Review of the the Latest in the Ottoline Series by Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell

Ottoline and the Purple Fox, Chris Riddell (author/illustrator), Pan Macmillan, 2016 Synopsis: Ottoline and Mr Munroe love puzzles, clues and mysteries. One day, they meet an enigmatic purple fox, who offers to take them on a night-time urban safari. The fox shows them all the hidden animals of the city and Ottoline makes notes on […]

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Review: Two Fun Board Books for Bubs

Looking for a fun board book for your own bub, or to buy as a gift? Here are two animal stories you might want to check out. Charlie Chick Wants to Play, Nick Denchfield & Ant Parker, Pan Macmillan, 2017 Synopsis: Charlie Chick Wants to Play but he can’t find his ball. Can you help him […]

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Review: A fun-filled junior fiction sports series suitable for kids of all abilities

Ball Stars: The Bench Warmers, David Lawrence (author), James Hart (illus.), Random House, 2017 Synopsis:  Meet the Bench Warmers – Danny, Crystal, Angie, Omyr, Leanne and Cody. They’re the new basketball players at Robdale Primary and according to hot shot Greg ‘The Goat’ McGriffin, they don’t have a chance of winning a lunchtime game. But […]

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Review: A New Series Perfect for Fans of Horrible Histories

How to Beat Genghis Khan in an Arm Wrestle, Nick Falk (author), Tony Flowers (illus.), Random House, 2016 Brief Synopsis: Join three friends as they use their imagination, settle playground scores and alter the entire course of history in the process! Author Nick Falk and illustrator Tony Flowers have created a number of books together […]

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Review: A Humorous Anthology of Short Stories by Australian Children’s Authors

Laugh Your Head Off Again, Various authors, Andrea Innocent (illus.), Pan Macmillan, 2016 Synopsis: 9 authors, 9 stories to make you laugh your head off again. A busting moment + a pet show + a ten metre high concrete tomato + a dog with a knack for trouble + the perfect footy pie + a […]

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Review: A Fun Look at the Adventures of a Raccoon Who Thought She Was a Dog

Pumpkin: The Raccoon Who Thought She Was a Dog, Laura Young (author), Pan Macmillan 2016  Synopsis: When Laura Young found an injured baby raccoon in her back garden she didn’t know what a big part of the family she was about to become. Laura and her husband, William, named her Pumpkin and her bond with […]

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Reflecting on 2016 with the JWFK Team

2016 has been a tremendously eventful year on the blog, with establishing the Directory, a cascade of amazing interviewees and guest posters, and invaluable tips and news updates made available. And I couldn’t have done it all without the support and dedication of my wonderful team of bloggers and the Australian kidlit community. So, thank […]

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Review: A Picture Book Exploring the Life of Dame Nellie Melba

Meet… Nellie Melba, Janeen Brian (author), Claire Murphy (illus.), Random House, 2016 Synopsis: Dame Nellie Melba was Australia’s first classical music star. The beauty of her singing was celebrated around the globe. She was appointed Dame Commander, OBE for her enormous fundraising efforts during World War One and today she is commemorated on Australia’s hundred […]

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Review: A Moving Picture Book Dealing with Love, Loss, Family and Legacy
One Photo picture book, Penguin Books, Ross Watkins, Liz Anelli

One Photo, Ross Watkins (author), Liz Anelli (illus.), Penguin Books, 2016 Dad came home one day with one of those old cameras, the kind that use film. But Dad didn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph… Created by Ross Watkins (who you may know as the illustrator of The Boy Who Grew Into […]

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Review: A New Picture Book Perfect for Dog Lovers

Oh, Albert! Davina Bell (author), Sara Acton (illus.), Penguin Books, 2016 Synopsis: Albert can’t help getting into mischief when no one is around. But one day he goes too far… Oh, Albert! A perfect story about a family and their not-so-perfect (but loveable!) dog. Oh, Albert! is an adorable picture book perfect for animal-loving families […]

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