As the mother of young children, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting books to tempt my kids away from television and video games.  Luckily my kiddos have inherited my passion for the written word, but it always helps when the books are fun to read and look at.

Author and illustrator Jacqui Taub was kind enough to send me a set of her newly released books based on a series of characters she developed called The Waussies:

The Waussies were born in Australia. They were once called Wacky Aussies; but their tongues became twisted when they tried to say it, so they shortened it to Waussies.

The Waussies believe in being kind, good health, having fun, and laughing, especially at themselves! And Waussies never give up, even if the problem seems a little difficult.

Once you get to know the Waussies and follow in their footsteps, being kind, helping each other, laughing at your mistakes and keep on trying – you, too, will become Waussiefied!

Taub herself is the mother of four and grandmother to 13 grandchildren.  She’s been writing freelance since the 1970’s and came up with The Waussies more than 25 years ago. Only after her grandchildren were born did she decide to dig out the old drawings and begin to form a series of books out of them.  The result has been a labor of love–six fun books that were created by a grandmother to entertain and teach her own grandchildren as well as yours:

• Boomerang Waussie to the Rescue
• Beach Ball Waussie’s Lost Air Stopper
• Tennis Racquet Waussie’s Space Adventure
• Burger Waussie’s Lost Bun
• Hiccup Waussie Loses His Hiccups
• Pineapple Waussie’s TicklyProblem

The books are designed to engage kids ages 3-7, and each one includes an audio CD which narrates the story and includes The Waussie Song. Illustrated with whimsical characters and scenes using brilliant, vibrant colors these books are certain to capture the attention of a new reader.

The Waussies are available in the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia.  You can also find them on Amazon.com.