Some Wonderful New Picture Books

1. 'Powerful Like a Dragon' by Christopher Cheng & Illustrated by Jacqeline Tam

"A dragon is proud, strong, kind. Be powerful like a dragon."

This is a wonderful book that encourages readers in the face of attack. For the young this might mean being bullied, rejected, and emotionally attacked, usually with words. Tam encourages readers to be strong and encourage one another. Using words that bolster and build incentive to never give up. Never give in. In this story, it is in the face of the ravages and horrors of war. 

One would think that stories centred around this theme would be a thing of the past and yet, the plight of refugees displaced by senseless conflicts remains a global concern to this day. 

'Powerful Like a Dragon' is a compelling piece of storytelling based on award-winning author, Christopher Cheng’s real-life family history. Caught in the grips of invasion in the midst of World War II. Sadly, many of Cheng’s extended family made the life-saving decision to flee their homeland in Hong Kong and seek refuge in China.

The journey is long and treacherous with harsh weather conditions, arduous terrain and extreme shortages in food. Cheng’s two young uncles were never far from death. Indeed, they witnessed it every day. And yet, with the words of his parents resounding in every breath, Cheng’s uncle, Young Shu Lok remembers the power of the dragon.

Jacqueline Tam’s illustrations elevate words and memories to another realm. This offers great support for the narrative. Its muted greys and beige tones belie hope, and accentuate the bleak forlorn nature of the situation of the peoples’ plight. They have little choice, except for one small boy.

Shu Lok wears a tunic of burnt yellow, a visual reminder that hope burns bright if one is careful to keep it from extinguishing. Despite the cramped conditions little Shu Lok is forced to endure in a basket, his hope springs to life one day in the form of a dragon.

The dragon is proud. Too proud to remain in the basket. The dragon is strong. Strong enough to endure and judge wisely. The dragon is also kind. Delivering kindness in the most unpleasant circumstances to others in need. Until one day, after following the flying dragons higher and higher into the mountain ranges, Shu Lok and his family find a temporary new home; safe from hunger and cold and invaders.

Powerful Like a Dragon reminds us all that some things are unchangeable but even in the midst of misfortune and misery, salvation can be found, resilience forged and peace attained. It is all a matter of perception and perseverance, like an all-powerful dragon.

2. 'One Day: A True Story of Courage and Survival in the Holocaust' Written by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Benjamin Phillips. 

It shouldn't surprise us, but this recent book from Michael Rosen is a 'stunner'! 

A poignant and ultimately uplifting picture book based on a true story of an escape from a convoy to Auschwitz.

“Get through one day and then on to the next. One day at a time. One day after another.” 

Eugène Handschuh was a Jewish member of the Resistance in occupied Paris. He was captured by the Nazis, and placed on a convoy to Auschwitz. Survival in Auschwitz was rare, but against all the odds, with the help of strangers and members of the Resistance, Eugène and his father escaped a convoy they were on and survived. Sadly, few did survive. 

Amazingly, Michael Rosen was inspired to tell this story when he discovered his father’s uncle and aunt were on the same convoy as Eugène, but sadly never returned. The book highlights the best of people while at the same time showing the very worst that occurred in WW2.

Benjamin Phillips powerful illustrations are stunning. He has been nominated for the 2026 Carnegie Medal for his illustrations in this book.  

3. 'The Big Cheese' by Jory John & illustrated by Pete Oswald

This wonderful little picture book is suitable for children aged 6+.

"The Big Cheese" is used to being the best at everything in the village of Curdly. Whether it’s chess, high dives, or endurance, he always comes out on top—and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when a quiet, humble newcomer named Wedge wins the annual Cheese-Athlon, Big Cheese's world is turned upside down. 

This story follows his journey from being a boastful winner to discovering that the "greatest" thing you can be is someone who knows how to have fun and be a friend. His first words are:

“I’m the big cheese. I’m the biggest. I’m the cheesiest. I’m the… well, you get the idea.” 

Jory John offers us a book for young readers who will experience other children who see themselves as the "king pin" in any group. He tackles the topic of competitive ego in a way that is both funny and relatable for students. All of us have experienced others whose entire identities are wrapped up in their own "presence." The book offers a great way to tease issues of self-worth with children, and how they can be helped to deal with this.

