An Anthology of Shells by Simon Aiken

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

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

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

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

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

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

You could pair the Beetles title with this fantastic series:

Beetle Boy; Beetle Queen

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

And a page from Fungi:

Saskia Spark-Lee Trading Trouble by Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg

I picked this book up by mistake. The second book from this series is a CBCA Younger Readers Notable title but anyway I did enjoy this first installment (published 2023). In fact this easy chapter book was a total surprise. I expected it would be a fairly light weight story, but this story explores deeper themes of honesty, jealousy, problem solving and remorse.

Saskia is a collector especially of things that sparkle (think about her name). She lives with her two dads. One is a great cook. Saskia has a wonderful friend at school and each day the pair of them have fun guessing what might be in their lunch boxes and then swapping the different treats and sandwiches. At lunch time one day Saskia sees a girl from her class with a wonderful large piece of sparkling quartz. It would be a fabulous addition to her collection. Without thinking about the consequences Saskia tells Athena about the real diamond she has at home. Saskia offers to swap her tiny diamond for the lovely piece of quartz. Does Saskia really have a diamond? No. But how can she undo this terrible lie.

I love the role adults play in this story. Dad (Da) has a great idea about how to tell the truth but also smooth over this relationship. At the same time, unknown to Saskia, Athena's mum also has a solution which means as readers we can all enjoy the resolution to this problem and it feels realistic, kind and very satisfying. 

Here are the Scholastic Standing Order teachers notes. 

I have been reading my way through the 2025 CBCA Younger Readers Notable titles. Saskia Spark-Lee Trading trouble is the first book in this series featuring Saskia Spark-Lee. The second book Fundraiser Fail is a CBCA Notable and tomorrow the short-listed books will be announced. There are 14 books in this category I have not read (although I did browse through a few of the pop titles - reading just their first few pages until the word 'fart' was mentioned then I thought I should really spend my time on books that I think meet the CBCA criteria because this is a literary award not a pop one). I will need to hunt out this book because it is an important part of the CBCA judging that books from a series must stand alone. Here is the webpage for Rebecka Sharpe Shelberg. 

Here is the notable title from the CBCA 2025 Younger Readers list:

Publisher blurb: Saskia Spark-Lee loves animals – she’s almost adopted a whole zoo-worth! But when Da and Dee say they can’t add another to the collection, she must come up with a new plan to continue supporting her furry friends. With some help from Nanna, and the amazing fundraising skills of her friends, Saskia may find where there's a will there's a way!

The Younger Readers 2025 CBCA judges said: This book is ideal for the younger end of the category. Although only 64 pages, it’s packed with substance – excellent plotting with tension maintained throughout, and good authentic characterisation with a strong voice. The topics are appealing to the age level, and the book is accessible with illustrations in halftone and line. The themes of prioritising competing values, animal conservation, advocacy and charity are explored in a way that is accessible to the intended audience and this series does not talk down to readers. Similarly, it includes some vocabulary that will challenge readers such as ‘solemn’ and ‘dilemma’. There is also a diverse representation of characters including Saskia’s two dads and her multicultural classmates. This book will entice but not intimidate younger readers.

Hot Dog by Doug Salati

It is a hot day. The dog is hot but luckily his owner has a plan. First they have to navigate the hot and busy city streets. The pavement is so hot and everything is way too noisy and busy. In fact the little dog finally collapses and refuses to walk on. 

Luckily the lady is able to hail a taxi and they travel, slowly, to the train station. Then there is a ferry ride. Their intended destination is the beach so it is lucky that there is a beach umbrella shop right beside the ferry wharf. On the beach the dog is free to run and roll and enjoy the ocean spray. He collects rocks and pebbles and his owner makes a beautiful picture on the sand. Finally, it is time to go home so she gathers the pebbles and the pair of friends retrace their journey by ferry, train and on foot. The city is so much better now that the weather has cooled down. At home they enjoy a snack and then head to bed for a night of sweet dreams. 

My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has been waiting for this book to arrive in Australia. Hot Dog won the Caldecott Medal in 2023 but until this year the price was way too high for a school library budget. In the US this book was published by Alfred K Knopf but the copy we have here is from Pushkin Press UK.  Now that this book is a good price AUS$25 I highly recommend you consider adding it to your library - a perfect book to read on a very hot summer day.

