The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage
By Charlie Archbold Reviewed by Helen Gearing The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is the highly-awaited next in series from award-winning author Charlie Archbold. Its predecessor, The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat, brought Far-North Queensland to life through an edge-of-your-seat
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
Tjitji Lullaby
Written by Michael Ross and Zaachariaha Fielding Illustrated by Lisa Kennedy Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Tjitji is a word in the Anangu Pitjantjajara Yankunytjatjara languages that means 'child' so this is a song to sing a young child to sleep. The rhythm is
Diary of a Rescued Wombat: The Untold Story
By Jackie French and Bruce Whatley Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the first book about Mothball, the lovable wombat who has stolen the hearts and minds of countless children. It has even been commemorated
Snuggled Away
Written by Cate Storey Illustrated by Sarah Matsuda Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Good night little one, snuggle down tight. The animals are just beginning their night. The night sky is illuminated by the moon and the stars. In the darkness the Australian bush
It’s Time All Possums Went To Bed
Written by Jacqui Halpin Illustrated by Gavin Scott Reviewed by Margarite Igras This is a playful and beautiful Australian bedtime time story, that oozes with the love between mother and child. With every excuse Milly comes up with, mother is there willing to
Tangki Tjuta – Donkeys
Story and sculptures by] Tjanpi Desert Weavers ; Pitjantjatjara text by Tjunkaya Tapaya and Imuna Kenta ; based on stories by Akitiya Angkuna Tjitayi, Imuna Kenta and Anne Karatjari Ward ; English translation by Linda Rive Reviewed by Barbara Braxton Long, long
Wombat Can’t Sing
By Katie Stewart Reviewed by Sarah Custance Author/illustrator Katie Stewart was born in the UK and moved to Australia when she was 9. Having lived on a farm for a great deal of her life, Stewart’s picture books are all about Aussie
Walking in Gagudju Country: Exploring the Monsoon Forest
Written by Diane Lucas and Ben Tyler Illustrated by Emma Long Reviewed by Des. Crump Diane Lucas moved to Kakadu in her late twenties; Ben Tyler is a Bininj man from Kakadu while Emma long is an accomplished art educator living in Darwin.
Backyard Beasties
By Helen Milroy Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Born and educated in Perth, Helen Milroy is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She is Australia’s first Indigenous doctor of medicine but is also a talented creator
Aussie Baby Animals & Aussie Water Babies
Black and White for Babies #1 & 2 Designed and illustrated by Julia Murray Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Newborns see the world differently, and a high contrast book is perfect for engaging their developing eyesight, stimulating their cognitive abilities and encouraging their gross
Mr Men: Mr Men and Little Miss in Australia
By Roger Hargreaves Reviewed by Sandhya Parappukkaran The colourful Mr Men and Little Miss characters created by Roger Hargreaves have come together in a picture book, and they are going to Australia! It doesn’t matter if your kids are familiar with the Mr
The Coloured Echidna
By Eunice Day Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Eunice Day is an Aboriginal Elder from Blackwater. The Coloured Echidna is one of the twelve new picture books for Queensland’s youngest readers published as part of First 5 Forever, an early literacy program initiated
Three Dancing Frogs
by Leigh Hardingham Illustrated by Patrick Shirvington Reviewed by Margarite Igras Both author and illustrator have a love of the Australian bush which is reflected in the delightful watercolour illustrations as well as the text written like the lyrics of a song. The owl
Is This Your Egg?
Written by Ella Kris Illustrated by Emma Cracknell Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This title is one of the twelve new picture books for Queensland’s youngest readers published as part of First 5 Forever, an early literacy program initiated by the Queensland Government and
Shoosh!
Written and illustrated by Simon Howe Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Simon Howe is a picture book illustrator who has worked on many projects including Natalie Pryor's Naughty Dragons series. This is the first book that he has both written and illustrated. A tired
The Fire Wombat
By Jackie French and Danny Snell Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Here is another story about her beloved wombats from the ever prolific Jackie French. The Fire Wombat is a topical story of how animals in the bush struggle to find safety from a fierce
NEW! Australian Animals Reading Lists
We have prepared two Reading Lists for use by teachers and parents. Australian Animal Books for Younger Readers features popular classics and many popular titles, written by awarded Australian children's writers, all about iconic Australian animals with a recommended reading
Little Bilby’s Aussie Easter Egg Hunt
by Yvonne Mes illustrated by Jody Pratt reviewed by Mia Macrossan This charming board book contains a lot in a small package. It is the perfect way to introduce your child to the joy and fun of Easter egg hunting in an Australian context.
Letters from Australia
Making pictures with the A-B-C by Maree Coote reviewed by Kerry Neary One of the most innovative illustrators on the Australian scene in recent times is Maree Coote. All of her pictures are made from the letters in the name of the objects she
Little Puggle’s Song
by Vikki Conley illustrated by Helene Magisson reviewed by Mia Macrossan This attractive and beautifully designed picture book centres on the struggles of a baby echidna or puggle who desperately wants to join in with the other animals to create music in the
Dippy’s Big Day Out (Dippy the Diprotodon, #1)
by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley with Ben Smith Whatley reviewed by Kerry Neary If a book is a major success it makes sense to do at least one follow-up. Arguably the best example of that theory in recent times has been the
