Review: The Finch Who Lost Her Wing by Annie Kwan

I've been reading some beautiful and heartfelt children's books lately and The Finch Who Lost Her Wing is another glorious addition to that list. 

Illustrated by Laura Bee

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 2024

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: $35.00AUD (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

The Finch Who Lost Her Wing is a magical story of kindness and self discovery. Finch is asked by Owl to perform three acts of kindness.

She helps an ibis stuck in a fishing net, a wombat stuck in a log and a cricket caught in a spider’s web but she still feels sad and dejected. She soon learns that you also need to be kind to yourself and see all the good you have inside you.

Love yourself flaws and all - be kind to others. You are perfectly perfect just the way you are.
Strikingly illustrated by Laura Bee with beautiful double page spreads that reflect the colours of the natural landscape. Laura has hidden a tiny lady beetle on each page which added an element of fun when reading the book.
The only problem I had whilst reading the book aloud was that some pages rhymed and others didn't, and the scheme of the rhyming wasn't consistent. which altered the flow of the words. However, Jay said he loved the story and in the end that's the important thing.
My rating 4 / 5 🐦🐦🐦🐦
Recommended age: 3 - 10 years
The book is available for purchase on Annie’s website:
https://www.anniekwan.com
#thefinchwholostherwing #anniekwan #laurabee #childrensbooks #childrenspicturebook #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers #bookstagramforkids #booksreadin2025 #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Review: Tiny Dancer by Patrick Guest

Some creatures live for decades or even centuries, but mayflies live for just one day.

 illustrated by Mateja Jager

Publisher: WestWords Ltd

Imprint: Dirt Lane Press

Publication date: August 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $27.95AUD (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Mateja Jager’s beautiful artwork, through pencil drawings and watercolours, perfectly portrays the delicate nature of the mayfly.

Eye catching double page spreads and gentle, calming text make Tiny Dancer the ideal book for quiet time. This visually stunning and tender tale will have children eager for more information on the different life spans of animals. Patrick Guest depicts the short but spectacular life-cycle of the mayfly in all its awe and wonder.

Konomi, the mayfly, is pictured as a beautiful dancer with satin shoes and the sheerest wings of printed silk.

Follow Konomi as she wonders at the beauty of the world around her. She leaps and dances and plays. Tiny Dancer is a simple reminder to slow down and reflect on the simple pleasures of life.

I love a book that has me searching the internet for more information. It is the perfect way to expand on the story and teach young children how to search out more information on a topic of interest.

Tiny Dancer is the perfect book for little nature lovers with inquisitive minds.

My rating 5 / 5 🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

Review: Mega Rich Guinea Pigs by Kate and Jol Temple

We all loved Kate and Jol's picture book, Bin Chicken and were looking forward to reading Mega Rich Guinea Pigs. Who doesn't love guinea pigs and capybaras (although there are NO capybaras in this story). 😉 

When the world's richest man, Magnus McAloon, accidently blows himself up in his rocket he leaves his mega fortune to his pet guinea pigs, Lunk, Hot Head, G-Chip and Big Pig.

These aren't any ordinary guinea pigs, they have led a life of luxury and can speak multiple languages, excelling in sport and music.

Each guinea pig has their own unique personality, but most of all they are smart and funny. They are so glad their pampered life will continue, but Magnus' nefarious family believe his money should be theirs and they will go to extreme lengths to get rid of those guinea pigs.

What ensues is a hilarious tale of danger and life-or-death situations.

Tension-fuelled and entertaining, Kate and Jol Temple have thought of everything from chauffeurs, chefs and house maids to implanted chips so the guinea pigs can buy whatever they like.

Mega Rich Guinea Pigs is an addictive and exciting tale, good fun, lively and adventurous. It is sure to have readers enthralled with its witty and highly charged plot. Perfectly written for the target audience of 8+ years, the plot is uncomplicated but never boring.

I quite enjoyed all the humorous mentions of capybaras as Big Pig, the capybara, believes he is a guinea pig.

Mega Rich Guinea Pigs is an endearing and immersive story. I hope there will be more guinea pig adventures to come.

My rating 5 / 5 🐹🐹🐹🐹🐹

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication date: 26th August 2025

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 191

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Review: Mooshy Crackerjack's Big Day by Suzanne Patterson

 

Have you ever woken up and thought that everyone had forgotten your birthday? Well, that's exactly what happened to Mooshy Crackerjack!

illustrated by Maia Batumashvili

Publisher: Starfish Bay Publishing

Publication date: September 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$26.99  (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author via Books on Tour

Follow Mooshy on this bright and happy day as he vows to be on his best behaviour because it's his birthday, and it will be the best day ever.

