Warm wishes and thanks to all our friends and supporters. See you in 2019.
SHORTLIST POSTER FOR PICTURE STORYBOOKS 2018
Arty Farty Marty: The Paint Smashin' Kraken by Dale Baker
Arty Farty Marty loves to surf and paint! Join Marty as he tries his tentacles at painting in the styles of seven of the world's most famous artists.
Join Marty as he tries his tentacles at painting in the styles of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Sidney Nolan, Jackson Pollock and Reg Mombassa.
But what happens when Marty's arty farty ways get a bit too farty?
The Book Bird Book Review Author's Facebook Page
Busting! by Aaron Blabey
Lou was BUSTING for the loo. But the loo had quite a queue! What on earth was Lou to do?
Book Trailer Busting! A Look Inside Author Interview - Creative Kids Tales Storybox Library Preview
Chip by Kylie Howarth
Chip, like most other gulls, would do anything for fish and chips. When he’s banned from his favourite food, he is desperate to get it back on the menu. So Chip hatches a brilliant idea to solve the problem...but has he gone too far this time?
Author's Website Lamont Teacher's Notes Teacher's Notes PRC Booklist K-2 #4040
Do Not Open This Book Again! by Andy Lee & Heath McKenzie
He's back! And, once again, this cheeky blue character does not want you to open this book or turn its pages.
What reason does he have this time?
Story Reading Video Book Review by Aussie Reviews Andy Surprises His Sister (and Nephew) Video
Excuse Me! by Dave Hughes & Holly Ife & Philip Bunting
Martha May has marvellous manners. She always says please and thank you ... and she most certainly DOES NOT FART!
But what will happen on the day of the Baked Bean Bonanza?
Book Trailer Reading Time Book Review Book Chook Book Review
Flapper, VC by Mark Wilson
Flapper, VC is based on the true story of an Australian carrier pigeon during World War II. Raised and trained in Australia, Flapper is sent off to war in the Pacific. While on patrol deep in the jungle, Flapper's unit find themselves surrounded by enemy troops. With no other means of communication, the men's only hope of survival is Flapper, who has to evade enemy snipers and machine guns to get a message through to save the patrol.
Flapper was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross for his actions that day, and his medal is proudly displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
This memorable tale, illustrated with Mark Wilson's beautifully crafted and evocative artwork, is a moving story of animals in war.
Author's Website Teacher's Notes Reading Time Book Review
Go Go and the Silver Shoes by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker
When Go Go is allowed to buy the most beautiful shoes ever, she decides she will wear them EVERYWHERE!
Even to the creek, where she and her brothers go adventuring.
But - Oh no, Go Go! - that's when a terrible thing happens . . .
Teacher's Notes A Look Inside Author's Website Illustrator's Website Better Reading Book Review
Hickory Dickory Dash by Tony Wilson & Laura Wood
This story is for anyone who has ever wondered just why the mouse was running up and down the clock as it struck one. The rhyme has been told, and song sung, for generations, and in Hickory Dickory Dash Tony Wilson and Laura Wood share with us just what could have happened in the preceding few hours to cause a mouse to behave in such a way. With her children vanished, and a cat in hot pursuit, the tension builds as the valiant Mother Mouse continues the frantic search for her missing babies. What will happen to cause her to take up clock-running at the appointed hour, and will she find her children, evade the cat, and manage to get them all safely home? Woods’ illustrations mesh seamlessly with Wilson’s verses to take readers both young and old along with them on a danger-filled adventure with a satisfyingly happy resolution.
Book Trailer Teacher's Notes NSS Activities for Hickory Dickory Dash Author's Website
Pig the Star by Aaaron Blabey
Pig just LOVES attention.
In fact, he's a great, bit SHOW-OFF. But when ANOTHER star appears at the photo shoot, Pig doesn't like it.
No, Pig doesn't like it at ALL...
Aaron Blabey Introduces the Character 'Pig' Video A Look Inside Reading Time Book Review
Too Many Cheeky Dogs by Johanna Bell & Dion Beasley
'On Monday I went to my auntie's house and guess what I saw? ONE yellow cheeky dog sleeping on the floor.'
So begins this cheeky story set in a remote Indigenous community, romping through numbers, colours and days of the week to the hilarious finale.
