Fantastic New Picture Books for Readers Aged 4-9yrs

1. 'Giraffe Problems' by Jory John & illustrated by Lane Smith

Another very funny book from Jory John and Lane Smith. It was penguins with problems last time, but this time its Gerald the giraffe with a complex about his long neck. Just why is his neck so long and bendy and problematic! He tries to disguise it but that doesn't work.

"Yep, I feel bad about my neck.

I've tried dressing it up.

I've added a scarf.

Two scarves.

A bundle of scarves.

A mountain of scarves."

Poor Gerald, ties don't work, nor trying to hide it behind bushes, in ditches, in a river...

Every other animal seems so much more practical to Gerald. The zebra and elephant don't have this problem, nor turtle. But turtle has some wisdom that helps.

Just when he has exhausted his neck-hiding options and is about to throw in the towel, a turtle swoops in (well, ambles in, very slowly) and helps him understand that his neck has a purpose.

This is a wonderful follow on from the companion book 'Penguin Problems'. Lane Smith's images are stunning; including a memorable pull out page. With a thinly disguised message about accepting yourself, even if different, this team offers up another page turner that is fun and meaningful.

2. 'In-Between Things' written & illustrated by Priscilla Tey

This is a delightful debut picture book from Priscilla Tey. She sets a very high benchmark for herself. The words and images provide the young reader with a funny exploration of what the concept of 'between' means in all of its many facets.

To be 'in-between' is to be the dog in the middle of the two cushions on the sofa, while the pipes and a mouse are hidden, 'between' the floor and the ground. You can cross "an in-between bridge for dray paws and dry feet", in fact, if you "keep looking, eyes open, and in-between things will come clear. All kinds of wacky and weird will appear."

This is one of the more interesting recent 'concept books' for young readers aged 5-6 years.

3. 'Maya & Cat' written & illustrated by Caroline Magerl

Caroline Magerl is a well-known Australian author-illustrator, and the quality of this latest book shows why. She was born near Frankfurt in Germany and came to Australia when she was just two. If you're fortunate enough to be an illustrator who has great ideas for books, and can write as well, then you are in a special group of people who are able to craft special picture books. 'Maya & Cat' is one such book.

It is a wonderful tale about friendship and resilience. A mysterious cat appears on Maya's roof. Is it lost? Can she coax it down? Apparently not with feather boas, or a pompom on a stick. But a tin of sardines? "Cat came to see - and ate every oily silver morsel!"

But where does the cat really belong? Maya sets out to find out. This is a delightful and evocative tale with beautiful line and watercolour art that is rich in detail and interest.

Caroline won the Children's Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for new talent in children's book illustration for her picture book Grandma's Shoes (written by Libby Hathorn). This book demonstrates the work of a gifted artist and story teller. The book will be enjoyed by 3-7 year olds as a read aloud, or individual reading for readers aged 5-8. Wonderful stuff!

4. 'I Got a Chicken For My Birthday' by Laura Gehl & illustrated by Sarah Horne

I love this slightly 'crazy' book that outlines the most outrageous gift scenario.

What a birthday girl wants more than anything from her Abuela are tickets to the amusement park. Instead she gets a chicken. But this chicken is no ordinary chicken; it has plans! With a lot of hard work, and help from lots of other animals, this chicken may just end up building the girl the best birthday gift ever!

Sarah Horne's wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations make Laura Gehl's clever story come alive and complements the carefully crafted and very funny text. Laura is of course, the author of many successful previous books. Together, they offer an hilarious romp through an unlikely birthday.

How many times must you tell your grandmother what you want?! It seems three isn't enough. Ana concludes, perhaps a chicken is better than socks, a sweater, or underwear. Now this chicken seems to have been born with an independent spirit that would challenge anyone. But it also has a 'list' and some demands. Don't miss this funny book. I can't wait till I can read it to children aged 3-8. It will also be read and re-read by young readers aged 5-8. And believe me, they will want to read their favourite bits to other children and you! 

5. 'Beware The Deep Dark Forest' by Sue Whiting & illustrated by Annie White

Every child has to conquer their own special fears. And while others can help along the way, the final hurdle is always within. It is only the courage of Rosie to face her fears that can finally overcome the dangers of the Deep Dark Forest.

While she has been told: "You must beware the deep, dark forest!" and you she must "never, ever go in there" her tiny puppy Tinky doesn't get this and goes in alone. Tinky won't come back, so Rosie decides to follow into this dangerous and muddy place. And why would she?! It has "carnivorous plants" (well at least they say), "venomous snakes", wolves and even a ferocious troll!!

This whimsical tale from award-winning author Sue Whiting will delight children aged 3-7, and will be read many times by young readers aged 5-8. Annie White's delightfully rich and colourful illustrations are a wonderful complement to the text and help to bring the fears to life. Annie has illustrated over 60 books.

6. 'The King with Dirty Feet' by Sally Pomme Clayton & illustrated by Rhiannon Sanderson

There once was a king who hated bath time so much that he never washed. He was a very smelly king! The king finally consents to bathe in the river but no matter how clean he is, his feet stay dirty.

The people sweep away all the dirt in the land – but the air is choked with dust. The dust gets washed away but now the land is flooded with water. An enormous tapestry is sewn to cover the whole kingdom but now nothing will grow on the land... What is to be done?

The responsibility for a solution to the problem falls upon the 'head' of Gabu a loyal servant. What does the king command?

"You have three days to rid the land of dirt, and if you fail, do you know what will happen?" asked the king. "No, Your majesty" Gabu replies. "ZUT!" And what is ZUT? The king responds, it "...is the sound of your head being chopped off." A lovely book (truly) with a delightful and novel resolution before "ZUT" needs to happen.
 
Sally Pomme Clayton is a well-known writer, and a storyteller of some note, having co-founded the Company of Storytellers, that has had a big impact on storytelling in the UK. This story is based on a traditional Indian folktale. Rhiannon Sanderson is a Welsh illustrator and artist. She is a recent graduate of the Hereford College of Arts. Her stunning illustrations are created with a range of digital media. This is her first published book.

7. 'Square' by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Jon Klassen

This is the second book in the wonderful picture book trilogy by multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.

