Book Mail - 25th October 2026

 Once a month I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous month. 

The books from right to left:

The Dirt Eaters: Welcome to the Family by Jacqueline Graham

(review copy)

Publisher: self published

About the book: Clancy likes to be in charge. Rusty never listens. Together, they're the Dirt Eaters and they're always up for an adventure.

When the boys discover a scared little puppy hiding in a rubbish bin, everything changes. They take him home, name him Dash, and before they know it, he's running licking, chasing balls.... and stealing their hearts.

A Girl, a Boy, a horse and a Zorse by Rebecca Green

(review copy)

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 13th October 2026

About the book:

Orphaned, angry, and refusing to go to school, 12-year-old Roo wishes on a shooting star for a horse. The next day she wakes to find not only a horse but also a zebra outside her bedroom window! Her nan says she can keep the horse as long as she returns to school. When her horse gives birth to a zorse, Roo finds herself at the centre of world attention and with more chaos than she could have imagined.

Bravepaw and the Songstone of the Deep by L M Wilkinson

(my purchase)

Publisher: Albert Street Books

Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

Titch and Huckleberry have journeyed a long way from their cosy home on the Plateau - and all they want to do is go home, eat some tasty plums and play in the cooling stream. But Titch is a hero now, whether she likes it or not, and heroes do not give up, not when Alluria needs heroes more than ever before!

Titch knows that there are many ways to be brave, and she has friendship, brave and true, on her side - but will that be enough to stand against the forces of darkness, when all of Alluria is cracking open?

Now, at the final hour, will the prophecy be fulfilled? Can Bravepaw unite the Gems of Harmony and save the world?

How Our Garden Grows by Saurav Kiran Shrestha

(review copy)

Publisher: Westwords

Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

One day, Lia noticed a seedling poking out from a hedge and drooping onto the footpath. She found a twig to prop it up. From Nepalese-Australian writer Saurav Kiran Shrestha and Estee Sarsfield's whimsical illustrations of Australian suburbia this is the story of how one small act of caring can bring us together, no matter where we're from, and how neighbours can become a community. 

Christmas Wild by Jevita Nilson

(my purchase)

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Publication date: 1st October 2026

About the book:

Christmas is Rosie's favourite time of year. She loves the presents, the tree, the twinkling lights! So, when it's time to pack away the decorations, Rosie wishes she could bring Christmas with her on the family camping trip. But her disappointment soon turns to joy when she learns there are plenty of Christmas surprises to be discovered in nature all year round.

Catching a Wave by Catherine Meatheringham

(review copy)

Publisher: Affirm Kids

Publication day: 27th October 2026

About the book:

Lexi’s big brother and sister can boogie board. But no matter how hard Lexi paddles and kicks, the waves all pass her by – or turn her upside down! Will Lexi ever be able to catch a wave?
A celebration of summer, courage and finding your own way.

Bert and Billy by Mark Carthew

(review copy)

Publisher: Leaping Lizards Press

Publication date: 10th November 2026

About the book:

A mountain troll ― who desperately wants to be liked ― gets together with a passing billy goat to help solve his problems, in a delightful story about foibles, friendship and fun!

Albert and Christmas by Ian Brown

(review copy)

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 1st October 2026

About the book:

Albert the tortoise has never experienced Christmas. He’s always asleep for the winter. When he dreams of festive fun, his garden friends decide to create a special summer ‘not Christmas’ for all to enjoy. The gang get busy making a not very traditional Christmas tree, decorations, gifts, greetings – and even snow. All doesn’t go to plan. Can they pull it off?

Amazing Astro Animals by James Foley

(review copy)

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 29th september 2026

About the book:

Before humans ever left the planet, animals boldly went where no man had gone before. Even now, these unwitting test pilots and space travellers outnumber their human counterparts.

From the creator of the award-winning, bestselling picture book ‘Stellarphant’, comes a book about the truly amazing animals that have been rocketed into space. From microscopic tardigrades to a pregnant cockroach, from last-minute mutts to unhatched chicken eggs, these animals and their stories are weird, wacky and wonderful. Chock-full of extraordinary facts and fun, this is an absolute must read.