Introducing Disabled Indigenous Artist Dion Beasley - Lateline Video Author's Website
The Story Behind the Story - About the Author and Illustrator Too Many Cheeky Dogs Facebook Page
SHORTLIST POSTER FOR YOUNGER READERS 2018
SHORTLIST POSTER AND LINKS FOR OLDER READERS 2018
Aquatica: a beginner’s guide by Lance Balchin
Welcome to future Earth. Despite repeated warnings, the environment has become polluted to such an extent that many areas of the globe have become uninhabitable and wildlife is now extinct.
From the ashes, a new style of ‘wildlife’ is created. Wildlife that will not remain harnessed by humankind.
Interview with Lance Balchin by Better Reading
A brief history and video for Mechanica
Friday Barnes: Danger ahead by R.A. Spratt
Friday Barnes is forced to face her biggest fear – her own emotions! She must wave goodbye to Ian as he takes off to join his father in the Cayman Islands. But when your dad is a white-collar criminal, family reunions never go to plan. Ian is kidnapped en route and it’s up to Friday to rescue him.
On her return to school, the Headmaster has a treat in store – a four-week camp for students to learn wilderness survival skills! ‘Camp Courage’ is even worse than Friday imagined. And all her book smarts aren't much help when she's got wood to chop, potatoes to peel and latrines to dig.
Can Friday survive the great outdoors, debunk the legend of a camp ghost and make it back to Highcrest Academy alive? Only time (and a compass) will tell!
R.A. Spratt talks (Video) Friday Barnes
Booktopia interview (Video) with R.A. Spratt
Friday Barnes teaching notes from Penguin
Funny Kid for President by Matt Stanton
Every kid wants to laugh, but Max Walburt is the boy who can make it happen. He’s the class clown, the punch line and he’s even volunteered his bottom to be the butt of the joke. Max is the funny kid … and he’s running for class president.
Poop-scandals, stalker-ducks, surprise-debates, psycho-sports-teachers, tell-all-interviews and the great-library-vomit-a-geddon are just some of the things in store for Max and his friends at Redhill Middle School this election season.
Matt Stanton’s question of the day (Video) – Why Funny Kid?
Matt Stanton reads (Video) chpt1 of Funny Kid for president
Funny Kid teaching notes from Harper Collins
Grimsdon by Deborah Abela
Grimsdon is in ruins. Three years ago a massive wave broke its barriers and the sea flooded this grand city. Most were saved, others were lost and some were left behind. Isabella Charm and her best friend Griffin live with three other children in the top of an opulent mansion. They've survived with the help of Griffin's brilliant inventions, Isabella's survival skills and their vow to look after each other. But what will happen when a thrill-seeking newcomer arrives in his flying machine? When bounty hunters attempt to capture them? When Byron P. Sneddon, the self-appointed protector of the flooded harbour, demands obedience? What if the danger is even greater? Something they can't see coming - something below the floodwaters?
Deborah Abela talks (Video) about Grimsdon
Grimsdon teaching notes from PETAA
Iris and the tiger by Leanne Hall
Twelve-year-old Iris has been sent to Spain on a mission: to make sure her elderly and unusual aunt, Ursula, leaves her fortune – and her sprawling estate – to Iris's scheming parents.
But from the moment Iris arrives at Bosque de Nubes, she realises something isn't quite right. There is an odd feeling around the house, where time moves slowly and Iris's eyes play tricks on her. While outside, in the wild and untamed forest, a mysterious animal moves through the shadows.
Just what is Aunt Ursula hiding?
But when Iris discovers a painting named Iris and the Tiger, she sets out to uncover the animal's real identity – putting her life in terrible danger.
Radio National interview with Leanne Hall
Iris and the tiger teaching notes from Text
Meet Grace by Sofie Laguna and illustrated by Lucia Masciullo
It's 1808 and Grace is living with her uncle in London. They have no money, and Grace is always lonely and often hungry. The best part of her day is going to Fleet Street to talk to the horses that she loves so much. One afternoon Grace can't resist taking a shiny red apple from a grocer's cart - and then another... Before she knows it, Grace is being chased through the streets! Will she be caught and sent to prison - or worse?
Meet Grace and join her adventure in the first of four exciting stories about a convict girl who is given a second chance.
Sofie Laguna (Video) on writing about Grace
Overview of Grace the character
Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables by Tim Harris
He’s the first teacher to cook us breakfast.
Is his spark-maker beetle really that dangerous?
I heard he drank yak’s milk in Mongolia.
He’s the only person who isn’t afraid of Canteen Carol.
My mum says he used to be in the circus.
