Book Descriptions
for Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
In a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, young Grace, her two brothers, and their parents embark on a trip by car around Australia. Australian author Alison Lester’s irresistible travel story is full of delightful details of the places they see and the things they do, from walking around the astonishing red rock known as Uluru—the “heart of Australia”—to playing Monopoly in the camper when it’s raining outside. Each page is an appealing blend of detailed, full-color borderless panel illustrations and accompanying narrative in Grace’s lively first-person voice. Geography buffs will especially appreciate the many real places that are shown and described, as well as how the family’s progess is noted on a map that details how far they’ve gone around the continent every few pages. Australian terminology has not been changed for the U.S. audience, so in addition to researching the places Grace and her family visit, some readers will enjoy figuring out references to things such as “witchetty grubs,” “footy” and “a Ned Kelly helmet.” Warm family dynamics are at the heart of a story that stands on its own, but has many wonderful implications for classroom use. (Ages 5–9)
CCBC Choices 2006 . © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2006. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL 2005 PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
The year I turned eight, Mum and Dad took us on a trip around Australia. Luke, Billy and I missed school for the whole winter term.
Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition. This delightful picture book takes young readers on a journey across Australia, as a family explores the outback, the bush, and the coast. Along the way, kids will learn about the geography, culture, and people of our fascinating country, all through the eyes of a lovable family.
With its beautiful illustrations, engaging storytelling, and celebration of family and Australian life, Are We There Yet? is a must-read for children who are ready to discover the wonders of the world.
'This is Lester at her finest. Perfect for any family about to embark on Australian travel, or for the child who is intrigued by such an idea.' Kids Book Review
*KOALA Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2006*
*KROC Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2009*
*YABBA Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2009*
Also by Alison Lester-
Are We There Yet?
I'm Green and I'm Grumpy!
Who's that Knocking?
Running with the Horses
One Small Island
Kissed by the Moon
Our Island
My Dog Bigsy
Sophie Scott Goes South
The year I turned eight, Mum and Dad took us on a trip around Australia. Luke, Billy and I missed school for the whole winter term.
Join Grace and her family on their adventurous and sometimes funny expedition. This delightful picture book takes young readers on a journey across Australia, as a family explores the outback, the bush, and the coast. Along the way, kids will learn about the geography, culture, and people of our fascinating country, all through the eyes of a lovable family.
With its beautiful illustrations, engaging storytelling, and celebration of family and Australian life, Are We There Yet? is a must-read for children who are ready to discover the wonders of the world.
'This is Lester at her finest. Perfect for any family about to embark on Australian travel, or for the child who is intrigued by such an idea.' Kids Book Review
*KOALA Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2006*
*KROC Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2009*
*YABBA Children's Choice Awards Winner - Picture Story Books, 2009*
Also by Alison Lester-
Are We There Yet?
I'm Green and I'm Grumpy!
Who's that Knocking?
Running with the Horses
One Small Island
Kissed by the Moon
Our Island
My Dog Bigsy
Sophie Scott Goes South
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.