Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity

Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity by Zanni Louise. Art by Jingting Wang. Affirm Press 2026. Hardback PB RRP $19.99.   ISBN 9781923293205

Review by Debra Williams

Author Zanni Louise has produced a series for young children. This one, Integrity, looks at all the things a young person needs to learn to make good decisions. The brightly coloured illustrations are simple and set out, in a comic-style fashion, with examples of instances where integrity should come into play when interacting with others.

From The Publisher: ‘You have so many things to learn, like buttoning your pyjamas, the colours of the rainbow and playing hopscotch. Here’s another thing to add to your list: having integrity. It sounds important, doesn’t it? It helps us make good decisions, and making good decisions means we feel good about ourselves.’

From bestselling author Zanni Lousie comes a series to guide meaningful conversations between big and little humans about the things that count most.

A playful guidebook approach to nuanced topics, giving both kids and their grownups practical tools for negotiating how to be human. These handbooks centre on values that are explored in primary schools across the country.

Designed for children aged 4-8 years.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion by Zanni Louise. Art by Jingting Wang. Affirm Press 2026. Hardback PB RRP $19.99.   ISBN 9781923293199

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Author Zanni Louise has produced a series for young children. This one, Inclusion, looks at all the things a young person needs to learn to make the world feel friendly and safe for everyone. There are explanations of what inclusion is, and it shows that humans are all different. Children are encouraged to listen and learn about others.

The brightly coloured illustrations are simple and show that humans are different in so many ways. There are examples showing how to include others in a young child’s daily activities.

From the book:

‘You have so many things to learn, like:

·        brushing your teeth

·        your left and right

·        how to sign your name

And here’s another thing to add to your list: being inclusive.’

From the publisher:

A playful guidebook approach to nuanced topics, giving both kids and their grownups practical tools for negotiating how to be human. These handbooks centre on values that are explored in primary schools across the country.

From bestselling author Zanni Lousie comes a series to guide meaningful conversations between big and little humans about the things that count most.

Designed for children aged 4-8 years.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Confidence

Handbooks for Little Humans: Confidence by Zanni Louise (Affirm Press), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781923-293182

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Do you have to be the loudest person to be confident?

Absolutely not!

Confidence – the second in the series of Handbooks for Little Humans from Zanni Louise and Affirm Press – is equally engaging and educational as its predecessor, Compassion. Trying the big slide, wearing your wacky socks or saying hello to a new person are just some of the examples that this book gives for feeling comfortable being yourself and helping others to also feel comfortable.

At just 24 pages with popping colours and fun illustrations, this book is the perfect length for conveying its key messages and not losing the reader. It’s a conversation to a child, reassuring them of their uniqueness and special place in the world. And my son’s favourite part? The relatable cartoon in the centre spread where Monkey helps Lion to find his roar.

Suitable for little humans aged 3 to 8 years.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion

Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion by Zanni Louise (Affirm Press), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781923-293175

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

A dazzling cover, engaging style, colours popping off the pages and a big feeling described succinctly in age-appropriate language – Compassion packs a punch!

I was a tad fearful that Compassion - the first in a new series called Handbooks for Little Humans from Affirm Press – might be a dry self-help book that wouldn’t engage my son.  It was anything but. The book itself feels animated – as though it is having a direct conversation with its young readers, relating the concept of compassion to real-life examples that the reader may experience at home, at school and at play. It’s also a sweet book for a carer and child to read together with various spreads triggering opportunities to pause and ask questions. This is interspersed with light-heartened pages which up the fun level of the book. My son particularly enjoyed the comic strip about a lion, a monkey and a stick in the centre spread.

What else makes this book so engaging? The length. At just 24 pages, for this topic it’s the ideal length to engage, leave an impression and not lose the reader. Thanks to this short bedtime read, my son now knows that the hard-to-describe feeling he has when he gives a hug to that friend in need is called compassion.

Suitable for little humans aged 3 to 8 years. 

