Little Puggle's Song by Vikki Conley illustrated by Helene Magisson

All of the birds contribute to the bush chorus. You can hear the little blue wren, the fantail, the Sulphur crested cockatoo, and the laughter of Brown Feather. Little Puggle longs to join them but he just cannot make a sound. Even the Kangaroo and Koala can grunt and click. Brown Feather is in charge of the orchestra. Brown Feather is a kookaburra but on the day they all need to sing to help the emu family with their eggs, Brown Feather is ill. How can the chorus still sing without their leader? Little Puggle has the answer. He has been quietly watching Brown Feather. He plucks a long quill from his back and the singing can begin!

Little Puggle's Song was a Notable Early Childhood Book of the Year by The Children's Book Council of Australia in 2020. Here are some brief teachers notes. I this interview Vikki Conley talks about the inspiration for her story and here is her webpage. Read this extensive review on The Neverending Bookshelf. In this video Vikki Conley reads her book. 

This deceptively simple story is  all about joining in, finding your own special talent and the warmth of community and of course, the power of music. Sure to appeal to the very young and everybody else as well. Storylinks

The stand out illustrations with beautiful colour and light create a dreamy Australian setting, and an instant connection with Little Puggle’s character. Vikki Conley’s captivating story-telling and Helene Magison’s pictures flow and lift each other to make a wholesome and stunning book with a cover so delightful that it warmed my heart before I even opened it. Kids' Book Review

Early in 2024 Orchestra Victoria turned Little Puggle's Song into a performance - I wish I had known about this - it must have been very special.

Hello and welcome to Little Puggles Song, one of Orchestra Victoria’s special Storytime Series, designed for our young and young-at-heart audiences. Telling stories is at the heart of what we do here at Orchestra Victoria, and we are so thrilled to bring you Vikki Conley’s book in a new and interactive way, with an enthralling composition by well-known composer Maria Grenfell and featuring a selection of our talented Orchestra Victoria musicians. We hope you enjoy the musical prowess of today’s performance as they bring this exciting musical score to life telling the story of Puggle, the young echidna who wants to find his voice so he can take part in the bush choir.

Here is the sequel:

I guess by now you have worked out the word puggle is the term for a baby echidna. I have often thought I would love to talk to an international audience of children's literature fans about our Australian animals and the way they are portrayed in picture books - especially the less well-known animals such as the echidna. 

• Echidnas, along with the platypus, are the only mammals known to lay eggs, placing them in the unique mammalian subclass of monotremes.
• An echidna’s tongue can shoot out of its snout at remarkable speeds, up to 100 times per minute, to capture ants and termites.
• Echidnas have a highly developed sense of smell and a significant portion of their brain is dedicated to olfactory processing.
• Echidnas make up 4 of the 5 surviving species of monotremes.
• Echidnas are great swimmers.
• Echidnas are covered in quills. These quills are made of keratin, the same material that makes up hair, claws, and fur. The keratin proteins harden into spikes that protect the echidna from harsh conditions and predators.
• Echidnas are powerful diggers.
• They produce milk from patches of skin. Young echidnas suckle on these patches and draw milk through pores in the mother echidna’s skin.
• Young echidnas suckle on these patches and draw milk through pores in the mother echidna’s skin.

I previously talked about these books by Vikki Conley:

Under the red shawl

Amira's Suitcase

Milly and the Mulberry tree

And I previously talked about these book illustrated by Helene Magisson:

Sarah's Two Nativities

The secret boat

Quickly Quickly

Before you were born

Measuring me by Nicola Kent

This book is such a delight. It will help a child make sense of themselves through a series of easy to understand comparisons. This book should be added to all preschool and Kindergarten classrooms. Every child will also potentially see themselves in these pages too:

The children depicted are diverse: one uses a walking aid, for example, and the girl on the cover has a tracheostomy to aid her breathing. Kent has a tracheostomy herself, and knows how vital it is for children with physical differences to find themselves represented incidentally ‘as part of the rainbow of humanity’ in books and other media. It’s particularly welcome to see a book about the wonders of the human body quietly taking this approach. Books for Keeps

• I'm as tall as ten tin cans.
• My nose can detect 50,000 different scent and my tongue has thousands of taste buds.
• The biggest bone is my thigh bone. It's about the height of a cat.
• When I'm standing still my body gives off enough energy to power a light bulb.

