Lost Evangeline by Kate Di Camillo illustrated by Sophie Blackall

"The shoemaker and his wife had no children, and they had long given up hoping for them. And so it seemed an entirely miraculous thing when one day, the cobbler sat down to work on repairing an old boot and found, hidden in its squared-off toe, 

an extremely small child."

No one comes back to claim the boots or the child. The shoemaker creates tiny clothes, shoes, furniture and a miniature ship's lantern and he names her Evangeline but his wife does not like the child. 

The small ship's lantern "was surely the shoemaker's finest creation. It was accurate in every detail, smaller than a thimble, and painted bright red. Within the lamp waws a wick of fabric that could be raised and lowered with a small knob, and the lamp, when it was lit, gave off a steady, gentle light."

Reader I need to take a small detour at this point and draw your attention to the word placement in this sentence - think about those words - steady and gentle. As with all good stories we know something is sure to happen - will this lamp help young Evangeline when she is faced with great danger? Of course you may have already anticipated this from the title.

Long ago the shoemaker dreamed of a life filled with adventure, of journeys to far away lands on ships that anchor in the harbor. Evangeline does not grow bigger, but she does become a wonderful daughter to the shoemaker and together they watch the ships and talk of future adventures, but the shoemaker knows there could be danger if Evangeline is discovered. He keeps her well-hidden and makes sure she knows how to hide if a customer enters his store - the door hinge is rusty and the sound alerts Evangeline that she must 'make herself disappear'. I actually gasped when the shoemaker's wife oiled the hinges:

"And so, without telling her husband, the shoemaker's wife oiled the hinges on the door ... She opened the door and closed it again and the hinges made no sound at all."

Meanwhile in a different part of the town an elderly rich widow has a dream about some fabulous shoes that will grant immortality. Oh no are you following along with this story - we have some dangerous ingredients here - jealousy, pride, greed, and the desire for immortality. Surely little Evangeline is heading towards a disaster.

The rich widow Mrs Penrith-Smith sends her servant to visit the cobbler BUT of course the door longer alerts Evangeline to hide and so she is seen by the aptly named Gristle. He takes the news of the tiny girl back to his mistress.

"I think I understand now ... the dream of the shoes was merely a vehicle. The dream served to bring you to the cobbler's so that you might see this wonder. The shoes are not the point. I will have her come here and sing to me, and then I will get better. Her song will cure me ... I will have her."

And so the adventures begin. Yes, Evangeline is stolen; she escapes; she persuades a huge ginger cat to help her; she is stolen again by a truly despicable man; and then she finds a friend and a way to fulfill the dream she shared with her father.  So many twists and turns and all in just 152 pages.

"The cat had seen the girl of course. That little morsel of humanity had led her to the sea, to this wondrous place she had not even known existed. And, too, the cat knew exactly what had become of Evangeline. She had witnessed her demise. ... The cat recognised the man for what he was: a predator. ... She had watched as he captured the girl, watched as a single tiny shoe went flying through the air and landed on a rock."

Before or perhaps after you read Lost Evangeline it would be good to revisit classic fairy tales - The Eves and the Shoemaker and also Thumbelina. You might also think of Pinocchio and Snow White. I read one Good Readers review that said "This (book) had all the whimsy and heartbreak of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale."

Author blurb: When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl (as small as a mouse!) in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. The shoemaker’s wife, however, fears that Evangeline has bewitched her husband, so when an opportunity arises to rid herself of the girl, she takes it. Evangeline finds herself far from her adopted father and her home, a tiny girl lost in the wide world. But she is brave, and she is resourceful, and with the help of those she meets on her journey — including a disdainful and self-satisfied cat — she may just find her way again. Kate DiCamillo

This is the third Norendy Tale and it is the one I loved the best but be warned this tale does not quite have that all important or expected happy ending although I am sure all readers will be able to imagine one. Kirkus explain this:

In true DiCamillo fashion, the ending is suffused with the gentlest melancholy, allowing readers to either believe in their reunion or dismiss it entirely. ...  There are no easy answers in a Norendy tale, but there is great courage, even when it comes in the smallest of packages.

Readers who aren’t used to a story with an ambiguous ending may feel cheated by the lack of an on-page reunion, but upon reflection, they will likely see how it is exactly the right end for such a dreamy little novel that prioritizes the whimsical vibes of Norendy over answering every question raised within it. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The feeling of a fairy tale is enhanced by the very atmospheric illustrations which show the spirals of song which weave their way through the story right to the end. Although there is no instant happy ending with father and daughter reunited once more, it is through the final illustration which the reader is left with a thread of hope that this might yet happen. Through the Bookshelf

Here is a link to a set of discussion questions from the publisher.

I do need to mention the rich vocabulary you will encounter in this book. Here are a few examples: misspoke, due haste, marooned, morsel, modicum of alacrity, vermin, scrutinized, treachery, intercede, consumed, dolt, somber, and penury.

Each of the Norendy Tales features a different, fabulous illustrator. This one is Sophie Blackall. Previously we had Julia Sarda and Julie Morstad. It would be so special to display all three of these on your family bookshelves.

The Puppets of Spelhorst

The Hotel Balzaar

Turbo Turtle by Gregg Dreise

"Way back before Once-upon-a-time time ..."

A little lizard is born and then grabbed by an eagle. He is rescued by Biamme who names him Warrabah. Warrabah enjoys life in this new place, but he longs to return to his homeland. The journey with the eagle has taken him far across the land. Biamme tells Warrabah he can set off to find his family but there are rules to follow. 

"I give you this magic because you have a wonderful kind heart. Use it to search this land and find your family. Be sure to ask permission to be on the different Countries. Let the Elders know what you are doing and ask permission to hunt on your travels."

As with all cautionary tales, Warrabah does not listen and he is impatient and he breaks these very important laws. He is taken back to face the Elders and the scene turns violent:

"They threw their spears. The two shields grew onto Warrabah's body and he ducked his head and arms behind the shields."

Have you guessed what happens? This will be a terrific book to share in your library - it fits into the category of Pourquoi stories - in this case How did the Turtle get his shell? Why do turtles move slowly? Pourquoi is the French word for "why". Pourquoi stories try to explain in an entertaining way why something happens or why things are the way they are, especially in nature.

Bookseller blurb: That lizard wriggled so much his tail broke off. He fell, but Biamme made a safe landing for him. Biamme gave him speed and he became turbo-charged. Biamme shared the Lore with him. When that lizard forgot to ask the Elders permission to hunt on their Country they complained to Biamme. He had to face the punishment called Boreen. Biamme gave him two boreens (shields), which grew on each side of his body to protect him from the Elders spears. He's not turbo-charged anymore.

Thanks to Magabala books for this review copy. Turbo Turtle was published on 11th November 2025. Here are some very detailed and very useful teachers notes. 

This morality tale is a Dreaming story as told by the Gomeroi/Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of southwest Queensland and north-west New South Wales. Through creating this book, Gregg Dreise not only shares the importance of Lore, language, identity and home, but also subtly includes the challenges faced by members of the Stolen Generations removed from Country, disconnected from family and culture. He also shares the lessons that can be learnt from making mistakes. With important messages of respect, consequences, patience and responsibility, Turbo Turtle also relays the value of connection, acceptance and belonging.  

This is the fourth book in the Scales and Tales series – (it's) more than just a story about the origins of our native creatures for each has an underlying message that relates to human behaviour – in this case, it’s about actions and consequences, and how those consequences can change our pathway forward, even our lives, so that we find where we belong – and how that reinforces the connection to Country that guides today’s First Nations generations. Dreise expands on the origins of this story and its implications on the final page ... The Bottom Shelf

Look for other titles in the Scales and Tails series by Gregg Dreise:

And this book:

Best Australian Picture Book of all Time

 

The Guardian Australia

Illustration by Daniel Grey-Barnett

Which books will be nominated? 

Who will win - who will miss out?  
The title of this project implies ONE book will be selected
AND What is the expertise of the people who compile this list

It needs to be someone who knows which books are Australian because I am sure other books will be nominated. I'm thinking of Spot (Eric Hill), Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell), Elmer (David McKee), We're going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury), any book by Allan Ahlberg, any book by Julia Donaldson, any book by Mick Ingpen, any book by Mo Willems, all Dick Bruna titles, Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins, and so many more.

 AND ...  OF ALL TIME.  I am sorry but I do think this is way too broad.

Here are the criteria:

To be eligible a book must be -

• Primarily intended to be read aloud to children who don’t yet read independently;
• Able to be read in a few minutes – we’re looking for a child’s picture book, rather than a graphic novel or illustrated chapter book;
• Written by an Australian (or someone we’ve claimed);
• Published in Australia.

I wonder what a 'few minutes' means. In my experience even the shortest very easy picture book takes around ten minutes to read. 

"Don't yet read independently" - does this mean ages 0-5?

AND what will they do if there are several titles by one author for example Possum Magic and Koala Lou (Mem Fox) and think about Pamela Allen or Margaret Wild who both have so many books that perfectly meet this criterion. Oh, and how many books will 'make the cut'? Top 10, top 20, top 100? And have they considered concept books, alphabet books, counting rhymes, or adaptions of nursery rhymes?

I do rejoice that this criterion does eliminate some 'golden oldies' such as The Magic Pudding; Snugglepot and Cuddlepie; and Blinky Bill. I know it is sure to be nominated but if Where is the Green Sheep 'wins' again I will sigh. It recently made the top 100 of the ABC Radio National vote. 

I also hope people who 'vote' realise that absolutely wonderful books such as John Brown Rose and the Midnight cat by Jenny Wagner; The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek and even Greetings from Sandy Beach by Bob Graham don't work for this list. I could list lots more examples. 

Here is another issue: What about a famous title like Are we There yet by Alison Lester? Surely it's way too long. Will 'someone' read each submission aloud to see if they meet the criterion of 'a few minutes'?

From the way the submission page is set out I think you can only nominate ONE book per entry but I still need to investigate this.  Anyway, I thought I would just pop some of my choices here (you can read about more of these if you search using my side bar):

Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery

If you have one chance, make it count

Tick lives with his brother, Leaf, and their grandfather in a remote cottage near the coast of Ellia. There is peace in this land but there is also always the threat of invasion by the Drene. As the story opens Tick sees some ships on the horizon. He knows the invasion is about to begin. He grabs his brother and races home only to find a stranger is robbing his house. Tick and Leaf's grandfather has died recently but Grandfather gave Tick lots of training and advice. Tick knows he needs to flee with his brother to the King's Keep. It is a fortress in the mountains - a place of safety, where everyone will be headed, but it is a long journey and now he has no supplies - only his loyal (and fabulous) horse named Pebble and a small pocketknife.

"I won't always be here for you. when I'm gone, you'll have to look after each other. You'll take care of him, and he'll take care of you."

Tick does manage to rummage through the saddle bags of the hunter who has ransacked his grandfather's cottage and yes, he does find a few useful things such as a flint and some oats, but he also finds some documents. Tick cannot read them because they are not in his language, but he senses these are important. Now the race is on. The Hunter is chasing him and using his hawk to follow Tick's trail. The gateway to the Kings Keep will only stay open for a few days and winter is fast approaching.

"Three moons through the Forest,

Two moons through the Deep,

One moon to the Mountains

To the safety of the Keep"

This book has it all! It is a page turner. It has action and heroes. It has danger and disasters. It has a journey and edge of your seat desperate moments where survival seems impossible. And most of all it is about destiny. The writing here is so atmospheric - you will feel cold, you will feel hungry, you will feel the wounds of battle, and most of all you will want Tick to succeed. I enjoyed this book so much that I picked it up at 2am so that I could read the final chapters. 

My text quotes are spoilers but I just cannot resist them:

"You are heir to the throne of Ellia. Suddenly there was a sound around him, of metal dropped on stone: all the knights of Ellia were kneeling before him."

"I can't do it. A child born with the mark of a king - that's not even me. That's Leaf ... he's the one with the mark!"

"Tell me what is the mark of a king? ... Lara spoke first, reciting words that she had learned by heart. 'A king must first have the mark of bravery. He must be bold and take risks, even in the face of certain defeat. ... A king must have the mark of modesty. He must always put his people first, even if it puts him in harm's way. ... But most important of all ... a king must show the mark of love. Love for his family, love for his people, love for his kingdom."

Fiercely exciting, with moving moments when Tick recalls his precious grandfather, this is an adventure to thrill the heart.  Book Trust

Each character is skillfully developed so much so that even though their Grandfather dies before the book begins, he feels like a real presence, a significant personality in the story. Despite meeting with some unpleasant and evil characters on the way, Tick remains honourable, true to his grandfather’s wishes and so deserving of the fate which awaits him. Through the Bookshelf

Small Wonder is a beautiful story of brotherhood and hope. Tick’s narration provides a wonderful example of finding strength within yourself and what it means to be noble. Through truly listening, helping others and making connections, unanswered questions become answered and family secrets are revealed. Written in a classic style, this story draws out a nostalgia for stories of goodness, love and the fulfilment of destiny. Scope for Imagination

Ross Montgomery started writing stories as a teenager, when he should have been doing homework, and continued doing so at university. His debut novel, Alex, the Dog and the Unopenable Door, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book of the Year and Branford Boase Award. It was also selected as one of the Sunday Times' "Top 100 Modern Children's Classics". His books have also been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award, while his picture book Space Tortoise was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Award and included in the Guardian's Best New Children's Books of 2018. The Midnight Guardians, Ross's first fiction novel with Walker Books, was selected as a Waterstones Children's Book of the Month and shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book of the Year Award. I Am Rebel won the Waterstone’s Children’s Book of the Year in 2024. He lives in south-east London

The opening scenes in Small Wonder reminded me of these two books I read recently although these have a different time setting:

The Cave

Wanderer

Other companion books:

Wilder

Oracle

The Moon Dragons by Dyan Sheldon illustrated by Gary Blythe

A timeless picture book to be returned to time and time again. Love Reading 4Kids

This book has languished on library shelves for ten years and so the Teacher-Librarian is considering 'weeding' it or removing it from her huge book collection. There is a fantastic story hiding inside this book with themes of greed, girl power, bravery and the moral dilemma of truth verses keeping an important secret. I wonder why it has not been borrowed - my guess is the (sorry Gary Blythe) the unappealing cover. 

This is a 'what would you do' story. I will explain this in a minute.

The King declares there are no dragons but then a traveller reveals there are a few left at the top of the mountain. The king now wants a dragon and so he sends his hunters.

"The royal huntsmen went up the mountain. But its slopes were steep and treacherous, its woods filled with frightening beasts. When they returned all they had was a goat."

This enrages the king. He offers a huge reward to anyone who can bring him a dragon. Hunters, trappers, woodsmen, herders and mountaineers all set off but none can find a dragon. Then a young village girl named Alina declares she will try. Everyone scoffs. How can a mere girl, a child, ever succeed? 

Spoiler alert (this book is from 2014 so it is long out of print): Alina finds the dragons but when she returns to the village she tells everyone there were no dragons. I cheered!

I love this final sentence:

"But as she walked along. Alina took a silver scale from her pocket and smiled. A flight of dragons was worth far more than a room full of gold."

"And there, in the dale below, was a dance of dragons, shining pearl and silver in the soft lunar light ... First one, then anther rose into the air, graceful as clouds, 

their voices joined in song. 

Alina stood on the hill top as if in a dream. 

Her heart beat with the singing of the dragons, 

her breath flowed with the rhythm of their wings."

Bookseller blurb: When a king discovers that there are still singing moon dragons high up on the mountainside, he offers a room full of gold to anyone who can bring one to him. The beautiful dancing dragons only reveal themselves to Alina, a young peasant girl, but she preserves the secret of their whereabouts, knowing that there are some things far more precious than a room full of gold.

Blythe’s soft edge, dramatic, yet realistically-seen paintings are peopled with utterly individual characters, while his clever use of scale and cut-off points roots the story in fantasy. Coupled with Sheldon’s lyrical telling of a good story, they together create something magical. Books for Keeps

Take a look at art by Gary Blythe. You should try to find these two books also illustrated by Gary Blythe:

The Whale's Song

In the US this book is called Under the Moon

You can see other books by Dyan Sheldon here.