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 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.