A new book from Sonya Hartnett is always something to anticipate. Blue Flower is her first picture book since 2014 and this magical offering introduces readers to a sweet little character – and their adorably fluffy cat Piccolo – lamenting that they do not want to go to school.

Attending school is intimidating for this little introvert; navigating the landscape doesn’t come as effortlessly to them as it seems to for others. All the other students are far more confident and comfortable than our little character, who accepts that though they do not love being at school, there are some things to look forward to and be grateful for. For instance, art class and the smell of doughnuts at the tuckshop. Our little character is far more at home in the outdoors, observing nature and thinking about the big questions in life. They are different and ‘being different isn’t easy, until you decide it’s a good thing to be’.

As the first ever Australian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2008, Hartnett is a superbly lyrical writer and when she bends her considerable talent to picture books the effect is especially delightful. Her unique style makes for a euphonious read-aloud experience, giving Blue Flower a mellifluent feel. Gabriel Evans does a masterful job of supporting this feeling with his whimsical illustrations and soft muted palette.

Blue Flower is a gift to those children who feel different: the quiet, thoughtful children who yearn to understand themselves and the world around them, and chafe against the established structures of a daily school routine. It is a magical accomplishment from one of our finest writers, and highly recommended for ages 4+.

Tye Cattanach works as a bookseller at Readings Kids.