Dimity Powell's Blog

When an adult picks up a junior fiction chapter book and is transported back to a time when nothing else mattered but page turning until the end, you know you're on a winner. Why? Because for me, that time, when I was so utterly absorbed by books my surroundings, time and even food failed to penetrate my intense committment to story, was one of the most joyous in my life. 

The Silver Series of chapter books aimed at youngsters between the ages of five to nine not only fuelled that transportation, it actually made me feel like one of those book-loving kids again; like I was nine. This cleverly curated ensemble of engaging stories for kids however is first and foremost that; for kids not a wannabe kid again! And it does so with carefully considered intelligence. So far, I've enjoyed the first three. All sport bright inviting covers, clear theme discriptions and ... joy of joys ... rounded edges! I'm not sure why I like that but feel sure kids with differing tactile sensitivites will find it appealing.

The stories themselves are crafted by some of Australia's finest kids' lit creators. Each narrative is festooned with line drawn greyscale illustrations, at least one per page spread, sometimes enveloping a full or double page spread for emphasis. Although illustrated by different individuals, the imagery never detracts rather supports the stories' direction and scene breaks. This symbiotic pairing of visual literacy with language feels natural and unforced, again a boon for newly independant readers and those reluctant readers easily offput by huge chunks of typeface. 

But what about the themes? Well, this is a glorious rainbow of something-for-everyone kinda series. Subject matter is grouped in recognisable themes each with their own silver medallion-like label: animals, mysteries, funny stories, school based adventures, action, history, fantasy, science fiction, spooky stories and so on ... a vertible cornucopia of choice! And here's the clever bit: discerning readers are happily catered for alongside less generic-based ones thanks to the coding symbols and choice. At the end of each novel, readers are invited to decipher their next read, because they don't know what they might like, right! A short multiple choice questionnaire gently guides them towards their 'next read' which consequently encourgages exploration of other themes they had not thought to read about before. Genius. 

But then, I wouldn't have expected anything less from the brains' trust superstars behind this conception: Your Kids' Next Read - Allison Tait, Allison Rushby and Megan Daley. If you want to introduce your child to a life long love of reading in a super inviting, next level engagement, don't care about what's for dinner kind of way, include these in their library bag or on their bookshelf. 

Here's a quick round up of the three I've woofed down thus far: 

The Lonely Lunch Club

Themes addressing friendship, social issues, and school situations with humorous overtones. Introducing discussions around feelings of guilt, loneliness and kindness. Plus spider appreciation! Loved this.

The Missing Pencil Case

A jolly little mystery centering around family, friendship and goodwill. Imbued with diversity and societal awareness thanks characterisation and setting choices. 

Bea, Bart and the Birds

This one's an intriguing little foray into crime, twisted endings, animals and families of a slightly different elk where although the siblings take on the role of heroes quite convincingly, the birds themselves deserve equal billing. High paced fun.

Available through Simon & Schuster, Affirm Press (imprint publisher) or the YKNR website! 

Unless you are familiar with Melbourne's skyline and Australia's recent past, you may not be acquainted with The Skipping Girl, aka Audrey. Audrey Skips is a beguiling picture book that changes all that. Based on Australia's first sequenced animated neon sign Audrey Skips escorts readers through a fascinating tribute to a treasured landmark, thanks to the animated rhyming text of Andrea Rowe and the exquisite illustrations of Lisa Coutts.

Audrey first sprang into life atop the Malt Vinegar factory in Abbotsford in 1936. Her role was simple, to promote Skipping Girl vinegar. This she did with clockwork appeal and tireless vigor. Bedecked in her vibrant red dress, Audrey skipped and flipped, twirled and glowed rivalling the pinks and oranges of Melbourne's sunsets with her neon bloom.

Spirited verse sets this scene vividly as Audrey becomes a silent yet reliable fixature of the city's skyline. Over the years, Audrey becomes the backdrop to city life, an impartial observer to its inhabitants' highs and lows, worries and triumphs, all the while turning her rope with assured regularity. Until changing times and adverse events suck the hope from the city's dwellers, draining the colour from their lives and eventually, diminishing Audrey's light. 

In the late 1960s, Audrey's factory pedestal in demolished rendering her unseen and almost forgotten until time, patience and incredible community kindness rallied to reinstate a cherished icon. In 2012 Audrey entered a new and wondrous era - solar power! She can now skip indefinitely off grid. Hurrah.

