Father’s Day Book Reviews

With Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought it fitting to review two cute new picture books designed specifically to celebrate Dads – yet in two very different ways! If kids are looking for a sweet, heartfelt picture book to give Dad and remind him of how much he means to them, it’s hard […]

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Book Review: Charlie Changes into a Chicken

Charlie Changes into a Chicken, Sam Copeland (author), Sarah Horne (illus.), Penguin Books, 2019 Synopsis: Charlie McGuffin has an incredible secret . . . He can change into animals. All sorts of animals: a flea, a pigeon, even a rhino. Trouble is, he can’t decide when – it only happens when he gets worried. And right now, Charlie […]

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A Roundup of Summer and Outdoor Books for Kids

With kids still enjoying school holidays at the moment and a lot of parents starting to run out of ways to keep the young ones occupied, now is a great time to stock up on books. While any books will help take children’s minds away to amazing places and situations, and teach them valuable language […]

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The JWFK Members’ Top Children’s Books of 2018!

Every year I sort through my hundreds of books read, reviewed, bought, given, borrowed and absolutely treasured throughout the past twelve months. And as you know, the standard of children’s titles in Australia is phenomenal. So my process of selecting my favourites is always painstakingly difficult. That’s why I passed the buck onto my fellow […]

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Book Review: Brothers from a Different Mother

Brothers from a Different Mother, Phillip Gwynne (author), Marjorie Crosby-Fairall (illus.), Penguin Books, 2017 Synopsis: From a master storyteller comes this heartfelt tale of friendship . . . and seeing past our differences. Tapir lives in the jungle. Pig lives in the village. But when they meet at the waterhole, they discover they are the […]

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Review: A Moving Picture Book Dealing with Love, Loss, Family and Legacy
One Photo picture book, Penguin Books, Ross Watkins, Liz Anelli

One Photo, Ross Watkins (author), Liz Anelli (illus.), Penguin Books, 2016 Dad came home one day with one of those old cameras, the kind that use film. But Dad didn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph… Created by Ross Watkins (who you may know as the illustrator of The Boy Who Grew Into […]

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Review: A New Picture Book Perfect for Dog Lovers

Oh, Albert! Davina Bell (author), Sara Acton (illus.), Penguin Books, 2016 Synopsis: Albert can’t help getting into mischief when no one is around. But one day he goes too far… Oh, Albert! A perfect story about a family and their not-so-perfect (but loveable!) dog. Oh, Albert! is an adorable picture book perfect for animal-loving families […]

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Our Country, Our Stories – Reviews and Activities

It’s that glorious time again where teachers, parents, children, literacy creatives and advocates raid the bookshelves (and craft cupboards) in honour of the annual Book Week celebrations! Hosted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia and running from August 20th to 26th, this year’s theme is inspiring; it’s ‘Australia! Story Country’. Last year I wrote […]

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More Top Picks from 2015  

Last month I ended the year with a Top 15 of ’15 with books carefully selected by my six year old. Choosing only a small number of favourites out of the many, many fabulous children’s books out there is always a tricky task, so we’re making another list! This time, I’m basing these on my […]

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Top 15 of ’15

Last year I enlisted the help of my five year old to come up with a ‘best-of’ list, and I think she did extraordinarily well! So, we’re doing it again for books published in 2015! According to my stats, 2014 saw over 250 picture books borrowed, received, bought, read, and of course, enjoyed! Let’s see […]

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