The secrets and scandals of Melody Moss by Helen Dallimore
Penguin Random House, 2026. ISBN: 9781761354199. (Age:10-14) Recommended.
Melody Moss is on the cusp of turning 13 and she is negotiating friendship faux pas, trying new things, organising a birthday celebration, working out where boys fit in her life and continuing to love musicals. This light-hearted journey into the mind and mystery of Melody Moss will reveal many of the turmoils of turning 13 and working out how to be a successful friend, as well as coping with the spectral appearance of a gathering of unusual characters who seem to interrupt her life. This ‘normal life’ crossover with fantasy is almost a homage to a life on stage (or a side-reference to her mother’s unusual cooking style), but the effect is comical and yet a real glimpse of the roller-coaster of growing from childhood to teenage life.
For pre-teen and early teen readers this book will bring a touch of joy. Readers who have loved Dork Diaries will also love this strangely insightful glimpse into the wonders of the social dramas of High School life (where even the transition from year 7 to year 8 can seem like a giant leap and Primary School can be a world away!) Melody Moss is the type of character that has a naive quality, yet a self-awareness that comes across through her journal entries, sometimes written sharing her fears before a big day or event, and also reflecting after those same situations. Helen Dallimore’s own stage and TV experience shines through in the writing about Musical Theatre Club, and closet stage performers will love these references. Mostly though this is just a funny, tween-friendly look at growing up with stumbles and smiles along the way… less a hormonal roller-coaster, and more a dance with destiny (and dating with handholding and kisses on the cheek.) For readers aged 10-14.
The old fire is a book this reader will reread and soon and urgently because I am drawn back into its pages. It has disturbed and left questions and discomfort. What really happened? What did I miss? What did that fire mean? What happened to the two central characters, the sisters Agathe and Vera when they were young? Why did Vera stop speaking at age six? What connections did I, as a reader, miss? The relationships and the interactions are simultaneously everyday and charged. There are anomalies - things don't quite add up; things that leave a bad taste... The author, Elisa Shua Dusapin, scatters a trail of understated, quiet and enigmatic incidents, conversations and situations and the perturbed reader must try to join dots. Regrettably, as in life, we can never see the full picture and Dusapin is not going to resolve it for us. This must be Dusapin's great skill as an author. She reveals a little... but we cannot know everything...tantalising!
Dusapin was born in France and raised in Paris, Seoul and Switzerland. Her first novel, Winter in Sochko was acclaimed and won (in its translation into English) the 2021 National Book Award for Translated Literature. Aneesa Abbas Higgins has translated again for Dusapin with The old fire. Somehow the writer and translator have worked their magic to produce a powerful and evocative book. At 165 pages, The old fire is a short novel but it packs a punch. Dusapin's writing is spare, economical...compact.
The atmospheric story absorbs and captivates the reader. New York film maker Agathe arrives in the dark in pouring rain at her old family home which used to be part of the estate of the neighbouring chateau, Le Pigeon Froid in the French countryside near the village of Perigueux close to prehistoric caves. "The building looks tired, the ivy-covered roof sagging above the brickwork, like a weary giant gasping for breath..." The house is to be knocked down and the stones are to be salvaged to restore the chateau's pigeonnier which burned down. ..."The chateau looms above us, curved in on itself like a snail, the tower and the pigeonnier its antenna." There are cluzeaux - natural galleries once used as shelters. Caves feature repeatedly in this book as do the army of ants that troop through the house and are described in minute detail. Dusapin is attuned to minutiae - the precise, the detail. And this is what Dusapin may be saying about life. We see fragments and we choose to not see fragments. We see a lot but we can't see inside someone else's persona - their interior world. We have a limited perspective and yet we see another person's actions; how they act in public, how they respond to crises, how they act privately and within the domestic family situation. Knowing the other is an abiding theme within the novel..."I was never able to let go of the suspicion that Vera had intentionally denied me access to her inner world." Ironically, Agathe cannot see the pain she causes Vera by not letting her know of her pregnancy.
Spanning from the 6th-14th November, the story describes a week when the two sisters spend time together clearing up their childhood home after their father's death. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years. They sift through a lifetime's collection of belongings and their enforced togetherness is bitter sweet. Memories bubble to the surface and neither woman can connect with the other. Worrisome memories emerge - erupting and tamped down. What happened to that kitten? Was the problem swept under the carpet? What is wrong with Vera? Is she manipulating? It seemed that her lips moved when she spoke to Swann, daughter of Octave, and Swann said that it was a secret. Is Vera playing a terrible game? What is she capable of? The narrative flashes between events in the past and the present all in the first person voice of Agathe.
