Meet the Author: Jackie French
by Mia Macrossan Jackie French AM is an Australian author, historian, ecologist and honourary wombat (part time); 2014–15 Australian Children' Laureate; and 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. Instead of hobbies she has written over 200 books which have sold millions of
Pterosaurs of the the Desert Ocean
By Andrew Plant CSIRO Publishing 2026 Teacher Notes Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Andrew Plant trained as a zoologist, but has been an illustrator and author for over 30 years. In this meticulously researched work he reveals a magical world of Australian dinosaurs living 100
Tiki and Jill and the Great Australian Camel Race
Written by Kate Simpson & Jill Colwell Illustrated by Craig Smith A & U Children 2026 Teaching resources Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is a splendid real life story beautifully told by two award-winning creators and illustrated by Craig Smith of The Wobbly Bike fame.
The Photographer
By Mark Rafidi & Paul O'Sullivan Hawkeye Publishing 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Mark Rafidi comes from mixed heritage and his stories explore identity, belonging, and the intricacies of Australian society. Paul O'Sullivan is the illustrator for Gary Crew's picture books, The Visions
Last Bat of the Night
By David Gullan & Samantha Metcalfe CSIRO Publishing 2026 Reviewed by Mia Macrossan David Gullan is a primary school teacher, whose love of Australian wildlife has found expression in writing picture books including Life in a Hollow and Last Bat of the Night. Samantha
The Cat Wants Custard
By P Crumble & Lucinda Gifford Larrikin House 2026 Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Kevin the Cat has a hankering for custard. He really, really wants it, and turns his nose up at all sorts of other treats, including sardines and pigs’ ears. But
This is Where We Say Goodbye
By Howard McKenzie-Murray Fremantle Press 2026 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey Ditching her roommate to hang out in the laundromat (without any clothes to wash, mind you) isn’t how Maud had planned to spend her twenty-first birthday. But she finds herself searching for a
This Stays Between Us
By Margot McGovern Penguin 2026 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey This Stays Between Us is a creepy horror throwback to the 90s and 00s era that does not disappoint. The second novel from multi-award winning South Australian author Margot McGovern, this book has been
Meet the Author: Suzanne Leal
By Mia Macrossan Suzanne Leal is the author of novels The Watchful Wife, The Teacher’s Secret and The Deceptions, winner of the Nib People’s Choice Prize. Her novel for middle-grade readers, Running with Ivan, is on the Children’s Book Council of Australia Notables List for Younger Readers and
Starfish Can’t Ride Bikes
By Jess Horn & Mo Davey Larrikin House, September 2026 Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Jess Horn is a neurodivergent author and former speech pathologist whose picture books focus on diverse ways of seeing the world. Her latest is also part of
Ben’s Library
By Amani Uduman & Joanna Bartel New Frontier Publishing, 2026 Teacher Notes Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Ben’s Library is a sweet celebration of books, libraries, and the reading communities created when a favourite pastime is shared. This is Uduman’s third traditional picture book,
The Boy Who Lost His Laugh
By Dimity Powell & Heidi Cooper Smith EK Books 2026 Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Dimity Powell and EK Books have a track record of creating evocative, multi-layered picture books on tricky topics. The publishing house’s motto is “Books with Heart on Issues that
Once Upon Tomorrow
By Karen Comer Lothian Children's Books 2026 Reviewed by Dimity Powell Verse novels possess a certain magic that levels up emotion and crystalises conception. Award-winning Aussie author, Karen Comer's Once Upon Tomorrow is just such a lyrical foray into the past, the questionable future and
Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King (Heroes in the Ancient World, #1)
By Jackie French HarperCollins Classroom resource Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Our national treasure Jackie French styles herself as 'author, ecologist, historian, dyslexic and honorary wombat'. She must be one of the most prolific writers on the planet creating stories for children and adults notable
The Embarrassing Confessions of Gracie Sparks
