“The colourful, detailed illustrations in this visual narrative, makes the text sing. Will you make a home? shows a bird or possum box being remounted on a tree by a group of children and Will you make something for today? involves three children planting a tree which tomorrow will provide shelter and a home for animals.
A thoughtful beautiful book, for children young and old, teeming with possibilities. The simple text will engage the reader to the end, whilst the illustrations have so much detail to discover.”

“A book that speaks to young people on every level, as is exactly what they need now.”

“Naturopolis is a stunning picture book, taking readers on a quest through a sprawling city to find the hidden natural landscapes waiting for discovery. Each page explores a new place — fern fronds growing in gutters, mushrooms glowing in the underpass — with a gorgeous melody like the one above, followed by some fascinating facts to feed the curiosity bound to be brewing in little (and big) minds. Brought to us by Deborah Frenkel (the stunning words), Ingrid Bartkowiak (the beautiful illustrations) and Storytorch Press (bringing it all together), Naturopolis is a picture book winner.”

“A first children’s book for both creators, Naturopolis feels assured and confident. The text reads as though a poet and a naturalist have sat down together over afternoon tea, not to negotiate a shared view but instead to share with each other the world they see. The result is a lovely combination of prose-poetry describing tiny landscapes hidden within the ‘great grey city, all steel and stone, tile and tar’, and bite-sized bundles of interesting factual detail about the flora and fauna to be found there. Bartkowiak’s painted landscapes somehow echo Jeannie Baker (despite the differing medium) while Frenkel’s language is descriptively elegant as well as playful. The book invites us to ‘Go gentle with shadows and secrets here: The silence is easily bruised’ and holds our hand pleasingly through that calm journey. (Content warning: there’s a page very full of impressively realistic-looking huntsman spiders!)”

“Great and Small will be a delightful book to share with any child or group of children aged 3 to 8 years. It celebrates diversity, encourages unique abilities and enjoyment in participation. There is an enthusiasm in Eunice, the Unicorn that may be inspirational for little athletes.”

“McLennan’s story is a fantastic showcase of diversity as it highlights the strengths of each and every animal. Eunice enters a sports competition but can’t beat the other competitors due to her size. But Eunice doesn’t give up, so she sets out with her friends to create her own competition where every animal is able to shine. It’s an inspiring story, one that will teach younger kids the importance of determination and inclusiveness.

With vibrant illustrations paired with a heartfelt message, Great and Small is a standout story, perfect for readers aged 2+..”

“Great and Small is a charming reminder that everyone is gifted and unique in their own special way.”

“A fantastic book for home libraries, wherever you live.”

“Samantha Tidy is a writer of deep sensitivity, always engaged in finding ways to bring us together and celebrate our goodness as human beings. Her previous works speak loudly of this and Our Bush Capital shows us, the residents of Canberra, in a human light. We crave to be seen as community, not as an adjunct of federal parliament, and this book surely and deftly does this.”