Reading to Baby
By Margaret Wild & Hannah Sommerville Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Margaret Wild is the award winning author of many picture books including Jenny Angel (which was inspired by her brother's death at the age of seven), illustrated by Anne Spudvilas, Fox, illustrated by Ron
Esme in the Limelight
By Kate Gordon Reviewed by Helen Gearing Kate Gordon’s poignant middle-grade novel Aster’s Good, Right Things won the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers in 2021 and its companion title, Xavier in the Meantime, was shortlisted in the same category
The Garden of Broken Things
By Freya Blackwood Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray The Garden of Broken Things is the latest offering from lauded author and illustrator Freya Blackwood. As may be expected of an accomplished creator, it’s a beautifully constructed journey in which the pictures and
Ask the Author: Richard Yaxley
Liane McDermott spoke to Richard Yaxley about his writing. Richard is a Brisbane-based author whose short story Fly High won the 2024 StoryLinks Short Story competition. His novels include This Is My Song (winner of the 2018 Prime Minister’s Literary Award
Grey
By Laura Dockrill & Lauren Child Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Today I am grey. I don't feel sunshine yellow, or balloon orange bright, or treetop green
Three Dresses
By Wanda Gibson Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This richly illustrated picture book by Nukgal Wurra author–artist Wanda Gibson is a retelling of her joyful childhood beach holidays in Far North Queensland. Wanda Gibson is a Nukgal Wurra woman of the Guugu Yimithirr people
Miimi and Buwaarr, Mother and Baby
By Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Melissa Greenwood was born on her Gumbaynggirr jagun (homelands) in Coffs Harbour and raised between both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung nations. Her carefully crafted stories include Giinagaay Gaagal, Hello Ocean, My Little Barlaagany, Sunshine, and Miimi
Richard Yaxley wins 2024 StoryLinks Short Story Competition
Congratulations to Richard Yaxley who won the 2024 StoryLinks Short Story competition with his subtle, emotive story Fly High, announced this week at the Narelle Oliver lecture. Read Fly High By Richard Yaxley 2024 Short List Hedgewhale by Genevieve Young-Evans It Would Never Have
Where is the Green Sheep
By Mem Fox & Judy Horacek Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Mem Fox has written more than 40 books for children, including the award-winning and much-loved picture books Possum Magic and Where is the Green Sheep? which is celebrating 20 years in print this year
Quokka Finds a Friend
By Katie Stewart Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Katie Stewart is a West Australian author who has written several picture books all featuring iconic Australian animals. They include When I Can Fly, Wombat Can't Sing (both reviewed in StoryLinks), Where Do The Stars
How to Measure the Ocean
By Inda Ahmad Zahri Review by Zewlan Moor Inda Ahmad Zahri is an author, illustrator, surgical doctor and scuba diver. She was inspired to create this book when her daughter said, 'What I love about numbers is that they go on and
Aurealis winners announced!
Congratulations to all the winners in the 2023 Aurealis Awards. The winners include BEST CHILDREN’S FICTION: Spellhound: A Dragons of Hallow Book 1, Lian Tanner (Allen & Unwin) and BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL / ILLUSTRATED WORK: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures, Jason Pamment
Listen Hippo!
Written and illustrated by Gabriel Evans Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Gabriel Evans is a Western Australian children’s book author and illustrator who works primarily in watercolour and pencil. His books include Blue Flower by Sonya Hartnett, shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book
Boss Cat
By Sarah Speedie & Tom Jellett Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Sarah Speedie's debut picture book, Mozzies vs Flies was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia, 2022 Book of the Year awards. Tom Jellett has illustrated many children's picture books including Why I Love Summer
What Stars Are For
Written and illustrated by Margeaux Davis Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Margeaux Davis is a soft toy and sewing pattern designer, who has a background in environmental education. This beautifully illustrated story is her debut picture book. Henry is a garden snail who normally
Inkflower
By Suzy Zail Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Suzy Zail used to be a lawyer but quit to become a writer. Her books include The Tattooed Flower, The Wrong Boy, and Alexander Altman A10567 - all stories based on or inspired by her
Book Links News: May 2024
Here is the latest newsletter from Book Links containing a wealth of information about events, programs, competitions reviews and more from the children's literature world. Grab a favourite beverage and get ready to dive deep into Book Links News: May 2024
Bluey Trains
Illustrated by Rafferty Amor Reviewed by Mia Macrossan One for young readers just starting to read on their own, this illustrated chapter book for 6+ readers features a famous Australian tv icon. Yes, I am talking about Bluey, that Australian blue heeler
Circles of Life
By Gregg Dreise Reviewed by Margarite Igras Indigenous Kamilaroi, Gregg Dreise, is an award-winning author, illustrator, artist, musician, and storyteller. He travels around Australia, giving entertaining and educational talks sharing his culture, traditional art, and music with the younger generation. Circles of
Ultra Violet 1: Down to Business
Written by Cristy Burne Illustrated by Rebel Challenger Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd This is the first book in a new junior graphic novel series published by humour specialists Larrikin House. Author Cristy Burne has degrees in biotechnology and science communication and has written
Deep is the Fen
By Lili Wilkinson Reviewed by Tehani Croft Wilkinson returns with a new cast and adventure to the world of her CBCA finalist A Hunger of Thorns in this richly drawn exploration of magic and masculinity, but where AHOT dug into themes of
Seven Wherewithal Way: Over the Mountains and Through the Desert
By Samantha-Ellen Bound Reviewed by Helen Gearing Samantha-Ellen Bound’s highly original debut novel, What the Raven Saw (shortlisted for the Adelaide Festival Literature Award), planted her firmly on the Australian kidlit scene in 2013 and her latest middle-grade series, Seven Wherewithal Way,
2024 Book Links Award for Children’s Historical Fiction: Longlist announced
Book Links The Centre for Children's Literature proudly announces the longlist for the 2024 Award for Children's Historical Fiction. The aim of the award is to increase the understanding and appreciation of history by children. These seven titles are outstanding works
Time to Rest
By Jack Carty & Natasha Carty Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “The sun is sinking low, my darling, the birds are in their nests. And you have spent the day exploring, so now it’s time to rest. …”. This is the opening stanza of
New Home (Millie: The Cutest Puppy in the World #1)
By Cate Whittle & Nicky Johnston Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Millie is a tiny fluffy puppy with an ink-black nose and great big honey-brown eyes.” Left on the doorstep of St Bernard’s Home for Little Lost Dogs, Millie was very happy living there.
Ask the Author: Alison D. Stegert talks about Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies
By Lara Cain Gray Alison D. Stegert is a US born, Queensland based author for children. She writes stories for all ages, but particularly enjoys writing historical fiction for middle grade readers. Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies won the
Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies
By Alison D. Stegert Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Mischief is afoot, and Queen Victoria is not amused begins the enticing cover blurb of Alison D. Stegert’s action-packed historical adventure for middle grade readers. In the spirit of the Enola Holmes series, this
One By One They Disappear
By Mike Lucas Reviewed by Tehani Croft Karla’s life is upended by Hitler’s war on her people, forcing her family into hiding. When bombing destroys her world, an unexpected lifeline appears and she escapes to the mountains. But the idyllic village hides dark secrets,
