George Speaks by Dick King Smith

Bookseller blurb: Laura is amazed when her baby brother George starts talking to her when he's only four weeks old, particularly as he sounds like a grown-up! It's a big secret to keep from their parents and the rest of the family and leads to all sorts of comic confusion until George's first birthday - when he makes a speech to his startled family.

This little junior novel is just plain fun. It would be terrific family or class read aloud. The baby is not supposed to be able to talk let alone do times tables and even read! And his birthday speech is magnificent.

The copy I found in a library was published in 1988 so I held my breath thinking this book would surely be out of print - but NO. Here is the ISBN for the 2021 reprint [9780141316406]. My copy has illustrations by Judy Brown - here is the old cover. I am not sure who has illustrated this newer copy. 

And here are some other covers - you could use these in a library session as a discussion starter about covers and book designers and fonts and reader appeal.

This version is illustrated by Chris Riddell

Dick King-Smith served in the Grenadier Guards during the Second World War and afterwards spent twenty years as a farmer in Gloucestershire, the county of his birth. Many of his stories are inspired by his farming experiences. Later he taught at a village primary school. His first book, The Fox Busters, was published in 1978. He wrote a great number of children’s books, including The Sheep-Pig (winner of the Guardian Award and filmed as Babe), Harry’s Mad, Noah’s Brother, The Queen’s Nose, Martin’s Mice, Ace, The Cuckoo Child and Harriet’s Hare (winner of the Children’s Book Award in 1995). At the British Book Awards in 1991 he was voted Children’s Author of the Year. In 2009 he was made an OBE for services to children’s literature. Dick King-Smith died in 2011 at the age of eighty-eight.

You might also have a really old book in your library called Crumbs by Emily Rodda which is also about a baby who can talk.

Mouse and Spoon Book Series by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Janna Mattia

When I saw this book cover on social media I was intrigued. I am a huge huge huge fan of Cynthia Rylant. She writes absolutely PERFECT little stories for children who are just beginning to develop reading confidence. Series such as Mr Putter and Tabby; Henry and Mudge; Annie and Snowball; The High-Rise Private Eye; The Lighthouse Family and now Mouse and Spoon.

I started exploring this series by reading book 2 - Owlets and Tarts - on my Kindle. Sadly, may be a little difficult to find here in Australia but they are fairly new so you can order them. I found them listed at Readings in Melbourne for just AUS$13.

Blurb: Mom and Dad Owl are exhausted—their three little owlets refuse to go to sleep. They need pillow tarts for their babies, and quickly! Will Ginger, Tom, and Piper at the Mouse and Spoon Bakery be able to help?

Here is the full review from the School Library Journal:

A long-reigning master of fiction for emerging readers, Rylant nails it again with this sweet new series about a bakery owned by a family of mice. In this installment, the mice are tasked with creating the perfect confection for owl parents who have been getting no sleep thanks to their three newly hatched owlets. The mice sift, roll, and knead until they have baked “three perfect Pillow Tarts” on which the owlets finally fall asleep. Rylant crafts a tale that is engaging without sacrificing decodability, and Mattia’s pastel-hued illustrations have a timeless quality that suits the story perfectly. The bedraggled owl parents add a touch of slapstick humor, and readers are sure to root for this trio of feisty mice. ­

The Elephants Birthday blurb: The baker mice are in for a surprise when an elephant places a large birthday order for over 100 pound cakes--plus some banana bread for her monkey friends! Can the little mice fill this very big order?  Read the review

Rabbit Tea blurb: A rabbit is having a tea party and needs lots of treats! Will Ginger, Piper, and Tom at the Mouse and Spoon Bakery be able to bake enough carrot cakes in time?

A Porcupine Wedding blurb: Ginger, Piper, and Tom of the Mouse and Spoon Bakery have a very important job: making lots of super sticky buns for a porcupine wedding!

Cynthia Rylant is an American librarian and author, who was born on 6th June 1954. She has written over 100 children’s books.

