The Happiest Boy on Earth

The Happiest Boy on Earth by Eddie Jaku and illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom, a picture book for readers 8+ is based on Eddie Jaku’s international bestseller, The Happiest Man on Earth. In this story, Eddie sensitively shares with his great grandchildren stories about his life, turning points, events and experiences that shaped the man he […]

Farmhouse

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall is an exquisite book that transports the reader back in time to a farmhouse that was built in the 1850s, however was home to the Swantak family in the 1930s and 40s. This is a beautiful tribute to the past, a celebration of family history and the power of stories. The […]

One Tree

One Tree by Christopher Cheng and illustrated by Bruce Whatley is an outstanding book about the power of one as well as the beauty, joy and memories that can be enjoyed in nature. This story highlights that one nurturing act can have such a tremendous ripple effect. One caring action may be far reaching and […]

How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five

Title: How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five Author:  Carla Fitzgerald Publisher:  University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 2 August 2022 Themes: Action, courage, democracy, friendship, resilience, sisters, Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five by Carla […]

Read Aloud Books for Children in Middle Primary School (Years 3 and 4)

The following books are ones I have read aloud to my children and some of our favourites from the past two years. This collection is by no means exhaustive. As always please read the books yourself to assess suitability for the children you intend to share the book with. The personal experiences and histories of […]

Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The Day?

Title: Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The Day? Author: Ellie Royce Illustrator: Mardi Davies Publisher: We Are All Made of Stories Publication date: June 21, 2022 Themes: Family, friendship and community This review is part of a Books on Tour campaign Avery’s Hat-tastic Adventures Book 1: How Does A Hat Save The […]

Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

Title: Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins Author: Sophie Cunningham Illustrator: Anil Tortop Publisher: Allen & Unwin Imprint: Albert Street Books Publication date: 16 August, 2022 RRP: $19.99(AUD) Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins is the second collaboration between […]

Egg

Title: Egg Author:  Clare Atkins Illustrator: Harrison Vial Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 2 August 2022 Themes: Belonging,  refugees, xenophobia, discrimination, fear of the unknown, kindness, acceptance and climate change Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here Egg by Clare Atkins and illustrated by Harrison Vial is […]

Guardians (Wylah the Koorie Warrior, Book 1)

Title: Guardians (Wylah the Koorie Warrior, Book 1) Authors: Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard Illustrator: Richard Pritchard Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publication date: 31 May, 2022 RRP: $15.99 (AUD) A Study Guide can be accessed here Guardians is the first book in the Wylah the Koorie Warrior series co-authored by Jordan Gould an Indigenous Australian […]

Wild Bush Days

Title: Wild Bush Days Author: Penny Harrison Illustrator: Virginia Gray Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: August 2022 Wild Bush Days by Penny Harrison and illustrated by Virginia Gray is a picture book about the power of story, imagination and possibilities and how these drive two young girls to set out on a quest to explore […]