First there was 'Triangle', now we have 'Square'. Square lives in a cave, and each day he goes down into the cave, collects a block and carries it to the surface. He pushes it to the top of a hill and begins his work. What is the work? You'll need to read the book. Enter Circle, who is quite taken by Square's talent. "Square!" said Circle. "You are a genius! I did not know you are a sculptor?" But Square isn't quite sure about this high praise. But when Square decides he must sculpture one of his blocks of stone into the likeness of circle, there is a surprising result.

Once again, this great creative team has come up with an understated tale, funny in its very simplicity, and intriguing for young and old readers.

And guess what the final book in the trilogy will be called? "Circle" of course (out in 2019).

8. 'Backyard' by Ananda Braxton-Smith & illustrated by Lizzy Newcomb

Australian author Ananda Braxton-Smith and fine artist Lizzy Newcomb have created a stunning picture book. A work of art in its own right, and a team that has created a lyrical tale in word and picture that is set in life in a suburban backyard.

In this city,

that is like

other cities,

a sleepy-moony child

and a star-eyed dog

are watching 

the world

The book is also a stunning celebration of the natural wildlife of Australian backyards. 

Tawny frogmouths still as wood, with lamp-eyes lighting tiny movement everywhere.

Picking with fussy knitting legs, orb weaver nets her web.

A circus of evening midges spiralling always up.

Honeyeater gaping to catch tiny winds in her beak.

The backyard is viewed from a child's perspective as they stand on the back step at dusk and scans the backyard. The backyard can be teeming with life - birds, possum, native rat, bats, insects and bugs. This beautiful book encourages parents and teachers to reconnect children with their backyards and the natural world.

9. 'Want to play Trucks?' by Ann Stott & illustrated by Bob Graham

Jack and Alex meet almost every morning in the sandbox at the playground. Jack likes trucks — big ones, the kind that can wreck things. Alex likes dolls — pink ones, with sparkles. And tutus. But Jack doesn’t want to play dolls, and Alex doesn’t want to play trucks. Readers will smile at the quintessential playground squabble on display in this amusing, relatable tale from Ann Stott and Bob Graham. Luckily for Jack and Alex, the day is saved with a little bit of compromise — what about dolls who drive trucks? — and the easy acceptance that characterizes the youngest of friendships. Not to mention a familiar jingle from nearby that reminds Jack and Alex of something else they both like: ice cream!

In an age where discussions of gender stereotypes can feel contrived and almost over done in the school, this is a story that simply speaks of difference and acceptance. American author Anne Stott and Australian legendary illustrator Bob Graham create a delightful picture book for readers aged 4-6 years.

10. 'Hello, Horse' by Vivian French & illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Shannon is very big, but she’s beautiful, throwing her head up and looking at him with her dark eyes as if she knows everything there is to know. Catherine patiently teaches the boy how to talk to a horse quietly, how to feed her carrots, how to lead her across a field, even how to blow at her softly to show that he likes her. But is he really ready to climb up on Shannon’s back and take a ride?

This beautiful picture book combines a simple narrative about a horse named Shannon who meets an unsure little boy. With the loving coaching of his friend Catherine, he bravely learns about the joy of horses. The simple narrative has a parallel commentary on horses and their care. The book should attract horse lovers and those who are less sure of these wonderful animals. Perhaps children who have other fears and challenges.

11. 'Sleep: How Nature Gets its Rest' by Kate Prendergast

How do animals sleep? Some alone, some in packs, some upside-down, some in the daytime...Kate Prendergast takes a close look at the sleeping habits of a wide range of animals, birds and fish. Includes meerkats, bats, horses and dogs - and who knew that fish slept with their eyes open? A first information book, illustrated with beautiful close-ups of the animals featured, the book ends with a question - do animals dream? and four pages of curious animal facts.

This wonderful non fiction book is the creation of Kate Prendergast. Kate is such a talented illustrator and writer. Her drawings of animals are exquisite, and her text, simple but elegant. I wanted to reach out and pat the tiger as it sleeps. I just love her work.

12. 'Bonkers About Beetles' by Owen Davey

I've reviewed Owen Davey's work before on this blog, including 2 of the other three books in this wonderful series of factual picture books for children. The previous titles were 'Mad About monkeys', 'Smart About Sharks' and 'Crazy About Cats'. They are scientifically accurate, beautifully illustrated and engaging reading. Children will spend hours with every one of the books in the series. Every non-fiction collection should have some of Owen Davey's work.

Did you know that there are roughly 400,000 different species of beetles? These incredible creatures make up about 25% of all animals on our planet! Beetles are superbly adapted to life in various climates across the world, wherever trees and flowers are found. From the mighty Goliath beetle to the beautiful iridescent scarab beetle, this captivating and stunningly illustrated guide will teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating insects.

13. 'The Happiness Box: A wartime book of hope' by Mark Greenwood and illustrated by Andrew McLean

This is an inspiring narrative non-fiction picture book by award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean. It is based on an incredible true story that is one of many from the horrors of the infamous WWII Changi prison in Singapore. This poignant tale centres on some toys and a small illustrated storybook that the prisoners wrote and illustrated for the children also interned in the prison. The book survived after being buried in a box to stop the guards destroying it. After the Japanese surrendered at war's end, it was dug up and returned to one of its creators and is now held in the State Library of NSW in Sydney.

The award-winning team of Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life this inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure.

14. 'Under the Southern Cross' by written & illustrated by Frane Lessac

This is another stunning picture book from Frané Lessac. This new narrative nonfiction picture book, explores the Australia skies after dark. 'Under the Southern Cross' is a companion book to 'A is for Australia' (2015) and 'A is for Australian Animals' (2017). I reviewed both of these books in the past.

What makes ribbons of colour swirl in the sky? What are the spooky balls of light that bounce across the outback? What animal lays eggs that look like squishy ping-pong balls? Where can you watch a movie with bats circling overhead? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this factastic picture book tour of Australia after dark.

In Darwin after dark, families "snuggle in beanbags and deckchairs, to watch movies and munch popcorn - under the Southern Cross". At Mon Repos in Queensland, "tiny turtles scramble down the beach and paddle out to sea". In Hobart, "ribbons of colour swirl and twist and dance on the horizon - under the Southern Cross". So many wonders in the sky after dark! Alongside the simple narrative text is more detailed factual information about the natural wonders to be found in Australia under the night sky.

15. 'The Dam' by David Almond & illustrated by Levi Pinfold

A haunting, stunningly illustrated story of loss, hope, and the power of music from multi-award winners David Almond and Levi Pinfold.

This wonderful picture book has been created by David Almond and Levi Pinfold. David Almond is an author of extraordinary talent. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the prestigious Carnegie Medal, two Whitbread Children's Book Awards and the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international prize for children's authors. Levi Pinfold is also a widely awarded illustrator. His awards include the most prestigious award of all for any illustrator, the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2013. This is a stunning and haunting book from an amazing team.

Kielder Water is a wild and beautiful place, rich in folk music and legend. Years ago, before a great dam was built to fill the valley with water, there were farms and homesteads in that valley and musicians who livened their rooms with song. After the village was abandoned and before the waters rushed in, a father and daughter returned there. The girl began to play her fiddle, bringing her tune to one empty house after another -- for this was the last time that music would be heard in that place. With exquisite artwork by Levi Pinfold, David Almond's lyrical narrative -- inspired by a true tale -- pays homage to his friends Mike and Kathryn Tickell and all the musicians of Northumberland, to show that music is ancient and unstoppable, and that dams and lakes cannot overwhelm it.

A wonderful picture book for readers 7 to 97 years. A great option as a read aloud as well.

12 Stunning New Release Picture Books

1. 'A Stone for Sasha' by Aaron Becker

I've reviewed a number of Aaron Becker's recent picture books and his wordless wonders are always insightful and challenging. Somehow, the term picture books seems inadequate to communicate the sophisticated works that they are. They are always multi-layered visual texts filled with symbolism of varied kinds, and deep layered meanings. In this tale, a girl grieves when she loses her dog, but that's just the beginning. When her family takes her away to the seaside she stumbles upon something extraordinary. Another classic wordless picture book from this talented Caldecott Honor winner for his previous book 'Journey'.

This year’s summer vacation will be very different for a young girl and her family without Sascha, the beloved family dog, along for the ride. But a wistful walk along the beach to gather cool, polished stones becomes a brilliant turning point in the girl’s grief. There, at the edge of a vast ocean beneath an infinite sky, she uncovers, alongside the reader, a profound and joyous truth. In his first picture book following the conclusion of his best-selling Journey trilogy, Aaron Becker achieves a tremendous feat, connecting the private, personal loss of one child to a cycle spanning millennia — and delivering a stunningly layered tale that demands to be pored over again and again.

2. 'Duck' by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Nathaniel Ecksrtrom

On a quiet afternoon Duck wanders through the farmyard. But when he sees something tumbling from the sky and suggests that they 'Duck!' But there is an unfortunate misunderstanding. The illustrations and the simple text make for a very funny picture book that readers aged 3-6 will love!

Award-winning author Meg McKinlay is brilliant as usual, and illustrator Nathaniel Eckstrom offers delightful watercolour drawings. Kids will love this. Perfect for group readalouds for children 2-7 years or independent reading for children aged 5+.

3. 'Peg + Cat: The Eid al-Adha Adventure' by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson with art by Erica Kepler

Peg and Cat visit their friends Yasmina and Amir as they celebrate Eid al-Adha. They learn some new things about this special festival.

Amir explains many things to them. For example, a key part of Eid al-Adha is dividing the meat into three equal parts. One part is shared with someone less fortunate. But with three bowls of meatballs being shared, things become rather confusing. They have a problem!

But with some scales, some help from a soup kitchen and a better understanding of 'more' and 'less' they sort things out. And with lots of lessons about giving and receiving, all have a great time.

'Peg + Cat' is from the Emmy Award–winning animated TV series created by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson. Readers 5-7 will enjoy the book.


4. 'Tropical Terry' by Jarvis

This is a brilliant book, with so many good themes. Terry the tropical fish wants to stand out. He isn't the most popular fish with the 'in' crowd. Not fancy and flashy enough for others. But he is to learn a great life lesson. Sometimes, it's helpful to blend in and in life there are more important things than being flashy and being in the cool crowd.

Grey old Terry feels dull. And his skills at playing "Hide A Fish" don't impress many. What if I was flashy like the rest? But how...?

With the help of some to some others he changes! Will they love him? Will love himself?

“Hello-o-o everybody! Just call me TROPICAL Terry!”

He's now part of the in crowd. Now surely, this will end well? Will life as a tropical fish be everything he dreamed of?

A great little book. Beautifully crafted text and stunning vibrant illustrations from the award-winning Jarvis. The creator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth and Mrs Mole, I’m Home!

A book that readers and listeners aged 3-7 will love.

5. 'Spirit' by Cherri Ryan and illustrated by Christina Booth

What happens when things don’t go the way you plan? Can you try and try again? Can you try and try again? 

This is a delightful book about hope, resilience and the importance of others who support us.

This is a book with an almost metaphysical tone that points to without revealing the things that trouble and how resilience can grow and help to conquer the life when things don't turn out as we expect.

The author Cherri Ryan has been inspired by the children and families she cared for as a family doctor in Australia. She now works in medical education, and enjoys helping people and organisations who help others. 

The simple but vibrant illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. Her simple flowing lines evoke the experiences of life (for me at least). Even the buttons on her basket boats look like sad faces as they drift along. Delightful. Readers aged 4-6 will enjoy it

Christina Booth was awarded a CBCA Honour Book Award for her book, Kip, and has won numerous awards including the Environment Award for Children’s Literature for her previous book, 'Welcome Home'.


6. 'The Day War Came' by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

This is an amazing book! With an economy of words from Nicola Davies and delightful pencil and crayon illustrations from Rebecca Cobb, they create a book that packs a powerful emotional punch. When I read it to a group of parents recently, the room was so still as the story unfolded, that I could almost hear them breathing. This is a story that needs to be told. How do you shine a light on the UK government decision in 2016 not to accept 3,000 unaccompanied refugee children?

