Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part eight

  

We go slow.

Written by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie.

Illustrated by Aaron Becker.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025.

Picture book.

Small moments of joy and wonder through a neighbourhood.

Possible read-alikes:

• Saturday by Oge Mora.
• Look up! by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola.
• So many wonderfuls by Tina Matthews.
• Dad, don't miss it! by Qiaoqiao Li.
• Last stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson.
• Busy-eyed day by Anne Marie Pace and Frann Preston-Gannon.
• Milo imagines the world by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson. 

Bun.

Written and illustrated by Hana Kinoshita Thomson.

Allen & Unwin Children's Books, 2026. 

Picture book.

Australian.

Carrot cake party time! Along with lots of things to spot in the illustrations.

Possible read-alikes:

• Sundays under the lemon tree by Julia Busuttil Nishimura and Myo Yim.
• Harry and Gran bake a cake by Fiona McIntosh and Sara Acton.
• Apple cake by Dawn Casey and Genevieve Godbout.
• We're having a party (for everyone!) by Katie Vernon.
• Thunder cake by Patricia Polacco. 

Maya's Holi.

Written by Thrity Umrigar.

Illustrated by Kamala Nair.

Scholastic Press, 2025.

Picture book.

Maya is visiting her grandparents in India, just in time for Holi and all the joys of the festival.

Possible read-alongs:

The night before Holi by Swapna Haddow and Aditi Kakade Beaufrand.

Holi by Sital Gorasia Chapman and Pranami Bora.

Festival of colors by Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal, and Vashti Harrison.

Happy holi!: celebrating the Festival of Colours by Chitra Soundar and Amberin Huq.

Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar and Charlene Chua.

Garland of lights by Chitra Soundar and Amberin Huq.

Celebrate Nowruz!: a Persian New Year holiday to honor spring by Zohreh Ghahremani and Susie Ghahremani.

Waiting for Hanami by J.P. Takahashi and HifuMiyo. 

Calamity before Jane.

Written and illustrated by Noah Van Sciver.

Postscript by Dr. Susana Geliga.

TOON Books, 2025.

Graphic novel.

Recommended for older children (10+).

What is truth? What is story? What is entertainment? What is exploitation?

It’s complicated – and so is Marth Jane Cannary, aka Calamity Jane. 

When I move.

Written by Carole Boston Weatherford.

Illustrated by Alea Marley. 

Union Square Kids, 2025.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

A celebration of movement, energy, imagination, and joy.

Possible read-alikes:

• All the wonderful ways to move by Laura Baker and Sandra de la Prada.
• Busy feet by Marcia Berneger and Susanna Chapman.
• Happy all over by Emma Quay.
• This is happy! by Anna Ross and Debi Gliori.

  

Bear's perfect dance.

Written and illustrated by Rachel Tilda Wolf.

Scallywag Press, 2026.

Picture book.

Bear wants a partner so he can dance like in his dreams.

Possible read-alikes:

• A dance with Santa Claus by Sandra Boynton.
• Little Puggle's dance by Vikki Conley and Hélène Magisson.
• Luna loves dance by Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers.
• Brontorina and Tyrone O’Saurus dreams by James Howe and Randy Cecil.
• The more the merrier by David Martin and Raissa Figueroa.
• The Flora books by Molly Idle, starting with Flora and the Flamingo. 

Reading to baby.

Written by Margaret Wild.

Illustrated by Hannah Sommerville.

Affirm Press, 2024.

Picture book.

Australian.

New baby, Dora, has three older brothers all ready to care for their sister. Peter decides he will read to her. A gift that continues through her childhood.

Possible read-alikes:

• The very best words by Erin Munro and Sarah Trolle.
• My sister is a treasure by Tracy Darnton and Yasmeen Ismail.
• Little book baby by Katrina Germein and Cheryl Orsini.
• The blur by Minh Lê and Dan Santat.

 

Seven babies.

Written and illustrated by Forest Xiao.

Walker Books, 2025.

Imagine finding SEVEN babies on your doorstep?!!!

