Elements of the Day by Samantha Lewis Illustrated by Hao Hao

Reading this book is sure to help you when you are watching a quiz show and they ask about elements of the periodic table. No need to memorize all of them - I am sure a few will stick in your mind and in the mind of your curious science-minded child after reading this terrific book. 

You can see lots of pages inside this book here

Since I left my school library I haven't spent much time browsing the nonfiction section of bookshops - specifically the nonfiction children's section but a couple of weeks ago I spent some time at Gleebooks and I found some real treasures. I have already talked about Soup's On, The Anthology of Shells and How to Survive an Apocalypse. Elements of the Day is another of these discoveries. I would love to put this into a school library - it is an absolutely perfect book that makes sense of a complex topic in a unique way. I did have a few books in my former school library about the periodic table, and I did have some curious science kids who borrowed them - this title would have been a great addition to that shelf [546.8]. BONUS this book is only AUS$19.99!

Here is the web page for the author Samantha Lewis. And here is the Instagram page for the Chinese illustrator Hao Hao. 

Publisher blurb: The amazing stories and fascinating facts behind the elements that make every moment of the day possible. Why is breakfast cereal magnetic? Could you turn wee into gold? How does sand help us see? The answers have one thing in common – ELEMENTS! Elements are the building blocks that make up EVERYTHING we see, touch and taste. You’ll be amazed at how many there are to explore from the moment you wake up to the second you drift off to sleep (no matter how long past your bedtime it is!). Inside everything from cereal, cars and cakes to toilet paper, pencils and torches – come and meet the extraordinary elements that make YOUR day!

It’s a unique approach to teaching even our younger students about chemistry because, rather than being a lot of easily-forgotten facts, it connects the information to their world, both engaging them as they read and showing them the relevance of what they are learning. The Bottom Shelf

Here are a couple of other books you might find on the periodic table for kids:

The companion volume to Elements of the Day - Forces of the Day will be published later in 2026.

Running in Circles by Shivaun Plozza

Dell (Adelaide) lives with her dad and three sisters. Mum left the family when Dell was only seven to follow her dream of finding evidence and perhaps even meeting aliens. Initially mum did contact the family but for many years they have not heard from her. Dell resents the way her birthday cards, if they were even sent, arrived well after the event and she is confused and furious as to why mum left them in the first place. None of this is fair to her dad or her sisters. Then mum arrives back in town. It is Dell who first sees her and her instinct is to protect the family from any further hurt and disappointment. The two youngest children, Prim and Una, don't have any memory of their mother - they were so young when she left. Summer, Dell's older sister does remember, and Dell is sure she won't want to revisit the hurt and disappointment that will to come when her mother breezes out of town again.

Slowly Dell watches with deep concern and even anger as each member of her family seems to fall under mum's spell. Mum is sure this new crop circle in Tully means friendly aliens want to help our planet with our climate crisis. Dell is a budding meteorologist so she knows this is all nonsense but then dad says the whole family needs to go to the crop circle at midnight on 7th June because that is when the aliens will arrive. 

Here are a few text quotes:

"I turn away and walk the circle myself. It's messy. It's not sugar cane this time, just long grass that's all squished and tangled like bed hair. ... I crouch, searching for signs the grass was flattened with a plank. Nothing. ... Just rain and grass and mud and footprints." pg 117

"Why is she here? In our house? The one she left? My heart constricts. What if she stays. If she apologises and becomes our mum again and loves dad and never leaves. Is that okay?" pg 161

"You should all read Quentin's book. He argues that every time they visit, it's been to heal our mistakes through the key lines. Humans cause so much damage. We're really the worst disease this planet has every known. She we think they'll finally speak with us directly, to teach us their ways and share their technology." pg 165

Fun fact - before you read this book (or after) you will discover that in 1966 a crop circle did appear near Tully. Read more here. And here is a detailed ABC News page with more information. 

Readers in Australia who do not live in Queensland may need a map to locate Tully and perhaps do some further reading about their record rainfall. And they really do have a big gumboot in the town. Also, the research topic that Dell and her friend Teddy have chosen about The Alligators Nest is a real place (even though there are no alligators in Australia).

Located in the Tully Gorge National Park 6 km north of Tully via Murray Street, this is a rainforest park which was originally popularised by a group of local scouts who gave it the name (there are no alligators in Australia). It is a day use picnic area fringed by rainforest which has lilies, palms, fern-leafed tamarinds and water ferns. Part of the appeal of the area is that the rainforest is home to eastern water dragons, nursery frogs and chameleon geckos.

The chapter titles in this book work as a countdown to the final showdown when the aliens are due to arrive on the 7th June. 

I had a small but good collection of books about aliens, UFOs, and occurrences like crop circles in my former school library. I was always fascinated by the books about The Nazca Lines for example. If you are visiting a library take a look at Dewey [001.9; 001.94 or 001.95].

