Weekend reads roundup: 16 May 2026, part one

 

Now I see autumn.

Written by Mac Barnett.

Illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Simon & Schuster, 2026.

Board book.

I’ve now read all the books in this series – and I’m ashamed of how long it took for me to pick up it’s all the same text in each one. The magic in these books is Jon Klassen’s illustrations.

Possible read-alikes:

• Cat's seasons by Airlie Anderson.
• A cat book of seasons by Nicoletta Costa.
• When autumn comes by Ekaterina Trukhan.
• Autumn by Gerda Muller. 

Wild places: the life of naturalist David Attenborough.

Written by Hayley Rocco.

Illustrated by John Rocco.

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2023.

Illustrated nonfiction / biography.

Just what it says on the tin.

Possible read-alikes:

• Wild planet: the life and wisdom of Sir David Attenborough by Hayley Rocco and John Rocco.
• Wild life: the extraordinary adventures of Sir David Attenborough by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Helen Shoesmith.
• A gift of dust: how Saharan plumes feed the planet by Martha Brockenbrough.
• Wangari's trees of peace: a true story from Africa by Jeanette Winter.
• Planting stories: the life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Paola Escobar.
• We are water protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade.

 

I do not like stories.

Written by Andrew Larsen.

Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff.

Owlkids Books, 2020.

Picture book.

I’m with the protagonist – I, too, would rather be at home with my cat/s.

Possible read-alikes:

• That's not Stella by Donna Fredin.
• Just one more story by Perry Emerson and Sean Julian.
• Everywhere with you by Carlie Sorosiak and Devon Holzwarth. 

 

All from a walnut.

Written by Ammi-Joan Paquette.

Illustrated by Felicita Sala.

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2022.

Sophisticated picture book.

A poignant story of tradition, generational knowledge, immigration, love, and grief. Life cycles, life lessons, and death.

Possible read-alikes:  

• Nell plants a tree by Anne Wynter and Daniel Miyares.
• This is the tree we planted by Kate McMullan and Alison Friend.
• Wren's nest by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Eugenia Nobati.
• Grandpa is here by Tanya Rosie and Chuck Groenink.
• The oak tree by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy.
• More than a tree by Sarah Kurpiel.
• Grandpa Green by Lane Smith.        
• Birdsong by Julie Flett.
• The garden we share by Zoë Tucker and Julianna Swaney. 

Clara and the birds.

Written and illustrated by Emma Simpson.

Milky Way Picture Books, 2024.

Sophisticated picture book.

A story of shyness and needing solitude – and not fitting in.

Possible read-alikes:

• Solo by Neil Clark.
• The coziest place on the moon by Maria Popova and Sarah Jacoby.
• Agatha May and the anglerfish by Nora Morrison, Jessie Ann Foley, and Mika Song.
• The grumpy ghost upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani; translated by Polly Lawson.
• Everything in its place: a story of books and belonging by Pauline David-Sax and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.
• Daisy by Jessixa Bagley.
• Bird Boy by Matthew Burgess and Shahrzad Maydani.

 

The whale and the snapper = Tohorā me te Tāmure.

By Jo Van Dam, Ariana Stevens, and Richard Hoit.

Scholastic New Zealand, 2026.

Aotearoa

Picture book.

Bilingual.

Rhyming.

Retelling of the Lion and Mouse by Aesop.

Possible read-alikes:

• The lion & the mouse by Jerry Pinkney.
• Sharky McShark and the teensy wee crab by Alison Murray.
• Aesop's fables introduced by Marcus Sedgwick, translated by S. A. Handford, illustrated by Brian Robb.
• The lion and the mouse by Amanda Wood and Nataraj Noj. 

Kekeno, curious explorer.

Written by Katie Furze.

Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

Scholastic New Zealand, 2026.

Aotearoa.

Picture book nonfiction.

Katie Furze is doing a fine line in picture book nonfiction featuring endemic creatures of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Possible read-alikes:

• Narwhal: the Arctic unicorn by Justin Anderson and Jo Weaver.
• Elizabeth, queen of the seas by Lynne Cox and Brian Floca.
• Inky's amazing escape: how a very smart octopus found his way home by Sy Montgomery and Amy Schimler-Safford. 

You're in my heart.

Written and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud.

Tate Publishing, 2026.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

Missing family while away.

Note: creator lives in Madagascar.

