Review: Margo the Magpie's Wish by Terri Walls

Margo the Magpie's Wish is a gentle children's story book about knowing how special we are when we simply are ourselves.

 illustrated by Miranda Scherger

Publisher: Terri Walls Books

Publication date: 1st November 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book 

Pages: 24

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Margo wished she was as colourful as a lorikeet or could laugh like a kookaburra.

Her father tells her she is unique and to just be herself and she will see how special and perfect she is. Margo then has positive thoughts and thinks how glossy and black her feathers are and how she sings a beautiful song to bring in the dawn.

Margo the Magpie's Wish delivers a subtle message about self acceptance and finding and rejoicing in your own unique talents.

Exquisite, life-like illustrations of Australian birdlife and flowers by Miranda Scherger will have children entranced. The full colour double page spreads are a visual delight.

The story is catchy and easy to read with its bouncy, lyrical text and would make a tender bedtime story.

Margo the Magpie's Wish is a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library as it opens conversations on what makes you special and celebrates being unique.

The end pages include a fun game to find and count the bees hiding throughout the book.

My rating 5 / 5🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶

Recommended age: 3 - 7 years

The book can be purchased here: https://www.terriwallsauthor.com/

#margothemagpieswish #childrenspicturebook #australianauthor #australianwildlife #childrensbooksonselfacceptance #ausbookbloggers

Review: Flynn of the Bin by Josh Fordham

Everyone is different; we all have a tale. 

Flynn of the Bin is a magical story that will put a smile on your face. It is happy and upbeat.

illustrated by M Isnaeni & Delly Yusyar

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 17th March 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 25

RRP: AU$18.28 Paperback (current price on AmazonAu)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Flynn is just an ordinary boy like you or me ..........but he lives in a bin.

He is teased by his peers for living in a bin. Flynn doesn't mind because they don't know what's inside. He invites them all to come closer and have a look.

Josh Fordham has written a super fun and imaginative story based on the old saying "don't judge a book, or in this case bin, by its cover."

With a whirl of colour and sounds the children taunting Flynn are transported inside the bin, and what they find is an enviable world of delights.

Magical realism comes to life in Flynn of the Bin. Ask any child what they would like to do for fun and it's sure to be there in Flynn's bin.

Full colour double page spreads, with cartoon style illustrations, by Isnaeni and Yusyar bring the stinky bins and unimaginable fun to life on the page.

The large text is child friendly and easy to read and the rhyme flows well when read aloud.

Fordham champions curiosity and knowing the facts before judging someone or something. Flynn of the Bin tells the reader to take the time to look closer at something, you never know what you might find.

What would you like to find in a magical bin that takes you to another world? 

Jay wanted some technical gaming thing that I didn't even understand. 😂

My rating 5 / 5 🗑🗑🗑🗑🗑

Recommended age: 3 - 7 years

#flynnofthebin #childrenspicturebook #magicalrealismforkids #ausbookbloggers #aussieauthor #kidsbooks 

Review: Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose

Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose is a magical story book brimming with the beauty of nature. It is an enchanting tale that will entrance and delight young readers, sparking wonder at the magic of gardening.

 illustrated by Erin Brown

Publisher: The Collective Book Studio

Publication date: 7th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: US$19.95 (hardcover)

Source: eCopy courtesy of the author

Miles is bored, wishing something exciting would happen. His mother suggests he help their neighbour, Miss Mary, with weeding her garden. He could also have a play with her dog.

Miles asks Miss Mary what's at the end of the garden. She said he was welcome to go down and have a look. Miles finds a gate so tiny he had to crawl through. Everywhere he looked there were flowers opening up before his eyes. Then tiny fairies came out to play. But, the fairy garden was being invaded by weeds and the flowers were wilting. They needed Miles to venture into the unknown and fix the problem.

Bright, beautiful illustrations by Erin Brown showcase the exquisiteness of a garden in full bloom. Awash with colour the illustrations will captivate young minds. The intricate detailing catches the eye and encourages the reader to linger and look closer at the extra detail and delightful flowers everywhere.

Through the Garden Gate is a story that champions curiosity and bravery. The unknown is only the unknown until you find the courage to go there.

End pages are filled with information on some of the plants and animals featured in the book.

Through the Garden Gate is the perfect first fantasy/magical realism story for young readers. The story is easily imagined and not too complicated.

This is the perfect story for budding gardeners, to imagine and build their own little fairy garden.

