Announcement: A Very KBR Christmas Wishlist 2024

As the world seems to grow more confining and life more confounding, we here at KBR take a moment to ponder, as always, the pure simplicity of childhood. It's wonderment, its curiosity. Its magic. Despite all the madness, it is hard to imagine a world without these precious notions. 

And so, this year's Team's Christmas Question was simply:

If you could ask Santa for one thing and one thing only for Christmas, what would it be? 

Grab a fruit mince pie or two or three, sit back and enjoy our team's responses. 

From all of us to all of you who have read, shared and enjoyed our reviews and features throughout 2024, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May your New Year be filled with light and joy and a magic that sustains and endures forevermore. 

Review: Ink And Light: Poetry Anthology

There are moments in life, fuelled by the actions of people you may barely know but have always admired from afar that bring you to your knees, and in my case, induce a surge of tearful emotions. 

This book, Ink and Light, an anthology of poetry by our very own,  Nia Shetty is filled with such moments.

Raw. Powerful. Immediate. Shetty’s subject matter strikes an impressive chord. Each line resonates energy and angst, anguish and anticipation. Clarity and an unnervingly keen conception of ‘how it is’.

She doesn’t spare the truth either. Diaspora, the forced shedding of cultural identity, racial discrimination, and the eternal search for buried hope; all chime subtly throughout each poem but amazingly, never in an oppressive nor despairing way. 

There is a force of optimism and expectation behind each verse that somehow provides light to the various patches of shade.

The resulting pieces are articulate, elegant odes to the author’s cultural roots and sharp contemporary observations. And, as mentioned, stirring enough to incite genuine emotion.

Review: Cloud Atlas: Everything You Need To Know About Clouds

Are you a wool-gather? A cloud gazer? The type of person who loves spotting stuff in the sky? If so, you’re already acquainted with the intriguing hobby / study of nephology.

Cloud Atlas takes this scientific obsession up a level or atmosphere as it were. Presenting as a benign coffee table type book, this beautiful collection of clouds speaks to Nephophiles (lovers of all things cloudy) and curious kids alike.

Addressing the most obvious curiosity first, what exactly are clouds and how do they form, author and cloud compiler, Sarah Zambello moves quickly on to the classification of clouds, which it turns out, is a skyful of intriguing Latin-based nomenclature. But there’s no cause to feel smothered by all these terms because each is described in simple engaging language and accompanied by an identifying illustration.

Winners: This Is Not A Sad Book (But It's OK To Feel Sad)

Our lucky winners are ...

Julie Burberry, QLD

Jenny Catalano, QLD

Joseph Spagnolo, NSW

Congratulations!

You have each won a copy of this touching and practical guide to coping with grief, loss and hard times, This Is Not A Sad Book by Elizabeth Vercoe and Grace Fraraccio.

Thank you to ALL who entered. We were moved by your your feel good answers.

Review: This Is Not A Sad Book (but it's OK to feel sad)

This is definitely not a sad book. It’s not even an arduous book to read but by golly, it is a book that unashamedly tackles some of the heftiest emotions that a young person, indeed anyone, has to face. 

Grief, loss, depression, anxiety, uncertainty. Big hard-to-deal-with feels that demand big help.

This Is Not A Sad Book is that help. In short, it’s a lighthouse of hope, explanation and tactics to apply when one finds oneself or someone they know, in a dark, scary, perilous place. 

Giveaway: This Is Not A Sad Book (But It's OK To Feel Sad)

This Is Not A Sad Book is truly not a sad book!

It's actually a practical, compassionate guide full of strategies and ideas to support yourself or someone else through grief, loss and hard times.

In some parts you might even find yourself smiling.

Most importantly of all – the stories, tips and advice in these pages are a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is a way through.

KBR's very own, Elizabeth Vercoe teams ups with Melbourne-based illustrator, Grace Fraraccio to create a warm tender book that empowers young people to create space for feeling and healing. Originally published twenty years ago as, The Grief Book, with Kerry Abramowski, this revised Children's Book Council of Australia Honour Book edition is deeply personal and endearing. 

Thanks to the generous folk at Affirm Press we have not one but THREE copies of this incredible, warm-hearted guide through grief, loss and hard times to giveaway!

For your chance to win a copy of this touching and practical award-winning title simply tell us in 25 words or less what makes you feel better when you are having a bad day?

Review: My Dad, My Rock

This wholesome story about the special bond between a father and son, is a complex tapestry of all the good feeling things that family can bring – love, empowerment and belonging.

Told in the young boy’s voice, the clear and engaging text is combined with warm, expansive pictures that contain recurring motifs, to create a rich yet understated sense of magic.

If I could meet my grandpa, this is what I would tell him… When I grow up, I want to be like my dad.

Review: Her Majesty's League Of Remarkable Young Ladies

Move over MacGyver, there’s a new Queen of Improv in town and her name is Miss Weatherby; that’s Winnie to you and I. 

Young teen, Winnie rocks as an inventeress. Yes, the gender specification is acceptable because the time period Winifred rocks in is the late 1800s as in the latter part of Queen Victoria’s reign, which adds a delicious extra layer of richness to Alison Stegert’s first middle grade fiction, Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies.

This astoundingly long-titled novel is an extravaganza of remarkable indeed. An exciting mash-up of Nancy Drew come Famous Five sporting the Victorian era qualities of A Little Princess. Somehow, Stegert sews it all seamlessly together in a gripping tale of espionage, mystery and for want of a better word, MacGyverness.

Book Lists: Peace and War

We’ve grouped together some of the many book lists we’ve shared over recent years, in case you missed them the first time around.

We hope they inspire you to pick up a book you’ve not read before, or find a book to help explore and better understand a particular subject with readers of all ages.

Peace and war feature in many books, from picture books for preschoolers and older readers to YA fiction. 

Over the years we've shared more book lists on this topic than any other. While non-fiction can teach us about historical events and people who have had an impact on the world, fiction gives us stories with new and different perspectives, and helps develop empathy. These books are a window into history and a prompt for a better future.

Je suis tolérante - Stories representing different historical and contemporary cultures, and encouraging peace and tolerance. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2015/01/book-list-je-suis-tolerante.html

Anzac Day - Remembrance - Ten picture books use stories to help remember those who have served in wartime. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/04/terrific-10-anzac-day-remembrance.html

Anzac Day - Experiences of war - These books explore what war is and the impact of the experience of war. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/04/terrific-10-anzac-day-experiences-of-war.html

Picture books about Gallipoli and Anzacs - Stories that are narrative and stories with a strong focus on facts about World War I. These titles include some based on true stories. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2015/04/book-list-picture-books-about-gallipoli.html

Picture books about peace and hope - Amidst conflict it's important to have hope and seek peace. These stories help children understand these concepts. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2014/04/book-list-picture-books-about-peace-and.html

Young adult novels about war and conflict - A selection of stories that provide insight into the impact of war, particularly on young people. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2014/04/book-list-young-adult-novels-about-war.html

Middle fiction novels about war and conflict - Stories told using narrative fiction can help young readers to understand the experience of war and its ramifications on a personal and global level. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2014/04/book-list-middle-fiction-novels-about.html

Picture books about war and conflict - The complexity of war can make it a difficult subject to talk about. These books are helpful in raising and exploring the concept of war with young children. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2014/04/book-list-picture-books-about-war-and.html

ANZAC books worth knowing - Five picture books about experiences of the ANZAC soldiers, told from different perspectives. http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2012/04/anzac-books-worth-knowing.html

More books and lists with stories looking at the experience of war http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2016/04/anzac-day-2016-book-list-books-about.html

Book Lists: Favourite stories about girls

We’ve grouped together some of the many book lists we’ve shared over recent years, in case you missed them the first time around. 

We hope they inspire you to pick up a book you’ve not read before, or find a book to help explore and better understand a particular subject with readers of all ages.

Ahead of International Women's Day which is celebrated each year on 8 March, we wanted to look back at two fabulous book lists with some favourite stories about girls.

Our feisty, fictional girls list is a reminder of some classic and contemporary stories starring girls who live life to the fullest. Think Anne of Green Gables, Pippi Longstocking and Judy Moody! There are thirteen wonderful books to read.

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/03/book-list-feisty-fictional-girls.html

And the anti-princesses list shares ten terrific books which explore all kinds of characters who tend to break the stereotype for princesses. From riding motorbikes or ponies, to learning about life, and just being yourself, this book list has a great selection of titles to choose from.

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/04/terrific-10-anti-princesses.html

Book Lists: Alphabet and Wordless Picture Books

We’ve grouped together some of the many book lists we’ve shared over recent years, in case you missed them the first time around. 

We hope they inspire you to pick up a book you’ve not read before, or find a book to help explore and better understand a particular subject with readers of all ages. 

Today we're revisiting some of our favourite alphabet books, and some books that have no words at all. These are not just for children learning to read. They can be enjoyed by older readers as well. 

There are two lists of books for alphabet fans and beginner readers, and one of some of our favourite books where pictures tell the whole story, which are great for exploring illustrations in detail, and for creating your own special story. 

Explore the books at the links below.