Possible read-alikes:

• All the love in the world by Louise Fedele and Ana Toro.
• Where three oceans meet by Rajani LaRocca and Archana Sreenivasan.
• Ivanhoe Swift left home at six by Jane Godwin and A. Yi.
• The day the crayons made friends by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers.
• I'm not sleepy by Raahat Kaduji.
• I send you a hug by Anne Booth and Åsa Gilland.
• Mina's magic malong by Eva Wong Nava, June Ho, and Novita Elisa. 

Curly Cat. The Acrobat.

Written by Jennifer Somervell.

Illustrated by Zerika van Jaarsveld.

Landing Lights Press, 2025.

Picture book.

Aotearoa New Zealand.

A bit meh. A cat who wants to be an acrobat, and is discouraged by friends.

Possible read-alikes:

• Jeff goes wild by Angie Rozelaar.
• Another by Christian Robinson.
• Not a cat: a memoir by Winter Miller and Danica Novgorodoff.  

Welcome to our table.

Written by Laura Mucha and Ed Smith.

Illustrated by Harriet Lynas.

Nosy Crow, 2023.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Food traditions from around the world.

Possible read-alikes:

• Our favourite food: taste 20 delicious dishes from around the world by Valerie Wilding and Åsa Gilland.
• World of food by Sandra Lawrence and Violeta Noy.
• History is delicious by Joshua Lurie and Laura Foy.
• Chews your own tasty adventure: a cooking journey where YOU get to choose the ingredients!: vegetarian recipes from around the world by Dr Sai Pathmanathan and Lucia Vinti. 

Weekend reads round-up: 5 April 2026

 

Your truck.

Written and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Walker Books, 2026.

Board book.

Part of a board book series Your Things. These are simple, yet there’s so much to look at and enjoy.

I can see these working as felt boards – except you’d miss the wonderful illustrations.

There is so much skill in making something so pared back.

Series:

• Your farm.
• Your island.
• Your forest.
• Your truck.
• Your horse.

Possible read-alikes:

• The world and everything in it by Kevin Henkes.
• Dinosaur vs library by Bob Shea.
• I’d rather be a cat by Laura and Philip Bunting. 

Banana bop!: a monster show.

Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton.

Boynton Bookworks, 2025.

Board book.

Rhyming text.

What is it about bananas that is so funny?

Another Boynton banger of a book.

Possible read-alikes:

• Banana by Ed Vere. 
• Banana, banana, banana! by Sarah Finan.
• Are you a banana? by Robert Starling.
• 1, 2, 3, Do the Unicorn by Michelle Robinson and Rosalind Beardshaw.
• Skip to my moo: a rollicking barnyard story by Iza Trapani and Maddie Frost. 

Super Magic Boy. 3, I am a slime monster.

Written and illustrated by Jarod Roselló.

RH Graphic, 2025.

Graphic novel.

Hugo and Dino must stop a slime monster from destroying the library!

A fun early graphic novel.

Possible read-alikes:

• Sir Ladybug. 3, Sir Ladybug and the bookworms by Corey R. Tabor.
• Gabby & Gator by James Burks.
• Banana Fox and the book-eating robot by James Kochalka.
• Fox & Rabbit. 1 by Beth Ferry and Gergely Dudás.
• Alan, king of the universe by Tom McLaughlin.
• The adventures of Anders by Gregory Mackay.
• Cat & cat adventures by Susie Yi.
• Teen Titans go! To the library by Franco and Art Baltazar.
• Box tales. Grow, strawberries, grow! by James Burks. 

If it's Lunar New Year and you know it ...

Written and illustrated by Belinda Chen.

Nosy Crow Ltd, 2026.

Board book. With sliding pages.

I asked a staff member about this one, and they were as indecisive and uncertain as am about it. I don’t think it is one they’d be sharing at Lunar New Year storytimes in the future.

Possible read-alikes / instead-ofs:

• Chinese New Year colors = 春节的颜色 by Rich Lo.
• Welcoming the Lunar New Year by Lara Lee and Natelle Quek.
• Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin.
• Happy all-idays! by Cindy Jin and Rob Sayegh Jr.  
• What do you do to celebrate? by Ashleigh Barton and Martina Heiduczek.
• Chinese New Year by Ilaria Falorsi.
• Maisy's Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins.
• Peppa's Chinese New Year adapted by Mandy Archer and Cala Spinner. 

