Every excuse that has ever been made is wrapped up in this funny story. Procrastination takes a bow as the theme detailing the excuses one little boy makes when he simply cannot be ready on time. But these excuses are not what’s expected. The first page has the boy responding to his mother’s ‘Time to go’ with, ‘Wait a minute, I’ve got to tie my sh …’ children will yell out ‘shoelaces’ as the page is turned, only to laugh out loud at the funny excuse the lad gives, not including the word shoelaces, but sheep!
These first two pages set the scene for the rest of the book, as excuses are given which elicit an expected response from the children, but the excuse becomes fanciful as each page is turned. So, ‘I’m going to brush my t. ..’ becomes brushing a tiger’s tail, and ‘I’ve got to find my h …’ becomes finding a hungry hippo.
Children will love working out their own excuses and changing the expected response as the book does.
A frustrated mum lists all the excuses he gives, but the boy interrupts her, saying ‘Oh wait a minute! I forgot my water b …’ The expected water bottle turns into a very funny buffalo lying in a soapy bath reading his newspaper. But then mum calls out again ‘Let’s go’, and he tells her ‘Wait a minute, You need your k …’
Instead of letting him finish with a fanciful response, she breaks in with all the things she can think of that start with k. Again readers will love calling out all the things named, offering some themselves which fits the scene. And turning the last page, gives the reminder the boy is offering his mother.
A wonderfully upside down story, in which kids will laugh at the responses the boy gives, turning the expected responses on their heads. Kids will love the fun of working out what will come after remembering the repeated lines and saying them as the story is read to them, predicting the response.
Zany illustrations cover each page, capturing the readers’ attention as they turn each page. They will love the range of animals pictured, and the positions the illustrator puts them in: the two legged sheep race, the tiger tail being brushed, the laughing llama and so on. I loved the ugg booted crab, the startled kangaroo and the hungry hippo and the last page where all the animals follow mum out the door, finally, but it has taken a lot of patience on her part.
Larrikin House is producing some very funny picture books and the inside back cover shows some of their enticing range. They are well worth seeking out.
Unless you took the time to look, few knew there was a garden on Lot 33. Most people just hurried past, too engrossed in their own lives and thoughts to notice it, but to Rosie it was a sanctuary - one that she tended daily so that Mr Dellagatti can collects seeds, Annika can play her violin, Chad can chase rainbows and even Esmeralda the chicken can scratch for worms for breakfast!
So no one really notices when the lot is sold and instead of a little community garden, another towering skyscraper swallows the space. But Rosie does - and she also sees the changes in the lives of those who enjoyed it as she did. So when she has an idea that she is determined to put to the Big Boss even if that means going all the way to the top of the building, it could be a turning point. But will the Big Boss listen? And what will their reaction be?
This is not the first story book for young readers about a child's determination to nurture their local green space - others include Orlando's Garden, Butterfly Girl, The Concrete Garden, Let's Build a Backyard, The Secret of Sapling Green, Tiny Wonders, and Harriet's Hungry Worms among others, but it is yet another one to encourage young readers that, even though they are 'just' young readers, they can make a difference. Whether it's something as simple as placing a flowering plant on a balcony so that the insects have nectar to find, or starting with a spontaneous but transient chalk drawing, with determination, perseverance and resilience even children can have an impact on the environment.
Teachers' notes not only help explore the story in greater depth, but help students consider the vital question of, "Now that I know this, what can I do with my new knowledge?" perhaps becoming the impetus for a local project. Even though, in many parts of Australia, cooler weather means the natural world is taking a rest, nevertheless it is the ideal time to begin planning... particularly at this time when we are surrounded by symbols and images of rebirth. Even in the southern hemisphere, Spring will be here soon.
Themes Sustainability, Environment, Community, Change, Urbanisation, Problem solving, Gardening.
