Kev and Trev: Snot Cool Snow Stories

Kev and Trev: Snot Cool Snow Stories by Kylie Howarth (Affirm Press) PB RRO $16.99 ISBN 9781923293885

This is the third instalment in this hilarious new graphic novel series for early readers from bestselling creator Kylie Howarth.

Join Kev and Trev's epic mountaintop adventure - full of chilly thrills and high-flying fun! Watch out for penguin paps, soak in steamy hot springs with snow monkeys and dodge the dreaded Abominable, all while searching for the rare and elusive snow pugons. And this time, the clock is ticking. Book Three is due one week earlier!

Jump on board Kev and Trev's popcorn-powered houseboat-balloon and brace yourself for their coolest adventure yet!

'It's brrr-illiant!'
'Snow much fun!'
'Un-brrr-lievably funny!'
'Chill-arious!'
'An avalanche of laughs!'

Oceanforged 3: The Sinking Ruins

Oceanforged 3: The Sinking Ruins by Amelia Mellor (Affirm Press) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN9781922992413

From the bestselling author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World comes the third instalment of an epic fantasy adventure series in the tradition of Skandar and Percy Jackson. 

Having found two parts of the legendary Oceanforged Armour, Cori, Tarn and Jem set sail to find the third in Halcyon, the secretive island once famed for its beauty. But now that the Prime Council knows of their quest, the journey is more dangerous than ever.

In Halcyon, Cori and her friends are shocked to discover how much has changed since the Age of Glory. The island’s cruel and unpredictable leader forbids all magic in the region except his own. His word is law – and obeying the law has never been Cori’s strong point …

The adventure continues in the action-packed third instalment of the Oceanforged series, from the bestselling author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.

The Grey Berets Guide to Surviving the Odds

The Grey Berets Guide to Surviving the Odds by Anna Battese (Affirm Press) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781923135352

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Odie Gusberry-Smith is an eleven-year-old with big worries. In fact, her anxiety keeps her housebound. She is homeschooled and lives primarily in her attic bedroom with her cat, Knuckles, and her messenger pigeons, Pudding and Plonk, who deliver her homework and library books.

One day, she receives an unexpected delivery: a parcel from an anonymous sender. It includes a letter, a beret and a book. The book is titled The Grey Berets Guide to Surviving the Odds, Volume One, and the note advises her to follow its guidelines, as they may save her life. It also highlights the Grey Berets’ motto: PREPARE FOR THE WORST. IT IS SURELY PREPARING FOR YOU. This book is right up Odie’s alley, especially now that her dad wants to take her on a cruise, which she is predicting to be a complete disaster.

The Grey Berets Guide to Surviving the Odds is the first instalment of an upcoming middle-grade trilogy. The humorous tale is packed with adventure and chaos and includes themes of anxiety, resilience and friendship.

 

The Boy & The Shark

The Boy & The Shark (Affirm Press) Cate James PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781923419162

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Cate James is an illustrator, artist and author from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. She originally hails from Scotland and loves our sunshine. She has illustrated more than 40 books across Australia, the UK and the US.  This is her debut book as an author-illustrator.  

William is desperate to escape from his sister’s noisy birthday party, so he decides to find a shark and see if sharks don’t like parties too. 

Cate James has created an engaging narrative that blends William’s ordinary world with his imaginary ocean quest to find a shark. The narrative has a clear problem that captures William’s love of sharks. ‘I bet sharks don’t like parties,’ said William. ‘Absolutely, no parties at all.’ William decides to find a shark to answer his question. He ventures bravely and confidently into the ocean.  Can you help me find a shark? Along the way, he meets sea creatures who fear sharks more than him. The dialogue shows the other creatures' fear of sharks, creating tension and anticipation.  I’m sure a shark would love to eat – I mean, meet you. Even being tangled in an octopus does not seem to faze William.

I think it is because he is really in control of the narrative. The story tends to be quieter and more reflective rather than high-stakes action. The repeated refrain So William swam on shows character determination and enhances its read-aloud appeal. What upsets William most is the thought of never finding a shark.

