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: I am Brown

'I am brown. 

I am beautiful 

I am perfect’ 

I am Brown is an inviting and poetic picture book that celebrates pride, culture and diversity.

The colour palette is rich and warm, highlighting the children and their beautiful brown skin tones, hair types and eye colours.

Hear from kids all over the world about what they like to eat and what they wear. Learn about the languages they speak and the places they go to pray. 

See their hopes for the future, their passions and gifts, and that no two children are exactly the same.

Review: Myra in the Middle

As the oldest child in my family, I could tell you many stories about how difficult it can be to have to ‘pave the way’ for my siblings. However, I have no idea of the trials and tribulations of being the youngest child – or the middle child for that matter.

Happily, there are books that address such matters, allowing us all a window into the experiences of others.

Up until the birth of her baby brother, seven-year-old Myra was the youngest of two, but now she is in the new position of ‘middle child’. 

It’s a bit of a nothing zone – a space where she's invisible, forgotten and not the ‘-est’ of anything. Myra’s not quite sure what her role is or where she fits anymore, only that she’s been relegated to the squashy middle seat in the car and she's been given the position of midfielder in her soccer team.

Guest Post: Shannon Stevens on Knowing When To Talk About It

When do you talk about it? I mean, when do you explain to your child that differences are treasures?

I work with little ones and their families every day. I am an Occupational Therapist that provides home and community-based services to the birth to three population. I join them in every moment of life for sometimes a period of 36 months.

I am welcomed into their homes, I sit on their floor, I sometimes join them in a cup of coffee and I kiss their babies. I am so comfortable in this element that I now cannot understand or even see colour, creed, or sexual differences.

My job is to NOT see differences, but to see POSSIBILITIES. My values are to promote the inherent good in people and the capabilities we all share. 

Review: This is Us - Essential Australian Poems for Young People

There is music in everything around us. The music of poetry reflects the music of Life itself. 

That's how it is in This is Us: Essential Poems for Younger Readers, a celebration of life. 

An outstanding collection of poetry chosen by Libby Hathorn and Jude Fell, it contains 61 poems chosen from states all over Australia. 

At times, full of nonsense and laughter, they include the sky and Earth, and everything in between. 

Lots of free verse is mixed in with rhyming and rhythmic poems - about Nitz, mosquitoes, swans in their majestic beauty, wombats and lyrebirds.  

Tender and deeply moving ones such as 

Review: Looking for Imani

Dianne Bates’ latest book brings us into the life and customs of a Middle East family and the trauma experienced at the disappearance of the youngest child, Imani. 

It is told through the narrative voice of Nabila. 

Beautifully portrayed in Bates’ minimalistic and perfect prose, it opens with a bold scene that informs the reader of their family situation.

The father has died, and mother cannot speak English as it was forbidden by her husband. 

At twenty-seven years old, she appears a lot older. 

Due to her lack of language, she has been unable to assimilate into a new life, leaving her with only her children to translate when necessary, and to lean on for help. 

Review: A Lemon For Safiya

When Safiya spots an old lady sitting on the kerb, she feels worried for her. Her parents sense something is amiss as well.

The family are quick to see that the old lady is confused, also that she has no English, and it is apparent by her clothing she's from elsewhere, at least originally.

Luckily, Safiya's Mama speaks Arabic and through some gentle conversation, in which the old lady recalls things of the past, they begin to get some sense of her but still not where she lives.

It is not until she is in their car, that Safiya notices her bracelet - which has emergency details engraved.

Review: Grandmother From The East Grandmother From the West

This book, with its mouthful of a title, is a pure delight to savour. The simplicity of this new picture book by Jacinta Liu and Freda Chui enhances a powerful underlying message which offers enlightenment and assurance in equal measures.

Grandmother from the East Grandmother from the West is the kind of picture book I wish I had access to when I was a kid, daughter of mixed cultures and parents, growing up in an Australia that didn’t quite feel like my true home but was more home than where either of my grandmothers came from.

Review: Cheese!

In an exploration of cheeses from around the world, stunning end pages introduce us, in a novel way through spectacular images by Beatrice Cerocchi, to the mouth-watering cheeses from countries known for these delicacies.

Felice Arena’s use of rhyming verse in delightful rhythm, makes you want to settle down with fresh pasta smothered in grated cheese, crackers with the cheese of your choice, or

Review: Ink And Light: Poetry Anthology

There are moments in life, fuelled by the actions of people you may barely know but have always admired from afar that bring you to your knees, and in my case, induce a surge of tearful emotions. 

This book, Ink and Light, an anthology of poetry by our very own,  Nia Shetty is filled with such moments.

Raw. Powerful. Immediate. Shetty’s subject matter strikes an impressive chord. Each line resonates energy and angst, anguish and anticipation. Clarity and an unnervingly keen conception of ‘how it is’.

She doesn’t spare the truth either. Diaspora, the forced shedding of cultural identity, racial discrimination, and the eternal search for buried hope; all chime subtly throughout each poem but amazingly, never in an oppressive nor despairing way. 

There is a force of optimism and expectation behind each verse that somehow provides light to the various patches of shade.

The resulting pieces are articulate, elegant odes to the author’s cultural roots and sharp contemporary observations. And, as mentioned, stirring enough to incite genuine emotion.

