Here Comes Trouble

Here Comes Trouble by Dianne Bates (Dragon Tales Publishing) PB RRP $14.95 ISBN: 9780992523961

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

In Here Comes Trouble, Dianne Bates draws from her real-life experiences as a foster carer to share the plight of nine-year old protagonist, Sam.

All but written off as a trouble-maker by adults and peers alike, the future for Sam looks bleak. He battles loneliness, boredom, sometimes even hunger, all the while yearning for the love and affection of his parents who are busy fighting their own all-consuming battle, drug addiction.

Sam and his siblings stumble through life from day-to-day, and despite Sam’s best intentions, he more often than not finds himself in situations that live up to his ‘trouble-maker’ image. A chance meeting with foster carers who live nearby ultimately leads Sam and his siblings to the understanding and unconditional love they deserve.

This story is a pleasure to read, tackling tough and confronting issues in a sensitive, caring way. Bates never judges Sam or his family, but builds empathy for their situation and gives insight into the enormous impact the simplest acts of kindness can have on a child’s future.

A new-found sense of belonging and self-worth means the world for Sam, and allows those around him to discover just how much he has to offer in return.

Suitable reading for children aged eight years and up and a valuable read for adults.

This Girl That Girl

This Girl That Girl by Charlotte Lance (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781760291709

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

In This Girl That Girl, Charlotte Lance introduces her two delightful protagonists through sparing, rhythmic language. Her intricate, whimsical illustrations perfectly capture their quirky personalities and bring their unique worlds to life.

This book has a lovely look and feel, but what I appreciate most about it is the simple but important message it carries for young girls to be themselves. This girl and that girl are confident, creative and completely comfortable in their own skin.

The pair might live next door to each other, but they’re different in so many ways, and that doesn’t bother them at all. While this girl vacuums leaves, that girl throws them in the air. And while this girl’s dad tries to fit into a pillowcase, that girl’s dad sorts coloured gravel, one stone at a time.

The revelation comes when the dads each decide to build a tree-house. Along with this girl and that girl they tackle their projects in their own ways, but the resulting structures are surprisingly similar.

This is a story about the unique paths we take to get where we’re going that highlights the beauty of individuality. A fun and engaging picture book for children aged four to seven years that will have particular appeal to girls.

Let’s Play!

Let’s Play! by Hervé Tullet (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $22.99
ISBN: 9781760292980

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Let’s Play! is not only a fun title, but offers an enticing invitation to pick up Hervé Tullet’s latest picture book and discover more. 

It strikes me that you don’t just read a Tullet creation, you become part of one. In this case, you quickly become yellow dot’s playmate and travelling companion as it overcomes its boredom while travelling across 30 unique double page spreads with boundless energy. With your help, yellow dot conquers lines and squiggles, invents games and finds unexpected ways to tackle spooky or unpredictable situations.

Tullet creates a uniquely collaborative play experience that’s packed with fun and humour. Primary colours pop from white pages, and the sense of constant motion that Tullet creates helps yellow dot bounce all the way through to the completion of its journey.

It’s no surprise to me that Tullet’s picture book, Press Here, was also released in App format. His work is well suited to the interactive nature of an App and Let’s Play! is no exception.

This is a truly refreshing adventure to enjoy and revisit with children from two years up and a fabulous choice for reluctant readers with a taste for adventure.

Together…

Together… by Emma Dodd (Nosy Crow 2016) HB RRP $15.99
ISBN: 9780857635792

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Together… is a small, beautifully designed padded picture book, perfect for little hands. Emma Dodd partners simple, rhyming text with touching images of a sea otter mother and baby in their ocean home in a story that explores the special relationship between mother and child.

We meet the otters at the end of the day – a special, dreamy, joyful, perfect day – as they reflect on all of the things they did together such as watching the sun rise or the clouds float across the sky.

Dodd’s stylised sea otter illustrations couldn’t be any more endearing. They radiate warmth and love against the silvery green blue ocean and the star-filled night sky.

Together… reminds us to treasure the moments shared with a child and speaks to the simplicity of just being together without the distractions that everyday life can bring.