 

Wild life: an animal history of Aotearoa.

Written by Philippa Werry.

Oratia Books, 2026.

Nonfiction.

Although classified as an adult book, this is accessible to interested children.

Possible read-alikes:

• An extraordinary land: discoveries and mysteries from wild New Zealand by Peter Hayden and Rod Morris.
• Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop.
• Animals of Aotearoa: explore & discover New Zealand's wildlife by Gillian Candler and Ned Barraud.
• Why is that lake so blue?: a children's guide to New Zealand's natural world by Simon Pollard.
• Critters of Aotearoa: 50 bizarre but lovable members of our wildlife community by Nicola Toki and Lily Duval.

  

The secrets of mushrooms.

Written by Ginevra Picoco and Lorenzo Cocchi.

Illustrated by Ester Castelnouvo and Valentina Figus.

Welbeck Children's Books, an imprint of Hachette Children's Group, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

A solid introduction to mushrooms and fungi.

Possible read-alikes:

• Fungarium by Katie Scott and Ester Gaya, and others.
• The mushroom fan club by Elise Gravel.
• All about mushrooms by Alice Pattullo.
• Hello fungi by Nina Chakrabarti.
• Encyclopedia of plants, fungi and lichens for young readers by Tereza Němcová and Tomáš Pernický.
• Humongous fungus by Lynne Boddy and Wenjia Tang.
• Weird and wonderful nature by Ben Hoare, Kaley McKean, and Dr. Chris Gibson. 

Every Monday Mabel.

Written and illustrated by Jashar Awan.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025.

Picture book.

I’ve seen a few videos of children who love rubbish / garbage day – because of the trucks or the workers. This picture book is all about Mabel, who is one of their fans.

Possible read-alikes:

• Noodles on a bicycle by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang.
• I'm the bin lorry driver by Katie Woolley and David Semple.
• Charlie the bin truck driver by Nikki Swaby and Katrina Hill.
• The bin monster by Annabelle Hale.
• Trash truck by Max Keane. 

Our world in pictures bugs, butterflies, beetles & bees.

Consultant Professor Adam Hart.

Written by Ben Ffrancon Dowds, Andrea Mills, and Lizzie Munsey.

Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2026.

Pictorial nonfiction.

This is the book you need to have around when reading Lauren Child’s But excuse me that is my book – which is about Lola and her favourite library book: Beetles, bugs and butterflies.

Possible read-alikes:

• The observologist by Giselle Clarkson.
• Shapes of nature: a kaleidoscope of the natural world by Ben Hoare and Sally Caulwell.
• Entomology by Anna Claybourne and Daniel Limón.
• An anthology of remarkable bugs by Jess French, Angela Rizza, and Daniel Long.
• A whole world of minibeasts by Anna Claybourne and Yekyung Kwon.
• Insectarium by Emily Carter and Dave Goulson. 

The heart: history, science and lots of love.

Written and illustrated by Noemí Fabra.

Translated by Gabriella Aldeman.

Post Wave Children's Books, 2026.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Symbolic and realistic information about the heart.

Possible read-alikes:

• Heartbeat by Doe Boyle and Daniel Long.
• All about the heart by Remi Kowalski and Tonia Composto.
• The hero heart by Roopa Farooki and Viola Wang.
• Mysteries of the human body: weird and wonderful anatomy by Azmain Chowdhury and Daniel Nelson.
• Your sense-ational human body by Emma Young and John Devolle.
• A really short journey through the body by Bill Bryson, adapted by Emma Young, illustrations by Daniel Long & Dawn Cooper & Jesús Sotés & Katie Ponder. 

Lucky's star: the story of a meteorite.

Written by Mark Greenwood.

Illustrated by Lucia Masciullo.

CSIRO Publishing, 2025.

Sophisticated picture book.

Australian.

Based on a real-life meteorite, which fell in 1969 in Victoria, Australia.

Possible read-alongs:

• How the meteorite got to the museum by Jessie Hartland.
• Oh no, Astro! by Matt Roeser and Brad Woodard.
• Ada and the galaxies by Alan Lightman, Olga Pastuchiv, and Susanna Chapman.

 

Igor and the mending mice.

Written and illustrated by Alexander Mostov.

Ivy Kids Eco, 2026.

Picture book.

Igor’s tailoring business is threatened by recycling mice – until he figures out it’s better to work with them.

