Episode 1

Welcome to Kidz Book Club ! Hosted by Phil Kettle there’s book reviews and book news for all. Authors Mark Carthew, Kerry Cue and Michael Pryor tell a few tales out of school and join our students to motivate readers of all ages to explore the wonderful world of books. This fun episode will have a special place in the hearts, and stomachs, of all those who love chocolate and books!

Episode 1

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Teachers Notes for this episode - Click to download!

Books reviewed

Big and Me by David Miller

Victor’s Challenge by Pamela Freeman

The Shocking Trouble on the Planet of Shobble by L M Moriarty

Episode 2

In Episode 2 you’ll meet Hazel Edwards and Hippo! Host Phil Kettle and our student reviewers discuss three great books, and an old favourite or two fall from the trees. There’s lots of great reading ideas and authors Meredith Costain and Paul Collins introduce us to some very talented locals. Did we mention the singing dog ?

Episode 2

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Books reviewed

Great Aussie Inventions by Amy Hunter

Zac Power Test Drive : Zac’s Moon Trip by H I Larry

MAC SLATTER – Cool Hunter by Tristan Bancks

Episode 3

Braving the winter weather with host Phil Kettle, Amy and Lachlan make some new ‘feathered’ friends filming Episode 3 at the old DROMKEEN homestead. With the magnificent backdrop of garden sculpture, Australian children’s literature and original artwork, there are lots of book reviews, as well as reading insights and book selection guidance. Amy and Lachlan interview entertaining children’s author Michael Wagner, who shares a few old secrets. The creative, colourful and talented heard we were filming, so you’ll be seeing Elise Hurst and Kevin Burgemeestre in Episode 3. Plus there’s library learning, and lots of laughing in the trees as Zac and Phil relive the joys of reading old riddle and joke books.

Episode 3

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Books reviewed

PICTURE BOOK
Something About Water by Penny Matthews and Tom Jellett

YOUNGER READERS
The Hottest Boy Who Ever Lived by Anna Fienberg & Kim Gamble

OLDER READERS
The Zoo of Magical and Mythological Creatures by Sam Bowring

Episode 4

Phil Kettle with students Laura and Christopher explore the gardens and the unique collection of original illustrations, artwork and manuscripts from Australian children's literature housed at DROMKEEN. There are book reviews and an interview with author / illustrator Gabrielle Wang who shares some enchanting tales and wonderful creations. Library tips, musical lips and paper snips feature when Lindy Dadd, Robert Greenberg and David Miller drop by. From the trees Zac catches up with old friends Edward and Edwina, and also guides children in the direction of many great new books to read. And finally host Phil Kettle finds someone to answer every one of his reading questions.

Episode 4

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Books reviewed

PICTURE BOOK
How Big is Big by 1-2W Curl Curl Nth Public School & Gretel Watson

YOUNGER READERS
Chook Shed Snake by Phil Cummings and Greg Holfeld

OLDER READERS
Hocus Pocus versus the Stinky Pong by Laura Milligan

Episode 5

In Episode 5 Phil Kettle with students Be and Taha find themselves surrounded by wonderful books at the Books Illustrated Gallery. We meet Gallery Director Ann Haddon and children’s author Doug MacLeod who had everyone laughing. Be and Taha interview well known children’s illustrator Ann James in her studio and meet some very talented goldfish. Library facts, a guide to lots of great books to read, emails from students setting up their own school Book Clubs, and finally after a search, Zac was found in a tree reading “A Bad Beginning” by Lemony Snicket.

Episode 5

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Books reviewed

PICTURE BOOK
The Wrong Book by Nick Bland

YOUNGER READERS
Just One Wish by Sally Rippon

OLDER READERS
Mostly Sunny With A Chance Of Storms by Marion Roberts

Episode 6

Host Phil Kettle joins students Mairead and Lachlan for Episode 6 – the last in this series of Kidz Book Club. Andy Griffiths is our guest author and his interview with Mairead and Lachlan is lots of fun. In fact there are a few interesting tales about Andy’s school days revealed to all! There are three book reviews and we hear about what it’s like to be a children’s book editor from Emma Short who edited both the Toocool and Marcy book series. There’s a guide to lots of great books, and to complete this series of Kidz Book Club Zac spoke with Phil Kettle about his books and the importance of reading.

Episode 6