Website Review: ABC Education

ABC EDUCATION is a website based in Australia that provides free educational resources.

Designed for all grade levels, the website contains thousands of videos, games, and educational programs. It’s organized into sections including resources, games, topics, articles, comps, STEM, behind the news, and learning English. In addition, users can go directly to materials aimed at teachers, students, and parents. Along with the website resources, dozens of apps are available.

Librarians will find that although the learning materials are mapped to the Australian Curriculum that they can easily be adapted for use in North American classrooms.

To visit the website, go to http://education.abc.net.au.

Website Review: My Grandmother's Lingo

MY GRANDMOTHER’S LINGO explores the loss of language around the world.

Marra only one of many languages around the world that are dying. This interactive experience helps students learn about the language and why it’s important to save this and other languages. Although the project focuses on an Australia’s indigenous languages, this experience has relevance around the world.

Librarians will find this website to be a fascinating way to help children understand language and the implication of lost languages. Ask students to learn about languages of Native American peoples that are being lost.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.sbs.com.au/mygrandmotherslingo/.

Book Review: Bob the Railway Dog

BOB THE RAILWAY DOG by Corinne Fenton tells the story of the early days of the Australian railroad.

When a railway worker adopts a homeless dog named Bob, they become fast friends. However, Bob is a wanderer and soon finds himself riding the rails and exploring stations across the country. Based on a real dog, this story immerses readers in nineteenth century Australia.

Librarians will find a large audience among children who enjoy both dogs and trains.

To learn more about the author, got to http://corinnefenton.com/.

Published by Candlewick on November 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: The Voyage of Van Diemen's Land

THE VOYAGE TO VAN DIEMEN’S LAND is an educational game set in the 19th century.

Produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the learning experience immerses players in the year 1830. As the surgeon superintendent aboard a convict vessel, players must successfully transport human cargo from Britain to what is now known as Tasmania Australia.

The game’s introduction provides a fast-paced, highly illustrated overview of history connected to the game. Players begin by selecting a ship, captain, and supplies. After loading the supplies, convicts, an overseer, and assistant are chosen. Finally, rats much be caught. During the voyage, the mood and health of the passengers must be carefully supervised. Stops along the way are essential, but can also cause problems. Games are built into the story keeping student players motivated.

Librarians will find that the combination of humor along with the use of realistic problems and historically accurate information makes this a highly engaging way to learn about world history. Much like the old Oregon Trail game, the key is helping students make historical connections as they work their way through the game experience.

To visit the website, go to http://voyage.anmm.gov.au/.

Book Review: Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale

VIOLET AND VICTOR WRITE THE MOST FABULOUS FAIRY TALE by Alice Kuipers is a beautifully illustrated picture book about twins who write a fairy tale together.

When Violet begins writing a fairytale, her twin Victor joins in with helpful and not-so-helpful ideas and advise. While Violet writes about fictional creatures in a marvelous kingdom, Victor prefers to weave in Australian animals and a wicked witch.

The unusual, mixed media illustrations use rich blues and purples to create a fascinating imaginary world. Different text colors denote the narrator and easy-to-read, handwritten sheets feature the twins’ creative writing.

Librarians will find that the attractive cover and cute storyline will make this a popular picture book. Young readers will enjoy the sibling banter and humorous situations, while teachers will appreciate the author’s nod to the writing process and the twins’ use of vivid vocabulary.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alicekuipers.com/.

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.aquapup.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, and Company, an imprint of Hachette on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Dead I Know

THE DEAD I KNOW by Scot Gardner tells the gripping, coming-of-age story of a young man haunted by death and dreams he can’t explain.

In this compelling psychological drama, Aaron gets a job working at a funeral home during the day. However at night, he’s haunted by recurring nightmares unrelated to his job. In between, he must deal with a family member’s dementia and life in poverty.

Originally published in Australia, teens are likely to find the unfamiliar funeral home setting intriguing and the array of characters fascinating. Gardner does a masterful job balancing the need for dignity and respect for the dead with just the right amount of dark humor.

This quick-read is likely to be popular with young adults who enjoy realistic fiction with a mix of morbid themes and dark humor.

For a teacher’s guide and information about the author, go to http://scotgardner.com.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers available March 3, 2015.

App Review: The Echidna and the Dress

THE ECHIDNA AND THE DRESS is a charming, comic-style picture book app exploring Aboriginal life. Set in the Australian Outback, the app tells the true story of the relationship between a boy and his grandmother. A small spiny creature who is able to foretell both good and bad news, the echidna plays a central role to this compelling cultural story. The echidna is a popular creature in Australian appearing on the 5-cent coin and serving as a mascot for the Olympics.

While many apps overwhelm readers with quick-moving animations, loud sounds, and distracting interactives, this delightful e-book tells a sweet story in a pleasant, nurturing way.

The beautifully illustrated e-book app includes just enough animation to make the story come alive for readers. The simple background music and sound effects contribute to the appeal. The voices perfectly match the needs of the story.

While this linear e-book app doesn’t include extras or activities, it’s a great example of the beauty found in a simple story. Perfect for cultural studies in the primary grades, the app would be an excellent addition to a school library’s collection. It could easily be shared with a class using a whiteboard.

Other digital story apps including Ngurrara and Warlu Song are also available as part of the Yijala Yala Project created by Big hART in Australia. This cultural project is intended to connect people across generations.

To learn more about the app, go to http://yijalayala.bighart.org/digital-stories/echidna-dress/.
To purchase to app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/echidna-dress-inter…/id852947501….