This is a perfect choice as a bedtime book to share with young children, or a thoughtful gift for a new mum.

Me, Teddy

Me, Teddy by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760291334

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Me, Teddy is instantly recognisable as a new picture book offering from wonderfully quirky author illustrator, Chris McKimmie.

In this, his vibrant, joy-filled scrapbook, Teddy – a big, black Labrador – shares his journey from tiny puppy to boofy-headed dog as a much-loved member of the McKimmie family.

He is cheeky, loyal and adorably comfortable as top dog in a house full of humans where he revels in meal times, shoe theft and snoozing on his half of the king-sized bed.

In his own words, Teddy is no goody-two-shoes, but there’s a strong sense that no matter what mischief he might get into, he will always be loved.

His story is a celebration of unconditional love that is sure to resonate with anyone whose family life has been enriched by a treasured pet.

Me, Teddy oozes warmth and humour, and the drawings of Teddy contributed by family and friends enhance McKimmie’s lively collages and further pull the reader in Teddy’s glorious world.

A feel-good read for the whole family and a must for dog lovers.

Bear Make Den

Bear Make Den by Jane Godwin, Michael Wagner and Andrew Joyner (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781760110017

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Meet Bear, a lovable, can-do kind of a guy sporting a broad smile and a pair of blue overalls. Bear has a simple plan to build himself a den. He has a reference book that tells him how to go about it, but he also has a problem. No matter what he does, his den just never feels done.

Something’s missing from Bear’s new home, but it takes him a while to figure out exactly what…

Bear Make Den – a new picture book from Jane Godwin, Michael Wagner and Andrew Joyner – will delight readers and listeners alike as Bear leaves no stone unturned in trying to solve his problem.

He crafts bespoke furniture, bakes swoon-worthy cakes and paints his walls with fine works of art before he finally realises exactly what his den needs.

He yells into the seemingly lonely woods: “DEN NEED BEARS!”, and when his new-found bear friends arrive in droves to share his hospitality, Bear finally feels satisfied that his den is done.

I’m always blown away by the deceptive simplicity of a good picture book and this creation is no exception. The language provided by Godwin and Wagner plus Joyner’s vibrant and playful illustrations enhance Bear’s journey and the happiness and warmth he finds in companionship.

When read aloud, I have little doubt that Bear Make Den will be a hit with pre-schoolers as they guess what Bear might try next and simple, rhythmic language and effortless appeal make this a terrific choice for encouraging new and reluctant readers.

In the Skin of a Monster

In the Skin of a Monster by Kathryn Barker (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $17.99
ISBN: 9781760111717

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

We meet seventeen-year-old Alice in the remote outback Australian town of Collector. Three years have passed since her identical twin sister inexplicably took a gun to school and killed seven fellow students, and Alice is still trying to make sense of it all and distinguish herself from the murderer whose face she shares in the eyes of a broken town.

We meet Lux in the guise of a seventeen-year-old boy in a dangerous, distorted version of Collector, built on surreal dreamscapes and nightmares riddled with imagined monsters such as the girl in the brown school dress.

Events quickly takes a fantastical turn as Alice becomes trapped in Lux’s world, and even there, she finds herself mistaken for the monster that plagues her.

In the Skin of a Monster questions perception and reality in what is an original and intriguing debut novel from Kathryn Barker which I found to be a challenging read.

Alternating between the perspectives of Alice and Lux, a story emerges with the potential to confuse a reader in much the same way that Barker’s characters are confused by their circumstances.

I found myself questioning whether Alice ever had a twin, or if in fact she was the very monster she feared, living in a delusional, drug-addled state.

By the novel’s conclusion, some readers may be frustrated to find that the answers Alice seeks to find are by no means tied up in a nice, neat bow, but as she attempts to return to her life in the real Collector, there is a sense that she and her town, real and imagined, can begin to heal.

This book is suitable for a young adult and adult readership.

Adelaide’s Secret World

Adelaide’s Secret World by Elise Hurst (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN: 9781743313350

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Adelaide’s Secret World by Elise Hurst is a striking picture book that subtly portrays themes of loneliness, courage, and friendship.