In Australia we would call this a Sausage Dog but in the US he is a Wiener Dog which you could associate with hot dogs (the food)! Weiner is a German word meaning sausage. 

In this conversation Doug Salati talks to Horn Book. See other books by Doug Salati here.

Salati expertly captures the stifling claustrophobia of hot and crowded city streets. One can almost feel the palpable temperature shift when the colors on the pages move from vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows to blues and greens, like a tonal reprieve. Happily, the book avoids demonizing cities in favor of the country, showing instead how a bad day affects your every sense. Spare poetic text also perfectly captures this small canine’s mindset. Kirkus Star review

Practically a wordless book, the storyline delves deep into the mindset of an average dog, an average owner, and the cool seaside breezes that can pivot a day from miserable to marvelous. ... For my part, the thing that struck me about the book right from the get go was the way in which you empathize with this little dog. You feel the heat that it’s experiencing. The loud sounds. The crowded streets. Is it possible to convey sensory overload through the printed page? If so, Salati has mastered it. SLJ Betsy Bird. (Click this review extract to see Doug Salati talking about his book)

Minimal, impressionistic free-verse text beautifully sets scenes and conveys character and emotion, expertly matched by the illustrations. Claustrophobic vertical panels, angular lines, and hot oranges, reds, and yellows (of the city) give way to expansive, sometimes full-spread horizontal panels and cool blues and greens (of the island escape). Horn Book

When I read Hot Dog I thought of this very old book:

A Stone is a Story by Leslie Barnard Booth illustrated by Marc Martin

Stop and talk about the cover with your young reading companion then find a river or lake and skip a few stones! Next read this book and go back and look closely at your stone - it holds a wonderful story.

"A stone is not just a stone. A stone is a story."

“Where do rocks come from?” The answer may be more incredible than you think! After all, a stone is not just a stone: a stone is a story. Embark on a journey across time to see how one stone can change and transform, from magma under Earth’s crust, to the sand swept up by a rushing river, to the very heart of the tallest mountain. Watch what happens when rain, ice, and wind mold this rock into something new, something you might even hold in your hand—something full of endless possibility. 

From the teachers notes. 

This is a perfect nonfiction book. It contains a lyrical text, scrumptious illustrations that are almost tactile, a double fact page at the back, a glossary and a source list. Bonus - here in Australia this large format book is not too expensive. 

Publisher blurb: “Where do rocks come from?” The answer may be more incredible than you think! After all, a stone is not just a stone: a stone is a story. Embark on a journey across time to see how one stone can change and transform, from magma under Earth’s crust to the sand swept up by a rushing river to the very heart of the tallest mountain. Watch what happens when rain, ice, and wind mold this rock into something new, something you might even hold in your hand—something full of endless possibility. Complete with additional information about geology and the rock cycle, this lyrical and captivating story invites readers to experience the wonder of the natural world around us, and to see—in every cliff, pebble, and stone—a window into Earth’s deep past.

Resources: Storytime Guide; detailed Lesson Guide for grades 3 and 4. (Links from publisher page). Here is an interview with the author - Leslie Barnard Booth. Take a look here to see more art by Marc Martin. Follow his work on Instagram. In this interview he talks about his book Masters of Disguise. 

Companion books:

Old Rock (is not boring)

What can you do with a rock?

Petra

Here are some additional and fabulous resources from my friend at Kinderbookswitheverything. She is a big fan of rocks and pebbles:

• Pet Rock Day
• Old Rock Day
• Geologists Day
• International Rock Day

And I am a huge fan of art by Marc Martin. I even own a limited edition print of an illustration from one of his books (Max). I am now very keen to see his latest book We are Starlings BUT here in Australia it is listed at AUS$40-AUS$60 so I don't imagine it will be purchased by any libraries here which is crazy because Marc Martin lives in Melbourne!

A River

Max

What can you do with a rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller illustrated by Katie Kath

"Some people don't notice rocks. They walk by, head in the air, hands in their pockets, missing the magic underfoot."

