Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal
By Rosanne Hawke Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson This is the third book in a series by multi award winning Australian author, Rosanne Hawke, which began with Kelsey and the Quest of the Porcelain Doll (2014) and its sequel Jehan and the Quest of the
Daughter of the Deep
By Rick Riordan Reviewed by Sarah Custance Rick Riordan is the international bestseller of over 30 novels including the much-acclaimed Percy Jackson series. Daughter of the Deep is the first in a new series for Riordan inspired by Jules Verne’s unforgettable character,
Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat
By Monica McInerney Illustrated by Danny Snell Reviewed by Sarah Custance Australian author Monica McInerney is the internationally bestselling novelist of many novels and short story collections for adults. Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is her first delve into children’s books. 10-year-old
Pony
by R.J. Palacio Reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes Looking at the attractive cover of this book, one could be forgiven for thinking that Pony, by R.J. Palacio, is a book about a boy and his pony. However, Pony is so much more. The
Stellarphant
By James Foley Reviewed by Mia Macrossan James Foley makes picture books, middle-grade novels and comics for kids. He is the author/illustrator of the popular My Dead Bunny, In the Lion, and The Last Viking. Many of his titles have won honours,
Bluey: Sleepytime
By Joe Brumm Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Bluey is familiar to many from the award-winning preschool ABC TV show about the six year old blue heeler pup, and her family, Chilli her mum who works at airport security, Bandit her dad, an
The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere
A Kingdom and Empires book By Jaclyn Moriarty Illustrated by Kelly Canby Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the fourth title set in the Kingdoms and Empires aimed at middle grade readers. Her previous award winning titles are The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte
The Secret Battle
By Pam Rushby Illustrated by Fiona McDonald Reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes Pamela Rushby’s previous historical fiction novels have included The Ratcatcher’s Daughter (2014) and The Mummy Smugglers of Crumblin Castle (2020). In each, her love of history shines through and this also true
Rosie the Rhinoceros
By Jimmy Barnes Illustrated by Matt Shanks Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Rosie is a rhinoceros But she's not one of those fierce, scary, armour-plated monsters that amble across the African plains always ready to charge unwary travellers. She's charming and pleasant and always
Book of Curious Birds
By Jennifer Cossins Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the latest information title by Australian author and artist, Jennifer Cossins, whose previous titles include the A - Z of Endangered Animals, 101 Collective Nouns, The Baby Animal Book and many more. All
My Brother Ben
By Peter Carnavas Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The latest book by award winning Peter Carnavas is a touching story of two brothers set in an area north of Brisbane, around Cabbage Tree Creek and inspired by Peter’s memories of growing up near
Concealed wins Children’s Short Story Competition 2021
We are thrilled to announce that Merryana Day has won this year's competition with her exciting story, Concealed. Congratulations Merrayana. The judges found the story to be suspenseful and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Thanks to
Dragon Skin
By Karen Foxlee Illustrated by Dale Newman Reviewed by Mia Macrossan It is always something to celebrate when Karen Foxlee publishes a new book. She never writes the same thing twice. Each of her stories is different and come straight from the heart.
The Supernatural Survival Guide
by George Ivanoff. Reviewed by Mia Macrossan George Ivanoff is a Melbourne author who’s written more than 100 books. The Supernatural Survival Guide is the latest title in his Survival Guide series which include The Australian Survival Guide and The Human Body
Nelson 3 : Eggplants and Dinosaurs
By Andrew Levins Illustrated by Katie Kear Reviewed by Sarah Custance Andrew Levins is an Australian DJ, podcaster, restaurant owner, as well as the author of the Nelson series. Eggplants and Dinosaurs is the third book in the Nelson series following Pumpkins and
The School for Talking Pets
Written by Kelli Anne Hawkins Illustrated by Beth Harvey. Reviewed by Sandy Driessens The cover of this book says it all. There’s adventure, excitement, intrigue, talking pets and yes, “flying pigs”. Shy Rusty Mulligan enters a world-wide contest, to win a week at “Miss
The Listies’ Teleportaloo
By Richard Higgins, Matt Kelly aka The Listies Reviewed by Sarah Custance The Listies (also known as Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly) are a comic duo based in Melbourne. They have made comedy shows for both adults and children, recorded three albums,
Kensy and Max #8: High Voltage
By Jacqueline Harvey Reviewed by Melissa Salisbury Jacqueline Harvey’s Kensy and Max series returns with its eighth instalment, titled High Voltage, in a high-octane addition to the action-packed spy series. Kensy and Max are supposed to be on a relaxing holiday in Portugal
Finding Francois
By Gus Gordon Reviewed by Margarite Igras Gus Gordon has written and illustrated a most imaginative and charming book set in France, about two characters Alice and Francois, meeting, and building a long-distance relationship through regular short messages sent to each other.
The Lost Smile
By Nadia King Illustrated by Nelly Aghekyan Reviewed by Margarite Igras Nadia King's charming picture book captured my attention from the first page. I was eager to learn where this story would go, what lesson will be learned about a child who wakes
Plagues & Pandemics Reading List
Plagues and pandemics are much discussed both at home and at school. Unfortunately there is nothing new in the situation the world is in now. Here is a list of titles about different plagues and pandemics that teachers, parents and
Famous novels and plays get the graphic treatment
Classic novels presented in graphic novel form have been a boon to teachers and students as they present enduring stories into a more widely accessible format. Dajo Finlayson has prepared a NEW Reading List for you to explore this exciting
We Are Wolves wins Book Links Award for Children’s Historical Fiction
The Winner of the 2021 Book Links Award for Children’s Historical Fiction is We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad, HarperCollins 2020 Three children find themselves in an epic struggle for survival, alone in East Prussia in the dying days of WWII. Katrina
There’s a Ghost in this House
By Oliver Jeffers Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Oliver Jeffers is a visual artist whose acclaimed picture books have been translated into over fifty languages and his artwork has been exhibited in many prestigious art galleries. I would be beside myself with joy
Cat Dog
By Mem Fox Illustrated by Mark Teague Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The latest hardback picture book by national treasure Mem Fox, illustrated by Mark Teague, is a cleverly constructed question and answer story that is unexpected in many delightful ways. The opening So there
Mummy! Where Are You?
By Charmaine Oates Illustrated by Jelena Jordanovic-Lewis Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is South Australian mum-of-three Charmaine Oates' debut picture book inspired, she says, by her son Hamish. Jelena has illustrated eight picture books, each in a delightfully colourful and quirky style. Today is
Graphic Novels for Young Adults
Graphic Novels for Young Adults Here are some more graphic novels, most of them published quite recently. Graphic novels now cover many issues previously found in text only works. This trend is reflected in some of the titles selected here which cover
Spooky Books for Halloween for Readers in Primary School
Reading Resources for parents and teachers Here are lists of recommended reading arranged alphabetically under headings that you will find useful when looking for books on particular topics. New To celebrate Halloween here are some titles that children in primary school may enjoy.
The Curse of the Vampire Robot
By Graeme Base Reviewed by Sarah Custance Picture book legend Graeme Base has done it again with his fantastic new book The Curse of the Vampire Robot. With such well known and loved books like Animalia and The Eleventh Hour along with
Ride the Wind: Sky Dragon #3
By Anh Do Illustrated by James Hart Reviewed by Sarah Custance Anh Do is fast becoming one of the most well-known names in Australian children’s literature. His million copy series include: WeirDo, Hotdog!, Ninja Kid, Wolf Girl, E-Boy, Rise of the Mythix, and