Possible read-alikes:

• Wanted: the cutest baby in the world by Davina Bell and Sarah Zweck.
• Wherever you go by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman.
• Everyone's sleepy but the baby by Tracy C. Gold and Adèle Dafflon.
• Cuthbert’s babies by Pamela Allen.
• The baby who stayed awake forever by Sandra Salsbury.

 

How many animals can fit in this book?

Written and illustrated by Natalia Yaskina.

Flying Eye Books, 2025.

Picture book.

Poor Ant just want to be alone, but all these other animals join in. Not your standard counting book.

Possible read-alikes:

• How many trees? by Barroux.
• Sand-play time on the sun-baked beach by Juliette MacIver and Lily Uivel.
• 10 dogs and 10 cats by Emily Gravett.
• One goose, two moose by Kael Tudor. 

Samsara dog.

Written by Helen Manos.

Illustrated by Julie Vivas.

Working Title Press, 2006.

Picture book.

Australian.

A tale of reincarnation and redemption – and love.

Possible read-alongs:

• The little book of joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams and Rachel Neumann, illustrated by Raphael López.
• Zen shorts by Jon J. Muth.
• The mountains of Tibet by Mordicai Gerstein, introduced by Sogyal Rinpoche.
• The stuff of stars by Marion Dane Bauer and Ekua Holmes.
• Drop dead by Babette Cole.  

Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part seven

The missing piece.

Written by Jordan Stephens.

Illustrated by Beth Suzanna.

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2022.

Picture book.

A story of making friends, exploring a community, mediated through a clever grandmother and a jigsaw puzzle.

Possible read-alikes:

• Jigsaw: a puzzle in a post by Bob Graham.
• The great rabbit chase by Freya Blackwood.
• Have you seen my blankie? by Lucy Rowland and Paula Metcalf.
• Hugo by Atinuke and Birgitta Sif.

Never give a baby a library card.

Written by Erin Sandberg.

Illustrated by Tom Booth.

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025.

Picture book.

Rhyming text.

If you give a baby a library card – who knows what would happen! They might learn things!!!

Possible read-alikes: 

• Books aren't for bears by Mark Barry and Katy Halford.
• The library book by Gabby Dawnay and Ian Morris.
• The night library by David Zeltser and Raul Colón.
• Read the book, lemmings! by Ame Dyckman and Zachariah Ohora. 

The adventures of Beekle: the unimaginary friend.

Written and illustrated by Dan Santat.

Little, Brown and Company, 2014.

Picture book.

A classic.

What is an imaginary friend to do when they haven’t been chosen? Break the rules and go hunting.

Possible read-alikes:

• My friend, Billy Whiskers by David Litchfield.
• Just the two of us by Polly Noakes.
• My friend, Loonie by Nina LaCour and Ashling Lindsay.
• A Dragon Called Spark by Lily Murray, and Kirsti Beautyman. 
• Kip and the Squiggledoodle by Em Cosh.

And, try the suggestions from Storytime Solidarity! 

 

Suuban's first day: a first day of herding story.

Written by Shugri Salh.

Illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn.

Roaring Brook Press, 2026.

Picture book.

Based on the author’s experience as a goat herder in the Somali dessert – and the desire to be big enough to do it.

Possible read-alikes:

• 100 goats and granny! by Atinuke and Lauren Hinds.
• The herd boy by Niki Daly.
• Big enough by Regina Linke.

 

Super great kids' stories: from storytellers around the world.

Curated by Kim Normanton.

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Based on the Super Great Kids’ Stories podcast. 

Possible read-alikes:

• A Bedtime Full of Stories: 50 Folktales and Legends from Around the World by Angela McAllister and Anna Shepeta.
• Matariki around the world: a cluster of stars, a cluster of stories by Rangi Matamua,  Miriama Kamo, and Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.
• Myths and legends ultimate handbook by Ben Hubbard.

I miss you: a first look at death.

Written by Pat Thomas.

Illustrated by Lesley Harker.

Wayland, 2021. [Revised from 2003 edition.]

Illustrated nonfiction.

Basic information, sensitively presented.

I have reviewed many books about death and grief on my other children’s literature blog: A Loving Left With Me. 

 

Persian mythology: epic stories of gods, heroes, and monsters.

Written by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb.

Illustrated by Reza Dalvand.