His day starts with his sister, Peaches, saying the cake she is baking is in fact for the homeless mice fundraiser. He searches out his dad who is tidying the shed. As he tries to find evidence that someone has remembered his birthday Mooshy leaves behind one disaster after another, finally deciding maybe it's not his birthday after all. Then the doorbell goes. It's all his friends arrived for a surprise party! His family have worked hard to make the day special.

Mooshy Crackerjack's Big Day is a fun story that will have young children barracking for Mooshy as he tries his best to be good but trouble seems to find him everywhere he turns.

Large double page spread by Maia Batumashvili is beautifully detailed to complement the minimal text. The two sentences per page keep the children entertained enough to be ready for the page to be turned.

I find with young children it is more about the illustrations than the actual text and once they have taken in the picture they are eager to turn the page. The two sentences are just enough to hold their attention.

Mooshy Crackerjack's Big Day opens up the opportunity for discussion with older children how sometimes even the best intentioned actions seem to turn into trouble.

Children will empathise with Mooshy and laugh along at his disasters.

Mooshy Crackerjack's Big Day is a story about family coming together to make a birthday a special day.

My rating 4 / 5  🎂🎂🎂🎂

Recommended age: 3+ years

FOLLOW THE BLOG TOUR

#mooshycrackerjacksbigday #blogtour #suzannepatterson #booksontourau #childrenspicturebook

Review: Awash by Marg Gibbs

 

Can a young girl really make a difference?

Illustrated by Sandra Severgnini

Publisher: M J Gibbs

Publication date: August 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$28.00 (softcover)

Source: courtesy of the author via Books On Tour

Awash is a beautiful picture book with a strong story of environmental awareness.

Marg Gibbs combines a look-and-find element with a story about cleaning our beaches to deliver an interactive story with a message children can relate to and put into practice.

The story follows Cassie as she searches the shoreline for that special shell for a necklace but what she finds is the everyday detritus washed up onto the sand. Litter and rubbish left behind by people and thrown into gutters then making its way into our waterways and beaches.

With the help of a new friend and a young family Cassie picks up all the rubbish along the shore.

Awash is a fun picture book that will open up conversations on litter and the effect plastic waste in our water has on sealife. Awash is a story that will empower children to make a difference.

Sandra Severgnini has included a whole slew of objects to find hidden in the illustrations; from a legoman to a drink can and plastic straws. Sandra Severgnini's illustrations invite the reader, through engaging illustrations and facial expressions, to search the beach and share in Cassie's disappointment and then the joy of cleaning the beach and finding treasure.

Marg Gibbs has also included how you can help clean up the beach and ideas on how to make it a group activity plus websites to visit for further information.

Awash is a story that will be read over and over. It is sure to become a family favourite.

My rating 5 / 5 🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚

Recommended age: 3 - 7 years

The book can be purchased through the author: https://mjgibbs.com.au/product/awashnew/

Follow the blog tour.

 #awash #saveouroceans #environment #picturebooks #justkidslit #booksontour

Review: The Wonder Horse by Mark Greenwood

I recently reviewed a book on The Burgeoning Bookshelf titled Life, and Death, and Giants and I instantly thought how appropriate that title would be for The Wonder Horse, as it's the story of the life and death of a giant in the racing world, Phar Lap. 

The Wonder Horse is the true story (Jay is loving true stories lately) of Phar Lap, written at a middle grade level for children aged 8 - 12 years, and is part of Mark Greenwood's History Hunters series.

The story of The Wonder Horse will not only appeal to readers who love horses but also those who love a mystery as Mark Greenwood delves into the life of the most famous racehorse ever.

Right from the compelling introduction The Wonder Horse is a riveting read as it follows Phar Lap's meteoric rise. However it is not only a story of a racehorse it's the story of the love between man and animal. Phar Lap's trainer Tommy Woodcock formed a deep connection with the animal. He did everything for him, even sleeping in his stable at night. Phar Lap sometimes refused to eat and made a big fuss if Tommy wasn't nearby.

Greenwood has included real photos of Phar Lap, Tommy and his jockey. The Wonder Horse is a heartfelt story filled with intrigue, the threat of gangsters and the thrill of a win all wrapped around a compelling mystery. A must read for young history hunters.