This is Family

This is Family by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Sasha Haddad (Affirm Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781923022294

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

What is a family? It’s as warm as ‘hot buttered toast’; it can be blended or just ‘a bunch of good friends’. From the experiences you have together in the present day to the precious heirlooms that link you to previous generations, the ties that bind families are invisible yet indestructible. Family is where it’s ‘safe to be you’ because it’s home – the place where you belong.

Aimed at kids aged three to seven, Zanni Louise’s rhyming couplets gently guide readers through the wonders of family life that they may not have appreciated before now. Even when siblings fight, grandparents live overseas or there is a new baby, love finds a way to make everything alright. The family tree is strong enough to weather any storm.

The muted colours in Sasha Haddad’s illustrations echo the quiet and tender tone of the text. The images have a dreamy, childlike quality that young eyes will find appealing, and the wealth of diverse children characterised on the pages ensures that the reader is richly rewarded when they find someone just like them.

The perfect book for calming down before bedtime, This is Family is a sweet ode to the many different – and equally extraordinary – forms families can take. In the end, kids will come to understand that caring, sharing, and respect are the roots from which relationships grow.

Cora Seen and Heard

Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise (Walker Books) PB ISBN: 9781760657666 RRP $17.99 

Reviewed by Melissa Wray

New town. New School. New girl. When Cora moves to a small town in Tasmania so her father can rebuild a run-down theatre, she is determined to be different. More confident. More seen. More heard. But things don’t go to plan, and it quickly becomes obvious that Cora 2.0 is going to struggle to reinvent herself.

Cora tries to find her place in a new school and make new friends, however her shy and quiet nature seems to hold her back. Her frustrations grow as she tries, and fails, to be the kind of popular, confident person she wishes she could be. It doesn’t help that her parents are arguing more since the move and that she is mad at her mum most of the time. 

Louise carefully crafts a version of Cora that the reader can see doesn’t need to change, but that the character is blinded by her desire to be more. Her writing delicately addresses the fears that many young people have around self-identity and where they fit in with their peers and in the world. Having worked with many teenagers, this reviewer sadly sees this battle regularly. Louise captured the angst, torment, self-doubt and anxiety of this age group perfectly.

Cora is a likeable character who uses some secret letter writing as a means of expression. She reveals herself, her fears, her frustrations and her vulnerability to a pen pal who was once a famous performer at the theatre. Little does she know that she might not be the only one who has such feelings. Or that her letters will not remain secret for long.

This book highlights that everyone wants to be seen and heard and that we should all take the time to look and listen. It mixes family, friendship and identity together to remind us of the importance of just being ourselves, because that is always going to be the best version. Cora Seen and Heard is suitable for a 10+ year-old readership.

Cora Seen and Heard

 

Queenie in Seven Moves

Queenie in Seven Moves by Zanni Louise (Walker Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9781760655662

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Queenie and her mother find themselves homeless when their beloved rental home ‘peachy’ is sold with little notice. The overcrowded rental market, brought on by city dwellers moving further afield due to the COVID pandemic, means that finding somewhere stable to live is currently beyond their grasp. As a result, they move seven times during summer including stints living at an aged care village, a friend’s house, and a caravan out of town.

Queenie, currently in her final year of primary school, is a keen guitarist and music lover, but her talent often goes unrecognised due to her fear of performing in front of others. During the period of unsettled living arrangements Queenie grows in confidence through new experiences and unexpected friendships, so much so that she agrees to enter the Summer Song Contest to sing her original song.

Queenie in Seven Moves is written in the first person by 12-year-old Queenie. Its themes include music, friendship, courage, and the housing crisis.

Zanni Louise is an Australian author of over 30 picture books, early readers, and chapter books for young children. Queenie in Seven Moves, inspired by her recent experiences, is her first middle grade novel. It is highly recommended for an audience aged 10 years and older.

Paris Takes Over the World: Paris

Paris Takes Over the World: Paris by Kyla May with Zanni Louise (Scholastic) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781743837412

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath 

When your name is Paris, it’s inevitable that your favourite city will be the capital of France. And that the first time you visit, you will be bursting with excitement to see what adventures the city can offer. But 10-year-old Paris couldn’t have imagined that she would spend her first day in the city of Paris helping her new friend to find a lost puppy. As the search for the French Bulldog, Éclair, takes them across the city, Paris also gets to experience the best that it has to offer.

