PICTURE STORYBOOKS
The River
In contemporary Shanghai, Hong reads the story of a young girl Xian's journey along the great Yangtse River in the 1950s. A gift, a treasure and an adventure await both Hong and Xian, as Hong follows the story set by the river. While Xian reaches the home of her beloved grandparents, Hong learns the importance of cherishing story itself. Chinese-born illustrator Stanley Wong has used soft-lined illustrations with many Chinese landscapes, to enhance the text.
Publisher - Curriculum Corporation, 2001
   
The Gift
This picture storybook is based on the famous narrative poem, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, by Robert Browning. When all the children are piped away, one little boy is left behind. This is his story. The gift of a flute opens the magical world to him where he can choose to save all the children of Hamelin. But what should he do? Greg Rogers' stunning architectural illustrations complement the story.
Publisher - Random House, 2000
Okra and Acacia - The Story of the Wattle Pattern Plate
When Acacia, the beautiful daughter of a bankrupt landowner, falls in love with Okra, a young Aboriginal stockman, their love seems doomed. But these two are determined nothing will keep them apart. Based on the Chinese tale The Willow Pattern Plate, the story, set in the Australian countryside, is illustrated with Brigitte Stoddart's very fine papercuts.
Publisher - Curriculum Corporation, 2001
   
A Face in the Water
Set in India at the Taj Mahal, this time-slip tale tells of Pearl, an Australian tourist, meeting a child of the past in young Goharara. The face in the water is Goharara. And she is none other than the daughter of the Shah Jahan, the Emperor who built the Taj Mahal long ago, in memory of his wife. Uma Krishnasawamy's Mughal-type miniatures combined with contemporary folk art, beautifully complement this time-slip story.
Publisher - Tulika Press, India, 2000 (Dist. Curriculum Corporation)
   
Grandma's Shoes
The child does not want to share her room with her little sister when Grandma dies. Finding some left-behind shoes of grandma's she takes thrilling journeys. Finally she comes face to face with her grandmother, only to be told she must go back. Her grandma also tells her lovingly that she must wait until her feet are large enough to properly fit the shoes before wearing them again. Caroline Magerl's soft water colours enhance the sensitivities of the text..
Publisher - Penguin Books, 1994; republished Hodder Headline, 2000
 
Magical Ride
When Jess refuese go home to dinner after a friend's birthday party, big brother Luke tries to encourage him with several fun ideas for 'riding' home. From a giraffe ride to a panther race, from a flying cup to a sliding banana skin,no promises of fun make Jess actually budge. Then Luke takes matters into his own hands. Gary Fleming's fabulous illustrations make the rides come alive.
Publisher - Hodder Headline, 1999
   
Sky Sash So Blue
Blue sash, oh blue sash, My sky blue, my true sash…Susannah's sash is hers to wear at her sister Sissy's wedding. It's a little piece of hope as the family stitch together the rags they find to make Sissy's dress. But the Missus remembers the scraps and wants them back. Nothing can stop Susannah's enjoyment of the wedding even though her sister and new husband must walk to freedom leaving her behind. Extraordinary fabric collages by American painter Benny Andrews pay tribute to the strength of family.
Publisher - Simon and Schuster US; Hodder Headline, Australia.
   
The Wonder Thing
What is the wonder thing? If you explore every page of Peter Gouldthorpe's miraculous lino cuts, you might guess what it is. It resides in Nature, it is vital to life and it's 'lovely as life is, for the life it will bring, splendid as rainbows, a miracle thing.' If you haven't guessed it already the secret is revealed on the last page.
Publisher - Penguin, 1995
   
Way Home
It's night and the dark is filled with strange sounds as Shane makes his way home. On a fence he finds a stray cat that at first growls and spits at him. But Shane talks and strokes the kitten to calmness, and decides to take the 'Spitfire, Kitten Number One,' home with him. No gang of boys, or avenue of dense traffic, or fierce dog can stop Shane carrying his new found friend to the place he calls home. Greg Rogers' sensitive use of charcoal and pastel create Shane and his cat in splendid city-at-night time scenes.
Publisher - Random House, 1994
 
Freya's Fantastic Surprise
When her friend Miriam tells some fantastic news about a new tent at News Time in class, Freya just wants to outdo her. Every day Freya's news is more and more fantastic until no one, not even her teacher, believes her. And then Freya truly does have a fantastic surprise to share. And that wonderful piece of news encourages Miriam to share the tent!
Publisher - Ashton Scholastic, 1982
   
The Tram to Bondi Beach
Keiran wants to be a paperboy and ride the running board of the trams that hurtle down the hill to the famous Bondi Beach. The only trouble is when the newsagent hires him, the local paperboy Saxon tells the younger Keiran this tramstop is his territory. But Kieran is determined and tries to copy Saxon's technique on the trams. It all ends in a fall and his dad's fury and the threat of losing his first job. But then, unexpectedly Saxon sticks up for Keiran, saves his job for him and they become firm friends. Julie Vivas's stunning watercolours set the scene for 1930's Bondi Beach.
Publisher - Collins, 1981
   
The Wishing Cupboard  
Tan is waiting impatiently for his Mum to come home from Vietnam bringing his cousin Lan. His grandma decides to show him the wonders of the wishing cupboard. In every drawer there is an object which has its own story. Attached to the object is a wish. Tan finds the last space is empty and his grandma invites him to place his own object and make his own wish. Whilst grandma's snoozes Tan makes two wishes – one for himself about his mother and one for his grandmother too. Both come true! Libby Stanley's handsome and detailed artwork makes this book a treasure.
Publisher - Lothian, 2002