My rating 5 / 5 🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st June 2025

Series: History Hunters

Genre: Non Fiction / History

Pages: 112

RRP: AU$14.99 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Mailbox Monday - 14th October 2025

 MAILBOX MONDAY

On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month.

Books received for review:

Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens

About the book:

There is no finer place to live than on North Mountain. Folks come from everywhere wanting to live there - including Indy. But the mountain was ruled by Percival, and he had rules. He didn't let anyone in.

This is a story of trying to fit in, and discovering the true worth of being yourself.

I'm Very Busy by Oliver Jeffers

About the book:

It’s Bridget’s birthday, and she thinks it would be fun to spend the day with friends. But Royal has places to go, Rodney has to see a man about a dog, Regis has to wash his hair, and Pearl has a list of items she needs to cross off as quickly as she can. Bridget’s friends are all too busy to hang out!

Will Bridget have to spend her birthday all alone?

The Messy Bath Monster by Tina Wilson

About the book:

Monkey knows there's a MONSTER hiding in the bathroom because it leaves a HUGE MESS behind. Will Monkey discover who the bath monster really is?

In this second book in the Monkey's Great Adventures series, Monkey dives deep into a colourful underwater world in search of the Messy Bath Monster, meeting many sea creatures along the way ... but is it all just in his imagination?

Imaginative, nostalgic and quirky, the Monkey's Great Adventures series, with bespoke hand-knitted toys, is beautifully photographed in locations around the world. Monkey, an endearing soft toy, finds himself in all sorts of scrapes where he learns about himself and the world around him. The book includes original music composed by acclaimed artist, Matt Ottley. 

Cleo the Cloud by Bec Benini

About the book:

Cleo is a small, round cloud who wishes she looked like her impressively -shaped cloud friends. Join her on a journey across the sky where she discovers the magic of self-acceptance, and that being different is a beautiful thing.

#beingindy #imverybusy #themessybathmonster #cleothecloud #newrelease #childrensbooks #bookmail #picturebooks #australianauthor #bookreviews

Review: Crunch! Kaboom! by Conor Mills and Clodagh Starr

Crunch! Kaboom! is the perfect children’s picture book for a read aloud experience. It’s big and loud and perfect for kids who love trucks and excavators.

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 5th August 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher 

Dazzlingly illustrated by Alison Mills with bright colours, enormous machines and lots of fun sounds to crunch, shake, dig and explode.
Crunch! Kaboom! Starts at an iron ore mine and follows the whole process from breaking up the earth to sorting the material, trucking it to the railroad and shipping it to be made into steel.

Crunch! Kaboom! is the perfect book for my little one who loves trucks but isn’t quite old enough to sit and listen to the whole story, but was mesmerised by the sounds and pictures. This is a fantastic educational tool that will grow with him as he understands more and more about the processes involved. But right now he just wants to see pictures of trucks.

This delightful children's book would make a fabulous educational tool for grades 2 - 4 to show the full process of making the steel that is in thousands of products we use everyday.

Big, bold illustrations by Alison Mutton reflect the colours of outback Australia.

My rating 5 / 5 🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

#crunchkaboom #conormills #clodaghstarr #alisonmutton #fremantlepress #trucks #diggers #ausbookbloggers #bookswithtrucks #childrenspicturebook #kidsbookswithtrucks #kidsbooksonmining #educationalchildrensbooks

Review: Rainbow Street by R.W.R. McDonald

Rainbow Street is not only a visual delight of colour and chaos, it's an invitation to share in a community that is colourful, diverse and welcoming.

 Illustrated by Kelly Canby

Publisher: Larrikin House

Publication date: 26th August 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Books on Tour

Join all the residents of Rainbow Street as they gather for a street party to celebrate Granny’s 90th birthday.
Granny is the lifeblood of Rainbow Street. She’s no frail old lady and I love that Granny is full of life and full of adventure, and a little bit of mischief. No rocking chair and knitting needles for this granny.

Granny's young granddaughter introduces everyone on Rainbow Street as she sets their place at the table. As she introduces the neighbours she shares information on different cultural traditions, holidays and food. She also introduces her own large rainbow family.

Rainbow Street is a joyous celebration of community and family, overflowing with love and connectedness.

Kelly Canby’s watercolour illustrations are splashed across the page in a riot of colour and play.

