Children’s bookshelf

Press, 4 October 1977, Page 38

Children’s bookshelf

PICTURE BOOKS Petunia’s treasure by R. Duvoisin — Bodley Head. When Petunia, the lovable goose, finds a treasure chest, she feels proud and important. However, life in the farmyard is not easy for her, as you will discover if you read this amusing story. It has many delightful pictures.

Moko’s hideout by E. Locke. — Whitcoulls. Here are four stories about New Zealand’s animals — ugly little paua, Moko the gecko, Kato the godwit, and a mischievous kea called Kelly. They have interesting adventures and the creatures, though they talk, behave very much as real ones would. It is hard to say which story is the most enjoyable, but perhaps “Ugly little paua” is my favourite. I think it will be remembered?for a long time. Loop, knot and plait by G. Wolde. — Black. Here is a beginners craft book for boys as well as girls. It makes learning how to loop wool, plait, and crochet, become fun, and it shows you how to make toys for yourselves, such

as a cord for a whistle or a bag of marbles, and a hat for a teddy bear. There are many coloured diagrams, and the instructions are simple and easy to follow. YOUNGER CHILDREN

Magic in the mist by M. Kimmel. — Atheneum. A boy is studying to become a wizard — and he finds it hard. Then one day he makes a remarkable discovery and his life changes. This is a gentle story, but there is not a dull word in it.

Jumping jackdaws. Here comes Simon by E. Roberts. — Rand McNally. Simon has a most enterprising and lively grandmother. She is not at all what one would expect. They have many adventures together and each story in this book is complete. Lollipops, compiled by B. Thompson, — Kestrel. A lively collection of poems and rhymes, old and new. They are arranged under four sections — animals, birds, people, and weather, — and have colourful illustrations. OLDER READERS

The TV kid by B. Byars — Bodley Head. Lennie is a television addict. He is completely absorbed in the magic world of television glamour. However, a frightening experience changes his attitude. An interesting story which is written in a light style. The Jersey Shore by W. Mayne — Hamish Hamilton. A boy visits his grandfather and hears about stirring incidents of the past. He shares in the old man’s memories and they haunt the reader too. This is a book with a powerful sense of atmosphere, and sea and sand and marshlands are vividly described.

Hazard Island by P, Wardell — Whitcoulls. In this exciting adventure story, four children try to solve the mystery of a diver’s disappearance on Stewart Island. Tension arises as they notice suspicious behaviour amongst neighbours. The children have to face danger before their trials are over.