Hardie Grant Australia

Ebb & Flo: Short Cut

June 2025

ISBN:9781761214790

Price:AU$11.99, NZ$13.99

These are the first I’ve seen in this series but I’m sure they won’t be the last. And how good is it to see another set of titles for those emergent, newly independent readers that is FUN as well as providing some solid instructional reading.

In this one, Ebb has let his hair grow long – REALLY long – after a bad haircut from Tut. When he eventually looks like a purple Cousin It, Flo persuades him that he really must get another haircut. Nervous as he is, Flo accompanies him and, whew!, Tut does an OK job this time. Then it’s Flo’s turn – OH OH!!! Smalls will laugh a lot over this incident of poor clipping and even those who are nervy of hairdressers will very likely feel a bit more confident when they see the mishap (because they know it won’t happen to them!).

Ebb & Flo: Brain Freeze

ISBN:9781761214806

Price:AU$11.99, NZ$13.99

I think I can pretty much guarantee you wouldn’t have a single kiddo in your class or family, that hasn’t had a brain freeze at some point. And if you are familiar with Philip’s take on the brain, you’ll already be laughing before you even see all of this. Just as your Smalls will as they rumble their way through Ebb’s unpleasant sensations after gobbling down his ice cream too greedily. And just what will happen when Flo’s favourite choc mint ice cream is back in stock?? oh oh…. As always Philip Bunting’s illustrations are utterly hilarious while Laura’s text consolidates familiar words and extends your Small readers as they gain more confidence. Along the way they’re getting some great and subtle lessons about friendships and self-confidence.

But wait, there’s more!! Each book comes with a sheet of collectible stickers (which you will probably want to take out before you lend these out in library or classroom) and there are some fun activities to match the books. Winning all the way! They will be chomped up with enthusiasm – so it’s a big book brain freeze rating of 5 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶 from me! Have fun!