There's a Chicken in the House

There's a Chicken in the House by Sonya Hartnett, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo (Penguin Random House Australia 2026) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761344497

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

There's a Chicken in the House is this award-winning, creative duo's fourth picture book together, and we as readers get to reap the benefits of that extra-special something woven into the words and pictures of a time-honoured partnership.

A young girl narrates, and she's concerned about a chicken that has entered the house after the wind blew the door open. The young girl commands the chicken to leave – several times – but this chicken has a mind of its own. She struts through the house from room to room. She inspects crumbs in the kitchen, poos in the bathroom, strolls along like a princess at a party (love this), then heads to big sister's bedroom and hops into the wardrobe! 

Inside the wardrobe, coat hangers jangled.

I heard my sister in the kitchen, pushing out her chair. 

'Come back, chicken!' I whispered as loudly as I dared.

I love the delicious tension being built here! We have the worried young girl who wants to get the chicken out before big sister sees it – and big sister (completely oblivious to what's going on in her room) who is about to leave the meal table and discover it. Could the young girl be worried because she knows full well how big sister will respond to the state of her wardrobe – and that she'll most likely be blamed for it?

Or could the young girl be worried because she loves big sister and doesn't want her to get upset?

We can only imagine. But how lovely that we can.

Once the chicken is out of big sister's room and has watched a bit of telly, she heads to the door. But before the chicken wanders outside, the young girl scoops her up and says, 'Don't you want to see my room?' 

I love how the young girl goes from being completely set on getting the chicken out to accepting her and even prolonging her stay. 

A story like this could so easily have been given the slapstick treatment – a wild and frightened chicken running amok inside a house, setting off a chain of disasters with laugh-out-loud results!

But no. These two creatives chose a subtler spin.

This chicken is dignified. She wanders about, taking her own sweet time, checking out each room like she's ambling through an art gallery. The chaos is calmer, the humour is quieter, and it asks the reader to slow down and, just like this chicken, to take some time and savour the experience.

We need more stories like this in our fast-paced, screen-focussed lives.

Lucia Masciullo's endearingly whimsical illustrations complement the narrative beautifully.  Her work has an inbuilt, easy-going quality that exudes comfort and warmth.

I love the serenity of the colours she uses and how she captures so well the look and feel of an early morning summer's day – where everything is bathed in an airy, spacious light.

(And I have to add that arriving at the illustration on the final page was such a surprise – and so oddly satisfying!)

Inspired by Sonya Hartnett's own (and I'm sure, keenly observed) pet chicken, There's a Chicken in the House is a perfect read-aloud, feel-good tale about curiosity, patience and unexpected visitors.

Animal lovers, particularly those with a fondness for chickens, will resonate with and be enchanted by this delightful picture book.

Highly recommended for young readers aged 2+.

 

The First Easter

The First Easter, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Penguin Random House Australia 2026) HB RRP $ 24.99 ISBN 9781761352430

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

We have Easter egg hunts and

make special food and get together with family and friends.

But do you know why?

The First Easter tells the story of how Easter began. It is simply told, with pared-back text, making it easy for children to learn about and appreciate why we celebrate Easter.

It tells how Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, bringing messages of peace, and how some people didn't like what he was saying and wanted to hurt him ...

When they came for Jesus, his friends wanted to protect him, but they were too scared ... and Jesus died

We call this day Good Friday, but why is it good if something so terrible happened?

Here, the story steers its young audience away from anything darkly descriptive or grim (as illustrated by a simple wooden cross) and instead focuses on hope and a happy ending.

Jess Racklyeft's endearing and delightfully detailed illustrations are perfectly suited to a young audience. She has selected a gorgeous colour palette — warm tones that almost look sun-faded, reminiscent of a time long ago, and fresh spring tones — representing new life after the depths of winter.

Today, perhaps most typically, we celebrate Easter by sharing a meal together with the people we love. We eat hot cross buns and have Easter egg hunts. The illustrations of the outdoor table setting exemplify this beautifully — first seen with everyone arriving, then again with everyone seated. A table surrounded by the happy faces of friends and family — where there's even a chair for the cat!

(The children with bunny ears sharing baskets of Easter eggs are adorable.)

