Something Else, by Kathryn Cave

Synopsis: This is a simple story about a creature called Something Else who is excluded from his neighbour's activities because he behaves and looks different. But then when an even stranger creature tries to make friends with Something Else, he doesn't want to know, until he sees himself in the mirror.

Activity: Imagine a new friend is joining your class next week. This new friend is different from you (eg. a boy from South Africa). What are 2 things you could say to your new friend, and 2 actions you can take to befriend him?

Zoo, by Anthony Browne

Synopsis: The young narrator paints an amusingly bleak picture of the day's incidents: Dad blames him when he and his brother fight during the slow, traffic-clogged trip to the zoo; Dad and Mum insist on viewing the boring animals first; and it seems that lunch time will never arrive. Worse yet, through it all, their buffoonish father embarrasses them with his relentless antics and jokes. But a lunch of burgers, fries, beans and ice cream--and a stop at the gift shop--save the day. Browne's effectively stark, magnificently realistic illustrations of the zoo animals offer a distinct contrast to his clever renditions of the supposedly human visitors to the zoo, many of whom bear an uncanny resemblance to the creatures in the cages. Younger readers may not appreciate Browne's cunning comment on human nature, or the engaging irony of Mum's closing comment: "I don't think the zoo really is for animals . . . I think it's for people." All ages.

Activity: Imagine that you are one of the animals in the zoo. Draw and describe your dream.

When Turtle Grew Feathers (A Tale from the Choctaw Nation), by Tim Tingle

Synopsis: Variations of the race between the tortoise and the hare crop up regularly, but this version, retold as a trickster tale, stands out for its humor and expressive illustrations. Here, the rabbit only thinks he raced a turtle. In fact, it was a flying turkey wearing Turtle's shell.

Activity: Summarize the story from Turtle's point of view, using 6 sentences.

Piggybook, by Anthony Browne

Synopsis: In this moralistic fable, the overworked and under-appreciated Mrs. Piggott leaves her swinish husband and two sons to fend for themselves, and they literally turn into pigs. There are exceedingly clever illustrations: even before the porcine evolution of the males, there are hints of piggery everywhere in the father's lapel carnation, the boys' upturned noses, a piggy bank, a light switch. After the transformation, pigs turn up everywhere, including on the wallpaper (which was formerly a rose design). Browne also uses a sly before-and-after technique in his portrayal of Mrs. Piggott, who starts out as a drab, shadowy figure, face averted, while the males are brightly drawn in full light and full-face. After the victory for women's rights, however, Mrs. P. is drawn in an equal style.

Activity (8 years old): Imagine that you are one of the two Piggott boys. Write a letter persuading your mother to come home.

Activity (7 years old): Draw a picture of your mother or father doing some activity in the house. Write a sentence to describe this picture.

The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy, by Yangsook Choi

Synopsis: "A long time ago in Korea, there was not enough light. It was before the sun and the moon had been created." So begins one of the most treasured folktales of Korea. Reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood, this ancient tale reveals how a hungry tiger tries to trick a young boy and girl into thinking that he is their mother. But their sharp wits and a measure of good luck are enough to save the children and reunite them with their mother, high above in the sky. Together, they bring the first rays of sunlight and moonlight to the world below.

Activity: Which character do you like the best, and why? Draw and write about your choice.

Gorilla, by Anthony Browne

Synopsis: The classic story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla and their amazing night out by a Hans Christian Andersen Award-winner.

The Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights, by Farah Bagharib-Kaltz

Synopsis: Being afraid of heights isn’t such a big deal – unless you’re a bird! Meet Eddie. A mynah who lives behind an abandoned old house with Matt the rat, his only friend. When one day Matt is captured, how can Eddie stop his world from crashing down?

Activity: Think about something you used to be scared of (eg. cockroaches) and how you overcame that fear. Write a story about that. Eg. 'The Boy Who Was Afraid of Cockroaches'. (Ensure understanding of past tense)