What is a Dot?

What is a Dot? (Thames & Hudson) Johanna Bell and Amelia Luscombe PB (Board Book) RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781760764814

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

What is a Dot is a board book that explores the joy of drawing, showing that a dot that becomes a line can be anything. It sparks a child’s curiosity and imagination. Themes are imagination, art, drawing, creativity, poetry, and rhyming verse.

Johanna Bell writes fiction, poetry and children’s books. Her work is widely published, and she has won numerous awards, including a Tasmanian Literary Award for the manuscript of Department of Vanishing. What’s That Splat? is the sequel to this book.

Amelia Luscombe’s illustrations focus on fun, curiosity, and childlike qualities. This is her first picture book.

Bell’s use of rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeia and word play spark curiosity and wonder in a young child. Is it a bounce? A ball? Or a wag? The text is creative, unique and fun. It allows so much scope for the illustrator with its open word choices. Is it a swish? A sweep? Or a swirl? The word choices are concise, and many of the sentences are two or three words long. So much is left to the child to discover themselves. The book asks the reader this question throughout: What is a dot when a dot is not? The text reads aloud joyfully, and Bell’s background as a poet shows. The verbs used highlight movement as the dot and line change form and move through the story.

Luscombe has fully embraced the fun of the story and let her imagination out to play with her simple yet striking line drawings.  I love how hidden objects are created that are not voiced in the text. Like one, two, three ice-creams. The line is multi-coloured and changes colour as it moves through the book. The illustrations stand out on the white background and draw the eye immediately. I think Luscombe was the perfect illustrator choice for this story, which is a celebration of drawing.

What is a Dot? is great for children 3-9 years. It encourages creativity and self-expression and is perfect for preschool to early primary readers. It is a wonderful resource for classroom discussions about art, shapes and imagination. Parents, carers and teachers alike will enjoy sharing this book.

 

Aussie Baby’s First Words

Aussie Baby’s First Words. Board Book series (Allen & Unwin) by Tom Jellett. Board book. HB

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Tom Jellett is a well-known Sydney-based illustrator with a distinctive style that has brought charm and character to many beloved children’s books, including Australia at the Beach by Max Fatchen and The Littlest Pirate series by Sherryl Clark. His latest work, the Aussie Baby’s First Words series, is a delightful collection of board books designed to introduce Australian toddlers to everyday vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

The first book in the series, Dinner Time! focuses on mealtime vocabulary. Children are introduced to familiar items such as bowls, spoons, and cups—all illustrated with a distinctly Australian flair. It’s an excellent way to help little ones become familiar with daily routines and local terminology. The book features a vibrant orange cover with a toddler front and centre, happily eating. Jellett’s signature style—particularly in the expressive eyes and face is instantly recognisable. The text adopts a warm, conversational tone, much like a parent speaking to a child: “Hello Baby! It’s time for dinner.” Each featured item is highlighted in bold primary colours, framed in warm orange, yellow, or blue, with the item’s name placed clearly underneath to aid early word recognition.

Continuing the series, Bed Time! focuses on bedtime rituals. The book includes familiar nighttime essentials such as nappy, onesie, and sleeping bag, all presented through the comforting lens of Australian culture. This title features a bright blue cover, with a baby holding a bedtime toy front. The design aligns visually with Dinner Time! making it instantly recognisable as part of the book series. The background colours shift to calming tones of blue, pink, and purple, distinguishing it from the mealtime-themed palette of the first book, while maintaining a cohesive look.

Tom Jellett’s illustrations are bold, bright, and unmistakably Australian. His work brings warmth and playfulness to each page, making the books both educational and visually appealing for young readers.

The Aussie Baby’s First Words board books are ideal for parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking to introduce toddlers to Australian-themed vocabulary in a fun, colourful, and engaging way. With their vibrant colours, clear layout, and relatable content, they would make a great addition to any child’s early learning library.

 

 

 

First Numbers

First Numbers by Jess Racklyeft (Affirm Press) HB Board Book RRP $14.95 ISBN 9781923135468

Here is a concept rhyming board book for babies and toddlers, the format of which is larger than most board books. Its focus is on Australian flora and fauna, and it is beautifully designed, drawn, and coloured.

