The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Michael Foreman

This is one of those very powerful shorter books that would be perfect for your reluctant readers in Grade 6 or 7. The reporter is told not to ask 'The Mozart Question'.  Why? Paulo decides to tell his story of survival during the holocaust. This is not a book for young readers. Concentration camps and gas chambers are mentioned. Make sure you take a close look at the cover.

Michael Foreman adds his usual fabulous water colour art to this book:

Sadly, this book from 2007 is out of print but I am sure it will be easy to find a in many libraries.

... it is Paulo himself who decides that the time has come for the truth to be told. And so follows the story of his parents in a concentration camp, forced to play Mozart violin concertos for the enemy; how they watched fellow Jews being led off to death and knew that as long as  they were played  they themselves would live. (read about the stage play of this book)

In this stunningly written and very moving book Michael Morpurgo pays tribute to the Jewish musicians who played musical instruments during their captivity in German concentration camps. Their skill kept them alive, and they played to survived. Morpurgo also explores the idea that secrets are often no better than lies. There comes a time when the truth must be told and only then can healing begin. Through the Looking Glass review

You can read background notes from Michael Morpurgo here. 

Publisher blurb: When Lesley is sent to Venice to interview world-renowned violinist Paulo Levi on his fiftieth birthday, she cannot believe her luck. She is told that she can ask him anything at all – except the Mozart question. But it is Paulo himself who decides that the time has come for the truth to be told. And so follows the story of his parents in a Jewish concentration camp, forced to play Mozart violin concerti for the enemy; how they watched fellow Jews being led off to their deaths and knew that they were playing for their lives. As the story unfolds, the journalist begins to understand the full horror of war – and how one group of musicians survived using the only weapon they had.

This book caught my eye at a recent charity book sale because I recognised the format. I previously read (and enjoyed) these books - the series doesn't seem to have an official name but they are published by Walker Books UK.

This Morning I met a Whale

Captain Rosalie

A Swallow in Winter

I Believe in Unicorns

The Kites are Flying

Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World by Phil Cummings

I am sure you do this too - trying to predict the direction a plot will take as you turn each page. I am so happy to say I was utterly wrong in this story. This tale has an enormous twist which I absolutely did not predict. The three kids in this story are on a wild ride into the unknown and as a reader you are on your own wild ride. 

Phil Cummings also deliberately ends nearly each chapter with a cliff hanger.

Here are some of the cliff hangers:

"And so ... he climbed onto the old metal steps ... and down he went."

"Bodder pushed his back hard against the splintery wood and held his breath."

"But no one, not even a child with an imagination like Bodder's, could ever predict how far his journey would take him, and what he was about to discover."

"Whatever was out there, it was restless."

"What will tomorrow bring? he wondered."

It is difficult to talk about this book because I do not want to spoil the plot twist. 

Publisher blurb: Bodder Finn, of Middle Spot Village in Alibon, is a very curious child. When his father travels to the remote coastal village of Light’s Edge, Bodder jumps at the chance to join him, along with his sister Ailie and his best friend Olo. Bodder is keen to see the Shadow Rim: the band of grey that surrounds Alibon at the edge of the orb’s light, before disappearing into the terrifying darkness of the Forever Night. But Bodder gets more adventure than he bargained for when thunderous rocks fall from the sky, making waves that sweep him, Ailie and Olo out to sea on their small boat … and plunging all of Alibon into darkness. With no light to guide them, the trio must survive the perils of the Forever Night and find their way home, without falling off the waterfall at the edge of the world …

If you are book talking Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World with your class or library group you could briefly explain the main characters - Bodder Finn, his sister Ailie, his best friend Olo and the adults - Webly (Bodder's father), Larn (Olo's father) and Tooby (the inn keeper) - and then read Chapter Eight.

You can read the first six chapters here and see a map of Alibon. And here are some discussion questions.

This is an exciting adventure story that will delight young fantasy readers. It’s full of charm, and the mysteries of the world are slowly and carefully revealed, satisfying your curiosity while raising new questions to keep you turning pages. Readings Melbourne

This is a delightful adventure filled with a gigantic twist that I didn’t see coming. Lamont

I am going to predict that Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World will be a 2027 CBCA Younger Readers Notable title. If you are looking for a story to read in your family at bedtime this is one you definitely should seek out. 

