Meet Me at the Moon Tree
Title: Meet Me at the Moon Tree Author: Shivaun Plozza Publisher: University of Queensland Press – (UQP) Publication date: July 4, 2023 Themes: Love, grief, acceptance, hope, courage, science, trees and magic Additional notable information: Comprehensive teachers’ notes can be downloaded from the UQP website here. Love and loss, family dynamics and how grief can impact these, intergenerational […]
Sonam and the Silence
Title: Sonam and the Silence Author: Eddie Ayres Illustrator: Ronak Taher Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: Paperback edition published in 2023 Additional notable information: A comprehensive teacher resource can be downloaded from the Allen and Unwin website here. Sonam and the Silence written by Eddie Ayres, illustrated by Ronak Taher and published by Allen and Unwin tells […]
The Fix-it Princess
Title: The Fix-it Princess Author: Janeen Brian Illustrator: Cherie Dignam Publisher: Walker Books Publication date: March 7, 2023 Additional notable information: Teachers’ notes can be downloaded from Walker Books here. This review is part of a Books on Tour campaign From the Castle-by-the-Woods the indomitable, inventive, resourceful Princess Shona, together with a singing, empathetic dragon embark on a […]
One More Mountain
Title: One More Mountain Authors: Deborah Ellis Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: November 1, 2022 RRP: $16.99 (AUD) Teaching resource: A comprehensive teaching resource written by Robyn Sheahan-Bright is available to download from the Allen and Unwin website. One More Mountain, the fifth book in the Parvana series by Deborah Ellis is set in modern-day Afghanistan in 2021 […]
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 […]
The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp
The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen BartholomewCrisp by Paul Russell and illustrated by Nicky Johnston is a sensitively written story about children who have neurodivergent minds. It is a story for all children to gain an understanding and develop an appreciation for such diversity. This book gives readers an opportunity to step into the shoes, […]
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 […]
Piano Fingers
Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl is an exquisite and imaginative story that is an inspirational delight to read. Caroline’s stunning poetic text coupled with enormously expressive and lively illustrations, full of whimsical details tell a relatable story with all of the drama and theatre of being on the precipice of acquiring a deeply desired new […]
Charlie’s Swim
Charlie’s Swim written by proud Bardi woman Edith Wright and illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, descendant of the Bundjalung people from the Clarence River and published by Magabala Books is a true story that honours the author’s selfless and courageous uncle, Charles D’Antoine, who showed enormous bravery during World War II. Charlie displayed such courage and […]
Ella and the Ocean
Ella and the Ocean by Lian Tanner and illustrated by Jonathan Bentley is a moving story about the power of the imagination, believing and sharing dreams. This is also a story that sensitively explores the human impact of isolation and living in the harsh outback during drought. The front cover sets the scene as the […]