My favourite part of the story is the double-page spread when they finally meet unexpectedly. And found…A shark, wonder, and awe are there. The page turns feel natural and inviting. William and the shark play until William is tired, and he decides to go home. This reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are. As a character, William remains true to himself, though he does not change much. I love that he sees sharks as friends, and they are in this story. The narrative voice speaks directly to a child.                                                

Cate James’ illustrations are a real standout. Her work is unique and eye-catching. Bright, cartoon-like, the visuals create emotion and wonderful storytelling. The front cover is striking and attention-grabbing. On a blue background with a white title, the shark is centred at the top and at the bottom, with the top half of its body pointing up at William. It looks friendly, but you are not sure, so you want to open the book.

I love the endpapers with the childlike shark drawings. I can see children trying to draw their own sharks. Once inside the book, the atmospheric illustrations are really engaging, using different dimensions, detail, light and shade, and perspective. The visuals darken when it seems scarier and then lighten again when they meet and play. In the opening spreads, the message is clear: William really does not like the birthday party. He is happiest in the ocean with the shark. This book is joyful and visually appealing.

The Boy & The Shark is a picture book for those who love the ocean and sharks and want to escape a birthday party. The end of the story leaves young readers wondering if William really did meet a shark. This is wonderful for both the child and the adult reading the story to discuss. This book is for children ages 4-8 who really do wonder about and imagine such things. The themes are perfect for teachers to use this book in the classroom, and parents who want a fun, playful read.

Make Them Say Poo

Make Them Say Poo by Stephen, illustrated by Rudi de Wet (Affirm Press 2026) HB RRP $ 22.99 IBSN 9781923293724

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes.

Dear trusting adult,

You can safely read this very nice book aloud to your child.

There are absolutely no rude words on any page. I promise.*

Your Worthy Wordsmith, Stephen.

*Note to kids:

Any POOr adult who reads this aloud will definitely say POO. I promise.

Your Grand POObah, Stephen.

Two thoughts occurred to me upon reading the blurb for this book - how clever and hilarious it was, and how can a book make me say POO?  Well, be prepared, folks!

The main purpose of this picture book is to empower and entertain young children. 

Kids will love the 'secret' joke hidden in this text - and will absolutely love hearing you - their parents, teachers, older siblings, grandparents - being tricked into saying the word POO! 

Stephen's cheekily playful rhyming text rolls effortlessly along - all sweetly, brightly and innocent-like.  Then, after the (unintentional) utterance of the word - POO - the text has the 'flustered' reader hurriedly apologising for their blunder. 

Oh, pardon me! MY MISTAKE!

I think my tongue unscrewed.

I feel that just by reading this,

I've said a word that's rude.

Meanwhile - between big laughs - kids will be waiting with bated breath for the next (inevitable) POO word to leap out and get you! And it's all completely civil - Stephen keeps his promise - there's not a single rude word to be found.

Rudi de Wet's illustrations work deliciously with Stephen's mischievous text and play so appealingly into the mind of a child: the simple, clean lines of all the cut graphic shapes, the just-right, non-primary colours, the movement and energy, and the fanciful fun - all speak visually together in a language so wondrously connected to childhood. 

Every element on every page is proportionately pleasing - and perfectly placed.  I love the iconic rubber duck in the bath scene, and the lighthouse with the boat on a stormy sea. I also love all the tiny details the illustrations contain  - like the animated little faces on almost everything - including clouds, flowers, and toilet rolls. And his hand-drawn typography is second to none - check out the embossed POO word on the cover!

Make Them Say Poo is not just another gross-out, toilet-humour type book. With its clever wordplay and cheeky twists, kids won't even realise that they're practising early literacy skills. And they'll have no idea that the repetition, rhyme, and sound-based humour they're enjoying is upping their phonemic awareness and decoding skills - making it ideal for early readers and language learners.

This is laugh-out-loud learning at its best!