This charming recount of a special slice of contemporary history makes for intriguing classroom discussions because history is indisputedly link with consequence and outcome and endurance. Audrey herself represents the kind of hope that humans are naturally drawn to, like moths to a neon light. Hope shines. Colour delights. Symbolisim, even if it did begin as marketing strategy, provides connection. It is thanks to community connection and fundraising that Audrey even exists today. Proof that when we work together to restore joy, retain things that matter to us, anything is possible.

Audrey Skips is a picture book to snuggle up with and absorb gently as Coutt's charcoally smudgey drawings suggest. Despite the many night time settings, pops of bright colour burst through sombre tones and grey days, so that readers never feel they have to surrender hope for Audrey or the city. 

Just as her namesakes of vinegar and mustard are warming with plenty of bite and wonder, so to is this beautiful keepsake honouring a very special, beloved little girl. 

Title: Audrey Skips
Author: Andrea Rowe
Illustrator: Lisa Coutts
Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing, $29.99
Publication Date: February 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922858719
For ages: 3 - 9
Type: Picture Book

Buy the Book: New South Books          

When I was a kid, Mum and Dad ordered in a magnificent, leatherbound, two volume set entitled, Singer of the Bush and Song of The Pen; a collection of poems, verse and short stories by Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson. Like many others, I went on to love several of the well-known and well-worn classics. I never made it through every single poem. I still have the two giant tomes. They represent keepsakes and a slice of history. Imagine if other young readers, curious crafters of words and themes they are only just becoming acquainted with could have their own slice of this history.

Meet Banjo Paterson - in board book form. Presented in hard cover, thick paged, glossy full colour, this introductory series to the amazing works behind one of Australia's best-loved poets comes to vivid life. Edited to be read in one sitting, these make familiar classics less wieldy and supremely more accessible for both carers, parents, teachers and the little ones they are reading with.

Waltzing Matilda takes us through the full four verses of this erstwhile Aussie National Athem with one tiny noticeable aleration or rather omission. The swagman's drowning and subsequent appearance as a ghost who haunts the Billabong is thoughtfully left unsaid, presumably to encourage lateral thinking and discussion of the possible outcomes for this situation. 

Being the horsenut I was as a kid, The Man From Snowy River is my personal favourite. This lengthy poem is taken to a natural conclusion after the wild man from Snowy River and his mountain savvy pony successfully single-handedly bring back the colt from old Regret and with him, a mob of wild brumbies. 

The dozen or so stanzas of the original poem have been deftly edited by Kathryn England to fit snuggly into a thrilling adventure of insurmountable odds and spirited determination, the wiff of which even the very young will relish and gulp down with glee. 

Bright bold full colour illustrations by Cate James sport rounded edges and cartoonseque stylings yet still manage to harness the vast unique beauty of the Aussie bush.  

But wait, there's more! For every line of verse on each page opposite each visual description, a numerical value is shown both as a number and as a word. Readers are told what they should be looking for and counting down: 6 six black grass trees, 5 five blue fairy wrens for instance. The clever inclusion of numbers and colours and flora and fauna indentification not only encourages pauses and explorations, as readers search and find, but entices repeat readings which because of the beautiful essence of AB Paterson's poetry, make this a reading experience to treasure. 

The Banjo Paterson board book series not only reawakens a warm childhood memory for me, it provides a valuable learning resource that focuses on the forgotten art of poetry whilst uniting youngters with historical icons. 

Title: Banjo Paterson Australian Classics for Little Ones: Waltzing Matilda and The Man From Snowy River
Author: AB Banjo Paterson Edited by: Kathryn England
Illustrator: Cate James
Publisher: Penguin, $14.99
Publication Date: 8 April 2026
Format: Hardcover Board Book
ISBN: 9781761355110, 9781761355103
For ages: 2+
Type: Board Book

Buy the Book: Penguin Books

Theterm umbrella can mean many things. Ostensibly, protection, shelter, inclusion,unification. All admirable qualities, ones that entice a visit within. Troubleis, not all umbrellas are of equal size. Not all possess the capacity to encompassthose that perhaps are in greatest need of them. And yet, as is oft the sharedhuman condition, we all at some point crave to fit under that mantel of shared connection– to fit in. And those that appreciate this inherent desire better than anyother are children.

