Holiday Reading 2005

Picture Books

Alborough, Jez Hit the ball Duck
Another entry in this humorous series about Duck who thinks he can do anything, and everything.
Alborough, Jez Tall
Bobo is a little chimp in the jungle. Everyone seems to be taller than him. But Bobo's friends help him see that the size you are is the size you're meant to be. Sequel to Hug.
Asch, Frank Mr. Maxwell's mouse
A cat orders his favourite meal in a restaurant — a mouse. However the mouse does not behave as a mouse should.
Baguley, Elizabeth Meggie Moon
Digger and Tiger are worried when a girl wants to play with them. But when Meggie builds a fantastic racing car, and then an amazing pirate ship, they have to admit she does have some brilliant ideas.
Bauer, Jutta Grandpa’s angel
A little boy's grandpa tells him stories whenever he visits. He tells how nothing ever seemed to hurt him. Every morning as a boy, he would run past the big statue of an angel on his way to school, and bullies, buses, high trees, deep lakes - none could touch him. Even through war, hunger and unemployment, and all the strange things life threw at him, Grandpa's angel - though never specifically mentioned - is always at his shoulder, looking out for him.
Bergman, Mara Snip snap! What’s that?
Three siblings are frightened by the wide mouth, long teeth, and strong jaws of the alligator who has crept up the stairs, until they decide they have had enough.
Bourke, Nike What the sky knows
This story invites you to fly with birds and angels, float with clouds and balloons, to change colours, blow breezes and stir up storms.
Browne, Anthony My Mum
"She's nice, my mum. My mum's a fantastic cook, and a brilliant juggler. She's a great painter and the strongest woman in the world! She's really nice, my mum." A tribute to Mum (and to mums everywhere) by author/illustrator Anthony Browne.
Carle, Eric 10 little rubber ducks
When a storm strikes a cargo ship, ten rubber ducks are tossed overboard and swept off in ten different directions. Based on a true story.
Clark, Emma Chichester Will and Squill
Will and Squill have been friends ever since they were both tiny. Neither of their mums are happy about it. 'Dirty little squirrel', says Will's mum. 'Dirty little baby,' says Squill's. But Will and Squill understand one another, and they have great fun together.
Dolan, Penny Mr Pod and Mr Piccalilli
Mr Pod lives upstairs on his own with his cat Tod. Mr Piccalilli lives downstairs on his own with his cat Millie. Wouldn't it be nice if they could meet and be friends? One day the cats go missing, and they do.
Gerstein, Mordicai Carolinda Clatter!
The excessively quiet town of Pupickton and the sleeping lovesick giant upon which it was built are both awakened by the joyful noise of a little girl's songs.
Graham, Bob Oscar’s half birthday
The day Oscar turns six months old, Mum, Dad and Millie decide to celebrate. They take coat-hanger fairy wings, three tuna sandwiches and a chocolate cake with half a candle, and set off across the city for a picnic on Bellevue Hill.
Gravett, Emily Wolves
A rabbit researches information about wolves with the inevitable ending. For squeamish readers an alternative ending is provided. First time author/illustrator.
Grey, Mini Traction man is here
With an action outfit for every occasion, Traction Man patrols the house. Whether he is saving toys; searching the sink for the lost wreck of the sieve or rescuing damsels in distress, Traction Man is never less than stylishly turned out and expertly accessorised. He is the last word in fashion flair — until the day he is presented with an all-in-one knitted green romper suit and matching bonnet by his owner's granny.
Henkes, Kevin So happy!
"There once was a boy, a rabbit, a magic seed, and a book. The boy, who was bored, went looking for something to do. The rabbit, who was curious, explored until he was lost. The seed was thirsty, but soon it grew and grew and grew. And the book? You are holding it in your hands. Turn the pages! It will make you so happy." Illustrated by Anita Lobel.
Jenkins, Emily That new animal
The lives of two dogs change after a new animal, a baby, comes to their house.
Juster, Norton The Hello, Goodbye Window
A little girl loves going to her Nanna and Poppy's house because their kitchen window is a magical portal to a world of discovery and imagination.
Kelly, John Guess who’s coming to dinner?
Horace and Glenda Pork-Fowler have one an "all-you-can-eat" weekend at Eatum Hall - a dream come true for the pair for whom no plate is too big. However, their greed and desire to make the most of their luxurious surroundings distract them from the true purpose of why they are there.
Morrison, Toni Who’s Got Game? Poppy or the Snake?
In this riff on Aesop, Poppy feels guilty when he accidentally drives over Snake, and he decides to risk being bitten in order to free the sassy reptile. But Snake wants more. This is a sly tale about who gets the last laugh.
Murphy, Jill Mr Large in Charge
The best-selling Large Family are back. Mrs Large isn't feeling well so Mr Large sends her back to bed. "I'll take charge," he says. So while he and the children get busy hoovering, dusting and tidying, Mrs Large settles down for a nice rest.
Muth, Jon J Zen shorts
When Stillwater the bear moves into the neighbourhood, the stories he tells to three siblings teach them to look at the world in new ways.
Reynolds, Peter Ish
Ramon loves to draw especially when he learns that he doesn’t have to worry about getting it ‘just right’.
Thomson, Sarah Imagine a day
Whimsical thoughts, bringing colourful and happy images to the reader.
Willems, Mo Leonardo the terrible monster
Leonardo is truly a terrible monster- terrible at being a monster, that is. Despite his best efforts, he can't seem to frighten anyone. But when Leonardo discovers the perfect nervous little boy, will he finally scare the tuna salad out of him? Or will he think of something even better?
Wormell, Chris The sea monster
The sea monster lives down at the bottom of the ocean but one day he sits among the rocks on the shore and watches a boy and his little dog playing in the rock pools. Suddenly, the current carries the boy's toy boat out among the waves and when he tries to reach it the boy is swept far out to sea. An old fisherman tries to rescue him and receives help from an unexpected quarter.