The Girl who Raced the World by Nat Harrison

Maggie is an orphan. All Maggie Appleton has is a letter written by her mother that she must deliver to a stranger but on the way the letter is taken by a policeman/detective. Maggie is distraught but she continues her journey through London having just escaped from the workhouse only to make the surprising discovery that the man who was supposed to get this letter now works as a valet for the famous explorer Phileas Fogg. I need to tell you that all of this action takes place over the first 25 pages. 

Maggie is swept up into the famous journey around the world and, as you are sure to have already guessed, and time is ticking because this unlikely crew have to be back in London in just 80 days. Maggie also needs to get her important letter back from , but she needs to keep Mr Fogg away from the Detective Fix because she knows it is not true that Phileas Fogg stole thousands of pounds from the bank. Has he been framed?

If you love trains, ships, catastrophes, wild story twists, and heroes you will devour this debut book by Nat Harrison. I read the whole book of over 300 pages in one day - yes, it is that good. This book could also be a terrific family read aloud. Oh, and I love the gold embossed cover. There are world maps scattered through this book but I would also suggest you might grab a real, old-fashioned, atlas so you can follow the around the world journey in more detail. Your young reading companion is sure, also, to ask questions about the way time works in the world and how you can jump days when you travel from west to east.

Book seller blurb: It is 1872 and, when Maggie Appleton's beloved mother dies, she is left with nothing but a letter for a mysterious stranger called Passepartout. With nowhere else to turn, Maggie seeks out Passepartout and, in doing so, is drawn into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Together with Passepartout's employer, the enigmatic Mr Phileas Fogg, Maggie journeys to Italy, India, Hong Kong, Japan and America, in a daring race against time to win the wager Mr Fogg has accepted. But with a bank robber on the loose, an angry Inspector on their tail and unread secrets in her mother's letter, Maggie soon discovers that there is much more at stake than keeping on schedule to win the bet. Who can she really trust - and will she ever find out where she truly belongs?

Listen to an audio sample.

Maggie is a feisty and relatable character, providing an ingenious and accessible doorway to the world of late Victorian explorers and their heroic exploits. Book Trust

Each character has a distinct voice and purpose, making the group feel like a true family created through shared experiences and mutual respect. Harrison also updates moments from Verne’s original story to reflect contemporary values. Just when readers think the journey is over, Harrison invites them to imagine where Maggie and her newfound family might travel next and what new adventures await them. This is a gentle, exciting promise that the spirit of exploration and love continues beyond the final page. Children's Books Ireland

Like other readers who pick up this book I have not read the Jules Verne classic - Round the World in 80 days - so my knowledge of the plot was somewhat limited. I am telling you this because your young reader aged 10+ can easily read this new book The Girl who Raced the World with absolutely no idea about the original story. They are sure to enjoy this action-packed adventure. Some readers though might, after reading this book, which is based on the famous 1872 book, want to hunt out the Jules Verne story or perhaps read an abridged version or listen to it as an audio book. Huge thanks to Gleebooks Kids for sharing this new book with me. The Girl who Raced the World is available in paperback but if you find the hardcover edition you must lift the dust jacket - there is a terrific surprise under the cover. 

Here it is (from Instagram)

I now discover I have read several books with covers designed by Tom Clohosy Cole. (Cobweb; An Elephant in the Garden; Clifftoppers).  Here are some teaching ideas to use with The Girl who Raced the World. 

The sequel to The Girl who Raced the World is due later this year:

Companion books:

The Silver Arrow

The train to impossible places

The Boundless

On the Blue Comet

The Ship of Doom

The Pearl in the Ice

Meet the Canadian illustrator Thao Lam

Image source: House of Anansi 

About Thao Lam: Thao Lam fled from Vietnam to Canada with her family as a child. Learning English was difficult, and it was picture books that helped her understand this new world and ignited her passion for visual storytelling. She has an insatiable love for colored and textured papers, which she uses to create her exuberant collages. Source

Take a look here to read more about many of these titles.