My rating 5 / 5 🌹🧚🌹🧚🌹

Publisher recommended age: 4 - 8 years

#throughthegardengate #childrenspicturebook #childrensbooksonnature 

Review: Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall by L. M. Wilkinson

It was so much fun to be back with the adorable Titch and friends in Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall, the third book in the A Tale of Adventure series.

In the first two books Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria and Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire  we learn that Titch is the chosen one, the new Bravepaw. She must find the missing Gems of Harmony to complete the staff and save Alluria.

I would advise to start this series from book one to learn how this little team of adventurers met. However, saying that, there is enough backstory to not feel lost and a new quest is started and completed in each book.

This book was amazing L. M. Wilkinson knows how to captivate a young audience and keep them glued to the pages. Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall is rich in adventure, danger, prophecies and a puzzle for our little protagonist to solve.

Old friends from previous books will reappear when needed, new friends will be made and Titch's trust will be betrayed.

Mythical creatures help out Titch, Huckleberry and Briar after they befriended them through kindness and bravery. A lavender wolf is saved from a trap and a misunderstood rock monster becomes an unlikely ally. Showing that kindness, patience and understanding go a long way to making new friends.

Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall is a fast paced story about being brave, making hard decisions and trusting your instincts. The story has underlying themes of empathy and helping others.

"Being brave is doing the right thing even when its scary." - Titch (Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintwood)

Expressively illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. The black and white half and full page illustrations, dispersed throughout the novel, showcase the characters, both good and evil. Large print and enchanting illustrations make this suitable for even the youngest readers. Changes in text style and size help to emphasise certain words and make them pop from the page.

I absolutely love this series and if you have a reluctant reader this is the series to give them. Guaranteed un-put-downable and sure to be read over and over. Bravepaw and the Fangstone of Flintfall will have your child hooked on fantasy.

There are more stones to find to complete the staff and I am looking forward to this ongoing adventure.

My rating 5 / 5 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

Recommended age: 5 - 12 years

Publisher recommended age: 7 - 11 years

Content: not so scary monsters

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Series: A Tail of Adventure #3

Publication date: 3rd March 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Junior Fiction

Pages: 208

RRP: AU$16.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#bravepawandthefangstoneofflintfall #lmwilkinson #middlegradebooks #middlegradefantasy #illustratedmiddlegrade #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers

 

Mailbox Monday - 1st June 2026

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 for review:

Flynn of the Bin by Josh Fordham

Published by: Independently Published

on 17th March 2026

About the book:

Flynn looks like any other kid - except he lives in a bin. People make assumptions, jokes are made, and noses are held… but not everything is as it seems...!
Funny, warm and full of heart, Flynn of the Bin invites young readers to look a little closer, ask questions, and discover that some of the most amazing stories are hidden where you least expect them.

Spot the Dot by Kris Herbert

Published by EK Books

on 9th June 2026

About the book:

Meet Spot. A dot from what? Poor Spot forgot. Spot the Dot tells the story of a little dot trying to find his place in the world. When he realizes he’s forgotten where he came from, Spot goes on a journey of discovery. Is Spot a lost full stop? Or did he fall from a mushroom top? Along the way, Spot finds there are many wonderful places he might belong. Simple, rhythmic and graphic, Spot the Dot is a universal story of belonging and finding your own path.

Margo the Magpie's Wish by Terri Walls

Published by: Independently Published

on 1st November 2025

About the book:

Margo the magpie wishes she could laugh like a kookaburra or dazzle like a rainbow lorikeet.

But after a gentle chat with wise Daddy Magpie, she begins to see her own special qualities…and

makes one final wish.

The Billywood Chronicles by Caroline Jones

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 17th May 2026

About the book:

Some secrets protect you.

This one could kill him.

Billywood is a haven for twelve-year-old introvert, Jack. For his Grandad, it's a place of secrets. And for Eloy, it's the perfect spot to snatch Jack away.

Dragged through the portal into Orbis - a breathtaking but deadly world - Jack learns of The Deaths, a creeping for destroying everything in its path. If Orbis falls, Earth won't be far behind.

Someone has to stop them.

Turns out, that someone is Jack.

Shifters by Nicole Kelly

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 5th June 2026

About the book:

When Emily moves to Japan with her father, nothing feels familiar - she doesn't speak the language, she doesn't understand the culture, and she's never felt more alone.

