it is a dinosaur. 

 

When the new baby arrives she is not happy but soon the baby grows and loves dinosaurs just as much as the little girl.

The story ends with mum expecting again and the once baby, now a toddler, is hoping for a dinosaur.

 

We all loved this funny, engaging and heartwarming story. Told through the eyes of a young girl as she awaits the new addition to the family.

The story features a culturally diverse family and the vivid full spread illustrations are imaginative and colourful. I loved how the story ends back at the beginning!

Where's My Dinosaur? would make the perfect gift, not only for young children awaiting the arrival of a sibling but also little dinosaur enthusiasts.

 

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Ashling Kwok is a children's author from Sydney and loves immersing herself in worlds where anything is possible. Ashling has been dreaming of creating stories for children since she was 14. In the time since, she has become an accomplished journalist, magazine editor and freelance writer. Her previous books include Lola and Grandpa and The Battle. 

 

About the illustrator

 

Jasmine Berry is an illustrator and graphic designer from Perth, Western Australia. Jasmine has over 10 years of experience creating masters and artwork for a leading Australian Educational Publisher.

Where's My Dinosaur? is her debut picture book. 

 

 

Storybook Corner Book Review & Giveaway: Afloat in Venice by Tina Wilson

Afloat in Venice

Monkey's Great Adventures

by Tina Wilson

Music by Matt Ottley Knitting by Joan Wilson

 

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021

 

Series: Monkey's Great Adventures #1

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

 

Pages: 40

 

RRP: $27.95AUD

 

Format read: Hardcover + CD

 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

About the book

In Monkey’s first adventure, Afloat in Venice, Monkey wakes to find he has been given a brand new camera. He can’t wait to use it during his holiday in Venice ... but after he is separated from his camera and he becomes lost, he discovers something more precious than sightseeing. This book includes original music composed by the highly acclaimed, Matt Ottley and an additional version specifically narrated for the visually impaired.

 

About the series

Imaginative, nostalgic and quirky, the Monkey’s Great Adventures series, with bespoke hand-knitted toys, is beautifully photographed in locations around the world and captures the innocence of childhood. Monkey, an endearing soft toy, finds himself in all sorts of scrapes where he learns about himself and the world around him. In this first book, Afloat in Venice, Monkey is entranced by a “magical floating city that seems to grow straight out of the sea.” The book includes original music composed by highly acclaimed artist, Matt Ottley, with text narrated by the author. There is an additional version of the music specifically narrated for the visually impaired.

 

My review

 

Monkey is off on a holiday and he is given a camera as a special gift. There are relatable photos of monkey  packing and the items you would take on a trip which opens discussion on holidays and travel. Wilson includes humorous shots that will appeal to children with monkey sitting in a drawer. A photo of monkey with his shorts on his head elicited a few laughs.

He goes on a long plane ride and meets a cat named Clarabella who offers to show him around. A very adventurous day ensues with lots of sightseeing, climbing and a trip on a gondola. Monkey loses his camera and then can't find Clarabella. He wanders around asking all the animals if they have seen her. Sad and lonely he starts to cry. Then Clarabella turns up; She had found his camera. Monkey was so happy to have found a new friend.

 

 Afloat in Venice is a picture book illustrated with photos which gives children the opportunity to perceive a story through realistic images. Tina Wilson uses clever staging and beautiful photography in this sweet story teaching children about the world around them, travel and friendship. The photographs and simple text show the excitement and adventure of travel abroad.

The pictures have a certain charm about them with the warmth of hand-knitted toys and props showing everyday items that children will relate to.

The photographs of the Venice scenery are stunning and make a good talking point for older children about the different way people live and travel around the world.

The accompanying CD has a narration of the story with narrative music which enhances the story telling with changes in tempo and pitch. I really enjoyed this added element to the book.

 

We are looking forward to more of Monkey's adventures.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Dot's Review

 

I liked that it was knitted characters and you could spot Monkey's friends in the background. I want to learn how to knit the patterns in the back of the book.

 

I thought it was fun, cool and cute.

 

Dot's rating

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author

Tina Wilson is a freelance artist moving between painting, drawing, curating, writing and illustrating books. Tina founded the Lester Prize (prev. Black Swan Prize for Portraiture) and
was its executive director for ten years.

 

About the composer

Matt Ottley is an internationally acclaimed award winning author, illustrator and composer. He is an Endorsed Yamaha Musician, plays flamenco guitar and piano and composes music for picture books.

Challenges Entered: Australian Women Writers Challenge AWW2021

 

                                   Aussie Author Challenge #Aussieauthor21 

  

GIVEAWAY

 

The author has kindly sent me an extra copy of the book to Giveaway.

Giveaway closes at Midnight on 25th September 2021 (Australia only)

 

This giveaway has now closed and the winner was announced here.