The Paper Boat is part of the IBBY Silent Book collection and Everybelly was selected as a title for the 2026 USBBY Outstanding International Book list. 

Read the Kirkus Star review of The Paper boat. Here is a video of Thao talking about this book. 

Bookseller blurb for Thao (the book): A funny, eye-opening story about the challenges of growing up with an unfamiliar name and learning to be true to yourself, new from the critically acclaimed Thao Lam. Even though it's only four simple, familiar letters long, nobody can ever pronounce Thao's name. She's been called Theo, Tail, even Towel! But the teasing names - Tofu, Tiny, China Girl - are worse. Maybe it's time to be someone else? Thao decides to try on a different name, something easy, like Jennifer. It works, but only until she opens her lunchbox to find her mother's Vietnamese spring rolls, ... Thao's favorite! Now, it feels a lot more comfortable to be herself. Simple on the surface, this story inspired by Thao's own childhood is full of humour, heart, and important ideas of diversity, inclusion, and cultural pride. The story will be instantly relatable to readers who have ever felt different. Designed with a playful emphasis on typography, and Thao's own childhood photos added to her signature cut-paper collage, THAO champions being true to yourself and your background, and being empathetic towards others. It is a celebration of all that's in a name and the power of owning your identity.

Kirkus Star review comments:

Every Belly: Through cut-paper collage illustrations, Lam spotlights a noteworthy diversity ... 

Wallpaper: Paper-collage illustrations lend texture and depth to this fantastical story, with individual elements providing layers so real readers will want to lift them up and peek underneath. Simple shapes (triangles for trees) and careful attention to detail make complex emotions visible and real for young readers. The hand-lettered title adds to the accessibility and childlike qualities of this book. A unique and visually stunning approach to the classic dilemma of making new friends.

The Line in the Sand: The artwork uses bold pops of color and geometric designs to tell an elegant, profound story.

Meet the Canadian illustrator Elly Mackay

Butterfly Park

Bio: Elly MacKay is an acclaimed paper artist and award-winning children’s bookmaker. She is the author and illustrator of a number of picture books, including In the Clouds and Red Sky at Night, and has illustrated, among others The Enchanted Symphony by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton and I A a Meadow Mermaid and The Secret Fawn by Kallie George. Before pursuing a career in picture books, she taught in schools and was an educator in galleries. Elly lives in the winter kingdom of Owen Sound, Ontario, where she and her family often search for snow dragons in the gardens and fields nearby. 

Read about her process here and see all of her picture books. I am attending the IBBY Congress in Ottawa - hopefully Elly Mackay will be there too sharing her wonderful work.

Here is an interview with Marmalade Books. You might like to follow her work on Instagram.

Kirkus review comments:

The Bunny Ballet: Though select stylistic elements invoke the pastoral aesthetic of Little Golden Books of yore, MacKay’s art is something special, a marriage of vintage and contemporary in its ethereal dreaminess and Technicolor detail. The result is an enchanting bedtime incantation, one that’s light on narrative tension and rich in immersive loveliness. (Star review)

The Tallest Treehouse: MacKay’s backlit dioramas, suffused with watery colors, glow gauzily. Moss greens and dawn pinks conjure the light-skinned fairies’ forest, a place that feels both familiar and faraway. 

Here is a list of her newest and forthcoming titles:

• The Island of Wild Horses. by Elly MacKay. Tundra Books, 2028.
• Fox Fairies. by Elly MacKay. Tundra Books, 2027.
• A Forest Begins Anew by Louise Aamodt. Ill. by Elly MacKay. Astra Young Readers, 2026.
• Twelve Daring Grays: A Whale Migration Adventure by Nora Nickum. Ill. by Elly MacKay. Candlewick, 2026.
• The Bunny Ballet. Written by Nora Ericson, Ill. by Elly MacKay. Abrams, 2025.