Although this is a work of fiction, it reveals what life may have been like for families in The Netherlands in the final years of the occupation by German troops during WWII. From the perspective of the young teen protagonist, Anna, we see the incredible pain and struggle of life during wartime. Although the ordinary Dutch citizens were often powerless in the face of the brutality of Nazi power, each person, family and even child had to display incredible courage. Some though succumbed to lies and perpetrated their own bullying and hatred. Anna and her family were able to hide her father behind the cellar walls in order to protect him from the Nazis and German forced labour. But the consequences of the secret choices they had made impacted all their relationships. But not every person working for the Germans was as committed to the power struggle and Anna’s growing fondness for Kurt, a German translator, comes at a cost. Will the Allies arrive in time to save her family, can their secrets be kept, can she be brave enough under the pressure or will they all become more casualties of the conflict?
This family-centric story is filled with the drama of wartime. Anna’s own younger siblings must be protected from truth (so they cannot innocently share secrets), but because of her age she is given huge responsibility and sometimes her own life is under threat. Because we know the outcome of the war and the timing of its conclusion, we are always aware that the book is detailing the ‘last days’ of conflict, but the drama is still tense and dangerous, and the characters are all in peril. So, this story has a natural tension, but the author adds a few light touches to the story amidst the darkness. The difficulty of knowing who is trustworthy to carry a secret is threaded through the story, as is the incredible bravery of young and old, man and woman. War stories can be hard to read, but history’s horrors have a habit of being repeated and providing opportunities to learn empathy from the past is important for young readers. This is a book that will be read and enjoyed, even though it is heartbreaking, by young readers aged 11-15 and particularly those who have enjoyed similar war stories eg Katrina Nannestad’s We are wolves.
Themes WWII, German occupation - Netherlands, War, Fear, Truth and lies, Trust, Family, Secrets, Hunger, Resistance.
Carolyn Hull
A witch's guide to love and poison by Aamna Qureshi
Hodder, 2025. ISBN: 9781444980882. (Age:13+)
Bisma has always believed three things. The Enchanted Forest is her forever home. She would do anything to protect her sisters. And Xander Chapman is the most irritating person she’s ever met.
Bisma is a garden fairy - but not the kind that makes flower chains or tends greenhouses. She’s known for her talent with potions and poisons. She uses her magic to protect the runaways who find safety and home in their forest. If someone hurts them and just happens to fall sick afterwards, you can’t really blame her. Xander is quite the opposite, charming, heir of the local apothecary, known for creating cures and undoing her work. He’s infuriatingly good at what he does, his easy smile only makes Bisma more determined to keep her distance from him.
But when it’s her sisters that are poisoned, she’s forced to team up with him to find the culprit, and a cure. Their search takes them through the heart of the forest, uncovering secrets, dangers, and feelings. Somewhere between their bickering and their investigations, the tension shifts, and the boy she swore she couldn’t stand starts to feel a little too close.
A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a cosy, romantic fantasy full of warmth, magic and slow-burn tension. Bisma, on the outside, looks stubborn and protective, but on the inside she’s quietly vulnerable. She acts tough because that’s who she has to be. She’s the older sister, the one who holds things together. She’s smart, resourceful, and knows her way around herbs and potions better than anyone, but she’s awfully relatable, afraid of letting people close, because the moment she does, she risks getting hurt. But once she lets you know, she’d give everything to protect them.
Then there’s Xander, charming in that frustrating way that makes Bisma roll her eyes, but he also makes her smile. He’s infuriatingly confident, quick with a joke, and a little too good looking for Bisma’s peace of mind. At first, they clash like oil and water, but could they put everything else behind for the sake of her sisters?
What makes the characters feel so real is that they don’t always say or do the perfect thing. They make mistakes, argue, and have their moments. But eventually, they open up - Bisma slowly learning to let people in, and Xander proving he’s more than just a charming face.
For fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or general slow burns, A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a must read, strong on the feels and swoons, light on the language and spice.
Themes: Family comes first, Trust, Vulnerability, First Love, Healing, Found Family.