The First Easter is a gentle story which has been lifted to a light, positive place with clean, uncomplicated wording and appealing illustrations — making it suitable for all children and their families regardless of their beliefs. Even families where religion has little to no influence on their daily lives will resonate with the story's essence. Because no matter how we celebrate Easter, which foods we eat, or which traditions we follow, Easter reminds us all that beyond its religious and historical origins, it carries a universal message — that there is always love, new life and hope, even in the most difficult times.

Suitable for children aged around 3-7 years.

 

NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS: Planet Ark Environmental Foundation.

NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS: Planet Ark Environmental Foundation. Penguin Random House Australia 2024. Paperback MG RRP $19.99. ISBN 9780143779582

Reviewed by Debra Williams

The world is full of sad news headlines, and it seems overwhelming at times. Where, we might ask, is the good news? Well, it’s right here, with coverage of the many environmental solutions and inventions that Planet Ark has pioneered and engaged in providing ways to reverse the extensive damage done to our planet.

This book is aimed at informing children about the extent of the work of Australia’s Planet Ark foundation. The message encourages children to act and engage through the inspiring and informative stories covering what is already being done. The news articles come from all over Australia, encompassing both individuals and corporate bodies who desire to have a wide and far-reaching positive impact as part of the global community. It is designed to provide a positive and uplifting environmental message to young readers aged 8+ years.

Circles of Life

Circles of Life by Gregg Dreise (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP$24.99 ISBN 9781761340550

Aboriginal creator Gregg Dreise explores his cultural tradition of painting in this picture book for readers aged 5 to 7 years. With ochre from Mother Earth, two young girls are guided by Uncle to paint each layer of the Thank Your Circles as a celebration of the different elements of our world. When the dots are placed together, they form circles of life.

Circles of Life explores themes such as First Nation traditions and storytelling, art, creativity, and the environment. The story encourages children to create their own artworks and reflect on the meaning behind each stroke and dot.

This book is a companion to Dreise’s previous picture books, Hello and Welcome and My Culture and Me.

Chico the Schnauzer

Chico the Schnauzer by Taryn Brumfitt & Levi George (Penguin Random House, Australia) PB HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761343988

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Taryn Brumfitt is an award-winning filmmaker and best-selling author. A 2023 Australian of the Year, she advocates fiercely and strongly for social change. She is the founder of the Body Image Movement, and the co-Executive Director of the inspiring documentaries Embrace and Embrace Kids, and the author of five books.

Chico the Schnauzer is a picture book that celebrates individual body uniqueness. Chico escapes the yard and goes on the biggest play date of his life with his dog friends – Suzie the Sausage Dog, Penelope the Poodle, and Digby the Dalmatian are a few. Along the way Chico discovers all the incredible things dog bodies can do and it doesn’t matter if he can’t do what his friends can because all dog bodies are different.

Taryn Brumfitt has written a playful story with a fun character with an important message -- embrace your own unique body and what it can do. The opening four-word sentence with alliteration introduces Chico’s personality and appearance succinctly. Cheeky Chico is a schnauzer.

One day the back gate is left open and Chico escapes. The rumpus and fun starts as Chico adventures with his friends. This reminds me a little of Hairy McClary from Donaldson’s Dairy: it has the same cheekiness and sass, and alliteration is used for each dog’s name. Taryn lets each dog friend introduce a game for Chico to try. This creates a story pattern that uses dialogue, questioning and onomatopoeia so the reader can discover what each unique dog’s body can do.

Chico can’t resist a chasing game, ‘Wahoo!’ Zip! Squeeze! ‘Wow, Susie, your body is so fast and flexible. But mine is great at digging!’ This beautifully shows the reader rather than tells. As the story arc falls, we find Chico reflecting. As Chico walks home from the biggest playdate of his life, he thinks about all the things his friends can do with their amazing bodies, and … all the things his body is good at. The closing page leaves the reader with one last clever thought which I won’t share.

The illustrations by Levi George are wonderfully bright and bold. Chico sits proudly on the front cover along with the title in bright white with a dash of yellow. Purple endpapers appear followed by a bright white title page that allows the words and images to pop. The cartoon-like images of the dogs at play are fun and engaging. George creates lots of story movement on each page. The eye is drawn across to each page turn taking the reader into the story. Extra humour is brought in visually with Chico tangling his bright yellow lead around Charlie. George has added onomatopoeia that pops out in the spreads and a little white bunny even bounces into a couple of spreads, too. There are lots of little extra illustrations to add layered meaning to the story.

