What’s That? Australian sharks, rays and skates

What’s That? Australian sharks, rays and skates Illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press)  , ISBN 9781923350151  , RRP $24.99 (Hardcover)

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

Have you ever heard of a guitarfish or a greeneye spurdog? Did you know that goblin sharks have electroreceptors that help them to detect the heartbeats of their prey? Or that whale sharks swallow around 38 000 litres of seawater each day?

There are oceans of intriguing things to learn about the cartilaginous fish inhabiting the waters around us, and these are just a few of the amazing facts in What’s That? Australian sharks, rays and Skates by children’s illustrator, author educator and designer Myke Mollard.

This superbly illustrated book will fill young readers with awe and amazement as they discover astonishing details about the feeding habits, physical characteristics and quirky behaviours of these incredible creatures. It also delivers a message about the protection and conservation of the natural world - “Let’s listen to what nature is telling us.”

The layout of the book is inviting and easy to read. It is divided into three sections – sharks, rays and skates – and contains the definitions and differences for each species.  Each spread is filled with diagrams, maps, headings and subheadings as well as short paragraphs and snippets of texts scattered across the pages. The glossy hardcover and high-quality paper make it both visually appealing and durable for young readers to flip through.

What’s That? Australian sharks, rays and Skates is one of a series of non-fiction books about Australian animals published by Woodslane Press featuring illustrations by Myke Mollard. Other titles in this series include books about Australian reptiles, birds, insects, frogs, spiders and whales. ‘

Perfect for curious children aged from 6-12 years, this book will also appeal to classroom teachers looking for a great resource for developing children’s knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

 

 

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) HB Non-Fiction, RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922800589

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey is a stunning graphic wildlife publication exploring the world of raptors and predatory birds of the world.

Published by Woodslane Press and featuring both words and illustrations by Mollard, this hardcover edition offers readers a fresh perspective on these magnificent creatures.

The visually detailed artwork combined with accessible explanations makes it an ideal choice for both young readers and adults interested in avian wildlife.

Mollard's passion for the subject is evident on every page, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds of prey.

With its engaging style and comprehensive coverage, this book is a wonderful addition to any nature lover’s bookshelf.

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) HB Non-Fiction, RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922800589

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey is a stunning graphic wildlife publication exploring the world of raptors and predatory birds of the world.

Published by Woodslane Press and featuring both words and illustrations by Mollard, this hardcover edition offers readers a fresh perspective on these magnificent creatures.

The visually detailed artwork combined with accessible explanations makes it an ideal choice for both young readers and adults interested in avian wildlife.

Mollard's passion for the subject is evident on every page, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds of prey.

With its engaging style and comprehensive coverage, this book is a wonderful addition to any nature lover’s bookshelf.

The Best Teacher Ever!

The Best Teacher Ever! By Dianne Bates (Woodslane Press) Junior Fiction RRP AU$16.99 ISBN 978 1 923350 08 3

Reviewed by Robyn Gillies

Mia lives on a hobby farm with her parents and her younger sister and brother. Her family is struggling financially so their mother returns to work, and this puts additional responsibility on Mia. Mia loves all the farm animals, but she has a special connection with her pet goat Iggy.

The new school year is about to start, and Mia is worried that she won’t make new friends as her best friend isn’t coming back. But Mia is teased by the other children when Iggy escapes from her tether and tries to board the school bus on the very first day of school. Enter Ms Arthur, the new schoolteacher, who recognises Mia’s anxieties and encourages her to try new things. Can Mia overcome her fears, and can her classmates also learn some valuable lessons?

This story taps into a common theme for many young people when they start the new school year: being anxious about making friends.

Mia is a thoughtful and respectful girl beyond her years who demonstrates emotional intelligence and sensitivity when her new friend Evie finally shares her secret with Mia.

There are several little side stories which add depth and dimension but primarily this is a tale about the realities of life and loss on a small, hobby farm, about how everyone needs to pitch in together to make it work, and about family relationships, self-growth and how we all live differently.

This is a great book to demonstrate that sometimes life isn’t always smooth and straightforward but with good friends comes good support, and that together, you can help each other when times are tough. 

The role of the teacher is key to this story, but it plays craftily in the background without taking over.

