Sketch
By Jacques Goldstyn Translated by Helen Mixter Greystone Kids 2026 Reviewed by Dimity Powell Occasionally, one happens upon a book that resonates hard, impacts deep and lingers on. Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn is one such book; a picture book for older readers that speaks to those that feel
This is NOT the Diary of Izzy Dobson
By Abigail Balfe Penguin Books 2026 Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Abigail Balfe is an auDHD author/illustrator who lives in Brighton and previously led digital campaigns for famous pop stars and broadcasters. Her first book, A Different Sort of Normal – a memoir about
Shakespeare in the Orchard
By Danielle Binks Lothian Children's Books, 2026 Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Danielle Binks has returned to a winning formula with her latest novel, Shakespeare in the Orchard. Like in the award-winning The Year the Maps Changed, she has crafted a coming-of-age story about
Amazing Astro Animals
By James Foley Fremantle Press 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan James Foley is well known in the kidlit world for humourous picture book including Oh No!, Dungzilla and Stellarphant. With Amazing Astro Animals he has a more serious aim to inform while entertaining and
A New Kind of Beautiful
By Suzy Zail Walker Books Australia 2026 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey Fifteen-year-old Paige had plans – big plans. A gap year with her best friend, Jazz. Art school in New York. Continue painting all the colours and details of real life. But the
The Garden of Lost Girls
By A.L. Tait Scholastic Australia Reviewed by Helen Gearing Best-selling children’s author and co-host of the ‘Your Kid’s Next Read’ podcast, A.L. Tait’s latest middle-grade mystery explores the intergenerational impacts of a young woman’s disappearance. Readers ten years and older who enjoy mystery
Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
By Graeme Base Penguin 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan How time flies! Graeme Base's Animalia is celebrating 40 years, a book that has enthralled and delighted generations of children. Graeme's is one of Australia's most acclaimed creators who has published many wonderful books
Tilly’s First Spell
By Mary Anastasiou & Giorgia Clerico Five Mile Press 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Just in time for Halloween is another adventure featuring Tilly and Sootie, first encountered in Tilly's New Broom. In Tilly's First Spell, the little witch Tilly is keen to
Meet the Artist & Author Simon Howe
Simon Howe is the author and illustrator of Going Home, The House That Walked Away, and Shoosh!. He has also illustrated many titles for other writers. Now he has branched out into junior reader territory with Betsy & Bon, a
The Baby Sleeps
By Lisa Dick & Laura Bee A & U Children NZ 2026 Reviewed by Margarite Igras Lisa Dick is a New Zealand author, journalist and editor who has worked across print, radio and TV news. This is her first picture book though she
Book Links September News
After the excitement of Book Week what is happening in the world of Children's Literature? Quite a lot, find out what's happening in the September 2026 Book Links Newsletter
Star of Deltora
By Emily Rodda A & U Children 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Emily Rodda is a well known and much loved Australian author of award winning books such as the Rowan of Rin series, His Name Was Walter, Eliza Vanda’s Button Box, The Shop at Hooper’s Bend and Landovel.
