Little Mouse Helps Out

Little Mouse Helps Out by Riikka Jäntti (Scribe) HB RRP $17.99

IBSN 9781925321876

Reviewed by Kate Simpson

Little Mouse Help Out is another delightfully illustrated picture book for toddlers and pre-schoolers by Riikka Jäntti, following on from 2016’s Little Mouse. The story follows Mummy Mouse and Little Mouse as they prepare the house for a play date with Little Mouse’s friend Pip. As young children and their parents will understand, helping out doesn’t always go smoothly: there is spilled juice and an argument over a mop, among other minor mishaps. When Pip does at last arrive, a fun afternoon’s play is disrupted by a dispute over a favourite toy.

This is a story of the everyday troubles of pre-schooler life, which both children and their parents will relate to. But the real charm of this book lies in the delightful expressiveness of Jäntti’s illustrations, with each cheeky grin or sulky pout bringing Little Mouse to life for young and old.

The gentle story and slightly muted tones of the illustrations make this a good choice for a quiet moment – perhaps at bedtime or to forestall a meltdown. The story is longer than many picture books that target the toddler and preschool crowd, so it is best suited to children with a long attention span or indeed for slightly older children (up to age 6) who will still relate to the little mishaps that pepper Little Mouse’s day. 

A Child of Books

A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers (Walker Books)

HB RRP $27.99

ISBN 9781406358315

Reviewed by Ashling Kwok

A Child of Books is one of the most beautiful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is an absolute masterpiece in concept and design.

On the surface it appears to be just another lovely picture book but delve deeper and you will soon uncover a magical world where words and images collide to create a magnificent piece of art.

A Child of Books is the story of a young girl who sails her raft across a sea of words, arriving at the house of a small boy and calling him away on an adventure.

Through a forest of fairy tales and across mountains of make believe, the two travel together on an amazing journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. Now a lifetime of magic and adventure lies ahead of him.

A Child of Books features lovely words and elegant images by Oliver Jeffers, along with Sam Winston’s typographical landscapes, shaped from excerpts of children’s classics and lullabies.

It is a stunning prose poem that pays homage to the history of literature, based on the stories and influences that impacted the creators.

See how many excerpts of children’s classics and lullabies you can find intertwined in the illustrations.

It’s difficult to express how truly lovely this book is. There is nothing else like it on the market. It is a beautiful, timeless treasure that I thoroughly recommend to readers of all ages. 

Quick as a Wink Fairy Pink

Quick as a Wink Fairy Pink by Lesley Gibbes and Sara Acton

(Working Title Press) HB RRP $24.99 

ISBN 978 1 921504 86 0

Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

This is a gorgeous bedtime story featuring five little flutter fairies, Fairy Blue, Fairy Green, Fairy Gold, Fairy Red and the mischievous Fairy Pink. As the fairies do their nightly rituals, of taking a bath, cleaning their teeth, getting in pyjamas and reading a story, one little fairy is hiding.

Told in rhyming text, and with the repetitive verse

‘But someone’s playing hide and seek.

Can you see her? Take a peek.

Quick as a wink, find Fairy Pink.

it invites the reader to help find this elusive fairy pink.

With simple soft pastel coloured illustrations this book will be a favourite bedside read for your little one. Not only does it reinstate all that’s involved in getting ready for bed, it also gives the chance for the reader to discover Fairy Pink in her hiding places.

A great read for younger children, five and under, although older children will also enjoy the rhyme and illustrations.

Fox and Goldfish

Fox and Goldfish by Nils Pieters (Book Island) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9780994128218

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Originally published in Belgium, this picture book for ages 3+ years is about pets, friendship and loss and is said to be created to help children understand the loss of a pet.

The cover shows Fox holding up Goldfish in his bowl so that the friend can view the world from high on a mountain. In the first page Fox, in only one of a few places where he speaks, says that he fears that Goldfish’s ‘time has come’ and that he ‘can’t just let (him) you go like this.’ Thus he starts off on a quest to show his friend the world before death descends.

The Fox and Goldfish venture to many places which are shown in double-page spreads – through meadows, into the ocean (Goldfish frolicking in the water, no longer in his bowl), through deserts, near volcanoes, through jungles and even suburban streets. How a goldfish can survive in ocean waves and even in a puddle defies nature, let along in the snowfields, but would a child be concerned? Probably not.

Fox even holds up Goldfish so that his friend in his bowl is also at the end of a rainbow. In the last illustration, before Fox finally says, ‘Okay, my friend, now you can go,’ the two of them are seen on the moon in chairs looking back at planet Earth. 

In the final double-page spread fox is seated in front of a gravestone with reads, ‘Here lies Goldfish. He saw the entire world.’

The illustrations in Fox and Goldfish are very bright, rendered in coloured pencil and pencil with broad – and sometimes garish – strokes.

Fox and Goldfish

Fox and Goldfish by Nils Pieters (Book Island) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 9780994128218

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Originally published in Belgium, this picture book for ages 3+ years is about pets, friendship and loss and is said to be created to help children understand the loss of a pet.

The cover shows Fox holding up Goldfish in his bowl so that the friend can view the world from high on a mountain. In the first page Fox, in only one of a few places where he speaks, says that he fears that Goldfish’s ‘time has come’ and that he ‘can’t just let (him) you go like this.’ Thus he starts off on a quest to show his friend the world before death descends.

The Fox and Goldfish venture to many places which are shown in double-page spreads – through meadows, into the ocean (Goldfish frolicking in the water, no longer in his bowl), through deserts, near volcanoes, through jungles and even suburban streets. How a goldfish can survive in ocean waves and even in a puddle defies nature, let along in the snowfields, but would a child be concerned? Probably not.

Fox even holds up Goldfish so that his friend in his bowl is also at the end of a rainbow. In the last illustration, before Fox finally says, ‘Okay, my friend, now you can go,’ the two of them are seen on the moon in chairs looking back at planet Earth. 

In the final double-page spread fox is seated in front of a gravestone with reads, ‘Here lies Goldfish. He saw the entire world.’

The illustrations in Fox and Goldfish are very bright, rendered in coloured pencil and pencil with broad – and sometimes garish – strokes.

The Whole Caboodle

The Whole Caboodle by Lisa Shanahan, illustrated by Leila Rudge (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74362-932-1

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Whole Caboodle is a delightfully refreshing and surprising counting book. Using lyrical language with a rhythm which rolls exquisitely off the tongue this is a book begging to be read aloud over and over again.

 ‘Seven racey-chasey Giant Schnoodles?

 Eight snuggly-juggly Bassetoodles?’

There are dogs to be found on every page. Children will love listening to the silly words which fit these dogs beautifully and have fun spotting dogs in unlikely places. The simple concept of a dog walk has been transformed into so much more in such a wonderfully clever way, through both text and illustrations.

Each colourful page hides the dogs described. But not in a busy bustling way, or in a ‘search the page carefully’ way. Rather in obvious and fitting way – dog shaped clouds, or dogs instead of horses on a merry-go-round (the racey-chasey ones).

These illustrations are soft and playful with the happiness and love of dogs shining through, right to the very last (wordless) page. A stumbly-jumbly one.

This picture book is fabulous for pre-school readers, especially lovers of dogs and bubbly language.

Was Not Me!

Was Not Me! By Shannon Horsfall (Angus & Robertson, an imprint of Harper Collins) HB RRP $24.99                                                                      ISBN 9781460752463

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

‘I have a naughty twin brother, who only I can see. A cheeky twin brother. His name is Not Me.’

Horsfall’s debut as author illustrator introduces us to every child’s alter ego ‘Not Me’. From the opening pages we know that there will be mischief, stern denials and parents with hands firmly on hips, but eagerly turn the pages, looking for Not Me’s next bit of mischief.

From the first reading, every child will identify with Not Me – even older children. Horsfall has created a clever rhyming story with a perfect ending – matched with her own simple, illustrations. On every page of Not Me’s antics, we view part of his leg and foot – running to the next page to create more havoc!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story and one certain to be popular with anyone with children – mischievous or not.

Let’s Play!

Let’s Play! by Hervé Tullet (Allen & Unwin 2016)
HB RRP $22.99
ISBN: 9781760292980

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Let’s Play! is not only a fun title, but offers an enticing invitation to pick up Hervé Tullet’s latest picture book and discover more. 

It strikes me that you don’t just read a Tullet creation, you become part of one. In this case, you quickly become yellow dot’s playmate and travelling companion as it overcomes its boredom while travelling across 30 unique double page spreads with boundless energy. With your help, yellow dot conquers lines and squiggles, invents games and finds unexpected ways to tackle spooky or unpredictable situations.

Tullet creates a uniquely collaborative play experience that’s packed with fun and humour. Primary colours pop from white pages, and the sense of constant motion that Tullet creates helps yellow dot bounce all the way through to the completion of its journey.

It’s no surprise to me that Tullet’s picture book, Press Here, was also released in App format. His work is well suited to the interactive nature of an App and Let’s Play! is no exception.

This is a truly refreshing adventure to enjoy and revisit with children from two years up and a fabulous choice for reluctant readers with a taste for adventure.

Dance, Bilby, Dance

Dance, Bilby, Dance by Tricia Oktober, author and illustrator (Ford Street Publishing) PB RRP $14.95 ISBN 9781925272147

Reviewed by Kate Saunders

Dance, Bilby, Dance by Tricia Oktober is a delightfully simple picture book, delivered effortlessly and very Australian in essence. 

Bilby wants to dance. He sees other wildlife -- the willy-willies and the moths --  twirling, whirling and pirouetting around him, and he wants to do the same. So, when Bilby catches sight of his shadow beneath him, he practises until he too can flutter like a leaf and prance like an emu. That is until his shadow becomes so big it changes into a bunyip!