MacKay’s captivating ink and paper illustrations were layered and enhanced with wire, colored filters, and light and then photographed for a glowing and serene three-dimensional effect. The speckled whales seem ready to splash off the page in each dioramic scene. Kirkus Star review

And here are all her previous titles:

• Frostfire. by Elly MacKay. Tundra Books, 2024.
• The Enchanted Symphony. by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. Abrams Kids, 2023.
• I Am a Meadow Mermaid. by Kallie George. Tundra, 2023.
• Zap! Clap! Boom! Written by Laura Purdie Salas. Bloomsbury, 2023.
• Too Early. Written by Nora Ericson. Abrams, 2022.
• In The Clouds. by Elly MacKay. Tundra Books, 2022.
• Hidden Treasure. by Elly MacKay. Running Press Kids, 2021.
• The Secret Fawn. by Kallie George. Tundra Books, 2021.
• The Tallest Treehouse. Running Press Kids, 2019.
• Red Sky at Night. Tundra Books, 2018.
• Waltz of the Snowflakes. Running Press Kids, 2017.
• Maya. by Mahak Jain. Owlkids, 2016.
• Beach Baby. by Laurie Elmquist.  Orca, 2016.
• Butterfly Park. by Elly MacKay. Running Press Kids, 2015.
• Shadow Chasers. by Elly MacKay. Running Press Kids, 2014.
• Fall Leaves. by Loretta Holland.  Clarion Books, 2014.

And I now discover Elly Mackay did the cover for A most magical girl by Australian author Karen Foxlee.

Cyril and Pat by Emily Gravett

Cheeky yet sincere. Kirkus

Cyril thought he was living alone in the park until the day he met Pat. Pat is grey and Cyril is sure Pat is another squirrel but is he? Other park dwellers can see the 'truth' but Cyril can only see a friend! Until the day someone blurts out the word rat. Does this mean the end of their friendship?

A colourful, rhyming story about friendship against the odds which is enhanced by illustrations that are witty, detailed, expressive and atmospheric. Funny and endearing, Cyril’s experience celebrates independent thought and the joy of difference. Book Trust

The really lucky thing about a charity bookfair is when people clear out their bookshelves and donate brand new books. Yes Cyril and Pat was published in 2018 but I would guess this book was only read once or twice in a family. It was purchased from a local bookstore in July 2018. I picked this book up partly because I really like books by Emily Gravett but also because this book (only AUS$4) had an intact dust jacket and the copy is in mint condition. The case reveal is wonderful (that's the surprise you find under the dust jacket) and here it is:

A fun topic to explore with your library group or class could be 'unlikely friends'. If you click the label on this post you will find more books on this theme. I especially love the two Bear and Chook books. And another book series featuring a squirrel are the books by Smriti Halls.

Emily Gravett won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2005 for her debut book Wolves and then again in 2008 for Little Mouse's book of Fears.

Kirkus Star review

Kirkus Star review

I recently read this wonderful book for readers aged 10+:

Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman

"He went back to the gate and shoved his paw through the chain link and batted at the latch handle. It moved a little, but the gate remained locked. He got up on his hind feet and pushed both front paws through and clawed at the latch. It moved in a new way. The dog remembered how the metal bolt had slid to one side. He nudged it over with one paw. It was not enough. He pulled his paw out and pushed it back through, one space over, and nudged the bolt again, until it would go no further. He pulled his paw free and butted the gate with his forehead. It swung open."

Evan sees a dog outside his house. He knows his mother (and probably his father too) will never allow him to have a dog but right from the beginning he seems to have a special connection with this white Border Collie dog. Meanwhile 'Dog' as he is called has run away from an intensely cruel situation. On the edge of town there is a dog breeder - he breeds Border Collie dogs and perhaps in the past he was kind but now he is drunk most of the time and the dogs are starving and horribly neglected.

Evan tracks down the dog kennels ironically named Happy Dog. He finds the stray and their friendship strengthens but Peter Grey, the owner, demands $5000 for this dog. There is no way Evan could ever find that much money.