But everything changes in Kyoto, when she meets Koji - a boy with a mysterious connection to the spirit world. As ancient magic stirs and dark forces begin to close in, Emily is drawn into a hidden world of shapeshifters and secrets.

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug

Published by Lantana Publishing

on 26th may 2026

About the book:

A young boy gives his perspective on several things the grown-ups running the country could do differently.

How much happier would we be if all the adults went to nursery once a month to remind themselves how to play? How much safer would we be if Christmas lights were left up all year round to light everyone's way home?

This hilarious picture book treats profound topics with sensitivity and care. This is a book for all those children who dare to dream big and for all those adults who want to look on the world with fresh eyes.

#flynnofthebin #shifters #thebillywoodchronicles #margothemagieswish #spotthedot #ifiwasprimeminister #childrenspicturebooks #newrelease #reviewbooks #middlegradereads #australianauthors #bookmail #ausbookbloggers

Review: Belong by Sharon Seymour

This gorgeous picture book with its heartwarming story, spare use of words and exquisite illustrations brought tears to my eyes. 

Belong is a story of finding your place in a world that is new to you.

illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Publisher: WestWords Ltd

Imprint: WestWords Children's

Publication date: 1st April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 28

RRP: AU$24.95 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Belong is a story about wanting to belong. Wanting to fit in and blend in with your peers, wishing to be one of the cool group and ultimately accepting that to be yourself is to be unique. 

The story starts with the most gorgeous bird, like a colourful rainbow flamingo, as he  moves from the nest, into the world, he wishes to be like everyone else. He can't fly like the other birds. He's not one of the popular kids. With his long legs and bright colours he doesn't blend in. He has trouble making friends until he comes across a tiny penguin. They become friends and look after each other. With kindness you will find where you fit in.

Okay, I can't read this without tearing up but children won't see the heart-wrenching (it has a happy ending) act of someone trying and failing to fit into a societal norm. What they will see is themselves and how they navigate a new environment, discover the beauty of friendship, and the acceptance of yourself just as you are.

Belong is the heartwarming debut picture book by Sharon Seymour. Superbly illustrated by Freya Goldsmith, she has certainly secured a place in the children's picture book world.

Using animals, in this case birds, to show human emotions is a safe way for children to navigate and understand their own emotions and open avenues for discussion on kindness and friendship.

Belong is the perfect book for your little one as they venture out into the world for the first time whether it be preschool or kindergarten fitting in and making friends can be difficult for some children.

Children love to read books well before they can recognise words and Freya Goldsmith's expressive and whimsical illustrations allow even pre-readers to tell their own story.

My rating 5 / 5 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Recommended age: 3+ years

#belong #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksonfittingin #australianauthor

Review: Treeshape by Trace Balla

 The shape of a tree, the shape of me - Trace Balla

I loved Trace Balla's Leaf-Light; its feel of tranquility, sense of community and one with nature, and right from the cover of Treeshape I felt that same tranquility and connection to nature.

illustrated by Trace Balla

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd march 2026

Genre: Graphic Novel / Memoir

Pages: 136

RRP: AU$32.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Treeshape is Trace Balla's own story. A personal story from the heart.

"Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree." - Trace Balla

Treeshape is a heartfelt memoir written as a graphic novel. It is a story filled with compassion and a deep appreciation of place.

Trace Balla uses visual storytelling. Trees have always been her go-to safety place. The book is exquisitely illustrated and hugely detailed. It is not a book that would be read in one sitting. The more you return to the story the more you see. 

Treeshape is not only a remarkable memoir it is also a visual delight. Presented with a combination of black & white sketches and real photos as layered images. Photos of the big old trees that matter most to Balla are included, giving the reader real glimpses of our natural world.

Treeshape is a book to ponder over and marvel in the beauty and scope of our natural world as Trace Balla takes her reader along as she travels around Australia. 

Treeshape is a unique masterpiece. certainly not like anything I've seen before.

The story showcases Trace Balla's love for the environment and her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nation peoples.

My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Recommended age: 10+ years

#treeshape #traceballa #memoir #graphicnovel #booksonnature 

Review: Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon

Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon is a tender and sensitive story about friendship, forgiveness and resilience.

illustrated by Mandira Biswas 

Publisher: Purple Works Press

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$21.51 (softcover Amazon)

Source: eCopy from the author

Maddy comes home from school upset, as her friend Mei had betrayed her trust. Mei had told their classmates Maddy's secret and everyone laughed at her.

