My Review of Four Junior Novels & Two Picture Books

Four Junior Novels (8-12) & Two Picture Books 

1. 'Hair Brain Saves the Ocean' by Danny Katz & illustrated by  Mitch Vane

A brand new junior fiction book from the much loved and best-selling creators of Little Lunch. Suitable for readers aged 8-10 years.

"This is a story about how I came up with a MASSIVELY brainy plan to CLEAN UP all the disgusting pollution on the beach to help save the whole WORLD!!!!!!"

In her own words the star of the book says "that's not my real name, what kind of cruel , evil parents would call their kid Hairbrain for real? Mmm, after reading the book it seems to me they might just have! We never find out any other name.

Hairbrain takes a big view of the world and devotes lots of time thinking of how to save the world. 

Hairbrain has an 'active' life. For example, she ran from her father when her report from school came home with a 'D' in the English test. But Hairbrain isn't silly and has lots of ideas and inventions that 'might' change the world. For example:

Put a lemon on the end of every school bubblers with a sprinkle of sugar on the side to make the water taste sweeter.

Or, to deal with pollution, why not stick a great big pump to go over factories, and then pump it to other far away countries like Finland. And then there's her idea to capture water pollution with floating garbage at our beaches like old shoes, cups with stale noodles left there, old sausages. In her words, pollution is "Dizzgusting"!   

Of course, there's much more wisdom and great ideas in this classic book that children aged 8-12 will find fun.

2. 'Something Terrible - Becky Brush Your HAIR!' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This is another very funny book in the 'Something Terrible'  series from Walker Books.

Paul Jennings meets the Treehouse in this hilarious new series, 'Something Terrible'.

Becky Culpepper lives at 34 Rufus Street. You might be surprised by her name, but most people think her name is Becky Brush-your-hair. You see, she never brushes her hair. But no matter how many people tell her to, Becky never brushes it.

One morning, just as Becky is leaving for school, her mum calls out, ‘Becky! Brush your hair. Something terrible could happen!’

This is the story of the something terrible that did happen, for it seems there were some who saw her hair as VERY attractive and perhaps useful. This funny book is suitable for readers and listeners aged 8-10. As one commentator suggests:

Sally Barton weaves a brush-with-disaster pony-tale of do's and do-knots in his tangled mess of a second installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

Sally Barton the author was aged six when she took her first book from the library. As they say, the rest is history. Stories became an important part of her life. Today she spends her days creating fictional worlds for both adults and children. As well, she passes this love and knowledge on to her students as a tutor for children with learning differences. After legal studies she worked for the police, but says her happiest work was in her job in a public library. Sally was honoured to win the Writers Unleashed Picture Book Competition in 2022 with 'Goodnight Sheep'.

Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations reflect a love of vintage design. Tin toys, Mexican wrestlers, Matchboxes, Medical Charts and Indian Goddesses all jostle for attention amongst the flotsam and jetsam of his flip-top head. His artwork has been widely acknowledged in varied places, including, 'The British Book Design & Publication Awards', the 'AGDA Awards', and the 'Society of Illustrators' awards New York. 

He has received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the 'Australia Illustrators Awards'. He was shortlisted in 2018 for the CBCA Crichton Award for best new illustrator in children's book illustration.

3. 'Something Terrible - Tim Tie Your Shoelaces' by Sally Barton & illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Age 6-10 years 

'Goosebumps' meets 'The Treehouse' in this wonderful first instalment of an hilarious new series of 'Something Terrible'.

Tim Mulligan lives at 25 Rufus Street. You might be surprised to know this is his name, because most people think his name is 'Tim Tie-your-shoelaces'. For, no matter how many people tell him, or how often, Tim never ties his shoelaces.
One morning, just as Tim was leaving for school, his mum called, "Tim! Tie your shoelaces. Something terrible could happen!". This is the story of the something terrible that did happen!

Sally Barton weaves a tale of mayhem, mess and beasties, in this flip-flappin’ street-slappin’ first installment of the terrible things that happen in Rufus Street.

