WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
POETRY, SHAKESPEARE & FAMOUS AUTHORS
POETRY
Here’s a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry (Collected by Jane Yolen) $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) Sit back and savour a superb collection of more than sixty poems by a wide range of talented writers, from Margaret Wise Brown to Gertrude Stein, Langston Hughes to A. A. Milne. Greeting the morning, enjoying the adventures of the day, cuddling up to a cosy bedtime — these are poems that highlight the moments of a toddler’s world from dawn to dusk. Carefully gathered by Jane Yolen and delightfully illustrated by Polly Dunbar, this gorgeous book offers a comprehensive introduction to some remarkable poets, even as it captures a very young child’s intense delight in the experiences and rituals of every new day. 4-8 YO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Heres-Little-Poem-Jane-Yolen-Andrew-Fusek-Peters/9780763631413
Another First Poetry Book (John Foster) $3 PB EC This nicely illustrated book presents the best of what's new in poetry from authors such as Roald Dahl, Max Fatchen, Allan Ahlberg, Jane Yolen and Berlie Doherty. A variety of themes with strong associations for children are encompassed and the books are also liberally peppered with humour and zaniness--a winning formula with any subject matter. Drawings, cartoons and photographs draw attention to every page. 7-11 YO http://i43.tower.com/images/mm107652295/another-first-poetry-book-john-l-foster-paperback-cover-art.jpg
Another Third Poetry Book (John Foster) $3 PB EC Following John Foster's first poetry anthologies, this book presents more poems on a rich variety of themes for pupils aged up to thirteen. Authors include: Berlie Doherty, Michael Rose, Ian Serraillier and Max Fatchen. Lots of illustrations. 7-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/Another-Third-Poetry-Book-Foster/dp/0199171246
Poems About Homes (Amanda Earl) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Lovely artwork illustrates an anthology of approximately 25 poems selected from all over the world, that relate to homes of all kinds. 6-10 YO http://www2.alibris-static.com/isbn/9780750211246.gif
Poems About Families (Amanda Earl) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) A further title from the POEMS ABOUT... series, containing 25 poems selected from all over the world, and dealing with the pleasures and problems of family life. 6-11 YO. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QX9M43Z5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Poems About Food (Brian Moses) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Get your teeth around this feast of delicious food poems. Feed a dragon with fiery food, spy a pie through a baker's door and find out why the sun is like a cupcake! This is an irreverent and humorous look at food through poetry which includes a range of poems that are old and new, familiar and fantastical, poems containing patterned and predictable language and ones with more challenging vocabulary. 5-10 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Poems-About-Wayland-Poetry-Collections/dp/0750224428
Complete Poems For Children (James Reeves, Illustrator Edward Ardizzone) $4 PB VGC Lovely book of poetry - the "for children" label need not be limiting. Nonsense verse and romantic lullabies, mystical creatures and the joys and fears of everyday lives. With black and white drawings by Edward Ardizzone, a new, expanded and definitive complete edition of Reeve's poems, now incorporating the collection 'More Prefabulous Animilies', as well as seven extra poems that have never previously been included in a James Reeves collection. Highly recommended! Any age. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Poems-Children-James-Reeves/dp/0434969176
Whizz Bang Orang-Utan: Rhymes For The Very Young (John Foster – Oxford University Press) $3 PB VGC (Ex lib) An exhilarating, brightly coloured book of poems for very young children, intended to be a companion book to See You Later, Escalator. It is designed as a read-aloud book and one that children will enjoy reading for themselves once they have mastered the initial skills of reading. There are poems about eating, making a mess, going out, playtime, bath time, and going to bed, as well as poems about giants, monsters, pets, curious people, witches and wizards, teeth, and birthdays. It is illustrated by a group of very talented young artists, five of whom have never been published before. 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whizz-Bang-Orang-utan-Twinkle-Chocolate/dp/0192761943
A Caribbean Dozen: Poems From Caribbean Poets (Edited by John Agard – Walker Books) $5 PB EC Infused with the flavours and rhythms of Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica, this anthology vividly evokes the childhood memories of the Caribbean’s finest poets. Any age. http://www.storiesfromtheweb.org/Bookjackets/caribbean13.jpg