Inbal Alon uses a block tower as a metaphor for trust. Maddy's mother explains to her that as Maddy and Mei's friendship grows blocks are added to the tower and when Mei told Maddy's secret the tower of trust was knocked down.

The next day at school Maddy approaches Mei with kindness and Mei acknowledges that she shouldn't have told Maddy's secret. Maddy asks Mei to sit with her at lunch. 

I loved how Maddy showed great forgiveness qualities however I do think Mei could have actually said she was sorry. (There is scope for discussion there).

It was now up to Maddy and Mei to start building the tower of trust again, through acts of kindness, building one block at a time.

I liked that Inbal Alon shows that friendships sometimes have rough periods and it is nice to give someone a second chance. The story also opens the opportunity for talk on resilience and thinking how you would feel if everyone was laughing at you.

There is also scope for discussion on empathy and what you can do to speak up if everyone is laughing at someone else.

Mandira Biswas' illustrations are endearing and give off a calming vibe that match the overall theme of friendship building.

Maddy's Towers is a simple story that opens up a wide area of discussion with young children.

The book's end pages have ideas to prompt talk about trust and feelings and a card making activity.

My rating 5 / 5 🧊🧊🧊🧊🧊

Recommended age: 5 - 10 years

#maddystowers #inbalalon #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksontrust #booksonfriendship #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Mailbox Monday - 11th May 2026

 

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 for review:

Bella Grows a Bicycle by Lellie Lopter

Published by Five Mile Press

on 1st June 2026

About the book:

Bella wants a bicycle - 

But he birthday is months away!

When dad gives her a tiny seed, he sparks

an adventure that grows bigger every day.

From one small seed to one big dream,

Bella learns that the greatest things start small.

Our Family Zoo by Maura Pierlot

Published by Scholastic 

on 1st June 2026

About the book:

In a home bursting with animals, 

there’s always room for one more. 

 

But who will it be? 

What’s the perfect pet for a home already filled with lots and lots of fun and energetic animals? The biggest and best surprise is just around the corner ...

Belong by Sharon Seymour

Published by Westwords

on 1st April 2026

About the book:

A story about finding friends and fitting in. 

A gentle tale about how to belong.

#bellagrowsabicycle #ourfamilyzoo #belong #aussieauthor #reviewbooks #newrelease #picturebooks #ausbookbloggers #bookmail #2026releases 

Review: The Fast Lane by Pip Harry

Right from the title page of The Fast Lane kids will love the extremely cute Daisy the pig as she is pictured in the middle of an extravagant dive; arms outstretched, goggles on, head up and a big smile on her face.

 illustrated by Katrin Dreiling

Publisher: Larrikin House

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Daisy loved to swim. Everyday she swam 100 laps. She always swam in the fast lane. This was her lane, until one morning Frank the Frog splashes in front of her. Frank assures Daisy there is plenty of room for both of them but Daisy doesn't want to share the fast lane.

Daisy was all about being the fastest and when Frank started slowing her down by using the fast lane Daisy was angry. Her anger overtook her enjoyment until she got to know Frank better and he showed her how to have fun at the pool too.

Daisy still likes the fast lane but now she also takes time to have fun, join the picnic and play in the splash pool.

The Fast Lane is such an endearing story. Daisy is all business, training everyday, until she finds that it's okay to stop and have some fun.

The Fast Lane is a charming story that is perfect for children that are all go, go, go. It tells overachievers, in a fun way, that it is okay to simply stop and have some fun.

The story is filled with humour and delight. The underlying message is subtle.

Katrin Dreiling's cartoon style illustrations are simply gorgeous; muted colours that bring the pool and outdoor settings to life. Frank's antics through the illustrations alone will have children laughing.

I love how the illustrations tell a story of their own. Very young children like to open a book and tell stories long before they can actually read and this cute book is perfect for those situations.

I think Frank the Frog needs a book all of his own.

The Fast Lane is my first picture book by Pip Harry and I'll be searching out more of her work.

My rating 4.5 / 5 🐖🐖🐖🐖

Recommended age: 3+ years

#thefastlane #pipharry #katrindreilingillustrations #childrenspicturebook #aussieauthor #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Review: My Spinning Anxious Brain by Dani Vee

I love the cover of My Spinning Anxious Brain. The foiled title text grabs your attention. Then the fireworks, clouds and stars all spinning around, make me dizzy just looking at them. It really is an apt picture of a brain that is trying to process everything.

illustrated by Ruth-Mary Smith

Publisher: Larrikin House

Publication date: 31st March 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My Spinning Anxious Brain is an endearing story aimed at alleviating the stress of the overthinking child.

