We love this time of year when we get to celebrate and reflect upon all the fabulous events, achievements and industry highlights (and lowlights) of the kidlit world, but even greater is the celebration of ALL the wonderful books that we have been able to enjoy and treasure over the year. And if this wasn’t just our top 24 for 2024, there’d honestly be hundreds! We’ve got books that transport us back in time, to the future, to another world entirely. Books that melt our hearts, cut deep into our souls, and those that make you smile as wide as it can go. All of the following books have featured on our blog this year, and so, we’re also celebrating the marvellous creatives behind them, who have generously shared the inspiration and heart that went into their creations. Plus, a big shout out to the amazing publishing teams that included us in their promotions. xx
Here’s our list of children’s titles that have left more than a lasting impression – some of the shining stars of Australian books published in 2024 (in alphabetical order). There are plenty more favourites, so look out for our ‘summer collection’, coming soon!
18,000 Holes in the Universe; Dragonfire, Adam Wallace and Lisa Foley (authors), James Hart (illus.), Harper Collins Australia.
Amazing, bestselling author Adam Wallace has teamed up with author Lisa Foley with the first title in a new exciting and hilarious series, all about golf! If you love adventure, comedy, rescue missions, Grandpas, mini golf, random portals, dangerous dragons and of course, magic (and possibly also evil brothers and The Goonies), (YES, we do love all those things! Maybe not evil brothers), then you and your junior fiction readers will LOVE this! Oh, and the illustrations by James Hart are completely out-of-this-world crazy cool! Star rating: 18,000!
Read the interview with Adam Wallace here.
A Wish For Baby, Caz Goodwin (author), Sara Acton (illus.), Affirm Press.
Told in enchanting rhyme, there are so many joyous wishes for baby that melt your heart because of all the glittering warmth that shines out of each word. Sara Acton‘s illustrations pour even more love and happiness into each page with their beautifully tender moments, as we treasure each step father and baby dream together for a bright and hopeful future. The perfect gift for, and of, our little ones.
Read the interview with Caz Goodwin here.
Allen the Alien, Stephanie Ward (author), Aleck Morton (illus.), Riveted Press.
This picture book stands out as unique for so many reasons. It has a cool edginess about it, yet maintains a wholesome, well-rounded story. It shows us how we often ‘speak different languages’, yet it has a universal appeal. Meet Allen the Alien. This is a story about belonging and finding your place in this world (or out of this world). Hilarious and fun eye- and mouth-opening exuberance that is absolutely an intergalactically joyous read over and over again.
Read the interview with Stephanie Ward here.
Alphabetter, Maura Pierlot (author), Jorge Garcia Redondo (illus.), Affirm Press.
This jewel of A to Z books playfully and gently characterises each letter with a strength or virtue, encouraging readers to practise these actions and make good choices. With each bright, bold and colourful page turn, the animated illustrations exude the exhilarating and joyful values in brilliantly diverse and interactive ways. This book will leave you with a true appreciation for Yourself and a Zest for life.
Read the interview with Maura Pierlot here.
Bernie Thinks in Boxes, Jess Horn (author), Zoe Bennett (illus.), Affirm Press.
This beautiful story delves into the mind of Bernie, revealing the insights of how she categorises her world. With careful and sensitive wording and soft illustrations that appropriately reflect emotion, movement and energy through thoughtful colour and textural choices, we are gifted with the understanding of Bernie, her ways of making her ‘boxes’ make sense and managing change when they don’t neatly stack up. The metaphorical inferences are superbly powerful to highlight this navigation of a neurodiverse child in a neurotypical world. A must-have heartwarming story for children in all categories.
Read the interview with Jess Horn and Zoe Bennett here.
Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra, Cassy Polimeni (author), Hykie Breeze (illus.), UWA Publishing.
With Cassy’s thoughtfully chosen word choices and literary magic, working in perfect harmony with Hykie‘s charismatic illustrations, this book will score loudly with newly independent readers – no croaks about it! Ella is the most endearing wildlife warrior, who is wild about science, conservation and (re)building of habitats, in this absolutely joyous, charming frog-tale celebration that is sure to feel close to home.
Read the interview with Cassy Polimeni here.
Goose on Christmas Eve, Marg Gibbs and Friends (author, illus.), M.J. Gibbs.
This treasured gift this Christmas comes neatly wrapped with bows, ribbons, baubles and tinsel in a festivity of delightful poems for the whole family to share. Goose on Christmas Eve culminates a collection of 24 magical verses that celebrate all the best bits of this time of year in Australia. A sparkling, popping and cracking bundle of poetic goodness with the perfect gifts of surprise inside. BANG!
Read the interview with Marg Gibbs here.
