A delightful, classic picture book, showcasing the enduring charm of one of Leigh Hobbs's most beloved characters, amidst all the fun and adventure of a grand hotel.

The Boubles Grand Hotel is turning one hundred and seventy-five years old.

Mr Badger is organising a party - for grown-ups only. But there is one little person who is definitely not invited ...

A beautiful, classic picture book, celebrating the olde worlde charm of one of Leigh Hobbs's most beloved characters, amidst all the fun and adventure of a grand hotel.

'Mr Badger is calm, dedicated and professional.' - Readings Books

'Delightful, deadpan and endlessly appealing.' - Better Reading

'Thrilling and disturbing, a stay at the Boubles Grand Hotel is never boring.' - Sir Windy and Lady Wanda Whoppa

'Mr Badger is a master of preparedness and an island of calm. Nothing fazes him. He is ready for any emergency. But behind that demeanour is a person (okay, a badger) who feels things just like anyone else ... We all need to be valued.' - aussiereviews.com

From former Australian Children's Laureate, Australia Post Australian Legend, and bestselling author, Leigh Hobbs.

Perfect for:
- Kids who love comical characters, cheeky mayhem, and a detailed world to get lost in and discover
- Fans of classic picture books like Eloise and Madeline
- A gorgeous gift: a beautiful, foiled hardback from former Children's Laureate

Details

ISBN13: 9781761182228
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 48
Edition:
Publication Date: 03 Nov 2026
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Dimensions (cm): 29.5(H)x23(L)470
Weight (gm): 470

Author Biography

Leigh Hobbs is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, including the iconic Old Tom, Mr Chicken goes to Paris and Horrible Harriet. As an artist, he works across a range of mediums, as well as writing and illustrating his children's books.

Mr Chicken goes to Paris was shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister's Literary awards and has been a constantly popular title at the Louvre Museum Bookshop in Paris. Old Tom has been adapted into an extremely popular ABC TV series.

Leigh Hobbs was the Australian Children's Laureate for 2016-17. Leigh was honoured by Australia Post in 2019 with his own 'Australian Legend' postage stamp featuring his portrait together with Mr Chicken. His subversive humour has delighted children for over three decades.

You can read more about Leigh at www.leighhobbs.com

Reviews

Praise for Mr Badger and the Big Surprise (Aussie Reviews)

'Mr Badger is a master of preparedness and an island of calm. Nothing fazes him. He is ready for any emergency. But behind that demeanour is a person (okay, a badger) who feels things just like anyone else.‚ÄØMr Badger and the Big Surprise‚ÄØis a story about behaving badly and behaving well. But behind the behaviours the thoughts are much the same. We all need to be valued. Readers will enjoy the atrocious behaviour of Sylvia. Each opening includes black and white illustrations, making this a perfect introduction for newly confident readers in transition to longer texts. Fans of Leigh Hobbs will appreciate his dry humour.'