Anxious children will resonate with our young narrator as he explains the things that make him anxious and how this makes him feel. The story blends in coping strategies such as talking about how you feel with someone you trust, practicing grounding and being prepared for the day ahead.

Dani Vee champions courage, calmness, finding joy and forward planning to manage anxiety.

My Spinning Anxious Brain is a beautiful story told with compassion and moments of humour. It gives carers the opportunity to open conversations with children to better understand themselves and others.

Beautiful big bold cartoon style illustrations show our young narrator and his family as they help  manage his anxiety. The illustrations are filled with smiles and fun showing children that, if managed well and with help, anxiety need not rule your life.

My Spinning Anxious Brain is a positive story that encourages children to accept and love who they are.

My rating 5 / 5 🎆🚀🌠🎆🚀

Recommended age: 3+ years

#myspinninganxiousbrain #danivee #ruthmarysmithillustrations #childrenspicturebooks #kidsbookswelove #larrikinhouse #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf 

Review: Inclusion by Zanni Louise

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion by Zanni Louise is part of a series to help open conversations between children and carers about things that matter most. 

Inclusion is a wonderful book written on a child's level to discuss the importance of inclusion in all areas of their life.

illustrated by Jingting Wang

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 24th February 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 24

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion is a book to spark conversations, big and small; conversations on empathy, placing yourself in other people's situation and acting with kindness.

The story explains the concept of inclusion in simple words giving examples of times children may have been inclusive and not realised it. The story opens up conversations about when you have been inclusive and also when you have felt excluded and how that made you feel.

"When we're inclusive, we do our best to make everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are."

Everyone is different and that's a good thing we can listen and learn from each other and sometimes we may get it wrong but that's okay too. We can only do our best and try to grow with kindness.

Illustrations by Jingting Wang present the topic in a fun way with cartoon style pictures in bright colours.

I love the bright, splashy colours of the cover and that each new book in the series has a different colour making the collection bright and fun.

Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion is a fun book, thought provoking and easy to read.

Zanni Louise has, and is bringing out more books in the series with topics on compassion, integrity, fairness, confidence and friendship.

Handbooks for Little Humans will be a valuable resource, not only, for school libraries but home libraries as well.

My rating 5 /5 💜💜💜💜💜

Recommended age: 4 - 8 years

#handbooksforlittlehumansinclusion #childrensbooksoninclusion #zannilouise #earlylearning #jingtingwangillustrations #childrenspicturebook 

Review: Saving Shark Pup by Sharon Dalgleish

We are currently loving reading true stories at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf. They showcase how amazing and fascinating the world around us can be.

Saving Shark Pup is the incredible true story of a great white shark pup washed up on Manly Beach and how the local community rushed to its rescue.

illustrated by Amandine Thomas

Publisher: Allen & Unwin 

Publication date: 3rd February 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book / Non Fiction

Pages: 32

RRP: $24.99AU

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Shark Pup is swirled and tossed in the surf and ends up beached on the shore. Many people come to help. He is battered and disoriented and is taken to an ocean pool. Shark Pup's fin begins to droop. Will Shark Pup survive his night away from the deep ocean he knows? (spoiler: he does)

Children will be entranced as the suspense rises and everyone jumps into action to save Shark Pup. As the pages turn and Shark Pup's life hangs in the balance we see the wonderful people who dedicate their life to studying and saving our precious sea life.

Interesting facts are dispersed throughout the story making Saving Shark Pup a story that grows with your child and can be read over and over.

Saving Shark Pup is the perfect book for children who love sharks and whales and are fascinated by facts.

Amandine Thomas' illustrations bring the story to life in full double page spreads with cool blues and greens of the ocean and the yellows and oranges of the beach and sand.

Saving Shark Pup is an emotional and uplifting story about people working together that will be a treasured read for years to come.

My rating 5/ 5 🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈

Recommended age: 4 - 8 years

#savingsharkpup #sharondalgleish #amandinethomas #childrenspicturebook #nonfictionforchildren #truestories #environmentalbooksforkids #kidsbookswelove #booksonnature