After the first impressive fly pages of butterflies against a background of leaves, the text begins: ‘Let’s count through this country… there is so much to see! Can you count the turtles or the fish in the sea?’ It then proceeds with a hairy wombat (‘let’s start our count with one’) followed by two snakes in a tangle, and three bats having fun.

There are four birds (which include a buff-breasted kingfisher, a scarlet honeyeater, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, and an Australian ringneck), then five different types of frogs, six marsupials, seven kinds of insects, and so on until finally the reader is invited to spot ten types of sea life. All the insects and animals are named alongside coloured pictures of the subjects.

At the end of the book, the child (if old enough) can follow the strips of insects and animals by counting backward from ten to one. The final double-page spread shows Uluru and some bouncing kangaroos, with the final words, ‘…remember – there’s only ONE of you!)

Ginger and the Vegesaurs: Dinner Time!

Ginger and the Vegesaurs: Dinner Time! (Pan Macmillan) ISBN 9781761262296

This is a larger than usual board book aimed at children 3+ years old. It is a favourite episode from the heart-warming and hit ABC pre-school television series. In this book, the baby Pea-Rexes are hungry and searching for some spicy Chillipede snacks. They usually hunt in pods of Pea-Rexes, but this time Ginger the Tricarrotops is with them. There’s only one problem: Ginger is very, very noisy!

On their quest for food, the Pea-Rexes come across two evil Bananaraptors who’ve been sleeping nearby.  Then they find some Chillipede tunnels where they munch and crunch on their favourite snacks. Ginger, however, has such a spicy Chillipede that he cries out loud. His cries echo through Vegesaur Valley, waking up the two sleepy Bananaraptors. Suddenly, the Bananaraptors are right behind her. Fortunately, the Pea-Rexes know what to do: they challenge the Bananaraptors to catch them. But then they make the two dizzy but leading them around and around the Chillipede’s home. The Pea-Rexes chase the spicy Chillipedes out of their tunnels into the mouths of the Bananaraptors’ mouths.

Like the other books in the series, this one has a theme of friendship, with this one about friends helping one another to solve problems.

The book is brightly coloured with computer-generated illustrations.  

Ginger and the Vegesaurus: Pea-Rex Rollercoaster

Ginger's Big Day Out

This board book is based on the hit TV series and is probably aimed at children aged 3+ years who need encouragement to eat their veggies. Two of the characters are dinosaurs - the giant Broccolisaurus, Ginger the Tricarrotops and the baby Pear-Rexes, Minty, Wasabi, and Split. When Ginger sees a herd of Broccolisaurus, he’s overcome with fear that they’re so huge. But Wasabi and Minty launch straight onto a giant Brocco’s head and slide down its neck.

However, Split hasn’t followed his fellow Pea-Rexes: he’s scared! Kind-hearted Ginger encourages him to play and have fun. A baby Brocc has never seen a Pea-Rex before, and she’s scared. But once again Ginger comes to the rescue! ‘You can do it!’ he says, encouraging the baby to approach him. Soon both are smiling, and Ginger, Minty and Wasabi cheer for their new friend. By the end of the book, all the Pea-Rexes are laughing and playing on the rollercoaster which is the giant Brocco.

Here is a board book with the themes of making friends and learning to overcome fears. Each page is broken up into sections, and the illustrations are computer-generated. The book, of course, will need to be read aloud to small children.

My Name is Malala

My Name is Malala by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Mariam Quraishi (Penguin Random House) Board Book RRP $16.99

ISBN 9780241581964

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has written a beautifully simple autobiography aimed at a very young audience. In this board book Malala begins by describing herself in a series of short yet powerful statements that young children will be able to connect with (e.g., ‘I am a friend’). Later, her statements include ones that will inspire (e.g., ‘I am an activist’). She finishes with statements that look to the future (e.g., ‘I am hopeful’). The final pages provide a more in-depth biography for the adult reader/educator.

