Herbert: The Brave Sea Dog, by Robyn Belton

Hurray for New Zealand picture books! And a huge hurray for Herbert. This is a gorgeous narrative made even more special by the fact that it is based on a true story set in our very own Marlborough Sounds. Herbert, a little dog well-loved by young Tim, is lost at sea after slipping from the deck of a boat. We all know that the Marlborough Sounds can be treacherous and cold - does Herbert survive? The artwork is superb; the use of colour and perspective is striking. The end papers contain maps, photos and newspaper clippings from the time of the real Herbert's disappearance which add visual interest and historic significance. A beautiful book. Highly recommended.
This book was very kindly donated to our library by the publishers (a huge thank you to Craig Potton Publishing in Nelson!)

Edward the Emu

Edward is an emu who thinks the grass is greener in the other enclosures at the zoo. Surely it would be better to be a seal, or a lion, or a snake? After trying to be something he isn't Edward eventually returns to his own pen and discovers a great surprise. This book is a wonderful story about self-knowledge and self-acceptance. It uses rhyme to great advantage but it is the illustrations that take the breath away. An Australian picture book classic. For all readers irregardless of age. Highly recommended.

If the World Were a Village

IMAGINE if you took the world's population and shrunk it down to just 100 people.... This is exactly what David J Smith does in his fascinating book. Our world contains over 6 1/2 billion people. It is difficult to comprehend such a huge number so by reducing it to just 100 people that fit into 1 small village readers are able to begin to understand the lives of our international neighbours. For example: in our global village of 100 people did you know that 34 people always have enough to eat, 16 people are severely undernourished and 50 PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE A RELIABLE SOURCE OF FOOD? Unbelievable! (And unbelievably unfair. Roll on 40 Hour Famine) Highly recommended. For ages 9+.

A Fortunate Life, by AB Facey

G'day, Miss Penman. I had never heard of this Australian classic but now I am really intrigued! That this book was penned by someone who had to teach HIMSELF how to read and write is interesting enough but the fact that this was written not long before the author's death and became such a well-loved read makes me want to dip into it tonight. Thanks for the suggestion! (I have found a nice edition of it on Fishpond....)

Warrior Cat Series - WOW (or do I mean MEWOW?)

What a great plug for this book, Sweet Lil Litquiz Girl. Your writing made me want to rush out and buy the series! Thank you so much for taking the time to convince me that I have to find the first book (at least) this week. Isn't it very cool that there are 3 writers (or 2 plus a plot editor)? This is similar to Lionboy's authors: a mum and a daughter. (Now there is a thought for you - and your mum - Sweet LLG!). Ciao (Miao?) for now.

Lionboy!!!!!!!!

Awesome, Horse Lover Kahn. Lionboy is on my bedside table fighting for space - I have the enviable problem of deciding what to read tonight (Lionboy or Twilight)! What a great book Lionboy is (and only 4 chapters read so far). I can't wait to finish it, process it and get it into the library. Thanks for all your lovely comments about this blog and our school library. Hey, if you are such a huge horse lover (and so am I BTW) why don't you let us know some of your favourite horse books? I have read Kaimanawa Princess. Have you? Let us know :-)

Mao's Last Dancer

Hi Reading Rocks,
Thank you so much for your post because up until today I did not realise there is a young reader's version of Mao's Last Dancer. I read this book (the original adult version) several months ago and really loved it. Talk about setting goals for yourself! Boy did I feel humbled. As you may know from a previous post I have just begun reading Twilight (my copy is for the library) but I have to confess I haven't read the Spiderwick series yet. Mmmm, looks like I need to get cracking on some more reading. You rock Reading Rocks: I will try to find the young reader version of Mao's Last Dancer in the bookshops this week. Cheers for now and keep posting.

I HAVE NOTHING TO READ! HELP!!!!!!!

THE TIME: The first Monday morning back after the holidays
THE SCENE: At the school library
THE CHARACTERS: your teacher, your classmates and you. And the weird librarian
THE PLOT: your teacher tells you to get a book for a week
THE CONFLICT: there ain't anything to read!!!!!!!

Argh, this must be the start of a horror movie but nothing is jumping out at you from the shelves. What to do?

PLEASE POST YOUR LITERARY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THIS BLOG AND LET ME KNOW THE 3 BOOKS THIS LIBRARY HAS TO HAVE. (or the 3 authors or series) If you give me a good enough reason I will run out and buy your recommended books this week!

Gracias!

How Go the Holidays?

Hi everyone! By now the Easter eggs have all been painted and the chocolate has been eaten. (I now weigh 2 more kilos than I used to!) Hurray for the holidays! I hope everyone is having a safe, fun time.
For me the school holidays are the best time to catch up on my reading. I would love to hear what everyone else is reading. Of course, the Lit Quiz Kids are diligently reading the NZ Post books but what are the rest of you reading? Here's what I am up to-

I am currently reading: The Colour by Rose Tremain. (Kindly lent to me by Mrs Stark)
I have just finished reading: The Shack by Wm Paul Young (Kindly lent to me by Mea)
I will next be reading: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (When I find it under the huge pile of books on my desk)
I am continuously reading: Stuff (Internet news), The Marlborough Express, everything about Horse Whispering I can find on the Net, horses and ponies for sale on Trademe, sailboats for sale on Trademe and St John articles and texts for my ambulance training.

With all this reading and chocolate-eating these holidays are going by fast :-) Please post a reply and let me know what you are reading. Happy Holidays!

A quick word on Books for Girls/Books for Boys

There are lots of book reviews that say "Recommended for boys" or "Would suit girls" or something similar. These recommendations should only act as "guidelines". In other words a reader can choose a book based on their own likes and dislikes. If you are a 10 year old boy and want to read a book that says "Recommended for girls" just GO FOR IT! I have read heaps of books "for boys" (and I am a girl) and I know heaps of boys who have read books "for girls".

Aliens Stole My Dog

Aliens Stole My Dog by Ian Whybrow (illustrated by Tony Ross) is a fast and fun read in the series "Books For Boys". On the way home from school David finds a CD which opens up a whole new world for him. David must pilot spaceships, save his dog and appease the Commander of the Klergs. Can he do it? An exciting Quick Read that is not just for boys. Recommended. Find it on the New Books Shelf.