A fable about working outside (ish) capitalism, and embracing individuality and environmental concerns.

Possible read-alikes:

• Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro and Holly Hatam.
• Joseph had a little overcoat by Simms Taback.
• Something from nothing adapted from a Jewish folktale by Phoebe Gilman.
• I had a favorite dress and I had a favourite hat by Boni Ashburn and Robyn Ng.
• Where's your creativity? by Aaron Rosen, Riley Watts, and Marika Maijala.

 

This book will make you a scientist.

Written by Sheila Kanani.

Illustrated by Ellen Surrey.

Nosy Crow, 2026.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Experiments and activities based on scientists and their careers.

Possible read-alikes:

• The tinkering workshop: explore, invent & build with everyday materials: 100 hands-on STEAM projects by Ryan Jenkins.
• Stay curious and keep exploring: next level: 50 bigger, bolder science experiments to do with the whole family by Emily Calandrelli.
• What do scientists do? by Can Tuğrul, Geraldine Sy, and Tom Mumbray.
• 50 fantastic science jobs by Tom Jackson. 

Integrity.

Written by Zanni Louise.

Illustrated by Jingting Wang.

Affirm Press, 2026.

Integrity is a nebulous thing – but this book does its best to define it, in terms appropriate to the age group. If only more politicians and leaders read it.

Possible read-alikes / read-alongs:

• A kids book about choices by Kyle Quilausing.
• 101 things every kid needs to know: important skills that prepare kids for life! by Jamie Thorne.
• What is right &​ wrong? Who decides? Where do values come from? and other big questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young.

 

The fossil hunter.

Written and illustrated by Kate Winter.

Puffin, 2023.

Sophisticated nonfiction picture book.

An introduction to Mary Anning.

Possible read-alikes / read-alongs:

• Dinosaur hunter: Joan Wiffen's awesome fossil discoveries by David Hill and Phoebe Morris.
• Fossil hunter: how Mary Anning changed the science of prehistoric life by Cheryl Blackford.
• The fossil girl: Mary Anning's dinosaur discovery by Catherine Brighton.
• Dragon bones: the fantastic fossil discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Maris Wicks.
• Stone girl, bone girl by Laurence Anholt and Sheila Moxley.
• Nothing stopped Sophie: a story of unshakable mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock.
• Joan procter, dragon doctor: the woman who loved reptiles by Patricia Valdez and Felicita Sala. 

The watermelon seed.

Written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli.

Disney Hyperion, 2013.

Picture book.

Whomst amongst us didn’t panic when they ate a fruit seed?

Possible read-alikes:

• Scaredy squirrel by Mélanie Watt.
• There's no such thing by Heidi McKinnon.
• What about worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins. 

Birds.

Written and illustrated by Anne-Kathrin Behl.

Nosy Crow, 2026.

Board book with sliders.

Sliding pages and bright illustrations make this an appealing book for the young and curious.

Possible read-alikes:

• Beautiful birds illustrated by Chorkung.
• Maisy loves birds by Lucy Cousins
• Peek inside a bird's nest by Anna Milbourne and Stephanie Fizer Coleman.
• Look! A bird!: 20 feathered friends to touch and trace by Anya Serota and Christine Berrie.

 

Start with a teapot: an unexpected guide to the art of drawing.

Written and illustrated by Enric Lax.

Translated by Daniel Hahn.

Originally published in Catalan as El manual de dibujo definitive.

Gecko Press, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

A riotous book! Just, don’t expect to be able to draw afterwards.

Possible read-alikes:

• Dot! scribble! go! by Hervé Tullet.
• I can only draw worms by Will Mabbitt.
• I cannot draw a horse by Charise Mericle Harper.
• Sometimes you find a dragon by Viviane Schwarz. 

Horses & us: true stories of horses and their humans.

Written and illustrated by Johanna Emeney.

Massey University Press, 2026.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Aotearoa.

Small vignettes about various horses and horse people around Aotearoa.

Possible read-alikes:

• Animal helpers: how animals from around the world help us by Ben Hubbard and Sara Ugolotti.
• Dogs with jobs by Andrea Rowe and Julia Murray.
• Horse power: how horses changed the world by Jennifer Thermes.
• Tracks through time: the history of the world told through animal adventures by David Long, Rßông Pham and Vinh Nguyõên. 

