Surprisingly Sarah
By Terri Libenson Reviewed by Sarah Custance Terri Libenson is the New York Times bestselling author of the Emmi & Friends graphic novel series. Surprisingly Sarah is the series 7th instalment about how one decision can change a friendship forever. Sarah doesn’t need
Selfie
By Allayne L. Webster Reviewed by Liane McDermott Real and fake friendships alongside the pitfalls of social media are explored in this young adult novel by Allayne L. Webster. An internationally published Children’s and Young Adult author, Allayne Webster has published ten
Anchored
by Debra Tidball and Arielle Li Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray It feels like a long time since we’ve seen boats as main characters in a picture book. It’s a useful device, though, allowing a story about separation to unfold gently, without
The Hats of Marvello
By Amanda Graham Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu Reviewed by Sarah Custance The Hats of Marvello is Australian author Amanda Graham’s latest middle-grade novel about magic, the environment, friendships, secrets, and lots and lots of rabbits! Olivia loves her life on her family’s farm in
The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan
By Felice Arena Reviewed by Sarah Custance Felice Arena is the Australian award-winning author of books such as The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Frederic, and A Great Escape, along with the Specky Magee series. An avid football fan and a keen
Augustin and the Hot Air Balloon
By David Metzenthen Reviewed by Mia Macrossan David Metzenthen has written over thirty books for children and young people and has won many honours, including the 2010 winner CBCA Book of the Year Jarvis 2010, 2003 winner Victorian Premier's Literary Awards prize for
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
Queenie in Seven Moves
By Zanni Louise Reviewed by Melissa Salisbury Zanni Louise’s first middle grade novel is a rewarding and heart-warming story inspired by her own family’s experience of temporary homelessness during COVID. When twelve-year-old guitar-playing Queenie, and her mother Clare, are evicted from their home,
Bored: Evie Dreams Big
By Matt Stanton Reviewed by Sarah Custance Matt Stanton has written and co-authored over 35 books for children, including the very popular Funny Kid series and the graphic novel series The Odds. Evie Dreams Big is the 3rd instalment in Stanton’s middle-grade
All Our Hidden Gifts
By Caroline O’Donoghue Reviewed by Liane McDermott All Our Hidden Gifts written by Irish-born author and journalist, Caroline O’Donoghue, is the first book in a supernatural teen drama trilogy. Having previously published two adult novels, All Our Hidden Gifts was Caroline O’Donoghue’s
The Hotel Witch
By Jessica Miller Reviewed by Sarah Custance Jessica Miller is the Australian born, and UK based, author of the award winning books Elizabeth and Zenobia and The Republic of Birds. The Hotel Witch is her third middle-grade novel. 11-year-old Sibyl is an avid
Rock Star Detectives: Murder at the Movies
By Adam Hills Illustrated by Luna Valentine Reviewed by Sarah Custance Australian born comedian Adam Hills is best known as the host of the comedy show The Last Leg, Murder at the Movies is his second book for children and the second
Running with Ivan
By Suzanne Leal Reviewed by Sarah Custance Australian author Suzanne Leal is the writer of The Teacher’s Secret, Border Street and The Deceptions, for which she has won multiple awards. Running with Ivan is Leal’s first novel for younger readers. Set in
Tulips For Breakfast
By Catherine Bauer Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Catherine Bauer is an Adelaide-based former journalist who works full time as a media adviser. Her previous titles include the picture books Dreaming Soldiers and Australia Remembers: Len Waters. Tulips for Breakfast is a gripping, impactful
Bobby’s Castle
Written & illustrated by Paul Beavis Reviewed by Sandy Driessens Bobby is set in his ways … he’s the king of his castle. Nothing changes and he likes it that way. Then Salma arrives … She wants to jump and dive and play
The Sun and the Mayfly
By Tang Tang & Zhang Xiao Reviewed by Sandy Driessens When curious Little Mayfly meets the Sun, they form an unusual friendship. But can the Sun answer Little Mayfly’s most intriguing question? This is the story of a Little Mayfly who hatches from
The Screaming Staircase: Lockwood & Co Book One
By Jonathan Stroud Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Jonathan is has written many original and engaging fantasies such as the The Bartimaeus Quartet for middle grade, Scarlett and Browne for older readers and the Lockwood & Co series for upper middle grade/ young
Dusty in the Outwilds
By Rhiannon Williams Reviewed by Sarah Custance Australian author Rhiannon Williams is the mind behind the award winning Ottilie Colter and the Narroway Hunt Trilogy. Since the first book’s original publication in 2018, the trilogy has also been released in Dutch and
Spaceboy
By David Walliams and illustrated by Adam Stower Reviewed by Sarah Custance David Walliams is the much acclaimed UK author of over 30 picture books and novels, including The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny, Fing, and The World’s Worst Children series.
