"I Want to be a Superhero by Breanna Humes is a lighthearted story about the author’s dream of being a special superhero as a little child. Written by the author when she was just eight years old, the story is easily relatable to audiences of all ages, especially the younger ones – we had all wanted to be a superhero at some point in our childhood, or perhaps, even as adults! It consists of a beautiful underlying message, that we should never stop dreaming, no matter what others say or how impossible our dreams may be. The book also invites its readers to reflect upon and discuss what it means to be a superhero, especially in today’s society.
The language used in the story is simple and easily understood, even by younger audiences. The illustrations, being colourful and childlike, are especially appealing, as if they were drawn by a child, which fits in perfectly with the overall concept of the book – a story written by a child, accompanied by illustrations that are drawn to depict those done by children.
This is an especially heartwarming story that will appeal to anyone, child or adult, who has ever dreamed of being a superhero."
Jessie Kee
This gentle story set in the rugged Australian bush is about a small calf who becomes separated from his family. The little calf is alone and simply wants his mother, sisters and brothers. He can see other animals, and after running to the river, manages to ask some horses if they are his family. The calf's family have been taken away in the back of a noisy truck. So begins the little calf's journey to find his family.
In Found we share the calf's point of view in an evocative story, accompanied by stunning illustrations.
"Firstly, this is a beautiful book. It thoroughly deserved its win of the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award. The landscapes are bright and clear, immediately throwing us into the great red Aussie environment. The animals are painted with care and empathy, their movements alive on the page, and their emotions clear. My children particularly resonated with the lost calf, and were able to see the calf’s emotions on the page—including anxiety, sadness, fear, relief, happiness, and calmness.
Bruce Pascoe has been published widely in adult and young adult literature, but this is his first children’s picture book. ‘Found’ is a sweet story of a lost calf and his journey to find his family. It resonates with emotion that children will connect with. Who hasn’t been separated from their caregivers before? It also shows resilience, decision-making, and dealing with fear. I liked the calf’s positive comparisons between different animals and himself. My children loved seeing and talking about the calf’s journey across the Australian landscape. Recommended! "
Emma Gill
A unique picture book collaboration about having fun, sharing culture and the power of story and dance. A picture book to get the whole town dancing.
From pizza shop to bora ground, here is a joyous celebration of food, dance and cultural understanding. When three young boys go to a pizza parlour and meet an Aboriginal chef who can speak Italian and make a deadly pizza, they're in for a surprise!
All you fellas watching, come up, join in, warrima.
Clap your hands, little ones.
Stamp your feet, nannas.
Get down and dance, you smart young things, mummas and daddas.
Let's get the whole town dancing!
Boori Monty Pryor is a storyteller, dancer, writer and educator, and Jan Ormerod is an internationally acclaimed picture-book author and illustrator. This glorious book is the first one they have cooked up together.
Adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song 'The Children Came Back', Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth.
Readers will recognise Briggs' distinctive voice and contagious energy within the pages of Our Home, Our Heartbeat, signifying a new and exciting chapter in children's Indigenous publishing.
"Our home, our heartbeat is a wonderful picture book that celebrates Indigenous success in all its many forms. The old adage "you can't be what you can't see' is the central theme of this book and puts First Nations People front and centre and shows children a range of people from many different fields being successful. This book perfectly captures how children copy their idols through play and the illustrations by Kate Moon and Rachael Sarra are a loving depiction of childhood fun and joy.
The book also contains a description of each Indigenous person or group, as well as their achievements to highlight their important work and contributions. With the use of strong colour and short, sharp words the message is simple to understand and enjoy at any age. This book is also important in displaying the diversity of Indigenous achievement and is a celebration of excellence. It would make a great addition to any bookcase"
Marie Leydon