Written from the perspective of a child and featuring bright, adorable illustrations of different children, the book captures the sense of curiosity and wonder that children have for the world around them. It introduces the concept of measuring in a personal and relatable way, making it easier for young learners to grasp – and to have fun with!  Book Trust

This book would make a wonderful gift for a young child aged 3-6. If you are reading this book to your class Kane Miller the US publisher have a set of discussion questions. 

A brilliant bonus at the back of the book is an equally ingenious, sturdy, height chart. This has the usual measuring tape along one side, but tins in the middle and animals beside them so you can compare them to your own height and to each other. Emperor penguins are much larger than I imagined! You are encouraged to find other things to measure yourself against too and I can see this provoking lots of excited activity. Love Reading 4Kids

You can see lots of other books by Nicola Kent here. They sure do look appealing.

Starring Walter Pigeon by Suzanne Houghton

 

Walter Pigeon knows he is different. He loves movies and hopes to be a star one day. He spies a poster for a movie starring Walter Pigeon entitled Ace detective Jack Parker. Yay - he is in a movie! Walter assembles his kit and sets off to solve a mystery. Greer, a meek little pigeon, explains she has lost her laugh.

"Greer couldn't explain what it looked like ... 'but I know what it feels like ... It's like the tickly fizzy bubbles from a glass of lemonade ..."

"My laugh makes me heart light up and brightens my day."

"My laugh turns my frown upside down. It makes me tingle all over. My laugh makes me feel happy."

How will Walter ever solve the mystery of the missing laugh?

Adults will also enjoy the name choice - Walter Pigeon (1897-1984) was an actor who was "known for his "portrayals of men who prove both sturdy and wise".  There is also a fun visual twist on the last page.  I discovered this book (which is sadly now out of print but might be in some Australian school libraries) because my friend sets out fabulous book displays every week or two. This book was part of her pigeon books display and three borrowers took it home in June which is why she regularly displays her books so that borrowers can find them!

Here are a set of discussion questions to use with Starring Walter Pigeon. This is the first book by Australian author/illustrator Suzanne Houghton. Here are some of her other titles and you can see her work on Instagram:

Where are all the Christmas Beetles; Life in a Hollow

Companion books:

The Case of the Missing Tarts

Agatha May and the Angler Fish by Nora Morrison and Jessie Ann Foley illustrated by Mika Song

"Each of you scholars will research a creature that lives in the ocean. 

You'll learn all its features."

"Pick any sea-dweller from under the sun, but no two children 

may choose the same one!"

There is SO much to enjoy about this book. Agatha May is a clever child, but she is bouncing along to her own beat - I love her nonconformity. I also love her passion which in this case is for Anglerfish. Agatha waits in the line for her turn to select a fish to research:

"As Agatha listened, the tears gathered fast. She had no merit points! Her turn would be last! She was tardy and dreamy, her interests were odd, her fingers were charcoaled, her breath smelt like cod!"

I have listed this book as a picture book (fiction) but really it is both fiction and nonfiction. Agatha talks with so much authority about this fish and at the back of the book there are two pages of facts and further read. 

One of the brightest students I was ever lucky enough to work with in my Primary school was a little like young Agatha. Her schoolwork and desk were always completely messy (seemingly disorganised) but young Blair knew where everything was. I am sad to say her messy habits did infuriate her class teacher just as we see in this book with Mrs Marino. I wish I could wind back time and share this book with that teacher from my school. Blair was one of our school leaders and I know by the end of the year the teacher did come to appreciate her outstanding intelligence, but it did take a long while for him to understand this Grade Six girl. (She is now a senior associate in a legal firm).

