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
Rogue The Vault #2
Written by A J Betts Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rogue, published in June this year is the sequel to Hive (2018). I read Rogue first and then was eager to read Hive. Both can be read on their own, but Betts does
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
A Quiet Girl
by Peter Carnavas reviewed by Yvonne Mes Mary’s quiet conversations and ponderings are drowned out by the noise of tools, technology and toys used by her busy mother, brother and father. Mary is mostly content to be by herself surrounded by the
Maya & Cat
Written and illustrated by Caroline Magerl Reviewed by Mia Macrossan A new picture book by local artist and writer Caroline Magerl is always an event. Maya & Cat is a quirky imaginative tale about a girl who sees a cat sitting on
Sweet Adversity
by Sheryl Gwyther Reviewed by Zewlan Moor Sweet Adversity is a historical fiction novel for children aged 10+. It is refreshing to see a story set in Depression-era Australia that centres around a strong-willed protagonist reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables. Not
The Mulberry Tree
by Allison Rushby reviewed by Rebecca Sheraton This fantastic middle grade novel will appeal to many 8 - 12 year old readers. A mulberry tree haunts a tiny English village in Cambridgeshire where locals believe the tree has stolen two eleven- year -old
Beware the Deep Dark Forest
by Sue Whiting illustrated by Annie White reviewed by Peter Taylor The warmth of Annie White’s delicious artwork and the unusual hand-drawn font used on the cover of Beware the Deep Dark Forrest instantly persuade us to explore the treescape within. Progressing through
Lottie Perkins, Book 1 and Book 2
Written by Katrina Nannestad Illustrated by Makoto Koji Reviewed by Danielle Freeland Katrina Nannestad has delivered a heartwarming series of first chapter books for beginner readers. An experienced author herself, Katrina has launched the series with two titles and a further two due