Chico the Schnauzer is delightful picture book for children 3 to 8 years about friendship, and embracing what your body can do because all bodies are unique and different. The fun characters and their adventures are sure to appeal to children, parents, teachers, and librarians. This is a book that has an important message delivered in a fun, engaging way.

The Littlest Penguin and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade

The Littlest Penguin and the Phillip Island Parade, The Penguin Foundation and Jedda Robaard (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761341830

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

The Penguin Foundation raises funds to protect Phillip Island’s native wildlife and enhance the natural environment through research, conservation, and education programs.  Jedda Robaard is an Australian author, illustrator, and designer, based in Southern Tasmania. Her sweet and whimsical style is recognised internationally.

This charming story follows the journey of the littlest penguin of Phillip Island from her early days as a hatchling to finally getting courage to go out to sea for food and adventure. As she grows, the reader learns all about real-life penguins and when she returns to Phillip Island it’s hoped she’ll have a chick of her own.  

What I love about this book is the direct and simple text that speaks to a reader’s heart. Each new step the Littlest Penguin experiences, the reader does, too. The facts make the read not only a story but educational, too. Your white belly will look just like the water’s surface. And if there’s a sharp-eyed, hungry seabird looking down from the sky, the water will look grey and dark to them, just like your blue-grey feathers. The voice of the mum talking to the little penguin is warm and the love of her dad as he fusses around her is beautiful. The dialogue is perfect for the intended audience and relatable. ’You’ve grown so much already,’ her mum told her. ‘Soon you’ll be big and strong and ready to explore the ocean for yourself. You won’t be the littlest penguin for long.’

Although the book shares facts, the vocabulary used is easy to read and understand. ‘Huke! Huke! Scruffy called out to her. Although Little Penguins usually go to sea by themselves the introduction of friends Scruffy, Cheeky, and Big Chick makes their adventures enthralling. This factional story has tension and excitement and takes the reader on a truly wonderful penguin journey.

Jedda Robbard’s blue cover reminds me of blue-grey penguin feathers and the sea, a perfect choice for this book. The white title draws the eye and the little hatchling penguin, and a parent is adorable. The penguin footprints show the book is about a journey. The endpapers with the little penguin in different positions with speech bubbles is a great introduction to the character. The beginning of each chapter has an illustration and then on just about every page are beautiful watercolour images that add to the text and give visual information. Occasionally there are double page spreads of illustrations that really draw the reader’s eye and bring the story to life.

The Littlest Penguin and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a wondrous book for readers 6 years and older that brings real-life penguin facts and story together. This timeless book is sure to appeal as a gift for those wanting to share or learn about the Little Penguins. This stunning, hard cover book is a collaboration between Jedda Robaard, Penguin Random House and The Penguin Foundation on Phillip Island National Parks. The back of the book features a non-fiction section that adds to its appeal.

The First Christmas

The First Christmas illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Penguin Random House Australia) PB HB RRP $24.99 9780143796909 

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Jess Racklyeft is an award-winning illustrator with a magical touch. Recent awards include CBCA Notable Picture Book of the year two years running. She lives in Melbourne with her family.

The First Christmas beautifully captures the wonder of the nativity and highlights the Christmas spirit of giving and togetherness. This timeless picture book shares the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of family.

The simple word-efficient text gives the captivating illustrations plenty of space to shine. A long time ago, in a country far away, shepherds were keeping their sheep safe at night is the opening sentence that sets the scene with ease. The minimalistic dialogue is direct, intentional and conveys meaning ‘There was no room for us at the inn,’ said Mary. ‘His name is Jesus. The carefully placed punctuation allows the special moment of meeting the new baby boy to be felt and savoured. Lying on hay, wrapped up snuggly, was a baby boy. The verbs are effective and used in the right places. A light shone around them in the darkness, and they were frightened. This retelling is well done by an anonymous author.

The book cover will attract attention with its soft blue background with hints of gold and the title is eye-catching and golden. Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus with farm animals are centre on the bottom part of the book so the eye goes to the title and then the characters. The endpapers are festive and cheery with small green branches, stars, birds, and, if you look closely, tiny sheep. The title page has a vignette of two shepherd children sitting under a tree in the illuminating light of the star that heralded the birth of Jesus. The layout varies but double page spreads are used for most of the story. The illustration of baby Jesus asleep on the hay with three farm animals is beautifully illuminated by the light of the Christmas Star. The water colour palette works a treat with the simplistic drawings. The childlike illustrations really give this book a unique specialness.

