Over or Under?
Over or Under? from acclaimed author Pip Harry and award-winning illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper is a book I am excited to explore at the beginning of the school year in library classes. It’s themes relating to courage, resilience and not giving up when learning a new skill, believing in yourself and beach safety serve as […]
Small Acts
Themes relating to true friendship, kindness, vulnerability, courage and finding your place, plus four inspiring autistic characters that are relatable and make a difference combine to make Small Acts by Kate Gordon and Kate Foster, an engrossing and powerful story. This book gifts readers an insight into the varied ways autism may present and the […]
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1
Title: Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria: Bravepaw 1 Author and illustrator: L.M. Wilkinson and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 03 September 2024 Themes: Adventure quests, bravery, friendship, good versus evil, against the odds, gemstones and crystals A comprehensive teaching resource and activity sheet are available on the Allen and Unwin website […]
Summer of Shipwrecks
Title: Summer of Shipwrecks Author: Shivaun Plozza Publisher: University of Queensland Press Publication date: September 3, 2024 Themes: Friendship, change, integrity, courage, adventure, coming of age, divorce, shipwrecks Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here Summer of Shipwrecks by Shivaun Plozza and published by University of Queensland Press explores with […]
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, […]
The Apprentice Witnesser
Title: The Apprentice Witnesser Author and illustrator: Bren MacDibble Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: April 2024 Themes: Power of human connection, family (whether it be biological or not), love, courage, loyalty, sacrifice, survival, the impossible decisions and consequences borne from a deep love, forgiveness and healing. A comprehensive teaching resource can be downloaded from the Allen […]
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo by Helen Edwards is an absorbing Australian historical fiction, time slip novel for upper primary readers. In this story, Clara is trying to navigate a new, unfamiliar world since the passing of her adored twin brother Darius. She carries emotions that are often associated with grief, anger, guilt and an […]
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky
Title: Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky Author: Tylissa Elisara Illustrator: Dylan Finney Publisher: Hachette Australia Publication date: March 2024 Themes: First Nations culture and storytelling, wombats, wishes, bravery, diversity, friendship, environment Comprehensive Teachers’ resources are available on the Hachette Australia website here Two new characters that have weaved their way into my […]
Honey and the Valley of Horses
Title: Honey and the Valley of Horses Author: Wendy Orr Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 1 August 2023 Themes: Adventure, family, grief, healing, horses, fantasy, self-sufficiency, resilience, courage. Teaching resource: Comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the Allen and Unwin website When sickness sweeps the world, four-year-old Honey, her baby brother, Rumi, […]
A Message Through Time
Title: A Message Through Time Author: Anna Ciddor Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: 4 April 2023 Themes: Ancient Roman childhood, friendship, family dynamics, adventure, courage, resilience, gender roles, past and present Additional notable information: Extremely comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the Allen and Unwin website here. A Message Through Time by Anna Ciddor and […]