Beauty & Lace Book Review: The Art Of Friendship by Lisa Ireland
When 11 year-old Libby moves to Woodvale in Melbourne with her parents, she is nervous about what life will be like for her now. Having left behind their farm, the Talbots are hoping to start afresh in the suburbs. When Libby meets Kit, a girl her age in the new neighbourhood, it isn't long before the two are firm friends.
Fast forward to the present day when the ladies are now approaching their 40th birthdays..
Libby lives in Sydney with her husband Cam, and is a stay-home mum to their teen son Harry, whilst Kit is single and still resides in Melbourne.
The two women are still close, despite the distance and the different roads they have travelled. Kit is Harry's godmother, and spends every Christmas with Libby and her family. The two women chat and email each other regularly too.
When Libby finds out that Cam has been promoted and they will be making the move back to Melbourne, both Libby and Kit are thrilled with the news.
But their friendship is put to the test when Libby finds herself making friends with Cam's colleague's wives, and trying to fit in with their rather posh lifestyle.
The book explores whether Libby and Kit's friendship can withstand the test of time, and explores their differences in detail.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I felt that the two main female characters were very real; each had their flaws and although I liked both of them, I admired Kit more as she remained true to herself and stood up for what she believed in. I felt she was more easy-going and had more integrity out of the two.
I enjoyed the sections in the book that shared their younger years; I actually would've liked more, but having said that, the story did flow well and I felt that the reader is able to gain a good understanding of Libby and Kit's friendship as it developed over the years.
I liked how the book ended, it actually wasn't what I was expecting, and it seemed a realistic outcome.
I would gladly recommend this book as it was an enjoyable and easy read. Thanks to Beauty & Lace and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read and review!
To see my review on the Beauty & Lace website, head here
The Art Of Friendship has an RRP of $29.99
Children's Picture Book Review: The All New Must Have Orange 430 by Michael Speechley
Harvey is a young boy who owns a lot of stuff, and when he hears about the brand new Orange 430, he simply must have it! He manages to save up the bargain price of $5.35 and even though he doesn't quite know just what the Orange 430 does, he rushes out and buys it.
But it isn't long before he realises that the Orange 430 is pretty useless and so he tries to take it back to Mr Ripoff, the President of UOI (Useless Object International)...
This book has a brilliant message about the effect that wanting to have so many things has on the environment. It explores the topic in a very clever, original way.
The illustrations are highly detailed and Michael Speechley is clearly talented as both an author and illustrator.
The All New Must Have Oange 430 is out now through Penguin Random House Australia and has an RRP of $24.99
Beautiful Board Books from Penguin Random House Australia
Peppa Throws A Boomerang
Peppa Pig has been on a trip to Australia and her friend, Kylie Kangaroo, gives her a goodbye gift - a boomerang!
Peppa has a lot of fun practising how to throw it, but can she make the boomerang come back to her?
RRP $9.99
Peppa Goes Surfing
Peppa is holidaying at Kylie Kangaroo's house with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George. One day, they visit the beach and Kylie teaches Peppa how to surf.
Mummy and Daddy Pig join in on the fun in the sun, but poor George is too little to have a turn.
But George just may get to learn to surf after all!
RRP $9.99
Spot Goes To The Swimming Pool - Eric Hill
One day, Spot goes to the local pools for a swim with his mum. He is a bit hesitant to jump into the water, but with his mum's gentle coaxing, he is soon splashing about and having a great time with his friends.
This is a good book to read to those children that are learning to swim.
RRP $12.99
Peter Rabbit - Hello Peter by Beatrix Potter
This is a lovely little book to introduce very young children to the world of Peter Rabbit.
Ideal as a bedtime story with its rhyming verse and stunning line artwork, Hello Peter is one that will delight!
RRP $9.99
Sleep Tight Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
This is an adorable lift-the-flap book that makes a perfect bedtime story.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is hugely popular, with millions of copies sold in over 60 different languages!
