Some Books About Fathers
by Mia Macrossan Every year just in time for Father's Day books about Dads in all their various guises come out. Here are three that you might enjoy. Happy Father's Day from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers Any book about
The Boy Who Lost His Laugh
By Dimity Powell & Heidi Cooper Smith EK Books 2026 Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Dimity Powell and EK Books have a track record of creating evocative, multi-layered picture books on tricky topics. The publishing house’s motto is “Books with Heart on Issues that
Bella Grows a Bicycle
Written Lellie Lopter & illustrated by Chiara Franceschetti Five Mile Press 2026 Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Bella wants a bicycle – but her birthday is months away! ‘Bikes are expensive,’ said Dad. ‘Maybe we could grow one.’ Dad gives her a tiny seed. She
Home
By Rory H Mather & Matt Shanks Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rory writes very accessible picture books for young children such as Otto’s INK-redible First Day of School and Vlad’s Bad Breath. Here he has teamed up with the talented Matt Shanks, creator
A Lemon for Safiya
By Jemima Shafei-Ongu & Nisaluk Chantanakom Reviewed by Margarite Igras Jemima Shafei-Ongu is a Sydney based writer, teacher, and psychologist. She loves picture books claiming they nurture a special connection between a child and adult reader and has written a range of
WANTED: The Cutest Baby in the World
By Davina Bell & Sarah Zweck Reviewed by Zewlan Moor You might be surprised to hear that this picture book was quite controversial at our Last Tuesday Book Club (for adult readers of children's books).. How so? Written by much-loved children’s book author
My Sister, the Todzilla
By Jacinta Froud & Matt Shanks Reviewed by Meg Rowe ‘It’s not long after lunch, I’m alone in my room when all of a sudden I hear a big … BOOM!’ Help! There’s a tired toddler on the loose! Will big brother be able
Here Come the Cousins
By Maggie Hutchings & Sarah Zweck Reviewed by Margarite Igras Maggie Hutchins is known for her humorous and engaging storytelling, with titles such as Unicorn, her debut work, Your Birthday was the Best and Be True to You (CBCA Honour Book). Here
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
Fairy Beach
By Sheila Knaggs & Jennifer Falkner Reviewed by Margarite Igras. Sheila Knagg’s inspiration for this story came about one day during the COVID lockdown. She was walking along the beach and heard what she thought was giggling and chatter. It came from
Rainbow Street
By R W R McDonald & Kelly Canby Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The title is an indication of what is inside - a melange of familial relationships all living harmoniously on the one street and all getting together to celebrate Cherry's grandma's
Guess How I Was Born
By Suzanne Gervay & Carolyn Daly Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Presented with the Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award for her body of work by the International Literacy Association and an Order of Australia, Susanne Gervays's books are recognised all over the world.
Wait a Minute!
By Shelly Unwin & Lana Azore Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Time to go! Wait a minute! I’ve got to tie my sh … sheep together.” Ah, the morning rush for parent and child to leave home and be on our way, to our
I Don’t Need a Little Brother
By Nat Amoore & Nathaniel Eckstrom Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray I Don’t Need a Little Brother is the debut picture book for Nat Amoore, who is well known for action-packed, humorous middle grade writing - and even better known for super high
We’re Moving Away
By Nina Nill Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Nina Nill is best known as an illustrator in the children’s literature world, having brought two highly praised picture books to life with author Ali Rutstein. Here, Nina is both author and artist of
I Dreamed of You
By Sharna Carter & Gabby Grant Reviewed by Mia Macrossan ' I dreamed of your sweet giggles as you'd skip and hold my hand'. This is one of those picture books celebrating a parent's hopes and dreams for a child. It shows an
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,
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
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
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
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 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
Saturday, Sunday
Busy Day, Fun Day By Natalie Kate Forbes & Danny Snell Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Natalie has had many different jobs in her life and is now starting out as a published author. It is a complement to her work that she has
Before We Met
By Gabrielle Tozer & Sophie Beer Reviewed by Margarite Igras Gabrielle is an award-winning author, and freelance writer based in New South Wales. She has written YA books including Remind me How This Ends which was on the CBCA 2018 Notable List,
The Other Side of the Clouds
By Matt Samuel & Tamlyn Teow Reviewed by Margarite Igras This is Matt’s debut Children’s picture book. After two decades in advertising and a former career as a primary school teacher, he decided to try his hand at writing a picture book, drawing
Waiting for Santa
By Lucy Cochran & Heidi McKinnon Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey Waiting for Santa is the debut picture book for Australian author Lucy Cochran, teamed up with author-illustrator Heidi McKinnon, whose previous works include the 2023 award winning Floof and 2022 CBCA