The character of Wedge is a brilliant addition, serving as a perfect 'literary foil' to Big Cheese. While Big Cheese is loud, bold, and dominates every conversation, Wedge is quiet, shy, and keeps to himself. The author uses this stark contrast to emphasize Big Cheese’s imbalance; Wedge’s calm humility acts as a mirror that reflects Big Cheese’s exhausting need for constant validation. The turning point is "absolutely baffling" to Big Cheese, not just because he loses, but because he sees that Wedge doesn't need the spotlight 

Pete Oswald’s illustrations capture this dynamic perfectly, showing Big Cheese’s "disconcerting" journey through every emotion from "ARRGH!" to "WAHHH!" until he is finally exhausted.

 

4. 'There Were Ten in the Bed' Illustrated by Carla Martell

This well known rhyme and song/rhyme has been a favourite for little ones for many years. This latest effort by Carla Martel is a worthy addition to the previous publications. It will feel like other renditions, but she places her own stamp on the work, with a new take on this classic work.

This is a rather unusual group of ten! A Giraffe! Zebra! Elephant! Crocodile! No! Not an Elephant! But there were more. Children will just love this version so beautifully illustrated by Carla Martell.

 

 

 5. 'Your Truck' by Jon Klassen

 

Your Truck
By Jon Klassen

"This is your truck. It is yours to have".

Jon Klassen invites young children to consider more things that are theirs and theirs alone, reinforcing that they have a right to things like solitude, exploration, and companionship. 

 

This book for children aged 2 to 5 years invites them to consider that while many things might be theirs and theirs alone, in life many things are not theirs personally. But hopefully they will learn over time that many of the best things are shared with others, like play, companionship, explore things (often with others), but sometimes alone. Another great work from Jon Klassen who continues to deliver wonderful books for younger readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Children's Books That Children Aged 5-12 Will Love!

 1. 'Imagine' by Alison Lester

This is a special 35th Anniversary Edition of this timeless picture book for readers aged. Alison Lester is one of the great writer illustrators of our time. The readers are invited to join in an imaginary journey into wondrous world of land and sea, ice and snow, quite bush, African plains, and even prehistoric swamps. 

Children aged two to nine years of age will never tire of exploring and reading this wonderful new edition.

2. 'One Day' written by Shirley Marr & illustrated by Michael Speechley

 This delightful picture book encourages the reader to look at the world differently. Shirley Marr is a well known multi award winning writer. Michael Speechley's wonderful illustrations help to bring the book and story to life. Children aged 3 to 7 years will enjoy read this book over and over.

3. 'The Terrakeet' by Jo Van Der Borgh & illustrated by Jo Beasley

"In the shade of the gobi trees on the edge of the Pincer Sea. live a family of Finlocks as peaceful as can be. They 'lomf' and fish and fish and eat and gope that they will never meet THE FRIMBULITIC TERRAKEET!"

Children will want to hear this story again and again. After all, it combines legend, adventure bravery and unexpected friendship. 

4. ''The Secret Lives Of Dragons' by Prof Zoya Agnis & illustrated by Alexander Utkin 

Now this is a picture book for older readers. While it IS a picture book, it is at a language level that will stretch primary aged readers. It is suitable for children aged 11-12 it takes us into the realm and secret lives of dragons! These dragons live "deep in the cold mountains of a distant land". Here was a kingdom seemingly lost in time. This fictional guide to dragons will engage the reader instantly. 

The illustrations of Alexander Utkin are stunningly colourful and evocative. Children will ponder and talk about the images to one another, and I suspect read the book together. This book will be one of the most borrowed book in any classroom.

 

 

 

 

 

Three Picture Books that Children Will Love

In this post I focus on just three picture books. Two are from Canada and the other from New Zealand. After just returning from New Zealand and seeing Kiwis darting across paths in front of me, I just had to review this one. The other two lovely books are from a small publisher in Canada (Tielmour Press Books). Great read aloud books in class or at home, or first books for children 4-6 to read themselves.

1. 'Little Kiwi' 

This Penguin picture book is timeless, children across the generations will love it! If you've seen a Kiwi and also a Kiwi egg, you will quickly say, "Wow! How did it lay that egg?" I've just returned from New Zealand and saw many of these cute little birds scurrying around, dashing across roads, and hiding in tall grass. They lay very BIG eggs. The cover is accurate the egg is about the size of the adult female.

Now mother's everywhere will be saying, if only I could turn over my babies while I ducked out! Imagine when a young Kiwi is asked by its Mum to sit on the egg and look after it. Worse still, what if it began to crack while Mum was gone, and the baby takes off?! This is a very funny little picture book that children aged 3 to 6 will just love. A wonderful text and delightful photos by Bob Darroch.

