Winter Warmers

With the cold weather upon us it's time to start reading knitting books. Here are just two of the interesting titles available at Newcastle Region Libraries.

Hattitude : knits for every mood by Cathy Carron contains 40 amazing hats you can knit. From the "Tied Bonnet" for humble moods to the "Appliqued Pillbox" for idealistic moods there really is something for every mood. I really must find someone to make me the literary "Floppy Toque".

Publication Date: 2009

Publisher: sixth and spring books

Aware Knits : knit and crochet projects for the eco-conscious stitcher by Vicki Howell and Adrienne Armstrong has been another popular book in our collection. Projects include an aromatherapy eyepillow, organic cotton washcloths, a crocheted jute welcome mat as well as a lovely range of socks, booties, cardigans and wraps.

Publication Date: 2009

Publisher: Lark Books

My Girragundji

Author: Meme McDonald & Boori Monty Prior

Publication Date: 1998

Category: Children's fiction; Indigenous literature

Who'll want to read it? People who love frogs and those needing to find courage.

Point of no return: It was the front cover that made we want to read this book, but as soon as I started it I knew I would finish it.

Classic line: "A frog! A little, green, tree frog. A beautiful little girragundji. 'Where did you come from?' I'm breathing again. I'm gonna live. 'Where you come from, little fulla?' ....'Big snakes out there, yibulla. You gotta watch out for them big fulla snakes.They can gobble your right up. You stay in here with me, you little darlin'. We can look after each other." pg28-30

What's it all about? A boy growing up and experiencing bullying, first love, problems at home and the looming threat of "The Hairyman" - a bad spirit playing tricks in his house. Things pick up when he finds the little gree tree frog who gives him so much courage. The book has beautiful evocative photographs throughout and would be a great read for 8-10 year olds.

I read this book a few years ago and it's one of my favourites. I but bought myself a copy at Sydney Writers' Festival in May - how could I resist when Boori Monty Pryor was there to sign it for me? What a wonderful, interesting and hilarious man. I can't wait for his new book, illustrated by Jan Ormerod,  Shake A Leg which is coming out in October this year.

By the way, My Girragundji  was the winner of the Book of the Year for Younger Readers prize, Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards 1999.

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

New readers for ESL students, teachers and tutors!

Wallsend District Library now has a small collection of ESL readers with African content aimed at adult readers. Contact Kieran at Wallsend District Library on 4985 6680 if you'd like to know more about our literacy collection.

Titles include:

* The Nkosi Family by Elda Lyster
* Why dogs chase goats by Mba Manqele
* Woza Friday by Wendy Annecke
* The trick by Wendy Annecke
* Who shall I marry? by Sello Motete
* The tree man: Robert Mazibuko's story by Robert Mazibuko

The Boy With the Cuckoo-Clock Heart

Author:  Mathias Malzieu, translated from the French by Sarah Ardizzone     

Publication date: 2009

Category: Fairytale love story, with a little bit of steampunk.

Who'll want to read it? The broken hearted. Also anyone who loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.

Point of no return:  The first page: "In which Little Jack is born on the coldest day on earth and miraculously resuscitated......The old river usually so serious, is disguised as an icing sugar lake that stretches all the way to the sea. The din of the surf rings out like the sound of windows smashing. Miraculously, the hoarfrost stitches sequins on to cats' bodies. The trees stretch their arms, like fat fairies in white nightshirts yawning at the moon...."

Classic line:  "Firstly: don't touch the hands of your cuckoo-clock heart. Secondly: master your anger. Thirdly: never, ever fall in love. For if you do, the hour hand will poke through your skin, your bones will shatter, and your heart will break once more." pg 24.


What's it all about? Set in late 19th Century Edinburgh and Spain, it's a bittersweet little book in which every line about love and hearts has a double meaning. It is so beautifully written that your eyes and your mind (or your own heart) experience the different meanings separately. Travel with Jack as he learns about life and love, despite his guardian's efforts to protect him from pain. I particularly enjoyed the appearance of Georges Meilies and his efforts to assist Jack in his search for Miss Acacia, the love of his life.

Publisher: Chatto & Windus

Something interesting: The author is lead singer of the French pop group Dionysos. You can watch the book trailer here with Dionysos performing. Apparently there is a whole album based on this novel and a film on the way courtesy of Luc Besson.

The Rabbit Problem

Author: Emily Gravett (and a lot of rabbits)

Publication Date: 2009

Category: Eccentric children's picture book about rabbits (not maths).

Who'll want to read it? Children learning to read and count, rabbit lovers, grownups.

Point of no return: The curious rabbit on the front cover.

Classic line: The whole book is a classic and I really must buy myself a copy.

What's it all about? It's a year in the life of "Fibonacci's Field" in which rabbits multiply each month. The book is set out like a calendar with a new problem each month such as "The lonely rabbit problem" in January, "The cold rabbit problem" in February, with suggestions to keep warm which lead right to "The baby rabbit problem" in March. There are lots of little books within this book including "Bunny's first month" and "The Carrot Cookery Book : Creative ways with carrots". I could probably spend an hour or two reading this book and it's booklets and still find new bits. I absolutely adore this book and just know parents and children will enjoy reading it together.

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books