Review: Millie and the Frame of Wonder

Millie Biggins lives with her mum, dad and her toddler sister, Sophie. Millie lovingly calls Sophie her shadow because she follows her everywhere and Sophie calls Millie ‘Mewee’ as she trails behind.

Every weekend the sisters love to accompany their dad as he retrieves unwanted goods from other people’s discard piles and brings them home to fix and give the items a new life. They all enjoy their new found discoveries and look forward to finding the ‘next treasure’.

Review: Joner Football Presents Greatest Goal Scorers! and Midfield Masters!

Football in Australia has been riding on a wonderful wave of support over the past few years with both our women’s and men’s teams featuring in FIFA World Cup tournaments and bringing the power of football to new heights. 

Stadiums were packed to cheer on our women as we co- hosted the tournament and many young girls were inspired to follow in their hero’s steps. Many also followed our men’s team as they faced some of the greatest teams in the world, with high hopes to reach their best results ever. No wonder many children love to don the colours of their teams and proudly display names of their idols on their backs. 

Lee Jones, aka Joner Football and Welsh National football player, presents in his new books facts, biographies and technical tips for anyone who longs to improve their knowledge and skills in the game of football.

Review: A Hat for Every Harriet

By looking at the cover you may be mistaken for thinking A Hat for Every Harriet is a book about hats. A book about dressing up perhaps? From the first page it is clearly explained with the line ‘Not hats like that…’ that this story much more than a tale of dress ups and make believe. It is a gently told story about being yourself and accepting who you are.

Jess Horn has used hats as the perfect metaphor for how Harriet, a neurodivergent child adapts her behaviours to suit the situation or dynamic of people she is presented with. For example she has a ‘Listener Hat’ for when she is feeling wiggly in class and a ‘Calm Down Hat’ for times when she measures her self-worth by comparing herself to others.

But what happens when the situation requires all of the hats at once? The overwhelming pressure of neurodivergent child to ‘fit in’ can be exhausting and Jess has used the hat metaphor perfectly to describe this.

Bringing the words to life is the amazing Zoë Bennet. Her soft character driven illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this story. With a spark of genius that all good illustrators have she has managed to add a second layer of visual narrative that will make children and adults alike love the book even more. Her ‘Clam Down Hat’ is covered with clouds. The ‘Listener Hat’ has giant rabbit ears and her ‘Get-To-The-Point-Hat’ has a literal arrow directing you to the point.  Kids will love deciding what the giant unnamed pile of hats all represent. Along with this attention to detail I must also applaud her muted colour pallet and use of changing composition. As usual she has nailed it.

The book blurb for A Hat for Every Harriet describes the story as ‘…accepting yourself in a neurotypical world.’ Yes this story is about Harriet who clearly has different sensibilities to the other children around her but I think that statement is selling the book short. I think all children can benefit from this story. Its a wonderful tale about being yourself and not putting on a mask (or a hat in this instance) and letting your personality shine.

Children are so good at accepting others. If we can encourage this acceptance in ourselves as well maybe this generation will grow up to be the adults the world needs.

Title: A Hat for Every Harriet
Author: Jess Horn
Illustrator: Zoë Bennett
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: 28 July 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781923293243
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book

Interview: Author Fiona Harris

Sport, friendship, grief, resilience – The Rebound has plenty to say, but at its heart is Harry, a boy trying to find his way through some pretty big emotions while holding on to the game he loves. Fiona Harris has created a character who is both wonderfully relatable and refreshingly real, particularly in the way Harry is allowed to be vulnerable without giving up his strength, humour or love of basketball. We chatted to Fiona about writing Harry, drawing on her own experiences of sport and grief, challenging ideas about masculinity, and why she hopes The Rebound might find its way to readers who’d usually rather be on the court than curled up with a book.

Review: Nest

There is something very special about a story that makes you want to curl up and stay awhile. Nest does exactly that.

Written and illustrated by Tanith King, this beautiful debut picture book follows a family of foxes and explores family, safety, warmth and the many ways we show love.

From the first glance, the book feels inviting. The touch of gold on the front cover catches the eye while the autumnal colour palette creates a wonderful sense of warmth. I also love the circular illustrations. To me, they capture the idea of togetherness beautifully.

And then there is the word Nest.

It begins the book and returns as the final word, giving the story a lovely sense of coming home.

There is plenty here for young readers to explore. A double-page spread without words is perfect for a picture chat, inviting children to study the illustration, make connections and create their own oral retelling. Add some sound effects, and you have an engaging storytelling experience that children will love.

For teachers, Nest also offers some lovely opportunities to notice an author’s craft. Tanith’s use of ellipses and similes provides natural mentor text moments for young writers.

