This snapshot of nearly all the titles on the CBCA Notables for the Picture Book of the Year and Early Childhood awards comes from Loretta Brazendale who has been busy reading this amazing array of picture books. She has rated each title based on her personal opinion and reaction to each story and they are presented in no particular order. There are some here that she definitely would have liked to have seen shortlisted. What do you think?
Picture Book of the Year Notable list
Wombat by Philip Bunting
A funny rhythmic, read a-loud describing the different wombats. My favourite was the Om-nom-nom-nom-nombat.
★★★★
Not Cute by Philip Bunting
A little Quokka who did not like being cute. He dressed as different characters in the book, but his stubbornness lead to him becoming a victim in the story. Illustrations gorgeous.
★★★
Very imaginative and fun story, I can imagine children loving this book. The illustrations were excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of this very happy and determined cockroach.
★★★★★
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
Beautiful, uplifting book about daring to be different and having the courage to be true to yourself.
★★★★
Good Question- A Tale Told Backwards by Sue Whiting & Annie White
A hungry Fox makes an appearance in a number of famous fairy tale stories looking for something to eat….. I loved the way this story was written and it was a joy to read out-loud.
★★★★
Hello Jimmy! By Anna Walker
A touching story about a boy and his father who are bought together by a cheeky parrot.
★★★
The Fire Wombat by Jacki French & Danny Snell
A wonderful story of courage and survival from a little wombat and the other animals she encounters in the Australian bush during a bush fire. This book is beautifully illustrated.
★★★★
The Biscuit Maker by Sue Lawson & Liz Anelli
An uplifting book that celebrates community and human connection – through an elderly neighbour who bakes cookies for the people who live in Mavin in Mavin Road.
★★★★
The Unwilling Twin by Freya Blackwood
Charming story about 2 unlikely twins. Little girl Jules and George the pig.
★★★
I Saw Pete and Pete Saw Me by Maggie Hutchings
This book was very touching and thoughtful. The illustrations really made the story.
★★★★
Little Light by Kelly Canby
A wonderfully illustrated and cleverly written book about embracing differences.
★★★★
Anisa’s Alphabet by Mike Dumbleton & Hannah Sommerville
A picture book for older children. The story follows Anisa Journey as a refugee. With each letter of the Alphabet representing parts of her journey.
★★★
Wolfred by Nick Bland
Wonderful illustrations and clever rhyming language. Makes this imaginative story a fun and enjoyable read.
★★★★★
Ellie’s Dragon by Bob Graham
A book about growing up and losing your child like imagination. Told through the eyes of Ellie and her imaginary friend Scratch.
★★★★
How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinkey & Matt Ottley
Beautifully illustrated book with quite a poetic style which conveys a wonderful message to children as well as the adult reader.
★★★★
Girl by the Sea by Margaret Wild & Jane Tanner
Illustrations were amazing. The storyline was very sombre and probably more suited to older children.
★★★
Such a sweet book about the seasons and Alison Lester’s illustrations bring the book to life.
★★★★★
Who’s Your Real Mum? by Bernadette Green & Anna Zobel
When Elvie’s friend Nicholas is trying to work out which one is Elvie’s real mum because she has 2 mums. Elvie’s has a great way of explaining how they are both her real mums.
★★★★
Jelly-Boy by Nicole Godwin & Christopher Nielsen
Sweet story about a jelly fish who thinks a plastic bag is one like him. And how he sees the danger of the pollution in his ocean. Great story to explain to children about pollution in our water ways.
★★★★★
Sometimes Cake by Edwina Wuatt & Tamsin Ainsile
A sweet story that shows the importance of celebrating the little things in life as much as the big things. Book is beautifully illustrated.
★★★★
Who am I? by Philip Bunting
A thought-provoking book about just what it is that makes us, us. I believe adults will get just as much out of this book as the children.
★★★★★
Norton and the Bear by Gabriel Evans
A happy feel good book that is sure to give children a good giggle.
★★★★★
Diamonds by Armin Greder
The book explores very adult themes and is thought provoking for older children.
★★
Give me some Space by Philip Bunting
Colourful and amusing tale about a girl who loves all things space. Illustrations are beautiful in this book.
★★★★
Early Childhood Notable list
★★★★★
Bear in Space by Deborah Abela & Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
A story bout being different and daring to dream and finding friendship in the most unusual places.
★★★
Me and My Boots by Penny Harrison & Evie Barrow
Cute book about a little girl and her boots that take her on different adventures.
★★★
Ten Little Figs by Rhian Williams & Nathaniel Eckstrom
A count down story as 10 figs disappear via some of Australia’s most loved and iconic native animals.
★★★★
Ruby Red Shoes: My Wonderful Grandmother by Kate Knapp
A touching story of a little girl and her Grandmother who teaches her an important lesson on being herself and not caring what others think of you.
★★★★
I'll Always be Older Than You by Jane Goodwin & Sara Acton
A touching story about siblings and growing up.
★★★★★
What do you call your Grandpa? By Ashleigh Barton & Martina Heiduczek
The story goes through all the different names of Grandpa’s from around the world. Illustrations were lovely in this book.
★★
There’s no such Thing by Heidi Mckinnon
A funny warm and reassuring story for children to read or listen too.
★★★
Shapes and Colours by John Canty
Easy for young children to understand shapes and colours and be able to relate the colours to certain shapes. Example Red = Fire Truck.
★★★
No! Never! By Libby Hathron & Lisa Hathron-Jarman
A little girl by the name of Georgie who learnt the words NO! NEVER! When the tables are turned by Georgie’s parents Georgie words come back to haunt her.
★★★★
Bin Chicken by Kate & Jol Temple & Ronojoy Ghosh
A clever story about the much loved Malighed White Ibis – commonly known as the Bin Chicken. A story about not caring what others think as long as you are happy.
★★★★
Respect by Aunty Fay Muir & Susan Lawson & Lisa Kennedy
A cultural Indigenous story about respecting the earth and each other. Nicely illustrated and nice use of colour.
★★★
This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder
A very well written and thought provoking about our planet and the way we treat it.
★★★★
Busy Beaks by Sarah Allen
A colourfully illustrated book featuring many of the wonderful birds we have in Australia. The book is fun and informative and both adults and children can learn while reading about our native feathered friends.
★★★★
Soon by Libby Gleeson & Jedda Robaard
A beautifully illustrated book about waiting for a new baby to arrive.
★★★★
We love you Magoo by Briony Stewart
For young children and easy rhyming book. Children who love dogs will love this book.
★★★
Australia Under the Sea 1,2,3 by Frené Lessac
A fun counting book featuring many of the weird and wonderful creatures found under our waves.
★★★★★
Coming Home to Country by Bronwyn Bancroft
A colourfully illustrated book about going back to the places we call home and the connections we have to these places.
★★★★
Loretta Brazendale
Information Services Coordinator
Burnie Library | Libraries Tasmania
Thanks Loretta for this trip through the Picture Book and Early Childhood Notables...I really enjoyed reading your reviews and checking your star ratings. I will note that the Picture Book Category is for 0-18 years which explains the Armin Greder. I'm actually surprised at how many Picture Books seemed suitable for early childhood readers. I love that Armin Greder tackles the hard topics in a Picture Book format (as does Shaun Tan). Great reading!
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