Showing posts with label Point of view. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Point of view. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

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:



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. 











Monday, March 2, 2026

Bitza by Andrew Daddo illustrated by Stephen Michael King


"I've never seen a dog like you before. What are you? You look a bit Staffy and a bit Kelpie. I think I can see a bit of Labrador 
and some doodle too."
"You got some Blue Heeler in you too? ... 
Or maybe that's Cattle Dog. Boy you're a beauty, Bitza."

There are two books (so far) in this series (two more are planned) and they are great fun! Do not hesitate to add these to your school library. Stephen Michael King has, I am so thrilled to say, returned to his 'roots' and added the most perfect little drawings (not digital) to these easy chapter books.  Your students who love dogs will adore these but so will all the other kids. In 2027 there will be a new CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) awards category for junior books like these. I do hope we see Bitza on the 2027 Notables - yes it is that good!


From Chapter Two Bitza - Rules? What rules?

You have seen Stephen Michael King illustrate dogs like this before in Mutt Dog, Barney by Catherine Jinks, Pocket Dogs by Margaret Wild and Three. (Click this link to see all of his books).

Andrew Daddo also knows so much about dogs! Yes, Bitza is written from the point of view of one very irresistible little dog but there are so many other dog traits that he highlights and that made me laugh.

"I do know that I can smell food very well. And when I smell food I tend to drool. It just happens. It's like someone turns on a tap in my mouth and eventually it fills up and spills out the corners."

"Want more? she asked. 'Well, duh! That's like asking if cats are a little creepy. I'm part Labrador, of course I want more."

"I didn't mind that they watched me eat, as long as they didn't want me to share it."

"Dad reached down and rubbed my head, getting the knuckles in that groove right in the middle of my ears and making my back leg shake."

Chapter 9 is great fun - Jas and Dad ask Bitza does he prefer a ball or a stick. Such a hard decision for a dog who loves BOTH! Then just when you think everything is good or even great for Bitza, the daughter of his old owner shows up. But you (or your young reading companion) will never guess how this could possibly be resolved.

I think the second book is even better than the first especially towards the end when Bitza is left home alone. He digs a hole in the garden (even though that is breaking one of dad's rules) but then things get really crazy when the dog next door encourages Bitza to dig up all the newly planted flowers. I kept thinking about Freddy's motivation. I thought he might want Bitza to get into terrible trouble so that he might be sent away and Freddy could regain Jasper all for himself but no - wait until you see Freddy's own backyard. Does Bitza get into dreadful strife? The ending of this second story is sure to give you a huge smile - I cheered!

You can see inside Bitza here. And this snipped page will give you an idea of the text size and wonderful illustrations:


"I couldn't have been clearer if I wanted to be. That dog behind you is slobbering on my ball."

This series is sure to become an Aussie classic, perfect for newly confident readers or for a family read aloud, we just love it. Rachel Robson Gleebooks Kids

This promises to be a favourite with all the children that long for a pet to love ... Perfect illustrations by Stephen Michael King complement the  humorous text. Kids' Book Review

Your library might also have this dog series illustrated by Stephen Michael King:


Here are a few other books by Andrew Daddo. It is interesting to see that he has be so lucky to 'score' some of our fantastic Australia illustrators such as Emma Quay; Craig Smith; Jonathan Bentley; Judith Rossell and of course Stephen Michael King.


There are four books in the Skoz the Dog series





Post update: Tonight my friend an I attended an event organised by The Constant Reader at Stanton Library. Andrew Daddo talked about his own dog and how he came to the idea of writing his Bitza series from the point of view of a dog - his own dog often seems to be 'talking' through the way she rolls her eyes or turns her head. I mentioned to Andrew I have a couple of other favourite books written from the point of view of the dog him or herself. These are for a slightly older reader than the Bitza series:






Saturday, February 14, 2026

Bear's Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers


Every child will be laughing as Bear hunts for his glasses (we can see them on his head the whole time).

Bear is sure he left his glasses with is friend Giraffe. He sets off and along the way he meets a deer and a crocodile and an elephant and even a flamingo - well he thinks he has seen all these animals and a colourful bird, but has he? The final scene where Bear takes off his glasses once again is sure to make you smile.

Here is a short video where Leo Timmers talks about his book. 

I needed glasses in Primary School, but I resisted wearing them. By the time I reached senior High School I really did need them but I didn't realise this. One day I said to a friend - I do wish someone would clean and repaint the blackboard (yes I am that old) because it sure is hard to read. Ha ha - I needed glasses.

So, on one level Bear's lost Glasses is about wearing glasses but you could also extend this story to a discussion about the way we see the world. If you do want ideas of books to share about wearing glasses take a look at this post from Kinderbookswitheverything.

