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Have you ever watched a child lean in so close to a book that their nose nearly touches the page, whispering “I see it!” as if they’ve just discovered buried treasure? That’s what Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals by Anna Finch does—it doesn’t just teach; it invites children into a quiet, imaginative game where language and wildlife become part of their world.

This is not a noisy book. It doesn’t try to overwhelm with flashy colors or cluttered rhymes. Instead, it speaks gently. Each page is a conversation between one Australian animal and a curious child. The raven isn’t just a bird—it’s Ash, calling “Kraa, kraa-aa” and waiting to be found. The emu drums, the platypus hums, and somewhere in the eucalyptus, a Sugar Glider hisses, just quietly enough that only someone really paying attention will notice.

That’s the genius of this alphabet book: it slows everything down. In a world of screen flashes and rapid dopamine hits, it restores the idea that finding something—really noticing it—can be magical. The format is straightforward: each letter gets an animal, each animal hides, and each sound beckons. But the emotional impact comes from the spaces in between—the invitation to look, to wonder, to listen.

There’s also a quiet boldness in Finch’s choices. This isn’t the usual parade of farm animals or predictable zoo favorites. How many kids can point to a quoll or recognize a Jabiru? Not many. But they might, after this. That subtle educational enrichment—introducing lesser-known species in a way that never feels forced—is one of the book’s most impressive accomplishments.

The illustrations by A. P. Gil match the tone: soft, earthy, and inviting. There’s just enough detail to make the game of hide and seek fun, but not so much that it overwhelms. It’s the kind of book that encourages repeat readings because a child wants to find what they missed the last time. Not all books have that kind of re-read magic.

There’s a reverence here—not just for language and animals, but for the intelligence of children. Finch doesn’t over-explain. She trusts that a child can recognize pattern, match sound to letter, and enjoy the challenge. There’s no reward system, no clapping seal of approval at the end. Just quiet discovery.

This book is for the child who notices when the wind changes direction, who mimics bird calls, who asks what lives under rocks. It’s not for a kid craving action-packed plotlines or explosive endings. But for those who still find joy in hiding and seeking, this is more than an alphabet book. It’s a walk through a curious, quiet corner of Australia, one letter—and one friend—at a time.

Excellence in Literature Award

The Excellence in Literature Award is a tribute to the timeless power of storytelling. We recognise works that transcend fleeting trends—books that resonate deeply and linger long after the final page. Whether bold and boundary-breaking or quietly powerful, these stories reflect true literary excellence.

This award encompasses a wide literary landscape—from genre fiction to poetic reflections, from contemporary gems to historical epics. At its heart, it celebrates writers who demonstrate mastery, originality, and the ability to connect with readers on a meaningful level.

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