Adelaide is a quiet, creative protagonist who evokes a sense of hope and longing. Over time, she has become an outsider, observing the city from her secret world with curiosity and intrigue. She sees herself as one of “the quiet ones” – one of those she notices who, like her, take the time to see, hear and feel the world around them, but who have lost their voices.

The question asked is can Adelaide find a way to step from the safety of her secret world and connect these kindred spirits?

The answer is magical and inspiring, especially for those among us who can relate to the journey of “the quiet ones”.

Hurst’s oil painting illustrations create a soft, dream-like world filled with a captivating sense of richness and wonder, complemented by rhythmic, poetic language.

This is a special story about finding ones place in the world and being comfortable enough in your own skin to reach out to others for friendship, comfort and a sense of belonging.

This is a book for encouraging children and adults alike to embrace their own unique voice.

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise by Ursula Dubosarsky and Sue deGennaro (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN: 9781760113025

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise is a beautiful picture book that’s bound to capture a child’s imagination. Written by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Sue deGennaro, this book conveys a sense of spirit and warmth, and is perfect for sharing.

Reindeer with his red and white striped skivvy and bauble-adorned antler, is adorable.

He delivers cheer to his special friends – Cat, Dog and Guinea Pig – with the loveliest, most thoughtful gifts, but when he returns home to sip on his iced chocolate and gaze at his perfect tree, he finds that there’s still something missing...

Reindeer’s Australian home is a long way from his family in the snowy North Pole, and without them, his heart can’t help but feel a little empty. But at a time of wonder and heart-filling surprises, a special visit from the North Pole is just what Reindeer needs.

Dubosarsky and deGennaro have successfully balanced a sense of wonder and magic with a poignant reminder of what a challenging time of year Christmas can be for those who spend it alone.

With its catchy refrain and festive red-spotted end papers, this book is bound to become a holiday favourite, and I have a feeling that readers of all ages will particularly enjoy guessing just what Reindeer’s family have left on his doorstep in that big, velvet sack…

“What’s inside –

What can it be?

Open it and

You will see!”

The Truth About Peacock Blue

The Truth About Peacock Blue by Rosanne Hawke (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $15.99
ISBN: 9781743319949

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Aster is a fourteen year old girl from a small village in Pakistan. Following the tragic loss of her brother and best friend, Ijaz, her family decides that rather than follow tradition and arrange her early marriage, Aster will be given the opportunity to attend the Government High School so that she may become a teacher and help support her family.

Despite suggestion that Aster will be free to follow her Christian faith, anti-Christian sentiment at the Muslim school is rife. She is bullied and demeaned by peers and treated with contempt by Arabic and Islamic teacher, Mrs Abdul.

Buoyed by the love of family and friends and the strength of her faith, Aster persists with her studies, but when Mrs Abdul accuses her of blasphemy, life as she knows it ceases to exist.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan dictate that anyone accused of insulting Islam faces a potential death sentence, and although her teacher can offer no proof of the crime, Aster has no recourse to fight the injustice of laws that critics argue are used to persecute minorities and settle vendettas.

From a Western perspective, Aster’s immediate imprisonment and seemingly lawless treatment is difficult to comprehend, as is the imminent threat to her family and village.

Rosanne Hawke, an aid worker in Pakistan for many years, has woven a powerful, captivating story inspired by Pakistani women and children such as Asia Bibi, a Catholic mother of five who, after nearly five years on death row, awaits the outcome of an appeal on a disputed blasphemy charge.

Hawke builds a heart-wrenching account of Aster’s fight to maintain her dignity, values and beliefs in unbearable circumstances, and uses social media to offer a global perspective of her plight, drawing attention to the freedoms that we as Australians enjoy in our safe, democratic society.

She also provides a timely account of why people might be forced to abandon their lives – their families, friends and all that they cherish – in the hopes of sharing the freedoms we take for granted.

Suitable for high school students and a significant and poignant read for all Australians.

