Chalk might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is one of those rare books that engages the most reluctant of readers and assures emergent readers thChalk might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is one of those rare books that engages the most reluctant of readers and assures emergent readers that books yield wonders. It's a book kids love....more
If you've been thinking about the need for getting getting diverse books into the hands of diverse readers, this would be a great gift for a child, a If you've been thinking about the need for getting getting diverse books into the hands of diverse readers, this would be a great gift for a child, a library or a school. CJ's nana is exceptional for seeing the sunny side and beauty in the everyday and one bus trip across town is enough to convince CJ she's onto something. This is a book with a whole lot of heart and reading it always reminds me of a long ago Christmas day, when my granny decided my sister and I should accompany her to deliver lunches to the aged and infirm all over town rather than opening our gifts. As youngsters we thought this most unfair but we did it. Now I see my grandmother had a lot in common with CJ's nan. ...more
Such a funny and great book. Kids have a lot of fun exploring this and I have never met a student yet who doesn't relate to the basic premise!Such a funny and great book. Kids have a lot of fun exploring this and I have never met a student yet who doesn't relate to the basic premise!...more
There was a time in our family, when you would not have dared put this book down for even a minute or else someone would grabbed it and kept reading. There was a time in our family, when you would not have dared put this book down for even a minute or else someone would grabbed it and kept reading. My son, daughter and I were obsessed with the hardships faced by miniature Toby and his struggle for survival. We were captivated by the curious world created by Timothée de Fombelle and the amazing cast of characters in this story. I thought that the suffering of the tree, as an allegory for the planet, was particularly effective. My daughter was the only one of us to go on and read the sequel, and not being quite satisfied, she started writing the third book in the series herself, to tie up all loose ends....more
There have been many Australiana fads over the years. Way back in the 1980s, following the international (read North American) success of films like PThere have been many Australiana fads over the years. Way back in the 1980s, following the international (read North American) success of films like Paul Hogan's Crocodile Dundee and erm. . . Crocodile Dundee II, whole industries spawned to cash in on Aussie curiosity, mostly centred on the tourist dollar. In children's publishing, no book has traded on this momentum better than Possum Magic with its cute cast of bush critters dashing hither and thither on their tour gastronomique in an effort to re-make Hush visible. Pavlova in Perth. Anzac Biscuits in Adelaide. They stop at nothing. Though I have to say pumpkin scones in Brisbane is a good in-joke, as it's a reference to a former Queensland politician, 'Lady Flo,' who popularised these delicacies.
So, the plot moves along at a pace. Things work out and the book makes a great souvenir for the grandkids. It's never held much appeal for me, but don't let my lack of enthusiasm slow you down. You might be one of the millions who adore this and you never know, it could inspire an interest in unusual baked goods....more