Grace the Amazing, Aleesah Darlison (author), Carmen Dougherty (cover design), Wombat Books.
Penned based on a deeply personal place in her own heart, Aleesah tells the story of a young girl’s touching relationship with her art teacher and her determination to cure her illness with the power of magic. This is a beautifully sensitive, meaningful, and emotive tale with strong characterisation, insightful real life struggles and soulful humour. An extraordinary novel for middle grade readers.
Read the interview with Aleesah Darlison here.
Grandma Murphy’s Pussycat, Maura Finn (author), Lucinda Gifford (illus.), Affirm Press.
This sensationally sophisticated lyrical nighttime stroll through the shadows and the gothic-like town, past the eery woods and to the final destination is pouncing with surprises, twinkling with enchantment and oozing with a deliciously spooky suspense as we slink along with our mysterious pussycat figure; who is completely unphased by the terror and taunts that cross his path. With its stunningly evocative rich colour palette, Grandma Murphy’s Pussycat is completely bewitching for readers young and old.
Read the interview with Maura Finn and Lucinda Gifford here.
Happy Millionth Birthday, R.W.R. McDonald (author), Alexandra Colombo (illus.), Larrikin House.
Every young reader gets to join in the party over and over and over again when fun-loving wolf, Jack’s ‘birthday wish’ actually comes true … everyday! Hooray! With such exuberance, energy, colour and joyful life, this book party is brilliant. Happy Millionth Birthday is a million kinds of playful, pure joy and heart.
Read the interview with R.W.R. McDonald here.
Hooray, Hooray, It’s Library Day!, Julie Anne Grasso (author), Heath Mackenzie (illus.), Scholastic.
Who doesn’t love a good book about books?! This one is such a playful journey navigating a day in the life of a lonely library book. Through a series of ‘BLEEPITY BLEEPs’, ‘BLURPITY BLURPs’ and a whole other host of fun and noisy onomatopoeia (apt for a book about reading!), readers are cleverly jostled along the pages as ‘small one’s’ borrowing experience becomes much more than just a quiet reading one! A delightfully bright, effervescent and action-packed reading adventure!
Read the interview with Julie Anne Grasso here.
Lights Out, Little Dragon!, Debra Tidball (author), Rae Tan (illus.), HarperCollins.
This adorable, cheeky adventure takes us through the bedtime routine – with a twist, and a trace, hush, stretch and scratch to gently coax Little Dragon to bed. With the guidance of the little girl, who so longingly wishes for rest, readers engage in playful strategies to help with the sleepy-time routine. With energetic, soft watercolours and pastels, this book shines and bounces with the ultimate magic touch.
Read the interview with Debra Tidball here.
Night Watch, Jodi Toering (author), Tannya Harricks (illus.), Walker Books Australia.
Night Watch; a bush ballad for bedtime, casts its comforting, protective eye over its readers like a warm, feathery hug. The lyrical, evocative beauty of this story, both through its language and its imagery, lulls readers into an unruffled peace as the Tawny Frogmouths attentively watch over the slumbering fauna through the night. Completely stunning!
Read the interview with Jodi and Tannya here.
Our World Full of Wonder, Jevita Nilson (author), Jess Racklyeft (illus.), CSIRO Publishing.
This gorgeous narrative non-fiction for ages 5+ completely sparkles with its evocative, lyrical language and mesmerising imagery of some of the most illuminating and fascinating wonders of our world. The vibrant watercolours plunge us into every beautiful and diverse landscape scene, glistening and speckling with a magical enchantment that sparks curiosity for our natural world. A ‘WOW’ moment on every page. Just exquisite!
Read the interview with Jevita Nilson and Jess Racklyeft here.
Rock Dogs, Sally Barns (author), Anil Tortop (illus.), Affirm Press.
Inspired by her own canine howlers, Sally’s tongue-wagging, rollicking and punny tale is hitting centre-stage amongst readers, showing us that we can truly shine and achieve our dreams with some dynamic teamwork and creative thinking. Matched with the clever, rockin’ and electrifyin’ illustrations by the legendary Anil Tortop, it’s page after page of an energetic visual music fest for children and adults alike! (You’ll love the references to the classics of metal!) Everyone, band together and get your Rock Dogs on!
Read the interview with Sally Barns here.
Some Families Change, Jess Galatola (author), Jenni Barrand (illus.), EK Books.
Inspired by her own family situation, Jess Galatola, together with illustrator Jenni Barrand, beautifully highlight a diverse range of family units and the unique circumstances where these dynamics might change. Written with a gentle verse with a soft and inclusive colour palette, this book is a comforting, loving guide to family transitions that can oftentimes feel daunting for young children. Beautiful!
Read the interview with Jess Galatola and Jenni Barrand here.
