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: 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

Book Mail - 24th September 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 Garden of Lost Girls by A. L. Tait

Publisher: Scholastic Australia

Publication date: 1st September 2026

About the book:

In a quiet, coastal town, eighteen-year-old Jessica lets out a gasp, then walks out of the opening night her own play, ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’. She is never seen again.

What did she see? Where did she go? And why did she never come home?

Thirty years later, Jessica’s nephew, fourteen-year-old Sam, is still asking the same questions. With the town planning an anniversary performance of ‘The Garden of Lost Girls’, Jessica’s family hopes that it will help to jog memories and, perhaps, finally solve the puzzle of Jessica’s disappearance. And Sam’s mum wants Sam and his cousins, Gracie and Archie, to be in the production to keep an eye out for new information.

At least, that’s the plan.

But as the play goes into rehearsal, a series of accidents makes it clear to Sam and his cousins that not everyone is happy about the performance―and they’ll do anything to stop it.

And when one of them goes missing on the night of the performance, the cousins realise that sometimes history doesn’t always stay in the past.

Literally Hilarious! Families Gone Wild

Publisher: Just Write For Kids

Publication date: 22nd August 2026

About the book:

In this bumper collection of hilarious family short stories, poems, jokes and other fun activities, you'll find the funniest, most embarrassing, yet purely heartwarming tales to literally keep your eye peeled and your ribs cracking for hours.

Families will go wild for this anthology - created by a sensational community of talented authors and illustrators!

Duck, Duck, Bruce! by Dannika Patterson

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 13th October 2026

About the book:

Bruce looks like a duck.

Bruce walks like a duck.

Bruce quacks like a duck.

But Bruce does not think like a duck.

Thank goodness!

A story that celebrates different ways of thinking, being and doing.

A Tie For Barry by Aneta Cruz

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 4th February 2027

About the book:

Barry has been accepted to the finest Brontosaurus Academy in the Jurassic world.

All he needs to fit in is a bright tie.

There's just one problem....

His neck is too short!

Little Blue, Where Are You? by Sally Morgan

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st October 2026

About the book:

When Rocky Road Jack spies a tasty snack,

it will take all Skippy Gillespie's courage - and some help from an old friend - to rescue little blue.

Joey gets His Wings by Catherine Bauer

Publisher: Big Sky Publishing

Publication date: 29th September 2026

About the book:

Inspired by the real stories of Australian soldiers who carried small mascots from home to bring comfort during the First World War.

Beneath the vast blue skies of Australia’s outback, a young boy named Art dreams of flying, with his small toy kangaroo, Joey, never far from his side. When Art leaves home to join the Australian Flying Corps, Joey is tucked into his bag — a small reminder of home.
Together, they travel far beyond the red earth, Joey strapped to the front of Art’s plane as he soars through unfamiliar skies where courage is tested and home feels very far away. But when Joey is lost during the war, his journey becomes one of waiting, remembering and hoping.
Alone in a distant field, Joey waits and hopes, holding onto the memory of the boy who carried him there.
Inspired by true stories, Joey Gets His Wings is a gentle and heartfelt tale of friendship, courage and the enduring ties that lead us home.
Captain Elliot “Tab” Pflaum, an Australian Flying Corps pilot from South Australia, carried his leather kangaroo mascot, Joey, through WWI skies. Perched on his aircraft, Joey symbolised courage and companionship, enduring aerial missions and later preserved as a treasured keepsake, connecting past sacrifice with remembrance.

The Green Child by Hollie Hughes

Publisher: Post Wave Children's Books

Publication date: 15th September 2026

About the book:

In the deepest Dense forest,

where the trees twist gnarled and wild,

along a winding path we find

a deep asleep Green Child...

A magical tale that will inspire every human heart to treasure our natural world.

Because what begins as just a whisper,

just a ripple on the breeze, can bring about a positive change forever.

Bernie Thinks in Boxes by Jess Horn

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 24th July 2024

About the book:

A beautiful story about thinking differently and navigating change in a neurotypical world.
Bernie thinks in boxes. She has boxes for everything: for home, for school and even for the park.
Bernie likes boxes. When things fit into boxes, they make sense.
But one day, Bernie's boxes collide, and she must find a way to make sense of her world again.

#berniethinksinboxes #thegreenchild #joeygetshiswings #littlebluewhereareyou #atieforbarry #duckduckbruce #literallyhilarious #thegardenoflostgirls #childrensbooks #picturebooks #newrelease #bookmail #middlegradebooks #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #ausbookbloggers #readwithyourkids #kidsbookswelove

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 

Mailbox Monday - 25th August 2026

 On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month. And here I am again posted my Mailbox Monday on a day that isn't a Monday but Mailbox Tuesday just doesn't cut it.

The books from left to right:

Ella and the Call of the Wild by Cassy Polimeni

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

About the book:

Ella’s class is getting pen pals! They will be writing to kids at a school on the other side of the country. Everyone is excited except for Ella, who finds herself lost for words. What do you say to someone you have never met? But Ella soon discovers she and her pen pal are connected by more than just letters. A creature they both care about needs their help!

The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds by Anna Battese

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Odie Gusberry-Smith doesn't like surprises. But when a mysterious package arrives in the mail, she finds The Grey Beret's Guide to Surviving the Odds – a book that feels like it was written just for her.

Odie is going to need it, because her dad has had the ridiculous idea that they should go on a cruise. When calamity strikes (as she could have told you it would), Odie will need to use every trick in the Guide to keep herself and her alarmingly danger-prone group safe.

Along the way, she might just realise that the Guide is not the only thing she can rely on…

A New Kind of Beautiful by Suzy Zail

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: August 2026

About the book:

Paige Wilding has her future mapped out — the Year 10 Art prize. Graduation. A coveted spot in an elite art school in New York. But when she's diagnosed with an incurable eye disease, the perfect life she’s planned starts to blur.

She makes a choice to keep her condition secret and live louder, love wilder, and paint like her life depends on it. Only her best friend Jazz knows the truth, and is helping her cram a lifetime of colour into a single year.
But as her sight fades and she’s forced to give up painting, it’s Zac, her rival for the art prize, who helps Paige find a way back to her art and a new kind of beautiful; messy and imperfect but also raw, unfiltered and fiercely alive.

Who Will You Be? by Calum Smith

Publisher: Children's Book Boutique

Publication date: 2025

About the book:

A heartwarming journey through a parent's imagination wondering who their daughter might grow up to become.

From a fierce firefighter to a star reaching astronaut,

each page celebrates a different career path, told through gentle rhyme and accompanied with charming illustrations.

Hari's Bones by Danny Parker

Publisher: One Tentacle Publications

Publication date: 1st August 2026

About the book:

Hari’s bones are, of course, not bones. They are hopes, aspirations, dreams and ambitions. Who would want to risk breaking them? They are things that need time, time to nurture and develop. To change and adapt. They are the very stuff that keep us strong and supported. Our skeleton.

In avoiding trouble, Hari develops the very skills she will need to exceed all expectations. Her imagination and creativity are always working overtime—she may be dreaming…but she’s dreaming big!

Mama's Wedding by Circle Yuen

Publisher: Lantana Publishing

Publication date: 8th September 2026

About the book;

When Ruby and her little sister Cindy are asked to be Mama's flower girls, Cindy is thrilled, but Ruby's heart is full of questions. As the wedding day unfolds, Ruby witnesses her family change. With gentle support from Granny, Daddy Daniel, and Mama's new husband Alex, she begins to understand that love doesn't disappear ....

.... it can grow in the most surprising ways.

Family Feast by Brooke Graham

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 29th September 2026

About the book:

Tallula's family is so embarrassing!

They fight likes cats, they're louder than a herd of elephants and they have worse table manners than wild hogs.

So when Tallula discovers her best friend Mia will be coming to Family Feast she's horrified!

What will Mia think of her relatives? Or can Tallula come up with a plan to teach them to behave?

Love You, Daddy by Karen Blair

Publisher: Affirm Kids

Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Daddies can be gentle, be good listeners, keep us cosy, help us feel brave – and do so many other wonderful things.

With simple, heartfelt text and playful illustrations, this sturdy lift-the-flap book is perfect for little hands to explore and celebrate all the ways dads make every day special.

Poppy Makes Pockets by Jemima Parker

Publisher: EK Books

Publication date: 7th July 2026

poppy loves collecting treasures... but her clothes  rarely have any pockets. So she hatches a plan.

With scissors, old T-shirts and lots of determination, Poppy sews pockets for herself, her friends and eventually the whole neighbourhood.

Read my review HERE

A Hat for Every Harriet by Jess Horn

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 28th July 2026

About the book:

Harriet wears many hats. She has a hat for listening, for following the rules and even for being silly. Harriet wears a different hat for every job, because every job needs a different Harriet.

But one day, Harriet has too many hats to wear. Can she find a way to just be herself?

From the creators of Bernie Thinks in Boxes comes a beautiful story about thinking differently and accepting yourself in a neurotypical world.

Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 27th April 2021

About the book:

Albert the pet tortoise has a problem: trying to reach a tasty treat, he has ended up on his shell, upside down and stuck! Can the other garden creatures overcome their rivalry, team up and help him get back on his feet? Packed with comical, charming illustrations and vibrant colour, this timeless tale shows the power of working together, thinking creatively, and how even the smallest amount of assistance can make a very big difference.

Read my review HERE

Albert Supersize by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 8th March 2022

About the book:

Pet tortoise Albert is on his biggest adventure yet. He must tackle giant dinosaurs and a fiery volcano. Then, back in the garden, he’s called on to help his little friends with a big problem of their own.

Albert and the Pond by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 16th May 2023

About the book:

A new garden pond proves fascinating for Albert. Especially when he befriends an unusual underwater creature. But one day, his new friend vanishes and Albert is sad. He keeps checking to see if they have returned. His other garden chums do their best to cheer him up. But there is no sign – right up to Albert’s long winter sleep. Will the spring bring a happy reunion when Albert wakes and returns to the outdoors?

Albert and the Flood by Ian Brown

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 24th September 2026

About the book:

Heavy rain has drenched the garden and the lawn is waterlogged. The garden' s annual

sports day is in jeopardy! Can Albert come up with a plan to save the day? Albert and his friends make a splash and learn it' s not always winning that' s important.

#ellaandthecallofthewild #thegreyberetsguidetosurvivingtheodds #anewkindofbeautiful #whowillyoube #harisbones #mamaswedding #familyfeast #loveyoudaddy #poppymakespockets #ahatforeveryharriet #albertupsidedown #albertsupersize #albertandtheflood #albertandthepond #littlesquirrelsbookshelf #childrenspicturebooks #newrelease #reviewbooks #middlegradereads #australianauthors #bookmail #ausbookbloggers #loveozya #loveozmg