A Hatful of Dreams by Bob Graham

From this warm and loving house at the end of the street, dreams take flight and light the way to a brighter tomorrow. A heartfelt tale of hope and love, perfect for children and grandparents to share together, written and illustrated by master storyteller Bob Graham. Walker Books

From the front cover with that large, pink comfy chair, reminiscent of Let's get a Pup, to the title page which links so beautifully with Rose meets Mr Wintergarten and of course the little family who have surely stepped off the pages of Oscar's First Birthday - all fans of Bob Graham will be filled with happiness that we can once again enter his story world. Oh, and you will surely recognise grandad - yes, I am sure this is Bob Graham himself. 

Illustration from Oscar's Half Birthday

I collect books by Bob Graham so I went back and looked at these three books plus a couple of others. Have you noticed the way Bob Graham often highlights the cozy family home and his illustrations contrast this against the surrounding neighborhood for example the lightning bolt house in Max or the new house in Rose meets Mr Wintergarten. 

Houses from Max; Grandad's Magic and Rose Meet Mr Wintergarten

The title page of A Hatful of Dreams

Bob Graham is also a master of the interiors of homes. You need to take your time to notice little details such as a discarded teddy bear, washing up on the sink, slippers, the art on the walls, and the really comfortable furniture. Bob Graham is also a master of warm hugs.

Illustration from Let's Get a Pup - a comfy lounge

Illustration from Grandad's Magic - another comfy lounge

Some other things to delight you in A Hatful of Dreams: 

• The end papers show Millie and Sonny playing tether tennis (I loved this game when I was young)
• Chickens, a dog and washing on the clothesline
• Look for the photo of Grandad with his wife - we can infer she has died but grandad still loves her deeply. I love that this is now an extended family and Grandad has moved in with his daughter and the three young grandchildren
• Grandad has a tattoo of a bluebird on his hand
• Here is a beautiful phrase "Maggie! Top of the pile, her tail wagging, with a puppy smell of fresh walnuts."
• You can link this book with the theme of urban renewal - we also saw this in the book A Bus Called Heaven
• "Wrappers off toffees" - go back and read Greetings from Sandy Beach - yes there are toffees there too

Blurb Penguin Random House Canada: The Mile End Road once sparkled in sunshine and children’s laughter, until hard times came and all the people left, taking with them the sun, moon, and stars. But one family stayed on this broken-down street: the Andersons, in their house with a warm little glow, where kids bounce happily on Dad’s back, and Grandad’s fingers squeak on guitar strings as he jokes about all the secrets and dreams he keeps under his hat. “Grandad, I’ve seen you without your hat,” insists Millie, “and nothing was there except your hair.” But what will the children see the next time he doffs his hat? As always with Bob Graham, the tenderness is in the details: strewn-about stuffies, tumbling children, a blue-jeaned grandad with one leg thrown over his chair arm. It’s a story where even a derelict neighborhood can spark back to life, and where the love of a playfully bantering grandad can conjure a whole universe of light.

By the tale’s end, something has changed, and the neighborhood becomes revitalized at last. The eclectic mix of realism and magic is what makes this tale work. Graham’s greatest talents lie in the day-to-day natural messiness of life in a family where Dad drops “pieces of tissue from a just-washed shirt like a soft fall of snow.” The author/illustrator’s signature spare watercolors bring to life the gloom of the abandoned street, the warmth of the home, and the magic that leaks from Grandad’s hat. ... True magic lies at the heart of this marvelous tale. Kirkus

Briony Stewart introduces the slogan here.

Today the CBCA announced the 2026 Book Week slogan or as some people call it the theme - A Symphony of Stories. There is plenty of time of course but I am sure you will want to gather a collection of picture books with musical references. In A Hatful of Dreams grandad has composed a little tune. He plays a fragment of it on his harmonica and mum joins in with her violin. Oh, I need to mention there is a harmonica (can you spy it) on the limited edition print Bob Graham did for IBBY Australia many years ago.