4. 'Down The Plot Hole' by Annaleise Byrd

This is a fun-filled fractured fairytale adventure in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.The book is perfect for readers who want their ribs to ache with laughter.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the … ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ were gone. All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. This time, words – well, chickens – are disappearing! Realising their fairytale friends are in danger of being sucked into oblivion by plot holes, the boys don’t hesitate before diving back into the Grimm world to warn them. It’s up to Basil and Terry to find out what’s going on and how to stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … including their way home.

As one reviewer suggests, the book is "Perfect for kids who prefer their comedy action-packed, their epic adventures brimming with magic, and their fantastical stories jam-packed with laughs" 'Readings'.

Annaleise Byrd grew up on a farm in Queensland, ignoring most farm-related pursuits in favour of reading books. She then spent nine years in England and Canada, neglecting a variety of jobs in favour of reading books. Eventually, she realised the best way to get away with this was to become an author. Annaleise now lives in Brisbane with her husband, two young sons and rescue greyhound, and she is particularly fond of lamingtons. You can find her online at www.annaleisebyrd.com.

Suitable for Children Aged 8-12 years

Two Picture Books Worth a Look

Hopefully, I'll have more new picture books to review soon, but here are two that are worth looking at. One new, and another published in 2024. I haven't reviewed either book previously that are worth a look. 

1. 'The Hyena Who Laughed so hard his pants fell off!' by James Croft

Three trouble makers are always up to no good, and this time is no exception. In the heart of the African savanna, where the sun blazes high, a cheeky hyena and his friends try to keep themselves entertained, with fun, frolics and spotty pants. But watch out for the grumpy, old elephant, who may have a surprise in store!

Children aged 5-8 will love this rip-roaring tale of friendship and mischief. The book is filled with bags of fun, for developing little minds. It is a fun-filled fractured fairy tale adventure, that children will enjoy in a very surprising, 'Grimm' world.

'There’s a word missing.’ Terry said as he pointed to the book. ‘The maid plucked the --- ready for the spit.’ He flipped back a page. ‘It said she was sitting beside a black hen, right?’ It was true. The words ‘black hen’ that were there had disappeared?! All that remained was a larger-than-usual space. A gap. An emptiness. A hole … in the plot.

Neighbours and reluctant reading partners Basil and Terry are once again reading 'The Complete Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm'. Last time, they found themselves plunged into the fairytale world, where everyone was losing the plot. 

But this time, words – well, the words 'chickens' – were disappearing! Are their fairytale friends in danger of being sucked into 'oblivion' by plot holes?! The boys don’t hesitate and dive into the 'World of Grimm' to warn them. Will Basil and Terry find out what’s going on and stop the plot holes from
destroying everything … and find their way home?

This is a great book for children who like an action-packed comedy.

2. 'The Truck Cat' written by Deborah Frenkel (Author) and illustrated by Danny Snell

The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and also homes that can be lost and yet found again. 

Author Deborah Frenkel is an award-winning writer of books for children. She grew up in the 80s and 90s and thought she might just be a 'business lady'. But that wasn't to be, and after working in advertising in her day job writing ads for varied clothing brands, she changed course. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. 

 

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell.

Her delightful book is well supported by the illustrations of multi-award-winning artist Danny Snell. 'The Truck Cat' is the perfect book to inspire kindness and compassion in young children everywhere. Now this lead should get you in:
 
"Some cats are house cats. Some are apartment cats.
But Tinka is a truck cat. Tinka lives everywhere."
 
Tinka travels with his human owner Yacoub. But no matter how much they travel, home always feels very far away for both of them. Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection.
 
But on one trip, Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated. But they are both determined to find one another. In doing so, they find even more than they expected …

"In The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel’s beautiful writing takes the reader on a gentle and often amusing ride. Yacoub’s story is one of resilience, yearning and sighs of sadness. Tinka the cat makes sure there is sunshine and smiles along the way. Danny Snell’s gorgeous colour palette splashes movement and life on every page. From vignettes to double page spreads, the combination of art and text presents a heartfelt, hopeful story of finding home …"

Sandhya Parappukkaran, the award-winning author of 'The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name', suggests 'The Truck Cat' is a must-read picture book’. ‘At a time when the world is in turmoil, much of it due to ignorance, intolerance and bigotry, there could not be a more timely choice for a book that will bring children right across the country together, in a glorious celebration and a move towards greater acceptance and empathy.’

This is a lovely picture book that combines great storytelling that touch on the heartwarming emotions of loss, companionship and love. It's pitched perfectly to entertain and move young readers, as well as to gently open their hearts and minds.’
 
'Readings, Best Picture Books of 2024' asks:

‘Who knew so much love could be encapsulated in only 30 pages?! A picture book for all ages, and for everyone, human or feline’
 
‘This impactful story is shared through the blend of Danny Snell’s beautiful illustration and Deborah Frenkel’s heartfelt words and is a touching reminder that “home is everywhere.”’  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six New Books for Children 5-10 years

1. 'Tomato Sandwich' by Caroline Magerl

Now here is a book for children with great imaginations. I know one or two children with imaginations that can take them to places, situations and adventures that only adults could dream off. 

This beautifully illustrated wordless picture book is intriguing. At first glance I thought "what?!' Then I spent time slowly flipping the pages to discover the story is about an imaginative young girl named Ottily. And how her puppy managed to take an old man, who was trying to get his vacuuming done, on a day he would never forget! 

Caroline Magerl was born in Frankfurt Germany, but came to Australia aged 2 (so we're claiming her as our's)! She lived on her families' yacht until she was 14. In 2001 she won the Children' Book Council of Australia Crighton Award for new talent in children's book illustration for 'Maya and Cat'. Her book 'Nop' was awarded a CBCA Honour book, and her latest book 'Piano Fingers' was awarded as a 'Notable Book'. 

2. 'One Day', by Shirley Marr and illustrated by Michael Speechley.

The first thing you will notice when you open this book, is that each 'page', covers two pages! Rather than opening it from right to left, you turn it on it's 'side' and flip the second page downwards and the 'page' becomes the size of some newspapers. 

The book tells the story of how a dragonfly, inspired by the words and threat of a frog, that a firefly will live at most for one day. 

The cover blurb for this stunning book suggests that the creators have come up with a book that "inspires us to look at things differently, to live life to the fullest and seize the day, every day. "For the world out there will eat you up," says a menacing frog waiting to catch it's breakfast. 

And as she flys away from him, a young girl spies Dragonfly and wonders how to celebrate her one and only birthday.

This is a beautiful and book with a simple message that we might all note. Life is for living, so get on with it.

 3. "Grandmas in Grand Cars" written & Illustrated by Mick Elliott 

What grandchild wouldn't want a Grandma in a grand car? And what car might she have? How about your Grandma in a 'Beetle'? Or perhaps a 'Buggy' open to the sky? Or maybe a 'Rally' car and mud to splash through? Or a 'Rocket car'? Now we're talking. But for novelty, a 'Sausage Car' would be hard to beat! Or a 'Puppy' car? But the grandest car of all would be one we've made ourselves.

This is a book that your toddlers will want read again, and again, and again!

The author and illustrator is Mick Elliott is a children's television producer, scriptwriter and animator. Since 2001 he has worked for Nickelodeon Australia overseeing award-winning series for children. 

4. 'The Terrakeet', Written by Jo Van Der Borgh & illustrated by Jo Beasley

"In the shade of the gobi trees on the edge of Pincer Sea,

live a family of Finlocks as peaceful as can be." 

They spend their days just lomfing, or fishing fronds to cook."

 

Now here is a memorable lead for a picture book. Such an image of peace and solitude, now what could go wrong. There are 'fish fronds to cook'. Hang on, "fish fronds"?! So much to do and peace and tranquility in abundance. What could disturb this peace? Well, just maybe a "Frimbulitic Terrakeet!"

 

They've never seen this beast, "but it's said to be here". One day the youngest Finlock thought he might just "take a walk in all directions" to find other things to eat. What happens next? I'll leave you to buy this wonderful picture book and find out.

 

5. 'Hair Brain: Saves the Ocean' by Danny Katz & Mitch Vane

 

This very funny short 90 page book is suitable for the age group 8-12 or older in the case of poor readers. It is illustrated on every page with hillarious images. Danny's text is slightly tongue in cheek and is complemented beautifully by Mich Vane's equally funny illustrations. 

 

'Hairbrain' (not her real name) modestly sets out to clean up all pollution to "save the world". A modest goal to be sure! She has lots of ideas, in fact 10,782 (approximately). For example, to get kids to drink healthy water, why not "stick a lemon on the end of bubblers so when kids drink water, it tastes like lemon flavour". She gives herself 10 out of 10 for this idea. Or perhaps, get rid of pollution by getting a "massive pump that goes over the chimneys of the big factories so all the smoke gets sucked through a massively MASSIVE tube to another country far away like Finland".

 

Hairbrain has everything covered, for example, water pollution could be solved by her riding her bike through the water to clean up the rubbish. For the doubters she has a plan for an "ECO-Hydro-Turbo-propello Techno-Floato Ant-pollutionary cleaning craft.

 

How about that? She has 'everything' covered!

6. 'The Hippo Who Hated to Fight' by Milt Lowe and Illustrated by Stephen Bibb

 

"Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

'The Hippo Who Hated To Fight' is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colourful and creatively illustrated and written for kids aged 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants, and that it's cool to be a different-you, everyone just need to find your herd."

  

This is the story of 'The Hippo Who Hated To Fight'. Kuno felt he needed to be above 'animal' behaviour. His four brothers were of course keen to toss their weight around if they had to. And they teased him for being different. Kuno was upset and felt unloved. 

Kuno had no desire to bite and fight, and yet, this was very common hippo behavior. Kuno was teased mercilessly by his four older brothers. He was sad, alone and felt like no-one liked him.

So he left his family to “figure things out.” By chance, he was to meet Zema a 12,000 pound elephant! And they help one another to understand how amazing both these new friends are. 

This would be a great book to share with children aged 5-8 who might have had the same experience as Kuno. It might just help them to be kinder to each other, and appreciate their fellow students for the things they are, not the differences they see.

 

 

   

 

 

 

Seven New Children's Books that Shouldn't be Missed

In this post I review 8 books that are suitable for children aged 6-10 years. Most are from Walker Books, a publisher that continues to produce wonderful books for readers in this age group. I will review them in age order, with the books for the youngest readers first.

1. 'Be the Bus: The Lost and Found Wisdom of The Pigeon, as told to Mo Willems' Written by Mo Willems 

This hilarious picture book has a helpful intro from who else but 'The Bus Driver'! He is fascinated by tough questions, like "What is the best stop for the centre'? Or "WHY can't The Pigeon drive the bus?" Of course this is no ordinary pigeon, but it seems the Pigeon has other passions and gifts.

And another contribution from Pigeon, "Genius is seldom recognised." Of course, Pigeon solves this by always wearing a badge that says "Hello, I am a GENIUS." And of course, wer should all pretend to have "an active imagination."

Readers 6-8 will laugh their heads of as they read this book again and again; alone but often with other readers.

2. "Friendly Bee and Friends" by Sean E Avery in similar vane to Mo Willems offers two hillarious books under the banner of "Friendly Bee and Friends" but with two books.

a) 'Friendly Bee and Friends!

It's hard to believe that a Bee and a Wasp could be 'friends', just suspend disbelief. Having Bee as a friend can be dangerous. When Bee assures Wasp that he should wear a dress for a party hosted by a giant spider, he is doubtful, but Bee convinces him that it's perfect. But it seems the dress makes his wings useless. In the second part of the book we meet some 'Pessimistic Friends' (you know 'Oh woe is me!). But even a worse 'Not-so-hairy' friend arrives, 'Angry Wasp'!

The book is in four parts, Part 1 'Grumpy Friends', Part 2 'Boring Friends', Part 3 'Hairy Friends' and Part 4 'Fabulous Friends'. There is such great wisdom in these pages, so don't be put off by Pigeon's statement "that everything has already been said"! As we know it was Plato who said, "Never trust a quotation." 

Children aged 5-6 won't be able to stop reading this book and sharing them with their friends.

b) 'Friendly Bee and Friends: Woe is for Worm' in Three Parts

In this book a Bee decides that she and Wasp need to be best friends. But Wasp is a reluctant friend. However, Bee is persistent and somehow seems to take charge. He wants to find something that Wasp will like. Perhaps flowers? Or wait on, how about ice cream?! When Bee tries to steal a boys ice cream cone, Wasp comes to the rescue. The fun and madness with Bee and Wasp continues until an enormous 6 eyed scary spider captures them both for his supper. How will this end? You'll love reading it to your young readers aged 5-6 and you'll see them trying to read it themselves too!

3. 'Riz Chester' by R.A. Stephens

Once again we have two books under one banner with common characters and the central character 'Riz Chester'. Each is illustrated by Em Hammond. They are suitable for readers aged 6-7. 

a) 'Riz Chester - The Fingerprint CODE' by R.A. Stephens & illustrated by Em Hammond.

Riz Chester juts LOVES mysteries. She has a special interest in forensic science, and just LOVES to organize forensic parties for her friends and family. But when real life collides with her creative genius, she is ready to solve the crime.

Riz also loves mystery parties that she plans for her friends, Lachie A, Lochie C (no I haven't made a spelling mistake), Jenny and Sabrina. All are interested in science. For example, Riz sets up a party centred on finger printing. Table 1 is where they do the fingerprinting. Table 2 has the moulds ready to match the prints. And it doesn't stop there, she moves us on to:

• Making moulds of animal tracks
• Fingerprinting & footprinting
• Forensics

Where will this investigation end? Just get the book and find out. 

b) 'Riz Chester - The Evidence Track' by R.A. Stephens & illustrated by Em Hammond.

Riz is getting ready for a party at his house. But this is no ordinary party. This mystery party was itself inspired by past mystery-solving. His interest in solving things came after he found a bag of counterfeit money in a shopping centre.  

 To solve mysteries he needs lots of stuff like picnic tables for the sleuths. Gear for fingerprinting, moulds and more. Riz is always thinking about weird stuff. His friends Sabrina and Pieter are coming and everyone is excited. They learn about how animal tracks are different, and how to mould them.

But then, a real opportunity appears; a robbery at the local petrol station. And when they discover some large footprints in their front yard after seeing some movement, the speculation and investigation begins. This is a delightful book that would be investigators will love.

 

 

4. 'How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks and Other Advice' by John Larking & Illustrated by Chrissie Krebs

This funny book is a collection of hilarious, nonsensical, witty and mischievous subjects - the best (and worst) advice for growing up. The author John Larking, relates his tried and tested advice for navigating the mysteries of life, with a sprinkling of some the facts and history he’s discovered along the way.

How can you avoid being eaten by sharks? What does it mean to ‘skateboard’ someone? Is there a chance you could be abducted by aliens? Are there zombies hiding under your brother’s bed?

If you're scared by sharks Larking suggests you might live in Liechtenstein, that has had "zero shark attacks"!Of course, this is a land locked nation many miles from the sea. In Australia a number of the very rare attacks have occurred in creeks connected to the ocean. Did you know that only nine people were killed by sharks worldwide in 2021. While roughly 450 people die from falling out of bed each year.

There is one sure-fire method to avoid being eaten by sharks. Don’t go in the ocean. Although in Australia, a number of the very rare attacks have occurred in creeks connected to the ocean.

In this hilarious guide, John Larkin relates his tried and tested advice for navigating the mysteries of life, with a sprinkling of some the facts and history he’s discovered along the way. Accompanied by entertaining comic-style illustrations from Chrissie Krebs, this is an education not to be missed!

Of course, this book has more advice than just avoiding sharks. For example, 'Is the Earth really Flat'? How can you translate parent speak? Ah, this book provides a very comprehensive (and very funny) account some of the key concerns in our world.

5. 'One Wise Sheep' by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jorg Muhle (translated by Helena Kirkby).

This story is set in 4 BC. The shepherds who care for the sheep have mysteriously left! Tonight, the sheep can't sleep. The pasture is floodlit by a strange new star and their shepherds have disappeared. It is a very dark night with no moon when suddenly, lit up as something bright zooms across the sky. The sheep are scared and puzzled.

But why have the shepherds gone!? Their back packs have been left behind. Perhaps the shepherds have been kidnapped by a UFO. It seems one sheep was a witness to what happened that night.

"I woke in the middle of the night... I felt a weird tingling and prickling all over my body. Then a huge, silent, glowing apparition floated down. Out of nowhere this voice started singing."

It said "fear not: for, behold, I bring good tidings. The shepherds were scared then a host of angels appeared in our field singing praises. I think I even heard trumpets."

What could they do? Well, head off to find out more about this event and what is going on. On the way, they meet an exhausted donkey who needs to have a rest. The sheep survive a river crossing and ferocious wolves in their quest and reach a 'Box Office'!?! They are told, "you needed pre-booked tickets?" They had missed it. The special person had left. So they head home to a very happy shepherd who thought he had lost them. 

This little book is hardly a faithful retelling of the story of Jesus, but it is an amusing story of what this great even might have meant for some hapless sheep.

6. 'Ducky The Spy - Expect the Unexpected!' by Sean & Avery

You should always expect the unexpected from Sean & Avery. Once again they have produced a very funny who-dunnit story with its crazy characters from across the farm yard. 

This new graphic novel from Sean E Avery will engage readers aged 6-8, with its laugh-out-loud who-dunnit ridiculousness.

A thief on the farm. A goat kidnapped by a gang of cats. A giant chicken. Ducky the Spy and Donny the Donkey “The Distraction” are on the case. These are no ordinary characters. Donny, for a start gets very 'Gassy', so stand back. But that's not all, 'Gretta' the chicken becomes involved too and is the master of making handy gadgets.

This funny book is from the internationally renowned creator of Frank’s Red Hat. This new terrific tale is "fresh from the funny, and funky, farm".

'Seven Great New Books for readers aged 6-12 Years'

 

1.'The Mosaic' by Deborah Kelly & illustrated by Nicky Johnson

Have you ever been responsible for breaking something special? Was it yours' or someone else's? Yikes!

 

Frankie's intentions were good, she took the special vase to collect flower's for Nan. But... it was broken into many pieces. Nan takes her on a special drive to an art gallery that seemed to change everything...

I just love this special book.

2. 'Too Many Acorns' by written and illustrated by Susannah Crispe.

At one level this is a wonderful and warm story about a Dad his Son and a fascination with acorns that gets out of hand. But beneath the surface there is another untold story of heartbreak and personal loss, as a Dad and his Son try to cope with the loss of someone they loved.

Can you have too many acorns? Maybe not if you're a squirrel, but if you are a young collector of acorns, you never know. This delightful book from Susannah Crispe is a simple tale that draws you in as a reader as the keenness of a young boy to collect a few acorns, gets out of hand.

Beautifully illustrated with the vibrant colours you'd expect from a talented author illustrator like Susannah Crispe. Originally from New Zealand, she now lives in Canberra and we've claimed her as an Aussie!  Her other works include 'Where the Heart Is', 'Cookie', 'Under the Moonlight', 'Swoop', 'Cloudspotting' and 'The Real Cowgirl'.

3. 'The Welcome Cookies' by Kaye Baillie & illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan

I'm sure readers will relate to this lovely story about a girl and her Mum who visit their favourite cafe every Friday; the 'Sugar Plum Cafe'. And like all of us, if we have a special cafe and suddenly it is sold! Well, devastation. But Mabel is to find that even though Miss Plum has left, something new might just fill the gap left when Miss Plum retired.

"Will Mabel be able to give to give the new-look cafe a chance or has she lost her happy place forever?"

Beautifully illustrated Kirrili Lonergan. Her pencil sketches and water colour images are delightful and bring the key characters to life. Children will want to hear this time and time again, and also enjoy reading it themselves.  

