6 New Picture Books to Bring Joy & Laughter

1. 'Merry Christmas, Little Wombat!' Written & Illustrated by Charles Fuge

This book is a wonderful take on an Aussie Christmas. A group of animal friends decide to have their own special Christmas at the beach. The fun starts with a lucky dip for all the goodies in Mrs Roo's pouch! Joey the baby Kangaroo went first and pulled a wooden whistle from mother's pouch. Echidna was next, but Mrs Kangaroo suggested perhaps Little Wombat should dip into the pouch - out came a shaker!

Soon everyone had an instrument and the party on the beach began. The band marched and sang "Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree" and even Platypus, and Rainbow Lorikeet joined in. Mother wombat came with goodies to eat and Echidna was decorated to act as the Christmas tree, with a Starfish on top!

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE" they all cheered!  

2. 'Mr Santa', Written & Illustrated by Jarvis

When a little girl wakes up one Christmas Eve, she is very surprised to see Mr Santa delivering gifts! As you would, she gives him a cup of tea, she makes sure he has wiped his shoes, and gives him a tour of house. It's a great chance to ask him questions. Lots of questions!

Can Santa eat clouds? Does he stop at traffic lights? Is his belly button an innie or outie? Does he like cats or dogs? Can reindeer talk? 

And the little girl just knew her brother was on Santa's list as a 'naughty boy'! Finally, Santa takes her to visit his house!

With his signature warmth and visual humour, Jarvis channels the excitement and joy of every child who has dreamed of meeting the love able guy who personifies the most magical night of the year. The little girl had just one question later, "was it real"?

Such a lovely book. Children aged 3-6 will love it!

3. 'Socks: A Kid's Christmas Lament' by J.D. McPherson & illustrated by Anika Orrock

JD McPherson is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Her illustrator Anika Orrock is a writer and cartoonist from Nashville, Tennessee. This alone should tweak your interest! I'm sure many a child (and adult) has opened their presents to find the good old 'standby' gift of SOCKS!! Handy for the Dad or Granddad, who are hard to choose gifts for, but a little kid?!?!

In this book, the author "pays hilarious homage to a stereotypical bad gift―and its disappointed recipients―in a deftly extended picture-book version of his song."

One very disappointed little boy searches everywhere for his presents while Mum & Dad are still in bed. But no! Not socks again?!# He rummages through the laundry, but even there he finds just dirty sock. If only he'd peeked inside the dryer.

"Brought to energetic life in droll, retro artwork by Anika Orrock. Anika illustrated the album cover and liner, Socks will prove a perfect fit for anyone who has ever gotten stressed over holiday gift-giving―and everyone, big or small, who’s come to appreciate the love wrapped up in even the humblest present. Includes a QR code to the Socks song".

This is a very funny book that is beautifully illustrated by Anika Orrock, who makes a special contribution to the work with her hillarious illustrations.

4. 'Don't  Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh' Written & Illustrated by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is well known to readers of children's books. He is a #1 best selling New York Times bestselling, and winner of many awards as an author and illustrator.

We often feel as if there are no more new and novel Christmas stories to tell, but no! When Santa ducks off to wrap some presents, and says to Pigeon "can you watch things for me?" Pigeon sees an opportunity and thinks, "can I drive the sleigh!?!" In fact, he ponders, "it would be a Christmas MIRACLE!" Now what could go wrong? He's sure he can do Santa stuff! He could drive the sleigh. But "where's the clutch? Or the steer-y thing? Or the honky thing? What even makes it go?"

But when he notices a horrible smell and comes face-to-face with a big reindeer, he rushes home to take on a more modest task. He will deliver some wonderful Christmas eggs!

This would be a wonderful book to read to children aged 3-6. The three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems' delivers his ninth Pigeon book, and as usual, it will be well loved by many children.

5. 'The Welcome Cookies' Written by Kaye Baillie & illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan

Everyone loves a cafe. They might look a little different in Australia to cafes in France, England or the USA, but we love the fact that this special community 'hub' is there for us.

A visit each Friday was thing that meant normal, special, something always there. So, when she went on holidays for four weeks, it meant missing out on "four whole visits to the cafe". What to do? She decided to paint a surprise picture for Mrs Plum. But when she arrives home and skips to the cafe to give it to Mrs Plum, Mabel finds the café under renovation by someone new.