Loved the little outline pictures between chapters and sections. They are just perfect, and they add a visual element that will be appealing to young readers.

This is a junior fiction chapter book that will suit children around 5-9 years.

An A-Z of Ocean Creatures

An A-Z of Ocean Creatures written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) Non-Fiction RRP AU$29.99 ISBN 9 781923 350038

Reviewed by Robyn Gillies

This is large-format non-fiction book, and each page is a flood of underwater colour. The illustrations show discerning details of the marine life of our world’s seas and oceans. This book gives ‘a whale’s eye view’ and challenges your perspective to look at a world map not from the land masses and continents that we are most familiar with, but from the interconnectedness of the earth’s oceans.

The author uses the 26 letters of the English alphabet to list the diverse range of fishes, jellyfish, crabs, snails, animals and other underwater life that call the ocean home. It makes you want to know more about some of them such as the dumbo octopus, the vampire squid, the unicorn fish, the yeti crab, and a personal favourite, the leafy sea dragon, also the marine emblem of South Australia.

There is an illustration of each of the creatures listed on the related page which create a great activity for ‘find the creature’. And at the end of the book are diagrams showing each one of them numbered so you could check how well you did. But this is not a book you have to start from the beginning and work your way through. Open any page and it will challenge young minds.

Additional small sections highlight some facts and provide further information about coral reefs, sea birds, crocodiles and sea snakes etc. but do not overtake or overwhelm from the main purpose.

This book provides a glimpse into the planet’s incredible underwater biodiversity and interconnectedness of the birdlife dependent on the world’s waters. It’s a fun book with a gentle message about opening our eyes to our amazing environment.

This book is one of a series of wildlife titles by the same author.

The AR in Sydney Harbour

The AR in Sydney Harbour by Judith Barker (Woodslane Press) ISBN  9781923350045 RRP $19.99 (PB)

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

Award winning author Judith Barker and illustrator Janie Frith take readers on an exciting adventure exploring the stunning sites of the city of Sydney in this vibrant and richly illustrated children’s book.

We travel to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and view Cockatoo Island and the Prime Minister’s residence at Kirribilli. We stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens; visit animals at Taronga Zoo; sail on a ferry from Barangaroo to ride roller coasters at Luna Park; and watch whales passing while eating fish and chips at Watson’s Bay.

It's not only the sites of Sydney that young readers will discover in this book. Barker has also cleverly imbedded a lesson in phonics, which is an essential skill for both reading (or decoding) unfamiliar words and for spelling. In a close reading, children will discover the many ways that letters can combine to make the sound ‘ar’ in different words (I counted six in this text). To highlight the examples of ‘ar’ sounds in the story, the letter combinations are typed in a different colour from the rest of the text, making them easily identifiable.

The story is written in rhyming couplets and is sprinkled with alliteration and assonance, which amplifies the richness of the reading experience for children. With its potential links to the Australian Curriculum in English and Humanities and Social Sciences, this book may be read for enjoyment as well as for learning.  It will find its place in primary school classrooms and libraries as a wonderful teaching resource, and in home bookshelves as an engaging and delightful non-fiction read, especially for newly independent readers aged from around 7-10 years.

Looking for Imani

 

Looking for Imani 

An interview with author Dianne Bates

Your latest book is a middle-grade novel Looking for Imani published by Woodslane
Press in June 2025. Can you share briefly what it is about?
Nabila Samra is the eldest daughter of a single Arabic mother, Bahar, and sister to Abdullah,
Layla, and Imani. Because her mother doesn’t speak English fluently, Nabila is often forced
to act as translator. And, too, Mum is depressed as she is isolated in the community which is
sometimes hostile towards the family. At a time when she is home with a cold, Nabila’s
brother is in trouble with the police, and her youngest sister Imani goes missing.

Looking for Imani revolves around the days following Imani’s disappearance and tells of the
Samra family’s involvement with the police and media, and Nabila’s efforts to find her sister
and to help keep stability in her family. For the first time, the family is approached by
sympathetic neighbours and tentative friendships are formed.
​
The story is told in two strands, both in present tense: one features Nabila, while the other
tells of what is happening to Imani. The latter believes she is with her Teeta (grandmother)
and is not homesick except occasionally. It is only when Teeta’s daughter comes to visit that
Imani is returned to her rightful home.

