Game On: Shrinkle
By Emily Snape Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Emily Snape has written and illustrated many books many aimed at young reluctant readers. Shrinkle, the first in a new series called Game On, is short, copiously illustrated by the author, and written in a
A Giant’s Trek
By Nick Stella Reviewed by Margarite Igras This debut novel by Nick Stella, which he says, began as a bedtime story for his children is a fantasy adventure, about a village of giants, a rite of passage journey, and for the main
Spellhound: A Dragons of Hallow Book 1
By Lian Tanner Illustrated by Sally Soweol Han Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Lian is a prolific writer of outstanding children’s fantasy. Her books are enjoyable on many levels as she puts her always varied cast of characters in interesting conflicts, has a sense
The Gilded Ones #2: The Merciless Ones
By Namina Forna Reviewed by Caeleigh Hancock Namina Forma is a Sierra Leonean American and young adult author based in Los Angeles. Her debut novel The Gilded Ones was published in 2021. The Merciless Ones is the sequel to The Gilded Ones,
The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat
Written by Kate Temple Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Kate Temple has written more than twenty books with her writing partner Jol Temple, including the Bin Chicken picture books, Room on Our Rock and The Underdogs junior fiction series. The Business of Being
The Callers
By Kiah Thomas Reviewed by Mia Macrossan There are so many middle grade stories where the protagonist has a special power that sets him/her apart from the rest of his family and community. The Callers has an interesting beginning because Quin who
The Royal Ranger: Escape From Falaise
By John Flanagan Reviewed by Sarah Custance Australian author John Flanagan is world renowned for his works, The Ranger’s Apprentice and The Brotherband series of books. Escape from Falaise is the 5th instalment of The Royal Ranger series which is intertwined within
The Book of Stolen Dreams
By David Farr Illustrated by Kristina Kister Reviewed by Mia Macrossan David Farr writes for film, tv and theatre mostly aimed at adult audiences and this is his first foray into the world of children's books. He has succeeded admirably in creating an
Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters
By Alexandra Page Illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee Reviewed by Melissa Salisbury Alexandra Page’s first children’s book (and the first in a series), Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters, is a charming story timed well for release in the lead up to Christmas. As
An Unexpected Hero: Pow Pow Pig 1
By Anh Do Illustrated by Peter Cheong Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Anh Do has written many books for young people, all of them wildly popular. They are usually heavily illustrated, simply written with an easily accessible story and a message that appeals to
Monster Hunting for Beginners
By Ian Mark Illustrated by Louis Ghibault Reviewed by Melissa Salisbury Monster Hunting for Beginners is Irish author Ian Mark’s first novel in a brand-new fantasy series that hits all the sweet spots for kids—funny, sweet and plenty of fart jokes. The story begins
Fil and Harry
By Jenny Blackford Illustrated by Kristin Devine Reviewed by Sarah Custance Jenny Blackford is an Australian author whose previous book The Girl in the Mirror won the 2020 Davitt Award for Best Children’s Crime Novel. Fil and Harry is Jenny’s second middle grade
Sky Dragon #1 Take To The Skies
By Anh Do Illustrated by James Hart Reviewed by Junior Reviewer Leonard Cavallaro Anh Do’s new book is the beginning of a unique and suspenseful series. Anh Do is a skilled author, actor, comedian, and painter, with some of his most famous books
The Lost Soul Atlas
By Zana Fraillon Reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lowndes Zana Fraillon is the award winning author of The Bone Sparrow among other creative novels. In The Lost Soul Atlas she delivers another powerful story that, while firmly embedded in the fantasy genre, also provides