Perfect for story-time sessions at home, for bedtime, and for classroom read-alouds, this 'naughty' but utterly clever book guarantees on-repeat readings, and giggles galore for kids and their brave adult readers!   

(After reading this to an adult friend of mine and mentioning that it's a book intended mostly for preschoolers, he said, 'Why stop there?')

Suitable for children aged 2-7 years (and older if the word poo still makes you laugh!)

Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity

Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity by Zanni Louise. Art by Jingting Wang. Affirm Press 2026. Hardback PB RRP $19.99.   ISBN 9781923293205

Review by Debra Williams

Author Zanni Louise has produced a series for young children. This one, Integrity, looks at all the things a young person needs to learn to make good decisions. The brightly coloured illustrations are simple and set out, in a comic-style fashion, with examples of instances where integrity should come into play when interacting with others.

From The Publisher: ‘You have so many things to learn, like buttoning your pyjamas, the colours of the rainbow and playing hopscotch. Here’s another thing to add to your list: having integrity. It sounds important, doesn’t it? It helps us make good decisions, and making good decisions means we feel good about ourselves.’

From bestselling author Zanni Lousie comes a series to guide meaningful conversations between big and little humans about the things that count most.

A playful guidebook approach to nuanced topics, giving both kids and their grownups practical tools for negotiating how to be human. These handbooks centre on values that are explored in primary schools across the country.

Designed for children aged 4-8 years.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion by Zanni Louise. Art by Jingting Wang. Affirm Press 2026. Hardback PB RRP $19.99.   ISBN 9781923293199

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Author Zanni Louise has produced a series for young children. This one, Inclusion, looks at all the things a young person needs to learn to make the world feel friendly and safe for everyone. There are explanations of what inclusion is, and it shows that humans are all different. Children are encouraged to listen and learn about others.

The brightly coloured illustrations are simple and show that humans are different in so many ways. There are examples showing how to include others in a young child’s daily activities.

From the book:

‘You have so many things to learn, like:

·        brushing your teeth

·        your left and right

·        how to sign your name

And here’s another thing to add to your list: being inclusive.’

From the publisher:

A playful guidebook approach to nuanced topics, giving both kids and their grownups practical tools for negotiating how to be human. These handbooks centre on values that are explored in primary schools across the country.

From bestselling author Zanni Lousie comes a series to guide meaningful conversations between big and little humans about the things that count most.

Designed for children aged 4-8 years.

The Lonely Lunch Club

The Lonely Lunch Club by Maddy Mara and Laura Stitzel (Affirm Press) PB ISBN 9781923419308

This chapter book is from the creators of Your Kids Next Read, an Australian online community of over 38,000 families that meets on Facebook.

 In seven chapters, it tells how Benji goes to the oval with his lunchbox and a football. He does this every day, but on one Monday, he doesn’t play football. Instead, he goes to an old, wobbly bench. There he meets Alice, who has come to see Mabel, who ‘gets lonely sometimes.’

In a very unlikely scenario, Mabel is a spider that lives under the bench and that Alice has befriended. The next day, Mabel and Benji go to the bench, but find a small boy, Felix, under it. The three of them form ‘The Lonely Lunch Club’ and work to save the bench from being demolished (it is, after all, Mabel’s home).

The main thrust of the book is that a group of school friends come together to decorate the spider's bench.

The positives of this book are that the language is simple, the typeface is large, and there are only a few sentences per page. Chapters are very short. There are black-and-white illustrations on each page.

The main negative is that it is so unlikely that children will befriend a spider and go to such lengths to improve its home. The other negative is the book’s poor-quality pages.

How to Have the Best School Year Ever

How to Have the Best School Year Ever by Jess Sanders, illustrated by Andrea Onishi (Affirm Press 2025) HB RRP $ 22.99 ISBN 9781923135949

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes.

School is where you learn, grow, and make friends,

and when you are doing all three, school can feel like the best place to be!

But when learning is tough and friendships are complicated,

school can feel like the last place you want to be.

That's when you need this book!

