Little Hare, 2025. ISBN: 9781761214653. (Age:4-10 years) Highly recommended.
Philip Bunting has once again presented a fascinating, humourous and strikingly illustrated book - this one about all manner of dinosaurs. With his trademark hint of humour, vibrant illustrations and accessible facts, this book is sure to become a favourite amongst dinosaur-loving children.
The title alone, Weirdosaurus. is a hook in itself. Paired with the vivid illustration of a variety of peculiar creatures, the reader is in for a visual and factual treat. And please check out the endpapers. They are a busy snapshot of what dinosaurs are discussed in the book. The contents page provides a list of all the creatures but before delving into this, there is a thoughtful introduction, a word about the meaning ‘terrible lizard’ plus an important page on how to use this book.
This collection is made up of creatures from the Mesozoic Era (252-66 million years ago) and covers the Triassic, the Jurassic and the Cretaceous periods. Every creature is labelled clearly with a bold heading, name translation, scientific name, habitat, diet, length, description and size comparison. This information is accompanied by a detailed and colourful illustration.
On the opening double page spread of each of the three periods, there are all of the dinosaurs listed for that particular time with their name, pronunciation and page number. A very quick easy way to find a dinosaur of interest. For example, there is a Henodus on page 31 which is a subaqueous sucker and has a flattened square-shaped shell. On page 58 is the Fruitadens which is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered just 65cms with fast, snappy jaws. On page 91, is the Nedoceratops who is only half pictured as they only ever discovered a single fossilized skull. In the final pages is a discussion about the end of dinosaurs plus a detailed index.
This fabulous and engaging non-fiction book will be a much-loved asset for a home, school or public library.
Themes Dinosaurs, Humour, Information.
Kathryn Beilby
Ariana Treasure: The Lost Frog by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern. Illus. by Karen Erasmus
For junior primary children beginning to show more interest in reading early chapter books, this new series Ariana Treasure will provide an excellent stepping stone from classroom readers. With six novels in the series, there is an opportunity for children to become familiar with Ariana and The Treasure Chest – a thrift shop which her mother owns and manages.
In this fourth story The Lost Frog, a new delivery has a surprise in store for Ariana and her mum: a very energetic, leaping frog who decides to bounce around the thrift shop knocking things everywhere. When it is safely back in the box, mum finds a name on a shirt that belongs to Hugo Walker who Ariana knows from school. After placing the frog in a fish tank, they contact the Walkers who have no idea about the frog. It is up to Ariana, Hunter, Maya and Alex to try to solve the problem of where the frog has come from. Hugo turns up as well and tells the children how to look after the frog. Ariana suspects Hugo knows more about this frog than he is sharing and eventually the truth will come out.
The vocabulary used in this book is accessible and provides repetition. The text is large and the sentences are simple and well-spaced. The idea of using a thrift shop as a setting will provide a unique experience for some readers or a familiar one for others who visit second hand shops. This story also covers the topic of being responsible in a very clear and practical way.
Themes Thrift shops, Frogs, Friendship, Problem Solving, Responsibility.
Kathryn Beilby
Kimberley Kickers: Krstel kicks to win by Hakea Hustler & Carl Merrison with Krstel Petrevski. Illus. by Samantha Campbell
Krstel kicks to win is part of an action-packed Aussie Rules illustrated series for age 8+ called Kimberley Kickers. It is the result of a wonderful collaboration between Carl Merrison (storyteller and Krstel's coach) and Hakea Hustler (experienced teacher in remote regions). This collaboration was the result of the shared belief that stories like Krstel kicks to win (which is based on the life of a real Australian Rules footballer from the Kimberley area - Krstel Petrevski) are inspirational and will be empowering for Aboriginal children from remote communities bringing about learning and change. Recent multi-award winning collaborations between Merrison and Hustler include Black Cockatoo which was a CBCA (2019) Book of the Year Honour book and My Deadly boots.