Congratulations to Gecko Press on giving us another fabulous Leo Timmers books. I am so glad they can share international titles translated into English - they are always such a treat.

A humorous, delightful tale about finding wonderful new ways to see the world. Kirkus

Leo Timmers was born in 1970 in Belgium. At the age of 12 he started to draw comics and later trained in graphic design. He illustrates for magazines and newspapers and has released many successful picture books. He has a large following as one of Belgium’s pre-eminent picture book artists. Leo Timmers was a 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee. Here are some other books by Leo Timmers:







Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson illustrated by Dan Santat


Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish?

1. They spend all their time in the water where we can’t see them.
2. Some are as big as a bus—that is not okay.
3. We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools."
4. They are likely plotting our doom.


This book starts out looking quite scientific. There is a description of the cow beside the formal illustration which leads to the conclusion that a cow is a mammal. Although, if you take a closer look at the eye of this cow he does seem to have some thing more to say perhaps. Then we read a description of a snake and conclude this is a reptile and likewise we see a small yellow bird and we know it's a bird because birds have feathers. BUT fish - no you cannot generalise about fish and so they are not to be trusted. I love the way this text persuades the reader that fish are a group of animals with lots of tricks and anomalies - gills or lungs; salt water or fresh; eggs or not; vegetarian or cannibal. There are even fish who have their own lanterns about what about seahorses - did you know they are fish too. But then we meet a little fish we can trust! or do we?

When you read this book a second or third time you might notice the huge fish trying to eat an innocent little crab - wait a minute should you wonder about the narrator of this book? 


The real slammer is the final page - please give your library group or young reading companion time to THINK about this page.

To write a successful funny picture book, you have two audiences you have to appease. You’ve got your adult gatekeepers, the ones who have the dollars in their pockets, and then you have the actual intended audience in the first place: children. Both children and adults, and I mean this truly, are terrible judges of what is funny. This is because kids and parents are not all that different. They both are easily led astray. There are many different ways to appeal to someone, and a book can certainly be funny the first time you read it… and then less and less funny after that. What keeps a book funny after multiple, maybe even hundreds, of reads? Comic timing. The art of the page turn. And the ability to make a book fun to read aloud over and over and over again. SLJ Betsy Bird (read her whole review)

A ribald and uproarious warning to those unschooled in fishy goings-on. Kirkus Star review

Here is a video of the author reading his book. Neil Sharpson comes from Ireland. Read this terrific review from Reading bookshop in Melbourne. 

There are so many ways you could use this book with your class

  • Just read it for fun - nothing more - and YES that's okay
  • Read it after a unit of work on Animal classification with a younger group
  • With a group of older students (Grade 4+) read it before a unit of work on Animal classification
  • Use this book with primary grades to talk about persuasion
  • Use this book with your Grade 5 or 6 students to talk about point of view and also the authority/reliability/trustworthiness of texts we use for research - who wrote this book? Why? Do they have an agenda? How can we check the facts presented here?

One more thing: I am SO puzzled. This is an American book - that's okay they make terrific books - but here in Australia this book in hardcover only costs AUS$20 and even less from chain stores - again that's terrific BUT if this book can be made available for such a great price WHY oh WHY do I investigate so many other US Picture books and then despair when I see them listed for AUS$35-AUS$55!

Companion books:



Except Antarctica

Other books illustrated by Dan Santat:




Sunday, March 30, 2025

A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey


The horse is named Now and she is very wise. When the farm animals rush up to her full of worries she gently questions their fears. The Rabbits are sure a Fox chasing them but Now suggests they stop and look around. Can they see the Fox? No. Perhaps they should just enjoy some dandelions. Hen is sure the Magpie is after her chicks. But Now suggests she should look up. Can Hen see a swooping bird. No. 

"At this moment all is well. Why don't you search for some juicy grubs?

The Sheep is also very afraid but Now reassures her she is quite safe. Then a thunderstorm arrives - nothing to worry about - Now leads them all safely into the barn. Oh no - there are animals in the barn - are they scary? No. It's an old Fox, Magpie and a small puppy. 

"Now told the others. 'There's nothing to fear. Fox is looking somewhere warm to rest, Magpie only wants to collect shiny things and the Farmer's new dog is just a puppy, scared of the storm."

Anxiety is often about the 'what if' scenario. The animals express this as 'might'.

"... it might be his scarlet coat .... it might be his huge tail that trails fire ... he might sneak up ..."