The Little Bird That Fell by Bradley Trevor Greive

(won copy)

Publisher: ABC Book 

Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

A tender and uplifting picture book for children that retells the story of Penguin Bloom from the perspective of the rescued magpie chick herself.

The true and inspiring story of Sam Bloom and Penguin has won many hearts all around the world. Now, in this moving and delightful picture book, we hear the story from the rescued magpie chick herself.

A Splash of Rainbows by Suzanne Patterson

(review copy)

Publisher: Starfish Bay Press

Publication date: 6th October 2026

About the book:

Addy has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), and there are lots of things she would like to do, but her achy joints make certain activities a challenge. At the Razzle Dazzle Athletic Fun Day, Addy wants to enter all the events with her friends. Trying the egg and spoon race, she holds tight, but her hand groans, she wobbles, and the egg splatters to the ground. Determined to find something she is good at, Addy finds the art tent, and it is here that she discovers a secret talent. An uplifting story about resilience and joy and individual talent.

#childrensbooks #picturebooks #newrelease #bookmail #middlegradebooks #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers #readwithyourkids #kidsbookswelove

#asplashofrainbows #thelittlebirdthatfell #amazingastroanimals #albertandchristmas

#bertandbilly #catchingawave #christmaswild #howourgardengrows #bravepawandthesongstoneofthedeep #agirlaboyahorseandazorse #thedirteaterswelcometothefamily

Review: Albert and the Flood by Ian Brown

It is such a delight to be back with everyone’s favourite tortoise Albert in Albert and the Flood. The Albert series is inspired by a real life tortoise owned by the author's family.

illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 17th June 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 35

RRP: AU$19.99 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

In Albert and the Flood a torrential downpour endangers Albert’s backyard friends. The planned Games Day needs to be postponed as the rain pours down and the water rises.

Albert and friends must work together to get the smaller creatures to a safer place.

Eoin Clarke's illustrations are exceptional. Starting from that first splash of rain through to a torrential downpour. The scared faces of the insects as they scurry for cover and then pictures of the insects all working together. It’s all so endearing and loads of fun. 

I love how Clarke shows the insects with human qualities; the larger worm giving the small worm a hug, the rescue ants wearing fluro vests and the worms mopping up water in their underground tunnel. There is so much detail and so much to see in each illustration.

Albert and the Flood is another must-have addition from the Albert the tortoise series. A wonderful story about teamwork and helping those in need.

Albert and the Flood would be a valuable addition to your home or school library.

My rating 5 / 5 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

Recommended age: 4 - 10 years

#albertandtheflood #childrenspicturebook #growingreaders #kidsbookswelove #albertthetortoise #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf 

 

Review: Literally Hilarious! - Families Gone Wild

 The title says it all! These short stories are Literally Hilarious - a collection of twenty-one short stories, poems, jokes and skits about families gone wild.

You think your family is embarrassing! Read Literally Hilarious - Families Gone Wild.

From swimming carnival disasters to a family camping trip from hell, joker dads to a gran with bad manners, each story is filled with adventure and mishaps but also brimming with love.

Each story is short enough to keep even the most fidgety child engrossed.

What I especially love about Literally Hilarious is; the fun doesn't stop with the reading of the stories. Every story has its own unique QR code  that when scanned opens up extra activities, colouring downloads, recipes, questions about the story and ideas for more family fun.

Literally Hilarious - Families Gone Wild has added a new genre to children's fiction with this electronic interactive anthology.

My rating 4.5 / 5 👦👧🧑👩½

Average over the 21 stories

Recommended age: 6 - 9 years

Publisher: Daisy Lane Seed & Just Write for Kids Aus

Publication date: 22nd August 2026

Genre: Junior Fiction / Anthology

Pages: 194

RRP: AU$17.99  (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#literallyhilarious #justwriteforkids #booksontouraus #anthology #juniorfiction #humourforkids #getkidsreading #kidsbookswelove

Review: Shifters by Nicole Kelly

 Shifters is a magical, shape shifter, supernatural adventure for middle grade readers.

Emily has felt lost since her mother left. She yearned to feel whole again, like she belonged. She often escaped into books when the world around her became too much.

When her father announces he has work in Japan Emily is heartbroken to leave her friends however she could never let her father go alone; they were all each other had.

On arriving in Japan, Emily feels as though she doesn't fit in. She doesn't speak the language or understand the culture. When she meets Koji, he helps her learn the language. He is fun and outgoing, although Emily senses a mystery surrounding the boy. As they take in the sights of Kyoto and learn to trust each other, Emily is witness to events beyond her belief.

There comes a day when Emily must draw on all her courage to save her friend from the ancient magic that surrounds him.

With friendship at its core Shifters is a story of trust, courage, embracing new experiences, forgiveness and fitting in.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the sights and foods of Kyoto and the information on Japanese myths and legends. Emily and Kyoto are fun characters, Emily shy and reticent, Kyoto confident and cheeky, they are easily identifiable to middle grade readers.

Each chapter is headed with a Japanese word and its meaning in English which I found to be an engaging way to learn some basic Japanese words and pique a child's interest in learning more words and customs.

Reading Shifters is sure to ignite curiosity and encourage further research on Japan, its language and customs.

Nicole Kelly has developed a simple plot that will be easy for young readers to follow and includes a sprinkling of words that will extend a child's vocabulary.

Shifters is rich in action and intrigue woven through a spellbinding setting.

Shifters is perfect for fans of The Dog Runner by Bren MacDibble, Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick, and anyone who loves stories with themes of a reluctant hero, found family, and secrets.

My rating 5 / 5 🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊

Recommended age: 8 -12 years

Publisher: Hawkeye Publishing

Publication date: 5th June 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Supernatural 

Pages: 146

RRP: AU$24.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#shifters #middlegradereads #middlegradefantasy #shapeshifting #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelfblogspot #ausbookbloggers #bookssetinjapan

Review: Bandoola by Beverley McWilliams

A Mammoth Rescue: The WWII Elephant Who Led Over 200 People to Safety.

Beverley McWilliams' story of Bandoola was inspired by the true story of Bandoola the elephant who, together with James Williams (Elephant Bill), led over 200 people through the jungles of Burma to safety during WWII. 

Beverley McWilliams brings history to life for young readers, and the story being narrated by Bandoola himself is truly innovative, bringing a whole new perspective to this moment in history.

I simply loved reading young Bandoola's narrative. He was mischievous, cheeky and very smart. His handler Po Toke has big dreams for Bandoola and hopes to one day train elephants born in captivity for logging instead of trapping and kheddaring (an historical practice of breaking in the wild elephants) wild elephants. However Bandoola's only dream is for a life of freedom.

Having the thoughts of the elephant brings a layer of connection and McWilliams cleverly shows how the elephants communicate with humans and how they learn commands.

Written on a level for Middle Grade readers we see the humane side of keeping elephants in captivity. The elephants are loved and well looked after. There is a brief explanation of kheddaring. However the actual practice is not featured in this story.

McWilliams brings historical events to life in a way that will captivate young readers. There is plenty of humour, mishaps, danger and adventure.

The bond between man and elephant is powerful and moving.

Bandoola is a story that will inspire young readers to venture into more historical fiction tales. It is a fun and immersive way to learn about the world and its history.

I loved how Bandoola's character grew throughout the story as he aged, learning courage and responsibility, however never losing the fun and mischievous actions of the young Bandoola.

McWilliams has clearly undertaken extensive research into elephants, how they act and the work of their keepers, to make this book come across as totally natural and realistic.

The food, people and vegetation of Burma all shine through in McWilliams vivid descriptions. The gorgeous sketches by Kate Jones featured throughout the book add an extra level of visual appeal.

Bandoola is a story young readers will want to read over and over.

My rating 5 / 5 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

Recommended age: 8 - 14 years

Teaching notes and resources can also be found on the publisher website:

https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/bandoola?_pos=1&_sid=b1dec2e73&_ss=r

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Middle Grade / Historical

Pages: 310

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

#bandoola #middlegrade #middlegradefiction #middlegradehistoricalfiction #kidsbooksaboutelephants #historicalbooksforkids #ausbookbloggers #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelf 

Review: The Panacea: The Billywood Chronicles #1 by Caroline Jones

 The Billywood Chronicles: The Panacea by Caroline Jones is the first in a vividly imagined adventure series for upper middle-grade readers.

Follow Jack's journey to a parallel world on a quest to repair the Panacea and save both Orbis and consequently his own planet, Earth.

The Panacea has all the right elements for a best-selling middle grade fantasy.

The Chosen One ✅

Eccentric Grandfather ✅

Absent parents ✅

outlier, introvert hero ✅

Elusive nemesis ✅

It's not until Jack falls through the fault into the world of Orbis that he discovers that he is the one destined to save this parallel world from the Death, a destructive force destroying everything in its path.

With vividly imagined and highly detailed scenes the story played out in my mind as I read.

Fantastical creatures and monsters galore will keep readers engaged and turning the pages.

I liked that twelve-year-old Jack's growth was organic. He was scared and cried often but came through with courage and determination when needed, learning to believe in himself along the way.

The Panacea: Billy Wood Chronicles #1 is sure to have middle-grade readers enthralled as the suspense ramps up and danger is around every corner. Jack battles monsters to the death and the mystery of the Panacea is revealed.

This was a fast-paced story with cliffhanger chapter endings making the book hard to put down.

The story isn't all battles and danger. There is plenty of humour throughout, some at poor Jack's expense, giving some lightness to the plot.

There was a shaving scene which I thought very unlikely on the cusp of thirteen and it also didn't lend anything to the plot.

I was wondering how the series would continue. It seemed well wrapped up.... then that fabulous cliffhanger ending. Fans will be eager for book two.

And for all those dragon lovers.... there's dragons!!

My rating 4 / 5 👾👾👾👾

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

Content: A chicken monster's head is decapitated - off page.

              battles against monsters to the death

Publisher: Hawkeye Publishing

Publication date: 17th May 2026

Series: The Billywood Chronicles #1

Genre: Middle Grade / Tween 

Pages: 266

RRP: AU$28.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

#thebillywoodchronicles #thepanacea #carolinejonesauthor #middlegradefantasy #tweenfiction 

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

 

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: Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure by Liv Lorkin

 Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure is the first book in a new series by author Liv Lorkin.

Join Rocky, Daisy and Lucky the flowerpot gnomes on a top secret gnomie adventure.

The gnomes are enjoying a beachside holiday when they receive an urgent message to return to headquarters. A gnome has gone missing on a top secret mission. First they must find the missing gnome, inspect the tree mail network and also gather all the lost and missing postcards.

Follow along as Rocky, Daisy and Lucky, travelling in their flowerpot car, collect the lost postcards and repair the tree mail trees along the way.

Tree Mail Adventure is a whimsical nature filled adventure that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of younger readers.

Strength, brains and bravery are championed as the gnomes travel far and wide and work together to solve the problem of the tree mail. 

Light-hearted fun and a little bit of magic, Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure is a fun graphic novel for our littlest readers. A wonderful introduction to graphic novels with the story told mostly through visual story-telling.

Liv Lorkin's black and white cartoon style illustrations are bold and filled with emotion and spirit.

I am sure readers will be eager for the next Gnomie adventure.

My rating 4 / 5 🪴🪴🪴🪴

Recommended age: 7 - 9 Years

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 30th March 2026

Series: Gnoming About #1

Genre: Junior Fiction / Graphic Novel

Pages: 85

RRP: $16.95AU (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

#gnomingabout #treemailadventure #livlorkin #graphicnovel #juniorfiction #australianauthor #childrensbooks