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 Fire - PRC 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 Sister - PRC 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 Website - Laura Wood Illustrator Website - Taronga Zoo Answer to Question - PRC K-2 Booklist #5388

FOcus on fiction years 7-9

Carnage by Michael Adams

One missing, presumed dead.

Two in trouble with the law.

Only four remain to solve the Second Sign.

The DARE Award winners–Yasmin, Zander, Andy, Dylan, JJ, Isabel and Mila–have been caught in a deadly battle of wits with a mysterious enemy who isn’t afraid to kill. Too late, they learned that the First Sign predicted catastrophic attacks which have left Egypt in chaos. Can the remaining four DARE winners unravel the Second Sign–seven new symbols–and stop The Signmaker’s destructive plan before the countdown ends?

Series Trailer – Series Website

Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane and Marion Roberts

Will anyone hear you cry?

Celia and Alice share everything – their secrets, hopes and the increasing horror that a killer is on the loose and abducting schoolgirls just like them. Three bodies have been found, each shrouded in hand-woven fabric.

From within the depths of a police investigation, clues are starting to emerge. But as Alice and Celia discover the truth, danger is closer than anyone knows. Who can you trust at a time like this?

Review and interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #27687

Every Breath by Ellie Marney

What if Sherlock Holmes was the boy next door?

Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist when Mycroft wants her help investigating a murder.

And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion’s den – literally. A night at the zoo will never have quite the same meaning again…

Ellie Marney website – Ellie Marney interview

Freedom Ride by Sue Lawson

Robbie knows bad things happen in Walgaree. But it's nothing to do with him. That's just the way the Aborigines have always been treated. In the summer of 1965 racial tensions in the town are at boiling point, and something headed Walgaree's way will blow things apart. It's time for Robbie to take a stand. Nothing will ever be the same.

Sue Lawson website – Freedom Ride Teacher notes - Freedom Ride Trailer - PRC 7-9 Booklist #8981

Laurinda by Alice Pung

Laurinda is an exclusive school for girls. At its hidden centre of power is The Cabinet, a triangle of girls who wield power over their classmates – and some of their teachers.

Entering this world of wealth and secrets is Lucy Lam, a scholarship girl with sharp eyes and a shaky sense of self. As she watches The Cabinet in action, and is courted by them – as she learns about power andrepression – Lucy finds herself in a battle for her identity and integrity.

Alice Pung website – Laurinda Teacher notes – Alice Pung interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #14234

One True Thing by Nicole Hayes

When is a secret not a secret? When your whole life is public.

Frankie is used to being a politician’s daughter, but with her mum now running for Premier, life’s a whole lot crazier than usual. All Frankie wants is to lose herself in her music. So when her best friend, Kessie, invites a student journo to interview the band, Frankie is less than thrilled.

But Jake's easy to talk to, and he seems to really like Frankie. That doesn't stop her from wondering if he's just after the ultimate scoop, especially when photos surface of Frankie's mum having a secret rendezvous with a younger man. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out the truth - even if it means losing Jake.

Nicole Hayes website - One True Thing Teacher notes – Nicole Hayes interview

Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French

It's 1939, and for Georg, son of an English academic living in Germany, life is full of cream cakes and loving parents. It is also a time when his teacher measures the pupils' heads to see which of them have the most 'Aryan'- shaped heads. But when a university graduation ceremony turns into a pro-Nazi demonstration, Georg is smuggled out of Germany to war-torn London and then across enemy seas to Australia where he must forget his past and who he is in order to survive. Hatred is contagious, but Georg finds that kindness can be, too.

Jackie French website – Pennies for Hitler Teacher notes – Jackie French reading from Pennies for Hitler – SMH review – PRC 7-9 Booklist #5044

Risk by Fleur Ferris

Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for their whole lives. But Taylor’s fed up. Why does Sierra always get what – and who – she wants? From kissing Taylor’s crush to stealing the guy they both met online for herself, Sierra doesn’t seem to notice when she hurts her friends.

So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes.

But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would.

One day. Two days. Three . . .

