Hayes’ debut novel reads like a perfect kick from the 50 metre line straight through the centre of the goal posts. In The Whole of my World Hayes has encapsulated the rollercoaster ride of adolescent relationships, grief, joy, loss and what it takes to be a football fan. The whole of Shelley’s world is footy, Aussie…
The children’s literature world had heavy hearts on May 1st after news traveled of the passing of the much loved Australian author/illustrator Gregory Rogers. Scholastic’s statement read: ‘Scholastic Australia wishes to note the passing of the much-loved and respected illustrator and author, Greg Rogers. He has left us too soon. He leaves behind a remarkable…
July sees more fantastic books hit the shelves from Scholastic and it was hard to pick a favorite out of so many new and enjoyable books. Appearing in my top 3 was definitely Nick Bland’s (author of last months picture book review ‘King Pig‘) new addition to his Very Cranky Bear adventures ‘The Very Brave Bear’.…
Written by Christine Harris. Engaging the reader until the final page, this award-winning author has a unique ability to keep a reader on their toes as the pages turn toward the exciting conclusion. With a plot that spans from Australia to Malaysia, Christine Harris’s plot is intriguing and flowing, sweeping the reader along with likable and…
The ‘Mates” series are a great Australian series aimed at children who are in the transition from picture books to novels as they are in the ‘Junior Fiction’ category. The choice of traditional Australian lingo and use of ‘typically Australian’ themes brings these stories to life for children in a most relatable way. While the…
Ella and Olivia–Puppy Trouble By Yvette Poshoglian Illustrated by Danielle McDonald “Ella and Olivia have wanted a puppy forever. But when they get their wish, can they keep their promise to look after him?” This endearing book is one in an Australian series published by Scholastic. The Ella and Olivia books follow two sisters as…
I’ve been on a refugee theme since seeing Kooshyar Karimi, Jerome Rugaruza and Ibtihal Samarayi speak at the Newcastle Writers Festival. The books of Kooshyar and Ibtihal are stories of great pain and endurance as they paint the picture of their huge journeys. Kooshyar’s book, ‘I Confess: Revelations in Exile‘ is about his life as a Jew in Iran. …
Possum Magic giveaway..
‘Anzac Biscuits’ is a beautiful story by Phil Cummings, showing readers a snapshot of World War I from the perspective of a family waiting back home. It is aimed at children aged 4 and older. This story is based on Rachel, a young girl and her mother who are waiting at home for Rachel’s father…
I read a lot of children’s books for this blog and out of interest and I do often find ones that I think would make good gifts for family or friends. But the from the moment I finished reading ‘Joyous & Moonbeam‘ I wanted to send copies to every child I knew and recommend it…
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