Thisis the core of Niki Foreman and Binny Talib’s stunning new creation; an explorationof a young person’s observation of their social standing, their subsequent effortsto change it and their eventual realisation of self.

Characterisedby a non-gender specific child, the realities of not quite fitting under theumbrella is apparent from the get go. Our main character has but their robustraincoat and desire to join those comfortably already under the umbrella, noticeablywithout any other protective wear to shield them from external elements.

Butthere is little room left. No matter how differently they approach this dilemmathe result is the same. Even when others, also stuck out in the rain appear, similaritiesaren’t always strong enough to make a perfect fit. Another's umbrella may not be your best option no matter who is underneath it.

Thankfully,rainbows often follow storms, which is where this episode of searching and lonelinesseventuates. None of us can predict how long a downpour will last, but with theright protective gear and enough resolve to see you through, there is every chanceyou will find your fit. Or in this case, wait for others to eventually see andappreciate your true colours.

Deceptivelysimple in its narrative delivery, The Umbrella addresses many of the multiplecomplexities young children face every single day, whether in the playground,school yard or even home life. Need and want for sameness are constantly atodds with yearnings for unique independence. Unravelling the nuances ofself-appreciation and acceptance for a young child especially one that fallsunder their own neurodivergent umbrella, is no straightforward task. The Umbrelladoes so eloquently without fuss or explicit direction, thus allowing youngstersto question and comment on each scene for themselves. A boon for deeper classroomdiscussion!

Fromendpaper to endpaper, Talib’s illustrations of wide-eyed beings each findingtheir own way through the emotional downpour inspire instant connection. Brightpencil drawn colours temper mood with just enough white space among the linear-shaped,rainbow-coloured raindrops to encourage room for reflective thought. Iespecially enjoyed the silent sub character of a macintosh-clad pussy cat.

TheUmbrella worksbecause it is extravagantly simple; an ideal mix of elegant, playful ambiguityand raw, detailed complexity that many from the age of four will find easy to appreciate.

Title:  The Umbrella
Author:  Niki Foreman
Illustrator:  Binny Talib
Publisher:  Penguin Random House, $24.99
Publication Date:  3 March 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761348242
For ages:  4+
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: PenguinBooks Australia   

 

 

Bynow, most of us have heard of the Easter Bilby. A cute long-eared, pointy-snouted,nocturnal marsupial native to Australia’s arid lands aka the Australian EasterBunny. But when a trio of young desert dwelling birds encounter their very firstbilby, they are in need of a bit of convincing that this critter is not in factEB Og.

Andwho better to persuade them than Bilby himself. In lilting rhyming verse, Bilbyescorts his curious companions through an intriguing list of his bestqualities. What makes this adventure so alluring however, is the choice ofdescriptive wordplay Janeen Brian employs to do so.

Bilby’seyes become his peepers, two tall pink straight-ups are his earsand his scratcher-scritchers …? Well, you be the judge. Clues aresecreted in follow-up verse as Bilby explains what each of these features helphim do, eat, and shelter from. The results are both delightfully informativeand hilariously goofy. I will never be able to look at my dogs’ wagging tails againwithout thinking of them as bottom-wigglers!

Awakeningone’s hippocampus connections with repetition and anchoring new perspectives withinterest and humour are the keys of success in this cheerful tale that at itsheart, embraces a wider appreciation of not just the gorgeous and endangered bilbybut our outback environment, as well.  

Gifford’sinspired illustrations perpetuate the fun, playful hues we so often associatewith Easter; pastel pinks, cheery yellows and soft blues whilst still respectingthe intense ochre tones of Bilby’s desert landscape. Bilby himself, portrayedin gentle bunny-grey brushstrokes, could easily be mistaken for one of thisreligious season’s most recognisable symbols but as we are all fully aware ofby the last page, he is definitely not and ostensibly so much more.

AreYou The Easter Bunny?is a warming treat to snuggle down with and serve up to littlies aged three andabove this Easter holiday season because, like Bilby’s intricate burrow, it isfull of stimulating twists and turns generating as much appeal as the real EBhimself.

