The KBR recommends: Picture books - March 2011

Sometimes the picture book thing can get really overwhelming here at KBR. Both of us are great fans of the genre and we never fail to become mesmerised, astonished and entranced by the myriad talent on offer - not only within Australia - but worldwide.Here, then, are some fabulous recent picture book titles for you to peruse through - enjoy every picture-y moment.When Moreton and his parents Go-ma and Go-pa are forced to leave their beautiful home in Sydney′s Botanic Gardens, they decide they need to move somewhere that′s high above the ground, away from all the humans.So when they discover the little sun-filled room at the top of the clock tower at No. 1 Martin Place, the goanna family are sure they′ve found the perfect home.But the Pitt Street Cat rules Martin Place, and he′s not interested in welcoming new neighbours.With the ! help of some unlikely friends, can the goannas finally tame Australia′s meanest cat? Gorgeous illustrations make this high-text picture book a localised Aussie treat.Title: The Goannas of No.1 Martin PlaceAuthor: Vicki SteggallIllustrator: Danny SnellPublisher: ABC Books, $24.99RRPPublication Date: 1 December 2010Format: HardcoverISBN: 9780733324987For ages: 6+Type: Text Picture bookThis book is available onlineHow do dinosaurs say I love you?Little dinosaurs sometimes misbehave or make a mess but no matter what they do, their mums and dads always love them. Author Jane Yolen and illustrator Mark Teague present readers with a familiar range of naughty childhood antics followed by dinosaur-sized kisses, hugs and those three precious words that c! an never be said too often: I Love You!The illustrations in th! is book are to die for - warm, humourous and mesmerising - kids will love them. While the premise behind Yolen's storyline is utterly charming, the rhyme frequently skips a beat. Kids won't notice.Title: How do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?Author: Jane YolenIllustrator: Mark TeaguePublisher: HarperCollins, $19.99RRPPublication Date: 1 December 2010Format: HardcoverISBN: 9780733324987For ages: 6+Type: Text Picture bookThis book is available onlineThen down to the river came a little green frog and a hog from the bog and a dog on a jog, all a-quiver by the river where Marmaduke swam Marmaduke Duck eating marmalade jam. Author MacIver has really pinned a book packed with glorious rhyme, making creative and clever use of multiple rhymes and delicious prose. And best of ! all - her rhyme works.Illustrations by Davis are a pure delight - full of sherbety colour and movement, charm and hilarity.Whimsical, funny and very clever, Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam is very easy to read aloud. This is sure to become a bedtime favourite - even my older kids love it.Title: Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam Author: Juliette MacIverIllustrator: Sarah DavisPublisher: Scholastic, $15.99RRPPublication Date: September 2010Format: Soft coverISBN: 9781869439286For ages: 3-8Type: Picture bookThis book is available onlineBaboons and bison, beavers, bats, ostriches and meerkats: animals from all over the world have come to our street! One boy’s nocturnal visit from a parade of dancing animals warns us all tha! t the world we share is in danger.This is a dreamlike book fil! led with lustrous illustrations and a heartfelt message that seems to be a recurring theme in picture books of late - and one that's absolutely vital.A story filled with adventure and beautiful messaging, my only criticism is that the rhyming text just doesn't work well, making reading aloud stumble-prone. Nonetheless, the storyline and pictures make this book a worthwhile treat for kids.Title: Why the Animals Came to TownAuthor/Illustrator: Michael ForemanPublisher: Walker Books, $17.95RRPPublication Date: January 2011Format: Soft coverISBN: 9781406329957For ages: 3-7Type: Picture bookThis book is available onlineLucy shares the hug with everyone in her family. Along the way it becomes softer, sleepier, bigger, even peanut-buttery. But when the hug runs away, Lucy discov! ers that it's not so easy to get it back.Highly acclaimed and internationally best-selling picture-book creators Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood have worked together for the first time on this gentle, charming story that is sure to become a classic with Australian families.Title: The Runaway HugAuthor: Nick BlandIllustrator: Freya BlackwoodPublisher: Scholastic, $24.99 RRPPublication Date: February 2011Format: HardcoverISBN: 9781865044057For ages: 3+Type: Picture bookThis book is available onlineTrain lovers rejoice! Climb aboard for an enthralling story of train history, from the invention of steam locomotives to the advanced technologies of high-speed rail. Kids (and big kids) will love sliding out the carriages and lifting up the flaps to see inside ! iconic trains. Striking illustrations and photos make this as ! much an astonishing history book as it is a picture book.Including engineering feats, landmark inventions, social history and global travel, this is a must for any young train enthusiast, and the book does include content about the famous Australian diesel express, The Ghan.Title: Legendary Journeys: TrainsAuthor: Philip SteelePublisher: Walker Books, $39.95RRPPublication Date: 1 January 2011Format: HardcoverISBN: 9781921720048For ages: 6+Type: Picture BookThis book is available onlineHetty the cat wakes up, yawns, washes behind her ears, and pops through her cat flap into the bright sunlight. And what does she find in the big wide world? One plate of baked beans, two pork pies, three lamb chops â€" and that's just the beginning! This charming counting book follows Het! ty on her big day out.Title: Hetty's Day OutAuthor/Illustrator: Pamela AllenPublisher: Penguin, $24.95 RRPPublication Date: October 2010Format: HardcoverISBN: 9780670074471For ages: 3+Type: Picture bookThis book is available online
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