When I saw Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World I thought how exciting to discover a novel by Phil Cummings whose work you are sure to know from all the picture books he has created since his first book in 1989 - Goodness Gracious illustrated by Craig Smith. (Just as an aside how lucky was Phil Cummings to have art from Craig Smith for his first book - amazing). Phil Cummings is the author of nearly one hundred books. I have talked about many of them here on this blog including one just a few days ago - Millie and the Frame of Wonder.

I also thought Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World could be a first full novel for Phil Cummings but I now discover there have been others - even some I may have read long ago The Great Jimbo Jones (Solo series); The Rented House; Angel; Danny Allen was here; Take it easy Danny Allen; A Piece of Mind; Spike (Solo series); and Chook Shed Snake (I may have missed some). 

I am huge fan of maps in books, and I am sure readers will find themselves referring to this one as they follow the adventure.

Special mention - this book has such an inviting cover. The art you can see there is by Phil Lesnie and he did the map too. Phil Lesnie did the art in these picture books by Phil Cummings:

The plot of this book is not really related but as I read Bodder Finn at the Edge of the World I thought about this book by Odo Hirsch (yes, it is out of print but is sure to be in your school library):

Bartlett and the Ice Voyage

All the Ways I See by Nas Campanella and Eliza Hull illustrated by Sophie Beer

"I can't see the summer, but it's clear in my mind. I hear it, 
I feel it, in my heart all the time."

It is a summer day and so the family head to the beach - mum and dad with their two young daughters. Now it is time for sunscreen and a game with the seaweed followed by the building of a terrific sandcastle. Dad buys some hot chips and then mum and the little girl - the one you can see on the cover of the book, head into the water. 

"She lets me know when waves are coming. I smile as I hear the ocean humming ... The waves brush me lightly."

It seems somehow wrong to say this - but this book is visually so delightful. The little girl on the cover is wearing a vibrant flower design swimsuit and her face glows as she turns towards the sunshine. The end papers are filled with all the all the objects mentioned in the story - shells; ice cream; sunhat; waves; sunscreen; and chips. If you and your young reading companion linger over the end papers you might also see a white cane - go back now - it is also on the cover. My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has just penned a blog post about white canes. 

As you read make sure you notice the way this little girl uses all her other senses - smell, touch, sound and taste. Her day at the beach is just as much fun with mum taking her hand while they swim and dad describing all the special sights. In this book the blind child is the central character - we 'see' the world through her senses.

Huge thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of All the Ways I See which was published this week! Make sure you add this beautiful book to your Primary or Preschool library (AUS$24.99). 

The Teachers Notes on the publisher web page have some good discussion points you could use with a group of older students along with an extensive list of related picture books, non fiction and web links.

I wish we had been able to add this book to my former school library where we had a blind student named Nelson. He would be an adult by now, but it would have been so good to share this book with each of his classes as he progressed through our school from kindergarten to Grade Six. 

All the Ways I See is a joyful, lyrical story about a day at the beach from a blind child's perspective as she experiences the baking heat, the sticky sand, the hum of the ocean, the smell of hot chips and the splash of the waves. Readings Melbourne

Most people know what the beach looks like, but could you describe the heat, the smells and the sounds? How would you describe it to someone who couldn’t see what you were looking at? This book does just that. It’s a cool way to experience the beach, and to teach readers that not everyone experiences things the way they do. But most importantly, it’s an utter joyful example of disability representation from three fabulous disabled creatives. The Book Muse

This book is sure to be submitted by IBBY Australia for the prestigious IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities. This collection has two sections. All the Ways I See fits Category One and Category Two.

Category Two 

Portrayals of Disability provide examples of respectful representations of disabilities. ...  In choosing these books, we hope to encourage a more inclusive understanding of disability that gives people a new language to talk about their experiences and validates the experiences of those who are rarely represented in literature.

Nas Campanella is the ABC's National Disability Affairs Reporter. Nas is blind and lives with a neurological condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) which means she can't read braille. After completing a Communications degree at the University of Technology Sydney, majoring in journalism she started with the ABC as a cadet and has worked in several senior roles since including producing, presenting and regional reporting. While working for Triple J she became the world's first blind newsreader to read news live to air. She is passionate about sharing stories from disabled people.

Here is quote from the 2025 IBBY booklet which certainly applies to this new book from Nas Campanella: "People with a specific disability or condition can usually depict their lived experience more easily and authentically than an author who has relied on research."

Category One

Accessible Books includes formats that can help a child or teen to read independently. For those who need to read with a partner, we have chosen formats that allow for as much participation as possible. These formats include braille, sign language, picture communication symbols, tactile books and easy-to-read books.

The IBBY selection committee from Toronto also said: "It is exciting to see enhanced print texts that have additional access points or information. These include QR codes, CDs or digital audio content, braille, sign language, picture communication symbols and better tactile illustrations."

All the Ways I See has accessibility features including easy-to-turn pages with rounded corners and textured elements for a tactile experience. You can feel the shells, the sand, the little girl's hat, sandy footprints, and even the waves. All the Ways I See also has a QR code for an audio and sign language version of this book and there is a website where you can order a braille edition. 

I will update this post in a few days - I am going to an event at Gleebooks where Nas Campanella will talk about her book. 

This book is for every child who experiences the world 

in their own beautiful way. Nas Campanella

Eliza Hull OAM is an award-winning writer, musical artist and disability advocate based in Victoria. A proud disabled woman living with the neurological condition Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Eliza is passionate about amplifying the voices and experiences of people with disability across media, literature and the arts. Her children's book Come Over to My House, co-written with children's author Sally Rippin, celebrates friendship, accessibility and inclusive play, introducing young readers to disability through joyful and everyday experiences. It was a CBCA Notable Book and named in the Guardian top 10 children's books of all time. In 2026, Eliza received an Order of Australia Medal in recognition of her service to people with disability and the arts. 

I previously talked about this book by Sophie Beer:

Thunderhead

Companion books:

The Sound of Colours

The Seeing Stick

The Black Book of Colours

I Love Vincent

Letters to a Dog by Piers Torday illustrated by Alice McKinley

I, for real, sat down to write a letter to a DOG. But you’re not just any dog – you’re a little brown-and-white terrier. With short legs and a wagging tail. And the softest, gentlest eyes. I don’t even know your name, but when I saw you at the dog home last week, I just knew we were going to be friends. 

This is a sweet story about a young boy - Jamie Monroe who is desperate for a dog. His mum has died and his dad has become very distant. Before going to hospital Jamie visited a dog shelter and he saw the perfect little dog. He decides to write a letter to 'Dog'. 

Letters to a Dog is a Barrington Stoke book which means it is short (72 pages) and easy to read and contains a story that will appeal to young readers - in this case aged 8+.

Blurb from author webpage: Jamie is in hospital waiting for a life-changing operation. And to make a difficult time even harder, he’s fallen out with his dad and refuses to speak to him when he comes to visit. To keep his spirits up, nurse Shirley suggests he writes a letter to the dog he desperately wants to adopt from the local dogs’ home. But imagine his surprise when Dog writes back!

Dear Jamie, Many thanks for your letter dated last Tuesday, which I can confirm has arrived. Please note that because of the large volume of correspondence being received, there may be a short delay in answering your query. Yours sincerely, c/o Cute Dogs Home London P.S. Please note that this letter has been sniffed for security and training purposes. P.P.S. Please be patient. I am a dog. But please know I am reading your letters. Every word.

Did 'Dog' really write this letter? Jamie thinks it feels a little like AI. He is totally shocked that 'Dog' has replied so he decides to write back. It is seven days until his surgery so there is a letter for each day and in each letter, Jamie shares his deep feelings about what has happened in his life and more importantly why he has stopped talking to his dad. 

This is a beautifully told, empathetic story that does not shy away from the heartbreak that families go through when dealing with loss and the different ways that people cope with grief. It also a story that shines with love, memories and promises fulfilled. Book Craic

Torday’s skill as a writer has created a lively, well-crafted story with a character who speaks directly to the young reader. The illustrations by Alice McKinley add that important visual element. The Barrington Stoke format ensures that this will attract a wide range of readers. This is an excellent addition to any library – a story rooted in a reality that will have a wide appeal. Books for Keeps

Piers Torday began his career in theatre and then television as a producer and writer. He is the author of the Last Wild trilogy, titles within which have won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the UKLA Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. In 2016, There may be a Castle was a Times Children's Book of the Year. In regular demand as a speaker at schools and festivals, Piers is also a reading helper with Beanstalk, a former judge on the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, a Patron of Reading at Heathmere School and a trustee of the Pleasance Theatre.

Click the label Barrington Stoke on this post to see lots more books from this excellent publisher. I was in a bookstore recently and talking to the young book seller I mentioned Barrington Stoke - she had not heard of them. I do think (if you are a bookseller) you should consider stocking some books from this series. I especially loved their YA titles which I have shared here. 

Millie and the Frame of wonder by Phil Cummings illustrated by Shane Devries

Without being didactic this book gently introduces the idea of mindfulness and of slowing down enough to see your world.

Millie finds an old picture frame on a household throw out pile. When she holds up the frame she makes a discovery - suddenly she can see the world in a whole different way. This is a sweet idea but it becomes way more poignant when she uses the frame to help her little sister who is in hospital.

Opening sentence:

"Millie Biggins lived at the end pf Puddle Bridge Lane."

This is such an inviting story opening - as a reader I knew I would really enjoy meeting a girl called Millie Biggins.

When you share this book with your young reading companion make sure you linger over the end papers - front and back. You could also use this book to talk about recycling and of course it would be very easy to make your own picture frames and then use them to explore your school or neighborhood. 

I think Millie and the Frame of Wonder is a book you should just share in your library or family but if you need discussion ideas Scholastic have written some teachers notes. 

This is story that could truly inspire parents and teachers to find or make a frame of wonder and let young (and old) find one’s own moment of joy and happiness to share and discuss. A truly delightful book worth sharing with our young readers. Kids' Book Review

I loved a previous book by Phil Cummings and Shane Devries:

Crumbs

Phil is an award-winning author who developed a love of children’s literature when working as a teacher. It was during this time that Phil decided to write a children’s book. He soon discovered that it wasn’t easy, and after seven years of rejection, Phil’s first book Goodness Gracious!, illustrated by Craig Smith, was published by Omnibus/Penguin in 1989. Since then, Phil has written over sixty books for children. His most recent titles include Echidna Jim Went For A Swim, Be Brave Pink Piglet, Anzac Biscuits, Ride, Ricardo, Ride!, Bridie’s Boots, and Boy.  

In 1990 Phil visited my school library in Lithgow and I have very strong memories of his presentation and of sharing Goodness Gracious with the readers in my school. 

Newspaper Hats

The Hidden Hat

A boy and a ball

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe

A beautiful book, deserving a permanent place in library collections. Kirkus Star review

"A man named Muraro lived in his village with his two daughters, who were called Manyaya and Nyasha. Everyone agreed Manyaya and Nyasha were very beautiful."

The twin girls might look beautiful but only one has a kind heart. Manyara boasts to her sister that when she becomes the queen Nyasha will be her servant. She even says these terrible words: "I'm certain that father loves you best. But when I am a queen, everyone will know that your silly kindness is only weakness."

Nyasha does not let these harsh words affect her. She tends her garden, sings over her work and even befriends a small garden snake. 

One morning a messenger arrives - the time has come for the King to select a wife. Manyaya is sure she will be picked so she sets off before everyone else is awake. On the way several things happen. She meets a boy who asks for food - she yells at him and moves on. She meets an old woman who tries to give her advice. As with the young boy, she scolds the woman and rushes away. The old woman has told Manyaya not to laugh at the trees and to be polite to the man who has his head under his arm. Of course she disregards this advice. 

Nyasha makes the same journey but her actions are the opposite. She shares food with the young boy; she listens to the old woman and shares some sunflower seeds with her. On arrival at the city her sister rushes out to warn her about a great monster with five heads, but when Nyasha enters the chamber she finds her garden snake - and then watches as he transforms into the King.

If this story feels familiar you might be thinking of Cinderella. My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a fantastic Pinterest collection of Cinderella stories. 

Your school or public library are such important places. Yes they will have many of the newest books and the popular books but they should also have older books - treasures like this one from 1988. I picked up my copy at a recent charity book sale for just AUS$2. I did have this book in my former school library so I might gift this one to a different school. This book is still available but it costs between AUS$35 and AUS$50.

Awards for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters:

• Caldecott Honor Book
• Parents' Choice Silver Honor
• Horn Book Fanfare
• Boston Globe–Horn Book Award
• Coretta Scott King Award (Illustrator)
• Reading Rainbow Book
• ALA Notable Children’s Book

Bookseller blurb: Inspired by a traditional African folktale, this is the story of Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters. Nyasha is kind and considerate, but everyone-except Mufaro-knows that Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered. When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters-but only one can be queen. Who will the king choose

John Steptoe (1950 - 1989) was also born in Brooklyn, but unfortunately his life was short, as he died when he was only 38. He began his first book (Stevie) when he was only sixteen. All of his published work (which included 15 picture books in 20 years) deals with the African American experience, issues and concerns. Very few authors and illustrators were African Americans at that time and he helped to change the stereotypical view of his people. He used his own family as models for the characters in his best known and Caldecott Honor book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. This beautiful book is a retelling of the Cinderella story set in ancient Africa among the ruins of Zimbabwe. Kinderbookswitheverything

Betsy Bird and her sister talk about Mufaro's Beautiful Sisters on their podcast episode 8.

Here is the cover of the paperback edition:

Companion books:

The Talking eggs

The Girl with a brave heart

Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes illustrated by Linde Faas

Eddie is the older brother. His sister, Scarlet, has been unwell ever since she was born - she has serious heart issues and has been in and out of hospital. Eddie does love his sister but he is now tired of being the 'good boy' and tired of coming second with his parents. His feelings have been building up and up and they make him feel so desperately guilty.

While Scarlet is in hospital this time Eddie goes to stay with his uncle John who lives near a wild forest. His uncle tells Eddie about some of the special trees:

"I always found the trees to be the most excellent listeners ... particularly for secrets that we don't feel we can tell a person yet."

Eddie goes to the forest and he expresses some of his pent-up feelings and rage inside one of the hollow tree trunks. Oddly he then meets first a tiny robin and then a strange girl. She talks about hunting monsters and also about being brave. At school Eddie meets another boy named Richard and he seems to offer similar advice about being bold and brave. 

Scarlet meanwhile has her operation and (spoiler alert) she is fine. This seems to mean there is no longer any need for the forest girl named Mari to exist. 

Publisher blurb: Eddie feels invisible - his sister Scarlet isn't well and nobody seems to remember that he's here. Out in the forest, as the ice hardens and winter gets deeper, the world is quiet. But there's a monster deep among the trees - a monster that's growing with every sad and angry thought Eddie says out loud. When a little red bird takes him to meet Mari, a strange and fierce girl with blurred edges just like him, she shows Eddie how to be loud, how to make new friends at school and enjoy the music he loves again.  As Scarlet's big operation approaches and Eddie gathers his courage to finally be heard, will he find his way back through the snow and put the monster to rest once and for all?

Robin is a strange story. Even now, days later, I am not sure quite what this story was trying to say. And I had one unresolved plot point when Uncle John seems to know this girl?

"I met a girl yesterday, ... she was wearing strange clothes and carrying a knife and bow and arrow. And she was sort of see-through, like a ghost. But she didn't feel like a ghost. She said she was a story, so I don't know."

At its heart this is a story about healing and identity and finding your voice. I did like the term used by one review - glass siblings. Sensitive readers aged 10+ who enjoy emotional stories and magical realism could enjoy this book. The cover certainly enticed me.  Each of these reviews has more plot details:

The main character starts to become bolder as he explores his wintery landscape and finally finds his voice to make sure that he is heard and not forgotten. The story is very powerful and explores themes of illness within a family and the effect it has. It shares an important message through great imagery which is then coupled with the beautiful illustrations ... Books for Topics

Over time, Eddie learns to do things for himself and finds his voice. He learns that he doesn’t always need to be a good, quiet boy – it’s ok to be angry and release the monster inside, to be true to himself – to be fierce, fearless and loved. Robin is a story of empowerment, friendship and hope. Set in the snowy forest, it’s the perfect winter read ... Scope for Imagination

It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming to watch Eddie realize that the monster in the woods isn’t a villain to be defeated by a sword, but a manifestation of his own suppressed grief. By trying to stay quiet and brave, he has actually been feeding the beast.

I saw Robin in one of our Sydney bookstores - The Constant Readers. Very strangely the hardcover edition was only AUS$18. This book is fairly new - published in 2025. I quickly read a few reviews while I was in the shop and they all praised this book.

Sarah Ann Juckes writes books for young people. Her YA debut Outside (Penguin) was nominated for the Carnegie Medal Award 2020, shortlisted for Mslexia’s Children’s Novel Award, and longlisted for the Bath Novel Award. Her second YA novel, The World Between Us was published in March 2021, and The Hunt for the Nightingale was her first Middle Grade Novel. She works with writers from all over the world via Jericho Writers and is on the board for Creative Future – a charity supporting under-represented writers. You can often find her hibernating in her writing shed in East Sussex, with her cat.

I mentioned this book here

You can see more books illustrated by Linde Faas here. Linde lives in Norway. I previously mentioned her IBBY Silent book in this post from 2019.