The Enchantment of Golden Eagle

The Enchantment of Golden Eagle by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781761181078

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Young Ella and Leif find a fledgling eagle with a broken wing. They take him home and care for him until he is strong again. Although he wants to soar in the sky, Golden Eagle promises to stay and look after Ella and Leif. But the ‘whispering wind’ is too enticing, and he flies high above the trees. When he comes back, the children are gone! They soon emerge from the place where they had hidden from wolves. Ella is angry and curses Golden Eagle to ‘fly without stopping for a year and a day’. Although the curse is not real, Golden Eagle does as he is bid. On his return, Ella apologises to Golden Eagle, and he says sorry, too.

Echoing the nature and knowledge often woven into ancient European folktales, Margaret Wild’s story is equal parts wondrous and wise. As the nuanced narrative glides gracefully through deep themes of love and forgiveness, it is ideal for kids aged seven to eleven who are open to discovering layered emotions. Simple yet stunning language ensures that messages jet to eager ears.

Stephen Michael King’s fluid illustrations are awash with captivating colour and movement. Whimsy swoops in astride polar bear clouds and winged stallion sunsets, while shadowy wolves stalk spread edges. When Ella and Golden Eagle finally make peace, the mighty dragon mountain sleeps easily.

Imagination takes flight within the pages of The Enchantment of Golden Eagle, and readers can’t help but go along for the ride. When they land on the last page, they will enjoy the enlightenment that arises from a blend of masterful storytelling and magical imagery.

One Word and a Bird

One Word and a Bird by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic) HB RRP $26.99

ISBN 9781761520860

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

One Word and a Bird is a multi-faceted picture book that will capture the imaginations of an audience aged 5 years and older. The narrative follows a genderless and nameless child on a solo journey ‘a long way from home.’ During their adventure, the child searches for a singular word that describes how they feel or what they are experiencing at that moment. Using their extensive vocabulary, they list a few striking synonyms, but nothing seems quite right. The child meets some animals along the way and despite the language differences they make a connection and join in the journey. Finally, his search for words and meaning ends when he returns home and finds what he is looking for.

This heart-warming tale conveys that love and kindness do not need words, they are felt with the heart. Beautiful moments and wonderful connections are happening all the time whether we have the precise words to describe them or not. What is most important is that we stay present to fully experience them.

The illustrations are created using watercolour and ink and a soft colour palette. The artwork appears as a combination of spot illustrations, single pages, and double-page spreads. The captivating endpapers and a scattering of wordless double-page spreads will encourage conversation and interpretation.

One Word and a Bird is a multi-layered narrative that is highly recommended for an audience who likes to think critically and creatively about what they read. As well as a beautiful story to read aloud, this book would be a great resource to use in the primary classroom when studying literary devices, synonyms, and tier two vocabulary.

Fizz and the Handbag Dognapper: Fizz 4

Fizz and the Handbag Dognapper: Fizz 4 by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN

In Book Four of this hilarious and action-packed series for newly confident readers, can Fizz find a way to save himself and his sister from the clutches of the Handbag Kidnapper in his most dangerous case yet?

Meet Fizz - the daring dog detective!

Fizz has solved his first real case as an undercover police dog, but his next assignment is about to get personal. Two handbag dogs have been kidnapped at red-carpet events in Sunnyvale City, and now there's another victim: Fizz's sister Crystal! Sergeant Stern sends Fizz, Remi and Amadeus undercover as dog models at the spectacular Shrill Alarm Collar launch. And to catch the culprit in the act, Fizz will be the bait!

Blueberry Farm

Blueberry Farm by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press, Scholastic Australia) HB RRP $18.99 ISBN: 9781761205644

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Stephen Michael King has done it again with a simple, yet delightful picture book celebrating country life, Blueberry Farm.

Giving young readers a window into a morning routine on a farm, we follow Henna, Ziggs and Moe as they say ‘good morning’ to all their animals, collect the eggs, feed the pony, gather blueberries and pick fresh flowers – all before breakfast. And, what’s for breakfast? Why – blueberry pancakes, of course.

City-dwelling readers may gain a few (albeit rose-coloured) insights into the joys of farm life, along with the plethora of jobs those living on a farm must complete. There is much for children to find and discuss in King’s gorgeous illustrations and words. How many red birds can you find? What sounds to animals make? What chores are there to do on a farm? What can you see, hear, smell and taste?