Dusapin's writing is beautiful - spare and powerful, intimating the multi-layered threads that make up shared lives and histories and the misunderstandings and passions in the closest of relationships. The old fire is a very powerful but subtle, potently descriptive and elegant novel.
Not universally acknowledged it nevertheless is a day for celebrations. Many books will come to mind and a short perusal of library shelves will reveal more. But Grandparents can be celebrated everyday, with books being published all the time recognising the significance of grandparents in a child’s life.
My Nonna loves evokes all the warmth of a loving Nonna who takes her grandchild on her many journeys through the day. She loves dressing up, then dancing around the room with Nonna; she loves feeding the chooks, collecting the eggs and helping when an egg is poached.
She loves shopping with her, going to the market, gathering the ingredients to use later in her kitchen, talking to the stall holder about the custard tarts she buys for when they get home. Nonna loves sauce day, where the whole family comes together to make passata, the grandchild helping fill the jars.
This lovingly told story of a woman who takes every day as it comes, will thrill younger children, seeing their own grandparents on each page. Nonna loves to gossip, spending a lot of time at night speaking to family in Italy. She loves Christmas, when all the family gets together, eating heartily, then opening presents and lounging contentedly under Nona’s spreading grape vine.
Nonna loves baking, and often offers her biscotti to others, passing some over the fence to her neighbours. And she loves her husband, Nonno. When it is time for the child to be taken home, Nonna zips up her parka, and they walk together, the child basking in Nona’s love.
Each page is filed with bright floral illustrations, provoking the readers to seek out the detail on each page, asking them to name the interesting features. They will recognise the role of a grandparent in their lives, and spy the things that grandparents do for their grandchildren.
The warmth and closeness of families sings on each page, underlining the days that are important to families, but also showing the important place that a grandparent has in the family, and how love binds all members of the family together. And they will learn few Italian words as they read.
Cruise concierge, Molly, loves being aboard the luxury liner, The Titan Pacifica, and constantly seems to have a finger on the pulse, knowing how to support the passengers, including the uber wealthy, tricky personalities on deck nine. When the wealthy but very dysfunctional Fairchild family boards, this trip becomes something other than the magical mystery tour one might imagine. Each of the characters not only has secrets to hide, they also exhibit varied personality traits and flaws.
The patriarch, Irving Fairchild, immediately proves himself to be a rude, self-absorbed, and totally unlikeable individual, treating everyone he meets badly, playing his family members off against one another for his personal entertainment. As the relationships between the characters and their backgrounds are slowly revealed, one grows to dislike each person more intensely. Scandals and secrets come to light, amidst the grandeur of the setting. The greedy, entitled group quickly begins to show their true natures, with motives for murder being exposed.
As a first-time reader of Ali Lowe, but someone who enjoys murder mysteries, I wasn’t sure what to expect of this title. Beginning with a Hitchcock quote, a cruise itinerary, the reflections of a character whose life is about to end, and the transcript of the podcast The Deadliest Cruise of All Time as the introduction, it was immediately obvious that it was going to be an interesting ride. Quickly, I found myself unable to put the book down. Interspersed with podcasts, transcripts and alternating views, and a large font, this was such an easy read. Whenever I thought I had guessed where the story was going, I was proven wrong, and the plot had me engaged until the very last word. I’m now keen to investigate Lowe’s other titles.
Themes Crime, Mystery, Family, Greed, Secrets.
Jo Schenkel
Guinea Wigs: Fur power! by Rebecca McRitchie & Shiloh Gordon
Fur Power, the first book in a brand-new series Guinea Wigs by Rebecca McRitchie, bursts with fun, frivolity and laughter. With lively black and white illustrations by talented illustrator Shiloh Gordon, the story delivers a delightful blend of comedy, cuteness and chaos - perfect for emerging independent readers.
The story introduces five adorable guinea pig friends whose ordinary lives take an unexpected turn when they discover a mysterious box of unwanted wigs. However, these are no ordinary wigs! Each has a bizarre superpower when placed on their furry heads and suddenly the guinea pigs are dealing with abilities that they are not sure how to control. Unfortunately, their early attempts at superhero status doesn’t go quite to plan. Mishaps, mayhem and plenty of laugh out loud moments follow as the friends try to figure out how their new wigs work.
Just when these friendly fluffballs begin to feel a little defeated, they are presented with another opportunity to prove themselves: the chickens need help. Working together, the five friends use teamwork, resilience and a little superpower fun.
This is a great book that will appeal to many readers. The easy-to-read text, short chapters and graphics will captivate the audience and keep them turning each page. With short, fast-paced chapters this text and visual combo will keep readers engaged and motivated - making it an ideal choice for children building confidence in their independent reading journey.
Fans of quirky, animal-led adventures will especially enjoy this new series. Readers who love the similar comedy and easy read layout of Ratbags by Tim Harris or Real Pigeons by Andrew McDonald will find Fur Power a fantastic new addition to their bookshelves.
Overall, Fur Power is a funny, lively and engaging start to what promises to be a popular new series. With its playful concept, lovable characters and reader friendly layout, it is sure to spark laughter and encourage young readers to keep reading.
Themes Animals, Adventure, Humour, Superpowers.
Michelle O'Connell
The new Famous Five: Five and the smuggler's code by Chris Smith
In the next exciting instalment of The New Famous Five the three siblings, who are grandchildren of Dick from the original adventurers, join up with George (do not call her Georgina!), also now much older, and pursue a mystery involving the old house on Smuggler’s Top. It seems that there are nefarious happenings going on above ground, and probably in the tunnels below the mysterious old building and its nearby town. Can the children thwart the local master criminal before it is too late and will they need to work on their own to rescue the adults as well?
Mingling the Enid Blyton characters and their mysteries from the past with a new generation of children and their adventures is a winning combination. In this book in the series by Chris Smith, the past influences the present and the older generation adventurers again make cameo appearances. (Note: Timmy is not able to reappear, as a dog’s life span makes this an impossible request, but the children have their own dog - Gilbert, who serves as a capable replacement.) The delight of this series is this weaving of the generations, and readers who have already encountered the original Famous Five will be equally enthralled with the new stories. Congratulations to the author on this clever literary embroidery. The adventure in this story has moments of excitement and risk, but never enough to be too scary for a young audience aged 8 -12. As a shared story from a parent, grandparent or teacher it could also enthrall younger listeners, 7+. I would recommend this as a read-aloud gem! As the children demonstrate remarkable independence, intelligence and problem-solving capacity, this is a great story to foster these qualities. Perhaps they sometimes take risks that require an adult to assist, but as with the Blyton stories, the children are true adventurers. I have loved this series so far, reminding me of the pleasure of my own childhood reading journey, and can only delight that there is another book in the series to come!
The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway bust-up by Kate Solly
Affirm Press, 2026. ISBN: 9781922863058. (Age:Adult, young adult)
Mother of three young children, Flec Parker, not only needs an outlet where she can meet other adults but she also needs a mystery to solve. The Many Hands Craft Centre, a cooperative where women can meet and craft together, meets some of the first but she has been struggling with the second until she sees new graffiti on some local shops. The challenge is too easily solved leaving Flec unsatisfied, considering if she should investigate how to become a real private detective. Meanwhile she has forgotten 6-year-old Sam’s class are to dress up as old people and there is a last minute burst of creativity required so Sam and best friend Joseph can comply. They look good, but not as great as Asher, Helen Greythorn’s grandson, a Super-senior, with a sparkly cape and a U3A badge there to disrupt the ageist agenda. Flec’s husband Matthew, who volunteers at the Paradise Heights miniature railway has just the investigative challenge she needs. Supplies have been going missing and the organization is experiencing quite significant losses. The railway is a favourite outing for the family so investigating gets off to a flying start, initially disguised as Flec’s first foray into Parkrun, which just happens to pass near the railway. This is the second in the series featuring Flec Parker and some of the relationships and character building must have been covered in the first, but it does stand alone as a quick entertaining read. As a mother of 6 the author has been able to draw on a wealth of entertaining everyday moments with young children, like having to negotiate a purchase of pegs from a three-year-old while hanging out the washing or buying imaginary cups of coffee with bark chips in the playground. The smooth dialogue and deprecating humour carries the story, touching on mental health issues, disability and women’s poverty without becoming preachy.
Themes mystery, crime, womens fiction.