"Magpie might have a beak as sharp as a famer's knife ... she might have wings that wrap and trap us"

This book could be quite didactic, but it is not. You could use this book to talk to young children about fear, anxiety, perception of danger, and point of view. I recommend you add this book to your school library. Nosy Crow consistently produce terrific books. 

The illustrations are also beautiful. A Horse Called Now was published in 2024 and it is available in paperback for a very good price.



Most mindfulness primers are a list of directives; this tale has the slow-moving grace of a fable. Kirkus

Doyle’s prose is beautiful and descriptive, introducing young readers to a lovely and sophisticated use of language through onomatopoeia, similes, and a rich vocabulary. Finkeldey’s expansive illustrations lend a vintage charm ...  School Library Journal

A Horse Called Now beautifully encapsulates the journey of overcoming worries and embracing the present moment. ‘When I’m afraid, I breathe in and out and let the feelings come . . . and then go. Nothing lasts forever.’ In today’s world, mental health awareness is paramount, especially for young children. The story instils the notion that it’s perfectly alright not to feel okay at times, and that seeking help is a commendable action. Through its narrative, A Horse Called Now emphasises the significance of friendship and support networks. Just Imagine

Here are two other books by Ruth Doyle:



Alexandra Finkeldey is a freelance artist based in Kingston, Canada. Her book titles include:  On a Mushroom Day by Chris Baker (Tundra Books, 2024), Saving the Spotted Owl by Nicola Jones (Kids Can Press, 2023), The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith (Orca Books, 2023), When the Storks Came Home by Isabella Tree (Ivy Kids, 2022) True Stories of Animal Heroes: Talala by Vita Murrow (Frances Lincoln, 2021). 




Thursday, December 26, 2024

Mouse and his Dog by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko illustrated by Wallace West



"A heart is a muscle. It gets stronger the more you use it."


Think about this: 
dogs + robots + shedding a few tears + a happy ending for everyone = The Perfect Book

And this equation you can add a smart little mouse named Mouse who has a hugely compassionate heart.

If you have read the first book in this series you will remember the Reading Buddies Program run by Mr Molanari. In this second book kids still come to Dogtown - the home for stray dogs - and so you will cheer when you meet a young girl named Saanvi. She somehow knows there are special dogs who have been banished to the basement. These dogs are the rejects. They are not considered suitable for the Reading Buddy program and in fact many of them will be 'put on the list' (you might be able to guess what this means). The reject robot dogs also have a terrible fate awaiting them known as e-waste. Saanvi is drawn to Buster. He is a golden retriever but every time someone takes him home he accidentally messes up and he ends up being bought back to Dogtown. Mouse, his friend, is desperate to keep Buster safe. Surely he can go and live with Saanvi? Oh no - Buster's name is 'on the list' - there is no time - Mouse and his friends Stewie (another reject dog) and Smokey (a malfunctioning robot dog) must team up and get Buster away from Dogtown tonight!

Every dog lover needs to read this book or even better ask mum or dad to read it to all the family! No wait a minute - read the first book then this one - and get ready for a wonderful and very memorable reading experience from this sequel.

A few text quotes:

"I want to be one of those brave mice you read about in books. A mouse in a friar's robe brandishing a sword, a mouse in short sleeves paddling a canoe, a mouse in a pullover sweater who saves a princess."

"Bouncebacks are hard on dogs. They think they have a new home with balls and bones and doggy beds with their names on them, and then they find themselves back on the hard cement, with nothing to chase but their own tails."

"I'm fluent in Dog as you know. But dogs can't grasp the complex mix of screeches, squeals and squeaks of Mousespeak. So, I hold up my end of the conversation with my own personal sign language."

Publisher blurb: Mouse lives in Dogtown, a shelter for real dogs and robot dogs, where the kibble is plentiful, and the rafters hide a secret community of mice. His unlikely best friend is Buster, a big-hearted real dog who attracts trouble like a burr to fur. Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with three of Dogtown’s “unadoptables”: Determined to help Buster find his forever home, even if means losing his best pal, Mouse embarks on a bold quest with three of Dogtown’s “unadoptables”: Buster; Stewie, a huge, lovable dog whose ex-owner said he was mean; and Smokey, a robot dog hardwired with a smoke alarm he can’t control. But Mouse is just a mouse, and the world is big and complicated. How’s a little guy supposed to find homes for the dogs he loves?

Listen to an audio sample. Read an extract here. And read the Kirkus Review.