When The Dark Comes Dancing: A Bedtime Poetry Book (Nancy Larrick) $3 HBDJ GC (Jacket a little bent at top) A sensitive and loving collection of 45 poems, lullabies, and lyrics especially chosen to be read at bedtime. Exquisite paintings and drawings illustrate verses that celebrate the moon and stars, poems about small creatures settling down for the night, and lullabies sending children to sleep in faraway lands. 3-8 YO http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41V6s4w%2BcAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
When A Goose Meets A Moose: Poems For Young Children (Clare Scott-Mitchell) $4 HBDJ VGC, $3 PB GC A wonderful selection of poems chosen not just on subject, but on qualities of rhythm, artistic integrity, strength and beauty of expression and emotion. Each poem, whether it be set in urban New York, rural England or Australia, is related to the mood or experience to the private world of a child’s imagination, or the outside world of adventure. Poets includes D.H. Lawrence, Robert Frost, Eleanor Farjeon and many more. Louise Hogan’s exquisite illustrations capture the mood of the poems, making this a collection to be treasured by children everywhere. 4-10 YO http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqQOKkIE3r+Uh2CVBO!t7rfCv!~~_12.JPG
Dog Poems (Myra Cohn Livingston) $3 PB EC A collection of poems by a variety of authors celebrating the joys of canines, from puppies to old hounds, from Chihuahuas to mongrels. 5-10 YO http://www.hyman.pagebooks.net/hyman_cat_poems.jpg (Cover same format)
Rhyme Stew (Roald Dahl) $4 HBDJ VGC A collection of ribald rhymes featuring characters from fairy tales, fables and nursery rhymes - as you've never seen them before! From The Tortoise and the Hare and Hansel and Gretel to Ali Baba and Aladdin , these traditional stories will never seem the same again once you have had a taste of Roald Dahl's hilarious verse and Quentin Blake's suitably lively illustrations. 7+ http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/0670829161/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_all
Machine Poems (Jill Bennett) $3 PB EC This book is packed with energy; the pages burst forth with life! Nick Sharratt's pictures throb with activity...offers the reader an easy, dip-in experience both visual and verbal. This volume, with amusing and bright colored-pencil and crayon illustrations, is suitable for reading aloud to younger children. Cross-cultural, witty and incredibly detailed, the pictures and poems could provide literally hours of reading and conversation. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Poems-Jill-Bennett/dp/0192760947
A Moon In Your Lunch Box: Poems By Michael Spooner $3 HBDJ EC A collection of 43 short poems celebrating feelings, seasons, and topics ranging from lunch boxes to the moon. Arranged to suggest the passing seasons, topics deal with things such as dragonflies, mud, mosquitoes, trimming the tree, winter dreams, and, of course, the moon. Ohlsson's illustrations move snuggly around, through, in and out of the poems making them perfect for looking at, listening to, or just reading quietly. 4-10 YO http://bookweb.kinokuniya.jp/bimgdata/FC0805035451.JPG
I Like This Poem: A Collection Of Poems Chosen By Children For Children $2 PB GC Highwaymen and naughty children, sharks and baboons, the Snitterjipe and the Jabberwocky, all have their part to play. Each and every poem in this treasure chest of family favourites was chosen by a child for other children. With poems from William Wordsworth and Christina Rosetti to Roald Dahl and Michael Rosen, there really is something for everyone. Classics to savour and new favourites to discover! This is a classic anthology to treasure forever. Any age. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7992219-i-like-this-poem
Rich Lizard And Other Poems (Deborah Chandra) $3 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) Lizards, bears, and other elements of nature are all encountered in this collection of approximately 24 short poems. The poems are simple, about simple subjects such as Grandpa's Shoes. Beautiful ink scratchwork illustrates the poetry. Recommended! 6-10 YO http://www.alibris.co.uk/booksearch.detail?invid=10321533928&browse=1&qwork=5752497&qsort=&page=1
Caterpillar Stew: A Feast Of Animal Poems (Gavin Ewart) $3 HB VGC (Ex lib) A collection of animal poetry from the author of "The Learned Hippopotamus", and numerous adult collections of poetry including "Londoners". The poems in this book describe strange and outrageous animals with originality and humour. Lovely ink drawings throughout. 6-10 YO http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51h7wujwUfL._SS500_.jpg