From the award-winning creator of the 'Life Lessons for Little Ones Series' - Jess Sanders - comes a guide for children who may be having issues or experiencing difficulties around going to school. Written in an easy, straightforward manner, with a warm, supportive voice, this book speaks directly to the reader. It gently encourages children to set goals and offers clear, simple tips for reaching them - whether they're having friendship problems, having trouble trying something new, or experiencing difficulties in managing school subjects.

The aim of How to Have the Best Year Ever is to help kids ease up on themselves, alleviate their fears, concerns and worries, and reduce negative thoughts and feelings. How to Have the Best School Year Ever. They will learn that many other children feel the same way, which will help de-isolate them and normalise their feelings. Most importantly, they will learn to embrace difficult days, be kind to themselves, choose positive self-talk and celebrate effort.

This book will also make an excellent reference point for parents who may struggle to find the right words to share with their kids and to help them resolve these issues.

Some of the (many) stand-out points for me are: 

That it acknowledges and celebrates individuality and diversity - both textually and visually. 

That it speaks to children about being their own inner best friend.

And it says: 'Being brave doesn't mean being fearless - being brave means feeling scared or worried and doing the thing anyway!' 

Andrea Onishi's joyful, child-friendly illustrations bring to vivid life all the positive, supportive and encouraging elements of the text. There is ease and optimism, and a heart-warming abundance of inclusivity, camaraderie, and support among the children, splashed across the pages. 

The overall message is that small gestures of care and kindness can quickly restore harmony and happiness. This truly reflects the resilient nature of young children. 

Reading this book may not give your child the best school year ever, but it will certainly go a long way in helping your child have a better year than he or she might have had. (And as a bonus, receive a little confidence boost along the way.) 

Kind and reassuring, How to Have the Best School Year Ever says to kids - you are not alone, it is reasonable and normal to feel the way you're feeling, here are some simple, useful tools you can use to help yourself move through those tough days - and you can revisit this book any time you need.

Recommended for ages 4-8 years.

Brave in Every Which Way

Brave in Every Which Way written by Maddy Mara, illustrated by Lauren Degraaf (Affirm Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922806772

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Brave in Every Which Way by Maddy Mara, with illustrations by Lauren Degraaf, is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that gently redefines bravery for young readers. Rather than focusing on dramatic or dangerous feats, this book celebrates the quiet, everyday moments where children can show courage in their own lives.

The narrative is very relatable, making it clear that bravery isn’t reserved for superheroes or daredevils. Instead, it’s found in the small but significant choices children make each day—like apologising when they’ve made a mistake, trying something unfamiliar, reaching out for help when they need it, or standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly. These examples help demystify the concept of bravery, making it approachable and achievable for every child.

Lauren Degraaf’s illustrations add warmth and vibrancy, perfectly complementing the text and inviting children to see themselves in the characters. The art brings to life the emotions and situations described, reinforcing the message that courage comes in many forms and is within everyone’s reach.

Published by Affirm Press, this picture book is yet another valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregiver’s toolkit who want to nurture resilience and empathy in children. It encourages open conversations about feelings, challenges, and the importance of kindness and self-belief.

Brave in Every Which Way, in summary, is a special picture book that will inspire children to recognise and celebrate their own acts of bravery, no matter how big or small. It’s a gentle reminder that being brave is not about the size of the act, but the heart behind it. Recommended for children aged 3 years of age and up.

 

 

Don’t Fall for the Trick

Don’t Fall for the Trick written by Jennifer Bain, illustrated by Scott Stuart (Affirm Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781923022942

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Don’t Fall for the Trick is a vibrant and timely picture book that tackles the persistent issue of gender stereotypes with clarity and warmth. Written by Jennifer Bain and brought to life by the expressive illustrations of Scott Stuart, this book is published by Affirm Press and is positioned as a practical guide for children and families to recognise and challenge the limiting beliefs that often surround gender roles.

The narrative is engaging and accessible, making this complex social concept understandable for young readers. Bain’s writing is both empowering and encouraging, inviting children to question the “tricks” or false ideas they may encounter about what boys and girls can or should do. The book’s tone is positive and supportive, aiming to build confidence and resilience in its audience.

