Review: Hari's Bones by Danny Parker

 Hari's Bones is a lovely gentle book which highlights the concept of children learning skills in different ways. Hari's Bones is a story for the gentle risk takers.

illustrated by Rache Antonio

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$25.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Hari was cautious. She wasn't tempted by trampolines, bicycles or skateboards.

She delicately dodged, silently swerved, always keeping her bones safe.

Until one day she was needed on the field. The ball came her way. She picked it up and ran and ran. When she peeked at her bones, not a scratch!

Hari found she could hop, swerve and splash and her bones were safe.

Soon Hari was breaking records - never bones.

I loved that the story didn't push Hari to be more daring, she was left to be herself and when needed she found the courage to overcome fear. The reader can see that Hari, although cautious, is still continuously learning new skills. Skills that will come in handy when needed. Highlighting the concept of letting children learn and explore in their own time.

Hari's Bones is the perfect story to talk about the differences in how children play; some are rowdy and daring, whilst others are quiet and circumspect. However we go about our day everyone is learning skills for life.

The book also features a QR code in the back to listen to the author's narration to original music composed by award winning artist Matt Ottley. Or visit www.tsopb.com/downloads

This year's official CBCA Children's Book Week theme was Symphony of Stories. I thought how splendidly this fits into Matt Ottley's The Sound of Picture Books which is the  concept of bringing music and picture books together. Two wonderful sensory experiences coming together to embolden children to listen and learn.

There are currently thirteen titles in The Sound of Picture Books series.

Rache Antonio's water- colour and pencil illustrations catch the spirit of Hari as she observes the world and quietly, cautiously works on her own dreams and ambitions.

My rating 4 / 5 🦴🦴🦴🦴

Recommended age: 6+ years

to learn more go to: www.onetentaclepublishing.com