Picture books that celebrate the alphabet:

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2018/10/looking-for-books-for-alphabet-fans.html

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2013/08/book-list-alphabet-books.html

Wordless picture books:

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2013/07/book-list-wordless-picture-books.html

Announcement: KBR Christmas Book Inspired Joy

Over the years KBR, along with our many publishing friends, conduct some truly wonderful Giveaways. At times, the bookish prizes and gift packs make us drool with envy. Whilst we can't enter ourselves, we can 'pretend' so this year's Very Merry KBR Christmas Question assumes a Christmas competition flavour, a bit like plum pudding but even more satisfying! Here's what we asked the team and their very merry answers. Enjoy! And have yourselves a wondrous and wonderful Festive Season.

Tell us in 25 words or less about your favourite Christmas book and how it adds joy to your Christmas traditions.

Tania McCartney (KBR Founder): The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, paper-engineered by Robert Sabuda. We love a pop-up book in our house; it’s so magical and impressive – I mean, how does Robert do that?? We’ve had this book forever and we also have a pop-up card set based on the book that I often pin to the wall in the shape of a tree. It’s a delight to walk past and pop a card open. Moore’s poem is timeless, and no matter how many times I read it, I’m enchanted. Have a magical Christmas, and thank you for making KBR so special – it wouldn’t be the same without our readers! (Tania clearly broke the 25 words limit but as it's Christmas, I'll allow it. Ed.)

Dimity Powell (Managing Editor): PS:Who Stole Santa’s Mail? by Dimity Powell! Self-indulgent and cheeky but chock full of cheer, magic and sizzling Aussie summer Christmas vibes, condensing my most treasured Christmas feels into a jolly perennial fave!

Shaye Wardrop (Senior Editor): Ayla’s Christmas Wish by Pamela Jones and Lucia Masciullo. New favourite = Ayla’s Christmas Wish. Love how it explores fun Australian traditions that make a summer Christmas in the heat so unique. 

Sue Warren: Above all the other 'favourites' is The Worst Kids in the World by Barbara Robinson - I've been sharing it with classes for 30 years,  never fails to make us all teary. (Her second entry, was  Jolly Christmas Postman, because the kids love 'letter books')

Ayla Wardrop (junior reviewer): The Christmas Pig by J K Rowling. I love the Christmas Pig because it’s an adventure and pigs are the cutest. Like in the book, we make our own Christmas decorations, too!

Elizabeth Vercoe: The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore is seared into my head, heart and vocal chords. It is excitement, joy, anticipation, fabulousness and cheer, all rolled into one.  

Sarah Steed (Senior Library Consultant): JRR Tolkien's Letters From Father Christmas was a gift from my mum which I like to browse to help get in the festive spirit.

Leigh van der Veen: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Transporting me to Christmas in Victorian London, A Christmas Carol, helps to remind me of the true meaning of the festive season. 

Penny Harrison (12 Curlie Questions Editor): Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, has always been a favourite festive classic of mine. This year, I’m planning to share it with my daughter.

 

 

Announcement: KBR's High Ranking News

Did you know ... as of September 2023 KBR is ranked #2 in the top 25 Best Australian Children's Book Blogs and Websites by Feedspot (second only to the global powerhouse of Kids' Lit, SCBWI. It's a honor we humbly attribute to our dedicated team of reviewers and contributors and of course YOU, the reader. It's a genuine privilege to be able to share our unashamedly ridiculous love of children's books with you all.

Kids' Book Review is a 100% voluntary children’s literature and book review site that supports and features authors, illustrators and publishers Australia-wide and internationally.

Founded by Australian author/illustrator, Tania McCartney in 2009, it is run by a small team of women who have decades of experience in the children's book industry, with roles such as author, publisher, editor, illustrator, bookseller, blogger, book designer, typesetter, speech pathologist, teacher, librarian, children's literature academic, psychologist, early childhood educator, IT techie, digital content creator, magazine editor and columnist, education specialist, mother and book lover.

We cover news, reviews, interviews, articles, guest posts, events, specialist literacy articles and much more, attracting readers from all over the world including teachers, librarians, industry professionals, and of course - parents and kids.

KBR consistently falls into the top 700,000 - 900,000 websites worldwide (Alexa), and has over 600 referring domains, with a PR Quality listed as 'strong'. With over 4 K Instagram followers and a social media presence that earns its place among some of Australia's best Kid Lit sites, KBR frequently ranks #1 in a Google search for 'reviews, books, kids, children's books' and was ranked no. 23 in the Top 100 Review sites worldwide in October 2016. In December 2017, KBR was honoured as the world's #1 kidlit site by Feedspot. We achieve an average of around 80,000 hits per month, with a peak of 249,395 for the month of November, 2017, and we are proud to be one of the most respected literary sites on the web. 

