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

Sandy

Aug 13, 2022
2 min

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 vampires. He's polite and considerate, unlike his pesky high-spirited cousins, with whom he's sent to live when his parents go off on vacation. Poor Solomon is on edge - not only is Transylvania creepy but his cousins always play pranks on him (except for kind-hearted Lucy). Despite the best efforts of Lucy, and Solomon's affable (if not slight

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Sandy

Jun 24, 2022
2 min

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. Eleven-year-old Tulsi performs in a travelling circus with her mother, who uses Big Magic in her performances. Tulsi longs to learn Big Magic, but her mother tells her she's too young. But when her mother disappears in a magic circus act gone wrong, Tulsi must learn enough Big Magic before the next full moon to bring her mother back. The only pr

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Moth in a Fancy Cardigan, by Charlotte Lance; art by David Booth

Sandy

Jun 9, 2022
1 min

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, who just wants to be seen, and Florence the colourful butterfly, who longs to fade into the background. But their outward appearances mean there are certain expectations placed on them in regard to how they should behave, and how others see them. So what happens when the two accidentally switch cardigans at school one day? This book is a work

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Sandy

May 11, 2022
2 min

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 perspective of Scruffity, a young pup who yearns to escape the cruelty of the puppy farm where he has been abandoned. He finds some comfort in the bond he forms with his 'ManPup,' who is also struggling with loneliness and rejection. When the two manage to escape the puppy farm together, things start looking up as Scruffity eagerly explores the worl

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The Calling of Jackdaw Hollow, by Kate Gordon

Sandy

Apr 30, 2022
2 min

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 Ballad of Melodie Rose, both previously reviewed here on my blog). Now, in this third book in the series, we meet Jackdaw Hollow, who lost his parents to a lightning strike when he was a baby. Jack was taken to Direleafe Hall, an all-girls school, to be raised by the kind and loving school Principal, Mrs Beekman. But something inside Jack feels b

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Ming & Flo Fight for the Future, by Jackie French

Sandy

Apr 14, 2022
2 min

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 French, is a prolific and much-loved author of children's books, with a particular focus on historical fiction. This story starts with twelve-year-old Ming sitting in history class feeling uninspired, and wondering why girls are rarely mentioned in the history books. Things really get a shake-up when time freezes and Herstory comes along to ma

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Amma's Sari, by Sandhya Parappukkaran; Illustrated by Michele Pereira

Sandy

Apr 4, 2022
2 min

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 stunning and has already made its way to the top of my favourites list for picture books released in 2022. In this book, young Shreya is enchanted by her Amma's silky saris, which evoke memories of love, adventure, and connection to the past. But when Shreya and Amma venture out into the streets, Shreya is anxious and self-conscious about the way

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Sandy

Apr 1, 2022
3 min

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 story opens, eleven-year-old Matt is struggling - once the top football player in his team, he's now finding that even walking onto the football field is triggering panic attacks. Not only that, but he's lost interest in hanging with his friends, his grades at school are slipping, and he feels constantly aching and tired. His mum thinks it might

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Wednesday Weeks series, by Cristy Burne & Denis Knight

Sandy

Mar 12, 2022
1 min

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 be disruptive in class - but when you are a sorcerers apprentice and your grandfather keeps interrupting class to whisk you away to a different realm on a hair-raising quest - well, it's not surprising things get a bit chaotic in the classroom at times. Joined by her brilliant and funny best friend Alfie and a wise-cracking talking skull name

31 views0 comments

Sandy

Mar 1, 2022
1 min

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 book industry, and I feel like we all wait with bated breath for the announcement each year. The awards are a wonderful way to celebrate some of our amazing children's books (which of course is what I aim to do via this blog!) Here are just a selection of the books that were included in the Notables list. These have all been reviewed/featur

