Monday, 13 October 2025

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 πŸ‡πŸ‡πŸ‡πŸ‡πŸ‡
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





Sunday, 5 October 2025

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

Sunday, 28 September 2025

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



Thursday, 18 September 2025

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



Wednesday, 10 September 2025

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 πŸš€πŸš€πŸš€πŸš€πŸš€ 
Recommended age: 4 - 10 years
 
#clutterbugs #maurapierlot #childrenspicturebook #bookreview #kidsbookreviews 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, 5 September 2025

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 πŸ₯πŸ₯πŸ₯πŸ₯
recommended age: 4 - 8 years 
 
#charlotteandpenelopeandtheneighborhoodstage #teresaargenbright #childrenspicturebook #introductiontomusic  

Monday, 1 September 2025

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 

Sunday, 10 August 2025

Book Review: Exploring EspaΓ±ol by Sonia Daptardar

Exploring EspaΓ±ol 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) 
 
 
 

Saturday, 9 August 2025

Book Review: Vesper Jones and Marshmallow by Karen Hendriks

 Meet Vesper Jones and Marshmallow - dream controllers.
 

illustrated by Francesca Corso
 
Publisher: Starfish Bay Children's Books 
Publication date: 5th August 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 40
RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Books on Tour PR
 
Vesper Jones has been having bad dreams so, along with her side-kick Marshmallow, she devises a plan and comes up with a device called a dream controller - like a remote control for dreams.
 

 When the scary things come, all Vesper has to do is click her controller and change her dreams to friendly things. It takes her a little while to get the scary things under control but through courage and tenacity Vesper's dreams are now filled with unicorns and twinkling lights.
 

 Vesper Jones and Marshmallow is a quirky and fun story that gives children the resources to find the power to take control of scary dreams. This fun and dynamic storybook will help children overcome bedtime anxieties by using their imagination to generate positive outcomes.
 
Francesca Corso's coloured-pencil style illustrations are whimsical and filled with colourful energy to deliver a visual masterpiece that moves from dark snapping fiends to swirls, sparkles and happiness.
 
Vesper's friend Marshmallow can be imagined as a real cat or a favourite soft toy who is always nearby to give comfort and support.
 
Vesper Jones and Marshmallow will help children turn bedtime uneasiness into pleasurable, fun moments for a peaceful night's sleep. 
 
My rating 5 / 5 πŸ›πŸ›πŸ›πŸ›πŸ› 
Recommended age 4+ years 
#vesperjonesandmarshmallow #bedtimeanxiety #booksontour #blogtour #picturebook
 
 
Other books by Karen Hendriks I have reviewed: 


Monday, 28 July 2025

Mailbox Monday - 28th July 2025

 MAILBOX MONDAY

 
 Each Monday I will be posting the new books I received for review, won and purchased over the previous  week.
 
Books received for review:
 

 
The Wonder Horse by Mark Greenwood
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:
 
In the 1930s, the big chestnut horse was a national icon who brought joy to ordinary Australians during the Great Depression. In dark times, people with little reason for hope cheered him on. Under the care of his faithful handler, Tommy, Phar Lap won many sensational victories. But there were some who would stop at nothing to keep Phar Lap from winning.


Join the History Hunter as he tackles a web of mysteries, from the intuition of a struggling horse trainer to the role of genetics, and the biggest mystery of how did Phar Lap really die?
 
 
 
 
The Deadly Diamond by Mark Greenwood
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:
 
When an enormous blue diamond is extracted from a remote, snake-infested Indian mine in the 1600s, it begins its mysterious journey from the eye of a temple god to the jewellery of royalty to an esteemed exhibition piece. Stolen and sold, over time, it gains the world’s attention as the immensely valuable Hope Diamond. But the diamond’s potency for bad luck is said to have its origins in an ancient curse.

Follow the History Hunter, as he sets out to unravel the mysteries surrounding the diamond – can objects like diamonds truly possess power, or is the trail of misfortune that follows it merely founded in the superstitions of humans?
 
 
 
You're Too Little by Katie Stewart
Publisher: Fremantle Press

About the book:
 
Pygmy Possum wants to climb far, far up into the trees to taste the sweet blossom nectar. But everyone keeps telling her the same thing: ‘It’s very high. You’re too little. You might fall.’ Are they right, or will she find a way?