Here Comes Trouble

Here Comes Trouble by Dianne Bates (Dragon Tales Publishing 2015)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN: 9780992523961

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

In Here Comes Trouble, Dianne Bates draws from her real-life experiences as a foster carer to share the plight of nine-year old protagonist, Sam.

All but written off as a trouble-maker by adults and peers alike, the future for Sam looks bleak. He battles loneliness, boredom, sometimes even hunger, all the while yearning for the love and affection of his parents who are busy fighting their own all-consuming battle, drug addiction.

Sam and his siblings stumble through life from day-to-day, and despite Sam’s best intentions, he more often than not finds himself in situations that live up to his ‘trouble-maker’ image.

A chance meeting with foster carers who live nearby ultimately leads Sam and his siblings to the understanding and unconditional love they deserve.

This story is a pleasure to read, tackling tough and confronting issues in a sensitive, caring way. Bates never judges Sam or his family, but builds empathy for their situation and gives insight into the enormous impact the simplest acts of kindness can have on a child’s future.

A new found sense of belonging and self-worth means the world for Sam, and allows those around him to discover just how much he has to offer in return.

Suitable reading for children eight and up and a valuable read for adults.

The Cut Out

The Cut Out by Jack Heath (Allen & Unwin, 2015)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN: 9781760111984

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

The Cut Out reminded me of a packet Tim Tams: once I started it I couldn’t stop!

Canberra author Jack Heath has constructed a clever and captivating plot, and an engaging protagonist in Kamauan teenager, Fero Dremovich.

As tensions build in the cold war between Kamau and Besmar, Fero’s instincts tell him to keep a low profile, but when a peaceful protest turns into a riot, his ordinary life is turned upside down.

Fero soon discovers that he’s the spitting image of notorious Besmari spy, Troy Maschenov, and before he knows it, he’s one of the Kamau Intelligence Organisation’s most useful assets.

The notion of a fourteen year old boy becoming a spy overnight sounds implausible, but Heath builds the reader’s trust in Fero, providing insight into his thoughts and feelings and giving credence to the reality of his situation.

It’s clear that no one is more surprised by his circumstances than Fero himself. 

With a laughable amount of preparation and some James Bond-style gadgetry, Fero, posing as Maschenov, is sent across the dead zone to Besmar, under instructions to bring home a missing double agent with the power to save countless Kamauans from a looming Besmari terrorist attack.

Fero is quick to cut through bureaucracy and propaganda and realise that everything is not what it seems in a plot that twists, turns and never fails to deliver in the action, suspense and humour departments.

The ultimate question: who can Fero really trust?

I’d recommend this book for ages twelve and up. It has all the right ingredients to attract broad appeal plus the anticipation of a sequel with Fero set to return in The Fail Safe in 2016.

Panther

Panther by David Owen (Corsair 2015)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN: 9781472116420

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Panther by UK author David Owen is a brave and honest portrayal of the impact of depression on a family through the eyes of teenage protagonist, Derrick.

We first meet Derrick in a dark alley. He’s rummaging through garbage bags in search of junk food disposed of days before, which he intends to eat for comfort and punishment.

We soon learn that his sister’s depression is causing Derrick’s world to crumble around him. He’s bullied, he’s lonely and his family is being consumed. He blames himself and sees it as his responsibility to find a way back to the life that existed before the depression took over.

A panther rumoured to be roaming Derrick’s south London suburb becomes his obsession. He sets out to catch the beast, convinced that doing so will ‘fix’ his sister and restore normality. But does the mysterious panther even exist, or is it a metaphor for depression itself?

Derrick’s misguided, sometimes disturbing behaviour, can make it difficult to like him. His humour contradicts an often grim reality as he struggles to come to terms with his sister’s illness.

In his debut novel, Owen shares his unique perspective as both an observer and a sufferer of depression, shining a light on the impact of mental illness for all involved.

With Beyond Blue reporting that one in sixteen young Australians currently experience depression and one in four a mental health condition, novels such as Panther present a significant opportunity to stimulate discussion and foster understanding for sufferers and loved ones alike.

