The sweetness of love (and oranges): ‘One Volcano and the Many Oranges’ by Khuanta Mahasay
The blurb for this lovely book, a debut by Australian author Khuanta Mahasay, includes this description:
An illustrated chapter book to share aloud with children ages 6 to 9, and with anyone who needs it, including grown-ups.This beautifully captures the theme and feel of the story.
The main character is Omar, who lives with his mum and grandma at the base of a spectacular volcano called Mount Tangy. Omar loves living here and helping his family grow oranges in their orchard. But he feels sad a lot of the time because his dad has died.
A special place Omar loves to visit is the spot on the mountain’s slopes where the family had scattered Dad’s ashes. Sometimes he cries a little bit when he sists there, but he feels lighter, too, gazing over the valley and his home, far below.
When the mayor announces a competition to see who among the local farmers can grow the sweetest oranges, everyone is very excited. Then, when Omar’s tears drop onto the orange tree he had planted with Dad years before, something very special and magical happens.
The day to choose the competition winner arrives and the whole town is there; excitement grows amid a festival atmosphere as the community comes together for the event. But Mount Tangy has other ideas and threatens to erupt. What can they do?
More magic – and some quick-thinking from Omar – help to save the town. In the process, Omar learns that it’s OK to feel sad, that we can keep those we love close to us with our memories, and that magic can take all shapes – and when it comes to oranges, all sizes, too.
It’s a sweet book, redolent with the scent of sticky oranges and the sourdough bread baked by Grandma. Warmth and love work their own magic to help Omar heal from his loss.
Short chapters and the gorgeous illustrations by Estelle Corke make this a perfect book for early readers who are ready for more text-rich books, or for reading aloud together.
One Volcano and the Many Oranges is published by the author in 2026.
It can be purchased on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats here.
Disclosure: The author is a family member.
Readers of my blog will know that I champion children’s literature whenever I have the opportunity; this book is the first of what I’m sure will be many more books for kids that Ms Mahasay will produce.Easter bilbies, mums, fun things: new picture books from Harper Collins
Easter is on the way; the shops full of soft toy bunnies, Easter buns and chocolate eggs. So an Easter-themed picture book is timely, especially as this one is all about bilbies, not bunnies.
Are you the Easter Bunny? by Janeen Brian and Lucinda Gifford features simple, rhyming text and bright, ochre-and-grey themed illustrations. Children can learn about the unique features of this endangered marsupial, and how its habits like digging tunnels for shelter actually contribute to the long-term health of the desert landscapes in which it lives. A lovely accompaniment to a chocolate Easter Bilby, perhaps?
Published in January 2026What do you call your Mum? continues one of my favourite Australian series for youngsters. Written by Ashleigh Barton and illustrated by Martina Heiduczek, it explores words for ‘mum’ used by children in a range of languages including Scottish Gaelic, Arabic, Cherokee, Gumbaynggirr, Malay and Somali (to name a few).
I love these books for their gorgeous richly detailed pictures and the way cultures and languages are celebrated along with different family roles.
Published February 2026Now for something different. Australian vet Dr Claire Stevens has written all about the weird, wacky and downright disgusting creatures of our planet. In Gross Things Animals Eat, she explains the food chain, how different foods help animals grow and stay healthy. The ‘gross things’ are just that: dirt, poop, wood, vomit, blood, rotting animals…kids will love squirming at these fun facts.
The humorous illustrations by Adele K Thomas give a chuckle along with the eeewwws.
Published in March 2026In contrast, Tiny Good Things by Gabrielle Tozer and Sophie Beer, is a picture book that encourages children and adults to look carefully, slow down, notice the little things in the world that can bring pleasure and happiness. I guess it’s aligned with the mindfulness/gratitude movement, which we certainly need more of in our world! The pastel illustrations tap into the child’s imagination as the text hints at adventures above the clouds or beneath the sea. This one celebrates tiny wonders from ordinary days.
Published March 2026These four Australian picture books all published by various imprints of HarperCollins Children’s Books.