My Name is Malala is a positive and aspirational book that would suit an audience aged 3 years and older. The illustrations are bright and colourful and complement the text beautifully. This book would be a great addition to any kindergarten or lower primary school library and would serve as a great conversation starter about how we can make the world a better place.

Aussie Baby Animals

Aussie Baby Animals by Julia Murray (Harper Collins Children’s Books) Board Book RRP $9.99 ISBN 978 1 460761205

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This adorable board book is black and white and explores seven Australian animals and their babies on each page turn.

Julia Murray has created a board book that is simply stunning, and it is perfect for engaging babies developing eyesight because new bubs see the world differently. It strengthens a baby’s cognitive abilities and encourages the development of motor skills. This is a wonderful book to bond with a baby and to start a lifelong love of books. The text adorably uses repetitive word patterns and a question on each spread. In you hop, little baby. Can I kiss your soft, wee feet? Kiss, kiss, kiss. The gentle text reads aloud beautifully and creates a warm, cosy togetherness for a parent and baby. It encourages interaction and I can see many parents kissing, pecking, nuzzling, rubbing, tickling, stroking, brushing and finally cuddling, snuggling, and hugging their babies. 

The soft round drawings of the animals and babies are not only endearing but engaging. The striking backgrounds on each spread are either white or black and really make the characters stand out. The text compliments the illustrations as it contrasts with the background on each spread. The detail on the animals with patterning is striking and a celebration of each animal and its uniqueness. Each spread is friendly and uniquely Australian. The layout of each spread is well balanced.

Aussie Baby Animals, a board book, is perfect for 0-2years. I can see this book on many nursery bookshelves or in a baby bag or beside a car seat. Easy to read and use this book is not only fun but educational. Its release date of 1 December will make it a great Christmas gift or for all year round for any new bubs.

Julie Murray is an illustrator and designer living in Tamaki Makaurau, Acearoa (Auckland, New Zealand). Her illustrations have been applied to books, packaging, clothing, and advertising for Harper Collins and other clients.

Where Are You Magoo?

Where Are You Magoo? By Briony Stewart (Puffin) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781760896911

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

The pages in this short, fun picture book are ultra-thick with rounded corners, exactly right for pre-schoolers -- as is the text.

Told in rhyme, this story is about the cheeky pup, Magoo, whose owner keeps searching for him. There is a recurring refrain, ‘Where are you Magoo?’ which the young reader will want to ‘read’, too. Magoo is constantly hiding and shows himself to be fun, loveable, and mischievous.

The illustrations are large and brightly coloured. On one double-paged spread is a single word ‘Boo!’, another place where the young reader will be engaged, no doubt calling out ‘Boo!’ as well. Thus, there is an interactive seek-and-find element with children love seeing where Magoo has gone to and what he’s up to.

This is a companion book to the acclaimed We Love You, Magoo, by Briony  Stewart who is an internationally published author and illustrator of several award-winning books for children.

G ’Day Spot!

G ’Day Spot! By Eric Hill (Puffin Books) HB RRP$14.99 ISBN 9780241489543

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a lift-the-flap board book, ideal for infants, to be read aloud by parents or carers. Spot and his Mum are going to meet Dad for lunch on the beach. Along the way they take in the scenery. At the river, Spot sees a log in the water. If you lift the flap, you find a platypus. Lift the flat on a shrub and you find a kookaburra. There are six flaps to lift before Spot and Mum meet up with Dad on the beach. ‘The veggies on the barbecue smell delicious’ but of course there’s room for dessert.

This is a simple story with full colour, bright illustrations which can be enjoyed by all small children.

Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide

Self-Help for Babies Whine Guide written and illustrated by Beck and Matt Stanton (Harper Collins Publishers Australia & New Zealand) Hardback RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 0 733341151

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

This talented best-selling husband and wife team have created two books that are especially designed to help parents. The tongue in cheek humour is sure to appeal and the pun with the title Babies Whine Guide is clever. Beck and Matt Stanton have recognised that although there are many books on the market and lots of them are self-help, there are none for babies. Ta-dah, now there is. Both are creatives in their own right but they have worked together to fulfil their own needs as parents.