IBBY Australia limited edition print by Bob Graham

Notice the harmonica which links with his newest book A Hatful of Dreams

One Tree by Christopher Cheng illustrated by Bruce Whatley

"When he was a young farmer, Grandfather woke to birds singing in his trees. 

He tended his fields and talked to his plants to help them grow."

But that was long ago. Now Grandfather lives in a city apartment. It is busy and noisy and the air does not smell too good.  Grandfather is sad and quiet. 

One day his grandson sees a tiny plant growing in a crack on the footpath. He gently pulls it from the ground and takes it home because he is sure his grandfather will know how to care for this tiny fragile new life. At first Grandfather seems disinterested but then he begins to talk to the little tree. 

"Then on my birthday, Grandfather gives me another potted tree. 'Two trees are always better than one'."

Over the coming weeks they add more trees and soon their balcony is filled with trees and blossoms. And then a bird arrives. His silent Grandfather begins to talk again - telling stories of his mountains and rivers and trees and fishing. Other people notice the green on their high-up balcony and they add their own trees and over time the grey, austere building is transformed. 

Publisher blurb: One tall tree on the mountain once marked Grandfather’s farm. Now there is a busy city and Grandfather lives with us in our apartment. Once he told stories but now he stays silent. Until one day, in the city market, I find something precious . . . something that brings Grandfather’s memories alive again.

One Tree reads like a beloved fable; a story that spans generations and could easily slip into despondency yet buoys hope in the most translucent way as Cheng compares the past with the present. Green mountainsides are obscured by city grim and skyscrapers. Individualism is sucked away in a vortex of colourless anonymity and sameness, yet one tiny action motions great change allowing transformation. This story blends environmental concerns with social awareness and family relationships all under a deliciously Asian cultural umbrella. And the thing that pulls it all together? Whatley’s exquisite illustrations. Dim's Write Stuff

The topic of urban renewal and growing a green city could be a fabulous mini unit in your school library. There are so many books on this topic. Here are a few companion books:

The Secret Sky Garden

The Tin Forest

The Extraordinary Gardener

The Girl who Planted Trees

Oscar's Tower of Flowers

The Curious Garden

Rose's Garden

The Tree at Number 43

Bruce Whatley is our IBBY Australia 2026 Hans Christian Andersen award nominee. I read One Tree many years ago (it was published in 2019) and I have often suggested it as a companion book but for some reason I had not penned a proper blog post about this book.

One Tree is one of the five books illustrated by Bruce Whately that we have sent to the ten HCAA jurors.

The Reading Time reviewer said:

This book is so simply but beautifully written, and the illustrations so vibrant and effective, that once I read it, I had to turn back and read it again immediately. The story of the grandfather slowly being drawn into helping his grandson with the tree was so touching. I especially appreciated when the grandfather starts talking quietly to the tree. Bruce Whatley’s illustrations are achieved digitally, but give the appearance of linocuts. This technique, in its blend of old and new technology complements the themes of the book: the old and the new can find ways to coexist.

Pigeon and Cat by Edward Hemingway

 

We are all capable of choosing to be kind, but it’s not always easy, especially in tough times. So I deliberately began Pigeon and Cat with one small act of kindness. When Cat finds Pigeon’s abandoned egg on the ground he protects it instead of eating it. This act not only changes the trajectory of both their lives, but of the community in which they live. Small acts of kindness can shine a bright light in dark times and open the pathway to a positive future. 

This only sounds corny because it’s true. Edward Hemmingway 

Cat lives in a battered cardboard box in the grounds of an abandoned cardboard box factory. He has all the things he needs - shelter, food, water, and old clothes to sleep on but he has to sleep with one eye open just in case other stray cats climb over the fence. Wait a minute. Does he have everything? No - Cat is so lonely. 