RP Kids, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Traditional stories told through a contemporary voice, often weaving together small fragments, to make a whole story.

Possible read-alongs:

• Atua: Māori gods and heroes by Gavin Bishop.
• Goddess: 50 goddesses, spirits, saints and other female figures who have shaped belief by Dr Janina Ramirez and Sarah Walsh.
• Legendary heroes: epic characters from across the ages with contributors from Andrea Mills and Lizzie Munsey.
• Gods, goddesses and heroes: mythology from around the world by Marzia Accatino and Laura Brenlla.
• Mythical tales by Laura Sampson and Lilla Bölecz.
• Legends of Norse mythology by Tom Birkett and Isabella Mazzanti. 

What if?

Written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup.

Orchard, 2026.

Picture book.

Little Rabbit has anxiety issues, and tries to hide away from everything. But, their friends are there to help out.

Possible read-alikes:

• Gretel the wonder mammoth by Kim Hillyard.
• Fearless by Kelly Canby.
• If you run out of words by Felicita Sala.

There is a list of Anxiety books on the Storytime Solidarity website. 

 

I'm so happy you're here: a celebration of library joy.

Written by Mychal Threets.

Illustrated by Lorraine Nam.

Random House, 2026.

Picture book.

How could I love this more?!!!?!!!

Possible read-alongs:

• Pukapuka by Vasanti Unka.
• A library by Nikki Giovanni and Erin K. Robinson.
• Dear librarian by Lydia M. Sigwart and Romina Galotta.
• Dear bookstore by Emily Arrow and Geneviève Godbout.
• Hooray, hooray, it's Library Day! by Julie Anne Grasso and Heath McKenzie.
• When You Love a Book by Kaz Windness.
• All are welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman.

The greatest haka festival on Earth.

Written by Pania Tahau-Hodges.

Illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse.

Huia Publishers, 2021.

Picture book.

Aotearoa. Te Ao Māori.

Also available in te reo Māori Mokopuna Matatini.

Possible read-alongs:

• Rere atu taku poi! = Let my poi fly! by Tangaroa Paul and Rebecca Gibbs.
• Rere atu ki Poronihia = Flight to Polynesia by Tangaroa Paul and Luca Tu'avao Walton.
• Haka by Patricia Grace and Andrew Burdan. / Whiti te rā! Kawata Teepa i whakamāori.
• The haka of Tānerore = Te haka a Tānerore by Reina Kahukiwa te kaituhi and  Robyn Kahukiwa, Kiwa Hammond te kaiwhakamāori.
• We are lion dancers by Benson Shum.  
• Keep dancing by Cristina Oxtra and Seb Burnett. 
• The yellow áo dài by Hanh Bui and Minnie Phan. 
• Tane steals the show by Lino Nelisi and Gus Hunter. 

Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part six

  

Hello little ones.

Written, illustrated, and translated by Amandine Piu.

Originally published in French as Bonjour bestioles :).

Annick Press, 2025.

Board book.

Small children really are like wild animals – and this book provides proof.

 

That swingin' sound!: the musical friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Written by Rekha S. Rajan.

Illustrated by Ken Daley.

Beach Lane Books, 2025.

Sophisticated nonfiction picture book.

Music and biography of two greats.

Possible read-along: 

• Making their voices heard: the inspiring friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Vivian Kirkfield and Alleanna Harris.

The history of we.

Written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith.

Rock the Boat, 2025.

Sophisticated picture book.

Stunning art illustrates this suitable-for-children exploration of human evolution out of Africa.

Possible read-alongs:

• When we became humans: our incredible evolutionary journey by Michael Bright and Hannah Bailey.
• The first drawing by Mordicai Gerstein.
• We, the curious ones by Marion Dane Bauer and Hari & Deepti.
• The stuff of stars by Marion Dane Bauer and Ekua Holmes.

 

Narwhal vs. kindergarten.

Written and illustrated by Vanessa Roeder.

Dial Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House LLC, 2025.

Picture book.

Teamwork solving problems so all can participate.

Possible read-alikes:

Can I play, too? by Mo Willems.

We can play anything! by Marit Törnqvist, translated and adapted by Polly Lawson.

