Three Exciting Books for Children Aged 4-12 Years

Walker Books have published many fine books. You won't be disappointed by this lovely collection.

1. 'Going Home' Written & Illustrated by Simon Howe

Two mice head off one morning with no real agenda. They just wanted to see what they might see. They see many things along the way, and Father can't always tell his little one what they all are, and junior is full of questions.

They come across a beautiful blue beetle, and a swarm of yellow bees hovering over a field of Dandelions. Hot air balloons hovering over them and a line of snails moving ever so slowly. And they enjoy a quiet look over a stone bridge while dropping in a stick to watch it float.

They finally head home by walking along the top of an old stone wall. They need to balance with arms held wide.

Such busy and tiring work and when they spy an ice cream cart. They sit down enjoy their vanilla scones when a large butterfly comes down to have a peek. They enjoy some time on swings, watch a line of ants, admire white birds flapping around them. A final moment to blow on a dandelion and watch its feathers rise, then home after a wonderful day.

I love this book and children aged 4-6 will too. The story is engaging, the illustrations are simply stunning. Even the cover sets high standards with flashes of colour and even some flashes og gold. This is a masterpiece from Simon Howe.

2. 'Tiny' Written & Illustrated by Laura Stitzel

This is the story of 'Tiny' who often feels, well tiny! This is especially the case when travelling on buses she is surrounded by 'knees'! She longs for the day when she will be "finally grown". As she ponders these things she sees somebody smaller than her, a mouse. She thinks to herself I wonder what it would be like to be smaller. And lo and behold she begins to shrink. At first this is so exciting, but over time she learns that they terrors to avoid like larger creatures, marching ants. As well, after rain there would be water flowing everywhere. Could she shrink even smaller!?

This opens a whole new world for her. Imagine being able to stand beside a mouse who is just as tall? She could sit and chat to sparrows and finches. For a snack, just one berry would do!

But where would she go to get out of the rain? Then again, she would be washed along past beetles and perhaps splash into the world of fish twisting and swirling around her.

She could sleep in flowers on soft pollen. But then there would be bees. And just then she "opens her eyes to a happy surprise", she is just the right size. Tiny decides that being 'small' at home is not bad at all. In fact she will stay as "perfect sized me".

3. 'Freddie Jones. The Mystery of the Troublesome Trees' by Kate Foster. Cover Illustrations by Jake A. Minton. Cover & internal illustrations by Sarah Mitchell.

From the opening page of this 'who dun it' book, there is mystery and intrigue. Freddie is to have his first experience of flying and he's off to stay with his family, his Grandma and his dog 'Hobnob' for a holiday in the Daintree Rainforest. This is his first special holiday and he is very excited. 

Freddie is looking forward to see a special holiday together as an extended family, and to seeing the wonder of the Daintree Forested. Almost from the beginning, they experience things that seem hard to explain. There are strange noises and lights in the evening and there is also something strange about the trees. This will be a holiday that will have special memories and experiences.

While the book has 245 pages, good readers aged 9-12 will enjoy it and find it to be a 'page turner'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.