Two for Two

These two sweet titles arrived in our mailbox not long ago.  In case you're wondering, the quickest way to my heart is a beautifully illustrated kids book.  Walker - you have my heart rn.

Dinosaur Day Out - Sara Acton

"Sally and Max love dinosaurs. They can’t wait to see them at the museum, but today the dinosaur exhibition is closed. Where will the dinosaurs go on their day off? A whimsical story with humour and heart from author and award-winning illustrator Sara Acton." - Walker Books Aus

This picture book is bound to have wide appeal.  The illustrations are absolutely beaut, with a gorgeous palette of colours and subtle detail.  The lively, bonny-cheeked children practically leap out of the page.  Such a sweet reminder of how little it really takes to make a kids happy (*hint* take them outside).  Dinosaur facts are gently delivered throughout the story, which is itself soft and simple, leaving plenty for the reader's imagination.  Thumbs up from us.

Available in stores September 1st.

Maddie's First Day - Penny Matthews & Liz Anelli

"First day of school, new experiences and making friends play centre stage for this book for the pre-school age." - Walker Books Aus

Another gorgeously illustrated text, with a splash of mixed media and so. much. detail.  New-to-school kids will relate to all of Maddie's feels and that tricky navigation of implicit school rules.  This would make a great shared book in a New Entrant classroom.  Lots of opportunity for discussing how we can encourage and be inclusive of each other.  If you have a child experiencing anxiety of any kind, Maddie's First Day would be a great title to share.

Available in stores September 1st.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing us these sweet books to review.

Walker Books - Educational Stories

The Day War Came - Nicola Davies & Rebecca Cobb

"A powerful and necessary picture book – the journey of a child forced to become a refugee when war destroys everything she has ever known." - Walker Books Aus

This story features a Syrian child who loses absolutely everything during the bombing of her city. She is forced to journey on her own to seek refuge.  The illustrations are absolutely stunning, right up there with the best I've seen.  Deceptively simple and totally evocative.  The poem is heartrending, truly capturing a sense of loss and trauma. 

I would venture to call this one a sophisticated picture book.  The subject matter is just too big for my little peops right now.  I love this as an addition to our collection, and look forward to sharing it with the kids when they're older - when I'm more prepared to answer questions that arise (starting with, what happened to the little girl's family?). 

Truly the most gorgeous book, and one I will be saving for just the right time.

Currently available.


The Happiness Box, a Wartime Book of Hope - Mark Greenwood & Andrew McLean

"With this picture book, award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life the inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure." - Walker Books Aus

Another war-themed story.  This time a historical account of Australian prisoners of war held in Changi Prison, Singapore.  The prisoners create a beautiful array of handmade toys, meant to be gifted to children in Changi.  One soldier produces a book, that later becomes a national treasure.  Beautifully told and illustrated, this is a lovely story about the strength of the human spirit.

Again though, I probably will leave this off our reading list for the time being.  While it's an interesting story, and undeniably beautiful, the pacifist in me is keen to hold off on war-centred stories for a wee while yet.

Available August 1st.


Backyard - Ananda Braxton-Smith & Lizzy Newcomb

"In Backyard, critically acclaimed Australian author Ananda Braxton-Smith and fine artist Lizzy Newcomb team up to present a lush, lyrical picture book about all the life that children can find in a suburban backyard." - Walker Books Aus

Not strictly educational, but a perfect read for nature enthusiasts.  Backyard features a beautiful and lyrical poem, packed with evocative poetic language. The illustrations nicely accompany the story.  While not delicate depictions, these paintings have depth and detail that suits the text.  Kids will love the rich vocabulary and dreamy imagery of Backyard.

Available August 1st.


Bonkers About Beetles - Owen Davey

"Owen Davey’s popular non-fiction series continues with a captivating and stunningly illustrated guide to these six-legged insects." - Walker Books Aus

Epic, stylized drawings and every fun fact you could hope for.  This book was designed for Garland.  The layout is clever, with an info-graphic feel.  There are tasks to complete as you go, perfect for putting your new knowledge to the test.  Flying Eye Books consistently produce clever and beautiful books.  Bonkers About Beetles has their trademark matte pages, textured cover, and awesome content.  The kind of book you could get lost in for hours.  A big win in our household.

