Here are some of the latest diverse books for children from Walker books.


Noah’s Garden. (2010) Mo Johnson, ill. Annabelle Josse, 32 pp.  978 1 92115015 9 Hb. $27.95 AU.
This delightful picture story book combines reality with the wonder of a child’s imagination. Noah plays in a fabulous hospital garden with his Grandad, Gran, Dad and/or Mum. The garden is shared with lots of other children, all except Noah’s sister Jessica, who is a hospital patient. Will Noah ever get to share ‘his’ garden with her?
All royalties earned by author Mo Johnson for the sale of the Australian edition will be donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Melbourne.
Highly recommended.

Duck for a Day,Meg McKinlay, ill. Leila Rudge, (2010), 96 pp, Pb, $12.95 AU, 9781921529283
Abby’s new teacher brings in her pet duck, Max, to class, much to the delight of all the children. All the children, including Abby and her weird neighbour Noah, want to take Max home for the night, but they must get things ready at home according to the strict rules their teacher lays down. Will Abby get to bring Max home, the first pet she has ever had? And what about Noah? This book is a great read, incorporating task making and setting goals as well as acceptance in the story line. Rudge’s black and white illustrations offer an added charm to the book.
Recommended.


Maisy goes to Preschool. (2010) Lucy Cousins, 32 pp, soft cover, $9.95 AU. 9781406328226
Fans of Maisy the mouse will be happy to know there is another book to add to their collection.
This book goes through a day at preschool for Maisy; from the moment she puts ‘her coat on her own special peg with her name on it’ it is a busy day for her. There is painting, lunch, story time, rest time, dancing… in fact lots of busy fun for any preschooler to enjoy. A good way to introduce newcomers to preschool and a source of sharing time for parents/guardians with children who have already started.

The Great Bear, by Libby Gleeson, ill. Armin Greder, (2010, first published in 1999) 40 pp, 9781921529696, Pb, $16.95 AU.
This story of a dancing bear who is cruelly treated until one day she decides to stand up for herself is incredibly poignant and should be read by adult and child at the same time. It is a dark compelling story about human’s inhumane treatment of animals and the only horrible choice sometimes an animal has in order to gain freedom.