Famous sights, fashion, art, pastries, and fun - this travelogue with a difference gives young readers a genuine feel for the wonders of the city of Paris. With the mystery of the lost dog driving the narrative, there are no opportunities to get bogged down in descriptions. Paris and her local friend Amelie are engaging characters, helping to keep the sights, sounds and tastes relatable for a young audience.

May’s comic-style illustrations are colourful, with many vignettes peppered throughout the text to help keep reluctant readers motivated. There’s also a healthy dose of humour provided by Paris’ hapless chauffeur Henri, the only adult in the story. 

In this book you will find a nostalgic romp through Paris for those of us lucky to have visited before, and a wonderful introduction for those yet to have had the privilege. Fuel for everyone’s dreams of an open world.

A particular joy for young girls, dog lovers and Francophiles, this is great fun for 7- to-11-year-olds. Keep an eye out for further instalments in the series.

Florence & Fox

Florence & Fox by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Walker Books) ISBN 97817606510 RRP

Reviewed by Claire Stuckey

Florence and Fox is set in a busy urban environment, Anna Pignataro’s illustrations provide a happy green setting as the characters appear to be playing together.  Florence has a tool kit but when Fox grabs a hammer Florence decides that it is not “Sharing day”. As Fox does not have any tools or toys with him, he is rather sad at this announcement. Fox is then informed that he will have to wait as it is “hundreds of days” until “Sharing day” again.

Later, the pair is found in a sandpit, Florence wants to use Fox’s bucket. Although confused, he is happy to share, keen to see what will be made. Florence does construct a great dragon figure but when Fox asks for a spade, he is refused, which results in sadness and confusion.  During dinner, Fox is surprised when Florence arrives, offering to share the building tools because she has now degreed it is “Thank You day”. The two then work to construct a wooden cart, a picture of which appears on the final endpapers.

The narrative basically addresses the concept of sharing. Florence the crocodile and Fox seem strange friends due to their quite different natures. I found the text over-heavy with speech. 

Overall, the story is didactic, with Florence controlling all aspects of their interaction right to the conclusion. Realistic in its portrayal of children’s characteristics, this is a new title suitable for preschools and care facilities.  

Wonder Earth Exploring Our Living Home

Wonder Earth Exploring Our Living Home, written by Zanni Louise and Tiff Bollhorn and illustrated by Sophy Louise Smith (Five Mile) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 1 922385529                                     

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This gentle book about our Earth takes a different approach to learning. It focuses on listening to and noticing Earth’s poetry – its vibrant, wondrous song that helps us understand that we are all interconnected.

 

Zanni Louise and Tiff Bollhorn have worked together to create a text that is easy and simple to read. The text is well supported by the illustrations and the information is not overwhelming but welcoming and intriguing. It invites a child to take the time to explore. The book can be opened and read wherever a child chooses. The simple and compound sentences are easy to read and absorb. Although not text heavy, the book provides lots of information. After the introduction, each spread starts with a question to orientate the child to the topic (sun, water, food, colour, patterns, lifecycles, stories, plants and animals, sight, feelings). These questions reinforce our interconnection to everything. The reader is also encouraged to make their own discoveries in their own environments. This book’s intention is to foster a deep love and understanding of our Earth, and it does.

 

The illustrator creates bright and lively illustrations that celebrate the beauty of nature and all the creatures within it. The illustrations have made this book a beautiful keepsake that gives information that strengthens and enriches the text. The children depicted reflect cultural diversity and gender. The colours used on each spread reflect the focus of the topic.  For example, lots of yellow is used for the sun page spread. The colour, patterning, and detail celebrate the visual rhythms of the natural world and highlight the interconnectedness of us all to nature and the built and natural environments. We are left to delightfully wonder about our earth.

 

Wonder Earth Exploring Our Living Home is a picture book that has an important message about what it means to belong to Mother Earth and to love and protect her. This lovely book is suitable for 4 years and older and is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. It could even be a delightful coffee table book that can be visited often.