Suitable for a young adult and adult readership. 

Lara of Newtown

Lara of Newtown by Chris McKimmie (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $29.99
ISBN: 9781760112325

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Lara of Newtown is a strikingly quirky picture book about a cat trying to find a forever home. Not just any cat, but a beautifully unique, hand-drawn cat in a unique, hand-drawn town.

The first time I read this story I found it so sad, and it is in many ways. Upon a second and third read though, it struck me that this is a story of hope. McKimmie doesn’t pull any punches in conveying the cat’s abandonment. Her loneliness and desire to be loved is palpable. Things might not work out with Nana Banana or Noni Nice, but McKimmie’s endearing feline protagonist ultimately finds her happy place with the eccentric Kafoopses. She is happy as Larry, or Lara, as named by her forever family.

McKimmie tackles themes of identity, belonging and love in such a fresh and imaginative way. His bustling collages and array of erratic font choices can be overwhelming, but hidden elements of humour help to soften the harsh reality of Lara’s situation.

As this story has the potential to evoke many questions and feelings from younger children, and there are many references within the collages with adult appeal, it is a good one to read together. It will leave everyone feeling safe and warm like the lovely Lara, who thinks she is a ‘lucky boots’.

Trickstars Triple Magic

Trickstars Triple Magic by Karen Wood (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN: 9781743319055

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Life on Windara Farm is not always perfect for eight-year old triplets Ruby, Kit and Lexie, but riding their beautiful gypsy cob horses never fails to bring them joy. They are natural riders with an ability to read each other’s minds, and before long their Grampy reluctantly shares the secrets of their family’s famous Romani trick riding heritage.

Enter a mysterious trunk full of sparkling costumes, their late grandmother’s magical diary of trick riding secrets and three unique and powerful Boswell gold pieces, and the talented trio are on their way to fulfilling their death-defying trick riding destinies.

Trickstars Triple Magic is the first of six Trickstars chapter books by Karen Wood.

Certain sadness shrouds the farm where the triplets live with their mother and Grampy due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of their grandmother. However, the lively and resilient nature of the triplets shines through.

Wood’s research into the Romani trick riders adds authenticity to the story, and concern over the potential discovery of the Boswell gold pieces by other Roma families adds an element of intrigue.

With horses, acrobatics, glitter and magic, Trickstars Triple Magic has all the ingredients to hit the mark with girls aged seven to ten years.

Summer Rain

Summer Rain by Ros Moriarty, illustrated by Balarinji (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN: 9781760112110

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

With rain comes life and Summer Rain is a vivid celebration of life in the wet season in northern Australia.

This story is a lyrical one, commencing at dawn and concluding at dusk, each spread depicting the sights and sounds of the unique summer landscape from a new vantage point. Kangaroos pound over red ochre earth, grasses stand like spears in the steamy heat, geckos stretch in the sunset.

Filled with colour and movement, the lively beauty of this book makes it stand out from the crowd. The simplicity of Balarinji’s Indigenous design – each perfect dot, hypnotic swirl and stylised creature – brings the words of author Ros Moriarty to life with bold impact.

In fewer than eighty words, Moriarty’s rhythm, rhyme and alliteration, blend with Balarinji’s images to create a warm and engaging feast for the senses.

With a distinctly northern Australian flavour, Summer Rain revels in the splendour of the natural landscape and those who inhabit it. It also showcases the storytelling qualities of Indigenous art.

Different typography is used to accentuate certain words throughout the story. I found this approach slightly distracting, particularly as the story and artwork speak so well for themselves.

This simple picture book with its colourful imagery and low word count will likely appeal to pre-schoolers and early primary school aged children.

A translation is included in Yanyuwa, the language spoken by Aboriginal families in Borroloola, Northern Territory.

Splosh for the Billabong

Splosh for the Billabong by Ros Moriarty, illustrated by Balarinji (Allen & Unwin 2015)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN: 9781760112127

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Splosh for the Billabong, by Ros Moriarty and Balarinji, is a playful picture book that gently intertwines the natural environment of northern Australia with Indigenous art.

