Stunning new children’s titles releasing just in time for Christmas

Published on 01 Sep 2026

Media release

Suite of four picture books from NLA Publishing coming to bookshops on 1 November celebrate the great Australian outdoors
Two books are inspired by trail-blazing women from Australia’s history
Includes Bird Park, a companion book to the popular Dog Beach (2024), re-releasing in a board book format for our youngest readers

Bird Park, by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White

A colorful illustration of many different birds perched on the branches of a large tree with green leaves against a light blue sky. The title 'BIRD PARK' is displayed prominently in multi-colored letters at the bottom, with the names Julie Murphy and Annie White underneath.

“Down at the park you’ll see all kinds of birds. Small birds, tall birds. Walking birds, squawking birds...”

From the creative team that brought us Dog Beach, and following the same rhythm and rhyme scheme, this book of birds will delight young children with colourful, warm and humorous illustrations of more than 60 native species. Recommended for ages 3+. Teacher’s notes are available to download.

The author and illustrator are available for interview. Please contact us to enquire or request a review copy.

Swimming with Aunty Isobel, by Cassy Polimeni, illustrated by Evie Barrow

“Maybe we’ll go whale watching…bouncing over waves, counting barnacles on whale bellies as they breach beside our boat.”

A colorful underwater scene from the children's book 'Swimming with Aunty Isobel'. Two girls, an adult and a child, are swimming together through a vibrant coral reef filled with fish and sea life. The title and authors' names are prominently displayed.

A young girl dreams of being a marine biologist like her amazing Aunty Isobel. Until she realises that snorkelling means getting your face wet and boats make her seasick. Maybe she doesn’t have what it takes after all…

Follow their adventures on the beach as they witness something spectacular that might just give her the courage to take that step towards her dream.

Inspired by the remarkable story of trail-blazing marine biologist Isobel Bennett, whose papers are held at the National Library. Richly illustrated in dreamy soft pencil, this book evokes the magic of the ocean and our precious marine life. Recommended for ages 5+. Teacher’s notes are available to download.

The author and illustrator are available for interview. Please contact us to enquire or request a review copy.

Paddle Steamer Pearl, by Neridah McMullin, illustrated by Jessica Corkran

“CHUFF CHUFF CHUFF went the paddle steamer, as the river flowed.”

Illustration of the paddle steamer Pearl on a river, with birds flying overhead, fishing nets on deck, and two figures aboard in a colorful painted style.

Step aboard the PS Alpha with Pearl Collins and her family as they spend their days travelling up and down the Murray and Darling Rivers, selling goods just like a floating shop.

Find out what happens when the Alpha gets stuck for 6 months on the dry riverbed and the family survive by hunting rabbits and planting potatoes on the shore.

This rollicking adventure story takes us back to the heyday of paddle steamers between the 1850s and the 1930s and is inspired by the real-life Pearl who went on to become Australia’s first woman to be a river boat captain.

With unique mixed-media illustrations and absorbing historical detail exploring the vital role of paddle steamers on Australian waterways, this book also supports learning in history and geography. Recommended for readers aged 5+. Comprehensive teacher’s notes are available to download.

The author and illustrator are available for interview. Please contact us to enquire or request a review copy.

Dog Beach, by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White (board book format)

“Down at the dog beach you’ll see all kinds of dogs. STRONG dogs, looong dogs. Playing dogs, staying dogs...”

Grab a frisbee and head down to the Dog Beach where pooches of all shapes and sizes come to play!

This popular release from 2024 was shortlisted for the ABIA Small Publisher Children’s Book of the Year award and the Book People Children’s Book of the Year.

Now available in a sturdy board book format for the youngest dog lovers.