Scott Stuart’s artwork complements the text beautifully, using bold colours and expressive characters to reinforce the message that everyone should feel free to be themselves, regardless of societal expectations. The illustrations add a layer of fun and relatability, making the book appealing for both children and adults.

Don’t Fall for the Trick stands out as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in promoting gender equality from an early age. It not only sparks important conversations but also provides practical examples and scenarios that children might face, helping them to recognize stereotypes and respond with confidence.

Recommended for children aged 4 to 8 years.

Potion Commotion

Potion Commotion written by Rebecca Grant, illustrated by Nina Nill (Affirm Press; Simon & Schuster) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781923022980

Review by Sarah Tegerdine

Potion Commotion begins with a classic trio—a witch, a dragon, and a potion—and quickly whirls readers into a delightful chaos. The story’s premise is simple yet enchanting: a spell swiftly becomes a magical mishap, and a lively commotion ensues that will keep your young reader thoroughly engaged.

Rebecca Grant’s cumulative rhyme is catchy and entertaining, drawing readers in with playful language and rhythmic storytelling. Each page builds upon the last, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as the magical pandemonium unfolds. The rhyme is not only fun to read aloud but also helps children anticipate what comes next, making it a perfect choice for shared reading.

The illustrations are beautifully beguiling, bringing the whimsical world of witches and dragons to life with vibrant colours and expressive characters. The artwork complements the text wonderfully, adding layers of humour and charm that enhance the reading experience.

Potion Commotion stands out as a charming picture book that celebrates the joy of storytelling and the unpredictability of magic. It’s a marvellous read for children who love fantasy, rhyme, with a splash of mayhem. Perfect for bedtime or classroom story time.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Confidence

Handbooks for Little Humans: Confidence by Zanni Louise (Affirm Press), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781923-293182

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Do you have to be the loudest person to be confident?

Absolutely not!

Confidence – the second in the series of Handbooks for Little Humans from Zanni Louise and Affirm Press – is equally engaging and educational as its predecessor, Compassion. Trying the big slide, wearing your wacky socks or saying hello to a new person are just some of the examples that this book gives for feeling comfortable being yourself and helping others to also feel comfortable.

At just 24 pages with popping colours and fun illustrations, this book is the perfect length for conveying its key messages and not losing the reader. It’s a conversation to a child, reassuring them of their uniqueness and special place in the world. And my son’s favourite part? The relatable cartoon in the centre spread where Monkey helps Lion to find his roar.

Suitable for little humans aged 3 to 8 years.

When the Mountain Wakes

When the Mountain Wakes by Matt Shanks (Affirm Press 20225) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN: 9781923419056

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

Somewhere, towards the beginning of time, a mountain rose from the ocean and came to rest above the clouds.

Life sang a lullaby, and the mountain slept for many millions of years.

Until one day, when the world became too silent for sleep ...

Elegance and majesty run through every page of this outstanding and heartfelt picture book - created by internationally published and critically acclaimed author/illustrator - Matt Shanks. 

An impossibly sweet-faced mountain is sleeping blissfully through aeons of time whilst life sings its lullaby. Over several wordless page turns, the passing of time is depicted through a series of tiny, framed illustrations. 

Each image features the mountain, whilst around and on top of it you see the ever-shifting evolutional events and changes taking place (both natural and man-made). From cavemen to dinosaurs - through to the arrival of industry and technology. 

Uncomfortable in the quiet, the mountain grew restless and lonely.

Over more wordless page turns, the mountain extracts itself from the earth and stands, shaking off sleep and rubble and goes searching for a song. 

After a thousand years of searching, the mountain became tired.

It decided to return to the place from where it came. 

But on its way back ... 

something stopped the mountain. It was beautiful. 