Carrie and the Roller Blade Boots by Lisa Thompson illustrated by Jess Rose

In the children's school each week there is an assembly called Friday Fun Time. The young children (I imagine in Kindergarten or perhaps Grade One) are allowed to come on the stage and share their special talent. Sidney has been learning to tap dance. It is not easy but he has been practicing for a long time ready for his special moment. But what about Carrie - she is his friend - but does she have a special talent? 

Carrie and Sidney like to watch a talent show on television and one day they see a girl doing amazing tricks wearing roller boots. "As luck would have it" Carrie and her dad see some roller boots in a local charity shop and by an amazing coincidence they are exactly the right size.  Carrie expects to put in the boots and begin to skate up a storm - but of course she falls down and down and down. Will Carrie master this new skill and can she please say yes to the offer of help from her best friend Sidney. I am sure many young readers will relate to the ups and downs of this story. 

Bookseller blurb: Carrie's best friend Sidney is planning to show off his tap-dancing skills during Friday Fun Time at school and Carrie wants to join in. She plans an amazing routine where Sidney will dance and she will roller skate. But there's one big problem .... Carrie has never roller skated before. Will the performance end in disaster or will their friendship help them to dazzle the audience?

Carrie and the Roller Blade Boots is the second book featuring Sidney. The library I visit each week do something very helpful for the children. They add a little yellow circle sticker on the front cover of books in a series and add a number. I would have had no idea Carrie and the Roller Boots was the second book about these two friends. Note it is not the second book in the Little Gems series just the second book by Lisa Thompson where we meet Sidney and Carrie. 

Sidney Makes a Wish

I have talked previously about this series called Little Gems published by Barrington Stoke. Pop that name in my side bar or click the label at the bottom of this post. I know school library budgets here in Australia are shrinking but if you can afford to add books to your library, I highly recommend the Little Gems.

Here are some of the famous authors who write for this series: Holly Webb, Michael Morpurgo, Anne Fine, Dick King Smith, Jeremy Strong, Nick Sharratt, Alexander McCall Smith, Eoin Colfer, Ian Beck, Joseph Coelho and Julia Donaldson. 

Little Gems are gorgeous early reader chapter books, written by the cream of children’s talent, with super-readable layouts and design, and a chunky friendly format. Each Little Gem is fully illustrated and they are packed with fun extras and activities. The Little Gems are published with high quality cream paper, the special Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page.

The Missing Bunny by Holly Webb illustrated by Antonia Woodward

Bookseller blurb: Annie is really excited about her new pet rabbits and can’ t wait to welcome them into the amazing new home her dad has built for them. But when Annie is in a rush to get to school the next morning, she doesn’t check that the door to the hutch is shut properly, and one of the rabbits, Humbug, escapes. Can Annie find Humbug in time to save her from the neighbourhood fox … ?

There is just the right amount of tension and emotion in this story. Annie loves her two bunnies but it isn't really a surprise when one escapes after the hutch is not quite shut properly. Luckily little Humbug does not go to far and luckily Annie is brave enough to check her garden late that night so we can all enjoy the happy ending. 

This book is from the Little Gems series by Barrington Stoke. I love these little books for these reasons:

• The paper is the very best quality - so these books will last a long time in a library
• They have colour illustrations which will appeal to beginning readers
• Barrington Stoke ask top UK authors (and illustrators) to write these simple little stories
• The stories are easy to understand and so well written they are sure to be enjoyed by young readers and by parents too
• Every book contains a bonus puzzle or two - I do enjoy doing these
• The size is perfect - slightly smaller than a regular paperback novel
• There are so many titles in this series you are sure to find one you will enjoy
• These books are perfect for readers aged 6-8
• Here in Australia these books are priced between AUS$11 and AUS$20.

Holly Webb is the author of over 150 books for all ages not just these Little Gems. I am sure you will find some of her books in your school or public library. 

Here are two more titles she has written for the Little Gems series:

You might also look for The Beach Puppy

Saskia Spark-Lee Trading Trouble by Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg

I picked this book up by mistake. The second book from this series is a CBCA Younger Readers Notable title but anyway I did enjoy this first installment (published 2023). In fact this easy chapter book was a total surprise. I expected it would be a fairly light weight story, but this story explores deeper themes of honesty, jealousy, problem solving and remorse.

