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Aussie Kids Books
Book Reviews
Welcome to my blog! This blog is a celebration of Australian children's fiction - including young adult, middle grade, junior fiction, and picture books.
Read on for my reviews!
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Solomon Macaroni and the Cousin Catastrophe; by Ashleigh Barton
I adored this fabulously funny and delightfully creepy story about family, old magic, and courage. Solomon Macaroni is not like other...
Sandy
Aug 13, 20222 min read
45 views
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Big Magic, by Sarah Armstrong
If you love a circus setting and magic and a strong female protagonist, then this middlegrade novel might just be the story for you....
Sandy
Jun 24, 20222 min read
132 views
0 comments
Moth in a Fancy Cardigan, by Charlotte Lance; art by David Booth
This delightfully quirky and heart-warming book for middlegrade readers tells the story from the unique perspectives of Gary Grey Moth,...
Sandy
Jun 9, 20221 min read
42 views
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The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon
This stunning verse novel for middlegrade readers is such a joy to read - lyrical, moving and unique. The story is told from the...
Sandy
May 11, 20222 min read
84 views
0 comments
The Calling of Jackdaw Hollow, by Kate Gordon
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the first two books in this beautifully lyrical series (The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn and The...
Sandy
Apr 30, 20222 min read
28 views
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Ming & Flo Fight for the Future, by Jackie French
This story for middlegrade readers is empowering and captivating, showing young readers that girls can do anything! The author, Jackie...
Sandy
Apr 14, 20222 min read
100 views
0 comments
Amma's Sari, by Sandhya Parappukkaran; Illustrated by Michele Pereira
This gorgeous picture book about parent-child connection, culture and identity, and learning to take pride in who you are, is just...
Sandy
Apr 4, 20222 min read
114 views
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The Bravest Word, by Kate Foster
This is such a beautifully written and powerful read which shines a light on mental health in kids (particularly young boys). As the...
Sandy
Apr 1, 20223 min read
67 views
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Wednesday Weeks series, by Cristy Burne & Denis Knight
Magic meets science in this wildly entertaining and gripping series from Cristy Burne and Denis Knight. Wednesday Weeks doesn't mean to...
Sandy
Mar 12, 20221 min read
34 views
0 comments
CBCA 2022 Notables
The 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable books have been announced. These are a big deal in the Australian children's...
Sandy
Mar 1, 20221 min read
30 views
0 comments
What Snail Knows, by Kathryn Apel
Illustrations by Mandy Foot. This beautifully constructed verse novel for younger readers gently illuminates themes of loneliness,...
Sandy
Feb 28, 20222 min read
97 views
0 comments
Pawcasso, by Remi Lai
Pawcasso is a heartwarming graphic novel about the bond between humans and animals, loneliness and belonging, new friendships and family...
Sandy
Feb 15, 20221 min read
27 views
0 comments
Courageous Queens, by Angela Buckingham, Illustrations by Debora Islas
Courageous Queens brings us ten previously untold stories of fearless, resilient and clever women throughout history who have held...
Sandy
Dec 24, 20212 min read
23 views
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Dragon Skin, by Karen Foxlee
This middlegrade novel by multi-award-winning author Karen Foxlee is a work of art - from the stunning textured cover, to the...
Sandy
Dec 22, 20212 min read
33 views
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Worst Week Ever! Monday, by Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove
Monday is not a popular day of the week for any of us. But for Justin Chase, the narrator of this book, this particular Monday is shaping...
Sandy
Dec 2, 20212 min read
194 views
0 comments
Paws, by Kate Foster
The doggy star of this heartwarming and gently humorous book is Kevin, a sweet-natured cockapoo. Kevin belongs to Alex, the...
Sandy
Nov 24, 20212 min read
34 views
0 comments
Bailey Finch Takes a Stand, by Ingrid Laguna
This heartfelt and moving book for middle grade readers is a story of family and friendship and loss and caring for the environment. It...
Sandy
Nov 19, 20212 min read
17 views
0 comments
Sass and Traz Save the Library, by Michelle Worthington; illustrated by Naomi Greaves
If you love libraries and books, then you'll love this fun action-packed adventure story. Sass and Traz are twins who don't always agree...
Sandy
Nov 12, 20211 min read
26 views
0 comments
The Book for Happy Hearts, by Maggie Hutchings; illustrated by Jess Racklyeft
Warning: I am going to rave about this book a little bit because it's just so beautiful, and I highly recommend you buy multiple copies...
Sandy
Nov 9, 20212 min read
104 views
0 comments
Are You There Buddha? by Pip Harry
Did you read Judy Blume books when you were a teen? I sure did - and I loved 'Are You there God? It's me Margaret,' which was one of the...
Sandy
Nov 2, 20212 min read
40 views
0 comments
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