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Book review: Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage
Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage by Elisabetta Dami, Scholastic, ISBN 9780545646567 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10 VIC Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book. The Thea Sisters set off on an adventure to Ecuador. They are visiting Paulina's old friend, Antonio, who runs a chocolate factory. He runs Choco Loco with his cousin Hector. …
Sandi Parsons on Salty
Sandi Parsons is an avid reader, writer and storyteller. She lives in Western Australia with some problem puppies and many teetering stacks of books. Today we're chatting to Sandi about her latest book: Salty. The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of Salty. From the publisher: Dara longs to have a best friend, someone she…
Book review: The Secret of the Stone
The Secret of the Stone by Kathryn Lefroy, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760994648 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC The publisher provided a review copy of this book. The Secret of the Stone is an exciting book about adventure and loyalty, packed with surprises. When Olive and her friends discover a mysterious stone, they realise it has…
Dianne Wolfer on Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady
Dianne Wolfer is the award-winning author of 26 books, including the acclaimed ‘Light’ series, adapted for stage, street theatre, and choirs! She lives on the southwest coast with her husband, Pete, and dog, Harry. Today we're thrilled to be talking to Dianne about her latest book, a biography of Robin Miller, Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady.…
Sandy Bigna on Little Bones
Sandy Bigna is a reader, a book reviewer and a writer. Today we're excited to be chatting to her about her debut book – a verse novel called Little Bones. From the publisher: Since the accident, eleven-year-old Bones spends her time drawing animal skeletons and scavenging for dead things to add to her collection. One…
Book review: Bigfoot vs Yeti
Bigfoot vs Yeti by James Foley, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760994983 REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 9, PALMYRA PRIMARY SCHOOL, WA The publisher provided a review copy of this book. Bigfoot vs Yeti is about a Yeti and a Bigfoot and how there was a great big mist and rift between their two colonies. The two colonies always hated each…
Book review, 11 Ruby Road: 1900
11 Ruby Road: 1900 by Charlotte Barkla, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760657949 REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 12, NSW Elizabeth received a review copy of this book. Dorothy raised the key to the lock, but the door creaked open before she could insert it. When ten-year-old Dorothy opened the door to her new home, she also opened…
James Foley on Bigfoot vs Yeti
James Foley makes picture books, novels and graphic novels for kids. He creates with pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, and watercolour and also uses digital tools for his work. Today we're excited to be chatting with James about his latest picture book: Bigfoot vs Yeti. From the publisher: The Bigfoots say it started when a…
Book review: The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage
The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781922790996 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC The publisher provided a review copy of this book. The Sugarcane Kids face a crisis: animals are mysteriously disappearing all over town, including Gloria, a beloved pet. Although the kids have their suspicions, the adults refuse…
Book review: The Vanishing
The Vanishing by Mark Greenwood, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993962 REVIEWED BY MARLEY, 9, PALMYRA PRIMARY SCHOOL, WA The publisher provided a review copy of this book. The Vanishing is a non fiction mystery book about Frederick Valentich going missing in his aircraft. He was a very kind person and his life was going very well…
Book review: Penny Draws a Class Trip
Penny Draws a Class Trip by Sara Shepard, Text Publishing, ISBN 9781922790712 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC The publisher provided a review copy of this book. Sara Shepard has written a great story about Penny Lowry, a girl who loves drawing and writing. Penny is 11 years old and in 5th Grade. She was delighted…
Book review: The Journey
The Journey by James Norbury, Penguin Books Ltd., ISBN 9780241585382 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book. James Norbury has written a fantastic story about Big Panda and Tiny Dragon. These best friends are always there for each other and help each other every day by being themselves. Tiny…
Book review: Camp Crypt
Twisted Trails: Camp Crypt by Fionna Cosgrove, published by Fionna Cosgrove, ISBN 9780645723342 REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC Aashi received a review copy of this title. You pull off a prank, only meant to teach a boy a lesson, when the boy almost dies. The next thing you know, you are on a bus to…
Sally Murphy on The Riding Gallery
