My Pet Goldfish by Catherine Rayner

"When I was four, I got my first ever pet: a fish no bigger than my hand, with red and orange scales. My very own goldfish! He didn't have a name yet so I got to choose one - and I called him 'Richard'".

Richard is not alone - he lives in a fish tank with her sister's fish. The young girl loves spending time with Richard - telling him about her day. Sandy, the boy next door also has some goldfish but this live in pond in his garden. When you turn to the page filled with the fish in Sandy's pond you will gasp at all the colours.

There are facts on each page of this book: did you know there are over two hundred different kinds of goldfish with names like comets, bubble eyes and pompoms. And did you know that a group of goldfish is called a “troubling” or that the oldest ever goldfish was 43 years old?

Eventually Richard grows too big for the fish tank and so the girl takes him over to Sandy's to live in his pond. 

Because this book is a combination of narrative and nonfiction it contains an index, further reading list, and a page of author notes. 

My Pet Goldfish was published in 2021 - I am not sure how I missed it. AND it is illustrated (and written) by Catherine Rayner which is another reason I should have been aware of this book. Here is a video of Catherine reading her book. 

The lovely and delicate mixed-media illustrations sparkle with color; we see Richard, other fish, bubbles, and aquatic plants drift serenely in gentle waters. ... Delightful and validating for first-time or would-be goldfish guardians. Kirkus

In the US this book has a different cover:

In the library where I spend a joyous day as a volunteer the Teacher-Librarian has gathered together all of her books from the Nature Storybook (or previously Read and Wonder) series from Walker books. I think she might have nearly every one of these splendid nonfiction titles. Recently she set up a display of books about goldfish and it proved very popular with the children and now this topic links perfectly with one of the CBCA 2026 Early Childhood shortlisted titles - Derek.

Derek

A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle by Gwenda Smyth illustrated by Ann James

I started this blog in 2008. It is now 2025 and this is my 4000th blog post. 

In 2018 I wrote about A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle by Gwenda Smyth illustrated by Ann James from 1981 (Shortlisted CBCA 1982).

"Mrs Emmeline Arbuckle needed a pet. ... 'Well of course,' said the gingernut cat. 'You must advertise."  

WANTED - A PET FOR A SWEET OLD LADY. VERY GOOD HOME.

Mrs Arbuckle receives seven letters and sets off around the world to interview the applicants. The gingernut cat goes along too, in case she needs a second opinion.  It is these 'opinions' that add delicious touches of humour to the story. Here are some examples.  

• The armadillo - do you want a ball or a pet? 
• The llama (and her family) - a pet is a pet, and a herd is a herd. 
• Aardvark - Are you going to spend your days finding ants to feed an aardvark? 
• A bear - Take it from me - bear hugs can be very nasty in hot weather.

So what are the qualities of the perfect pet? 

"A pet should go on and on, day after day. A pet should have regular meals and sleep in the same old corner night after night. A pet should be something you can stroke."  

Of course, this perfect pet has been with Mrs Arbuckle all along. Gwenda Smyth has written a delightful text - it reads aloud so well and young readers quickly grasp the joke here that the gingernut cat has worked out exactly how to persuade Mrs Arbuckle that he/she truly is the most perfect pet. 

The text in this book is also set out perfectly - on the left page we read about each of the animals from around the world as they are interviewed by Mrs A. Each has the chance to say why they would be a perfect pet, then on the facing page the gingernut cat supplies the (hilarious) counter argument. 

Ann James describes the text: Her text for the story was such a strong catalyst -the dry humour and playfulness- for the way I tackled the illustrations.

It is all very satisfying for the book characters and the reader.  Perhaps one day someone will republish this wonderful story which contains vibrant illustrations by Ann James depicting a range of settings from around the world and so many different emotions. If you have a copy at home or in your library hold it close.  I always included this book in my library program and it was a winner every time.  There are so many little details to discover and discuss. We usually began by talking about Mrs Arbuckle's husband whom she fondly calls Mr A. Then we used to map her journey on a large world map. You could easily build a whole week of discovery around this picture book.

Last month I was so privileged to visit the home of Ann James. It is filled to the brim with fabulous art from so many famous children's book illustrators (Andrew McLean; Bob Graham; Emma Quay and lots more). While I was there, I mentioned that I love A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle but that I did not have a copy. It was a fantastic surprise when Ann James offered to gift me a copy, and she signed it AND she showed me a photo of the real gingernut cat himself! AND this copy is also signed by the author Gwenda Smyth.  I also learned that this is the first book illustrated by Ann and it came about because a Melbourne bookseller, back in about 1980, advertised in The Australia newspaper for local authors and illustrators to display dummy books and pages from books that they were hoping would be published - and this led to the discovery and publishing of A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle and from there so many more wonderful books. 

