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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Pull, Slide and Play!

Jul11
We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Pull, Slide and Play!

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Pull, Slide and Play!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Pull, Slide and Play!

Michael Rosen

Helen Oxenbury

Walker Books, 2025

16pp., board book., RRP $A16.99

9781529525915

We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. Will you come too?

There can be few little ones who haven’t delighted in going swishy-swashy through the long wavy grass, or sploshing and splashing through the river or squelching through the thick mud in this wonderful, onomatopoeic classic so what could be better than a new edition?  One that allows them to push, poll and slide tabs so that the characters come to life and surprises are revealed on every page! What an adventure!!

Oh. There is just one more thing – Michael Rosen himself dancing to the rap version at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival!

 

The Day the Crayons Made Friends

Jul10
The Day the Crayons Made Friends

The Day the Crayons Made Friends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Day the Crayons Made Friends

Drew Daywalt

Oliver Jeffers

HarperCollins, 2025

40pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9780008735517

Duncan’s crayons just can’t seem to stay put!

After convincing one group of crayons to go back to work after they wanted to quit and rescuing another group who got lost in the most inconvenient places, Duncan’s crayons have disappeared once more. He is devastated but then he starts receiving letters from them – from his bedroom!

They’ve gone there  to make friends. From Red Crayon, who fulfils his dream of driving a fire engine, to Blue Crayon, who meets a fashion doll desperately in need of a head, to fan favourite Esteban, who is off to tame a teddy bear (or as he would call it, a wild beast), each crayon has an exciting story to share about the new objects they’ve met, the strange places they’ve found them and the new adventures they’ve had. Who knew there could be such fun in one little boy’s bedroom!

This is the latest in this hugely popular series that is ideal for this year’s Book Week theme as little ones could imagine the friends the crayons could make as they match crayons, toys and colours, and the adventures they could have in their own bedrooms, as well as for staff looking for a unifying theme for the dress-up parade. 

Continuing the tradition, each letter is written ‘by’ a crayon using a font that might make this story difficult for the emerging reader to read alone, but it is a perfect read-aloud for many ages!  Jeffers’ illustrations have an authenticity about them – they look like they have been drawn and coloured by young children and the credits suggest that there has been significant input, either physical or intellectual, from them. This provides another level to the book – my experience is that children start to believe that their drawings are not worthy because they don’t have the realism they see around them or the professionalism of book illustrators, so seeing pictures that look just like theirs in such a popular book validates their efforts and hopefully encourages them to keep drawing.

Every time I donate a “crayons book” to the local preschool where I volunteer, it is greeted with joy and enthusiasm – and this will be no different. 

 

The Susurrus

Jul9
The Susurrus

The Susurrus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Susurrus

Genevieve Young-Evans

Cate James

 Walker Books, 2025

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

9781760657611

‘Listen. Can you hear the susurrus?’ said Grandma.
‘What’s a susurrus?’ asked Frankie.

But before Grandma can answer, the wind takes Frankie’s hat from her head and she retrieves it just as the school bus arrives. All day she puzzles over what a susurrus could be.  Andy draws it as a fierce monster; the canteen dad says it’s a little like an echidna and a lot like a crocodile; while the library yielded all kinds of saurus but nothing about a susurrus.  It seems she would just have to wait till she got home and saw Grandma again…

This is one of those stories that, like The Dudgeon is Coming or The Terrakeet, even the iconic The Gruffalo,  really inspire the  imagination to be let loose before the answer is revealed.  What do we know? What other clues are there? Is there anything in the illustrations to help us? The cover gives the grown-up the first clue if they put the title and the illustration together but it really is a case of having the skills to meld the words and pictures, perhaps even their sounds as they are read aloud, which is something the intended audience is likely to be still developing and so it is ideal for consolidating those early skills.  James’ illustrations cleverly entwine the real things with the suggestions of those Frankie asks, so who knows who is right? But when Grandma finally gets to explain and there is that aha! moment, it all becomes obvious and because the susurrus is actually a real thing in its own way, little ones are not only likely to become more attuned to the world around them, but also keen to display this new word and their new knowledge with others!

Loved it!  Definitely one for my preschoolers very soon!  

I Don’t Need a Little Brother

Jun30
I Don't Need a Little Brother

I Don’t Need a Little Brother

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Don’t Need a Little Brother

Nat Amoore

Nathaniel Eckstrom

Puffin, 2025

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

9781761341946

They said I would love having a little brother and so I waited two whole years to see why.  But now I’m sure I DON’T NEED A LITTLE BROTHER!
I have Mum and Dad, and Grandpa who smells like biscuits. I have Wilson my dog,  and Chirpy my bird and Beryl Bear who keeps me safe at night…

So I posted him to France, and when that didn’t work I sent him to the zoo, and then I even tried sending him to space.  But no one wants my little brother because he keeps getting sent back…

This is a funny story that is going to resonate with little ones who live through all the excitement and anticipation of waiting for the birth of a sibling only to find that the reality is a disappointment.  Nat Amoore’s solutions to the problem are hilarious and sure to promote discussion while much of the story is carried in the illustrations, encouraging young readers to examine them to look for the cues and clues, particularly as they tell a different story to the one being shared by the narrator. 