In fewer than one-hundred words, Moriarty’s simple, rhythmical descriptions are brought to life by Balarinji’s bright, dynamic illustrations.

Set in the tropics of northern Australia, each spread depicts another natural wonder. Ants march in the sunburnt earth, crabs dig in the lushness of the riverbank.

Ripples swirl, birds whoosh and mud squishes. A child protagonist collects squelchy finger-paint to paint a picture of the water hole by the oozy-squidgy river bank.

The blurring of the lines between nature and art subtly introduces the cultural significance of the natural environment to Indigenous Australians, and the importance of storytelling through painting.

Pre-schoolers and early primary school aged children will love Moriarty’s onomatopoeic descriptions and will no doubt will want to crack open the paint pots or squelch about in the mud.

A translation is included in Yanyuwa, the language spoken by Aboriginal families in

Borroloola, Northern Territory.

No Means No!

No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Cherie Zamazing (UpLoad Publishing 2015)

PB RRP $12.95
ISBN: 9781925089226

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Sadly, we live in a society where sexual predators exist.

We can’t always be there to protect our children, but we are in a position to empower them to understand their rights with particular regards to their body, and to encourage them to speak up if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

Jayneen Sanders, an experienced primary school teacher, counsellor, editor, author, publisher and mother, has recognised the need for resources that assist parents, carers, teachers and child welfare professionals in talking to children about such issues.

No Means No! follows the release of Sanders’ Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept (UpLoad Publishing 2013), illustrated by Craig Smith, which dealt with a little boy being touched inappropriately by a trusted caregiver and keeping it a secret.

No Means No! treads more lightly than its predecessor, but the message is still loud and clear. Cherie Zamazing’s illustrations create a bright, cheerful feel as Sanders manages to cover difficult issues in a non-confronting way, teaching children and caregivers about boundaries, respect and consent.

Sanders’ plucky central character knows how to say no.

For instance, she chooses not to kiss Auntie Jeanie, but to give her a high five. She chooses not to play tickling games with her cousin, but to play catch. And she chooses not to accept her mother’s offer of help to wash her private parts at bath time, but to do it herself.

Sanders’ character never comes across as rude or difficult, but rather assertive and confident. She never fails to speak up with regards to personal boundaries and this is consistently respected by the family members and friends she encounters.

The story is appropriately set at home and school, where young children spend much of their time. 

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Craig Smith (UpLoad Publishing, 2013)
HB RRP $22.68
ISBN: 9780646546230

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Jayneen Sanders’ picture book Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept tells the story of Sir Alfred, an endearing and brave little knight. Sir Alfred is small and innocent, and conveyed perfectly by illustrator Craig Smith. He comes from a broken family. His mother works hard cleaning Lord Henry’s castle, and after school, Lord Henry offers to look after Sir Alfred while his mother finishes her cleaning.

Sir Alfred and Lord Henry have such fun together until one day Lord Henry touches Sir Alfred inappropriately and refuses to stop when Sir Alfred asks him to. Lord Henry warns Sir Alfred that if he tells anyone about their “tickling game” his mother will lose her job and it will be his fault.

As the story progresses, Sir Alfred changes. He becomes quiet, introverted, frightened and sick with worry. His attempts to stay away from Lord Henry fail until one evening his mother hears him sobbing in his bed and reminds him that ‘some secrets should NEVER EVER be kept’.

Wrapped in the warmth of his mother’s love, Sir Alfred discovers that speaking up and sharing his terrible secret is the right thing to do.

This is a difficult story to tell, but an important one. It is a disturbing reality that sexual offenders are more often than not known to their child victims, and, according to Sanders’ website, an astounding one in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn eighteen.

An experienced primary school teacher, counsellor, editor, author, publisher and mother, Sanders has recognised the need for resources that assist parents, carers, teachers and child welfare professionals in educating and empowering children to speak up, no matter what.

This book includes a useful Note to the Reader and a set of Discussion Questions. It is recommended by the author that it be read to children by a parent or caregiver. Suitable for reading with children from pre-school and beyond and a recommended school library resource.