Who else is better to fill this hole then those that are in the midst of baby chaos? As parents of three children under seven, the joy and madness of living with babies is expressed with advice and humour. The illustrations and text work together seamlessly. The use of adult words with the soft pastel backgrounds and childlike illustrations immediately bring a smile. Parental advice is given for each type of baby whine.

For example: The Bubbly                                                                                                   An open-mouthed, gassy whine, requiring attention. Best Served with bicycle legs and a tummy massage.

As you may have guessed, Babies Whine Guide is about the different ways babies cry. The text and illustrations match the type of whine with parental tips. The illustrations depict the type of cry then the parenting solution. I like how the book ends with the fact that babies do create their own whines too and that sometimes you just have to find your own solution too.  As we all know babies continually throw things at us that only we can find a way to deal with.

This book is an ideal gift for a baby shower or for any parent or carer voyaging into the world of babies. It is sure to bring a smile and a glass of wine at times is a perfect match.

 

 

 

Peppa the Easter Bunny

Peppa the Easter Bunny (Penguin Random House Australia) HB RRP $9.99 ISBN: 9780241411827

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Peppa and George decorate Easter eggs and hide them in the garden, ready for an Easter-egg hunt with their friends. But as Danny Dog, Suzy Sheep, Candy Cat and the others hop, skip and run around the garden looking for the eggs, Peppa and George are nowhere to be seen! Where could they be? Peppa and George have saved their best surprise for last, popping out of giant Easter eggs dressed as Peppa the Easter Bunny and George the chick.

Perfect for preschoolers who love the Peppa Pig television show, Peppa the Easter Bunny is a 16-page board book bursting with bright colours and cute characters. Little listeners will have fun trying to guess where Peppa and George are hiding, and will giggle with delight when the final surprise is revealed.

Although there are some longer words in the text, early readers will also enjoy this book. Repetition of terms such as ‘bunny’, ‘egg’, ‘Peppa’ and ‘George’ assists with word recognition, while bite-size chunks of large text help young eyes focus on the story.

Peppa the Easter Bunny is an egg-cellent Easter gift for youngsters. The sweet and simple story is sure to be read again and again throughout the year.

Little Unicorn: Ten Minutes to Bed

Little Unicorn: Ten Minutes to Bed by Rhiannon Fielding, illustrated by Chris Chatterton (Ladybird Books) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9780241408339

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a larger board book for children aged 3 to 6-years, the second in a Ten Minutes to Bed series, the other being Little Mermaid. This book starts with something I loved to see in books as a child – a double-page spread showing the geography in which the story is set. There’s an ancient forest, an emerald green, a deadly creek, even a giants’ town and more. The pages sign with colour which is bright greens, blues and mauves.

Onto the story… With glittery feet and a sparkly horn, Twinkle the naughty unicorn (like so many naughty children), does not want to go to bed; she ‘was not tired at all.’ There’s a countdown from Daddy as Twinkle causes ‘a bit of riot’, dancing and prancing around. She dashes about, chasing pixies and sprites and fairies and then meets a hairy troll and then spots a baby dragon. She’s certainly making every moment before bedtime count. But – oh no! – she’s now forgotten how to get home! Of course, the way home is via a rainbow, and smart little Twinkle works to conjure one.

By bedtime Twinkle is – of course -- fast asleep in the Land of Nod. The last double-page spread is the same as the first, but the vibrant colours of the first have transformed to dark blues and mauves: it’s night-time of course!

This is a clever and charming book for Mums and Dads to read to their young children just before bedtime. It’s sure to be enjoyed by the reader and the read-to!

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson illustrated by Eleanor Turner (Frederick Warne) HB RRP $16.99 ISBN 978-241352885

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a small board book based on the original tales of Beatrix Potter and illustrated in the same style as the famous author/illustrator. Peter Rabbit is in trouble for knocking mincemeat onto his burrow floor so is sent to his Aunt’s to fetch a cup of suet. On the way he catches up with his cousin Benjamin Bunny who is also in trouble. While they are playing, along comes William the turkey. The two boys reveal to him that Mrs McGregor, the farmer’s wife, is planning to bake him for Christmas dinner.