The mountain lowers itself with a face full of yearning and gazes intently at a tiny pop of periwinkle-blue - a single flower - bursting out from the parched desolate earth. Concerned for its safety, the mountain gently removes the flowering plant from the earth and places it tenderly into a crevice on its shoulder - protecting it from the harsh, wind-torn terrain as they travel together. The flower becomes a symbol of great hope - and a promise - for the lullaby's return. Encouraged, the mountain keeps moving forwards ... until finally returning to the place from where it first awoke ... 

In a symphony of words and pictures, this 64-page picture book presents like a graphic novel - with the sublime aesthetic of Studio Ghibli. The restrained palette, the tiny details, the intricate textures, where even the bleakest most desolate of environments - a land without life - is illustratively beautiful in colours of sand, stone, camel and beige.

There is so much to love and admire in When the Mountain Wakes - and with every page-turn, with every read, you find another layer to immerse deeper into.

I love the mountain as a character - there is something so instantly endearing about it that draws you in. Could be the juxtaposition between its large, boulder-like figure and its gentle child-like demeanour. As reader I empathised with its plight, I adored seeing the miniscule flower resting on its massive shoulder and admired the unquestioning dedication and time given in its search for life's lullaby. (Taking the metaphor - to move mountains - to a whole new level!)

I also love how the mountain became uncomfortable and woke due to the quiet. You could argue that the the arrival of man with all his machinery and technology would be the thing that woke the mountain - that it would be uncomfortable in all the noise - not the quiet.  

But no. This is about the mountains connection to earth's life force having been broken. The lullaby had ceased because nature - the environment - was in trouble. So how could the mountain sleep when that vital hum of life (more powerful than any man-made noise could ever be), was suddenly gone? It's the equivalent of a baby sleeping in its mother’s arms - where the surrounding noise doesn't wake it - but the sudden loss of its mother’s arms does.

When you live in tune with nature - you feel it. And miss it dreadfully in its absence.

When the Mountain Wakes is a sweeping tale about hope and healing. It is a testament to the resilience of nature. But it also serves as a warning. For things to change and be restored - hope must be actioned. 

Even the smallest actions can make a difference and have a lasting impact, contributing not only to the ongoing health and harmony of the planet (beyond our own lifetimes) but to our own intrinsic connection to it - to nature - and to the continuum of life's lullaby.

I think this quote neatly sums it up ... and I think Matt Shanks would agree ...

'May we be people who plant seeds, 

that grow trees,

in whose shade we may never sit under.' 

This ambitious and profound picture book with its stunning illustrations and economic text, delivers not just a story, but an important and timely message which children (of all ages) will appreciate and enjoy.

It is a 'forever' book.

Highly recommended for readers aged 5 - 99 years.

 

Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion

Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion by Zanni Louise (Affirm Press), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781923-293175

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

A dazzling cover, engaging style, colours popping off the pages and a big feeling described succinctly in age-appropriate language – Compassion packs a punch!

I was a tad fearful that Compassion - the first in a new series called Handbooks for Little Humans from Affirm Press – might be a dry self-help book that wouldn’t engage my son.  It was anything but. The book itself feels animated – as though it is having a direct conversation with its young readers, relating the concept of compassion to real-life examples that the reader may experience at home, at school and at play. It’s also a sweet book for a carer and child to read together with various spreads triggering opportunities to pause and ask questions. This is interspersed with light-heartened pages which up the fun level of the book. My son particularly enjoyed the comic strip about a lion, a monkey and a stick in the centre spread.

What else makes this book so engaging? The length. At just 24 pages, for this topic it’s the ideal length to engage, leave an impression and not lose the reader. Thanks to this short bedtime read, my son now knows that the hard-to-describe feeling he has when he gives a hug to that friend in need is called compassion.

Suitable for little humans aged 3 to 8 years. 

Neighbourhood Nest

Neighbourhood Nest by Sarah Jane Lightfoot (Affirm Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923046818

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

One morning, a magpie discovers a strange egg in her nest. She decides to look everywhere until she finds ‘this egg’s family’. From the willie wagtails’ webbed refuge and the kookaburras’ tree hollow to the swallows’ brown-mud construction and the fairy wrens’ twiggy retreat, she searches high and low with no luck. At the end of the day, she returns home and spies a tawny frogmouth whose nest has broken apart. The egg hatches to reveal a baby tawny frogmouth, so the magpie invites the mother to share her nest.