Available August 1st.

All books kindly provided by Walker Books Aus.

Walker Books - Cosy Tales

We're Getting A Cat - Vivian French & Salvatore Rubbino

"Dad is terrified of mice and, after several sleepless nights, decides they should get a cat. They meet Kevin the cat in a rescue home – he's big and strong, and they're sure he'll catch all of the mice. But Kevin has other ideas…" - Walker Books UK

If you're thinking of getting a cat, or even if you have one already, this is a sweet little book about pet care.  With enough story to make it fun, and packed with details for taking care of your furry pal, this one's a keeper.  The book perfectly blends fiction and non-fiction.  It features a handy index and short bursts of factual info, side by side with the story of a family figuring out whether they can keep a non-mouse-catching cat. The illustrations are expressive and detailed, nicely balancing negative space.

Currently available in stores.


Want to Play Trucks? - Ann Stott & Bob Graham

"Jack likes trucks. Alex likes dolls. What will they play together? Their new favourite game, of course!" - Walker Books Aus

Bob Graham is fast becoming my ultimate favourite childrens illustrator.  He captures so much sweet detail.  Want to Play Trucks? features an illustrated back-story between the mothers of the two children, and it's seriously too great (and very relatable).  So many little details and a diverse range of side characters, this book is worth the pennies just for perusing the pictures.

That said, I also love the story.  Two best buds compare the qualities of their favourite toys (a big noisy truck vs. a glittery ballerina doll) and figure out how to adapt their game to suit everyones needs.  In the end the little boys figure out there is something they definitely have in common.

Available in paperback August 1st.


Maya & Cat - Caroline Magerl

"On a roof, as wet as a seal, as grey as a puddle, Cat was rumbling, a rumbly purr. What does Cat want most? Feather boas? Pretty pink shoelaces? A boatful of fish under a tiny tin sail – or perhaps something much more valuable? Affectionate and evocative, Maya and Catfollows a child’s kindly impulse to an unexpected conclusion." - Walker Books Aus

Maya & Cat is a pretty nice accompaniment to We're Getting a Cat (reviewed above), though this one is all fantasy.  The ink and watercolour illustrations are evocative (especially the wild, grey ocean and sweet little house boat < LOVE).  This is the ultimate cosy tale.  A story of courage and friendship, set in a wild and stormy cityscape.  Expressive and moody illustrations, gorgeous poetic language, and an ending that is just too sweet.

Available August 1st.


I am Little Fish!  A Finger Puppet Book - Lucy Cousins

"Dip, dive and swim along to the deep-sea rhyming story, with a colourful finger puppet and peek-a-boo holes on every page." - Walker Books Aus

I may not be the biggest Maisy fan, but the Little Fish stories are so popular with Wilco that I have been somewhat won over.  Cousins' illustration style will never be my favourite, but the bold, simple images DO appeal to our littlest.  There's loads of rich vocab, always welcome in a board book.  The addition of a finger puppet makes this one especially fun, too.

Available August 1st.

All books kindly provided by Walker Books

Walker Books - The Moral of the Story is...

Tropical Terry - Jarvis

"Terry wants to stand out. But, in Coral Reef City, it's sometimes better to blend in... Coral Reef City is home to the most dazzling shoals of tropical fish in ALL the ocean. And then there is Terry. Terry looks grey. Terry feels dull. And although he is the best at playing "Hide A Fish", he can't help but wonder: Just what would it feel like to be part of that dashing, flashing crew?"  - Walker Books AUS

Tropical Terry has pretty eye-catching, multi-media illustrations that immediately appealed to our kids.  Under the ocean adventures are always fun (big time Nemo & Sammy fans in our household).  I can't help but imagine how fun it would be to do some Jarvis/TropicalTerry-esque paintings with a classroom of kids...  

The story has equal vibrancy, as well as some light humour.  Terry learns an important lesson about friendship and loyalty.  Well suited to children finding it difficult to navigate childhood friendships (so, um, all children), and a good prep for those about to begin school.

