New arrivals

Some more great books have arrived in store today.   The new Sebastian Faulks called A Week in December will be another book to add to the pile.  Andrew McGahan is a Miles Franklin winner and his new book Wonder of the Godless World will stretch your imagination.

For the foodies,  Antonio Carluccio is back with his book called Simple Cooking.

Greg and Lucy Malouf had a book a few years ago called Moorish, and it has been re released with a fresh new look.

And the man with the cravat, Matt Preston’s book Cravat-a-licious has hit the shelves.  Check out the boots he is wearing in the photo on the back cover.   It’s food writing with the humour and knowledge we expect.     Heather

Vivi finds Bean by Vanessa Holle

Vivi finds Bean

Vivi is a little girl living in Hamburg, whose godmother, oddly called Bean, lives on the other side of the world in Sydney. One day Vivi wakes up and decides to wave goodbye to Mammi and Pappi and sets out for Australia. On the way Vivi travels on the back of a turtle, on the tail of a whale and in the pouch of a kangaroo. While peppered with Australian animals and landmarks, this sweet story, written in rhyming verse, is not too cute to handle. The quirky illustrations ensure a modern twist on an Aussie tale.

Perfect for 3 to 6 year olds. HB $24.95

By Jess

Let The Music Move You

[Wonder by Lisa Mitchell; Music For Men - Gossip; triplej Hottest 100 Of All Time 2009; Quiet Nights by Diana Krall and Far by Regina Spektor]

We’re working to improve our range on CD’s which has been quite limited for awhile now. With no where else to buy cd’s in the street we’ve decided to expand our range including a lot of Australian artists [and all those pictured]. Whilst our range is small we’re working towards making it relevant so we can provide a selection of music that our customers are interested in. So if you hear something you like whilst in our store, check out what’s now playing shown at the counter. We’d also love you to let us know in store or by comment here what your listening to to help us to continue to improve our selection.

- Steph.

Indie Award update – Winner Announced

Craig Silvey has won the second Indie Award for his book Jasper Jones, and well deserved it is too.   I am very happy with this decision as I love the book.  It is set in a small town in Western Australia, and tells of the relationship that develops between two boys, who share a terrible secret.  It is also very funny, even though there is murder, drunkeness, bullying and lots more.   Hugely enjoyable.    Congratulations Craig.

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Juliet, Naked is Nick Hornby’s latest adult novel after a four year absence and a foray into teen fiction. It is a return to form for Hornby, with Juliet, Naked focusing on the stale relationship of a 40-something, childless couple Annie and Duncan. Annie is tiring of Duncan’s obsessive love of reclusive singer-songwriter Tucker Crowe, who dropped out of the music scene some 20 years ago under mysterious circumstances. Their quiet life implodes when Crowe releases an album that puts Annie and Duncan on opposite sides of the reviewing spectrum, and calls into question the point of their relationship. Juliet, Naked is classic Hornby at his witty and irreverent best, which touches on the nuances of human nature that both men and women can relate to. Very enjoyable!

By Marissa

Ten books babies need.

We think reading to children is an essential part of a child’s development, as well as being a lovely thing to do.  We have a section in the shop devoted to our top ten books for various ages.

Our top ten babies books are:

• The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Where is the green sheep by Mem Fox
• Rosie’s walk by Pat Hutchins
• Time for bed by Mem Fox
• Peepo by Jane & Alan Ahlberg
• We’re going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen
• Baby touch animals, Ladybird
• I went walking by Sue Machin
• Ten little fingers, ten little toes by Mem fox
• Who sank the boat by Pamela Allen

These are our selections based on the quality of the story telling, they are not necessarily best sellers.

We have them all in the shop in board book format, suitable for babies from 0 to 18 months. Most of them are also available in paperback if preferred.  Enjoy them with a baby you know.      Heather

Greek Cookery from the Hellenic Heart by George Calombaris

Masterchef anyone? A surprise TV sensati0n for Channel 10 earlier this year, Masterchef has created insane popularity of not only the winner Julie [whose cookbook is out next year] but the judges; Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris.

