A Curry for Murray (Kate Hunter, illus by Lucia Masciullo, UQP)

Molly lives next door to Murray and Maureen. When Maureen has to go to hospital, the piggy-tailed little girl decides to look after Murray, who is home alone. With the help of her mother, she gathers up ingredients and makes him a meal. Word gets around and when Mrs Gregg from across the street has a bad cold, Molly visits with a soft-boiled egg. For Sam Maloney, who has a toothache and can’t handle anything crunchy, she makes him spinach macaroni. Pretty soon Molly’s culinary skills are in demand and what starts off with a curry for Murray turns into a tuna spaghetti for Betty, pumpkin puree for baby Renee and chicken taco for cousin Marco. Her fame spreads beyond her little neighbourhood with requests coming forth from total strangers: nationwide and even internationally. Kate Hunter’s first picture book is about being charitable and socially responsible. It’s also about good deeds being recognised. When poor Molly has an accident and is no longer able to cook, her kindness is repaid. Murray and the now recovered Maureen turn up and offer Molly … a lolly (naturally!). Hunter’s rhyming message of cheer and Masciullo’s watercolour pictures are a sweet concoction.

Thuy On is a Melbourne-based reviewer and books editor of the Big Issue