As the weeks go by she continues to miss her favourite cafe and Miss Plum’s smiles. Some weeks later, the café reopens, again and Mabel reluctantly visits it with her mother. Will this new place provide Mabel with the same joy she felt in the old place? And will she accept its differences?

In 'The Welcome Cookies', Mabel witnesses what she perceives to be the destruction of a place she loved. But the story shows how even though we can mourn the loss of a place and miss seeing people, if we open ourselves to new things, they can offer new beginnings and a chance for new friendships. The story also shows how a child has the power to make someone feel special and welcome.

What a special picture book! You won't be able to read it to your children without a smile on your face. And your children will want to return to it again and again. Simply fabulous!

With sensitive illustrations giving life to Mabel’s emotional responses, the book will have young and old alike wanting to visit their local café to taste the welcome cookies.

Nine Wonderful New Books for 5-13 Year Olds

I hope you enjoy my reviews of four new picture books for children aged 3-6 and five Junior novels for readers aged 8-12. A great collection!

1. Little Axel's Axolotl' by Juliette MacIver and illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

This is a very funny and endearing picture book, about a very special pet axolotl; named "Harris Aristotle" by his owner Axel. This is a very spoilt pet!

Axel attends to his every wish and want and need and feeds him with the finest cheese, and warms him with the warmest of hats. Axel's fishy feet never touch the ground ... But despite his life of ease, Harris has a secret dream ... and hatches a secret, and daring scheme. Harris is about to surprise everyone!

Axel takes Harris everywhere with him, but Harris Aristotle craves the chance to bask in the sun and learn how to swim. He sets out one night on a brave (or is it foolish) adventure?

This wonderful little picture book will be released in July and will be a great hit with children aged 3-6. It has a surprising ending for this adventurous Axolotl.

2. 'The Wobbly Bike' by Darren McCallum & illustrated by Craig Smith

This is another special book from Walker Books to be released in July. Librarians should advance order! 

It is a quintessential story about the joys and challenges of learning to ride your first bike. There is something wonderful about this experience, that author and illustrator capture so well.

Master illustrator Craig Smith captures the fear and exhilaration of conquering one's first 'uncontrollable' bicycle. 

But this wobble in the bike isn't due just to the rider, it has a wobbly wheel that her Pop fixes. The story offers insights into life in the top end of Australia and the special role of grandparents.

The wonderful wobbles of learning to ride a bike, set amidst the vibrant colour and culture of Australia's "top end" is a winner! The book is beautifully created by author and illustrator who have worked in 'tandem'! A wonderful first book from Darren McCallum. I hope it isn't the last collaboration between author and illustrator.

3. 'Florence & Fox - The Pet Mouse' Zanni Louise & illustrated by Anna Pignataro

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book which will work well as a read aloud for children 2-5 or a self-read for 5-6 year olds. The central characters are Florence the crocodile and her friend Fox. Illustrator Anna Pignataro has created wonderful images for these sweet characters who are best friends. But they are VERY competitive. Each tries to trick the other by issuing challenges that they think they can win.

My only quibble with the book is that the text is a little confusing in places. There a few gaps in the dialogue that create disjunctions for the reader particularly on the first 5 pages.

This delightful story with beautiful crayon and water colour illustrations will amuse and encourage your children's understanding of what true friendship looks like. 

4. 'Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story', by Kristen Kelly & Illustrated by Amelina Jones 

"An uplifting story about a boy who doesn’t let his eczema hold him back from having fun and facing his fears. Mitchell is part of the one in five children who live with eczema."  

Mitchell lives a life of constant itches. This story helps us to learn about the challenges of this condition, including the common triggers and stresses of managing it and the need for resilience.

 

As part of his journey, Mitchell discovers a unique talent. His Uncle Sean introduces him to the guitar to keep his itchy hands occupied (rather than scratching himself). Mitchell's condition, surprisingly, leads him to a new passion that could make him a sensation. Will his newfound talent take centre stage at the school band auditions?

The story opens with his Mum's words that "Mitchell was born scratching". The book has such relatable characters that it reads like a story, but it also offers a deep understanding of this common condition that many people experience.