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Sandy

Feb 28, 2022
2 min

What Snail Knows, by Kathryn Apel

Illustrations by Mandy Foot. This beautifully constructed verse novel for younger readers gently illuminates themes of loneliness, belonging, kindness, friendship and family. It will both break your heart and make you smile. Lucy and her Dad are always on the move, packing all their belongings into the old brown car and moving on to the next place. Lucy's Dad says they don't need anyone else - but Lucy's not so sure - what would happen if they needed help, or dad got sick - w

82 views0 comments

Sandy

Feb 15, 2022
1 min

Pawcasso, by Remi Lai

Pawcasso is a heartwarming graphic novel about the bond between humans and animals, loneliness and belonging, new friendships and family dynamics, art and ice-cream! It's school holidays and Jo is bored and lonely. When she sees Pawcasso trotting by her house with a shopping basket she decides to follow him. She stumbles across a group of kids from school who are engaged in a holiday art class, and they mistake Jo for Pawcasso's owner. Pawcasso becomes their model for art cla

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Courageous Queens, by Angela Buckingham, Illustrations by Debora Islas

Sandy

Dec 24, 2021
2 min

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 positions of leadership and power around the world. These women have fought for their people, made ground-breaking discoveries, and persevered through tumultuous times. Each story is breath-taking - filled with adventure and action, kindness and humanity. I imagine young readers will be spellbound while reading about the remarkable achievements o

20 views0 comments

Sandy

Dec 22, 2021
2 min

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 breath-taking prose. The protagonist is ten-year-old Pip, who spends her afternoons down at the waterhole, quietly remembering her friend Mika. Home is no longer a safe space - her mum's boyfriend Matt has sucked away all the light and laughter. Now there's a constant undercurrent of danger. But everything changes when Pip finds an injured baby dragon

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Worst Week Ever! Monday, by Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove

Sandy

Dec 2, 2021
2 min

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 up to be worse than bad - it's horribly bad - in fact, it's the worst Monday EVER! Not only does Justin have to endure the embarrassment of being dropped off at his new school in a giant toilet on wheels, he also has to navigate a mean bully (who is charming on the surface), a toilet emergency with no toilet paper, nothing but green food in

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Sandy

Nov 24, 2021
2 min

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 eleven-year-old narrator of this engaging story for middle grade readers, which celebrates kindness, inclusion, creativity and the unconditional love between humans and animals. Alex is in his last year of primary school, and as the story starts he is worried about two things: starting high school, and never having a real-life friend. Alex is autistic, a

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Bailey Finch Takes a Stand, by Ingrid Laguna

Sandy

Nov 19, 2021
2 min

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 is also a story about having the courage to stand up and fight for change, even when it feels like the odds are against you. Bailey Finch and her beloved dog Sheba spend their afternoons at the creek, exploring and swimming. The creek is special to Bailey. She and her parents used to come to the creek regularly for picnics and to play with Sh

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Sass and Traz Save the Library, by Michelle Worthington; illustrated by Naomi Greaves

Sandy

Nov 12, 2021
1 min

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 on everything - but what they do have in common is a love of their local library. It provides a safe space and refuge for them when the outside world feels too big and noisy. The librarian, Ms Burns, always has a selection of books ready for them when they visit. So when Ms Burns breaks the bad news that the library is going to be shut down,

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The Book for Happy Hearts, by Maggie Hutchings; illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Sandy

Nov 9, 2021
2 min

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 to give as gifts to everyone you know! I was lucky enough to win my copy in a giveaway and am completely in love with it. This book simply sparkles with magic. It is filled with positive affirmations, stories, poems, creative and mindfulness activities, and craft ideas. Perfect for dipping in and out of, at bedtime, first thing in the morning

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Sandy

Nov 2, 2021
2 min

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 first books I'd read at the time to include frank discussion around girls and periods and body image. This beautifully written verse novel by Pip Harry also shines a light on body image and periods and other issues that tween girls are navigating - but in this book 12-year-old Bee talks to Buddha, and instead of hanging for her period to arr

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Aussie Kids Books

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