By cleverly imagining the chain of events that might lead to a small child accidentally having their first ever taste of vanilla ice-cream, this new picture book by Bob Graham will have wide appeal. Children will enjoy identifying with the young sparrow – a true free spirit who hitches a ride from India to Australia on his search for food. They’ll also see themselves in Edie, licking ice-cream from the end of her finger thanks to that cheeky sparrow. For adults, there’s the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren to ponder, as well as a reminder to stop and remember the wonder of simple things. This is one to treasure.

Emily Gale