What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?

When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.

Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer?

Fleur Ferris website – Risk Teacher notes - Fleur Ferris interview

The First Third by Will Kostakis

Life is made up of three parts: in The First Third, you're embarrassed by your family; in the second, you make a family of your own; and in the end, you just embarrass the family you've made.

That's how Billy's grandmother explains it, anyway. She's given him her bucket list (cue embarrassment), and now, it's his job to glue their family back together.

No pressure or anything.

Fixing his family's not going to be easy and Billy's not ready for change. But as he soon discovers, the first third has to end sometime. And then what?

It's a Greek tragedy waiting to happen.

Will Kostakis website - The First Third Teacher notes – Will Kostakis interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #1445

Through My Eyes: Naveed by John Heffernan

The explosion jolts him awake. He sits up, gasping for air, heart thumping.

Was the blast real? Perhaps it had only happened in his head, a bad dream. Demons of the dark, his father had called them. 'Push them away. They'll only poison your thoughts. Seek the light and they can't hurt you.'

Naveed is sick of war - of the foreign powers and the Taliban, the warlords and the drug barons that together have torn Afghanistan apart. He's had to grow up quickly to take care of his widowed mother and little sister, making what little money he can doing odd jobs and selling at the markets.

When he adopts Nasera, a street dog with extraordinary abilities, he has a chance to help rebuild his country. But will a new friend's betrayal crush his

dreams of peace forever?

John Heffernan website - Naveed Teacher notes - John Heffernan interview – John Heffernan reads from Naveed - PRC 7-9 Booklist #5564

childrens' choice shortlist poster is out!

In partnership with YABBA (VIC) and KROC (NT), KOALA seeks to provide children a voice within the general Australian children’s book industry. Our combined efforts contribute to the annual REAL Awards (Reading and Enjoying Australian Literature). The shortlist is created in collaboration with student nominations from these states and territories.

The shortlist poster is now out! Members are sent one free and others can order 3 for $10. Email contact@koalansw.org.au. You can also download the pdf version here.

Thank you to Leigh Hobbs for donating the fabulous art work this year and to our poster sponsor Lamont Books.

shortlist poster for Years 7-9 2017

Download A3 poster

shortlist poster for older readers 2017

Download A3 poster

shortlist poster for younger readers 2017

Download A3 poster

shortlist poster for picture storybooks 2017

Download A3 poster

2017 Shortlist Announced

Congratulations to all nominees for the 2017 KOALA Awards. You can download the full shortlist here. 

Don't Call Me Bear!

Anonymous

It was interesting on so many levels. I loved the illustration and I’m sure everyone would agree. The books were awesome and the authors, to meet them was unbelievable.

Isla

I really like the ‘Don’t Call Me Bear’ act, it was really funny.

Sidney

This ceremony was amazing. The authors were so inspiring and the stories were heart-warming and exciting.

Anonymous

The ceremony was amazing. I loved the authors’ stories and I love all the authors’ books.

Taylah

It was the BEST ceremony. My favourite thing was the time machine stories.

Lilah

I loved all the stories and I loved meeting the authors and watching live drawing.

Amelie

I loved meeting all the authors and illustrators and getting their signatures.

Wil

It was a great experience for me because I love reading and I like Morris Gleitzman. It was amazing.

Rafi

I loved it because I love reading. I only wish Andy Griffiths was there. I hope I go next time.

Tilly

Loved the time travel stories and the cake looked delicious. I was a bit disappointed that Andy and Terry didn’t come, still it was great. I loved getting signatures; it was exciting to get books signed. It was the best.

Emily

The ceremony was so exciting. It was interesting what the authors’ stories were about: where would they time travel to? They were so inspiring. My favourite part was meeting the authors. I loved the KOALA awards and hopefully I get invited again next year.

Kaya

That was the BEST, AWESOME day in my life! I hope I get invited again next year!

Jade

Best ceremony ever!!!

Richard Tulloch's Birthday Song

Koalas are lazy, koalas are dumb -

They hang round all day,

They just sit on their…gum trees

In zoos they look cute but you should understand

If you cuddle a koala, it’ll piddle on your hand.

