Narratif, Daylesford (2026)

25/11/2020

You Matter
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Christian Robinson reaches out from the pages of his book to tell every child reading
‘You are here. You are you. You matter.’

Spanning time and space, from a tiny mosquito to the planet as a whole, ‘You Matter’ is a lyrical and joyful book, both timeless and timely.
With colourful child-like artwork it is surprising how thought-provoking such a ‘simple’ book can be. There is incredible depth in the spaces between words and the sparsely detailed illustrations, room for conversation and reflection.

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Text: Christian Robinson
Illustrations: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2020
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07/11/2020

What Do Scientists Do All Day?
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2020 has been many things, but certainly an incredible year for science with great leaps in our knowledge of the world, and universe, around us. And should our leaders, and future leaders, strive for better policies informed by science we might be able forge a better path for our forward for all.

Of the many new discoveries in 2020 so far - my favourite finding has been that platypuses are bioluminescent, how remarkable!

Inspire your own budding scientist with this insightful tour of 14 different scientific workplaces, such as a research station, university, museum, botanical gardens, observatory, or computer lab. Learn about the different specialist jobs within, with a diverse cast of scientists to meet. Maggie Li’s bright illustrations continues the top-notch tradition of the ‘What Do?’ Series which showcases unique and talented contemporaries.

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Text: Jane Wilsher
Illustrations: Maggie Li
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions 2020
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06/11/2020

Busy Beaks
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Birdwatching has become incredibly popular during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with many passing time by connecting with nature and our diverse birdlife.

‘It’s not just a joyful hobby. Australia’s growing fascination with birds is vital for conservation after last summer’s devastating bushfires reduced many habitats to ash.’ - Australian Geographic

Keep your young ‘birder’ inspired with this beautiful collection of Australian birds by Melbourne designer Sarah Allen. Starting with the gorgeous endpapers, every page is simply stunning.

Do you have a favourite bird?

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Text: Sarah Allen
Illustrations: Sarah Allen
Publisher: Affirm Press 2020
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26/10/2020

Little People, Big Dreams: David Bowie
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"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming."
Like all of the Little People, Big Dreams series, the starman’s biography highlights how determination and persistence are the key components to building your rocket to the stars.
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Text: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrations: Ana Albero
Publisher: Frances Lincoln 2019
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26/10/2020

The Lost Library
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A dreamy new Australian picture book, The Lost Library takes you on an imaginary journey to return a mysterious book to the library - a secret hidden library. Illustrated with soft, digital brush strokes and warm, muted colours - perfect for sleepy eyes reading at bedtime.
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Text: Jess McGeachin
Illustrations: Jess McGeachin
Publisher: Puffin Books 2020
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16/12/2019

Mr Walker
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The Tales of Mr Walker continue with another four stories!
Mr Walker is a real-life resident of Park Hyatt Melbourne where he acts as Guide Dog Ambassador.
A dog living and working in a five-star hotel is all the inspiration needed for hilarious tales of good-natured mischief and magic.
With a dose of cheerful drama, the chapter books make for a gentle introduction to longer-form narrative. There is sense of classic elegance to Jess Black’s writing, dusted with a sweet sprinkling of Sara Acton’s playful sketches.
Slide to see my own Ms. Walker - Anaïs Fredrickson. She loves nothing more than expensive cushions, and food. All the food. Foooood.
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Text: Jess Black
Illustrations: Sara Acton
Publisher: Puffin Books Australia 2019
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28/10/2019

The Gift
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Did you know that the term ‘w**d’ has no biological definition. Any plant can be a thought of as a w**d depending on where it is growing. It is just a matter of place, or rather, perception.
Perceptions are challenged in this heartwarming new Australian picture book.
We meet Rosie. She knows that house surrounded by w**ds across from her place isn’t abandoned like everyone thinks. Someone lives there. Old and lonely. And maybe they are just as lonely as Rosie.

Gently exploring themes of loss and hope ‘The Gift’ shows the power and possibilities that can grow from just one simple act of kindness. With a fantastic ’a-ha’ moment at the end, it will leave a lasting impression.

Michael Speechley’s follow-up to his award-winning debut ‘The All New Must Have Orange 430’ continues with his distinctive and quirky illustration style. Scratchy cross-hatching with deep, atmospheric layering. However the ‘The Gift’ pushes his art into new territory with softer tones and splashes of colour and warmth.

