Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This is the second story about Runt, the street dog befriended by eleven-year-old Annie Shearer. In the previous story the reader learns how these two bonded and went on to become famous thereby rejuvenating the small out-of-the-way town of Upson Downs. For readers who have not read the first story, the
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Windy Washing Day is a 210x210cm hardback picture book for ages 3-8 by Yvonne Low and Kate Talbot. This is a wonderfully funny story about a young child helping mum hang out the washing when the wind whips up and the clothes are blown off the line. Told in the first
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke The brother and sister duo who have produced this hard covered children’s book are among several authors and illustrators who identify closely to First Nations culture. All of these books have been beautifully presented with colourful educational material for primary school age students. Victor Steffensen is an indigenous writer, musician, film
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke I Am Me is a hard-covered children’s picture-book produced by Mitch Tambo and illustrated by Caria Hoffenberg. In January 2026 this talented music artist will release an album of children’s music with the same title. First discovered on the finale of Australia’s Got Talent, this unique First Nations’ entertainer has provided
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke There are so many children’s authors and books that parents should have no trouble finding something to read to their young ones. Melbourne based children’s author, Evie Garland, has used her passion for all things festive to create her Christmas tree shaped board book. It is beautifully illustrated by Rachel Gyan,
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This series for the 8–14-year cohort is a fast-paced action adventure of a young First Nations’ girl who tries to save her people from being captured from those seeking more power. These books have become popular throughout the world. Co-written by a Peek Whurrong man from Warrnambool Victoria, Jordon Gould, and
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke What an exciting way to encourage late primary school children to read. Justin Somper has written a futuristic pirate tale with danger at every corner, missing people, kidnapping, not knowing who you can trust and a sea battle. Throughout this story are black and white sketches by Teo Skaffa to enhance
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Inspired by amazing true stories, this hard-covered children’s book features Australian fauna and its climate, specifically its flooding rains. The central characters are kangaroos – mother Mango and joey, Hopscotch. They live in the tropical forest and join the mob grazing beside the river. Hopscotch loves to play with the other
Reviewed by Antonella Townsend Isabel Thomas, with artist Daniel Egnéus, take young children on a journey back to the beginning of time and it all begins with a frog. Frog: A Story of Life on Earth is a lovely 250 x 250 mm hard cover colourful book for young audiences, and I think it makes
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke As the name of the book and author might suggest the illustrations in this hard covered children’s picture book have an Asian focus. The story it contains is a reimagining of an ancient Chinese folk tale about integrity, courage and patience. To choose his heir the ageing emperor, who has no
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This hard covered children’s picture book is presented by two celebrated picture book creators. Margaret Wild is a recipient of the Nan Chauncy Award and Lady Cutler Award for her contribution to Australian literature. For this book she is ably assisted by internationally renowned award-winning author and illustrator, Stephen Michael King.
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This early children’s book by author and illustrator, Heidi McKinnon, is a hardcovered ten-and-a-half-inch book with a large orange dog face on the cover. The reader is first introduced to SHMOOF and all his antics. Then they meet FLOOF who is a grey cat. As most people know some cats and
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This hard covered children’s book is a tale in Tangrams. For those who are unaware of the term, an explanation is provided at the beginning of the book where it says, ‘the pictures in this book are all made from the same seven shapes, which form a puzzle called a tangram.’
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This book by Molly Potter and illustrator Sarah Jennings belongs to the Let’s Talk series of books helping adults start big conversations with little people. The author believes that talking to kids for 5-minutes-a-day about feelings is as important for their wellbeing as eating vegetables or cleaning their teeth. Molly Potter
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt is a hard-paged square children’s book by Martha Mumford and illustrated by Laura Hughes. There is much about this book that would engage young readers. The illustrations are colourful and humorous as they depict the adventures of four bunnies in their search to find