Sue Speck
Cosy Easter: Cute and cosy colouring book by Amelia Green
Cosy Easter: Cute and Cosy Colouring Book is a delightfully creative escape, perfect as a relaxing, feel-good activity for the Easter season (or any time of year). Designed for colouring enthusiasts of all ages, this charming book invites the audience to slow down, get comfortable and enjoy hours of mindful colouring.
One of the standout features of this colouring book is the high-quality paper and bold, solid outlines to make colouring especially enjoyable. Markers, pencils, or crayons glide smoothly across the pages, and the clear linework helps colours pop beautifully. A particularly helpful touch is the colour-testing page at the beginning. This practical addition encourages experimentation and gives helpful recommendations so each colouring artist can achieve successes and satisfaction.
The book includes 45 delightful illustrations, with a wide range of designs on each single sided page, there is a cheerful collection of Easter eggs, blooming flowers, adorable animals and sweet seasonal scenes. The variety is perfect: some pages are simpler while others are more detailed and intricate; perfect for a wide audience and different colouring experiences. This balance also ensures the book never feels repetitive and keeps creativity flowing from start to finish.
Another feature is the invitation to connect with the colouring community. Readers are encouraged to visit the author’s TikTok or Instagram pages for inspiration - or even share their own finished creations. This adds a sense of community and inspiration that extends beyond the book itself.
Warm, cheerful, and wonderfully calming, this colouring book offers a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation. Whether used during the Easter holidays or throughout the year, it’s a cosy companion that promises mindful fun and artistic enjoyment for all ages.
Themes Easter, Colouring, Animals, Mindfulness.
Michelle O'Connell
Mouse can't stop! by Beck Blake. Illus. by Shiloh Gordon
Little Hare, 2026. ISBN: 9781761212550. (Age:3+)
Life’s journey can be different for different people, but this book encourages us to stop and smell the daisies, to take time as we journey, to be aware of what is around us, and to make friends.
Mouse and Bear set out to climb the mountain. Mouse can’t wait, he tears ahead, leaving Bear behind. On the mountain they meet a bee who invites them to visit his garden. Bear wants to visit, but not Mouse who keeps humming ahead. In the garden, Bear smells the beautiful flowers, the daisies and daffodils having the most exotic perfume. Bee shows Bear a secret tunnel, allowing him to catch up with Mouse. Ahead they spy a rabbit, who asks them for help to find his lost key. But again, Mouse says he cannot stop and runs ahead. Bear stops and finds the key which opens Rabbit’s house and there he has a wonderful meal with the family.
Next, Bear and Mouse are asked by if they would like to rest under a tree. Mouse of course is in too much of a hurry, while Bear stays and has a rest, good enough to give him enough puff to catch up with Mouse. Once at the top, Mouse is disappointed that the top of the mountain does not match the sign below. He can see nothing amazing. He starts on down, while Bear stays at the top with the birds, the rabbit family and the bee. Bear has had an amazing time and met many new friends.
A lovely story of spending time with others, the characters of Bear and Mouse will amuse readers as they see from the start how different they are, but their actions bring them together at the end.
I love the pages of verse where Mouse gives his reasons for keeping on going. I can imagine the reader and the audience saying these lines with gusto, predict the rhyming words and urging Mouse forward, while Bear stays behind to smell the daisies. Full of humour, the illustrations will delight, as the readers’ eyes follow the events in the text. One frustrated Mouse is seen on many pages, urging his friend forward, while Bear is content to hold the baby rabbits in his arms and talk to the birds and the bees as they fly around his soft, friendly face. The looks on both their faces is a study in opposites, and the readers will laugh with glee as Mouse comes to realise that perhaps the mountain is amazing after all.
Themes Humour, Friendship.
Fran Knight
Fearless Finn by Kristin Martin. Illus. by Lauren Mullinder
Talented South Australian duo, author Kristin Martin and illustrator Lauren Mullinder, have collaborated beautifully to create Fearless Finn, a delightful and vibrant narrative. This larger than usual picture book offers young readers a heartfelt and visually engaging story that celebrates bravery and overcoming feelings of fear.
When farm boy Finn is milking Maude, a dragon destroys all the hay. She continues to cause havoc by burning trees and slightly blackening a goat. In the meantime, Finn has become Fearless Finn – a dragon fighting knight - with homemade armour, sword and shield.
Don’t worry, I am…Fearless Finn… a… dragon-fighting…knight! I’ll find that dreadful dragon And I’ll challenge her to fight.