The wonderful illustrations of Amelina Jones offer realistic characters and how the combination of the love of family, and the support of doctors, is needed for anyone with this condition. As well, the story helps children to understand that life challenges also help us to discover that we can be strong.

5. 'Ducky The Spy - Expect the Unexpected' Written and Illustrated by Sean E. Avery

Just released! This funny little story about a duck who is also a spy, will amuse readers aged 7-10. 

 Laugh-out-loud who-dunnit ridiculousness in this new graphic novel from Sean E Avery

 
A thief on the farm. A goat kidnapped by a gang of cats. A giant chicken. Ducky the Spy and Donny “The Distraction” Donkey are on the case.

From the internationally renowned creator of Frank’s Red Hat comes a brand new terrific tale, fresh from the funny, and funky, farm. At first glance this might look like a simple comic book for 6 year olds, but don't be deceived. This is a graphic novel that 6-10 year olds will read. The 6 year old will need to be a good reader and might miss some of the jokes, but it will have wide appeal.

6. 'How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks and Other Advice' by John Larkin & illustrated by Chrissie Krebs

This is a delightful and very funny Graphic Novel for readers aged 8-12 years. Surely anyone would like to know how Liechtenstein has had ZERO people eaten by sharks! And it's about time all children have read about the 'Big Book of Interesting Facts' that explains how the earliest humans lived on a flat earth, and they NEVER had a shark attack! 

This funny book will amuse young readers, who will want to read bits out loud in the playground to their friends. The black and white illustrations by Chrissie Krebs also offer some additional insights that will keep children reading and laughing their way through the book many times.

7. 'Stitch' by Padraig Kenny and illustrated by Steve McCarthy

Pádraig Kenny is an Irish writer who hails from Newbridge in County Kildare. His debut novel 'Tin' was published in 2018 and was Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. It has been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and several other awards. Since then he has had success with his second novel 'Pog' (2019). And his third novel 'The Monsters of Rookhaven' (2020), received the 'Honour Award for Fiction in the 2021 KPMG Irish Children's Books Ireland awards. It was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal. This fifth novel "Stitch" was published by Walker Books in 2024. It was 'Times Children's Book of the Month' in January 2024.

 

 

Readers aged 10-13 should enjoy 'Stitch'. The central character 'Stitch' and his friend 'Henry Olaf' were brought to life by the genius Professor Hardacre. But the professor's wicked nephew takes over his laboratory. Stitch and Henry are forced to escape, but will they ever be seen as anything but 'monsters'? 

 

 A rare gothic novel for readers aged 9-13.

8. 'Knights and Bikes - Wheels of Legend' by Gabrielle Kent and illustrated by Rex Crowle & Luke Newell

Welcome to the sleepy island of Penfurzy, where nothing exciting ever really happens. OR DOES IT? Adventure awaits Demelza and her new best friend in the whole world, Nessa, as they explore the island and uncover the mysteries of the Penfurzy Knights. With a honking pet goose sidekick, quirky islanders and a legendary treasure to find, it's up to Nessa and Demelza to ride their bikes, solve the puzzles before them, and face down danger with frisbees, water-balloons, feathers .... and a toilet plunger. THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL WARM YOUR HEART. THEIR BRAVERY WILL MAKE THEM LEGENDS.

This is is a mystery with a sprinkling of wonderful black and white images by Rex Crowle & Luke Newell. Readers aged 10-13 will enjoy the engaging story

9. 'Queen of Dogs' by Joe Weatherstone & illustrated by Nicolette Treanor 

Maddy’s family is talented and ambitious — sporting trophies, top grades, they collect them all. But Maddy would rather spend time with her best friend, her pug Gusto. When Gusto disappears … her world changes.

Her search for Gusto reveals a surprising talent and Maddy can't believe her ears. She can understand everything the neighbourhood dogs are saying and suddenly Maddy becomes the go-to canine problem solver. But when more and more dogs go missing, Maddy finds herself with a much bigger problem … and she is going to need a lot of friends – two-legged and four-legged – to help her solve it ...

