We love going to the Melbourne zoo! It makes a great outing for Rowan, gives me a much-needed walk, and we often meet up with friends there. And despite best intentions, we usually end up doing the same route every time; the elephants, butterflies and orangutans circuit is just too good to miss… Our books about zoo animals go down really well before or in between visits to the zoo. And as Rowan is mastering a growing vocabulary of first words, animals noises are also a big favourite at the moment.

Here are our Top 5 books about the zoo.

1. Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)

What would happen if you wrote a letter to the zoo and asked them for a pet? Now celebrating 25 years (I remember reading this one to my 27 year old sister!!), this is a classic zoo book, with bright, bold pictures, predictable text and those ever-so-alluring lift-up flaps! Ideal for babies and toddlers. Age 0+

2. Bruno Munari’s Zoo (Bruno Munari)

From my favourite publisher, Chronicle Books, comes this classic. Bruno Munari was a contemporary of Leo Leonni (another of my all-time favourites) and his illustrations have the same beautiful retro quality. This and the distinctive humour communicated through the text and illustrations make it one to be enjoyed by toddlers and appreciated by adults and collectors. (As mentioned in a previous post, I bought my beautiful hardback copy at Mockingbird Books.) Age 2+

3. Good Night, Gorilla (Peggy Rathmann)

Rowan and I have been reading this one since he was a newborn. With minimal text, the story gets read slightly differently each time. It tells the delightful tale of a zookeeper saying goodnight to the animals in the zoo. Little does he know that he is being followed by the gorilla who has a hold of his keys. This one really gets your imagination working about the keepers who are behind the scenes at the zoo, and what the animals get up to after hours… With the bedtime theme, this is a great one for reading just before a sleep. Age 0+

4. Queenie: One Elephant’s Story (Corinne Fenton)
This book tells the true story of Queenie, an elephant who lived at the Melbourne Zoo for more than 40 years. At a time when elephant rides were an accepted part of a visit to the zoo, Queenie was a famous animal, and she received hundreds of letters from her fans. In describing her life, the book touches on events of the first half of the 20th century, from the long journey travelling by boat from India to Australia, to Melbourne’s Centenary Celebrations and sad repercussions of the Second World War for zoo animals. The illustrations compliment this theme by having a historical feel. It would make a great start to various discussion points with older kids. Age 3+

5. Zoo! (Lori Froeb)

As reviewed in Lou’s previous post, this is a magnificent fold-out counting book. I’ve witnessed Ned captivated by this one, and the lovely bright illustrations and larger than life fold-outs are fantastic. This would make a great present for a baby or a toddler. Age 0+

Ned’s daddy and I actually sat down to watch a film together last night, something we haven’t done for ages. The film was beautiful and one of the best screen versions of a book I have seen in a long time. The film was Bridge to Terabithia based on the Katherine Paterson novel of the same name published long ago in 1977. I vividly remember studying this novel in about Year 7 (long ago!) and I also remember that it was the first book I had read that really made me cry so passionately for the characters. The film also made me cry but don’t think this is a sad film! It is also an amazing story of friendship, imagination and strength; the sadness is an integral part of the story but it is brilliantly handled. The performances of the children as 10 year olds Jess and Leslie are perfect and it also features one of my favorite actresses, the stunning Zooey Deschanel as the children’s arty music teacher. Before I saw the film I was concerned that the trailers contained too much computer generated imagery of the imaginary Terabithians, however this wasn’t so in the feature and I felt it was done very tastefully to give the film a currency without being too scary or bizarre. It was so lovely in fact that I would give it 5 out of 5 on The Movie Show and I’m definitely going to keep a copy for the time when Ned and I can sit and watch together.

Paterson’s original novel won the 1978 Newbery Medal, an award given by the American Library Association for outstanding children’s literature. What I didn’t know is that the book was actually on the challenged books list in the US because people took offence to the fact that Jess says “Lord” sometimes outside of prayer and also because they believed that the book encouraged satanic magic. How far have we come when very recently people have objected to the Harry Potter books for the same reason. Although Bridge to Terabithia is 30 years old as a novel its concepts have not dated and this wonderful movie has successfully given it a new life.

