1. 'The Dream Keeper' by Anna Walker
"As a child lies awake frightened in the dark, a determined turtle embarks on a journey to reach her, bringing a dream." As an opening line this is brilliant! I can't wait to read this to some young children.
Anna Walker uses just 77 words to tell her story! But of course, her images also tell the story in ways that beautifully combine words and pictures. The pictures have a 'furriness' to them that makes you want to touch the page, and the soft pastel colors add an ambience that is just right for the story.
The little girl wonders in her bed "What if there lives a Dream Keeper". Now here's an opening line that stops me short to look closely at the two page spread. What is she imagining? I search the pages for clues. Later she plays with her toys on the floor and ponders and imagines a turtle walking on its two back legs with a lantern on a stick, and he is also holding a bottle with sparking lights. Could these be fire flies?
He jumps into a boat and rows off shore. But oh no! A storm approaches, and a huge whale like creature emerges from the darkness!! The little girl wakes!? There is a knock at the door. Now she seems to be part of it all and then. You'll have to get the book to find out more!
This is a remarkable book that children as young as 3 years old will find captivating. In fact much older children aged up to 6 years will want to revisit it again and again!
Another classic from Walker Books!
2. 'Feathers of Farwood' by Jayne McIntyre
Jayne McIntyre holds a Bachelor of Journalism and works as a marketing manager on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She was named Professional Business Woman of the Year finalist in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Awards. She is also a member of the Queensland Writers Centre, and recently completed a Writing Residency at Varuna. Tamlyn Teow provides a wonderful cover for a book that wonderful!
This is a book that children 8-12 will love.
Eva loves their quirky house and she also likes Farwood, but she is an outsider and has no friends, until she meets a new boy called Harvey.
Like Her, Harvey also has secrets, and he becomes her staunchest ally and partner in a mission to find the mysterious and long-hidden book that will reveal answers. Not only to help the girl and her family, but all those who are in the grip of the 'Gripps'. This is a memorable book! Some of its key embedded themes are friendship, resilience and persistence even when the victim of racism.
3. Two Wonderful Children's Books by Alisa Tikhova
Alisa Tikhova is a Ukrainian children's author, who has written a number of wonderful children's books. The books are in her Prince Universe series. They are hard to find but if you look online you will come across this very talented author.
The books are highly engaging fairy tales that explore kindness, forgiveness, and emotional growth through the adventures of a young Prince who befriends a misunderstood Monster and a comforting Shadow. I'll review two of her books in this post while I try to hunt down some of her other books.
4. The Prince and the Shadow by Alisa Tikhova
Once again, children aged 4-7 will love this book, irrespective of what part of the world they come from. It is a gentle children’s fairy tale for ages 4–7 about loneliness, emotional safety, and growing up.
In a quiet castle full of light, a young Prince discovers something unexpected — a Shadow. Not scary. Not dark. But warm. This is a tender fairy tale about companionship, resilience, and the light we carry inside.
The Prince and the Shadow is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps children understand difficult feelings and find comfort within themselves.
• emotional awareness
• self-acceptance & courage to grow, and
• comfort during lonely moments
It is perfect for:
• bedtime reading
• sensitive children
• parents looking for meaningful emotional learning books
• conversations about feelings and inner strength.