Amoore first came to my attention when Ms Then 12 asked if I had a copy of Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire   and she has been delighting independent readers with her series, including Showerland, since then but this is her picture book and that same humour shines through. The ending is exquisite.

Looking forward to sharing this at my preschool read-together. 

We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt

Jun28
We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt

We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt

Martha Mumford

Laura Hughes, 

Bloomsbury, 2025

22pp., board book., RRP $A14.99

9781526637384

We’re going on a treasure hunt. Yo! Ho! Ho!
Help us find the golden coins … Arrrrr! Off we go!

 

Fresh from their Christmas elf chase, the four intrepid bunnies are off on another adventure, this time as sea-faring pirates looking for treasure. Boarding their ship they sail off to a desert island in search of the golden coins, encountering all sorts of creatures on their quest.  There are 10 coins to be found and young readers will delight in seeking them under the flaps as they pore over the detailed pictures and help the bunnies see what’s in front of them. 

Treasure hunts never lose their appeal, and now, in this new, board book edition of this episode in this popular series, even younger children can discover the fun of looking and lifting the flaps to see what is hidden beneath, as well as learning about those things traditionally associated with pirates so they are building their understanding of what is a popular theme for many authors,  while  enjoying the rhythm and rhyme of the text, repeated in a pattern with a lot of onomatopoeia to heighten the reading experience and appreciate that stories are wonderful entertainment.

With so much to see and do, this is likely to become a firm favourite that takes our youngest readers away from the grey days of winter to a summery sun adventure. This is going to delight my preschoolers this morning, particularly when I show them the others in the series that they will also be able to explore.  And one for the little ones to go with this year’s CBCA Book week theme, “Book an Adventure’. 

Gone

Jun25
Gone

Gone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gone

Michel Streich

Thames & Hudson, 2025

hbk., RRP $A26.99

9781760764920

When a little boy discovers his bird has died, he accepts that lives can be short or long, but, after burying it, he wonders where it might have gone.

My fluttering, chirping, hopping bird was gone.
Its body was still there, a silent, feathery shape, but all life had left it.

As he asks family members, he discovers that each has a different belief – his sister believes in reincarnation as another creature; his mother suggests going to heaven; while his grandfather thinks the end is the end and we turn into soil, returning to become part of Nature again. 

Sadly, a friend lost her husband just before Easter, leaving two young children to ponder this very question.  Being at a Catholic school they had been learning about the origins of Easter and that Jesus had risen on the third day after having been crucified.  So they convinced that when they went to the church for the funeral their daddy would be there waiting for them, just like Jesus.  

This is a gentle, soft-touch exploration of life cycles and life spans and the emotions that are evoked, made more sensitive by the creator choosing autumn to be the time when the bird passes so the illustrations are naturally those warm colours of red, orange and yellow. While the little boy explores his questions and feelings by talking with the loved ones around him, and even though they may have different beliefs and explanations, nevertheless they are united in their conviction that no matter what, it is the memories that are important and that these will live on forever.

Despite trying to shield little ones from such sad events, nevertheless they are going to encounter death and dying in their lives whether that be a pet or a family member so this is a story that has a place but perhaps one that is shared at an appropriate time with adult guidance. We can never know all the things that are happening in a child’s life beyond the school bell and thus what could be comforting to one may be confronting for another.  

Alexander’s Outing

Jun16
Alexander's Outing

Alexander’s Outing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexander’s Outing

Pamela Allen

Puffin, 2025

30pp., board book., RRP $A14.99

9781761355134

When Alexander’s mother decided to take her little tribe of ducklings on an adventure across the city because she was bored, she told them to ‘Stay close, take care.”  But Alexander did not stay close and he did not take care. He straggled behind with his head in the air – and disappeared down a deep dark hole.

How on earth will they get him out?

Thirty years ago, Kiwi author Pamela Allen first offered this title for young readers to love and laugh at, and ponder over how they would rescue Alexander.  And now it is time for them to share that delight and puzzle with their own children as it is re-issued in sturdy board book format.  With its endearing characters, and a subtle message about staying close to mum, today’s littlies will get just as much joy from it as the language rolls off the tongue and they suggest wonderful ways that they would use to save Alexander from his predicament.  

There is a reason that this and others like Mr Archimedes’ Bath (1980), Who Sank the Boat? (1982) and all her other books including , of course, the intrepid Mr McGee  have endured for over 40 years and can be counted as classics.  So many of today’s readers are readers because they were introduced to the magic of story through Allen’s works, and now is the time and opportunity to pay that forward to the next generation. 