There are many more movies based on children’s books that just have been and are just about to be released. Of course there is Horton Hears A Who based on probably the nicest character created by Dr. Seuss. Horton is a lovable elephant who discovers the city of Whoville on a microscopic speck of dust attached to a flower. Horton is the only one who can hear the Whos of Whoville and so sets about protecting them from their enemies. The trouble is that in Horton’s world there are laws that prevent anyone believing in anything they cannot see or hear. The reviews for this animated version of the Seuss picture book have been fantastic, which is great considering the other films of his books have been flops - although I did like The Grinch. The Age/SMH gave it a tremendous review. I love the similarities between original Horton and 2008 Horton in the pictures below…

The film I really want to see, desperately, is The Spiderwick Chronicles. Based on the 5 book series by Holly Black and illustrated by the amazing Tony DiTerlizzi in which Jarod, Simon and Mallory Grace find a mysterious old book which allows them entry into a world filled with Goblins, Pixies, Trolls and other fantastical creatures. The trailers for this film look incredible and it is also getting wonderful reviews from sources like Variety. Actor Freddie Highmore (Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) plays both Jarod and Simon Grace as they are identical twins; I can’t wait to see how they have managed that.

About to be released is Nim’s Island based on the lovely intermediate novel by Australian author Wendy Orr, first published in 1999 and illustrated by Kerry Millard. The film was shot on the Gold Coast and on Hinchenbrook Island, North Queensland. I loved reading Nim because she is such a strong female character, living on a deserted island with all her animal friends; she is like a more modern Pippi Longstocking. The father of Nim (Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine) is missing and she is alone until by fate her favorite author (Jodie Foster) a recluse from New York is washed up on the island. Together they must find the courage to prevail over their fears and track down Nim’s dad.

Relating to this post and about the Where the Wild Things Are movie there is a great article from The Age today written by Thornton McCamish about children’s love of scary stories in both literature and film.

Back in print and available at bookshops now are Henry’s Bath and Henry’s Bed, aren’t they beautiful? They are now published by Walker Books and have been missing for too long. Illustrated by the incredible Ron Brooks, these pictures books are so warm and cuddly, the perfect picture books for toddlers that have issues with the bath or bedtime.

Brooks also illustrated one of my all time favorite picture books and one that is easily considered a classic in Australian children’s literature; John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat. Written by Jenny Wagner it is a really special story about friendship, devotion and dealing with change, it is beautiful to share with children when they may be experiencing change like a new baby in the family. It was first published in 1977 and won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award in 1978.

Seen via Ohdeedoh (via Geekdad) this amazing igloo of bookshelves that incredibly contains a bed, I’m sure you would have sweet dreams sleeping in here. Created by Japanese architects Point . There are more fantastic photos on their website.

We spent a lovely morning in the park this morning in Carlton with Ned’s mate Oscar and his mummy. It was a little windy!

After our play and a lovely coffee from Tre Bicchieri, Ned and I went to visit my favorite shop Belki in Rathdowne Street. It’s a gorgeous gift shop that is just filled with the most beautiful collection of goodies; bags, jewelery, ceramics, baby things and more.

I couldn’t go past buying this little beauty for myself…

It’s a lined notebook made by Library+, designed and printed in Australia. They have created some gorgeous characters to decorate their stationary range that includes notepads, book marks and even library bags (I need one of those also). I fell in love with the jacket because of the parliament of owls on the jacket. I have always been fascinated by collective nouns and I quite love owls. Not sure why but I think they are pretty cute, maybe it’s because they are wise and bookish.

What I wasn’t aware of was that inside the cover of the book is a little library card in it’s own little pocket. Irresistible.

Then in their children’s section I found another gem. A picture book called Little Hoot about, yes, owls. I just had to buy it for Ned as an Easter present. The illustrations in this book are just divine, I’m just so glad I have discovered illustrator Jen Corace. It is published by Chronicle who design the most beautiful books perfectly.

The author Amy Krouse Rosenthal has created a story that is a twist on the usual getting children to bed routine. Little Hoot goes to school, plays with his friends and then wants to go to bed at a normal time like his non owl friends. However his mum and dad have different plans for him, of course he must stay up late and play like a good owl. Poor little Hoot is very grumpy indeed and counts down his play time until he can go to bed. It is such a fun take on reverse psychology I’m sure it is going to be read in our house many times.

