My Brother Otto

My Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna (Text Publishing) RRP: $14.99 ISBN 9781923058729

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

Warning: This book should be read with a box of tissues handy.

My Brother Otto is the story of Quinn preparing for the arrival of a baby brother. We are introduced to the familiar emotions many families and prospective sisters would go through. Everyone's excited about the new baby to arrive, Otto. Mum and Alex are so interested in Baby Otto and Quinn feels sidelined. Why can't things stay the way they are? She doesn't want to share her room. She liked it better when they had time to care about her life.

 But this isn't a simple "jealous big sister" story. Otto is born prematurely and the family is thrown into turmoil when he struggles to survive. Otto will not come home immediately and must stay in the neonatal intensive care unit until he grows more. Quinn sees Mum and Alex's happy excitement turn to concern, tiredness and fear.

It's a journey that's emotionally tiring in what seems a simple story. Small moments like Baby Otto grasping Quinn's finger are amazingly powerful. Laguna has used her own experience with premature births to communicate a story about family, love, worry and loss that's authentic.

I liked how Quinn goes through many realistic stages of coming to terms with her brother's situation. She develops to become a great sister yet she's understandably upset by the attention Otto may take up and how taking care of him might change the life she's used to.

The story is told in language very accessible to children aged around 8 years and older. However accurate terminology was used that didn't seem patronising and added to the book's authenticity. The explanations for complications in premature birth were simple and well-targeted. The ideas and emotions introduced are deep and sensitively-handled. It's an ideal book for helping children to come to terms with difficult subject matter in families.  

The Wells of Callystra

The Wells of Callystra, Book 8 by Elizabeth Klein

Through sheer desperation, a perilous journey to the mountains of Karakor is undertaken by elf prince, Aeron Bregolas. Once there, he manages to unite his elven tribe with the largest dwarf kingdom in Bethloria. But at what cost? To save both himself and his men, he is forced to activate an ancient talisman with devastating consequences to himself. His one possible salvation is to accept a half-caste’s prophetic vision to travel to Mount Callystra to seek the waters of a mythical well. It alone can reverse the deadly effects. But when forces out of his control are sent to stop him, he realises locating it won’t be as simple as he thinks. 

Truths will be revealed. Allies will be forged and traitors exposed. Above all, the spark of love will ignite two hearts.

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey written and illustrated by Myke Mollard (Woodslane Press) HB Non-Fiction, RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922800589

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Myke Mollard’s Birds of Prey is a stunning graphic wildlife publication exploring the world of raptors and predatory birds of the world.

Published by Woodslane Press and featuring both words and illustrations by Mollard, this hardcover edition offers readers a fresh perspective on these magnificent creatures.

The visually detailed artwork combined with accessible explanations makes it an ideal choice for both young readers and adults interested in avian wildlife.

Mollard's passion for the subject is evident on every page, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds of prey.

With its engaging style and comprehensive coverage, this book is a wonderful addition to any nature lover’s bookshelf.

Custom Caricatures

Do you need a book character or custom caricature created?  Maybe some finger or hand puppets for storytelling, school or author visits? Then look no further! I make to order, using your illustrations as a reference, and have brought many author's characters to life. 

You can view examples at this link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/3096907484.html

Debra Williams, author, aka Clewer Puppets. 

Liam the Chid and the Kangaroo Warriors

Liam the Chid and the Kangaroo Warriors by Meredith Downes (Bugalugs Books) ISBN  978-1-7637733-0-1 RRP $18.99 (PB) Middle Grade Fiction

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

Liam the echidna is teased and bullied by almost every creature in Boggy Creek. His ‘crime’ is that he is different from others. He also has a strong thirst for adventure and is constantly challenging himself which, unfortunately, often lands him trouble.

Liam doesn’t let the opinions of others intimidate him; instead, he stands up for himself - even against the Gang of nasty goannas – and decides he will fight back. This decision leads Liam on an epic adventure to Roo Plains, where he hopes to learn the art of combat and become a warrior. Things don’t go the way Liam had planned, however, along the way he forms strong friendships and learns a lot about himself and about what it takes to be a warrior.

This fun adventure story for 8-12-year-olds has a distinctive Australian flavour. Downes’ love of Australian landscapes and animals is evident in both the setting and the characters she has created. Her well-described cast of characters includes ‘gossiping lorikeets’, a gang of gangster goannas, Unu an unwise owl, an adorable turtle called Flip and a mob of muscley Red Kangaroos. Readers will immediately empathise with the protagonist, Liam the echidna, and will cheer for him all the way along his hazardous quest.

This is the first book in an intended series. It comes with freely downloadable Teachers’ Notes, with links to the curriculum in English, Science and HASS, making it a great classroom resource. It will strongly appeal to young readers who have a love of animals and who enjoy stories that take them on a rollicking adventure.

Brave in Every Which Way

Brave in Every Which Way written by Maddy Mara, illustrated by Lauren Degraaf (Affirm Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781922806772

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Brave in Every Which Way by Maddy Mara, with illustrations by Lauren Degraaf, is a heartfelt and empowering picture book that gently redefines bravery for young readers. Rather than focusing on dramatic or dangerous feats, this book celebrates the quiet, everyday moments where children can show courage in their own lives.

The narrative is very relatable, making it clear that bravery isn’t reserved for superheroes or daredevils. Instead, it’s found in the small but significant choices children make each day—like apologising when they’ve made a mistake, trying something unfamiliar, reaching out for help when they need it, or standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly. These examples help demystify the concept of bravery, making it approachable and achievable for every child.

Lauren Degraaf’s illustrations add warmth and vibrancy, perfectly complementing the text and inviting children to see themselves in the characters. The art brings to life the emotions and situations described, reinforcing the message that courage comes in many forms and is within everyone’s reach.

Published by Affirm Press, this picture book is yet another valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregiver’s toolkit who want to nurture resilience and empathy in children. It encourages open conversations about feelings, challenges, and the importance of kindness and self-belief.

Brave in Every Which Way, in summary, is a special picture book that will inspire children to recognise and celebrate their own acts of bravery, no matter how big or small. It’s a gentle reminder that being brave is not about the size of the act, but the heart behind it. Recommended for children aged 3 years of age and up.

 

 

Don’t Fall for the Trick

Don’t Fall for the Trick written by Jennifer Bain, illustrated by Scott Stuart (Affirm Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781923022942

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Don’t Fall for the Trick is a vibrant and timely picture book that tackles the persistent issue of gender stereotypes with clarity and warmth. Written by Jennifer Bain and brought to life by the expressive illustrations of Scott Stuart, this book is published by Affirm Press and is positioned as a practical guide for children and families to recognise and challenge the limiting beliefs that often surround gender roles.

The narrative is engaging and accessible, making this complex social concept understandable for young readers. Bain’s writing is both empowering and encouraging, inviting children to question the “tricks” or false ideas they may encounter about what boys and girls can or should do. The book’s tone is positive and supportive, aiming to build confidence and resilience in its audience.

Scott Stuart’s artwork complements the text beautifully, using bold colours and expressive characters to reinforce the message that everyone should feel free to be themselves, regardless of societal expectations. The illustrations add a layer of fun and relatability, making the book appealing for both children and adults.

Don’t Fall for the Trick stands out as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in promoting gender equality from an early age. It not only sparks important conversations but also provides practical examples and scenarios that children might face, helping them to recognize stereotypes and respond with confidence.

Recommended for children aged 4 to 8 years.