Did you see a pigeon on the cover of this book? Oh, and the title IS Pigeon AND cat - so where did the pigeon come from? One windy night cat found a small bird's nest and inside was an egg and ... yes that is where Pigeon comes into the story. Now Cat has a friend and Pigeon has someone to help her learn about the world including, oh no, how to fly. Pigeon cannot talk the same language as Cat but she communicates in symbols that look like emojis. At first, when Pigeon learns to fly, she travels over the city and brings back small treasures for Cat - that is my favourite page.

"But one dark afternoon Pigeon does not return from treasure hunting. Cat stands vigil, looking into the angry sky until he is forced to hide from the rain and wind. When the storm passes, he calls out for his friend till his voice is hoarse. Pigeon is nowhere to be found."

At this point the story feels a little like one of my favourite books Felix and Alexander. Cat now has to venture out into the unknown city - he simply HAS to overcome is fear AND find his friend. All around the city Cat posts messages using pictures and emojis hoping Pigeon will see them. These little colourful chalk messages add colour to the neighborhood and gradually the city streets feel less frightening. 

Also, as Cat walks around the city, he talks to other cats - reaching out with friendship. I imagine you can guess the happy ending. The rebus conversation with Pigeon and Cat is certain to delight your young reading companion. I also loved seeing the way the old factory is transformed into a wonderful community space. 

The illustrations in this book have a very appealing retro feel and they also have a vintage comic feel. Read this interview with Betsy Bird and Edward Hemmingway. 

Here is quote from the interview: Betsy - Well, and this book in particular is such a visual eye-popper. One minute you’re doing silhouettes and the next you’re incorporating emojis into Pigeon’s speech balloons. These cityscapes are also highly detailed.

The Teaching Books Blog has some extra book resources for you to explore. Here is a video with the author very briefly talking about his book. Here is the website for Edward Hemmingway. 

A sweet tale celebrating the joys of both personal and communal togetherness. Kirkus

"A splendid paean to the power of art to heal, and the trifecta of friendship, persistence, and inclusivity to rebuild community. A delightful book." School Library Journal

"A loner cat and an adventurous, outgoing bird are paired in this heartwarming story of friendship and community.... Hemingway’s oil-on-board art has an animated quality that jumps off the page…. bright contrasts and dynamic perspectives help bring the city and its inhabitants to life. Along with the main text, all of the dialogue is presented in speech bubbles, which young readers will enjoy deciphering. A satisfying story exploring heart and home." Horn Book

If you are a Teacher-Librarian reading this post you should seriously consider adding this book to your library. I would pair this book with Herman and Rosie or Gary.

Herman and Rosie

Gary

Tiny Wonders by Sally Soweol Han

 

New Illustrator award winner 2023

I first mentioned this book in March, 2022 not knowing it would be submitted for our CBCA judging in the New Illustrator category. This is a sweet, magical picture book about a young girl who wants to bring some happiness, colour, and wonder to her fast-paced, grey, town. The adults at the beginning of the book tower over April. They have the power, but April is a problem solver. 

The choice of dandelion is interesting. Some people regard them as weeds but surely it is all about perception. Just like April’s idea, these flowers come from something small - a tiny seed. Then there is also the tradition of blowing on a dandelion to make a wish. The beautiful pages at the end of the story that show an array of flowers with their meanings, and this offers another layer of significance to the choice of dandelions in the story. Do you have a favourite flower? I love the iris (means good news); freesia (means I'm here for you); the hyacinth (means I'm glad); Hydrangea (means I really mean it); and all varieties of roses. 

The ideas or theme found in Tiny Wonders is perhaps not original – I am thinking of The Promise by Nicola Davies; The Secret Sky Garden by Linda Sarah; and One Tree by Chris Cheng and other titles you can see in my earlier blog post – but this text has another layer of meaning when we read the inspirational wisdom of the child's late grandmother. 

These illustrations appeal to our senses – sight of course, but you can almost hear the seeds blowing on the wind and smell the rain, soil and flowers. The dandelion seeds on the end papers will help readers anticipate the tiny wonders that April grows. The final page with 48 flowers and their meanings is both botanical and delightful. 