Off Fearless Finn goes following the dragon’s trail of havoc. When Finn finds the dragon he challenges her to a fight but…all is not as it appears. Is the dragon as fiery and dangerous as Finn first thought?
The skilful rhyme is a pleasure to read aloud, perfectly complemented by softened pastel digital illustrations that trace Finn’s journey and thoughtfully share his shifting emotions and changing expressions. The well-crafted and satisfying ending will be welcomed by young readers with the inclusion of the special recipe in the final pages - a fabulous addition and enjoyable (& edible!) extension to the narrative.
When your best friend is sinking into addiction, how do you help? Or, can you?
Two best friends in Year 10, going to a party. A couple of pills, just to boost confidence. First time for Mia, she’s cautious, but she follows Sophie’s lead. And then she gets a goodnight kiss from Lewis, the hottest guy in the school. The fragile glass beneath Mia gives way as she gets pulled further into the world Ecstasy gives her; a world where she is confident, risk-taking, everything she isn’t.
Things take a turn for the worse, and the girls’ relationship is strained. Sophie gets sexually assaulted by Lewis’s dealer, and Mia starts to Ecstasy more recklessly. Their friendship is strained, and Sophie can no longer recognize Mia, who has become a shell of her former self. But their bond brings Mia back from the edge she was unknowingly walking off.
Kate McCaffrey uses her powerful writing to build the worlds of Sophie and Mia, shown from the alternating perspectives of each girl. Her raw words carefully show a user’s decline as the story progresses through months, engaging readers. Her words are uncomplicated yet engaging, and you can relate to the simplicity of her writing. With shifting points of views, her book is about both friendship and drugs, in equal part.
The book isn’t action-driven but compelling. The story stretches across the course of several months, but the events are steady in pace and gripping in nature. Through words, it shows Mia’s first time taking Ecstasy, Sophie’s withdrawal, the girls’ splitting up and the slow recovery. While the ending isn’t absolute, it speaks of hope and renewal, with both teenagers looking forward. Sophie and Mia are both built with purpose. Their character and personality are uniquely different and creatively portrayed. McCaffrey’s writing makes them real, with their faults and flaws but the remaining, underlying good in both of them.
While it isn’t a thriller, In Ecstasy is gripping. I’d recommend this contemporary novel to anyone searching for a raw, original story that starts important discussions.
Themes: Friendship, Self-esteem, Drug addiction, Depression, Anxiety
Jahnavi B. (Student)
Don’t Let Them Leave by Mike Lucas
Penguin Random House Australia, 2026. ISBN: 9781761355462. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
If you have an older middle grade/YA reader who loves horror, gothic dark secrets, ghostly characters plus mysterious and menacing ravens, then Don’t Let Them Leave by South Australian author Mike Lucas is definitely a must-read new release. This sinister blend of supernatural menace and buried secrets will stay with you long after the last page is read.
Set in North Cornwall, this chilling and brilliantly written novel opens with a disturbing prologue from 1855, setting the scene for the fate that will later befall three young characters in 1930. Charlotte, Jack and Emily have been left orphaned after a car accident claimed the life of their beloved parents. Thrown into a bewildering situation, the children are taken from their family home and thrust into the guardianship of their never met grandmother on the remote and treacherous Black Island.
All is not as it appears and narrator Charlotte, the eldest, tells the story of events through her eyes as the siblings try to make sense of their new life on Black Island. After a series of strange and frightening happenings, Charlotte leaves the island for a few hours and meets Barnaby whom the children befriended on the train journey from their home. It is at the estate where Barnaby works that Charlotte meets the local landowner who tells her the story of what happened 600 years ago to the children of the town. With ravens guarding the castle, a grandmother not quite what she seems along with an evil cat, the three children are thrust into a dire situation and must use their wits to escape from a place in which deep secrets are buried and where they are not allowed to leave.
Mike Lucas, author of Teen/YA novels What We All Saw and One By One They Disappear, once again captures the atmosphere of suspense, fear, and danger with meticulous prowess. His three young protagonists are strong, relatable, and resilient, each trying to navigate the terrifying situation they have found themselves in, with young Jack harbouring a devastating secret. Watching them face the challenges of their escalating and seemingly hopeless situation is a masterclass in tension and compelling storytelling.
Trickshot Harri: the Cheetah World Beater by Adam Jackson & Adrian Lloyd. Illus. by Jake A Minton
Little Book Press, 2026. ISBN: 9781923141612. (Age:5-9) Highly recommended.