A wonderful collaboration between author & illustrator.

4. 'Dragon Guest Handbook' by Jeanette Stamphone & illustrated by Novia Heroanto.

Wow! This little gem of a book is wonderful. And practical too, because we all need to know, just what to do if a dragon arrives unannounced. Thanks to the experience of one boy, we are given the 'good oil' on the requirements, and what NOT to do. Like any tourist who drops in, a Dragon might well have a few quirky ways.

First greet it well and be careful how you introduce the dragon to your parents when he sits down for breakfast. Perhaps get him to put on a disguise before venturing out. And of course take Dragon exploring in the disguise. But be careful, especially if you visit a museum and be doubly if you visit the skeletons.

Dragon will most likely love surfing, Hot Air Ballooning (watch where he points its flaming breath) and dining out! But make sure Dragon doesn't breath any fire while there. 

A quirky and fun book that readers 2-6 will enjoy.

5. 'When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree' by Jackie Hosking & illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom

It's Christmas in Australia and unlike the Northern Hemisphere it's hot and dry. This alone makes Christmas different. And things are different for Santa too! 

It's very hot for him and the hazards down under are different than in the northern winter. He won't get stuck in the snow, or the chimney but...could he end up in a tree?! Unfortunately, yes he just might.

The creators of this wonderful little book are also different. Jackie Hosking is a Nigerian born Australian who moved to Australia when she was 10. She began writing for children after completing a creative writing course at her local community house in a seaside town just off the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. She was awarded the 'May Gibbs Creative Time Fellowship'. She is also the author of 'The Croc and the Platypus' (2014).

Nathaniel Eckstrom is an illustrator based Sydney. He has worked on a number of children's books including 'Stubborn Stanley', 'The Hole Idea', 'Roadtrip' and 'Ten Little Figs'.

6. Two wonderful short novels for readers aged 8-12

There are three books in this series, one of which I have reviewed previously ('The Fingerprint Code'). But here are two I haven't shared.

a) 'The Counterfeit Bust' by R.A. Stephens & illustrated by Em Hammond

Riz is a kid who often notices things that others miss. With a name like Riz this kid was always going to be a little different. She seems to have uncanny ability to see things that others miss. As usual Rizz is thinking and wondering. But when she goes to hand a 10 dollar note to the check out person she exclaims "can notes be faulty"? Mum says, just hand it to her. But no! Riz hands it to the checkout person and says something is wrong with this. A security guard is called and Mum and Rizz end up heading to the police station to have things checked.

Like all of the Riz Chester books, you can't easily put it down. You'll have to buy the book to find out how this all ends!

b) 'The Evidence Track' by R.A. Stephens and illustrated by Em Hammond

Riz and her friends successfully led the Counterfeit Bust. Now Riz has discovered a passion for forensic science.She loves mysteries, and with her new interest in forensics she is looking for crimes to solve. But what?! Nothing has happened for months. 

So what do you do? Riz organises the perfect ‘match-the-tracks’ party for her friends. Moulds are prepared and muddy prints are evidence to help solve crimes. But given Riz's past, could such a innocent party get them into trouble?

 

Six of the Best! Wonderful New Picture Books to Share

1. 'Good, Night, Good Beach', by Joy Cowley & illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

"An evocative and beautiful bedtime picture book that distills the essence of summer at the beach―skin sticky with salt, sandy feet, waves hush-hushing and a shell under the pillow."

This simple poem of just 42 words by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper will transport readers to the seashore and the fun of the beach.

It is quite a gift to be able to use so few words and yet, so clearly evoke from the reader the wonderful joy of the beach in summer. The rhythm of the poem reflects so perfectly the rhythm of such a special day.

Hilary Jean Tapper’s water colour drawings offer a corresponding 'simplicity' to the text. This can only be achieved by a very accomplished artist. I just love this book.

2. 'Always Never Happens' by Meg McKinlay & illustrated by Leila Rudge

"A poetic and quirky one-of-a kind classic-in-the-making, that encourages readers to explore their world, from two award winning creators."