Sarah Jane Lightfoot takes three-to-eight-year-olds on a magical mystery tour of the neighbourhood, as the persistent protagonist tries to solve her enthralling egg enigma. Rhyming couplets glide on wings of feathered facts, gently introducing youngsters to various birds’ abodes, environments, food and offspring. Those readers who are genuinely fascinated by avian activity will flock to the detailed information at the end of the book.

Sarah Jane’s realistic illustrations bring Australian birds to life, and they can be used by kids to identify the flying creatures that visit their backyard. But the characters also have a whiff of whimsy, ensuring that the magpie’s journey touches hearts. And for keen eyes, there’s an object-finding game that will keep littlies poring over the images for hours.

With Neighbourhood Nest by their side, children will become champion birdwatchers in no time! In the process, they will develop an appreciation for the precious fledglings that are growing up alongside them.

Another Year Around the Sun

Another Year Around the Sun (Affirm Press) Katrina Germein & Alice Lindstorm PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9781923022911

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Katrina Germein is a multiple award-winning children’s author who is published internationally. Known for her delightful use of rhyme her stories inspire imagination, curiosity and laughter in children.

Alice Lindstrom is an illustrator and artist who creates paint paper collages by hand using cut and paste techniques. She has illustrated three picture books.

Another year around the sun,

Happy birthday, precious one. 

Follow a family through a year of magical moments spent outdoors and watch the world change with every season. This lyrical picture book beautifully celebrates another year around the sun.

Katrina Germein’s language is lyrical, succinct and beautifully written in rhyme. It dances across the pages like sunlight. Her use of so few words is elegant and perfect. She gives the reader space to imagine and for the illustrator to have creative freedom. Waves crashed. You splashed. Sun beamed. You dreamed. The verbs paint the actions of the child delightfully; they create little heart sings inside a reader. Her clever inclusion of the seasons gives the book a much broader appeal than just as a birthday celebration book. Her repeat patterning use of the pronoun ‘you’ engage a child reader and directly invite them into the story. You roared. The wonder and beauty enthrall the whole way through this book as the words and illustrations dance together on every page. The ending is perfect for this book and its theme. Happy birthday, precious one.

Alice Lindstrom’s captivating illustrations hold so much detail. The more your eyes look, the more they see and discover on every page. Her work is delicate, joyful and full of heart. The front cover is an explosion of the four seasons. A child is in each corner with a seasonal collage that’s framed around a central circle that holds the title. Her colour palette is vibrant and aesthetically pleasing.  A reader is visually shown the sheer joy and wonder of every season. Bright lime green endpapers with a sausage dog in one corner with a butterfly are delightful. Family life and the carefree nature of a little girl are framed inside the most glorious colours and details. You can easily imagine yourself walking on grass or digging in the garden. Everything is child-relatable and the movement on the pages brings the natural world to life. On the cockatoo spread, you can almost imagine touching them. Each collage is unique. The use of perspective heightens the way you experience this story.

Another Year Around the Sun is a gorgeous picture book that not only celebrates a birthday but the seasons, nature, and family life. Lyrical and captivating, it would make a great birthday gift that can be revisited every year.  Most birthday picture books are funny, so it is refreshing to see a book break away from this and stand out. It’s a delightful book for 4-8 years old that has appeal to not only children and families, but teachers and librarians. It is sure to capture little hearts and big ones too.

 

The Butterfly House

The Butterfly House by Harry Woodgate (Affirm Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923135635

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

We all have that one house on our street, or in our neighbourhood that’s a bit wild. Maybe the garden is overgrown, or the curtains are always closed. Whatever it is, there’s something ominous about the house and, sometimes, mysterious about whoever lives there.

Stories about old houses with unknown inhabitants being the source of childhood fear and rumours are somewhat classic – and possibly a trope. The Butterfly House takes this outline and turns it into an uplifting story with a strong message about finding out the truth before making judgements, and the importance of helping others in need.