This multi-cultural and multi-generational story is a delight to read as it celebrates the joy of belonging and having fun together as a close-knit community.

Rainbow Street shares different family makeups and different cultural foods, traditions and holidays all in one diverse community.

Rainbow Street is an excellent resource to open conversations about different cultural celebrations and food and different family dynamics. It builds understanding of what makes a family.

My rating 5 /5 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

Recommended age: 3 - 8 years

#rainbowstreet #rwrmcdonald #childrenspicturebook #larrikinhouse #blogtour #kidsbookswelove #booksontour

Review: You're Too Little by Katie Stewart

 

Pygmy Possum wants to climb to the top of the tree to taste the sweet blossoms. But along the way she is told again and again that it is very high and she’s too little.

Written and illustrated by Katie Stewart

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st August 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Pygmy Possum comes across different animals on her quest to reach the blossoms. Each animal has its own unique talent; Gecko has feet that stick and Weebill has wings to fly.

This delightful children’s picture book teaches children that everyone has their own unique talents and through perseverance and courage Pygmy Possum learns that she has special talents too. Like big eyes to see in the dark, strong paws and a special tail. She may be small but she is also determined.

After a rousing pep talk from Brushtail Possum, Pygmy Possum is ready to give it a try.

Will she make it or will she fall?

Children will love to barrack for little Possum and complete the catch cry at the end of the page. "You're too little, you might fall." and Pygmy Possum's mantra "I have what it takes."

You're Too Little is beautifully illustrated in deep blues, greens and browns. Katie Stewart has captured the true essence of the bush and the animals that live there.

Whilst I do enjoy rhyming verse in children's books it's nice to come across a book that simply reads like a story with a repeated catch-cry which enables the children to become involved in the story.

You’re Too Little is an adorable story about believing in yourself and having the courage and determination to reach your goals.

My rating 5 / 5 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼
Recommended for ages 2+ years

#youretoolittle #childrenspicturebook #australianauthor #kidsbooksoncourage #kidsbookswelove #australianwildlife #ausbookbloggers #fremantlepress

Review: Clutterbugs by Maura Pierlot

Clutterbugs by Maura Pierlot is a story many parents, with messy children's bedrooms, will relate to.

 

 illustrated by Maya Bora

 

Publisher: Big Ideas Press

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Genre: Children's Picture book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU $27.99 (hardcover) AU$16.99 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author 

 

Steff's room is messy, but she doesn't mind. That is until she can't find the present she bought for her friend's birthday.

 

 

 

In come the tiny clutterbugs to help Steff organise her room and sort through what to keep and what can go.

I liked that the clutterbugs used the tried-and-true method of three boxes labelled; keep, toss and recycle. When Steff still can't find the toy rocket she bought she uses some recycling materials to make a homemade rocket for her friend. Steff's homemade rocket was Jay's favourite gift.

 

Clutterbugs is a valuable tool to open discussions on deciding what things to keep and what to give away to charities so other children can use outgrown toys and clothes. A fun and engaging way to work together with your child to sort their treasures and talk about repurposing and recycling. 

 

Delightfully illustrated in great detail that invites the audience to look longer and spy all the everyday and fun items in Steph's room. Maya Bora's big double page illustrations wrap around the verse and pop from the page.

 

The couplet rhyming verse flows well making Clutterbugs an easy and engaging read-aloud experience. The well placed pauses add an extra dramatic effect.

 

Children of all ages will connect with Steff and her new little decluttering friends. 

Some pages have a toy rocket hidden amongst the clutter. Can you find it?

 

My rating 5 / 5 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 

Recommended age: 4 - 10 years

 

#clutterbugs #maurapierlot #childrenspicturebook #bookreview #kidsbookreviews 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Charlotte & Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage by Teresa Argenbright

Charlotte & Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage is the second book in the Charlotte & Penelope series by Teresa Argenbright.

 

 illustrated by Dan McGeehan

 

Publisher: Brown Books Kids

Publication date: 8th April 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of Smith Publicity Services

 

Charlotte and Penelope wake up with sniffles and sneezes and are stuck at home. Their menagerie of friends decide to put on a show to cheer them up.

 

This is a whimsical and fun story told in rhyming couplets that invites the reader to spend a jazz-filled afternoon with a marvelous group of talented animal friends as they put on a musical show to cheer the girls up.

 

Charlotte and Penelope and the Neighborhood Stage is a charming story with vibrant and amusing illustrations, by Dan McGeehan, that encourages imagination as the animals sing, dance and play different musical instruments.

