Honey and the Valley of Horses
By Wendy Orr Reviewed by Helen Gearing Honey and the Valley of Horses is a beautiful, outdoorsy adventure for middle grade readers by the multi-award winning author of Nim’s Island and Dragonfly Song. Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, it is
The Fortune Maker
By Catherine Norton Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Norton made her debut in children's fiction writing the acclaimed Crossing which was joint winner of the Patricia Wrightson's prize in the 2015 NSW Premier's Literary Awards. In The Fortune Maker she has written a taut
An A to Z of Dreaming Differently
By Tracey Dembo and Lucia Masciullo Reviewed by Yvonne Mes This exuberant alphabet book features a positive affirmation for children a letter at time. Each letter has a short message that encourages children to be their authentic selves while embracing theirs and
One Little Duck
By Katrina Germein and Danny Snell Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray The element of surprise is one of the best narrative tools for engaging young readers. One Little Duck uses this device to great effect, setting expectations by using the title and
We Didn’t Think It Through
Gary Lonesborough Reviewed by Helen Gearing Gary Lonesbourough (whose 2021 debut Young Adult novel The Boy from the Mish amassed four state literary award shortlistings as well as being shortlisted for the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers) has
Two Sparrowhawks in a Lonely Sky
By Rebecca Lim Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rebecca is the award winning author of Tiger Daughter ( CBCA 2022 Book of the Year, Older Readers winner) which is about Wen Zhou the daughter and only child of Chinese immigrants whose move to
Leaf-light
By Trace Balla Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Trace creates graphic novels and children’s books about connecting with country and community. A self-described ‘story catcher’ she finds inspiration in nature and incorporates local plant and animal species into her detailed, cartoon-style drawings. She
Ratbags 3: Best of Pests
Written by Tim Harris Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon Reviewed by Junior Reviewer Thomas, aged 10, who can do the Rubik's cub in around one minute! This adventurous book is about a whole city of rats who get hunted down by a mechanical
Ghost Book
By Remy Lai Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Remy Lai is a Brisbane author/illustrator who has had international success with hybrid books such as Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, and graphic novels for younger (Surviving the Wild) and middle
From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star (The Nico Di Angelo Adventures)
By Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro Reviewed by Helen Gearing With over 25 books comprising three main series and several spin-offs, The Sun and the Star is the latest standalone instalment in the Percy Jackson universe by collaborators Rick Riordan and Mark
Business Chickens
By Jess McGeachin Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Most chickens make good business chickens. They’re neat, arrive on time and they take everything seriously … and then there’s Fran. She’s none of those things. She likes bright colours, is never on time and
Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star (Cosima Unfortunate, Book 1)
Written by Laura Noakes & illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Cosima Unfortunate … yes, that was the name given to the heroine of this story. Cos has lived all her twelve years in the “Home for Unfortunate Girls’ where
Queensland Literary Awards 2023 Shortlist
Congratulations to all! Children’s Book Award 2023 shortlist The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon (University of Queensland Press) Judges' comments: A mistreated puppy’s attempt to reconnect with his ‘ManPup’ becomes an odyssey of tragedy, hope, and love. Told in visceral poetry and illustration,
The Dog Squad: The Newshound
by Clara Vulliamy Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Clara Vulliamy is also the author of Marshmallow Pie The Cat Superstar and the illustrator of The Book Cat, both of which show off her talents as writer and illustrator. With The Dog Squad she has
The Night In Question
By Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson Reviewed by Junior Reviewer Lucille R. Crowley, age 13 This addictive murder mystery follows Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams as they unravel a dark web of lies that has entangled their town of Castle Cove. The
When Clouds Touch Us
By Thanhha Lai Review by Zewlan Moor Thanhhà Lai’s first novel, Inside Out and Back Again, won the National Book Award and a Newbery Honor. It was a verse novel that explored ten-year-old Hà’s move from Saigon to Alabama in the context
Beginnings and Endings
a Play School Mindfully Me book about death and life By Jan Stradling & Jedda Robaard Reviewed by Helen Gearing Beginnings and Endings is the second instalment in the Play School Mindfully Me series, a collection designed to ‘[help] children and their parents
The Last Comics On Earth
By Max Brallier and Joshua Pruett Illustrated by Jay Cooper and Douglas Holgate Reviewed by Sarah Custance Max Brallier is best known as the author of the much-acclaimed Last Kids On Earth series that has now been adapted as a show on Netflix.
Amazing Dad
By Alison Brown Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Alison Brown is the creator of Amazing Mum and the soon to be published Amazing Brother so we can see that she has a thing going for looking at and presenting families in all their
Scar Town
By Tristan Bancks Reviewed by Sophia Evans Tristan is the acclaimed author of Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, Cop & Robber, Nit Boy and Ginger Meggs. His books for upper middle grade and young adults are fast-paced mystery thrillers with carefully considered serious
Parcel for Koala
By Shelley Knoll-Miller Reviewed by Margarite Igras Shelley Knoll-Miller is an Australian illustrator who loves storytelling. She has written a series of picture books including Parcel for Turtle, Parcel for Gorilla and Parcel for Penguin. In her latest book, Parcel for Koala,
Winner of the 2023 Book Links Award for Children’s Historical Fiction
PRESENTING The Book Links Award for Children's Historical Fiction WINNER - 2023 Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad Congratulations to all the shortlisted Authors and Publishers for 2023 Watch the presentation on YouTube Judges' comments When Polish Zophia becomes German Sophia adopted into a high
Sink or Swim: Wolf Girl 9
By Anh Do Illustrated by Lachlan Creagh Reviewed by Sarah Custance Anh Do is undoubtedly one of Australia’s bestselling children’s authors, celebrated for his many series including WeirDo, Hotdog, Ninja Kid, E-Boy, and Sky Dragon. The Wolf Girl books are easily his most
Meet me at the Moon Tree
By Shivaun Plozza Reviewed by Helen Gearing In The Return of the Prodigal Son, Henri Nouwen says, “Our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.” Shivaun Plozza’s Meet Me at the Moon Tree
Starberries and Kee
By Cate Whittle Reviewed by Liane McDermott Cate Whittle writes fantasy and adventure fiction for children and young adults. Her books include the junior fiction Trouble series and novels for older readers, such as Wyrd and Emergency Rescue Angel. In the spirit of solar punk—a subgenre of
Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
by Jason Pamment Reviewed by Sarah Custance Jason Pamment is an Australian graphic novelist who quickly gained attention with his first middle grade graphic novel, Treasure in the Lake. Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures is his second graphic novel aimed
Paper Boat, Paper Bird
By David Almond Illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman Reviewed by Helen Gearing Part love letter to overseas travel and part highly-illustrated short story, Paper Boat, Paper Bird follows nine-year old Mina as she spends a holiday in Kyoto, Japan, with her mother. In terms
The Lucky Shack
By Apsara Baldovino and Jennifer Falkner Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This story of time passing for a little shack by the sea is a picture book debut for both creators. It is told from the shack's point of view which is a
Edward the Emu
By Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Edward the Emu is celebrating its 35th anniversary. It has lost none of its charm or relevance and continues to be both hilarious and moving. This successful team also created the sequel
Find Spot: An Australian Adventure
By Eric Hill Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Spot and his mum and dad are camping near a billabong and exploring the Australian outback, its colours and creatures. As they paddle down the creek they discover all the colours that can be found
