Something Terrible: Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces by Sally Barton illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Consequences - what might happen if Tim, as usual, does not tie his shoelaces? How is this linked to Mr Wilbanks the sewerage worker? Mr Wilbanks did erect a safety fence and he put out three signs - BEWARE, DANGER and PEAS ARE GOOD FOR YOU. 

"Of course, it's not just anyone that should open a sewer hatch, even if they have put up a safety fence and hung big signs. No, it should be explained here that only sewer men or women should be opening sewers and Mr Wilbanks was a sewer man and proud it of. 'A clean sewer makes for a happy town,' he would say to anyone who would listen."

It is school day and Tim (no he didn't tie his shoelaces) should be heading to school. Mr Wilbanks is going into the sewer because there is something down there - something dangerous. 

Can you join the dots? Think about tripping on your shoelaces. Think about the open manhole. And what is this creature living in the pipes under the city. Oh and can that shoe with the untied lace perhaps save the day?

Here is a text quote to give you a sample of this story which I really enjoyed. I am sure readers aged 7+ will love this little book and it could easily be a fun library read aloud too:

"Lots of stuff gets into the sewers, laddie, ... The sewers run under the town and take all the wastewater away from everyone's homes, but you wouldn't believe what else comes down those drains. Anything that can fit down the pipes comes down the pipes. Socks and potato peelings, spaghetti and glitter, hair and buttons, toothpicks and sticking plasters, toenail clipping and tissues, lizards, goldfish, snakes (dead and alive) and lots of peas."

The illustrations really add to the fun too:

One way to introduce this book might be to use this BTN (ABC TV Behind the news video about Fatbergs). 

And here is another BTN episode on this topic!

Here are the CBCA judges' comments - Tim Tie-your Shoelaces is a CBCA 2026 Younger Readers Notable title. Younger readers is a category for readers aged 7-12. From 2027 this category will change and be split into Middle Readers: 10–13 and Younger Readers: 6–10. Of the six books this shortlisted for 2026 Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces is the only one for very young readers aged 7+. 

Paul McDonald said: (this) is fast paced, funny and clever- and is part of a series of four books. Congrats to the creators ... We need more quality (and quirky) junior chapter books like this one.

It is interesting that I could not find many reviews of this book - it was published in April 2025. 

Tim Tie-Your Shoelaces is book one in this new series:

Book four is Sam Stop-Your-Frowning

Barbara Braxton on her blog The Bottom Shelf says: Of all the series published for young, emerging readers every now and then one stands out and you know it is going to be a favourite.  To my mind, this is one of those.  Ordinary, relatable kids, the type of action that dares adults to read it aloud, humour and clever, appealing physical design all make for an engaging read that is going to draw in even the most reluctant reader ... 

I have forgotten the context but years ago I used to explore the topic of sewerage and water treatment plants with my Grade Four library groups. I found some really interesting websites at that time, and I used some of the books at the bottom of this post. 

Companion books just for fun exploring toilets! There are some ideas in this post from my friend at Kinderbookswitheverything. 

The Great Stink

I also recommend looking for the funny books about peas in your school library - here are a few I found but there are sure to be others:

Here is the web page for Christopher Nielsen. You will recognise his art from our wonderful NSW School Magazine. 

He was the illustrator of another CBCA Notable title - I was a judge for that round and I loved this book:

Just one Bee

Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy illustrated by Polly Dunbar

I mentioned yesterday that my friend and I enjoyed shopping at a charity book fair yesterday. I am a huge fan of Margaret Mahy and so I was delighted to find this book in hardcover, with a dust jacket for only $1. Oh and it is in mint condition - I don't think any human hands have actually touched this book!

The text floats across the pages in waves and arcs, and Dunbar’s joyous watercolor-and–cut-paper illustrations are wonderfully expressive, a visual treat moving apace with the text. A frothy, effervescent gift. Kirkus Star review

Margaret Mahy is a master storyteller and she delights in using words. Here is the opening of Bubble Trouble:

"Little Mabel blew a bubble and it caused a lot of trouble, such a lot of bubble trouble in a bibble-bobble way ... "

The wayward bubble picks up the baby and he heads off into the sky for an adventure.

Margaret Mahy is not afraid to use invented words and unfamiliar words - such as cavil.

