The ABC Book of Lullabies

This is an old book from 2008 but what I love about books like this is the way they allow you to explore a range of illustrators - in this case illustrators from Australia:

Tamsin Ainslie, Jonathan Bentley, Gaye Chapman, Janine Dawson, Wayne Harris, Ann James, Stephen Michael King, Alison Lester, Caroline Magerl, Kilmeny Niland, Anna Pignataro, Cheryl Orsini, and Emma Quay. 

The cover art is by Emma Quay:

Here is the illustration from Stephen Michael King:

Illustration by Stephen Michael King for Golden Slumbers

I wonder who selected the illustrators to include in this book? I wonder if they were able to select their lullaby to illustrate? I did enjoy reading the end notes where each illustrator talks each specific lullaby. The ABC of the title refers to the publisher's name and not the organisation of the lullabies.

Books like The ABC Book of Lullabies are produced for two audiences simultaneously: the child who focuses on the images as the words are read to them and the adult (usually) who is reading. Each will take different things from the reading. An adult may well be interested in the differences between the images and the differing styles of each illustrator. Short bios, including sketches and photos are included in the final pages for those readers. Each illustrator shares a little about what they do and why, and why they’ve chosen the particular lullaby. Children will enjoy this collection whatever time they read or are read to, but it does make a lovely bedtime collection. For adults, The ABC Book of Lullabies is a bit like a sampler, introducing the work of some of Australia’s most talented illustrators. Or perhaps an illustrators’ version of an anthology. Aussie Reviews

If you have this book in your library and you have a small display space you could copy the pages from this book as a way to explore the CBCA 2026 slogan "Symphony of Stories". Lullabies are often examples of simple stories and hopefully also of familiar stories.

Here are a couple of examples:

Rock-a-bye Baby

Rock-a-bye, baby, in the treetop,

When the wind blows the cradle will rock;

When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,

And down will come baby, cradle and all.

Baby is drowsing, cosy and fair.

Mother sits near, in her rocking chair.

Forward and back the cradle she swings,

And though baby sleeps, he hears what she sings.

From the high rooftops down to the sea,

No one's as dear as baby to me.

Wee little fingers, eyes wide and bright --

Now sound asleep until morning light.

Hush Little Baby

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing,

Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,

Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,

Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat won't pull,

Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,

Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark,

Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,

You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

I imagine most of these names are very familiar to you. There was only one illustrator that I had not heard of - or perhaps I knew the books but not their names? - Janine Dawson is the illustrator of Pudding and Chips; Bobbie Dazzler and Junkyard Dogs. She also did illustrations for the Aussie Nibble Pippa's Perfect Picnic and the covers of the Lily Quench series. 

Here is one book from each of the illustrators who have work in this book. In most cases you can pop a title into my search bar to read more:

Klaus Flugge Prize shortlist 2026

The shortlist for the highly regarded Klaus Flugge Prize was announced on Thursday 14 May. Established in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration and was set up to honour Klaus Flugge, founder of Andersen Press and a hugely influential figure in the world of children’s publishing. Now in its eleventh year, the £5,000 prize is the only one specifically to recognise a published picture book by a debut illustrator. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in London on Wednesday 9 September 2026.

From a longlist of 18, the panel of judges have chosen six to shortlist and praised the illustrators for their skill and originality and for the inventiveness of their storytelling. Their books’ subjects are very varied, and topics include a magical island that finds a way to slow down its residents; a dog creating amazing artwork from materials he has to hand; seven very active little babies; a family constantly on the move; and a little girl finding ways to cope when her parents separate. There is also an information picture book on the list, telling the true story of Ferdinand Magellan and his epic journey.

I have made this comment many time but here it is again. We are SO lucky here in Australia because we can access the BEST books from other English-speaking countries (and also books translated into English) such as UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. If you have money in your budget it might be good to consider one or two books from the Klaus Flugge shortlist as a good addition to your school library. 

Images from Klaus Flugge page.

Here is the Kirkus review

Here is the Kirkus Star review

Reading about this book I thought of the 2010 title The Tall Man and the Twelve Babies

Here is a review- Letterbox Library

I previously talked about We are like birds.

Here is the Kirkus review 

Here is the longlist:

The Beautiful Layers of me by Sophia Payne illustrated by Ruchi Mhasne

Blurb: Aunty is getting married! Ameena feels beautiful in her new salwar kameez. But when someone comments on her 'pyjamas', Ameena is suddenly a bit less sure about her traditional dress.

