The Cleo Stories: The Necklace and The Present (Libby Gleeson, illus by Freya Blackwood, A&U)

In The Cleo Stories we meet a little girl called Cleo, who has a big heart but feels a little bit different to the children around her. In The Necklace, Cleo is the odd one out after her friends reveal that they all have a necklace, but she doesn’t. Cleo’s solution to this problem is both creative and heart-warming, as we see her navigate her way through one of life’s little problems. In The Present, Cleo is finding it hard to think of the perfect birthday present for her Mum, and comes to realise that it’s not how much money you spend, but the love with which the gift is given, that counts. Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood have teamed up to create this new series of books for younger readers. The stories are full of warmth, authenticity and humour; Blackwood’s detailed, atmospheric illustrations complement Gleeson’s engaging narrative to create a realistic portrait of Australian family life. Aimed at readers aged five and up, The Cleo Stories is an excellent addition to the bookshelves for younger readers. 

Natalie Crawford is a children’s book specialist at Dymocks Claremont