I am a big believer in children having the opportunity to read a variety of types of books, especially Non Fiction. When choosing books for the Smarty Arty Aussie Animals kit I knew that it was most important to have non fiction books so that children could learn facts about the animals they made. Reading Non Fiction books gives them a good knowledge base and an understanding of the animals around us.
My words will not do this book justice, because I can barely find the words for the up-close photography gives you a look at animals and nature like you have never seen before. The front of the book drew me in the first time I saw it, its beauty doesn't just lie in its shiny cover though, the pages within are captivating and the information will keep you immersed for hours.
When looking through books to add to the Aussie Animals Smarty Arty experience I found a lot of indigenous books. These books engage children in aspects of Aboriginal culture, beautiful art work and stories of Australian Animals. The library I borrowed them from had such a good variety of indigenous themed books that I found it hard to chose, but these are some which I thought would be fun to pair with the art experience.
There is something quite spectacular about this book, and just by looking at the cover you do not realise just how compelling it is until you open the pages and are presented with striking photos of animals. The words I have seem inadequate to describe the stunning photography.
Without a doubt this picture filled book of facts about awesome animals will be running off the shelves. I am serious, this book is not only packed full of interesting information but its also a colourful wonderland that will have your least enthusiastic reader turning the pages wanting to learn more.
Some books are little treasures, and this is one of those where I felt transported back to when I was a child. I felt familiar with the story and felt comfortable that the content is safe for an 8 year old to read. There are a lot of books about magic, goblins and elves for young children, but in my role as a Librarian parents often ask me for books that don't have those components. For those types of requests this book is a perfect fit.
I have chosen to share this book with you because I think it is one of those little gems that people may dismiss as just being a sticker book when it is actually so much more. This book not only supports literacy development but also fine motor skills, colour recognition and the ability to pattern and number match.
The colours draw you into the story on those first few pages of the book, the shades of green give you the feeling of being out among the trees and plants in the garden, the tortoise face a beautiful rosy complexion whose eyes show an old but warm and happy soul. The colours and illustrations continue to amaze as I turn the pages, each majestic and beautiful creature brought to life by the artist ability to bring us the African Jungle through her artistic ability.
The first time I opened this book I instantly loved it. The story begins with Mr Moot living his happy quiet life with his beloved Fluffywuffy. He wasn't troubled by anything, that is until cousin Clarence decides to move in for ..."a week...or a month, or quite possibly a year!" Mr Moot was optimistic that it wouldn't be so bad, fluffywuffy remained knowingly silent.
Heartwood Hotel, is just as endearing as it sounds, taking me back to my childhood where you imagine animals such as Mona scurrying about, leading lives just like us humans, making friendships and finding “home”.
Little Big Reads 