My thanks to the publishers for copies to review.Crime fiction for kids: ‘The Lost Ghosts of Lawson’ by Antony Mann
Several months ago, Blue Mountains creative Antony Mann was in my husband’s recording studio working on a new project. (Shout out to Blue Mountain Sound!) Over lunch, Antony happened to mention he was also a writer and had published a children’s book. Of course I pricked up my ears! Being an avid supporter of books for children and of local creatives, I was interested.
In one of those serendipitous moments that can sometimes occur, a little later I was having coffee at a local cafe when I spied copies of The Lost Ghosts of Lawson for sale on a counter. Bingo!
This book is aimed at middle-grade readers, from later primary school to early teens. It is perfect for readers who can handle slightly darker themes, because it is essentially a crime novel for kids.
At the centre is Lewen, who with his mum, dad and younger sister Anna, has just moved to the Blue Mountains from a Sydney beach suburb. Obviously there are many changes he has to adjust to: a very different physical environment (no beaches for a start), a new school where he struggles to fit in, missing his old friends and neighbourhood. Oh, and the ghosts that populate the old house in Lawson the family have moved into, and its surrounding streets.
These are the ghosts of youngsters who have died decades ago, and Lewen and Anna can both see and speak to them. Tricky enough, you’d think, but it gets even more complicated when Lewen begins to suspect that at least one of the children died, not from an accident, but at the hands of an adult.
So, definitely a dark-ish theme there.
This realisation begins a search for clues helped by a girl who goes to the same local school. Roxanne is a bit odd, but friendly, and she and Lewen embark on an investigation into what happened all those years ago, in their very street.
Despite the serious subject, there are moments of humour, especially from the mostly friendly ghost children, and some of the antics that they get up to.
The novel encompasses themes of friendship, right and wrong, duplicity and trust. And it was an absolute delight for a Blue Mountains resident to read a work of fiction where so many familiar places take centre stage. Most of the action takes place just up the road from me and the author has done an admirable job portraying the special nature of the physical environment, heritage and community of the Mountains.
The Lost Ghosts of Lawson will suit readers who are ready for an engrossing story that tackles grittier themes with a slight fantasy and adventure bent.
It was published by Loose Parts Press in 2023.All about school: three picture books for newbies
It’s February and all across Australia, families are getting set for the first day of ‘big school’ as five year olds enter the world of formal education for the first time.
Here are three picture books to ease the transition and explore what littlies can expect.
How to Go To Big School by Sarah Ayoub and Mimi Purnell uses rhyming couplets and soft illustrations to go through all the steps of the first day: packing a lunch and putting on the school uniform, meeting the teacher, new routines and activities, games and making new friends. A great way to reinforce what most kindergarten transition programs aim to do, perfect reading for the days before the Big Day.
All About Starting School by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero is a more interactive type of book, full of helpful info about every aspect of the school experience, where kids can answer prompts, draw pictures, or ask questions. It has an inclusive focus and whilst it has a UK slant, it refers to lots of different styles of schools across the world, with pictures that show a diverse range of children, grown-ups and school settings. It also has some helpful guidance at the back for adults. The many small cartoon-like illustrations invite close examination and ‘spotto’ type games.
The Wheels on the Bus and Other Songs is not strictly about starting school, though as many children will end up travelling there by bus at some stage, it’s absolutely relevant to the whole school experience. And its almost a guarantee that there will be a copy or two of this book in kindergarten classrooms and school libraries. Australian readers will be very familiar with the title song and the characters in this one: Big Ted, Jemima, Humpty, etc, all beloved members of the long-running ABC children’s TV series ‘PlaySchool.’ Along with the ‘Bus’ song, it includes other well known ones like ‘Five Little Ducks’, ‘Teddy Bear’, and ‘Little Peter Rabbit.’ This one just begs to be read (and sung) together and might be the perfect antidote to the night-before-the-big-day nerves.
These three books were all published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in November 2025.
My thanks to the publishers for review copies.For the adventurous ones: ‘The Cherayroos: Underground Rules’ by S.P.Doran
The Cherayroos: Underground Rules is all about an adventurous explorer from a little community beneath our feet.
Chie lives in CherayrooVille, beneath the WhisperDeep forest. The village is enclosed in the ancient winding roots of the Tree of Solace, where little fluffy creatures with twiggy legs and arms and big, saucer eyes (and very strange noses) dwell happily.