Read more about the Anglerfish here. You might find a book in your school library about Anglerfish or a general fish book might have a chapter with details of this curious creature.

The satisfaction of seeing Agatha May rewarded for her fixation is rivaled only by Song’s marvelous watercolor embodiment of Agatha May’s untidy, obsessive self. Kirkus

Can you teach a fish to climb a tree? by Jane Godwin illustrated by Terry Denton

 

Einstein did not say: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

This quote, by an unknown person, is the inspiration for this quirky book which celebrates difference and talent.

"Could a dog play the violin?"

"Could a baby bake a cake? Or a horse drive a car?"

"Do you think a lizard could ever learn to sail a boat?"

All of these propositions are preposterous but  then in the second half of this book Jane Godwin shines a spotlight on each animal and their own unique talent which, in an interesting twist, are mostly about survival such as the lizard camouflaging to avoid the kookaburra and the penguins huddling together to keep warm. Of course, the final focus is on all the wonderful things YOU can do. You almost need a magnifying glass to explore all the activities on this double page spread. 

The CBCA (Children's Book of the Year) Early Childhood judges said: Children will initially find the series of posed questions in this imaginative book, both preposterous and comical, a great device to engage them in reflections and discussions about self-acceptance, diversity and understanding others. Quirky, loose ink and watercolour illustrations, abounding in small humorous details, enhance the succinct narrative inviting children to follow the unfolding visual stories and create their own. The pace builds with the increasing silliness in the first half, which is followed by a more considered, thoughtful second half, cleverly incorporating fascinating facts about remarkable attributes of various animals (and human babies). Powerful yet with a light touch that feels fresh and unique, this interactive picture book will sit well in homes, libraries and educational settings.

Terry Denton’s iconic illustration style captures the humour of animals in ridiculous situations. His images are detailed, colourful and full of expression, inviting readers to take time to explore them, discovering new details with each read. Scholastic Australia ASO Teachers notes.

Other picture books that explore unique talents:

Best Test; and If Only

I like the debossed cover of Can you teach a fish to climb a tree? Children will enjoy running their fingers over the title. I am also happy to see Terry Denton returning to his earlier art style. Of course, he is famous for all the Storey Treehouse books but I am a huge fan of his early books such as Felix and Alexander and the little obscure book The Story of Imelda who used to be Small (two illustrations below) and also Night Noises by Margaret Wild, Ducky's Nest by Gillian Rubenstein and At the Cafe Splendid.

Felix and Alexander

Two pages from The Story of Imelda who used to be small by Morris Lurie (1984)

Here are some other books by Jane Godwin. I especially love Ivanhoe Swift left home at Six, Poor Fish, What do you wish for?  and The Best Hiding Place:

How to Build a Hug by Amy Gugliemo and Jacqueline Tourville illustrated by Giselle Potter

How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and her amazing squeeze machine 

Many Grade 4 classes here in NSW are reading a book called The Thing about Oliver which is a story told from the point of view of Oliver's sister. Oliver is severely autistic and this makes life very hard for Tilly. It seems everything they do is organised around the needs of her brother. Tilly lives on edge feeling responsible to keep her brother safe. Her own dreams are always pushed into the background.

Publisher blurb for How to Build a Hug: As a young girl, Temple Grandin loved folding paper kites, making obstacle courses, and building lean-tos. But she really didn’t like hugs. Temple wanted to be held—but to her, hugs felt like being stuffed inside the scratchiest sock in the world; like a tidal wave of dentist drills, sandpaper, and awful cologne, coming at her all at once. Would she ever get to enjoy the comfort of a hug? Then one day, Temple had an idea. If she couldn’t receive a hug, she would make one…she would build a hug machine!

You can see inside this book here. You can hear the book here - it begins at minute 4.25. How to Build a Hug was published in 2018. It is still available but sadly it is quite expensive here in Australia. 

I think it would be excellent to share How to Build a Hug after reading The Thing about Oliver. Temple Grandin is an autistic woman (albeit not as severely affected as Oliver) and this book we read about how she makes a success of her life. Dr Temple Grandin is now a professor of animal science and an advocate who shares her personal experiences of autism. Reading this book may give students a more balanced view of autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Also, this story is told from Temple's point of view which could allow some good discussion and comparison with The Thing about Oliver. 

