Old Man Emu
By John Williamson and Simon McLean Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is a picture book adaptation of John Williamson's first and now legendary hit song, 'Old Man Emu’, to celebrate John’s 50th year of performing and the song’s 50th anniversary in 2020.
The Wolf’s Secret
By Myriam Dahman and Nicolas Digard Illustrated by Julia Sarda Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Myriam grew up in Morocco but now lives and works in Paris. Her co-writer, Nicolas Digard is a French writer for televisions and books for children but this is
My Dad Used to be so Cool
By Keith Negley Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Keith Negley is a well-known illustrator who also writes and illustrates his own picture books for children which include Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too), Mary Wears What She Wants and this one. This is a story
Waiting for Hugo
by Amanda Niland illustrated by Claire Richards reviewed by Claire Monsour Hugo is
The Story of the Little Mole who knew it was None of his Business
by Werner Holzwarth Illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch Reviewed by Sandy Driessens What appears to be the hairdo of a now-famous politician, on the head of this little Mole, is what attracted me to this story, first published in Germany in 1989. Of course,
Claudette
Written and illustrated by Helene Magisson Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Helene's previous books include All About Fairies, Sarah’s Two Nativities, and Little Puggle’s Song. Her work is characterised by a delicate touch and a subtle use of colour. In Claudette she has
The Unwilling Twin
Written and illustrated by Freya Blackwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Freya Blackwood has been writing and illustrating for children since 2010 and any book with her name on the cover is sure to appeal to children and their parents. She won
Pirate Stew
by Neil Gaiman illustrated by Chris Riddell reviewed by Mia Macrossan Pirate Stew is a colourful over the top piratical caper produced by the award winning team of Gaiman and Riddell who have so many other hits to their name. This will be
Arthur and the Tiger
written and illustrated by Sophie Beer reviewed by Mia Macrossan This appealing picture book is all about learning how to overcome your fears. It is set in a circus full of brave and bold people except for Arthur, the Ringmaster’s son. He isn’t
The Goody
written and illustrated by Lauren Child reviewed by Mia Macrossan Former UK children’s Laureate, Lauren Child is famous for her Charlie and Lola picture books, the Clarice Bean series and the Ruby Redford detective series. I adore her books and The Goody
The Widow’s Broom
by Chris van Allsburg reviewed by Mia Macrossan This has recently been reprinted in a 25th anniversary edition and it’s a thing of beauty. Did you know witches’ brooms don’t last forever? They grow old and lose the power of flight. This happened to
We Love You, Magoo
written and illustrated by Briony Stewart reviewed by Mia Macrossan Magoo is puppy, a red setter by the look of the illustrations and he has a mind and will of his own. He is interested in everything around him and wants to try
Small Town
by Phillip Gwynne and Tony Flowers reviewed by Sarah Custance Phillip Gwynne is an Australian author of Young Adult novels, middle-grade novels, and picture books. Some of his works include ‘The Debt’ series, ‘Deadly Unna?’, ‘Stuff Happens: Michael’, and more recently ‘The
Nala the Koala
by Penny Min Ferguson reviewed by Mia Macrossan This delightful picture book features a young koala looking for a new home after she becomes homeless due to bushfires. With a happy and hopeful face she sets off walking – but a beach is
The Daddy Animal Book
Written and illustrated by Jennifer Cossins Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the companion title to THE MUMMY ANIMAL BOOK from the author of the CBCA Notable THE BABY ANIMAL BOOK and the bestselling 101 COLLECTIVE NOUNS. It is the same size, same format but in
The Painted Ponies
by Alison Lester reviewed by Mia Macrossan A new book by Alison Lester is always cause for celebration. The Painted Ponies doesn’t disappoint. It’s starts with Matilda who loves to stay at her Grandma Lucky’s house with the pony called Luna, the
Joey and Riley
by Mandy Foot reviewed by Mia Macrossan Mandy Foot has been illustrating other people's stories for many years but this is one she has written and illustrated herself. It is about a working dog who is also a beloved companion. Pet seems
The Sloth and the Dinglewot
by Nicole Prust illustrated by Amanda Enright reviewed by Barbara Braxton Down near the banks of the lazy lagoon, Where the trees slowly swayed in the light of the moon, A family of sloths slept soundly asleep As the birds of the sunrise started to
Extraordinary!
by Penny Harrison illustrated by Katie Wilson reviewed by Sandy Driessens Of course, a cover with sparkly metallics sprinkled all over a creature-filled forest makes me immediately desire this book. Does the rest of the book live up to the cover? … well
Bear Was There
written and illustrated by Sally Anne Garland reviewed by Sandy Driessens A huge bear and a tiny mouse gazing at each other with kind, gentle eyes is a delightful image that would draw a child of any age to this lovely book
Pink
by Margaret Wild illustrated by Judith Rossell reviewed by Mia Macrossan Many children’s books are full of lessons that adults want to teach the young. This admirable resolve can, and often does, create very tedious, what I call, teachy preachy books. Here is
In My Dreams
by Stef Gemmill illustrated by Tanja Stephani reviewed by Sandy Driessens The colourful, fantastical cover for this book speaks of adventure … of dreams. “When the world is quiet and I’m alone, I like to dream.” This opening sentence, floating through the darkness of
Boo Loves Books
by Kaye Baillie and Tracie Grimwood reviewed by Sarah Custance ‘Boo Loves Books’ is a must-have on the shelf of any dog lover, especially those that have rescue pets. Kaye Baillie is still a relatively new name in picture books but teamed
The Giant and the Sea
by Trent Jamieson illustrated Rovina Cai reviewed by Barbara Braxton There was once a giant who stood on the shore of the sea. She looked out across the water the water, because that is what she had promised to do long, long ago. On
The Little Engine That Could
by Watty Piper illustrated by Dan Santat reviewed by Mia Macrossan This famous story has been re-issued in a 90th anniversary edition with an introduction by Dolly Parton, the founder of the Imagination Library The popular tale of the little engine that could has
The Mummy Animal Book
by Jennifer Cossins reviewed by Mia Macrossan Jennifer Cossins has written the popular 101 Collective Nouns, A Flamboyance of Flamingos and The Baby Animal Book and now in The Mummy Animal Book she focuses on mothers and their offspring. She has chosen 14
Bedtime Daddy
written by Sharon Giltrow illustrated by Katrin Dreiling reviewed by Barbara Braxton It's 7.00 pm and it's time for bed. No more screentime or playtime and regardless of the protests, it's time. But it takes perseverance and patience to work through all the
NEW! Australian Animals Reading Lists
We have prepared two Reading Lists for use by teachers and parents. Australian Animal Books for Younger Readers features popular classics and many popular titles, written by awarded Australian children's writers, all about iconic Australian animals with a recommended reading
No! Never!
by Libby Hathorn and Lisa Hathorn- Jarman illustrated by Mel Pearce reviewed by Mia Macrossan This amusing tale created by award winning author Libby Hathorn and her daughter Lisa Hathorn -Jarman shows a situation many families are familiar with: a contrary fractious toddler
Arthur and the What-Ifs
by Heath McKenzie reviewed by Mia Macrossan Arthur is a dog with a secret desire to play his violin. He has composed a tune but he is too scared to play it in public in case people hear it and laugh at