Publisher blurb: When crop circles appear in Tully, North Queensland, twelve-year-old Dell knows it’s a hoax. She’s a future climate scientist who believes in facts, not science fiction. But Dell’s estranged mum is an extraterrestrial fanatic. She blusters back into town armed with alien conspiracy theories and a dazzling smile. If Dell can prove the crop circle is fake, surely her mum will hightail it out of Tully again, preferably before she causes Dell’s dad and three sisters further heartbreak. But as her mother’s claims grow more out of this world and alien fever takes over the country, Dell worries she’s fighting a losing battle. How can she convince anyone of the truth when they’re all so desperate to believe a lie?

One of the aspects of this story that I wrongly anticipated was the way Quentin Higgs, the pseudo-scientist working with Dell's mum, was sure to be exposed as a fraud and I expected to discover his main motivation was to sell his book but that didn't seem to eventuate. This could be a good discussion point with your class. 

Here are some things I discovered about crop circles (source - note this contains a lot of advertising):

From the 1960s to the 1980s, perhaps no term was more commonly associated with UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation than “crop circles.” As the name suggests, crop circles are massive, circular areas of flattened crops — usually wheat or corn — or other plants, which depict seemingly intentional shapes and other images when seen from above. (in the case of Running in Circles it is a sugar cane farm).

Crop circles amazed many people due to the large size of the indentations and the images they depicted. It’s little wonder why they led to speculation about alien craft landing on Earth. After all, some indentations appeared to mark where “saucers” had once rested. And others seemed to be messages from extraterrestrial beings ...

Two Englishmen proved that it didn’t take an advanced civilization or technology beyond humanity’s comprehension to create crop circles. In fact, all it required was a bit of liquid courage, heavy planks of wood, and some rope. Despite this, some ufologists insist that at least some crop circles were made by “nonhuman” beings.

In 1966, an Australian banana farmer named George Pedley allegedly witnessed something bizarre on his property near Tully. Pedley claimed to have seen a "flying saucer" lifting off — leaving behind a large, circular area of flattened plants in the exact same spot where the UFO had landed. Dubbed a "saucer nest," Pedley's crop circle was not an isolated incident. All around the Tully region, locals began reporting more saucer nest sightings

Readers aged 10+ will enjoy the intriguing story and family relationships found in Running in Circles with the advice do not skip to the end. You are sure to be on Dell's side hoping the truth will be revealed. It is rare to read a book for this age group where the mother is so awful - she left the family when the children were very young because she is obsessed with her belief in aliens. She even seems to bribe the kids with cafe treats and a 'pretend' interest in their lives and she keeps making promises that she has no intention of fulfilling - her betrayal of Summer is dreadful. On the upside Dels' grandmother, who is called Mo-Mo, is a wonderful support to Dell when everything seems to be crashing down around her. 

Thank you to Gleebooks kids for sharing their advance reader copy of Running in Circle and to UQP for the actual copy. Running in Circles will be released next week - 28th April 2026. You can read an extract here. 

Shivaun Plozza has a 2026 Older Readers Notable title: The Worst Perfect Moment. Read the Kirkus Star review. I am going to keep my eye out for another of her books from 2020 - The Boy, The Wolf and the Stars. 

Here are some other books I have talked about by Shivaun Plozza:

Meet me at the Moon Tree

Summer of the Shipwrecks

Further reading and other books to explore:

Non Fiction fans should look for this terrific series

Bothered by Bugs by Emily Gravett

If your class are talking about the balance of nature - the role of every tiny creature in an ecosystem - this book is simply perfect. 

Publisher blurb: Pete the Badger is choosing a delicious recipe from his new fruit cookbook when his peace is interrupted by a teeny tiny fly. The fly becomes a swarm and soon all the animals are being bothered by bugs and insects of all kinds . . . before helping Pete to rid the forest of every single one. Disaster! Now nobody's around to clean up the poo, and come autumn, there's not a berry or a cherry to be found. But the lesson is learned, the bugs are released, and order is restored to the forest once again.

Infused with humour, this superb picture book carries an important message about the natural world. Wonderful to read aloud, the witty, rhyming text provides rhythm and pace. Children will adore exploring the exquisitely detailed illustrations, particularly a sumptuous picnic on the final pages, which is crammed with delectable cakes, tarts, and summer puddings. Book Trust

Here is one of the irresistible illustrations:

Here are two another books by Emily Gravett featuring the same woodland animals:

The topic of eliminating one part of the natural food chain and how this can be catastrophic is beautifully explained in this picture book for young children (but I would also be happy to share Bothered by Bugs with an older group of students in Grades 3 and 4. And with your senior classes do make sure you explore this book:

Sparrow Girl

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by all the books that you have not yet discovered? I feel like this every time I visit the fabulously well stocked library where I volunteer every week. Even if I had several lifetimes I am sure I could never discover every treasure held by this library. The Teacher-Librarian was very aware of this book by the famous author/illustrator Emily Gravett book and she shared it with me because it has been short listed for the 2026 UKLA Book Awards. It really is a very good idea to keep your eye on as many international children's book awards as you can from UK, USA, New Zealand, and Canada. I am so happy to have discovered Bothered by Bugs. Add this book to your library wish list today!

