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 […]
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 […]