Queenie in Seven Moves
Queenie in Seven Moves by Zanni Louise is a beautiful middle grade novel that highlights the unexpected gifts that come from stepping out of your comfort zone, such as the opportunities to grow, realise your full potential, meet new people and embrace new experiences, follows twelve year old Queenie and her Mum, Clare, as they […]
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 […]
August and Jones
A friendship that knows no bounds, confronting fears head on, living life to the fullest in the face of adversity and two tweens navigating the trials and tribulations of life with courage, grace, resilience and a sense of adventure are some of the moving themes in August and Jones by Pip Harry. This story, inspired […]
Scar Town
Scar Town by Tristan Bancks is a gripping, fast paced thrilling read full of action, mystery and suspense that had me on the edge of my seat till the very last line with a conclusion that will shock the reader, one you never see coming. This story is set in Scarborough, a town of mystery […]
How to Hatch a Dragon
How to Hatch a Dragon is the first book in Nick Bland’s new Bunny and Bird series and is sure to captivate younger readers as they revel in the highly entertaining story, particularly as they discover the narrative that unfolds in the illustrations. I suspect some readers will become very vocal in an attempt to […]
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 […]