Here is a partial list of other books written and illustrated by Emily Gravett - you should try to add as many of these as you can afford to your school or local library:

• Wolves (2005)
• Orange Pear Apple Bear (2006)
• Meerkat Mail (2006)
• Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears (2007)
• Monkey and Me (2007)
• The Odd Egg (2008)
• Spells (2008)
• Dogs (2009)
• The Rabbit Problem (2009)
• Blue Chameleon (2010)
• Wolf Won't Bite! (2011)
• Again! (2011)
• Matilda's Cat (2 August 2012)[12]
• Little Mouse's Big Book of Beasts (2013)
• Bear and Hare: Go Fishing (2014)
• Bear and Hare: Snow! (2014)
• Bear and Hare: Where's Bear? (2015)
• Bear and Hare: Mine! (2016)
• Tidy (2016)
• Old Hat (2017)
• Cyril and Pat (2018)
• Meerkat Christmas (2019)
• Too Much Stuff (2020)
• 10 Cats (2022)
• 10 Dogs (2023)
• Bothered by Bugs (2024)
• Bear's Nap (2025)

Mystery of the Missing Turtles illustrated by James O'Hanlon

"All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises! Turtles are reptiles with a shell that has formed by fusing their rib cage to their backbone. ... There are 350 living species of turtles around the world and many more extinct series have been discovered from fossils. ... Collectively, the scientific name for all these shelled animals is Testudines."

This book has been written by a team of scientists: Deborah S. Bower, Ricky-John Spencer, Michael B. Thompson, James U. Van Dyke. Here is a link to the teachers notes. 

Brooke loves watching the turtles in the creek near her farm. She has learnt to identify the different types of turtles but she also, sadly notices that that they all seem to be big and old. Where are the baby turtles? Brooke finds a nest with turtle eggs, but she makes a terrible discovery - all of the eggs have been eaten. What has happened? Brooke is a problem solver and a budding scientist. She sets up a 'trap' with chicken eggs hoping the thief (or as she calls it the criminal) will be caught on her camera. The culprit is a big red fox. Brooke continues with her observations, and she sets up a wire grid to protect the nest. By the end of this book over 100 baby turtles can be seen crawling down to the creek.

About the authors: Associate Professors Deborah S. Bower, James U. Van Dyke, and Professors Ricky-John Spencer and Michael B. Thompson are turtle biologists who created the 1 Million Turtles Citizen Science Project to encourage participation in turtle conservation in Australia. Associate Professor Elizabeth Hale researches and teaches children’s literature and writing at the University of New England. Dr James O’Hanlon is an award-winning science communicator, author and illustrator. Whether through art, science or storytelling, James works to illuminate the beauty and complexity of creatures that are often overlooked

As I mentioned, the turtle eggs are being eaten by a fox. I expected to read more details about foxes as an introduced species here in Australia in the end notes. There is only a brief mention of this. It is good, however, to read about the turtles we have here in Australia, the difference between a turtle and a tortoise, the way turtles help our environment and most important of all the Citizen Scientist Project - '1 Million Turtles'. There are very useful teaches resources on this page too. 

The 1 Million Turtles is a national community conservation citizen science program. This program promotes a strong collaboration between scientists and the community to support initiatives aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtle species.  

Aims:

• Increase survival rates of freshwater turtles and turtle nests, and by doing so, increase our turtle populations by at least 1 million. Hence the program name '1 Million Turtles'.
• Increase knowledge of freshwater turtle distributions across Australia and identify hotspots for future conservation.
• Train the community in methods that promote turtle conservation, like how to save a turtle on a road, or protect a turtle nest.

As you have seen this final point is the focus of Mystery of the Missing Turtles. 

There seem to be lots of non fiction books about Sea Turtles so I curious about the difference. This Wikipedia article talks about the way turtles and tortoises are given different names in different countries. Here is what I found from a US page:

• Sea turtles and land turtles are two distinct types of turtles that have different adaptations for living in their respective environments.
• Both sea turtles and land turtles play important roles in their respective ecosystems.
• Public awareness and conservation efforts are needed to protect these amazing creatures from threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting.
• Sea turtles have a more streamlined body shape, which allows them to swim more efficiently in the water. Their limbs are modified into flippers that help them move through the water.
• Land turtles have sturdier limbs and a more dome-shaped shell that provides protection against predators.
• Another physical difference between sea turtles and land turtles is their ability to retract their limbs into their shell. Land turtles have the ability to retract their limbs and head into their shell for protection.
• Sea turtles, on the other hand, cannot retract their limbs into their shell, as their limbs are modified into flippers.
• Land turtles lay eggs in nests dug in the ground, and the eggs take several months to hatch. The hatchlings are small and vulnerable and are often preyed upon by predators.
• Land turtles are known for their long lifespan, with some species living for over 100 years. The Galapagos tortoise is one of the longest-lived land turtles, with some individuals living for over 150 years.
• Australia is home to 34 native turtle species, including 28 freshwater turtles and 6 marine turtles, each with unique characteristics and conservation statuses. Read more here.

