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Jet Set Pets: Ready, Set, Go!

Aug8
Jet Set Pets: Ready, Set, Go!

Jet Set Pets: Ready, Set, Go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jet Set Pets: Ready, Set, Go!

Maddy Mara

Kyla May

HarperCollins, 2025

256pp., pbk., RRP $A15.99

9781460761809

Violet Voom has three pets – Trixie the cat who loves velvet cushions and good manners; Jerome the pampered poodle who like fancy scarves and eating; and Zola the parrot who likes looking in the mirror and shouting rhyming words.  Violet also has a purple jet with an amazing interior that can be transformed into anything from an ice rink to a movie theatre,  and an itch to travel.

Wherever Violet goes in her fabulous purple jet, her fabulous (but not purple) pets go too.  In the first in the series – the second will be out in late October – Violet and her tribe travel from Hawaii to the Swiss Alps , via a movie set in three separate stories.  The Jet Set Pets are good at many things, but the thing they are best at is  solving problems and mysteries so each journey has a specific purpose and they work together demonstrating all those desirable traits of teamwork that we want our young readers to emulate. 

This is a new series written for younger readers venturing into the realm of novels and independent reading. With its larger font. many monochromatic illustrations and three stories in one volume, and featuring a character that many might aspire to be like,  it is ideal for those who still need that extra support as they transition between basal readers and novels. The illustrations convey both actions and emotions saving the need for excess words.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Amid the plethora of series being released for this age and ability group, this is one that you could give to your reluctant readers to determine whether it’s suitable  for them and their interests and whether the whole series should be added to the collection over time.  Apart from giving them a purposeful reason to read when they might choose another activity, it also show them they can make a valuable contribution to the development of the library’s collection promoting the idea that it is, indeed, a place for them that values their input.  Who knows what else they might discover there. 

 

The Dangerous Pet Lover’s Guide to Dragons

Aug4
The Dangerous Pet Lover's Guide to Dragons

The Dangerous Pet Lover’s Guide to Dragons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dangerous Pet Lover’s Guide to Dragons

Lindsay Hirst

Alice McKinley

Bloomsbury, 2025

32pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

9781526667137

At last – you’ve decided on the pet you want and you have chosen …a DRAGON. 

But, how do you look after such a unique creature, particularly one that is known for being sulky and difficult?  Where do you find it – they’re not usually in the local pet store?  What sort of living quarters does it need and how can you ensure it won’t disturb the neighbours? Even if you love it, how can you make it love you? 

These questions and a lot more about feeding it, playing with it, exercising it, grooming it and dealing with tricky behaviours like breathing fire are all addressed in this no-nonsense how-to, accompanied by bright, clever illustrations that make it a unique guide that is perfect for anyone wanting to offer a home to such a special beast. 

As the latest NAPLAN results are released and once again the annual media bashing of teachers begins, the always-negative headlines about how many can’t when there are so many more who can appear, accompanied by a host of experts who all think they have the silver bullet, this is a refreshing, fun read that not only captures the imagination of young readers but engages them so they begin to appreciate the joy that books, stories and reading hold and they not only see burying their nose in a book as a valid and valued activity but also as a valuable one for they can return again and again to the delight it holds.   

Hirst, as a debut author, has chosen two topics that fascinate young readers – pets and dragons – and has combined them into an hilarious story that entertains as a story should, but also gets little brains working if we ask them their suggestions before we reveal what the author has to say.  Imagine imagining how you could build an enclosure that keeps your dragon (and everyone else) safe and all the things you would have to consider.  Or, if you couldn’t get a dragon and got a unicorn or a dinosaur or something else instead, what would they require?  But firstly, what arguments and evidence would you use to persuade your parents that a dragon is the ideal pet for the family?  Should it be a regular dragon or an Asian dragon?  What’s the difference? And then there’s the ethical dilemma about whether wild things like dragons should even be kept as pets…

It doesn’t take much to think of ways to turn this story into something that is full of riches and investigations… that’s how to get kids reading and engaging with it.  Maybe even inspiring them to write and illustrate their own guide. 

Loved it. 

 

Shmoof

Jul17
Shmoof

Shmoof

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shmoof

Heidi McKinnon

Albert Street, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781760876661

Shmoof is Shmoofy.
Shmoof is super shmoofy.
Shmoof is ready to be best friends.
But Floof? Floof is not so sure…

The sequel to Floof, this is an hilarious story of Floof, who, being a cat, rules the household, being introduced to a newcomer to the family – and it is a dog!   

It’s a classic tale of cat meets dog and the interactions between the two are all you’d expect -until they find a common enemy. 

Told is very limited text because the action is carried long perfectly in the distinctive illustrations which express the thoughts and feelings of both Schmoof nd Floof so well, the young reader can really engage with the story using their own words to tell the story, developing all sorts of early reading behaviours as they do, including the way some words just roll around your mouth. Both animals have particular individual personalities – the cuddliness of friendly Shmoof and the haughtiness of aloof Floof  – and as well as sharing the story, littlies will enjoy sharing stories about their own pets, perhaps even venturing into how there was someone or something they didn’t like but have overcome the feelings. 

