Another Year Around the Sun

By Katrina Germein & Alice Lindstrom

Reviewed by Margarite Igras.

Katrina is an award-winning Australian author of titles such as Fabulous Frogs, One Little Duck (CBCA shortlisted), Bev and Kelly (CBCA Honour Book) and numerous CBCA Notable listings. Some of her works have been presented on the children’s television program Play School. Her latest and twenty-eight picture book is aimed at 3- to 6-year-olds. It explores the passing of time from one birthday to the next, showing the changing seasons, and how we too grow and focus on different activities. The vibrant illustrations carry many details about seasons, animals, plants and the changing of nature.

This story begins and ends with a girl’s birthday. She is carrying a bunch of flowers and celebrating her birthday with her family. It is a beautiful Spring day, ideal for a picnic. With the turning of each page, we witness the changing seasons and the changing outdoor activities enjoyed by this family. From splashing at the beach, to collecting autumn leaves, playing in the rain and picking the ripe apples in the garden.

The simple text consists of merely seventy-five words, in rhyming couplets – Trees Swayed. You played. Light Swept. You leapt. The illustrations are a visual treat that can stand alone without the text. There is an abundance of details for discovery and further discussion.

In the author’s words the book is about The simple joy of playing outdoors. The love of family. Birthdays and growing.  A beautiful book for the home and school that is bound to be revisited regularly inspiring imagination and curiosity about the transience of time from one birthday to the next.

 Affirm Press 2025

Katrina Germein

Alice LIndstrom