Saskia is a collector especially of things that sparkle (think about her name). She lives with her two dads. One is a great cook. Saskia has a wonderful friend at school and each day the pair of them have fun guessing what might be in their lunch boxes and then swapping the different treats and sandwiches. At lunch time one day Saskia sees a girl from her class with a wonderful large piece of sparkling quartz. It would be a fabulous addition to her collection. Without thinking about the consequences Saskia tells Athena about the real diamond she has at home. Saskia offers to swap her tiny diamond for the lovely piece of quartz. Does Saskia really have a diamond? No. But how can she undo this terrible lie.

I love the role adults play in this story. Dad (Da) has a great idea about how to tell the truth but also smooth over this relationship. At the same time, unknown to Saskia, Athena's mum also has a solution which means as readers we can all enjoy the resolution to this problem and it feels realistic, kind and very satisfying. 

Here are the Scholastic Standing Order teachers notes. 

I have been reading my way through the 2025 CBCA Younger Readers Notable titles. Saskia Spark-Lee Trading trouble is the first book in this series featuring Saskia Spark-Lee. The second book Fundraiser Fail is a CBCA Notable and tomorrow the short-listed books will be announced. There are 14 books in this category I have not read (although I did browse through a few of the pop titles - reading just their first few pages until the word 'fart' was mentioned then I thought I should really spend my time on books that I think meet the CBCA criteria because this is a literary award not a pop one). I will need to hunt out this book because it is an important part of the CBCA judging that books from a series must stand alone. Here is the webpage for Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg. 

Here is the notable title from the CBCA 2025 Younger Readers list:

Publisher blurb: Saskia Spark-Lee loves animals – she’s almost adopted a whole zoo-worth! But when Da and Dee say they can’t add another to the collection, she must come up with a new plan to continue supporting her furry friends. With some help from Nanna, and the amazing fundraising skills of her friends, Saskia may find where there's a will there's a way!

The Younger Readers 2025 CBCA judges said: This book is ideal for the younger end of the category. Although only 64 pages, it’s packed with substance – excellent plotting with tension maintained throughout, and good authentic characterisation with a strong voice. The topics are appealing to the age level, and the book is accessible with illustrations in halftone and line. The themes of prioritising competing values, animal conservation, advocacy and charity are explored in a way that is accessible to the intended audience and this series does not talk down to readers. Similarly, it includes some vocabulary that will challenge readers such as ‘solemn’ and ‘dilemma’. There is also a diverse representation of characters including Saskia’s two dads and her multicultural classmates. This book will entice but not intimidate younger readers.

The Twin Giants by Dick King Smith illustrated by Mini Grey

This story begins on Mountain Number One.

"Once upon a time there lived two brother giants. Twin brothers, in fact, something that's rare among giants. When the first one was born, his giant father looked at the huge baby and said 'Isn't be e-nor-mous!' And when the second one arrived, his giant mother looked at the huge baby and said 'There's a-lot-ov-im!'"

This is how the boys were given their names - Lottavim (Lot) and Normus (Norm). The twins were best friends and alike in every way except when it came to food. Lottavin liked meat while Normus liked vegetables. After a wonderful childhood the boys finally reached their full height of eighteen feet. 

"It's about time I found a wife." They both said.

Now we move to Mountain Number Two and Mountain Number Three.

Lot goes to Mountain Two where he meets a giantess but sadly she is a vegetarian. On Mountain Three Norm also meets a giantess but she is a meat eater. The boys rush to swap places but because they look completely alike both giantesses say NO. 

Sadly they trudge onto Mountain Seven.

They do not want to fight over finding a wife so they head off to different sides of the mountain. Lot finds a beautiful giantess.

"She was almost as tall has him ... and her hair was corn-coloured and her eyes sea blue and her teeth pearly white. Lottavim stared at her dumbstruck". 