Always, Clementine
By Carlie Sorosiak Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Carlie is the author of two novels for young adults, If Birds Fly Back and Wild Blue Wonder and two other middle grade novels My Life as a Cat and I, Cosmo. She is very much concerned
The Not So Chosen One
By Kate Emery Reviewed by Jane Swinton Kate Emery is a reporter at the West Australian and The Not So Chosen One is her debut novel. She writes with beautiful clarity. Her prose has a wonderful stillness and insight about life in
Dear Greta
By Yvette Poshoglian Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Yvette Poshoglian is the author of over forty books for children and young people, including the Ella and Olivia series. Born and raised in Sydney, Yvette taught secondary English in southwest Sydney and now manages
The Raven’s Song
By Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble Reviewed by Liane McDermott Two highly acclaimed and awarded writers, Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble, deliver an absorbing and thought-provoking novel encompassing elements of fantasy and science fiction. True to Bren MacDibble’s writing of climate change
The Great Fox Illusion
By Justyn Edwards Reviewed by Sarah Custance Justyn Edwards is an author from the UK, The Great Fox Illusion is his debut novel all about magic and the storytelling behind a successful trick. The Great Fox Illusion is the first book in
Cursed Tales: The Pharaoh of Asco Express
By Jake R. Wilson Reviewed by Sarah Custance Cursed Tales: The Pharaoh of Asco Express is UK archaeologist and author, Jake R. Wilson’s debut novel and the beginning of the Cursed Tales series. When 11-year-old Wesley steps foot into the odd Asco Express
Funny Kid Catastrophe (Funny Kid, #11)
By Matt Stanton Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Catastrophe is the eleventh in a popular series that shows no signs of flagging. The Funny Kid is Max Walburt, self absorbed and somewhat selfish. He is thrilled that his mum is running for mayor
A Girl Called Corpse: An Elston-Fright Tale
By Reece Carter Reviewed by Mia Macrossan I nearly didn’t read this because I got turned off by the title* – I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a book about a girl called Corpse but I’m so glad I did. This
What About Thao?
By Oliver Phommavanh Reviewed by Melissa Salisbury What About Thao? is another funny, sweet and touching story by comedian Oliver Phommavanh, whose previous books include Thai-riffic, Con-nerd and The Other Christy. When Thao (pronounced towel without the L) and his family move from Sydney to the
Willa and Woof 2: Birthday Business
By Jacqueline Harvey Reviewed by Charlotte Barkla Jacqueline Harvey is a household name in the Australian kidlit landscape. From the perpetually positive Alice-Miranda to junior spies, Kensy and Max, you’d be hard-pressed to find a kids’ bookshelf without one of Jacqueline’s titles.
The Last Firefox
By Lee Newbery Illustrations by Laura Catalan Reviewed by Sarah Custance Lee Newbery is a Welsh author, The Last Firefox is his debut novel that focuses on the importance of friendship, family, and what it truly means to be brave. 11-year-old Charlie lives in