"In her garden, Chrysta Gribble had begun to cry and cavil at her lazy brother, Greville, reading novels in his bed."

Cavil: to make unreasonable complaints, especially about things that are not important

Here are some other delightful words: wafted, grovelled, shrilly, scrobble, gibbering, hovel, cavorting, flum-a-diddle, nefarious intentions, dumbfounded, and prattle.

So the baby in the bubble is followed by an assortment of people from the town over to the church where is seems certain his bubble will burst on the church steeple. These scenes reminded me of The Elephant and the Bad Baby. Then a rascal  named Abel picks up a pebble, places it in his slingshot and he bursts the bubble. Luckily he is caught in a patchwork quilt held by all the people who have been following his crazy bubble ride. 

"Oh, what calculated catchwork! Baby bounced into the patchwork, where his grizzles turned to giggles and to wriggles of delight. And the people stared dumbfounded as he bobbled and rebounded, till the baby boy was grounded and his mother held him tight."

Margaret Mahy is also a master of delicious names for her characters: Chrysta Gribble; Greville Gribble; Tybal; Mr Copple; and Mrs Threeble.

I adore the illustrations in this book by Polly Dunbar - they are light, joyous, exuberant, and filled with quirky people. 

The poem of Bubble Trouble first appeared in a poetry anthology by Margaret Mahy in 1991 with illustrations by Tony Ross. The picture book edition with illustrations by Polly Dunbar was published in 2008. 

I have so many favourite books by Margaret Mahy (type Mahy into my label search) picture books here are a few:

Grimwood by Nadia Shireen

Ted and his big sister Nancy live in the city. They are a pair of young foxes who have adapted to urban life. They know how to scavenge in the garbage bins scattered around the neighbourhood especially bins outside restaurants which are often filled with tasty treats.  In particular they enjoy the delicious offerings found in the bins behind Speedy Chicken. Other city animals find food here too but an understanding has developed between them.

"There are three bins.The foxes eat out of the blue one, the cats have the green one and the rats, pigeons, mice and everyone else have the red one."

BUT on the day we join the story so does Princess Buttons. She has lived a life of luxury but now her owner is dead and she has joined the street cats. Princess Buttons is a force of nature. She does not share - she does not share with anyone. She gathers a gang and declares they will take over all of the bins.

Ted is a young fox. He looks to his big sister for care and advise because, for reasons that are never explained, their parents have disappeared. Nancy tells Ted to stay away from Princess Buttons but one day Nancy goes off to meet some of her friends. Ted feels lonely and hungry. He checks carefully before jumping onto a bin at the Speedy Chicken. He sees a great big juicy hot dog dripping with ketchup and mustard inside a yummy soft bun. He sinks his teeth into the deliciousness only to discover he has bitten off Princess Button's tail.

Now the chase is on. Ted and Nancy are forced to run. To leave the city. To find a new place to live. They race off into the forest - to Grimwood. The good news is this place is far from Grim although there are dangers and of course Princess Button wants her revenge!

There are lots of funny little 'human' touches in this story. Nancy cannot get any reception on her mobile phone. Nancy has a coffee addiction but luckily Titus, mayor of Grimwood, has a supply in his campervan. I should mention Titus is a stag. Other characters include a wise owl, a millionaire duck, an utterly crazy eagle, a young rabbit called Willow (good friend to Ted) and other assorted forest animals including hundreds of squirrels who like to play a wild game called treebonk. I should also mention Eric Dynamite. He is an opinionated, brash and very funny woodlouse who jumps into the story at regular intervals with his own astute comments and wise cracking  commentary. 

Here is a page from the book to give you an idea of the print size, format, and cartoon style illustrations. 

This is one of those clever, funny books that is sure to appeal to young readers (aged 8+). I highly recommend you add it to your shopping list. One reviewer used the words subversive humour to describe this book and I totally agree. This book is brand new. It was published just five days ago! Huge thanks to Beachside Bookshop for my advance copy. The tone reminded me of The Clumsies make a Mess, Timmy Failure, Olive of Groves, Appleblossom the Possum, the Pip Street series and Diva and Flea. For slightly older readers I also recommend Mr and Mrs Bunny: Detectives extraordinaire. 

Nadia Shireen is the author of Good Little Wolf. In this video Nadai talks about Grimwood.