What prompted you to write Looking for Imani?
I was working as a volunteer for the Smith Family charity, helping people with things like
paying bills, when a single Middle Eastern mother came for help. She was accompanied by
her vivacious twelve-year-old daughter who acted as her interpreter as she couldn’t speak
English. I developed a relationship with the family and after I finished working for the charity
I often visited them. At a time when there was friction in the Middle East, the family was
being abused by neighbours who even graffitied their rented home with hateful slogans.
Among other things, I was able to help and find them alternative accommodation.

Looking for Imani is based on a migrant family with similar issues. Of course it’s a fiction: I
didn’t use the family’s name, and one of their children didn’t go missing. I tried to show how
the disappearance of the youngest child Imani helped bring out the best in neighbours, some
of whom had previously targeted the family racially.
 
What was the process of writing Looking for Imani like? And how did it come to be
published with Woodslane Press?
Many of my books for children are based on experiences in my life. At a time when there
were wars in the Middle East, I thought about how I could write about a family from there
and show how they experienced life in Australia. That’s when I remembered that I’d once
befriended a family which was experiencing racial hatred. I wanted the book to have a
positive ending, and that’s how Looking for Imani was started and evolved.

I sent the manuscript to several publishers, and it was finally accepted from the slush pile by
Virginia Greig, the commissioning editor for a small Australian publisher, Woodslane Press.
 
What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?
Virginia (Woodslane) has accepted my latest completed manuscript, The Very Best Teacher to
be released in December 2025. When I was in fifth grade my teacher died after an operation:
I was bereft as I adored her. (Over sixty years later, I still remember songs and poems she
taught us!)

Originally the book featured the death of a teacher, but publishers didn’t like the
idea: I changed it so that by the book’s end, the teacher simply moves to another school. The
Very Best Teacher is a gentle, heart-warming book about family, a teacher’s influence, self-
growth, and relationships.

Recently I finished another middle-grade novel, Girl Power, set in a holiday home for school
children. Once again, it’s based on my childhood experience being sent to such a home. I’ve
also sent this manuscript to Virginia.

Currently I’m trying to think of another book, but I seem to have mined the whole of my
childhood experiences!

Looking for Imani

Looking for Imani by Dianne Bates (Woodslane Press) RRP: $16.99 ISBN 9781922800985

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

Dianne Bates is an award-winning author of children's books such as To The Moon and Back and The Butti Butti Bunyip. This story, a short one about an immigrant family in Australia with a Middle Eastern background, is narrated by one of the daughters, Nabila.

Nabila's younger sister, Imani, goes missing in the shops one day. The family is not sure whether she's wandered off or she's been taken but their anxiety about her disappearance rises as Imani doesn't show up. There are difficulties communicating with authorities due to language barriers.

The story shows how the family reaches into their Australian community and there is unexpected kindness. It really shows the meaning of "community spirit" in hard times.

The story is not a detective story: we are told what happens to Imani and while it is somewhat interesting, it is not a surprise. It is instead a story about people, understanding and relationships, especially people in marginalised groups. Looking for Imani is a quiet, simple and hopeful story. It encourages us to care about people who really need consideration in our communities.

Looking for Imani

Looking for Imani by Dianne Bates (Woodslane Press), RRP $16.99 Middle Grade ISBN 9-781922-800985

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Nabila is only 12 years old and already bears the weight of family responsibility. Her family immigrated from Syria to Australia, but her father has since passed away. Her mother still lives in fear of his former rule, scared to learn English and socialise. Her mother is depressed, constantly sleeping during the day, thereby leaving the care of her three younger children to Nabila. Furthermore, pockets of neighbourhood anti-immigrant vitriol have led to their letterbox being damaged and a brick thrown through their window.

When they can no longer pay their bills for essentials, Nabila takes the day off school to accompany her mother to social services. Nabila entrusts the walking home from school of her 5-year-old sister, Imani, to her two middle siblings, Abdullah and Layla. Unbeknownst to Nabila, Abdullah cuts school and isn’t there to help Layla with Imani. Layla arrives home distraught and in tears. She’s lost Imani, who ran away when Layla wouldn’t take her to the shopping mall.

