The Bin Monster

By Annabelle Hale

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Annabelle Hale  has written and illustrated a fun picture book about a well-known Australian topic that we all have experienced. Those pesky birds that that raid our bins, spreading rubbish and food scraps everywhere. This is a page-turner as the younger four- to six-year-old excitedly waits for the big reveal. Is it a big ugly monster with strong arms and big teeth, or something more common in our neighbourhood?

Our story character declares that she lives in the best street with the most wonderful community members. It is an almost perfect if not for the elusive Bin Monster who causes havoc every Tuesday when the bins go out onto the curb. The grown-ups have tried stacking bricks onto the lid, wedging a stick into the bin handle and even tying heavy water bottles to weigh down the lid. All to no avail.  So, our courageous girl decides to do something about it and is very surprised when she finds out who is responsible for this weekly havoc.

Annabelle uses both digital and traditional media for her colourful animated characters and detail-filled street scenes. The minimal text beautifully supports the illustrations, but it is the highlighted onomatopoeia that will make this a fun book to read out loud. Embedded in the illustrations are many clues about our cheeky and destructive culprits that once revealed will demand a re-read.

There is a warmth and kindness in the interaction of the community and the birds, and a resolve to adapt so they can live together. Spoiler alert! There are over 30 Sulfur-crested cockatoos waiting to be found by the reader.

Affirm Kids 2025

Annabelle Hale