Ameena’s emotional twists and turns feel authentic and relatable, and her eventual pride in her outfit—and, by extension, her identity—will resonate with young people. In Mhasane’s tidily composed illustrations, the brown-skinned family’s bright ensembles pop against the relatively subdued backgrounds. Babu’s words—“These clothes are a part of our heritage”—hearten Ameena and will do the same for readers ... Kirkus

Payne does a wonderful job highlighting the inner conflict of identity in America, where one’s family and heritage are often viewed as “other” to white Americans.  Ameena initially hesitates to embrace what she truly finds beautiful because of the judgment of someone who doesn’t understand. With the support of those who do, she honors herself and takes pride in what she knows is right. The story is beautiful and tender, and while it is clearly written and centered for young Indian girls, it also serves as a good lesson for those outside of this culture. YS Book reviews

I do hope you can find, read and appreciate this book. I discovered it in the library where I work as a volunteer. The talented Teacher-Librarian uses international (and national) book lists and book awards to build her rich library collection. One of these lists is Inclusive Books for Children.

The judges said: For its sensitive and powerful exploration of belonging, cultural identity and difference, showing how children can embrace all parts of themselves. Its warm, gentle illustrations, rich narrative depth and “quiet power” were seen as emotionally resonant, educationally valuable and accessible to a wide range of children.

You will need a box of tissues when you read The Beautiful Layers of me. And I love the way this book can be both a mirror and a window. It could also be a fantastic way to talk about the power of words to harm but also heal. Take a look at my Pinterest collection called "She looks like me". 

If you are reading this book to a group in your school library you might like to talk about the salwar kameez worn by Ameena:

A salwar kameez is a traditional outfit originating from the Indian subcontinent, cherished for its comfort and elegance. It consists of three main parts: the kameez, a long tunic; the salwar, a pair of loose-fitting trousers; and often a dupatta, a matching long scarf. Widely worn in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, this versatile ensemble can be styled for everything from daily errands to formal weddings, making it a staple in wardrobes worldwide. 

• Kameez (The Tunic): This is the top part of the outfit. A kameez can vary in length from hip-length to ankle-length and comes in a multitude of cuts, necklines, and sleeve styles. 
• Salwar (The Trousers): These are the pants worn under the kameez. The traditional salwar is pleated and voluminous at the top, tapering to a narrow cuff at the ankle. However, this component has many modern variations. 
• Dupatta (The Scarf): A long, rectangular scarf, the dupatta adds a layer of grace and can be styled in numerous ways draped over one shoulder, both shoulders, or used as a head covering. While integral to traditional sets, some contemporary styles are worn without one. 

You can see more books by Sophia Payne here. Read this review from Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.

Here are other books illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane:

About Ruchi Mhasane: I'm an artist from India who has studied illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. I have always drawn pictures, but after my MA in Children's Book Illustration, I've realised that visual narratives are a form that I enjoy immensely and am very comfortable with. I love drawing figures, especially children, and I enjoy capturing their movements and gestures. I am now committed to a lifelong study of the form of a picture book, and to developing the way a book talks to a child (or even adult!) I hope to work on books with meaningful content that will delight and inspire young children, so they too can fall in love with books the way so many of us have.

Companion books:

Amma's Sari

The Elephant and the Piano by Colette Hiller illustrated by Habila Adani

"As the music floated up into the air, Bonti shifted and swayed. 

He made delicate shapes with his trunk and circles on the group with his foot."

Bookseller blurb: Some stories are true. Others are make-believe. And some true stories are so amazing that it seems they must be make-believe even when they are not... This is one of those stories. In a sanctuary in Thailand lived an elephant called Bonti. Short-tempered and destructive, Bonti was alone - the other elephants (and humans) knew to keep their distance. But when a musician came to play the piano for Bonti, something incredible happened... The Elephant and the Piano tells the spectacular true story of Paul Barton and the elephants who loved to hear him play.

Here is the website for the author where you can read more about this book. The illustrator Nabila Adani lives in Jakarta Indonesia. I previously talked about her book Noah's New Home.

This story is based on the true story of Paul Barton who took a piano into the jungle in Thailand. Watch this video (it runs for 20 minutes and could be useful for teachers and it does have advertising sorry).