This is a debut novel from Joe Weatherstone that speaks of loneliness and how friends and animals can help to overcome these challenges. It is Joe's debut middle grade novel, that 12-13 year-olds will enjoy and find relatable. Joe is actually Creative Producer and her work includes the 'Emmy' winning children's series 'Hardball', 'Oscar' nominated 'Inja' and the Logie winning 'Housos'. She lives in Sydney with her two children and two dogs!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six New Picture Books that are 'Must Reads'!

1. 'Mama's Love Language: Sometimes Love Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice'  by Written by Elisa Stad and Illustrated by Ry Menson (Illustrator)

Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds. When one's parents have different cultural heritages, sometimes children can wonder where they fit. In this very sensitive and tenderly written book, Elisa Stad explores something which increasing numbers of families and teachers see each day. Jade is on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs. She feels different from the other kids at school. 

 

Back home, her Dad has an English speaking heritage, whereas her Mother has a Vietnamese heritage. Her parents also have quite different ways to express their love and care for her. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by her Mama’s accent. She can’t understand why she is not just like the mothers of other children at school.

When Jade begins to rebel against her mother's traditional ways of showing love, great wisdom is required from her father, to help her understand that both love her deeply but show it in different ways. Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, but the "healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does".

This is a is a special book that addresses a universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through it our children and students will learn "...that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms."

A very special book that should be in every school library. It is ideal for children aged of 4-9 years.

2. 'The Secret Lives of Dragons: Expert Guides to Mythical Creatures' by Prof Zoya Agnis and Alexander Utkin

This wonderful fantasy picture book was first published in 2021. This is a stunning new illustrated edition(2023) is wonderful. It is a beautiful children's guide to the 'facts' and philosophy of dragons; from treasure hoards to breathing fire.

Hidden deep in the mountains, a kingdom of dragons once thrived. Dragon song echoed across the peaks, and priceless treasures were guarded in lairs. But what happened to this kingdom? 

Dragon sightings are incredibly rare now, so how can we spot one of these elusive creatures? And if we were to meet one, how would we talk to them and approach them safely? Luckily for you, the answers are recorded in this book by the famous 'Drackenosopher', Professor Zoya Agnis. It is beautifully illustrated by Alexander Utkin.

The book will help you to learn everything you need to know about dragons; from breathing fire and taking flight, to the brutal slayers that preyed upon them. This beautifully illustrated manual will guide you on your path to becoming an expert in the prestigious world of dragon studies.

3. 'An Amazing Australian Camping Trip' by Jackie Hosking & illustrated by Lesley Vamos

The hilarious family from 'An Amazing Australian Road Trip' is back – this time they're going camping!' Now what could possibly go wrong?!

They are travelling from Melbourne on a camping trip so their Aunty can find and paint a fantastical beast. 

"Encountering all manner of Australian animals, the right one is proving hard to find, and they’re starting to wonder if the creature even exists."

This picture book has three parallel and related texts going on for the reader to choose. You can read simply the narrative, or also find out about about Aussie language. What's a 'Mozzie', what is 'venom'? How do you "Boil a Billy"? What is a Wombat like? Is their poo really shaped like a cube? Ouch!

4. 'Friendly Bee and Friends' written and illustrated by Sean A. Avery

Friendly Bee wants to be friends with every bug he meets, whether they like it or not.

This little bee "puts himself out there, a bee who sees the best in other beings." And yet, at times his cheerful attitude leads to trouble. They can be so hard to get along with! He is almost squashed by a large shoe, and he almost becomes a delicious meal for an enormous Hairy Spider. But luckily, his best friend the Angry Wasp is there to save him from certain death!

5. 'Friendly Bee and Friends - Woe is For Worm!' written and illustrated by Sean E. Avery

This follow on edition is available online, and also in paperback from Walker Books. It is worth chasing up!

Friendly Bee faces his biggest challenge yet, when he tries to cheer up the Pessimistic Earthworm. Can he convince the gloomiest creature alive to go to a party?

Friendly Bee loves dressing up, parties and being BEST FRIENDS with everyone. So when he and his reluctant bestie Angry Wasp are invited to Enormous Hairy Spider’s dress-up party, he’s so excited he could burst. Things just get better when he has the chance to make a new friend, but the Pessimistic Earthworm is determined to be miserable. Cheering him up will be hard work, but luckily Friendly Bee is the bug for the job!

