Sandy
Girl of the Southern Sea, by Michelle Kadarusman
This is an empowering, moving and beautifully articulated story of loss and grief and family love, of finding your inner strength against...
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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Sandy
- Jan 27, 2021
- 2 min
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn, by Kate Gordon
This enchanting story for middlegrade readers is at once both uplifting and heartbreaking. It has the dreamy flow and rhythm of a...
18 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 27, 2021
- 2 min
Living on Stolen Land, by Ambelin Kwaymullina
'You are living on stolen land what can you do about it?’ (p.6). This book is a poignant, empowering call for action, which exposes the...
6 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 18, 2021
- 1 min
A Day at the Beach, by Cassie Roberts; illustrated by Judy Richards
Not only does this picture book have perfect summer vibes, with its beach setting and bright sun-drenched illustrations, but it also...
30 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 13, 2021
- 3 min
The Little Wave, by Pip Harry
I really love verse novels - so when I heard about this book for middle grade readers told in verse, I was keen to read it. Verse novels...
19 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 11, 2021
- 1 min
Too Many Cheeky Dogs, by Johanna Bell & Dion Beasley
This delightful picture book engages its young readers from the first page through its use of bright colours, and questions directed at...
10 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 11, 2021
- 1 min
This One is Ours, by Kate O'Donnell
This engaging story of art and activism is set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris. Sixteen-year-old artist Sofie is an exchange...
4 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 9, 2021
- 2 min
Across the Risen Sea, by Bren MacDibble
I love this beautifully crafted middle grade novel not only for its story of adventure and mystery, but also for its compelling, unique...
27 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 7, 2021
- 2 min
Snippet from my YA manuscript Exposed.
I hope you enjoy this snippet from my young adult manuscript 'Exposed.' Exposed was shortlisted for the Matilda Children's Literature...
61 views0 comments
Sandy
- Jan 7, 2021
- 1 min
Wandering Star by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated Stephen Michael King.
This beautifully written and illustrated picture book tells a magical story about a young girl and her beloved horse, who together 'roam...
9 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 28, 2020
- 2 min
Stars Like Us, by Frances Chapman
If you love an addictive edgy read set against a background of rock music, fame and teen relationships, then this is the book for you! I...
15 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 28, 2020
- 1 min
Ghost Bird, by Lisa Fuller
Reasons why Ghost Bird is one of my top reads of 2020: The writing: this is a beautifully crafted book, with writing that is rich with...
34 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 24, 2020
- 2 min
Rudie Nudie Christmas, by Emma Quay
Here is my pick of the best picture book to share with your little people on Christmas Eve: 'Rudie Nudie Christmas,' written and...
20 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 22, 2020
- 1 min
Macca's Christmas Crackers, written and illustrated by Matt Stanton
Make sure to add this delightfully festive book to your kid's Christmas book collection! Playful rhymes make this book a joy to read...
12 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 22, 2020
- 2 min
Danger Versus the Ranger, and Danger & The Good Book, written and illustrated by Lindsay Holliday
Mr 8 and I loved having the opportunity to read the first and second books in the ‘Danger’ series, which follow the adventures of...
17 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 19, 2020
- 1 min
The Giant and the Sea, written by Trent Jamieson, illustrated by Rovina Cai.
This is a lyrical and visually compelling picture book with a powerful message about environment and climate change. This book will...
8 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 19, 2020
- 1 min
Looking for bookish Christmas gift ideas?
Books, of course, make the best gifts! If you're stuck for ideas, try one of these fabulous reads: Metal Fish, Falling Snow, by Cath...
14 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 18, 2020
- 3 min
When We Say Black Lives Matter, written and illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke
This is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book which shines a light on the Black Lives Matter movement. Our children most...
16 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 6, 2020
- 1 min
My Possum Plays the Drums by Catherine Meatheringham; illustrated by Max Hamilton.
Hearing possums scrabbling and thumping outside as darkness falls is a common Australian suburban experience, and this story transports...
6 views0 comments
Sandy
- Dec 6, 2020
- 2 min
Rockhopping, by Trace Bella
This picture book, in the style of a graphic novel, is an engrossing account of young Clancy’s adventure with Uncle Egg, around Gariwerd...
5 views0 comments