A Hat for Every Harriet

A Hat for Every Harriet by Jess Horn, illustrated by Zoë Bennett (Affirm Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781923293243

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Harriet has lots of different hats, such as her Sensible Hat for crossing the road, her Listener Hat for paying attention in class, and her Calm-Down Hat for upsetting situations. But when her class has to decorate the hall for the school dance, she doesn’t know which Harriet to be – so she piles all of the hats on top of her head. Before long, they fall with a crash! Her friend tells her to just be herself, so Harriet tiptoes into the dance without any hat at all. And she has fun as Just Harriet.

Crafted with care for kids aged four to eight, Jess Horn’s gentle text examines how neurodivergent children manage to navigate a world that is not made for them, and this encourages empathy and acceptance in neurotypical readers. But the story also empowers all youngsters to recognise their own worth, and to be brave enough to reveal their truth to others.

Zoë Bennett avoids intense visuals, using a delicate colour palette to complement the quiet consideration of the words. There is a delightful whimsy to the hat illustrations – big bunny ears for listening, a chequered cone for having fun – which is appealing. The characters ooze charm and connection, and this warmth washes over the pages and straight into readers’ hearts.

Children love to dress up, and A Hat for Every Harriet builds on this with an emotional layer of learning delivered in a kind and compassionate manner. This is the ideal book for anyone who is struggling with the weight of social expectations.

Story Rug

Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl (Hachette Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780734424464

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Class 203 has fallen in love with braiding, but there is nothing for Noah to weave – so Ms Morena rips up a whiteboard rag. When Noah runs out of rag, his dad cuts up an old shirt for him to use. Eventually, everyone in the class contributes material – an old baby blanket, an unwanted skirt, a stained tablecloth and more – and they help to stitch the ends while Ms Morena reads books to them. When the braid becomes too long, Noah has an idea – they will coil it up to construct a classroom rug that holds the stories of their textiles and the stories that they heard. Ms Morena is surprised!

Sophie Blackall’s thoughtful narrative entwines the power of storytelling with the joy of communal creation. There is also a subtle nod to the significance of environmental sustainability – forlorn and faded fabrics are repurposed in a useful manner rather than thrown away to exacerbate the landfill crisis. Children aged four to eight will be inspired to make their own ‘story rug’, and Sophie has generously supplied simple step-by-step instructions at the back of the book.

A patchwork of patterns and hues abounds in Phoebe Wall’s fabulous illustrations. There is an almost naive style to the thick, crayon-like strokes and incomplete colouring that is sure to appeal to little kids. Although the images echo an American experience of school, every reader is sure to find themselves reflected among the diverse class members.

In lacing together literature and craft, Story Rug is literally a rags-to-riches tale that reveals the treasure to be found in creativity, community and cooperation. Charm exudes from every page, ensuring that youngsters will reach for this book again and again.

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean

Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean by Andrew Plant (CSIRO Publishing) HB RRP $32.99 ISBN: 9781486320257

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A hundred million years ago, inland Australia was a sea. Flying pterosaurs built nests on islands, where they raised their hatchlings. One of the pterosaurs, Ferrodraco, teaches her babies to hunt. But she is soon carried away by a cyclone. She finds shelter on a southern cliff ledge. When she is ready, she takes flight – heading north to find her family. Along the way, she encounters Muttaburrasaurus, Weewarrasaurus, Diamantinasaurus and many other creatures of the era. Finally, she ‘hears a familiar call’ and glides to her rocky home.

Andrew Plant’s narrative non-fiction picture book is ideal for six- to twelve-year-olds who are fascinated by dinosaurs, especially Australian species. The presentation of the scientific information in story form – as well as the introduction of a compelling main character – helps kids to quickly connect to the knowledge. For those who want to find out more, Andrew has supplied extensive back matter incorporating details on the Eromanga Sea, scientific names and pterosaurs, plus a useful glossary.

Andrew’s realistic illustrations reveal the unique animals and habitats in dazzling true-to-life colour. From spiky teeth and streaky waves to prickly plants and spiral shells, every element helps to bring the prehistoric world to life. With Ferrodraco, Andrew has created a protagonist who is equal parts authentic and appealing, and in whose epic adventure readers will soon become invested. 

A fresh take on Australian paleontology, Pterosaurs of the Desert Ocean is an immersive experience from the first page until the last. With its synthesis of irresistible images and striking story, it is sure to become a favourite of fossil fans both young and old.

Belong

Belong by Sharon Seymour, illustrated by Freya Goldsmith (WestWords Children’s) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN: 9781923044678

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A large, vibrant bird longs to ‘be like everyone else’, to become invisible, to blend in. But it soon learns that ‘belonging’ isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not – it’s about befriending others by being kind and caring. Only then can a true connection be made.