They obey the Rootscript of Rules which define how they are to live, study, and work. The most important one is that they are never to leave the village – which is okay for most, but not for Chie, as he is keen to explore the Above and prove his bravery.
What follows is a series of adventures as Chie sets off to find the way out of CherayrooVille and see what lies Above. He meets other creatures, some helpful, some grumpy and some plain scary, but in the end he realises that, while adventures are exciting, the rules are there to protect him and others, and really, all he had to do was ask to make his dream come true.
This is a lovely book for very early readers or to be read aloud. The text is nice and big, on pages that resemble parchment or an old manuscript, complimenting the detailed, richly coloured illustrations. The chapters are short and the narrative moves along at a brisk pace to keep youngsters involved.
Perhaps in homage to Tolkein, there is a terrific map (reminiscent of The Hobbit) and snippets of Cherayroo words and phrases used, with a glossary at the back. I confess I found these a bit confusing due to them all starting with ‘ch’ – but that’s probably just me. At the back the author has included some interesting questions for children to consider about the story and its world.
The book is all about exploring, being curious and adventurous, and encouraging youngsters to observe and ask questions about the world around them. I admire writers who work to get their ideas out there and I hope this one continues with this world and the characters he has created, in future books.
I could also see a fabulous animated adaption of this story appealing to young fans!The Cherayroos: Underground Rules is available in ebook and print versions on Amazon, and via the author’s website.
My thanks to the author for a review copy.Library treasures: ‘A Waltz for Matilda’ by Jackie French
I’ve had this one on my shelf for several years now, picked up at a street library, and finally had a chance to read it. So glad I did! First published in 2010, it is an imaginative re-telling of the origin story of arguably Australia’s most famous (and certainly beloved) folk song, Waltzing Matilda.
Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong
Under the shade of a coolabah tree,
And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled
‘You’ll come a’waltzing Matilda with me.’In this story, Matilda is a girl living with her very sick mother in an inner-city slum, working long hours in a jam factory to try to make ends meet. When her mother dies, she is left alone to fend for herself in an unkind world.
She goes in search of her long-lost father, a man her mother described as a ‘golden man’, though the couple had separated years earlier. The quest takes her to a drought-stricken isolated sheep farm on the outskirts of a small town, neighbouring a large run established by a squatter, Mr Drinkwater.
Her father welcomes her into his life but because of the drought, is about to leave his farm and go ‘on the track’ as a swagman, searching for work as he travels. He agrees that Matilda can accompany him, because where else is she to go?
Their journey together is cut short, though. Mr Drinkwater traps her father as they camped by a billabong, with troopers arriving to arrest him on a trumped-up charge of sheep stealing. He drowns (no spoiler here, the song says it all) and Matilda is once again on her own.
She decides to go back to her father’s farm and try to make a go of it, with the help of several others who come to help in honour of her father’s memory. He was a man much admired by the shearers and other workers in the district, because of his activism around shearer’s rights and the movement towards a national federated nation, able to pass laws to protect the rights of the more vulnerable in the community.
As always with a Jackie French novel, the story weaves in several important historical events and themes: the crippling1890s drought and subsequent economic depression; movements for better working conditions, women’s suffrage and temperance; conflict between wealthy squatters and the indigenous people of the land they stole.
It also deals unblinkingly with the racism of the time, the way that the move towards a united nation of Australia was motivated by ideals but also by self -interest and racist attitides, especially towards Aboriginal people and the Chinese. I love how this author does not shy away from the more difficult parts of our nation’s history.
A Waltz for Matilda is a big story, and book one of the ‘Matilda’ series. It’s very readable, with moments of both humour and sadness, and characters you can care about. Matilda is an admirable figure and it is a delight to watch her growth from orphaned girl to capable young woman. Best of all, it’s a wonderful way to introduce some important history to young Australian readers. Perfect for middle grade to young adult readers, this (no longer young) reader recommends it highly!
A Waltz for Matilda was published by Angus & Robertson in 2010.
Christmas book bonanza
The last months of the year are undoubtably the busiest in the publishing and bookselling world. The big blockbusters for holiday reading, the gifts for under the Christmas tree, the beautiful recipe books for those who harbour fond hopes of cooking a lot while on their summer break.