Stunningly illustrated and well told!

6. 'Factopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Facts', by Paige Towler & illustrated by Andy Smith

This must be the funniest 'encyclopaedia' of all time. What's more, all the facts are verified by Encyclopaedia Britannica. True! The reader will be drawn into the book as every fact is connected to the next, and these are the type of quirky facts that all children love.

Did you know that a squid has a brain shaped like a doughnut? Or that some butterflies drink turtle tears? Hop from topic to topic in unexpected and delightful ways, and discover what connects a giraffe with the Eiffel tower, or a slice of pizza with Cleopatra. On your awe-inspiring journey, you will find out extraordinary facts about space, bones, dinosaurs, spiders, sharks, robots, ancient Rome, and more.

This is a book that children will love to read, and will want to share with others! It will be hard to read this book alone.

 

 

Children's Book Week Australia - Awards Announced!

 'Theme - Read Grow Inspire'

 

As usual, the Children’s Book Council Awards in Australia has had a large number of very worthy books submitted. Sadly, only some can be named as winners and honour books. The CBCA also publishes a list of other 'Notable Books'. This year I have reviewed books for all categories.

CBCA Book Week runs from 19-25 August. In 2023 the theme is "Read, grow, inspire".

 

1. Older Readers (Ages 13-18 years)

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. 

Note: Books in this category are for mature readers and some may deal with particularly challenging themes including violence and suicide. Parental guidance is recommended.

And the winner is...?

Neverlanders by Tom Taylor (Penguin Random House Australia)

"A contemporary 'found family' tale embedded within the metatextuality of a Peter Pan narrative with a clever, action-oriented storyline and gloriously rich illustrations. Discerning readers will unpack the hints of the adults' destruction of the world, parental failure, gun violence and domestic violence to add a more serious dimension to the fantasy plot. A stunning book with a potent message wrapped up in a ripping good yarn package."

 

Neverland has become a war zone and it will need a group of lost teenagers to change things. This is a young adult graphic novel series from #1 New York Times bestselling Australian author Tom Taylor and powerhouse Australian comic artist Jon Sommariva! 

 

Scott Snyder of the New York Times says and Eisner award-winning author of "Batman" says it is: 

"Epically imaginative and strikingly fresh."

Similarly, Jay Kristoff the bestselling author of 'Empire of the Vampire' and 'The Nevernight Chronicle' says:

 

"The work of a master at the height of his craft. There is no one out there right now doing it like Tom Taylor. NO ONE."

 

Honour Books

 

'Completely Normal (and Other Lies)', by Biffy James, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing

'The Other Side of Tomorrow' by Hayley Lawrence

 

2. The CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers

 

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years (aged 7-12). And the winner is...

'Runt' by Craig Silvey

 

Winner Younger Readers (Ages 7-12 years)

 

'Runt' is a dog with a mind of its own. It will only obey Annie’s commands when nobody else is watching. But Runt has a chance to become the fastest dog in the world. Annie and Runt must beat the odds to save her farm. Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others.

Annie  lives in a country town with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. After years evading capture, Runt is remarkably fast and agile, just right for herding runaway sheep. But when a greedy local landowner puts her family’s home at risk, Annie directs Runt’s extraordinary talents towards a different pursuit. They set out to win the Agility Course Grand Championship at the lucrative Krumpets Dog Show in London.

 

The plot and characters are straightforward in 'Runt', but there are deeper issues that only older readers will fully grasp. It is strong, funny and engaging, but it might also evoke a reflection on the meaning and purpose of life. What are the things that really matter? The story touches on the challenges of country life. It is a wonderful story about the human spirit, as well as the love of family love and the need for the support of others.

 

Honour Books 

'Evie and Rhino' by Neridah McMullin & illustrated by Astred Hicks

 

'The Raven's Song' by Zana Fraillon & Bren MacDibble

 

3. The CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood (0-6)

 

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at prereading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years. And the winner is?

'Where the Lyrebird Lives' written by Vikki Conley and illustrated by Max Hamilton  

"High in the mountains through the sleepy clouds. Deep in the forest past the chiming birds. Will we see the lyrebird? I don’t know. Tip-toe, tip-toe."