My Deadly boots was illustrated by Mparntwe (Alice Springs) book illustrator and graphic designer Samantha Campbell. Campbell has continued in the collaboration by illustrating the Kimberley Kickers series with her warm, soft black and white illustrations and brightly coloured book covers. The illustrations dovetail beautifully with the text making the storyline very retrievable and attractively presented. The text itself was typeset by the Harper Collins Design Studio using Rotis Sans Serif Std, a choice that ensures maximum legibilty for young and reluctant readers. Important words to be stressed are highlighted in larger, bold letters and double-line spacing helps with readability. A lot of thought has gone into ensuring that this series is easy to read and visually attractive.
Krstel kicks to win is part of a project which has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council; its arts funding and advisory body. In the end papers there is a glossary of colloquial Aboriginal terms and footy words used in the book, a map of Australia highlighting Halls Creek, full page photos and bios of the authors, the illustrator and Krstel Petrevski and a page dedicated to highlighting the talent that has come from this one town - Halls Creek. An enticing glimpse of the next book in the series which highlights another Halls Creek born AFL footy player Ash Johnson (out in 2026) acts as a bookend.
Krstel kicks to win is based on the life of Krstel Petrevski. This is the story of Krstel's dreams as a young girl to play with the AFLW and the determination and grit that she had to display in achieving this goal. Intertwined with football are times spent out on country, of finding bush food and camping in the bush, of floods and of school playtime and school camps, of mustering cattle and boarding school and motor bikes, of the draft, of family and friendship.
Krstel kicks to win is a warm and uplifting story (loosely based on real-life people, places and events) about one girl's determined effort to succeed to national level with football. It is full of adventure and action packed. Stories about relatable and successful local people inspire children to be proud and to emulate the examples set by their heroes/heroines. Footy is a passion for many Australians and therefore a popular topic to choose in order to encourage reading especially (in this case) for Aboriginal children.
School librarians and teachers are encouraged to recommend this series especially to reluctant readers who are into sport and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Themes Aussie Rules football, The Kimberley's Outback station life, Girls in sport, Following dreams, Aboriginal communities.
Wendy Jeffrey
All aboard! Discovering Sydney's Central Station by Jackie French. Illus. by Martina Heiduczek
New Frontier, 2025. ISBN: 9781923145382. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Renowned Australian author Jackie French spent many hours on trains travelling between Brisbane and Sydney. She has created this very clever and engaging publication about the history of Sydney’s Central Train Station using a large format board book with lift-the-flap sections. While this book is perfectly suited for young school aged children it is also a treasure trove of historical information for adults.
The story begins with the First Nations people using a network of paths to traverse their Country. Once the growing population of white settlers took off and especially in the time of the Gold Rush, it became obvious that Australia needed a more efficient way of travelling great distances. At that time steam trains were considered to be the fastest and most reliable. Then came the issue of where to place a train station in the Sydney, the fastest growing city. The first Central Station was built in 1855 but with the ever growing population a Grand Central Station was built in the early 1900’s, opening in 1906.
Over a number of years, underground tracks, World Wars, addition of more platforms and the development of electric trains changed the way people travelled to and from Sydney. Across Australia train travel became the way to move around from city to city. In 2018 work began on upgrading the Grand Central Station as over 250,000 people travelled by train daily.
This is a fascinating book with so much rich history shared in an accessible and entertaining way. The colourful illustrations are full of detail and the lift-the-flap sections provide important snapshots of facts that add to the back story.
Themes Large Format Board Book, Sydney, Central Train Station, History, Travel, Lift-the-flap sections.
Kathryn Beilby
The new kid by Jennifer Bain and Deborah Brown
Woodslane, 2023. ISBN: 9781922800374. (Age:5+)
When the students of Burraroo Public School skipped through their dusty red playground and into class, they saw a new student sitting at a desk. But this wasn't another kid to join in their fun and games, but a bunyip!
They're okay with that but Barry doesn't really fit in well - he had chosen Kit's desk to sit at and he's a bit too fat for it and from there the day and the week just go downhill with accident after accident. But rather than shun him, together with their teacher the class works on ways that Barry's special talents can be used.