And thankfully, there is also a plethora of books for children hitting the shelves. Books make the best Christmas gifts and matching the book to the right young reader is a special pleasure.
Here are four picture books to choose from, for those little readers in your life.
The Christmas Tree Catastrophe by Emma Bowd and Matt Shanks is a funny, light-hearted story of a crooked Christmas tree, bickering baubles, a grumpy nutcracker and a cat-and-mouse chase that goes terribly wrong. With a nod to the classic ‘The Night Before Christmas’, this rollicking poem positions a clever little gingerbread man and some nifty geometry as rescuers, restoring everything to its rightful place before Santa’s arrival.
Published by HarperCollins Children’s books.
This is an Elf by Beck & Matt Stanton is absolutely a book that begs to be read aloud. It posits nonsense ‘facts’ which are humorously contradicted by the bright, simple illustrations.
Kids will adore shouting ‘NO!!!’ as pages ask them to agree that a candle is a Christmas tree and a reindeer an elf. It’s a fun scramble through Christmas icons, turning each of them on their head.
Published by ABC Kids, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.
A Barney and Gumnut Christmas explores different Christmas experiences as the koala, Barney, is asked by his furry and feathered friends ‘What does Christmas actually mean?’
Is it celebrating with friends, getting and giving presents, swimming in the creek, games and naps, Christmas food, decorations, camping and making wishes on a shooting star? Perhaps it can be any or all of those things. The four friends find their own ways to share their Christmas ideas together.
This one is a large format books, which allows the gentle, detailed illustrations to really shine.
Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books
A Song for the King is a gentle re-telling of the nativity story, but told through the experience of three young animals who love to sing: a donkey, a lamb and a camel.
Sent away because their voices sound raucous and loud to the villagers, they learn to keep quiet – until they witness the birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem and come together once more to give voice to their feelings of joy, love and peace.
This one is written by Katrina Nannestad and illustrated by Freya Blackwood, both of whom number amongst my most-admired in the Australian children’s book world.
It was published by ABC Kids, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.All of these titles were published in August and September 2025. My thanks to the publishers for review copies.
Immersive adventures for kids: ‘Revenge of the Barbarians’ by S J Morris
I was contacted by the author of this novel for middle grade readers, asking if I’d be interested in writing a review. Since it is a life mission of mine to encourage young readers to fall in love with historical fiction, of course I said yes.
Revenge of the Barbarians is set in Roman-ruled Britain, and the author has planned a whole series of similar books set in different historical times and places. Fabulous idea.
As the series name suggests (Time Path Adventures) the book is of the ‘choose your own adventure’ genre. Each small chapter allows the reader to choose one of three next step options, and be directed to the appropriate page for that choice. The options vary (from the relatively ‘safe’ to the definitely adventurous) and each next step, of course, offers further options. There are several chapters which eventually readers will land on, which serve as resolutions (again, varied) to the story.
The added bonus is that readers can go back and choose a different option to see where it leads, as many times as they wish.
The book is written in present tense and second person point of view, addressing the reader as ‘you’. This is a powerful way to immediately engage readers and make them a central part of the narrative.
It opens with the main character (the reader) as a youngster in Roman-controlled Fort Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall, needing to respond to a definitely scary scenario. A frightened messenger has just arrived, babbling about ‘eyes in the forest’. Is this a group of Calendonian barbarians about to invade? Or something to do with the magic of the Celtic Druids that appear and disappear in mysterious ways? What to do: report the situation to the disbelieving adults at the fort, or investigate yourself?
What I enjoyed about this book is that the author asserts in the preface that ‘history should never be boring’, then proves why, with an adventure that keeps the pages turning. There are dollops of humour, too, of the type youngsters will definitely enjoy (latrine jokes, anyone?)
I also love that there are many historical details sprinkled throughout, based on real history. There’s a helpful Glossary right at the beginning so that any readers not familiar with aspects of ancient Rome can quickly find the info there.
A terrific start to a promising series for younger readers that will be sure to engage and – I’m sure – turn them onto historical fiction.