When the government made the original decision, Nicola Davies was so angry that she wrote a poem and the Guardian published it. A campaign began in which artists contributed drawings of chairs, to symbolise a seat in a classroom, as well as education, kindness, hope and a future. The poem was to become this moving book.  

What might one of these children's story look like? Feel like? Rebecca Cobb's images are so evocative. A small child wakes one morning and sits down for an ordinary breakfast and heads off to school, and 'War Came'! It came and took all of her school. So she struggles home, but it is no longer there. Here school, her family, her home, everything had gone! She struggles through broken streets and follows a stream of people to camps, leaky boats and then another nation. But they don't want her at their school, they don't have a chair for her. No place! She retreats to curl up alone in the corner of a lonely hut. But hope and rescue comes in the most amazing way. It is not the grown-ups who rescue her, but children.

This book will work at many levels from age 6-adult.

7. 'A First Book of the Sea' by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Emily Sutton

Another wonderful book from Nicola Davies that celebrates the sea. This 107-page picture book is filled with wonderful poems of the sea and is an outstanding collaboration with Emily Sutton. Together, they celebrate the sea in all its glorious moods; in image and verse. Children will thumb their way through this book for hours

In a volume brimming with information, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton capture the magic and majesty of the ocean with stunning words and pictures. Poems about manta rays, flying fish, and humpback whales mingle with verses about harbors, storms, and pearl divers. Glimpses of life in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans flow into spreads about tropical islands, coral reefs, and ancient shipwrecks on the seabed. 

Emily Suttons water colour drawings make you want to pore over every page. The fishing village for the poem 'End of the Journey', or the teeming life of penguins and leopard seals for the poem 'Antarctic' A riot of colour and to support Davies wonderful poetry. I love this book and so will children aged 4-8 years.

8. 'My Grandfather's War' by Glyn Harper & illustrated by Jenny Cooper

The award-winning team of Glyn Harper and Jenny Cooper share this poignant story about a Vietnam veteran and his relationship with his granddaughter. While the relationship is a positive one, the young girl senses her grandfather’s pain and is curious to find out the cause of it. As she innocently seeks answers, she unknowingly opens old wounds and discovers her grandfather’s sadness is a legacy of the Vietnam War and his experiences there. This is a sensitive exploration of the lingering cost of war and of the PTSD so many returned servicemen experience. 

This is a lovely book. The 'softness' of Jenny Cooper's beautiful illustrations match the tenderness of Glyn Harper's text. In a simple text that is an authentic representation of the conversation between a young girl and her grandfather, we listen in on a gentle conversation that deepens a relationship between a little girl and her grandfather, and at the same time, helps us to understand a little of the reason the men and women who served in Vietnam felt like the forgotten ones. It is a timely book to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh (the Vietnam War’s longest battle). This lovely story will help another generation not to allow this to be a 'forgotten war'. We owe this to the men and women who served. Some lost their loves, many were marked and scarred by it physically and emotionally. This book will help a new generation to understand just a little better all war, but particularly this one. 

Suitable for readers aged 5-9 years

9. 'Is it a Mermaid?' by Candy Gourlay and illustrated by Francesca Chessa

When Benjie and Bel find a strange creature on a tropical beach they know it’s a dugong. But the dugong insists she is a beautiful mermaid and to prove it, she shows them her mermaid’s tail and sings them a mermaid song.

This is a lovely simple book. It is set in the Philippines it seeks to educate children about Dugongs, a species that is threatened due to the destruction of the seaweed they feed on and the dangers of ships. With the additional themes of friendship and kindness it will appeal to readers aged 4-7.



10. 'Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin' by Sean Taylor & Khayaal Theatre. Illustrated by Shirin Adl

Why does Mulla Nasruddin spoon yoghurt into the river? What is the reason he rides his donkey backwards? Why does he paint a picture that is blank? And is he crazy to move into the house of the man who's just burgled him? Find out all about the amazing antics of Nasruddin in these twenty-one hilarious stories and riddles, famous throughout the Middle East for their jokes, riddles and wisdom.

This book will appeal to a rich multicultural readership and 'audience'. Set in a middle eastern context it is a collection of short stories (100-150 words per 2 page spread). Each is a tale with a funny trick or joke. Along the way, young readers will learn a little about language and traditional tales.  Shirin Adl's illustrations complement the delightfully simple texts that will be enjoyed by independent readers aged 6-9 years. All the tales are set within believable daily contexts for people of Muslim heritage, where expectations of generosity might just be taken to extremes at times. "Would it be possible for me to borrow your washing machine?" but also where fun with the literal interpretation of words might well cause funny misunderstandings. Can you "draw a blank", is it okay to answer one question with another question?

Delightful as a read aloud or for young independent readers aged 6-8 years.
 
11. 'Waves' by Donna Rawlins and illustrated by Heather Potter & Mark Jackson

Waves is a narrative non-fiction book about the waves of migration to the shores of Australia.

Every journey is perilous, every situation heartbreaking. Every refugee is a person forced by famine or war or fear to leave their home, their families, their friends and all they know. Children have travelled on the waves of migration to the shores of Australia for tens of thousands of years. This book tells some of their stories.  

Donna Rawlins presents a collection of short stories centred on the almost universal experience of all people groups who have ancestors who came from across the sea. Mark Jackson and Heather Potter's gentle, slightly abstract line and watercolour images help to bring the book to life. While the characters are fictitious, they are typical of the stories on non-Indigenous Australians who all came to Australia across the sea. At the end of the book Rawlins includes a short history of the many people who have made the journey to Australia. These include the Anak people from what we now know as Indonesia, to British, Portuguese, Jewish refugees, Muslim and many more. This will be a great book to share as teachers or for independent readers aged 7-10 years.


12. 'Professor Astro Cat's Human Body Odyssey' by Dr Dominic Walliman & illustrated by Benn Newman

This is the latest Professor Astro Cat adventure. Children who are 'would be' scientists and who have an interest in science and in this case the body! They will love to pore over this book for many hours. It is book that children will read and re-read as they discover new things, and share them with friends. 

What's a nervous system? How do we understand the brain? Why do we sneeze? What is the point in having skin? How does a mouth work? The human body is complicated! But it is also so fascinating.