Tropical Terry is due out 1st July

Ping vs Pong - Mauro Gatti

"A playful and visually engaging book about the joys of sport and team playing. In the end, it’s the taking part that counts!" - Walker Books Aus

Another story centred around friendship (two best friends taking the ping pong world by storm).  This time the emphasis is on good sportsmanship, and I must say I really love the message.  In Ping vs Pong, competition is friendly and fun.  Ping and Pong don't lose sight of their friendship but enjoy testing the limits of their sporting ability, whether together or in competition with each other.  How cool!

I love the quirky illustrations for this one.  Simple, punchy and expressive.

Ping vs Pong is due out 1st July

Spirit - Cherri Ryan & Christina Booth

"What happens when things don’t go the way you plan? Can you try and try again? Spirit is a beautiful picture book about hope." - Walker Books Aus

An allegorical story about perseverance, endurance and hope.  On the surface this is a relatively simple story about a girl and her toy boat, but conveys a lovely message about the resilience of the human spirit.  Spirit has a dreamy quality, with evocative illustrations and simple, undemanding text that leaves the message in plain sight.  This book would make a nice gift for an adult visiting on hard times.  It also serves to encourage little ones in finding their inner courage and confidence.  Very sweet.

Spirit is due out 1st July

Walker Books Lucky Dip pt. 2

Julian is a Mermaid - Jessica Love

"A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.  Mesmerizing and full of heart, this is a picture book about self-confidence and love, and a radiant celebration of individuality." - Walker Books Aus

Ding ding ding, this is a com.plete winner.  I couldn't possibly love it more.  The illustrations are stunning. The colours are luminous, the characterisations (via illustration) are perfect. I wanted to crawl into Julian's world and see it all for myself.   There's a sprinkle of magic and careful detail that makes each page a treasure to uncover.  The fabric patterns for instance?!  Oh.Em.Gee.  So good.  Best of all, this story celebrates childhood and imagination, completely free of gender conformity.  🙌🙌🙌

Due out June 1st

The Penguins Are Coming! - Meg McKinlay & Mark Jackson

"What's a penguin? Award-winning picture book creators Meg McKinlay and Mark Jackson explain all in this hilarious picture book." - Walker Books Aus

Fun and light-hearted.  Perfect for fans of the Penguins of Madagascar, The Penguins Are Coming! features exuberant illustrations and a cute and quirky story.  My kids love searching out the details in each image and correcting the assumptions of all the animals.  It's a cute way to present some penguin-y facts by first asserting some wild ideas, before Expert Zookeeper sets everyone straight.  Popular in our house.

Due out June 1st

Waves - Donna Rawlins, Heather Potter and Mark Jackson

"Every journey is perilous, every situation heartbreaking. Every refugee is a person forced by famine or war or fear to leave their home, their families, their friends and all they know. Children have travelled on the waves of migration to the shores of Australia for tens of thousands of years. This book tells some of their stories. Waves is a narrative non-fiction book about the waves of migration to the shores of Australia." - Walker Books Aus

Waves is beautifully written, with equally stunning illustrations.  The cover alone is worthy of framing!  While each story is stand-alone, the characters are connected by their hopes, fears and losses. There are also historical summaries found in the back of the book.   Waves is a must have for school libraries and sure to become an award winner. 

I feel somewhat conflicted about when  I will share this with my kids.  On one hand I always try to teach them to be socially conscious, and what better way than sharing stories such as these?  On the other hand, some of the stories are so sad and will raise many questions.  I think Eleanor is probably ready.  Garland not so much.

Due out June 1st.

Walker Books Lucky Dip pt. 1

Dingo - Claire Saxby & Tannya Harricks

"The night is young and there is hunting to be done. An exciting new addition to the narrative non-fiction series Nature Storybooks, about dingoes." - Walker Books Aus

This new instalment in the Nature Storybooks series is a beauty.  I'm already a big fan of the series, as are the small ones.  Broad brushstrokes and a soft-hued colour palette make for evocative imagery and Saxby's story telling is on point.  Short and sweet sentences, as beautiful as they are concise.  Coupled with plenty of informative tidbits, this non-fiction title is ideal for nature lovers.  If you haven't come across this series yet, Dingo is a fun place to start.

In stores now.


Dig, Dump, Roll - Sally Sutton & Brian Lovelock

"Guess what kind of truck is at work in this interactive book by the bestselling creators of Roadworks." - Walker Books Aus

This one title was very popular with the youngest lad who has joined the legions of kiddos fascinated with vehicles.  Dig, Dump, Roll continues a running series by this pair and is likely to have a broad appeal - there's just something about construction vehicles!  Our three love guessing what will come next, as entertained when they are caught out as when they get it right.  The illustrations are fun for this one too!

In stores now.


Maisy Goes to a Wedding - Lucy Cousins

"Maisy is going to her very first wedding! See the ceremony and exchange of rings, then join in for dancing, food and wedding cake!" - Walker Books Aus

Okay, so Maisy books aren't my total fave and we are now amassing quite a collection (they are perfect road trip books though, for some reason).  While the style may not be totally to my taste, I appreciate the fun themes and my kids do dip into them fairly often.  There's little else to say, really.  If you love Maisy, you'll enjoy a new installation.  If you're not a huge fan, this somewhat heteronormative depiction of a wedding is unlikely to change your opinion.  Probably.

Paperback out June 1st.

Bird Books for Bubs

We arrived home from our trip away to find these three new titles, all featuring feathery friends.  Perfect.  Birds are my total fave.  In order of most enjoyed:

Bird Builds a Nest - Martin Jenkens & Richard Jones

"This beautiful picture book is the perfect introduction to forces and the concept of pushing and pulling, and is the third in the new Science Story Book series from Walker Books." - Walker Books Aus

This one is MADE for the early classroom which always tends to make books popular with me.  On the surface, the simple story of a bird, doing it's birdy thang.  Simultaneously a child-geared explanation of how forces work, applied to the ways in a which a bird employs them.  Very cool.  The book finishes with a simple science experiment, again lending itself perfectly to the classroom.  Featuring lovely illustrations with a timeless, retro feel.


Bird to Bird - Claire Saxby & Wayne Harris

"Claire Saxby and Wayne Harris have crafted a gentle story of nature, history, recycling and art." - Walker Books Aus

Bird to Bird glimpses into history as it details the lifespan of a tree, from seed (carried by bird), to furniture, to whittled bird toy.  I liked that Bird to Bird is grounded in a historical context.  The particular slice of history that it points towards is early Australian colonialism and the shipping of convicts to Aussie soil.  Prob not an area that especially interests me so I would likely pass on this one, but the concept is rock solid and sweetly executed.  The illustrations give additional details that will be interesting to littlies.  This one could easily be worked into an Australian history unit, with reference to how wood was recycled to suit different needs.

Splish, Splash, Ducky!  - Lucy Cousins

"A colourful, rhyming book showing the joys of a rainy day." - Walker Books Aus

This is definitely a pure entertainment, no 'secret learning' kinda book (as opposed to Science & History, above ^).  Filled with rhymes and onomatopoeia and playful silliness.  Toddlers will love and parents *may* tire of (speaking for self).  Best time to read this book?  Post rainy walk with puddle jumping.  After a warming bath and once snuggly pjs are donned.  Bubbas will love identifying all the different creatures that ducky befriends.  Dads will enjoy a story where the Papa is the go-to parent.

A Lion is a Lion

A Lion is a Lion - Polly Dunbar

"All lions are fierce, right? Well, maybe, just maybe, this Lion – so well dressed and polite and charming – isn't too fierce for you..."

This one reads as somewhat of a cautionary tale, if you're willing to peel back a layer or two.  The story of a polite, sociable lion who is not all that he seems.  I love that the children vocalise their boundaries.  This is a great message for kids and will lead easily into a 'stop means stop' conversation.  A Lion is a Lion is STILL very much a kids story, despite the hidden(ish) message, and the illustrations are on point.  A worthy addition to a storybook collection.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books.

What's Your Favourite Colour?

What's Your Favourite Colour? - Eric Carle and Friends

"Eric Carle asks, "What's your favourite colour?" and fifteen of today's finest illustrators respond with great humour and style."

Oh man, I wish I'd had this book last term.  How perfectly it will tie in to a junior school Picasso unit I've been using!  The book provides a perfect exemplar for colour associations and moods.  It simultaneously displays a range of different illustrations styles, many of which would perfectly launch into a follow-up art activity.  What's Your Favourite Colour? is an ideal primary school resource, whether you're a home based teacher or in a school classroom.  Finish your colour unit by creating a classroom book with students own illustrations and words.  #boom.  I'm in planning mode already x

Review copy kindly provided by Walker.  Due out Feb 1st.