Fitting in by Haruka Aoki and John Olson. 

The search for our cosmic neighbours.

Written and illustrated by Chloe Savage.

Walker Books, 2025.

Sophisticated picture book.

What is home? Are we the only ones? A tale of joy and wonder.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mara the space traveler by An Leysen.
• This way up by Tom Percival.
• Out there by Tom Sullivan.
• The spaceman by Randy Cecil.
• Where to hide a star by Oliver Jeffers.
• Invasion of the unicorns by David Biedrzycki.

I have three cats...

Written by Michelle Sumovich.

Illustrated by Laura Park.

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025.

Picture book.

A stray cat is sneakily adopted, hopefully without the grown-ups noticing.

Possible read-alikes:

• Olive by Edwina Wyatt and Lucia Masciullo.
• Kitten and the night watchman by John Sullivan and Taeeun Yoo.
• The truck cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell.
• The stray dog: from a true story by Reiko Sassa retold and illustrated by Marc Simont.
• Can I sit with you? by Sarah Jacoby.

 

 

Bust! or trust: a kids' mystery book.

Written by Small Wardour.

Illustrated by Sam Peet.

words & pictures, 2025.

Illustrated nonfiction.

Critical thinking.

Possible read-alikes:

• False versus facts: the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth by Dan Marshall.
• So many ways to be curious: a book to nurture curiosity, critical thinking skills, empathy and resilience by Jayneen Sanders and Clare Elsom.
• The truth detective: how to make sense of a world that doesn't add up by Tim Harford and Ollie Mann.
• Question everything! by Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker.

Caterwaul!: a story of sorting.

Written by Ann Marie Stephens.

Illustrated by Jenn Harney.

Astra Young Readers, 2025.

Picture book.

Grandma is moving – so there’s sorting and packing to be done.

A great book about maths.

Possible read-alongs:

• Crash! Boom!: a maths tale by Robie H. Harris and Chris Chatterton.
• Friends beyond measure by Lalena Fisher.

 

Stop the ball!

Originally published in German as Haltet den ball!

Written and illustrated by Susanne Strasser.

Translated by Melody Shaw.

Board book.

A tale of snowballing tragedy and momentum. 

Possible read-alikes:

• The chase by Jenny Bloomfield.
• Get that ball! by Judy Corbalis and Korky Paul.
• Kicking a ball by Allan Ahlberg and Sebastien Braun. 

The newest gnome.

Written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy.

Tundra Books, 2025.

Picture book.

What is the new gnome’s skill? With friends like the gnomes, you’ll never feel left out – or lesser.

Possible read-alikes:

• How to grow happiness: a Jerome the Gnome adventure by Kelly DiPucchio and Matt Kaufenberg.
• Mister Fairy by Morgane de Cadier and Florian Pige, translated by Angus Yuen-Killick.

Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part five

I hear the snow, I smell the sea.

Written by Janice Milusich.

Illustrations by Christopher Raschka.

Anne Schwartz Books, 2025.

Picture book.

Honestly, I didn’t notice that the child in the book had vision impairment – until I noticed the subject headings on the library catalogue. Possible read-alongs:

• A boy named Isamu: a story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang.
• Hot dog by Doug Salati.
• The black book of colours by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faría, translated by Elisa Amado.
• Colour the stars = Taea nga whetū by Dawn McMillan and Keinyo White, nā Ngaere Roberts ngā kōrero i whakamāori.
• What color is the wind? by Anne Herbauts, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick.
• The sound of colors: a journey of the imagination by Jimmy Liao, English text adapted by Sarah L. Thomson. 

Is this love?: a family story based on the song by Bob Marley.

Adapted by Cedella Marley.

Illustrated by Alea Marley.

Chronicle Books in 2023.

Family – especially sibling – love.

Possible read-alikes:

• My sister is a treasure by Tracy Darnton and Yasmeen Ismail.
• Sister day by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Fanny Liem.
• When I became your sister by Susannah Shane and Britta Teckentrup.
• Everyone belongs by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga.
• You are loved: a book about families by Margaret O'Hair and Sofia Cardoso, inspired by Sofia Sanchez.
• This is family by Zanni Louise and Sasha Haddad.