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Text: Michael Speechley
Illustrations: Michael Speechley
Publisher: Puffin Books Australia 2019

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02/09/2019

The Dictionary of Difficult Words
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Narratif | nar•rah•tiff | noun
1. a story or an account of a series of events

2. the process, methods, or skills involved in telling a story

And here we are. ‘Words and Illustrations’ is now .
Hopefully you don’t find it a flapdoodle* idea that only a jobbernowl^ could make. And if you don’t know what those words mean, your not nearly as sesquipedalian° as you think you are.
Try reading ‘The Dictionary of Difficult Words’. A celebration of our weird and wonderful language by lexicographer Jane Solomon. Paired by Louise Lockhart’s playful and pulchritudinous (beautiful) illustrations, it is a thoroughly thought-out and well designed dictionary for the whole family to learn and enjoy.
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Text: Jane Solomon
Illustrations: Louise Lockhart
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books 2019
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* Flapdoodle is nonsense, or words and ideas that are absurd or ridiculous.
^ Jobbernowl is someone who is foolish and not very smart.
° If someone is sequipedalian, they know a lot of big words and they love using them.
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20/08/2019

Hello.
I know I haven’t shared much lately - but I’m still here. I have just been busy with life. How inconvenient it can be sometimes.
I am also changing names soon.
Why?
For no other reason than I feel like it. Sometimes I rearrange the lounge room, sometimes I change Instagram handles. I like to live on the wild side.

It’s still me.

So stick around, there will be books galore coming this way. Very soon.

That’s all.

Liam

31/05/2019

Moonwalkers
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The momentous moon landing of Apollo 11 on July 20th 1969 will soon celebrate it’s fiftieth anniversary.
To commemorate, this stellar new Australian picture book looks at the events of Apollo 11 from the perspective of the children who lived and experienced this wonderful time - a generation that are now parents or even grandparents themselves.
Just as Buzz, Neil and Michael blasted off, children everywhere were launching their own imaginary missions. Billy is one of those kids. He lives not far from ‘The Dish’ - one of the largest telescopes on Earth that sits modestly in a sheep paddock in rural Australia. Equiped with cardboard boxes and tinfoil (along with essential astronaut ice-cream) Billy and his family play mission control and astronauts, becoming ‘moonwalkers’ themselves just as those iconic first steps were taking place up above.
Delightfully told for the next generation of starry-eyed children, ‘Moonwalkers’ is paired with Terry Denton’s expressive illustrations featuring his distinctively scribbly penmanship. Both he and author Mark Greenwood add a note detailing their own memories and recollections of the moon landing, a nice final touch.
• words: Mark Greenwood
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• illustrations: Terry Denton
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16/04/2019

Arthur And The Tiger
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You are in for a thrill with this vibrant new release by Sophie Beer (one of my favourite artists, marking her debut as author + illustrator).

Arthur lives in a circus surrounded by brave and daring performers - including his Dad the Ringmaster. There are acrobats, jugglers and strongmen, who dazzle with their feats of fearlessness. Except Arthur isn’t like the rest of the troupe - he isn’t brave or daring.
When the Ringmaster announces a fearsome tiger is joining their circus, he is tasked with taming it. Arthur is typically terrified, but for once, so is everyone else!

The themes of identity and prejudice are lightly explored with humour and warmth.
Sophie Beer’s art is distinctively fun. She pours into the pages buckets upon buckets of bright, bold colour. With thick, globular strokes and layers of sharp textures, the contrast is superb. Every form is filled with energy and movement - the impression of a quick doodle whereas they were not doubt painstakingly crafted.
• words: Sophie Beer
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• illustrations: Sophie Beer
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06/04/2019

Doodle Cat Wears A Cape
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Doodle Cat is back!
The cheerfully charismatic cat we all love now has a cape - and doesn’t it look splendid! Plus, as we all know: capes mean Superpowers!
Full of personality, this third instalment in the delightfully quirky series continues to blend humour with heart (and a decent sprinkle of silliness).
Doodle Cat’s co-parents Kat Patrick and Lauren Farrell have nurtured their bright-red feline. Farrell’s bold and lively artwork is simple and yet expressive. Patrick carves out big stories with the smallest of sentences. It’s makes for a fun and accessible read for all - and a super-powered launch pad to some creative writing.
• words: Kat Patrick
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• illustrations: Lauren Farrell
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Narratif

25/11/2020

07/11/2020

06/11/2020

26/10/2020

26/10/2020

16/12/2019

28/10/2019

02/09/2019

20/08/2019

31/05/2019

16/04/2019

06/04/2019

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