Following on from Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, the creative team behind the Animal World Cup series have added a second lively narrative, adding fresh energy with a new competition to this engaging collection.
Harri is a talented soccer player who feels that he can win the match for the team. In his first season he took the team from mid-table battlers into the top two. When his team, the Jungle FCs are up against the unbeatable Safari Stars, Harri plays a world class first half scoring four goals. It is during the half-time break that Harri’s dad reminds him that there is…’no I in TEAM.’ However, Harri has other ideas and laughs off his father’s advice.
When the second half begins, Harri has two opposition players on him and he is trapped. As the Safari Stars kick three goals in a row, Harri changes his game to defence and the whole team takes on the opposition. Will Harri find that as a team they can work well together and achieve the win?
This is a great story about teamwork and valuing each member’s role in the game. The use of bolded words, text that conveys movement, and large expressive character images adds a fast pace to the storyline. The rhyming text is a standout and will provide an enjoyable read aloud experience for young readers.
Themes Soccer, Australian Animals, Competition, Teamwork, Humour, Rhyme, Sport.
Kathryn Beilby
The last starborn seer by Venetia Constantine
Head of Zeus, 2026. ISBN: 9781035914449. (Age:14+) Recommended.
Leilani Stellarion, the last of her cursed bloodline, is shunned for her dangerous magic, which is slowly corrupting her mind. After her father arranges her marriage to her childhood rival and her mother’s health worsens, Leilani learns of a relic that could end the Sickening, a curse dividing the realms of Arcelia. She embarks on a quest with sworn enemies to fulfil an ancient prophecy, racing against a sinister foe while battling the growing darkness within her before it consumes everything she loves.
The Last Starborn Seer draws readers into a richly detailed fantasy world, but I found it hard to get into it at first. The beginning is dense, packed with heavy lore and an overuse of terms like “star” and “moon,” which often made the world feel overcomplicated. The glossary at the start of the book also put me off, making me feel like I had to study before enjoying the story. It wasn’t until after page 150 that the pacing picked up and the book became more engaging.
I didn’t feel very attached to the characters and found them quite selfish and unlikeable at times. Leilani’s character starts off as immature and occasionally irritating, but her growth as the story progressed was a positive aspect. The story is told from a dual POV, but most of the focus remains on Leilani, so the impact of switching perspectives is limited.
Even though the novel is marketed as Adult Romantasy, it reads more like Young Adult Fantasy with a romance subplot. The writing style is quite tropey and sometimes tries too hard to be ‘adult,’ creating unnecessary intricacy.
I liked some of the side characters like Tansy, Delphine, and Briar, though at times I forgot they were there. While the pacing was slow, I appreciate the effort put into building such a unique and lavish world. In the second half, I enjoyed the sense of adventure and the higher stakes much more.
Overall, I would rate The Last Starborn Seer 3.5 out of 5 stars. I’d recommend this book to readers who like in-depth fantasy and don’t mind a slower start.
Themes: Overcoming Prejudice, Parental Neglect, Power and Corruption, Found Family.
Bea and Annie are two girls who are initially polar opposites. Bea Ware was afraid of almost everything, from noises in the house, to things she could see, hear, taste and touch. There is so much that terrifies her and “ties her in knots”.
Bea watches in awe as Annie Venture shows how differently she approaches life, seemingly fearing nothing. She is willing to experience new games, foods, and activities, calmly and bravely. When Bea dares to wonder how she manages to attempt all of these things so fearlessly, Annie provides her with a whole new way of looking at the world.
I’m not fearless,’ laughed Annie, Í just tell myself to fear less. Fear less than I did yesterday. And fear less than I did the day before that.
As Bea ponders this advice, her fears slowly diminish and, overcoming her reluctance to try new things, she becomes willing to face her fears one at a time, experiencing a great deal of joy and relief as she does so.
Canby writes simple stories with strong messages. I love the fact that both Fearless and Timeless are suitable to read to very young children but have messages that are appropriate for readers of all ages. Her simple illustrations, overlaid on a background of flowing word clouds, convey the moods and attitudes of the characters perfectly. Canby includes a scattering of enormous, boldly formatted words, often interlaced in the illustration it describes. A touch of alliteration adds to the joy of the story, as do the endpapers, yet again.
This title could be used by parents in assisting children to address their fears, as well as being a great classroom resource for wellbeing lessons when discussing the ways in which different people manage new things.