There are so many new books from CSIRO Publishing that combine a narrative with non-fiction text or content and which explore very interesting topics but I do have one small criticism - I wish this series had continued to emulate the wonderful Nature Storybooks or as they were formerly called Read and Wonder and used similar illustrators with less reliance on digital images. Titles such as The Forgotten Song has brilliant illustrations as does Where are all the Christmas Beetles. 

The content of all of these CSIRO Publishing books will be of great interest to young readers and also very welcome in schools to link with syllabus content.

Find some of my blog posts here.

My friend has a comprehensive Pinterest collection of books about tortoises and turtles. Companion books:

Read more here

Margot and the Moon Landing by AC Fitzpatrick illustrated by Erika Medina

Margot loves everything about space travel and the moon. She reads every book she can find on this topic and then she just has to SHARE everything she knows with EVERYONE. The problem is her mother has stopped listening and her teacher just seems to be quite frustrated and even angry with Margot.

Eventually, having no one listening to her, drives Margot herself crazy and she grabs her marker pens and writes furiously all over her bedroom walls. Sharing this book with your child this could be the page to stop. How will mum react? Turn the page and you will be surprised. Mum stops and takes the time to read what Margot has written. 

"Margot waited for something to happen but instead mum got very quiet. She read all the words and then read them again."

Margot tries to rub out the words, but mum stops her. She grabs a pot of paint and together they fill the wall with images of space travel and stars and then even better mum attaches two enormous sheets of paper to the walls and shows Margot that these are the places she can write anything she likes. 

Publisher blurb: Margot loves space. Astronauts, the stars, and especially the moon landing. So she can’t understand why all of her attempts to communicate her passion fall on disinterested ears. Her mom is patient but distracted; her classmates would rather play kickball; and her teacher just wants her to focus and pay attention in class. Even so, Margot wishes she never had to talk about anything but space ever again. When she wakes up one morning and discovers she can only recite Neil Armstrong’s famous speech from the moon landing, Margot realizes she has an even bigger problem. How can Margot get everyone to pay attention and—more importantly—to hear what she’s really trying to say? This powerful picture book debut plays with themes of listening and communication to highlight the importance of a space of one’s own, no matter what your passion may be. 

A charming picture book about both a child and her obsessions and frustration, anger, and repair. Kirkus

There are several valuable themes in this book, including listening, communication and forgiveness. The book’s contents cover Margot’s learning to express herself effectively and constructively, and there’s also the lesson for adults in children’s lives – to listen and allow kids to be heard and to meet where they’re at. Canadian Review of Materials (Read this review if you are concerned about the way Margot expresses her anger using strong language). 

You can probably guess why I bought this book. If you are talking about space or the moon landing or want to affirm those quirky kids in your class who obsess (in a good way) over a specific topic, then this book could be fun to share. It reminded me of the way the little girl in Agatha May and the Angler Fish by Nora Morrison knew everything about her own favourite fish. 

Here is the teacher's guide from Canadian publisher Annick Press. Erika Rodriguez Medina is originally from Mexico. She now lives in Canada. You can see some of her books here. 

If you have an older child aged 9+ who, like Margot, is fascinated by the Moon Landing they might enjoy this Australian middle grade novel. 

In the illustration I shared you can see Margot reading a book about Laika. Take a look at my blog post about this famous dog who was sent to space (warning very young children may be distressed to discover Laika did not make it back to earth). You should also visit or revisit this award-winning Picture book from Australia:

Stellarphant

The Cloud Thief by James Nicol

"Mara had heard the old tales of the world before the Great Shift but she'd never seen anything that showed what the skies had once been like, when clouds were everywhere. It made her heart ache with sadness that she would never see a sky like it. Her skies would only ever be cloudless, brilliant blue or dusty yellow when a sandstorm rolled in."

Mara's town is called Withering-on-the-Sand-Sea. You might think of UK towns with names like Burnham-on-Sea; Saltburn by the Sea; Gorelston on Sea; and Southend on Sea. Withering was once by the sea but now the sea is just an endless horizon of sand. Water is essential for life. Clouds give us water - it is a basic part of the all-important water cycle - but for this town and others in the area ther are no clouds. There is however, a cloud factory. The town is forced to buy a cloud every few weeks and it seems the price is rising and the quality of the cloud and hence the rain is noticeably reduced. Also, the word wither means to dry up from lack of water.