Post edits Ann James says: Gwenda (Smyth) and I were friends (at the Publications Branch of the Vic Education Dept.) and we jointly decided to take up the challenge of creating a picture book for the Margareta Webber’s Bookshop invitation in 1979, to unpublished creators! We both had ginger cats and Gwenda (a wonderful storyteller with a delicious sense of humour) wove this story which I couldn’t resist illustrating.  

Margareta Webber really kicked off the Golden Age in picture books with over 300 entries from all over Australia in this call for unpublished picture books! What a marvelously clever and special idea. It was a competition in a way too I remember. The winner was Amy’s Place by Marianne Stafford. So many of us were discovered then and there! Margareta Webber was a book seller from Melbourne Australia who ran a bookstore in McEwan house for nearly 40 years, called The Bookshop of Margareta Webber and opened in 1931.

Wikipedia says: She focused on building an atmosphere of comfort in her bookshop with furnishings, pottery, prints, colourful rugs, and flowers, and she dispensed coffee and sherry. ... She also had an interest in education, particularly in early childhood education, providing literature for the kindergarten movement. The bookshop primarily dealt with new books, however, Webber would on request assist with finding and importing rare and valuable books.

Other books by Gwenda Smyth - A hobby for Mrs Arbuckle (also illustrated by Ann James); The Six Wonders of Wobbly Bridge (illustrated by Roland Harvey); The Famous Wispy Bell (illustrated by Craig Smith); Orlando (illustrated by Mervyn Pywell); and Don't forget the Cheese Pa! (illustrated by Mitch Vane). 

Wispy Bell is sick of being a fairy, dabbling in the dew and wearing a gossamer gown. She wants to ride a skateboard and eat peanut butter sandwiches, like the humans do! Her parents are dismayed at her lack of fairieness, but this is one determined fairy.

You could follow or compare A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle book A Pet for Miss Wright and Wanted: The Perfect pet.

I am celebrating Momotimetoread post 4000! 

And I have selected A pet for Mrs Arbuckle. This book was published in 1981 and that is about the time my journey into the world of children's literature began. I now own two art works by Ann James from It's a Miroocool and Bird and Bear and the Special Day (I talk about this here). I realise now I should have told Ann James how much I adored reading Little Humpty and Lucy Goosey to hundreds of children in my school library. This also seems like a good way to thank the wonderful Ann James (Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee 2019) for her wonderful books and more importantly for her generous contribution to IBBY Australia including these pieces you will find in our Mini Masterpiece art auction which begins on 14th November. 

These are three of the postcard sized art works - there are two more for you to explore. 

Ann also contributed pieces to our first Mini Masterpiece auction and our IBBY promotional flyer also features her work. 

Read more about IBBY Australia here

I am happy that my milestone post features a picture book and a book by an Australian author/illustrator. Here is a statement about picture books that resonates with me:

Picture books help to build young readers one glossy page at a time, and a good picture book is a work of art combining just the right illustrations with just the right words and placing them all together for an enjoyable reading experience. 

There is nothing simple about the benefits of reading picture books with young (and not so young) children. Picture books cultivate an appreciation for art while strengthening a child's visual skills. Before a child can read the words they learn to read the pictures to understand the story. Picture books help children learn about the structure of a story while building their vocabulary and comprehension. Picture books can tell simple and familiar stories or very complex and serious stories, and children are exposed to the big world around them. 

The most important aspect of picture books is how they are shared. They are meant to be a shared experience between a child, or a group of children, and a trusted adult. Reading books together builds a bond that is very special and unique. Contra Costa County Library, CA, USA

Growing Home by Beth Ferry illustrated by The Fan Brothers

The only thing to note about Number 3 Ramshorn Drive was the big oak tree in the front yard—and what went on inside. I can promise you it won’t be what you are expecting. Unless of course you are expecting a story about two plants, a spider, and a magical fish tank. Oh, and cheese puffs—lots and lots of cheese puffs. 

If you’re expecting that, then this is the story for you.

And don’t forget, hope is like a hook ... 

Once it catches hold of you, it doesn’t easily let go.

First off I need to say this book will be nearly impossible to find here in Australia unless, like me, you are prepared to read an ebook version. If you do find the book [9781665942485] the price of the print edition is way too high for a school library at over AUS$32 for this 272pg middle grades illustrated novel. Hopefully there will eventually be a paperback edition for a better price AND booksellers will bring it here to Australia (hint hint Gleebooks Kids).  

Here is a list of the characters in this book. I am sure you will find it hard to imagine how there could possibly be a story that connects them - a goldfish named Toasty; an ivy pant in a pot named Ivy; a spider named Arthur; a violet plant in a pot named Ollie; a canary named Sunny; and a bee named Louise. Listen to this podcast. And here is part two of that same podcast. 

