In plenty of time for Easter, this charming new picture book by award-winning South Australian children’s author Janeen Brian, is a perfect read-aloud for young children. Full of clever and creative rhyme sharing interesting facts about bilbies, this engaging tale will be enjoyed by both young and old.
I have a whiskery sniffer-snout. It pokes out from my face. I search in scrub for seeds and grubs, or insects about the place.
There is also a simple but important environmental message coming through the narrative for young readers which may encourage further discussion.
The holes I dig for burrows in land where hot winds blow, let in the air and help prepare, so seeds that fall can grow.
The vibrant, full-page illustrations by Lucinda Gifford enrich the narrative and vividly evoke the colourful Australian ecosystem that bilbies call home. Some inquisitive birds pop up throughout the story adding warmth and gentle humour to each scene.
Are you the Easter Bunny? will be a wonderful addition to a home, school or public library. If you purchase one Easter picture book this year, I highly recommend this one. It is just delightful.
Themes Bilbies, Easter, Rhyme, Facts, Australian Environment.
It's Easter morning and the three little bunnies are awake early, for today promises to be lots of fun. No snuggling in for an extra five minutes - there is an important job to do. So they spring out of bed, and head outside because THIS is the morning of the Easter egg hunt. And what better way to round off the fun than with a picnic, a special story and a snuggle and cuddle with Mummy and daddy Bunny?
With its soft watercolour illustrations and two word captions, this is one that little readers will not only resonate with as they recognise all the fun of their own egg hunts, but will also be able to read to themselves.
Part of a trilogy that includesDaddy Cuddle and MummyCuddle, older siblings who may still have them on their bookshelf will delight in seeing old favourites again and sharing them perhaps creating special moments and memories together.
Perfect for popping in the Easter basket of the little ones in your life.
Themes Easter, Rabbits.
Barbara Braxton
The kids who rescued Easter by Jackie Hosking. Illus. by Nathaniel Eckstrom
There were whispers in the garden for the word had got around that Easter Bunny's eggs had rolled away.
He was on his way to hide them, when he dropped them on the ground and now he has no eggs for Easter Day...
But all the tried and trusty neighbours from the houses near and far had gathered in the garden, keen to find the eggs and help Easter Bunny. All the children had bikes, skateboards, trikes and there was even a little redhead on his homemade scooter, and they were keen to join the search, although there was doubt whether the scooter would make it until Nancy vouched for its durability. So off up the hills they went in search of the eggs - but were they really doing Easter Bunny a favour?
This delightful story from she who gave us When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree, should come with a WARNING sticker, because if you are familiar with A. B. Paterson's The Man from Snowy River and, in particular the version by Wallis and Matilda then you are going to have an earworm for the rest of the day. This is a clever take on this iconic poem, both in theme and rhythm providing a uniquely Australian tale about this time of the year that every child will love to hear, regardless of their age.
Superb. Definitely one for your personal collection to share and share and share.
(And just in case you haven't discovered Wallis and Matilda's musical renditions of Paterson's poems because you're not old enough, here's my Easter gift to you...)
Pink Easter by Tanya Hennessy. Illus. by Sophie Kent
Albert Street, 2026. ISBN: 9781761181153. (Age:3+)
'Twas the night before Easter, the workshop was busy! There were baskets to fill and eggs to make pretty.
There was so much to do for the big Easter quest. And the Bunny herself? She was, honestly, stressed.
But when Winnie the Easter duck suggested sharing the workload with her friends, Easter Bunny declines the offer declaring the work is her mission. She must do it herself because it's Easter tradition. But Winnie is not deterred and unveils the Easter Eggmaster, an invention she has been working on to automatically colour the Easter eggs, summoning the friends to get the eggs sorted while Bunny is busy elsewhere.
But when she turns it on, disaster strikes.... Or does it?
This is the equally-delightful companion to Pink Santa told in the same catchy rhyme and rhythm of Clement C. Moore's original A Visit from St Nicholas with the conversations between the characters continued in speech bubbles so the plot continues without interrupting the flow of the narrative. And like Pink Santa which explores whether Christmas will still be Christmas if Santa's suit is pink, this one examines whether Easter will still be Easter even if Easter Bunny does delegate the tasks, helping little ones understand that it is okay to seek help and take it when it's offered, and so much better than getting frustrated and cranky and discarding the task altogether.