W mō wahine toa + W is for wahine toa.

Written by Qiane Matata-Sipu.

Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.

QIANE+co, 2026.

Illustrated non-fiction.

Bilingual.

Aotearoa.

A bilingual alphabet book which focuses on affirmations and empowering messages – especially embracing the female essence.

Possible read-alongs:

• My first ikura by Qiane Matata-Sipu and Isobel Te Aho-White.
• The little book of words that matter: 100 words for every child to understand by Joanne Ruelos Diaz and Annelies Draws.
• Dear Moko by Dr Hinemoa Elder and Miriama Grace-Smith.
• Atua wāhine: the ancient wisdom of Māori goddesses by Hana Tapiata.

 

 

Banjo The Hot Cross Bun.

Written by Rory H. Mather.

Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen.

Scholastic, 2026.

Picture book.

Australian.

Rhyming text.

An explanation about why hot cross buns are on sale from Boxing Day.

Possible read-alikes:

• Greg the sausage roll: Santa's little helper by Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, and Gareth Conway.
• The smart cookie by Jory John and Pete Oswald.
• I want to be mad for a while! by Barney Saltzberg.
• Pigeon holed by Nikki Slade Robinson.

The ocelot and the crab.

Written by Shaun Micallef.

Illustrated by by Rebel Challenger.

Scholastic Australia, 2026.

Picture book.

Australian.

Rhyming text.

Version of the tortoise and the hare.

Possible read-alikes:

• The big cheese by Jory John and Pete Oswald.
• The big snowdown by Katy Hudson.
• The legend of rock paper scissors by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex.
• The tortoise and the hare by Bruce Whatley.

Willow takes on the weather.

Written by Rachel Noble.

Illustrated by Annabel Tempest.

Page Street Kids, 2025.

Picture book.

Willow’s ready for a day in the sun – until the weather comes, with plans of its own.

Possible read-alikes:

• On a rainy day by Sarah LuAnn Perkins.
• To catch a cloud by Elena De Roo and Hannah Peck.
• Chasing rainbows by Gabby Grant.
• This beautiful day by Richard Jackson and Suzy Lee.
• Muddle & Mo's rainy day by Nikki Slade Robinson.
• Are you ready to play outside? by Mo Willems.
• Puddling! by Emma Perry and Claire Alexander.
• The wetter the better by Emma Vere-Jones and Lisa Allen.
• Rain! by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson.

The thing about birds.

Written and illustrated by Christy Obalek.

Heritage House Publishing, 2025.

Picture book.

Science – species classification.

Rhyming text.

Ellie and Ollie try to figure out what makes a bird a bird and not, for example, a butterfly or frog.

Possible read-alongs:

• Granny Rex by Kurtis Scaletta and Nik Henderson.
• My grandparents were dinosaurs by Anne and Steve Brusatte, and Enrico Lorenzi.
• Animal families: wild cousins around the world by Matt Sewell.
• Getting your animals in order: classifying the animal world by Michael Bright and Gavin Scott.
• Omnibird: an avian investigator's handbook by Giselle Clarkson.
• Plume by Isabelle Simler.

 

Let me do it!

Written by Simon Philip.

Illustrations by Ella Okstad.

Oxford University Press, 2024.

Picture book.

Determination and independence – not always the best combination in a preschooler (or anyone, really).

Possible read-alikes:

• Ella Sarah gets dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine.
• Still stuck by Shinsuke Yoshitake.
• Try your best, forget the rest! By Heath McKenzie.
• I'm fine, thanks! by Jono Ganz.
• I'm actually really grown-up now by Maisie Paradise Shearring.

 

The wonder.

Written and illustrated by Tom Percival.

Simon & Schuster, 2026.

Picture book.

Finding joy and wonder in everyday things.

Possible read-alikes:

• Something good by Kenneth Kraegel.
• Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld.
• Your head's not the place to store problems in by Josh Pyke and Stephen Michael King.
• Hooray for hat! by Brian Won.

The whale child.

Written by Elizabeth Pulford.

Illustrated by Jane Smith.

David Bateman Ltd., 2026.

Picture book.

Aotearoa.

A family story, passed down through the generations.

But, is it real?

Possible read-alikes:

• This and that by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek.
• The storyteller by Lindsay Bonilla and Noar Lee Naggan.
• Witch Hazel by Molly Idle.
• A hatful of dreams by Bob Graham.

Weekend reads: 14 and 15 March 2026: Part four

Elephant can't jump.

Written by Pip Jones.

Illustrated by Robert Starling.

Simon & Schuster, 2025.

Picture book.

A tale of determination and friendship.

Possible read-alikes:

• Don’t blink by Tom Booth.
• Superwolf by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty.
• The fastest tortoise in town by Howard Calvert and Karen Obuhanych.
• Ernest by Catherine Rayner.

Oliver Jeffers

By Martin Salisbury

Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2020.

Adult nonfiction.

Oliver Jeffers is phenomenal. That is all.

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.

Goodnight already!

Written by Jory John.

Illustrated by Benji Davies.

Harper, 2015.

Picture book.

Duck loves his next-door neighbour, Bear. But Bear just wants to sleep. I feel for Bear.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins.
• The Kerfuffle by Clotilde Perrin, translated by Daniel Hahn.
• Sweet and Sour by Brian Yanish and Stacy Ebert.
• Mouse & Giraffe by Kelly DiPucchio and Jen Corace.

Your island.

Written and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Candlewick Press, 2025.

Board book

I can see this as a felt-board – or interactive retelling. Maybe mixing up the elements of the whole series, which includes:

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

 

Community snowman.

Written by Deborah Kerbel.

Illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen.

Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2025.

Picture book.

Wordless.

A whole community comes together to create a snowman – and community connections.

Possible read-alikes:

• The concrete garden by Bob Graham.
• A sprinkle of happiness by Lucy Rowland and David Litchfield.
• Accidentally Kelly Street by Briony Stewart, based on 'Accidentally Kelly Street' written by T. O'Connor.
• The boy and the elephant by Freya Blackwood.
• Jigsaw: a puzzle in the post by Bob Graham.
• Cake for everyone by The Tjong Khing.

 

Judith Kerr.  Written by Joanna Carey. Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2020.

Adult nonfiction. Judith Kerr was a treasure.

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.

Easter cuddle.

Written by Kate Mayes.

Illustrated by Sara Acton.

ABC Books, 2026.

Picture book.

Australian.

Bunnies on an Easter egg hunt.

Possible read-alikes:

• Winnie-the-Pooh's Easter hunt by Jane Riordan and Andrew Grey.
• Hap-pea Easter by Keith Baker.
• Cuddle time by Libby Gleeson and Julie Vivas.
• Paddington's Easter egg hunt by Michael Bond, Karen Jankel, and R.W. Alley.

 

Ten little caterpillars.

Written by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson.

Illustrated by Lois Ehlert.

Little Simon, 2025.

Board book.

Counting,

A classic counting book – from one to 10.

Possible read-alikes:

• My first 123 by Shirley Hughes.
• Little yellow digger 123 by Peter Gilderdale and Fifi Colston.
• Number garden: introducing first numbers through nature by Isabel Otter and Sophie Ledesma.
• The Pigeon won’t count to 10! by Mo Willems.

This book is just bananas.

By Al Murphy.

Scholastic Australia, 2025.

Picture book.

Australian.

Rhyming text.

Incredibly silly and bananas.

Possible read-alongs:

• Banana by Ed Vere.
• Banana, banana, banana by Sarah Finan.
• The book with no pictures by Matt Novak.
• The watermelon seed by Greg Pizzoli.

 

Sand-play time on the sun-baked beach.

Written by Juliette MacIver.

Illustrated by Lily Uivel.

Scholastic NZ, 2026.

Picture book.

Aotearoa.

Rhyming text.

Counting.

Everything will say counting, but there’s addition and subtraction as well.

Possible read-alikes:

• The nickle nackle tree by Lynley Dodd.
• How many animals can fit in this book? by Natalia Yaskina.
• 100 goats and Granny! by Atinuke and Lauren Hinds.
• 100 mighty dragons all named Broccoli by David LaRochelle and Lian Cho.