Illustrator: Patrick Spaziante Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Format: Hardcover
Fans of Olivia will enjoy the little pig’s first outing on the stage. The large format of the board book enables Olivia to be seen in all her on-screen glory, and all the characters from the tv show are included. While grudgingly playing the lowly role of Cow Number Two, Olivia learns about being part of a team and making the most of what you’ve got. The book reads just like an episode of the cartoon, with the standard feel-good ending as a matter of course.
Illustrator: Sue Degennaro Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Hardcover
In keeping with her passion for wombats and all things green or growing, Jackie French has written The Tomorrow Book. A young prince resolves to help his loyal subjects by providing solutions to their day-to-day problems. As in the best childrens’ books, he does this without the help of his royal parents who happen to be off on an adventure in their campervan. This possibly alludes to French’s personal opinion that the current generation of children carry the responsibility to fix the environmental problems they have inherited from their forebears. Instead of problems, the book is focused on possibilities. Solutions are found and presented, and the book encourages the creativity required to pursue the answers. French applauds and inspires children to keep imagining, and be the solution. Sue Degennaro’s muted detailed collage illustrations of recycled and found materials echo the whole ethos of the book, and are an intrinsic part of the story.
Anthony Gunn is a father of two and a psychologist who specializes in treating anxiety and helping people step outside of their comfort zone. Gunn recognizes the great Catch 22 of parenting - the one that involves both supporting and assisting our children, while at the same time stepping back to allow them a chance to succeed or fail. This book looks at how parents can help their child overcome fears and phobias to become more confident and competent. Gunn highlights the valuable learning opportunities that arise from making mistakes and includes simple activities to show both child and parent that mistakes are normal. Tricky parenting issues such as coping with death, finding a balance between school, extra-curricular activities and down-time and discerning matters of taste over matters of principle are dealt with in a relaxed, common-sense way and in easily digestible chunks. So many of the situations on the book are relevant to both adults and children, making the lessons and skills learned valuable for life right now, and into the future.
Jimba Jackobean is a young boy who lives in the fanciful fairytale land of Jack-o-whisp. When the town is suddenly thrown into confusion, Jimba sets about coming up with a creative solution to restore harmony in the community. This is the first book in Alexis Tapp’s series of Jack-o-whisp tales, and has been self-published by the author. Omar Aranda’s slick and detailed illustrations are in keeping with his professional abilities that includes commissions from Disney. The format of the book is visually appealing, and it has an engaging story, but it is weighed down with unnecessary tongue-twisting details as well as a rather abrupt ending.
Sunny Days has five copies of Jimba Jackobean and the Bouncer-Bangerangs to give away. Click here to enter.