Bob and Dob

Jun8
Bob and Dob

Bob and Dob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob and Dob

Sean E. Avery

Walker Books, 2025

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

9781760658113

There was once a small bird called Bob who had a brother, aptly called Dob because that’s what he did.  Whenever Bob did something risky like flying too high or go hunting for worms on his own, Dob would tell on him.  So often, that even their mother got sick of hearing the stories and told them she didn’t want to hear any more tales.  

Knowing he wouldn’t get into trouble, Bob got bolder and bolder until one day… 

Dob saw the danger lurking but neither Bob or his mother would listen.  And disaster strikes. Even though he was always getting him into trouble, Dob still loved Bob so can he save him?  Is there ever an okay time to tell a lie?

Although Sean Avery writes for a variety of audiences and in a variety of formats, he seems to have a special knack for crafting stories that particularly capture the attention of our youngest readers, and this one is no different.  Every little person with a sibling will know this scenario and relate to it, whether they are a Bob or a Dob.  And both perspectives are going to generate some lively discussions.

This is definitely next Friday’s read for the local preschoolers. 

This Is a Ball 10th Anniversary Edition

May29
This Is a Ball 10th Anniversary Edition

This Is a Ball 10th Anniversary Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Is a Ball

10th Anniversary Edition

Beck &  Matt Stanton

ABC Books, 2025

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

9780733343780

It’s hard to believe that it is 10 years since I reviewed the original of this becoming-a-classic that has been enjoyed by so many little ones as they argue the point with the person sharing it with them. 

The title clearly states “This is a ball” but the picture is a cube!  And so it begins with ‘misnamed’ objects being introduced throughout accompanied by a “commentary” that suggests the interaction between child and reader. Designed with pages and illustrations that are reminiscent of the uncluttered style of Dick Bruna, preschoolers love the opportunity to contradict the adult, something they rarely get a chance to do legitimately. And, if the adult asks, “how do you know?” it also gives them a chance to consider what they know about  the objects and then organise and express their thoughts, offering an early lesson in presenting evidence to justify and argument.  The last page just gives the opening to start all the fun all over again.

However, this is not only a book for the preschoolers in our lives, but also those who are learning English.  because it gives them an opportunity to show off their knowledge of their new language.  They might not know “princess’ yet but they will know she’s not a “monster” and it’s going to really encourage them to listen as well as look.  And then maybe create their own stories for a display which could include the word in their own language so everyone learns.

The authors wrote this book for their goddaughter who loves playing the game with them but it is one that is going to bring a lot of fun and learning to many as a new generation of preschoolers move through the ranks.  Don’t think because it’s target audience is the very young that it doesn’t have a place in your collection.

Maggie the Dragon: Chase your dreams!

May26
Maggie the Dragon: Chase your dreams!

Maggie the Dragon: Chase your dreams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggie the Dragon: Chase your dreams!

Tony Armstrong

Emma Sjaan Beukers

Hachette, 2025

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

9780734422187

Maggie the dragon loves flying  and even though all dragons can fly, none can do skydives and barrel rolls and loop-de-loops as well as she can.  That’s why she is seen as the best flier in the patrol and is in charge of protecting the most faraway edges of the kingdom.  If an intruder appeared she would blast them with a burst of fire and then warn the kingdom, but although she loved her job, she would have liked to take a break and see the lands she was protecting.  

Sadly, though, the last time she tried, she set a village on fire and although a small wizard called George put the fire out before the villagers were hurt, now everyone is afraid of her and so she has to stick to her lonely, faraway beat. Until the day green lightning indicates a furious storm is rolling in and she needs to warn the villagers immediately. But anxiety causes hiccups and hiccups mean she can’t control her fire – will she be able to warn the villagers in time, or will they be too afraid to listen?  Or could there be another source of help coming?

Accompanied by the brightest, boldest illustrations that catch the eye and draw the reader right into the story, along with the formatting of the text which almost has a comic-book appearance with narration in blocks, dialogue in speech bubbles and some keywords presented in graphic form, there is an intriguing juxtaposition between Maggie being a dragon, a creature viewed by most young readers as fierce and fearless, yet also having a secret yearning that she is too afraid to follow. 

This is a sequel to George the Wizard: Let your magic shine!  and like its predecessor, it addresses another issue that young readers battle with – having a dream and wanting to chase it, bit fearful of taking the first step because they are worried what others might think.  In fact, just this morning there was a post on a FB forum about a child, commonly viewed as sporty by peers and teachers, who revealed a talent for something quite different but had been wary of showing it.  And few do not know the story of Tim Daley, the British diving gold medallist who took up knitting in between dives at the COVID-affected, spectator-less  Tokyo 2020 Olympics and now has his own fashion line. 

While there are lots of stories for young children that address these sorts of social themes – being yourself, accepting others, being inclusive while celebrating diversity – the dynamic layout and colours of this series offers that “something extra” that not only sets it apart but also means it will appeal to its audience.