Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery

 Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery by Li Chen (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781761353420

Here is another graphic novel by a Chinese-New Zealand author-illustrator, part of a series of full-colour graphic novels about a kitten detective. 

In this adventure, Beans is gifted a mysterious treasure map by Captain Scuttlebeard. Alongside his trusty sidekick Biscuits, Beans embarks on a clue-filled journey that leads him all over Cat Town. The duo encounters surprising obstacles, hidden secrets, and unexpected locations along the way. The goal is simple: find the treasure and make it home in time for the evening, all while engaging young readers to solve the mystery right alongside him.

Author and illustrator Li Chen utilises a beautiful, vibrant colour palette that brings Cat Town to life. The books excel at mixing text with dynamic panels, helping early readers (typically ages 7 and up) build confidence and fluency. The humour ranges from silly slapstick to clever deadpan, making it a highly enjoyable read for both kids and adults.

The Detective Beans series is widely celebrated in the children's literature community. The first book in the series, Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat, won Best Junior Fiction at the New Zealand Book Awards and has sold over 90,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand. Map of Mystery is building on that legacy, with community and critical reception praising it as a quirky, clever, and colourful addition that will tickle the funny bone of any reader. 

The Epically Awesome Odyssey

The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins. R.A. Spratt, Penguin Random House 2026. MG Paperback RRP $16.99. ISBN: 9781761622472

Reviewed by Debra Williams

This is the latest in the Nanny Piggins series, the glamorous pig who ran away from the circus. Nanny commandeers an ancient Greek myth--The Odyssey!--and relates it to her charges, the Green children, as a continuing storyline each day. But, according to Nanny, Homer totally left out the fact that Odysseus was a staggeringly beautiful woman and a pig, and she sets the record straight. Nanny reveals what really happened 3,000 years ago on the most epically awesome journey of all time, if she can be believed.

This is a fun and humorous take on the old Greek  mythology, but told with much chocolate, hot chocolate and cake - a bit too much, in fact! The chocolate permeates almost every part of the story, with chocolate cake even ending up being used to build a boat for Odysseus, who has now been away from her home for over 20 years. She and her crew face man-munching monsters, Greek gods with rage issues, sirens brandishing cake batter to tempt sailors to their doom and a forbidden sausage sizzle on the Island of Helios.

However, there are a couple of points to watch out for. There is a contradiction between pages 75-76, where Nanny is described on page 75 as being four-feet tall and with legs only one-foot long (Imperial measurement). However, on page 76 the children walk 17 kilometres to school (metric). When Odysseus ends up in Hades, there are scenes with the dead, which some young readers may find disturbing. In another chapter, on page 166, there is a description of Greek princesses fighting with each other and indulging in nipple crippling, which others may feel is not appropriate for the readership age group.

The Epically Awesome Odyssey is described as suitable for readers 10+ years of age.

Tides of Fortune

 Tides of Fortune by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 9780241680018

‘Having survived three treacherous trials to win her crown, Blaze is soon to be the Queen of the Aquatori. But first, she must find the Eye of the Soul before King Balen, the usurper to the throne, claims its power for himself.

Her journey will take her deep into the Wildlands and into a temporary alliance with the infuriating but undeniably compelling Fox. She can’t help but feel drawn to him…but can she trust him?

Fortune favours the brave, but will it favour the Stormweaver on her most dangerous mission yet? - Penguin Random House

Tides of Fortune is the second book in a young adult romantasy series. This novel would appeal to an audience who enjoys enemies-to-lovers tropes and elemental magic. Book one, Heir of Storms, is a #1 Sunday Times bestseller. 

Waltzing Matilda: Australian Classics for Little Ones

Waltzing Matilda: Australian Classics for Little Ones by Banjo Paterson, edited by Kathryn England, illustrated by Cate James (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761355103

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

A swagman camps by a billabong and steals a sheep that is drinking the water. When police arrive, the swagman jumps into the billabong and swims away. Kathryn England has edited Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda for young readers, creating a gentle introduction to this Australian classic.

In addition to Banjo Paterson’s dynamic words, each eye-catching spread of the board book features a colour and a number from one to ten – ‘1 ONE green parrot feather’, ‘2 TWO grey koalas’ and so on. As youngsters aged three to five look for the named things in the accompanying illustration, they are mastering their colours and numbers in an enjoyable way.

The bright and appealing illustrations by Cate James bring the swagman’s story to life, and cleverly incorporate the colour and number lessons. Small eyes will adore searching the images for four yellow waterlilies, eight white clouds, ten orange yabbies and more, and seeing the expression on the fluffy jumbuck’s face as it is captured and eventually released.