What ensues is a heart-wrenching race against time spanning three days in which Nabila has to step up for her mother yet again: engaging the police, begging strangers for help and supporting the anguish of her siblings and mother during their desperate search for Imani. But the worst of times can also bring out the best in people, and Nabila is surprised by the unexpected kindnesses and help she receives from neighbours and the community.

The subject of a missing child naturally has the potential to take the reader’s mind down a path too gruesome for a middle grade novel. However, the author steers us away from this by including some chapters that tell us how the story is unfolding from Imani’s point of view. Even so, the suspense in the narrative still remains and the reader is kept guessing how events will unfold until the end of the book.

What I equally liked about this story is the perspective it brings for the barriers which non-English speaking immigrants are faced with day in, day out, and how those obstacles can intensify in times of adversity.

I am NOT an OWL!

I am NOT an OWL! by Rhonda Ooi, illustrated by Mel Corrigan (Woodslane Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781922800916

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Alexander knows a lot about nocturnal animals, and the most important thing is that they sleep during the day when he is awake. So when his mum wants him to go to bed while the sun is still shining, Alexander tells her it’s a ‘silly idea’ because he is ‘NOT an owl’. He busies himself similarly to his favourite nocturnal animals: swooping like an owl to locate his mum’s lost necklace, hanging upside down like a flying fox, and crashing through obstacles like a wombat. Soon, the tired boy snuggles up next to his mum and falls asleep.

Rhonda Ooi’s engaging book blends narrative fiction and factual notes to take readers aged four to eight on a fascinating journey into the night-time world. Along the way, youngsters will discover the movement, bed and food of Australia’s most famous nocturnal creatures, from the owl and the possum to the Tasmanian devil. At the end of the book, there is a page brimming with information for kids keen to learn more.

Mel Corrigan’s bright illustrations are delightfully dynamic. Colourful curves and flowing lines mimic the natural motion of the birds and animals discussed in the text, drawing eager young eyes across the spreads. Realistic portrayals of the fauna will satisfy readers’ curiosity about the creatures' appearance.

Learning about nocturnal animals has never been more fun! I am NOT an OWL! is a clever and captivating introduction to the subject for nature-loving children, and it’s sure to become a firm favourite in no time.

Looking for Imani

 

Croc Candy

Croc Candy by Claire Thompson, illustrated by Deborah Brown (Woodslane Press) HB RRP $27.99 ISBN97819228000817

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Here is a picture book inspired by seven-year-old Angus, who started his business, Croc Candy, and is now an ambassador for a worldwide charity called Made by Dyslexic. Like Sir Richard Branson, Angus suffers from dyslexia, and this book is based on his story. (There is also a double page spread at the back of the book where you can see photos of Angus and the people in his life.)

This book's back and front fly pages feature a joy-filled crocodile dancing, an attractive introduction to what is to come. Next is a double page spread showing Australia's top end, with Angus pointing to the Northern Territory, where the text says, ‘It’s humid and hot with lots of rocks and crocs.’

Angus loves crocodiles, but at school, he finds that the numbers and letters he tries to read are jumbled so much he feels dizzy. ‘I’m no good at this!’ he cries.

After watching a program about homelessness, he feels inspired to help, especially when his mum encourages him. However, ‘He needs a whizz-bang, croc snapper of an idea. Something to get people excited.’ Then, inspired by his favourite crocodile, he experiments and finally makes Croc Candy lollipops, which he sells from a homemade outside stall.

Angus then asks his Aboriginal friend Tony for help. Tony suggests a new green candy that is great for coughs and colds. Despite being unable to read the recipe, Angus eventually finds a mixture that is ‘just right!’ His successes resulted in him meeting the Prime Minister and getting a letter from the Queen.

The book’s message is summed up in Angus’s final words, ‘I believe in myself, and just do things my own way!’

This is an inspiring book for readers aged 7+ years. Its cover is eye-catching, and the illustrations are attractive, just right, and full of energy and vibrancy. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

The Jolly Swagman

The Jolly Swagman by Bec Nanayakkara (Woodslane Press), RRP $27.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781922-800893

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Naturally, a book titled The Jolly Swagman must have something to do with the classic Banjo Patterson ballad, Waltzing Matilda. Before I opened the cover, I was hoping not to read the well-known lyrics in picture book form, and I must say, I was happily surprised. My daughter and I were treated to a delightful reimagination of how the events of the ballad may have realistically played out for the jolly swagman in outback Australia in the late 19^th century. We also learnt that to go waltzing matilda is slang for travelling on foot with your belongings wrapped up in your “matilda” (your swag).

Ollie, the jolly Indigenous swagman, arrives yearly at sheep shearing time, and young Will adores him. Will dreams of going waltzing matilda with Ollie when he’s old enough. Everything that Ollie does is amazing – the speed at which he can shear the sheep, his knowledge of bush medicine, and how he cares for injured animals. One day, when a wild storm damages the station of Will’s family and sheep go missing, the troopers are called in and falsely accuse Ollie of stealing a jumbuck. They ignore Will’s protests that Ollies rescues, not harms, creatures. Will is furious but channels his fury into learning and never giving up on his dream to go waltzing Matilda with Ollie.

This is a terrific book for young primary school children, helping them better understand the meaning of the original ballad and reinforcing the importance of treating others fairly, regardless of their profession, how they live, or the colour of their skin.  

Myke Mollard’s Mini to Maxi: Australian Creatures from Microscopic to Monstrous.

Myke Mollard’s Mini to Maxi: Australian Creatures from Microscopic to Monstrous. Myke Mollard, author and illustrator. Woodslane Press October 2024. Hardback Non-fiction PB 48 pages. ISBN 9781922800664. RRP $24.99.

Reviewed by Debra Williams. 

From Woodslane Press: “Myke Mollard uses his signature illustrations and engaging text to bring kids up close and personal with dozens of Australian creatures, great and small. He focuses on the comparisons of size and scale, showing us how life thrives from the microscopic to the truly colossal. The creatures and plants are not only beautifully drafted, but the accompanying text also vividly describes their lifestyles, and habits and how their sizes help them fit perfectly into their various environments. The wonderment of these stunning creatures, delivered in an engaging cinematic punch, will excite children's imaginations for life, and fully engage any adult with a fascination for the natural world.” 

This is a wonderful picture book suitable for ages 8+ years. It is engaging and showcases the life of creatures and plants with which we are familiar and little-known species. Each illustration is accompanied by the dimensions of a particular subject, which gives a comprehensive idea of relative sizes, i.e. wingspans, body lengths and heights, etc. Highly informative and educational, it will be enjoyed by young readers who love learning about Australian nature.

Australian Outback Birds

Australian Outback Birds written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781922800718

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

If, like me, you thought there was only one Australian ‘outback’ and your knowledge of birds extends only as far as parrots, kookaburras and magpies, then you may want to take a closer look at Myke Mollard’s Australian Outback Birds.

This is not just another ‘fact book about birds’. The first thing readers will discover is that Australia is made up of ten environmental regions, within which there are twelve ‘outbacks’ – each with its own distinctive features and birdlife.

Mollard takes readers up close to 150 different birds from these outback areas, although you may be surprised to realise he is only just scratching the surface of the 800+ bird species found in Australia. But it’s a pretty solid start!

Each spread features stunning illustrations of the featured birds within their environment with some pictures a montage of birds with a labelled pictorial key for easy identification.

Reading through each section is like being taken on a personal tour by Mollard who talks about the features of the area, alerts you about what to look out for and wraps you up in his enthusiastic passion for ‘twitching’.

Australian Outback Birds is divided into sections by outback region, then further divided into some of the birds you can find in those regions. While I personally would have appreciated a table of contents, or an index, the lack of these may encourage the reader to either peruse slowly from start to finish, or dive in randomly. Either way, it’s a fascinating adventure where we not only learn about the quirky bird characteristics and behaviours, but also realise just how diverse Australia’s landscape is.

In addition to bird and landscape facts, there are also pages on the art of birdwatching, including detailed information about how to prepare, how to get the best photos and what to look out for. And, for the detail-oriented readers, Mollard has put in diagrams showing the different parts of a bird, different types of bird feet and how to identify birds by their flight silhouettes.

Essentially, there is something for everyone in Australian Outback Birds, although because the book is very text dense, it is probably better suited to older readers, 10 and above, or for adults to share with younger children.

And, if you’re not so taken by birds – but like the concept of this book – there are others in Myke Mollard’s series, including Australian Dinosaurs and Mega Beasts, Wildlife of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and several books on ‘bush creatures’.