Hatch
By Heidi Cooper Smith Reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Heidi Cooper Smith is a Brisbane based Illustrator and also author of her own picture books, Six Sleepy Mice, Too Many Ducks, Odd Sock Sid, and Secrets of the Seasons. At first glance, Hatch appears
My Mum is a Bird
By Angie Cui & Evie Barrow Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This clever subtle story, so beautifully extended by its sensitive illustrations, is a perfect package of artful storylelling, emotional engagement and gorgeous artwork. It's a remarkable achievement for Melbourne based debut author
My Mum is the Best!
By Nic McPickle & Tommy Doyle Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This creative team also published the companion volume, My Dad Is the Best, while Nic McPickle is also the author of Fire Truck Santa and Tommy Doyle, an illustrator, ceramist and graphic designer,
Bigfoot vs Yeti, A Love Story
By James Foley Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Bigfoot vs Yeti (A Love Story) is the latest release from multi-talented author and illustrator James Foley. Like his previous hits My Dead Bunny and Stellarphant, this is a surprising, unconventional picture book that
April Book Links News
Settle in with your favourite beverage for a long read and immerse yourself in all things kidlit for April and May. April Book Links News compiled by Jenny Stubbs
Meet the author of Anomaly: Emma Lord
Emma loves all things sci-fi, fantasy and horror, but has a particular soft spot for reading and writing YA. Her debut YA novel Anomaly was published by Affirm Press in 2024 after an early draft was selected for the Varuna and Affirm Press
The Big Backyard Plan
By Kirsten Ealand & Laura Stitzel Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is Kirsten's second picture book after her charming debut Like a Gannet. She says: When I write, I often start with an emotion and go from there and my books often
Cassowary Dad
By Beverley McWilliams & Julian Teh Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson ‘Tap, tap, CRACK! Three stripy chicks hatch from forest green eggs
Emily Rodda & Bruce Whatley are Australian Nominees for the HCA Award
Australian nominees for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award IBBY AUSTRALIA HCAA WRITER NOMINEE 2026 Emily Rodda Emily Rodda AC (a.k.a. Jennifer Rowe) is one of the most widely published and translated Australian writers nationally and internationally and her passion for engaging her readers
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Reviewed by Dajo Finlayson This is yet another wonderful picture book created by the award-winning British partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, they of the well-known Gruffalo series. They have also collaborated on Zog, Super
11 Ruby Road 1925
By Charlotte Barkla Reviewed by Margaret McKay Lowndes Charlotte Barkla has structured her historical fiction series around a single address, 11 Ruby Road, and 1925 is the second instalment, the first having been set in 1900. In this story, the first family
Higher Ground
By Tull Suwannakit Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Tull Suwannakit is best known in the children’s fiction world as an illustrator. His work has always included rich visual storytelling, but he is now emerging as an impressive writer, too. Higher Ground is clearly
Meet the Artist: Blythe Fielden
The beauty of picture books is the opportunity to illustrate aspects that the text does not include. After completing her illustration degree at Leeds Arts University in 2021, Blithe now lives in Brisbane, Australia. When not drawing, she can be found
Meet the Artist: Hélène Magisson
'It's about supporting the text, enriching it, trying to surprise.' Mia Macrossan talks to Hélène Magisson who is a critically acclaimed Australian illustrator of many books for children. Before Hélène turned to book illustration, she was a painting restorer in Paris,
Aslan and Benny
By Jemima Shafei-Ongu & Jade Goodwin Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Many children have an irrational fear of dogs and this story carefully explores how one child overcomes his fears and makes friends with the dog that suddenly enters his life. Aslan is an
Grandmother from the East Grandmother from the West
By Jacinta Liu & Freda Chiu Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Jacinta Liu's delightful debut picture book is about a girl who loves her two grandmothers, who each come with their own distinct heritage and traditions. They look different and offer contrasting ways
Meet the Artist: Clare McFadden
Mia Macrossan talks to Clare McFadden, who is a writer, artist and educator. She has worked in arts education with children, young people, and communities in both Australia and the United States. Her first book, The Flying Orchestra, was awarded
Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book; The Secret Ingredient
By Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern Illustrated by Karen Erasmus Reviewed by Meg Rowe When the bells above Ariana’s mum’s thrift shop, the Treasure Chest, start to jingle, you can be sure something interesting is about to happen! Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern’s The Missing Book, is
Tomato Sandwich
By Caroline Magerl Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Tomato Sandwich is the latest release from celebrated author and illustrator Caroline Magerl. It takes place on an average day in the home of young Ottily and her dad. Otilly awakes, dons her fairy
Meet the Artist: Niña Nill
Niña Nill is one of the artists exhibiting her work at the 2025 Book Links Exhibition: StoryArt at the Richard Randall Gallery 4 -13 April. Niña Nill, a children's book illustrator based in Queensland, Australia. She says: I’m passionate about illustrating
Dinner Time! & Bed Time!
Aussie Baby's First Words 1 & 2 By Tom Jellet Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Tom Jellett is a Sydney-based illustrator. For over twenty years he has illustrated a number of books for children including Dirt by Sea by Michael Wagner, the My Dad Thinks
My Shadow is Blue
By Scott Stuart Reviewed by Claire Monsour My Shadow Is Blue by Australian author Scott Stuart is part of his “shadow series” (including My Shadow Is Purple and My Shadow Is Pink). Stuart is an author committed to creating content that empowers
You Are a Wildlife Warrior! Saving Animals & The Planet
By Bindi Irwin & Ramona Kaulitzki Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Bindi Irwin is a passionate wildlife conservationist, daughter of Wildlife Warriors Steve and Terri Irwin, who has inherited her parents’ love for wildlife and wild places. Ramona Kaulitzki is the illustrator of
Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles
By Corey Tutt Illustrated by Ben Williams Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Deadly Science founder Corey Tutt, author of The First Scientists. has here teamed up with Ben Williams to produce a gorgeous and informative book celebrating First Nations knowledge about animals found on
March Book Links News
Here’s the news of all things KidLit for this month. March Book Links News HIGHLIGHTS include The Short Story Writing Competition for adults closes 4 April Please complete the retreats survey ASAP if this is of interest to you The StoryArt Exhibition
Kittens Do Not Care for Baths
By Ali Rutsteiin & Niña Nill Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is another successful collaboration by the creators of the CBCA Notable Ladybirds Do Not Go To Daycare. This time the story is about Maya who is playing in the back yard
Ladybirds Do Not Go To Daycare
By Ali Rutstein & Niña Nill Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Ali Rutstein is also the author of A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet and Kittens Do Not Care For Baths (again with NiñaNill). Her work is characterised by a gentle
Especially Good Greek Myths
By R.A. Spratt Reviewed by Helen Gearing One of R.A. Spratt’s most beloved characters, Nanny Piggins (a fabulously beautiful, supremely athletic nanny who firmly trusts in the power of chocolate to heal any ailment troubling the children in her care), returns in
The Thylacine and the Time Machine
By Renée Treml Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Renée has degrees in biology and environmental science, and her passionate love of natural history shines through in this fascinating, information rich, graphic examination of the history and possible future of the Tasmanian tiger or
Don’t Fall For The Trick: A guide to smashing gender stereotypes
Written by Jennifer Bain & illustrated by Scott Stuart Reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Jennifer Bain is a graphic designer and author the picture book The New Kid. Scot Stuart is an author and illustrator of a number of books including best sellers,
