Dog Stayed
Author, Tammy Forster and illustrator, Margeaux Davis in their heart-warming picture book, Dog Stayed, published by Allen and Unwin, explore love, loss, grief and the transformative power of connection. The reader is introduced to Mr Hindbottom and quickly learns his likes and dislikes. He is a homebody, but when venturing out, seems gruff as he […]
The Boy and the Dog Tree
The Boy and The Dog Tree by Fiona Wood and published by University of Queensland Press, is a tender exploration of friendship, offering moving insights into both the joy of giving friendship and the courage required to receive it. This is a story where magic and realism collide, unbreakable bonds are formed and readers are […]
The Prime Minister Problem
At the heart of The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen and published by Riveted Press, lies a simple, but profound truth, meaningful change often begins with the quietest voice and the biggest heart. In this story, Wren’s determination fuelled by his love for his grandma becomes the spark that transforms his entire community. This […]
Powerful Like a Dragon
Powerful Like a Dragon masterfully written by Christopher Cheng and vividly brought to life through Jacqueline Tam’s breathtaking illustrations, draws from the author’s own personal family history. This powerful non-fiction narrative is set during the imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. It follows a young boy, Shu Lok, who embodies kindness, discipline, resilience, […]
Over or Under?
Over or Under? from acclaimed author Pip Harry and award-winning illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper is a book I am excited to explore at the beginning of the school year in library classes. It’s themes relating to courage, resilience and not giving up when learning a new skill, believing in yourself and beach safety serve as […]
Small Acts
Themes relating to true friendship, kindness, vulnerability, courage and finding your place, plus four inspiring autistic characters that are relatable and make a difference combine to make Small Acts by Kate Gordon and Kate Foster, an engrossing and powerful story. This book gifts readers an insight into the varied ways autism may present and the […]
Summer of Shipwrecks
Title: Summer of Shipwrecks Author: Shivaun Plozza Publisher: University of Queensland Press Publication date: September 3, 2024 Themes: Friendship, change, integrity, courage, adventure, coming of age, divorce, shipwrecks Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here Summer of Shipwrecks by Shivaun Plozza and published by University of Queensland Press explores with […]
Huda Was Here
Title: Huda Was Here Author: H Hayeck Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: April 2023 Brother and sister, Huda and Akeal, return in the stand-alone sequel, Huda Was Here by H Hayeck and published by Allen and Unwin. The siblings are bolder with their calculated plans full of mischief, mayhem and courage. This story sees Huda hatch […]
Timeless
Timeless by Kelly Canby and published by Fremantle Press, the 2024 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, cleverly explores the concept of time through the eyes of a curious, young child, Emit (time spelt backwards). He reflects on the concept of time, how it is elusive, how it appears that there is never enough and […]
Every Night At Midnight
This is a tender story about Felix who feels he does not fit in at school and has a unique secret, the actions he takes because of this, the loneliness and isolation he experiences, his two very different identities and finding his tribe, or pack, in Felix’s case in the most unlikely way. Every Night […]