Title:  Are You The EasterBunny?
Author:  Janeen Brian
Illustrator:  Lucinda Gifford
Publisher:  HarperCollins, $24.99
Publication Date:  28 January 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460765494
For ages:  3+
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: HarperCollinsPublishers Australia

 

 

Connections.I like the serendipitous ones the best. Unplanned, organic, braided by curiosity,like mindedness or rapt admiration. Which is how I embarked on a fascinatingexchange with Dub Leffler,book illustrator, animator, mixed media artist, storyteller and foremost, proudBigambul man.

Iknew and had admired Dub’s work from books co-created by industry mates of minebut the artist’s true identity remained a mystery to me, one I’ve only began toappreciate through his daily social media story shares. Visual musings. Sneakpeaks, Animations camouflaging a more encompassing tale, too abridged for thesmall screen. It felt like I was glimpsing something slightly off stage, in thewings, waiting full exposure …

Irecognised part of what I saw, faces and images that seemed poignantlyfamiliar. More than drafts and spreads, these late night, early dawn reveals werethe heartbeats of a soul of a story soon to become a stirring new picture book,The Drover’s Son.

Pennedby Leah Purcell AM, whose many creative abilities and accolades could filltheir own book, this illustrated book version of The Drover’s Wife preludesThe Drover’s Wife – TheOpera, opening in Bris-Vegas this May, then moving on to show at the Sydney OperaHouse. Can you believe it?

TheDrover’s Sonis a story unto its own, suiting the younger reader because of the intimate andauthentic first-person delivery by Danny, the son. Like many country kids ofthe time, virtually secreted away in the protective seclusion of the ruggedAustralian bush, Danny has to grow up fast, keep his siblings in check andcarry the weight of providing for the family by one day leaving to go a-drovin’as his father does; not someone or something Danny is in a rush to emulate.

Danny’saffection and ties with his mother, pregnant with her fifth child, run deep.Reluctance to leave combats responsibility and sense of duty. Until one day, Yadakaappears and Danny’s future assumes a new landscape of possibilities.

Artwork of Danny gifted by Dub Leffler
TheDrover’s Sonis deeply nuanced and elegantly portrayed. In Purcell’s words, it’s a yarnabout fathers and sons, about mother’s love, fierce and true, and about familyin whatever form that takes. As with its previous reincarnations, this talepays homage to a time in our history that should not be overlooked nor forgotten.It is testimony to the bonds of friendship, the concepts of courage, the notionsof honour and respect. Respect not just for each other but the land upon whichwe walk and breathe. It is this acknowledgment of ‘loyalty’ that is questioned,explored and finally embraced by both text and images.

Andit’s the images that create a state of visual complexity, each incongruouslysoft and surreal in shades teals and browns and greys yet depicting a harshrugged beauty that even on the page, seems to shield secrets we can’t quitemake out. I love the precise ambiguity of Leffler’s drawings. They invitecuriosity and questions. They reflect ancient knowledge that many young folkare (thankfully) better able to recognise and appreciate. They affect raptadmiration.

TheDrover’s Sonis a mighty read. As suits this mighty tale; long cherished by Purcell. It is apicture book children in upper primary grades can quietly appreciate and valueand one easily shared with younger children through inspired reading sessionseither at home or in the classroom; perhaps broken into parts to stimulate furtherdiscussion about …

Connections.How fortunate I was to make this one whilst witnessing the beginning of manymore.

Thankyou, Dub.

Title:  The Drover’s Son
Author:  Leah Purcell
Illustrator:  Dub Leffler
Publisher:  Penguin Random House
Publication Date:  3 May 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978176134977
For ages:  6+
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: PenguinBooks       

 

 

Something for your TBR lists!

Every two years, the IBBY Executive Committee (International Board on Books for Young People) elects the international jury of experts from nominations submitted by the IBBY Sections.

All the candidates nominated for the  Hans Christian Anderson Award have made outstanding contributions to children’s literature in their countries and are selected by the IBBY Sections; a complete list of the 78 candidates to the 2026 Awards can be seen here.

I was hoping to attend the 40th IBBY Congress this year because of the theme, Listening to Other's Voices - increasingly crucial in a world of diminishing abilities to actually hear what is going on. Also because it's in Ottawa, Canada! A place of distant relatives and long-held yearnings to visit. Alas, next time ... 

