Review: Juniper's Painting by Catherine Bauer

 Join Juniper in this enchanting children's picture book as she turns a dull day into a bright and sunny day through patience and creativity.

Illustrated by Jennifer Horn

Publisher: Wombat Books

Publication date: 7th October 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: $26.99AU

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Books on Tour PR

Juniper loves spending time on the beach but today is a murky day with the sun covered by rain clouds forcing everyone indoors.

After exhausting all her inside activities Juniper's mind wanders back to the beach and the sand.

Her mother asks her to paint a picture while she finishes off some work. Juniper imagines the beach on a bright sunny day and she was soon immersed in painting a glorious summer scene.

Juniper's Painting is such a delightful picture book. First we see the murky grey day with the wind blowing, then Juniper trying her best to amuse herself while her mother is busy working. 

Juniper's Painting teaches young children that while it may be cold and dark outside you can still conjure a bright sunny day by creating the sunny memories inside you.

I really liked the message that sometimes mum is busy and Juniper had to find ways to amuse herself but once mum was free she took Juniper down to the beach.

It portrays an important message of patience and rewards.

Jennifer Horn's watercolour illustrations perfectly reflect the atmosphere Catherine Bauer is portraying in the story. I think Jennifer was the perfect choice for illustrator.

The illustrations start off in blacks and greys with a tiny touch of colour that catches the eye. As Juniper starts to paint the colours emerge, blues, greens, reds and yellows, subtle but empowering.

Juniper's Painting is not only the perfect story book for an inside day but also a great introduction to teaching children to paint their feelings.

My rating 5 / 5 🖌🖌🖌🖌🖌

Recommended age: 4 - 8 years

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