The Rainbow Hand: Poems About Mothers And Children (Janet S. Wong) $3 HBDJ EC Like the presence of a mother's hand, Wong's thoughtful and reflective volume is comforting and easily accessible. The poems are solid and steady reminders of the connections between mothers and children. A daughter notices, and loves, her mother's white hairs that "...grow back like daisies/poking through dark mulch." A mother cradles her child with "...her fingers curved/like a rainbow." In "Mother's Day," a boy gives his mother a hastily wrapped rock as a gift, and the caring woman immediately finds a purpose for it. Striking and colourful scratchboard illustrations highlight the universal love, discipline, strength, and emotion that are all in evidence here. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Hand-Poems-Mothers-Children/dp/0689821484
Dove On The Roof: A Collection Of Poems About Peace (Jennifer Curry) $2 HB GC (Ex lib) A collection of 72 poems that celebrate peace. Many of them are by children, and some by outstanding poets of the past and present, including Thomas Hardy, Siegfried Sassoon, John Agard and Joan Aiken. 11+ http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T5b4sKkoL.jpg
Themes To Dream On: A Poetry Anthology (Dianne Schafer) $2 HB VGC (Ex lib) A thematically arranged collection of poetry for children, containing over 300 poems in 27 groups from Australian Creatures, Balloons And Kites to Work and Zoos. Each theme is attractively illustrated and includes a range of styles which children can use as models for their own writing. Contributions from such favourites as Spike Milligan, Max Fatchen, Colin McNaughton, Kit Wright and a host of others, as well as poems by children themselves. Any age.
Johnny Appleseed And Other Poems (Vachel Lindsay) $2 HB VGC A gorgeous collection of 42 rhythmic poems brimming with imaginative appeal like ‘The Potatoes Dance’, ‘Johnny Appleseed’, ‘The Bronco That Would Not Be Broken’, ‘The Chinese Nightingale’ and ‘The Moon Poems.’ Lovely ink drawing illustrate many of the poems. 9+ http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vZ8B0z5ML._SL500_.jpg
Out To Lunch (Michael Dugan & Doug MacLeod) $2 PB EC (Ex lib) A selection of the best children's poems of these two Melbourne writers, as judged by each other. The collection is funny, clever and very entertaining – it will certainly be a hit with young and old. Great ink illustrations highlight the poems. Macleod's writing credits include The Comedy Company and Fast Forward TV shows and both have written poems, stories and plays for adults and children. Any age.
Omnibus Puffin Poetry “About Auntie Rose” (Jenny Boult) $2 PB VGC A collection of poetry about families. It takes a wry look at shopping expeditions, school lunches, a trip to the corner shop, fighting the shopping trolley, enjoying the herb garden, brothers who live in their rooms and more! 8+ http://www.bookshops.com.au/book_images/3073/002030.jpg (Same format cover)
Omnibus Puffin Poetry “A Pocketful Of Rhymes” (Max Fatchen) $2 PB VGC (Ex lib) We are given a liberal helping of warm, wise and funny verses on subjects ranging from skateboarding to sheepdogs, and from school Sports Day to TV commercials. 8+ http://www.bookshops.com.au/book_images/3073/002030.jpg
Father William (Lewis Carroll, illustrated by John Anthony King) $2 HB VGC (Inscription) This poem, written Lewis Carroll, appears in his book ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.’ Father William has an eccentric vitality that his answers to questions about his actions matching his age, make the questioner seem the fool. Beautiful paintings by celebrated Australian artist as seen in the books ‘An Uncommonly Fine Day’ and ‘Farewell to Old England Forever.’ 6-10 YO
Bisky Bats And Pussy Cats: The Animal Nonsense Of Edward Lear $2 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) A selection of Edward Lear's animal nonsense verse. The Owl and the Pussy-Cat went to sea In a beautiful pea-green boat ... So starts the familiar rhyme from Edward Lear ... and within the pages of this collection of classic Lear favourites and unusual limericks, you will enter a jewel-coloured, iridescent world painted by Matilda Harrison. A feast of colour and detail from a superb artist. 6-10 YO http://cdn4.fishpond.co.nz/9780747541240-crop-325x325.jpg
FAMOUS AUTHORS & SHAKESPEARE
A Puffin Year Of Stories And Poems $5 PB VGC This beautiful collection celebrates the changing faces of the year in all their richness and variety. With stories and poems from some of the best-loved writers including A. A. Milne, Roger McGough, Michael Rosen, Walter de la Mare and Robert Louis Stevenson, this is a treasure trove for the whole family to enjoy, all year long. The illustrations by Sheila Moxley, Lydia Monks, Ruth Rivers and Tom Saeker perfectly capture the magic and splendour of the different seasons. Superb illustrations top this beaut book off! 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Puffin-Year-Stories-Poems/dp/images/0141311622