Blueberry Farm, with its beautiful and vibrant watercolour and ink illustrations, speech bubbles and simple recount-style storyline invites interaction and prompts discussion.

Perfect for young readers from 3 to 7 years of age, Blueberry Farm is another heartwarming offering from this multi-award-winning author and illustrator who also brought us Leaf and Mutt Dog.

Trick Number Two

Trick Number Two by Nick Bland Illustrated Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia), ISBN  9781760971076 RRP $17.99

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Three little wizards have no tricks, so they plead with the wise old wizard to help them. Wizard Blue, Yellow and Red all receive a piece of string.  They are instructed to plant and care for each one then wait until spring; this will become their trick number one.

Impatient Wizard Blue is the first to rip out the string using it as a lace for his shoes. Wizard Yellow follows in autumn; when the wind blows, she decides the string will be great for her kite. While these two wizards play, little Wizard Red, a tiny mouse, cares for his string and waits patiently.  When spring arrives, the Wise Old Wizard returns and as the string breaks through the soil, something magical happens. Trick number one is revealed, a red balloon. Then trick number one becomes number two for Wizard Red.

This is a great read-aloud story with a rhyming narrative and additional sprinklings of alliteration and onomatopoeia. The little wizards are brought to life with expressions and movement in sparse but dynamic illustrations. With a textless final page, trick number two is revealed graphically. The endpapers reflect the story’s development. Families and groups will love this story. This is a modern twist on a traditional fable that praise and reward those who wait. Highly recommend for preschoolers aged 3-6 years.

Wandering Star

Wandering Star by Natalie Jane Prior (Author) & illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Australia, May 2019) ISBN 9781760663339   RRP $24.95

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

A girl and her horse, Wandering Star are best friends. They roam wild and free in the world of dreams, and wherever they go there is magic.

A girl’s love for her horse makes this is an enchanting tale of friendship and discovery as the pair take part in adventures. Fears are faced in a dark cave and twinkling glow worm lights come to the rescue. In the whole world the most magical place of all is a bay on the coast, with frolicking dolphins and seals.

The illustrations and words dance and sway together to delight with wonder and awe. This book has a dreamy quality with its clever rhythm and pattern created with both the words and pictures. This is a book that bursts with joy. Girls that love horses will adore this book.

The Complete Adventures of Figaro and Rumba

The Complete Adventures of Figaro and Rumba written by Anna Fienberg and illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Allen and Unwin)

PB RRP $16.99   ISBN 9781760292997

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

The highly imaginative tales of Figaro and Rumba are written by Anna Fienberg, author of the Tashi books, and accompanied with full colour pictures by the talented Stephen Michael King. Both books in the series have been published together for the first time in a colourful, eye-catching paperback.

Figaro (an excitable, adventure-seeking dog) and Rumba (a sensible, musical cat) have been the best of friends since they met in Cuba. The first story, Figaro and Rumba and the Crocodile Café, is driven by the characters’ desire to get on ‘the Very Fast Train’. They seem destined to keep missing it though, with one zany adventure after another. The story is fast-paced, enticing readers to keep turning the pages to find out whether Figaro and Rumba ever do get on the train. Eventually, they meet a sly, Cuban crocodile who gains Rumba’s trust. It’s a good thing Figaro’s instincts are on high alert though, because something just doesn’t seem right.

The second story, Figaro and Rumba and the Cool Cats, is far more musical in nature. (You might find yourself tapping along to an imaginary Cuban beat!) Rumba seems quite at home singing with the Cool Cats, but Figaro is bored. The cats just want to sing all day and he can’t join in because their leader, Marta, does not like his singing. Plus, he’s feeling disturbed about that grey monster he keeps seeing. When he meets another like-minded adventurer, Dora, they sneakily take Marta’s car and go exploring. Their adventure doesn’t go smoothly though and, in trying to fix things, Figaro winds up meeting the ‘monster’, joining forces with Rumba again, and discovering a musical talent he never knew he had.

These entertaining stories about friendship are great for 5–8 year-olds. The chapters are short, with lots of dialogue. Much humour is provided in Figaro and Rumba’s banter, along with their dog and cat-like differences. King’s comical illustrations are naturally complementary, appearing on almost every single page. Fienberg’s writing is superb. The Cuban accents are perfectly portrayed, and there are some great alliterative lines like: ‘Isn’t he a rascal, a ruffian, a rogue and a reptile?’ The ending is terrific, both closing the stories and alluding to further adventures.