Books mentioned in Mouse and his Dog

  • The Borrowers
  • If you Give a mouse a Cookie
  • Stuart Little
  • Junie B Jones
  • Green Eggs and Ham
  • Where the Sidewalk Ends
  • The Tale of Despereaux
  • The Mouse and the Motorcycle
  • Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH



This is what I said about Dogtown back in 2013 - and all of this is also true for Mouse and His Dog:

Every page of this book made me sigh with happiness. ... thank goodness I found Dogtown which I read in one gulp! This book would be a terrific class read aloud for Grade 2 or 3 and a wonderful book to share in a family - the chapters are mostly only one or two pages. I highly recommend you add this book to your library or Christmas book shopping list.


Saturday, September 14, 2024

I Love Vincent by Laura Ljungkvist


"My name is Scout. I am a good dog! 
My best friend is Vincent. 
Vincent can't see so I am his guide
and we go everywhere together."

This book had the potential to move me to tears for two reasons. I just watched a moving little Instagram film of a very young boy exploring the uniform of a firefighter with his hands. And many years ago we had a boy in my school who had lost both his eyes as a baby.

Scout is a guide dog and Vincent is his best friend. We follow their journey in this book from their meeting in guide dog school through to Scout learning how to navigate Vincent's home and neighborhood. They visit the park and ride the subway and enjoy lunch at a cafe. At night Scout can relax without his harness and the friends enjoy listening to music together. 


My friend picked this book up for her library from a bargain bookseller but sadly it is out of print because it was published in 2021. If you can find it, this book would be a terrific addition to your school or preschool library. 

You might like to watch this television series "Pick of the Litter." Here are some other books about guide dogs from my friend at Kinderbookswitheverything.

Laura Ljungkvist is originally from Sweden. She moved to the US in 1993. You can see inside her books here. 

I previously talked about this book by Laura Ljungkvist:



And these might be in your local or school library:


Saturday, September 7, 2024

Which one doesn't belong? Playing with shapes by Christopher Danielson


This is one shape book that will both challenge readers’ thinking and encourage them to think outside the box. Kirkus Star review

I do love to browse the non fiction shelves in the library I visit each week - I always find so many quirky books.  If I was using this book with a class I would copy each page to display - one per week over a term and then invite the children to talk about their 'answers'. Actually the author explains there are no 'right' answers here - you just need to be able to justify your ideas.

This brightly coloured book has four shapes on each page with the question - which one doesn't belong. This book was published in 2019 but it is still available in paperback for a good price. 

Bookseller blurb: Written by a celebrated math educator, this innovative inquiry encourages critical thinking and sparks memorable mathematical conversations. Children and their parents answer the same question about each set of four shapes- "Which one doesn't belong?" There's no one right answer--the important thing is to have a reason why. Kids might describe the shapes as squished, smooshed, dented, or even goofy. But when they justify their thinking, they're talking math! Winner of the Mathical Book Prize for books that inspire children to see math all around them.

There is also a version of this book available with a teachers guide:

In the companion teacher's guide, (9781625310811) Danielson shows how to facilitate rich discussions and teach mathematical argumentation using Which One Doesn't Belong? He models how to listen closely and respectfully to students' ideas about shapes. Danielson synthesizes research about how children learn geometry, discusses the role of geometry in the mathematics curriculum, and gives plenty of practical advice about different ways to implement Which One Doesn't Belong? in classrooms.

Christopher Danielson has a PhD in Mathematics. Take a look at his webpage. He is clearly a very passionate educator. In this video (3 minutes) he talks about the inspiration for Which one doesn't belong? and as a bonus you can see inside the book. 

I am keen to look for this book too:



Monday, July 1, 2024

I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery



"I feel fear like a pair of paws pressed against my chest, pushing me back. I've never been through the front gate before. Everything I've ever needed has always been right here, right where I belong. 
Top Field, Bottom Field, the farmyard, the house, Tom's bed ..."

"But I started this journey to bring Tom home, no matter what. 
And if I have to brave the wilderness to do that, then so be it. 
I'm his dog, and he's my boy. I know he'd do the same for me."

Rebel has a perfect life on the farm with Tom and his parents. Every day is filled with delicious bacon and time spent with Tom up in the high fields as they watch the sheep. Tom loves to draw, and Rebel enjoys seeing himself in these pictures - especially pictures of a distant castle showing Tom and Rebel standing high on the battlements with a different flag - a flag of the Reds or the rebels! The setting or time for this book is Feudal England and the King is collecting unfair taxes from his subjects who are poor farmers and villagers. These taxes keep getting higher and higher, people are desperately struggling. The King has armed and dangerous guardsmen who brutally enforce his rules. Rebel observes them at work:

"I sense right away that they're dangerous. ... They both smell mean, and wrong, and bad. I know what guns to do. ... I can smell the menace thrumming form him like hot iron. I'm terrified but I have to be brave. I have to protect Tom!"