Jillian's parents run an antique store. They have dreams of 'making the big break' and finding an antique worth tons of money. Right now this is even more important because Mr and Mrs Tapper have made some unwise decisions, borrowed too much money from the bank and now they are in real danger of having no money and perhaps no home.

They regularly visit garage and farm house sales and that is where they found the very curious octagonal-shaped fish tank (that is where Toasty lives). The parents, however, have no idea that someone else wants this tank nor do they know it has magical properties. 

Jillian is desperate for a pet but Toasty the fish is all she is allowed to have until she finds Ivy. Yes, Ivy is an indoor plant, but Jillian loves her and talks to her. In fact, Toasty is becoming quite jealous about their relationship. Also, Ivy is sure SHE is Jillian's favourite.

Mr and Mrs Tapper bring home an old large desk from a bookshop - the house is filled with the antiques the collect. What they do not know is that a little spider has made the desk his home and even more importantly (but I cannot tell you why) this desk also contains a very large, very old, first edition (hint) book.

So in this story there will be heroism, teamwork, everyone will make new friends, and of course you will be smiling over the glorious happy ending. This is a perfect book to share with readers aged 7+. 

Here are some text quotes to give you a flavour of this story:

Ivy was the small houseplant who sat on the kitchen table. She had three speckles on each leaf and three letters in her name. “Good morning, Ivy!” Jillian sang. “Who’s ready for some sunshine?” Jillian had never actually announced to anyone that Ivy was her favorite, but Toasty could tell. Actions speak louder than words. So do singing and dancing and kissing. Jillian picked Ivy up and danced her to the window, where the sun could kiss her leaves. The sun had never kissed Toasty’s fins or his face or his tail. Not once. Not ever.

“A goal of the day keeps the boredom away!” she said. ... “ROY is the beginning of the rainbow,” Ivy explained. “It stands for red, orange, and yellow. I’ve decided my goal of the day is to find something for each color of the rainbow.”

Despite not being her favorite, Toasty loved Jillian. She might have questionable judgment when it came to favorites, but she was always doing something interesting. And when you’re a goldfish—even a goldfish in an octagonal tank—interesting is important. Toasty couldn’t wait to see what was in the box. He was sure it wasn’t cheese puffs, but as we’ve said, hope is like a hook, and Toasty was hooked on cheese puffs. And hey, weirder things have happened.

And in that moment, Arthur realized that he, too, had a superpower. It was reading. Which explained why there were so many books in the world. Everyone wanted a superpower.

You will remember that Toasty does not have very good manners. It’s still up for debate as to why that is, but it is a fact. Toasty felt like his home was being overrun by strangers. First a spider, then a violet, and now a bee. Enough was enough! “Manners, schmanners. What’s next, a horse?”

“Friends, schmends,” Toasty muttered. “Cheese puffs are better than friends.” “Nothing is better than a friend, Toasty!” Ivy admonished.

Listen to an audio sample here. And I found a video of Beth Ferry reading the opening chapters of her book.

One of my favorite things about this book is the abundance of wordplay the author uses. Whether your kid is an English nerd or just loves a funny book, they’ll have plenty to giggle about while reading this one. It features a truckload of puns, new vocabulary words taught to readers as they read, and beautiful illustrations to bring each chapter to life. Reading Middle Grade

"Ferry has presented a wonderfully imaginative story with magic, mystery, and adventure, set almost entirely in one setting (goldfish tanks don’t move that easily). In addition, detailed pencil illustrations by the talented Fan brothers are sprinkled throughout, and these add whimsy to the novel’s delightfully expressive animal and vegetal protagonists, especially Toasty, with his signature bowler hat and perpetual frown." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Kirkus review: Each character has a distinct personality and perspective; sometimes they clash, but more often they learn to empathize, see each other’s points of view, and work to help one another. ... The Fan brothers’ soft-edged, old-fashioned, black-and-white illustrations depict Toasty and Arthur with tiny hats; Ivy and Ollie have facial expressions on their plant pots. ... The story comes together like a recipe: Simple ingredients combine, transform, and rise into something wonderful. In its matter-of-fact wisdom, rich vocabulary (often defined within the text), hint of magic, and empathetic nonhuman characters who solve problems in creative ways, this delightful work is reminiscent of Ferris by Kate DiCamillo ...

This book will be a really terrific family read aloud. I suggest you buy a packet or two of cheese puffs - Toasty loves these and because he kept talking about them I started to want to eat some too. I am not sure what we call these here in Australia but I found this packet which is sold at our local supermarkets. 

You can read more plot details here. 

Bookseller blurb: Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that's how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty's case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever. First, there's the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible! It turns out Toasty's fishtank isn't just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?

