Harper Collins Picture Book Round Up

Latest picture book releases from Harper Collins feature a turtle who is more reliable than the weather bureau, a trip to the coast and an adorable white hare celebrating a tenth anniversary. All created by Australian authors and illustrators these top notch reads will fly off the shelves so grab them while you can.

The Turtle and the Flood; Jackie French, illustrated by Danny Snell

How brilliant would it be to have the ability to predict the weather? Living in Melbourne, a city that is famous for having four seasons in one day, this would be like the ultimate superpower. For Myrtle and her fellow Common Long-necked Turtles, future weather isn’t a surprise as they do possess the remarkable ability to predict meteorological changes very accurately.

Myrtle the turtle loves life in the creek. In the summer she swims in the waterholes and munches on delicious insects. During the winter she snuggles safely amongst the leaves under a log and settles for a long nap. She knows everything about her home; how to survive when the creek dries up, what to do when the rain brings fast currents, and, most importantly, how to spot an incoming flood. When Myrtle begins her slow climb to safety, will the humans and other animals notice and follow her lead…

​A sister title to The Fire Wombat, The Turtle and the Flood is a fascinatingly told and beautifully illustrated story of a turtle with a superpower. The natural world never ceases to amaze and Myrtle’s story is another incredible animal encounter that explores a unique ability to detect weather changes and how other animals are dependent on her to escape dangerous floods. Leaving readers in awe and sure to inspire a curiosity for the natural world, this loving tribute to a very special animal is insightful and charming in equal measure.

Recommended for 3+.

Giinagay Gaagal : Hello Ocean; Melissa Greenwood

Taking inspiration from her own life and adventures, Melissa Greenwood pens a stirring, loving and passion-filled ode to the beach, the ocean and nature.

Gaagal (ocean) is our special place,
we love to swim in the waves.
We’ll catch some yamaarr (fish),
eat, dance, and play games.

Giinagay Gaagal : Hello Ocean lyrically tells the story of a joyous day spent at the beach with family. Soothing, calming rhymes whisk readers away to the coast to celebrate sun’s first light, to give thanks to ocean and land, and to acknowledge connections with nature. Stealing the show, rich, stunning illustrations in a captivating mix of dots, lines, swirls and sweeping brushstrokes exquisitely capture Australia’s stunning coastal scenery and will have readers yearning for their own day out. Like the gentle lull of the waves, Melissa’s beautiful words and evocative artwork melodically rock readers to sleep where dreams of golden sands, sparkling blue seas and of fun times with those that we hold dear will occupy minds.

The significance of Country and culture is evident in every page here with words in the traditional Gumbaynggirr language littered throughout and a full translation of the poem at the end. It is important that future generations understand the land on which they walk, that the First Nations people continue to be honoured and their stories shared. Melissa Greenwood’s stunning collection of insightful, important and accessible books ensures parents and teachers have the tools and resources to share important learnings and history.

Recommended for 2+.

Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris (10th Anniversary Edition); Kate Knapp

Originally published ten years ago, Kate Knapp’s wonderful narrative-come-travel-guide is the perfect precursor to overseas adventure for the young and young at heart.

Ruby Red Shoes is a white hare who lives in a prettily painted caravan with her grandmother Babushka Galina Galushka. The pair are extremely excited for their holiday and their first stop…Paris. There will be markets to explore, foods to try, friends to make, sights to see and so much more. Ruby can even practice her French too! And of course, she mustn’t forget to write to her chickens who have sadly had to stay behind. It will be the trip of a lifetime…

Full of Parisian delights and all the joys of an overseas vacation in a new place, Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris is all kinds of loveliness and sweetness. Utterly adorable characters, a story written with warmth and infused with gentle humour, and the most charming of illustrations will captivate on the quintessential Paris trip.

​On a trip that is full of excitement, new encounters and the thrill of exploring an unfamiliar city, Ruby’s adventure allows children to experience an authentic Paris. Many will be yearning for a trip to the French capital to feast on delicious pastries, to stare in wonder at the Eiffel Tower, to laze in grassy parks, to take in the scent of a rainbow of flowers and to amble down cobblestone streets. My suitcase is already packed, just need to buy my ticket for The Flying Hare.

The hardback binding and extra thick luxury pages make this a real keepsake and a perfect gift for that special little someone. One of the cutest children’s books released this year is best enjoyed with a croissant or crêpe.

Recommended for 5+.

With huge thanks to Harper Collins for the copies I received in exchange for honest reviews.