The animals appearing throughout the illustrations can take the learning even further. Who are they? Where do they live? What are their babies called? How do they care for their families? These questions could lead to investigations into animal families and their habitats.

I can already imagine children retelling this joyful story with puppets. A simple puppet theatre would bring the characters to life while developing oral language, sequencing and storytelling skills.

But perhaps my favourite part is the ending. The final page feels like sinking into a comfy chair after a long day. Warm, peaceful and just right.

Nest is a gorgeous book to share at home and a rich mentor text to explore at school.

So, find a cosy spot, gather your little readers and make some room for Nest. I think you will be very happy you did.


Title: Nest
Author/Illustrator: Tanith King
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Publication Date: 1st July 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761648489
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

Review: Odd Cat Out!

This first in a new trilogy by London author Rose Robbins, who writes from her own personal experience, will make for a great addition to your inclusive collection. Framed as anthropomorphic young cats, the narrative revolves around two friends, Tangle and Eno, starting at their new 'big' school where they encounter neurodivergent kitty, Pelly.

This little pusscat has never been to school before as her only previous attempt was just too traumatic but her parents and her much-loved Granmog encourage her to give it a go. They worry about her lack of friends and, also of course, learning to manage her neurodiversity in other settings.

So to start with, it's true that the rest of the class think Pelly is rather odd and Tangle and Eno can't understand how it is she's never been to school. But these two are essentially very kind although possibly not the most deep thinkers. Tangle particularly tends to act first and think after. But they really do want to make friends with Pelly as they can sense she is feeling isolated.

Review: One Word

As the cover states, One Word is ‘a girl’s quest to learn her grandfather’s hidden first language.’ The most important word here is hidden. His language hasn’t been lost of forgotten, it has been hidden. Hidden from those that would punish him. Hidden from those who might separate him from his family and now hidden from his granddaughter.

Melissa-Jane Fogarty has written and illustrated a moving story of Myra who is staying at her grandfathers house. A place that is warm and welcoming and feels like home. One day she overhears her grandfather talking on the phone, in a language she has never heard before.

Review: Our Family Zoo

How many pets are too many pets?

One? Five? Ten? Or is there always room for just ONE MORE?

From the moment I picked up this book, I knew I was in for some fun. The front cover immediately sparks curiosity, with illustrator A Yi cleverly connecting the illustrations to the title. Before you even turn the first page, there is already so much to notice, predict and chat about.

And then we meet a character who wants another pet.

The only tiny problem? Take a close look at the illustrations, and you will quickly discover that this household is already home to quite the collection of animals!

Undeterred, our determined character sets about persuading Mum, offering option after option for her to consider. The possibilities keep coming and so does the fun.

Then Mum adds a delicious little twist. A special gift is arriving.

Cue the brainstorming!

What could it be?

This is where young readers can join in, make predictions and let their imaginations run wild. I am definitely not going to spoil the brilliant ending. This one deserves to be discovered together.

The rhyming text makes this book an absolute joy to read aloud. It has bounce, rhythm and plenty of opportunities for children to join in. I especially love the bolded words and phrases which naturally encourage readers to play with their voices, build excitement and bring the story to life.

And those animal sounds? So much fun! The labelled sounds invite children to interact with the story, and I can already imagine a classroom full of learners adding actions, voices and a little dramatic flair. It would be a fabulous springboard for role play or a reader’s theatre experience.

There is plenty for young writers to notice too. Author Maura Pierlot uses strong verbs, descriptive adjectives and question marks to create energy and build anticipation. Teachers could use these features as mentor text moments before inviting learners to create their own version. What pet would they try to persuade someone to welcome into their home?

There is even mathematics hiding amongst all those animals. Count the pets, sort them, compare groups or create your own pet-themed number problems. I love a book that naturally travels across the curriculum.

And please do not rush past the endpapers! They provide another opportunity to explore the animals featured in the story and could spark further research at home or in the classroom.

I also really appreciated the connection to pet rescue. Beneath all the humour and chaos is an opportunity to gently open conversations about caring for animals and the important role rescue organisations play.

This is a joyful, energetic read that invites children to look, listen, predict, count, perform, research and wonder.

My kind of book!

If you love books that get children talking, laughing and learning, add this one to your read-aloud pile and make sure you save time to explore every last illustration.

And when you reach that ending? No peeking! Make your prediction before you turn the page.


Title: Our Family Zoo
Author: Maura Pierlot
Illustrator: A. Yi
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Publication Date: 1 June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761643545
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book

Review: Eleanor Jones is Not Drowning

If something is going to go down and it needs investigating, you’ll want Eleanor Jones on your side.

In full preparation mode for the upcoming Debutante Ball and with the Cooinda River in flood now that the drought has broken, Eleanor Jones and her friends have other things on their minds.

The last thing they need is a suspicious death, but Eleanor Jones simply can’t say no when she’s approached by the teen street artist’s girlfriend who refuses to believe that her boyfriend’s death was either by accident or his own hand.

Keeping an eye on the rising water, Eleanor and her friends, Liv, Troy, Ethan and Namita, set about asking questions and checking out Xavi's artwork. 

Review: The Boy Maeve

How often have you read the opening lines of a book and instantly been drawn in? And how often has that initial spark of intrigue been maintained throughout the entire story as it turns and twists in every possible direction?

The Boy Maeve by Kai Ash does exactly that.

Intriguing from the first sentence to the last, this debut novel is an unusual blend of coming-of-age, contemporary queer fiction, magical realism and mythology.

Maeve was adopted as a toddler and remembers little, if anything, of his birth parents or early years.  He’s a loner with his life made more difficult in the knowledge that he’s a boy in a girl’s body – and nobody will acknowledge it.

Review: The Flying Machine of Dreams

Poetry is seriously under-rated. Poetry for kids – even more so. 

Sure, plenty of picture books are in rhyme but what we’re talking about here is poetry collections (or anthologies if by different authors).

Kate Wakeling’s The Flying Machine of Dreams could well be the poetry collection to change this!

With her glorious collection of 17 poems, each one delightfully illustrated by Viviane Schwarz, Kate covers a wide range of topics that kids think, question and dream about.

Sunday Shelfie - Howl-o-ween

Happy #sundayshelfie day! It is my pleasure to welcome Emma Bowd and Lara Porter . This week we are celebrating their spooktacular new picture book Howl-o-ween.

Be bold! Be brave! And come and meet the ghosts and ghouls with furry feet . . . 
Who’s the scariest beast on Spooky Street?!

It’s Howl-o-ween on Spooky Street and the children and the dogs dress up to go trick or treating. But will they be brave enough to visit the scary beast at number three? 

A rhyming tale celebrating Howl-o-ween, where Halloween is celebrated by dressing up dogs in spooky costumes and meeting all the neighbourhood pups.

Written by Emma Bowd
Illustrated by Lara Porter
Published by Penguin Books Australia  

Visit Picture Book Book Club @picturebookbc on Instagram

Review: What If You Could?

What if the things that make someone feel different, uncertain or even inadequate could actually become their greatest strengths?

In What If You Could?, Jacinda Ardern adapts the ideas and experiences from her memoir A Different Kind of Power for a younger audience, offering an accessible and encouraging look at her journey from childhood to becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand. Through a series of short chapters, Ardern shares moments from her life that demonstrate that success rarely follows a straightforward path - and that the qualities we sometimes see as weaknesses can be incredibly powerful.

Insecurity, overthinking, worrying and empathy are all explored through Ardern's experiences, challenging the idea that being strong means being confident, fearless or certain. Instead, the book suggests that listening, caring about others, adapting to unexpected circumstances and remaining true to personal values can be equally important forms of strength.

Review: S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies

Kids as heroes, solving mysteries and crimes under the noses of adults, goes way back – well before the likes of that ‘Famous Five’, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. And it never gets old.

S.I.G.M.A. 1: Web of Spies is bestselling adult thriller author, Tim Ayliffe’s first foray into middle grade fiction territory and this book will hit with a bang – particularly for fans of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series.

Meet Year 9 student, Oliver (Ollie) Speed – your everyday hero whose primary goal is to come back from his disastrous performance in the previous year’s cross-country event to beat his arch-rival, Tank. He trains every day, reluctantly accompanied by his friend George’s drone, and is feeling confident he can redeem himself this year. 

Review: The Mushroom and the Flower

In a quiet forest, a mushroom with the brightest pink cap is the centre of attention. Animals gather near her for protection from the rain, shade from the sun or just as an ideal resting place. There is no doubt this stunning plant is ‘a masterpiece of nature’ and enjoys immensely her radiant features.

When a small flower slowly begins to emerge one summer’s day, raising the interests of the creatures of the forest, the mushroom is not pleased that she is no longer the centre of their attention and admiration.

Review: The Frumpling

What can I say. From the gorgeous front cover I was instantly intrigued and wanted to know who or what was a Frumpling. Then I read the opening page and instantly fell in love with this sad lonely creature. A creature that is avoided by everyone that passes by. Everyone but one, that is.

What follows is a tale of atonement, friendship and togetherness.