Kids reviews
Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills
Charley P – an up-and-coming TikTok rockstar playing shows all over the world – and her best friend George – a budding comedian and master of the ways of online marketing – are loving their newfound …
Your School is the Best by Maggie Hutchings
I am a huge fan of Maggie Hutchings and Felicita Sala’s Your Birthday Was the Best! so I was overjoyed to see the return of my favourite picture-book cockroach family in this perfectly timed follow-u…
Frindleswylde by Natalia O’Hara & Lauren O’Hara (illus.)
In this compelling adventure, Frindleswylde is the mysterious shapeshifter who Cora must outwit in order to escape an icy prison. But first, Cora must solve three seemingly impossible tasks set by he…
Batpig: When Pigs Fly by Rob Harrell
Things aren’t exactly going well for Batpig. He’s strapped to a rocket that’s headed for the sun. If he can’t break free he is going to fry! This is the thrilling opening scene where we first meet ou…
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein
Hating Alison Ashley is one of Australian literature’s finest campus novels, and Erica Yurken is surely one of its greatest (and most relatable) heroines. Erica is an aspiring thespian, mild hypochon…
Cat Problems by Jory John & Lane Smith (illus.)
This wonderful author–illustrator partnership has already given us two picture books featuring bad-tempered, cynical characters complaining about their lives: Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems. T…
Locked Out Lily by Nick Lake & Emily Gravett (illus.)
Lily has a lot to contend with. Not only does she feel powerless in her battle with a chronic illness, she fears losing her parents to a new addition to her family. As her Mum and Dad dote over their…
The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
When Andy’s crankiness gets too much, and Terry suggests a nice relaxing camping holiday, Andy begrudgingly agrees that it might be nice to visit the new camping level of the treehouse. Unfortunately…
Plume: World Explorer by Tania McCartney
While we may not be able to travel much ourselves, the utterly delightful penguin Plume can, and he makes for a wonderful guide on a journey around the world, exploring different climates, locations …
The Lion Above the Door by Onjali Q. Raúf
Leo belongs to one of only a few Asian families in Whot. When their class starts studying the Second World War (WW2), Leo and his friend Sangeeta wonder why there aren’t any faces that look like thei…