Square Me, Round World, Chelsea Luker (author), Eliza Fricker (illus.), Connect Us Psychology.
This is a book that elicits a deep resonance for many individuals, on many different levels. Square Me, Round World is a perfectly formed creation with just the right angles, well-rounded perspectives and completely 3-dimensional characters that will certainly allow readers to see themselves in, or at least, someone they know. For junior to middle grade readers, these seven short stories (and a discussion guide) are written and illustrated in such an easily accessible, friendly and inclusive manner that they will be enjoyed over and over again. Highly recommended!
Read the interview with Chelsea Luker here.
The Christmas Star, Michelle Conn (author, illus.), Affirm Press.
Get ready for the season to be jolly with young Timmy as the happiest Christmas tree in town (and in the school play)! Although, Timmy wasn’t always happy to play this part as his dreams of fame are dashed when his best friend Kevin lands the lead role of King instead. Michelle does a brilliant job of portraying emotion and the perfect amounts of bauble-icious chaos and candy-cane sweetness, both through her energetic narrative and colourful, Christmassy-toned illustrations that you just can’t help but smile at on every page.
Read the interview with Michelle Conn here.
The Postman’s My Mate, Kelly Louise Jarris (author), Natalie Herington (illus.), KLJ Books.
There’s so much to love about this picture book – the beauty of the Aussie outback with its remote living and its flora and fauna, the unique friendships, the fact that even the simplest things can be made into something extraordinary, and that it has environmental benefits, too. The Postman’s My Mate encapsulates those special feelings of joy, home and wonder, delivered in a package of warmth and imagination.
Read the interview with Kelly Louise Jarris and Natalie Herington here.
The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel (author), Danny Snell (illus.), Hardie Grant / Bright Light.
Featuring the adorable cat, Tinka, inspired by her own, Deborah Frenkel explores the themes of immigration, identity, home and connection in this much-loved adventure story. Being named the 2025 National Simultaneous Storytime book proves how many hearts The Truck Cat has already touched (with millions more to come!). Language and illustrations are crafted masterfully to create this sensitive, emotive and absolutely enchanting book that will surely travel far and wide. Stunning!
Read the interview with Deborah Frenkel here.
The Real Cowgirl, Isabelle Duff (author), Susannah Crispe (illus.), EK Books.
Together, these creators are no ‘one-trick-ponies’ when it comes to matters of the heart. Words and illustrations sensitively showcase the courage and growing confidence of their protagonist, Sal, as she navigates both her beaming sense of self when riding her pony around the farm, juxtaposed with her school anxieties. Tenderness, kindness and strength culminate in a perfect balance like an exquisite equestrian performance, that’s sure to make a lasting impression on your heart.
Read the interview with Isabelle Duff and Susannah Crispe here.
Tilly’s New Broom, Mary Anastasiou (author), Giorgia Clerico (illus.), Five Mile.
The perfectly-timed rhyming couplets work harmoniously with the adorably spooky illustrations to capture little witch Tilly’s flying conundrum in the most inventive ways possible. Witty, snappy and deliciously moody in every sense, young readers will adore the spell-tacular adventures of Tilly and her cat, Sooty every step (or soar) of the way. This is just the cutest Halloween book for any time of the year!
Read the interview with Mary Anastasiou here.
Tracks in the Mist (The Adamson Adventures #4), Sandra Bennett (author), Rosella Ridge Books.
Passionate author and researcher, Sandra Bennett, takes her Adamson siblings on their fourth and final adventure in the series; this time in the Southern Tasmanian wilderness amidst the most fascinating wildlife – to say the least! Here you’ll find a mix of native Australian animals – with some of them from the present, and some from the past! Middle grade readers will be gripped with their sturdiest hiking boots in this mysterious, intrepid mission to save more than one beloved creature.
Read the interview with Sandra Bennett here.
Wild Australia; Marine and National Parks, Brentos (author, illus.), Affirm Press.
With his characteristically playful, clean style sweetened by refreshing pastel tones and assembled with layered, eye-popping delights at every turn, Brentos has masterfully captured the wonders of Australia’s most unique and beautiful native flora and fauna in various parks across the country. Bite-sized snippets of information, questions to ponder and Brent’s signature search-and-find games make this book a complete treasure as well as a perfect reminder for our need to conserve and protect our precious biodiversity and natural environments. A must-have, collectible work of art!
Read the interview with Brentos here.
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Thank you to our wonderful kidlit community for all your support and for sharing your treasures with us. Wishing you a beautiful festive and holiday season and a safe and Happy New Year!
Looking forward to continuing to celebrate our love, creativity, dedication, growing talents, and passion for producing children’s books. See you in 2025 for even greater bookish delights and opportunities!
Kindest,
Romi x