Stories For Eight-Year-Olds And Other Young Readers (Sara Corrin) $3 PB GC A collection of 16 mythical, legendary and more recent tales, guided by the thought that 8-year-olds need heroes, real or imaginary, who perform great deeds on a grand scale. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes in this collection: Greek, Chinese, German and Serbian tales of great deeds combine with the work of master storytellers like Andersen, Dickens, Kipling, and Thurber. Eight-year-olds will be delighted by the bravery and cleverness of Bellerophon. Ali Baba, Tiki-Pu, and Princess Alicia as they overcome problems great and small, from taming the mighty Pegasus to making dinner for eighteen brothers and sisters. 8-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Eight-Year-Olds-Sara-Corrin/dp/0571129692
A Rookie Biography “Mark Twain: Author of Tom Sawyer” (Carol Greene) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) A simple biography of Samuel Clemens, who grew up on the Mississippi River and gained literary renown under the name Mark Twain. Young children can now enjoy a biography series written just for them. "Rookie Biographies" introduce the beginning reader to interesting people who helped shape history. With short, easy-to-understand text, historical photos, and eye-catching illustrations, these introductory biographies will motivate children into wanting to learn more about noted individuals. Each book includes a index. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Twain-Author-Sawyer-Biographies/dp/0516042289
A Rookie Biography “Emily Dickinson: American Poet” (Carol Greene) $3 HB EC Young children can now enjoy a biography series written just for them. Short, easy-to-read text, historical photos, and eye-catching illustrations introduce the beginning reader to interesting people who helped shape history. Includes a timeline. 6+ http://books.google.com/books/about/Emily_Dickinson.html?id=_TxUxeba8qwC
Scholastic Classics “I’m Nobody! Who Are You? Poems By Emily Dickinson” $2 PB VGC This is a collection of Emily Dickinson’s greatest poetry, from the wistful to the unsettling, the wonders of nature to the foibles of humans, This collection is the perfect introduction to the words of Emily Dickinson for first-time readers, or the ideal pocket-sized version for longtime fans of her work. 12+ http://i43.tower.com/images/mm108200736/im-nobody-who-are-you-poems-by-emily-dickinson-hardcover-cover-art.jpg
Moby Dick (Adapted & illustrated by Allan Drummond) $5 PB VGC In this full-color picture-book adaptation of the classic, Allan Drummond pays homage to one of the greatest sea stories ever told. Staying as true to Herman Melville's language as possible, and taking Ishmael as his narrator, Drummond tells of the adventure of Captain Ahab's relentless quest for revenge. The marvelous pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork ranges from small, detailed vignettes to sweeping seascapes, many of which sport dialogue balloons ("Call me Ishmael," "There she blows!" "Beware of the terrible tail!") 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Dick-Allan-Drummond/dp/0374349975#reader
The Magical Land Of Narnia Puzzle Book (Pauline Baynes) $4 PB VGC Based on the Chronicles of Narnia, this activity book contains a maze and board game, as well as lots of word games and a quiz to test your knowledge of Narnia. A fantastic extension to your book studies of ‘The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.’ 7-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0001720309/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
How A Book Is Made (Aliki) $2 PB VGC Younger children will be satisfied with the charming pictures and the basic picture book text, which identifies the various stages in the business of publishing books. Older or better readers, and those doing research, will find the more detailed explanations, set in smaller type within the frames of the illustrations, to be particularly worthwhile. All ages will be captivated by the dialogue balloons within the softly colored mixed media illustrations (coloured pencil and watercolor), which add some humor and give the book personality. 4-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/How-Book-Made-Reading-Rainbow/dp/0064460851
Scholastic Biography “The Fairy Tale Life Of Hans Christian Andersen” (Eva Moore) $2 PB VGC As a young boy Hans Christian Andersen wanted to become famous by dancing, singing and acting. Once he tried to sing for the Prince of Denmark and he also tried to dance for the Queen of The Royal Theatre. But most times he had no money. Finally, Hans learned how to write down the stories he told so well to children. Then people everywhere began to read and love his stories. During his long life Hans wrote "The Ugly Duckling" The Princess and The Pea, The Emperor's New Clothes, Thumbelina and many more wonderful tales. A charming, simple biography. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Christian-Andersen-Scholastic-Biography/dp/0590452258
