Playing in Puddles

Playing in Puddles by Wendy Haynes, illustrated by Jemma Ortiger. (Imprint Publishing 2025) PB RRP $18.14 ISBN 9780987643599  

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

Pure joy is bursting from the pages of this book, and it is obvious from the moment you look at the cover.

Playing in Puddles is a snapshot in the life of a young boy - Xavier - who loves rainy days. More to the point - he loves th puddles the rain makes. Puddles require the correct attire. First a raincoat, then gumboots, then - JUMP PLONK SPLASH - and the fun begins.

When his friend Zane joins him ('Bring your boots,' says Xavier) the fun doubles. But when the rain stops and the puddle is no more, I love how Xavier - with his great idea - and the boys with their shared imaginative play - keep the fun going. 

Wendy Haynes's delightful text is made up of short, easy to read sentences and well-chosen words. I love her inclusion of words that add sensory layers for children to fully immerse themselves in - such as where she writes He tilts his head up to the sky. The rain tickles. Xavier giggles with glee.

Then later in the story the text echoes that exhilarant moment - where both boys have their heads tilted to the sky.

Jemma Ortiger has captured expressions on these boys faces and in their body language so well, that you can't help but feel their emotions with them. Her endearing 50's style illustrations - almost all double-page spreads - blend delightfully with the text. Kids will love the addition of Zane's small dog - particularly where it is seen tucked under an umbrella. So adorable. (I enjoyed having to turn the book 90 degrees for this page opening, too).

Playing in Puddles is a universal story. Who of us haven't experienced that primal urge - to run, jump and splash into a puddle? I have a feeling that parents will find themselves sharing some of their own puddle stories after reading this to their children. 

Delightfully simple and simply delightful, this book is proof that you don't need much to have a fun time - a puddle, some imagination and a good friend to share it with. It’s perfect for children aged 2-6 years.

Apprentice of the Stones Book 2: The Door in the Woods

Apprentice of the Stones Book 2: The Door in the Woods by Wendy Haynes (Inprint Publishing) MG RRP $19.79 ISBN 97809876435 6 8

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

In this sequel to Saving Hollow Woods, orphans Gertrude and Tristan once again embark on an adventure in The Four Lands, inhabited by colonies of elves, goblins, trolls, and dwarfs.

After ‘scrying’ a goblin girl in Hollow Woods, Gertrude is compelled to find out more about her, so she convinces Tristan to return with her to the secret world they previously discovered on Aunty Betty’s farm. Once there, they meet up with their old friends and soon set off on a journey to save Hollow Woods from the evil force of Folmar, who threatens the safety and tranquillity of its inhabitants.

With magic spells, dragons, wizards, and a very wise owl, the story has a definite Harry Potter flavour. The underground setting, mythical creatures, and the series of challenges that Gertrude and Tristan encounter also evoke echoes of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.

If you have not read the first book in this series, Saving Hollow Woods, it may take a while to settle into the detailed and complex fictional world that Haynes has created, and to get to know its large cast of characters. However, pertinent details of the preceding story are revealed throughout the narrative, which means that this can comfortably be read as a stand-alone. The ending is satisfying, with questions raised at the novel's beginning being answered, but Haynes cleverly leaves the door open for another book in the series.

This is a book for fantasy and adventure lovers. Its language and themes make it suitable for ten to twelve-year-old readers, especially those who enjoy reading series.

This Woven Kingdom

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi (Electric Monkey part of Farshore an imprint of Harper Collins) RRP $17.99 ISBN 9780755500093

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This Young Adult 12+ romance fantasy novel inspired by Persian mythology is the first book in this epic series. It’s rich with beautiful language, sensory description, and a sense of urgency for the main character Alizeh. This is a must-read story that will surprise you at every turn, filled with loneliness, hope for the future, disappear, and a cleverly craft story, and of sorts a retelling of Cinderella. It is gripped with tension and anticipation sprinkled throughout the narrative.

The story follows Alizeh as she strives to survive as a simple servant hiding in plain sight. She is the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn Kingdom, and if discovered by her many enemies her very life could be lost. She hides under the veil of a snoda, a mask that the lowliness of servant’s wear: this serves to aid in protecting her identity until one day she makes a mistake.

A forbidden romance starts to unfold between Alizeh and the crown prince of Ardunia, Kamran who meet only on a few occasions but are drawn to each other with much force. Kamran, usually level-headed and disciplined, seems to lose all his faculties in Alizeh’s presence.

The prince is very aware of where his loyalty must lie and though reluctant to take the throne his will honours his duty, his grandfather, and his people.

A gem from this National Book-award nominated author.

Mrs Koala’s Beauty Parlour

Mrs Koala’s Beauty Parlour by Catherine Jinks, illustrated by Tania McCartney (Working Title Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781921504648

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This gorgeously illustrated concept picture book for ages three plus tells the story of Mrs Koala in her busy beauty parlour. This book explores counting down from 10 to 1 with array of fun animals – fancy frogs get facials, to shaggy sheep get shorn visiting Mrs Koala’s Beauty Parlour. The use of alliteration makes it a fun and interesting read- along book. Every page is bursting and bustling with colour, activity and exquisite detail giving more depth to the story.

Mrs Koala is certainly busy, and the reader follows her during a jam-packed day as she pampers her customer. Children will love this fun imaginative counting book which also features find a key in each scene.

Zoo Crew Book 1

Zoo Crew Book 1 by Guy Edmonds & Matt Zeremes Illustrated by Peter William Popple (Scholastic) RRP $15.99 ISBN 9781760976569

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This graphic novel, the first in this humorous series for children 6 – 10 years old, is a quick and fun read. It’s witty and full of puns. The cast are introduced at the beginning of the book with some fun facts and are -- you guessed it -- animals. This story in narrated by Gus the Guinea Pig and is set at Bazooglyville Primary School. The story explores teamwork and having each other’s back, friendship, and understanding, rivalry and how to respond to it, and competitiveness and how cheats don’t always prosper.

It's the day of the annual school carnival with three teams competing. Eddie he’s an elephant, Mabel she’s a mouse, and Princeton he’s a very clean pig, are in Team Red. This year they want to bet Team Blue who cheated last year and won - Echo the eagle, and Mumu and Mario are Meerkats.

The day takes some unexpected twist for both team with the Novelty Race the decided. The authors and illustrator have meshed this story together with the humorous addition of funny side-stories and laugh out loud illustrations.

Zombies Vs the Illuminati

Zombies Vs the Illuminati by John Larkin (Ford Street Publishing) RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781925804867

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Can Nicholas and his friends save the world from the Zombie Apocalypse? This page turning story first has 12-year-old Nicholas and his nerdy funny friends Josh and Callum holed up in Nicholas’ treehouse hiding from Zombies. The whole country is in lockdown but Nickel-ass as he is also known and his friends have been planning for an event like this.

The usually quiet town of Serenity is under attack and the only weapons they have to fight the Zombies is a lightsabre that doesn’t have any batteries, a sack of doorknobs, and a non-existent Pegasus.

Soon they are joined by Nicholas’ dog Shake who surprises everyone with his knowledge, and a sassy teenage girl Phoebe-Rose who wouldn’t normally be seen dead with nerds.

Before long they must flee the treehouse and are on a quest to save the world. They trek to Canberra to see the Prime Minster and deliver what they believe is an anecdote to save humanity.

The story for 9–12-year-olds is humorous, and the author sometimes jumps into the story to comment. The similes used throughout are unique, fun, and witty, and the play on words and situations will have you laughing in this fast-paced story.

The Secret Battle

The Secret Battle by Pamela Rushby, illustrated by Fiona McDonald (Eagle Press) RRP $17.99 ISBN 9780648815426

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Roddy Malone has just started back to school in Brisbane in 1942, after threats of war with Japan. Right after the Darwin bombing, deep trenches were dug in Roddy’s school grounds, sandbags stacked against buildings in the city street.

 Though only nine, Roddy was proud to start his first job as a newsboy selling newspapers on the busy streets of Brisbane. He befriends three American soldiers who take him under their wing when he is picked on by two older boys, also newsboys trying to muscle in on his turf.

But one evening on his way home, Roddy witnesses a street fight between America and Australian soldiers. After helping an injured American soldier and reporting the riot to his boss Mr. Sadler, the story was never reported on or recorded in the newspaper Roddy sold, and in fact, it was kept low-key at the time.

Author Pamela Rushby explores and tells that story in this historical junior middle-grade novel and spans from 1942 to 1945. Roddy takes the injured American soldier Hank to his place -- where else could they go? Nursed back to health by Roddy’s single mother, they become close friends.

Little Pago

Little Pago by Lauren Briggs (Boolarong Press) RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781922643001

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Little Pago is a story about teeny tiny turtle who loves to be busy exploring his home in the shallow reefs. His days are spent with his many friends, riding waves, playing hide-and-seek, and reading in the coral library. All this activity makes Little Pago hungry and he soon goes in search for food.

But danger lurks in the water with Little Pago finding objects that just don’t belong in the ocean.

This educational story for 2 – 6 year olds highlights the amount of plastic still found in the ocean and how it affects the ocean life – but it also shows with kindness how we can help keep our sea creatures from harm.

The illustrations continue the story with a soft welcoming palette of blues, creams, and coral colours. The reader learns about the typical diet of a turtle and how easily it can be to mistake it for plastic floating in the ocean.

It reminds use to do our bit for our environment.

The Adventures of Triz the Babysitter

The Adventures of Triz the Babysitter by Haydn Crespan, illustrated by Damien Crespan  (Boolarong Press) RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781925877878     

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Triz a small gliding lizard becomes an excepted babysitter of a very large egg for Marjorie. So Triz climbs, and climbs, up to the nest which sits on a branch of the tallest tree in the forest. But soon after Marjorie flies away the egg hatches causing Triz worry and mayhem as he tries to keep the chick safe.

Set in pre-historic times this story explores resilience, stepping up to the challenge, and no hint of giving up. Join Triz on his adventure as he protects this chick time after time from some hairy moments. This story is for 2 – 6-year-olds. The illustrator has balanced the storytelling with mainly vignette-style illustrations in earthy tones with some funny images sure have the kids laughing.

Mr Ming and the Mooncake Dragon

 

Mr Ming and the Mooncake Dragon by Kathy Creamer, illustrated by Amy Calautti (Little Pink Dog Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780648652878    

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This picture book for children aged 4 to 10 explores the story of a shopkeeper Mr. Ming who has a tiny shop on the outskirts of Singapore and sells just about anything you could possibly need. But once a year and when the mooncake festival arrives, he sells mooncakes. These aren’t any old mooncakes; they are the most scrumptious mooncakes. Mr. Ming has a secret recipe for them. But his biggest secret of all is his magical dragon. 

There is a good versus evil story: when Madam Money Bags learns about Mr. Ming’s scrumptious mooncakes, she determined to steal the secret recipe for her own shop in the city. But she is in for a surprise when she seeks into the kitchen of Mr. Ming’s shop, and she ends up in the most unexcepted place.

The text is longer than the traditional picture book of 500 words and best to be read aloud to younger children. This story would also suit older children who enjoy graphic novels. The illustrations are quirky and fun bringing the characters alive with a palate of vibrant colours.

 

 

Henry Hamlet’s Heart

Henry Hamlet’s Heart by Rhiannon Wilde (University of Queensland Press) RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780702263149

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Henry Hamlet’s Heart, the first YA novel by talented author Rhiannon Wilde, won the State Library of Queensland Glendower Award for an emerging Queensland writer in 2019.

Henry Hamlet’s Heart is ultimately a love story and finding love in unexpected places. Told in first person, the reader is taken on a thought-provoking ride, walking in Henry’s shoes as he navigates the last semester of high school, the stress of exams, the pressure of ‘what’s next,’ and simply finding his way in life.

The story explores the friendship of a close-knit group of teenagers but particularly the long-standing friendship between Henry and Len. Sexuality is unravelled, opened, though not explicit, and gives the reader the opportunity to explore with the main character the emotional roller coast of love and falling hard.

This story also explores who you are to you, and who you are in the eyes of others, and how there are shades of grey in just about everything. The author has captured the essence of what it’s like for a teenager experiencing feelings for another human being, and how feelings get mashed up. The author meshes mood with the setting in an evocative way adding an extra layer of depth to her characters.

 

 

Happy Hoppy Home

Happy Hoppy Home by Tull Suwannakit (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781742999937

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Papa Hare wants what is best for his family and when his four children being to complain about their crowded burrow, he finds a solution. ‘We’ve moving!’ This story follows a family of Hares as they go in search of their new and bigger home. The whole family is excited as Papa Hare leads the way with some interesting twists and turns along the way. Before long they find what seems to be the prefect home. But is it?

This is a calm, quiet book, perfect for bedtime with emotive illustrations, some in vignette, adding that extra layer of storytelling in soft earthy tones. It explores family and how different each and every one of us are. And how sometimes change isn’t what you expect it to be. It reflects a close knit growing family and their journey to realising what they really want – a cosy happy family.

This is a heart-warming story for ages 3+ about the delights of family and togetherness and is a touching tribute to single fathers.

My Dad is a Dragon

My Dad is a Dragon by Damon Young, illustrated by Peter Carnavas

(University of Queensland Press) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780702260490

Review by Wendy Haynes

My Dad is a Dragon is the sixth instalment of this series, a testament to the talent of this duo. The book bolsters the important role of fathers and how children thrive having a happy relationship with them.

The story tells of the many thing other dads can do, but the author Damon Young deliberately pulls the reader’s focus back to the relationship between father and child. My Dad is a Dragon is a representation, a celebration of fatherhood, and how fathers play a significant role throughout a child’s life.

The illustrator Peter Carnavas builds on the story with the characters having a togetherness throughout the pages. His illustrations are in pastel shades which gives a sense of calm.

The young girl is like an observer and a participator as the author moves the reader through the story. She can see what other dads do but her dad is a dragon!

                                                                     

Where’s Lucky?

Where’s Lucky? by Jacqui Halpin & illustrated by Sandra Severgnini

(Little Pink Dog Book) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-0-6482563-3-5

Review by Wendy Haynes

Where’s Lucky is a story about a joey who was rescued when his mother was hit by a car and he was still in the pouch. It’s also about

Theresa and Tony and how together they nurture kangaroos back to health and finally say goodbye, sending them back to their natural habitat.

In the story we follow Lucky how at first, he snuggles into a wad of blankets, he is scared. But with lots of hugs from Theresa and Tony Lucky soon makes himself at home.

Lucky isn’t the only kangaroo who is cared for by Our Haven Wildlife Shelter and this story is a reminded of how vulnerable our wildlife is. And how we can make a difference to the native wildlife in our own community.

The story is for 4-7-year olds, and the author Jacqui Halpin has woven a fun story with a strong message. And educating children in being kind to animals is a big takeaway in this book. The colourful illustrations by Sandra Severgnini show the reader what it’s like in the rescue shelter along with Lucky’s curiosity where he is found in all sorts of places.

The Land Belongs to Me

The Land Belongs to Me by Alys Jackson & illustrated by Shane McGrath (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-922265-11-1

Review by Wendy Haynes

This story builds on repetition making it a fun read similar to There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. But the message is about nature and who it belongs to, and how we must share in it together.

The illustrator Shane McGrath has done a fantastic job capturing this message. The palate of colour used along with the daisies at the front and back of the book, complement the storyline.

Author Alys Jackson uses words that give the story a rhythm and rhyme which flow across the page making it an easy read. She uses beetles, cats, dogs, cows, the farmer, and more. This story reminds us how we all tend to feel we have an individual right to a land that belongs to us all.

The story is for children 4 -7-year-old and is sure to be a favourite on the bookshelf at home. It is also a way in to educate young minds about the importance of our environment and sharing in and caring for it.

The Invincibles Power Up

The Invincibles Power Up by Peter Millet, illustrated by Myles Lawford (Scholastic) PB RRP $12.99  ISBN 9781775435990

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

The Invincibles Power Up is a graphic novel for 7 to 10 year old readers. In the beginning pages of the book, the reader is introduced to the characters and team that make up Team Two. Tana is the leader of the team and main character, and he wants nothing more than to be selected for Team One this year.

The story starts with the team members meeting for practice at the old Arakino sports stadium. First to practice after Tana is Scotty, who is a prankster and brings a lot of humour to the story. Muzza then shows up: he is the first in his family to take up competitive sports.

Tana had received a text from Zinnie and friend Andy who want to join the team, but when they turn up for practice, they are girls.

Tana leads the team through some practice drills, but the weather changes. Clouds become thick, heavy, and brooding. Before long strikes of lightening appear across the sky. And before the team knows it, they are blasted.

This blast gives them superpower, and they soon work out that their superpowers only last for as long as a football game -- eighty minutes. Even sheep can fly. Of course, they have fun exploring their newfound powers.

A big game is coming up between the All Greats and the Conquerors. But Tricky Ricky, a retired fullback and the coach of the Conquerors, plots with the help of A-Bots to take revenge on the All Greats.

Two Team, now The Invincibles, hear of Tricky Ricky’s plot and work together to save the day.

Peter Miller highlights the importance of working as a team and finding your own superpower. The story is easy to read and loaded with humour.  The black and white illustrations by Myles Lawford add depth to the story with wonderful, and someone fun images.

The Wrecker's Revenge

The Wrecker's Revenge by Norman Jorgensen (Fremantle Press) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781925815450

Review by Wendy Haynes

The Wreckers’ Revenge is a sequel to The Smuggler’s Curse and is suitable for 9-14-year-old readers. It is typically a book for boys having a male-dominated cast of characters, but those who like adventure, action, history, and tales of the high seas will also enjoy the story.

The main character Red Read finds himself in a whole lot of trouble and is expelled from a boarding school after sticking up for a fellow student: he hates bullies. Being told in first person lends to the nature of this action
packed story. 

While imprisoned, he discovers what seems like a treasure map on the wall. Soon though, he is whisked away by Captain Black Bowen his guardian, boards the Black Dragon and sets sail for another adventure, in search of treasure. They soon come to realise that their quest may lead them to discover the lost treasure of William Dampier.

The crew finds they are under attack from the Wreckers’ Pearl Divers seeking revenge from their previous clash. Their ship sinks and they are stranded on an island. But the Captain has a plan to help them off the island and teacher the Pearlers a lesson. From there they continue their journey always with the treasure in mind.

Norman Jorgensen has masterfully woven an abundance of surprises along the way adding the them of growing relationships and a captain who loves quoting Shakespeare into the mix making this fast-paced story a must read.

Hayden’s Bedtime

Hayden’s Bedtime by Wendy Haynes, illustrated by Brett Curzon (Inprint Publishing) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9780987643506

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Many children fret about the infamous monster under the bed, and Hayden is no different. He begs his dad to check not only under his bed, but also behind his door, inside his cupboard and in his drawer. To Hayden’s delight, his dad finds nothing more sinister than ‘a blue building block’ and ‘a very smelly sock’. After listening to a bedtime story, Hayden settles down easily because ‘the coast is clear’ and he has ‘nothing to fear’.

Hayden’s Bedtime is a charming book for children aged three to six years. Inspired by her grandson’s dread of going to bed, Wendy Haynes has created a cheerful and comforting story that chases kids’ concerns away. Fun rhymes ease the stress of getting reluctant youngsters to sleep, ensuring that the bedtime routine is enjoyable for all involved.

Brett Curzon’s sweet illustrations are bursting with bright pinks, deep blues and vivid oranges. They work well with the text, adding a unique layer of tenderness to the tale. The characterisation of the father is particularly appealing, with the bespectacled dad soon becoming an amusing yet reassuring influence throughout the pages.

The strength of Hayden’s Bedtime lies in the book’s ability to allay a child’s wildest worries about the night, replacing them with vibrant vignettes and happy dreams. The sleepy smile on Hayden’s face as his dad says ‘goodnight’ makes for a touching end to this enjoyable story.

A Miniature Christmas

A Miniature Christmas edited by Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press) RRP $24.99 PB ISBN 9780648194514

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This is jam-packed with Christmas goodies. As the title suggests, the stories delve into many miniature worlds. Beattie Alvarez has done a wonderful job compiling twelve illustrated stories bringing with them Christmas, imagination and the wonder of magic.

Suitable for 7 – 10-year olds this book could be read to a younger audience. Each story brings a sense of the Christmas spirit, the magic of genies, goblins, Fuchsia fairies, the delight of miniature Christmas scenes, toy apps, trees brought to life, the charm of Christmas decorations, elves tugging on your ear, a take on Peter Pan at Christmas, and small creature pulling together to make Christmas great.

There is a story here for everyone.

Some of the authors include Dianne Bates with her story ‘George the Genie’, illustrated by Sally Heinrich.  George is summoned by an unsavoury character, and the wishes he is asked to grant go beyond his moral being. So George and the rest of his clan concoct a plan to teach Bernie Blister a lesson.

‘Christmas with the Fuchsia Fairies’ text and photographs by Kathy Creamer, brings your imagination to life. When Rosie Dimpleberry finds water sprite Tinkle crying, she along with the rest of her friends find a way make Tinkle’s Christmas special.

‘A Mouse Christmas’ by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated by Amy Bogard, tells the story of Marigold the mouse who lives under floor board under the stove, with her mother and two siblings, Star and Silas. Being mice they sleep all day and venture out at night when the black and white dog, and the humans are sleeping. Marigold gets caught up in the wonder of the Christmas food and though the dog tries to sniff her out, at the stroke of midnight they share a special moment of what Christmas really means.

Tiggy and the Magic Paint Brush: A Musical Show

 Tiggy and the Magic Paint Brush: A Musical Show by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Gillian Flint (Hardie Grant Egmont) RRP $14.99 PB

9781760685690

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

Tiggy and her friends Felix and Poh are back and this time Tiggy is about to perform in a musical show in which she is the star. But after practicing perfectly at home and now at the hall with her friends, this time, Tiggy’s voice sounds more like a frog than her own. What should she do? She is worried she will let everyone down and races to the bathroom.

Then she gets an idea. With the help of her magic paintbrush, she conjures up a nightingale: together they sing so beautifully, but no one can understand it. Maybe a whale can help, but they need water. Perhaps a Parrot can sing in her place but his voice is too harsh. What will Tiggy do? Then she has the best idea of the day.

This book is another delight for children aged 4 – 7 years old and the series helps children image new ideas and that anything is possible. As usual the illustrator Gillian Flint has added depth to the story with her vibrant pictures throughout the book, looking forward to the next one.