By Fiona Harris Affirm Press Reviewed by Lauren Spencer Fiona Harris is an author, scriptwriter, and actor who has worked in publishing, television, and theatre. She has published many books for children, including Sleepover BFFs and The Rebound, and is the co-author of
The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell
Written by Jess Galatola & illustrated by Lu Baker Larrikin House 2026 Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Wanda Spelled is a little witch with a BIG problem. At Spell Bright Academy, her magic is marvellous … until her spelling slips.” Each day of the week,
Golden*
*A StoryLinks starred review indicating a book of exceptional literary merit. By Jade Timms Text Publishing 2025 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey Every now and then, I finish the last page of a book and I’m compelled to immediately start again. Golden was one of
Of Flame and Fury
By Mikayla Bridge Macmillan Australia 2026 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey Even in a world where humans move into the lands of powerful magical creatures, we will find a way to stamp out their presence for our own benefit. Of Flame and Fury is the
Wild Darling (The Darling Devils, Book 3)
By Alexandra Moody Electric Monkey 2026 Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey It feels like sports romances, especially ice hockey, are everywhere at the moment. The sub-genre is having quite a time in the spotlight, and Australian author Alexandra Moody has found a cozy spot
Tearing Myself Together
By Anna Whateley A & U Children 2026 Teaching resources Reviewed by Alison McCaffrey How do you tear yourself together? First, maybe, you need to allow yourself to be torn apart. Only then can you make sure it’s just the pieces that really fit
Meet the Author: Julia Lawrinson
Meet Dr Julia Lawrinson who is many things, presenter, teacher and consultant, living on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar (Perth, Western Australia). She delivers a wide range of author talks and workshops for people of all ages, as well as presenting interactive
Ruby’s Web
By Ellen van Neerven Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Ellen van Neerven is a writer of Mununjali and Dutch heritage living on Yagera and Turrbal land. They have had multiple collections of short stories and poetry published. This is their first novel for
Don’t Let Them Leave
By Mike Lucas Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Mike Lucas is a British-Australian author of picture books and young adult suspense. His latest young adult novel, Don’t Let Them Leave, starts with a compelling prologue in a mine shaft in North Cornwall, 1855. In
The Escape Game
By Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss Reviewed by Zewlan Moor This book is unputdownable! From the very first page it features the entertaining, high energy voice of clever teens with interesting back stories and motivations, something I loved in Meyer’s Cinder, in the
Drawing Nudes While Making Oher Plans
By Zoe Gaetjens Review by Lucille Rose Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans is an interesting, aptly named book, though its title is only the beginning of the attention-grabbing aspects of this novel. It takes place largely, as its name suggests, in a
Duck Look Who’s Talking! (Duck, #1)
By Matt Stanton Reviewed by Sandhya Parappukkaran Matt Stanton is the award-winning author and illustrator of multiple best-selling book series for children including Funny Kid, The Odds, Bored and Fluff, and many excellent picture books. His books have won awards including the
Meet the Shortlist! 2026 Book Links Children’s Historical Fiction Award
The waiting is over, here is the 2026 Book Links Children's Historical Fiction award shortlist - three very different but very exciting and engrossing reads. The Mushroom in the Sky by Jackie French Judges' comments: An exceptional and
Meet the Author of Kid: Peter Carnavas
By Mia Macrossan Peter Carnavas writes and illustrates wonderful stories for children. He has created over twenty books, many of which have been shortlisted or won prestigious awards, including My Brother Ben, Leo and Ralph and The Elephant. His latest book
Meet the Author: Brenton Cullen
By Mia Macrossan Brenton Cullen is thrilled to publishing his debut middle grade novel The Prime Minister Problem, a book about a quiet kid who unexpectedly achieves much. He lives in Queensland, between the bush and the beach, in a little
Meet the Author: Fiona Wood
By Mia Macrossan I jumped at the chance to have a chat with Fiona Wood whose books I have enjoyed and admired for many years. (see her website fionawood.com for details). Her latest is The Boy and the Dog Tree, a