Tom is only twelve but he looks older. He is desperate to join the rebellion. And then late one evening he meets a man named Rider. Tom lies about his age and he accepts an invitation to join the Reds. BUT he tells Rebel to stay home. No, no, no. Rebel loves his Tom. He has to follow and keep him safe and so the journey begins. There is danger, new friends, heroism, wild weather, injury, danger, betrayal, and a long journey but it will all be worthwhile IF Rebel can find Tom and hopefully bring him back to the farm where he belongs. By the way have you worked out Rebel is a dog and he is telling this story.

There are some terrific and memorable animal characters in this story - Jaxon the wild dog, Felix the mouse, Pearl the old donkey and Seamus the pig. The relationship between Jaxon and Rebel is especially interesting as these two very different dogs learn to understand and trust each other. 

Your heart race will no doubt increase at some particular moments (some water and clifftop moments are particularly hairy!) and have some tissues close by but I’m sure you’ll love I Am Rebel just as much as me. Like Ross’ other stories, it’s a perfect class read aloud and so much to discuss with your pupils (e.g. that recognition that the world is changing and it’s important to find your purpose). Definitely one of my favourite books of 2024! Check 'em out Books

The vivid and believable animal and human characters keep the reader really invested in their survival through some narrow escapes and genuine peril. Rebel can teach us all about resilience and bravery and the power of love and loyalty in this really satisfying and enjoyable read. Love Reading 4Kids

The publisher (Walker Books UK) sent this book to various 'famous' authors and here are their comments:

  • “A fantastic quest novel that sits between Charlotte’s Web and War Horse. Rebel’s voice is true and clear: he is the best of dogs and this is the best of books.” Phil Earle
  • “An instant classic. Outstanding writing and a richly adventurous story – Montgomery has reached a whole new level.” Katya Balen
  • “A terrific tail! A tail-thumping, tongue-lolling treat full of adventure, humour and heart.” Ross Welford
  • “A beautiful, heartfelt adventure.” Sophie Anderson
  • “I Am Rebel both broke my heart and made it sing. This book is as close to perfect as it’s possible to get.” Natasha Farrant
  • “The goodest story about the goodest boy. I love Rebel like my own dog.” Carlie Sorosiak

I do enjoy stories about dogs and their love of their human friend. I think this goes back to my reading, aged about 10, of The Incredible Journey. I also enjoy these books when they are told from the point of view of a dog. I highly recommend I am Rebel for readers aged 10+. 

Have you seen those posters that say "if you enjoyed this ... then try this"?  Here is one I have made to go with Rebel. You can read about all of these by popping the title into my search bar (except Fire Bed and Bone published in 1997 which is the book that most closely matches I am Rebel).


The cover for this book is perfect and very striking - it is by Keith Robinson. 

I previously talked about this book by Ross Montgomery:




Monday, May 20, 2024

What About Worms? by Ryan T Higgins and Mo Willems


"I love a book that worms its way into your heart."

What About Worms is the perfect book for a newly confident reader - it is funny and it is easy to read and it invites a reader to use lots of voices. This is also a book that a young reader will be happy to read over and over again. For adult readers you might also think about the way this book 'breaks the fourth wall.'

Tiger is not afraid of anything - well no he is very afraid of worms. 

"Worms are slimy. Worms like to wiggle. And you cannot tell their tops from their bottoms."

Surely there are no worms nearby. Oh, look a lovely pot of flowers! Oh no wait a minute worms love dirt. What if they are lurking in the flowerpot? Oh, look an apple. Delicious. Oh no wait a minute worms love to hide inside apples AND our hapless tiger just took a bite! That book on the path looks good but is that a worm on the cover? Tiger just has to run away. Meanwhile some worms emerge from the ground. They are so afraid of tigers.

"Tigers are furry. Tigers like to walk. And you can tell their tops from the bottoms."

Is there a way the tiger and the worms can actually discover the truth about one another? Perhaps the book will help.

Higgins’ latest addition to the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading series is an exclamation-point–packed, liberally uppercased rambunctious rollick through the irrational world of phobias. His Hobbes-like feline is a master of inscrutability (NOT!). Expressions ranging from cheesy grins to abject terror race across the tiger’s face faster than you can thumb a flipbook. Kirkus

The book-within-a-book will intrigue beginning readers, and the Elephant/Piggie speech-balloon format will seem like a familiar friend as they follow along (look for a surprise appearance by the Pigeon). Redeemed Reader

This book won a Geisel Honour in 2021. This book would be the perfect addition to your library, your kindergarten classroom or your preschool. 

This book is from the hugely popular and hilarious series - Elephant and Piggie. 



You might also look for these as a way to continue the fun!