But there’s one koala ahead of the rest

Of all the koalas

It’s clearly the best

You maybe can guess what I’m working towards…

The Kids’ Own Australian Li-tera-ture Awards.

KOALA has given young readers a voice

For thirty years now

They have told us their choice

Their favourite books all appear on a list

And we authors can eat a nice lunch and get…blist-ers (on our fingers from signing lots of autographs and doing nice drawings and playing the guitar…)

So let’s thank KOALA for all that they do -

The committee, the teachers

And the kids too

We hope it continues for many years long

Now let’s sing KOALA that old birthday song…

A Whirlwind Journey from St Andrew's Cathedral School

We had an amazing whirlwind journey to friendly Blackheath Public last week for the KOALA Awards Day and loved every second of it. 

Thank you again for making it possible for our students to share their love of reading and get up-close and personal with their heroes.

Our Stage 2 and 3 Book Club members (which have more than doubled in size from last year… word got around we go to KOALA and it’s fantastic!) were in attendance again this year and would like to pass on their thanks…

Chris from 5M wrote:

“KOALA is a very fun event.  At KOALA you get to meet authors like Morris Gleitzman, author of Boy overboard.  My favourite part was when we had the author’s answer a time travel related question because it was interesting hearing their thoughts on various historical events.”

Adriana from 4L wrote:

“The experience of seeing lots of authors was fun.  I loved this year’s KOALA awards.  When we first got there a kind lady showed us to the book store.  The school was very welcoming.  After everybody finished buying books we went to go listen to the author’s do their speeches.  Finally it was prize time.  Two of our Book Clubers Harry and Jackson got to touch Morris Gleitzman’s hand as they handed him an award.  Last of all they said if you got a gold sticker on your programme you would get an envelope and people who got a blue sticker got to get a book called Charlie and the war against the Grannies.  I won the book which I really enjoyed.  Then with a pleasant good bye from the school we left back for school.  It was another 2 hours but it was worth it!”

Rishita from 3/4O and Danielle from 3F together wrote: “We hopped on a bus and it drove for 2 hours until we reached Blackheath.  Then we bought books.  At the start of the ceremony we watched a fabulous play.  We loved the play and our favourite authors were Jacqueline Harvey and Deborah Abela.  It was so worth going.  You should go too! Even though it was a very long way away.”

Nicolas from 3F said: “I enjoyed watching all the authors doing their speeches and I liked David Legge draw the rabbit reading.”

Liam from 6W wrote: “It was a great day, and I loved hearing the authors’ answers to the question “Where would you go if you could travel through time?”  We were also lucky to win 30 books for the library.”

Daniel from 3F wrote: “I really enjoyed the KOALA awards because I got to meet authors and illustrators.  I also loved David Legge draw on the white board.”

Bronte from 5T said: “Even though it was a long 4 hour journey and we only got 2 hours at KOALA, it was worth it!”

Ollie from 3/4R wrote: “I liked the illustrator drawing the picture.”

Jo from 5T said: “I really liked the KOALA awards.  Even though it was a 4 hour journey, it was worth it. We got to see awesome authors like Emily Rodda.  It was awesome!”

Cecilia from 5T wrote: “I loved the KOALA awards even though it was a long trip at least I got to meet my favourite authors like Emily Rodda and Morris Gleitzman.”

Elle from 5/6L said: “KOALA was awesome. We saw lots of famous authors including Aaron Blabey, Emily Rodda, Morris Gleitzman and Deborah Abela.”

Ella from 3F said: “It is very fun, you can buy books and you can get your books signed.  My favourite book is Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey.  I also enjoyed the painting, it was amazing!  I love KOALA.”

Danny from 6RA said: “I enjoyed seeing all the authors.”

Emily from 3F said: “We got to buy books and the author’s even signed our books, it was very fun!  I really liked when some students from Blackheath School performed.”

Jackson from 6W wrote: “I enjoyed handing the gift to Morris Gleitzman.”

And Harry from 6RO also agreed saying: “I enjoyed giving the award to Morris Gleitzman.”

Thank you and we look forward to next year!

Svetlana Paul
Junior School and Gawura Teacher Librarian

FOCUS ON FICTION FOR YEARS 7-9

A Waltz forMatildaby Jackie French (Harper Collins)

In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. 'You'll never catch me alive, said he...' Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl's journey towards independence.

Chapter Excerpt ~ Author's Website ~ Teachers' Notes  ~ Book Review

Loyal Creaturesby Morris Gleitzman(Penguin Books)

Like many of his mates from the bush, Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the grand adventure and do his bit. Specially as a chest full of medals might impress the currently unimpressed parents of his childhood sweetheart. So Frank ups his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy ... and his dad. 

In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted, and a few things he wasn't expecting. Heartbreak, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life.  From Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank's story grows out of some key moments in Australia's history.

Read or Listen to Chapter 1 ~ Teachers' Notes ~ Author's Website

Nona & Meby Claire Atkins (Black Inc Books)

Rosie and Nona are sisters. Yapas.

They are also best friends. It doesn't matter that Rosie is white and Nona is Aboriginal: their family connections tie them together for life.

Born just five days apart in a remote corner of the Northern Territory, the girls are inseperable, until Nona moves away at the age of nine. By the time she returns, they're in Year 10 and things have changed. Rosie has lost interest in the community, preferring to hang out in the nearby mining town, where she goes to school with the glamorous Selena, and Selena's gorgeous older brother Nick.

When a political announcement highlights divisions between the Aboriginal community and the mining town, Rosie is put in a difficult position: will she be forced to choose between her first love and her oldest friend?

Author's Website ~ YouTube Interview with Claire Atkins ~ Radio Interview ~ Teachers' Notes

Soon by Morris Gleitzman (Penguin Books)

The Second World War has officially ended, but the streets are still a battleground - for food, for shelter, for protection...Felix is in hiding to stay safe, but finds he has been left holding the baby - literally. An orphaned infant has been left in his care and he will do everything he can to protect the child, in the way a few incredible people did for him during the Holocaust.

This powerfully moving addition to Morris Gleitzman's bestselling series about Felix and Zelda takes place in 1945, following the story told in After. 

Read or Listen to Chapter 1  ~  Morris Gleitzman Speaks about Soon  ~  Book Review ~  Author's Website

Naveed by John Heffernan (edited by Lyn White) (Allen & Unwin)

The explosion jolts him awake. He sits up, gasping for air, heart thumping.

Was the blast real? Perhaps it had only happened in his head, a bad dream. Demons of the dark, his father had called them. 'Push them away. They'll only poison your thoughts. Seek the light and they can't hurt you.'

Naveed is sick of war - of the foreign powers and the Taliban, the warlords and the drug barons that together have torn Afghanistan apart. He's had to grow up quickly to take care of his widowed mother and little sister, making what little money he can doing odd jobs and selling at the markets. When he adopts Nasera, a street dog with extraordinary abilities, he has a chance to help rebuild his country. But will a new friend's betrayal crush his dreams of peace forever?

From the winter of war comes the spring of hope.

Read an Excerpt  ~  Book Trailer  ~  Teachers' Notes  ~  Author's Website

Don't Call Me Ishmael by Michael Gerard Bauer (Scholastic Australia)

There’s no easy way to put this, so I’ll say it straight out. 

It’s time I faced up to the truth. 

I’m fourteen years old and I have Ishmael Leseur’s Syndrome. 

There is no cure.

But that won’t stop Ishmael and his intrepid band of misfits from taking on bullies, bugs, babes, the Beatles, debating and the great white whale in the toughest, the weirdest, the most humiliatingly awful – and best – year of their lives!

Teachers' Notes  ~  Book Review   ~  Author's Website

My Life As an Alphabet by Barrie Jonsberg (Allen & Unwin)

This isn't just about me. It's also about the other people in my life - my mother, my father, my dead sister Sky, my penpal Denille, Rich Uncle Brian, Earth-Pig Fish and Douglas Benson From Another Dimension. These are people [with the exception of Earth-Pig Fish, who is a fish] who have shaped me, made me what I am. I cannot recount my life without recounting elements of theirs. This is a big task, but I am confident I am up to it.

Introducing Candice Phee: twelve years old, hilariously honest and a little . odd. But she has a big heart, the very best of intentions and an unwavering determination to ensure everyone is happy. So she sets about trying to 'fix' all the problems of all the people [and pets] in her life.

Laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully touching, My Life as an Alphabet is a delightful novel about an unusual girl who goes to great lengths to bring love and laughter into the lives of everyone she cares about.

Book Review  ~  Author's Website   ~  Teachers' Notes  ~   Read an Excerpt

Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood (Pan Macmillan Australia)

Fourteen-year-old nerd-boy Dan Cereill is not quite coping with a reversal of family fortune, moving house, new school hell, a mother with a failing wedding cake business, a just-out gay dad, and an impossible crush on the girl next door.

His life is a mess, but for now he's narrowed it down to just six impossible things...

Author's Website  ~  Teachers' Notes    ~    Author Interview about Six Impossible Things

The Last Thirteen : 1 by James Phelan (Scholastic Australia)

13 books. 13 nightmares. 1 destiny.

Are you one of them?

I can’t run anymore. The race is ending.

Sam makes a shocking discovery about the last 13 that will change everything. The shattering revelation will set the race on a dangerous course, more terrifying than even his worst nightmares.

With the world into turmoil and their enemies circling closer, the last 13 assemble in Egypt to take their place in the prophecy. Can they all make it to the end or will the power beyond the Dream Gate be lost to evil forever?

The last 13 is complete. The battle ends now.

Series Website  ~   Series Book Trailer  ~  Author's Website  ~   Interview with James Phelan

Zafir by Prue Mason (edited by Lyn White)(Allen & Unwin)

Zafir has a comfortable life in Homs, Syria, until his father, a doctor, is arrested for helping a protester who was campaigning for revolution. While his mother heads to Damascus to try to find out where his father is being held, Zafir stays with his grandmother - until her house is bombed. With his father in prison, his mother absent, his grandmother ill and not a friend left in the city, Zafir must stay with his Uncle Ghazi. But that too becomes dangerous as the city becomes more and more besieged. Will Zafir survive long enough to be reunited with his parents?

Book Trailer   ~   Teachers' Notes  ~  Author's Website  ~  Book Review

Mount Victoria Public School

Mount Victoria Public School parents have created this gorgeous KOALA display in their school hall.

And the poster looks great in the Library too!

Richmond Tweed Regional Library

Our Public Library Friends have been busy promoting KOALA. Thank you Ballina, Byron Bay and Lennox Head Branches for sharing these wonderful displays.

Focus on Fiction for Younger Readers

Alice Miranda at Camp by Jacqueline Harvey(Random House)

This school camp is full of secrets and surprises!

An exciting announcement has been made and Alice-Miranda and her schoolmates are going on camp. There are sleep outs, treasure hunts and so many other activities to look forward to! However, it's not all fun and games. Alice-Miranda and Millie will need to keep a close eye on Caprice, the school's newest student, who seems determined to cause trouble. Series teaching notes ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #9176 ~ Reading Time Interview

Billie B Brown: The Second Best Friend by Sally Rippin and Aki Fukuoka(Hardie Grant)

Billie has always been best friends with Jack. But now Rebecca wants to be her best friend. Will Billie have to choose?  Who will end up The Second-best Friend? Billy B Brown website ~PRC 3-4 Booklist #33007

Diary of a Track and Field Titan by Shamini Flint and Sally Heinrich(Allen and Unwin)

Marcus is a maths whiz who is not good at sport. His dad is a self-help author who thinks Marcus can achieve anything he sets his mind to...with hilarious results. In illustrated diary format, Marcus's gentle, satiric humour and comic drawings will have readers laughing out loud while learning a surprising amount about sport. Book Extract