Sally Murphy is an author, poet, speaker and educator based in the South West of Western Australia. Sally has published more than 40 books, and we’re thrilled to be chatting to Sally about her verse novel: The Riding Gallery, illustrated by Martina Heiduczek. From the publisher: In Melbourne's St Kilda, as World War 1 begins, Anton (a German…
Book review: Leo and Ralph
Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas, UQP, ISBN 9780702266218 REVIEWED BY ANWEN, 10, WA The publisher provided a review copy of this book. Leo and Ralph is a wonderful book to read if you’re looking for a story about best buds doing whatever they can to be with each other. This book contains lots of…
Charlie Archbold on The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage
Charlie Archbold has been a teacher in Australia, the UK, and Indonesia, which has given her a trove of experiences to infuse into her stories. Charlie's books often explore themes of curiosity, community, and justice. Today we're chatting to Charlie about the second book in her adventure series: The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage.…
Book review: Into the Blue
Into the Blue by Cristy Burne, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993870 REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW The publisher provided a review copy of this book. For his school holiday, Blair went snorkelling at the beach with his cousin. Blair walked into the ocean slowly as he spat into his snorkelling mask. He and his cousin, Drew,…
Amy Freund on Amigo the Capybara
Amy Freund's debut picture book is Amigo the Capybara, illustrated by Kooky Chooky. Today we're thrilled to be chatting with Amy about capybaras, writing in rhyme, and how she came to write the book. From the publisher: Amigo the capybara loves to party! But his neighbour, Mila the chinchilla, definitely does not. Will Amigo's biggest…
Book review: Real Friends
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, Roaring Brook Press, ISBN 9781626727854 Aashi reviewed her own copy of this graphic novel memoir. REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC Meet Shannon, a girl who has four siblings and lives in a squishy, noisy house. She wants her best friend, Adrienne, all to herself. She has…
Book review: Remarkably Ruby
Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson, HarperCollins US, ISBN 9780063139183 Aashi reviewed her own copy of this graphic novel. REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC Remarkably Ruby is a book about Ruby and Mia, two girls who used to be friends. Ruby is a kind and shy girl who loves poetry. Ruby has irritable bowel syndrome,…
Book review: A Pinch of Magic
A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison, Simon and Schuster, ISBN 9781471124297 Aashi reviewed her own copy of this book. REVIEWED BY AASHI, AGE 10, VIC Meet the Winddershin sisters, Betty, Fliss and Charlie, girls who have a taste for adventure. Betty is an adventurist and wants to explore the world. Fliss is very pretty but…
2024 Young Readers Day Out at State Library of WA!
If you live near Perth, WA, make sure you're at the State Library of WA on 17 November for the 2024 Young Readers Day Out! Meet some of WA’s most well-known children’s book authors and illustrators for a morning packed with activities, including:• Helping illustrators compete in an interactive illustration duel• Learning how to draw…
Book review: Paws
REVIEWED BY OLIVIA, 12, QLD Paws by Kate Foster, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760652661 Olivia's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. What do you do when you're trying to make cool friends? This is what 11-year-old autistic Alex thought about a lot. Alex knows the signs of emotions, so…
Book review: How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade Five
The publisher provided a review copy of this book. How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade Five by Carla Fitzgerald, ISBN 9780702268717, University of Queensland Press. REVIEWED BY AASHI, 10, VIC Sam is an eleven-year-old who loves world records. Sam isn’t the smartest and his mum thinks he needs to focus on school…
Book review: I am Rebel
REVIEWED BY REBEKAH, GRADE 5, NSW I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery, Walker Books, ISBN 9781529502909 Rebekah's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. This heartachingly tender quest novel is an adventure from the very first page. In Ross Montgomery's I Am Rebel, readers are whisked away into a world…
Book review: Wongutha Tales
Wongutha Tales: Bawoo Stories & Badudu Stories by May L. O'Brien, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993412. REVIEWED BY AASHI, 9, VIC Aashi received a review copy of this book. Wongutha Tales are stories from May L. O'Brien’s childhood and Dreamtime stories. My favourite Bawoo story was 'Why Emus Can’t Fly'. 'Why Emus Can’t Fly' is about…
Ashleigh Barton on the Freddie Spector, Fact Collector series
Ashleigh Barton writes picture books and junior fiction series for children. Before writing full time, she pursued her love of books (children's books especially) by working in some of Australia's biggest publishing houses. Today we're chatting to Ashleigh about the first two books in her new Freddie Spector, Fact Collector series, illustrated by Peter Cheong.…