Revenge of the Barbarians was published by Time Path Adventures in 2025 and is available on Amazon books.
My thanks to the author for a review copy.Keeping it real for kids: New picture book releases from HarperCollins
Andrew Daddo’s Grandpa’s Guide to Happiness follows on from the earlier Grandma’s Guide to Happiness, another in a recent trend of books for children celebrating the special role that grandparents can play in youngsters’ lives. The grandpa here knows that it’s the simple things that make life worth living: keeping busy, tinkering in the shed, enjoying time outdoors, playing music and games (even if you’re not very good at either), spending time making happy memories. Celebrating ‘a job well done. Or done well. Or just done’ with a cup of tea and maybe cake.
There are some chuckle-worthy moments, including the twosome on Grandpa’s motorbike, wearing helmets but no other safety gear, accompanied by the text:
‘I love my Grandpa’s old motorbike, with the special spot just for me.
When he gets it going, he reckons we’ll ride it for real.’
It was then I noticed that the illustration showed the bike chocked up on bricks. Cute.The illustrations reflects Christopher Nielsen’s passion for mid-century culture and design and add another level of humour to the story.
Worst Farmer Ever is written by Pat Cummins with Michael Wagner, Cummins possibly better known as captain of the Australian cricket team. A cricketing theme does sneak in at the end, so no surprises there. It’s a cute story of Farmer Pat who, with son Albie, goes about their farm spotting problems that must be fixed: a hole in the fence of the cow paddock, a leaking water trough, apples being eaten by birds.
Pat has what we might call creative solutions to these problems, much to Albie’s delighted admiration. But while the text tells one story, little eyes will enjoy seeing the real results of Farmer Pat’s ‘fixes’ in the clever illustrations by Louis Shea.
The Amazing True Story of How Babies Are Made by Fiona Katauskas is not a new book, but a special updated release to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its publication.
WIth cartoon-like (but accurate) illustrations and plain, factual text perfect for younger children, the whole story of human reproduction is told: from the physical differences between baby boys and girls, changes during puberty, sex and the fertilisation of egg and sperm, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding.
It’s an inclusive telling which also explains multiple births, IVF, caesarian births, etc.
Along with the frank and honest narration there are touches of humour especially in the illustrations.
This one is a perennial; it deserves to stay on the shelves for a very long time.
All of these titles are being released by HarperCollins Children’s Books in July 2025.
My thanks to the publishers for copies to review.Final in a terrific series: ‘Ming and Maria Explore the Universe’ by Jackie French
In her wonderful Girls who Changed the World series, Australian author Jackie French set out to introduce middle grade readers to women whose achievements have been overlooked, obscured or forgotten by traditional historical accounts. My review of the first in the series is here.
The novels employ a mix of historical and speculative fiction as the central character, Ming Qong, is transported by Herstory (History’s sister) back to various historical periods, where she meets a different character from history and participates in ground-breaking events of that time.
In this, the fifth and final in the series, Ming is sent to Nantucket Island in 1836, where she meets the members of the Society of Friends (or Quaker) community who settled there. This time, Herstory has promised Ming that she will meet her mother, who disappeared from her life soon after she and her twin brother Tuan were born.
On the island Ming meets an elderly widow and a wealthy newcomer to the island, and is left guessing about her mother’s identity. In the meantime, though, she is thrilled to also connect with a teenaged Maria Mitchell, who she knows from her history lessons will go on to become a scientist and astronomer esteemed around the world.
On Nantucket Maria has established her own school which she conducts in a way that excites a love of learning and exploration on the part of every pupil there, and Ming joins her one snowy night to look at the stars through a telescope at Maria’s home. Although the equipment is much more rudimentary than that which Ming herself has used in her own time, the thrill of sharing that moment with a young woman who will one day be such a luminary in astronomy is a wonderful experience.
The novel ends with Ming learning the identity of her mother – from a very unexpected source.
As always with any Jackie French historical fiction, this one is well researched and conjures the setting of both place and time with a light touch. The addition of time travel adds another layer of interest and thoughtfulness in this excellent series. Highly recommended for middle grade readers.
Ming and Maria Explore the Universe is published by Angus & Robinson, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books, in April 2025.
My thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