"Sometimes when Temple was having a really bad day, she crawled under the sofa cushions and asked her little sister to hop on top. The smoosh of the heavy pillows felt cozy."

Temple Grandin is well-known for being an autism advocate, and this peek into her younger years, and her aversion to hugs is wonderfully done. We see the bright little girl struggling to enjoy something she knows others enjoy and how hard that is for her to live with. Stories like these help children understand how other children on the spectrum might think of touch and sound and could be comforting for children struggling to avoid touch – they are, after all, not alone. The Children's Book Review

You might like to explore other books illustrated by Giselle Potter. If you are interested in reading more picture book biographies (perhaps of people like Temple who I had not heard of) my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a splendid Pinterest collection which is well worth exploring. 

I do not agree with the way our NSW English units intensively study one text but if you want to see the Grade 4 (Stage 2) unit on the book The Thing about Oliver here is the link. I do wish the syllabus writers had considered including a list of other books to read either after or alongside The Thing about Oliver such as How to build a Hug.

Faelan the Wolf Book One: Odd Wolf Out by Juliette Maciver

 

Before I talk about this book I do need to give you a warning - this is Book One in a planned three book series and the first book ends with a cliff hanger which will leave you desperate for Book 2 which is published and available and then for Book 3 which is not out yet!

Faelan is different - he is a non-conformer in the wolf pack. He does not enjoy hunting for prey. He does not want to eat the forest creatures that are caught by the pack. He lives on his own in a small hut constructed from debris discarded by humans. He has a small vegetable plot, and he enjoys eating beans which he cooks on a small fire. The other wolves are suspicious of Faelan, they fear fire and so, many of the young wolves bully and ostracize him. Faelan is lonely but he has made friends with a skunk named Flora. Of course, this also horrifies the other wolves because they expect to eat creatures like Flora and not invite them to be a friend. 

The pack is ruled by an old wolf named Bardolph Lupus but he is growing old and weak. To some extent Bardolph has protected Faelan, but his son and heir named Weylin has a plan to reverse this. Faelan has been told his father and mother are dead. He has a faint memory of his mother and her singing, but his father is a mystery. Then he learns his father is not dead. He was banished from the pack and is now rumored to be the leader of the rival pack. His father's name is Varg and he is very dangerous.

This book is only 172 pages. It does contain some interesting ideas - such as the issue of battery hens, conformity versus nonconformity and the abuse of power. The character of Weylin is especially curious and I expect we will learn more about him in book 2. He wears gloves:

"Weylin rose to his hind legs, smoothed down the white gloves he always wore on his forepaws ... "

When Faelan visits Weylin's den he sees Weylin (who always purports to be brave and 'manly') has decorated his space with flowers and art. 

"Covering the entrance to this private chamber hung fine curtains of spider weave, again interlaced with flowers, this time tiny blue forget-me-nots, which were worked into the curtains in intricate patterns."

Here are the teachers notes from the publisher who describes this book as an anthropomorphic fantasy. These notes have more plot details.

If you are sharing this book with a class or introducing it in your library you could talk about the author's choices for character names: Avian (the chicken); Granny Beowulf (the healer who understands how to use herbs collected in the forest); and Flora (the skunk - she does not smell like flowers).  I also learnt a new word in this book ‘mouflon' - this is a type of sheep which should make you laugh when you think about where this book comes from! Readers aged 10+ who enjoy quirky books told from a different point of view will enjoy Odd Wolf Out. 

Odd Wolf Out is published by Scholastic in New Zealand. It was offered on our Australian Scholastic Book club brochure which explains how I came to find it in the Westmead Children's Hospital library (Book Bunker) where I volunteer. The library is a philanthropic cause supported by Scholastic Australia and that company are our main source of new books for the collection.

Faelan Maculf’s story may not be a laugh a minute, but it is an important story about tolerance, kindness, and complicated family—with a bit of humour. The Sapling

Here is book two:

Teachers notes with a story synopsis

Companion reads although these are both more serious and not anthropomorphic:

A Wolf called Wonder

Firstborn

In some ways this book reminded me of this one:

The Wolves of Greycoat Hall

Frank's Red Hat by Sean E Avery

Frank is a creative soul. He discovers the joy of knitting and he makes a splendid hat but the other conservative penguins are not sure this is a good idea. They like their safe predicable black and white world and then when their friend Neville is eaten by a killer whale they are convinced nothing good will come from wearing Frank's hats.

But Frank is not a penguin who accepts defeat.  He continues to make his hats embracing so many exotic colours. 

He tries to share his best hat with his old penguin friends but the run away terrified. Luckily for Frank someone else has been watching all of this. The seals love his hats and so Frank regains his confidence and his creativity. Frank has been given a very distinct and very appealing personality.

This book gave me a huge smile. I adore the illustrations which remind of the award-winning illustrator Jon Klassen who also uses similar textured effects.The use of analogue and digital illustrative techniques lends this book an air of sophistication. 

There are some deeper meanings here but I just love the lightness of touch given to the story, the perseverance of Frank, his creativity, and the hilarious twist at the end. This book will open up conversations about risk taking, difference and courage along with a terrific discussion about the names we give to colours. It also opens up opportunities to think about other perspectives such as the penguins and their resistance to change. 

The end papers are perfect. I love the way the illustrations delightfully extend the text such as when Frank uses the broken walrus tusk as fish spike. Those eyes on the walrus say so much. Then things go full circle when we see the walrus has his tusk tied on with pink wool and, like the seals, he too is wearing a special hat but wait a minute - look at the nose on the snowman - oh no!

The story pace is perfect too. Sean Avery shows us how to read a line like “it’s for keeping our head warm – in style” by the simple placement of that dash. In terms of the plot line, I enjoyed the moment of drama when Neville is eaten by a killer whale – the text makes this feel less tragic and more about the cycle of life and death on the ice.   

Frank’s Red Hat is one of those picture books that certainly can be shared with younger children but which will also generate deeper discussions and enjoyment for older students too. This story addresses so many themes: the other, fear, conformity, 'group think', diversity. 

Frank's Red Hat was short listed for our Children's Book Council Book of the Year awards - Picture Book. I was a judge this year and so some of my comments are based on the critique I wrote which you can see here. 

Here are some junior teaching ideas from the publisher Walker books. Here is the website for Sean E Avery - he lives in Western Australia. Here is a video where Sean shows his art process. 

Weirdo by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird illustrated by Magenta Fox

The Surprise arrives for Kit's birthday. Kit heads off to school so the pets in her room try to work out where The Surprise fits in. They decide she's a weirdo. The others leave to watch television which is a part of their schedule. In the bedroom, The Surprise works out how to fly and her balloons take her out of the window. She lands on a verandah and meets the wonderful Emily Brookstein. Others call her weirdo too. The Surprise has a wonderful afternoon with Emily sharing macaroons and card games. At three o'clock, Emily carries The Surprise back to her apartment and young Kit. Finally we discover her real name (Maude) and her skill with judo is recognised and can now be included in the schedule by the other pets - she is finally accepted. 

Which cover do you like? One is the hardcover and the other the paperback. I like the paperback. Zadie Smith and Nick Laird are married. Take a look at this review from Just Imagine where you can read more about the illustrations by Magenta Fox. 

A rather lovely picture book about being unafraid to be yourself, Weirdo features absolutely stunningly warm, characterful and adorable illustration from Magenta Fox, and a nicely paced text from Smith and Laird, who are usually found writing for adults. Book Trust

Here is the back cover:

This is a perfect picture book - yes I did say perfect! It is one I would add to every Primary school library collection. I loved the emotional arc of the story, the exploration of the power of words to hurt and heal and the kindness of strangers. It reminded me of the feelings I felt when I read Truman by Jean Reidy and Felix and Alexander by Terry Denton. 

