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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Top 16 of ’16

  Every year I, together with my two girls, reflect on our year in books – the ones that made us laugh, cry, connect, ponder and encourage affection. I also usually review my statistics on books borrowed, received for review and bought, but this year let’s just say, it’s hugely extensive, and still counting. So, […]

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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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Penny Morrison – Riding the Wave

Penny’s wonderful picture book Captain Sneer the Buccaneer (illustrated by Gabriel Evans and published by Walker Books) was released in September to great fanfare and Penny has been riding the wave of swashbuckling book launches and appearances around the Sydney area since. Penny also has a series of board books for preschoolers (The ‘Hey’ books, […]

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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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Cream Rising – Marian McGuinness Part 3

I’m so excited to be able to announce that since posting our last part of this interview, Marian has had yet another story accepted for publication by The School Magazine! Congratulations Marian! In Part 3 of this interview, Marian talks about what she has gained from the writing mentorships and offers a few other top […]

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