In a book like this you just know early on that this cruel man is destined to be 'punished' in some way and so I cheered when he was hurt falling off a ladder. I cheered when Dog ran to Evan's house and then  made the boy run the 7 miles back to the kennels and I cheered (well no I won't tell you this part but this story does have a truly wonderful and happy ending). 

My biggest question at the end of this splendid book is about Evan's mother. I wanted to know more about her life and about her withdrawal from the world and about her previous dog. Mum cooks fantastic meals even though each recipe is different the meals follow a set pattern of stew, chicken, roast, soup and sandwiches, and a vegetarian meal. Her care with the food and of her garden and later of Evan when is feet are badly hurt gave me tiny glimpses into this important character. Evan's father is also a complex character but he does connect with his son and the scenes where they share meals together are very special. 

There are other minor characters in this story who are also interesting: Calder has alopecia; Kellen is very small for his age with huge ears and so is a victim of relentless bullying; and Hana has just had complex surgery to repair her leg and so she has limited mobility. Hana is an important character because she loves dogs and she is able to help Evan and answer his questions about the dreadful practice of puppy farms. 

If you are talking with your class about foreshadowing, you could use this passage:

"The driveway was rutted, uneven and dotted with clumps of yellowing weeds. It curved through a stand of trees then opened onto a large weedy lawn that hadn't been mowed for a long time (and there was) an old two-story farmhouse badly in need of paint."

I started to read Answers to Dog this morning and lifted my head early in the afternoon - this story engulfed me. I love the meaning of the title - the dog answers to the name Dog - although we do discover his real name is Samarkand (Sam for short).  In an interesting twist Evan's dad is named Sam and mum's previous dog that died aged 17 was called Evan. I guess also Evan finds some answers about his family and friends through his friendship with Sam and more importantly he makes some discoveries about himself. 

"Dad told me you named me after your dog,' Evan said. 'Not exactly,' she said. 'Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted a son named Evan, so really the dog was named after you, even though you weren't born yet.' 'What if I'd been born a girl?' 'I would have named you Evangeline."

How did I find this book? I am the sort of person who always has to spend time in bookshops. We have several shops in the CBD of the city. When I go into a bookshop - yes you are right - I have to buy a book. But which book to buy? I picked this one up because it is about dogs, it is about a boy and his love of one special dog (more of these at the end of this post) and it was published by Candlewick (Walker Books) and they consistently produce terrific books for kids. I do need to say I had never heard of Pete Hautman and I did not read the endorsement on the cover of the book until much later.

As always Ms Yingling gives an in depth review here. 

Whether it’s a dog in a kennel or a boy trapped within his solitary parents’ routines, themes of neglect and isolation dominate the story, although the author’s careful approach ensures that this heaviness is balanced by the presence of uplifting supporting characters, such as Hana Ganz, who’s a dog enthusiast despite her allergies, and track coach Mr. Raley, who displays subtle kindness. The balance of the third-person limited narration between the perspectives of Evan and the dog makes this an enjoyable gateway book for readers who typically prefer stories featuring talking animals. Kirkus

Publisher blurb: Evan doesn’t seem to fit in at school or at home. He goes out of his way to avoid attention. He sits at the back of the bus, keeps his head down in class, and keeps to himself. But when a burr-covered border collie—a survivor with a gut instinct about the Boy—starts following him around and joining him on his runs, Evan’s simple duck-and-dodge existence becomes a lot more complicated . . . a lot more like life. Evolving from wary companions to steadfast friends, Evan and the dog run fast and far together, thwart an abusive dog breeder and the school bully, and find the courage to stand up for themselves and to open up to those who matter most. Narrated in alternating viewpoints, this relatable contemporary novel with classic coming-of-age themes has all the hope, pathos, and emotional complexity that mark Pete Hautman’s books for middle-grade readers—and is a deeply satisfying read for animal lovers.

Pete Hautman says as a boy he loved dog stories by Jim Kjelgaard. 

Companion books for dog lovers:

One Dog and his Boy

Shiloh

The Way of Dog

Brave like that

Talking to Alaska

The truth as told to Mason Buttle

You could also look for this very old book which might be in your school library (content warning this one is very violent):

Out of print - published in 1991.

Companion book for kids who love running:

Ghost

Running my own race

Here are some other books by Pete Hautman:

Romeo v Juliet by RA Spratt

"Pauline Lee has fractured her spine ... which is very sad for her ... but good news for you. Because now you get to play Juliet! ... You're the understudy ... you'll have to step in and perform."

Selby has not been listening in rehearsals, she has not read the play and she is terrified of any sort of performance. 

"To Selby's mind, nothing about Romeo and Juliet was romantic. She preferred the romance plots on soap operas, where problems didn't involve violent street gangs, controlling parents and interfering church officials. Soap opera characters had real problems - like your identical twin sister turning up and accidentally making your fiancé fall in love with her. ... Shakespeare could have learned a lot from watching The Bold and the Beautiful - mainly to have more fun and less stabbings."

Selby finds herself back in the real scene 

Here is what Selby thinks about Romeo:

"Romeo totally lived up to the hype. He was by every measure really, really good-looking. He radiated wealth and charm and athleticism, but not in an obnoxious way. He had the natural grace of someone who had been physically and financially blessed every day of his life. He made Selby think of an apex predator. He was an apex romantic hero. THE apex romantic hero."

And Juliet:

"She was beautiful. Like an angel. Her skin was flawless, her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders in shining waves and her face was stunning. ... Her expression spoke of sweetness, which made her seem young for her age."

And Selby:

"Jane Austen did nothing her whole life. She sat in drawing rooms. She never went anywhere, she never worked, she never travelled. And she created seven books that are among the most loved novels ever written.' 'Are you planning to write seven great novels?' asked Mrs Karim. 'No, I can't spell or do grammar,' said Selby. I'm just saying don't underestimate the importance of people who sit quietly in the corner doing nothing. Observers are important too."

And plot points of Romeo and Juliet - comments by Selby:

"Selby couldn't believe things were moving so quickly. 'Marriage? How has this escalated to marriage already ... they only met an hour ago ... first look to first kiss to marriage proposal in an hour is ridiculous."

"she is not the sun, the moon or a star. She is a regular girl who just happens to be beautiful. It is unfair to idealise who she is just because he judges her appearance to be ideal. It sets her up for failure. She can't live up to unrealistic worship. She isn't a goddess. She is a girl."

I explained to Rachel at Gleebooks kids that I am not really a fan of timeslip stories but she convinced me that I would really enjoy Romeo v Juliet and she was RIGHT even though yes this is a timeslip story and also it is slightly above my usual focus because I think this book will better suite a Young Adult audience of readers aged 12+ especially IF they are studying the famous play in their high school English class.

There are parts of this clever story that made me laugh out loud. RA Spratt is able to weave in lines from Shakespeare with a cheeky modern commentary from Selby. Her teacher has decided (rightly) that the best way for these modern teenagers to appreciate this famous play is to perform it. Selby has no intention of performing so she signs up to help with the scenery and props. Her teacher tells Selby she must also be the understudy for the main role of Juliet but Selby knows there is no way, no way ever, that Pauline would give up this role. Then Pauline is in an accident which you know from my text quote at the beginning of this post. 

Publisher blurb: Selby does not want to be in the school play. She is much happier behind the scenes painting sets – anything to avoid standing on stage in front of an audience, performing for disinterested classmates and overenthusiastic parents. So Selby did not plan on landing the lead role of Juliet . . . and she certainly never planned to land in Verona and meet Juliet in person. With chaos, wit and R.A. Spratt wisdom, if those who rush stumble and fall, Romeo and Juliet are about to crash-land into a modern-day town!