Georgina agrees to be his wife but what about Norm. When he sees Georgina he falls totally in love too.  Now we have a real problem. Two giants and one giantess. How can this be resolved? I am sure the happy ending will totally surprise and delight you. 

The Twin Giants will be treasured for years. It's perfect for reading to children, reading together, and then to read alone. The story, the language, everything, are perfectly pitched, and will never feel too babyish or too grown up. There's a gentle level of humour throughout (best summed up by the names of the giants), which puts a smile on everyone's face. It's a warm, cosy, and lovely book. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to love every last page of it. Highly recommended. The Book Bag

The Twin Giants was first published in 2007 so sadly it is long out of print, but you might find a copy in a library. It has been issued with three different covers. Listen to an audio sample here. I used to teach a unit of work to my Grade 4 groups about conflict resolution - this book would be a perfect one for that topic. 

Dick King-Smith served in the Grenadier Guards during the Second World War and afterwards spent twenty years as a farmer in Gloucestershire, the county of his birth. Many of his stories are inspired by his farming experiences. He wrote a great number of children's books, including The Sheep-Pig (winner of the Guardian Award and filmed as Babe), Harry's Mad, The Hodgeheg, Martin's Mice, The Invisible Dog, The Queen's Nose and The Crowstarver. At the British Book Awards in 1991 he was voted Children's Author of the Year. In 2009 he was made OBE for services to children's literature. Dick King-Smith died in 2011 at the age of eighty-eight. Booktrust

Ark in the Park by Wendy Orr illustrated by Kerry Millard

"But every night, Mr and Mrs Noah wished one impossible wish - they wished they had grandchildren."

"Sophie's mother and father came from a country a long way away and Sophie did not have grandparents or aunts and uncles to visit. She did not have cousins to call on the phone or visit on holidays."

Sophie lives in a busy family. Mum and Dad have to go to work, and they are also juggling twin toddlers. Sophie lives near a large park but to get there she has to cross a busy road. Notice that word - busy. The road is busy and mum and dad are too busy to take Sophie across to the park. Why does she want to go there? Because - well take a look at the title of this book. There is an ark in the park. How can there be an ark? What is an ark? Is this in any way connected with the person called Noah? And of course, does the ark have anything to do with animals?

Yes - is the answer to nearly all of these questions. Mr and Mrs Noah live and actually built a ship like an ark and it is in the park. It is their home of course but it is also a pet shop with seven different levels or decks. The animals are pets not wild jungle animals such as elephants. There are dogs, cats, birds, some tortoises and even a deck for snakes. 

Mr and Mrs Noah do not have any children and that is a sadness but now that they are quite old what they would really love is some grandchildren.

I guess you have "joined the story dots".  Sophie is lonely. Sophie lives near the park. Is there a way they all can meet?

For her birthday Sophie asks mum and dad to take her to the park. She has been watching the ark from her apartment window, and she knows it is a curious place, but she has no idea how this visit will change her life, change the lives of Mr and Mrs Noah and even help her mum and dad find their own welcoming place in the community. 

There is one of those little street libraries near my house. I often walk past on my way back from shopping. Today I spied Ark in the Park. I first read this in 1994 and even though that is now thirty years ago the story lingered with me. Listen to an audio sample here from chapter 2. 

The magic of getting what you wish for is told in graceful prose full of gentleness and whimsy; the beguiling line drawings are full of amusing details that invite closer scrutiny, especially as they work their way in and out of the text. Satisfying and most charming. Kirkus 

Ark in the Park won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers in 1995. I am thrilled to see there are copies still available but if you are reading this in 2024 I suggest you will need to act very quickly. This heavily reduced price makes me think this online supplier will have limited stock. It is sad that here in Australia our award winners are so rarely reprinted. My copy from the street library is not in very good shape but I will gift it to a young reader who has just finished her first year of school - I am certain she will enjoy this easy chapter book and I think she will also love the lively pen illustrations by Kerry Millard.

See more books by Wendy Orr here. Here is a Q&A with Wendy Orr from 2012. I was thrilled to read she loved Rumer Godden as a child - me too!

POST UPDATE: Here is Wendy Orr's reply to my Instagram post:

I am so thrilled to have Ark in the Park coming out as an audiobook on Dec 12 and available for pre-order now, from Audible or Blackstone Audio. Huge thanks to Robert Hart for the audio production and narration tips, and to @sarah_bacaller of Thrive Audio for reaching out, producing and organising things. Here are the covers for its print editions, with the original cover art (and internals) done by Kerry Millard. This book is very special to me; it came straight from the heart and my memories of being a child in a foreign country and desperately wanting grandparents like my friends had. It was one of the first books I wrote, and knowing nothing about the rules of getting published, I just wrote it at the length and format as it appeared to me - so it had a lot of rejections! Finally I sent it to @cathiebooks, who was then at HarperCollins - her attitude was that nothing else was being published at that length - 3000 words - so let’s start doing it! It took several years and finally came out in 1994, winning Australian CBC book of the year in 95 and being shortlisted for many American awards.

Wendy Orr shared this audio version of Ark in the Park which has (I think) just been released with Wendy Orr herself as the narrator.  And here are some editions in other languages - some of these are still in print. I think the title of the Japanese version translates as Sophie's Wish. Wendy told me it is unlikely the English edition of Ark in the Park will ever be reprinted. 

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by LM Wilkinson illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

Titch (full name Tithonia Proudleaf) has heard the legends of Bravepaw her whole life. Her home is on a very high plateau and no one ever leaves not even to explore the Great Forest below. Titch has one terrific friend - another mouse named Huckleberry. Titch has one important job - to look after the pufflings and on this day she is supposed to move them to a higher pasture but, on the day of this story, Titch and Huckleberry meet an injured warrior. A hare flying a hang glider. He has flown up to their plateau and he tells the startled mice his name is Prince Vetiver. If this was not amazing enough the prince is being pursued by horrid creatures called curseworms. They feed on colour and life. They want the gem Prince Vetiver has had attached to his staff. This gem (it is called a Heartstone) once belonged to Bravepaw. In the battle the staff is thrown down and in an amazing turn of events it is young Titch who picks it up. She is somehow able to wield the power of this precious stone and she manages to defeat the curseworms although they will attack again. What made this happen? Is this somehow linked to the story of Bravepaw? Could Titch have a destiny beyond her wildest imagination? Is this the beginning of the adventure she once craved and if so what other terrible dangers lie ahead? And what of the Prophecy:

When the sky fills with shadows

And all is turned to grey

Bravepaw will come.

When hope turns to ashes

And all have lost their way

Bravepaw will come.

The Heart will light the dark

Night will turn to day

When Bravepaw comes.

Here are a few text quotes to give you a flavour of this story:

"The crystal at the top of the staff blazed into life. A wave of bright light burst from it, flooding the edge of the Plateau with a rainbow of colours. The curseworms were blown away from the warrior like apple blossom in a strong spring breeze."

"There were a strange band of maybe thirty creatures, many different kind. Titch saw frogs and lizards, a hedgehog, a shrew, a sparrow and even a pair of rabbits. They all looked of a type, though, with matted fur and rough, dirty clothes decorated with bones and insect shells. They shouted and hissed at each other as they walked showing off sharp teeth and clows."

These are the grabbers - they raid villages for valuables to sell at the Midnight Market.

"One of the grabbers - a one-eyed lizard - seemed to be in charge. He wore a toad skull on his head and walked at the front of the group, wearing a coat covered in pockets. Each pocket contained an earthenware flask or jar sealed with wax, and a large iron key hung from his belt."

This book is certain to be a CBCA 2025 Younger Readers Notable. We really need more junior novels like this - easy to read, short chapters, and an engrossing action packed story with very likeable characters and just the right amount of tension and drama. Bravepaw is the full package. I love the character names - even the minor ones like Hyssop Buttonbrow and the invented creatures such as the puffling (not related to baby puffins) named Dollop. Along with curseworms we also meet a huge creature called an eaglebear. I have a feeling the eaglebear will return in the second installment and that he will come to the aid of Titch and Huckleberry.

Here is the web page for LM (Lilli) Wilkinson. The illustrations are terrific too by Lavanya Naidu.

You can see the puffling Dollop in this illustration

This promises to be a fantastic illustrated series. Imaginative and full of fast-paced action, the characters are fantastic with carefully chosen names which makes things more exciting. Kids' Book Review

This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others.  Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria. Little Squirrels Booshelf

In the book, Wilkinson creates a richly imagined fantasy world in Alluria, complete with its own lore, magic, and mythical elements. The Heartstone of Alluria, a central plot device, hints at ancient powers and secrets that drive the story. This detailed setting invites readers to escape into a fully-realised universe that’s full of imagination. Better Reading

Here is book two:

I can see the Bravepaw series working so well as a steppingstone to other more complex animal hero and quest stories such as these:

The Legend of Podkin One-Ear

Poppy

Endling

There are fifteen books in this series (including a prequel)

Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Carmen Mok

Orris is an enterprising rat. He has made himself a cosy nest in a hole in a wall of an old barn. He has one comfortable slipper which he uses as a bed. The walls are covered with paper from old books and he has a yellow marble and a sardine can. 

On the label there is a picture of a king, and it seems as though he is looking straight into the eyes of Orris.

Orris hears the cries of a young owl who has become trapped in a rat trap in the barn. What should Orris do? Owls, even young ones like Timble, eat rats like Orris but then again, the king on his sardine tin keeps saying:

"Make the good and noble choice"

Can a small rat set an owl free? What might happen next? How does the telling of stories help these two find a way to solve their dilemma?

The last page of this book made my heart sing!

Oh, and find some butterscotch sweets to enjoy after you close the cover on this truly special book about friendship, kindness and courage. 

A simple tale about looking beneath surfaces that’s as sweet as butterscotch candy. Kirkus Star review

On Instagram Carmen Mok wrote about Orris and Timble and she said the highlights of reading this book in her family are:

• The charming and relatable character Orris the rat has a curmudgeonly exterior but a good heart.
• The lesson about choosing kindness, even when it’s hard or potentially dangerous.
• Beautiful watercolor illustrations by Carmen Mok bring the characters and setting to life.
• The book subtly highlights the power of storytelling in forming friendships.
• DiCamillo’s trademark ability to create heartwarming stories filled with real emotion makes it a perfect read for children and adults alike.

I would add to this list the delightful names of the two characters, 

You probably already know I am a huge fan of ALL books by Kate DiCamillo. I have read her two new books just this week. Along with loving her work I am also always on the hunt for books like Orris and Timble - junior or easy chapter books, with illustrations, short chapters and most importantly of all - a very satisfying story. Orris and Timble ticks all these boxes and it should be added to your library NOW so it can sit alongside these books about other unlikely friends. I do recommend shopping around for a good price here in Australia. I have seen this book listed between AUS$20 and AUS$35.  

Check out my posts with the label 'Unlikely Friends'

Here is the website for the illustrator Carmen Mok. You can see inside Orris and Timble here. Watch a five minute video with Kate DiCamillo and Carmen Mok.

Blurb from Candlewick: Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech. A small owl has gotten caught in a trap in the barn. Can Orris “make the good and noble choice” (as the king on his prized sardine can might recommend) and rescue the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies? And if he does, will he be ready for the consequences?

On each page of this book Carmen Mok adds a hand drawn frame with some delicate flowers beside the page number. It is a tiny detail, but it added to my delight over the design of this book. Here are some other books illustrated by Canadian illustrator Carmen Mok:

The second book from this series will be published in May 2025.

We sell a brand of sardines here in Australia which also features a king. This image could be a way to introduce this book to your library group.

After reading Orris and Timble try to find a copy of The Lion and the Mouse - either a picture book edition or from an Aesop anthology.

You can see inside this book here

Also take a look at the website of books by Brian Wildsmith

I also need to mention a long out of print book which features a rat (a little like Orris). I hope this book can be found in your local or school library - it is a perfect one for readers aged 8+. 

Walter

My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a Pinterest collection of stories that feature rats.