Shine
By Danny Parker Illustrated by Ruth de Vos Reviewed by Mia Macrossan People are often impelled to list and enumerate the ways in which they love someone, whether it be a friend, lover, or family. Parents particularly care for their children in a
Maree Coote talks about writing historical fiction
'Historical fiction can also be the telling of a true story—based on real events—that is lifted it out of its time to reset the story as a universal tale. Born in history, immortalised in story.' Maree Coote is a writer, designer,
Noni the Pony Counts to a Million
By Alison Lester Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Former Australian Children’s Laureate Alison Lester first introduced us to Noni the Pony in 2011 and it was shortlisted for the CBCA Early Childhood Book of the Year. This was followed by another adventure Noni the Pony Goes
Pear of Hope
By Wenda Shurety Illustrated by Deb Hudson Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Blue skies, butterflies, bees, birds and flowers create a lovely setting for a hopeful little girl. “At the bottom of the garden grew an old pear tree. A home of buzzing and
Where’s My Dinosaur?
By Ashling Kwok Illustrated by Jasmine Berry Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Ashling's previous books include Lola and Grandpa and The Battle while this is Jasmine's, debut picture book, although she has worked for years as an illustrator and graphic designer. This new title is
Stop the Dad Jokes
By Adrian Beck Illustrated by Simon Greiner Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Adrian Beck is the author of several popular humourous stories for children including the Derek Dool, the Champion Charlies and the Alien Zoo series. Simon Greiner has illustrated a number of children's
Fearless With Dad
By Cori Brooke Illustrated by Giuseppe Poli Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This carefully observed picture book shows the many ways in which young boy and his Dad interact all day every day. Because Dad is always there, supporting and encouraging, the boy has
The Bark Book
By Victoria Mackinlay Illustrated by Beth Harvey Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Dog bark. Tree bark. Let’s go see bark.” You can feel the joy and excitement when you first see this cover so … is it about Dog bark or Tree bark? When
To the Bridge: The Journey of Lennie and Ginger Mick
By Corinne Fenton Illustrated by Andrew McLean Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Corinne Fenton is an established picture book author with an affinity for animals and research, while Andrew McLean's lengthy illustration career includes many titles bestowed with CBCA accolades. Clearly, they are a
Super Sporty Girls
Reviewed by Margarite Igras Be Inspired and Celebrate Australia’s Amazing Sportswomen This picture book is a compilation of some of Australia’s successful sportswomen with the aim of introducing a range of sports to young girls who need some inspiration and information for
Gold!
By Jackie Kerin Illustrated by Annie White Reviewed by Margarite Igras This picture book set in Victoria during the 1850’s gold rush, is based on a true story. The author, Jackie Kerin, captures our imagination with the personal story of four young men
Amira’s Suitcase
By Vikki Conley Illustrated by Nicky Johnston Reviewed by Sandy Driessens How endearing is the cover of this book? The luggage label, stains, stickers and earthy colours draw you to this little girl with the hopeful look on her face. “It was growing in
Great British Illustrators: their life and work in pictures
The Guardian newspaper does a wonderful series called Great Children's Illustrators. Here are some to enjoy: John Burningham over a long career has created much-loved characters such as the balalaika-playing mouse Trubloff and the mighty, bully-defying Avocado Baby Angela Barrett's striking and
The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name
By Sandhya Parappukkaran, Illustrated by Michelle Pereira Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Here is something completely different. Debut author Sandhya Parappukkaran has written a charming and thought-provoking story about a boy who is struggling with his very long name. As you can see the
Hello World
By Lisa Shanahan Illustrated by Leila Rudge Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Lisa is the author of several award winning books including Bear and Chook by the Sea and Big Pet Day. Here in collaboration with the talented Leila Rudge she has created another
Who Fed Zed
By Amelia McInerney Illustrated by Adam Nickel Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Amelia McInerney is a humorous picture book author. Her titles include The Book Chook illustrated by Connah Brecon, My Bird, Bertie, illustrated by Shane McG and Bad Crab, illustrated by Philip Bunting. Adam Nickel's illustration style
Gordo the Guardian
A Nigh-Time Adventure by Inge Daniels Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Inge Daniels was born in The Netherlands and now lives in Melbourne. Gordo the Guardian is her debut picture book as author/illustrator. This engaging story is set in the Australian Age of Dinosaurs
Train Party
Created by Karen Blair Reviewed by Zewlan Moor This is a perfect picture book by experienced creator, Karen Blair, illustrator of With Nan and Puddle Jumpers. The rhyming text is a delight to read, from the first moment of being drawn in: We’re
Mr Bat Wants A Hat
By Kitty Black Illustrated by Laura Wood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Lucy Black is an Australian author who has written several picture books and her latest features a cute little black bat who exhibits all the self-centredness of a very young child without
Where Are You, Magoo?
Written and illustrated by Briony Stewart Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Magoo is back.! You may remember We Love You Magoo by Briony Stewart reviewed here and shortlisted for the Children's Book of the Year Award: Early Childhood. Briony both creates and illustrates
Frankie Goes to Kindergarten
By Peta Baxter and Connie Hemmens Illustrated by Marjory Gardner Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Frankie is actually a real and much-loved kindy dog in a real kindergarten here in Queensland. In the book we see a typical day in the life of Frankie,
Boo Loves Books
By Kaye Baillie Illustrated by Tracie Grimwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This uplifting story illustrates how an anxious child's friendship with a rescue dog can help both of them. Phoebe is shy and nervous about her reading because she is not
At the Dog Park
By Moira Court Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This picture book will appeal to very young children, those aged about two plus It is very simple and very clever using dogs at the dog park in all their splendid variety to illustrate opposites
Yellow Truck Road Train
by Mandy Tootell reviewed by Mia Macrossan Mandy Tootell lives in Katherine in the Northern Territory with her husband, a road train driver, and her two sons. Although Mandy is primarily a printmaker, she enjoys a range of art-making. She is
In My Mosque
Written by M. O. Yuksel Illustrated by Hatem Aly Reviewed by Inda Ahmad Zahri This vibrant and welcoming book is a literary ‘walk-through’ of a building that is central to Muslim communities everywhere. Along with architectural features, the reader is treated to glimpses
When The Sakura Bloom
By Narisa Togo Translated from the Japanese by Michael Sedunary Reviewed by Inda Ahmad Zahri This is a beautiful book about Japan's most iconic blooms. In a Japanese town, the cherry blossom trees are ever present, and ever changing. As the townsfolk rush
The Katha Chest
By Radhiah Chowdhury Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu Reviewed by Inda Ahmad Zahri A katha is a light quilt made from layers of old cotton saris stitched together. These comforting quilts are ubiquitous in South Asian homes, and can now be shared in the
The King’s Birthday Suit
A tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes By Peter Bently Illustrated by Claire Powell Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson ‘King Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third had SO many clothes it was simply absurd …’ When two unscrupulous so- called tailors promise to make
Indigenous Picture Books
To celebrate NAIDOC WEEK 2021 here is a list of recent indigenous picture books that all children will enjoy. They range widely in subject matter, are enlightening about Australia's indigenous heritage and all are stunning in colour and design. Click
Mr Bat Wants a Hat
By Kitty Black Illustrated by Laura Wood Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Mr Bat is largely content with his life, doing what he likes when he likes. But one evening when flying above the local park, he discovers hats and decides that he needs
