I am NOT an OWL!

I am NOT an OWL! by Rhonda Ooi, illustrated by Mel Corrigan (Woodslane Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781922800916

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Alexander knows a lot about nocturnal animals, and the most important thing is that they sleep during the day when he is awake. So when his mum wants him to go to bed while the sun is still shining, Alexander tells her it’s a ‘silly idea’ because he is ‘NOT an owl’. He busies himself similarly to his favourite nocturnal animals: swooping like an owl to locate his mum’s lost necklace, hanging upside down like a flying fox, and crashing through obstacles like a wombat. Soon, the tired boy snuggles up next to his mum and falls asleep.

Rhonda Ooi’s engaging book blends narrative fiction and factual notes to take readers aged four to eight on a fascinating journey into the night-time world. Along the way, youngsters will discover the movement, bed and food of Australia’s most famous nocturnal creatures, from the owl and the possum to the Tasmanian devil. At the end of the book, there is a page brimming with information for kids keen to learn more.

Mel Corrigan’s bright illustrations are delightfully dynamic. Colourful curves and flowing lines mimic the natural motion of the birds and animals discussed in the text, drawing eager young eyes across the spreads. Realistic portrayals of the fauna will satisfy readers’ curiosity about the creatures' appearance.

Learning about nocturnal animals has never been more fun! I am NOT an OWL! is a clever and captivating introduction to the subject for nature-loving children, and it’s sure to become a firm favourite in no time.

We Won’t All Survive by Kate Alice Marshall (Affirm Press) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781923293977

From the bestselling author of I Am Still Alive comes a new nail-biter: part survival story, part murder mystery, and all thriller—perfect for Karen McManus and Holly Jackson fans!

Two years ago, Mercy Grey was hailed as a hero for saving lives during a mall shooting. She still carries souvenirs from that incident: the fragment of a bullet lodged in her back, a mountain of medical debt, and guilt for ignoring her sister’s warnings that the sweet boy next door was anything but.

When billionaire-turned-TV-host Damien Dare recruits Mercy to compete on his new survivalist reality show, she can’t turn down a chance at the whopping cash prize that could send her sister to college—but when she and the other contestants arrive at the off-grid location, something isn’t right. The set is empty. The gates close without warning, trapping them inside. Then one of them turns up dead. What appeared at first to be a tragic accident quickly transforms as more contestants start dying. With time and resources running low, surviving this show takes on a new meaning.

Bin Chicken Goes for Gold

Bin Chicken Goes for Gold by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781760268275

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera 

Ibis follows a bus full of kids to a sports ground, where an athletics carnival is about to start. She sees her cousins, and is almost struck by a shot put. Then she flies off to a sandpit, where a long jumper nearly lands on her. Finally, she crashes into a heap after bouncing off the high-jump mattress. Tasty goodies at the canteen soon draw her attention, and Ibis runs away with a boy’s baguette. The race is on – Ibis passes the bread baton to her cousins to avoid the boy’s outstretched hand. Team Ibis wins the contest, but the prize isn’t a medal – it’s ‘sharing a meal with new friends and old’.

Fans of Kate and Jol Temple’s Bin Chicken series will love this action-packed book with humour. Rhyming couplets spring easily off the tongue, while a cheeky little mouse tosses up some pun-tastic comments that deserve a place on the wordplay podium. Although the book is aimed at three- to seven-year-olds who might not have had much experience with traditional sports days, the slapstick in the scenes will keep them laughing from spread to spread.

Ronojoy Ghosh’s bright illustrations reflect the fun of the text, while the subtle use of vectors keeps the pace going at full pelt from page to page. Small eyes will enjoy seeking out all of the amusing details, from Ibis’s tuna-can hat to the mouse riding on a discus like it’s a flying saucer, and later firing a joke starting pistol.

A feathery frolic from beginning to end, Bin Chicken Goes for Gold is sure to be read again and again. There are no prizes for guessing what youngsters will yell each time: ‘Ibis, Ibis, Ibis! Oi, Oi, Oi!’