Book Review: Dinosaur Whack, Whizz, Roar & Munch!

 

Dinosaur Whack! The Stegosaurus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th July 2021

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

About the book

 

 Meet Dinosaur Whack, the clumsy Stegosaurus, in this brilliant rhyming story, part of The World of Dinosaur Roar! series.

 

After accidentally knocking over Dinosaur Chew and bumping Dinosaur Boo, poor Whack finds herself all alone. But can she find a use for her wayward tail and win back her friends?

Dinosaur Whizz! The Coelophysis

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th July 2021

Source: courtesy of the publisher 

About the book

Meet Dinosaur Whizz the Coelphysis, speediest of the dinosaurs.

Whizz is quick-moving & quick-thinking. She loves to run and just can't stand still, much to the annoyance of the dinosaurs. But when the mean Spinosaurus, Dinosaur Snap, tries to catch Whizz, she finds her quick running can be very useful indeed.

Dinosaur Roar! The Tyrannosaurus rex.

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th May 2021

Source: My purchase

 

About the book

 

Meet Dinosaur roar, he is the king of the dinosaurs, ferocious and strong but when he can't find his best friend Dinosaur Squeak we see that he is a big softy after all. 

Dinosaur Munch! The Diplodocus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Publication: 13th May 2021

Source: My purchase 

 

About the book

 

Meet Dinosaur Munch, the hungry Diplodocus.

Munch always wanted to eat, as soon as he'd eaten he wanted some more. He ate everything and left nothing for the other dinosaurs. In his hungry search eating everything in sight he munch on his own long tail by mistake.

My review

Everyone here at The Burgeoning Bookshelf loves these fun hardcover picture books! They are currently Jay's go-to picture books and he carries them everywhere.

Kids are fascinated by dinosaurs and these fun, colourful bring the dinosaurs to life with their own unique personality. Each book has a subtle life lesson included.

Inspired by the classic picture book, Dinosaur Roar! by Paul Strickland & Henrietta Strickland, this series introduces a cast of fun characters to young children.

Each book contains a pronunciation guide as well as a few simple dinosaur facts at the end of each story.

About the authors

Peter Curtis is a welsh-born author, creator and producer of children's characters, books and television series, with over twenty five years experience in children's media.

 

Jeanne Willis is an internationally renowned, full time writer and has published over a hundred books - ranging from picture books including The Bog Baby and Who's in the Loo?, to YA, poetry and fiction. 

 

You can read my review of Dinosaur Flap & Dinosaur Snap HERE

 

Book Review: Dinosaur Snap and Dinosaur Flap by Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 Dinosaur Snap!

The Spinosaurus

by

Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Dinosaur Flap

The Oviraptor

by Jeanne Willis & Peter Curtis

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books 

Series: The World of Dinosaur Roar

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publications date: 11th May 2021

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Format read: Board Book

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

About the books

 

Meet Dinosaur Snap, a mean Spinosaurus, and Dinosaur Snap, a nervous Oviraptor, in these brilliant rhyming stories, part of the collectable The World of Dinosaur Roar! series, in association with the Natural History Museum.

My review

Dinosaur Flap and Dinosaur Snap are part of a collection of board books inspired by the classic picture book, Dinosaur Roar.

Each book features one dinosaur highlighting their unique features and personality.

Dinosaur Flap is in a flap. She can’t relax, worried about her eggs being trampled. She scares away Stomp and Bash when they venture near but Honk with her loud honking would make a good guard so Flap asked her to stay and sound an alarm when someone comes near. Now Flap can get some much needed sleep.

Dinosaur Snap is fierce with a big snapping jaw. Whack has his spiky tail to protect him and Whizz is so fast Snap can’t catch him. Snap thinks little Squeak would make a tasty treat but Roar is always there to protect his little friend.

Other dinosaurs in the series pop in and out of each story, sometimes helping and sometimes causing havoc.

Jay loves these books and we have read them over and over. When the next two in the series arrived he let out a squeal of delight. We have since purchased a couple more in the series and have our eye on the next ones we want to buy. Yes, WE! I enjoy these stories too. So much fun!

I like how each dinosaur has a name that relates to their personality. They are like a little community. Jay can name them all and points them out as they appear in each other’s books.

We have always been big fans of Dinosaur Roar and Ten Terrible Dinosaurs and this new collection adds to the delight by naming the dinosaurs and giving them personalities.

The front of each book has the correct pronunciation of the dinosaurs scientific name. Which is very helpful as some are quite a mouthful. The rear of the book points out specific features of that dinosaur.

With bright illustrations and rhyming text these board books are sure to appeal to little dinosaur enthusiasts and their parents.

 

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the authors

 

Peter Curtis is a welsh-born author, creator and producer of children's characters, books and television series, with over twenty five years experience in children's media.

 

Jeanne Willis is an internationally renowned, full time writer and has published over a hundred books - ranging from picture books including The Bog Baby and Who's in the Loo?, to YA, poetry and fiction. 

 

Book Review: Searching for Seashells by Kerry Rosser

Searching for Seashells

by

Kerry Rosser

illustrated by Nicky Johnson

Publisher: Empowering Resources
Publication date: 8th February 2020
Genre: Children's
Pages: 32
RRP: $17.00AUD
Format read: Softcover
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via R M Marketing Services

Today I was angry. Mum said it's okay to be angry. We get angry because we want something we can't have.

I want Jimmy here to play with me.

Jimmy is gone now. I miss him lots.

Searching for Seashells is a comforting and gentle story that empowers families to talk about love, loss and remembering. Sharing in a simple way the many big feelings of grief, it reassures young readers that love and memories continue even after someone is gone.

A young boy tells about all the things his baby brother loves to do. Then one day his brother is gone. He goes through his emotions; sadness, anger, guilt, as his mother helps him through each emotion and shows him they will always remember the baby.

Together they do Jimmy’s favourite things, like blowing bubbles and searching for seashells. They celebrate Jimmy’s birthday with a picnic. As time goes by he starts to play and laugh which brings on feelings of guilt.

”Mum said it’s okay to be happy. Jimmy likes me laughing.”

Talking about death with a young child is a difficult thing and in particular the death of a sibling. Searching for Seashells is a lovely supportive book for parents as well as siblings.

Kerrry Rosser shows a compassion that comes from experience which led to her writing her debut children’s book to help her own children over the loss of their brother.

The text is simple and comforting and I loved how the mother is so calm, brave and supportive of her son. Telling him his feelings are okay and giving him ideas and help with coping when I am sure she is falling apart inside herself.

Searching for Seashells is a beautifully written story about love and loss that I am sure will be beneficial to any family suffering the loss of a loved one.

My rating  5/5         ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author:

Photo credit: Empowering Resources

Kerry Rosser is a writer with a background in psychology, bringing an analytical and inquisitive approach to her work. Her writing has spanned corporate and government communications, marketing and community engagement through to freelance, blogging and writing for children.

Her first children's book, Searching for Seashells, is a gentle story of losing someone loved. Written to help her children understand the loss of their baby brother, it shares the many different feelings of grief. It reassures young children that these emotions are normal and celebrates the love that remains even after someone is gone.

Kerry lives in country South Australia with her husband, three children and an ever changing array of animals.


About the illustrator:

Photo credit: Empowering Resources

Nicky Johnston is a mum to four boys, a primary educator, a speaker and children’s book author and illustrator based in Melbourne.

Passionate in raising awareness of the importance of children’s emotional well being, Nicky has written books to help children deal with anxiety and develop resilience. She is an experienced public speaker and presents at parent forums, seminars and conferences. She is also a speaker with Black Dog Institute Community Education.

Her illustration style is described as whimsical, playful, narrative, emotive and dreamy. She works mainly in watercolour, ink and pencil. She also produces work digitally using a variety of illustration software.

This book can be ordered directly from the publishers website. 

This review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge

and Australian Women Writers challenge  

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: The Box (Children's Picture Book) + related children's craft

The Box

by 

Jo Linsdell

Publisher: Self published
Publication date: 25th March 2014
Pages: 44
Format Read: eBook
Source: own purchase

 

 "Because a box is just a box, except when it's not."
Join in the creative fun as a little boy explains why his box is his favourite toy.

 

The Box is a delightfully illustrated children’s book promoting imaginative play.

It’s time to put the electronic devices away and bring out a plain old cardboard box.

But what can you do with a box? ‘A box is just a box, except when it’s not.’

A young boy uses his imagination as he plays with a box in many different ways. A box can be a football goal, a pirate ship, a racing car, a bus, a rocket ship. The list goes on and on. The illustration shows the brown cardboard box with the imaginative pirate ship, bus etc in a black drawn outline.

The wording is simple as the illustrations speak for themselves and both Dot and Jay love looking over the pictures and seeing all the things your imagination can conjure. This is an excellent book for Jay as it encourages speech through illustrations he knows to make the sounds of a racing car, a fire engine and a robot. He will often go to my iPad and find the book himself and flick through the pages.

As an extension of the book Dot and I decided to make our own projects from boxes I had in the house. I like to keep craft projects simple and let the children direct the process. It’s always good to keep in mind that it should be fun and the end product doesn’t need to be perfect. We found all the items we needed in the craft box to make a fire engine and a puppet theatre.

The fire engine is simply made from an old box, red wrapping paper, some paper plates and the hose off the vacuum cleaner.

The puppet theatre is made from a shoe box, a piece of left over material, some knitting needles, ribbon, finger puppets and lots of sticky tape. 

I hope Jo's book inspires you to grab an old box and a few craft items and see what your imagination can build. We had a lot of fun with our box creations.

 

Photo credit: Goodreads

I've enjoyed writing since I could hold a pen in my hand but officially started my writing career in 2006. Since then I've worked for numerous clients around the world and won a few awards along the way too.

I've also published several books including the best selling children's picture story books 'Out and About at the Zoo', 'Fairy May' and 'The Box', plus non fiction books'Italian for Tourists', A Guide to Weddings in Italy', 'How to be Twittertastic' and the award winning best seller 'Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home'. My serial fiction 'KOSMOS' was published in 2017.

 

Storybook Corner Book Review: Dinosaur Roar! & Ten Terrible Dinosaurs (Children's Picture Book)

This week I have two adorably ferocious storybooks that have stood the test of time and have recently been reissued to continue to delight children everywhere.

Dinosaur Roar!

by

Paul Strickland & Henrietta Strickland

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication date: 8th January 2019

Pages: 30

RRP: $14.99

Format Read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the Book :

A celebratory edition of this classic book, now twenty-five years old and never out of print. Produced from re-scanned original artwork, and endorsed by the National History Museum, this rollicking rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, and the charming images will appeal to the very youngest dinosaur fans.

Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! by Henrietta and Paul Strickland is now seen as a modern classic, a book that every preschool child will love.

 My thoughts:

Dinosaur Roar! immediately catches the eye with its striking silver foil cover. It features a fiercely roaring T-Rex with a small dinosaur looking suitably unimpressed. Inside is a double spread with all sorts of dinosaurs to feast your eyes on; every shape, colour and size imaginable.

The wording is simple and kept to a minimum with large text that jumps off the page. The illustrations are vibrant and whimsical, with emphasis on each dinosaurs features and expressions bringing them to life on the page.

Both Dot and Ditto are enthusiastic dinosaur fans and are eager to have the book read over and over, each reading being an educational experience with the use of opposites in the text and a natural cadence in the rhyming of words. Dot quickly learnt what was to come next and enjoyed joining in.

I had to include Ditto’s favourite page. He is enthralled by this slimy dinosaur and keeps turning back to look at and touch this page over and over.

The Dinosaurs may be different in many ways but they all come together at the end.

At the back of the book is a gorgeous pull-out poster, featuring all the dinosaurs in their colourful glory, which can be framed and would delight any toddler.

This book is now ready to be discovered by a whole new generation.

Rated by Dot & Jay 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

                                Ten Terrible Dinosaurs

                                                by

                                       Paul Strickland

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication date: 8th January 2019 

Pages: 48

RRP: $14.99

Format Read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

About the book:

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs, a lively counting book first published in 1997 and now reissued, is based on the characters from Dinosaur Roar!, a picture book that is now recognised as a modern classic. The rhyming text encourages children to join in, helping them to learn their numbers as they count down from ten to one.

My thoughts:

Once again Paul Strickland’s dinosaurs have come out to delight young dinosaur fans with a rip roaring counting book. The front cover features our ten terrible dinosaurs, who are in fact happy, smiling dinosaurs and look like they are ready to have some fun.

Strickland uses the tried and true method of rhyming verse in this educational and fun counting book. Starting at ten with a large number 10 in digits at the start of the text, the ten terrible dinosaurs are standing in a line.

The watercolour illustrations are bright and whimsical, but as we know dinosaurs can be cheeky and they soon begin to mess around. It gets a bit rough and one poor dinosaur is scared so leaves. When the page is turned the number 9 is shown in digits first and then the text.

This book was another hit here. I really don’t think the children will ever tire of playing with, looking at and reading about dinosaurs.

I liked that the numbers were in digits and text side by side which gives a visual connection of the two.

Strickland’s use of alliteration and rhyming adds an extra element of fun to the reading and listening.

We had seven silly dinosaurs, five feisty dinosaurs and two tetchy dinosaurs. The book ends with a sneaky loud ROAR! Those dinosaurs really are tricky.

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs is a book that has been loved for the past two decades and is sure to be loved for decades to come.

Reissued in association with the Natural History Museum making these books true children’s classics.

Rated by Dot & Jay 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 About the authors:

Paul Strickland is an illustrator, author and pop-up book engineer. Since leaving school he has had a long illustrious career with his drawings and illustrations, working on many different projects but he is best known for his work in children's books, most notably as the illustrator of the modern classic Dinosaur Roar! He lives in Dorset with his wife and young daughter.

Henrietta Strickland has been creating children's books for thirty years, both as an author and also as a publisher specializing in new writers and illustrators. She lives on the Somerset/Dorset border with her four sons and a menagerie of animals.