Holly is intrigued by Miss Brown’s garden, which, despite its wild appearance, she sees as something from a fairytale rather than a place to be feared. Against her brother Arlo’s warning, Holly sneaks in for a closer look – only to be surprised by Miss Brown’s appearance at the window.

Rather than being frightened, however, Holly realises that Miss Brown may just be lonely – or that she may need help. So, she organises a working bee to tidy up the garden.

For a picture book, The Butterfly House seems to be a bit wordier than what we’d normally expect – but Harry Woodgate’s words flow, with everyone needed to tell the story.

The illustrations, also by Harry Woodgate, reflect the mood of the story – shifting from dark despair when we get a peek inside Miss Brown’s house, to an explosion of joy when her garden returns to its former glory. I could have pored over the illustrations for hours and I’m sure young readers will do the same, discovering more about Holly and Miss Brown as they go. (And don’t forget to check out the end pages, which act as ‘before and after’ shots.)

As a main character, Holly is delightful, proving that it doesn’t take much to draw a community together and make a difference in someone’s life. Society needs more Hollies!

The Butterfly House is a lovely story that will be sure to engage its intended readership of children aged from 4 to 8 years of age (and beyond, in my opinion as the themes are rich and varied, allowing the story to be read on many different levels).   

Wombat Dreaming

Wombat Dreaming by Caz Goodwin and Zoe Bennett (Affirm Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781923046603

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Everyone has something they are good at: sometimes it just takes a while to find that something. What might a wombat be good at?

Wombats are round and roly-poly. They are not known for their ability to balance or contort their bodies into different stretches, so why would Lil want to do yoga? It’s simple – all the other animals gather together every Sunday, down by the creek, to do yoga and Lil wants to join in.

It seems that each of the animals has their own signature yoga pose – from standing on one leg to an elegant downward dog. But Lil can’t do any of them.

Wombat Dreaming, by Caz Goodwin and Zoe Bennett is, first and foremost, a heartwarming story told with a rolling rhyme and accompanied by rich illustrations that radiate the Australian bush and landscape. Hidden beneath the story, the themes of resilience, individuality and inclusion are subtle, yet strong.

Caz Goodwin has taken a classic storyline – putting the main character in an unlikely situation that doesn’t fit their expected skillset – and made it her own. We love Lil straight away, feel for her when she thinks she’s failed and then celebrate when she succeeds.

Illustrator Zoe Bennett’s gorgeous pictures individualise the animals, ensuring they are all endearing as they demonstrate the tolerance and friendliness we so desperately need in our society.

And a yoga-loving wombat with her own signature pose? Who’d have thought it possible?

Wombat Dreaming is perfectly targeted at children aged from 3 to 7 years of age – and what better way to introduce a young generation to the benefits of mindfulness and yoga?

Kenneth and Queenie

Kenneth and Queenie by Raymond McGrath (Affirm Press) Graphic Paperback RRP AU$14.99 ISBN 9781923046252

Reviewed by Robyn Gillies

Kenneth is a bumble bee and Queenie is the almost queen bee of her hive who delights in reminding Kenneth and his friends of that fact whenever she can.

Kenneth and Queenie are best friends but they have very different approaches to pollinating flowers to save the world. One likes to work precisely with attention to detail, the other just likes to buzz around, have fun, and make a mess along the way. They don’t understand each other’s very different approaches. Will they ever agree? And what will Queenie decide when she decides it’s time to return to her hive – go back or stay with her bestie?

This is a graphic novel of 56 pages divided into three parts designed for ages 4-8 years. Every page is filled with engaging graphic images using a warm palette in the colours of bees and flowers which should appeal to the age group.

The story takes a quirky approach to resolving differences of opinion and includes a gentle message about the importance of pollination by bees and insects. The dad-style-joke humour using word play is very appropriate for the intended audience.

This is a story about big ideas using simple language coupled with lots of imagery that makes it an easy read.

This is the second book in the series of Kenneth and Queenie.