What follows are (unsuccessful) ways in which the rabbit cousins try to hide William. When Mr McGregor comes into the yard waving a cleaver, he is unable to find his turkey so has a turkey-less Christmas dinner.

This is a simple story with a happy outcome which is sure to be enjoyed by young readers. It is most suitable to be read by an adult to children aged 3 to 5 years.

Peppa Pig Digger World

Peppa Pig Digger World (Penguin Books) HB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780241321133

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a heavy-duty board book with thick cardboard wheels which rotate when turned. Peppa and George are visiting Digger World where they are welcomed by Mr Potato. Both Peppa and her brother George play on diggers in the sand pit filling buckets of sand. Then they go on the next ride to use soft building blocks to build a world which qualifies them as digger drivers. On the way home they help real digger drivers to build a wall. However, Peppa pushed the wrong button and the wall collapses. No worried. Dad says, ‘Building things up, then knocking them down – it’s all part of the fun with diggers!’

This simple, fun story is told in five double-page spreads which, like all Peppa books, are brightly coloured with simple illustrations. Sure to be a hit with readers aged 3 to 5 years.

At the Zoo I See

At the Zoo I See by Joshua Button, illustrated by Robyn Wells (Magabala Books) HB RRP $9.99   ISBN 9781925360455

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

I have a newly acquired attraction to board books.  From a literary viewpoint I have seen them evolve and become much more focused on the importance of both visual and written language and At the Zoo I See by Joshua Button and Robyn Wells displays this.

In this book we are introduced to nine animals that could be seen at the zoo – a mix of native and exotic animals; a macaw, a quoll, a jaguar, an anteater, a wombat, an elephant, a lion, a gorilla and a cassowary.

What makes this book work is the combination of the adjectives used for each animal and the expressive illustrations -- they just made me smile and enjoy this book so much more. Written text is extremely important because it introduces children to infrequently used words and word combinations and the visual text confirms this and gives a secondary view of the meaning – Joshua and Robyn have synergized this well.

And all this is contained within a few pages of a board book suitable for children from newborns up to kindergarten age.  

Brook Tayla writes a blog called telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and follow by email so you get to receive all the latest reviews.

Squares & Other Shapes

Squares & Other Shapes with Josef Albers (Phaidon) HB RRP $14.95 

ISBN 9780714872551

Reviewed by Stephanie Ward

Focused on Albers’ modern series Homage to the Square, the second book in the First Concepts with Fine Artists series, Squares & Other Shapes, introduces young readers to shapes. From wobbly rectangles to sunny side up squares and bouncing circles, the most basic shapes are highlighted within Albers’ modern masterpieces.

Seeing various types of shapes in different formats creates a unique learning opportunity for the youngest readers. Squares sit within squares, circles come in many colours and sizes and triangles are oblong as well as flattened to reinforce the concepts of shapes. In addition, the back page with facts about Josef Albers life allows adults to expand on the lesson with information about the artist and his art.

These early concept board books are the first two in the First Concepts with Fine Artists series from Phaidon featuring famous artists and their art. It’s fantastic to see beautiful artwork re-imagined in a context suitable for the youngest eyes and in a way that helps them take their first steps into the art world. The next title in the series entitled Birds & Other Animals with Pablo Picasso will be published in Spring 2017.

Baby Dance by Katrina Germain, illustrated by Doris Chang (Raising Literacy Australia Inc) HB

ISBN 9780994385321

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This book was sponsored by an Australian organisation with an early intervention literacy campaign educating parents to read to their children from birth. The Little Big Book Club was officially launched in 2005 and in the following year, 20,000 families across the state with a baby aged 0-12 months were given the first free 'reading pack for babies'.

