Gusto & Gecko Travel to Kenya Writer: Longy Han Illustrator: Elinor Hägg Home for author Longy Han is the smell of fresh linen, the sound of Chinese news on TV, the touch of postcards on the walls, the sight of parents making fresh dumpling and the taste of happiness. She also has a passion for travel, and the drive to introduce children to different cultures inspired Longy to turn to crowdfunding to produce the first in what she hopes will be a series of picture books featu

Words: Longy Han Pictures: Elinor Hägg This picture book is the first in the Curious Travels of Gusto & Gecko series, and self-published by author Longy Han. One of the main drivers of this series – in which the title characters will visit different areas – was to introduce children to various cultures. As someone who’s travelled fairly extensively (although nowhere near as much as Han), I’m often baffled by the dogged refusal of some tourists to experience the culture, and t

Words: Heather Gallagher Pictures: Liz McGrath Wombat Books, 2014 Perinatal, or post-natal, depression (PND) affects one in seven new mothers and one in 10 new fathers in Australia, according to the end notes of this book. 'Happy Pants', written from the perspective of a child, shows how the illness impacts an entire family; that support and understanding is needed; and that there is no quick-fix. But this is not a clinical examination of the illness - it's written from the p

Celia and Nonna Writer: Victoria Lane Illus: Kayleen West Ford Street Publishing Like many books, 'Celia and Nonna' began with a line of truth, says author Victoria Lane, with the narrative exploring the relationship between a granddaughter and grandmother, and how they reconnect following change. Describe your book: 'Celia and Nonna' is a significant and heart-warming picture book about the special bond between children and grandparents – and what happens when life changes.

The words “wash your face properly or your moustache won't stay on at school” were not something I thought I'd say to my seven-year-old. But, as I secured the fake mo to his upper lip and adjusted his beard so he could talk and breathe, I have to admit the kid looked pretty cool. It's Children's Book Week (belatedly – it was officially last week, but our school spread out the celebrations) and the preps, ones and twos held a parade this morning to show off their literary cost