"It was the first cloud that had been delivered to Withering-on-the Sand-Sea in over four months. ... (They) followed their friends and neighbours across the gorge bridge and then up, up, up the sloping hill to Clifftop farm where the clouds were always delivered. Where they were most needed. Where they did the most good."

But first the cloud must be paid for and this time it has been a huge struggle to gather enough grain and vegetables to satisfy the attendants. As the payment is inspected, Mara notices the mayor also gives the head cloud attendant a small purse of coins. Why? Finally, the moment arrives to release the cloud:

"It was a plump little cloud, but something about it didn't look quite right to Mara. The colour was off; it was neither brilliant white nor dark grey, which was how most clouds delivered to Withering looked."

Mara only has her father Old Bern. Lately he has become unwell with a sickness called the Thwart. Mara overhears a conversation that this can be cured with a piece of cloud. Mara is desperate to help Bern so she stows away, with her pet squirrel Fidget, in the cloud carriage and heads away to the cloud factory.

What will Mara discover there? Will she be able to snatch a piece of precious cloud? And who is that new young cloud attendant - Evie Bainbridge? Is she trustworthy. Take a look at some of the labels I have assigned to this post - corruption, journeys, and magical realism - these might give you a hint about what is about to unfold. Oh, and you are sure to also love the cloud named Brume and Mara's new and wonderful friend Eban and I do need to mention the Skirex (they can fly) and especially the young Skirex named Caleus. 

You can read the first chapter here. Listen to an audio sample from page 3 to 11. You could listen along while reading the text. This might be a great way to introduce this book to your library group or class. I highly recommend The Cloud Thief for readers aged 9+ or you could add this to your family read-aloud list. This is one of those books where every chapter ends with a cliff hanger and so you just keep turning the pages unable to stop reading. 

A gorgeously cosy fantasy novel from the acclaimed author of The Apprentice Witch series and The Spell Tailors – perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli and Diana Wynne Jones.

Mara lives with her father in a drought-stricken village, where rain comes at a price controlled by powerful cloud-makers. Without enough water, the village crops, animals and people will continue to suffer.  ... A spellbinding new fantasy from the acclaimed author of the Apprentice Witch trilogy and The Spell Tailors. Set in a unique magical world, where clouds are made, bought, and sold. For fans of Studio Ghibli and Diana Wynne Jones – with an eco twist! Explores important themes such as climate change, animal rights and inequality in an engaging child-friendly and accessible way. Love Reading4Kids

When you see a book published by Chicken House (UK) take my advice - it will be well worth reading. Luckily here in Australia Chicken House books often appeal on Scholastic Book Club brochures which is how I came to find this book in the Book Bunker library at Westmead Children's Hospital.

I previously enjoyed this book by James Nicol:

The Spell Tailors

A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga

"I am what is referred to as a robot. Most of the other beings around me are humans. All the humans I interact with wear hazmat suits. This is to prevent microbacteria and dust particles from entering my environment. It is very important for my mission that I am kept in a sterile and clean environment."

This quote from the beginning of the book shows you that Res is a terrific observer of his world. He can view the scientists at work via his twenty-three cameras but, while they can communicate with him via code, he is unable to talk to them. 

NASA is preparing to send a mission to Mars. As readers we are given a first-hand account of the preparations through the eyes of the machine or robot that will actually be sent to Mars - a Mars Rover who we learn is named Resilience. The name is perfect but Res has little or no understanding about how or what a sixth grade student from Ohio might be even though she has somehow given him the most perfect name. 

The two scientists who interact with Res are Xander and Rania. 

"I like Rania's code. I always understand what she is asking me to do. The tasks are clear, like lift your arm or take a photograph with your third rear-side camera or turn your wheels to the right. But I also like that Xander talks to me using human speech."

Res feels a special connection with Rania. Throughout the story we watch as Res develops his skills and a better understanding of human behaviour. There is also another Rover in the lab named Journey. 

"Resilience, don't you understand that human feelings are dangerous? They make humans make poor decisions. You see, humans have attachments. They care about each other ... We were built to avoid the problems of humans. We were built to make good decisions."

So, will Res or Journey or perhaps both of these Rovers be sent to Mars? Then a drone arrives. Res names him Fly. And yes, Res and Fly do have a very special attachment especially after they land on Mars. The purpose of this trip is firstly to collect samples of soil and rocks but also to find another Mars Rover named Courage who has now gone offline.

Meanwhile Rania's daughter Sophia 'talks' to Res through a series of letters. We can read the letters but Res can only make guesses about Rania's daughter by overhearing their phone conversations. These letters cover Sophia's journey from Elementary school right through to the end of High school and beyond. And her relationship with her mum - the scientist working with Res. 

