July 2015 – Bookmonitor – news from around the world

The Arabel & Mortimer Series by Joan Aiken, illustrated by Quentin Blake

A wonderful series and now republished with Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.

Mortimer and Sword Excalibur is the fifth book and Mrs Jones packs Arabel and Mortimer off for a quiet afternoon in Rainwater Crescent Gardens. But as Mortimer investigates the new underground car park he discovers that it is just possible that the long lost sword, Excalibur is waiting to be found.

The Spiral Stair, is based in the zoo. Arabel comes to the rescue as Mortimer becomes entangled in snakes and giraffes.

The books are an excellent new edition and the compact size is just right for an emerging reader, or even for a fluent reader in the midst of a busy holiday time.

Illustrations are, undoubtedly the best of Quentin Blake and portray the characters brilliantly. The text is pure Joan Aiken, with the sharpness of the story intrigue and mix of humdrum life and exciting adventure.

Sue Martin

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The Unexpected Crocodile
by Kim Kane and Sara Acton

Peggy’s family is hosting a barbecue for their neighbours, the Dawsons. Peggy is not sure about the Dawson boys but she is delighted with the unexpected arrival of a crocodile.

What an unfortunate habit though of eating the guests!!

This book is brilliant, the story just leads you on into the world of a very polite but yet hungry crocodile. The illustrations are a real joy of the book, simply drawn yet captivating, especially the expressions.

Kim Kane has been short listed for many awards and now lives in Melbourne,Australia and this partnership with Sara Acton, is one to watch.

Sara lives near a beach in Sydney, just how awesome is that! From there she writes and draws in her studio for children’s books.

The Unexpected Crocodile is published by Allen and Unwin, and is part of their excellent portfolio of children’s books.

It can be purchased on line and if you buy through Dolphin Booksellers, we will donate 10% to Kalpana finding a home again in Nepal.

Sue Martin Dolphin Booksellers and Books Go Walkabout

I Have a Dog by Charlotte Lance

I have a dog. An inconvenient dog. When I wake up, my dog is inconvenient…..

And that follows through the day in this delightful book about how a young child and a puppy can just be the bests of friends and playmates who help each other to make tunnels or try and get socks on feet or paws.

An inconvenient dog can be the best of friends when it comes to watching something scary on the TV or when you don’t want to eat your dinner and your very convenient dog is just under the table.

The illustrations in the book are just wonderful. Charlotte Lance is an Australian author/illustrator to watch out for. Ideas put into text and illustrations that are captivating and make for great books.Allen and Unwin are the publishers and have found another great children’s author.

Sue Martin Dolphin Booksellers and Books Go Walkabout