In 2011 Paul visited a sanctuary called Elephant's World. There he met an older elephant who seemed sad and withdrawn. Paul wondered if music might help him feel better. And it turns out, it did! ... Since then Paul has played piano for many elephants. If you have time the true story of this book was made into a documentary called 'Music for Elephants'.  Here is the trailer.

The Elephant and the Piano is a picture book that you might just read once and perhaps not think about too deeply but then you will reach the final pages with back notes about this true story and that is sure to pique the interest of your class or young reading companion. There is so much more to this book than just a simple story of a man playing a piano for an elephant. This is a book that warrants deeper exploration of the true story and with older students it will raise issues of animal welfare, exploitation, and even cruelty. 

Which piano pieces would you play to an elephant?  This could be a terrific discussion to have with your class or music group. I can imagine sharing five or six choices and then asking your students to pick the one they think an elephant would respond to and perhaps even enjoy. In this video he plays Elgar and Beethoven (6 minutes you could show part of this to your class); and in this video he plays Chopin, Bach and Schubert.  You could so easily link this book and the music with our 2026 CBCA slogan "Symphony of Stories". Why not listen to Sans Saens: The Elephant from Carnival of the Animals - this video has visuals for younger students (Cello and Piano).

Further reading:

ABC Classic

Green Matters

Animalko

Sometimes stories are make-believe, other times they are true. This is one of the latter even though it might well appear to be imagined. Books for Keeps

Hiller’s text strikes an ideal balance, providing enough detail to ground the story while maintaining a gentle, accessible pace for young readers. The backmatter enriches the narrative with information about the real Paul Barton, whose ongoing work playing piano for rescue elephants continues today. This inspiring account demonstrates how one person’s compassion and creativity can profoundly impact even the most angst-ridden soul. Kirkus

Something else you could think about in relation to this book if you work in a school library. Where will you put this book? It is a based on a true story so I agree with the library where I found this book because they have put it with other stories about elephants and not into their huge fiction/picture book collection. People talk about abandoning Dewey as a way to organise books in a school library but personally I feel Dewey is a good system especially if you use it with numbers after the decimal point and you of course make it work for your collection and your students. [636.96] is the Dewey number for zoo animals and elephants and the addition of one more number correctly puts this book with other books about the care of elephants (animal husbandry) [636.967]. At this same number and so on the same shelf you will find these three books (and probably others):

How to Move a Zoo

Soup's On Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne

Delicious and nutritious. Kirkus

Bookseller blurb: Through vibrant illustrations and heartwarming text, Soup's On Around the World invites readers on a flavorful journey of soups across the globe, each with its own unique history and traditions! Every soup tells its own story, revealing fascinating stories such as: The popular Chinese dish, Wonton Soup, is over 1000 years old. In Finland, a unique Christmas dried fruit soup is served as a sweet dessert, topped with whipped cream. Bitter-leaf Soup, a traditional dish from West Africa, was first used to treat illnesses. French Onion Soup was possibly invented by a king!

The cover of this book caught my eye and then to my delight my friend told me there is another book in this series (Taste the World) about tea. Both of these books would be fabulous additions to your school library and especially perfect if you have a multicultural school population or if you school celebrates days such as Harmony Day. And for families here in Australia, it is Winter so that is the perfect time to snuggle up and read a book about soup.

Bookseller blurb: Let's go on an adventure to discover new cultures and friends through tea! In this fun and lyrical picture book for ages 4-8, kids will learn how tea is enjoyed in Thailand, Japan, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, South Sudan, India, and more countries! Did you know that po cha, the traditional tea in Tibet, is thick and salty like soup? Or that in Iran, tea is served with a rock? (A rock candy, that is!) Or that afternoon tea was dreamed up in England by a duchess who complained of being hungry between lunch and dinner? With vivid poetry, vibrant illustrations, and unique facts about different tea cultures, Teatime Around the World tells the delightful story of a beloved beverage.

Read the Kirkus review. In this video the author talks about creating her book Teatime around the World. Denyse Waissbluth and Chelsea O’Byrne both live in Vancouver, Canada.

An Anthology of Shells by Simon Aiken

A few weeks ago I was browsing the Non-Fiction section of Gleebooks Kids. I found some fabulous titles which, if I was still working in a school library, I would have grabbed to add to my collection.