The first of the books related to the series is OUT NOW! Just received is Greek Cookery: From The Hellenic Heart by George Calombaris. Let me tell you, this is one good looking cookbook! With shiny silver edged pages and chock full of great photography by Dean Cambray of not just the food, this book would make a spectacular gift. Recipes are nice and spread out meaning most have an image. The book is divided into 8 helpful chapters including Priono: Breakfast, Skara and Psitaria: Grill and Spit and My Mum’s Greek Cypriot Heart. From old favourites Baklava and Moussaka (plus Every Dip Flavour Imaginable!), to surprise packets like Cypriot pies and Greek Doughnuts with Attiki honey, this book won’t just sit on a shelf after its bought.

(self scanned image, left side slightly cut off sorry!)

Greek Cookery from the Hellenic Heart is well priced for books of its type at $50, Hardcover. It’s sure to sell fast so don’t wait around.

The Press Club (2008)

Also available.

$45, Hardback.

-Steph.

New arrivals

We are in the midst of receiving our October new releases, and there are lots of exciting new books.  Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Companion talks about how anyone can grow some food, no matter how small their garden or balcony.  Lavishly illustrated and with a lovely cloth cover, this will sit nicely alongside the Cook’s Companion.

Marian Keyes and Nick Hornby both have new novels out too.   Both of them are always a good read.

Star of the Melbourne restaurant scene and TV’s Masterchef, George Calombaris has a new book out too.  This one is more approachable food for the home cook, unlike his first book, which was fairly ‘cheffy’.

Come and have a look.  There are lots more books coming, October is a huge month for new arrivals.   Heather

Book review of Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children by Jen Storer

Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children

Tensy Farlow could not be considered lucky. She was pushed down the River Charon as a baby and now at nine years old, her nasty adoptive parents are leaving her in the hands of the evil Matron Pluckrose at the Home for Mislaid Children. Tensy has flaming red hair and is generally considered a bit weird by the other children. However, Tensy has bigger problems than Twerps and Fribbles, including Lythia, a cursed river creature who wants to capture her soul. And then there is the fact that Tensy Farlow has no guardian angel…

This book, like Tensy herself, is charming and quirky and makes you wonder if there’s a guardian angel out there for you too.

One of my favourite children’s book this year and perfect for girls 8 to 11.  HB $19.95. Available instore now.

Jess

Schools Out!

Its school holidays and the suns come out with the kids, good timing, we were all wondering where spring was hiding. As the days get longer and the kids need entertaining why not distract them with one of these great books.

“You can travel inside a book”  -Jameson, aged 8.

We know theres heaps of families in the area so we have a big children’s section along with a selection of toys and some puzzles to keep kids of all ages entertained. Feel free to ask for a recommendation if you’re feeling a little lost because that’s what we’re here for.

Current Top Picks:

Tensy Farlow by Jen Storer:  This adorable story about a flame-haired girl named Tensy whose a little down on her luck has been selling very well and is highly recommended. Perfect for girls 9+.

The Battle Boy Series by Charlie Carter is about 11 year old Napoleon Augustus Smythe, who is a spy with a difference. He uses the Battle Books to spy on battles of days gone by with the help of librarian/scientist Miss Perdu. Its a bit of history with a whole lot of adventure, and the first book is currently a special price, recommended for boys 7-12 yrs.

Out September #1: Open Fre, $5 and #2: Red Devil Down, $10. Coming in December #3: Bloodaxe, $10 and #4: Destroy Troy, $10.

Toby Alone and the sequel Toby and the Secrets of the Tree are about a little boy whose only one-and-a-half millimetres tall. Toby escapes imprisonment and without his parents he embarks on an adventure that will take him to the very edges of the words as he knows it. Ideal for boys and girls 9 years and up.

The Bride’s Farewell by Meg Rosoff is a beautiful book for teens about a girl named Pell who isn’t happy with her lot in life. Born into a poor family, Pell runs away with her younger brother Bean on what was to be her wedding day. Their quest for freedom leads them down an interesting path, where they meet and encounter all sorts. A great read for girls 15+.

Stocks are limited as always, give us a call or an email to secure a copy of any of the above.

- Steph

If you’ve enjoyed The Ranger’s Apprentice series or the Harry Potter books then the Laws of Magic should be next on your list.Michael will be there to tell us about his book and meet and greet the assembled multitude.  We will be there selling copies of the book.  Michael will be happy to sign copies as required.  All are welcome.