The Hotel Balzaar
A Norendy Tale By Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Julia Sarda Reviewed by Mia Macrossan American author Kate DiCamillo can always be relied on to deliver an engrossing story that touches the heart. She is the author of numerous prize-winning titles such as
Huda Was Here
By H Hayek Reviewed by Charlotte Barkla Huda Was Here is a heartfelt, funny tale of two kids trying to bring their dad back home. After a period of low crime rates in the neighbourhood, Huda and Akeal’s dad loses his job
Twice the Love
Written by Inda Ahmad Zahri Illustrated by Nabila Adani Reviewed by Mia Macrossan According to Twins Research Australia multiple birth numbers have remained relatively consistent in Australia over the last ten years with about 4,248 multiple births last year. That's a lot of
Miimi Marraal: Mother Earth
Written and illustrated by Melissa Greenwood Reviewed by Des. Crump Melissa Greenwood is a Gumbaynggirr artist who shares a warm story of the connections between mothers, babies and Mother Earth. The text is rich in imagery and cultural knowledge while the beautiful illustrations
Dragon Skin
By Karen Foxlee Illustrated by Dale Newman Reviewed by Mia Macrossan It is always something to celebrate when Karen Foxlee publishes a new book. She never writes the same thing twice. Each of her stories is different and come straight from the heart.
Mummy! Where Are You?
By Charmaine Oates Illustrated by Jelena Jordanovic-Lewis Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is South Australian mum-of-three Charmaine Oates' debut picture book inspired, she says, by her son Hamish. Jelena has illustrated eight picture books, each in a delightfully colourful and quirky style. Today is
Shine
By Danny Parker Illustrated by Ruth de Vos Reviewed by Mia Macrossan People are often impelled to list and enumerate the ways in which they love someone, whether it be a friend, lover, or family. Parents particularly care for their children in a
Julia and the Shark
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave Illustrated by Tom de Freston Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Kiran's books include The Girl of Ink & Stars, which was the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2017; The Island at the End of Everything, which was shortlisted for
What We’ll Build: Plans For Our Together Future
By Oliver Jeffers Reviewed by Mia Macrossan The renowned award-winning Oliver Jeffers is a Northern Irish artist, illustrator and writer who now lives and works in Brooklyn. He is perhaps best known for the best selling The Day the Crayons Quit. In his
Time for Adventure, Daddy
Written & Illustrated by Dave Hackett Reviewed by Sandy Driessens “Come on, Daddy, it’s time for an adventure!” “But I have more jobs to do,” says Daddy. This cheerful story, created by cartoonist Dave Hackett, is a good-humoured play on spending time with Daddy.
The Best Mum
By Penny Harrison & Sharon Davey Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Everyone loves their mum but sometimes you can’t help yourself looking at other people’s mums and comparing. In this story a little girl talks about all the wonderful ways in which her friend’s
Footprints on the Moon
By Lorraine Marwood Reviewed by Mia Macrossan Lorraine is a much awarded author of children's novels including Leave Taking and collections of poetry. Here she has written a verse novel about loss and finding your own voice in her signature understated style. The
Grumbelina
by Esther Krogdahl illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt reviewed by Mia Macrossan This amusing and timely story is about a toddler who has missed the ‘terrible twos’ period but has become a grumbling contrary creature overnight at three and a half years old. It
The World’s Worst Parents
by David Walliams illustrated in glorious colour by Tony Ross reviewed by Sarah Custance David Walliams is a well known British comedian, actor, and writer. He is the author of over 20 children’s books including the acclaimed ‘The Boy in the Dress’, ‘Gangsta
The Daddy Animal Book
Written and illustrated by Jennifer Cossins Reviewed by Mia Macrossan This is the companion title to THE MUMMY ANIMAL BOOK from the author of the CBCA Notable THE BABY ANIMAL BOOK and the bestselling 101 COLLECTIVE NOUNS. It is the same size, same format but in
No! Never!
by Libby Hathorn and Lisa Hathorn- Jarman illustrated by Mel Pearce reviewed by Mia Macrossan This amusing tale created by award winning author Libby Hathorn and her daughter Lisa Hathorn -Jarman shows a situation many families are familiar with: a contrary fractious toddler
Tricky’s Bad Day
by Alison Lester reviewed by Claire Monsour Poor Tricky is having a bad day. It all starts when he wakes early and tries to get himself some milk; but a spill and a slip wake the whole family! From then on, nothing seems
The Year We Fell From Space
by Amy Sarig King reviewed by Mia Macrossan Amy Sarig King has published many critically acclaimed young adult novels under the name A.S. King, including Please Ignore Vera Dietz, which was named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and Ask the Passengers, which
Mercy Point
Written by Anna Snoekstra Reviewed by Inda Ahmad Zabri Mercy Point, Anna Snoekstra’s second novel, is a YA thriller with an intriguing premise. A group of teens meet on an online messaging board, sharing a suspicion that they are adopted. Grappling with
Off the Track
Written by Cristy Burne Illustrated by Amanda Burnett Reviewed by Margaret McKay-Lownes Younger readers will find it difficult to contemplate a life without mobile devices, but this is exactly what is imposed on the young characters in this wholesome novel by science writer
