Australia’s best children’s picture book poll: Graeme Base on “Animalia”

'The Eleventh Hour' is a collection of five interlinked stories by Salman Rushdie, exploring themes of anger, peace, mortality, and legacy. Each story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating a world in crisis. Rushdie's signature blend of magical realism and sharp social commentary is evident throughout the collection. He examines the search for meaning in the face of uncertainty, the importance of human connection, and the enduring power of storytelling. The stories showcase Rushdie's versatility as a writer and his ability to capture the nuances of the human condition.

Animalia is a captivating children's book where each page presents a tongue-twisting alliterative sentence for a letter of the alphabet, accompanied by elaborate illustrations teeming with animals and countless hidden objects beginning with that letter. Readers of all ages delight in spotting details like dragons, dinosaurs, and subtle references such as the Decalogue on the D page, making it a rewarding puzzle that encourages repeated exploration. A hidden picture of the author as a child appears on every page, adding to its charm.

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.