Shells bookseller blurb: A beautiful collection featuring informative notes, spectacular photographs, and colourful illustrations of more than 100 types of shells. Find out how to identify, where to find, and what to know about the diverse shell species with this gorgeous anthology. Transportable in size and crammed with profiles of different shell species, this beginner's anthology showcases a wide range of shells from around the world that no collection would be complete without. Learn all about the shell shapes, colours, and textures, and get up close with the snails, crabs, and clams that live in them.

There are a number of things that I am slightly obsessive about - puffins, lighthouses, pelicans, picture books, and shells. I guess that is why this book caught my eye and then I saw there were others on terrific topics like beetles, fungi and rocks. My delight in shells links with the book Junonia by Kevin Henkes. 

If you have a library budget that can stretch to approx. AUS$27 per book it would be great to add a few of these to your library - pick out the ones that match the interests of the children in your school. I am sure the Gems one, for example, would have been a massive 'hit' in my library.

Gems (due November 2026) publisher blurb: Unearth the enchanting world of gemstones and discover the stories behind Earth’s most brilliant treasures! What secrets lie hidden within a shimmering amethyst? Which legendary gems have adorned crowns and royal collections for centuries? How do seemingly ordinary rocks transform into breathtaking jewels? An Anthology of Gems invites young readers on a thrilling journey through the world of precious stones – from deep red rubies and ocean-blue sapphires to opalescent moonstones and sparkling emeralds. Uncover the secrets behind every stone’s sparkle – how it forms beneath the earth’s surface and is enriched by the myths and meaning that make it timeless. Filled with vibrant photographs, detailed illustrations, and engaging text, this book is perfect for budding gemologists, history buffs, and anyone who dreams of discovering hidden treasures.

Bookseller blurb: Discover how to identify, where to find, and other details about more than 100 beetles that exist the world over. Did you know one in every four living things on our planet is identified as a beetle? Explore the fascinating world of these tough creatures in the beautifully packaged An Anthology of Beetles. Featuring colourful photographs and vibrant illustrations, this marvellous book helps you discover the lively world of beetles. From the ones that crawl under your feet to those that fly by your eyes or glide in the water, the book showcases these amazing creatures in all their incredible variety. Learn how different species of beetles help pollinate plants, improve soil health, and control pests - all while playing a key role in maintaining nature's balance.

You could pair the Beetles title with this fantastic series:

Beetle Boy; Beetle Queen

Here are all ten titles from the DK Little Anthologies series:

And a page from Fungi:

How to Survive an Apocalypse by Cameron Hardy and Coby Coonradt illustrated by Victoria Stebleva

On a recent visit to Gleebooks here in Sydney I spied this book. I do need to read it more closely so I will need to make a return visit to the store or hunt this title out in a library, but I just couldn't resist sharing it. The publisher of this book is called Neon Squad and now I also need explore many of their other titles. 

Publisher blurb: In this fun and practical illustrated guide, you’ll learn prepping 101, from basic first aid and water purification to packing a useful emergency kit and how to communicate during a tech outage. Then you’ll discover how to survive all kinds of disasters, including a zombie apocalypse, a supernatural takeover, and an alien invasion. Packed with useful tips, tricks, and strategies, this laugh-out-loud handbook will have you hoping for the worst!

Read the full Kirkus review "Thrilling reading for armchair survivalist".

Zombie outbreak, asteroid strike, or alien invasion? No problem! Coauthors Hardy and Coonradt... help young survivalists prepare for almost any kind of emergency in this lively guide for the end of times... this tongue-in-cheek manual has a direct but amusing style and boldly coloured, action-packed illustrations... While some topics poke fun at Hollywood-inspired calamities... there’s also a wealth of information for weathering real-life natural disasters. - Booklist

I love the idea of presenting readers in the library with book pairs. I would bundle How to Survive an Apocalypse with one or two of these:

Water, Water

The world ends in April

Higher Ground

Alone

After

The Blue Book of Nebo

Across the Risen Sea

The Last Human

Cameron Hardy and Coby Coonradt are the hosts of The Casual Preppers podcast. They’re passionate about helping people know what to do in emergencies, and they believe that learning how to prepare for disaster is a crucial life skill for individuals and families. They both also LOVE talking about the apocalypse! How to Survive an Apocalypse is their first book.

Victoria Stebleva is an internationally published illustrator and artist based in Niš, Serbia. Her portfolio includes non-fiction, middle-grade, and picture books, as well as a graphic novel, editorial illustrations, and more. Here is an Instagram post.