Dominic Wellman's text is beautifully illustrated by Ben Newman as they help Professor Astro Cat and the gang teach us about the body. This will be read and re-read by young scientists aged 6-10 years.

12 Outstanding New Picture Books to Enjoy

Many books cross my desk from publishers, but not all are reviewed. I try to review a range of the better books that I see as appealing to the readers for whom they were written. While I admire and respect writers, I'm careful not to review books for them. Rather, I review books for the children, and the parents and teachers who often recommend books or share them with their children. In this post, I review 12 new books that all in their own way are outstanding.

1. 'Me Too' written by Erika Geraerts and Charl Laubscher & illustrated by Gatsby
 

Sometimes the friends we seek are closer than we might think. This delightful book is a dialogue between two friends who discuss the type of friend they'd like to find when they're all grow up. It's a book about that longing for a special friend. Might the special friend they seek be closer than they think? This is a delightful book about friendship, love, and simple companionship, and the special someones who enable us to experience these precious gifts.

This a wonderful book written with simplicity and an economy of words. Prose like poetry, to be effective, often needs less words, not more. A wonderful story that is delightfully illustrated by Gatsby.



2. 'Alma and How She Got Her Name ' by Juana Martinez-Neal

What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be.

Little Alma is perplexed by her long and unusual name. "My name is so long, Daddy. It never fits," Alma said. Why does she have the unusual name Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela? Six names!?

Alma turns to her father for an answer and learns where each name comes from. Alma learns why every name matters, and that her first name 'Alma', is a special name that will allow her, like all her relatives before her whose names she shared, to make her own story.

Juana Martinez-Neal is from Peru and this is her debut as an author-illustrator, and what a treat it is. Her soft pencil drawings have as much magic as the text she uses to tell this wonderful story. Not to be missed!

 3. 'Rescue & Jessica' by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes & illustrated by Scott Magoon

Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog will illuminate and inspire.

This is a lovely book about two parallel stories that come together in a beautiful way.  Rescue was growing up to be a Seeing Eye dog, but there was to be a surprise.  His trainers have another plan for him, he will be a service dog. Meanwhile Jessica is growing up and adjusting to life without two complete legs and she has a lot of adjusting to do. Jessica needs Rescue to help her accomplish everyday tasks and to be her companion. This is a lovely coming together of a young girl with big adjustments to make, and a service dog that helps her along the way.

A delightful story and at the same time, a book that helps readers to understand disabilities and how service dogs can help. The book has an end note that tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs.

4. 'Count with Little Fish' by Lucy Cousins

Lucy Cousins is well known as the creator of the wonderful series of Maisy books. She is also author-illustrator of the 'Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales', which was the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year. More recent successes have been 'I’m the Best', 'Hooray for Fish!' and 'Hooray for Birds!' reviewed previously on this blog.

In this latest fun counting book she uses similarly rich, colourful and endearing illustrations to take little readers on a counting adventure.

One Little Fish, swimming in the sea.
Two twin fin-fin fish, as pretty as can be.
Three counting fish... one, two three!
Four flying fish, flapping wild and free.

Wonderful stuff as usual, that will keep little hands turning the pages as they learn to count to ten and have a great language experience along the way.

5. 'Bird Builds a Nest' by Martin Jenkins & illustrated by Richard Jones

This beautifully illustrated book in soft autumn tones follows the life cycle of two small birds that meet, pair up, build their nest, lay their eggs and then care for their clutch of 5 chicks, who eventually leave the nest to set out on their own adventures.

Richard Jones's wonderful illustrations match perfectly Martin Jenkins beautifully crafted story that weaves the narrative around a quest to teach children about physical forces like gravity, lifting, puling, pushing, strength weight and more.  It even has an index and guidance notes (at the back) for parents, caregivers and teachers.

A wonderful book!

6. 'Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship' by Irene Latham and Charles Waters & illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko

Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relateable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko... this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences. 

This is a fascinating book that is an exciting creative attempt to take a different slant on inter-racial relations. It offers a rich set of poems that largely use free verse to shine a light on some of the at times idiosyncratic and confusing aspects of such relationships. For example, in 'Strands', a white boy asks a black boy can he touch his hair. "It feels like sponge," he says. In 'Beach' a white girl scrubs her sunscreen off at the beach so that she doesn't look "sugar-sand white" compared to the children with darker skins. Another poem of just eight words answers the question that represent the title of the poem, "Why Aunt Sarah Doesn't Go Downtown after Dark"? An intriguing book that children aged 9-12 will find interesting and engaging.

"A compelling portrait of two youngsters dancing delicately through a racial minefield."
 J. Patrick Lewis, former US Children's Poet Laureate 

7. 'Dingo' by Claire Saxby & illustrated by Tannya Harricks

This is an excellent addition to a growing set of engaging narrative non-fiction books. This new book in the 'Nature Storybooks' series is about dingoes.

Can you see her? There – deep in the stretching shadows – a dingo. Her pointed ears twitch. Her tawny eyes flash in the low-slung sun. Dingo listens. Dusk is a busy time. Dusk is the time for hunting.

The book is written by award-winning author Claire Saxby and illustrated by Tannya Harricks using a broad brush and colourful technique with oil paints. The illustrations are stunning and as usual Saxby crafts a text that is economical and beautifully expressed. In fact, there are two texts. One is a factual text that gives information about the dingo and its life, while the other is the narrative account of one dingo's life

8. 'I'm a Duck' by Eve Bunting & illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

This is such a beautiful book. The illustrations from Will Hillenbrand make you want to hug each page, as a brave and scared little duck encounters a world with many strange things. And it does so with a fear of water!

In spite of the encouragement of brothers, Big Frog, and Owl, the little duck cannot make the plunge, until one day, the 'whispering' of the pond saying "Come on! Let's go" does the trick.

Lovely work from Eve Bunting who has written 250 well-loved children's books, including 'Smoky Night' (illustrated by David Diaz) which won a Caldecott Medal.     

9. 'Horses: Wild & Tame', by Iris Volant  & illustrated by Jarom Vogel

This wonderful factual picture book tells the story of horses. This animal once wild, was domesticated and has been part of human life for centuries. They have taken us into battle, pulled our cargo, ploughed our fields, offered us transport and been our close companions.

