'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Review: Aussie Nibbles series

Just six of the many books available in Puffin’s Aussie Nibbles series, these are books that will make beginner readers want to keep reading, thrilling and exciting them with adventure, mystery and humour.

These stories are especially chosen for their high appeal to young children, helping them to gain a love of reading. They include a wide range of stories for boys and girls with a variety of interests, running at a fast pace and avoiding any slow, ‘boring’ bits.

The characters in each of the stories are a delight, with positive messages to convey, and the language is easy to read, without being ‘dumbed down’.

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Sasha is different from her sisters and the other monsters. She doesn’t like screaming and scaring like the rest of her family, preferring to sit quietly or play a nice tune on her flute.

When she hears how disappointed her parents are with her being so different, Sasha tries to behave like all the other monsters. The problem is, acting that way makes her feel strange.

But, when she is faced with scary trolls that need to be scared away, Sasha finds she has a special talent.

Title: A Strange Little Monster
Author: Sue Whiting
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: June 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143304784
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book

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Becky loves going swimming, as long as she can touch the bottom of the pool.

But when her teacher decides it’s time for her to swim in the deep end, Becky is terrified. She is sure that she couldn’t possibly do it.

Or could she?

Title: The Deep End
Author: Ursula Dubosarsky
Illustrator: Mitch Vane
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: August 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143305279
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book



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Mr. Conroy, who lives next door to young Tim, is hiding a horse in his backyard. This is against the law in the city area and, together, Mr. Conroy and Tim conspire to hide the horse from the local ranger, who happens to hate farm animals.

Title: Hide That Horse
Author: David Metzenthen
Illustrator: Leigh Hobbs
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: August 2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143304494
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book
***



When Mum’s freshly baked cookies disappear, Jamie is sure he can solve the mystery. After, all he is Jamie Spy, a member of the great Spy family.

Heading off to quiz each of his family members, Jamie finds his answer and uncovers the mystery of the missing cookies.

Title: Jamie Spy and the Great Cookie Monster
Author/Illustrator: Christina Miesen
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: March 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143305149
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book
***


erry is a white horse that the children stop and watch as he wanders around his paddock. He is so old that he gets cranky and looks sick, but the children still love him.

Martha especially loves Jerry. And she discovers a secret about him that no one else knows, one that is magical and helps her to deal with her sadness when Jerry passes away.

Title: Jerry
Author: Ursula Dubosarsky
Illustrator: Patricia Mullins
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: September 2008
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143303022
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book


***



Princess Althea simply hates being a princess, and spends much of her time getting into trouble for not being ladylike enough.

She watches the farm children through the window as they play and get dirty and have heaps of fun – and she wishes she could be there with them.

Eventually, Althea finds a way to play with the children and, after meeting the prim and proper Peggy, comes up with a cunning plan to make life a little more fun.

Title: The Princess Who Hated It
Author: Robin Klein
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Puffin, $12.95 RRP
Publication Date: February 2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143303428
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Chapter book


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Do you have a beginner reader in your life? Search for an Aussie Nibble that they’ll love!

View the entire Aussie Nibbles series