This is a gentle tale of believing in yourself in the face of others’ doubt and recognising your own strengths. Beautifully illustrated in Katie’s popular signature style, the Australian animals in this book are sure to delight little readers.
 
 
 
 
 
Crunch! Kaboom! Mighty Mining Machines by Conor Mills & Clodagh Starr
Publisher: Fremantle Press

About the book:
 
 Outside the town, in the heat and the dust, where the sky is bright blue and the earth is like rust, is an iron ore mine that’s bigger than big with mighty machines that blast, drill and dig.

With bright colours, enormous engines and lots of fun sounds, Crunch! Kaboom! is perfect for kids who love to play with toy trucks and dozers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vesper Jones and Marshmallow by Karen Hendriks
Publisher: Starfish Bay Children's Books

About the book:
 
Vesper Jones is tired of scary things sneaking into her dreams, so with her trusty dream changer and brave cat, Marshmallow, Vesper decides it's time to take control. But when scary things refuse to leave, Vesper needs to find the courage to send them away and create the dreams she truly wants. 
 
 
 
Clutterbugs by Maura Pierlot
Publisher: Big Ideas Press

About the book:
 
When Steff can't find Jay's birthday present in her very messy room, strange creatures called clutterbugs come to the rescue, helping her discover the most meaningful gift of all.

Join the fun in this action-packed tale about waste reduction, sustainability repurposing, responsibility and the true spirit of giving.
 
 
A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO future by Jackson Harvey & Alex Towler
Publisher: Fremantle Press
 
About the book:

From the creative and curious minds of LEGO Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler comes a LEGO® book like no other.

THE YEAR IS 2130

Humanity’s reign has ended but the world is slowly recovering and showing signs of new life – one brick at a time.

LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris to craft intricate civilisations inside discarded objects – each one inspired by the relic they now call home.

Taking LEGO® storytelling and artistry to new heights, A New World Rises explores an imagined future, one that might not be as far removed from reality as we think. Step into the future. Discover the past. And inspire your own LEGO® worlds.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, 27 July 2025

Book Review: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog by Joan Holub

SOME FARTERS ARE BORN GREAT!
SOME ARE DESTINED TO RESCUE THE PLANET! 
 
As much as I don't like fart books, kids love them and it's kids we are trying to encourage to read. Anyway Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is super funny and it's educational as well. 
 
I loved that this wasn’t all silly jokes and nonsense. It has a definite STEM element, funny and educational. Children won’t even realise they are learning!  
 
Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is a graphic novel and the first book in a new series by Joan Holub. Not only is the story laugh-out-loud funny, the over-the-top illustrations by Rafael Rosado are delivered in full blaring colour and pop from the page.

Baby Phartolomew is invented by evil scientist Professor Groovypants using his stink-o-meter. When Phartolomew is accidentally blasted out of the lab and onto the street he is adopted by Mr & Mrs Normal, they don't mind the smell.
 
Phartolomew is on a strict diet of NO BEANS, but what happens when the school runs out of pizza and all they have is bean tacos for lunch!?
 
Fart Boy and Reeky Dog is a hilarious STEM themed story featuring evil scientists, unlikely heroes, new friendships and all sorts of funny goings on.
 
I must admit I laughed a lot during the reading of this story. 
 
With pages on critical thinking - thoughts, research and conclusions.
A diagram and explanation of internal digestion. (What makes you fart)
An, Are you evil? quiz.
Science themed questions. 
 
Kids won't even realise they are learning while reading Fart Boy and Reeky Dog.
 
I'm eager for the next book now that Phartolomew has his new sidekick, Reeky Dog, and best friend Carl Bean by his side. And who is that girl at school that keeps saying Hi! to Phartolomew?
 
My rating 5 / 5 πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨πŸ’¨
Recommended age: 8 -12 years
 
 
Publisher: Random House Book for Young Readers
Publication date: 8th April 2025
Series: Fart Boy and Reeky Dog #1
Genre: Middle Grade / Graphic Novel
Pages: 144
Source: eARC from Smith Publicity
 
 
 
 

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...