Genevieve Kruyssen from Brisbane's beloved bookshop, Where the Wild Things Are, recently joined a podcast to discuss a curated selection of children's books. From picture books to middle-grade novels, her recommendations promise to captivate young readers and fill gaps in existing libraries. This blog highlights key points from the discussion, providing teachers with insights on how these books can enrich their classrooms.
Picture Books: Rhythm and Relatability
'Good Night, Good Beach' by Joy Cowley and Hilary Jean Tapper
Genevieve began with Good Night, Good Beach, a charming picture book that evokes the timeless rhythm and simplicity of classic children's stories. This book's quaint, old-fashioned illustrations and lyrical text create a soothing bedtime read, perfect for both children and grandparents. The narrative follows a day at the beach from dawn to dusk, capturing sensory details like "creaky old bed with rumpled sheet" and "sunburned skin and sandy feet." The emphasis on rhythm makes it an engaging read-aloud book, reinforcing the beauty of simple, joyful moments.
Two Turtles by Kiah Thomas and Jake A. Minton
Next, she introduced Two Turtles, a playful tale that begins with a turtle falling off a cliff. The text's engaging tone invites dynamic reading, making it a delight for young listeners. The story unfolds with humour and clever dialogue, as the turtles compete to reach the ground first. The book's strong visual storytelling, reminiscent of Jon Klassen's style, uses expressive eyes to convey the characters' emotions, adding depth to the humorous narrative. This book encourages students to explore how illustrations can enhance storytelling.
The Big Book of Australian Nursery Rhymes by Frane Lessac
Genevieve highlighted The Big Book of Australian Nursery Rhymes, which revitalises traditional nursery rhymes with an Australian twist. With vibrant illustrations and minimal yet meaningful changes to classic rhymes, this book offers a fun way to engage children. For example, "Jack be nimble, Jack be quick" becomes "Jack be nimble, Jack be strong, Jack jumped over the billabong." Such adaptations not only entertain but also make the rhymes more relatable to Australian children. This book is an excellent resource for teaching rhyme and rhythm while celebrating local culture.
Three Dresses by Wanda Gibson
Finally, Genevieve discussed Three Dresses by Wanda Gibson, a poignant narrative that delves into the life of a young girl living on the Hopevale Mission. The story is framed around the three dresses the girl receives each year, symbolising simplicity and resilience. The vivid paintings by Gibson herself bring authenticity to the narrative, making it a powerful tool for teaching about different cultural experiences and the historical context of Australian missions.
Chapter Books: Engaging Read-Alouds and Independent Reads
Losing the Plot by Annaleise Byrd
For early chapter book readers, Genevieve recommended Losing the Plot, a humourous retelling of Hansel and Gretel. This debut novel by Brisbane author Annaliese Byrd is filled with witty dialogue and acronyms, creating a lively and engaging read. The protagonists, Basil and Terry, find themselves in a fairytale world where they must help Hansel and Gretel fix plot holes in their story to avoid "deep trouble." The book's playful language and clever plot make it a great read-aloud choice, sparking discussions about narrative structure and creativity.
Enhancing Classroom Reading
Genevieve's selection emphasises the importance of choosing books that are not only educational but also enjoyable for children. These books provide rich opportunities for teachers to:
- Encourage Rhythmic Reading: Books like Good Night, Good Beach and The Big Book of Australian Nursery Rhymes help children appreciate the musicality of language and improve their reading fluency.
- Promote Visual Literacy: With illustrations playing a key role in books like Two Turtles, students can learn to interpret visual cues and understand how images complement text.
- Explore Cultural Contexts: Three Dresses offers a window into Australian Indigenous history, fostering empathy and cultural awareness.
- Develop Narrative Skills: Engaging chapter books like Losing the Plot inspire children to think creatively about storytelling and character development.
By incorporating these books into their curriculum, teachers can create a dynamic and inclusive reading environment that not only enhances literacy skills but also ignites a lifelong love for reading. Genevieve Kruyssen's carefully chosen recommendations are sure to resonate with young readers and enrich classroom discussions.
Access the books:
- At Where the Wild Things Are bookshop
Listen to the podcast:
- Part 1: Invitation to New Books with Genevieve Kruyssen