Fitting in and finding your place at a new school can be daunting but this takes it to an extreme, offering the opportunity for conversations about how we can make newcomers feel welcome. Readers can have fun imagining the positives of having a bunyip come to their school, while others might want to investigate this legendary creature building a display that includes information gathered from their research and other books such as the classic The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek by Jenny Wagner and the Alexander Bunyip series by Michael Salmon. Standing outside the Gungahlin Library in Canberra is a statue of Alexander so they could also imagine they were the sculptor invited to create it and submit their ideas using what they have learned about its appearance, habitat, behaviour and origins.
A is for Alexander B is for Bunyip C is for Canberra.
Themes Bunyips, School.
Barbara Braxton
All about Antarctica by Marc Martin
Penguin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761047411. (Age:5-12 to adult) Highly recommended.
Award-winning Australian creative Marc Martin has written and illustrated a striking non-fiction picture book about one of the coldest places on Earth, Antarctica. This book is an incredible visual journey of adventure and learning, while travelling through this mysterious and stunning continent. With everything covered from general information about Antarctica, to clothing and accessories required, research stations and scientific research, transportation, ice, icebergs and glaciers, relaxation and recreation, field work, food and waste, marine life, penguins, birdlife, extraordinary species, natural wonders, Antarctic explorers, fossils, forests and meteorites, climate change and the introduction and removal of animals from the area, this book is a treasure trove of facts for all readers to enjoy. For example, if you are out in the field, you need to carry a pee bottle as there is no peeing in the snow! And continuing with the human waste theme, pee and poo are treated on larger stations with wastewater treatment plants, which pump treated water back into the ocean and ship waste off the continent. This is to keep the Antarctic environment pristine.
The appealing and tactile front cover is a hook for all with the back endpapers providing a humorous touch. The colourful illustrations are clearly labelled with snapshots of information easily accessible for young readers spread amongst them on every page. There is so much to learn about Antarctica and this fascinating book would be a wonderful gift for a budding young scientist or child with a thirst for adventure. Perfect for adults too!
Wylah the Koorie Warrior: Champions by Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181467. (Age:8+) Recommended.
In the fourth book of the Wylah series, Wylah, the Koorie Warrior continues her quest to rescue her friends. This time it is her koala friends from Megabeast Island. Meet Annabel who is hosting the annual “Dragon Queen’s Champion Tournament” where the victors win freedom for their people. Wylah and her new team who are Gaelic, Hindu, M'aori and Samoan must compete in increasingly dangerous challenges that test her skills and loyalty. Wylah must find a way to win and overcome Annabel’s evil plans and control over the megabeasts.
The story introduces readers to information about her new friends’ culture and traditions as well as First Nations history and culture. The book includes First Nations vocabulary and practices and other cultures with the inclusion of the Samoan Siva Tau (also known as a haka). Information surrounding these practices and a glossary at the end provides readers with clues as to how words are pronounced and their meanings.
I enjoy the Wylah stories, but they are not a series I have been invested in as they are hard to read at times with new language and stilted sentences. The writing is hard to define as at times I was confused about who or what characters were or if they were human, animals or guardian, and the added confusion of megabeasts. However, I think younger readers will be able to suspend the overthinking of an adult reader and just immerse themselves in the story and action.
I would recommend these for independent readers or older readers who are looking for an action-adventure fantasy novel in an easier to read format. The book lends itself to being read independently as there are times when I needed to return to previous sections of the story to remind myself of characters, totems or guardians. The illustrations certainly help to make this an enjoyable read and the information about First Nations allows for discussions and education to occur wholistically. A good addition to any library shelf.
Themes Adventure, Fantasy, First Nations, Cultures, Beasts, Challenges.
Mhairi Alcorn
Goodnight, Little Penguins by The Penguin Foundation & Jedda Robaard
Penguin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761349119. (Age:3+)
The penguin colony on Phillip Island is a must for visitors to Victoria. Here they will see the nightly parade of little penguins coming home to their burrows. This story reveals a lost penguin and its journey home to its mother. Children will adore the story, simply told with the overlay of being lost and finding home again. The story reinforces the idea of family, of belonging, and of the comfort of home.