This is Family

This is Family by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Sasha Haddad (Affirm Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781923022294

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

What is a family? It’s as warm as ‘hot buttered toast’; it can be blended or just ‘a bunch of good friends’. From the experiences you have together in the present day to the precious heirlooms that link you to previous generations, the ties that bind families are invisible yet indestructible. Family is where it’s ‘safe to be you’ because it’s home – the place where you belong.

Aimed at kids aged three to seven, Zanni Louise’s rhyming couplets gently guide readers through the wonders of family life that they may not have appreciated before now. Even when siblings fight, grandparents live overseas or there is a new baby, love finds a way to make everything alright. The family tree is strong enough to weather any storm.

The muted colours in Sasha Haddad’s illustrations echo the quiet and tender tone of the text. The images have a dreamy, childlike quality that young eyes will find appealing, and the wealth of diverse children characterised on the pages ensures that the reader is richly rewarded when they find someone just like them.

The perfect book for calming down before bedtime, This is Family is a sweet ode to the many different – and equally extraordinary – forms families can take. In the end, kids will come to understand that caring, sharing, and respect are the roots from which relationships grow.

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave (Scholastic) Alex Latimer & Phillip Cullen PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761721052

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Alex Latimer is a South African author and illustrator renowned for his engaging and humorous picture books for children. His works have been translated into numerous languages and published globally

Phillip Cullen is an Irish illustrator known for his vibrant and expressive illustrations in children's books. He enjoys drawing expressive characters and anything fun, cute, or weird. While he works mostly digitally, his process starts traditionally on the page, often using a pen, pencil, or crayon.

Dragon Dave is stuck in a storybook with an ending he doesn’t like. He wants out—until Prince George shows him that story words can be rewritten. Now Dave has a new superpower… but is he brave enough to use it?

Alex Latimer’s Dragon Dave The Not So Brave delivers an empowering message: we can all rewrite our own stories. With humour that resonates with young readers, Latimer creates lovable characters—Dragon Dave and Prince George—who model teamwork and show that it’s okay to ask for help. Set in a familiar fairytale world, the story begins with an enticing line: “For as long as Dave could remember, he had been trapped in the book…” The text invites young readers to explore how words shape identity and how changing them can change everything. The moment Prince George climbs a tree and pulls down the word “mean” is both clever and symbolic. Kids instantly understand its emotional weight, and the act of replacing it reinforces self-empowerment. Questions like “Are you allowed to do that?” spark curiosity and encourage readers to challenge the status quo.

Latimer subtly teaches story structure while inviting readers to reimagine characters and expectations. Funny touches—like a bath full of bubbles and rubber duckies—lighten the tone and bring a child’s world to the text. The ending, featuring a cheeky frog, wraps up the message with charm and wit.

Phillip Cullen’s bold use of colour instantly captures the eye and embraces the fairytale theme. The striking red cover, with a green dragon and a curious squirrel peeking from a torn corner, sets a playful tone. Forest green endpapers and a bright yellow title page add to the visual appeal. Cullen’s characterisation is joyful and expressive—each figure is warm, distinctive, and full of personality. Varying sizes, facial expressions, and movements highlight their individuality, while hidden characters in the illustrations invite close exploration. His creative use of angles and visual storytelling enhances the narrative, with clever character interactions that enrich the text. Even the back cover dares to be different, echoing the book’s empowering message for young readers.

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave is a positive picture book about daring to be different. I can see this book appealing to kids, parents, teachers and librarians. This book focuses on helping children, but it is wrapped in fun and has great story appeal. This book is suitable for children in both preschool and primary school.

 

Verity Finds Her Voice

Verity Finds Her Voice (EK Books) Kristin Kelly & Jasmine Berry PB RRP $27.99 ISBN 9781921497148

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks 

Kristin Kelly is a New Zealand-based children's author and educator known for her heartfelt, empathetic picture books. She loves creating stories that encourage understanding, kindness and resilience. Her other books are Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story (2024) and The Squeakling (2024), winner of the 2023 Storylines Joy Cowley Award.