There are five parts to this story - Preparing; Launch; Roving; Our Mission; and (spoiler alert) Return. Once you reach Mars with Res you will really be able to feel the surface of the planet - it is described so well. I also loved the way Res stops the gaze at the stars giving us and insight into the enormity of the universe. 

I think you will add a few new words to your daily vocabulary after reading this book - Journey likes to use the phrase 'beeps and boops'; Res says 'zappedty zip'; and the Guardian says 'gruzunks'. I also love the way Fly and Res use music to keep up their spirits even though they only know one song - Twinkle Twinkle.

The Science layer of this story is also sure to appeal to readers aged 9+. I found these resources:

Mars 2020: Perseverance Rover

Mars Exploration Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity

Behind the News BTN Mars Rovers

Bookseller blurb: Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name. Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop humanlike feelings. Maybe there’s a problem with his programming.... Human emotions or not, launch day comes, and Res blasts off to Mars, accompanied by a friendly drone helicopter named Fly. But Res quickly discovers that Mars is a dangerous place filled with dust storms and giant cliffs. As he navigates Mars’s difficult landscape, Res is tested in ways that go beyond space exploration. As millions of people back on Earth follow his progress, will Res have the determination, courage, and resilience to succeed... and survive.

The intelligences here may be (mostly) artificial, but the feelings are genuine and deep. Kirkus Star review

A Rover’s Story is perfect for fans of WALL-E, as it has the same humor and heart but in a whole new story with lovable characters. It is overwhelmingly wonderful. I’m honestly having trouble putting into words the way this book made me feel. That’s the heart of it, really. It makes you feel. From the gorgeous setting descriptions to the heart-pounding plot, A Rover’s Story is one you don’t want to miss. Paw Prints in the Sink

Fans of The Wild Robot (I am one) will adore A Rover's Story. I am not sure why I waited so long to read this terrific book. It was published in 2022 and I have seen it mentioned in lots of lists. Luckily my friend was able to loan me her copy. Harper Collins have prepared a one-page guide to A Rover's Story.

Watch this four-minute video where Colby Sharp talks about A Rover's Story - "awesome; amazing; just great; kids are going to love it; one of the most popular books of the year; fascinating; could be great for a book club; deep conversations about life; magical; I gave it all the stars."

Read here how one teacher explored this book with her book club group.

Awards

• An Instant New York Times Bestseller
• An Indie Bestseller
• An ALA Notable Book
• A Washington Post Best Book of 2022
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2022
• A Booklist Editor’s Choice Best Book of 2022
• Indigo Best Book of 2022
• An Evanston Public Library Best Book of 2022
• 2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award List Selection 
• 2023 Illinois Reads selection
• 2023 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee
• 2023-2024 Maine Student Book Award Nominee
• 2024 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award
• 2024 Hawaii Nēnē Award Nominee
• 2023 Ohioana Book Award Winner
• 2023-2024 Kentucky Bluegrass Book Award Nominee
• 2023 Michigan YouUper Award Nominee 
• 2023 North Carolina Children’s Book Award 
• 2024-2025 Indiana Young Hooiser Book Award Nominee
• 2024 Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection
• 2024-2025 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee
• 2023-2024 New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee
• 2023-2024 Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee
• 2023 Quahog Book Award Nominee
• 2023-2024 Surrey Schools Book of the Year Nominee
• 2023-2024 Volunteer State Book Award Nominee

You could also look at some of my previous posts about books that feature robots (there are so many that I have really enjoyed over the last 20+ years).

Here is a previous book I have read by Jasmine Warga:

Other Words for Home

I have added The Shape of Thunder to my 'to read' list.

Stitch by Padraig Kenny

Stitch and his friend Henry are creations of an old Professor. Stitch is indeed stitched together from various human body parts presumably retrieved from graves. You are right to think of Frankenstein. Please don't be concerned though, because Stitch is such an endearing and kind character, and his naive view of the world is sure to charm you. I think children reading this book are sure to emphasise with the way Stitch has difficulty making sense of the world and of big topics like life and death and betrayal and the human desire for immortality.

Early in the story we are told Stitch has been ordered not to disturb the old Professor. Each day Stitch has his routine. He counts the days he has been 'alive' so we learn the story opens on day five hundred and eighty-five (you will immediately work out that this is not much longer than a year). I did wonder just how long Stitch has tiptoed past the professor's door and then just a few days later two visitors arrive at his castle home. The man is the old Professor's nephew - Professor Hardacre and his 'assistant' Alice. Very quickly Professor Hardacre realises something is wrong. He opens the forbidden door and discovers the old Professor has died. Death is a mysterious concept that Stitch just cannot grasp. Down in the basement of the castle, Henry, another of the late Professors creations is held in a cage. Stitch knows Henry has done something 'wrong' and so the cage is for his protection. Every day, as part of his routine, Stitch feeds his pet named Brown Mouse and he thinks about his other friend, White Rabbit, who is no longer there. Then he visits Henry for a chat. His routine is thrown into disarray with the arrival of these two strangers. There is something slightly disturbing about Professor Hardacre. Alice on the other hand is so kind and speaks gently to Stitch trying to explain the ways humans behave especially in relation to creatures and people perceived as different. She has first-hand experience of this because she has a hump on her back (you might think of another famous story about human reactions to difference The Hunchback of Notre-Dame).