Every piece of text that talks about grandma is in the past tense so clearly, she is no longer here but this is never specified. To show this, I like the way the flowers are floating in the sky on the page where April is remembering her grandmother’s wise words and the page with purple tones when she remembers Grandma again. The changing sky on the seed growing sequence page is the perfect way to show the passing of time and seasons.

Using red as a spot colour on the page with all the busy people echoes the idea that April is a bright ray of hope who will be able to add colour to her world (and perhaps move people away from the distraction of their phones). I love the way the illustrator uses full pages; half pages; vignettes; small frames; and picture sequences. Sally Soweol Han is an exciting discovery, and her work has been recognized as the 2023 CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) New Illustrator award winner. 

Here are the judges' comments shared at the CBCA Conference in Melbourne. I was one of the judges and these comments were written by one of our team for the video we made about the short list:

The choice of artistic medium in this book is perfect for the narrative. The visible pencil lines create a sense of life and colour and this is used throughout the narrative to create character, setting and shifts in mood. There are also different layouts which show the passing of time. There is a subtle message about sustainability but also about finding beauty in the world around us and there are gorgeous visual depictions of different flowers throughout. The end papers help to emphasise this by showing the pure and simple joy of blowing a dandelion and spreading your wishes to the world.

Here is an interview with Sally Soweol Han - she lives in Sydney, Australia but was born in Korea. Here is her website. You can also explore her work on Instagram. Here are some teachers notes for Tiny Wonders.

The secret Sky Garden

Oscar's Tower of Flowers by Lauren Tobia

The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again - Charles Dickens

On the opening end paper we are given a cross section view of a city apartment building. A lady in a yellow sweater is waving to someone in the street below. On the title page mum has some luggage and her young son is pressing the buttons in the lift. In a set of small frames mum greets the lady in the yellow sweater. Lauren Tobia (illustrator of the Anna Hibiscus books) explains on her web page that this lady is Nana. Please don't turn to the back end papers until you have read the whole book then the wonderful surprise will be sure to delight you.

Blurb: Oscar’s mum has to go away for a little while, so Oscar is staying with his nana. He likes being with Nana in her apartment building, but he still misses his mum. One day, Nana has an idea, and together they carefully sow seeds—lots and lots of seeds! They water them and wait . . . and then the seeds start to grow and the flowers begin to bloom and there are plants everywhere. Luckily Oscar has a great idea for what they can do with the blossoms—share them! This brightly illustrated wordless picture book is full of graphic panels and sweeping spreads that evoke the urban bustle of a busy high-rise apartment and shows how each person can contribute to the spirit and vitality of a community.

Do you have a collection of wordless or textless (IBBY call them Silent Books) in your library? This one is quite perfect and will be enjoyed by your youngest students. You should also look at this book if you need titles for your preschool book collection or library. 

Warm and wonderful. Kirkus Star review

It’s an emotionally resonant story that will speak, in particular, to any child who has had to temporarily say goodbye to a caretaker. Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Share this warmhearted story with any preschooler experiencing separation from a loved one. Horn Book

The illustrations, a combination of graphic panels and spreads, take readers step-by-step through the simple story. The artwork is bright, expressive, and detailed. Emotion is expertly conveyed through facial expression and body language, and some parts of the story really tug on the heart, such as Oscar and Mum’s painful farewell and Oscar lying awake at night. Reading Time

Oscar's Tower of Flowers is a perfect book to add to your collection of stories about greening the community and the joy of watching tiny seeds turn in to glorious plants. It is also the first book I have ever seen where mum leaves for an extended period (we don't know why) and a young child is cared for by another family member for longer than a day.  Here are a few others books about gardens and greening the community. Type the titles into my search bar:

The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton

Megan Daley (from Queensland, book blogger, Teacher-Librarian and podcaster) once talked about hosting an exhibition of picture book end papers. She probably only meant to include Australian books but if I could persuade her to look further the end papers in this book should be part of this (imagined) display.