As the supermarket shelves fill with Easter eggs of all shapes, sizes and colours and hot cross buns are popped into shopping trolleys, our youngest readers are very aware of the upcoming celebration and so this is the perfect book to share at this time. Even as it rollicks along, that important message of sharing, co-operating and collaborating with those around us oozes like runny chocolate, offering even our littlest readers the opportunity to think how they might be able to help their friends and family at such a busy time. Just as Easter Bunny has to learn to ask for help - and accept it when it's offered - they too can tune in to what's going on around them and offer to help, just like Winnie did. They are not powerless and perhaps something as simple as picking up their toys or helping with the dishes can be an enormous contribution, Even for those for whom Easter is not a family celebration, this is one with a universal message of being part of a family and a community that will have wide appeal and application.
Just in time for Easter 2026, to be processed and placed on library shelves and in the hands of families and children is The first Easter, a companion book to The first Christmas by Melbourne-based author and illustrator. Fresh updates to the collections held in school and local libraries of books on Christianity are overdue and therefore Jess's book is a welcome addition to the number of books published recently on alternate world religions for the consumption of children. Having previously worked in publishing and having children of her own, it is likely that Jess saw this gap in the market. Balance and education is of importance in order to address the lack of knowledge of Australian children about Christianity.
Jess Racklyeft has been awarded for a number of CBCA Picture Books of the Year. The books, well known to schools, are the delightful, Smile cry written by Tania McCartney, Welcome baby written and illustrated by Racklyeft (2020) and Iceberg (2022) written by Claire Saxby and winning Picture book of the year. Iceberg is noted for its "detailed artwork that portrays...3D structure of icebergs." These books need to be sought out if only for their stunning illustrations. The first Easter is illustrated primarily in soft, muted watercolour. The characters appear happy and kind and the backgrounds that they move through are gently whimsical and detailed. Jess has dedicated this book to peace and kindness and she has achieved a peaceful and kind tone. Birds, animals, people and shared food are the subject of the delightful illustrations.
Jess tells the story of Easter in a simple, reliable and accessible way. She explains what Easter means to people and what ceremonies and rituals people have to celebrate it. She begins the narrative with, " A long time ago, in a country far away, a man called Jesus travelled to the big city." Perhaps she thinks that saying Jerusalem would be too much information for young children. Jess narrates the storyline chronologically beginning with Palm Sunday, The Last Supper (using the term "friends" rather than "disciples"), Jesus's crucifixion (just showing images of the crown of thorns and the Cross) and his resurrection on the third day. Jess concludes with the eggs being a symbol of new life..."And that is the story of the first Easter."
This reader agrees with other reviewers that The first Easter is perfect for families, godparents and grandparents wanting a thoughtful introductory book to faith for toddlers and young school age children. It is a good choice for church communities, schools and homes - one that can be reread seasonally. A note in the endpapers informs readers that Easter has been celebrated for over 2000 years all around the world, with slightly different rituals and symbols in different cultures. It also states that Easter celebrations have become part of secular gatherings as people come together to celebrate new life, hope and new beginnings.
The first Easter is a beautiful book with deep meaning written by a well- known, award winning illustrator and emerging young writer. It is recommended as a companion read with The first Christmas.
Themes Easter.
Wendy Jeffrey
Lottie Brooks VS the ultra mean girls by Katie Kirby
This is book 8 of the Lottie Brooks series. I have not read any of the others, so this was my first introduction to the group of friends and others. I feel that reading the books in order would help you to understand some of the backstories and references but even without this I really enjoyed the story.
Lottie is a funny and loyal character who experiences similar friendship issues to the reader. Lottie is in Year 8, and her friendship group is in turmoil as her best friend has joined the “mean girls” group and Lottie and her other friends are feeling the betrayal fiercely, but they have a plan to get Amber back before it is too late. Lottie is also facing some other issues with her family, and this contributes to the realness of the story, with readers either remembering or experiencing the angst of teenage life that is impacted by puberty, friendship issues and the expectation of responsibility.
The language used is reflective of current teenage language and this adds to the diary feel of the book, as do the illustrations and cartoons that fill the pages along with the main story.
Lottie Brooks diary series is an excellent way for readers to see that their experiences are normal and that their struggles are often felt by other tween/teenagers who are dealing with similar issues. I really enjoyed the relatability of the story and the diary style of the writing and would recommend this to any tween/teen readers who are looking for something to make them laugh while still supporting them to see they are not alone. I loved that Lottie is naïve and loyal to her friends and tries to always be true to herself even when she is making mistakes and getting it all wrong. A fabulous book and a series that I would recommend investing in.
Themes Family, Friendship, Bullying, Growing-up.
Mhairi Alcorn
Come home, Bibibila by Corey Tutt & Irma Gold. Illus. by Jessica Tedim
Allen & Unwin, 2026. ISBN: 9781761181863. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Subtitled, ‘A story of an echidna finding its way back to Country’ will excite younger readers, knowing that the will be learning a lot about echidnas and where they live.
The Gamillaraay word for echidna is Bigibila and Corey Tutt is a Gamilaraay man who has written his first picture book about his totem.
Beautifully illustrated, the story of the lost echidna will enthral younger readers following Bigibila, as he ignores his mother’s command to stay put. They will bring to mind times when they have gone against an elder's wishes, and wonder about how Bigibila will survive.
The red earth speaks to Bigibila of her Country and when she wanders off and loses her way, she finds she must return home to her own place. When Mum goes off to find termites, Bigibila scrambles out of the burrow to see what she can see. But she encounters Maliyan, the wedge tail eagle, and as he swoops to grab his dinner, a ranger steps in and takes the little echidna back to her sanctuary. Here she is sheltered and fed safe from the predators, but she yearns for her Country. So she digs her way out of the enclosure, and walks and walks until the earth beneath her feet feels right, she feels safe, there are lots of termites to eat and the air tastes right. And there is Mum waiting for her. She is home.
An engaging reminder that we all have a place where everything feels right, our home, and a fitting lesson for younger readers to take notice of their elders.
Illustrator, Jessica Tedim has included animals, birds and insects setting the scene in the red earth country that is home for the echidna. Children will love looking for these as they turn the pages. The sweeps of red earth across the pages will draw readers’ eyes to the plight of the little animal.
At the end of the book are pages devoted to the Gamilaraay words used for the Dark Emu in the night sky, the eagle that nearly ends Bigibila’s exploring, the ranger who saves her as well as the echidna. There are also several pages with information about the echidna, what it eats in captivity and a plea to keep these animals wild, ending with outlines of the authors and illustrator on the endpapers.
Carol is not your average ‘little old lady’, she is in fact a serial killer. After doing her long stretch in prison she manages to buy a new residence in a rather posh retirement home (utilising funds skimmed from a previous victim). In her new surroundings she attempts to ‘stay under the radar’ amongst the other intriguing residents - for example, an ex-policeman, a former pathologist, a retired British Home Secretary, a crime writer and a former police commissioner. Friendship might even be a possibility amidst the strange goings-on of the elderly and those who work in Sheldon Oaks retirement home. But it is murder that puts Carol back into the spotlight and creates problems for her return to freedom. Can the police actually put the evidence together and find the real murderer, or does Carol have to do the work for them to escape suspicion?
Written with a ‘wink and nod’ to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books, this has a tongue-in-cheek feel of eccentricity. The characters are British and aged (but don’t assume they were born in war time), and they have left behind careers, histories and secrets and have settled into the maddeningly eccentric (and sometimes ‘slow’) life of the retirement home. But a central character that has a past as a convicted serial killer is almost comedic in flavour. In true Agatha Christie-style, there is a murder, investigation, and denouement, but with a side-serve of busybody investigators and one serial killer! This has an even lighter silliness compared to Osman’s successful Thursday Murder Club series, and the ‘oldies’ engage in some unseemly activities along the way, but there are the standard red herrings and twists that make this murderous mystery an intriguing, quirky and entertaining story. It is not highbrow literature, but adults will enjoy its subtle jests towards the murder mystery genre (sometimes not-so-subtle) and anyone who likes a light-hearted murder investigation will chuckle at Carol’s journey from jail release to Retirement Home - alongside other murderers!
Somewhere you can dream by Janeen Brian & Hilary Jean Tapper
Allen & Unwin, 2026. ISBN: 9781761181764. (Age:3+) Highly recommended.
Using a range of media, Tapper’s illustrations reflect watercolour, gouache, pen and ink, pencil and crayon, all blended to make the almost dreamlike atmosphere which support the text of Somewhere you can dream. These wonderful pages are filled with brush strokes that seem deceptively hurried, showing a sky full of moving, reshaping clouds and patches of blue, changing as we move from one page to the next. The children flying kites on the cover introduces readers to a world close to their own, a time of playfulness and exploration, a time of dreams.
On each double page the rhyming lines take the readers on a journey. We are taken to secret nooks, hideaways, shady trees, rocky bays, cubbies, tree tops, places between places where the clouds move quickly. Janeen Brian uses evocative words such as leafy, shady, cosy, sheltered and snuggling, all soft, gentle words which add to the comforting, soothing and calm atmosphere echoed by the illustrations.
‘Wriggling into tiny spaces so you‘re hardly there’, one of my favourite lines, brings forth the image of a child making themselves as small as possible, finding a place to dream, and the illustrations on those pages are just as arresting. One page has a quiet place in the house, a child squeezed into a chair, reading, another sitting quietly on the floor beside the chair, while another climbs into the window seat, the next page showing a child’s face peering into a garden, its colours muted by the moon. The spare words are again reflected in the images presented.
Many of the places we are taken on our journey, are around the home, and later Janeen Brian takes us outside, to rolling hills and deep valleys, a place to shout. And she brings us back into the known, as she looks for a smaller spot, a place where she can sit and dream and think.
This wonderful evocation of quiet places, of wild places, of being at home and outside, offers a place to dream, of being alone, a place to sit and think.
The book evokes the positives of being alone, as well as the comfort of being with a group, extolling the idea of dreaming, of being able to be somewhere quiet and evocative, a place of solitude and thought. These themes are revealed in both text and word, and young readers will love reading it aloud, looking at the detail offered in the illustrations. They will offer their places of solitude, places where they can be quiet and reflective.
A story that wraps its arms around the reader, making them feel comforted both in quiet times alone, and being with friends for active romps.
Themes Dreams, Solitude, Adventure, Family, Home.
Fran Knight
The friendship paradox by Aska
Allen & Unwin, 2026. ISBN: 9781761181689. (Age:Young adult, adult) Recommended.
Physics is Dash’s happy place, so when they get a gap year job at the Pop Science Hub in Perth (Boorloo) there is a lot to look forward to. The job entails presenting science shows to schools, not only in the city but also visiting remote and regional areas of WA. Dad thinks the road trip will be the perfect environment to make friends, but Dash is not so sure, physics is predictable and logical, in terms of physics the universe consists of energy and matter interacting in understandable ways, whereas Dash finds people unpredictable and sometimes mean. The small team responsible for the Pop-Up Rovers includes Kay, the other new presenter whose gregariousness and effervescent character Dash finds challenging. Kay, trained in circus skills, expresses anxiety through movement and finds switching to performance mode alleviates stress and self-doubt. For Dash, being organized and prepared within a framework of rules helps them cope. The two are quickly thrust into science communication performances which they both find challenging but while Kay is less confident with the content it is the frustrations of unforeseen circumstances like an occupied reserved parking space and the need to get their trolley up stairs that result in controlled angry outbursts from Dash.
Presenting this story through graphic illustrations is particularly strong here, Dash’s thoughts and feelings are represented in purple bubbles, anger being a bull which is a powerful tool they are learning to control. One of the experienced presenters suggests finding the neutral point, like in a magnetic field, in any difficult interaction, a point at which you hold your ground but don’t need to invest any energy into disagreeing. The team travel and present key aspects of physics to school children across WA, the engaging presentations appearing in the text on a gridded background identified in the contents page at the front. The road trip does indeed foster closer relationships, with all of the aspects of a paradox coming to the fore; seeming illogical at first glance, revealing the reality that everyone struggles at some time, followed by self-correction, challenging those involved to think more critically and not dismiss opportunities to grow. There is a warning at the front that there are references to alcoholism and suicide and there is a resources page for mental help support at the end.
Award winning South Australian children’s author and Early Years educator Katrina Germein has just released her twenty ninth book, a lively tribute to all things girlhood. Told through short four line verses with carefully chosen words, this skilfully written picture book radiates energy and charm. Its dynamic rhythm and joyful vibe are sure to delight readers from start to finish.
Girls like…
Chalk art Mud art Box art Bud art
Quick beats Slow beats Soft beats Show beats
Skirts on Jewels on Shirts on Tools on
A powerful message of diversity and inclusivity is shared throughout the narrative, with the bold and captivating illustrations bringing visual interest and vitality to the text. The endpapers, both front and back, extend the richness of the illustrations by showcasing a beautiful array of colourful snapshots drawn from the artwork within. This will provide a wonderful Early Year’s learning opportunity that will encourage young readers to recognise familiar images and search for them as the story unfolds.