All the way home

Written and illustrated by Debi Gliori.

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC , 2018. 

Picture book. 

An adventure story of a penguin Dad and his egg. Wonderful fun, and Gliori has a way with penguins, which I adore. Shout out to unexpected Christmas tie-in.

Possible read-alikes:

• Dragon loves Penguin by Debi Glori.
• Lost and found by Oliver Jeffers.
• Poles apart by Jeanne Willis and Jarvis.
• Penguin's egg by Anna Kemp and Alice Courtley.
• Jonty Gentoo: the adventures of a penguin by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
• Born to fly by Patrick Guest and Jonathan Bentley.
• Ming's iceberg by Kiri Lightfoot and Kimberly Andrews.
• Where the heart is by Irma Gold and Susannah Crispe.
• Penguin parcel by Victoria Cassanell.

 

 

Library lion.

Written by Michelle Knudsen.  Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.

Candlewick Press, 2006. 

Picture book. 

Sometimes you need to be loud in the library – especially when something is wrong with a friend.

Possible read-alikes:

• I'm so happy you're here: a celebration of library joy by Mychal Threets and Lorraine Nam.
• Pukapuka by Vasanti Unka and Justin Kereama.
• Books aren't for bears by Mark Barry and Katy Halford.
• No cats in the library by Lauren Emmons.
• Leilong the library bus by Julia Liu and Bei Lynn, translated by Helen Wang.
• Lost in the library and Where is our library? by Josh Funk and Stevie Lewis.
• The night library by David Zeltser and Raul Colón.
• Wild about books by Judy Sierra and Marc Brown.
• The library dragon and Return of the library dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy and Michael P. White.

Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part one

 

Auntie's bangles.

Written by Dean Atta.

Illustrated by Alea Marley.

Orchard Books, 2026.

Sophisticated picture book.

Beti wants to be able to help his cousin, Rama, after the death of her mother – his aunt.

A gentle story, one which acknowledges the loss felt by the extended family.

Possible read-alongs:

• The invisible parade by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio.
• The circles in the sky by Karl James Mountford.
• When Grandfather flew by Patricia MacLachlan and Chris Sheban.
• I wish I could tell you by Jean-François Sénéchal and Chiaki Okada; translated by Nick Frost and Catherine Ostiguy.

Roots of love.

Written by Sarah Asuquo.

Illustrated by Ruthine Burton.

Scholastic, 2024.

Picture book.

The early days of a parental separation, and how that affects the child’s world view – and the worry over how they’ll be seen by others. Multicultural community and diverse school community, eg two dads, Hijabi women, wheelchair users.

Note: a rather swift acceptance of the new family dynamic – now the child knows that there are other families around who are not two-parent ones.

Possible read-alikes / instead-ofs:

• The comet by Joe Todd-Stanton.
• Will it be okay? by Crescent Dragonwagon and Jessica Love.
• In-between places by Alex Killian and Grady McFerrin.
• Two people can by Blessing Musariri and Maisie Paradise Shearring.
• Some families change by Galatola Jessica and Jenni Barrand.
• One day at a time by Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek.

 

Smooches!

Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton.

Little, Brown and Company, 2025.

Board book.

Rhyming text.

A bedtime story.

Possible read-alikes:

• The kiss and The hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar.
• A kiss like this by Mary Murphy.
• The runaway hug by Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood.
• How to make a bedtime by Meg McKinlay and Karen Blair.
• Tuck me in! by Nathan W. Pyle.
• Good night belly button by Lucie Brunellière.
• Tickle my ears by Jörg Mühle.

 

Wanted: the cutest baby in the world.

Written by Davina Bell.

Illustrated by Sarah Zweck.

Thames & Hudson Australia, 2026.

Picture book.

Australian.

Beware! Once the cutest baby in the world is in your house – life will never be the same!

Possible read-alikes:

• Big, big love by Lisa Fuller and Samantha Campbell.
• One you by Frances Stickley and Åsa Gilland.
• Can't stop kissing that baby by K.L. Going and Fiona Lee.
• Our gorgeous baby by Smriti Halls and Eve Coy.
• Miimi and Buwaarr = Mother and baby by Melissa Greenwood and Miimi + Jiinda.
• My dream for you by Ash Barty, Jasmin McGaughey, and Jade Goodwin.
• Avocado baby by John Burningham.

A place just for me.