A penguin couple is making their burrow and add two eggs to the east. When they hatch, the adults keep them alive but soon its time for the female to go out into the ocean for food to keep the chicks’ stomachs full. They call to each other, the male keeping watch over the chicks, and when dusk falls she returns, aware of the noise her family makes. Then they are all home together, safe, warm and with full stomachs.
Younger children will enjoy making the noises along with the story as it unfolds: the noise of the breaking egg shells as the baby penguins hatch, the noises of the hatchlings, the noises the family makes calling to eat other. And the soft, warm enticing illustrations will speak directly to the younger readers, redolent of home, safety and the surety of both parents.
Information about the Penguin Foundation can be found at the end of the book, encouraging readers not only to be aware of these little penguins, but to be more aware of conservation and its role in helping animals like these survive.
Themes Penguins, Family, Home, Survival.
Fran Knight
Dogs with Jobs by Max Hamilton
Albert Street Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181016. (Age:4 - 8 years) Highly recommended.
Children love books about animals and dogs are often top of the list. Dogs with Jobs written and illustrated by Max Hamilton is a wonderful read that shows many dogs in a new light. Career canines are not all that well known although some education centres may have a well-being or companion dog. Assisted dogs for hearing and sight impaired persons are possibly familiar but this newly released picture book thoughtfully introduces other career dogs to younger readers.
The gorgeous cover of the dogs with their name tags and where applicable wearing the necessary dog work wear is the perfect hook. The endpapers give a glimpse into aspects of the dogs’ careers and when paired with the title would provide a starting point for what the text might be about.
The story begins with a general introduction to dogs as pets and then moves on to introducing each dog and their career. Some of the fourteen dogs included are Albie the Australian Shepherd who stands guard at the Sydney Opera House to stop seagulls from stealing people’s food from their plates. Bazz the Black Labrador who is cleverly able to sniff out a disease that may infect beehives. Eba is a mixed breed who’s main job is to sniff out whale poo so scientists are able to monitor the health of orca whales. Bear is an Australian Koolie that can detect koalas who may need human help.
Each dog mentioned in the book has a double page spread with delightful full page colour illustrations sharing the dog’s story and showcasing the environment they work in. This unique and engaging book would be a wonderful gift for a canine-loving child or a great resource for early years and primary classrooms and libraries.
Themes Dogs, Careers, Dedication.
Kathryn Beilby
Frog: A Story of Lfe on Earth by Isabel Thomas and Daniel Egneus
The striking blue/green cover emblazoned with gold lettering, of new release, Frog: A Story of Life on Earth is the precursor to the visual delight you will experience as you read through this engaging book.
As a young child observes tadpole eggs in a pond they begin to wonder “If frogs come from eggs, and eggs come from frogs, where did the first frog come from?” From this deep thinking the book takes the reader on a journey back to the beginning of time. It is hard to imagine that everything we know today came from one tiny speck that expanded and exploded in a BIG BANG which then became the universe. Over time atoms formed as the universe cooled and smashed together to form bigger atoms that exploded and from stars, stardust formed many of what we know now: the sun, planets, moons, mountains, forest… but no frogs yet.
After Earth was formed, chemicals rearranged themselves to form a cell which could copy itself over and over again. This began the formation of the first living things we today recognise as sea creatures. Those sea creatures began to evolve and change, some moving onto the land to become what we now call amphibians. Over millions of years ‘adapting, changing and rearranging life on Earth’, these amphibians are the ancestors of every animal with four legs. Out of this, the humble frog was formed. It has outlasted dinosaurs and thrives where land meets water, in tropical areas, swamps and even deserts. A truly amazing creature.
This powerful story is told in accessible well-spaced text carefully placed on every page and surrounded by vibrant detailed illustrations. This is a book that may encourage children to reflect and ponder over the past especially about where life came from. A wonderful resource for a home, school or public library.
Themes Universe, Earth, Science, Nature, Amphibians, Frogs, Life Cycle.