I have previously talked about lots of book illustrated by The Fan Brothers and also Beth Ferry (check out her page about Growing Home) and see all her books here.  I am excited to meet The Fan Brothers at the 2026 IBBY Congress on Ottawa. 

Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers

We all wanted Barnaby to go on a hero’s journey: facing disillusionment, obstacles, and various ordeals, but in the end coming back to his home, 

transformed for the better by his experiences. Fan Brothers

Barnaby is half mouse, half elephant with a dash of flamingo. He has been living in a box on the shelf of a toy shop. His box says he is a perfect pet and fully trained. There are so many perfect pet boxes to choose from. It seems no one is noticing that he is perfect until one day a young girl arrives. Barnaby becomes her very special friend. They do everything together. Best of all they enjoy watching the television series 'Barnaby and Friends'. Sadly though, it is this show that leads to a devastating change. The Perfect Pet company release a new Rainbow Barnaby. 

"The next day, the little girl asked her father if she could have a Rainbow Barnaby."

"The answer was no. Barnaby felt a wave of relief wash over him. But after that, the girl no longer played with him quite as often as she used to ..."

Do you recognise this plot idea - I love you Blue Kangaroo; Ducky's Nest; Arnold, the Prickly Teddy; The Sea Saw; and Finding Monkey Moon.

The little girl no longer takes Barnaby for walks. And one day her father fails to notice that Barnaby is left behind. It is raining and dark and Barnaby is lost. Will he ever find his way back home? And after weeks outside in the rain and dirt will the little girl even recognise him? Is there someone who can help him? 

I have read this book many, many times and the warm happy ending still makes me so emotional. 

Joy, despair, reunion, community—delightfully, all here. Kirkus

Barnaby Unboxed is a simple story, with universal themes, and it is told beautifully. The possibility of interesting and important conversations about exploitation would be a bonus. Just Imagine

There are some valuable themes of found family, what home means, self-worth and finding (and appreciating) what we have. It's a profound little book, and told in age appropriate language, all accompanied by luminous impressionist inspired artwork throughout. Nonstop Reader

It will be exciting to show this book to a group of Teacher-Librarians at a conference next month. The case reveal (pulling off the dust jacket to reveal the image underneath) is a spectacular surprise. And then I can show the brilliant end papers. (You can see these parts of this book here). School libraries here in Australia have very limited budgets but these two books should be added to every collection - yes they are that special! See inside Barnaby Unboxed here. Check out all the books by The Fan Brothers - I have talked about nearly all of them here on this blog. Here is a generous interview between The Fan Brothers and Betsy Bird. 

I previously talked about The Barnabas Project which is the companion volume to Barnaby Unboxed. 

The Barnabus Project

Barnaby Unboxed might make you think of Toy Story. Older readers should look for this middle grade series:

They threw us away

And this powerful book too:

Ollie's Odyssey

The Missing Bunny by Holly Webb illustrated by Antonia Woodward

Bookseller blurb: Annie is really excited about her new pet rabbits and can’ t wait to welcome them into the amazing new home her dad has built for them. But when Annie is in a rush to get to school the next morning, she doesn’t check that the door to the hutch is shut properly, and one of the rabbits, Humbug, escapes. Can Annie find Humbug in time to save her from the neighbourhood fox … ?

There is just the right amount of tension and emotion in this story. Annie loves her two bunnies but it isn't really a surprise when one escapes after the hutch is not quite shut properly. Luckily little Humbug does not go to far and luckily Annie is brave enough to check her garden late that night so we can all enjoy the happy ending. 

This book is from the Little Gems series by Barrington Stoke. I love these little books for these reasons:

• The paper is the very best quality - so these books will last a long time in a library
• They have colour illustrations which will appeal to beginning readers
• Barrington Stoke ask top UK authors (and illustrators) to write these simple little stories
• The stories are easy to understand and so well written they are sure to be enjoyed by young readers and by parents too
• Every book contains a bonus puzzle or two - I do enjoy doing these
• The size is perfect - slightly smaller than a regular paperback novel
• There are so many titles in this series you are sure to find one you will enjoy
• These books are perfect for readers aged 6-8
• Here in Australia these books are priced between AUS$11 and AUS$20.

Holly Webb is the author of over 150 books for all ages not just these Little Gems. I am sure you will find some of her books in your school or public library. 

Here are two more titles she has written for the Little Gems series:

You might also look for The Beach Puppy

Ark in the Park by Wendy Orr illustrated by Kerry Millard

"But every night, Mr and Mrs Noah wished one impossible wish - they wished they had grandchildren."

"Sophie's mother and father came from a country a long way away and Sophie did not have grandparents or aunts and uncles to visit. She did not have cousins to call on the phone or visit on holidays."