By Hamsini C. (Student)
The amazing true story of how babies are made by Fiona Katauskas
There are tried and tested, classic books explaining how babies are made, but this one makes itself relevant with its up-to-date information, inclusive of IVF and sperm donation and other modern baby-making topics. Perfect for use with children of all ages, the book is ideal for parent use but teachers will also be able to pick out suitable sections, depending on the age of the students. It will be especially useful for body awareness, and relationship and sexual health education. In addition to providing information, this book will assist children to develop confidence in their body while encouraging an awareness and appreciation of difference - both among and between genders and age groups. Separated into sections, it starts by exploring the differences between males and females, and then uses this terminology and information to explain sex and fertilisation; it is here that information about non-traditional fertilisation is included. The book then follows the growth and birth of a baby, including paragraphs about premature babies and caesarean births. It concludes with the assertion that making babies is one of the most amazing things that human bodies do and that we are all made this way!
Colourful illustrations, humour and plain English make this an easy and embarrassment-free title for parents to use. It is comprehensive and detailed without being dreary and addresses those things young children are curious about; it explains erections, puberty and sex in a matter-of-fact and honest way. Diagrams and pictures are accurate while also being fun, and at times humorous. Everything is described in a way that even the youngest child will understand and it has a warm rather than clinical tone. The author wrote this in response to the lack of any up-to-date material to use with her own children. It fills an obvious gap and is therefore a necessary addition to every parent library.
Editor's note: A CBCA short listed book in 2016, this 10th anniversary edition has been updated. The review was first published in 2015.
“Our worlds are only as big as our perceptions of it. Reading sends us on adventures to explore both our inner and outer worlds, and in this way, expands our whole experience of life." Kimberly Brown
How Big is the Sky? is a powerful picture book asking some ‘big’ questions. Complete with a striking cover of an evening sky behind a boat and whale, this book provides a fascinating introduction for younger readers to the topic of measurement. The endpapers provide a brief snapshot of instruments used to measure things which could be used as a starting point for a discussion and includes items such as a watch, compass, weathervane and vernier caliper.
The early pages explain how a measuring tape is used to measure distance between two points. This is followed by measuring height, width, depth and circumference. This leads to the notion of distances far away and some so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Scales used for measuring mass and weight comes next with a clever image of a whale representing something that weighs a lot and a tiny image of krill which weigh very little. There is mention of an anemometer, thermometer, watch and a bucket which are used to measure wind, temperature, time and volume.
In the latter half of the book, the text takes on a deeper meaning. It asks the reader to think more profoundly about things. For example:
‘You can measure how cold it is outside, but not the warmth that laughter brings’ ‘You can measure the pressure of oxygen in your tank, but not the fizzing in your nerves.’ ‘How do you measure the height of adventure? Or how tall you’ve grown inside?’
This absorbing book challenges readers to think differently and look at the world around them from a new perspective. It may be the catalyst for many worthwhile discussions amongst young children and the adults in their lives.
Themes Big Questions, Measurement, Feelings, Thoughts.
Kathryn Beilby
How to train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell
Doom of the Darkwing, by talented author Cressida Cromwell, is the first action-packed instalment in the new How to Train Your Dragon School series. Readers are once again swept into the wildly imaginative world of dragons, danger and daring deeds. With Cowell’s trademark humour, adventure and heart, this new series will delight both fans of the original series, How to Train Your Dragon, and new readers alike.
The story begins where life on the Barbaric Archipelago has been anything but calm. Experiencing wild, unpredictable storms that are wreaking havoc across the islands, the tribe is in a state of unrest. Despite this, Hiccup is quite excited (even with the immense pressure to live up to the legacy of his formidable father) to be beginning his first day at the new Viking and Dragon Training School; his first lesson is “The Art of War.”
This excitement is short lived, however, when Hiccup breaks a rule during class and is awarded a devastating "egg level." Feeling the pain of disappointment, his feelings go from bad to worse when a cunning villain deceives his village. Hiccup tries desperately to warn his father, but is ignored and banned from leaving the island.
Seeing no other option than to risk the consequences, Hiccup and his loyal friend, Fishleg, decides to traverse the dangerous seas on their rickety boat - breaking the rules, braving the storm and hopefully saving the day! Will they have the power and skill to fight what they find in these dangerous waters?