Meantime, I'll content myself with this Jury Recommends list chosen by the judges as recommended reading from the many nominations received for their Awards, because - The Jury feels these books are important enough to merit translation everywhere, so that children around the world could read them and expand their access to some of the very best books. 

I've read and even reviewed a handful but can't wait to tuck in to more. Here's the full list for you to add to your own TBR of kids' books. Enjoy!

1. Bombay
Written by Sandra Siemens, illustrated by Isol
Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina: Fondo de Cultura Económica de Argentina, 2023, ISBN 978-9-8771-9392-3

2. adouk s’en va [Padouk goes away]
Written by Thomas Lavachery
Paris, France: L’école des loisirs, 2011, ISBN 978-2-2112-0583-2

3. Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story
Written by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson & Donovan Yaciuk
Winnipeg, Canada: HighWater Press (Portage & Main Press), 2011,
ISBN 978-1-5537-9975-7

4. Kai Kai De Men 开开的门 [An open door]
Written by Jin Bo
Tianjin, China: New Buds Publishing House, 2011, ISBN 978-7-5307-5313-2

5. Jeg fortæller en krig [I’ll tell you a war]
Written by Kim Fupz Aakeson, illustrated by Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard
Copenhagen, Denmark: Gyldendal, 2024, ISBN 978-8-7023-9822-9

6. Die Mitte der Welt [The centre of the world]
Written by Andreas Steinhöfel
Hamburg, Germany: Carlsen Verlag, 1998, ISBN 978-3-5515-8395-6

7. Divas Almas [Two almas]
Written by Inese Zandere, illustrated by Anete Bajāre-Babčuka
Rīga, Latvia: Liels un mazs, 2021, ISBN 978-9-9345-7464-1-7

8. Tonje Glimmerdal [Astrid the unstoppable]
Written by Maria Parr, illustrated by Åshild lrgens
Oslo, Norway: Samlaget, 2009, ISBN 978-8-2521-9681-8

9. Rahalat Ajeeba fi al-Bilad al-Ghareeba رحلات عجيبة في البلاد الغريبة
[Wonderous journeys in strange lands]
Written by Sonia Nimr, illustrated by Rauf al- Karai
Ramallah, Palestine: Tamer Institute, 2013, ISBN 978-9-9502-6010-8

10. Het eiland van Olifant [Elephant island]
Written and illustrated by Leo Timmers
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Querido, 2020, ISBN 978-9-0451-2495-7

11. Poiss ja papa [Papa and the boy]
Written by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Anne Pikkov
Tallinn, Estonia: Päike ja pilv, 2024, ISBN 978-9-9166-3059-4

12. oi grand et moi petit [You big and I small]
Written and illustrated by Grégoire Solotareff
Paris, France: L’école des loisirs, 1996, ISBN 978-2-2110-3857-7

13. Marina
Written and illustrated by Nikolaus Heidelbach
Weinheim, Germany: Beltz & Gelberg, 2022 , ISBN 978-3-407-75632-9

14. To kotsíphi Το κοτσύφι [The blackbird]
Written and illustrated by Photini Stephanidi
Athens, Greece: Kaleidoscope, 2023, ISBN 978-9-6047-1253-3

15. Chiknik Choon
Written by Sushil Shukla, illustrated by Atanu Roy
Bhopal, India: Eklavya, 2016, ISBN 978-9-3852-3605-1

16. Jabe-ye khaterat جعبه خاطرات [My Box of memories]
Written by Babak Saberi, illustrated by Alireza Goldouzian
London, United Kingdom: Candle & Fog Publishing, 2025, ISBN 978-622-6560-79-5

17. Dobutsuen gaido どうぶつえんガイド [First book of zoo guide for small children]
Written and illustrated by Hiroshi Abe
Tokyo, Japan: Fukuinkan Shoten, 1995, ISBN 978-4-8340-1288-0

18. Jal ga, annyeong 잘 가, 안녕 [Farewell]
Written and illustrated by Kim Dong-soo
Paju-si, Rep. of Korea: Borim Press, 2016, ISBN 978-8-9433-1050-9

19. Mulegutten [Mule boy]
Written and illustrated by Øyvind Torseter
Oslo, Norway: Cappelen Damm, 2015, ISBN 978-8-2024-7700-4

20. Os sete cabritinhos [The seven little goats]
Written by Tareixa Alonso, illustrated by Teresa Lima
Pontevedra, Spain: QO Editora, 2008, ISBN 978-8-4987-1600-9

21. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
Written by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
New York, USA: Little, Brown and Company, 2015, ISBN 978-0-3163-2490-8

Well, hello there! They say sabbaticals are the just the ticket for restoring one's sense of direction and refreshing one's perspectives, even unintentional ones. Avid followers, yes I'm talking to all three of you(!), may recall I made a soft promise a couple of years ago to level up with my posting. Who knew an intergalatic time warping conspiracy would reduce those 730 days into mere seconds! 