The beauty of the Australian rainforest and the magic of family-time come together in this lyrical and delightful story of intergenerational connection, habitat and adventure.

This is a wonderful book that will delight. The illustrations are wonderful and the text well crafted. The reader is drawn into the story, and won't escape!

"Readers are encouraged to slow down, listen and look. Metaphors and similes add richness, and the enlarged text for action words and onomatopoeia increases engagement. A well-crafted narrative that encourages children to read aloud themselves."

 

Honour Books

 

'Bev and Kev' by and illustrated by Katrina Germein & Mandy Foot

4. The CBCA Picture Book of the Year

And the winner is:

My Strange Shrinking Parents by Zeno Sworder

This book celebrates how many immigrant families deny self to help give their children the best chance in life. Immigrant children will recognize this theme in their own lives.

"What shape does love take? And what happens when your parents sacrifice a part of themselves for you? In this heartbreaking and heart-warming story, CBCA award-winner Zeno Sworder reflects on his own migrant parents’ sacrifices to create a universal story about what it means to give to those you love. Drawing from the sacrifices his Chinese mother made to raise her young family in a small country town, Sworder’s drawings are full of beautiful detail and fairytale settings that explore his own journey from child to parent. With humour and pathos."

Children of immigrant families will be touched by this book and hopefully see parallels with the sacrifice of their own families. 

Honour Books

'Completely Normal (and Other Lies)' by Biffy James

 

'The Other Side of Tomorrow' by Hayley Lawrence

 

5. The Eve Pownall Award

Entries in this category should be books which have the prime intention of documenting factual material with consideration given to imaginative presentation, interpretation and variation of style. Ages 0-18 years. The winner is:

 

DEEP: Dive into Hidden Worlds by Jess McGeachin

This imaginatively presented hardback reference book seamlessly brings together a large variety of information about the unseen elements of Earth’s sea and land life, outer space and the human body. The integration of text and illustrations is very cleverly managed, and the layout of the content works both as a dip-in-dip-out resource, as well as a read-through narrative. The front cover is incredibly appealing, and overall, this non-stereotypical information book is of a very high quality that will sustain readers’ interest throughout.

Honour Books

'Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples', by Isaiah Firebrace & illustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai

 

6. The CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for children who are at prereading or early stages of reading. Ages 0-6 years. And the winner is?

 

'Where the Lyrebird Lives' written by Vikki Conley and illustrated by Max Hamilton  

"High in the mountains through the sleepy clouds. Deep in the forest past the chiming birds. Will we see the lyrebird? I don’t know. Tip-toe, tip-toe."

The beauty of the Australian rainforest and the magic of family-time come together in this lyrical and delightful story of inter-generational connection, habitat and adventure.

This is a wonderful book that will delight. The illustrations are superb and the text well-crafted. The reader is drawn into the story. 

"Readers are encouraged to slow down, listen and look. Metaphors and similes add richness, and the enlarged text for action words and onomatopoeia increases engagement. A well-crafted narrative that encourages children to read aloud themselves."

 

Honour Books

'Bev and Kev' by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Mandy Foot

 

'Snap!' written and illustrated by Anna Walker 

7. The Eve Pownall Award (Non-fiction)

'DEEP: Dive into Hidden Worlds' by Jess McGeachin

 

"This imaginatively presented hardback reference book seamlessly brings together a large variety of information about the unseen elements of Earth’s sea and land life, outer space and the human body. The integration of text and illustrations is very cleverly managed, and the layout of the content works both as a dip-in-dip-out resource, as well as a read-through narrative. The front cover is incredibly appealing, and overall, this non-stereotypical information book is of a very high quality that will sustain readers’ interest throughout."

 

Honour Books

 

'Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples'. It is illustrated by Isaiah Firebrace and iIlustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai

 

'Wild Australian Life' by Leonard Cronin. Illustrated by Chris Nixon

 

8. The CBCA Awards for New Illustrator

The award for the best New Illustrator was won by Sally Soweol Han for "her complimentary visual storytelling in 'Tiny Wonders'. 

This is an excellent award that recognises an new children's book illustrator. Sally Soweol is a gifted artist, who I am sure will illustrate and write many more wonderful children's books.