Sophie lives in a busy family. Mum and Dad have to go to work, and they are also juggling twin toddlers. Sophie lives near a large park but to get there she has to cross a busy road. Notice that word - busy. The road is busy and mum and dad are too busy to take Sophie across to the park. Why does she want to go there? Because - well take a look at the title of this book. There is an ark in the park. How can there be an ark? What is an ark? Is this in any way connected with the person called Noah? And of course, does the ark have anything to do with animals?

Yes - is the answer to nearly all of these questions. Mr and Mrs Noah live and actually built a ship like an ark and it is in the park. It is their home of course but it is also a pet shop with seven different levels or decks. The animals are pets not wild jungle animals such as elephants. There are dogs, cats, birds, some tortoises and even a deck for snakes. 

Mr and Mrs Noah do not have any children and that is a sadness but now that they are quite old what they would really love is some grandchildren.

I guess you have "joined the story dots".  Sophie is lonely. Sophie lives near the park. Is there a way they all can meet?

For her birthday Sophie asks mum and dad to take her to the park. She has been watching the ark from her apartment window, and she knows it is a curious place, but she has no idea how this visit will change her life, change the lives of Mr and Mrs Noah and even help her mum and dad find their own welcoming place in the community. 

There is one of those little street libraries near my house. I often walk past on my way back from shopping. Today I spied Ark in the Park. I first read this in 1994 and even though that is now thirty years ago the story lingered with me. Listen to an audio sample here from chapter 2. 

The magic of getting what you wish for is told in graceful prose full of gentleness and whimsy; the beguiling line drawings are full of amusing details that invite closer scrutiny, especially as they work their way in and out of the text. Satisfying and most charming. Kirkus 

Ark in the Park won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for Younger Readers in 1995. I am thrilled to see there are copies still available but if you are reading this in 2024 I suggest you will need to act very quickly. This heavily reduced price makes me think this online supplier will have limited stock. It is sad that here in Australia our award winners are so rarely reprinted. My copy from the street library is not in very good shape but I will gift it to a young reader who has just finished her first year of school - I am certain she will enjoy this easy chapter book and I think she will also love the lively pen illustrations by Kerry Millard.

See more books by Wendy Orr here. Here is a Q&A with Wendy Orr from 2012. I was thrilled to read she loved Rumer Godden as a child - me too!

POST UPDATE: Here is Wendy Orr's reply to my Instagram post:

I am so thrilled to have Ark in the Park coming out as an audiobook on Dec 12 and available for pre-order now, from Audible or Blackstone Audio. Huge thanks to Robert Hart for the audio production and narration tips, and to @sarah_bacaller of Thrive Audio for reaching out, producing and organising things. Here are the covers for its print editions, with the original cover art (and internals) done by Kerry Millard. This book is very special to me; it came straight from the heart and my memories of being a child in a foreign country and desperately wanting grandparents like my friends had. It was one of the first books I wrote, and knowing nothing about the rules of getting published, I just wrote it at the length and format as it appeared to me - so it had a lot of rejections! Finally I sent it to @cathiebooks, who was then at HarperCollins - her attitude was that nothing else was being published at that length - 3000 words - so let’s start doing it! It took several years and finally came out in 1994, winning Australian CBC book of the year in 95 and being shortlisted for many American awards.

Wendy Orr shared this audio version of Ark in the Park which has (I think) just been released with Wendy Orr herself as the narrator.  And here are some editions in other languages - some of these are still in print. I think the title of the Japanese version translates as Sophie's Wish. Wendy told me it is unlikely the English edition of Ark in the Park will ever be reprinted. 

Chickpea by Marguerite Hann Syme

Afshin has arrived in Australia from Iran with his two children Hooman and Mina. They suffered in Iran due to their religious beliefs and are so happy to have found safety here in Australia, specifically in Adelaide. Sadly, though, shortly after their arrival mum has died and so now Afshin has to navigate a new country and a new language and cope with his two young children and with being alone. The children see a kitten and a baby chick in a local market, and they beg their dad to buy them. Hooman forms a very special relationship with his little chicken, and he names her Chickpea. Mina loves to play with her kitten dressing her up in fancy clothes and jewels. On the book cover you can see she has also tried to do this to Chickpea - painting her toenails and adding lipstick and beads. For Hooman, Chickpea has added a special dimension to his life. His days no longer feel constrained and filled with routines.

One day Hooman comes home from school and Chickpea is gone. Hooman searches for days until he eventually finds her squished into a tiny space at the back of the garage. Chickpea has laid some eggs and she is waiting for them to hatch but if you know about chickens you will know this won't happen - these eggs have not been fertilized. Hooman is so worried because Chickpea won't eat.

