Leaping Lola
by Tracey Hawkins illustrated by Anil Tortop reviewed by Sandy Driessens How lovely is this image of a cow leaping in the moonlight and the black and white cow hide print on the end papers. But what is the story behind it? With clip-clopping
The Troll Heart #2 The Witching Hours
by Jack Henseleit illustrated by Ryan Andrews reviewed by Sandy Driessens WARNING: DO NOT look for fairies. You will not find them. And if you do. YOU WILL REGRET IT. In this, the second book of The Witching Hours series, this warning still
Thimble
by Rebecca Young illustrated by Tull Suwannakit reviewed by Sandy Driessens Attracted by the delightful, gentle illustration on the cover, then tracing my finger over the embossed lettering of “Thimble” with running stitch not quite lining up, I knew this book was going
Moonwalkers
by Mark Greenwood illustrated by Terry Denton reviewed by Kerry Neary Fifty years ago the world was held spellbound by grainy images of a man stepping from a ladder onto the surface of our nearest neighbour in space. A thrill of anticipation reverberated around
Rogue The Vault #2
Written by A J Betts Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rogue, published in June this year is the sequel to Hive (2018). I read Rogue first and then was eager to read Hive. Both can be read on their own, but Betts does
Ask an Illustrator: Caroline Magerl
Caroline Magerl in conversation with Mia Macrossan Caroline Magerl was born in Germany but now lives in Buderim, Queensland. She is an illustrator who has worked for years drawing for educational publishers, newspapers and magazines. She came to the notice of the
Rodney
by Kelly Canby reviewed by Kerry Neary Younger children will be entranced by the visual treat of colour pattern and white separation in this story of a small tortoise with his head figuratively in the treetops. How Rodney would love to join
The Bogan Mondrian
by Steven Herrick reviewed by Dajo Finlayson From the very outset this book had me captivated. The vibrantly coloured front and back covers caught my attention as I’ve always been a fan of the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian’s work. His wonderfully abstract,
It Sounded Better In My Head
by Nina Kenwood reviewed by Mia Macrossan This delightful debut novel deservedly won the 2018 Text Prize for fiction. It is the affecting story of Natalie and her friends in that limbo of time between finishing year 12 and starting university. Natalie
Young Dark Emu: A Truer History
by Bruce Pascoe reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowdnes Young Dark Emu is the latest offering from prolific indigenous author Bruce Pascoe of the Bunurong Clan, Kulin nation. This non-fiction picture book is an adaptation for young readers of the award winning Dark Emu,
Mr Walker Series
Mr Walker and the Dessert Delight Mr Walker Gets the Inside Scoop written by Jess Black illustrated by Sara Acton reviewed by Leslee Anne Hewson These two new hardcover books in the series by Jess Black were published this year. Both are written in an