'Little Kiwi' is published by Tielmour Press (Canada) 

2. 'When The Sea LEFT'

This is a lovely picture book with an important and message. Do we take care of our oceans? Or do we at times use it as them as dumping grounds for all manner of junk and dangerous substances like oil, old bottles and cans.

Well, in this story book, one day the ocean fights back! A great mound of mud and slush rises from the sea and a young boy who has thrown a bottle into the sea, gets a BIG surprise. The great muddy blob turns out to be an Octopus who has had enough! The boy named Felix mumbles, "I'm not the only one. It's a bit of garbage, what's the worst that it can do?" Felix repeats his offence, each time saying it's only one bag, and he flings it overboard. Once again the sea rumbles and a pair of eyes appear. He shouts, "you've one last chance". "Be careful what you do or I will take the sea away from you." The great mound tried to save it, but it was too late, and "the sea was no more". Will Felix see the error of his ways, and try to do something about this? You'll need to read the book to find out.

This is a wonderful picture book to use with children aged 4-7 years. Once again, it is published by Tielmour Press (Canada)

3. 'Drop Bear'   

This delightful picture book has been written and illustrated by Phillip Bunting. His work has been published in 35 countries,

Philip is an author and illustrator, whose picture books deliberately encourage the reader to playfully poke around at the edges of their understanding. Philip's books have been published in over 35 countries around the world, and in almost as many languages. 

He has had multiple awards from the Australian Children’s Book Council, and has also made the list for the Kate Greenaway Medal, and represented Australia at the IBBY Awards. 

As well, he was awarded the inaugural State Library of NSW Russell Prize for Humour Writing. He grew up in England’s Lake District, just down the road from Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s place. 

He followed his heart to Australia in his early 20s, and now lives with his young family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Philip grew up in England’s Lake District, "just down the road from Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s place". He followed his heart to Australia in his early 20s, and now lives with his young family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. 

 

 

 

Nine Great New Books for Children Aged 5 to 13 Years

Australia's 2015 Book Week has just finished with the celebration of the many fine books submitted. But they keep on coming. Here are another 8 wonderful books. I've arranged my reviews of the books by age, from books for the very young readers to those aged 12-13 years. I hope you enjoy them.

1.  "Oh Dear, Look What I Got!" by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

A classic new picture book by the creators of the bestselling We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. And once again, children will LOVE this funny and poetical storybook. These are the words for the first four pages:

I went to the shop to get me a carrot. Oh dear, they gave me …. a parrot! Do I want that? No I do NOT

I went to the shop to get me a hat. Oh dear, they gave me... a cat! Do I want that? No I do NOT!"

He goes for a coat! And what does he get? A goat! 

He heads of to the shop for a cake and ends up with a SNAKE!

This wonderful picture book written by the legendary Michael Rosen and illustrated by the talented Helen Oxenbury will delight a new generation of children.  

2. "A Hatful of Dreams" written and illustrated by Bob Graham 

I can't recall Bob Graham writing a book that hasn't been full of wonder and delight for young readers. The mischief and fun of the book will delight a new generation of children aged two to five years. 

As always Bob Graham keeps young readers wanting to turn the pages for the next surprise. And they are never disappointed!

And don’t forget Grandad – with music in his fingers and magic under his hat. No, really! The children aren’t sure if they believe their Grandad’s fantastical tales – “Oh, Grandad! You’re joking!” they cry. But they really won’t believe what happens when Grandad slowly takes off his hat… 

Grandad's house is tiny home warm at the end of a street, filled with large decaying buildings that were once grand but now are falling down. But at Grandad's home "dreams take flight and light the way to a brighter tomorrow". This is a picture book that speaks of hope and the love between and grandparents and children.

3. "Creepy Sheepy" by Lucy Ruth Cummins & illustrated by Pete Oswald

We should not be surprised to see yet another wonderful book written by Lucy Ruth Cummins and illustrated by Peter Oswald. This is a story about learning when to blend in and when to stand out! 

It’s Halloween, and this 'Sleepy Sheepy' wants the perfect costume for trick-or-treating! And it MUST be the scariest, hairiest, werewolf of all!

 

There are other books in the Creepy Sheep series that are also worth sharing with young readers aged three to five.

