Below are some links to help you find out more about the ten picture books on this year's KOALA Shortlist. What do you think of the books on the list? Tell us in the comments below. Better still, if you are a young reader - up to Year 9 - then send us your review to contact@koalansw.org.au and we will put it on the blog.
A Bus Called Heaven by Bob Graham
The discovery of an old derelict bus named 'Heaven' outside Stella's house, brings a community together for a common good. But then, one day the bus is towed away. Will Stella manage to save the day? Teaching Notes | Kids' Book Review
Alphabet Town by Bryan Evans & Kimberly Moon
This is a delightful story of curiosity and imagination set in a place called Knowledge. In one little town live Numbers and in another little town live Letters. When a disheartened Zero and an unemployed Spot the Dot meet, they discover that everyone does indeed have a purpose. Book Trailer | ReadPlus Review
Annie to the Rescue by Deborah Niland
Daring Annie is back in this story of adventure and courage. When Callisto the cat, gets stuck in a tree it is Annie to the rescue. But will Annie be brave enough to save herself? Teaching Notes| Illustrations Up Close
Fiona the Pig's Big Day by Leigh Hobbs
It is the first day of school and everyone is excited including Fiona the Pig. But why are her parents so sad? Will Mr & Mrs Pig survive Fiona the Pig's Big Day at school? Meet Fiona | Teaching Notes
First Day by Andrew Daddo & Jonathan Bentley
Everyone is nervous about the first day of school. It will be fun. You'll meet new friends. New BFFs! But who is more nervous about the first day? Kids' Book Review | Author Interview
Noah Dreary by Aaron Blabey
Noah Dreary loved to complain! One day he complained so much his head fell off. But still Noah complained..... until one day a terrible event happened. That's when things began to change. Inside the Book | Book Review
The Dreadful Fluff by Aaron Blabey
Serenity Strainer thought that her life was perfect until one Saturday morning she made a perfectly dreadful discovery - evil belly button fluff! Book Trailer | Inside the Book | Teaching Notes
The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky & Andrew Joyner
An unexplained noise causes panic among the forest animals. As the animals try to get away from the Terrible PLOP! only the littlest rabbit finds the courage to face this fear and have the last laugh. Ursula Dubosarsky Reads The Terrible Plop | Andrew Joyner Draws the Bear | Kirkus Reviews
The Very Brave Bear by Nick Bland
The Very Cranky Bear is back with a new adventure. This time he faces off with Boris Buffalo in a contest to see who is the bravest. But an unexpected surprise has both of them running through the jingle jangle jungle in fear! Read an Excerpt | ReadPlus Review
Too Many Cheeky Dogs by Johanna Bell & Dion Beasley
Set in a remote Indigeous community, this is a quirky story about a pack of pesky dogs. Each day our narrator encounters an increasing number of cheeky dogs in various locations. Kids' Book Review | Too Many Cheeky Dogs Website