Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch
By Derek Keilty Illustrated by Magda Brol Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Derek Keilty is a UK based author whose previous titles include Will Gallows and the Snake-Bellied Troll and Flyntlock Bones: The Sceptre of the Pharaohs. He writes ripping adventure yarns for young
The Grimmelings
By Rachael King Reviewed by Helen Gearing From the author of Red Rocks, winner of the Esther Glen Medal in 2013, The Grimmelings is a beautiful and eerie middle grade mystery which transports Gaelic folklore into the stunning New Zealand Aotearoa landscape. Thirteen-year-old
Here and Only Here
By Christelle Dabos Reviewed by Lucille Rose Christelle Dabos is the author of The Mirror Visitor, which won the Gallimard Jeunesse-RTL-Télérama First Novel Competition. Here and Only Here, is an immediately engaging novel depicting the ups, downs and strange in-betweens of high school. Four
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas
Written by Matt Lucas Illustrated by Forrest Burdett Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Matt Lucas is a British actor and comedian best known for his work with David Walliams on the BBC comedy series Little Britain. He has previously published two picture books for
Pepper Masalah and the Giant Bird
By Rosanne Hawke Illustrated by Jasmine Berry Reviewed by Sophia Evans Pepper Masalah and the Giant Bird continues the journey of Pepper (a copper-eyed cat) and Zamir (a human). It begins with a quick recap so this book can be read as a
The Marvellers (The Conjureverse, #1)
By Dhonielle Clayton Reviewed by Bryani-Rose The novel, The Marvellers, written by Dhonielle Clayton is a captivating and magical tale that transports readers into a world of wonder. The story follows 11-year-old Ella, who is a young Conjurer and the first ever to attend
The Christmas Wish (The Wish Sisters series)
By Allison Rushby Illustrated by Karen Blair Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the fifth in this series aimed at newly independent readers written by Brisbane author Allison Rushby. In each story Flick, the older sister, about 8, is constantly trying to fix
Bad Magic: A Skulduggery Pleasant Graphic Novel
By Derek Landy, P.J. Holden, and Matt Soffe Reviewed by Sarah Custance Irish author Derek Landy wrote the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant YA novels that have been translated into thirty-nine languages. Together with artist P.J.Holden and colourist Matt Soffe, Landy has created Bad
The Lost Library
By Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rebecca Stead has written the award winning When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy and The List of Things That Will Not Change and more. Wendy Mass has written more than thirty
Solomon Macaroni and the Vampire Vacation
By Ashleigh Barton Illustrations by Sarah Davis Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Here is the second adventure of the well mannered vegetarian young vampire, Solomon Macaroni, the first in the series being Solomon Macaroni and the Cousin Catastrophe,also reviewed in StoryLinks. Solomon is still staying with
Starfell: Willow Moss and the Magic Thief
By Dominique Valente Illustrated by Sarah Warburton Reviewed by Sarah Custance Willow Moss and the Magic Thief is the 4th and newest installment of these fun, magical, adventurous middle-grade books in the Starfell series, with the talented Sarah Warburton returning to add delightful
Neverlanders
By Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva Reviewed by Sarah Custance Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva are both well-known powerhouses in the Australian comic/graphic novel scenes. Together they wrote and illustrated Neverlanders, a powerful, vibrant YA graphic novel that has made history by
Ruby and the Pen
By David Lawrence. Illustrated by Cherie Dignam Reviewed by Helen Gearing Short chapters, lots of dialogue, larger-than-life characters, cartoon-style illustrations and a wallop of fun make David Lawrence’s latest middle-grade novel a solid choice for readers aged 8-11 who need some encouragement
The Wish Sisters: The Running Wish; The Pet Wish
By Allison Rushby Illustrated by Karen Blair Reviewed by Helen Gearing A baby sister who can make wishes come true. A mischievous imp who likes to twist wishes and make them go wrong. A nosy neighbour. A very public sports carnival and fundraiser.
The Magic Gems Lily Halfmoon #1
By Xavier Bonet Translated by Marie Trinchant Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Xavier Bonet is a writer and illustrator who lives in Barcelona. He has worked on many titles including the graphic novel version of The Wind in the Willows. The Magic Gems is
Sing Me Forgotten
By Jessica S. Olson Reviewed by Lucille Sing Me Forgotten is a young adult fantasy novel written by Jessica S. Olson. In this world of music and memory, humans have discovered something more valuable than life itself—elixir, a special liquid every human
Paper Boat, Paper Bird
By David Almond Illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman Reviewed by Helen Gearing Part love letter to overseas travel and part highly-illustrated short story, Paper Boat, Paper Bird follows nine-year old Mina as she spends a holiday in Kyoto, Japan, with her mother. In terms
Pepper Masalah and the Flying Carpet
By Rosanne Hawke Illustrated by Jasmine Berry Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Rosanne Hawke is a prolific author of children's books, many of which explore cultural and social issues. Notable titles include Shahana: Through My Eyes and Taj and the Great Camel Trek. Here we
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
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 Isles of the Gods
By Amie Kaufman Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Amie is a New York Times bestselling writer adept at writing books that attract a loyal following. These include the Aurora Cycle and the Illuminae Files which she co-authored with Jay Kristoff. She tends to
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
Mim and the Disastrous Dog Show (The Travelling Bookshop, #4)
By Katrina Nannestad Illustrated by Cheryl Orsini Reviewed by Sarah Custance Katrina Nannestad is a multi-award winning Australian author with over 20 books to her name. Mim and the Disastrous Dog Show is the 4th instalment of The Travelling Bookshop series. 10-year-old Mim loves
Frankie Best Hates Quests
By Chris Smith and illustrated by Kenneth Anderson Reviewed by Sarah Custance UK author Chris Smith is best known for the Kid Normal series that he co-wrote with Greg James, the duo has also written The Great Dream Robbery. Frankie Best Hates
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
The Silver Sea
Written by Belinda Murrell Reviewed by Annaleise Byrd Belinda Murrell is a prolific author of middle grade fantasy, time slip and adventure stories, including the Sun Sword Trilogy, Pippa's Island and Lulu Bell series. Murrell and her sister, Kate Forsyth, have also
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
Prometheus High: The Books of the Dead
By Stuart Wilson Reviewed by Sarah Custance The Books of the Dead is the second novel in the Prometheus High series by Melbourne based author Stuart Wilson, with How to Build a Monster as the first book. After being rescued from the Unbound
The Book of Wondrous Possibilities
By Deborah Abela Reviewed by Charlotte Barkla You know when you pick up a Deborah Abela novel, you’re in safe hands. I had the pleasure of presenting alongside Deb at the Words on the Waves Festival earlier in 2022. She’s a masterful storyteller,