 

This delightful book opens up conversations about the different animals featured, the different musical instruments played and the role of the conductor. Further talk on what other animals could join the band and the instruments they could play would expand on the educational value of the story.

 

My only small complaint with this book was, as a read aloud story the cadence of the verse felt slightly off to me.

 

My rating 4 / 5 🥁🥁🥁🥁

recommended age: 4 - 8 years 

 

#charlotteandpenelopeandtheneighborhoodstage #teresaargenbright #childrenspicturebook #introductiontomusic  

Mailbox Monday - 1st September 2025

 MAILBOX MONDAY

 On Mondays I will be posting the new books I received for review, won and purchased over the previous week/month.

 

Below are books I received and purchased during August. 

 

 

 Received for review:

 

The Finch Who Last Her Wing

by Annie Kwan

Publisher: Self Published

About the book:

 

Have you ever lost something precious?

 

This story is about a finch who went on an adventure to find her lost wing.

 

Do you think she will find it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awash by Marg Gibbs

Publisher: Self Published

About the book:

 

Can a young girl really make a difference?

With the help of her friend, a family and a bucket, she can.

And there is always the possibility of finding treasure along the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mega Rich Guinea Pigs by Kate & Jol Temple

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

About the book:

 

The world's richest man, Magnus McAloon, has tragically died in a rocket experiment gone wrong.

The sole heirs to his estate are his four beloved pet guinea Hot Head, Lunk, G-Chip and Big Pig (who is actually a capybara, but don't tell him that).

Not everyone is happy – especially the members of the McAloon family, who are determined to get back the fortune that they feel belongs to them, and not the newly mega rich guinea pigs. 

 

My purchase:

 

 Silverborn (special edition) by Jessica Townsend

Publisher: Lothian Children's books

 

About the book:

 

Nevermoor #4

In the magical city of Nevermoor, long-buried secrets are coming to light, and Morrigan Crow’s life is about to turn upside down.

When Morrigan is invited into Nevermoor’s wealthy Silver District, she discovers a world of extravagance and a family mystery she’s eager to unravel. She could never imagine where it will lead: a white wedding, a golden dragon and a red pool of blood.

Embroiled in suspicion and danger, Morrigan leaps head first into a murder investigation, while also grappling with her ever-growing Wundersmith powers. And although her friends are there to help, she fears that could change if they learn she’s keeping a terrible secret of her own.

As shadowy forces awaken in Nevermoor, can Morrigan find a killer and solve the mystery in her own past … before the clock strikes midnight? 

#thefinchwholostherwing  #awash #megarichguineapigs #silverborn #newbooks #bookmail #newrelease #childrensbooks #picturebooks #middlegradebooks #australianauthor 

Book Review: Exploring Español by Sonia Daptardar

Exploring Español is a gorgeous first reader book that teaches your child some Spanish words. 

 

Sonia Daptardar has written a simple, yet fun educational book that can be expanded on, adding more words with each new addition making it a wonderful resource for parents and schools.

 

 Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 12th March 2025

Series: The Language Adventures #1 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 25

RRP: AU$12.24 (softcover @AmazonAU)

Source: eCopy courtesy of the author

 

Soham is having trouble learning his Spanish words when a talking parrot lands on his window. The parrot, Pablo, says he will help Soham learn Spanish words.

They go on a magical adventure and along the way Soham learns Spanish for flowers, white rabbit, blue butterfly, horse, fishes and stone.

 

 

This lively and fun picture book is both educational and engaging. Vibrant pictures pair with simple three line text, with the object in the picture shown in both English and Spanish.

 

 

Pablo and Soham then play a guessing game with each word. This reinforces the words through a fun game.

 

When Soham goes home he practices his new words and hopes he will see Pablo again.

 

I love that this is a series with the opportunity to have new words added with each edition. I can see Pablo and Soham going on many more adventures.

 

Exploring Espanol is perfect as an early reader for ages 4 years onward and would be excellent as a read-to-me from the age of 12 months. As we know babies can learn and absorb new things from a very young age and this little series would be perfect to learn both English and Spanish words in a fun way.

 

The Language Adventures series is aimed at making learning a new language fun and engaging for young minds.

Bright visuals expand on the text as children put pictures to words.

 

My rating 4 / 5 🦜🦜🦜🦜

Publisher recommended age 3 - 9 years 

My recommended age 1+ years (the younger they start the more they learn)