Review: The Dirt Eaters - Welcome to the Family by Jacqueline Graham

The Dirt Eaters: Welcome to the Family. 

Two brother. One puppy. And the start of something special.

The Dirt Eaters is a new series by Jacqueline Graham written for young beginner readers and those who are reluctant to read.

Geared towards boys, as research shows they are the ones struggling and reluctant to pick up a full novel.

The series is designed to grow with the reader as they gain confidence. It starts with early readers them moves into longer chapter books.

We are introduced to Clancy and Rusty, two brothers who live in outback Australia. Clancy likes to be in charge. Rusty never listens. Together they're always up for an adventure.

In Welcome to the Family the boys find an abandoned puppy.

What I love about this story is the boys find a puppy and they keep it. There is no begging parents to keep the puppy, no talk on responsibility. They loved the puppy and the puppy loved them. It is a simple plot that is all fun!

With large print and full page colour pictures The Dirt Eaters is a series that will engage reluctant readers, strengthen their reading skills and grow their reading confidence as the series progresses.  

The Dirt Eaters is a fun first reader which will have children asking for more.

My rating 5 / 5

Publisher: Jacqueline Graham

Publication date: 2026

Genre: Early Readers / Junior Fiction

Pages: 20

RRP: AU$17.99 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

The series is available for purchase through Jacqueline Graham or Clark & Mackay

https://jacquelinegraham.com.au/product/the-dirt-eaters-welcome-to-the-family/

https://www.clark-mackay.com.au/product/the-dirt-eaters-launch-collection-8-books-jacqui-graham/

#dirteaters #jacquelinegraham #earlyreaders #firstreaders #kidslit #getkidsreading

#littlesquirrelsbookshelf #australianauthor 

Review: Mama's Wedding by Circle Yuen

Mama's Wedding is a heartwarming story that follows the emotional journey of a young girl as her mother is about to remarry.

Told through the eyes of Ruby this gentle story navigates the concept of blended families in a positive and joyous way.

illustrated by Circle Yuen

Publisher: Lantana Publishing

Publication date: 13th October 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Kean & Creative

Ruby and her little sister Cindy wake to find a special gift from their mother with a note inside asking them to be her flower girls. Cindy is excited but Ruby is a bit apprehensive. Now that her mother is going to marry Cindy's father, Alex, she wonders how her father will feel.

Ruby's father has a gift for the new couple and explains to Ruby that her parents' love for each other has changed but they will always see it every day in her.

Mama's wedding is a beautiful story of second chances, blended families and sisterly bonds. It's positive and happy and shows everyone supporting each other.

Circle Yuen's soft pastel watercolour illustrations complement the calmness of the story.

Mama's Wedding is the perfect book for families undergoing change via divorce and remarriage as it explains how love doesn't disappear but can change and grow to include new people into your family.

My rating 5 / 5 👰👰👰👰👰

Recommended age 4 - 8 years

#mamaswedding #family #childrenspicturebook #circleyuen #resilience