He is back in this book which is set at night time as everyone gets ready to go to sleep.
The young reader gets to lift the flap to see which animals are preparing for bed. Is the very hungry caterpillar settling down for the night too? You will have to read it to find out!
RRP $16.99
Book Review: Unmasked by Turia Pitt & Bryce Corbett (YA Edition)
In this YA edition of Turia's bestseller, Unmasked, Turia shares her story about the fire that left her with 65% burns to her body after she was caught in a grass fire whilst competing in a marathon. She also shares her journey of her remarkable recovery.
Turia offers some very helpful advice to her readers regarding self-esteem, confidence, and explores the benefits of having a positive mindset.
The story is interspersed with sections of viewpoints from family and friends, including Turia's husband, Michael.
I was interested to read about Turia's work with Interplast, a not-for-profit organisation, and all of her fundraising efforts.
I remember watching Turia Pitt's story on 60 Minutes some years back and was so moved by her story.
I have been a follower of hers ever since.
(Her Instagram posts are great; I love her sense of humour, honesty, and confidence. She is a real motivator!)
Unmasked is a truly inspirational read, and one I would highly recommend to both young and older readers alike.
Unmasked (YA Edition) is out now through Penguin Random House Australia, and has an RRP of $17.99
For further information on this title, head here
You can also follow Turia on Instagram here
Live And Laugh With Dementia by Lee-Fay Low
The Essential Guide To Maximizing Quality Of Life
There are over 45 million people worldwide living with dementia. And for every one of those people, their carers and family are there to try and figure out the best way to care for them.
This guide is all about making living with dementia as positive as possible, and tailors activities suitable to the individual needs and abilities of dementia patients.
These activities help them to maintain relationships with others including friends, family, and carers, helps to maintain their self-identity, slows the decline of mental functions by providing methods that help to stimulate them mentally and physically, helps them to experience happiness, and stave off boredom.
The guide also discusses the attitudes towards dementia and offers a wide range of tips and hints that are easy to carry out.
Live And Laugh With Dementia is available now through Exisle Publishing, and has an RRP of $19.99
For further information on this title, head here
Children's Chapter Book: The Most Marvellous Spelling Bee Mystery by Deborah Abela
India Wimple is back after competing in The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee (released in 2016), and this time, she is invited to participated in an international spelling bee showdown in London.
But India doesn't want to travel without her family!
Thankfully, the community of Yungabilla have a solution.
When India arrives in London, she catches up with her friends Summer and Rajish, as well as some spellers from other destinations.
They are all so excited to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
However, there are some mysterious incidents that take place, and India and her friends come together to try and uncover just who the culprit behind it all is!
The Most Marvellous Spelling Bee Mystery is available now and has an RRP of $14.99
For further information on this title, head here
Recent Releases From New Frontier Publishing - Children's Picture Books
Is It The Way You Giggle? by Nicola Connelly
This lovely picture book asks what make you special? Is it the way you can do handstands? Is it the way you run or skip? Or is it the way you giggle?
This book encourages young readers to reflect on their differences and recognise their individuality.
It is suitable for children agd 3-6 years old and has an RRP of $24.99
Marvellous Mummy by Katie Poli
This is a delightful book that my youngest daughter and I enjoyed reading together.
It celebrates every aspect of being a mummy - from being brave to grumpy, to happy and caring, mummy makes every day moments and memories special!
The whimsical illustrations compliment the story beautifully.
It is aimed for children aged 3-6 years old, and has an RRP of $24.99
Scaredy Cat by Heather Gallagher
In Scaredy Cat, a brave young girl sticks up for her four legged friend.
The story is told in rhyming verse, making it an ideal book to read out loud, and I adored the little twist at the end!
A book that explores the themes of companionship, bravery and love.
Scaredy Cat has an RRP of $24.99
For further information about these titles, check out https://www.newfrontier.com.au/