Review: Because I’m Māori: He Māori Ahau

A wee preface of explanation: I am not Māori, although I have been mistaken for one many a time. And to be frank, I’ve always enjoyed and admired the rich and vibrant culture of our cousins ‘across the ditch’. 

So, when this colour-filled, bilingual ode to Māori culture and identity kapa haka’ed (apologies for verbalising that) its way across my desk, how could I say no.

Conceived and created by the talented Kiwi born, Aussie-based, Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse, this absorbing picture book greets readers from sun’s first smile to its last repast. 

Review: Ships In The Field 10th Anniversary Edition

When I first read this book some ten years ago, I was smitten by the lime green hued cover art and the nonsensical title, Ships In The Field. I mean I couldn’t see any ships. Moving inside, past the picnic cloth patterned end papers, a world of simple joys and heart renting histories soon unfolds. 

This is the essence of this beautiful picture book by renowned collaborators, Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro; a subtle yet powerful ode to the past and what ties us together in the present.

Junior Review: Jerk Chicken Magic

Jerk Chicken Magic is a delightful journey into the life of a multi-generational immigrant family, the Higgins, from the point of view of charming 6-year-old Lizzy. 

Set against the backdrop of Jamaica's flavorful culinary tradition, this book takes readers on a savory adventure through the magic of jerk chicken.

Authored by Noel-Andrew and Roxanne Bennett, Jerk Chicken Magic is more than just a children's picture book—it's a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and the profound significance of preserving cultural heritage. 

Review: Absolutely Everything!

This chatty, funny, fast-paced and intelligent book is one for all ages - although technically it’s for 10 - 14 year-olds. It’s exactly the kind of book that adults wish they’d had when they were a kid.

With a welcome mix of remarkable true stories and facts, the revised and expanded version of Absolutely Everything contains a wealth of information to leave you spell-bound. 

A feast for the eyes and brain, this book gets in your ear about random and interesting things - like the interconnections between science, history and the nature of planet earth. And all are broached in the most wonderful, accessible ways.

Review: The Concrete Garden

Multi-awarding winning author/illustrator Bob Graham has released another soul-stirring picture book: The Concrete Garden. His teetering piles of published books include, April Underhill, Toothfairy, Home in the Rain, The Posey Ring and Ellie’s Dragon. 

This time it’s a gentle post-pandemic story set in an urban apartment block, at the end of COVID lockdown. Adults wear masks and children spill out from the apartment ‘like sweets from a box.’ Amanda brings the chalks and the desire to draw something. The narrative evolves as the concrete artwork grows.

Using carefully chosen words, the narrative offers layers of meaning. For instance, my three-year-old was captivated by the unfolding chalk drawing. Whereas my five-year-old felt the emotions of the story more keenly. Graham has expertly blended the themes of community spirit, optimism, and the power of creativity.

Review: A Swirl Of Sadie

With her blue-chalked hair, light-up sneakers and a twirling skirt, please welcome back seven-year-old baker, Sadie Le, in her latest adventure, A Swirl of Sadie. 

Including three stories in one book, A Swirl of Sadie follows Sadie, a determined yet kind character, who shows her love for friends, family and community through baking. 

In this latest book, Sadie creates a treat for her school movie night, puppy treats for a puppy play date and desserts for a family celebration. 

10 Quirky Questions with author/illustrator Inda Ahmad Zahri

1. What's your hidden talent?
Juggling household objects. I learned to juggle from friends at uni who even gifted me a set of juggling balls one year. I’ve since lost them, but found that juggling things around the house or from the pantry is just as fun. My favourites are onions, as they have a lovely way of peeling off midair.

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
Miss Trunchbull from Matilda by Roald Dahl, because she is so committed to her villainy! She is confident and proud, inspiring (even if she inspires fear) and cares so deeply about crushing souls that she embodies it from head to toe.  

Review: Two Sparrowhawks In A Lonely Sky

This Young Adult book ticks all the boxes for a family reunion story crossed with epic adventure, all wrapped up in a generous serving of historical fiction.

Author Rebecca Lim has fictionalised historical events in China, namely 1958 – 1960’s Great Leap Forward campaign, to create a novel that is both clever and engaging. 

Economic disaster, widespread famine and millions of deaths don’t immediately scream ‘this will be a fabulous book’ but in Lim’s capable hands, they become one. 

Non-gratuitous bloodshed and violence co-exist with the kind deeds of strangers, which are intentionally smattered throughout the narrative. 

In her notes, the author reveals that she deliberately sought to include small, unsung acts of bravery to highlight the impact that every individual human being can have on the world around them.

Review: Plume: Christmas Elf

Plume: Christmas Elf is a bright and busy festive celebration. It's the fourth book in the series about the curious penguin who loves to travel.

Of course, it all starts in Antarctica in the enormous library where Plume lives with his friends. 

They're busy cooking and decorating when Ava the albatross arrives with dreadful news. Santa is sick, and so are the reindeer! 

Will Plume and Ava be able to save Christmas? It's all aboard the Albatross Express if you want to find out.

Review: Listen

With a very timely arrival given the upcoming opportunity to make a momentous national decision, this is the new brilliant and beautiful offering from the team who gave us the sensational We Are Australians [CBCA Award for New Illustrator 2023]. 

Duncan Smith, proud Wiradjuri man, and Nicole Godwin collaborate again with celebrated artist and inspirational speaker, Jandamarra Cadd, Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung man, to bring this reflection on the importance of hearing the voices of our First Australians.