Written by Loredana Baldinucci.

Illustrated by Melinda Berti.

Translated by Monica Meneghetti, from the Italian Una tana tutta per me.  

Greystone Kids/Greystone Books, 2025.

Picture book.

The youngest mouse wants to find somewhere quiet for him to do nothing. What a wonderful wish! But, none of the neighbours have the right place, either. Thank goodness for his mother!

Possible read-alikes:

• Sometimes it's nice to be alone by Amy Hest and Philip Stead.
• Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard.
• Bear is never alone by Marc Veerkamp and Jeska Verstegen; translated by Laura Watkinson.
• Leave me alone by Vera Brosgol.
• Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili.
• I really, really don't like parties by Angie Morgan.
• How to party like a snail by Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier.

 

An anthology of stargazing: a collection of stars and constellations.

Written by Abigail Beall.

Illustrated by Angela Rizza and Dilbag Singh.

Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Constellations and star patterns – in both hemispheres. Includes the astrological constellations. But, only Western ones.  

Possible read-alikes / read-alongs:

• Star stories by Andy Wilx and Anita Ganeri.
• Matariki around the world: a cluster of stars, a cluster of stories by Rangi Matamua, Miriama Kamo, and Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.
• Stars, planets, and their patterns by Thomas K. Adamson.
• Stars before bedtime: a mindful fall-asleep book by Claire Grace, Dr Jessamy Hibberd, and Hannah Tolson. 

Sing, hum, strum, and drum.

Written by by Rachelle Burk.

Illustrated by Junissa Bianda.

Callisto Publishing, 2025.

Board book.

Rhyming book.

Great book of music sounds.

Possible read-alongs:

• Sounds good!: discover 50 instruments text and illustrations Ole Könnecke; music Hans Könnecke; translated by Melody Shaw. 
• Squeak! rumble! whomp! whomp! whomp!: a sonic adventure by Wynton Marsalis and Paul Rogers.
• Listen to my trumpet by Mo Willems.
• Music is in everything by Ziggy Marley and Ag Jatkowska.
• Animal music by Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt.
• Bing, bop, bam: time to jam! by Valerie Bolling and Sabrena Khadija.
• Ear worm! by Jo Knowles and Galia Bernstein.
• Thundermaestro by Annemarie Riley Guertin and Maria Brzozowska.
• Bertie and the bear by Pamela Allen. 

Whooo is still awake?

Written and illustrated by Brigette Barrager.

Random House, 2025.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

A simple nighttime palette – with blazing yellow eyes – make a striking visual.

Possible read-alikes:

• Night animals and Night animals need sleep too by Gianna Marino.
• Sam can't sleep by Davide Cali and Anna Aparicio Català.
• Sleep is for babies by Emily McDowall and Julia Hegetusch. 

Dick Bruna.

By Bruce Ingman and Ramona Reihill.

Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2020.

Adult nonfiction.

Written by an illustrator – with an illustrator as the series consultant (Quentin Blake) – this is an interesting introduction to Dick Bruna’s life and work.

It is a bit once-over-lightly, but that means it still accessible to older child readers, too. 

The Illustrators series includes: 

Ludwig Bemelmans by Quentin Blake and Laurie Britton Newell.

Raymond Briggs by Nicolette Jones.

Dick Bruna by Bruce Ingman and Ramona Reihill.

Walter Crane by Jenny Uglow.

Tove Jansson by Paul Gravett.

Oliver Jeffers by Martin Salisbury.

Judith Kerr by Joanna Carey.

Miroslav Šašek by Martin Salisbury.

Posy Simmonds by Paul Gravett. 

Raymond Briggs

By Nicolette Jones.

Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2020.

Adult nonfiction.

A simple – deceptively so – introduction to Raymond Briggs’ life and work.

There is a thread of sadness throughout – and in both his life and work.

The Illustrators series includes: 

Ludwig Bemelmans by Quentin Blake and Laurie Britton Newell.

Raymond Briggs by Nicolette Jones.

Dick Bruna by Bruce Ingman and Ramona Reihill.

Walter Crane by Jenny Uglow.

Tove Jansson by Paul Gravett.

Oliver Jeffers by Martin Salisbury.

Judith Kerr by Joanna Carey.

Miroslav Šašek by Martin Salisbury.

Posy Simmonds by Paul Gravett. 

Weekend Reads: 21 October 2024

I Follow the Fox

By Rob Biddulph. 