If you like perspicacity, mixed with sagacity and simplicity, theocracy and humanity, plus word play and ideas threaded through large and small apertures … then this is for you! Matthew McConnaughey surprises readers who do not know of his personal talents and have just seen him on screen using others’ words and being directed to perform - in this book of his own conjuring, he reveals a considerable skill in playing poetically with profound ideas and using rhythm and emotion to stimulate thinking. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this work. For those who are afraid of the ‘prayers’, they are merely poetic expressions of an individual willing to look up, as well as in, to explore the world in which he lives and has his being. They present a willingness to shy away from fame and self-centredness and explore a bigger viewpoint. That doesn’t stop him from the occasional excursion into the vernacular … not every word and idea is soft.
I am willing to say that you will rediscover poetry and resonate with some or all of McConnaughey’s musings in this book and will be impressed by the wordplay, aphorisms and thought gymnastics that he employs, even if you don’t always agree with him. This is a book of poetry to stimulate thought and to ponder over, and occasionallyto be impressed with the sparkle of an idea that is spotlighted in a flicker of the flame of wisdom and word. Don't be put off by his movie fame … he is a thinker and a poet, a philosopher, and a man whose faith impacts his life journey.
What would you do if, like the mayfly, you only lived for one day? Would you let the pessimism of the frog who tells you that "the world will eat you up" send you scurrying to the shelter of the pond to spend your life in safety (assuming the frog isn't the 'world' that eats you), or do you put on your party hat and decide to make the most of it regardless?
This is one of those books in which text and illustration are so closely woven that one doesn't work without the other. Printed so that you have to turn it around to read it, each double page spread celebrates a little girl's journey through life as she sets out on this "map with no set destination." Watched over by her grandparents, and through clever wordplay that Speechley has integrated in the names of the buildings we follow June as she follows the mayfly's discovery of the city and her own familiar paths of A1 Daycare, Daylight Primary, Day Street High School, Juan Dei University, jobs, travel, as well as surprises around unexpected corners, celebrating and enjoying the time that is given her because every moment is precious.
Like the mayfly who has such limited time (and is aware of that) but who is undeterred by the frog's prophecy and determined to make the most of the time it has, June, too, is determined to make the most of the time she has, also undeterred by negativity, and not intimidated by circumstance or surroundings. Who, among us, would have the courage to choose between The Daily Grind, Day Job Corporation, and Dream Job Ltd, especially if Dream Job is as limited as its name implies?
This is a story of optimism, positivity and belief that introduces young readers to the passage of time - an abstract concept that is tricky for little ones - but can also encourage deep conversations with those who are older. Recent news bulletins in which significant world leaders have said their countries "are preparing for war" sent shivers down my spine, so how must our young tweens and teens be feeling? If it's not the power-brokers sending the world to hell in a handbasket, then the planet is doomed from an environmental perspective anyway so perhaps this is an opportune time to ponder if we only have one day, do we spend it in despair or delight? What does the Latin phrase Carpe Diem mean?
Definitely one to add to the mindfulness curriculum for all ages to initiate discussion and perhaps inspire a different mindset, maybe even a more positive lifetime choice. A story time kit is available.
Molly Oldfield, the host of the UK weekly podcast, ‘Everything Under the Sun’ and author of a previously published book with the same name has complied a second compendium of 366 questions which her young listeners have sent in from around the world including Australia.
Like the first book in the series, this bookbegins with a note for the reader where it is explained that some of replies to the questions are factual while others may be the author’s or a contributor’s opinions. These contributors include experts in their fields, artists, poets and thinkers. This is followed by some information about Molly Oldfield and then the contents page where each chapter is a month of the year. Each day of the year poses a different question with a thoughtful answer provided.
The very first question for January 1 in the book is Where is the happiest place in the world? The answer in some detail explains that Finland came out as the winner measuring Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but the author also mentions Bhutan which measures gross domestic happiness. Two questions in February which may encourage both children and adults deeper thinking are: Why do bad things exist? and Why do we have curse words? For some younger readers no book is ever complete without the token poo reference! In this case there are two poo questions: Why do monkeys throw poo? and How do you make electricity out of poo? Throughout the book accompanying each question are colourful illustrations by a number of artists. These visual images support the text and add to the understanding of the answer given.
