About StoryLinks
StoryLinks is a children’s book review site supported by Book Links.
We believe that children’s literature plays an important part in shaping culture, expanding knowledge, increasing empathy and empowering children and we will review children’s books accordingly.
We aim to be champions for children’s literature, children’s authors and illustrators and hope to inspire children, families, librarians, teachers and anyone else to value story and this art form.
Book Reviews
We publish reviews on the latest books for children and young adults, including board books, picture books, junior fiction, middle grade and YA.
Reading Lists
Popular lists of recommended reading arranged under headings, useful for both parents and teachers when looking for books on particular topics. Prepared by Dajo Finlayson.
Interviews
Read our interviews with a growing list of people who are significant in the world of children’s literature, including authors, illustrators, teacher librarians and more.
Competitions
Every year StoryLinks runs two short story competitions, one in the beginning of the year for adult writers of children’s stories and one, in the second half of the year for young writers in grades 4,5 & 6.
Latest Reviews
Alias Anna
Zhanna Arshanskaya: a biography in verse : a true story of outwitting the Nazis By Susan Hood with Greg Dawson Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the sometimes harrowing, always inspiring story of how a talented young Ukrainian Jewish pianist […]
A Matter of Cats
By Elizabeth Hutchins Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The author was inspired to write this novel by the dilemma of being both a cat lover and passionate about the preservation of Australia’s endangered species. The story is told through the eyes […]
Celebrity Children’s books
Many celebrities, famous for achieving in their particular field of endeavour, whether it be sport, cooking, acting, marrying a royal person or whatever, decide to write a book for children, with varying success. Recently Jamie Oliver’s book Billy and Epic […]
Cozy Christmas
By Coco Wyo Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Coco Wyo is a group of artists and colorists who share a simple goal: to inspire emotional expression through colors by creating a variety of coloring books that inform, comfort, and connect people […]
Flora: Australia’s Most Curious Plants
By Tania McCartney Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This companion volume to Fauna: Australian’s Most Curious Animals is a treasure trove of information stunningly illustrated in precise detail and glorious colour. Australia is well known for having unique plant life, about […]
The History of Information
Written and illustrated by Chris Haughton additional text and research by Loonie Park Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Chris Haughton is a prolific writer and illustrator who work includes A Bit Lost, which won the Dutch Picture Book of the Year, […]
The Hotel Balzaar
A Norendy Tale By Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Julia Sarda Reviewed by Mia Macrossan American author Kate DiCamillo can always be relied on to deliver an engrossing story that touches the heart. She is the author of numerous prize-winning titles […]
The Hullabaloo about Elephant Poo
By Dee White & Christopher Nielsen Reviewed by Helen Gearing “A poopy pyramid, a massive load – enough to make your nostrils explode. But don’t be alarmed, I promise it’s true, there are treasures to be found in elephant poo.” […]
The Lost Book of Magic
By Amelia Mellor Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Amelia’s debut novel The Grandest Bookshop in the World, inspired by Melbourne’s real Cole’s Book Arcade was an original mix of detailed history and fantasy and was shortlisted for the 2021 ARA Historical […]
Winners receive cash prizes and will have their stories published on this website.
Latest Interviews
Yvonne Mes talks dinosaurs, opals and writing for children
Meet Yvonne Mes, author, illustrator, presenter and co-ordinator of WriteLinks, whose latest book The Opal Dinosaur has just been published. She kindly agreed to answer a few questions from Storylinks. Where did the story come from? Whose idea was it […]
Meet the Author: Lara Cain Gray
A picture’s worth a thousand words, but a great picture book? Priceless! The Grown-Up’s Guide To Picture Books explores the complexities of modern picture books, from why our favourites tend to linger so long in our memories, to how we […]
Ask the Author: Lorena Carrington
By Lara Cain Gray Lorena Carrington is best known as an illustrator whose books have been published in Australia and internationally. Her works are created using photography and digital montage techniques to form richly layered images. She has worked with […]