So what can you do with a rock? Skip it on the pond. Drop it and hear the different sounds the rock will make depending where it lands and of course how hard you throw it. You can collect rocks and then sort them - that's my favorite page. You can study them - you might even find a fossil. You can change your rocks by decorating them or using them for a craft piece (collage). Best of all you can share your rocks with a friend. 

The final pages of this book have all the rock facts you need to get started along with an extensive reading list. 

You are in for a delicious surprise when you open this book because the end papers are filled with rocks of all shapes and sizes and colours. I think the colours might especially surprise you. Garnet (red), citrine (yellow), fluorite (green and blue), rose quartz (pink) and opal (rainbow).

This book won the Northern Lights Nature Category in 2021. I was pleased to see an Australian book on the winner list - The Star of Anise by Jane Jolly - winner of the Multicultural category. Also the winner of the Middle-Grade Historical Fiction Category - The Summer We Found the Baby. You could easily use this list from 2021 and the ones from 2022 to identify terrific books to add to your school library collection. What can you do with a rock was published in 2021 but I do have to tell you it is expensive here in Australia at over AUS$35. I do think this book would be a very worthwhile addition to your school library but I guess that the price will mean this book is beyond the limits of most school budgets. 

The Northern Lights Book Awards considers children’s books to be an art form and honors books that excel in aesthetic and literary qualities with an emphasis on permanency. We are seeking works that will leave a lasting impression, stories that will resonate with the reader not only now but in years to come.

Here is the web site for Pat Zietlow Miller and Katie Kath.

Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti

You see a rock in a field. Are you curious about how that rock might have arrived there? After all rocks are not alive, they are not born, they don't have families and they cannot walk around. How did this rock end up here. This book is partly a narrative written for young children perhaps about identity and contentment and partly a book about the evolution of rocks!

Here is the sequence:

"I erupted out of a volcano and soared through a fiery sky ... "

"The world chilled (and) ... Old Rock took a ride in a glacier ... "

"Once the glacier melted, it left me perched at the top of a ridge ..."

"The ground rumbled and I tumbled and stumbled down, down, down into a valley."

And that is how the rock came to meet the tall pine tree, the spotted lady beetle and a lovely hummingbird. 

Publisher blurb: Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise. Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock’s life prove it has been anything but boring. Great storytellers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and Old Rock’s stories are sure to inspire questions that lead to wonderful conversations about the past and the natural world.

This book is perfect for young geologists and for junior classrooms - a terrific way to talk about rocks BUT now for the really bad news.  Lately (for reasons I don't understand) picture books, especially picture books from the US have become suddenly so very expensive here in Australia. No school library will be able to afford this book as it is now listed at over $40.  I borrowed it from a library who purchased it in 2020 and they paid $30. I love the way the Teacher-Librarian in this school takes the trouble to write prices and suppliers on her books. 

Deb Pilutti has a few suggested activities on her web page. Here is a video which might be useful if you cannot afford this book for your library. Old Rock was the 2022 winner of the Giverny Award. Read more about this award here. The judges said:

We predict our youngest readers will find this geologic perspective fascinating. We also suspect children, when encountering rocks in their daily lives, will view them differently after reading Old Rock (is not boring).

Throughout, Pilutti’s expressive cartoon art is punctuated by speech balloons, some with words and some with rebus like images, that add humour to the already witty main text, and the facial features she supplies her protagonist with are delightfully communicative. ...  This picture book rocks! Kirkus Star review

A multi-layered story, perfect for general story times or as a lead in to science lessons and to promote discussion and research in the classroom, Old Rock (is not boring) would be an original and exciting addition to home, classroom, and public library collections. Celebrate Picture Books

Take a look at this Pinterest collection Stones, rocks and pebbles compiled by my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything.

Here is a famous rock that I love to see in southern New South Wales. It is way bigger than the rock in this book:

Image source: Aussie Towns

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee illustrated by Dale Newman

Look at this wonderful opening sentence:

"She didn't want to go home and that's why she found it."

This is a powerful opening sentence that just demands you read on (and on and on). What is happening at home? Is it something bad? What did she find? Who is this girl? Where is she? 

