Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 16
March 9, 2016
Book Review: The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
Today's Book Review is The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan. I have a confession to make. I skipped to the end half way through the book because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. Then I went back to the beginning and read it again, looking for different things. I couldn't read this book from front to back, it made me want to jump to different pages like I was trying to find the intangible essence that could save the 'thing' and give it a proper home, but I couldn't. And I wasn't meant to. You finish this book and feel yourself like a bit of a lost thing. Shaun Tan has an amazing capacity to impart emotion through his illustrated works. I am always a bit scared when I pick up a new one of his books that I haven't read before because I know it's going to leave a scar.
Simply stunning. Suitable for children and adults who crave order, labels and structure, and those of us who are lost things ourselves and although we celebrate our differences, deep down desire a place to belong.
So many levels to this picture book, a great one to buy and read every year and see how your perception of the story changes. I bought it for an older friend of mine who was going through a hard time with an inscription in the front to read the book with an open heart then open her heart to me if she needs. Pop into your nearest book store and read it for yourself. I would love to know your thoughts.
There is also a short film based on the book.
http://www.thelostthing.com/
Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Dimensions 226 x 306 x 12mm | 260g Publication date 01 May 2010 Publisher Hachette Australia Imprint Lothian Children's Books Publication City/Country Sydney, Australia Language English Illustrations note 4-colour ISBN10 0734411383 ISBN13 9780734411389 http://www.bookdepository.com/Lost-Thing-Shaun-Tan/9780734411389?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 8, 2016
Book Review: The Bear Who Went Boo! by David Walliams and Tony Ross
The blurb of this book, The Bear Who Went Boo! by David Walliams and Tony Ross talks about a cheeky polar bear cup at the top of the world, surrounded by snow and ice, who loves to go...BOO! But this little bear cub doesn't always know when to stop. I laughed so much reading this book that I had trouble continuing the storytelling. You just have to make up silly voices as you read it, it is impulsive and compulsory. It cracks me up every time. Perfect for reluctant readers, kids who struggle with lying and boundaries, and very naughty little cubs who rejoice in getting a reaction out of people. A beautiful gift for new babies too because they will love this book being read out loud at any age. My 12 year old loves it too!
Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 276 x 276 x 17mm | 560g Publication date 05 Nov 2015 Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Imprint HarperCollins Children's Books Publication City/Country London, United Kingdom Language English ISBN10 0008149534 ISBN13 9780008149536 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Bear-Who-Went-Boo-David-Walliams-Tony-Ross/9780008149536?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 7, 2016
Book Review: Pom Pom Where are You? by Natalie Jane Prior and Cheryl Orsini
Pom Pom, Where Are You? author Natalie Jane Prior An energetic and joyous story about a little dog with a big sense of adventure. Pom Pom lives with his family in a tall building in Paris. He longs to see more of the world, and one day his wish comes true Pom Pom is whisked away from his family, and taken on an exciting journey through the city. And so the reader is transported through the iconic and wonderful sights of Paris, a beautiful introduction for children to the wonders it holds. I lived in France for a year and this book brings back such wonderful memories. A great edition to the bookshelf of dog lovers and little French fashionistas. 
Product detailsFormat Hardback | 32 pages Dimensions 250 x 300 x 15mm | 458g Publication date 26 Apr 2012 Publisher Penguin Books Australia Imprint Viking Australia Publication City/Country Hawthorn, Australia ISBN10 0670075760 ISBN13 9780670075768 http://www.bookdepository.com/Pom-Pom-Where-are-You-Cheryl-Orsini-Natalie-Jane-Prior/9780670075768?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 6, 2016
Illustrator Spotlight: Sophie Norsa
As a work experience student Sophie's exceptional artistic talents were quickly discovered by New Frontier Publishing. She was shortlisted for the Crichton Award for her illustrations in Yellow Dress Day. 
Her next book, Matilda Saves Santa Claus was released in November 2013.
Lisa Absolutely Loves Art was released in July 2014. It will be the first book Sophie has written as well as illustrated.
You can see her work on Youtube and on publisher websites. She is an amazing author and illustrator and will contine to be hugely successful with her unique design style and natural talent. www.michelleworthington.com
March 5, 2016
Book Review: Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson and Ann Marie Finn
Today's book review is Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson and Ann Marie Finn. I would love to introduce you to a special person called Gus! Gus might be the only asparagus in his family, but he is happy. If you have an asparagus in your family, you will recognise them in the things that Gus does.
When Gus goes to school he starts to realise that he doesn't always ‘fit in’ but he learns that it’s okay to be different. He will soon be a favourite with anyone who has ever felt a bit out of place, kids and adults alike. A sensitive look at the life of and living with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. The illustrations capture the imagination of the reader and are extremely appealing to children on the Autism spectrum for their realism and humour. A great tool to talk to kids about what it means to be diagnosed with a similar condition.
Gus, the AsparagusKaylene H Hobson/ Ann- Marie Finn
March 2015
Hardcover | 38pgs | ISBN 978-0-9925239-9-2 http://www.dragontalespublishing.com.au/store/p6/Gus_the_Asparagus___.html
www.michelleworthington.com
March 4, 2016
Book review: This is Captain Cook by Tania McCartney and Christina Booth
Today's book review is This is Captain Cook by Tania McCartney and Christina Booth. This adorable book makes history fun. I love the illustrations of the school play and little James going on his big adventure. We forget that kids often find it difficult to relate to adult life, especially if they are on the autism spectrum, so this telling of the Cook history is unique, clever and the pictures are especially engaging to encourage reluctant readers to persevere with the text. Kids in home-schooling or a junior classroom will discover that Captain Cook was the first European to cross the Antarctic Circle and they'll also learn that on his final journey, he never came home again. Parents, carers and teachers will smile at the familiar set-up of the chaotic school play and the inventive props, and enjoy eavesdropping on the audience as they interact with the performance. At the back of the book, walk through 'Cook's Gallery' and see real life paintings of Cook, his ship and his travels. 
Product detailsFormat Hardback Publication date 01 Mar 2015 Publisher National Library of Australia Publication City/Country Canberra, Australia ISBN10 0642278695 ISBN13 9780642278692 http://www.bookdepository.com/This-is-Captain-Cook-Tani-McCartney-Christin-Booth/9780642278692?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 3, 2016
Book Review: What's In My Lunchbox? by Peter Carnavas and Kat Chadwick
Today's book review is What's in my Lunchbox by Peter Carnavas and Kat Chadwick. Starting school is scary, let alone having to make new friends. Jessica tries bringing different offerings to school in her large brown box. A great lesson who kids who struggle to fit in and who question their own self worth. Especially great for girls with Asperger's or on the autism spectrum who are starting to feel different in a social setting. An interesting fact is that this book has been selected by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance who have re-commissioned an edition with Jessica in a wheelchair. The illustrations give a lightness to a poignant story about belonging, friendship and self confidence. Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Publication date 01 Feb 2016 Publisher New Frontier Publishing Publication City/Country Epping, Australia ISBN10 1925059472 ISBN13 9781925059472 http://www.bookdepository.com/Whats-in-My-Lunchbox-Kat-Chadwick-Peter-Carnavas/9781925059472?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 2, 2016
Book Review: If... by David J Smith and Steve Adams
Today's book review is If... A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers by David J Smith and Steve Adams. This book takes big, hard-to-imagine objects and events and compares them to things we can see, feel and touch. Instantly, children start to see the world in a whole new way. It covers everything from time lines (the history of Earth compressed into one year), to quantities (all the wealth in the world divided into one hundred coins), to size differences (the planets shown as different types of balls). Accompanying each well worded description is an age appropriate drawing by amazing illustrator Steve Adams that adds real value and fires the readers imagination even more. This book would be great for a child on the autism spectrum who is obsessed with facts to show them how to balance what 'is' with what could be, or a child with SPD who struggles to put big and little things into perspective. A great home school resource as well.
Product detailsFormat Hardback | 40 pages Dimensions 238.76 x 243.84 x 12.7mm | 453.59g Publication date 01 Aug 2014 Publisher Kids Can Press Publication City/Country Toronto, Canada Language English Illustrations note colour illustrations ISBN10 1894786343 ISBN13 9781894786348 http://www.bookdepository.com/If-Steve-Adams-David-J-Smith/9781894786348?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
March 1, 2016
Book Review: Matilda Saves Santa Claus by Alex Field and Sophie Norsa
Less than 300 days till Christmas! Batman and I love Christmas.
One of the things I love most about Christmas, is Christmas books, and Matilda Saves Santa Claus is one of my favourites.
http://www.bookdepository.com/Matild-Saves-Sant-Claus-Sophie-Nors-Alex-Field/9781921928604?ref=grid-view While out looking for the perfect Christmas tree, Matilda stumbles upon Santa in need of some assistance. The cutest illustrations ever by the amazingly talented Sophie Norsa. An old fashioned feel to a beautiful bedtime story by Alex Field.It reminds me of a book that my mother had as a child called Pookie Believes in Santa Claus.
My friend Laura introduced me to the picture book advent calendar where she wraps up 24 picture books about Christmas and they open one a night to read as a bedtime story in December. I am on the hunt already so I can do it with little one this year.
I will be reviewing some amazing Christmas books throughout the year so make sure you follow my blog to get all the best ideas for books this Christmas.
www.michelleworthington.com
February 29, 2016
Book Review: Flood by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
I remember looking out of this window in 2011 at the rain that just wouldn't stop. Our yard was flooded but thankfully as we live on the side of a hill, our house was not. We had trees that had fallen down and the end of our road was covered in water and we couldn't get in or out. We were one of the lucky ones though. It could have been much worse.The picture book Flood by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley is inspired by the 2011 Queensland floods but it could be about any of the disasters and events that turn everyday Australians into heroes. I love that it is told from the perspective of a cattle dog who is separated from his family. We adopted two dogs who were orphaned in the flood. Danny, a blue cattle dog and Darcy, a black kelpie, are still terrified of water. Flood helps children to understand the affects of a traumatic natural disaster in an age appropriate way and the story of the little tugboat that pushes a boardwalk out to sea gives them a hero they can relate to. The illustrations are amazing and you could swear that the book should still be wet and dripping. Flood more than a picture book, it is a testament to the Aussie spirit during times of adversity.
Product detailsFormat Paperback | 32 pages Publication date 01 Aug 2011 Publisher Scholastic Australia Publication City/Country Lindfield, Australia ISBN10 1742830722 ISBN13 9781742830728 http://www.bookdepository.com/Flood-Bruce-Whatley-Jackie-French/9781742830728?ref=grid-viewwww.michelleworthington.com