 During that crazy time shift, I didn't mean to neglect my ad nauseam sharing here. That part of my mo has not altered. I've just shifted my oversharing to other platforms, more easily updated on the run, accessible to a wider audience, more 2026 and less 2009 where I still feel at home! 

Life has an endlessly fascinating and perplexing way of unfurling or rather unravelling at times. Best to let yourself tuck and roll with it I've come to appreciate. So here's a wee update and reaffirmation:

Life stuff: still here! My life is probs no more extraordinary than yours. These days, I just live for the living. You'll find large dollops of it on my Insta account.Work stuff: still writing, still, reviewing, still teaching, still presenting, still touring, still authoring! Which equates to a cluster of new picture books due for release - one this month! - more next year 💖no longer overseeing KBR, Kids' Book Review as managing editor. After the best chunk of a decade my association with this particular reviewing site has reached an untimely end. Will this mean more writing and me time? Let's wait and see ... Meanwhile, you can still enjoy my dozens of KBR reviews for a dose of book love.Reviewing stuff: I'll be redirecting my 'views' of some of my fave kids' reads right here like I've been doing for the past 14 years so keep an eye out for some exciting, beautiful new reviews.And even though self-care and self-appreciation are higher up on my life-menu these days, I am still open all hours. So feel free to drop a comment, ask me a curly one or just say, HELLO THERE! anytime. Because sharing stories is still one of my favourite pastimes, riding dragons and laying under palm trees not withstanding! 😉

Ifyou’ve got a truck, car, vehicle mad toddler in the house, find yourself a copyof these two brilliant picture books, stat. I love the sheer vibrancy and verveof Wheels and Tractors – two separate standalone titles thatfulfill every wheeling, tractor obsession you could want.

Wheels is my personal favourite butthe other titles by these best-selling creators in the Roadworks seriesare equally compelling. Two kids are witness to a never-ending parade of wheels.Rumbly, grumbly wheels, yucky mucky wheels, tiny shiny wheels. We aretold wheels go fast and wheels go slow, but the trick is guessingexactly which vehicle belongs to each spread of wonderful wheely verse. Andwonderful it is. Perfect rhythmic, onomatopoeic descriptions draw youngsters inand set them up for the fun reveals. Visual clues provided by Lovelock’senergetic pigmented inked illustrations further enhances this excellent guess-what-it-isexperience.

Tractor is equally attractive in soundand visual allure. Colours pop on each page as readers are escorted through aday in the life of farming equipment, all revolving around the all-important,tractor. Again, guesswork comes into play giving the reader so much more purposeand ownership over these clever, fresh and extremely entertaining titles.

Bothare high on my recommended reading list.

Title:  Wheels
Author:  Sally Sutton
Illustrator:  Brian Lovelock
Publisher:  Walker Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date:  February 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760651589
For ages:  2 – 6
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: Walker BooksAustralia, BoomerangBooks

Title:  Tractor
Author:  Sally Sutton
Illustrator:  Brian Lovelock
Publisher:  Walker Books Australia, $24.99
Publication Date:  February 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760653385
For ages:  2 – 6
Type:  Picture Book

Buy the Book: Walker BooksAustralia, BoomerangBooks

          

 

 

Hi guys! Remember me? The part-time blogger (what’s a blog?), erstwhile reviewer. This post title sounds like a new novel, doesn’t it? I wish it was. Truth be known, not a lot of new words have been written this year, either as a burgeoning story, or blog post, or even in my diary. It’s just been one of those years. We’ve all had ‘em. But about this (as yet) unwritten novel … Let me explain.