Don’t Look Now Book 4 by Paul Jennings and Andrew Weldon(Allen and Unwin)

At last, Ricky is friends with Samantha. But he still wants to be FAMOUS. Find out if he can finally realise his dream even though he can't let anyone see him fly. Videos ~ Review ~ Talks and articles by and about Paul

EJ Spy School: Puppy Alert! by Susannah McFarlane and Dyani Stagg(Scholastic)

Emma Jacks is Agent EJ10. She goes to Spy School. EJ10 is learning how to rescue animals, but a puppy goes missing … Can EJ10 find her? EJ Spy School Website ~ Colouring Activity ~ Read a chapter ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #4649

Ella and Olivia: Sports Carnival by Yvette Poshoglian and Danielle McDonald(Scholastic)

Ella and Olivia have been training hard for their school sports carnival! But can their team win the best-ever grand prize?Ella and Olivia website

Ghost Club 2: The Haunted School by Deborah Abela(Random House)

Angeline and Edgar have to go to their Senior School sleepover, but Angeline is dreading having to talk to the other kids. 

The night goes wrong when a ghost appears in the old boarding school dormitory where they are camped out. Their classmates are terrified — and Principal Prim is not happy!

With the help of Ghost Club, Angeline and Edgar must find out who the ghost is so they can help her — but first they have to convince their school principal that kids can be ghost catchers too; and they have to avoid Travis the bully, who is spying on them — and causing trouble wherever they go.Ghost Club trailer ~ Teaching Notes ~ Writers Talk interviews ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #35226

The Bad Guys Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey(Scholastic)

They sound like the Bad Guys, they look like the Bad Guys ... and they even smell like the Bad Guys.But Mr Wolf, Mr Piranha, Mr Snake and Mr Shark are about to change all of that! Mr Wolf has a daring plan for the Bad Guys' first good mission. The gang are going to break 200 dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will Operation Dog Pound go smoothly? Will the Bad Guys become the Good Guys? And will Mr Snake please spit out Mr Piranha?  Trailer ~ Story Box Library Meet Aaron Blabey  ~ Teaching Notes ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #10059

The Vanilla Slice Kid by Adam Wallace & Jack Wodhams and Tom Gittus (Hybrid)

Archie Cunningham is a shy boy who has three things – incredibly mean and greedy parents, no friends, and an amazing power. An uploaded video shows the world what Archie can do, and he suddenly becomes the main ingredient in a recipe for world domination. Which is when the fun really begins! ALEA Review ~ About Adam video

You Choose: Alien Invaders from Beyond the Stars by George Ivanoff(Random House)

Protector of planet Earth or abduction by extra-terrestrials!

You see strange lights in the night sky one night. It’s a flying saucer, just like in the movies. Inside are lizard aliens – disguised as humans. They have come to invade the planet Earth. You want to resist but your actions may lead to the destruction of humankind . . . Do you have what it takes to save the world? Or will the aliens unleash their ultimate weapon? A thank you from George ~ The Bottom Shelf blog ~ STUDIO3 Interview ~ STUDIO3 Interview 2 ~ George Ivanoff Ice Bucket Challenge

Download the category poster here

FOCUS ON PICTURE BOOKS

Below are some links to help you and your students get to know the ten picture books for 2016. Download the poster here.

Green Tree Frogs by Sandra Kendell (Windy Hollow Books)

Each year monsoonal rains sweep across the Top End and the green tree frogs clamber from their hiding places to feed, breed and sing! 'Green Tree Frogs' is an affectionate celebration of these cheeky characters and of life in the wet season. It also provides an entertaining insight into the amphibious life cycle. Teaching Notes ~ CBCA 2016 Notable

Max by Marc Martin (Penguin)

Max and Bob are old friends. Max helps out in Bob's shop, and in the evenings they go fishing together. Until one summer, when everything changes . . . 
From the winner of the 2013 Crichton Award for Australia's best new illustrator comes this heart-warming story of enduring friendship.
And chips. Author Video ~ Review

Mr Huff by Anna Walker (Penguin)