HarperCollins, 2024. 

ISBN 9780008627676. 

From my notes: Read the copyright info! 

London on a snowy day. 

Rhyming couplets tell the story of a possible dream journey through snowy, Christmas-time, London in search of lost little foxes. 

A gentle story, with diverse characters. 

Note: possible black-washing: the characters are non-white. 

A Damsel Not in Distress! 

By Bethan Stevens. 

Frances Lincoln, 2023. 

ISBN 9780711275171. 

The damsel objects to being stuck in the narrator's stereotypical story and shakes things up. 

Nobody Likes Mondays. 

By Kelly Lee. 

EK Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9781922539847. 

Australian. 

If you're going to personify the days of the week, and some of the personifications are based on what their names come from, then why not all? 

I know most children won't notice / object - but some will. 

Monday = Moon ✓

Tuesday = Twi / Týr ☓

Wednesday = Woden / Oden ☓

Thursday = Thor ✓

Friday = Frigg ✓

Saturday = Saturn ✓ ? 

Sunday = Sun ✓

Courage Out Loud: 25 poems of power. 

By Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett. 

Wide Eyed Editions, 2023. 

ISBN 9780711279193. 

A wonderful collection of poetry, which includes ideas / suggestions for presenting / responding to them. 

Moggie McFlea: the Witch's Cat. 

By Anna Kemp and Adam Beer. 

Simon & Schuster, 2024. 

ISBN 9781471193385. 

Rhyming. A tale of redemption and friendship. 

Imelda and the Goblin King. 

By Briony May Smith. 

Flying Eye Books, 2023 (also published in 2015). 

ISBN 9781838741655. 

Autumnal colours.

A tale of greed and comeuppance. 

Has a classic fairy tale feel - with a modern twist. 

This damsel can save herself - and her adopted family and friends. 

The Incredible Freedom Machines. 

By Kirli Saunders and Matt Ottley. 

Scholastic Press, 2018. 

ISBN 9781760275228. 

Australian. 

The power of reading in an allegorical tale. 

Sophisticated picture book. 

This Is the Tree We Planted. 

By Kate McMullan and Alison Friend. 

Alfred A. Knopf, 2022.

ISBN 9780525579472. 

A cumulative tale, a la 'The House that Jack Built'. 

The importance of trees as part of an ecosystem - and community. 

Do! Scribble! Go! 

By Hervé Tullet. 

Allen & Unwin, 2024. 

ISBN 9781761181214. 

My brain is full of ideas on how to make this into a library programme! 

The Verts: a story of introverts and extroverts. 

By Ann Patchett and Robin Preiss-Glasser. 

HarperCollins, 2024. 

ISBN 9780063064553. 

Sigh. Well-meaning. Worthy, but not notable. 

It Stars with a Raindrop.

By Aimee Gallagher and Sally Anne Garland. 

Words & Pictures, 2024. 

ISBN 9780711285934. 

No author or illustrator information on cover! Illustrator on title page, author only on copyright. 

Rhyming. 

Diversity in illustrations, including race and one in a wheelchair. 

Information about the water cycle. 

Free to be Fabulous! 

By David McMullin and Robbie Cathro. 

Clarion / HarperCollins, 2024. 

ISBN 9780063239685. 

Bullies try to stop Daniel being fabulously himself, but, with the encouragement of others, he wins. 

You never know how you appear to others, and how much they appreciate you. It is the haters who dominate the discourse. 

Something I had re-enforced to me just today.

Opposing this, are the comments made about one of my great-niblings embracing their identity. And how that has encouraged others to do the same. 

Kia Ora Baby: a book about baby siblings for Kiwi kids. 

By Donovan Bailey. 

An Upstart Press Book, 2024. 

ISBN 9781990003974. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Nothing too negative about a new baby - which is a change! So many new baby books are negative, which parents may be trying to avoid. Simple and bright. 

The Butterfly Fluttered By. 

By Kate Preece and Pippa Ensor. 

David Bateman, 2024. 

ISBN 9781776891146. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Rhyming couplets. 

Insects in Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Islands. 

One Little Word. 

By Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys. 

Frances Lincoln, 2023. 

ISBN 9780711279094. 

How one little word can lead to an argument, which grows and spreads and takes all around it. 

Diversity of characters. 

Spiro. 

By Anna McGregor. 

Scribble, 2024. 