One to put on the must-share-with-preschool list. 

 

 

 

A Is for … A Rabbit’s Tale

Jul13
A Is for … A Rabbit’s Tale

A Is for … A Rabbit’s Tale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Is for … A Rabbit’s Tale

Jackie Hosking

Lucinda Gifford

Walker Books, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9781760657437

Right from the touchy-feely cover to the title – everyone knows “tale” doesn’t start with “A” – and even the “misspelling’ of the word “tail” this is a book that is going to intrigue young readers, because books that start with “A is for…” are usually followed by words and pictures like apple, ball and car. 

Except this one doesn’t.  Yes it follows the conventional English alphabet but rather than individual words, it tells the story of going to the pet store and buying a rabbit to have has a pet, with every sentence beginning with the next letter in the alphabet, as the little girl extols the virtue of such a companion to her friend next door.  It’s quirky and innovative and because the illustrations are a perfect match, little ones will be able to tell themselves the story using the cues and clues in both text and graphic.  By the time they get to L is for Love you rabbit”  and see the expression on the boy’s face, they know there is going to be trouble ahead but just what will it be? Will the two children still be friends at the end of the story/alphabet?

Even young children who have no concept of the alphabet yet will be able to enjoy this because the story flows so well even without that added twist, while those who are a bit older and may be just learning English will also appreciate it, perhaps even using it as a model to practise their own writing using a personal experience as a catalyst to tell their tale. 

Sometimes  the books that seem the most simple at first glance offer so much more than expected, telling not only an engaging story but expanding learning and understanding as well.  This is one of those.  

 

You Can’t Pat a Fish

Mar29
You Can't Pat a Fish

You Can’t Pat a Fish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Can’t Pat a Fish

Ruth Paul

Walker Books, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A25.99

9781760656973

“I asked for a pet, but what did I get?”

The little girl’s parents have agreed to let her have a pet, but when it comes to all the choices in the pet shop, they decide that a fish in a bowl is the best choice.  Clearly the little girl is disappointed because while you can play with a puppy, cuddle a cat, snuggle a rabbit and pat a pet rat, no matter how much you wish, you can’t pat a fish.

There are so many things you can do with any of the other creatures that she could have had, but instead she has a boring fish, Until…

This is a charming rhyming story for young readers that will resonate with any of them who have wished for a pet and all the reasons why.  But while it is also a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for, it’s also a reminder of looking for the silver linings and being optimistic, because suddenly the little girl sees the positives of having a fish and where her imagination takes her.  

Little ones will enjoy sharing their own stories about their pets, perhaps do some early graphing activities and enjoy the rhyme and rhythm as it carries the story along,  Definitely one to share with the preschool group I read to weekly. 

Skippy Blackfeet

Mar14
Skippy Blackfeet

Skippy Blackfeet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skippy Blackfeet

Rebecca Fraser

Jennifer Horn

Wombat Books, 2025

121pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781761111662

Woken by the loud rumble of his empty tummy, the little black cat cowers down in the agapanthus bush in the cemetery, knowing he needs to find something to eat but afraid of the noise and busyness of the world beyond the cemetery walls.  But as his peace is disturbed by a little girl clearly upset and crying because she is lost, he overcomes his trepidation and reaches out to comfort her – changing his life, and hers, forever. 

This collection of three short stories tells young readers of how May and Skippy Blackfeet become each other’s support network as they face life together, first convincing May’s dad that Skippy Blackfeet should stay and then coping with the fierce neighbourhood dog whose barking sends May into meltdown,  birthday party bungles, tumultuous trips to town, fireworks and thunderstorms and other everyday occurrences that are daunting and overwhelming. 

For newly independent readers, particularly those who love cats, this is a charming story of how a pet can change a life, and help even the most timid or shy have the courage to take on the world

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

Nov22
A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

Ali Rutstein

Tommy Doyle

Albert Street, 2024

32pp., hbk., RRP $A19.99

9781761180903

Every family should have a pet.
A faithful friend to welcome into your hearts and home.
This guide is a MUST HAVE to help you decide which pet is the perfect fit for your family.

There comes a time, in many families, when the focal point of conversation turns to choosing a pet, and there are as many different opinions as there are family members. So this would appear to be the perfect handbook to help the decision-making.  Or is it?

While puppies, kittens, guinea pigs, budgies and rabbits are generally considered, they each have their shortcomings and these are pointed out in both the text and the hilarious illustrations which are such an integral part of this story.  No.  It makes much more sense to go with something a little more exotic like a tiger that is always up for “a rambunctious game of hide-and-seek” or a jelly fish whose “tickly tentacles will have you in stitches” or maybe a polar bear called Frank.  Or does it?