Broody hens can be recognized by their behaviour. They sit firmly over the eggs, and when people approach or try to remove the eggs, threaten the person by erecting their feathers, emitting a characteristic sound like clo-clo-clo and will peck aggressively. When broody, hens often temporarily cease eating or reduce their feed consumption.

Luckily a friend finds some fertilized eggs and they swap them and then sit back to wait the twenty-one days needed for them to hatch. On the appointed day, Dad lets Hooman stay home from school, but alas no chicks arrive. And Chickpea is still not eating and they cannot move her. Will Hooman lose his very special friend?

Spoiler alert - no Chickpea will be okay. This is the appeal of this story - the wild ride of emotions over just 55pages. This time they put newly hatched chicks under Chickpea - chicks rescued from a battery hen farm. Nothing happens for three long days. Then the lady who bought the eggs and the chicks claps her hands, Chickpea is startled and the baby chicks move and jump out from under her warm feathers. A happy ending for everyone.

In 1998 Chickpea was a CBCA short-listed book in the Younger Readers Category. Of course, it is now long out of print but I do think it has stood the test of time and it would be enjoyed by young readers aged 8+. A new cover might add to the appeal.. Also, that IDAnimal label is quite off-putting. This book was one from a series by Scholastic and I guess these labels were an early form of generifying your fiction. 

Last night I revisited Chickpea because I have a memory of loving this book and I did hope back then that it would 'win'. I put 'win' in inverted commas because having a short list sticker means this book did win in terms of book sales and because I am sure it was shared with many, many children. 

Here is the sequel which I have no memory of reading and which again is sure to be long of out of print.

Chickpea was short listed by the CBCA. Here is the full list from 1998:

Winner

• Forrestal, Elaine Someone Like Me Puffin 

Honour books

• Hirsch, Odo Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore Guzman Allen & Unwin Illus. Andrew McLean 
• Wrightson, Patricia Rattler’s Place Illus. David Cox Puffin (Aussie Bites)

Short listed

• Gleeson, Libby Queen of the Universe Illus. David Cox Omnibus (Solo)
• Klein, Robin The Listmaker Viking
• Syme, Marguerite Hann Chickpea Scholastic

There has been a debate on Facebook this week about the Younger Readers choices for 2024 and also some discussion about how books are submitted for judging. I know about this process because I was a CBCA judge 2021-23 but in a different category. The Facebook thread explores two issues about books in the Younger Readers category - specifically the selections this year. Firstly, the range of books on offer from those that cover deep themes through to the slapstick of a graphic novel. If you look at any of the past Younger Readers lists from 1982 onwards you will see the six short listed titles often cover a range of themes and potential readerships. If the issue here is with the choice of a funny or light weight book here are a few to consider. 1992 Bob the builder and the elves (Emily Rodda); 2004 Truck Dogs by Graeme Base; 2007 The cat on the mat is flat Andy Griffiths. 

The other side of this debate relates to books with more mature themes. The description of this category states: Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years. 7-12 years. Note: Some of the titles in this category may only be suitable for readers who are in the upper primary years as they contain mature themes, including violence. Parental guidance is recommended.

Over the years from 1982 onwards there have been some titles for very mature readers short listed in this category - to me this just shows the range of writing talent we have in Australia. Think about 2021 We are Wolves; 2020 The Dog Runner; 2016 Morris Gleitzman Soon; 2013 Children of the King etc.

The second issue relates to how books are entered in the competition, and this is the part of the debate that puzzles me. Books submitted for this award (as with most other awards) are entered by their publisher. This surely is not an issue because having that CBCA sticker on the cover of a book guarantees books sales and also helps to keep a book in print for longer. The publisher pays a fee for each book they enter and they send five copies of the book to the CBCA National office for distribution to the judges. There is nothing secret about this process. For my judging, over two years, we were sent over 460 books. This shows that publishers do not hold back. They submit every title they think has a chance with the judges. I am sure if you are an author, you would be welcome to check with your publisher that your book has been submitted. The only issue we had in my judging panel came with a handful of books that we felt were submitted into the wrong category - but with the permission of the publisher we were able to send these titles onto other teams. Publishers, especially the smaller ones, often submit their book in several categories which shows they are very keen for their book to be noticed by the judges of this prestigious national award. 

Here are other books which might be in your local or school library by Marguerite Hann Syme.

Digger digs down by Johanna Bell illustrated by Huni Melissa Bolliger

Digger is a dog. Digger is a dog who digs. Nothing will stop Digger in his quest to dig down and down and down except when he bumps into something and so he digs right then left then round and round and round until he reaches somewhere quite surprising. Then he hears a voice from above:

"Digger! Where are you?"

So, it is time to dig again - this time up and up and round and round and left and right and upside down until ...

If you are going to write a book with only thirty words it is important to add a rich unspoken story in the illustrations and that is exactly what Huni Melissa Bolliger has done in Digger digs down. An adult sharing this book, or any really good picture book, with a very young child needs to enjoy the book too. The text here is very, very simple almost at the level of an old basal reader from the 1950s or 1960 but so much is going on under the ground as Digger digs deeper and deeper. This means adults and children will enjoy revisiting this book for repeated readings and there will be lots to talk about. 

I especially appreciated the way the first page has no text. You also need to begin reading this book from the title page because that is where the story starts. IF this book does ever appear on a service like Story Box Library I do hope they begin their 'reading' from the title page onwards. The end papers hint at the colourful marvels Digger will find deep under the ground. OH and please think about the rainbow on the cover. After reading this book with your young reading companion or with your preschool group you are sure to want to talk about the idea of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

The illustrations in this book, as I have said, really take this book to another level. They are full page and made with vibrant saturated colours printed on glossy paper. There are pages you need to turn sideways and the text is positioned to mirror the context - for example the words go down the page as Digger digs down and they are curved when he goes round and round. The 'noisy' words are given emphasis because they are written in capital letters. Blurry or smudged edges to his fur show Digger in action as he romps below and above the ground. He is an adorable orange coloured shaggy puppy full of energy. If you met him in real life you would want to give him a pat and a hug although I think he would probably jump all over your first. The word exuberant certainly applies to this energetic young dog. 

I was sent Digger digs down by UQP (University of Queensland Press). It will be published at the end of July, 2024. See inside this book here. This book will be a good addition to a preschool book collection and as a read aloud it will work well with words like donk!, bonk!, clonk!, and swish swish swish for young children aged 2+. 

Publisher blurb: Join happy-go-lucky Digger as he ditches the boredom of backyard life for an underground adventure. What will he find? What won’t he find? Packed with hidden treasures, this picture book is perfect for small children who love dogs, digging and discovery.

Johanna Bell is an award-winning children’s author, poet and Churchill Fellow ... Digger Digs Down is Johanna’s sixth picture book and her first created in nipaluna/Hobart with fellow Tasmanian Huni Melissa Bolliger.  

Huni Melissa Bolliger (you can see a show reel of her work) is an award-winning animator and artist. Her films have won awards in Australia and internationally, including a prestigious Special Jury Prize at Hiroshima Animation Festival. ...  Digger Digs Down is Huni’s picture-book illustration debut.

Background information shared by the publisher:  The story of Digger was first conceived when Johanna’s daughter (then three years old) began telling her a story about a dog called Digger, which was quickly scribbled on the back of a receipt. And in her debut as picture book illustrator, Huni, an animator, found inspiration for Digger in her very own Digger, her dog Rufus.

Here are some other books by Johanna Bell:

Go Home Cheeky Animals was the Winner: Territory Read Awards, Children's or Young Adult, 2018 and
Winner: CBCA Book of the Year, Early Childhood, 2017. 

Hope is the Thing illustrated by Erica Wagner has been shortlisted for the CBCA New Illustrator award for 2024. I am tipping it will be the winner!

Lionel and Me by Corinne Fenton illustrated by Tracie Grimwod

 

"In the beginning life was perfect ... a warm, comfy bed, yummy food, long walks, frolics along the sand and, best of all, anywhere, anytime LOVE. Life was perfect but then came Lionel."

Maverick, a large golden shaggy dog, loves his family but then a new pup arrives. Lional is a pup - small, young, and adorable. At first things don't change for Maverick but then, as the pup grows, the family seem to have lost interest in their old friend. They became 'Lionel-busy'. 

"I put up with it as long as I could. Then one day, I'd had enough!"

Oh no - poor Maverick is banished to the doghouse in the back garden and it is raining and cold and so so so lonely. But pups will be pups and one day, finally, little Lionel does something slightly naughty and he is banished to the back garden. Is there now a way Maverick and make friends with Lionel?

This book was short listed for our Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) award - Early Childhood. 

The Judges said: The theme of the younger/new addition to the family is highly relatable to the age level of this audience, adding the themes of an animal protagonist/antagonist and animal angst. The title and imprint pages cleverly set up the conflict and tension before the narrative begins. Narrated by the dog Maverick, the language is simple and clear, with lovely pauses and bold words for directed emphasis and expression. Many young children may be able to identify with Maverick’s emotions, allowing them tor self-reflect and connect. Whilst this book is about a pet dog learning to accept a new puppy into the household, it would also provide a very useful tool in supporting discussions about a new family member, and the mixed feelings that come with this. The narrative arch is well-sustained and draws the reader in, leading to a perfectly pitched and delightfully surprising resolution. The pencil and watercolour illustrations are beautiful, full of movement, and perfectly convey the mood and emotions.

You can see inside this book here on Tracie Grimwood's webpage. Tracie did the cover of a book I really enjoyed - Eloise and the Bucket of Stars. Read about the real Lionel and Maverick in this post on Paperbark Words with Joy Lawn. Here are the teachers notes from the publisher. If you want to extend your ideas about this book to include any new arrival in a family such as a new baby brother or sister take a look at my Pinterest collection. Take a look here to see other books by Corinne Fenton. I recently talked about Subbie and his mate. I also love an older book Queenie: One Elephant’s Story illustrated by Peter Gouldthorpe. 

This gorgeous book packs a very big punch. Tracie Grimwood’s delightfully engaging and simply beautiful illustrations, bring the story to life in a multitude of clever ways.  Kids' Book Review

This is a book that is perfect for your preschool reading companion and for all preschool library/book collections. 

You might also enjoy these:

Budgie by Joseph Coelho illustrated by David Barrow

 

Miles loves to climb trees even though there are not too many of them outside his tower block of apartments. As he reaches the top of one tall tree an old man named Mr Buxton shouts at Miles and scares the young boy and his friends. The next day Miles finds tiny bird - a little yellow and green budgie. 

"I dart forward and carefully scoop it up in my hands. Its body feels weak, like an empty eggshell, but its heart is strong. I can feel it thumping through its body. I cup the budgie to my chest and rush home."

Miles names the little bird Pippin. He settles the tiny creature into a small box and feeds it some bread crumbs and water. 

"I run my fingers over the crayon box of its feathers, the bright sunburst of its head, the apple candy of its tummy down each wing with their black and yellow flecks. Its feathers feel a-kiss-on-an-eyelid soft."

The next morning Miles sees the box is empty and the window is open - I gasped - but it is okay Pippin is happily flying around the kitchen. Sadly, this is his final flight and day of life. I know this is a spoiler but if you are planning to share this book with a young child, I think you need to know that Pippin does die. Later we discover this is a very old budgie. He belonged to Mr Buxton and so now the story focus shifts to why Mr Buxton was so upset to see Miles climbing trees and how Mr Buxton came to own the budgie he named Lemon. I would suggest this book is for readers aged 7+.

The connection between Mr. Buxton and Miles is not only touching but encourages those intergenerational friendships which seem to be so undervalued in society. As the elderly are forgotten, so are their stories. Yet Mr. Buxton reminds us that we can learn so much from older people and their experiences and that they need connection too.  The Bread Crumb Forest

I have been waiting for quite a while to read this book. The cover really appealed to me especially because I once had a little budgie exactly like the one on this cover. 

Easy to read by readers of a wide range of ages, Budgie shows that stories that carry big emotions can be simply written. Julia Eccleshare LoveReading4Kids

Deep and meaningful stories do not need to be long to leave a lasting impression. Joseph Coelho’s Barrington Stoke debut proves that they can be short, wonderful, moving and accessible to young readers ... A word about books

I need to make a special mention of the art in Budgie by David Barrow. You can see his work on Instagram. Budgie is a title from the Little Gems series - click that label at the bottom of this post to see more of these gems!

Here is my other most favourite book about a budgie - Pete and Roland by Bob Graham. Sadly, this book is very very old and long out of print but I do wish I could read Pete and Roland to young child straight after Budgie by Josephy Coelho.

Here is another old Australian junior chapter book featuring a budgie - this one is from the Solo series. 

Budgie

I didn't know Budgerigars live in England. I discovered: The English Budgerigar, often referred to as the English Budgie or the Show Budgie, and the Australian Budgerigar, commonly known as the Australian Budgie or the Budgie, are two distinct variations of the same species, Melopsittacus undulatus. ... The English Budgie is larger and more robust compared to its Australian counterpart. It exhibits a more substantial and rounded head, with a broader face and a prominent forehead. In contrast, the Australian Budgie has a slightly smaller frame and a slimmer head, giving it a more streamlined appearance. ... Another significant difference lies in their plumage. The English Budgie is renowned for its luxurious, long, and profuse feathers. Its plumage displays an array of vivid colors and intricate patterns, ranging from vibrant blues and yellows to striking grays and greens.

This article went on to explain the English budgie does originate from our Australian one. Breeding over time has changed their size and feathers. In the early 19th century, British naturalists and explorers started bringing budgerigars from Australia to England. These birds captured the attention of breeders due to their captivating appearance, intelligence, and ability to mimic sounds and words.

Inside the front cover of Budgie (by Josephy Coelho) you can read some budgie facts:

• They live 7-15 years
• They have 3000 feathers
• Their heart beats 500 times per minute
• They love to eat vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and peas