Kids

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi

Reviewed by Alexa Dretzke

A child’s imagination is an unencumbered expanse and can entertain possibilities and wonder that as adults we have mostly disengaged from; when was the last time you really mused on what is ‘over the ocean’?

In this sweet picture book…

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Confessions of an Imaginary Friend by Michelle Cuevas

Reviewed by Alexa Dretzke

Fleur and Jacques Papier are twins. Jacques loves his sister, but he’s worried by his parents lack of attention towards him. In fact, most adults are less than receptive towards Jacques.

However, he finds out Fleur has been keeping a…

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Diary of a Time Traveller by Nicholas Stevenson & David Long

Reviewed by Angela Crocombe

This fascinating book is not about time travel at all but is actually a history book looking at 25 key events and time periods throughout human civilization.

When Augustus claims that history is boring, he receives a mysterious present: a…

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Fairytales For Mr Barker by Jessica Ahlberg

Reviewed by Isobel Moore

Continuing on in the fine tradition of her parents, Jessica Ahlberg has created a beautifully detailed and charming fairytale story. The actual story is sweet, a chase through various fairytales after a dog, but the true highlight here is the…

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Harry Miller’s Run by David Almond & Salvatore Rubbino

Reviewed by Athina Clarke

On the face of it, Harry Miller’s Run describes a magic day in the early life of Harry (now an old man) who once ran from Newcastle to South Shields for a dip in the sea with friends. But beneath…

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The Bolds by Julian Clary

Reviewed by Athina Clarke

When a couple of English-speaking hyenas migrate from Africa to England and settle in a quiet suburban street they soon realise they’ll need more than just their human disguise – soon they get jobs, have pups and live an extraordinary…

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Moving Target by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Reviewed by Alexa Dretzke

A centuries old spear and a 21st century girl are on a collision course that could change the future of the world. What’s the plan? Cassie has no plan when out of nowhere her life is threatened and her father…

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Olive of Groves by Katrina Nannestad and Lucia Masciullo

Reviewed by Natalie Platten

Olive of Groves is my choice-pick for middle readers this year! A delightful, hilarious read full of suspense and drama that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

As the newest arrival at Mrs Groves’ Boarding School for Naughty…

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The Wonder Garden by Kristjana S Williams and Jenny Broom

Reviewed by Alexa Dretzke

Big, bold and beautiful, The Wonder Garden is a spectacular exploration of five natural regions of our amazing world. These are habitats that are home to fantastic creatures and plants, some well known and others more mysterious. Step into the…

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The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith and Alex T. Smith

Reviewed by Isobel Moore

Fans of the ever charming Dodie Smith are in for a treat with this new edition of The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Illustrated by the (almost!) equally charming Alex T. Smith this really is the perfect pairing, and Dodie’s…

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