La La La : A Story of Hope
by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Jaime Kim reviewed by Kerry Neary A most unusual book about the way music can move our lives, La La La: a Story of Hope, is written by enigmatic international author Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Korean born
The Dragon in the Library
by Louie Stowell illustrated by Davide Ortu reviewed by Sarah Custance Louie Stowell is an English author of many books, both fact and fiction, for children as well as being the Editorial Director at Ladybird. The Dragon in the Library is her first
Scoop McLaren Detective Editor
by Helen Castles Reviewed by Sarah Custance Helen Castles is a real life newspaper reporter with ‘Scoop McLaren Detective Editor’ being her first published book, the beginning of a series. Helen has wonderfully blended her actual reporter experience as (I’m sure you
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
Under The Same Sky
written by Robert Vescio illustrated by Nicky Johnson reviewed by Kerry Neary Two solitary children seem to sense each other’s presence but wonder if they ever will meet. The words and the illustrations tell us they are on opposite sides of the world
Dream Riders : Frankie
by Laura Bloom and Jesse Blackadder Reviewed by Sarah Custance Laura Bloom and Jesse Blackadder are two award-winning writers who live in country Australia. In their new collaborative series ‘Dream Riders’ they have let their passion for country life and horses shine
Sick Bay
by Nova Weetman reviewed by Tyrion Perkins Sick Bay is Nova Weetman’s eighth novel and she has again written a heart-warming story of a developing friendship between two girls who each have their own particular problems. Meg and Riley are two girls
The Bogan Mondrian
by Steven Herrick reviewed by Dajo Finlayson From the very outset this book had me captivated. The vibrantly coloured front and back covers caught my attention as I’ve always been a fan of the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian’s work. His wonderfully abstract,
It Sounded Better In My Head
by Nina Kenwood reviewed by Mia Macrossan This delightful debut novel deservedly won the 2018 Text Prize for fiction. It is the affecting story of Natalie and her friends in that limbo of time between finishing year 12 and starting university. Natalie
A Girl Called Justice
by Elly Griffiths reviewed by Mia Macrossan This traditional murder mystery set in a 1930s girl’s boarding school has all the ingredients of a classic whodunnit. Justice Jones is sent to Highbury House School for the daughters of gentlefolk after her mother
Squish Rabbit’s Pet
by Katherine Battersby reviewed by Mia Macrossan This story starts at the endpapers as all good picture books should with Squish Rabbit peeking out from behind a large egg. The opening sentence defines the scope of this story with an impressive statement:
Squish Rabbit’s Pet
by Katherine Battersby reviewed by Kerry Neary You can’t take the cute out of books for early childhood readers. Where would iconic characters like Miffy and Spot be if they weren’t cute, as well as having their magical adventures. One of own
Archie and the Bear
Written by Zanni Louise Illustrated by David Mackintosh Reviewed by Sue Wright One of my favourite children’s books is Where’s My Teddy by Jez Alborough (1992). Archie and the Bear (2017) by Zanni Louise and David Mackintosh has a delightful small boy-meets-bear moment
Waiting for Chicken Smith
Written and illustrated by David Mackintosh Reviewed by Katrin Dreiling Ever since I stumbled upon David Mackintosh’s What’s up MuMu? at the library, I am a massive fan. His style of illustrating and telling the story is so quirky that you are
The Adventures of Jellybean
Written by Bill Condon and Dianne Bates Illustrated by Lucia Masciullo Reviewed by Rebecca Sheraton Co-authors Bill Condon and Dianne Bates have written a delightful early chapter book for ages 6 and above, published by the University of Queensland Press. Eight-year-old best friends, Rory
The Things That Will Not Stand
Written by Michael Gerard Bauer Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The latest offering from Brisbane author is a great read for teenagers especially those still trying to work out what relationships are all about. The main character Seb, a year 11 student, is
The Dog Who Saved The World
written by Ross Welford reviewed by Mia Macrossan Best friends Georgie and Ramzy while at their local beach meet an interesting woman Dr Pretorius, who invites them up to her laboratory to trial her experimental virtual reality set up. Despite initial misgivings
The Pyramid Puzzle Starring Olive Black
by Alex Miles illustrated by Maude Guesne reviewed by Tyrion Perkins When I first picked up this book with its yellow picture of camels, pyramids and, girl in Cleopatra style costume, I thought it was going to be a mystery set in ancient
Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords #2 Amelia Fang series
Written and illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Meet Amelia Fang, a sparky little vampire in a dark and gloomy world … or is it? With a spider, webs and a smiling Amelia Fang in scratchy black cartoons , the
Mr Pegg’s Post
Written and illustrated by Elena Topouzoglou Reviewed by Luise Manning Anna is an only child who lives with her parents in a lighthouse on a tiny island off the Mediterranean coast. Whilst living in a lighthouse might sound exciting, it wasn’t. Anna
Funny Kid #3 Prank Wars
Written and illustrated by Matt Stanton Reviewed by Lyn Halliday Stanton’s third book in the Funny Kid series grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go, taking you on a hilarious journey inside 11-year-old Max Walburt’s head — who really
Lucia and Lawrence
written and illustrated by Joanna Francis Reviewed by Justine Lawson This is an accomplished debut picture book for Joanna Francis, an artist and art teacher who lives in New South Wales, Australia. Lucia and Lawrence are neighbours – a girl and a