Professor Hardacre has obsessive reasons for want to experiment with Henry. He sets up his equipment and waits for a night of thunder and lightning, but Stitch can feel this is all wrong and he is sure his best friend Henry is in danger. 

Here are some text quotes to give you a flavour of this story. You are sure to enjoy Henry's quirky invented words:

"As if to prove his point to himself, Stitch holds his hands up. One is very definitely smaller than the other. This is his left hand. It has long slim fingers. The other is large, almost bloated in comparison. Its fingers are stubby and fat. Both hands are grey in colour because all of Stitch's skin is grey ... "

"But if you are a monster, Alice, then that should mean you are horrible and cruel, and I haven't known you for very long, but I know for a fact that you are not horrible and cruel. Far from it. To me you seem to be a very nice individual, wise and generous in your insights and behaviour."

"Dead,' says Henry. 'I believe I have heard the word, although I confess I do not fully understand it. This is quite surprising because I have picked up a lot of knowledge in my own studies and assessments of the world."

"Hodgepodge Henry Oaf. A mixture of bits and pieces of different people, which goes some way to explaining some of my more inexplicabubble bouts of mischief."

In her review for Magpies Magazine (Vol 39, issue 2, May 2024) Dr Robin Morrow said:

"This book succeeds as a gripping adventure story, while provoking thought and discussion about topics such as the humanness of these beings, friendship, difference, and responsibility."

Reading Zone: The overriding message is that it does not matter what you may look like. What is important is being a good person, doing the right thing, and standing up for your friends. As Stitch says, "Everybody is different, and this is what makes the world such a curious and interesting place". Padraig Kenny has managed to wrap up a vitally important message in a thrilling adventure story. I believe that this is an important book which will be read and enjoyed - on many different levels - by children and adults alike. Highly recommended.

Moving and powerful, yet delicate, this story celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. It would be a great one for classroom discussion. Books for Keeps

Thanks to Walker Books Australia - I won my copy of Stitch. You can see Padraig Kenny talking about and reading an extract of his book here. This link also includes an interview with Padraig. And here is a teaching guide. 

Your local or school library might have a version of Frankenstein abridged for children such as this one from Usborne books.

I previously talked about this book by Padraig Kenny. When you read Tin I am sure you will see some ways the story has links with Stitch.

Tin

I would follow Stitch with Cogheart which also explores the idea of immortality.

Freddie Spector Fact Collector: Space Cadet by Ashleigh Barton illustrated by Peter Cheong

Freddie has a new obsession - space. He collects every fact he can, and he shares these on post-it notes all around his house. If you met Freddie you could ask him any question about space and he is sure to know the answer. Actually, questions are one theme in this book because five lucky students from Freddie's school have been selected to ask one question each of Astronaut Lilly Jun who is on the International Space Station. She will talk to the students via a video call. Freddie really wants to ask a great question - not something silly. I won't spoil the question he does ask but it is brilliant! You do need to read the whole book which is just over 100 pages, however, before this is revealed. 

The other thread in this book, one that keeps the plot moving, is the mystery next door. Freddie is woken by a noise in the night. He looks into the neighbor's backyard and he is shocked to see a huge hole. Freddie is certain a UFO has arrived and that means an alien is now inside the neighbours home. All of this is confirmed when the neighbour almost slams the door in Freddie and his sister's faces and later when Freddie sees a strange red light in the upstairs rooms of their house. There is also the mystery of green slime on the path leading into school. Did the aliens leave this here?

I did not expect to enjoy Freddie Spector Fact Collector as much as I did. This book is the first in a new series and it is one your readers in grades 2 and up are sure to enjoy. The scattering of illustrations by Peter Cheong are also sure to appeal to newly confident readers and they will enjoy the pages filled with Freddie's sticky notes. I did learn a few interesting things about space myself after reading these.  

• Astronauts on the Internationa Space Station see sixteen sunsets and sunrises over earth every day.
• Halley's comet will return in 2061.
• Black holes don't last forever - they slowly evaporate.
• Mercury's moons are named after famous people like Dr Seuss, Beethoven, and Maya Angelou.

Huge thanks to Three Sparrow Books for the advance copy of Space Cadet due out in July this year. It is published by Hachette. I have previously talked about other books by Ashleigh Barton. And Peter Cheong - Every Night at Midnight. 

