Anna’s War
Set during the final eighteen months of German occupation in Southern Netherlands, Anna’s War by DJ Talyor and published by Riveted Press is a gripping story of heroism, hope, unbreakable family bonds and courage during a time of unimaginable suffering, loss and danger. As the war advances, everything Anna and her family once believed is […]
Villain
The most memorable stories are often the ones that compel readers to pause, reflect and question the world around them, drawing them deeper into the narrative for a fully immersive experience. Villain by Adrian Beck does just this, it is a high-tech thriller where Jay and Hudson must work together to solve cryptic challenges, or […]
UnBEARable
UnBEARable masterfully written in rhyme by Kathryn Apel with Beau Wylie’s lively and humourous illustrations is a rollicking inventive twist on the classic, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In this captivating and refreshing tale, a bear family live in a den brimming with possessions and supplies. One fateful morning, the bears discover all their honey pots […]
Being Indy
Being Indy written by Zoe Gaetjens, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield and published by WestWords is a perfect picture book for exploring friendship green flags and red flags. It reads like a modern-day fable, gently reminding readers that true belonging never requires changing who you are to be accepted. This story is set on “no finer […]
Powerful Like a Dragon
Powerful Like a Dragon masterfully written by Christopher Cheng and vividly brought to life through Jacqueline Tam’s breathtaking illustrations, draws from the author’s own personal family history. This powerful non-fiction narrative is set during the imperial Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in 1941. It follows a young boy, Shu Lok, who embodies kindness, discipline, resilience, […]
The Thing About Christmas
Stories have the power to build bridges between the differences among us and The Thing About Christmas by Jo Dabrowski and Briony Stewart is a book that sensitively does this in such a beautiful and touching way. This is an affirming picture book that offers readers the opportunity see Christmas through different lenses, revealing diverse […]
One Koala, One Hundred Trees
One Koala, One Hundred Trees by Leesa Allinson, illustrated by Heather Potter and Mark Jackson and published by Wild Dog Books is a hopeful story about a curious young girl determined to make a difference and make her family’s rural property safer for koalas. Identifying a problem and wanting to help a situation demands creative […]
The Surface Trials
Title: The Surface Trials Author and illustrator: HM Waugh Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 29 April 2025 Themes: Space, reality TV, STEAM, STEM, alien planet, adventure, survival, quest, competition, teamwork, science fiction, A comprehensive teaching resource is available from the publisher here The Surface Trials by HM Waugh and published by Allen and Unwin is a […]
Sidney of Sydney
Picture books based on true stories often spark curiosity, inspire further exploration and are a gateway to rich discussions. One perfect example of this is the charming tale, Sidney of Sydney by Sue Whiting, illustrated by Liz Anelli and published by Walker Books. Some young readers may see themselves in Sidney, a penguin with an […]
Song of a Thousand Seas
Title: Song of a Thousand Seas Author: Zana Fraillon Publisher: UQP Publication date: September 2, 2025 Themes: Friendship, empathy, curiosity, creative thinking, connection, hope, home, octopuses Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the UQP website here. Song of a Thousand Seas by Zana Fraillon and published by UQP gifts the reader the unique and memorable experience of […]