Bush Bubs
By Helen Milroy Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “So many joeys, puggles and pups. Let’s look after our precious bush bubs.” Australian native animals range in size, characteristics and habitat, but when we talk about their babies, with their special names, they become particularly
Volcano
By Claire Saxby & Jess Racklyeft Reviewed by Sophia Evans ‘Deep in the ocean, far beyond the reach of even the brightest sun, the earth quakes.’ Thorough research is interwoven with lyrical language to bring the journey of a new mountain to life.
The World We Can Build
By Eliza Hull & Sally Rippin, & Daniel Gray-Barnett Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray The World We Can Build comes to us from the team behind award-winning title Come Over To My House (2022), and continues that book’s plea for a more
Hatch
By Heidi Cooper Smith Reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Heidi Cooper Smith is a Brisbane based Illustrator and also author of her own picture books, Six Sleepy Mice, Too Many Ducks, Odd Sock Sid, and Secrets of the Seasons. At first glance, Hatch appears
My Mum is a Bird
By Angie Cui & Evie Barrow Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This clever subtle story, so beautifully extended by its sensitive illustrations, is a perfect package of artful storylelling, emotional engagement and gorgeous artwork. It's a remarkable achievement for Melbourne based debut author
My Mum is the Best!
By Nic McPickle & Tommy Doyle Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This creative team also published the companion volume, My Dad Is the Best, while Nic McPickle is also the author of Fire Truck Santa and Tommy Doyle, an illustrator, ceramist and graphic designer,
Bigfoot vs Yeti, A Love Story
By James Foley Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Bigfoot vs Yeti (A Love Story) is the latest release from multi-talented author and illustrator James Foley. Like his previous hits My Dead Bunny and Stellarphant, this is a surprising, unconventional picture book that
The Big Backyard Plan
By Kirsten Ealand & Laura Stitzel Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is Kirsten's second picture book after her charming debut Like a Gannet. She says: When I write, I often start with an emotion and go from there and my books often
Cassowary Dad
By Beverley McWilliams & Julian Teh Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson ‘Tap, tap, CRACK! Three stripy chicks hatch from forest green eggs
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson This is yet another wonderful picture book created by the award-winning British partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, they of the well-known Gruffalo series. They have also collaborated on Zog, Super
Higher Ground
By Tull Suwannakit Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Tull Suwannakit is best known in the children’s fiction world as an illustrator. His work has always included rich visual storytelling, but he is now emerging as an impressive writer, too. Higher Ground is clearly
Aslan and Benny
By Jemima Shafei-Ongu & Jade Goodwin Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Many children have an irrational fear of dogs and this story carefully explores how one child overcomes his fears and makes friends with the dog that suddenly enters his life. Aslan is an
Grandmother from the East Grandmother from the West
By Jacinta Liu & Freda Chiu Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Jacinta Liu's delightful debut picture book is about a girl who loves her two grandmothers, who each come with their own distinct heritage and traditions. They look different and offer contrasting ways
Tomato Sandwich
By Caroline Magerl Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Tomato Sandwich is the latest release from celebrated author and illustrator Caroline Magerl. It takes place on an average day in the home of young Ottily and her dad. Otilly awakes, dons her fairy
Dinner Time! & Bed Time!
Aussie Baby's First Words 1 & 2 By Tom Jellet Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Tom Jellett is a Sydney-based illustrator. For over twenty years he has illustrated a number of books for children including Dirt by Sea by Michael Wagner, the My Dad Thinks
My Shadow is Blue
By Scott Stuart Reviewed by Claire Monsour My Shadow Is Blue by Australian author Scott Stuart is part of his “shadow series” (including My Shadow Is Purple and My Shadow Is Pink). Stuart is an author committed to creating content that empowers
You Are a Wildlife Warrior! Saving Animals & The Planet
By Bindi Irwin & Ramona Kaulitzki Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Bindi Irwin is a passionate wildlife conservationist, daughter of Wildlife Warriors Steve and Terri Irwin, who has inherited her parents’ love for wildlife and wild places. Ramona Kaulitzki is the illustrator of
Kittens Do Not Care for Baths
By Ali Rutsteiin & Niña Nill Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is another successful collaboration by the creators of the CBCA Notable Ladybirds Do Not Go To Daycare. This time the story is about Maya who is playing in the back yard
Ladybirds Do Not Go To Daycare
By Ali Rutstein & Niña Nill Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Ali Rutstein is also the author of A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet and Kittens Do Not Care For Baths (again with NiñaNill). Her work is characterised by a gentle
Don’t Fall For The Trick: A guide to smashing gender stereotypes
Written by Jennifer Bain & illustrated by Scott Stuart Reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Jennifer Bain is a graphic designer and author the picture book The New Kid. Scot Stuart is an author and illustrator of a number of books including best sellers,
Welcome to the World, Little Baby: A Baby Records Book
By Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Melissa Greenwood was born on her Gumbaynggirr jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations. Her carefully crafted stories include Miimi and Buwaarr, Mother and Baby, Giinagay Gaagal (Hello Ocean),
The Wonderful World of Carnivorous Plants
By Suzanne Houghton Reviewed by Sophia Evans Have you ever heard of a meat-eating plant? Or a plant that traps spiders and flies? Let’s be honest, most of us know about of the Venus fly trap and its ability to catch flies,
Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History
By Mellissa-Jane Fogarty & Dylan Finney Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History is the first in a series of illustrated information books about Australian landmarks. This is Melissa-Jane Fogarty’s debut picture book, though she has a substantial
Wombat Poos Are Square
By Sophie Gillies & Karen Erasmus Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Australian animals provide endlessly fascinating material for children to discover, and this book has a surefure topic that will have all the young ones hooked, poo! It's a book describing the different kinds
Aslan and Benny
By Jemima Shafei-Ongu & Jade Goodwin Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Aslan had the heart and name of a lion, scared of nothing and willing to try almost anything. His favourite day was Sunday because the family always had a barbecue with his
When You’re Going to the Moon
By Sasha Beekman & Vivienne To Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “There’s a lot you’ve got to fit in your little green bag. Your pet iguana, tap dancing shoes, and inflatable moose … What else might you need when you’re going to the
The Humongous Humdingle Family and the Tiny House
By Michelle Wilson & P.J. Reece Reviewed by Sandy Driessens The Humongous Humdingle Family and the Tiny House is a big title and barely fits on the cover of this book, but as such, tells the whole story. The endpapers introduce you
My Big Secret
Written and illustrated by Felice Arena Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Felice has often been reviewed in StoryLinks. His many books are always rewarding and fun to read. Titles include the iconic Specky Magee series, the Sporty Kids series, the historical adventure novels and CBCA
Little Love List
By Bethany Clark & Summer Macon Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Summer Macon has illustrated more than 30 picture books, most of them focused on early childhood and here she has teamed up with Bethany Clark whose debut picture book was You've Got
Baby and Me
By Angela Casabene & Hilary Jean Tapper Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Angela's first picture book All You Can Be, a love letter to children everywhere, was inspired by her daughter. Here she has teamed up with Hilary Jean Tapper, an illustrator who