ISBN 9781761381010. 

Australian. 

Sparkles!

Perseverance. 

Spiders! 

Twisty ending. 

Everybody Feels Fear! 

By Ashwin Chacko. 

Dorling Kindersley, 2022. 

ISBN 9780241569016. 

A bright and reassuring message. 

The creator is Indian, living in Dublin. 

We Are All Brave. 

By Paul Crumble  and Jonathan Bentley. 

Omnibus Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9781761524653. 

Australian. 

Illustrated through use of animals. 

Simple. Okay. Nothing outstanding. Nothing offensive. 

Solid. 

Bear's Lost Glasses. 

By Leo Timmers, translated by David Colmer. 

Gecko Press, 2024. 

ISBN 9781776575947. 

Translator is Australian. 

So much fun! 

We've had conversations like this in my house / family!

Not just the 'lost' glasses - but also what 'bad' eyesight can reveal. 

Merry Christmas, Little Wombat. 

By Charles Fuge. 

Walker Books Australia, 2024. 

ISBN 9781760655105. 

Australian. 

Underlying a cute tale of friendship and imaginative play, is the reality of pollution and rubbish on the beach. 

It sort of sucked the joy out of the story for me. 

A Mind of Her Own: the story of mystery writer Agatha Christie.

By Robyn McGrath and Liz Wong. 

Beach Lane Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9781665917933. 

A sophisticated picture book biography. 

There is so much to look at, and for, within the pages. 

Prunella. 

By Beth Ferry and Claire Keane. 

Simon & Schuster, 2024. 

ISBN 9781665921732. 

Individuality and a love of the different - and finding your place and people. 

Diverse characters. 

Just the Two of Us. 

By Polly Noakes. 

Andersen Press, 2024. 

ISBN 9781839134241. 

Imaginary friends and growing up and away from them. 

Follow My Food books: 

Shelly Hen Lays Eggs. 

Polly Bee Makes Honey. 

By Deborah Chancellor and Julia Groves. 

Scallywag Press, 2023 / 2024. 

ISBNs 9781915252142 / 9781915252159. 

Also available: Milly Cow Gives Milk and Granny Pip Grows Fruit. 

Basic introduction to where various food items come from. 

The Spotless Giraffe. 

By Peter Millett and Alison Hawkins. 

Happy Yak, 2024. 

ISBN 9780711296343. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Inspired by a true story. 

The first day of school and not fitting into the boxes. 

An earnest book. 

Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees: native bees of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

By Rachel Weston. 

Weston Books, 2024. 

ISBN 9780473713966. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Informative and entertaining. 

A Lot of Silly: a book of rhymes and nonsense. 

By Joy Cowley and David Barrow. 

Gecko Press, 2024.

ISBN 9781776575978. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The inimitable Joy Cowley at her fun and silly best. 

That doesn't mean there aren't the occasional moments of pathos. 

Fish Farts: and other amazing ways animals adapt. 

By Joanne Settel and Natasha Donovan. 

Atheneum Books, 2024. 

ISBN: 9781665918831. 

A great animal science book, with animals as diverse as a bombardier beetle and a capuchin monkey. 

Open Wide!: jaw-dropping mouths of the animal world. 

By Letizia Diamante and Ed J. Brown. 

What on Earth!, 2024. 

ISBN 9781804661352. 

More animal science. Perfect for inquisitive people of all ages. 

Tasting With Your Feet: the amazing ways animals make sense of the world. 

By Ned Barraud.  

Potton & Burton, 2024. 

ISBN 9781988550688. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Animal senses, and how different they can be from what we use. 

All really good information, but also still using the debunked human tongue tastebud map. 

The Dragon Atlas: legendary dragons of the world.  

By Anna Claybourne and Pham Quang Phuc. 

Laurence King, 2024. 

ISBN 9781510230590. 

Not just dragons, but dragon-adjacent. 

Definitely across the world, which is refreshing. 

Miles and Jones 1: The anaconda attack. 

By Sam Smith and Cėsar Lador. 

Little Moa, 2024. 

ISBN 9781869715564. 

Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Graphic novel with a massive cliffhanger ending. Fun and silly. 

Duffy and the Bullies. 

By Jeff Szusterman and Ant Sang. 

Oratia Media, 2024. 

ISBN 9781990042560. 

Aotearoa New Zealand.

Graphic novel with a message.