 

If you don't believe me you might want to read reviews from others: 

“Not too sweet and not too scary, this one is just right. A cute addition to any Halloween shelf.” —Kirkus reviews

“Oswald creates colorful, sweet illustrations that emphasize characters and keep backgrounds simple to guide the reader’s focus. With charming rhythm, rhymes, and clever wordplay, Cummins celebrates the importance of individuality.” —Booklist

4. "Unicorn Post" written and illustrated by Emma Yarlett

This picture book is a delightful story about a child, a unicorn, and finding home. When a lost and homeless unicorn knocks at her door, the small girl who lived there sets out to find it a home. Could it live at the pet shop where she had bought her goldfish she named Geraldine?

 

But it seemed there was no cage that would be suitable for a Unicorn, it was far too big! What about 'Oak Farm' nearby. There was so much space there! But the food was disgusting! What about the local Funfair? This seemed perfect! But it proved far too loud for Unicorn.

 

But finally, there search found the perfect place! The 'Fairytale Castle'! The perfect place and the Unicorn was very excited. But he was soon lonely without his best friend. So he sent her a letter with a simple message: "Please can I live with you?" And that's just what he did.

 

This wonderful picture book has the added attraction for young readers of lift-the-flap messages. As well as a 'Pet Mark', the 'Oak Farm', and a 'Fun Fair' that comes to town. 

 

5. "I Believe in You" written and illustrated by Dani Colvin

 

Blair is a young girl who can at times feel sad. Or as we sometimes say, feeling blue. And this isn't a nice happy place to be, but a sad place. "Not blue like the sky or a swimming pool... those are nice sparkly blues". This type of feeling blue is more like having a "blue holy sock on a winter's day" or a "messy ink splodge on a clean page". Or perhaps a "tiny boat lost on a vast ocean". And for Blair, it's like having all of these at once, "squishing the air out of Blair".

 

Luckily, Blair's Grandpa helps her to see things a different way. He says to her "I have news for you, oh yes, I think you are spectacular! I think you are great!" He tells her this while she feels she isn't and can't do these things. He responds with this message to her to believe:

 

"I believe you can"

"I believe you will"

"Yes, I believe in you"

 

Blair is to discover that mistakes are part of life and that everyone has them. And so she begins to "trust in her own strength and power", "dream big dreams", and much more.  

 

This beautifully illustrated and written book will be loved by children aged 4-6 years old. 

6. "The Aussie Christmas Mix Up" by Jackie Hosking and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom

Following the success of this teams previous books "An Aussie Christmas Gum Tree" and "When Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney) which I reviewed previously, we have a new book from the team.

This time poor old Santa somehow mixes up the gift tags on the children's presents. "He'd checked the list not once but twice and put all of the gifts in his bag". All had been wrapped "with care and love" but he'd "forgotten to tighten each tag".  

If only he was as careful when he was attaching all the tags! It's to be a great Aussie Christmas mix-up … with presents and confusion galore. Luckily the always helpful crew of Aussie animals are about to save the day … And of course, this caused quite a commotion. 

The wedge-tailed eagle was confused by his gift of a glider? And why was magpie given a gift of singing lessons?! And poor Kookaburra had no idea what to do with a boat! But the wise owl solved the problem for all. Let's put "all the presents together then we can choose what we like". There were some surprises as Emu took to the sky in his new kite, and the wedge-tailed eagle sailed on the dam in his new boat! 

Children will love this book both to read when they can, or else just to listen and laugh as their teacher or a parent reads it to them. 

7. "Promises and Other Lies" by Sue Whiting

A gripping middle-grade mystery from Australian author Sue Whiting, in which a small coastal town is torn apart by more than just a Bushfire.

It is one year on from a devastating bushfire, the small coastal town of Wangaroo Bay is still reeling. Fletch’s family lost their home, and his best friend Immie lost her beloved dad, a volunteer firefighter. Throughout it all, Fletch and Immie have had each other …

This is a story that was inspired by the Australian Black Summer Bushfires in 2019/2020. This was an event that is seared in the memories of all Australians even if their towns, farms or hinterland weren't affected as much as others. In all over 3,000 houses were destroyed, there were 33 deaths and 17 millions hectares of land and forests burnt. I lost a dear colleague in these fires who had a vacation home in the country and went out to fight the fires, but was caught in the firestorm. 