A cute twist on a traditional counting book, Waltzing Matilda: Australian Classics for Little Ones deserves a place on every Australian child’s bookshelf. Literature and learning combine to create an illuminating sing-along experience with every turn of the page.

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.

It’s a Twin Thing: The Break Up

It’s a Twin Thing: The Break Up by Kristin Darell, illustrated by A. Yi (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781761353598

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Identical twins Abi (Abigail) and Brook (Brooklyn) attend Cherry Lake Primary School. They describe themselves as an unstoppable and inseparable team. Until now. Heading into Year 5, it was decided that Abi and Brook should be in separate classes so they can ‘explore different opportunities’, discover ‘who [they] can be apart’ and to ‘have a bit of space.’ However, the distance between them begins to grow when Brook decides to organise the school talent show on her own.

The Break Up is the first book in the It’s a Twin Thing middle-grade series. The 204-page text includes the main narrative, complemented by diary entries from both girls, and the occasional monochrome illustrations. Themes include change, individuality, growth mindset, and resilience.

Author Kristin Darell, a twin herself, has created a fun reality fiction series that would appeal to an audience aged 8 years and older. If readers enjoyed The Break Up, they may also like The Big Switch, the second book in the series.

Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans

Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans by Zoe Gaetjens (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761358012

This is an Australian teen romance for readers who love Nina Kenwood, Jenny Han, Tobias Madden and Becky Albertalli.                                                                                                                                                                                

Plan for the perfect summer before year 12:                                                                                                                                   * Do a life-drawing course at the Australian Art School. (Try not to freak out the first time you have to draw a naked man.)

* Find your friends. (Your real ones.)
* First kiss?! (Only if it’s with the right person.)
* Try not to wish your sister were still here. (Impossible!)

The publisher says this is ‘a warm and funny novel about finding yourself . . . in a room full of strangers, drawing naked people.’

The First Easter

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

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Many people celebrate Easter by having a family gathering, eating special food and going on an egg hunt. These traditions go back to the time of Jesus, ‘who taught people about love and sharing’. Although Jesus died on the day we now call Good Friday, Easter is not a time of sadness – because Jesus rose from the dead. This filled his friends with joy and hope, and now ‘we give Easter eggs as a symbol of new life’.

Written in-house, the text is a simple but uplifting retelling of the Easter story. Details of modern celebrations are deliberately kept vague, so the tale resonates with communities and cultures worldwide. The level of language is perfect for four- to eight-year-olds who would like to dive a little deeper into the meaning behind the ubiquitous hot cross buns and chocolate eggs.

Jess Racklyeft’s images are awash with cheerful colours, guaranteeing that happiness radiates from every spread. When Jesus’ death is discussed, the hues dim for just a moment – until, like the sun, he rises. Then the chromatic intensity increases, in line with humanity’s love for Jesus. Throughout the story, a diverse cast of characters ensures that youngsters find themselves among the pages.

Gentle and faithful, The First Easter would make a delightful Easter gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. With every reading, children will come away from the book with positivity and peace in their hearts.

You’ll Always Be My Baby

You’ll Always Be My Baby by Jessica Urlichs, illustrated by Jedda Robaard (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761355714

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

When a mother holds her newborn, she makes a promise: ‘You’ll always be my baby’. As the little one grows and becomes more independent, the parent–child bond strengthens through love and devotion. The bond never breaks, even when the child becomes an adult and the mother is ‘grey and old’.

Jessica Urlichs’ much-loved poem transforms beautifully into a tender and thoughtful picture book, reminding readers of any age that families are built on a foundation of affection, support and constancy, especially on ‘those harder days’. The importance of belonging shines like a beacon, drawing all into the harbour of familial happiness.

The muted colours in Jedda Robaard’s sweet illustrations wonderfully complement the gentle nature of the text. There are lovely visual links between the characters –including arms outstretched towards toddling steps, dandelion-clasping hands and lamp-lit eyelines – ensuring that relationships remain robust from page to page.

An ideal gift to celebrate the arrival of a new baby, or an emotional book for a parent to share with their youngster, You’ll Always Be My Baby will pluck the heartstrings every time it’s read. This is a book to turn to at bedtime, or when a crisis calls for a cuddle and a few calming words.

WANTED: The Cutest Baby in the World

WANTED: The Cutest Baby in the World (Penguin Random House ) Davina Bell & Sarah Zweck PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781760765323

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Davina Bell is an award-winning children’s author widely known for her best-selling picture books. Her wit, humour and heart-pulling messages shine in her words.  Her stories combine playful language with themes of belonging, emotional growth, creativity and everyday adventures. She collaborates with talented illustrators to bring her rich, expressive stories to life.

