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 […]
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 […]
Danger Road
The thrilling cold case crime novel, Danger Road, by Allison Tait has all the ingredients to utterly captivate and hook readers 10 plus. The clues revolving around the hit and run unsolved case relating to the death of Corey Armstrong are scattered throughout the story ensuring the audience is not passively reading along, but rather […]
Music Camp
Title: Music Camp Author: Penny Tangey Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: June 3, 2025 Themes: Friendship, resilience, jealousy, courage, music, climate change, floods, advocacy, action, loss Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here Music Camp by Penny Tangey and published by UQP is an absorbing, thought provoking […]
Patience . . . (A Slow Down Book): Discover How the Best Things in Life Take Time
Patience . . . (A Slow Down Book): Discover How the Best Things in Life Take Time written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Leonie Lord is a stunning book that explores time and place by sharing in a visually driven and engaging way life cycles of plants, animals and people. The layout of the […]
The Midwatch
The Midwatch by author and illustrator Judith Rossell and published by Hardie Grant is an exceptional middle grade mystery full of adventure with a cast of determined, inventive, courageous girls who work together and use their unique skills to solve mysteries. This hardback novel is an exquisite, enticing and sumptuous production, a perfect invitation to […]
All The Beautiful Things
All the Beautiful Things by Katrina Nannestad with illustrations by Martina Heiduczek is a meticulously researched, enthralling historical fiction novel aimed for readers 10+. This story is set in the Bavarian Alps in World War II between 1943 and 1945. It is about belonging and what it was like to live in Germany during WWII […]
Top 17 Picture Books of 2024
The following books are my favourite picture books of 2024. I shared all of these memorable titles with various classes in library lessons. Each book captivated the children and led to fascinating conversations. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog […]
Top 16 Middle Grade Reads of 2024
The following books are my favourite middle grade reads of 2024. Please click on the titles below that are hyperlinked to see my review which I shared on the Reading Opens Doors blog (some titles I still have to write a review for and will update this post to ensure all books included in this […]