Big Ball of String

What’s New in June

Picture Books

Captain Crabclaw’s Crew by Frances Watts (ill) David Legge
Captain Crabclaw the Pirate has a brand-new ship, The Speedy Squid. He plans to go in search of treasure. First, he needs to find a crew. The captain puts up a sign on the ship asking for: one parrot, one first mate, one lookout, one cook. The only condition is that the crew must be…FEARSOME!! The potential crew arrives. They turn out to be various animals—a duck, a giraffe, an elephant, a cow and a chicken. All demonstrate the very loud, fearsome noise each can make. An impressed Captain Crabclaw hires them all. The Speedy Squid sets sail. Things do not go as Captain Crabclaw expects. However, this unusual crew have a clever plan. By the end of the story they have helped Captain Crabclaw become ‘the happiest Pirate Captain on the Seven Seas’, and VERY rich indeed! This is a charming, funny story perfectly matched by David Legge’s lively and amusing illustrations. ($15, PB) Stephen

Toby and the Tricky Things by Lou Peacock (ill) Christine Pym
Toby and the Tricky Things is ideal for children adjusting to the arrival of a new sibling, and to the increase in independence that comes with getting older. Baby elephant, Toby, finds that whilst some things are easy to do on his own, there are tricky things with which he still requires help, not always forthcoming from a mum busy with a baby. Toby and the Tricky Things is a gentle and humorous story about sharing a parent’s love with a new baby. ($15, PB) Naomi

For Younger Readers

The Tales of Mr Walker ($25, HB) by Jess Black (ill) Sara Acton The Tales of Mr Walker is the story of actual dog, Mr Walker, the Guide Dog Ambassador living at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne. With sophisticated language but content appropriate for younger children, it is perfect to read aloud, and for younger, advanced readers to read independently. The Tales of Mr Walker contains four very gentle stories in one book, beautifully illustrated throughout. Mr Walker’s adventures continue in Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop ($15, HB), where the staff frantically prepare for a hotel reviewer, and Mr Walker and the Dessert Delight. ($15, HB), in which resident chef Remy vies with an internationally famous chef preparing meals for a special celebration in the hotel. Follow Mr Walker too on Instagram. Naomi

Novelty and Interactive

The Incredible Pop-Up Maze by Andy Mansfield ($33, HB)
Paper engineer Andy Mansfield’s latest innovative book tests your maze and motor skills with seven increasingly difficult 3-D labyrinths. Dexterity is essential to manipulate the tabs through the spirals, swirls and geometric patterns via paths of differing widths, and to negotiate the dead ends and false routes. The final maze features a game element, with a variety of possible endings, meaning you can play it over and over again. Ready to exercise your navigational skills? Just go through the hole in the cover of this unusual book… Suitable for 5-adult. Lynndy

Arcade Claw Game by Klutz Maker Lab ($30, BX)
Aspiring mechanical engineers of 8+ will learn about the physics of force and motion while playing with all the possibilities this kit offers. Assemble and explore the basic claw game; and follow through on the additional activities in the included book to keep experimenting, creating fun twists on this arcade challenge. For those wanting to promote STEAM topics in their youngling’s life, this is an immensely enjoyable way to ensnare their interest. What an enviable job the Klutz teams must have—how could you not revel in conceiving and creating outstanding craft and activity kits like this? Lynndy

NON-FICTION

Incredible Journeys: Discovery, Adventure, Danger, Endurance by Levison Wood (ill) Sam Brewster ($30, HB)
Renowned contemporary explorer Wood guides the reader on twenty epic international expeditions, from ancient and medieval times up to present-day forays into the ocean depths and out into space. A specialist in documenting remote regions and cultures, Wood reveals his own experiences as he illuminates the voyages of Captain Cook, Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart and Alexander the Great, among others. Personal insights and inspirational adventures complement detailed maps and discussions of the relevant cultures along the way. History, biographies, discovery, adventure, danger, endurance – all under the aegis of this real-life expert: what more could a budding pioneer ask? Ideal for age 9+. Lynndy

My Little Book of Big Questions by Britta Teckentrup ($35, HB)
Is it possible to understand the whole universe? Why do some people turn nasty when they are in a large group? Will I be happy? These are some of life’s big questions children ponder, presented here as an opportunity for discussion and reflection on identity, hopes, fears, and the world in general. Over almost 200 pages Teckentrup explores these questions— supplying no answers but encouraging examination of the ideas and emotions involved, prompting insight and empathy. Striking as ever, her gorgeously textured, layered illustrations are created by scanning and digitally composing art that has been printed and painted by hand, and carefully set against white space. Pitched at 6–10 year-olds, this philosophical picture book will also have older readers examining matters both everyday and existential. A staff favourite here in our Glebe children’s shop, Teckentrup triumphs again with her art and universality. Lynndy

Fiction

Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire by Nat Amoore ($15, PB) It’s exciting to have yet another new Australian author to promote, and this book is one I highly recommend, as there is so much to like about it. When Tess uncovers a million dollars hidden in her back yard by her ‘undesirable’ neighbour shortly before he was arrested, of course she shares the news with her inseparable best friend Toby, but they have very different ideas about what to do with this fortune. Passionate social activist Toby swells with visions of charitable donations and improving the world. Tess is desperate firstly to help her own family—with only one parent working and a sister with a chronic medical condition, she is very aware they suffer a perpetual scarcity of funds—and after that, spend it all having fun! Steadily the million dollars diminishes until a shock twist adds an element of sinister danger. Relationships between Tess and her family, friends, Toby, and a homeless woman in the park are beautifully crafted and credible; likewise Toby’s family and background, none of it laboured or didactic but revealed naturally within the course of events. Dramatic tension is built with, though not diminished by humour, enhancing the realism. Tess’s dilemma is underlaid by tips throughout the book relating directly to the choices she and Toby make; they are also valid and important Life Tips relevant to the readership. This is an impressive, skilfully wrought debut easy to enthuse about. Lynndy
Author Nat Amoore also co-hosts the kidlit podcast One More Page­(onemorepagepodcast.com), definitely worth checking out.

Teen Fiction

Mike by Andrew Norriss
Mike is the story of a teenage boy and junior tennis champion, prompted by his subconscious to face the dilemma of continuing with a sport he no longer enjoys or disappointing his devoted parents. With themes that will resonate with teenagers and young adults, this is an optimistic story of facing fears, accepting help and embracing opportunity. ($17, PB) Naomi

Mindcull by K H Canobi ($19.95, PB)
Another strong Australian debut novel, this futuristic thriller plays with technology and virtual reality, focussed through the lens of 16-year-old Eila, who is shortlisted for her dream job with an influential global tech company. Suddenly her life becomes complicated: she is forced into espionage by a law enforcement agency; her best friend is involved with illegal activists, and her head is swarming with someone else’s thoughts, thanks to untraceable virtual reality apps. Trust is paramount, but who can Eila truly rely on? Lynndy