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 […]
The Giant
Title: The Giant Author: Sophie Masson Illustrator: Lorena Carrington Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: August 2025 Author Sophie Masson, illustrator Lorena Carrington and MidnightSun Publishing have teamed up again to create another phenomenal picture book, The Giant. This poignant, fable is about a gentle giant who has slept in a cave for a very long time. He […]
The Last Egg
Title: The Last Egg Author: Sofie Laguna Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: June 3, 2025 Themes: Birds, parenting, trust, resilience, love, courage, commitment, honour, dragons, discovery, community Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the Allen and Unwin website here The Last Egg by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft and published by Allen and […]
The Concrete Garden
Written during COVID times with clues in the illustrations to reflect this, The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham, celebrates the profound ripple effect one child’s creative actions can have on their community and further afield. After being inside for an extended period, an apartment block filled with children from diverse backgrounds, comes to life as […]
When the Lights Went Out
Title: When the Lights Went Out Author: Lian Tanner Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 2 July 2024 Comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the publisher’s website here When the Lights Went Out by Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley and published by Allen and Unwin is a glowing story about community, connection, […]
A Small Collection of Happiness
Title: A Small Collection of Happiness Author: Zana Fraillon With illustrations by: Stephen Michael King Publisher: Hachette Publication date: May 2024 Themes: Happiness, hope, true friendship, community, connection, the power of treasured memories and story. Comprehensive Teachers Resources are available to download on the Hachette Australia website here By chance, an older woman ends up living in […]
Scout and the Rescue Dogs
Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer with illustrations by Tony Flowers is oozing with community spirit in the face of adversity, layered, authentic and endearing characters, a glimpse into the world of community outreach by truckies and gorgeous dogs needing to find their forever homes. This story seamlessly weaves together in a riveting […]
Satin
Title: Satin Author: Sophie Masson Illustrator: Lorena Carrington Publisher: MidnightSun Publishing Publication date: March 2023 Teacher Notes: Available on the MidnightSun Publishing website here Satin by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Lorena Carrington and published by MidnightSun publishing is highly intriguing, meaningful, sophisticated and a remarkably unique picture book for upper primary school students. It is imbued […]
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 […]