Immie’s grandparents push for the Bayfire investigation to be reopened, but Fletch’s mum, dad and elder brother Cooper want to put the past behind them. When a local person, one of their own, is charged with arson, emotions flare, sides are taken, and promises – and secrets – are at stake. Great courage was shown by thousands across the nation both specialists like fire fighters, but also police, medical staff and emergency services.

The fire has already destroyed Wangaroo Bay, now its aftermath threatens to destroy Fletch and Immie and their families too.

The story is centred on the family that has lost their home, and Immie who lost her Dad. As well, underlying this is how people react to a person charged with starting some of the fires. 

8. "Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia - What We Know & Don't Know" Edited by Christopher Lloyd 

This magnificent new edition of this wonderful encyclopedia has drawn upon100 experts in fields such as space, animals, wars, mummies, Brain Science and many, many more! 

The 415 page hard bound book will no doubt find its way to every school and public library, but what a gift it would be for any child aged from 6 to 12 years.  

This browseable children's encyclopedia is as always with Britannic accurate and trustworthy with information for today's whole new audience. It explores many topics, using text, illustrations, inforgraphics, and photography.

 

In keeping with Britannica’s reputation for expert involvement, each spread includes a credit to the expert involved with its creation, and special features as well as highlighting some of the most intriguing unsolved puzzles in science, archaeology, history, and engineering.

Chapter topics include: the Universe; Earth; the Material World; Living World; Being Human; Ancient Civilizations;  Medieval to Modern; and Today's World and Beyond. The 'Modern Times' chapter looks at the arts feature varied topics (e.g. Taylor Swift, 'The Cold War', 'The Industrial Revolution', 'Nine Eleven", WW II and much more).

 

 

Above: The New York Towers are bombed.

Any person who was alive at the time of the New Your bombing attacks will never forget the site of the Towers finally falling. 

Once again, every elementary school (and home if possible) should have a copy of the Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia

The 2025 Book of the Year Award Winners Announced!

Book of the Year: Older Readers

WINNER

'I’m Not Really Here' – Gary Lonesborough (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults).

"A moving coming-of-age story with so much heart. For readers who enjoyed Heartstopper." --BOOKS & PUBLISHING 

Honour Books

'Birdy' Sharon Kernot 

'Into the Mouth of the Wolf' Erin Gough (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing)

Book of the Year Award: Younger Readers

WINNER

'Laughter is the Best Ending' Maryam Master. Illustrated by Astred Hicks (Pan Australia)

Honour Books

'Aggie Flea Steals the Show' Tania Ingram, and illustrated by A. Yi (Scholastic Australia)

'Fluff: Mess Up!' Matt Stanton (ABC Books) 

Book of the Year Award: Early Childhood 

WINNER

'The Wobbly Bike' by Darren McCallum

Have you ever helped a child to learn to ride their first bike? Most of us have and it isn't always easy. Those wobbly wobbly starts as we sit them on the bike, walk beside them, try to steady them before you let them move a little on their own? It is usually stressful for child and parent. 

In this delightful picture book Darren McCallum was inspired by his three year daughter who one day was racing out the door. She had been given a bike and one morning her Dad caught her heading outside. He asked where she was going, to which she replied, "I'm going outside to ride my wobbly bike."

 

This experience was of course the inspiration for this wonderful picture book. He 

One afternoon when his daughter Summer was small, Darren McCallum took the training wheels off her bike. McCallum is a painter by trade who lives in Australia's hot Top End city of Darwin. He was something of a storyteller to his brothers and sisters while growing up.

When he eventually decided to give it 'a crack' (as we sometimes say in AUS), he remembered that Wobbly Bike. 

The Wobbly Bike, with illustrations by the well-known illustrator Craig Smith, is the well-deserved winner of the 'Early Childhood' Book award in 2025.

 Honour Books Younger Readers (Ages 0-6 Years)

'One Little Dung Beatle' by Heather Potter (illustrator) & text by Mark Jackson 

'How to Move a Zoo' by Kate Simson (illustrator) & Owen Simpson 

Picture Book of the Year Award 

WINNER 

'The Truck Cat' written by Deborah Frenkel (Author) and illustrated by Danny Snell 

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes that can be lost and yet found again. 

Author Deborah Frenkel is an award-winning writer of books for children. She grew up in the 80s and 90s and thought she might just be a 'business lady'. But that wasn't to be, and after working in advertising in her day job writing ads for varied clothing brands, she changed course. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. 

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell.

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell. 'The Truck Cat' is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere. Now this lead should get you in:
 
"Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats.
But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere."
 
