Here’s our wrap-up of spectacular September!

The uplifting sight of springtime blossoms reminds us that our planet is still turning, the clocks are still ticking and life is still whatever we choose to make of it. Amidst the confusion, despair, lockdowns, isolation and constant change of COVID more and more people are finding joy in the natural world, the strength to be hopeful and resilient and the desire to mend relationships and the planet. 

During September four picture books reflected these thoughts and brought strong messages of hope and love, supported by beautiful illustrations by very talented artists. Our funny bones were tickled by a gleeful frog and a belly flop, and we momentarily lost ourselves in other worlds on trains and brollyrails. 

We celebrated The Environmental Awards for Children’s Literature, Indigenous Literacy Day and Father’s Day. Virtual celebrations are all the rage and it’s hard to imagine future celebrations without virtual inclusions! 

Here’s our wrap-up of the key releases in September: 

This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder

Author and illustrator Zeno Sworder perfectly captures the randomness of a child’s thoughts as the young narrator introduces a new sibling to Earth. Her description takes us on a journey from humankind’s greatest achievements to the dire state of our planet but leaves us feeling hopeful for the future and inspired to make a difference. Our small blue dot is portrayed as a fragile but wondrous place that needs more of us to participate in its care. Uplifting, reflective words and colourful artwork combine to demonstrate interconnectedness, hope and empowerment. A picture book for all ages. 

The Great Realisation

From simple acts of kindness to the creativity within us all, The Great Realisation is a celebration of the many things that have brought us together at a time of crisis. It captures, with magical resonance, the thoughts and feelings of millions worldwide as we adapt to a new way of life. This is one of those books that can be read a hundred times and still be enjoyed by everyone. With absolutely gorgeous art from the talented Nomoco and the delightful storytelling of Tomos Roberts, this book will keep everyone entertained with its inspiring messages of hope in a time of change.

A Crocodile in the Family by Kitty Black and Daron Parton

A family of little birds discovers a lonely egg so they take it home and look after it. When the egg cracks, out pops a tiny crocodile! None of the other bush animals can understand why they keep him, especially when he grows to be enormous. The answer, however, is very simple. Diversity is a hot topic right now and this book explores what it means to have a family member who isn’t quite like everyone else. Inspired by the authors own experience with her child this book explores societal expectations and family love in a really accessible way. Suitable for children 4+. 

Hello Jimmy! by Anna Walker 

Jack and his Dad are sad and lonely. Jimmy the precocious parrot is a welcome distraction for Dad, but Jimmy feels excluded. When Jimmy flies to freedom Jack embarks on a rescue mission. Will there be a happy ending? Award winning Australian author/illustrator Anna Walker delights us with a delicate story about emotional connection and unconditional love. Gorgeous illustrations convey the vibrance of Jimmy’s cheeky character and the minutiae of a child’s small world. This book is a welcome addition to any library, and recommended for children 6+. 

Oi Aardvark by Kes Gray

We love this fun version of the traditional alphabet book! Instructive and humorous with boldly coloured illustrations this book will have everyone laughing along with the rhymes and trying to guess the crazy animals Frog will come up with for the difficult letters. Frog and his animal friends guide us through the alphabet, matching up each letter with an animal and determining where they will sit. The simple “frog on a log” and “cat on a mat” have no place in this quirky and highly original hardcover picture book. Perfect for 3+. 

Funny Kid: Belly Flop by Matt Stanton

Max is desperate to avoid the school swimming carnival. He tries a few different pranks before hitting on the perfect solution… or is it? Pool sharks, maths Olympiads, icky rashes, good twin v bad twin and a swimming instructor with serious pecs are no match for Max in this brand new Funny Kid book, the eighth book in this popular series. Matt Stanton is in the serious business of being a funny writer and illustrator and he delivers a smart crack to the funny bone that will leave you giggling with delight. If you’re 7+ and haven’t got into the first seven books in the series yet you can still dive right in and “Belly Flop”. 

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman

Kate and Tom board a magical steam train, escaping their ordinary lives for an extraordinary adventure to the most fragile and delicate environments, in the company of the most critically endangered species on our planet. Fans of Charlotte’s Web, Watership Down and The Chronicles of Narnia will love this wondrous tale, featuring wise talking animals, a magic train and a hopeful environmental message.  The Silver Arrow is destined to become a classic story for generations. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Flashback and Legacy are books 7 and 8 in this marvellous series that takes us deep into the world of elves, ogres, dwarves and goblins. At the centre of the books is an amazing school where the main “teenage” characters study, learning how to discover and master their specific magical talents.  Shannon Messenger has created a whole world where it’s very easy to start believing in alicorns and teleporting. It’s a series of marvellous adventures, perfect for fans of Harry Potter and fantasy readers 10+.  Author Shannon Messenger is working on another book in the series so join the legions of readers, young and old, who are enjoying this very popular series. 

Hollowpox by Jessica Townsend

Talented Australian author Jessica Townsend exceeds all expectations with the third book in the Nevermoor series. Morrigan Crow must learn to master the Wunder that gathers around her or risk her very existence. Morrigan is also concerned by a virulent illness that turns Wunnimals into vicious, destructive unnimals creating confusion, panic and divisiveness among the citizens. Can she solve the mystery of the dangerous Hollowpox and find a cure? What cost is she prepared to pay to save the lives of her friends? This is a fast-paced thriller that provides the perfect escape into a wonderful magical land, a dark and deadly adventure, moral dilemmas, and powerful parallels to our current societal issues. The perfect fantasy series for readers 10+