Book review: Adoette
REVIEWED BY JONATHAN, 6, WA Adoette by Lydia Monks, Andersen Press, ISBN 9781839131905 Jonathan's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. I love this book because it is about the past and present. I really like the last page because it is so colourful and full of nature! Adoette means…
Book review: Smarty Pup Pawsome Genius Friends Fur-ever
REVIEWED BY EMMA, 6, QLD Smarty Pup: Pawsome Genius Friends Fur-ever by Anh Do, illustrated by Anton Emdin, Allen and Unwin, ISBN 9781760526399 Emma's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. Smarty pup is funny because the pup JJ can talk. JJ gets hit with purple goo that is from…
Book review: The Deadlands: Hunted
REVIEWED BY NICK, 11, QLD The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner, Walker Books, ISBN 9781529516241 Nick's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. The Deadlands: Hunted is an action-packed book about two dinosaur kingdoms at war. The main character, Eleri, a dinosaur, joins a group of exiles after being banished…
Book review: Ruby Red Shoes
REVIEWED BY WINNIE, 7, SA Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp, HarperCollins Australia, ISBN 9780732293628 Winnie's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. Ruby Red Shoes by Kate Knapp is a heartwarming story about a hare called Ruby. She lives in a beautiful caravan with her kind grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka. They…
Cassy Polimeni on Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra
Cassy Polimeni (photo by Fran Jorgensen) Cassy Polimeni writes books for children and young adults. She has worked as a bookseller, travel writer, magazine editor, TV book reviewer and airport chauffeur. Today we're chatting to Cassy about Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra – the first in a fun four-book junior fiction series, illustrated by Hykie…
Book review: Howl’s Moving Castle
REVIEWED BY DEXTER, 11, QLD Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, HarperCollins GB, ISBN 9780007299263 Dexter's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. If you’re a fan of fantasy and suspense, this is the book for you. Howl’s Moving Castle is a 302-page novel about a girl called Sophie…
Book review: Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris
REVIEWED BY KINSEY, 7, QLD Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris by Megan Hess, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, ISBN 9781760502591 Kinsey's review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. This is my favourite book because it has lots of fashion in it and it’s also by my favourite author Megan Hess.…
Carla Fitzgerald on How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade Five
Carla Fitzgerald is a children's author, a recovered lawyer and mum of three. Carla has written three humorous books for children – one picture book and two novels. Despite numerous attempts, she has not yet broken a world record. Today we're pleased to be chatting to Carla about her latest book: How to Break a…
Book review: A Matter of Cats
REVIEWED BY GUS, 10, SA A Matter of Cats by Elizabeth Hutchins, Wakefield Press, ISBN 9781743058893 Gus's review of A Matter of Cats was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers' Competition. A Matter of Cats by Elizabeth Hutchins is an amazing story of friendship and environmental awareness, set in Mala Sanctuary in South Australia. Although…
Book review: James and the Giant Peach
REVIEWED BY LACHLAN, 7, NSW James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Puffin, ISBN 9780241558331 Lachlan's review of James and the Giant Peach was the winner in the 2024 Young Book Reviewers' Competition. The story is called James and the Giant Peach. It was illustrated by Quentin Blake. He has…
Book review: Waiting for the Storks
REVIEWED BY SAHANA, 11, NSW Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad, ABC Books, ISBN 9780733340888 Sahana's review of this book was the winner in the 2024 Young Reviewers' Competition. I press my face against the bars of the truck and scream for my Mama and Tata. My heart slowly drops and tears slither down…
Winners of our 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition
We are pleased to announce the winners of our Young Reviewers' Competition! JUNIOR WINNER: Lachlan Richards, NSW. Lachlan reviewed: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake. PRIMARY WINNER: Sahana Saraf, NSW. Sahana reviewed: Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad. SCHOOL AWARD: Mater Dei Catholic Primary, Ashgrove, QLD LONGLISTED JUNIOR…
Kylie Howarth on Kev and Trev: Snot Funny Sea Stories
Kylie Howarth is an award-winning, internationally published children’s author-illustrator from Western Australia. Kylie has swum with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales in Ningaloo, piranha and pink dolphins in the Amazon, braved scuba diving with lionfish in Egypt, marine iguanas and hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands and encountered great white sharks in South…