Told with a sparing use of text, Sharon Seymour’s story shines a spotlight on our fundamental need to find our tribe and fit in. Children aged three and older will feel the story rather than read it, as the well-chosen words pluck at their heartstrings and gently guide them towards the simple yet significant conclusion.

Freya Goldsmith uses colour to isolate the protagonist from its more muted peers, but this also links the lonely bird to concepts associated with rainbows, such as love, hope and happiness. When the bird rescues a little penguin, brightly hued butterflies herald the new joy that this budding friendship brings.

A beautiful book about building relationships, Belong is perfect for any child who has struggled with exclusion and the emotions that this can evoke. It leaves the reader with a quiet optimism that even in the wildest places, kindness can create kinship.

Oh No!

Oh No! by James Foley (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761355073

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

‘What’s that noise?’ The sound of clapping fills the air as an elephant holds a special cake. Then splat, crash, bash, smash! A dizzy pig bumps into the elephant, and he falls down some stairs. The noises get louder and louder as more and more things go very badly wrong. In the end, the cake is saved … until a dizzy pig turns up. Oh no!

James Foley draws on oodles of onomatopoeia in this chaotically cacophonous tale that’s sure to elicit giggles from three- to five-year-olds. Every page turn takes youngsters somewhere unexpected, from a pool full of piranhas to a smoochy monkey wedding. And just when the reader thinks they’ve reached the end, the cracking circular story suddenly starts again. Clap, clap, clap …

James’s cartoon images sizzle with sensational colour, and each new character pops from the paper with personality. Illustrating onomatopoeic words rather than just typing them ensures they are linked to the action on the spreads; it also encourages kids to shout them at the top of their voices. This makes the book both hilarious and interactive.

As readers ride the wild wave of Oh No!, they’ll splash through literacy goals with a smile on their face. Then they’ll race back to the beginning again just because the riotous journey is so much fun.

Three Dresses

Three Dresses by Wanda Gibson (University of Queensland Press) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN: 9780702266355

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A present of three second-hand dresses from the Lutheran Church makes a young Aboriginal girl very happy. When it comes time for her family to have a holiday from the Mission for two weeks, the girl’s mother tells her to pack ‘one to wash, one to wear and one spare’. Their break at the beach is brimming with activities, from swimming and fishing to storytelling around the camp fire. Dresses come in handy for carrying eggs and berries! The girl always keeps her precious dresses clean.

Nukgal Wurra author and artist Wanda Gibson recounts the simple joys of her childhood in this gentle picture book aimed at four-to-eight-year-olds. While the dresses are cherished and cared for as prized possessions, it soon becomes apparent that the real gift is quality time spent with kin, connecting to Country and to each other. Even non-Aboriginal children will appreciate the powerful nature of strong familial bonds.

The naive, childlike quality of Wanda’s paintings will appeal to young eyes. As the bright colours of Far North Queensland – tropical greens, distinct blues and sandy yellows – ripple across the spreads like an ocean wave, the reader can almost smell the salty sea air. This draws them more deeply into Wanda’s world.

Although it’s a blissful window on the past, the message enfolded within the fabric of Three Dresses is just as relevant to all Australian children today. Shared experiences flush with love, learning and laughter ensure that kids can survive anything life throws at them.

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.

The Winds of Waa (Nerra: Deep Time Traveller #2)

The Winds of Waa (Nerra: Deep Time Traveller #2) by Tasma Walton, illustrated by Samantha Campbell (Scholastic Australia) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN: 9781761521027

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Nerra now knows that she can travel back in time to the Dreaming. So when her great-grandmother’s box of artifacts opens again, she realises that a grand adventure awaits her. In the box, a feathered headband catches her eye. When she puts it on, she is instantly transported to the realm of the Creation Beings. Nerra soon discovers that the evil Devour’ena has returned, and they have captured Waa the Raven. Can Nerra find a way to free Waa and stop the Devour’ena from destroying Country?

Inspired by her Boonwurrung heritage, Tasma Walton’s time-slip tale takes readers aged eight to twelve deep into the heart of the Dreaming. Enthralling Aboriginal language and lore abound, which will appeal to Indigenous and non-Indigenous children alike. Nerra is a clever and courageous Aboriginal heroine, while the Creation Beings – including Bunjil the Eagle and Koonwarra the Swan – are strong and comforting presences in the suspenseful story.

Indigenous illustrator Samantha Campbell brings the characters to life in her detailed pen-and-ink images. Perhaps the most striking is her drawing of Tooradin the Bunyip, a blend of ancient reptiles and emu. Dynamic vignettes and full-page illustrations depict moments of high drama, helping kids visualise the relentless action's elements.

The Winds of Waa is a breath of fresh air in the middle-grade scene. Combining the age-old legends of Aboriginal Australians with the modern idea of time travel, it is an enthralling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.