Talent Show (Amira Swift, #1)& Fair Day Fun (Amira Swift, #2)
By Sarah Ayoub Illustrated by Niña Nill HarperCollins 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Sarah Ayoub has written the YA novels Hate is Such a Strong Word, The Yearbook Committee and The Cult of Romance as well as the picture books, The Love that Grew, How to
Bitsa 1
By Andrew Daddo Illustrated by Stephen Michael King Penguin 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan, Andrew Daddo is a well know television personality and writer of children's stories including Atticus Van Tasticus, Grandma’s Guide to Happiness, and Poo Face. His stories are characterised by warm-hearted appeal
Fur Power! (Guinea Wigs, #1)
By Rebecca McRitchie Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rebecca McRitchie is an editor and writer working in Sydney whose first work was Whimsy and Woe. Together with Shiloh Gordon, the illustrator of the Frog Squad series among other things they have created
In Flanders Field
By Norman Jorgensen & Brian Harrison-Lever Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd In Flanders Fields was published in 2002 and won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award in 2003. It has remained in print for 24 years and has now been re-released
Myra in the Middle
By Seetha Dodd Illustrated by Peter Cheong Reviewed by Zewlan Moor This is Seetha Dodd's debut junior fiction novel. When writing she draws on her Malaysian–Indian heritage, and favours themes of family, identity and belonging, Seetha aims to write stories that empower children
The Adventures of Pongo and Stink
Written by Lisa Nicol Illustrated by Karen Blair Reviewed by Zewlan Moor What adorable pigs! This is honestly a perfect read-aloud for Prep to Year 4. I hope it fills many Christmas stockings this year, and many classrooms in 2026. Pongo and Stink are
Ella and the Sleepover Safari
By Cassy Polimeni Illustrated by Hykie Breeze Reviewed by Helen Gearing The second title in a new junior fiction series by the author of the multi-award winning picture book The Garden at the End of the World, Ella and the Sleepover Safari is
Ariana Treasure: The Perfect Day
by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern Illustrated by Karen Erasmus Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the fifth in a popular series featuring Ariana and her family who own a thrift shop called The Treasure Chest. Aunt Grace is getting married tomorrow and Ariana is
Frog Squad #3 Sink or Swim
By Kate and Jol Temple Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This excellent series continues to delight and engage emerging and reluctant readers in the adventures of a team of elite rescue frogs who we first met in Frog Squad 1
Brock the Croc: Make It Snappy!
By Adrian Beck & Dean Rankine Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Brock the Croc: Make It Snappy! is the second instalment of an action-packed series written by Adrian Beck and illustrated by Dean Rankine - both prolific and popular Australian creators. It
Bling Jollygood (The Fairly Secret Files)
By Nick Bland Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Nick Bland is one of Australia's most popular and prolific creators, responsible for The Very Cranky Bear series, and the hilarious Bunny and Bird series which include How to Hatch a Dragon, How to be
Luna’s World #1 Library Dreams
By Hayley Gannon Illustrated by Michelle Conn Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Hayley Gannon is a teacher librarian working in Canberra. She loves writing about real family and school life so that readers can see themselves in books. In her debut fiction Luna's World
The Deadly Fang (Super Epic Dragon Quest #1)
By Adam Wallace & James Hart Reviewed by Sophia Evans Super Epic Dragon Quest #1: The Deadly Fang is an action packed, humorous story that follows the fantastical adventures of Arlo. Because Arlo’s parents spend all day complaining and being grumpy, Arlo basically
Lexie Moon & the Word Burgling Bungle
By Melissa Garside Illustrated by Lauren Mullindor Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This debut novel reflects the author's love of wordplay. It is a fast paced story about a girl who loves to invent things, more since her Grandad moved in with the family.
18,000 Holes in the Universe 2: Snack Attack
By Adam Wallace and Lisa Foley Illustrated by James Hart Reviewed by Jamie Willis Snack Attack is the second book in the hilarious 18,000 Holes in the Universe illustrated series. In the first book, Dragonfire, twins Noah and Jordie travelled through a magical
Hazel’s Treehouse
Written by Zanni Louise Illustrated by Judy Watson Reviewed by Jamie Willis Zanni Louise is the internationally published author of more than forty books for children, including picture books, junior fiction, middle grade and young adult. Her books have been recognised by prominent
