Sweet Dreams Lullaby is a dream of a book. The perfect blending of gentle poetic text that rolls off the tongue, and stunning illustrations of a little character who children adore.
Have a look at our review of Sweet Dreams Lullaby on the funky and informative blog Mini Gaga.
I was very excited to see a copy of the 2010 Gecko Press highlights this week. We love Gecko’s books – you’ll know how much we’ve raved about books like Mouk and Who’s Driving?…
Two of their forthcoming books have me excited!
A new-to-me Japanese illustrator Masayuki Sebe has created a Dinosaur puzzle book called Dinosaurs Galore. Love the look of this.
And I’m so thrilled – and intrigued – to see that this book will be published in English.
My sister brought Le Livre des Bruits by Soledad Bravi back from Paris for Rowan when he was smaller. The theme of the book is onomatopoeia – words that suggest the sounds they describe. I love the idea that animals ‘say’ different things in different language – like a rooster says ‘Cock-a-doodle-do’ in English while it says ‘Cocorico’ in French. This book tackles this concept with so much wit and humour so that as well as all the animals and objects you’d expect – cows, dogs, bells and whistles, there are powerpoints (which say ‘No!’) and Christmas (which says ‘Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells’). So much fun!
Another great book focusing on onomatopoeia that I have on my shelf is Hear! Here! Sounds Around the World. Anyone else know any children’s books on this theme?!
Something very exciting happened this week with We Heart Books getting a mention in our favourite home design magazine Real Living. Our Charley Harper Memory Game was featured on page 60 as part of an article on decorating the nursery. They said …”Young children adore animals. Stimulate their minds with these illustrations by US artist Charley Harper, for play or to decorate a wall. You could even make a cute mobile”.
We are so passionate about the Charley Harper products we carry in our little store, so this was really wonderful.
Amazing art by Moonywolf on DeviantART. Make sure you have a look at it full size, it’s simply gorgeous.
Today in the park Ned and I met a little girl called Henrietta. I have always loved that name and have also loved Melbourne author/illustrator Martine Murray’s quirky little character called Henrietta.
The Henrietta in the park was a ‘great go getter’ and gorgeous just like the fictional Henrietta. Martine Murray is an enchanting author/illustrator, her Henrietta character is strong, imaginative, curious and funny, so very funny. These little novels are perfect for ages 4 to 8 and not just for girls. These are a great inroduction to reading with plenty of pictures and creative use of text to delight and occupy children and adults!. Publisher Allen and Unwin have done a wonderful job in packaging these books, especially the hardcover editions with cloth binding and ribbon marker. Look out for them because ‘there’s no one better’.
Congratulations Matt H, the winner of a copy of Only a Witch Can Fly. Matt’s comment about a favourite award winning book was…
‘Our family really love many classic illustrated books. But to pick one, it has to be We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury; classic poetry with vivid pictures.’
Thanks everyone for such wonderful comments, there were so many fabulous books mentioned. We really enjoy you all sharing your opinions with us.
Inspired by Pip from Meet Me at Mikes, I thought I would start the week with five of my favourite things from the last week…
1) I found these absolutely beautiful illustrations by Tomoko Suzuki…
The one above with the balloons has been in my thoughts for days. What do you think?
Tomoko has a gorgeous website, with a gallery of his art, a blog and online shop attached.
2) Watched as the little one fell asleep with Elmer - one of the best picture books about individuality and acceptance of difference’s. A classic that is often forgotten.
3) Caught a sneak peek on the Simply Read blog at the new book coming this year illustrated by Julie Morstad.
4) I have been reading some great particularly great blog posts this week…
Misrule and Lucinda Library both wrote wonderful, insightful posts about the announcement of the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s shortlist.
Adored Media Macaroni’s post on being the Oldest Babysitter in the Club. Everyone who remembers the Babysitters Club books from childhood – you’ll love this.
I have admired and held in my heart this beautiful post by Jodi on her blog Che and Fidel. As a mother I felt such emotion reading her post and went a bit teary. Jodi’s blog is always beautifully thought out and inspiring.
And finally Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast has a wonderful interview with Tao Nyeu. She is a gorgeous girl with an incredible talent and Seven Impossible Things always ask such cool questions.
5) Loving the quirky art of Sandy Mastroni available on Etsy
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