If you are a high school teacher and Romeo and Juliet is part of your class study, you MUST buy this book and share it with your students. It is simply perfect. And even readers with little or no knowledge of the actual play are sure to enjoy the banter, rapid fire scenes and modern commentary delivered by t the very feisty Selby. 

R.A. Spratt’s creative licence with what she allows Selby to do to the plays is amusing and a lot of fun. It makes Shakespeare engaging, makes it relatable and is a great way to show readers and kids who read this how retellings can work. It’s a clever way to make to plays accessible, and can be used as a good introduction to them. Seeing it play out simply like this helps understand the original, and all with R.A. Spratt’s trademark humour that makes her books shine and garners her lots of fans. The Book Muse

As characters move back and forth between past and present worlds, we laugh out loud when they misconstrue events. However, Selby and her classmates analyse the play with more modern sensibilities including the feminist perspective. Read Plus

Romeo v Juliet follows on from a previous Shakespeare book from RA Spratt:

Here is the Kirkus review - many of the points in this review also apply to Romeo v Juliet

Here are two other timeslips book featuring Shakespeare:

King of Shadows

The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

The hummingbird parable, with origins in the Quechuan people of South America, 

has become a talisman for environmentalists and activists who are committed to making meaningful change in the world. In this inspiring story, the determined hummingbird does everything she can to put out a raging fire that threatens her forest home. 

The hummingbird—symbol of wisdom and courage—

demonstrates that doing something is better than doing nothing at all.

"Here is the story of the great forest that caught on fire. The terrible fire raged and burned. All of the animals were afraid and fled from their homes. The elephant and the tiger ran. The beaver scurried and the frog leapt away. Above them the birds flew in a panic. The creatures huddled at the edge of the forest and watched. All except one."

The one is the little hummingbird. She picks up water, one drop at a time, and flies back and forth to the fire. One drop at a time. The other animals watch on convinced there is nothing they can do. The hummingbird tells them:

"I am doing what I can."

The after word for The Little Hummingbird is by Wangari Maathai - here are two books for children about her work:

The Little Hummingbird is a revised edition of a previous title: the award-winning Flight of the Hummingbird (2008) which had 64 pages (see the image at the bottom of this post). You can watch a two-minute animation of the story here. Do watch this it is fantastic. 

Bookseller blurb: This inspiring children's book is based on a South American indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. The evocative artwork by internationally renowned Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas complements this optimistic tale that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their home and the planet.

I said this very recently - even if I live a hundred more lifetimes I will never reach the end of new and old book discoveries especially those that reside in the library where I work as a volunteer. The Little Hummingbird seems like a fairly obscure book - published in Canada in 2010 and based on an indigenous folktale from South America. Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is a Canadian visual artist with a very distinct style called Haida Manga. I am so pleased to have discovered this book but at the same time it reinforces my thought that there are SO many other fabulous books 'out there' that I may never discover. New copies of The Little Hummingbird do seem to still be available from several online sellers. 

Here is an example of the art style found in The Little Hummingbird:

“Haida manga,” a somewhat incongruous term, describes a hybrid form of visual expression where the artist not only celebrates Haida cultural memory and merges it with Asian brush techniques, but also engages with the challenges facing all modern societies: conflict, war, the impact of human activity on the environment, climate change and intercultural relations. Yahgulanaas brings to manga a visual and stylistic technique belonging to the cultures of the Pacific Northwest coast: the formline, or figurative line. The formline is a winding line painted in black that swells and contracts, outlining the contours of the picture’s subject. Read more here.

Here is a simpler explanation: Haida manga is a cool and unique art style that mixes traditional art from the Haida people with modern Japanese manga comics. It's like a blend of old and new, bringing together amazing stories and designs from the North Pacific region with the exciting look of Japanese comics. Haida manga has become popular in many countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Macao, France, and Canada.

This story has also been performed as an opera in Vancouver - perhaps that is how the Teacher-Librarian in the school in Sydney, Australia discovered this book? Here is the original version: