The Singing Mermaid review – Julia Donaldson’s fishy caper makes a splash

Bad puns, circus tricks and goggle-eyed jellyfish abound in a smart adaptation of the popular picture book

Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading by Lucy Mangan review – nostalgic magic

This celebration of children’s literature excels in capturing the sense of wonder we find in our earliest books

The many tongues of Lost in Books, the only bookstore in Fairfield

Most of Fairfield, in Sydney’s west, speaks a language other than English – and now it has a bookstore to match

Jill Barklem obituary

Creator of the Brambly Hedge children’s books

Pat Hutchins obituary

Illustrator and children’s author best known for Rosie’s Walk

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers review – a heartfelt hug of a story

Jeffers’s first nonfiction book is a witty, tender introduction to the world for his newborn son

The story that helps children speak out about abuse

Book and animation aim to help children identify the difference between good and troublesome secrets

Dogging and side-boobs – are children’s books really bulging with filth?

The authors of Biff, Chip and Kipper are accused of slipping something rude in. Pugwash and Pooh have withstood similar blows. Let’s get to the bottom of this, writes Observer columnist Stephanie Merritt

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna review – alive to the power of nature

A ramble in the woods proves transformative in this award-winning celebratory tale

Claire Zorn’s grief-and-surfing story wins children’s book of the year award

One Would Think the Deep triumphs in category for older readers, with Go Home, Cheeky Animals! winning early childhood prize in CBCA prizes

This Zoo Is Not for You by Ross Collins review – an irresistible pleasure

This beautifully illustrated tale of a put-upon platypus is given extra bite by the author’s mischievous sense of humour

Tiny Dinosaurs by Joel Stewart review – a lovely romp for boys and girls

Little Daisy is enchanted when she finds a band of little dinosaurs in her back garden – but her beloved sausage dog is less keen

Jenny Slate: ‘Ivanka Trump is a fake feminist and should be ashamed’

The US actor, standup and author on her new film, Gifted, inspirational women and the terrifying situation in the White House

How Dr Seuss could simplify boring, wordy documents

Bank of England staff read the children’s classics to learn how to get their message across. Who else would benefit from a little Seussification?

Daddy Long Legs by Nadine Brun-Cosme and Aurélie Guillerey review – chicest picture book of the year

Full of quirky detail, this father and son jaunt is satisfyingly silly