Author & Illustrator: Lauren Child

Publisher: Penguin Australia

Format: Hardcover

Review:
Trixie Twinkle Toes Trot-a-lot Delight is the much-indulged beloved poodle of shoe-obsessed Mademoiselle Brulee. Trixie longs to be a real dog that howls at the moon and chases sticks, but most of all she wants to step in puddles. Poodles were originally bred to hunt waterbirds, instead of being clipped, perfumed and fussed over as Miss Brulee decrees, and Trixie longs for the free abandon of the water. In her mind, she is dazzlingly dangerous and daring and brave. One day, Trixie gets the chance to show her owner just the kind of dog she is on the inside. From the award-winning creator of Charlie and Lola, Lauren Child’s characteristic collage illustrations are detailed and engaging, and her description of Mademoiselle Brulee is gently ironic. This is an appealing story about being yourself.

Author: Rogers & Hammerstein and Lindsay & Crouse

Adapter: Bert Fink

Illustrator: Dan Andreasen

Paper Engineering: Bruce Foster

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Format: Pop-Up Book

Die-hard fans of The Sound of Music will love this stunning book. From the magical dancing Maria on the opening page to the family escaping into the Alps at the end, each page is flavoured by the classic movie. The colours of the book echo the tones used in the film, adding a vintage sheen to the new interpretation. The lyrics of such favourites Edelweiss, Do-Re-Mi, and The Lonely Goatherd are included in the pages, and make singing along almost irresistible as the sound-track rings in your ears. The story is told through magnificent pop-up scenes as well as mini-pages that contain their own small graphic wonders. The paper engineering is mind-boggling and gorgeously intricate, but this is not a book that is suitable for small fingers to play with.  The delicate nature of the pop-up construction makes this book one to treasure and enjoy for years to come. Sunny Days has 10 copies of The Sound Of Music Classic Collectible Pop-Up Book to give away. Click here to enter.

Author: Colin Thompson

Illustrator: Sarah Davis

Publisher: ABC Books

Format: Paperback
Review:
What’s in a name? Fearless is the story of a puppy who isn’t, but protects his family anyway. The beautifully depicted Claybourne-Willment family grows with both a new baby and a new puppy. As the days pass, Fearless displays his great big heart and a huge capacity for love, despite his lack of bravado. When the unexpected happens, Fearless responds the only way he knows how. Thompson has captured so many elements of day-to-day family life that kids and parents will recognise and enjoy. Sarah Davis’s delightful illustrations are imbued with a gentle sense of humour that adds an extra dimension to the story, making it one you’ll be happy to read again and again.

Author: Debbie Hodgson

Publisher: ABC Books

Format: Paperback
Review:
Having a baby and raising children in today’s society involves stuff, and lots of it. We quickly accumulate baby clothes, feeding paraphernalia, bits and pieces for sleeping, playing, cooking and cleaning up the inevitable mess. Debbie Hodgson challenges parents to think differently. Sustainable Baby is tagged as ‘A parent’s practical guide to consuming less and living better’.  The nappy issue is well covered in the book, with information and explanations about modern cloth nappies, as well as patterns for those inclined to sew their own. Organic all-cooking, all-sewing Earth Mother that she is, Hogdson has included pre-made alternatives for those of us without the necessary skills.