Myra in the middle by Seetha Dodd. Illus. by Peter Cheong
University of Queensland Press, 2026. ISBN: 9780702270994. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Seven-year-old Myra likes maths, football and things staying the same. So, her world is flipped upside down when her family welcomes a new baby. Myra was happy living with her mum, dad, grandma and big sister but now she is the middle child, and everyone knows the middle child is always getting forgotten. Not only is she a middle child at home but when she tries out for the soccer team her coach puts her in midfield, how can she stand out and be memorable when nothing ever happens in midfield that will allow her to shine.
This is a beautifully written story that perfectly reflects the feelings of being the forgotten middle child without falling into cliches and negativity. I loved the discussion of Myra's feelings with friends and her family and the ways that she felt unseen or forgotten. I also really enjoyed reading about her plans to fix the problem, with limited success.
Myra is a positive character who is portrayed with an authenticity that is endearing. I absolutely can see this becoming a favourite on home and school library shelves as it would be a great book to open the door to discussions about bigger families and the way that sometimes people can feel unseen.
This book is perfectly suited to an emerging independent reader or a class read aloud. I really enjoyed reading this book and would love to read more about Myra's adventures.
Following on from Iceberg, Tree and Volcano, author Claire Saxby has once again written another striking narrative non-fiction book that shows her deep understanding and research into our natural environment.
The summer storm begins with a whisper of the wind where the birds and the sea creatures are waiting and watching. The creatures retreat as the build-up of clouds begins. As the storm gathers momentum both the sea and the land take a battering. Then the storm moves abates. The sand and the air are cool. Everything is still. Life goes on.
Throughout this book the poetic and descriptive language used is brilliantly executed:
“Periwinkle tracks scribble across a blister rock pool to where edge-tucked anemones extend tentacles wide.” “A flutter, a ripple, a shiver show where it blows.” “White-lipped waves snack at the shore.” “The wind is alive. It flings and slings rain at the land, at the sea.” “The reef disappears in a tumult of wind-built bubbles and wave churn.”
The reader can feel the power and majesty of the storm at its height and then the sense of reprieve when it has passed. Until next time.
The dynamic watercolour illustrations perfectly capture the words and feeling of this imposing storm. The gorgeous colours used in the rockpools and ocean scenes in the stillness complement the darkness of the storm clouds. The double page foldout spread is simply stunning. It is a magnificent storm: frightening in its intensity but as is noted in the final pages becoming more common with rising sea levels and increasing global temperatures.
Storm is another valuable addition to a school and public library. Highly recommended.
Allen & Unwin, 2026. ISBN: 9781761066276. (Age:7+)
Anders and his trusty flying beetle Skip return from their first adventure in Anders and the comet to engage in another imaginative story while on a camping holiday near an extinct volcano. He travels with friends Bernie and Eden and his family during the school holidays, meeting up with Veronica who also has a flying beetle. Anders and new girl Veronica enjoy some flying time together before meeting up at the same camp site destination. Bernie and Eden soon find pet beetles as well, but Bernie's is a reluctant flier, showing a preference for swimming. This becomes problematic later when the friends find themselves in a tricky situation with limited time to react.
Anders is a positive role model of how to support, interact and build friendships. His actions and the words he uses with others show a maturity beyond his years. It is refreshing to see his unconditional acceptance of the choices his friends make, for instance when Bernie supports his new beetle Lump when the others go flying. Anders is inclusive of others and encourages new friendships with the people he meets on his holiday travels.
The black and white graphic novel incorporates explicit learning moments on the nature of volcanoes during the story as well as in a short appendix about how volcanoes form. The story is broken up into chapters and presents an easy read for younger readers who are just beginning the journey into graphic novels.
Annette Mesecke
Themes Graphic novel, Volcanoes.
Anders and the comet by Gregory Mackay
Allen & Unwin, 2026. ISBN: 9781761066269. (Age:7-9) Highly recommended.
Author and illustrator Gregory Mackay's first graphic novel celebrates friendship, adventure and creativity.
Anders and his classmates are surprised when their teacher gives them a homework assignment for the school break. They have to write a report on their holiday activities. Anders, his cousin Eden and new mate Bernie enjoy family outings, visiting the zoo and a carnival, exploring the local park, playing video games and play and craft activities. They have fun making bows and arrows, building a box cubby, imagining they are in far off lands and adventures with the Green Grabber. They find a fantastic new pet Skip a glow bug that can perform some amazing tricks.
Anders and the comet is the first in a series of junior novels by Gregory Mackay; the young reader can take inspiration from the three friends and use their imagination to create their own adventures with everyday objects. Why not try making a comic book, a cubby house or a gyrocopter?
