Big Book News for Littlies
Some really great children’s books are being released soon. Here are 15 titles to get excited about!
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Whether your baby is blinking at the page, or your preschooler is ready to read along, sharing a book is one of the best things you can do in early childhood.
Reading together is great for your little one’s brain development, imagination, language and learning, with the added benefit of parent-child bonding time (and all the cuddles and giggles that go with it).
So, what to read?
Well, there are stacks of board books and picture books to choose from, and although you’ll have your favourites, and some titles never get old, new releases are great too.
So, here’s a sneak peek at 15 books your little one will love in the months ahead!
Out in January...
Don’t Forget by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker
This gorgeous book was released as a hardback in 2021, which means your tiny tot might have missed it – and you don’t want that!
This story is too beautiful to pass on by, so check out the board book version, which is out now.
It contains positive vibes for ages 3+, and gentle reminders to play, laugh, dream, hope, imagine – oh, and find socks that fit!
Out in February...
You'll Always Be My Baby by Jessica Urlichs and Jedda Robaard
This picture book is guaranteed to tug (gently) at the heartstrings.
You’ll Always Be My Baby has those Guess How Much I Love You and Kissed by the Moon vibes, and it celebrates the deep forever love of family.
This makes it perfect for preschoolers, parents and grandparents to share, and you won’t have to wait long for this lovely read, because it’s out on 10 February.
Australian Little Golden Books starring Bluey, Kylie Minogue, Steve Irwin and others
Little Golden Books have been around for more than 80 years, and in all that time this beloved series hasn't lost its sparkle.
So, we’re excited to see three new Little Golden Books being released on 17 February – starring Aussie icons!
There are two Little Golden Book Biographies to look forward to – one about Kylie Minogue and one about Steve Irwin.
You’ll also get to learn more about Bluey’s life in her Little Golden Book.
Bluey: Baby Race is a cute story about how the world’s most famous Blue Heeler first learnt to walk.
Then on 4 August, get ready for two more Little Golden Book Biographies, featuring the legendary Olivia Newton-John and John Farnham.
Ms Rachel: Happy Birthday, Wonderful You! by Ms Rachel and Monique Dong
If your little one is obsessed with Ms Rachel, then they’re in for a treat, because the edutainer’s eighth book is coming soon, and it’s all about birthdays!
There’s party-planning, cake-making and gift-unwrapping in the mix, and Ms Rachel is definitely a hostess with the mostess.
She’ll share genius ways to encourage imaginative play and socials skills, page by page.
So, we invite you to put 24 February in the diary – which is the book birthday for Ms Rachel: Happy Birthday, Wonderful You!
Out in March...
The Umbrella by Niki Foreman and Binny Talib
Older kids can be pretty brutal when it comes to friend groups, and if your under-five is already feeling that they don’t fit in, grab a copy of The Umbrella when it’s released on 3 March.
This picture book follows a child’s journey to find their place in the world, when one umbrella doesn’t fit everyone.
And even if your child is super confident that they can squeeze under any umbrella, this book will help them notice when someone is standing in the rain.
Bluey: Bath Book by Bluey
While we’re on the topic of water, it’s also great to know that Bluey’s first ever Bath Book is out on 10 March, for splash-tastic times in the tub!
Out in April...
Australian Classics for Little Ones by Banjo Paterson and Cate James
Whether you know his poems off by heart, or vaguely remember something about a jolly swagman, Banjo Paterson is one of Australia’s greatest wordsmiths.
He wrote Waltzing Matilda and The Man from Snowy River, and on 8 April, both poems are being released as Australian Classics for Little Ones.
This means they’re being published as board books, with words, colours and counting at your little learner’s level to provide an easy intro for them – and a quick refresher for you!
Bluey: Tradies by Bluey
Bluey: Tradies hits the shelves on 21 April and this book is generating a big buzz already.
Your preschooler will definitely dig it if they’re into construction and want to uncover the mystery of a big hole in the Heelers’ backyard!
Out in May...
Oh No! by James Foley
If you want to have fun with noisy words, and get a giggle (ok, a guffaw) out of your preschooler, then you’ll be saying “Oh Yes!” to this picture book.
It’s out on 5 May, and starts with a cake-wielding elephant bumping into a speedo-wearing pig – “OINK! BUMP! YEURGH!”
Things get crazier and crazier from there, and although your neighbours will be wondering what the heck’s happening next door, this book is best read LOUD!, with lots of LOLs.
Bluey: Toys by Bluey
If you’re loving the feel-good factor, then Bluey: Toys is a top choice for your tiny tot.
It’s the first touch-and-feel Bluey book Penguin Kids has created, and Toys is out on 19 May with a furry Bluey tummy on the cover!