Junior Guest Post: Nia Shetty's Summer Reading List Recommendations!

Gifted words smith and KBR junior reviewer, Nia Shetty, gives us her top picks for sensational 'summer' reading. You don't have to be in the Northern Hemisphere to enjoy these gritty, provocative and classic YA reads though. Check them out for yourself.

Announcement: New Junior Reviewer - Meet Ayla!

Our reviewing team are passionate about sharing some of the best stories for children and teens with anyone who'll listen. 

It's one thing reviewing kids' books. It's another creating stimulating, entertaining and enthralling content for kids but it's something altogether special when kids share their true thoughts and feelings about a story with other kids. 

Which is why we are over-the-moon excited about the latest member to join our elite KBR team. Give it up for the delightful, book mad, soon-to-be-published-author, Ayla Wardrop everyone!

Announcement: A Very KBR Christmas 2022! Book to Movie Adaptations

It's time to hop aboard the fast train to Christmas once again. The clue to this year's KBR team's 'special delivery post' is in the title image: Our Favourite Book to Movie Adaptations. 

This proved a far trickier enterprise than it first appeared. Just as there are sooooo many wonderful children's stories, there are an equally bedazzling number of motion picture versions. Or stage productions. Or TV film series. And a smattering of not so brilliant ones as some of our team reveal.

Some choices are delightfully and profoundly obvious, others not, so sit back with your cup of festive cheer, ponder with us and enjoy a very Merry KBR Christmas!

Review: Unnecessary Drama

With its symmetrically appealing, colour matched cover and excellent title, I was actually a little bit in love with this book before I opened it. And after? Well, I was delightfully hooked.

Nina Kenwood is a YA author with street cred; her first and much-loved novel It Sounded Better In My Head won the Text prize, and now she’s quite possibly a contender for any number of others.

Upon moving into a run-down student share house in Melbourne, our flawed, confounding and endearing protagonist Brooke - who’s quite partial to writing a list, carving an ornate fruit platter and remembering everyone’s birthday – discovers that there are just three simple house rules here. No pets, no household relationships and no unnecessary drama. 

Guest Post: Chloe Hooper on What To Read To Your Children When Explaining Loss and Grief

Last month I fare-welled a dear friend as she left our world in the form we'd always loved her in to become another. The loss was felt all the more keenly for the fact that she was a youngish mum leaving two beautiful children behind. This is not the first time such a loss has occurred and in all likelihood, it won't be the last. Such is life. Before she died, I sent her and the children a copy of my picture book, The Fix-It Man hoping it will provide some degree of soothing and comfort, understanding and peace in their days to come. 

I'm a fervent believer in the power of storytelling to address and normalise the more weighty and onerous moments in life. So too is Chloe Hooper, bestselling author of, Bedtime Stories. What follows is a collection of picture books she curated and reviewed with her young sons. There are some absolute gems here. Feel free to add , The Fix-It Man, if you wish. Ed.

Junior Review: Two Degrees

Climate change takes the shape of 3 natural disasters in this novel. A raging wildfire in California, a ravenous polar bear in Canada, and a hurricane ready to destroy Miami. 

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz (one of my all time favorite authors, whose books are my go-to reads) is the very first book that I have read that tackled the tragedy of climate change.

In this novel, Akira, Owen and George, and Natalie find a way to fight back against Mother Nature in order to protect their home. Akira has the help of her horse, Dodger, but will she be able to out run the fire? 

Owen and George are minutes away from becoming a polar bears lunch, but can they escape? Natalie could be dragged away by the rising floodwaters, but can Natalie find refuge?

Video: Bedtime Story

From the best-selling author of The Tall Man and The Arsonist, a personal tale about death, life and the enchantment of stories. With illustrations by Anna Walker. Watch the stunning book trailer for this moving book that is both memoir and manual.

Let me tell you a story…

When Chloe Hooper’s partner is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive illness, she has to find a way to tell their two young sons. By instinct, she turns to the bookshelf. Can the news be broken as a bedtime tale? Is there a perfect book to prepare children for loss?

Hooper embarks on a quest to find what practical lessons children’s literature—with its innocent orphans and evil adults, magic, monsters and anthropomorphic animals—can teach about grief and resilience in real life. From the Brothers Grimm to Frances Hodgson Burnett and Tolkien and Dahl—all of whom suffered childhood bereavements—she follows the breadcrumbs of the world’s favourite authors, searching for the deep wisdom in their books and lives.

Both memoir and manual, Bedtime Story is stunningly illustrated by the New York Times award-winning Anna Walker. In an age of worldwide uncertainty, here is a profound and moving exploration of the dark and light of storytelling.

Read our exclusive KBR review by Elizabeth Vercoe, here.