Award-winning local author and illustrator Anna Walker, creator of such favourites as Florette, Mr Huff and Peggy, amongst others, has done it again with her latest wonder, Lottie and Walter.

It’s a clever story about a little girl called Lottie who isn’t a big fan of her swimming lessons. There’s a shark in the pool that no one else seems to notice, and it wants to eat Lottie. It’s a brilliantly imaginative way of expressing Lottie’s fears; she doesn’t want to be afraid, but she just can’t go in the water, which may mean she’ll miss all the fun at next week’s pool party. What a disaster!

Then with a Humbelly doo, Lumbelly la, Loopy loo, in waddles Walter the Walrus. He loves books, bubbles and fish fingers, just like Lottie – and he also loves to swim. Perhaps this might help Lottie out?

A beautifully illustrated and heart-warming story that shows that with a helping hand you can have all the courage you need. Perfect for ages 3+ Claire Atherfold is from Readings State Library Victoria

Claire Atherfold is the children’s book buyer at Readings State Library.