Human Kind: Resilience

Human Kind: Resilience, written by Zanni Louise and illustrated by Missy Turner (Five Mile) PB HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 978 1 922514011                                

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks 

This is a practical book designed to give strategies and understanding to help children develop resilience. It is a part of the successful Human Kind series that is designed to empower and educate children. Resilience is bouncing back from difficult moments and reaching out for help when you need it. Knowing and exploring your feelings helps you tap into being resilient.

 

Zanni Louise has a knack for writing informative text that is easy to read and understand. The start of the book introduces us to the culturally diverse characters who are inside the book. We then learn that to grow our heart it is important to be resilient. But first we need to learn what it is. Zanni introduces us to the little scenarios that Li Wei experiences and she simply explains how he deals with them. We then met Rosie and her birthday plans are changed due to rain. How she reacts and deals with the situation gives children strategies. The book then moves onto other characters and learning situations. Each spread makes a statement that is about resilience and then endeavours to explore it. The sentences are mostly short and simple to help the child reader easily absorb the information being shared. Lila is worried about Mina. Mina sits alone at recess. Zanni’s writing is tight with a firm voice that incites confidence in the reader. Her voice is quietly reassuring.

 

Missy Turner is the illustrator and her use of a brilliant blue cover is appealing and shows strength. The swirly, curly lines on the endpapers, depict the tangled feelings around Rosie. Missy creates lovely visuals of the children in their neighbourhoods that feel both normal and every day. The character movements and facial expressions are natural and different perspectives are used to great effect. Missy has taken much care with details, patterning and colour. The background colours vary but most are white which allows the actions and reactions of the children to be the focus.

 

Human Kind: Resilience, is a picture book that helps children develop their super powers in this world. For to be successful we most definitely need to be resilient and this is an important book. It is suitable for 3 years and up and is recommended for both parents and teachers to share with children.

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.

Tiggy and the Magic Paint Brush: A Birthday Party Trick

Tiggy and the Magic Paint Brush: A Birthday Party Trick by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Gillian Flint (Hardie Grant Egmont) RRP $12.99

ISBN 978176068683

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

The third book in the Tiggy and the Magic Paintbrush series, A Birthday Party Trick brings with it a birthday party Tiggy is so excited about. You see, the thing she is so excited about is that a REAL Magician is coming to her party. But when at the last minute the magician rings up sick, Tiggy has to spring into action and devise a way she and all her friends still get to enjoy a magical birthday.

With the help of her magic paintbrush Tiggy conjures up Paulo the Great but the problem with Paulo is that none of his tricks works -- that’s not until he disappears. Tiggy looks high and low for Paulo the Great, and eventually finds him, but now he is too small.

This fun instalment suitable for ages 4 -7-year olds is splashed with colour by the talented illustrator Gillian Flint. Join Tiggy on her birthday and discover as she does that a birthday can be just as magical without a magician.

Too Busy Sleeping

Too busy sleeping written by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9781742979625

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Eleanor has a new baby brother, Reuben. She is eager to play with him, however is told, ‘The baby is too busy sleeping’. Patient at first, Eleanor waits and waits for Reuben to wake, passing the time playing with her grandparents and with her toys. Eleanor’s frustration grows as it dawns on her that little Reuben doesn’t do much aside from eat and sleep. Her fluctuating emotions are wonderfully depicted in a spread where she sits, flushed and cross-armed in an empty bathtub, and realises Reuben might not be the playmate she was hoping for.

There is a whimsical, old-fashioned quality evident in Pignataro’s illustrations – not only in their style but through the types of play depicted. Eleanor builds with blocks, makes a sandcastle in the backyard, holds picnic-style tea parties and has a tyre swing. There are floral and gingham patterns used throughout, including the endpapers, which add to the timeless feel.

The tale takes a heart-warming turn as Reuben remains awake just as Eleanor asks her Mum for some one-on-one story time. Rather than complain, she takes the opportunity to finally play with Reuben. The last charming page reveals that Reuben’s not the only sleepy one.

Two to five year olds will find much to love in debut author Zanni Louise’s sweet story of adjusting to a new baby, containing themes of change and acceptance.