The First Christmas is a picture book for children 3-8 years that brings the meaning of Christmas and family together. This timeless book is sure to appeal at Christmas time for those wanting to share or learn about the first Christmas.

An A to Z of Dreaming Differently

An A to Z of Dreaming Differently by Tracey Dembo, illustrated by Lucia Masciullo (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780143778905

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

All children need to learn the alphabet, so why not make it an empowering experience? Every letter in An A to Z of Dreaming Differently gifts the reader with a positive perspective as well as an array of affirmations to fuel fertile thinking, such as ‘Some days will Zig. Some will Zag … But this won’t stop you … zoooooming up, up, up, towards those dazzling dreams.’

Tracey Dembo’s stirring words shimmy across the pages, sparkling with boundless possibilities. Actions and attitudes entwine into an optimistic opus for readers aged five and older, where exploring the ABCs becomes a leap into life’s biggest lessons. ‘K is for Kind. Be it. To yourself. To others. To the planet.’

Divine details fill Lucia Masciullo’s delightful illustrations, adding depth to the learning journey. Natural hues and organic lines are appealing to young eyes. Rather than featuring one protagonist, there is a cast of contrasting characters to ensure that every reader can see themselves reflected in the book.

Enlightening and encouraging, An A to Z of Dreaming Differently offers much more than just a way to master the alphabet. It is a passport to an inspiring world where courage, curiosity and creativity are celebrated.

When I’m Big

When I’m Big by Karen Blair (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761045813

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Now that her mum is expecting a baby, everyone tells the protagonist that she’ll ‘be a BIG girl soon’. At first, the idea excites her – she’ll be able to reach high things, jump long distances and even help her Granny. But then she worries about how BIG she’ll get. Will she need a larger bath and bed? Will she still fit in her house? She tells her mum that she doesn’t want to be a big girl. However, when the tiny baby arrives, she realises that ‘being a big girl … is magic’.

Ideal for two- to five-year-olds, When I’m Big gently explores the concept of growing up – especially with the imminent arrival of a sibling. Karen Blair’s young protagonist takes the adults’ words literally, and she questions how she’ll cope with being a giant girl in a normal-sized world. When the girl asks, ‘Will I fit anywhere?’, Karen has hit the nail on the head – once the baby arrives, will the girl still fit into the family? Littlies will soon discover that being a big sister is both sweet and satisfying.

The pastel colour scheme throughout the book is kind to young eyes. At the height of the protagonist’s concerns, the pages are awash with cool blue. But light and love soon enter the girl’s life again, with lemons and pinks warming up the spreads. As the girl literally grows bigger and bigger, the visual humour will make kids smile – especially when she must have a bath in a public swimming pool, while her dad scrubs her back with a broom.

Brimming with whimsy and wonder, When I’m Big is an imaginative take on the uncertainty that kids often have about growth and change. The uplifting conclusion – where sibling connections are celebrated – will melt hearts big and small.

Friday Barnes: Last Chance

Friday Barnes: Last Chance by R. A. Spratt (Penguin Random House Australia) Paperback RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780143779247

 Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

R.A Spratt, is an award-winning author and television writer who lives in Bowral, NSW, with her husband and two daughters. She has created many best-selling series for children. This book is number 11 in her best-selling detective series, and it does not disappoint. It’s a ripper.

This enthralling read takes a reader to Paris into the world of the Louvre, one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Friday Barnes goes undercover as an art student along with her partner in crime-solving Melanie, and her seriously good-looking boyfriend Ian. Over one hundred years ago someone stole the Mona Lisa, and a recently uncovered letter reveals that the Mona Lisa in the Louvre may be a fake. This means that the real Mona Lisa could be anywhere.

R.A Spratt has created a super smart girl detective who is good at solving mysteries. This book is perhaps one of the best in the series. It cleverly weaves non-fiction into a fictional narrative so that the reader absorbs lots of information about the art world. I really loved this. ‘The Louvre Museum is a revered institution in France. It has great prestige in the art world, but it is also a financial powerhouse for tourism. Ten million tourists go the Louvre every year to see the Mona Lisa.’

