Elementals: Battle Born
by Amie Kaufman reviewed by Sarah Custance Amie Kaufman is the co-author of many well-known series such as ‘The Unearthed Duology’ and ‘The Starbound Trilogy’ both written with Meagan Spooner…
Short Story Competition for Young Writers in Years 4, 5 and 6
Open each year from mid June to mid September (Term 3) Winner takes home $100 and has their story published on the StoryLinks website * Read the Guidelines…
The Daddy Animal Book
Written and illustrated by Jennifer Cossins Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the companion title to THE MUMMY ANIMAL BOOK from the author of the CBCA Notable THE BABY ANIMAL BOOK and…
The Painted Ponies
by Alison Lester reviewed by Mia Macrossan A new book by Alison Lester is always cause for celebration. The Painted Ponies doesn’t disappoint. It’s starts with Matilda who loves to…
STORYLINKS 2020 Short Story Competition for Young Writers
Children in Grades 4, 5 and 6 are invited to write a short story of between 1000 and 1500 words – on any subject. The winner will receive $100 and…
House of Dragons
by Jessica Cluess reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes The author’s website describes her new book House of Dragons as “the intrigue of the Three Dark Crowns meets the cast of The…
Edie’s Experiments 2: How To Be the Best
by Charlotte Barkla illustrated by Sandy Flett reviewed by Barbara Braxton Edie has settled into her new school and is starting to make friends, despite her somewhat catastrophic early attempts…
Harrow Lake
by Kat Ellis reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes This is the fourth YA novel for UK writer Kat Ellis, who professes to write“YA thrillers with a touch of the weird”. There…
Joey and Riley
by Mandy Foot reviewed by Mia Macrossan Mandy Foot has been illustrating other people’s stories for many years but this is one she has written and illustrated herself. It is…
Matilda Children’s Literature Prize Shortlist announced
Three manuscripts shortlisted for Australia’s inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize HarperCollins Children’s Books Australia is delighted to announce the shortlist for the inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize. Launched to discover…
The Sloth and the Dinglewot
by Nicole Prust illustrated by Amanda Enright reviewed by Barbara Braxton Down near the banks of the lazy lagoon, Where the trees slowly swayed in the light of the moon,…
The Fowl Twins
by Eoin Colfer reviewed by Sarah Custance Eoin Colfer is the brilliant Irish author responsible for the world famous ‘Artemis Fowl’ novels, with the first book now being released as…
Extraordinary!
by Penny Harrison illustrated by Katie Wilson reviewed by Sandy Driessens Of course, a cover with sparkly metallics sprinkled all over a creature-filled forest makes me immediately desire this book.…
Bear Was There
written and illustrated by Sally Anne Garland reviewed by Sandy Driessens A huge bear and a tiny mouse gazing at each other with kind, gentle eyes is a delightful image…
Pink
by Margaret Wild illustrated by Judith Rossell reviewed by Mia Macrossan Many children’s books are full of lessons that adults want to teach the young. This admirable resolve can, and…
Eco Rangers: Wildfire Rescue
by Candice Lemon Scott illustrated by Aska reviewed by Yvonne Mes This story of two adventurous, independent and eco-aware children on a mission is the third book in the series…
The Republic of Birds
by Jessica Miller reviewed by Sarah Custance Jessica Miller is the author of the award-winning debut novel ‘Elizabeth and Zenobia’. Miller is Australian born but currently living in Berlin where…
In My Dreams
by Stef Gemmill illustrated by Tanja Stephani reviewed by Sandy Driessens The colourful, fantastical cover for this book speaks of adventure … of dreams. “When the world is quiet and…
The Unadoptables
by Hana Tooke illustrated by Ayesha L Rubio reviewed by Mia Macrossan This runaway adventure story touches the heart while stretching the imagination in many extraordinary ways. Five babies are…
Yes, No, Maybe So
by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes Yes, No, Maybe So is a collaboration, and the latest publication, from authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. Albertalli’s novel,…
The Power of Positive Pranking
by Nat Amoore reviewed by Sarah Custance Here is an incredibly funny, thought provoking, heart-tugging book that makes you feel anyone and everyone can make a difference. Nat Amoore is…
The Betrothed
by Kiera Cass reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Kiera Cass is known for her best-selling Selection series and The Betrothed, the first book in a duology, has been highly anticipated by…
Boo Loves Books
by Kaye Baillie and Tracie Grimwood reviewed by Sarah Custance ‘Boo Loves Books’ is a must-have on the shelf of any dog lover, especially those that have rescue pets. Kaye…
Evie and Pog: Party Perfect!
by Tania McCartney reviewed by Sarah Custance Tania McCartney is a children’s book writer, illustrator, and editor. She is the founder of ‘Kids’ Book Review’ and the ‘Happy Book’ podcast.…
The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle
by Brenda Gurr reviewed by Sarah Custance Brenda Gurr is an Australian writer who has worked on several educational resources and picture books. ‘The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The…
The Theory of Hummingbirds
by Michelle Kadarusman reviewed by Mia Macrossan Michelle Kadarusman is an Australian teen and middle-grade fiction writer. She grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and has also lived many years in…
The Giant and the Sea
by Trent Jamieson illustrated Rovina Cai reviewed by Barbara Braxton There was once a giant who stood on the shore of the sea. She looked out across the water the…
News: Caroline Magerl talks about the value of illustration
Caroline Magerl, author of CBCA shortlisted picture book Nop, is talking about her work as an artist and the value of illustration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DptM4iYPvW8&feature=youtu.be StoryLinks is thrilled to announce that she…
New Reading List: Being Different
Being Different is an annotated list of novels and picture books for children and young adults about children with special abilities or disabilities. Many writers have tackled this challenging topic…
The Little Engine That Could
by Watty Piper illustrated by Dan Santat reviewed by Mia Macrossan This famous story has been re-issued in a 90th anniversary edition with an introduction by Dolly Parton, the founder…