My favorite Easter book is Max’s Chocolate Chicken by the wonderful Rosemary Wells. There is a whole series of books about these bunnies, mischievous toddler Max and his bossy big sister Ruby and even a TV show which is adorable. Not your traditional Easter story this is about a rather competitive egg hunt. Max falls in love with a chocolate chicken that’s been left in the bird bath by the Easter Rabbit, and he simply wants to eat it. Ruby, however, insists that they hunt for eggs and the rabbit with the most eggs will get to keep the chicken. Easily distracted Max ends up with no eggs and so runs away and hides with the chocolate chicken much to Ruby’s annoyance. The moral of the story perhaps not to put all your eggs in one basket?

In Max and Ruby, Wells has created the perfect comic duo, in such simple text there is underlying hilarity that appeals to both children and adults alike. I laugh out loud when I read this one especially when you can really play up the dialogue between Max and Ruby; “Max” said Ruby “pull yourself together”.

The end papers are beautiful illustrations of the mysterious Easter bunny who has delivered the Chocolate Chicken in his divine purple waistcoat and flowing gold jacket.

Books have become great gifts for children at Easter time as parents become more conscious of how much chocolate the Easter Bunny delivers. In Australia the chocolate Bilby, an endangered marsupial, has become more a symbol of Easter than the chocolate rabbit. There are some lovely books about Bilbys including;

The Smallest Bilby and the Easter Games (Nette Hilton and Bruce Whatley)

This picture book features a very cute little Bilby with huge ears and a pink tipped nose. When the rabbits stop delivering eggs the bush animals hold the Easter Games to find the best animal for the job. Published by Working Title Press.

Bilby Moon (Margaret Spurling and Danny Snell)

Although it is not directly about Easter, Danny Snell’s soft illustrations of the Australian desert at night make this a very precious picture book. Bilby wonders why a piece of the moon is missing and so sets out to find the reason why meeting many other Aussie animals on the way. Perfect for bedtime. Published also by Working Title Press.

And of course there are many traditional religious books on the market, retelling the stories of the real Easter, crucifixion and resurrection. My favorite of these is Jan Pienkowski’s Easter, based on the King James version of the easter story. Illustrated like an illuminated manuscript with dramatic black silhouettes against backgrounds of vibrant colours this is a very special book and very rare, there are used editions available on Amazon and it has been published online on Pienkowski’s website. I have just bought a copy for myself off eBay.

The Pienkowski is fantastic for little kids and for older children there is the equally beautiful The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith. Wildsmith has illustrated many religious books for children and his easter version is rather spectacular, his use of gold fleck and metallic paint make it a gorgeously ornate keepsake.

My favourite author Sonya Hartnett was yesterday awarded the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. One of the richest literary prizes in the world Sonya joins amazing children’s literature authors like Maurice Sendak, Philip Pullman and Katherine Paterson on the honours list. Sonya’s work is incredible, as the jury of the ALMA award states “her works are a source of strength”; they are not for the faint-hearted but are so lyrically beautiful, her writing is like poetry. Sonya can conjure up the most amazing pictures of landscape as you read, she can bring your emotions from great joy to deep sadness within paragraphs. I have never read any other novels as powerful as hers.

Although some may criticise her work for being too angst-ridden, her protagonists are always incredibly strong and wilful giving the reader a chance to develop compassion for them or sometimes a deep dislike. It’s impossible not to become enveloped in the story. Often her subject matter is gruelling and the novels are not easy reads but I think good literature is meant to challenge and perhaps even make us feel a little uncomfortable.

Generally considered a young adult writer Sonya’s novels definitely sit in the huge gap that exists between teenage and adult fiction, she should be read and discussed in both.

On the ALMA website Sonya is quoted as saying “A young person who reads a book; today takes that book into tomorrow, is shaped and influenced by the work; learns from it, remembers it, holds it inside.” I have felt this way about her writing since I first read Sleeping Dogs in 1989, I still very much hold that book inside me!

Rowan’s current favourite book is Hug! by Jez Alborough.

Hug! tells the story of a little gorilla called Bobo, who notices other animals in his jungle having hugs. He starts to feel sad because he realises he doesn’t have anyone to hug.