This beautifully illustrated picture book engages through the beautiful illustrations of Jarom Vogel and the carefully crafted text of Iris Volant. Readers aged 5 to 8 years will enjoy finding out about the domestication of horses, their history, character and varied 'gaits'. The reader also learns about their key role across the ages.

The simple watercolour plates of Jarom Vogel add a special richness to the book, that children will be keen to pick up and read.

10. 'Three Cheers for Women' by Marcia Williams

This book is a celebration of inspirational women across the ages, and from around the world. It is told in a delightful comic book form.

The text introduces us to almost 100 women from around the world: inventors, feminists, doctors, authors, leaders, sportswomen, explorers, musicians and more. So many wonderful examples to inspire our young readers: Cleopatra, the Warrior Queen Boudicca, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, Jane Austen, Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, Ann Frank, Aritha Franklin, Anna Pavlova and many more.

Boys and girls will enjoy this inspirational book overflowing with facts, quotes and jokes.



11. 'The Poesy Ring: A love story' by Bob Graham

"The poesy ring flew high, caught by the wind. And with the breeze in its tail, the horse turned and galloped. Salt tears dried on the rider's face. The ring tumbled end over end, and settled deep in a meadow near the sea... and there the ring stayed with just creatures to keep it company as the seasons slipped on by"

This is a tale about a poesy ring lost in a field in County Kerry (Ireland) in 1830. The ring is lost as a horse rears its head and its strange journey begins, across land and sea until one day it is found inside a fish and bought by Sonny and Jules in 1967 in New York. As always, this is a wonderful book from one of my favourite Australian authors.

His awards include the international Kate Greenaway Medal and the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award an unprecedented six times.

The Poesy ring (traditional spelling poesy) was a gold finger ring with a short inscription often from the Bible. They were popular during the 15th to 17th centuries in both England and France as gifts between lovers.

12. 'The Things That I Love about Trees' by Chris Butterworth & illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Journey through the seasons and discover how much there is to love about trees! From brand-new buds in spring to the sound of the wind whooshing through the leaves in summer, from the fall colors to the feel of winter’s rough bark and the promise of spring returning again.

This wonderful book brings together the magic of Charlotte Voake's delicate and evocative images with Chris Butterworth's wonderful parallel texts. One is a first person narrative account of what the little girl (the central character) loves about spring. As well, in slightly smaller and different font, he provides a factual text that teaches the young reader about trees.

20 Great New Picture Books For Young Readers

Apologies to my readers for my infrequent posts in recent months, there has been too much competition for my time. This is a catch-up post in which I will offer quick reviews of 22 picture books that I've been sent for review. As you would know, picture books can be in varied genres and have different purposes. I've grouped these into three groups, books that: a) 'Teach and tell', b) 'Teach and 'tell' about the human condition, and those that c) 'tell' great stories.

I hope you like the books I have selected.

A. Picture books that Teach & Tell

Books in this first category are factual in nature but use a variety of genres, including many that are narrative in form.

1. 'A is for Australian Animals', by Frané Lessac

If you haven't come across Frané Lessac before, you must correct this significant gap in your experience of children's literature. She is a U.S born author, illustrator and painter who currently lives and works in Western Australia. She has published over 40 books for children and won numerous awards for her illustrations. Don't assume that this is a simple alphabet book. While it adopts this form, this is a book that will deepen children's knowledge of some of Australia's most amazing animals. Each letter has one to three unique animals. Each has multiple illustrations with an introduction to each animal in larger font and then short paragraphs associated with separate illustrations. Every page has a depth of information in the varied texts and gorgeous illustrations that use the rich colours of the Australian landscape.

'The Blue-tongue is a lizard which, if threatened, puffs up its body, opens its mouth wide and sticks out its dark blue tongue'

'The Bilby is a desert-living marsupial with rabbit-like ears'
'Bilbies don't hop like a rabbit or jump like a kangaroo - they gallop like a pony'

A stunning book with carefully crafted text and stunning illustrations with a riot of colour and detail.

2. 'Koala' by Claire Saxby & illustrated by Julie Vivas

When a young male koala outgrows his mother's pouch, it's time to find a new home for himself — braving perils and adventures along the way.

In a high tree fork, a gray ball unfurls. Koala seeks his mother's milk, but for the first time, she won't let him into her pouch. It's time for Koala to make his own way in the world. Rival koalas, fierce storms, and frightening snakes force Koala to keep moving — until he finds a safe place to call his own. 

This is a wonderful book from a great Australian author and a legendary illustrator. Children can read the story of a young koala growing up in the world. At the same time, they can learn a lot about this rare marsupial. A wonderful book for readers (or 'listeners') aged 4-7 years.


3. 'Hooray for Birds!' by Lucy Cousins

Lucy Cousins should be well known as the creator of 'Maisy' and the same vibrant colours and amazingly simply images that 'jump' off the page at you, will be found in this book. But children can also learn about the birds displayed. The 'peck, peck, peck' of the woodpecker, the long neck of the swan, 'swooping' starlings, the display of the flycatcher, not to mention the long legs of the stork and much more. A stunning book for children aged 1-5 years.

4. 'Crazy About Cats' by Owen Davey

This is part of Owen Davey's bestselling series.

Did you know that the fishing cat has partially webbed paws for catching fish? Or that pumas can leap over 15 feet into trees? There are roughly 38 species of cats today, each one superbly adapted to their environment - whether that be in the rainforest or the desert!

I have previously reviewed 'Smart About Sharks'. But your children will enjoy 'Mad About Monkeys' and many more books by Owen Davey. I love the almost geometric nature of the images, the beautifully toned colours and the multi-layered nature of the texts. Stunning work. Wonderful for children aged 4-8 years.

5. 'Ivy and the Raincloud' by Katie Harnett

Everyone loves the warm sunshine—except the lonely raincloud. No one wants to be his friend! But one day, he stumbles across a grumpy little florist . . . could she be looking for a friend too?
In this charming tale, a solitary raincloud finds a way to make a sad little girl happy again, by using the very thing that most people dislike about him—rain!