Writers in Britain “William Shakespeare” (Stewart Ross) $2 HB VGC (Ex lib) The various themes and characters in William's many literary works are examined - all of which contributed to him becoming the world's most successful poet and playwright. Clearly presented, with colour pictures, glossary and date chart. 9+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/William-Shakespeare-Writers-Britain-Stewart/dp/0237517418
Creative Lives “William Shakespeare” (Haydn Middleton) $2 HB VGC (Ex lib) William Shakespeare, son of a glove maker, has become the most influential playwright of the last 400 years. His words have entered our language and his plays are read and performed all over the world. This book puts together the evidence of the man's life and work, from the record of his baptism in the Stratford parish register to the First Folio edition of his collected works. Features panels including quotations and background information and a timeline of key events and significant works. 11+ http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S2DV4RA3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
British History Makers “William Shakespeare” (Leon Ashworth) $4 HB EC The life of William Shakespeare is described in this book, which is part of the British History Makers series on famous figures who shaped historical events. Through the use of artwork, documentary evidence, and fact-filled information panels, a rounded picture is given of the turbulent time in which he lived. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1842340301/ref=dp_image_text_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Life and Times “William Shakespeare” (Nina Morgan) $3 HB VGC (Ex lib) The story of William Shakespeare's life through his childhood in Stratford to his time in London with the King's men and his death. The book also touches upon the Elizabethan era and the Stuart age with James I. This series aims to present the lives of key famous people through history in simple, yet informative biographies. Alongside the story of each character's life are informational spreads on the times they lived through. Lovely illustrations and simple, clear text. 7-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/William-Shakespeare-Life-Times-Morgan/dp/0750225475
The Shakespeare Library “Shakespeare: A Life” (Wendy Greenhill) $2 HB EC (Ex lib) This series offers an insight into Shakespearean theatre as we enjoy it today, and as it was intended when first performed. The book includes background information on popular plays and details of Shakespeare's life. Each book includes: examples of recent stage production; extensive primary source material; and, cast of characters and plot of the play. 11+ http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Life-Library-Wendy-Greenhill/dp/043107528X
Shakespeare’s Storybook: Folk Tales that Inspired the Bard Book & CD (Patrick Ryan, Barefoot Books) $10 PB EC (Inscription) Discover some of the secrets to Shakespeare's inspiration. The seven stories in this collection each influenced one of Shakespeare's plays during his creation process. Included before each of the stories are fascinating facts and insights into the local traditions and political issues that shaped the plays. Book with double CDs includes stories read by Patrick Ryan. The appealing layout employs watercolor and pen-and-ink vignettes, borders, decorative devices, and a full-page scene for each story. 8-13 YO http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tbcWypGFi_8/TLbOd6NABRI/AAAAAAAAAQk/YXMno6cPZew/s1600/ShakespearesStorybook_PBwCD_W_1.jpg
Favourite Tales from Shakespeare (Bernard Miles, illustrated Victor Ambrus) $6 HBDJ VGC (Square cut from one endpaper) This is Shakespeare for children and for parents who may not even like Shakespeare! This book and its amazing illustrations will expose your children (and yourself) to the wonderful world of Shakespeare with several of his best known plays retold as stories, without the complicated language. Bernard Miles is able to weave these tales so well that you get completely drawn into the characters and the time. The illustrations are wonderful and contribute to discussion about the plays. 10+ http://www.lakecountrybooks.com/store.php/lakecountrybooks/pd97362#images
Shakespeare’s Tales (Beverley Birch) $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) Tragedy, comedy and history are all here for you in this wonderful adaptation of four Shakespeare plays. Features lyrical re-tellings of Shakespeare's plays Hamlet, The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra and Othello. The tales capture all the power and humour of the original texts but brings them alive for readers who are reluctant or intimidated. 8-12 YO http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/beverley-birch/shakespeare-s-tales.htm
(Last update October, 2011)
