Children’s and Young Adult book reviews.
Dear Sweet Pea, Julie Murphy, HarperCollins Publishers Inc, 2019 From the publisher: Patricia “Sweet Pea” DiMarco wasn’t sure what to expect when her parents announced they were getting a divorce. She never could have imagined that they would have the “brilliant” idea of living in nearly identical houses on the same street. In the one […]
Last year I decided that for me to pick only a handful of favourite children’s books would be a little self-indulgent, and to be honest, way too difficult with the insurmountable amount of quality books released in Australia each year. So, I drew upon the brains trust of the Just Write For Kids author and […]
With Christmas fast approaching, now is a great time to check out some beautiful picture books to buy as gifts for kids, both those celebrating this festive time of year and some wonderful reads in any month. We’re spoilt for choice in Australia when it comes to picture books, so it was hard to choose […]
The Goldfish Boy, Lisa Thompson, Scholastic, 2017 From the publisher: Matthew Corbin suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. He hasn’t been to school in weeks. His hands are cracked and bleeding from cleaning. He refuses to leave his bedroom. To pass the time, he observes his neighbours from his bedroom window, making mundane notes about their […]
#raymundandthefearmonster #blogtour #booksontourpr #day2 Raymund and the Fear Monster, Megan Higginson (author), Ester de Boer (illus.), Blue Brumby Books, November 2019. Blurb: A monster that eats fear is terrorising Raymund’s village. Raymund is small and not very brave. Will Raymund be able to overcome his fear, defeat the monster and save his village? Review: Dedicated […]
One Careless Night, Christina Booth, Walker Books Australia, 2019 From the publisher: Where the mist swallows mountains and winds whisper through ancient trees, a mother and her pup run wild and free. They hunt, but they are also hunted. Carted away. Sold for bounty. And then, one careless night … The last thylacine is gone. […]
It is always an honour to feature talented authors and illustrators on the blog. Today we welcome a multi award-winning novelist, awarded by prestigious associations including the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the Children’s Book Council of Australia, the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, and the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards for her young adult and older […]
Regardless of the origins and meanings behind Halloween, we just love the excitement and playfulness, and dare I say – innocence – behind this spooky and oftentimes, gory festival! And for little ones, dressing up, crafty decorations, and sweets make it one of the best events of the year. Today I’ll share some devilishly fun […]
The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling, Wai Chim, Allen and Unwin, 2019 From the publisher: Anna Chiu has her hands pretty full looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad’s restaurant, all while her mum stays in bed. Dad’s new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction and even though […]
#MaxBoothFutureSleuth #FilmFlip #BlogTour #BooksOnTourPR #Day2 Max Booth Future Sleuth: #4 Film Flip, Cameron Macintosh (author), Dave Atze (illus.), Big Sky Publishing, September 2019. Blurb: In the year 2424, it seems crazy that people once needed film to take photos. Max and Oscar – Bluggsville’s sharpest pair of sleuths – can’t believe their luck when they […]