This wonderfully simple picture book by this outstanding author and illustrator uses a grumpy girl and a lone cloud to reflect on loneliness and anger. At one level, it's a simple fun story, and yet at another, it offers an insight into our moods, despondency and how we can as quickly leave our moods behind us as we embraced them in the first place.

Katie Harnett received the Bologna Children’s Book Fair ARS IN FABULA Grant Award in 2015, and her work was selected to be exhibited twice at The Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Book Fair.

6. 'Amazing Australians in their Flying Machines' by Prue & Kerry Mason and illustrated by Tom Jellett

Imagine what it was like to travel to far-off places before there were aeroplanes. For early 20th-century Australian, it could take days, weeks, or months just to get where they were going. 'Amazing Australians in Their Flying Machines' tells the stories of ten brave Australians, including the youngest licensed woman pilot Nancy Bird, who took to the skies and changed the face of aviation forever.

This is a brilliant book. It is a wonderful chronicle of exploration in flight. It begins with the life story of Dr William Bland, who in 1814 arrived as a convict and by the 1850s was drawing designs for amazing flying machines. And of course, Kingsford Smith, Nancy Bird and many others are featured as are the machines and adventures along the way.  It is beautifully designed and illustrated by Tom Jellett. A great book for children aged 5-8 years.

7. 'Triangle' by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Jon Klassen

Meet Triangle. He is going to play a sneaky trick on his friend, Square. Or so Triangle thinks. . . . With this first tale in a new trilogy, partners in crime Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen will have readers wondering just who they can trust in a richly imagined world of shapes. Visually stunning and full of wry humor, here is a perfectly paced treat that could come only from the minds of two of today's most irreverent — and talented — picture book creators.

Multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen work again on this hilarious story in image and just a 'few' words.  Some sneaky shapes try to outwit one another. I just love their work. Geometry has never been so entertaining!!

8. 'How Does My Home Work?' by Chris Butterworth & illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti

In this book, almost every question a child aged 3-8 could ask has been answered in words and illustrations. With delightful 'retro images' (circa 1950) the most fundamental of science, technology and engineering questions are asked.

How does flipping a switch on the wall make the lights come on? Where does the clean water that flows out of the faucet come from? What is used to keep a home warm? Travel beyond the walls and under the floors of a house to find out more about the electricity, water, and natural gas that make your home work — and find out how you can do your part to save energy and preserve these resources.

This beautiful book will delight children aged 4-8 years.

9. 'Rock Pool Secrets' by Narelle Oliver

At first glance there’s nothing much to see. But the rock pools are full of secrets. Nestling between rocks ... Hiding in the seaweed ... What creatures will you find? Discover their secrets in this flap book. Features beautiful linocut artwork by award-winning author/illustrator Narelle Oliver. Includes big, easy-to-use flaps and a glossary of rock pool creatures.

I've been a fan of Narelle Oliver's work for some time, and this book doesn't disappoint. Stunningly illustrated images of the wonders of rock pools, with an innovative book design that allows fold out pages to allow children to scan the detailed images while reading the well-written text that draws readers into an examination of the images. Great book for children aged 3-8 years.

B. Books that 'Tell' stories about the human condition

In this category, the stories all illuminate some aspect of the deeper human condition, including dementia, problems with reading, and anxiety.

10. 'Grandma Forgets' by Paul Russel & illustrated by Nicky Johnson

When your grandmother can't remember your name, it should be sad, but maybe it is just an opportunity to tell her more often how much you love her. Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma's dementia. Over the years, the little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during wild storms. But now, Grandma can't remember those memories.

This is a wonderfully warm and engaging story that deals with the depth of love within families and how a shared history of memories and relationship can help families to deal with the challenges of Dementia. This is a topic overlooked by children's literature but memory loss will be a part of the lives of many children and grandchildren as they grow up, and also when they grow old themselves. Well suited as a read aloud for children aged 5-8 years.

11. 'Madelaine Finn and Library Dog' by Lisa Papp

I wrote a post about as Pets as Therapy for struggling readers some time ago, and this wonderful book picks up on this wonderful idea in this delightful book.

Madeline Finn doesn't like to read. But she covets a gold star from her teacher, but she knows that these are for good readers. How can she ever earn one?

Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad; when Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying.

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a simple but compelling text. Lisa Papp has written an inspiring book for every struggling reader who ever wanted that gold star but couldn't see how to earn it. Perfect book for children aged 4-7 years. Also, a great read aloud.

12. 'Niko Draws a Feeling' by Bob Raczka & illustrated by Simone Shin

This book almost made me cry. It is the sweetest tale written with such sensitivity. It is without a doubt one of the stand out picture books of the year for me.  Niko constantly draws his world in 'scribbles' and colour, shapes and lines. Bright coloured crayons are his tool of choice, and his work is constant. As he sees things that inspire him, he draws: a mother bird in her nest, the 'ring-a-ling' of an ice cream truck, ideas that 'flit through the open window like a butterfly' ... But to most his drawing seems to be scribble, until but one day things change.

No-one seems to understand him or his drawings. He tapes many of them to his walls. One day, as he looks in the mirror he draws another one of himself, and tapes it on the back of his door where no-one can see it. But one day, a girl called Iris moves in next door, and she sees his pad and crayons. She asks him do you draw? When he says yes, she says "Can I see them?" Niko says "You might not like them." "But I might" Iris answers. He shows her and she stumbles across his drawing behind the door. "Wow" she says, " ... you must have been sad when you made this picture." And "Suddenly, Niko felt a window opening in his brain."

This is a beautiful and powerful story about loneliness, isolation, and our need for love and understanding, as well as the place that drawing can play in self-expression. This is a wonderful book from author Bob Raczka, who has written many books on art and poetry. The illustrator Simone Shin has been drawing like Niko since she was a small child. A great read aloud book for children aged 3-7.

C. Books that 'Tell' Stories

This category includes books that primarily set out to present engaging narratives for young readers.

13. 'His Royal Tinyness: A Terrible True Story' by Sally Lloyd-Jones & illustrated by David Roberts

Once upon a time there was a happy family: A mum, a dad, a gerbil, and the most beautifulest, cleverest, ever so kindest Princess Marianna. Until one horrible no good day when a new ruler was born...

This wonderful writer and illustrator team has created a special fairy tale about a little girl with a new baby brother. There are many books that give traditional story lines a twist for effect. So many, that it's hard to make one stand out. This delightful tale, is so outrageously over the top in its caricature of the bratty baby prince who pushes his princess sister Marianna into the background, that it makes its own special contribution to the many fractured fairytales. The clever writing, magical illustrations and clever use of absurd words like 'beautifulest', 'ever-so-kindest', 'His Royal Clean-and-sparklyness', and 'His One-and-Only-Spoiltness' make this one stand out. It does help that we have a New York Times best-selling author and Kate Greenaway shortlisted illustrator.

This is a 'must-have' in any library and perfect for readers aged 4-8 years.  

14. 'I Want to Be in a Scary Story' by Sean Taylor & illustrated by Jean Jullien

Monster may think he wants to be in a scary story, but then again . . . A hilarious return by the team that brought us Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise.

Jean Jullien's bright and dramatic cartoon-like illustrations are ideal for a 'scary' story for young readers. A scary little monster starts his day by declaring that he wants to be in a story! But what sort? And where will it be set? Perhaps in a dark and scary forest. But is this story just a little too scary for our brave central character? Is this what he had in mind? Perhaps HE should be doing the scaring?!

A delightful and funny story by a great team. Great readalong book for 4-6 year olds.

15. 'On the Night of the Shooting Star' by Amy Hest & illustrated by Jenni Desmond

For solitary neighbors Bunny and Dog, reticence overcomes curiosity — until something extraordinary happens to nudge them into friendship.

Bunny and Dog are the most delightful central characters, Jeni Desmonds illustrations give them unmistakable personalities that make them so easy to love. While Amy Hest's text is lyrical and warm, that gives depth to each character and the flowering of a relationship before our eyes.

A special book that readers will enjoy as a class read aloud, or at bedtime when curled up for the night under the covers, just like Bunny and Dog each night. Perfect for readers aged 3-7 years.

16. 'Once Upon a Small Rhinoceros' by Meg McKinlay & illustrated by Leila Rudge

“Don’t you wish,” said the small rhinoceros, “that you could see the world?” And so begins this delightful picture book by award-winning creators Meg McKinlay and Leila Rudge.

Once, there was a small rhinoceros who wanted to see the big world. So, she built a boat. And sailed away ... 
And so, begins a delightful tale of a young rhinoceros who isn't simply content to wallow in the mud. This small rhino dreams of what lies beyond, and one day she decides to build a boat and sail away. This is a book for young dreamers, who aren't content simply to stay close to the ordinary and the normal. This is a story for young adventurers just like this small rhinoceros.

A wonderful picture book from the sensational Australian award-winning picture that gave us 'No Bears'.

17. 'Leaf' by Sandra Dieckmann

When a polar bear arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the animals fear and avoid him, suspecting him to be dangerous - and his habit of collecting leaves only adds to their distrust. Then one day, they watch as he attempts to fly over the water with wings made of colorful leaves...just trying to go home.

Maybe he needs some help?

 

Sandra Dieckmann's illustrations are masterful. Every plate is a delight to gaze upon and ponder the detail and magic in each one. The angular and geometric forms and rich colours will have children pawing over these illustrations. The animals almost jump from the pages. Her text has that great economy of language that marks great children's books:

"Crow saw it first. The strange white creature, carried upon the dark waves toward the shore. It was unlike anything the animals of the wild wood had seen before. It made its home in the old, overgrown cave on the hill. 

No one had lived there for as long as they could remember, and no one dared approach now."

Wonderful! Every library should have this book. Ideal as a shared book for young readers (4-7 years), or as individual reading for 6-8 year olds.

18. 'BaabWaa & Wooliam' by David Elliott & illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Baabwaa is a sheep who loves to knit. Wooliam is a sheep who loves to read. It sounds a bit boring, but they like it. Then, quite unexpectedly, a third sheep shows up. A funny-looking sheep who wears a tattered wool coat and has long, dreadfully decaying teeth. Wooliam, being well-read, recognizes their new acquaintance: the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing! The wolf is so flattered to discover his literary reputation precedes him that he stops trying to eat Baabwaa and Wooliam. And a discovery by the sheep turns the encounter into an unexpected friendship.

This is a very funny book that young readers will find entertaining. Melissa Sweet's slightly caricatured illustrations in line and watercolour, will captivate young readers. Each image will draw readers in, and will make it hard to turn each page, until they have pondered every detail. With strong themes that focus on friendship and even dental hygiene for Baabwaa the sneaky fox, this book will be a great shared book experience for children aged 4-7, or for personal reading for 6-8 year olds.

19. 'The Secret of Black Rock' by Joe Todd-Stanton

Erin loves to lie on the jetty, looking for the weirdest fish in the sea—the weirder, the better! And she knows the best ones must be further out, where her mum won't let her go . . .
Out there in the deepest sea lies the Black Rock: a huge, dark and spiky mass that is said to destroy any boats that come near it! Can Erin uncover the truth behind this mysterious legend?

This is a wonderful mystery tale for young readers, with simple and economical text and rich full colour watercolour plates that have a slight retro feel. The illustrations are very special offering echoes of some picture books from the 1940s and 1950s like 'The Little Island' by Golden MacDonald & illustrated by Leonard Weisgard (Caldecott Award winner in 1946). And the text has mystery and a just ending that is heart-warming. A delightful book for readers aged 5-8 years.

20. 'Finn and Puss' by Robert Vescio & illustrated by Melissa Mackie

Finn, a young boy, is lonely. Puss, a cat, is lost. Then Finn and Puss meet. Suddenly Finn isn’t lonely anymore, and Puss seems quite happy to be with Finn, too.

This wonderful story has just 76 words, soft watercolour images, and a simplicity that leaves a lot of space for the imaginations of young readers as it explores hope, loneliness, honesty, friendship and how to make right choices. 

A beautiful book that would make a great shared book for 5-6 year old class groups or wonderful shared reading for children aged 3-7 years.