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: Ella and the Call of the Wild by Cassy Polimeni

 Ella and the Call of the Wild is book 4 in a fun eco-series by Cassy Polimeni featuring eco-warrior, nine-year-old, Ella and her friends.

Book one: Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra, Ella moves to a new school and makes friends with Mai. She saves the neighbouring frogs from a building site and builds a frog pond in her yard.

Book two: Ella and the Sleepover Party, Ella's has a birthday sleepover at the Zoo. She needs to deal with friendship rivalry when her friend from her old school and Mai have a disagreement. All Ella wants to do is explore and learn about the animals.

Book three: Ella and the Mystery of the Missing Frogs, finds Ella having to solve the mystery of the disappearance of the frogs from her backyard pond and try to stop her little brother getting in the way.

In Ella and the Call of the Wild, Ella's class are given penpals; students at another school over a thousand miles miles away. Ella's class is learning about the rainforest and their penpals live in the rainforest region of Queensland.

Ella doesn't know what to write about. She thinks she doesn't do anything interesting. She soon finds a connection to her pen pal through their shared love of frogs and how they want to protect them.

After a ranger comes to the school and talks about protecting the rainforest and how frogs can end up far from home where the environment does not suit them, Ella hatches a plan to help save the travelling frogs and educate people about what to do if they find one.

Ella is surprised what a difference she can make when she finds her voice.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is such a fun story and a wonderful introduction to caring for the environment for young readers. Ella shows that one person, with the help from some friends, can make a difference.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is the perfect book for classroom discussion on the ecosystem and learning that reptiles need to live in their own environment to survive. This is a fun, informative and educational story for little eco-warriors, frog lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Ella and the Call of the Wild is an illustrated chapter book that will have young readers searching for more.

Charming black and white full and half page illustrations by Hykie Breeze give the reader time to pause and ponder, giving a visual connection between character and reader.

See the publishers website for teaching notes: https://uwap.uwa.edu.au/products/ella-and-the-call-of-the-wild?_pos=1&_sid=d5b00987e&_ss=r

My rating 5/ 5 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸

Recommended age: 6 - 9 years

Publisher: UWA Publishing

Publication date: 1st August 2026

Genre: Junior Fiction

Pages: 108

RRP: AU$15.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Kean & Creative

#ellaandthecallofthewild #cassypolimeni #hykiebreeze #juniorfiction #ecowarriors #kidsbooksonecology #australianauthor #littlesquirrelsbookshelfblogspot #keanandcreative #ausbooksontoour #ausbookbloggers #booksforkids #bookishkids #raisingreaders

Review: Albert Supersize by Ian Brown

 Albert Supersize is another book in the heart-warming series about Albert the tortoise's adventures. Inspired by a real tortoise who is part of the author's family.

illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 1st December 2023

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$19.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Albert always wondered what it would be like to be supersized and he was just that amongst the dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures helping them keep safe, until his friends shook him awake. It was all a dream but now his friends really did need him.

Albert solves another problem for his friends; the insects of the garden.

Albert Supersize is full of stunning illustrations by Eoin Clarke which bring the garden setting and the insects who live in this habitat to life. Bright supersized, life-like illustrations bursting with colour. Pictures that engage and entrance the audience.

This is a fabulously engaging series and the children love the expressive illustrations paired with simple text.

Albert Supersize is a sweet, heart-warming and fun story about problem solving and helping each other.

Albert Supersize is a story that will be requested again and again by your children.
Available in Australia through Peribo Books https://peribo.com.au/product/albert-supersize/

My rating 5 / 5 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

#albertsupersize #childrenspicturebook #kidsbookonnature #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

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: Albert Upside Down by Ian Brown

Albert Upside Down is the first book in a fun and charming series inspired by a real tortoise named Albert. 

I was immediately smitten with Albert the tortoise as soon as I saw this cute cover. Poor Albert how is he ever going to turn himself over?

Illustrated by Eoin Clarke

Publisher: Graffeg Books

Publication date: 27th April 2021

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$19.99 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Available to purchase in Australia through peribo.com.au

When Albert tries to climb a big rock to reach a treat he falls backwards and lands on his shell, legs waving in the air.

All the garden insects gather to help Albert and there is much talk amongst them about who is the best worker. However Albert is big, he will need them all to help get him back on his feet. Word went out and more creatures came to help.

Everyone was needed to help Albert no matter how small, as even the smallest lightest insect can make a difference.

Albert Upside Down is a laugh-out-loud story with themes of putting aside your differences and working together.

Opens conversations to talk about the ecosystem and the different insects that live in the backyard and their individual strengths.

Stunning illustrations by Eoin Clarke bring the backyard setting to life. Illustrating Albert's memories in sepia tones was a brilliant idea to separate it from what is happening in the present.

Big, bold, bright, colourful and exquisitely detailed illustrations call to be pored over and we went back to them all, at a slower pace, once the story was finished.

I highly recommend this amusing and engaging story. I dare you not to fall in love with the adorable Albert!

There are more books in the series and more reviews to come.

My rating 5 / 5 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 

Publisher recommended age: 3 - 5 years

My recommended age: 4 - 8 years

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: 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: 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