Not to be outdone, Meg McKinlay and Leila Rudge have created another wonderful picture book. This text has over 250 words and uses rhyme so well. It is aimed at slightly older readers. But once again, author and illustrator create a wonderful picture book. Leila Rudge's images offer delightful detail and an older key character who is very relatable.

 

I love the 'wisdom' McKinlay communicates in her story. Sometimes with tongue in cheek, but also with a special message. For example:

"Always carry useful things - a torch, a notebook, fairy wings."

"Never throw a key away. Who knows what lock you'll meet today?" 

"Always follow secret tracks – the paths that wind and wend through cracks."

"Never worry where they go. When you get there, then you’ll know."

This is a wonderful book that every library needs. Any lucky child who owns one will treasure it.

3. 'A Way to the Stars' by David Almond & illustrated by Gill Smith

In this book David Almond Hans - a Christian Andersen Award winner - shows how a father and son bond as they collaborate to "defeat gravity and realize a dream."

Joe is starstruck, and determined to find his way up, up, up to the magical lights in the night sky. 

“In your dreams!” his pals say. But when Joe and his dad put their heads and hearts together, there is no stopping them. Together they climb ladders, construct towers, and launch rockets in a tireless quest to reach the unreachable. 

David Almond's wonderfully playful book, and Gill Smith’s dynamic illustrations, lead to a story of great courage, and the power of the imagination.

4. 'Mr Clownfish, Miss Anemone and the Hermit Crab', written & illustrated by Sean E. Avery

There is often something special about a picture book where the author and illustrator are the same person! Sean E. Avery is both. The text is delightful and tells the tale of a Clown fish with a special relationship to a Sea Anemone.

Mr Clownfish gains protection from Miss Anemone by hiding amongst her tentacles as she sits fixed to a rock. And Mr Clownfish gathers special food for Miss Anemone. But when Mr Clownfish comes back one day with a special gift for Miss Anemone, they have no idea that something is inside the special shell. 

Does this spell danger for Miss Anemone? You'll need to read the book to find out. Children aged 4-6 will love this book so beautifully illustrated with a wondrous use of colour. 

A wonderful and surprising story from the author of 'Frank's Red Hat'.

5. 'Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas', written & illustrated by Matt Tavares

Matt Tavares’s sequel to the New York Times best-selling Dasher is a joyful ode to helping others—and another holiday classic in the making.

“If you ever get lost, just look for the North Star.”

With only one sleep left before Christmas Eve, Dasher can’t contain her excitement for her favorite holiday. With the sound of Christmas carols on the breeze and twinkling lights radiating from a nearby city, she sneaks off to visit the festivities. But as night deepens and snow starts to fall, Dasher realizes she can no longer spot the North Star in the sky to lead her home. Will the kindness of a child, an unexpected gift, and a dose of Christmas spirit get her back in time to help guide Santa’s sleigh? The New York Times best-selling creator of Dasher has crafted another delightful journey featuring everyone’s favorite reindeer doe, in a story full of giving, joy, and holiday magic.

6. 'Cosmic Wonder: Halley's Comet and Humankind', written & illustrated by Ashley Benham-Yazdani

I love this book! And when I learnt that Ashley Benham-Yazdani worked on it while pregnant with her second child, I was even more impressed. Unlike many of us, she can clearly do many things at the one time. A wonder in itself!!

As the sub-title indicates, this beautiful picture book is about Halley's Comet. It was first recorded on Earth in 240 BCE. While it only 'appears' every 73-75 years I was fortunate to 'see' it when it last appeared in 1986. Even then it was hard to see, and was little more than a bright star without a telescope. We caught sight of it from the banks of the Murrumbidgee using telescopes of enthusiasts in the dark of night and could see its blazing tail.

 

This innovative and visually stunning picture book imagines Halley’s Comet observing Earth and its inhabitants at every pass, tracing human evolution over millennia. It tells the story of the comet when it showed itself in 1986, but also traces the history of the Earth through its 'eyes'. It follows on a journey with the comet 200,000 BC to the present. If the comet 'looked down' what would it have seen?