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 - 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 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.

Board books by Bixley

A Day at the Beach & A Day at the Zoo - Donovan Bixley

"Learning animal names in English and te reo Maori is fun and interactive with this vibrant board book from award-winning illustrator Donovan Bixley."

We were so grateful to receive these two little beauties by Donovan Bixley.  He's become a fast favourite round here.  No exaggeration, Wilco and his cousin will come to blows over Things That Go.  A Day at the Beach and A Day at the Zoo are gorgeous little board books, the perfect blend of educational and entertaining.  The kupu in A Day at the Beach is especially relevant this season, and we're slowly adding them to our daily conversations.  A Day at the Zoo offers a range of animal names, many of which are new to us.  Both books feature a two page illustration including each of the different items, perfect for practicing newly acquired kupu. 

Super sweet little board books for little kiwis.  A Day at the Beach and A Day at the Zoo are due for release at the end of this month so keep an eye out!

Review copy kindly provided by Hachette

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

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 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 :: The Very Noisy Baby

The Very Noisy Baby - Alison Lester

"Here is the story of a very noisy baby.

She could bellow like a buffalo

And roar like a lion

And howl like a wolf for a very long time."

We are absolute Alison Lester fans, so this one was a safe bet for us.  #notwrong.  Lester has the sweetest illustrations to pair with her way cute stories.  I'm in LOVE with the colour palette Lester uses, as per.  How utterly sweet is that cover??!

The Very Noisy Baby is ideal for sharing with babies and toddlers.  It has a simple, repetitive story and clean, uncluttered illustrations.  The story gives ample opportunity for making animal sounds which, correct me if I'm wrong, babies lurrrrve.  With the exception of mooing, in Wilco's case, #definiteno.  Definitely a very sweet edition to the baby book collection 😍

Book Review :: Gecko

Gecko - Raymond Huber and Brian Lovelock

"Discover Gecko - the escape artist of the lizard world!"

Instalment #2 in Walkers Nature Storybook series is a goodie.  This time penned and painted by two kiwis, Gecko is relevant.  In the same format as Koala, Gecko tells a story and supplements it with pertinent (and interesting facts).  I dig this.  As a teacher I would happily add this to a library corner as a research tool, and as a parent it makes a nice bedtime story - with or without the additional factoids.  Older kids will enjoy the excuse to dip into a picture book again too, because 'research'.

The illustrations are perfect for this one.  If you're looking for an art activity for your kid or your class, the pages of Gecko would make a good starting point.  Actually, I'm totally gonna save this idea.  #yuss.

Gecko is due out in a couple of days.  Thanks to Walker Books for sending us this review copy :-)

Book Review :: Curiosity

Curiosity - Markus Motum

"A stylishly illustrated non-fiction book about the search for life on Mars, told from the unique perspective of NASA's Mars rover, Curiosity."

Urgh!  This book is so great!  Science-y goodness for our little info-sponges.  Filled with details and diagrams describing how and why this little machine ended up on Mars, totally perfect for feeding curious minds.  The illustrations in Curiosity deserve far more than a passing mention, too.  They are lovely! Just look at that pretty cover!

The rover, Curiosity, narrates the story of his ascent to Mars.  I almost feel sorry for the little machine, all alone up there, until I recall that Curiosity is still juuuuust a robot #okaywhew (but she has her own twitter account, so I mean...).  I'm glad Motum uses this devise - it gives the story some heart, to complement all that information.

This is super pretty book is available form Oct 1st so keep ya eye out x

Review copy provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: I Can't Sleep

I Can't Sleep! - Stephanie Blake

"Simon’s little brother can’t sleep without his special blanket. In this new book with the bestselling rabbit, Simon needs to show how brave he can be."

Simon is back, with his little bro this time.  A relatable tale (because losing those special items #shudder), with a certain sweetness in Simon's care and protectiveness of his little brother.  Truth be told, I didn't really feel the love for this one.  Initially this series felt light-hearted and funny.  To a degree I still find them funny, but overall I'm not drawn to them anymore.  Simon has grown up a lot (yay!), but now it's his little brother's turn to display behaviours I don't dig.  #sigh.  Simon fans will find the instalment more or less on par with the others.  If you haven't fallen out of love with Simon and co. you should enjoy it.

Book Review :: I Want to Be in a Scary Story

I Want to Be in a Scary Story - Sean Taylor & Jean Jullien

"The stellar duo behind Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise reunites to create a book that will have children (and their parents!) roaring with laughter once again."

Okay, admission.  I super duper thought this one would not be for me.  I'm so influenced (maybe too much, I guess) by illustration style, and didn't feel drawn to this cover.  I quickly flicked through and thought, "yeah, nah."  So imagine my surprise when I sat down to read it and found it HILARIOUS!  And not just because the story is funny (it is), but because of the perfect match between story and images.  I'm so sold.  To me this has a little of a I Am The Wolf And Here I Come flavour - deceptively simple illustrations with cheeky, unexpected comedy.  That one is an enduring fave, and I suspect this one will be too.  I Want to Be in a Scary Story is likely to get funnier with each reread, as you figure out the best timing and delivery for each joke.  I think Klassen fans will enjoy.  Just fyi, literal lols while reading this.  See for yourself, and judge me if you will...

Review copy kindly provided by Walker Books

Book Review :: Two little Australians

A few educational Aussie books in this last batch from Walker!  These will especially resonate with young Australian kiddos, but our little kiwis are definitely big fans.

Koala - Claire Saxby & Julie Vivas

"It's time to find your own way, Little Koala."

One part story, one part educational. Koala is a tale of survival, spliced with interesting facts.  The tidbits of info are great, and definitely enhance the narrative.  Our two have been lucky enough to hold a koala (chur, Australia Zoo) and even spot on in the wild (CHUR, Noosa National Park), so this story really resonated and got them rememberin'.  With strong watercolour illustrations to complement the story, this would make a perfect addition to a classroom library, or for use within a teaching unit.

A is for Australian Animals - Frane Lessac

"A factastic tour of Australian animals, by award-winning author-illustrator Frané Lessac"

And if you're going down the classroom or home teaching route, A is for Australian Animals is another worthy resource.  I have to admit, this one did not appeal to me at all on first glance.  The illustrative style is not for me, either in colour choice or technique.  I'm all 'visuals first' and would have put this one aside were it not for the written content.

Buuuuut, the animal facts are interesting, and elevate the book to 'definitely a keeper' status.  In fact, the minute I was done with this one Garland hightailed away with it.  He's asked for it nearly every night since.  It has to be said, Australia has an amazing variety of really weird animals.  A is for Australian Animals is a fun introduction to a whole bunch of them.

If you see it in-store, I highly recommend having a quick read.  If your kids are anything like ours they will lap up all these very un-boring factoids.

These two reads are perfect book buddies, and a new Nature Storybook (from the same collection as Koala) is set for release later this year.  If you're an animal lover, you'll wanna keep your eyes peeled.

Review copies kindly provided by Walker Books