Publisher blurb: Freddie Spector loves collecting facts - about anything and everything. His latest obsession is space. It's all he talks about: stars, planets, galaxies, astronauts, space travel - and, of course UFOs and extraterrestrials. Freddie writes all his facts on sticky notes that his mum and big sister, Henrietta, keep finding in weird places - like in their sock drawers or their sandwiches. But whenever Freddie collects facts on a topic, his very active imagination always gets involved too. And, after noticing some very suspicious goings-on, Freddie realises it's up to him to discover the answer to a burning question: could aliens have landed in his neighborhood? Fast-paced and funny, this series is all about an everyday eight-year-old boy whose love of facts and extraordinary imagination come together with unexpected and hilarious results.

Here is the second book in the series which will also be released in July, 2024.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage

Dr Morley is determined that somewhere out in the icy waters, 

they will find the elusive giant Arctic jellyfish.

They see narwhals; icebergs; beluga whales; seals; killer whales; and polar bears. The crew decorate their deck with a huge snow man. But there is no sight of the famed jellyfish.

"They wonder, just maybe, is the giant Arctic jellyfish really just a myth after all?"

Perhaps it is time to turn around and head home?

Meanwhile young readers have spotted something huge under the water - I can hear them calling out to Dr Morley - she is looking the wrong way!

This voyage may be fictional, but the frustrations—and joys—of scientific exploration are real indeed. Whimsical and wonderful. Kirkus Star review

This magical illustrated book sparkles with a seamless blend of scientific endeavour, magical adventure and passion for the wild. Chloe Savage’s enchanting debut is a journey to the end of the Earth that will charge the imaginations of younger readers with an appetite for adventure. Children's Book of the Month, BBC Wildlife

But enchanting as the story is, it’s only half of the feast. The illustrations are really stunning and tell a secondary story as the giant jellyfish trails the searching boat, artfully slipping out of sight at the crucial moment. Younger readers will be thrilled to see how the jellyfish outwits the scientists until it's ready to be found. There are more than a few echoes of the great Michael Foreman in Savage’s drawing style and her use of a wonderful range of blues only serves to underline the influence. I also loved the use of cross-sections of the boat to illustrate the dedication, order and dedication of the crew at work. Letter Press Project

There are elements of Where’s Wally? in the story as the jellyfish is shown hiding and watching the explorers, and children may well enjoy the sense that they know more than the characters. The small figures of the scientists contrast with the scale of the land and seascapes, ...  Some readers may also enjoy researching the history of real polar expeditions and identifying the facts and figures behind the largest jellyfish ever found. I enjoyed the combination of fiction and fact in this sparkling, playful story – highly recommended. Just Imagine

See inside this book here. My favourite pages are the ones showing the cross sections of the ship with all the crew engaged in different activities. I also love this title page:

This book has been short listed for the Yoto Carnegie award (formerly the Kate Greenaway Medal). The search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish is a debut picture book for Chole Savage so that is a huge honour. This book is available in paperback here in Australia and at a great price.

Here are the judges' comments: The stunning use of blue and white to represent the cold contrasts with the burnt orange of the ship.  Humour and playfulness in the illustrations helps to create tonal variation from the text. Dr Morley is female and is shown to be confident and comfortable with her role, and whilst being shown as authoritative, she is also adventurous and curious. There’s an assured quality to the continuity in the smallest of details with bins filling up, boxes of provisions dwindling and body language becoming more despondent and tempers fraying as the search progresses. Every character is given expression and so has motivation and stories attached to them. The watercolour paintings are great, friendly and fun. It’s a vibrant and lively story. Despite being a non-fiction text, the illustrations provide stories as well as the opportunity to learn about deep water exploration. Readers not only witness Dr Morley’s search but can actively engage in hunting for the jellyfish on each page as we are given glimpses into other-worldly underwater environments in the Arctic.

Awards:

• Carnegie Medal for Illustration SHORTLIST 2024
• Waterstone Children's Book Prize BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK WINNER 2024 
• The Sunday Times and Financial Times Books of the Year 2022 
• Stanford's Children’s Book of the Month November 2022 
• Starred Reviews from: Kirkus, Shelf Awareness, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal 
• As Featured Wall Street Journal and BBC Wildlife Magazine
• Klaus Fugge Prize Long List 2023 

This book is fiction (it is a picture book), but I was interested to see that the library I visit each week have placed it in Non-Fiction [593.53] with other books about jellyfish. This actually seems like a good idea because hopefully the young students who browse the shelves and borrow this book will also take home one or two other books about jellyfish - they are such curious creatures.

Jellyfish - here in Australia we have several that cause problems and one that can even kill you! The Box Jellyfish can be found in the tropical waters of Northern Australia and their sting can cause serious symptoms or even death.

Image source: A to Z animals