The topic Spratt has chosen is both timeless and engaging. Her characters are well-formed, real, and flawed which makes them lovable and relatable. The dialogue is true to form for each character and moves the story along or naturally provides the reader with more story information. Spratt has also created smaller mysteries within the text and the ending is both satisfying and surprising. The reader is kept actively thinking throughout the whole book. There are both humorous moments and more serious ones with a touch of teenage romance. Around Ian, there was a bevy of girls. They had their backs to the sculptures. They were focused purely on him. Friday had no idea what the girls were saying, but from their body language – constant self-grooming and lots of unnecessary head tilting – she could tell they were flirting with her boyfriend.

Friday Barnes: Last Chance is a fun read for children nine years and older who will enjoy learning about the comings and goings to the Louvre. This book can be read as a stand-alone or it can introduce a reader to the series. Those already hooked on the series won’t be disappointed and I am sure they will be eagerly awaiting book 12 in the series.

Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire

Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire by Jacqueline Harvey, illustrated by A. Yi (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN: 9781761043338

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Willa has a lot on her plate. Her principal, Mr Newton, has announced that the school will be hosting Grandparents’ Day the following week – but Willa’s grandparents are on holiday. Her Irish wolfhound, Woof, has started running away from home, and the residents of the nearby Sunset Views Retirement Village – who all love visits from Woof – are in danger of losing their weekly outings due to budget cutbacks. Can Willa come up with a clever plan to help everyone and ensure that Grandparents’ Day is a triumph?

The third book in the Willa and Woof junior fiction series, Grandparents for Hire is aimed at six- to nine-year-olds who adore diving into stories about doggy disasters, funny friendships and perceptive problem-solving. Jacqueline Harvey’s present-tense text skips along briskly, taking youngsters on a madcap adventure through parks and playgrounds before they reach the sweet conclusion. Willa’s witty asides are sure to keep kids giggling along the way.

A. Yi’s pen-and-ink illustrations break up the chapters for hesitant readers and add a touch of visual humour to the pages. They are perfectly placed to augment rather than overwhelm the text.

Willa and Woof: Grandparents for Hire shows that thinking outside the box can deliver unique and satisfying rewards. And the intergenerational relationships in the book will inspire and delight kids in equal measure.

Shalott – Into the Unknown

Shalott – Into the Unknown by Felicity Pulman (Holmes House Press) PB ISBN: 9781922389602

Reviewed by Jeffery E Doherty

Shalott – Into the Unknown is the first book in Felicity Pulman’s new retelling of her earlier Shalott series, extensively re-written for a new generation. In her own words, “They’re now a lot more magical, although they’re essentially the same story.” And the book is certainly magical.

“The Lady of Shalott” by John William Waterhouse (1888) is one of my favourite paintings. It took my breath away, and I have a print hanging on the wall in my office. It is obvious that the poem by Tennison (the inspiration for the painting) has deeply affected Pulman as much as it did Waterhouse, as well as Cassie, the main protagonist in the story. Cassie’s quest is to change the fate of the Lady of Shalott, saving her along with King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table.

The book has a Narnia feel about it. Although this was all supposed to happen in a computer program, Cassie, and a group of four other teenagers are transported to the magical kingdom of Camelot. What Cassie, her twin sister El, their friend Meg, and two boys, Stephen, and Lev (who they barely know) discover in this fantastical medieval world challenges everything they believe. Their story intertwines with the characters from Arthurian legend, King Arthur himself, the tragic lovers Lancelot and Guinevere, Mordred, and the ambitious Morgan le Fay.

Pulman has woven a tale of intrigue and courage, with a cast of interesting characters. The teens are all complex and wonderfully flawed. Their lives are fleshed out and deftly developed during their attempts to help Cassie complete her quest, and to discover a way to transport themselves home.

This is a delightfully imaginative story mixing Arthurian legend with modern day technology. This book will appeal to both girls and boys, teens, and young adults, especially fans of historical fiction.

 

FLY: Financially Literate Youth

FLY: Financially Literate Youth by Jai Hobbs and Marlies Hobbs (Penguin Random House Australia) PB RRP $29.99 ISBN: 9781761041341

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

According to a 2018 survey, ‘fewer than 25 per cent of young people aged 17–24 could accurately answer five questions on financial literacy’. Mortgage broker Jai Hobbs and his wife, Marlies (formerly a property development lawyer), aim to increase this percentage with their excellent book, FLY: Financially Literate Youth. From opening a bank account and paying tax to renting or buying a property and starting a business, Jai and Marlies cover every important aspect of monetary knowledge.