Jasmine Berry is an Australian illustrator and graphic designer. She creates engaging and whimsical illustrations using digital tools like iPads and computers. Her work is characterised by vibrant colours, playful characters, and heartfelt narratives. Some of her books include Where’s My Dinosaur, Mila and Ivy, My Mother’s Invisible Shield and Troll’s Tall Tales.

Verity often goes along with what others want and has no say. When she is overlooked at her beloved swimming class, Verity realises something needs to change. When she discovers the courage to speak up, learns to find her voice and stand on her own two feet, things change. The themes of assertiveness, self-advocacy, and the importance of being a good friend to oneself are explored. 

Kristin Kelly has crafted an engaging story featuring a character who speaks to children in a strong, relatable voice. With patterning and repetition—framing the story around the days of the week and recurring events, child readers can see how the changes in Verity’s behaviour led to changes in how those around her react and changed how she felt inside. The story’s narrator creates a direct connection with the reader, while the well-crafted world and setting support the narrative beautifully. Page turns are used effectively to build anticipation and reveal the impact of Verity’s choices.

It’s also clear that Kelly writes from experience; as a preschool teacher, she drew inspiration from observing a real child like Verity. Her word choices are succinct, yet she tells so much. The opening sentence captures the character Verity and the problem well. Verity was a very nice little girl.

Jasmin Berry has created a vibrant visual narrative with a muted patterned background on each page that allows the colourful images to speak clearly to the reader. Verity looks like a very nice little girl with large friendly eyes and body language. Nearly every page has its own illustrations in vignettes that give the story layers and depth. The characters are endearing and full of life, with great movement. There is the clever addition of a silent character – a bird in a cage that comes out and plays with Verity. The endpapers feature birdcages. A bird cage can symbolise being trapped, and this reflects Verity’s behaviour, trapping her into pleasing others and not using her own voice. A bird's song is each bird’s own voice, and Verity finds her own voice, too.

Verity Finds Her Voice is a heartfelt picture book with an important message. A child may not know that they can speak up for themselves and still be loved and liked. I can see this book being used by both parents and teachers. EK Books are wonderful at focusing on stories that help children, and this book does just that. This book is suitable for children 4-8years old in preschool and early primary school years.

Aussie Baby’s First Words

Aussie Baby’s First Words. Board Book series (Allen & Unwin) by Tom Jellett. Board book. HB

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Tom Jellett is a well-known Sydney-based illustrator with a distinctive style that has brought charm and character to many beloved children’s books, including Australia at the Beach by Max Fatchen and The Littlest Pirate series by Sherryl Clark. His latest work, the Aussie Baby’s First Words series, is a delightful collection of board books designed to introduce Australian toddlers to everyday vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

The first book in the series, Dinner Time! focuses on mealtime vocabulary. Children are introduced to familiar items such as bowls, spoons, and cups—all illustrated with a distinctly Australian flair. It’s an excellent way to help little ones become familiar with daily routines and local terminology. The book features a vibrant orange cover with a toddler front and centre, happily eating. Jellett’s signature style—particularly in the expressive eyes and face is instantly recognisable. The text adopts a warm, conversational tone, much like a parent speaking to a child: “Hello Baby! It’s time for dinner.” Each featured item is highlighted in bold primary colours, framed in warm orange, yellow, or blue, with the item’s name placed clearly underneath to aid early word recognition.

Continuing the series, Bed Time! focuses on bedtime rituals. The book includes familiar nighttime essentials such as nappy, onesie, and sleeping bag, all presented through the comforting lens of Australian culture. This title features a bright blue cover, with a baby holding a bedtime toy front. The design aligns visually with Dinner Time! making it instantly recognisable as part of the book series. The background colours shift to calming tones of blue, pink, and purple, distinguishing it from the mealtime-themed palette of the first book, while maintaining a cohesive look.

Tom Jellett’s illustrations are bold, bright, and unmistakably Australian. His work brings warmth and playfulness to each page, making the books both educational and visually appealing for young readers.

The Aussie Baby’s First Words board books are ideal for parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking to introduce toddlers to Australian-themed vocabulary in a fun, colourful, and engaging way. With their vibrant colours, clear layout, and relatable content, they would make a great addition to any child’s early learning library.