Mooshy Crackerjacks Big day is a picture book about mischievous, or rather accident prone, little kitten. This book is written by Suzanne Patterson, illustrated by Maia Batumashvili and published by Starfish Bay Children’s Books. Who loves birthdays? Who loves it when it is their birthday. Mooshy is a kitten who is excited for his birthday. He spends the day going around his house, seeing what his family are doing, hoping to receive some birthday love. But no-one says any

Halloween Hijinks Book Review Halloween Hijinks is a children’s picture book about dogs who go trick or treating with their family. This book is written by Kristin Haynes, illustrated by Anna Thompson and published by Senyah Projects. Who loves to go trick or treating on Halloween? Who loves dressing up? Who loves getting free treats? Hendrix and Rocket are two pups who love doing all that, especially Hendrix. One Halloween Hendrix and rocket accompanied their family as

Little People Big Emotions is a children’s picture book about how the body and mind can behave and how to control these big emotions. Written by Kylie Mort, illustrated by Tiina Morton and published by Serenity Press. This book explores the different ways a person can feel and how they might think when they feel these big emotions. Showing children that no matter how they think, someone will always support them and know how to help them feel safe and loved. When reading this

The Lolly Shop is about the magic that a lolly shop can create. Written by Lauren Hackney and illustrated by Baxter and Ethan Hackney. This book is self-published through Thorpe-Bowker. Who doesn’t want a bit of magic in their life? Who wouldn’t love to own a lolly shop? What if you could have both? For Baxter and Ethan, they did have both. Their stall at the Manly markets in Brisbane became so popular, they needed a bigger to sell it all, so they opened their very own lolly

Sass and Traz Save the Library is a story about two children who love their library so much, that when the mayor wants to bulldoze it down, they will stop at nothing to save it from demolition. Written by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Naomi Greaves, and published by Daisy Lane Publishing. Sassafras and Alcatraz are twins who spend Saturday mornings in the library while their Mum coaches the football team on the field below. It is during these hours that the Librarian,

Carly Mills Pioneer Girl, A New World is written by Jane Smith, illustrated by Pat Kan and published by Big Sky Publishing. This adventure story brings history to life with a modern-day element of magic. Carly is staying with family friends in Sydney before she goes to boarding school. Dora was showing her around some historical sites when they decided to explore Customs House. Carly noticed a removal man had dropped some pieces of fabric and when tried to give them back, he

I Wonder is a story about a little wooden boat who is left on the beach to wonder what it is. Written by Allison Paterson and Illustrated by Nancy Bevington. Published by Big Sky Publishing. This is a story of a little wooden toy boat is abandoned on a beach by its owner. It encounters other things that land next to him, a potato chip packet, a takeaway cup, and a plastic bag. They all tell the little wooden that they are a form of rubbish, which leaves the little wooden boat

Home is a children’s picture book about the displacement of a family during World War II. Written by Karen Hendriks, illustrated by Alisa Knatko and published by Daisy Lane Publishing. This story was inspired by the village of Wunshendorf – who was the largest forced refugee movement in the 20th Century. A poignant historical fiction tale of the journey of a family forced from their home and housed in a forest camp, who eventually find freedom in Melbourne. Even though this i

Marlow Brown Magician in the Making is a story about a girl who is inspired to become a magician after meeting Mervin the Magical at the fair. Written by Kesta Fleming and illustrated by Marjory Gardner, published by Celapene Press. Marlow Brown is a school aged child who is inspired to become a magician after Mervin the Magical performed at the local fair. He even let her assist him during his show, and as a thank you, gave Marlow a show bag with tricks and tips to get her s

Max Booth is back for a new adventure in the latest instalment in the Max Booth Future Sleuth series. Map Trap is Cameron Macintosh’s 6th book of the series, which is illustrated by Dave Atze. I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the adventures of Max Booth and Oscar. A detective duo with an ability to get in and out of mischief and always saving the day. Something ‘like a map’, because maps can be complicated! and can lead us on many journeys and what we discover when we