Who Doesn’t Love a Good Picture Book?

Who Doesn’t Love a Good Picture Book?

Who doesn’t adore a beautiful picture book and this year we have certainly been spoilt for choice. Here are a few of our highlights just in case you missed them – they are very special and well worth a visit to the book shop or library to grab a copy.

We know that you love picture books as so many of you voted in our Top 50 Kids’ Books 2019 for your favourite picture book. It might be a Mem Fox, an Aaron Blabey, or an Alison Lester. It could be a beloved childhood favourite that you have shared with a little reader in your life or one that has stood the test of time like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. See our highlights below and The Top 25 for Younger Readers for your next read.

The Tiny Star by Men Fox and Freya Blackwood

What it’s about: When a baby falls to earth it is embraced by parents, family and the community it lives in, it’s wrapped in a swaddling cloth covered in stars and everyone thinks the baby is beautiful and it is. But the baby is constantly changing and growing into a child, an adult and parent, a grandparent and beyond.

Why we love it: The Tiny Star was written and illustrated by children’s book legends and created to explain the cycle of life to young children. A moving and visually stunning picture book that will undoubtedly be around for as long as Possum Magic.

Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl, illustrated by Lauren O’Hara

What it’s about: When a mysterious guest called Madame Badobedah sweeps into the foyer of the Mermaid Hotel and insistently rings the bell, Mabel can only conclude that this awful stranger is a villain. She closely observes this mysterious new guest until one day Mabel is invited into her room and her secrets are revealed – is she a super villain, a mastermind criminal or will Mabel discover someone completely unexpected?

Why we love it: This story is full of adventure and mystery but also an uplifting tale about people taking the time to get to know one another and friendship across the generations. It’s also accompanied by stunning whimsical illustrations of English seaside towns, along with seagulls, ships and nautical paraphernalia.

Fly by Jess McGeachin

What it’s about: Fly is a metaphor for Lucy learning to fly and be joyful again in her world after the loss of her mum. McGeachin takes us on the adventure through Lucy’s experience which is truly beautiful and will warm the hearts of all readers.

Why we love it: Fly is a beautiful story of determination no matter the odds, and love in the face of loss.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals by Sami Bayley

What it’s about: Each of the 60 entries ranging from the Amazon River dolphin to the wild turkey includes an illustration, detailed description and details on habitat, diet etc but also covers conservation status and importantly a ‘fun facts’ section for little trivia buffs and budding biologists. Young readers will spend hours poring over the animals in this collection.

Why we love it: These weird and wonderful animals may challenge our typical view of beauty but they are often very important to our eco system and Bayly in her work argues that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. By the time you reach the end of this book you will find these 60 very curious looking creatures beautiful too!

Read Build a Bond Around Books that will Last a Lifetime: Australia’s Top 50 Kids’ Books 2019 by Mary Ryan

 

 

 

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