Sarah Zweck is a Melbourne-based picture book artist/illustrator who originally trained in fashion design in the UK. After becoming a parent, she embarked on a career in picture books. Play is at the forefront of her work; she creates expressive characters that evoke humour and heart. She loves working with mixed media, using materials that allow her to experiment with mark-making, colour, and texture.

A bedtime knock brings a detective hot on the trail of a master criminal — a true agent of chaos known only as the Cutest Baby in the World. Mum and Dad swear he’s not there. While they chat with the detective and learn parenting insights, the baby silently wreaks havoc right under everyone’s nose.

Davina Bell’s masterful storytelling creates not only a unique story, but one that waltzes perfectly with the visuals, which speak for the baby. We all know babies can’t talk — but their actions certainly do. The concept of a granny-style detective hunting for the Cutest Baby in the World, told through an interview-style narrative full of engaging dialogue, delivers plenty of laughs—especially for adults reading the book aloud to their children. ‘Count yourself lucky,’ said the detective, ‘because if The Cutest baby in the World gets a hold of you, he will make you do dastardly deeds.’

The voice is strong and highly engaging, offering a fresh and original spin on parenthood. It’s different and thoroughly entertaining. The dialogue mirrors natural conversation, so when read aloud, it flows effortlessly. Throughout the story, there are moments that make you pause, smile, and sigh: “That’s so true.” The ending has a perfect sweetener. Just like a box of chocolates, you never really know what to expect, but this picture book is yummy and makes you feel good inside.

Sarah Zweck’s illustrations are joyful and bright — the kind that make your heart sing. The facial expressions and body language are lifelike and humorous. The characterisation is strong: the baby is irresistibly adorable, the parents perfectly captured with the look and feel of new parenthood, and, hilariously, the detective has a nana-like presence that oozes with parenting wisdom. This brings so much energy to the story.

Everyday home life is lovingly depicted, with a well-balanced layout that mixes single- and double-page spreads. The family cat and dog quietly feature alongside the baby, adding richness and an extra layer of fun. The baby’s antics are laugh-out-loud funny and true-to-life, and the varied colour palette is happy, vibrant, and engaging.

WANTED: The Cutest Baby in the World is a picture book that has appeal to both adults and children. It’s great for 4-6-year-olds as it focuses on listening and engagement with the illustrations. It will be popular with children, parents, libraries and schools. It really would make a wonderful gift for anyone embarking upon the wondrous world of parenting.

 

Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town

Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town by Li Chen. Paperback Graphic Novel. Penguin Random House 2025. RRP $17.99. ISBN 9781761353406

Reviewed by Debra Williams

From the publisher. ‘Detective Beans is back to solve all the mysteries that you need solved, and even the ones you don’t need solved. He’s that good.’

This full-colour graphic novel is a collection of short stories. Beans is a kitten who is a detective, but without any real cases to solve. They are usually little ones, but Beans thinks they are important. Along with his sidekick Biscuits, Beans noses and snoops into all manner of things. In between playing Scrabble, having sleepovers and trips to the beach, there’s always time for crime solving…. such as…who ate Mum’s donuts, which pigeon pinched the King chip, who belongs to the mysterious handbag found in the park…Beans is Eveready, in fact, so ready, he wants to start a detective school-if he can find any students, that is!

This is a cute book, described as hilarious, aimed at a readership of 7+. However, some of the language and concepts used would be more suited to older readers. Author Li Chen has been working as a full-time comic artist since 2012. Her work can be found on her Instagram account @exocomics.

Aslan and Benny

 

Aslan and Benny by Jemima Shafei-Ongu, illustrated by Jane Goodwin (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761047060

Aslan has the heart and the name of a lion. He is fearless! His favourite days are Sundays when the whole family gathers at his yenge’s house for a barbecue, and he can play with his cousins all day. But when they get a scary dog called Benny, it spoils everything. He doesn’t feel so brave anymore. Will Aslan manage his fears and play with his cousins again?

This is a warm and relatable picture book for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their worries and needed help doing what matters most to them.

It features vivid and bright illustrations by First Nations artist Jade Goodwin, the acclaimed illustrator of Ash Barty’s Little Ash series and picture book My Dream for You.