As we have seen in many other books about greening an urban landscape this book begins with a seed. Joe can imagine his city filled with green plants and then one day he eats an apple and finds a seed. 

He "carefully planted the tiny seed. Then he fed it, and watered it, and quietly waited ... "

But nothing happened. Joe went away and forgot about his seed but actually the seed was growing. 

"He stepped outside and discovered that where he had planted the tiny seed now stood the most beautiful tree."

Joe has caught the bug. He gathers more seeds and soon, with his careful attention and nurture, he creates a huge garden. Of course other people notice it and soon every apartment has a balcony garden and the scene is SO huge that you have to fold open three pages. 

The more you look at this book, the more you see – the detail is awesome; and Sam Broughton’s way of using greyness and gradually bringing more and more colour into her scenes is wonderful, culminating in a glorious fold-out. Red Reading Hub

Joe’s story is full of warmth and hope but it’s the illustrations that take centre stage. The grey cityscape – created using techniques including washes, resist work, splatters and collage – forms a visually-accommodating backdrop for Sam's detailed pencil drawings of its wonderfully diverse community, and her colourful transformation of these streets and buildings (and people) is a joy to observe. Cast of Thousands

I also wanted to tell a story that was empowering for children. To show them that even if they have just ‘one’ small idea, with enough hard work they can make big changes. That their actions count and that community and nature is fundamental to our wellbeing. It felt such an important message to say, especially right now. Sam Boughton (Klaus Flugge prize short listed 2019)

Here is an interview with UK artist Sam Boughton about her book. 

Other books with the same theme/message:

The Secret Sky Garden

The Curious Garden

Amira's Suitcase (CBCA Honour Book Early Childhood 2022)

Rose's Garden

The Girl who Planted Trees

The Invisible

I was interested to read Sam Boughton loved Richard Scarry and Eric Carle as a child and today she admires Andrea D’Aquino and Canadian illustrator Sabrina Ward. Sam Boughton has some terrific looking board books - I am keen to see these:

Take a look at this Padlet of High Quality Picture Books for Cross-Curricular Planning by Matthew Tobin. There is a link (scroll down) to a set of very detailed ideas for using The Extraordinary Gardener with a group of students. 

The Digger and the Flower by Joseph Kuefler

Blurb: Each day, the big trucks go to work. They scoop and hoist and push. But when Digger discovers something growing in the rubble, he sets in motion a series of events that will change him, and the city, forever.

Three big trucks work hard all day constructing roads, bridges and buildings. In the evenings two of them stop to rest but not Digger. He has found a tiny fragile plant. Somehow, over the following months, all of the construction happens around this tiny fragment of life and meanwhile each evening Digger waters the new green leaves and shelters the plant from harsh winds. 

"And before he switched off for the night, Digger sang the flower a bedtime song."

Finally everything is completed. The city is filled with huge grey towering buildings. Only one patch of ground remains untouched. 

Spoiler alert - turn the page - you will see the two huge machines roar into the empty space and (in a moment that made me scream out loud) the tiny plant is destroyed.  Among the broken blue petals Digger finds three tiny seeds. Digger picks up these little treasures and heads off to the countryside. 

"There, Digger stopped. He dug and scooped and tucked the seeds into the warm earth."

One of the best parts of visiting a library (in my case the most wondrous school library) is when you find a surprising and wonderful book like this one - The Digger and the Flower. This also means I have discovered another author/illustrator Joseph Kuefler.  

Here is a brief interview with Mr Schu.

If you are reading this post and you work in a school library or a preschool please try to find this book. I think it should be shared with all young children (and older ones too). 

" ... one couldn’t hope for a better tale of rebirth and regeneration in the face of unchecked industrial sprawl." Kirkus Star review

If you are discussing the UN Sustainable Development Goals with your students this book is perfect for Goal 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and also Goal 11 Sustainable cities and communities.

Here is the sequel published in 2022:

You might like to pair these books with this very special wordless book:

You will also want to compare this book with other titles about urban renewal: