And with that, another challenge is completed! I wasn’t sure whether I would get there with this one, as some of the ones for May and November I had either read already, or didn’t have an interest in. I never want to read a book for a challenge just to tick off a box, and… Continue reading Readings 2026 Challenge Completed!
Category: Picture Books
October 2026 Reading Round Up
Even with a few ups and downs this month, I managed to read 24 books. Not all were reviewed, but most were and I had a lot of Australian books read this month. I review a few, whilst some were ones I chose to read and not review. One was a review book but I… Continue reading October 2026 Reading Round Up
Splish, Splash, Splosh by Renae Hayward, illustrated by Briony Stewart
Title: Splish, Splash, Splosh Author: Renae Hayward, illustrated by Briony Stewart Genre: Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd November 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Price: $22.99 Synopsis: A paddling pool, a hose, a bucket or a puddle - there is nothing as much fun as making a splash! This gorgeous book is a joyful… Continue reading Splish, Splash, Splosh by Renae Hayward, illustrated by Briony Stewart
N is for Noni by Alison Lester
Title: N is for Noni Author: Alison Lester Genre: Education Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd November 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: A delightful rhyming story featuring the instantly loveable character, Noni the Pony – the nicest pony any child could ever hope to meet! – from the phenomenal and much-loved author… Continue reading N is for Noni by Alison Lester
Paddle Steamer Pearl by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Jessica Corkran
Title: Paddle Steamer Pearl Author: Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Jessica Corkran Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 1st November 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 36 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: All aboard the PS Alpha! Travel by paddle steamer along the Darling River with Pearl Collins, who would go on to become the first female river boat… Continue reading Paddle Steamer Pearl by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Jessica Corkran
Bird Park by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White
Title: Bird Park Author: Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White Genre: Non-fiction animals Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 1st November 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: Birds paddle and skedaddle. They hop and drop and coo and woo. See them walking! Hear them squawking! Come and explore our magical Australian bird park! Can you… Continue reading Bird Park by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White
Swimming with Aunty Isobel by Cassy Polimeni, illustrated by Evie Barrow
Title: Swimming with Aunty Isobel Author: Cassy Polimeni, illustrated by Evie Barrow Genre: Contemporary Publisher: NLA Publishing Published: 1st November 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: When I grow up I want to be a marine biologist, just like my Aunty Isobel. The ocean can be a place of wonder, with coral rainbows… Continue reading Swimming with Aunty Isobel by Cassy Polimeni, illustrated by Evie Barrow
All The Ways I See by Nas Campanella and Eliza Hull, illustrated by Sophie Beer
Title: All The Ways I See Author: Nas Campanella and Eliza Hull, illustrated by Sophie Beer Genre: Contemporary Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 13th October 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: Vividly evoking a blind child's joyful experience of a day at the beach, this highly accessible picture book comes from a stellar… Continue reading All The Ways I See by Nas Campanella and Eliza Hull, illustrated by Sophie Beer
How Our Garden Grows by Saurav Kiran Shrestha, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield
Title: How Our Garden Grows Author: Saurav Kiran Shrestha, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield Genre: Contemporary Publisher: WestWords Children’s Books Published: 1st September 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $28.95 Synopsis: ‘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… Continue reading How Our Garden Grows by Saurav Kiran Shrestha, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield
The Bestest Brown by Briony Stewart
Title: The Bestest Brown Author: Briony Stewart Genre: Fiction Publisher: Hachette Australia/Lothian Published: 22nd September 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: A joyful and cheeky rhyming book that mixes toilet humour with colour theory, from award-winning creator Briony Stewart. Art smock, paper, paint brush - Go! I'm a colour-mixer pro. Today I'll make… Continue reading The Bestest Brown by Briony Stewart