Simple illustrations, smooth and perfect word choice, and cute characterisation make this book a pleasure to read, and even better to take outside and enjoy. This book teaches early learners that wildlife is there at one’s fingertips and that we can be one with it. It will absorb, educate and  provide an appealing, tangible freedom that extends beyond any virtual world.

This is a charming picture book for preschool children.

The Tree

The Tree by Neal Layton (Walker Books)

PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781406358216

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

It begins with a piece of land for sale. All that’s on the land is a tree. A couple arrive to build their home. They have a design of their house on hand and dreams of the outcome.

But unknown to the couple who must remove the tree to build the house, it is home to families: squirrels and owls and a burrow of rabbits. When the couple begin cutting, the families pour out of the tree in fear of their lives.

Distraught at what they’ve discovered, the couple cease their work. Is there a solution to be found? Can the needs of the animals that have made their home in the tree, and those of the humans be made compatible?

This is a fantastic picture book that reflects on how animals live in harmony; sharing their homes and natural surroundings. It’s a powerful message about humans being conscious of preserving and sharing nature with other living things in a way that accommodates them all.

This delightful picture book for the 3+ year age group has stunning illustrations in vibrant colours, and a strong environmental theme. It will surely initiate conversations at home and in early learning centres around its many important issues.

It’s a little baby

It’s a little baby by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Rebecca Cob (Pan Macmillan)

HC RRP $ 14.99

ISBN 9781447251811

Reviewed by Ramona Davey

A while back I reviewed What The Ladybird Heard Next by Julia Donaldson and loved it. So I jumped at the chance to review another book by this super author.

Julia Donaldson is a master at rhyme and It’s a little baby is another example of her talent. Each page of this board book starts with the words, “Somebody’s hiding. I wonder who.” The repeated phrase will fill the reader with anticipation and encourage them to make their own predictions.

They will have great fun lifting the flap to find a baby behind a pile of washing or hidden in the grass and see what they are doing. They may be waving, peeping or dancing for you. The rhyming text longs to be acted out.

Rebecca Cobb has illustrated the book in a wonderful child-like fashion with a soft and gentle colour palette using watercolour paints and pencil crayons. Apart from trying to find the baby, there are also lots of animals to spot and other little details typical of a toddler’s life.

This is the perfect book for toddlers who love to sing and dance.

If you want to find out how the tune goes for the song you can follow the directions on the back of the book.

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Laura Wood (Scholastic Australia)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76015-299-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It is a very hot day so all the animals decide to go to the beach in the big blue bus Wombat fixed up. The water is cool and everyone is having fun floating around on their inflatable toys until Echidna Jim jumps in.

Echidna Jim Went for a Swim is a light-hearted, fun tale which highlights the problems of having spikes. Jim is a clumsy echidna but his friends take it all in their stride, coming up with simple solutions to minimise the spikes’ damage.

The story is filled with vibrant, bustling words – ‘rattle, bounced, skidded, whoosh’ – all highlighted in the text. It is lovely to read aloud – The bumpy road wound round like a snake – with the occasional internal rhyme – There was a terrible fuss getting back on the bus. This picture book would pass the test of multiple readings easily.

The illustrations partner the text perfectly. They reveal the story of the spikes and the solutions. The Australian animals are drawn wonderfully, with their expressions and quirks. From Echidna Jim, to the koala who is always snapping photographs, to the dingo who is always ‘cool’, these animals retain their personalities throughout. Bright and always amusing, these pictures will delight young readers.

This hardback edition has heavy glossy pages, just right for long time wear and little fingers. Children from the age of three will enjoy this book.

The Big Fish

The Big Fish written and illustrated by Pamela Allen (Penguin/Viking) HB with slip cover RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780670078974

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

New Zealander Pamela Allen never seems to fail when it comes to producing an attractive and effective picture book for the younger reader. In this, her latest, she has a fisherman, his wife, two children and their dog setting off to a river to catch a fish. Dad casts off, but while singing a song about his wish to catch a fish, he suddenly finds something biting. It’s big, too. Almost falling in, he calls to his wife to help. Both almost fall in, and you’ve guessed it – one after another the two children try to help. However, the fish tugs them all in. Then they have to get out. Saved by the dog!

This is a circular story with musical language, much repetition, a happy ending, and a last page (and typical) Pamela Allen question for the young reader. It all seems so effortless, and makes for great reading and re-reading with the young reader perhaps joining in with the recurring song. Also appealing are Allen’s illustrations which use lots of pen and ink line work and bright colour and masses of white space. This gives the pages a clean and attractive look.

For more than thirty years, Allen’s picture books have enchanted generations of children around the world. They have garnered a glittering array of top awards and commendations in Australia, New Zealand and internationally. This book is no doubt going to be a classic, well-loved by children aged four and up all over the world.