 

Bluey - BBQ

Bluey - BBQ (Penguin Random House), RRP $14.99 Board Book ISBN 9-781761-344664

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

The Heelers are having a BBQ. Bingo sets the table, then sits in her relaxer chair to relax. But her cousin, Muffin, requests salads with the BBQ and Bluey asks Bingo to make them. She reluctantly agrees and has to get out of her relaxing chair to do so. When she’s made them and goes back to relaxing, Muffin, Bluey and Mum keep asking her to do more to the salads, so she’s continually up and down out of her relaxer chair to please them. When she finally gets to sit back and relax, the sausages are ready and Dad shoves the salads to the side.

 

The reader wants to scream the same thing as Bingo. “Isn’t anyone going to mention the salads?”

 

This is a short, fun story told with quintessential Bluey humour that will appeal to 3 to 5-year-old fans of the TV series.

Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf by Gavin Friday, based on original illustrations by Bono (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $32.99 ISBN 9780241667736

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Gavin Friday has reimagined the symphonic fairytale Peter and the Wolf, originally written by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev in 1936.

Peter lives with his grandfather in a small cottage surrounded by a garden and a high stone wall. Beyond the wall is a meadow, and beyond the meadow is a dark forest. Peter’s grandfather is very protective of Peter and warns him not to go into the dangerous meadow. However, when Peter sees his animal friends are being stalked by a wolf, he sets out to help. He tries to catch the wolf but soon realises there is more than meets the eye.

The punk rock inspired illustrations have evolved from original artwork by U2’s lead singer, Bono. The illustrations have been created from a black and white palette, with splashes of brilliant red throughout.

This contemporary retelling of Peter and the Wolf is suitable for an audience aged 8 years and older. It explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and courage and provides a great opportunity to enhance visual literacy skills.

Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library

Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Douglas Holgate (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761345685

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

The world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the new library, and Kyle is desperate to be one of the twelve kids invited to the opening-night lock-in. Little does he know that the whole library is a game! To win, the kids must find clues and solve riddles to locate the special exit by the 12pm deadline. They soon figure out that they need to work together to triumph over Lemoncello’s literary escape room.

This action-packed graphic novel brings to life the bestselling middle-grade book of the same name. Chris Grabenstein’s story is clever and captivating, as it encourages readers to have a go at cracking the challenging brainteasers in company with the characters. Along the way, they’ll learn a bounty of brilliant bookish facts and discover the unique power that comes from thoughtful teamwork.

Douglas Holgate’s colourful illustrations are energetic and engaging, ensuring that readers’ attention is carried from one vibrant panel to the next. The overall palette is warm, with the predominance of pale yellow adding a cheery tone to the pages. Distinctive depictions help young eyes distinguish each child in the book.

Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library is a perfect introduction to the wonders within literature for hesitant readers. By the end, they’ll be eager to roll the dice and jump three squares straight into their nearest library.

Wonka: The Story before the Chocolate Factory by Sibeal Pounder (Penguin Random House, Australia) PB RRP $19.99 9780241618134

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Wonka is inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This book is based on the screenplay Wonka by Simon Farnably & Paul King (story by Paul King).

Sibeal Pounder is the author of the bestselling Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids series. The Secret of Platform 13 is his first standalone novel. His latest book tells the wondrous story of how Willy Wonka came to be the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate-maker.

Charlie lost his mother at a young age: she is the one who gave him the desire to create the best chocolate in the world. Charlie sets sail on the seas for seven years gaining knowledge before arriving at the world-famous Galeries Gourmet determined to open the best chocolate shop in the world. However, a trio of jealous chocolatiers are determined to destroy Charlie and his dream. He is tricked into a lifetime of drudgery inside a washhouse where he makes friends with others who have been banished, too. With their help, Charlie is determined to fulfil his chocolate destiny.

Pounder has written a story that has the same magic and feel as the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The voice and characterisation of Charlie is great, and Pounder uses word play and language that sings. Willy and Noodle stand by the gargantuan steel door to the vault. There is wonder, humour and the use of wondrous imagination to create a fantasy world that is both believable and magical. Chocolate is the main theme throughout from the beginning to the end.

Willy walks back to the wash house, his mind whirring as always. There is a new chocolate idea or two bouncing about in there, along with a pressing problem to solve.

The names of the three villainous chocolatiers have child appeal - Slugsworth, Fickelgruber and Prodnose. The book's pace ensures the reader wants to keep turning the pages to learn more. The ideas are unique and take the reader on a chocolate journey that’s enthralling and entertaining.

Wonka: The Story before the Chocolate Factory is a wondrous 336 page read for children aged 8 to 13 years told with great humour and attention to detail. Readers of the original story will also love this book. I can see children, parents, teachers, and librarians gravitating towards it, especially as there is a movie about the book, too. For those that want to escape the world for a while, this book will do the trick.