Tinka travels with his human owner Yacoub. But no matter how much they travel, home always feels very far away for both of them. Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection.
 
But on one trip, Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated. But they are both determined to find one another. In doing so, they find even more than they expected …

"In The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel’s beautiful writing takes the reader on a gentle and often amusing ride. Yacoub’s story is one of resilience, yearning and sighs of sadness. Tinka the cat makes sure there is sunshine and smiles along the way. Danny Snell’s gorgeous colour palette splashes movement and life on every page. From vignettes to double page spreads, the combination of art and text presents a heartfelt, hopeful story of finding home …"

Sandhya Parappukkaran, the award-winning author of 'The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name', suggests 'The Truck Cat' is a must-read picture book’. ‘At a time when the world is in turmoil, much of it due to ignorance, intolerance and bigotry, there could not be a more timely choice for a book that will bring children right across the country together, in a glorious celebration and a move towards greater acceptance and empathy.’

This is a lovely picture book that combines great storytelling that touch on the heartwarming emotions of loss, companionship and love. It's pitched perfectly to entertain and move young readers, as well as to gently open their hearts and minds.’

 Honour Books

 'These Long-Loved Things' (illustrator) & Josh Pyke (text)

"A moving coming-of-age story with so much heart. For readers who enjoyed Heartstopper." --BOOKS & PUBLISHING

 

'Afloat' Freya Blackwood (illustrator), Story by Kirli Saunders (Little Hare)

'These Long-Loved Things' Ronojoy Ghosh (illustrator), Story by Josh Pyke (Scholastic Australia) 

Other Picture Books Nominated 

'A Leaf Called GREAF' by Kelly Canby

 

'AFLOAT' by Kirli Saunders and text by Freya Blackwood

'The Garden of Broken Things' by Freya Blackwood 

'We Live in a Bus' by Dave Petzold. 

  

Book of the Year Award: Eve Pownall Award for Information Books

 Winner

'Always Was, Always Will Be' by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson (Magabala Books)

 Honour Books

'Making the Shrine: Stories from Victoria’s War Memorial' Laura J Carroll (The Crossley Press)

South With the Seabirds – Jess McGeachin (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults)

Book Of The Year - New Illustrator

 Winner

 Grow Big, Little Seed – ill. Sarah Capon (Bright Light)

Worthy Picture Books to Note but not awarded major prizes

1. 'AFLOAT' by Kirli Saunders & Illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare)

"Roam the water with me. We are here to learn.

Here to spin wisdom, to grow …"

This wonderful picture book is from award award-winning author Kirli Saunders (a proud Gunai woman) and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes 'Afloat'. And what a triumph!

This is a story told in a time of climate crisis, but against a backdrop of a changed environment. An Aboriginal elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge, skills like weaving and much more. All the while a child is leaning, discovering and gathering community and seeing their world extended and enriched along the way.

A wonderful new book about the skill of our Indigenous nations. In this book the skill of weaving has a special focus on weaving. But more broadly, it seeks to help young readers to remember and honour our First Nations. This wonderful book has a special focus not just on their unique skills, but also their wisdom and many lessons as they look with hope to the future.

2. 'The Garden of Broken Things' Written & Illustrated by Freya Blackwood

"One day, curious Sadie follows a cat into the tangled vines behind the lonely house at Number 9, Ardent Street.

Deep in the undergrowth, past all the twisted, rusted things, Sadie finds the cat sitting on the lap of a woman, bent with time and weariness.

Sadie has found the Garden of Broken Things." As Maura Pierlot wrote in her excellent review of this picture book in 'Reading Time'.

"A story’s first line can do so many things: capture attention, conjure emotions, pique curiosity, create anticipation, evoke nostalgia. The opening line to The Garden of Broken Things masterfully achieves all these things and more.

One day, Sadie follows a cat into the scrub behind Number 9 Ardent Street, where tangled vines concealed things from another time … things that had come to a final halt. Deep in the undergrowth, she finds the cat sitting on the lap of a woman, bent with time and weariness." 

This intriguing and unique picture book is a worthy member of the Children's Bookweek Shortlist in 2025. Freya as we've come to expect has crafted with warmth and emotion and allows us to enter into the life of Sadie as she explores her world. This includes memories, grief and loss, her natural world and her own journey as she grows older and comes to understand the changes in herself.

3. 'We Live in a Bus' by Dave Petzold