Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod

 

This lovely book is a collection of five adventures had by Maudie and her dear friend Bear. Maudie loves Bear very much, but can also be rather demanding. Luckily for her, Bear is patient and loving and always there for her! The stories are sweet and funny, and charmingly illustrated by Freya Blackwood.

The book itself is a thing of beauty – a gorgeous hardback with a ribbon marker, so would make a lovely gift. This delightful book has also recently been named the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Early Childhood Book of the Year for 2011. Destined to become a classic, I’m sure! Hardback, $29.95

Kate Greenaway, Freya Blackwood, Harry and Hopper

The 2010 Kate Greenaway Medal winner was Australian illustrator Freya Blackwood.  The text of the book was written by Margaret Wild.  The story is about a young boy, Harry, and the  effect the death of a much loved pet, Hopper,  has on him and his family.  It is sad, of course, but so beautifully done that it is very heart warming. The story draws on Blackwood’s own experience of her family’s dog when she was a child.  Though this is the perfect book to give a child when such an event occurs, it should be looked at by a much wider audience than that.  Paperback, $16

Maudie and Bear

Once in a while, a truly great picture book comes along. Maudie and Bear (HB $29.95) by Jan Ormerod is one such book. This beautiful story, composed of five short chapters, makes the perfect bedtime companion. Maudie is cheeky and playful, Bear is her dependable friend, and together they will charm your socks off.

Freya Blackwood’s illustrations, as seen before in the award winning Harry & Hopper (PB $16) and Amy & Louis (PB $16), are absolute perfection.

Harry & Hopper

Having just won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal 2010, this beautiful picture book is a bookshelf must.

Harry and Hopper do everything together. Ever since Hopper was a bouncy puppy, he has been at Harry’s side. When they are young, Harry teaches Hopper how to catch a ball and fetch his lead. As they get a little older, Hopper helps Harry with his homework and Harry helps Hopper disappear at bath time. Then one day, Hopper isn’t there anymore.

Margaret Wild’s Harry & Hopper (PB $16)  is a touching story about love and loss and moving on. Freya Blackwood’s illustrations are simply perfection.