The class in room 12B has a new teacher, and nothing is ever going to be the same . . .
Tim Harris interviewed (Video) about writing
Children interviewed about Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables (Video)
Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables teaching notes from Penguin
The 91-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Join Andy and Terry in their ridiculous 91-storey treehouse! Go for a spin in the world's most powerful whirlpool, take a ride in a submarine sandwich, get marooned on a desert island, hang out in a giant spider web, visit the fortune teller's tent to get your fortune told by Madame Know-it-all and decide whether or not to push the mysterious big red button. Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!
Andy and Terry draw (Video) a submarine sandwich
88.9 FM interview (Audio) with Andy and Jill
The 91-Storey Treehouse teaching notes from CCLC
The boy and the spy by Felice Arena
Life has never been easy for Antonio, but since the war began there are German soldiers on every corner, fearsome gangsters and the fascist police everywhere, and no one ever has enough to eat. But when Antonio decides to trust a man who has literally fallen from the sky, he leaps into an adventure that will change his life and maybe even the future of Sicily…
Felice Arena interviewed (Video) about writing (Part 1, there are 2 other parts)
The boy and the spy on stage (Video)
The boy and the spy teaching notes from Penguin
The forgotten pearl by Belinda Murrell
‘Let me tell you a story. A story about friendship and sisters, about grief and love and danger, and about growing up . . .’
When Chloe visits her grandmother, she learns how close war came to destroying her family. Could Poppy’s experiences help Chloe face her own problems?
In 1941, Poppy lives in Darwin, a peaceful paradise. But when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and then Australia, everything Poppy holds dear is threatened. Terrified, she flees to Sydney – only to find that the danger follows her there. Poppy must face her war with courage and determination. Will her world ever be the same?
Belinda Murrell talks (Video) about The forgotten pearl
The forgotten pearl teaching notes from Belinda Murrell
SHORTLIST POSTER AND LINKS FOR YEARS 7-9 2018
Are you seeing me? By Darren Groth
Twins Justine and Perry are about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime in the Pacific Northwest.
It’s been a year since they watched their dad lose his battle with cancer. Now, at only nineteen, Justine is the sole carer for her disabled brother. But with Perry having been accepted into an assisted-living residence, their reliance on each other is set to shift. Before they go their separate ways, they’re seeking to create the perfect memory.
For Perry, the trip is a glorious celebration of his favourite things: mythical sea monsters, Jackie Chan movies and the study of earthquakes.
For Justine, it’s a chance to reconcile the decision to ‘free’ her twin, to see who she is without her boyfriend, Marc – and to offer their mother the chance to atone for past wrongs.
But the instability that has shaped their lives will not subside, and the seismic event that Perry forewarned threatens to reduce their worlds to rubble . . .
Are you seeing me? Teaching notes from Penguin
Every word by Ellie Marney
Rachel is still getting used to the idea of Mycroft being her boyfriend when he disappears to London with Professor Walsh. They're investigating the carjacking death of the rare books conservator, which appears to be linked to the theft of a Shakespeare First Folio from the Bodleian Library. Worried about similarities between the conservator's accident and the death of Mycroft's own parents, Rachel follows Mycroft to London and straight into a whole storm of trouble.
Book launch (Video) for Every Word
Game theory by Barry Jonsberg
Jamie is a sixteen year old maths whiz. His wild, older sister, Summerlee, has dropped out of school. Tensions at home run high. With Jamie's help, Summerlee wins millions in a lottery and cuts all ties with the family. But, money can cause big trouble. When their younger sister is kidnapped for a ransom, Jamie thinks he can use game theory, the strategy of predicting an opponent's actions, to outfox the kidnapper and get Phoebe back. It's a very risky strategy.
Game theory book trailer (Video)
Game theory teaching notes from Allen and Unwin
Graffiti moon by Cath Crowley
'We've got at least seven hours to get what we want before the sun comes up.'
School is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. Somewhere in the glassy darkness, he's out there, spraying colour, birds and blue sky on the night. And Lucy knows that a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for - really fall for.
The last person Lucy wants to spend this night with is Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since punching him in the nose on the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells Lucy he knows where to find Shadow, the two of them are suddenly on an all-night search to places where Shadow's pieces of heartbreak and escape echo off the city walls. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.
Cath Crowley interview (Video)
Graffiti moon teaching notes from Cath Crowley
Maybe by Morris Gleitzman
A powerfully moving addition to Morris Gleitzman's bestselling series about Felix and Zelda which takes place in 1945, following directly on from the story told in Soon. This intensely affecting story will move readers of all ages. It will be welcomed by the many Holocaust educators who use Once, Now, Then, After and Soon to teach upper primary and lower secondary children and embraced by any reader who loves passionate, moving and brilliant stories.
Maybe teaching notes from Penguin
Morris Gleitzman Website – read chpt 1 of Maybe
Nona & Me by Clare Atkins
Rosie and Nona are sisters. Yapas. They are also best friends. It doesn't matter that Rosie is white and Nona is Aboriginal- their family connections tie them together for life. Born just five days apart in a remote corner of the Northern Territory, the girls are inseperable, until Nona moves away at the age of nine. By the time she returns, they're in Year 10 and things have changed. Rosie has lost interest in the community, preferring to hang out in the nearby mining town, where she goes to school with the glamorous Selena, and Selena's gorgeous older brother Nick. When a political announcement highlights divisions between the Aboriginal community and the mining town, Rosie is put in a difficult position- will she be forced to choose between her first love and her oldest friend?
Clare Atkins interview (Video) about Nona & Me
Video tour of the locations in Nona & Me
Nona & Me teaching notes from Black Inc.
The fall by Tristan Bancks
In the middle of the night, Sam is woken by angry voices from the apartment above. He goes to the window to see what's happening - only to hear a struggle, and see a body fall from the sixth-floor balcony. Pushed, Sam thinks. Sam goes to wake his father, Harry, a crime reporter, but Harry is gone. And when Sam goes downstairs, the body is gone, too. But someone has seen Sam, and knows what he's witnessed. The next twenty-four hours could be his last.
Tristan Bancks talks (Video) about The fall
The fall teaching notes by Penguin
The protected by Claire Zorn
I have three months left to call Katie my older sister. Then the gap will close and I will pass her. I will get older. But Katie will always be fifteen, eleven months and twenty-one days old. Hannah's world is in pieces and she doesn't need the school counsellor to tell her she has deep-seated psychological issues. With a seriously depressed mum, an injured dad and a dead sister, who wouldn't have problems? Hannah should feel terrible but for the first time in ages, she feels a glimmer of hope and isn't afraid anymore. Is it because the elusive Josh is taking an interest in her? Or does it run deeper than that? In a family torn apart by grief and guilt, one girl's struggle to come to terms with years of torment shows just how long old wounds can take to heal.
The protected book trailer (Video)
The protected teaching notes from UQP
The secrets we keep by Nova Weetman
Clem Timmins has lost it all, her house, her possessions and her clothes. Now living in a tiny flat with her dad, she has to go to a new school, far from what she knows. On Clem's first day, she meets Ellie and, to fit in, Clem reveals a secret she immediately regrets sharing. When Clem receives a letter she doesn't want to read, it becomes clear that she can't run from her past forever, especially when the truth appears right in front of her face.
The secrets we keep teaching notes from UQP
Yellow by Megan Jacobson
Kirra's so-called friends bully her, her mother has taken to alcohol ever since her dad left them for another woman and, now, a teenage ghost is speaking to her through a broken phone booth. Kirra and the ghost make a pact. She'll prove who murdered him almost twenty years ago if he makes her popular, gets her parents back together, and promises not to haunt her. But, things aren't so simple and Kirra realises that people can be haunted in more ways than one.
Pearltrees
We all know koalas have their favourite trees and yours is now http://www.pearltrees.com/koalansw. The Pearltrees will give you access to all the links and resources you could possibly need to add further value and fun to the shortlisted titles. Subscribe to the collection as resources are added.
2018 Shortlist Links
Picture Book Kahoots!
How well do your students know the story?
The KOALA team have been busy creating Kahoot quizzes for the 2018 KOALA nominated picture books.
Click on the title links and enjoy!
Arty Farty Marty - Busting - Chip - Do not open this book again - Excuse Me - Flapper VC
Go Go and the silver shoes - Hickory Dickory Dash - Pig the star - Too many cheeky dogs
Aquatica
What is Kahoot?
THE SHORTLIST IS OUT!
Congratulations to the shortlisted authors and illustrators.
It’s now time to READ!
A huge thank you to the children of New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory for their nominations and to their teachers and librarians who made sure their 20 000 nominations were received.
Get ready for 2018!
Planning for next year? Thinking about becoming a KOALA Friend? Here's a snapshot...
"Challenge to Change" ASLA Conference 2017
Thank you to the wonderful ASLA (Australian School Library Association) team for an inspirational, challenging and diverse program over the past two days. The focus on reading was powerful and reassuring. The Children's Choice Literature Awards are well placed as an appealing and effective way to get students reading and critically thinking about the texts they read. The KOALA team caught up with some familiar faces and connected with some new ones too.
We were also thrilled to meet and listen to two of our 2017 shortlisted authors, Tim Harris and Will Kostakis, who spoke about creative influences and representation in their writing. Hopefully we will see them again at Awards Day in November.
Book your tickets to Awards Day 2017
It's time to think about voting
There are a number of ways to engage your students with the voting stage of the KOALA year. Kids love this stage and the options make it fun and exciting for all age groups.
Online - ideal for Years 3-6 who read across the categories; add the link to your website, blog, ipad shortcut; no tallying numbers
Paper and Postbox- create a point of interest in the Library; develops familiarity with both author and illustrators' names; great job for library monitors to sort and tally
Cups and Counters - heighten excitement with K-2; anonymous-secret vote! (see image)
Sticky Notes - display based voting; students place a post-it note on the cover of their favourite book; great for younger years; saves writing time; quick tally count
The Tally Sheet for non-online votes is due by the end of Term 3.
Happy voting!
Bring your sticky notes to life with these post-it designs. Go to Learning in Hand for instructions on how to print.
pearltrees
We all know koalas have their favourite trees and yours is now http://www.pearltrees.com/koalansw. The Pearltrees will give you access to all the links and resources you could possibly need to add further value and fun to the shortlisted titles. Subscribe to the collection as resources are added.
Photo from our 2017 Awards Day Hosts - North Rocks Public School
"Waiting for the KOALAwards"
focus on fiction younger readers
Alice-Miranda in China by Jacqueline Harvey
Alice-Miranda and her friends are on a school exchange in China! There’s so much to see and do, and plenty of new people to meet. Among the whirlwind of sights is a breathtaking circus show, a hair-raising feat and an encounter with a family of acrobats.
While some are having a great time, others haven’t quite landed on their feet. Throw in clashing personalities and the theft of a priceless antiquity, and sparks are set to fly. There may be more than just fireworks in store for Alice-Miranda and her friends . . .
Jacqueline Harvey’s website – Alice-Miranda series teaching notes – Jacqueline Harvey interview – PRC 3-4 Booklist #3324
Billie B Brown: The Bad Butterfly by Sally Rippin and illustrated by Aki Fukuoka
Billie has started ballet classes. She is sure she'll be a great dancer! But is Billie really cut out to be a ballerina?
Billie B Brown website – Sally Rippin interview - PRC 3-4 Booklist #33005
EJ Spy School: Puppy Alert! By Susannah McFarlane and illustrated by Dyani Stagg
Emma Jacks is Agent EJ10. She goes to Spy School. EJ10 is learning how to rescue animals, but a puppy goes missing ... Can EJ10 find her?
EJ Spy School website – Puppy Alert! Preview – Susannah McFarlane interview - PRC 3-4 Booklist #4649
Ella and Olivia: The Christmas Surprise by Yvette Poshoglian and illustrated by Danielle McDonald
Ella and Olivia are sisters. Ella is seven years old. Olivia is five-and-a-half years old. They live with their mum and dad and little brother Max.
Ella and Olivia can’t wait until Christmas! But will their secret plan to open their presents early ruin the Christmas surprise?
Ella and Olivia website – Yvette Poshoglian website -
Ella Diaries: Friendship S.O.S. by Meredith Costain and illustrated by Danielle McDonald
Ella is on holiday on a luxury cruise ship. It’s going to be AMAZING! Swimming pools, shopping mall, ice-skating ... and NO school for a week! Best of all, Zoe is coming too! But when a friendship catastrophe strikes, Ella’s perfect holiday looks doomed! Can she find a new Cruise BFF? Or will this voyage be fun overboard?
Meredith Costain website - Creating the book art - PRC 3-4 Booklist #3870
Hotdog! By Anh Do and illustrated by Dan McGuiness
Meet Hotdog, the sausage dog, and his friends!
There’s Kev, the goofy cat, who’s always dressed up in some silly costume, and Lizzie, the gutsy lizard, who eats bug burgers for breakfast!
Together they’re going on a mad adventure to help a baby bird find its missing mum!
Hotdog and his friends will go to any lengths, and dizzying heights, to find her!
But can they handle dirty nappies and karate-chopping roosters along the way?
Anh Do website – ReadingTime review – Dan McGuiness website
The Bad Guys Episode 2: Mission Unpluckable by Aaron Blabey
The Bad Guys are back with a daring plan to rescue 10,000 chickens from a high-security cage farm! But how do you rescue chickens when one of you is known as The Chicken Swallower? And watch out for the super villain who might just be the end of them!
Aaron Blabey’s website – Meet Aaron Blabey StoryBox Library – PRC 3-4 Booklist #3220 – The Bad Guys Illustration
The Gateway: Midnight Mercenary by Cereberus Jones and illustrated by Craig Phillips
It's a dark and stormy night at the Gateway Hotel, and the latest intergalactic visitor is the most terrifying yet. Why has he come? Who is he after? With their families and the hotel in grave danger, it's up to Amelia and Charlie to save the day…
Chris Morphew aka Cereberus Jones website – Chris Morphew reads Midnight Mercenary teaser – Chris Morphew, David Harding and Rowan McAuley interview
WeirDo: Mega Weird! By Anh Do and illustrated by Jules Faber
Life for WeirDo is mega busy! He's planning on making mega bucks from the Street Garage Sale, plus he's helping Bella write a winning song! And is that a dusty dino bone in the corner? It won't be easy ... but it will be funny!
Anh Do talks WeirDo – Anh Do website – PRC 3-4 Booklist #6021
You Choose: Alien Invaders From Beyond The Stars by George Ivanoff
You see strange lights in the sky. It’s a flying saucer, just like in the movies. Inside are lizard aliens – disguised as humans. They have come to invade planet Earth! You want to resist, but your actions may lead to the destruction of humankind . . .
Do you have what it takes to save the world? Or will the aliens unleash their ultimate weapon?
A thank you from George - Studio 3 interview – Studio 3 interview 2 - The Bottom Shelf Blog
focus on fiction older readers
FOCUS ON PICTURE STORYBOOKS
Circle by Jeannie Baker
Tiny godwit birds follow ancient, invisible pathways in an infinity of sky. Flying on and on, for nine nights and nine days, flying without rest. From Arctic icebergs in the north, to tropical golden beaches in the south, across thousands of kilometres of Pacific Ocean. ‘Circle’ captures the sheer wonder of this migratory journey, reminding us of the global interdependence of nature.
The Godwit’s remarkable flight is followed as it comes full circle … back to the place where mud and sand become sea.
Jeannie Baker Website - Circle Teachers Notes - Jeannie Baker on Creating Circle (trailer) - SMH Interview with Author - Creative Kids Tales Review of Circle - PRC 5-6 Booklist #34385
Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee; illustrated by Heath McKenzie
The story begins with the character surprised that, despite the name of the book, the reader has opened the cover. He asks the reader not to turn the next page. As the book goes on, the character becomes more and more desperate, begging, pleading, threatening and sulking, before he finally reveals that if the reader reaches the final page, something terrible will happen!
Andy Lee Interview with SMH - Do Not Open This Book Teachers Notes - PRC K-2 Booklist #15977 - Book Review
Fire by Jackie French; illustrated by Bruce Whatley
One small spark brought fire awake, Winding like a small black snake, Fire flickered, fire crept, Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a devastating path of destruction.
Jackie French Website - Fire Teachers Notes - Discussion Points for Fire - Creative Kids Tales Review for Fire - PRC 5-6 Booklist #6166 - Kids' Book Review
Lilli-Pilli's Sister by Anna Bradford; illustrated by Linda Catchlove
An irresistible new-baby story set in the fairy world ...and with a delightful twist. Lilli-Pilli's mother is having a baby. Lilli-Pilli is sure the baby is going to be a sister. She can feel it in her wings. But when she asks around among the birds and butterflies in the forest, some of them are equally sure the new baby will be a brother - and they can feel it in their wings, too! Lilli-Pilli knows she will love the new baby whether it's a girl or a boy, and takes lots of care to find ways to make the tree-bark cradle more comfortable, but she can't help wondering ...which will it be? She doesn't have to wait long to find out!
Anna Bradford's Website - Publisher's Website - Lilli-Pilli's Sister Teachers Notes - Creative Kids Tales Review for Lilli-Pilli's Sister - PRC 3-4 Booklist #5040
Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma by Leigh Hobbs
Mr Chicken has been to Paris and London, but his taste for travel is insatiable - now it's time to visit Rome, a city of ancient wonders and delicious things to eat. With his helpful phrasebook, a friendly guide and an insatiable appetite, Mr Chicken is ready for anything.