Each chapter begins with a handy list of ‘pennies that should drop’ – things that the reader will learn in the chapter. Short paragraphs featuring bite-sized pieces of advice, bullet points and plenty of white space allow young brains room to consider the information on offer, without overwhelming them with reams of impenetrable explanations filled with jarring jargon.

While the book is largely text-based, there are some charts and tables to break up the paragraphs. Simple graphics are occasionally used as a visual representation of the topic being discussed, while boxes describing real-world scenarios help to make abstract ideas more tangible. In addition, inspirational quotes are sprinkled throughout the pages, encouraging young adults as they take their first steps towards financial success.

FLY: Financially Literate Youth is a superb book for teenagers, as it demystifies a wealth of complex financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way. It will become their go-to guide for any money-related situation that crops up, and is sure to be referred to again and again as they take wing and soar from the parental nest. 

Hello and Welcome

Hello and Welcome by Gregg Dreise (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781760898328

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Told from the point of view of an Indigenous child performing at a school assembly, the story of Hello and Welcome is one of awareness, appreciation and acceptance. The child begins by thanking the Elders who entrust their knowledge to subsequent generations, and then the young kids who learn about Country and will become Elders one day. They also acknowledge Mother Earth and ‘the ground on which we stand’. Finally, they express gratitude to the visitors ‘for respecting the Culture we share’.

A proud Kamilaroi author and illustrator, Gregg Dreise blends rhyming English text and traditional Gamilaraay language to unite all Australian children in fellowship. The simple words are packed with meaning, inviting Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike to understand the past and embrace a future where ‘Different colours, different people, [are] together in harmony’.

Each spread of the book is bursting with nature’s brilliant colours, from the golden yellow of the sun to the emerald green of the grass. Dynamic Indigenous dot patterns ripple across the pages, drawing the eye through the book. Although Gregg’s depictions of people are unrefined, the faces beam with hope and joy.

Aimed at kids aged four to eight, Hello and Welcome celebrates not only Australia’s Indigenous heritage but also the diversity of the nation today. It recognises that children are the key to creating an enduring society that values compassion and tolerance.

A Dragon in a Wagon

A Dragon in a Wagon by Lynley Dodd (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9780143775515 

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Susie Fogg loves her dog, Sam. He never barks or bites, and the holes that he digs are not too big. But she wishes that he was a more exciting pet – like ‘a dragon in a wagon’, ‘a snake eating cake’ or even ‘a giraffe with a scarf’. As she is walking along, imagining a multitude of magnificent creatures, Susie trips over a log. It is not a dragon or a snake or a giraffe that comforts her – just the friendly doggy face of Sam.

Like Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary series, this story focuses on a wealth of wonderful animal characters, from ‘a gnu with the ’flu’ to ‘a yak on his back’. The simple vocabulary suits new readers aged three to seven, while the riotous rhymes are sure to elicit a giggle or two – especially when they’re read aloud.

Lynley brings an array of amusing animals to life in her illustrations, adding just the right amount of detail so their personality pops from the page. The natural colour palette is soft and soothing, ensuring that the images work alongside rather than compete with the elementary text.

Young fans of Lynley’s playful tales will adore this new board book version of A Dragon in a Wagon, which is just the right size for little hands. It is sure to become a much-loved addition to any child’s library.

Peppa the Easter Bunny

Peppa the Easter Bunny (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $9.99 ISBN: 9780241411827

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Peppa and George decorate Easter eggs and hide them in the garden, ready for an Easter-egg hunt with their friends. But as Danny Dog, Suzy Sheep, Candy Cat and the others hop, skip and run around the garden looking for the eggs, Peppa and George are nowhere to be seen! Where could they be? Peppa and George have saved their best surprise for last, popping out of giant Easter eggs dressed as Peppa the Easter Bunny and George the chick.

Perfect for preschoolers who love the Peppa Pig television show, Peppa the Easter Bunny is a 16-page board book bursting with bright colours and cute characters. Little listeners will have fun trying to guess where Peppa and George are hiding, and will giggle with delight when the final surprise is revealed.

Although there are some longer words in the text, early readers will also enjoy this book. Repetition of terms such as ‘bunny’, ‘egg’, ‘Peppa’ and ‘George’ assists with word recognition, while bite-size chunks of large text help young eyes focus on the story.

Peppa the Easter Bunny is an egg-cellent Easter gift for youngsters. The sweet and simple story is sure to be read again and again throughout the year.