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days

Snail and Turtle Rainy Days by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978-1-76015-906-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Turtle woke to play with his friend it was raining and when he knocked on Snail’s shell, he did not come out. Turtle tried to entice Snail out with all the fun tricks Snail usually loved: dancing, juggling, spinning, but still Snail stayed inside his shell. So, as the rain continued, day after day, and Snail continued to stay inside his shell, Turtle waited patiently and built a wonderful surprise for his friend.

This is a beautiful picture book story showing the warmth and importance of loyal friendship. Turtle is exactly the sort of friend everyone would love to have, one who stays true until you feel like coming out of your shell.

The words used are simple, full of movement, full of repetition and a joy to read aloud. ‘He added shapes and blobs of paint. Everything looked spooshy and bright and runny and wet’ The shapes and blobs of paint are dotted about the pages, twining in and out of the pictures, which moderates the speed and the rhythm the story is read at: ‘He gathered, ripped, bent, chewed ..’ with the author-illustrator providing space for the reader to stop and look at the illustrations.

The illustrations are instantly recognisable as belonging to King. The pages have a glow about them, even through the rain, with leaves forming frames around some pictures, and the detail of little animals among the foliage. The wonderful quirky character of Turtle comes out in his expressions, his hat and his beautifully patterned and brightly coloured shell.

Snail too, even though he is mostly curled up in his shell, has a sense of character shining through in the lean of his shell, in the way single raindrops seem to find his back, and through Turtle’s interaction with him.

A sequel to Snail and Turtle are Friends, Snail and Turtle Rainy Days is a subtle look at depression, and we can all help those who are feeling a little down and out at times.

This is a gorgeous picture book for a snuggly read with preschoolers. It will promote discussion about friendships and how we can help each other.

Trouble and the Missing Cat

Trouble and the Missing Cat by Cate Whittle, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books) PB RRP $

ISBN 978-1-74299-077-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Georgia’s life has become more exciting since Trouble came into her life. After all, not every young girl gets to have a dragon for a playmate, or a taxi ride to school. But unfortunately Trouble manages to leave skid marks on the school oval, scorches in the playground and tends to frighten a few students (and teachers) as well. And when the principal bans Trouble from school, Georgia is the one who has to break the news to him.

What is he going to do with his days now? Will he be lonely? Maybe Georgia can convince Trouble to spend his spare hours looking for Mrs Jones’ missing cat Tibbles.

This is the second book about Trouble and his adopted family. It is a humorous and whimsical story just right for stretching emerging readers. The chapters are longer and more involved than beginner reader chapter books, but still simple enough for the younger readership.

Stephen Michael King’s recognisable illustration style graces the pages, breaking up the text and adding character to the people and animals in the story. The pictures also make for a less daunting prospect for the intended young readership transitioning into chapter books.

Trouble and the Missing Cat will appeal to both boys and girls wanting a funny, adventurous story with a hint of mystery. It is not essential to have read Trouble at Home, but the first book in this series tells the story of how Trouble came to live with Georgia and gives insight into the personality of the dragon and his adopted family.

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-105-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Biff and Buff are two little dogs who love to ride in their owners’ pockets. They have a very comfortable life until one stormy night Mr Pockets rescues a little lost kitten. At first they like the kitten - she is sweet, tiny and playful - but then the dogs begin to notice the time Mr Pockets spends with their new housemate. After having him all to themselves, the pocket dogs now have to share Mr Pockets.

This is a gentle story with a solid message about sharing and seeing the different qualities in everyone. The cuteness of the pocket dogs, Biff and Buff, will get the attention of young children. They story will resonate with those struggling with the sibling jealousy which often arises when a new baby arrives in the home. It can be hard to adjust to newcomers and to sharing the attentions of Mum and Dad.

The exquisite illustrations of Stephen Michael King help to give this story levity, humour and some very memorable animals. The warmth of Mr Pockets shines through the pictures as much as through Wild’s words.

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten is a heart-warming story of love and sharing and would make a wonderful bedtime story for toddlers and young children.

One Night

One Night by Penny Matthews, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-027-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Every Christmas Eve in many farmyards, animals come together to remember a very special night a long, long time ago.

One Night is a beautiful Christmas story told from the point of view of the animals who helped, supported and gathered around the manger the night Jesus was born.

‘The horses gave up their stall for her,’ says an old draught horse. ‘They stood on guard outside the stable door.’

It is lovely and soft in both words and pictures, the water colour illustrations instantly recognisable in Stephen Michael King’s unique style. The pictures show the animals in their surrounds and echo the calm atmosphere of the text. Words tell the story in simple language, making it feel very intimate, as if the reader were standing behind the barn door listening to the animals. ‘And if you go into a farmyard on Christmas Eve, at that magical moment just before midnight, perhaps you will hear them talking.’

This is a beautiful, gentle Christmas story for the very young without a hint of the materialism which weaves its way into many of the Christmas stories now. Preschool children will respond to and easily engage with the animals and their special duties. One Night is a perfect picture book to add to the Christmas reading list.

My Dad is a Giraffe

My Dad is a Giraffe by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-594-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All Dads are different. Maybe your Dad is tall, and gentle, and fun. Maybe your Dad is a giraffe.

My Dad is a Giraffe, an imaginative and whimsical story about a boy and his Dad, is a new picture book from well loved Australian author Stephen Michael King.  His illustrations, some simple, some more detailed, have small surprises for those who look closely. They are colourful, but not bright, giving the book a gentle feel. Full of quiet humour, the pictures clearly show the bond between child and parent and the joy they have in each other’s company.

The text is simple and varied. Some pages have a few sentences on them, some have only a few words, but all roll off the tongue beautifully. My Dad protects me, listens to my fears and helps me feel brave.

This is a picture book where words and pictures make perfect sense together. Or you could look just at the pictures, or listen to the words only.

This is a lovely tribute to Dads. Most children – and parents – will relate to the concepts within the story and the imagination through which they are delivered. Wonderful to read out loud, it is a book which should stand the test of many bedtime repetitions.

Snail and Turtle are Friends

Snail and Turtle are Friends by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-023-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Snail and Turtle are friends. They like to spend time with each other, doing things they enjoy, or just being quiet together. In this way they fill their day with each other's company.

With few words, this is a beautiful, gentle story about friendship, celebrating Snail and Turtle's differences as well as their similarities. Both aspects enhance their relationship.

Snail and Turtle are clever at hiding ... but never from each other.

The illustrations are lovely, full of bugs, insects, frogs, mushrooms and other things you may find in the back garden.  A soft humour runs through these pictures. When Snail and Turtle run, a flower petal in the breeze overtakes them. Turtle's crazy patterned shell and Snail's wild eyes make them characters you'd like to meet and they certainly have a close, comfortable friendship.

This picture book is full of colour, patterns and textures. The thick sturdy pages have areas of slightly raised illustration, such as a spider web and many, almost unseen, snail trails - just slightly glossier than the rest of the page. Young children will love this extra sensory element.

Perfect for pre-schoolers, this charming and funny story is a lovely bedtime read.

Scary Night

Scary Night by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781921504631

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

Once upon a scary night,

three friends set out on a journey.

Hare with a hat, Cat with a cake, Pig with a parcel.

But where were they going in the dead of the night,

tip-toe creeping in the pale moonlight?

It was a mystery!

This cute story tells the tale of three friends, Hare, Cat and Pig journeying out one scary night. They encounter snapping crocodiles and roaring grizzly bears on their way. 

Were they scared?

Did they shake?

Did they hide? You bet they did.

Did they give up?

Of course they didn’t!

This book not only has charming rhyme and repetition, it gently tells children that it is okay at times to be scared. To shake and even scream (love the double page spread when all three ‘let it rip’).  As long as you don’t give up. 

I Love You Too

I Love You Too by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74283– 497-9
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

I love the illustrations of Stephen Michael King and I Love You Too is filled with the gorgeous water colour and ink pictures King is well known for. The beautiful text and individuality and confidence of the characters in the story make this picture book one to read, re-read and treasure.

The text is sparse, simple and evocative. ‘The world is filled with windy days, should stay inside days, but we explore, fly a kite, swoop, dive ...’ It inspires as much movement as the illustrations. King has captured the four friends in I Love You Too in all sorts of activities as they romp together through the day. These illustrations are playful from the beginning – with stunning gentle dragonfly endpapers - to the end.

There is quiet joy on every page. The story celebrates and reinforces the beauty of being with friends you love. This picture book is a perfect one to share with someone you love. It will entrance, entertain and inspire children from a very young age.

The Magnificent Tree

 The Magnificent Tree by Nick Bland, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic Press)
HB RRP  $24.99
ISBN 978 174283 295 1
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop


Bonny and her Pop have many ideas. Bonny’s ideas are simple and clever. Pop's are brave and brilliant. And when the birds they are trying to attract keep flying away they each have their own ideas about how to solve this. Although they approach the problem in their individual ways, it is together that they create a magnificent solution.


This is a story about ideas, big and small. The text is alive, beautiful and strong. It is not a rhyming text, yet still captures a lovely rhythm that makes it a joy to read aloud: 'They tinkered through summer, and toiled through autumn.'


The repetition of Bonny’s ideas being 'simple, clever and properly made' while Pop's are 'big, brave and brilliant' is subtle and runs through the story emphasising the differences between their approaches to ideas.


This is mirrored in the wonderful and clever illustrations. They do not merely accompany the words but tell as much of the story as the text does. The spaciousness and simplicity of the illustrations hold the text and the reader really sees how Pop's ideas are so big that they do not fit in his head. We see how Bonny nurtures her simple idea. The emotions and personalities of these two characters are conveyed beautifully. The expression on Pop's face when his brilliantly made wings fail, says it all. These qualities play a large part in the appeal of this gorgeous book.


I loved this quirky, comical and fresh look at a close, comfortable and fun relationship between a girl and her grandfather. I think it will become a favourite for many young children. Bonny and Pop feel like real people and I hope they have more magnificent ideas together.


Nick Bland is a bestselling author and illustrator. His books include The Very Cranky Bear (2008), the wonderfully funny The Aunties Three (2011), and The Wrong Book which was named an Honour Book by the CBCA in 2010.


Stephen Michael King has illustrated more than 15 books for Scholastic. His books include The Man Who Loved Boxes which won the Family Award for Children's Books in 1996 and was shortlisted in the Crichton Award for Children's Book Illustration, Mutt Dog! (2004), Leaf (2008) and You (2010).

Piglet and Granny

Piglet and Granny by Margaret Wild & Stephen Michael King (Working Title Press)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9781921504204

Reviewed by Jenny Mounfield

First released a couple of years ago in hardback, this companion to CBC Notable Award winners: Piglet and Mamma and Piglet and Papa is now available in the more affordable full colour paperback.

Piglet loves nothing more than hanging out with Granny. Whenever Granny visits they have the best fun. But one day Piglet waits and waits and there’s no sign of Granny. While Piglet performs a number of feats Granny taught her, such as wobbling along walls and rolling down hills, a number of curious friends pass by and ask Piglet what she is doing.  ‘I’m waiting for her to visit,’ is Piglet’s stock response. After much waiting, and playing, Granny does, of course, come, and when she does she has a surprise in store for Piglet.

It’s easy to see why Wild has won numerous awards for her books. With such linguistic treats as this she is set to win many more:

‘Although Granny was soft and squishy, she was as lively as a family of leaping frogs. And she had such good ideas for things to do.’

King is no stranger to awards either. Most recently, Pocket Dogs Go On Holiday (Margaret Wild), Perry Angel’s Suitcase and Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle (both by Glenda Millard) have all attracted attention. In Piglet and Granny his illustrations are as always a perfect accompaniment to Wild’s narrative. His use of muted colours and a gentle style lend a wonderful innocence to the text. And as in all good picture books, the illustrations add an extra layer to the tale: As Piglet rolls and wobbles and leaps about, a succession of other small animals mimic her in the background.

Piglet and Granny is a timeless story that explores the special bond between children and their grandparents. A true delight, its success lies in its simplicity. Already a favourite of many children and grandparents, Piglet and Granny is set to win over many more fans with its second release. Highly recommended. In 2009 Margaret Hamilton awarded Piglet and Granny five stars in Bookseller & Publisher.

Jenny Mounfield is the author of three novels for kids: Storm Born (Koala Books), The Black Bandit (Lothian) and the recently released, The Ice-cream Man (Ford Street Publishing). She lives in north Brisbane with her husband and three children.