An Apology
Remember how it was one of those years? Loss, shock, anger, frustration. Realisation, resignation, enlightenment, hope. A veritable rollercoaster of ups and downs and those horrid tummy-turning tight bends. I normally don’t mind an adrenaline filled experience but 2024, seriously! So, the gazillion reviews I’d hoped to clear this year got somewhere left behind in the G force of life. Apologies to the creators, publishers, publicists and me who expected more. But ...

‘Sometimes not getting what you want is the best luck of all’
A Promise
It’s not all gloom and doom, though. Far from it. In between not quite living the dream and not quite achieving my 2024 expectations, I explored a myriad of other side streets. I found solace in unexpected places, have broadened my understanding and knowledge in areas that have improved my health; body, soul and mind. Refilled my wells of patience. Renewed resolve and purpose. And so, I endeavour – to promise less and deliver more.
A Quest
Stick with me if you can! Adventures, no matter how brief and meek, are always better shared. Always. There are still oceans of great stories to be enjoyed, shared and, written. My quest is to pursue them all more actively in 2025. Or at least, sweat less about how the pursuit pans out.

As I slide into the Silly Season with less chaotic dread than ever before and clear tiny book mountains with the commitment of Sir Edmund Hillary, I leave you with an eclectic smattering of titles that made the good list. There are dozens more, naturally, but their time will come. It always does. HAPPIEST OF CHRISTMASES – Dim!

Good List goodies

Warning! These Jokes Will Annoy Everyone You Know at Christmas Puffin Graphic Jokes Book
Seriously, they will and have. I couldn’t be more delighted or amused. The penultimate collection for Dads (or anyone else) in need of festive season flavoured jokes.

My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas UQP Middle Grade Fiction
Birds, boats and brothers. All the feels expressed with the unique Carnavas caress of creativity. A bliss bomb of brilliance.

(Be Smart About) Screen Time! by Rachel Brian Hachette Non-Fiction for Kids
Comic styled and a whizz to assimilate, this self-help offering maintains and focuses attention on a topic that should be compulsory learning.

Bunny and Bird: How To Make A Snowman by Nick Bland Harper Collins Picture Book
Outstanding new addition to this series that pulses with clever humour and post-modern picture book wit. Recommended reading.

Song Of The White Ibis by Phillip Gwynne & Liz Anelli Puffin Picture Book
Striking imagery, compelling text, and a thought provoking endnote that rocks sustainability. Loved it. Viva la Ibis!

Grandma’s Treasured Shoes by Coral Vass & Christina Huynh NLA Publishing Picture Book
Sublimely subtle representation of what being a refugee feels and looks like. A beautiful addition to any classroom.

Raised by Moths by Charlie Archbold & Michelle Conn Midnight Sun Publishing Picture Book
Spectacularly surreal look a who we are, identity and self-appreciation. Gorgeous.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Extinct Animals by Sami Bayly Lothian Illustrated Non-fiction Picture Book
Magnificently rendered collection of weird and wonderful animals and their woeful untimely demises. Makes one wonder if we humans will ever end up in a compendium like this one.

Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay by Alexandra Stewart & Joe Todd-Stanton Bloomsbury Books Illustrated Narrative Non-Fiction
Truly magnificent portrayal of Sir Ed’s life, passion and ultimate achievement, reaching the roof of the world along with his revered companion, Norgay. There is much to learn and absorb from this adventure. Highly recommended reading.

I Heart The World by Tania McCartney Hardie Grant Travel Illustrated Non-fiction Picture Book
I didn’t think so many interesting facts, figures and FOOD could be mastered into one complete volume, but McCartney somehow has done so. Artful, informative and packed with delicious illustrations, I imagine the pages will be well worn with repeat visits. An excellent reference source.

One For the Adults

Wellbeing on a Budget: The Inner Ninja Handbook by Dr Alice MacKinnon
I normally shun self-help titles like the plague, mainly because of a highly prioritised reading time or lack thereof. This year however, a seismic shift occurred in my appreciation for the thoughts and gentle nudges from others in similar boats to me. One of those nudges is this book. It centres around your complete wellness but not the kind that is represented by active wear, fad diets, or expensive spa treatments, rather the wellness that comes from a deeper awareness and active appreciation of your own self including your incredible capabilities. It is calming and calm inducing. It is practical and most of all, it is achievable. Do yourself a favour and indulge in the practise of self-care – indulge in yourself. This book is a great place to start. Enjoy!