The novel has a great format filled with lively black and white illustrations, adding an extra layer of magic and mystery, along with information to discover more about the dragon species from this wild Viking world. Dragon lovers will also love the Dragonese dictionary at the end; perfect for those wishing to speak to their dragon friends!
Doom of the Darkwing is a must-read for those who love dragons, fantasy, full on adventure and overcoming adversities - and also anyone who believes being different might just be your greatest strength.
Themes Dragons, Fantasy, Adventure, Vikings, Problem Solving, Heroism.
Michelle O'Connell
Thoughts from a quiet bench by Kes Gray and Nila Aye
Kes Gray, Author of the very popular Oi Frog books returns with a mindful picture book that celebrates the children who are happy to sit quietly on a bench during recess time at school, observing what is going on in the playground.
The child sits silently on the bench, listening to children chattering and playing. The child is happy to be alone but is also happy to have other children perch on the bench and sit quietly. Random thoughts and amazing questions flit through the child’s mind and will challenge the reader and listener to think:
What are thoughts made of? Where does the air stop being invisible and turn into blue sky? Can the wind blow in two different directions at once?
I found this book fascinating. It is easy to relate to the child who is thoughtful, observing the colours of socks and the lonely girl who is by herself. The idea of being able to sit tranquilly and not join in is likely to appeal to introspective children and could encourage the more boisterous child to stop and take a breath and let the imagination take over.
The illustrations add to the whimsical nature of the story. Soft colours are used to show the sky and clouds, and the diversity of characters adds to the book’s appeal.
Gray has written a unique story that comes highly recommended.
Themes Imagination, Thinking, Playgrounds.
Pat Pledger
Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili
Frances Lincoln Children's, 2025. ISBN: 9781836002604. (Age:3+)
When Bear sits on a bench in the meadow, he thinks
"I love being a bear. I love my cookie. I love my book. I love my balloon. And I love sitting on my bench all by myself."
But then Fox wants a spot on the bench, Wolf asks for a bite of cookie, Rabbit wants a turn with the book. And Elephant would really like the balloon... Bear's day is not what he expected but will he share? Or will he explode?
From the get-go, our little ones are taught to share their things, but what happens when you have given away all you have? Do you speak up and risk the wrath of those around you, accused of being selfish? Or do you learn the art of saying "no" without hurting feelings or feeling guilty? Do you really have to give away some of the things you hold dear? Are you ever allowed to just let your frustration go?
While Bear's words say one thing, his expression and the clever use of font say another, giving the reader the opportunity to consider his body language and speculate on what he is really thinking, offering yet more lessons in how to "read the room", particularly if the adult sharing the book begins a conversation about these sorts of non-verbal cues and clues.
While this is primarily aimed at the preschool child who is learning about operating in the world of family and friends, it also has implications for those a bit older as they also learn to develop respectful relationships and that it is not only okay to say no, but sometimes it is essential.
Navigating the world of relationships, especially in this time of political correctness and social politeness where there is always someone who will take offence, is tricky for the most mature of us, and so retreating to Bear's isolated world of a bench, a book and a balloon seems to be idyllic but because, as John Donne said. "No man is an island", we must learn to map and walk our path carefully. even though sometimes we want to, can and do scream AAAAAARGH! (Or words to that effect and who cares about the consequences!).
Tom Blackburn has just been released from gaol, after serving nine years as an accessory to murder. He knows to be careful, it’s too easy to end up inside again. But odds are stacked against him; on his first day out he is robbed of his wallet and the only cash he has. Of his options, a charity shelter with similar down-and-outs, or sleeping in the open, he chooses sleeping in a cemetery. There is at least fresh air, and a certain freedom.
Then it seems like his luck has changed when he is offered work and a place to stay at the cemetery. Cyril, his overseer, has done gaol time too, and is willing to give him a chance. But it is not long before Tom senses that something underhand is going on.
It’s an interesting scenario. The boy that was convicted of accessory to murder, in an act of ‘the most serious violation of a corpse’ that the judge had come across, seems to have retained some moral values. He resists the temptation to steal money from an open till, and he doesn’t want to be involved in whatever is going on in the cemetery; whilst Cyril, the man who loves his dog, is a vegetarian, and who philosophises about sustainability and the climate, seems to be the most ruthless and corrupt of all.
Brandi is master at carrying a narrative with a minimalist kind of dialogue, the kinds of words that drag out of the side of the mouth, yet it is so authentic you can hear the voices and picture the characters. The reader can’t help but be caught up in sympathy for Tom, who is naïve but also hyper-sensitive to the nuances of a situation. His phone call conversations with the girl he clings to in his memories, are transparently stuck in a timeframe that has passed him by; she has moved on.
Those who have read Brandi’s award-winning novel Wimmera (2017) will recognise the connections. And if you haven’t read that book, I’m sure that at the end of Eden you will want to seek it out.
Themes Crime, Morals, Luck.
Helen Eddy
School of monsters: Greg's spooky surprise! by Sally Rippin
Greg’s spooky surprise! is another addition to Sally Rippin’s School of Monsters series of first readers. In this one the reader finds Greg who loves the spooky season and wants to frighten everyone. But to his surprise, there are some people who don’t like being frightened, so he plans a fun house for them as well as a spooky house for those who like to be scared.
With cute, colourful illustrations by Chris Kennett, this is a fun rhyming story that adults will enjoy reading aloud to young children who love everything to do with spooky things, while emerging readers will enjoy following the instructions on the back cover: ‘Start by reading only the last word on every line and work your way up to the whole story!' There are instructions for parents to help their child to read at the end, and children will also enjoy the chance to learn how to draw Greg.
There are lots of books in the School of Monsters series which will be a boon for parents if young children find them engaging in their early attempts to learn to read. Greg’s spooky surprise! will also be a great read for Halloween.
Themes Halloween, Spooks.
Pat Pledger
My super charged ADHD brain by Dani Vee, James Layton and Ruth-Mary Smith
A joyful story, My Supercharged ADHD Brain with its exuberant illustrations, brings to life what it is like to have a different type of brain. Both Dani Vee and James Layton have been diagnosed with ADHD and the illustrator has loves with ADHD so the book resonates with authenticity.
A small girl, the narrator of the story, states that her brain is like ‘a race car, a cheetah, a rocket ship and a popcorn machine that keeps Pop Pop Popping’ unlike her friends who have bookish brains, science brains, creative brains and sporty brains. Her brain never slows down and she has lots of energy, solving problems and talking a lot.
The wonderful illustrations complement the story, making it very easy to visualise the little girl with the supercharged brain as she chronicles her feelings and actions: I lose track of time, but I am… Courageous Fun Loud Impatient And I never give up!
My Supercharged ADHD Brain is an engaging story that illustrates the strengths and challenges of having ADHD. It is sure to help readers understand what it is like to have ADHD, with it positive and often humorous approach to the topic. Meanwhile, adults may like to explore the three ways that ADHD presents from the Health Direct website.
In this poignant novel rooted in historical fiction, Jackie French explores life amid World War II in Australia and beyond. Set in 1942, just after Japan bombed Sydney Harbour a sixteen-year-old Ossie lies about his age to enlist in the fight, reluctantly leaving behind his one-eyed dog, Lucky. Left to Mrs. Plum, who already cares for dozens of soldiers’ dogs, Lucky finds a new caregiver in thirteen-year-old Kat Murphy. Together, Kat and her school friends take on the responsibility of caring for the animals and writing letters from them to keep morale high. As the war reaches its darkest moments, Ossie is taken prisoner and sent to Japan, ultimately witnessing the rise of the mushroom cloud over Nagasaki. Kat discovers an extraordinary bond with Lucky. She begins experiencing visions of Ossie’s journey and suffering, connecting their lives despite the distance.
Through this haunting narrative, French weaves themes of loyalty, trauma, and empathy across war-torn worlds. French’s prose is understated yet emotionally potent as she honours real survivors and Japanese eyewitnesses, allowing readers to decide for themselves the moral weight behind the bombings instead of prescribing an answer. This haunting story of bravery, interconnectedness, and bereavement stays with you long after the last page. Perfect for readers who enjoy understated historical fiction with intense emotional resonance. Those who read and loved books by Peter Høeg, Markus Zusak, or Debra Adelaide would have plenty to ponder here. French's book reminds us of the human side of history and how small things such as looking after a one-eyed dog can provide hope during the most difficult of times.
Themes: World War, 1939-1945, Prisoners and prisons, Dogs, Nuclear weapons, Nagasaki (Japan)-Bombardment
The Deadly Diamond is one of two History Hunter books released by Mark Greenwood in 2025, to complete the 4-book series which started in 2024 with The dragon's treasure and The vanishing. The final two books in this series are The wonder horse and The deadly diamond, both released in June 2025. Each book is the stand-alone case file of its own unique historical topic.
The History Hunter series is fabulous for middle grade readers, especially those who love a juicy story about true events. This particular volume is also fabulous for those who relish the idea of a real-life curse!
The titular diamond of this book is the Hope Diamond, originally dug out of the earth in India in 1642. But that diamond looked quite different to the one now on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. And that diamond was not called the Hope Diamond.
This case file starts over a billion years ago, deep underneath the earth's surface. Heat and pressure combined to compress carbon atoms into a rare blue diamond weighing over 112 carats. The diamond was eventually dug up in 1642 and has been recut twice and had multiple different owners over all the passing years. It is now just over 45 carats and is still the rarest and most famous diamond ever known.
The story of the diamond itself is interesting - following its journey through the years and its changing appearance. But the most fascinating part of the story is the ill-fortune that befell almost every owner of the diamond. From the first buyer (who is said to have died on the streets of Moscow after being attacked by a pack of wolves), to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette (whose deaths by guillotine are well-documented), to another owner who died with it under her pillow - the idea of a curse adds an extra layer to the enthralling tale of this famous diamond.
The final few pages are a wealth of extra information: Hope Diamond statistics; a detailed timeline from 800 BC to present day; a list of extra resources including books and web links; a glossary; and acknowledgements.
Themes Diamonds, Mystery, History, Curses.
Kylie Grant
Creation lake by Rachel Kushner
Random House, 2024. ISBN: 9781787334380. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2024, Rachel Kushner’s latest book is a fascinating mix of philosophical discussion and spy thriller, with a twist of sardonic humour. Her protagonist, Sadie Smith (a fake identity), is a spy hired by anonymous corporate interests to infiltrate a French commune run by eco-activists, with the aim of discrediting them, and implicating them in unlawful activities, and thus enabling the ongoing development of formerly agricultural land.
Sadie is a mercenary, former FBI agent who was accused of entrapment when her snare led to the conviction of a very nalve boy, all as a means to an end. This time she enters Le Moulin commune deliberately seeking to provoke conflict and violent action. In the Japanese analysis of blood traits, she is “ambitious, intelligent, and independent. But also cold, arrogant, and conniving.” 'Ruthless' would be another good descriptor. However, her cool analysis and deprecatory thoughts, plus her crafty manipulation of people and situations, provide for a lot of the humour.
The philosophical aspect of the novel is centred on the figure of Bruno Lacombe, a man in his eighties, the leading inspiration for the commune’s drive to return to nature and the peasant way of life. With his examination of the destructive impact of Homo sapiens on the planet, he asks “we are headed toward extinction in a shiny, driverless car, and the question is: How do we exit this car?” He idealises the Neanderthals as the uncorrupted, and seeks to return ever closer to their simple existence, moving from a farmhouse to a barn to a dry-stone hut, and then to the darkness of an underground cave. The commune members begin to find his views too obscure, and want to engage in a major protest action against the developers, while Sadie, the cynic, the person who cares for nobody, finds herself drawn further and further into the arguments he presents in his writings.
In a twist on the ‘escape from a cult’ trope, Sadie instead ends up on the path to finding her ‘salt’, her inner truth. But it’s a path that escalates into a farcical turn of events that explodes all around her. This is a really enjoyable novel for readers who like something that challenges their thinking, and is fun at the same time.
Themes Alternative lifestyle, Commune, Future, Philosophy, Spy.