I would Weirdo follow with these:

Albert Le Blanc to the rescue

Ruby and Little Joe

Blue Flower by Sonya Hartnett illustrated by Gabriel Evans

 

"I wake up in the morning and I don't want to go to school. Other kids like school, or at least don't mind it. But I never want to go to school. At school you're supposed to have lots of friends, 

but I'm shy about making friends."

The only part of the school day she enjoys is her art class once a week. Her honesty is heartbreaking but it so so good that she talks to her mum:

"I can't run fast or make people laugh.'

"Why do you need to run fast?" mum asked.

'Other kids can,' I said.

'Why do you want to make people laugh?'

'Everyone likes laughing,' I said.   ... Mum was making our favourite macaroni and cheese she said

'Being different isn't easy until you decide it's a good thing to be."

Publisher blurb: A young child describes her qualms about going to school and how hard she finds asking the teacher for help, how she feels shy about making friends, not being funny or a fast runner. But through her love of art, a conversation with her mother and her observations about nature she comes to see that being different might not be a bad thing after all.

Blue Flower was published in 2021 but because it was entered for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year I haven't been able to talk about this book until now.  Book Week and the announcement of the CBCA Award winners for 2022 happened last month. As a CBCA judge I had to wait to share these books until the judging was completed. 

This book explores themes of shyness, confidence, optimism, and difference. The line “at lunch I sit where mum would see me if she drove by in the car” is such a small idea but also a powerful one that I think may resonate with some children. 

There will be a lot to discuss after reading this book. The title is sure to make readers curious to know more. Blue is a rare and different colour for flowers just as the little girl is different. This book is filled with such genuine emotions. The way she shares her innermost thoughts has so much honesty and bravery. 

One thing I noticed, reading this book aloud, is the perfect pacing and positioning of the page turns. It was good to see the restrained involvement of the mother. Mum offers wise advice but then leaves the little girl to think through her words and then make her own conclusions. The portrayal of a single parent family is also not given an unnecessary focus. It is just explained in a very natural and ‘matter of fact’ way. I also like the soft colour palette used by the illustrator. 

Here is a video where Sonya Hartnett and Gabriel Evans talk about their book. Sonya explains her personal connection with this story.  Here are some teaching notes from the publisher Penguin.

Here in Australia, by now, most children in Primary schools are sure to have seen this book but I know people from other places in the world read my blog so I do hope you can find Blue Flower in your local library, school or book store. If you can that means this book has travelled beyond our shores - and yes this is a book that should have an international audience. 

This week I have been watching an ABC television program Old People's Home for Teenagers. There are two girls featured in this program who are so similar to the little girl in Blue Flower. I was a little like her too. This post is dedicated to Dora and Anna. 

Here are the judges comments about Blue Flower:

A beautiful book exploring important themes of disliking school, self-love and being proud to be different. The book is filled with genuine emotion and has a strong central character revealed through convincing inner dialogue. Perfect pace and positioning of page turns make this an excellent read aloud. The illustrations offer delicate and nuanced explorations of character and setting; the colour palette is restrained, and colours are used in a symbolic way. This character and situation will resonate with many young readers and the overall message is inspiring. A thought-provoking book which will generate lots of discussions with children.

So, let’s celebrate the things that makes us different and not hide our talents and gifts under doonas and behind closed doors, let’s allow all of our differences to make life more wonderful and a little easier for those of us who struggle with it. Diane's Picture Book Favourites

The story of the Blue Flower is about finding who you are and accepting who you are. Gabriel Evans.

Standing apart from the crowd can be lonely, and fill a child with self-doubt. I wanted to write a story that spoke to these children – the loners, the shy ones, the awkward, the meek –and recognise the bravery with which they face each day. Sonya Hartnett

Gabriel Evans’ emotionally charged illustrations that capture the complex inner life of a child learning to celebrate everything that makes her unique. The Sydney Morning Herald

In a previous post I talked about companion reads for each of the Picture Book short listed titles.