A Friend for Ruby
Title: A Friend for Ruby Author: Sofie Laguna Illustrator: Marc McBride Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 29 August 2023 RRP: $24.99 A Friend for Ruby by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Marc McBride and published by Allen and Unwin is a story about friendship, connection and resourcefulness. It could serve as a gateway to conversations about a […]
Sunshine on Vinegar Street
Title: Sunshine on Vinegar Street Author: Karen Comer Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 30 May 2023 Additional notable information: A comprehensive teacher resource can be downloaded from the Allen and Unwin website here. Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer and published by Allen and Unwin is a gripping and stirring verse novel set in Melbourne and imbued […]
The Gift
The Gift by Michael Speechley begins with a curious young girl, Rosie, intrigued by the home over the road which appears to be neglected and has fallen into disrepair. There is little evidence of who lives in this home, most people in the community believe the derelict home to be unoccupied, but Rosie is convinced […]
Berani
Berani by Michelle Kadarusman and published by Allen and Unwin is an incredibly moving and inspiring eco-fiction title, recommended for readers 8-12 years. This story is set in Indonesia and is about two courageous children who are driven to release Ginger Juice, an orangutan held in captivity at Warung Malang restaurant. The commitment and the […]
Accidentally Kelly Street
Title: Accidentally Kelly Street By: Briony Stewart with lyrics by Tim O’Connor from Frente Publisher: Affirm Press Publication date: 25 October 2022 RRP: $24.99 Briony Stewart has reimagined the 90s iconic song, Accidentally Kelly Street in her latest ebullient picture book published by Affirm Press. Her beautiful and lively illustrations have created a new timely […]
Runt
Runt by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton and published by Allen & Unwin, recommended for readers 8-12, is a fast paced, witty, highly memorable, engaging and ruminative read that I shared with my daughter. Craig Silvey includes many meaty themes such as family selflessly coming together to overcome obstacles, true friendship, grit and resilience […]
Finding You
Finding You, masterfully written by Robert Vescio and exquisitely illustrated by Hannah Sommerville is a heartfelt, tender story about new beginnings and how these often involve courage and being open to possibilities. It’s a story about the beauty in the unexpected, the journey of friendship, unbreakable bonds that form between people and pets as well […]
The Rabbit’s Magician
Title: The Rabbit’s Magician Author: Shae Millward Illustrator: Andy Fackrell Publisher: Ford Street Publishing Themes: Friendship, love, loss, comfort, the moon Publication date: August 1, 2022 Additional notable information: Engaging educational activities can be found on the Ford Street Publishing website here. This story has been inspired the scientific principle, the Law of Conservation of Energy […]
The Jammer
Title: The Jammer Author: Nova Weetman Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: October 5, 2022 Themes: relationships, grief, belonging, friendship, growing up, roller derby Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here Fred is the Jammer for her local roller derby team. This is a sport her […]
How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five
Title: How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five Author: Carla Fitzgerald Publisher: University of Queensland Press – UQP Publication date: 2 August 2022 Themes: Action, courage, democracy, friendship, resilience, sisters, Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five by Carla […]