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 […]
Huda and Me
Huda and Me by H Hayeck and published by Allen and Unwin follows siblings Huda and Akeal on an action-packed adventure as they escape their nefarious, deceitful babysitter, Aunt Amel, in their home in Melbourne to travel to Beirut to reunite with their parents. This story is perfect for upper primary readers and explores identity, […]
Then and Now
Powerful, thought provoking and shared through the lens of the commonalities we all share rather than the differences, Then and Now by Datsun Tran and published by Slingshot books is a personal story that humanises the refugee experience. This is a unique book, one where the sparse text and evocative illustrations imbued with symbolism, highlight […]
Tayta’s Secret Ingredient
Title: Tayta’s Secret Ingredient Author: Amal Abou-Eid Illustrator: Cara King Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: March 2024 Themes: Diversity, Harmony Day, intergenerational family bonds, Lebanese culture, baking. Teachers’ notes are available on the MidnightSun Publishing website here. Tayta’s Secret Ingredient by Amal Abou-Eid, illustrated by Cara King and published by MidnightSun Publishing is a gentle and heart-warming […]
Scout and the Rescue Dogs
Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer with illustrations by Tony Flowers is oozing with community spirit in the face of adversity, layered, authentic and endearing characters, a glimpse into the world of community outreach by truckies and gorgeous dogs needing to find their forever homes. This story seamlessly weaves together in a riveting […]
Mizuto and the Wind
Title: Mizuto and the Wind Author: Kaye Baillie Illustrator: Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: June 2023 Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie, illustrated by Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki and published by MidnightSun Publishing is a moving and powerful story that tenderly explores the forces of nature, family connection, the power of imagination and glimmers of hope that […]
Stay for Dinner
Stay for Dinner written by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira and published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing is the third collaboration between this highly creative duo who continue to create such engaging books that celebrate difference and cultural diversity. Their stunning books empower, include and validate the way children see themselves and are greatly […]
Amma’s Sari
Amma’s Sari written by Sandhya Parappukkaran and illustrated by Michelle Pereira is the second collaboration by these two very talented creators who also produced the multi award-winning book, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, a CBCA 2022 Notable and also shortlisted for the CBCA 2022 Award for New Illustrator. Amma’s Sari is a […]