Our History: Hill End Gold
Hill End Gold by Sue Whiting is the third book in the Our History series published by Walker Books. This historical fiction novel transports the reader back to the sights, sounds, dangers and way of life for a community gripped by gold fever in the booming gold rush town of Hill End in 1872. The […]
Joey and the Junjardy
Allison Rocca, descendant of Wakka Wakka and Kaanju people and Brenton E McKenna a Yawuru artist, have created a rollicking middle grade story brimming with mischief and humour, while simultaneously exploring weightier themes of identity and belonging that give the narrative emotional depth. Joey and the Junjardy, published by UQP, follows eleven-year-old, Joey Gibbs on […]
Kid
Peter Carnavas has crafted another story, Kid, that effortlessly weaves itself into your heart. This story, published by UQP, is brimming with adventure, has all the hallmarks of a timeless classic including memorable, endearing characters (in this case all animals) bursting with personality and charm, a courageous hero, Kid, a young miniature goat, timeless and […]
Hand to Hand
Inspired by the 2020 bushfires, Hand to Hand, written and illustrated by Liz Anelli and published by Walker Books, is a powerful story told from the point of view of a joey koala as a bushfire erupts, intensifies and forces all the animals (insects, birds, mammals and marsupials) to flee the valley. This story begins […]
Running in Circles
Running in Circles by Shivaun Plozza and published by University of Queensland Press (UQP) is an inventive, thought provoking and intriguing story where the themes of climate change, crop circles and conspiracies collide. The book explores how theories, conflicting viewpoints and blinding obsessions can fuel suspicion and speculation, polarising not only a family, but an […]
Dog Stayed
Author, Tammy Forster and illustrator, Margeaux Davis in their heart-warming picture book, Dog Stayed, published by Allen and Unwin, explore love, loss, grief and the transformative power of connection. The reader is introduced to Mr Hindbottom and quickly learns his likes and dislikes. He is a homebody, but when venturing out, seems gruff as he […]
The Boy and the Dog Tree
The Boy and The Dog Tree by Fiona Wood and published by University of Queensland Press, is a tender exploration of friendship, offering moving insights into both the joy of giving friendship and the courage required to receive it. This is a story where magic and realism collide, unbreakable bonds are formed and readers are […]
The Prime Minister Problem
At the heart of The Prime Minister Problem by Brenton Cullen and published by Riveted Press, lies a simple, but profound truth, meaningful change often begins with the quietest voice and the biggest heart. In this story, Wren’s determination fuelled by his love for his grandma becomes the spark that transforms his entire community. This […]
Are you the Easter Bunny?
Are you the Easter Bunny? By Janeen Brian, illustrated by Lucinda Gifford and published by Harper Collins begins with a seemingly simple question, one that opens a window into the life of the bilby and invites the reader to follow with wonder. In the Australian desert, a curious bird encounters a bilby and wide-eyed asks […]
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 […]