Home? Read on and see how Karen Foxlee is a master of word placement and choice:

"Matt would have come home and the screen door would have slammed hard and his tool bag would have crashed down on the kitchen bench. They would have flinched ... "

"Matt liked Pip in her room with the light off and the door closed so he could have her mum all to himself. He didn't like any competition. Competition made him angry."

"Now he was sitting drinking his coffee and scrolling through Facebook and stealing all the oxygen. Her mother and her had to survive on small sips of air."

"He was dangerous like hairpin bends in the road."

"Matt was made complete out of anger. He was an armour of anger and he had anger blood and he had a heart that was solid anger."

Now we know why Pip doesn't want to go home. Home is not a safe place. Pip knows her mother feels this too but leaving will take great courage.  In the meantime what has she found?

"I will save you.

I will help you.

I will fix your wings.

I was chosen."

Pip has found a baby dragon. 

I adore the way Karen Foxlee references Australia in her story. Mika tells Pip they might be bunyips at the waterhole. If this book is taken up by a US publisher I wonder what they will make of bunyips!

There is just so much to love about this book. The writing is powerful. The title is perfect and contains more than one meaning which will be revealed as you read. And this whole book is utterly brave! Karen Foxlee creates the most amazing tension in this story. Yes I've shared enough text with you so you know about Matt and his temper and way of controlling her mum but there is also the tension about Pip's friend Mika. I am not going to spoil this important story strand. And there is the little dragon himself. Pip names him Little Fella. He has come into Pip's life at just the right time. She has something to love and in turn this tiny creature helps her navigate this year of loss and fear. Little Fella also helps her make special new friends. I read one reviewer (Goodreads) who said summed this book up perfectly "So lovely, so heart-breaking and then heart-mending."  My only other personal comment about this book is that I deeply hope the terrible violence she describes in the relationship between Matt and Pip's mum was not based on any aspect of Karen's own life.  

I'm in love with this book. Dragon Skin is surprising, beautiful, unique. The characters are wonderfully drawn - tough but vulnerable, hurt but hopeful, damaged but strong. They've lodged themselves in my heart forever.' Katrina Nannestad

Dragon Skin will be available from tomorrow and I am certain it will be listed for many awards here in Australia and perhaps beyond. School libraries who subscribe to standing order services will receive this book in their book package but if you are in a library, and you don't purchase books this way, I strongly suggest you add Dragon Skin to your book shopping list NOW!  And YES this is a book for Upper Primary (mature readers aged 11+ look at the labels at the bottom of this post) and High Schools too. I am also thrilled that this book is such a great price at less then $20 for the hardcover. 

A friend from our IBBY committee sent me an Advance Reader copy of Dragon Skin and then the publisher Allen and Unwin (thanks go to Yvette Gilfillan) sent me the finished copy which is a beautifully designed hardback with an embossed cover. Take a look at this twelve page chapter sampler. 

Karen Foxlee books just get better and better.  Take a look at some here:

Lenny's Book of Everything

A Most Magical Girl

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Companion reads:

A Game of Fox and Squirrels

One for the Murphys

The Star Outside my Window

One more thing - you already know I am obsessive about covers.  Here is the paperback cover for the UK edition of Dragon Skin due out at the end of October. 

Petra by Marianna Coppo

In her first person narrative Petra speaks directly to the reader about her life, feelings, expectations, and reactions. 

"Nothing can move me. Not the wind. Not time. I don't go anywhere. Everyone comes to me."

Petra herself is a huge image on the page. She looks like a large rock, even a boulder and her size is confirmed when she tells us she is fearsome, fearless, mighty and magnificent. She is a mountain!

BUT then we turn the page and discover the truth! Petra is really only huge in her own mind. She is actually the size of a pebble. She is picked up by a dog, then kicked into a bird nest but nothing can crush the spirit of Petra. In the nest she imagines hatching into a dragon or a tuxedo wearing penguin. Her words are so optimistic and upbeat "Whatever I become, I'm bound to be amazing!"

Then the bird kicks Petra out of the nest.  Her adventures continue. Eventually she is picked up by a young rock collector who takes her home where she is given a totally new identity.

Petra was originally published in Italian. You can see the whole book here.

