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.

 

Three New Picture Books & An Illustrated Junior Novel

This post previews four wonderful picture books and one brilliant Junior Graphic Novel suitable for readers aged 6-8 years by the brilliant Jon Klassen.

1. 'Dads and Dogs', by Mick Elliott

Author illustrator Mick Elliott has produced another engaging picture book for children aged 6-8 years. I love the way Elliott targets the younger end of the range with a very funny book that highlights just how distracted Dads can be when minding a toddler. This isn't a Dad who just takes his toddler out for an afternoon walk down a favourite walkway. No, this type of Dad always attempts to do some other things as well, with some 'interesting' outcomes. Dad can be easily distracted.

There's the 'Coffee Dad' who sits in the sun with his toddler in the pram and while they both snooze, their dog eats the cake he bought at the cafe to go with his coffee. Then there's the 'Dashing Dad' who has to chase the escaping and 'Muddy Dog'. The 'Bikie Dad' takes his daughter and their dog in the sidecar. And what could possibly go wrong if Dad paints with the 'help' of his daughter and the dog. But there's more.... This is a very funny book.

2. 'A Boy, His Dog And The Sea', by Anthony Browne

Dogs also make an appearance in Anthony Browne's wonderful new picture book 'A Boy, His Dog and the Sea'. Young readers will love Scruff.

This is a poignant picture book about a boy and his dog finding adventure where they least expect it. Anthony Browne is the acclaimed Kate Greenaway and medal-winning author-illustrator and former Children's Laureate. The British Sunday Times review says of the book:

“As is usual with Browne, the scene expresses the mood. Painstaking artwork conjures the wide sea, while faces are hinted at in beach huts and pebbles. Misunderstanding and suspense lead to a happy, heroic rescue.”

The images of faces hinted at in the stones are interesting. Kids will have fun looking and searching them, as well as a few in the clouds. But how the images reinforce the central message of the narrative, wasn't clear to me, but it is intriguing? It reminded me of fun collecting fragments of old glass on pebbled beaches with my children along English seashores; perhaps the stones will have that same impact. 

3. 'The Wheelbarrow Express', by Sue Whiting & Illustrated by Cate James

The Wheelbarrow Express is a lovely story that every child close to their grandparents will understand. After a stay with Grandparents and the inevitable fun you have, going back to normal life is difficult. The love of a grandparent for their grandchildren is typically unconditional and without the demands of everyday parenting. I remember well how every holidays when I left my grandparents how sad and empty I felt. Back to my home with lots of rules, school and more.

It’s Tommy’s last day at Pa’s farm and it’s time to say goodbye. Tommy doesn’t want to go. Not yet. He loves the farm and its playful pigs and clucking chickens and galloping goats and the dam that is deep and blue and perfect for skimming stones. And he loves Pa.

Like any besotted grandparent (and speaking from experience), there is always time for "...one last run on the wheelbarrow express." And I thought only I had one of these!

There isn't much that can compare with a holiday on the farm with Grandparents who love you. Such a lovely story and Cate James' wonderful sensitive and loving illustrations, help to bring out the emotions of the story. A beautiful example of text and illustrations in perfect union. Bravo!

4. 'The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale' by Jon Klassen

In this post, I find myself in the unfortunate position of being a little equivocal with one of my favourite Author/Illustrators. Jon Klassen, has received every award and honour imaginable. The art is stunning as usual, and the text is so well supported by the illustrations. 

The plot is simple. A small child called Otilla is running through a dark forest at night, and hears her name being called by a strange voice in an abandoned house. She knocks at the door and calls out "Hello" and the reply "Hello" comes back. It comes from a window. A skull was looking at her. It shows her around the house and a series of magical things occur. The skull tells how a skeleton comes each night looking for his head. Otilla steps in and destroys the skeleton (in a gruesome way) and lives 'happily ever after' with the skull.

I struggled a little with his re-imagined take on an old Tryolean story or yarn. Klassen takes a child friendly story that in the original was amusing - and yet still a little weird - and turns it into a fairly bleak and potentially disturbing story, especially for children aged 6-8 years.

I enjoyed reading his Author's Note at the end of the book, that explains how his reading of the original stayed with him for a year, and he spent time wondering how he would use it for a picture book. He wrote his version without reference to the original, which he suggests is what happens to Folktales. "They are supposed to be Changed by who is telling, and you never find them the same way twice".

In summary, this is an intriguing book, but I don't think I'd read it to a six-year-old at bedtime. I'm sure if it is used in classrooms with children 7-8 years, there will be an interesting discussion.

 

The 'New York Times' book reviewer Ransom Riggs has no problem with the dark ending and says:

"Folk tales are meant to be flexible things, open-source stories infinitely mouldable to the needs of teller and era." 

Riggs believes the original version has been "marvelously reimagined". I'm interested to hear what teachers and parents think.