FOCUS ON PICTURE STORYBOOKS

 

Circle by Jeannie Baker

Tiny godwit birds follow ancient, invisible pathways in an infinity of sky. Flying on and on, for nine nights and nine days, flying without rest. From Arctic icebergs in the north, to tropical golden beaches in the south, across thousands of kilometres of Pacific Ocean. ‘Circle’ captures the sheer wonder of this migratory journey, reminding us of the global interdependence of nature.

The Godwit’s remarkable flight is followed as it comes full circle … back to the place where mud and sand become sea.

Jeannie Baker Website - Circle Teachers Notes - Jeannie Baker on Creating Circle (trailer) - SMH Interview with Author - Creative Kids Tales Review of Circle PRC 5-6 Booklist #34385

 

Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee; illustrated by Heath McKenzie

The story begins with the character surprised that, despite the name of the book, the reader has opened the cover. He asks the reader not to turn the next page. As the book goes on, the character becomes more and more desperate, begging, pleading, threatening and sulking, before he finally reveals that if the reader reaches the final page, something terrible will happen!

Andy Lee Interview with SMH - Do Not Open This Book Teachers Notes - PRC K-2 Booklist #15977 - Book Review

 

Fire by Jackie French; illustrated by Bruce Whatley

One small spark brought fire awake, Winding like a small black snake, Fire flickered, fire crept, Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a devastating path of destruction.

Jackie French Website - Fire Teachers Notes - Discussion Points for Fire - Creative Kids Tales Review for FirePRC 5-6 Booklist #6166 - Kids' Book Review

 

Lilli-Pilli's Sister by Anna Bradford; illustrated by Linda Catchlove

An irresistible new-baby story set in the fairy world ...and with a delightful twist. Lilli-Pilli's mother is having a baby. Lilli-Pilli is sure the baby is going to be a sister. She can feel it in her wings. But when she asks around among the birds and butterflies in the forest, some of them are equally sure the new baby will be a brother - and they can feel it in their wings, too! Lilli-Pilli knows she will love the new baby whether it's a girl or a boy, and takes lots of care to find ways to make the tree-bark cradle more comfortable, but she can't help wondering ...which will it be? She doesn't have to wait long to find out!

Anna Bradford's Website - Publisher's Website - Lilli-Pilli's Sister Teachers Notes - Creative Kids Tales Review for Lilli-Pilli's SisterPRC 3-4 Booklist #5040

 

Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma by Leigh Hobbs

Mr Chicken has been to Paris and London, but his taste for travel is insatiable - now it's time to visit Rome, a city of ancient wonders and delicious things to eat. With his helpful phrasebook, a friendly guide and an insatiable appetite, Mr Chicken is ready for anything. 

Mr Chicken Arriva A Roma Teachers Notes - Leigh Hobbs Website - Leigh Hobbs Interview - Book Trailer Teaser - Kids' Book Review - Creative Kids Tales Review for Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma PRC K-2 Booklist #10815

 

Mr Huff by Anna Walker

Bill is having a bad day. Mr Huff is following him around and making everything seem difficult. Bill tries to get rid of him, but Mr Huff just gets bigger and bigger!

Then they both stop, and a surprising thing happens . . .

Mr Huff Book Trailer - Anna Walker Website - Mr Huff Teachers Notes - CBCA Reading Time Review - Creative Kids Tales Review for Mr Huff PRC 3-4 Booklist #9806 

 

Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey

Pig was a Pug and I'm sorry to say, If he didn't come first it would ruin his day. From award-winning creator of PIG THE PUG comes a brand new tale about the world's greediest pug. Pig the Pug is back and this time he is being a great big cheat. Pig will do anything to win, and, if he can't, he throws great big tantrums. But when his latest attempt to beat his best friend, Trevor, backfires will Pig the Pug learn his lesson at last?

Aaron Blabey Website - Aaron Blabey Interview - Aaron Blabey Interview with Creative Kids Tales - PRC K-2 Booklist #7229

 

Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey

'Hey there guys. Would you like a banana?'

'What's wrong with you, Brian? Youre a Piranha.'

Brian is a piranha. He is also a vegetarian. But do you think he can convince his family to join him?

Aaron Blabey Website - Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas Teachers Notes - SMH Aaron Blabey Reads Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas - Aaron Blabey Interview with Creative Kids Tales - PRC K-2 Booklist #5388

 

The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland

Popcorn is, quite simply, the friendliest chicken at Fiddlesticks farm! When she finds a Fabulous Friend Machine in the barn, she sets about making some brand new friends. But behind the screen of the Fabulous Friend Machine, maybe her new friends are not so friendly after all...

A cautionary tale from the globally best-selling Nick Bland.

The Fabulous Friend Teachers Notes - Nick Bland Author Profile - CBCA Reading Time Review - PRC K-2 Booklist #27787

 

What Do They Do With All the Poo from All the Animals at the Zoo? by Anh Do; illustrated by Laura Wood

What do they do with all the poo, from all the animals at the zoo?

The hippos, the tigers, the kangaroos - what do they do with all that poo? There's so much poo at the zoo...Where does it all go?

Do they mix it into chocolate ice-cream? Sprinkle it on pizza? Stir it in the local swimming pool? 

Anh Do WebsiteLaura Wood Illustrator Website - Taronga Zoo Answer to Question - PRC K-2 Booklist #5388