In the final pages are thank yous to the contributors, artists and children. As well Molly encourages children to keep asking questions and maybe visiting a library to find answers starting with the librarian and then searching in books. This book would be a wonderful classroom or home-schooling resource.
Themes Questions & Answers, Worldwide Topics.
Kathryn Beilby
A devil of a time by Alister Nicholson & Tom Jellett
Hardie Grant, 2025. ISBN: 9781761216398. (Age:3+)
Subtitled, The Tasmania Football Club story, the contents of this book will excite enthusiasm, as it appears that for boy or girl, whether they follow football or not, this book will be enjoyable. The tenor of the book is timed to shadow the serious considerations between Tasmania and the AFL, as to where the football oval will be and the costs involved, discussions which affect the nation.This book gives an engaging look at the history of football in Tasmania, and how it has supported the AFL through its players and supporters.
The endpapers give a number of facts about Tasmanian football, including the story of the mascot Rum’un, the Tasmanian name for being cheeky or mischievous.The child in the story is dreaming of the future, when a Tasmanian team joins the AFL. They will sit proudly in the stand, watching the Tassie devils in their colours; myrtle green, rose red and primrose yellow. The child lives on a farm and practises in the paddock where football posts have been erected, as they continue dreaming of the time ahead.
But as they sit with their grandpa, he recalls past great times in Tassie football: when Rich kicked 800 goals, and Ian Stewart won three Brownlows, or Huddo was helicoptered to a match. Or when Tassie beat Victoria in 1960, or the time the Wynyard fans removed the posts to avoid the opposition kicking a goal.
An engaging, joy filled book about Tasmanian football and the part it plays in this island state, Tasmanians being as fanatical as their mainland cousins. The story of its part in Tasmania’s history is wonderfully illustrated by Tom Jellett, his familiar jovial faces peering out at the reader engaging them in the story of our times. Children will be aware that plans are afoot to include Tasmania in the AFL, and this book encourages their deeper interest.
Themes Football, AFL, Tasmania, Tasmanian devil.
Fran Knight
Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder by Tim Winton. Illus. by Cindy Lane
Renowned author and conservationist Tim Winton has written his second picture book in more than 20 years and it is a magnificent non-fiction text which will have universal appeal to both children and adults alike. Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder is a visual treasure with illustrator Cindy Lane completing over thirty-one impressive spreads containing hundreds of detailed hand painted animals and birds that exist in the three vital ecosystems that make up this stunning region.
Called Nyinggulu by the First Peoples of the region; the Baiyungu, West Thalanji and Yinigurtura peoples, Ningaloo Reef is located off the coast in the north of Western Australia. It consists of three interconnected ecosystems: the Ningaloo Reef, the Cape Range and the Exmouth Gulf. Because of the unique weather system there is a diverse range of plants and animals that call this place home, and allow this remarkable environment to be recognised as one of the last wild places on Earth.
Each double page spread is rich in information accessibly placed amongst glorious landscapes and detailed illustrations to engage the reader with quick pops of information and ‘Did You Know? facts. Important habitats or communities that exist in the three ecosystems include the mangrove community at high and low tide, the karst community, seagrass community, intertidal community and the fossil reef community. All are vital to the interconnectedness of this exceptional environment. The marine life and land animals that frequent and exist in each of the habitats are beautifully illustrated and accompanied by clearly labelled information boxes.
The final pages share the story of the First Peoples and their interaction with the area as well as the devastating effects of colonisation. There is vital information about the protection of Ningaloo and how readers can take further action. Set out in a traditional non-fiction manner with a contents page at the beginning and glossary and index at the end, this magnificent hardcover 72 page publication is deserving of a place in all home, school and public libraries.
For your own personal interest, Episode 223 of Your Kids Next Read Podcast with Allison Tait and Megan Daley - Your Kid's Next Read Podcast features an excellent interview with Tim Winton talking about the story behind Ningaloo: Australia's Wild Wonder, how the book came about and his hope for the new generation of children who will learn to protect this wondrous site.