Mr. Huff is a story about the clouds and the sunshine in each of our lives. 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 Teaching Notes ~ More Teaching Notes ~ Trailer ~ Story Box Library Meet Anna ~ CBCA 2016 Shortlist: Early Childhood ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #9806

Pig the Fibber by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic)

Pig the Pug is back, and this time, he’s telling big porky pies! He ruins a wedding dress and makes a mess of the house, and each time, he blames poor Trevor for his naughty deeds. And now it’s time for his most naughty plan! Will he ever learn? Teaching Notes ~ Story Box Library Meet Aaron Blabey ~ Aaron draws Pig the Pug ~ PRC K-2 Booklist #23879

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan (Hachette)

RULES OF SUMMER, is a deceptively simple story about two boys, one older and one younger, and the kind of ‘rules’ that might govern any relationship between close friends or siblings. Rules that are often so strange or arbitrary, they seem impossible to understand from the outside. Yet through each exquisite illustration of this nearly wordless narrative, we can enjoy wandering around an emotional landscape that is oddly familiar to us all. Videos and Teachers’ Guide ~ Story Box Library Reading ~ The App ~ PRC 5-6 Booklist #1883

The Fearsome Frightening Ferocious Box by Frances Watts and David Legge (Harper Collins)

Open the box, if you dare, But danger lies within: Beware! So taunts the mysterious and frightening voice from within a large wooden box, which we see tumble off the back of a truck, but don’t know what creature it contains. The box presents a curious mystery and challenge to both the reader and to a variety of animals that approach it, tempted to find out what is inside. Teaching Notes ~ PRC K-2 Booklist #46564

The Stone Lion by Margaret Wild and Rita Voutila (Little Hare)

Sometimes statues are granted a chance to become warm, breathing creatures. The stone lion has only one dream—to run, pounce, and leap in the park across from where he sits. But one snowy night, when a baby is abandoned at his paws, he is compelled to think differently. Teaching Notes ~ Story Box Library Reading ~ PRC 3-4 Booklist #14887

The Very Noisy Bear by Nick Bland (Scholastic)

The Very Cranky Bear and his friends are back! There’s music in the air in the Jingle Jangle Jungle! Can Bear’s friends help him find the perfect instrument to play? Teaching Notes ~ Patch Theatre Teaching Notes ~ CBCA 2016 Notable ~ PRC K-2 Booklist #6291

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic)
Thelma is an ordinary pony who longs to be more. One day, she spots a carrot on the ground and comes up with a brilliant idea! She ties it to her head, just before a skidding truck spills pink paint and glitter all over her! 
Presto! Thelma is a unicorn!
Thelma quickly rises to fame, but does she really want all the attention? Or would she be happier as her old self again? Teaching Notes ~ Aaron reads Thelma ~ HOT Comprehension Resource ~ PRC K-2 Booklist #1697

Too Many Cheeky Dogs by Johanna Bell and Dion Beasley (Allen and Unwin)

A heart-warming story about a bunch of naughty camp dogs and their mischievous adventures. Join them in a romp through numbers, colours and days of the week but be careful… the dogcatcher might get you!

Too Many Cheeky Dogs for Educators (video and notebook file)

Children's Choice Book Awards - The REAL Awards

In partnership with YABBA (VIC), KROC (NT) and COOL (ACT), KOALA seeks to provide children a voice within the general Australian children’s book industry. Our combined efforts contribute to the annual REAL Awards (Reading and Enjoying Australian Literature). The shortlist is created in collaboration with student nominations from these states and territories. 

The shortlist poster is now out! Members get one sent free and others can order 3 for $10. Email answers@yabba.org.au for details. You can also download the pdf version here.

Thank you to Andrew Weldon for donating the fabulous art work this year and to our poster sponsors YABBA and www.LibraryMonitor.net

KOALA 2016 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to all nominees for the 2016 KOALA Awards. You can download the full shortlist here. 

SHORTLIST POSTER FOR YEARS 7 TO 9 2016

Download A3 Poster - Years 7 to 9