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, […]
One Koala, One Hundred Trees
One Koala, One Hundred Trees by Leesa Allinson, illustrated by Heather Potter and Mark Jackson and published by Wild Dog Books is a hopeful story about a curious young girl determined to make a difference and make her family’s rural property safer for koalas. Identifying a problem and wanting to help a situation demands creative […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 Concrete Garden
Written during COVID times with clues in the illustrations to reflect this, The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham, celebrates the profound ripple effect one child’s creative actions can have on their community and further afield. After being inside for an extended period, an apartment block filled with children from diverse backgrounds, comes to life as […]
Three Dresses
Title: Three Dresses Author and illustrator: Wanda Gibson Publisher: University of Queensland Press (UQP) Publication date: April 2024 Themes: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs and beliefs, impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, surviving colonisation and Protection Acts, life on Aboriginal missions, identity and belonging, connection to Country Comprehensive teachers’ notes which include numerous […]
Top 15 Picture Books of 2023
The following books are some of my favourite picture book reads of 2023. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog (some titles I still have to write a review for and will update this post to ensure all books included […]
Grandma’s First Tattoo
Grandma’s First Tattoo by award winning duo Phillip Gwynne and illustrated by Tony Flowers is a rollicking tale that will delight both young and old readers. This story is full of heart, humour and is a beautiful celebration of diversity and the power of story told in the form of a tattoo. This book begins […]