Three Cheers for Women!

Three Cheers for Women! - Marcia Williams

"Featuring Cleopatra, Boudicca, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, Mary Wollstonecraft, Jane Austen, Florence Nightingale, Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, Wangari Maathai, Mae C. Jemison, Cathy Freeman and Malala, and packed with facts, quotes and jokes."

I couldn’t find a MORE perfect book for my lil’ budding feminists.  For starters, badass chicks!  Throughout history!  Including a vast array of nasty women I’ve never even heard of - yep, some dual educating happening ova here.  For seconds, my kids are still waaaay into anything in comic-strip format.  Even my little not-yet-reader is transfixed by these pages and all their little details.  #win.  For thirds, some of my all-time faves are featured, including the queen of my heart, Jane Austen.  Since my kids are destined to be rabid Jane fans themselves, there could be no better way to start the conditioning nice and early…  

Loving this new addition to our home library, but I can very easily see myself using this to launch study topics in the classroom.  A valuable and fun resource, fo sure.

- Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Skip to the Loo, My Darling!

Skip to the Loo, My Darling! - Sally Lloyd-Jones & Anita Jeram

"Sally Lloyd-Jones riotous, rhythmic words and Anita Jeram s fresh, bold pictures make this one of the most charming and energetic invitations to potty trainees in ages!"

Is it terrible if I admit that Guess How Much I Love You just is not my favourite book to read the kids?  Like.  Really not. It is of course, a very sweet idea, and gorgeously illustrated.  Despite the pluses, I was so-so about reviewing the newest baord book by the same author/illustrator combo.  But. I. LOVE. it.

Straight off the bat, the illustrations are fricken adorable.  Like, I’m ready to go and adopt a bunch of animals (if only they pranced in the same endearing way as these critters), and instigate a potty party!  I mean, it can only end in the same adorable way, right?? (With a hedgehog carrying a potty on his head - basically).

If you’re little one is toilet training and/or intrigued/amused by the word ‘poo’, this book is your new favourite.  Time for a potty party, anyone?

- Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Home in the Rain

Home in the Rain - Bob Graham

"The extraordinary touches a seemingly ordinary moment of family life, in this tender, heart-warming story from the award-winning Bob Graham."

Before bringing us The Poesy Ring, Bob Graham created Home in the Rain (amongst other, undiscovered by me titles).  It's a beautiful book, and worthy winner of the CBCA Picture Book of the Year (2017.)  Home in the Rain depicts the simple joys found in the everyday.  Francie and her Mum are returning home from Grandma's, navigating the motorway in the pouring rain.  They pull over for a picnic, stop to collect more petrol, and discuss what they might name Francie's soon-to-be sister.  The illustrations create an evocative, dreamy atmosphere, to complement the tender moments between mother and kiddo.  It had me yearning for rainy day adventures, and mentally reminding myself that every day is an adventure, especially when you're little.

Love love loved this book.  Absolute favourite.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Little Dog and the Summer Holiday

Little Dog and the Summer Holiday - Corinne Fenton and Robin Cowcher

"A charming and nostalgic story about a much-loved Little Dog and his family."

Eeeeeep!  I hope Walker maintains this tradition of a new Down-under Summer title each year (last year's When We Go Camping is still a favourite).  This one features an a nostalgic Aussie caravaning holiday - how sweet! 

Set in the 50s, a little family and their dog drive from Melbourne to Sydney, to sample all of Sydney's highlights.  Such a perfect little story, simple and energetic, both.  The illustrations are languid, with a hazy summer feel and enough captivating detail to make you linger on each page.  Little Dog and the Summer Holiday captured us completely.

I'm eager to track down the predecessor, Little Dog and the Christmas Wish (for the Christmas book collection).  This one is already a firm favourite!

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: ABC Pop-up

ABC Pop-Up  - Courtney Watson McCarthy

"Whether you’re a young child or a design connoisseur, the clever associations in this diminutive pop-up will charm you in a big way."

Okay so I requested this book based on it's having 'pop-up' in the title.  Who isn't still caught by the magic of pop out pages?!  I was delighted when it arrived.  More than just a pop-up book.  Something clever and beautiful and wholly unexpected.  The pop-ups have intricacies and their own type of magic (a windmill that spins, and swing that... swings).  A selective colour palette, a balance of simple with more complex (the umbrella compared to the x-ray).  And that was just my first glance.  When I revisited the book I discovered more cleverness hidden in the pages that featured more than one letter (all embossed on the card so you need to hunt for them) - so great!

Perfect for any age reader who still looks for magic and loves pretty design.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: We're Going on a Bear Hunt // Snowglobe Gift Book

We're Going on a Bear Hunt // Snowglobe Gift Book - Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

"Gorgeous gift edition of the classic join in story by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Shake up a snowstorm with this perfect gift for brave hunters and bear-lovers everywhere!"

If you were planning to gift a copy of We're Going on a Bear Hunt this Christmas, stop the press!  Walker have just produced the snowglobe edition.  Whaaaaaa!  So cool!  Just like the original, but better.  Because snowglobes are the best, and very Christmassy too, and Christmas is the best, too.  Um, where was I?

A word on the cover (bc I know you all KNOW the sweet story inside, not to mention THOSE illustrations).  It's about a cm thicker than usual, to accommodate the snowglobe.  That's just to say, this isn't just a phoned in snowglobe (the picture above doesn't convey the product at all).  It's everything you could wish a snowglobe-book-cover to be.  The snow itself is created by styrofoam balls .  Genius.  Because not only do they move in a perfectly snowy way, they are a size match for the illustrated snow on the cover picture. Perf.

You probably need to see it for yourself to know that this is definitely your next baby shower gift choice.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: Hugo Makes a Change

Hugo Makes a Change - Mauro Gatti & Scott Emmons

"Huge the vampire craves red, juicy meat for every meal! But when his eating habits leave him feeling sluggish and bored, he goes on the prowl for something new..."

This is vividly illustrated title will especially appeal to families interested in more of a plant-based diet.  Hugo the vampire decides that too much meat is slowing him down.  He discovers balance, loads of fruit and veges to go with his fave hamburger.  It's a simple concept and well executed.  The rhyme is tightly written and the illustrations are bold and fun.  Who knew vampires could be cute?

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse

The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse - Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

"They may have been swallowed, but they have no intention of being eaten... A new comedy from the unparalleled team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen."

Any collab between Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is obviously gonna be quirky.  This title is no exception.  There's a slightly different flavour to this one.  It has the feel of a fable, or fairytale reimagining.  It's delightfully surprise-filled.  Twists and turns abound.  The illustrations are more cluttered than others by Klassen.  Admittedly, these are not my favourite of his, but I was smitten with the wolf stomach interior settings.  Sounds weird, but that's half the charm!  We will always be up for anything produced by these two.  If you feel the same, The Wolf, The Duck & the Mouse is a guaranteed bedtime fave.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: The Poesy Ring

The Poesy Ring - Bob Graham

"The poesy ring flew high, caught by the wind. And with the breeze in its tail, the horse turned and galloped. The ring tumbled end over end, and settled deep in a meadow over the sea..."

If you think that cover is beautiful, you'll be pleased to know that the interior matches.  Like Gary, The Poesy Ring features soft colours and un-fussy detail.  The finishing scenes in the snowy city are so, so perfect (and Christmassy, without being Christmassy).  The sweeping arc of the story (it begins in County Kerry, 1830 and finishes in New York, 1667) lends magic, turning The Poesy Ring into somewhat of a modern fairytale.  Whimsical and poetic, this one will appeal to the romantics.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: Gary

Gary - Leila Rudge

"Any bird can find adventure. Even Gary."

There are so many reasons why I love Gary.  For starters, the multi-media illustrations are lovely.  Pencil with water colour and a little collage.  Warm, gentle hues and busyness without being busy, if you know what I mean..

I also love Gary because he's a pigeon called Gary, and that's the best.

Mostly though, I love Gary because Gary's journey gives me (a wanderlust-ing travel-phobe) hope.  Allllll the pigeons are off flying and exploring and seeing the pretty sights.  Gary is trapped by his inability to fly, and so instead he scrapbooks and dreams.  That is ME, friends.  Gary's story is so helpful.  Eventually he does find a way to travel.  All his scrapbooking and dreaming have set him up with a tool kit that strengthens him as he faces the scary unknown.  LOVE.