As Christmas comes around, many little ones will be asking for a pet, so this is a timely release to help make an informed choice.  Or will it?

Kelpie Chaos

Sep1
Kelpie Chaos

Kelpie Chaos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelpie Chaos

Deb Fitzpatrick

Fremantle Press, 2024

112pp., pbk., RRP $A14.99

 9781760993856

When Eli’s friend Max’s parents’ friend’s uncle’s second cousin – or something – find themselves with too many animals after one of their kelpies had pups, Eli’s family decide to adopt one of them to save it being sent to the pound.

 But they soon learn that there is much more to raising a puppy than relying on the book about dog psychology that Dad gets, as Zoom rounds up lawnmowers and guinea pigs, barks at strangers and constantly adds to his sock collection.  However, for all his mischief, when Zoom goes missing on a family bushwalk, the family sets out on a frantic search. With each passing moment, anxiety mounts, but they refuse to give up hope. As night falls, their strength is tested, both physically and emotionally. Will they be able to find Zoom? What mischief could a dog get up to in the bush?

When skateboarder Arisa Trew said that all she wanted after winning her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was a pet duck, perhaps her choice was a wise one, and her parents should be grateful her wish wasn’t a puppy like Zoom.  Told by Eli, this is a story that many who have introduced a puppy into the family will relate to as well as warning those who are thinking of it,  While all of the family are committed to having Zoom, some of his behaviours prove challenging, but it is not till his adventures in the bush that the family understand what is driving the behaviour and consider that perhaps the city environment isn’t the best for a farm dog with its natural instincts and need to work. Perhaps the “naughty” behaviour isn’t so naughty after all. 

With its LOL moments as well as its not-so, this is a delightful story for young readers, especially fans of Muster Dogs,  that explores what owning a puppy means, that it is not all cuddles and puddles, and that with the rewards come the responsibilities.  And just as it takes a village to raise a child, so it takes a family to raise a dog. 

Boss Cat

Jun23
Boss Cat

Boss Cat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boss Cat

Sarah Speedie

Tom Jellett

HarperCollins, 2024

28pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

 9781460764046

Napping on the sofa, one sunny afternoon,

I was very rudely woken by a slobbering buffoon.

‘Say hello,’ my humans said, ‘to our newest family member.’

I think I must have fainted then. I really can’t remember.

When a new puppy is introduced to the home of the cat who has had centre stage all its life, Cat is not amused.  And even less so when Puppy got all the attention and seemed to get away with anything, including disturbing Cat incessantly.  It was time to teach this interloper who is the Boss.

Written in rhyme with the perfect illustrations by Tom Jellett, this hilarious tale encapsulates all that cat-owners know about their pets, all those memes showing arrogance and disdain that pepper social media, the bad manners of Grumpy Cat, the humour of Garfield, and even a touch of T. S. Eliot’s  Macavity!  Even those who are not “cat-people” will relate to its true-to-life portrayal of both cat and dog, and the ending will ensure much laughter as well as the opportunity for discussions about what Cat might do next.  Can there be a truce so harmony and equilibrium is restored and if so, how?  And what does Cat and Puppy’s relationship tell us about our own?

LOL funny, so relatable and just ideal for raising spirits by sharing on a gloomy day.  

May I Hug You?

May23
May I Hug You?

May I Hug You?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May I Hug You?

Oleta Blunt

Katherine Appleby

Little Steps, 2024

32pp., pbk., RRP $A16.95

9781922678119

Isla is very excited because she has a new puppy and she rushes forward to greet him.  But this is a new situation for Basil and he is feeling very unsure so he heads back into his carry cage where she can’t reach him.  Isla is disappointed, not understanding why Basil seems scared of her, but her mother explains that he is feeling unsure because he doesn’t know her yet and Isla needs to take things quietly and build trust and friendship step-by-step.

This is a message-story for all young readers anticipating the arrival of a new pet – sometimes their excitement and enthusiasm can be overwhelming, particularly to something as small as a puppy or a kitten, and they need to take a step back and consider how the pet might construe their innocent actions as threatening.  But it could also be a lesson to the adult sharing it with them as together they think about consent. Is it okay for an adult to assume that it is okay to hug or kiss or even just touch kids they have just met?  Does being a relative afford them certain rights? Exploring the young person’s response through the lens of Basil offers opportunities to talk about relationship-building at arm’s length – and we can all learn a lesson about starting on their level from the Obama approach.

All Australian schools are now required to teach age-appropriate consent education from the first year of compulsory schooling to Year 10 and in 2022, a new Australian Curriculum was released with updated content and guidance for teaching about consent (ACARA 2022).  While each state has developed its own support materials, their resource suggestions seem to lack links to appropriate fiction so this story dovetails in nicely with teaching our youngest children about respectful relationships, especially those involving an “imbalance of power” because there are few times as little ones where they hold the upper hand.

A story with greater potential than just about a girl and her new pet.