Mr Chicken Arriva A Roma Teachers Notes - Leigh Hobbs Website - Leigh Hobbs Interview - Book Trailer Teaser - Kids' Book Review - Creative Kids Tales Review for Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma - PRC K-2 Booklist #10815
Mr Huff by Anna Walker
Bill is having a bad day. Mr Huff is following him around and making everything seem difficult. Bill tries to get rid of him, but Mr Huff just gets bigger and bigger!
Then they both stop, and a surprising thing happens . . .
Mr Huff Book Trailer - Anna Walker Website - Mr Huff Teachers Notes - CBCA Reading Time Review - Creative Kids Tales Review for Mr Huff - PRC 3-4 Booklist #9806
Pig the Winner by Aaron Blabey
Pig was a Pug and I'm sorry to say, If he didn't come first it would ruin his day. From award-winning creator of PIG THE PUG comes a brand new tale about the world's greediest pug. Pig the Pug is back and this time he is being a great big cheat. Pig will do anything to win, and, if he can't, he throws great big tantrums. But when his latest attempt to beat his best friend, Trevor, backfires will Pig the Pug learn his lesson at last?
Aaron Blabey Website - Aaron Blabey Interview - Aaron Blabey Interview with Creative Kids Tales - PRC K-2 Booklist #7229
Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey
'Hey there guys. Would you like a banana?'
'What's wrong with you, Brian? Youre a Piranha.'
Brian is a piranha. He is also a vegetarian. But do you think he can convince his family to join him?
Aaron Blabey Website - Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas Teachers Notes - SMH Aaron Blabey Reads Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas - Aaron Blabey Interview with Creative Kids Tales - PRC K-2 Booklist #5388
The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland
Popcorn is, quite simply, the friendliest chicken at Fiddlesticks farm! When she finds a Fabulous Friend Machine in the barn, she sets about making some brand new friends. But behind the screen of the Fabulous Friend Machine, maybe her new friends are not so friendly after all...
A cautionary tale from the globally best-selling Nick Bland.
The Fabulous Friend Teachers Notes - Nick Bland Author Profile - CBCA Reading Time Review - PRC K-2 Booklist #27787
What Do They Do With All the Poo from All the Animals at the Zoo? by Anh Do; illustrated by Laura Wood
What do they do with all the poo, from all the animals at the zoo?
The hippos, the tigers, the kangaroos - what do they do with all that poo? There's so much poo at the zoo...Where does it all go?
Do they mix it into chocolate ice-cream? Sprinkle it on pizza? Stir it in the local swimming pool?
Anh Do Website - Laura Wood Illustrator Website - Taronga Zoo Answer to Question - PRC K-2 Booklist #5388
FOcus on fiction years 7-9
Carnage by Michael Adams
One missing, presumed dead.
Two in trouble with the law.
Only four remain to solve the Second Sign.
The DARE Award winners–Yasmin, Zander, Andy, Dylan, JJ, Isabel and Mila–have been caught in a deadly battle of wits with a mysterious enemy who isn’t afraid to kill. Too late, they learned that the First Sign predicted catastrophic attacks which have left Egypt in chaos. Can the remaining four DARE winners unravel the Second Sign–seven new symbols–and stop The Signmaker’s destructive plan before the countdown ends?
Series Trailer – Series Website
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane and Marion Roberts
Will anyone hear you cry?
Celia and Alice share everything – their secrets, hopes and the increasing horror that a killer is on the loose and abducting schoolgirls just like them. Three bodies have been found, each shrouded in hand-woven fabric.
From within the depths of a police investigation, clues are starting to emerge. But as Alice and Celia discover the truth, danger is closer than anyone knows. Who can you trust at a time like this?
Review and interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #27687
Every Breath by Ellie Marney
What if Sherlock Holmes was the boy next door?
Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist when Mycroft wants her help investigating a murder.
And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion’s den – literally. A night at the zoo will never have quite the same meaning again…
Ellie Marney website – Ellie Marney interview
Freedom Ride by Sue Lawson
Robbie knows bad things happen in Walgaree. But it's nothing to do with him. That's just the way the Aborigines have always been treated. In the summer of 1965 racial tensions in the town are at boiling point, and something headed Walgaree's way will blow things apart. It's time for Robbie to take a stand. Nothing will ever be the same.
