Sidney of Sydney
Picture books based on true stories often spark curiosity, inspire further exploration and are a gateway to rich discussions. One perfect example of this is the charming tale, Sidney of Sydney by Sue Whiting, illustrated by Liz Anelli and published by Walker Books. Some young readers may see themselves in Sidney, a penguin with an […]
The Last Egg
Title: The Last Egg Author: Sofie Laguna Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: June 3, 2025 Themes: Birds, parenting, trust, resilience, love, courage, commitment, honour, dragons, discovery, community Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the Allen and Unwin website here The Last Egg by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft and published by Allen and […]
One Day
One Day by esteemed, award winning creators Shirley Marr and Michael Speechley, published by Walker Books, is a stunning, multilayered picture book. From the moment you open the front cover this book is an experience with its inventive design; uplifting, wise, exquisite prose about embracing opportunities and possibilities and rich visual storytelling with such clever, […]
Tomato Sandwich
Caroline Magerl is a master at transporting the reader into the pages of her stories, pulling the readers heart into the worlds of whimsy, magic and joy that she so sublimely creates. Tomato Sandwich, a wordless picture book by Caroline Magerl and published by Walker Books, is one that you can’t help but read with […]
Patience . . . (A Slow Down Book): Discover How the Best Things in Life Take Time
Patience . . . (A Slow Down Book): Discover How the Best Things in Life Take Time written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Leonie Lord is a stunning book that explores time and place by sharing in a visually driven and engaging way life cycles of plants, animals and people. The layout of the […]
Top 17 Picture Books of 2024
The following books are my favourite picture books of 2024. I shared all of these memorable titles with various classes in library lessons. Each book captivated the children and led to fascinating conversations. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Garden of Broken Things
The Garden of Broken Things invites the reader on a journey with Sadie; a journey of discovery, life, loss, the past, history. A journey sparked by insatiable curiosity, freedom and the innocence of a young girl, open minded and with a keen desire to connect and share without fear and judgement. This journey is evocatively […]