New ‘Books+Publishing Junior’ reviews out now

Books+Publishing’s latest Junior newsletter contains 10 reviews of books publishing in July and August 2016.

Author Chris Owen and illustrator Chris Nixon’s picture book Pandamonia (Fremantle Press, August) received five stars from reviewer Thuy On. The story, about a grouchy sleep-deprived panda in a zoo who causes mayhem with the other animals, combines ‘words and artwork in happy harmony’, writes On, who also singles out Nixon’s ‘bright and colourful’ illustratons: ‘they have a retro graphic feel to them, and are so beautifully designed and organised’.

Anita Heiss’ Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic (Piccolo Nero, July) wasn’t far behind, scoring 4.5 stars. Written in collaboration with former AFL footballers Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, this nonfiction book covers the players’ lives, careers and friendship. Reviewer and self-confessed AFL novice Louise Pfanner calls it an ‘absolute winner’, suitable for ‘footy fans but also everyone else, including those completely disinterested in the sport’. She interviews Heiss about the book here.

Also reviewed are:

Picture books:

Oh Albert! (Davina Bell, illus by Sara Acton, Viking, August); The Nose Pixies (David Hunt, illus by Lucia Masciullo, ABC Books, August); and Welcome to Country (Aunty Joy Murphy, illus by Lisa Kennedy, Black Dog Books, August).

Younger readers:

The Bone Sparrow (Zana Fraillon, Lothian, July); Princess Parsley (Pamela Rushby, Omnibus, August); The Shark Caller (Dianne Wolfer, Random House, August); and Toad-ally Magic: Ruby Wishfingers book two (Deborah Kelly, illus by Leigh Hedstrom, Wombat Books, August).

Young adult:

Songs that Sound Like Blood (Jared Thomas, Magabala, August).

To read the full newsletter, click here. Sign up to the Junior newsletter here.

Category: Recently published by B+P