Sue Lawson website – Freedom Ride Teacher notes - Freedom Ride Trailer - PRC 7-9 Booklist #8981
Laurinda by Alice Pung
Laurinda is an exclusive school for girls. At its hidden centre of power is The Cabinet, a triangle of girls who wield power over their classmates – and some of their teachers.
Entering this world of wealth and secrets is Lucy Lam, a scholarship girl with sharp eyes and a shaky sense of self. As she watches The Cabinet in action, and is courted by them – as she learns about power andrepression – Lucy finds herself in a battle for her identity and integrity.
Alice Pung website – Laurinda Teacher notes – Alice Pung interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #14234
One True Thing by Nicole Hayes
When is a secret not a secret? When your whole life is public.
Frankie is used to being a politician’s daughter, but with her mum now running for Premier, life’s a whole lot crazier than usual. All Frankie wants is to lose herself in her music. So when her best friend, Kessie, invites a student journo to interview the band, Frankie is less than thrilled.
But Jake's easy to talk to, and he seems to really like Frankie. That doesn't stop her from wondering if he's just after the ultimate scoop, especially when photos surface of Frankie's mum having a secret rendezvous with a younger man. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out the truth - even if it means losing Jake.
Nicole Hayes website - One True Thing Teacher notes – Nicole Hayes interview
Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French
It's 1939, and for Georg, son of an English academic living in Germany, life is full of cream cakes and loving parents. It is also a time when his teacher measures the pupils' heads to see which of them have the most 'Aryan'- shaped heads. But when a university graduation ceremony turns into a pro-Nazi demonstration, Georg is smuggled out of Germany to war-torn London and then across enemy seas to Australia where he must forget his past and who he is in order to survive. Hatred is contagious, but Georg finds that kindness can be, too.
Jackie French website – Pennies for Hitler Teacher notes – Jackie French reading from Pennies for Hitler – SMH review – PRC 7-9 Booklist #5044
Risk by Fleur Ferris
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for their whole lives. But Taylor’s fed up. Why does Sierra always get what – and who – she wants? From kissing Taylor’s crush to stealing the guy they both met online for herself, Sierra doesn’t seem to notice when she hurts her friends.
So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes.
But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would.
One day. Two days. Three . . .
What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?
When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.
Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer?
Fleur Ferris website – Risk Teacher notes - Fleur Ferris interview
The First Third by Will Kostakis
Life is made up of three parts: in The First Third, you're embarrassed by your family; in the second, you make a family of your own; and in the end, you just embarrass the family you've made.
That's how Billy's grandmother explains it, anyway. She's given him her bucket list (cue embarrassment), and now, it's his job to glue their family back together.
No pressure or anything.
Fixing his family's not going to be easy and Billy's not ready for change. But as he soon discovers, the first third has to end sometime. And then what?
It's a Greek tragedy waiting to happen.
Will Kostakis website - The First Third Teacher notes – Will Kostakis interview - PRC 7-9 Booklist #1445
Through My Eyes: Naveed by John Heffernan
The explosion jolts him awake. He sits up, gasping for air, heart thumping.
Was the blast real? Perhaps it had only happened in his head, a bad dream. Demons of the dark, his father had called them. 'Push them away. They'll only poison your thoughts. Seek the light and they can't hurt you.'
Naveed is sick of war - of the foreign powers and the Taliban, the warlords and the drug barons that together have torn Afghanistan apart. He's had to grow up quickly to take care of his widowed mother and little sister, making what little money he can doing odd jobs and selling at the markets.
When he adopts Nasera, a street dog with extraordinary abilities, he has a chance to help rebuild his country. But will a new friend's betrayal crush his
dreams of peace forever?
John Heffernan website - Naveed Teacher notes - John Heffernan interview – John Heffernan reads from Naveed - PRC 7-9 Booklist #5564
childrens' choice shortlist poster is out!
In partnership with YABBA (VIC) and KROC (NT), KOALA seeks to provide children a voice within the general Australian children’s book industry. Our combined efforts contribute to the annual REAL Awards (Reading and Enjoying Australian Literature). The shortlist is created in collaboration with student nominations from these states and territories.
The shortlist poster is now out! Members are sent one free and others can order 3 for $10. Email contact@koalansw.org.au. You can also download the pdf version here.
Thank you to Leigh Hobbs for donating the fabulous art work this year and to our poster sponsor Lamont Books.