A board book with rounded corners for babies to handle safely, Baby Dance has one or two lines on each page starting with ‘Baby hears, baby beat/Baby steps, baby feet’. Its first pen and wash illustrations are of a wombat, followed by other Australian animals such as a cockatoo, anteater and marsupial mouse. Each of the actions described is something any baby does, such as yawning, peeping, waving and blinking. Thus a parent reading to his or her baby can perform the actions as the words are read aloud – a great bonding experience!

Simply worded, designed and illustrated with lots of white space, this is an ideal book to share with a child from birth to two years.

Making Up

Making Up by Jan Ormerod, illustrated by Freya Blackwood (Little Hare Books) HB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781760128999

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

Making Up is a short board book consisting of a tale extracted from Ormerod and Blackwood’s picture book Maudie & Bear.

Feisty Maudie takes offence when Bear laughs at her dancing. Bear explains he is laughing with her rather than at her; however, Maudie is quite a strong-willed little character and doesn’t accept this. Bear is gentle yet persistent in attempting to coax Maudie out of her bedroom and make amends, until he finally comes up with an idea to bring them back together.

The contrast between petulant Maudie and patient Bear captures the irrational moments of the toddler and preschool years. It also suggests the endless love of a parent or carer, even in the face of difficult behaviour. Maudie is a flawed and very real character, who reflects the emotional highs and lows experienced by the two to five year old set, the book’s target market. Blackwood’s gentle illustrations capture the moods evoked in the story beautifully.

Other books in the series include The Bike Ride, with further titles to come in 2017.

Atlas of Miniature Adventures

Atlas of Miniature Adventures by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Lucy Letherland (Quarto Children’s Books) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781847809094

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

‘Big things get a lot of attention’ …

… So this pocket-sized reference book instead sets out to celebrate the ‘mini marvels’ around the world. It features tiny animals and plants, tiny model villages, tiny toys and tiny countries.

The information is presented by continent. Each section opens with a double page, highly illustrative map, featuring small icons to depict the locations of the small wonders unique to the region. The icons are accompanied with some brief, explanatory text. There is a small inset showing the continent’s location on a world globe. Some selected small-scale wonders on the map are presented in more detail in the pages that follow. (Curious readers will no doubt go away and research the others!)

There is an interesting selection of miniature marvels presented in extra detail, such as Berlin’s glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course, South Korea’s tiny teddy bears, San Francisco’s itty-bitty postal service and Australia’s desert goby fish. These double-page spreads always feature two insets – one showing a map with the item location, and another with either a fun fact about the item, or a useful illustration to show the item’s scale.

The book closes with a fun ‘Can You Find?’ section, featuring miniature picture cut-outs and prompting readers to go back through the book to spot them.

Lucy Letherland’s coloured ink, detailed illustrations in this book are fantastic – there is so much to look at on every page. (Even the endpapers are a feast for the eyes!) This is a great educational book for readers aged 7 and up.

Cheeky Animals

Cheeky Animals written and illustrated by Shane Morgan (Magabala Press)

HB RRP $9.99 ISBN 9781925360431

Reviewed by Brook Tayla

This board book for very young readers is narrated in a simple and happy way. The protagonist is a traditional, indigenous Australian who finds himself in funny and playful scenarios with a variety of Australian animals.

The text uses rhyme and repetition to engage readers, with couplets that begin with ‘Look at the....’ which introduces the reader to each animal and ‘See the....’ which shows the protagonist engaged in a funny way with that animal. 

The illustrations bleed from edge to edge and on each double spread there is a scene which is boarded. I would have preferred it to be more consistent with the left side that introduces each animal, but this does not take away from the story. Shane Morgan uses a simple, desert colour palate with simple but expressive drawings.  The animal smiles when they trick the protagonist are cheeky while at the same time endearing.  The illustrations have a cartoonish feel about them and could be seen as a child’s very first and basic introduction to comic books and graphic novels.

I love the size of Magabala board books because they are perfect for little hands and laps and they are also light weight and durable enough for multiple re-reads.

This board book will bring smiles to those who read it and I’m sure will lead to discussions about what other animals would do. This is a great book for extended adaptations.

Brook Tayla writes a blog called telltalestome@wordpress.com and would love you to drop by, read some reviews, leave a comment and subscribe.