Shannon Bergin

Being a newcomer can be tough, especially at a new school. Here, we explore the difficult emotions that accompany that first day, in a compassionate and supportive way. Without minimising the fear and apprehension a child may feel, pastel shades, simple design and a gentle rhythm in the text provide a comforting exploration of what to expect. Emphasis is placed on the faces and body language of a diverse cast of characters throughout. Each character is expertly illustrated to convey the emotional tone, making the shifts understandable to younger audiences.

From our very first glimpse of Bear, readers are instantly amused as he searches for his glasses, which we can see perched upon his head. On his way to track them down, Bear mistakes objects like trees and shrubs for other animals such as deer, a flamingo and even a crocodile.

The Fabric of Us is a gentle story where grief and heartache are delicately explored through the eyes of a little girl who has lost her parent. We move through the mourning alongside her, sitting with the feelings and catching a glimpse of hope along the way.

Bear’s Perfect Dance is a sweet, fun story arc exploring self-expression, perfectionism, and friendship through the perspective of Bear, who loves to dance. Bear is a fun, lovable character who embarks on a quest to find a dance partner, learning so much more along the way.

The first in a new series, readers are introduced to Anderson House, a retirement home for witches. Meeting its quirky and diverse cast of residents and their familiars, we learn that the witches have given up magic in retirement, that is, until one day, a boy arrives requesting help …

Nina is on the way home from school when she discovers a watering can with the incredible ability to change the size of whatever it waters.

An exploration of creativity, imagination and music within our own backyards. Hannah, an only child living with her mum and grandpa, is bored. She wishes she had someone to play with, but we soon find out boredom leads to curiosity when she sees a violin in an oddly shaped leaf and begins to ‘play.’

A succinct glimpse into mushrooms, mycelium and all the fungi family. This is an excellent introduction, familiarising us with facts about their growth, feeding, and most importantly, the vital role they play in our ecosystem.

A beautiful story, exploring the natural world right on our doorsteps. Tulip explores the garden with endless questions about this world she loves. That is, until she finds a nature trail that has been set up by her Grandfather. This trail labels the plants in the garden, allowing us to join Tulip for a wander within the illustrations and learn along with her.

Marnie Midnight is the first book in a new series from Laura Ellen Anderson that introduces Marnie, the moth who lives in a world of bugs. Their world, though small to our eyes, is bursting with life, excitement, and adventure.