Here are two recent books by Marianna Coppo:

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake illustrated by Jon Klassen

Exceptionally sweet. Kirkus star review

Badger has his life under control. He enjoys his routines and he has his passion for rocks and minerals. He is lucky to be able to live alone, rent free, in Aunt Lula's brownstone row house. Aunt Lula is a pine marten. She never visits. She writes letters.  Badger does not always open these letters. Today there is a knock on his front door. Looking outside, Badger sees Skunk. He tries to ignore the knocking but Skunk is persistent.

When Skunk comes into the house (Aunt Lula had informed Badger he was coming! It's in an unread letter) life for Badger is turned upside down. This pair are truly an odd couple and it does seem almost impossible that they could ever be friends but I so wanted that to happen.

This book is due for publication on 15th September, 2020.  I suggest you add it to your 'to buy' list RIGHT NOW.  You will want to add this book to your school library and to your home library collection. This book will be perfect to read aloud to your child or to a Grade 2 or 3 class.

The food in this book is especially delicious:

"A few minutes later, Skunk laid a plate of scrambled eggs with fire-roasted peppers in front of Badger. ... Thereafter followed the promised breakfast hot chocolate - yes! - and a basket of strawberry cinnamon muffins. (A basket!) After everything else came roasted fingerling potatoes."

An exploration of friendship, tolerance of difference, individuality and forgiveness are themes in this book but so is the power of words and they way they can hurt others. Spoiler alert but the words used are nuisance and  vermin.

You can read a story extract and see some illustrations by Jon Klassen here. This is the first book in a series and I am excited to keep reading these terrific books by Amy Timberlake.  Here is a special interview by Elizabeth Bird where she talks to Amy about her book. I also found some teachers notes which look very useful if you were sharing this book with a class. I'd recommend Grade 4 or 5.

Summing up this relationship:

Badger is Curmudgeonly but also able to see his own faults

Skunk is Impetuous but has a heart of gold

Oh and you might learn the names of some chicken varieties too.

Ko Shamos; Orpington; Dominicker; Jersey Giant; Orloff.  The Orpingon is the purple chicken that Badger mentions when he is marveling at all the different chickens in his kitchen.

There are some terrific books about odd couples.  I have been collecting picture books on this theme. Here are a few favourites.

Wolf and Dog

Rabbit and Bear

Books by Jory John

Bring me a rock! by Daniel Miyares

This is another one of those deceptively simply picture books which you could read to a young child or use as a discussion starter with a group of older students.

King Grasshopper demands his 'subjects' bring him a rock. He has plans to stand on a tower and exert his authority. Everyone complies even the smallest beetle who brings the heaviest 'rock' he can carry. The Grasshopper King is furious. This so called 'rock' is just a pebble. He sends the beetle away.

His tower is now tall and commanding but it is also very unstable. The Grasshopper King cries out in alarm. The tower is about to topple over. Luckily for the grasshopper,  that little beetle has hung around.  "I have an idea!".  He slips his pebble into exactly the right spot at the bottom of the tower of rocks and saves the King.

This is the point in the story where I would stop with an older group and talk about character and plot decisions.  How will the Grasshopper King react?  How should the Grasshopper King react? Who made him the King? How would you feel right now if you were the beetle?   What about his 'subjects'?

Now I will share how Daniel Miyares continues his story. Here is the dialogue between the Grasshopper King and the humble beetle:

King - "You saved my life! However can I repay you?"
Beetle - "Bring me those rocks!"

Are you thinking the beetle has plans to build himself a tower and claim the throne? The next, wordless page may surprise your readers. We see the beetle has organised the building of  seven towers all of equal height (think about why that is interesting and perhaps important) and all seven of the insects (formerly subjects) climb to the top of their own tower.

As for the Grasshopper King - well I can only say his face says it all - he is not at all happy!

This is an expensive picture book here in Australia and it is not available in paperback but I did find an ebook edition on the publisher web site. I think this book would be a splendid addition to a Primary school library. It only contains 70 words but, like all good fables, it contains a story with a powerful universal message. The illustrations remind me of Eric Carle. An art teacher could use these illustrations as a basis for some very creative work with students.

Beautifully executed art, expressive bugs, and spare but pointed—arguably Marxist—text create a tale for all ages. 
Kirkus Star review


Here are some other books by Daniel Miyares: