Swings + Roundabouts Summer 2020

SPACE MAPS. YOUR TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE By Lara Albanese Illustrated by Tommaso Vidus Rosin Oratia Books; RRP: $39.99 hardback This stunning illustrated guide to the universe and space exploration draws on the latest discoveries of astronomy, which will take children to the farthest reaches of the universe, balancing a mixture of circular and flat maps of the Solar System and the galaxies beyond. The book is organised into five parts, answering key questions: What do we see with our naked eye? Where are we in the universe? What are the other planets like? What do modern telescopes see? Where is the sky studied from? The book originated in Italy but the maps displayed show views that are from the Southern Hemisphere as well as the North and offers ancient views of the sky. I imagine the target audience are primary school students but I think older pre-schoolers who have a love of space and facts will get much from this book (so will many teachers too) and offers repeat readings and always something new, as there is too much to take in one reading. THE GRINNY GRANNY DONKEY By Craig Smith Illustrated by Katz Cowley Scholastic; RRP: $21.99 paperback The Grinny Granny Donkey is the third book in the Wonky Donkey series following the success of The Wonky Donkey and most recently The Dinky Donkey. In this book we meet Wonky Donkey’s mum, with the familiar and lovable eccentric characteristics as her son. The book has the same cumulative read-aloud tongue-twisting hilarity alongside heart-warming and humorous illustrations. There was a sweet donkey who lived on the heath. She was so funny with her false teeth… Hee Haw! But her teeth kept falling out! She loved to sip her favourite brew, dunk her biscuits in it… and fall asleep in the afternoon sun. She was a zonky, dunky-drinky, clunky donkey. Like most granny’s Grinny Granny loves vistis from her family especially the grandchildren, which adds a nice famiy element to the series. I think this addition will be well-loved by grandmothers and children alike (and it must have been inspired by the Scottish Granny viral reading sensation). GO AWAY, WORRY MONSTER By Brooke Graham Illustrated by Robin Tatlow-Lord EK Books; RRP: $24.99 hardback Go Away, Worry Monster is another resource that offers strategies to young children who may be experiencing some anxiety. In this story, the protagonist, Archie, is about to start a new school. He feels so anxious that his head hurts, his tummy flutters and his heart pounds. To make the Worry Monster go away Archie does belly breaths and faces facts to challenge his inner fears. The book encourages children to name their anxiety, which is an evidence-based, current strategy used by psychologists to assist children in separating themselves from their anxiety and will support teachers and whānau in helping children cope with and reduce anxiety. Being that the child is anxious about going to a new school suggests that the target audience is for primary aged children but I think the book will also support older pre-schoolers when building up their capacity to work through anxieties due to the simple and direct text and colourful and bright illustrations that will draw in young readers. December 2020 { 41 }