Gary is an inspirational book for anyone seeking to overcome limitations.  Winner.

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books.

A Walker Christmas List pt. 2

Am I premature in posting Christmas book/gift recommendations?  I mean, 80% of my presents are organised, but I'm thinking I might not be with the majority on this 😂😂.  Well bear with me, and save these suggestions for when you are ready.  Next month, Christmas Eve, whatevs.

Merry Christmas, Mary Christmas! - Laurie Friedman & Kathryn Durst

"Mary Christmas wants to love Christmas, but she doesn't love her family's over-the-top celebration. The tree sticks through the roof--it's too big! The lights suck all the power--there are too many!"

As long time readers will know, we are one of those families that love to add a Christmas book to our collection each year.  We gift ours to the kids on Christmas Eve and enjoy cups of hot chocolate while we share it.  It's our favourite.  This year we'll add Merry Christmas, Mary Christmas! to our collection, yuss! 

This title is a little different to others we have.  Truth be told, I might not have ordered it from book depository based on the cover image alone, which makes me super glad to have been sent a copy (I am SO grateful for this confounding privilege!).  What I do love about the illustrations is that they are crammed with Christmassy details, a recipe for utter happiness.  What I don't love about the illustrations is the colour palette and the too-wide mouths of the characters (reminds me of that facebook messanger filter that I use to scare my sisters).

Illustrations aside (and they've grown on me), I so appreciate the story.  I'm glad that my kids will read this message and mull it over.  What the kiddos don't realise yet is that I'm downscaling our present pile this year (hence 80% organised 😀), so this book should set things up nicely #evilgrin.

Due November 1st RRP $27.99

The Princess in Black / Three Smashing Adventures - Shannon Hale, Dean Hale & LeUyen Pham

Who says princesses can’t wear black? This instant collection of the first three adventures in the New York Times best-selling series makes a perfect gift.

Ever since this Princess in Black book hit our mailbox, the kids have been obSESSED!  They were over the moon when this wee set arrived.  Containing the first three stories (and a cute sheet of stickers), this box set is such a sweet gift for a young reader.  The stories are short in length and feature a larger font, with loads of pictures.  They would perfectly suit a reader moving into chapter books for the first time.  That said, Garland isn't reading and LOVES them, and Eleanor reads at an 11yo level and LOVES them.  So, no boundaries, peops!  These are winners!

The Princess in Black stories have a fun cast of characters, humour, and gorgeous, exuberant illustrations.  The packaging is SO nice, dem shiny covers and page borders.  Little details that lift these above the rest.  And if you need to save a little money this year, split the box set amongst three young peops!  Ten bucks a pop for luxe, quality books ---> bam.

Due November 1st RRP $29.99

Cinderella - Jane Ray

"The story of Cinderella told through six beautifully illustrated 3D peep-through tableaux."

Oh.  Melt.  This is such a beautiful little book, and definitely worthy of under-the-tree status.  I'm basically obsessed with pop-up books (um, who isn't?!).  This one brings all the magic, with peep-through dioramas featuring intricate details.  This small book (with delightful gold foil details on the cover) will fit neatly into a stocking.  So precious.

Out now RRP $32.99

The Amazing Animal Atlas - Dr Nick Crumpton & Gaia Bordicchia

"There was never an atlas as astounding, as absorbing, as astronomical, as attractive as The Amazing Animal Atlas!"

Well, this one won't fit in a stocking!  Definitely the perfect gift for any animal lover.  This one is filled with animal info, covering animals from every continent.  There are additional extras such as 'The Tree of Life' (so cool!) and a chapter on Animals in Crisis, as well as some practical ideals for how we can help make our planet healthy.  There's a handy index at the back to help you keep track of all your faves, too!

While I traditionally favour paint or pencil illustrations, I enjoyed these digital renderings.  There's a fineness to the detail, perfect composition and soft, pleasing colour choices.  The book feels 'science-y' and a little artsy at the same time.  The cover is especially well done, with silver foil details and a classic yet modern design. 

Best of all, the book itself is made using 100% eco friendly methods.  Sweet!

Due November 1st $44.99