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Fairy

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Fairy by Rhiannon Fielding, illustrated by Chris Chatterton (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $16.99 ISBN: 9780241682951

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Although Poppy has small wings, she’s determined to fly as high as the other fairies. But there’s just ten minutes to bedtime! She tries again and again. Then, as her confidence grows, she soars up into the night sky. With four minutes to go until bedtime, she hears a cry from a lost gnome. Poppy offers to fly close to the ground and guide him home. Now tired, Poppy returns to her mummy and folds ‘her wings with a yawn’ as the bedtime countdown draws to a close.

Rhiannon Fielding’s charming couplets roll off the tongue with ease, making this an ideal book to read to kids aged three to six before they go to sleep. As they listen to the magical story, they’ll discover not only the satisfaction of persistence but also the joy that comes from helping out a new friend.

Bright colours burst from Chris Chatterton’s images, and they are sure to captivate littlies. With their large eyes and cartoon-like appearance, the fairies and other forest critters will appeal to readers young and old. The endpapers are especially delightful, as they feature a map of The Land of Nod.

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Fairy is perfect for calming young minds so they are able to doze off easily at the end of a busy day. A flutter of enchanting dreams is sure to follow.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Book 6)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods (Book 6) by Rick Riordan (Penguin Random House) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780241647561

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Percy Jackson is half boy, half god, and a son of Poseidon. He has been battling gods and monsters since he was twelve (Book 1). Percy is now seventeen and in his final year of high school another adventure looms.

Percy plans to complete high school and then move to California to attend New Rome University with his girlfriend Annabeth. However, as Percy was not supposed to be born, he is technically ineligible for the university. To ‘work off his debt for existing’ he must obtain three college recommendation letters from three Gods, by completing three new separate quests.

His first quest comes from Ganymede, beloved cupbearer to Zeus. The chalice of the gods has been stolen and Ganymede needs it back before word gets out that it has gone missing, and he is humiliated. Not only that but if the chalice gets into the hands of a mortal, then one sip would grant them immortality. Percy, Annabeth, and best friend Grover set out to retrieve the missing chalice however they soon encounter many obstacles.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book 6): The Chalice of the Gods has been added to the series, 14 years after the release of Book 5. This series is suitable for middle-grade readers and recommended for those who enjoy adventure stories, humour, and Greek mythology. 

Here Comes a Merry Christmas

Here Comes a Merry Christmas by Justine Clark, Arthur Baysting and Peter Dasent, illustrated by Heath McKenzie (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761049521

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

‘There’s a new star up in the sky tonight. And it’s shining oh so bright!’ Christmas is close, and the family members eagerly get ready for this special time of year. They bake cookies and decorate the tree and sing carols about ‘hope and love and light’. And, like the new star, the angel on top of the tree is ‘shining with her love’.

Based on a beloved song written by Justine Clark, Arthur Baysting and Peter Dasent, Here Comes a Merry Christmas exudes joy from every page. Rhyming text jingles like a sleigh as it slides through an array of familiar festive preparations. Youngsters aged three to six will have fun singing along with every heart-warming word.

Heath McKenzie’s stylised digital illustrations add wit and whimsy to the spreads, and kids will adore small details such as the puffed out dad and the dog wrapped up in a string of Christmas lights. The characters are both multigenerational and multicultural, reflecting the reality of many families in Australia.

A perfect gift for budding readers, Here Comes a Merry Christmas is colourful and charming. With its focus on love and light, this will be a favourite book not only at Christmas but also throughout the year.

Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise

Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan (Penguin Random House) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761047510

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Busy Betty wakes up each day with ‘a MILLION questions and a BILLION ideas’. And today she’s had her best idea yet – creating a circus for her mum’s birthday. Along with her friends Jeffrey and Mae, Betty crafts costumes and applies make-up and erects a tablecloth tent – she even transforms her dog into a roaring lion. Then she discovers that her mum’s birthday is the following month. Not to worry – Betty decides to invite the whole neighbourhood to her ‘backyard circus’.

Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon’s bright and bubbly book is ideal for kids aged five to nine. Betty overcomes obstacles thanks to her big ideas, pivoting with excitement and enthusiasm when her plans don’t pan out. This never-give-up attitude is resilience at its best, and encourages youngsters as they take their first hesitant steps into the world.

Xindi Yan’s colourful cartoon-like illustrations will appeal to children, especially the energetic characterisation of Betty. Enormous, round, magenta-rimmed glasses draw readers towards Betty’s expressive eyes, where kids will see every emotion that flits through her bustling mind.

Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise sweeps readers along to the sweet and spirited end. Along the way, they’ll discover the importance of adaptability – especially when the show must go on.