The story uses minimal words – on most pages, there is just one word, ‘hug’, used by different speakers and with different types of emotion. Rowan really responds to this concept and also to the illustrations. He really empathises with little Bobo, and mirrors all the emotions of Bobo on his own face. No matter how many times we read it, he always has a huge smile on his face when Bobo and Mummy are reunited!

Last week the Victorian government launched a fantastic initiative to improve literacy levels in the state. The Young Readers Program will hand out 70,000 books per year for four years to two year olds visiting their maternal health centre. The first round of books chosen for the project is the wonderful Whose? Series by Australian author/illustrator Jeanette Rowe (published by Allen & Unwin). Each book in the series is a fun guessing game with lift the flaps for finding the answers. In Whose Tail? there is part of a tail poking above the flap; guess whose tail and then reveal the answer underneath the flap.

The program hopes to encourage reading at home rather than just in the classroom. These books seem the perfect choice because they so cleverly combine fun and learning as well as facilitating warm interactions between parent and child.

Rowe’s new book in the series Whose Eggs? would make the perfect Easter present.

Rowan, Brad and I are now proud owners of a chook. Her name is Lottie. I named her after the first Australian pirate, Charlotte Badger, because she only has one eye. (And that’s how I imagine a successful pirate to be…)

We rescued Lottie. She was living at a primary school which has the wonderful Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden program. Lottie lived with five other chooks, cared for by the school’s environment captains and fed from a productive vegetable garden.

Unfortunately, due to chook pecking order disputes, Lottie was being victimised by the other chooks, which could have ended very badly… When we brought her home, her eye was very sore and she was very scared. She would barely come out of a corner of her pen.

Three weeks later, Lottie is a lot happier. She pecks around our garden free-range all day, and she runs to meet us at the back door whenever we go out. (I think she’d come inside if we let her.) She has even been as brave as to spend a recent barbecue pecking hairy toes under the table! AND, she is laying some beautiful eggs!

Rowan is very interested in Lottie, and I’ve started to introduce him to some gorgeous Australian books about chooks.

Here are four favourites:

1. Queenie the Bantam (Bob Graham)

The wonderful Bob Graham tells the story of Queenie, another hen who is rescued, this time from a lake. Graham’s inimitable illustration style is a joy, his simple style conveys so much expression in his characters, and such a strong sense of family. In this story, Queenie’s life becomes intertwined with that of Caitlin’s family; this is the tale of one determined chook, not afraid to assert her place in the world.

2. A Nest for Kora (Claire Saxby)

Kora is preparing to lay her first egg, but where? This is the story about striving for independence, but discovering that sometimes granny knows best. Bold illustrations in bright colours take us on a tour of the farmyard, as Kora looks for the perfect spot to lay. The rhythm and repetition in the text make this one ideal for toddlers.

3. Hattie and the Fox (Mem Fox and Patricia Mullins)

This story picks up the traditional story of the hen and the fox, rejuvenated by Mem Fox’s rhythmic text, which in this case lends itself to an exuberant read-aloud rendition: ‘Good grief!’ said the goose. ‘Well, well!’ said the pig. ‘Who cares?’ said the sheep… Hattie spots different body parts lurking in the bushes, which furthers the appeal to little ones. Beautiful tissue paper collage illustrations will be appreciated by the mums…
4. Bear and Chook (Lisa Shanahan & Emma Quay)

This is not the story of a farmyard or garden chook, so it’s not as relevant as the others, but I just love the relationship drawn in this story. When Bear grows up, he wants to be a builder, a sea captain, a pilot… he always has a new idea. When Chook grows up she wants to be… an old chook. Rowan doesn’t love this one, but I read it to Brad because I knew he would appreciate it. He said: ‘I’m more like Chook. You’re like Bear on steroids.’ Hmmm… Have to say I do feel a bit like a headless chook (bear) this week, must slow down a bit.

And one final one to add, Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins. This one’s not Australian, but it takes me right back to my childhood. Published in 1968, it has such gorgeous retro 70s illos. Rosie the chook goes for a walk, unaware that she is being followed by a fox. A book of few words, the illustrations are all that’s needed to show the mishaps of the fox. Kids love to see what happens to the baddie!