South Australian author Helen Edwards has written her third engaging upper middle grade to early YA historical fiction novel, On Gallant Wings, which follows The Rebels of Mount Buffalo and Legend of the Lighthouse Moon. This new release begins with the bombing and evacuation of Darwin in 1942 and shares the story of Ava, her family, her homing pigeons and her friends, through the remaining war years both at home in Australia and in war zones overseas.
With the threat of war looming large over the city of Darwin Ava and her best friend Kazuo spend time together enjoying childhood activities and looking after and training Ava’s precious homing pigeons. Ava’s Dad is serving overseas as an RAAF navigator and her brother Fred has lied about his age joining the militia and then the Australian Corps of Signals Pigeon Service and taking Ava’s pigeons with him. Sadly, Kazuo is interned along with his family and other Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. Ava stays in Darwin due to her mother’s important job but once Darwin is bombed they are evacuated to her grandparents farm in Lake Boga.
For Ava, the changes she has to cope with are not easy and as she struggles silently with each day passing, readers gain a valuable insight into Ava’s worries about her father, her brother and her pigeons especially Essie, who are serving their country. The journey firstly by cattle train from Darwin to various towns along the way is long and challenging and fitting into a new life at her grandparents farm takes time and courage on Ava’s part. She does though make friends, bravely stands up for Kazuo and learns to be proud of what she continues to manage.
Author Helen Edwards is a gifted researcher who successfully combines fact with fiction to provide a compelling read. There are many stories within the main story and the clever use of letters to allow the readers to hear about the lives of Ava’s Dad, Fred and Essie provides a rich background of learning. Darwin’s suffering during wartime has not always been a focal point for historians and with the mention of the little known Catalina Flying Boat Base, there is an opportunity for readers both young and old to discover more about Australia’s wartime past.
This wonderful pop-up book will be eagerly sort after, especially starring the hungry caterpillar, a character loved since first appearing in 1969!
The hungry caterpillar is just an egg on the leaf as the book is opened, while a lift-up flap shows the rising sun which allows the egg to hatch one very hungry caterpillar. Turning over the page we come across some familiar looking fruit, apples, pears, plums strawberries, and oranges, all with a hole eaten out of them. On that page, numbers one to five are reprised with the fruit, but over the page, we find that the caterpillar is sampling a lot of different things, leaving a hole in the midst of each: these include a piece of cake, an ice cream, a lollipop, and a slice of watermelon. And that night he does not feel very well. Children will be delighted with the little flap which shows his distressed state.
Over the page, he has retreated back to eating leaves, and again we see a lot of holes eaten. The caterpillar is getting bigger all the time. When the time is right, he builds himself a cocoon where he stays for about two weeks, until he nibbles a hole in the end and emerges as something completely different. I can hear the wows of the children when they turn that last page, marveling at the lite cycle of this little caterpillar. This book is a beautiful, engrossing introduction to the natural world for eager little fingers, keen to lift the flaps and marvel at their environment.
Eric Carle died in 2021, but his legacy lives on with a new range of books to delight the younger reader.
Alma is tall, and so basketball is her sport. She is the classic ‘middle child’ - so ironically is overlooked, but it is in the pursuit of the purple-bellied parrot that she stands out. On a family bird watching activity, she makes a rare sighting of a bird that has not been seen for 32 years, but without corroboration it leads her to an impossible task of proving that her word counts as truth. Friends, family, teachers and birdwatchers generally are curious and in two minds about her experience. Can she be trusted? What should she do to encourage them to believe her? Alma is at that pre-teen age when friends and reputations are important, and she is at risk of losing both! This is a fun ‘tall tale’, the second in the series. Alma is quirky, a little prone to weaving truth into knots to justify poor choices and yet is remarkably likeable. Her poor decisions are immediately obvious to readers but not to Alma and we must follow her discomfort throughout the book. She has amazing friends, the obligatory teasers or mean-girl associates, teammates who are accommodating (after all she is very tall and can influence the result of a game), and the usual struggles with family members.
This is a great book for readers aged 9-13, but I loved it too! This perhaps is slightly coloured by my experience of knowing birders and twitchers and their passions (I have even been a semi-reluctant bird spotter myself), but even without a personal knowledge of the quirky world of Birding, this is a fun story.There are a smattering of amusing cartoon-style illustrations through the book and some very funny moments, as well as the insights into pre-teen experience, making poor choices, stretching the truth and being distrusted and how this impacts a child’s wellbeing. The story is written with a tongue-in-cheek style from the perspective of Alma and will be a great book to put in the hands of pre-teen girls. With perhaps a hint of the quirkiness of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this is a series that will be a winner with young readers.
Themes Birdwatching, Basketball, Pre-teens, Truth and lies, Friendship.
Carolyn Hull
The thylacine and the time machine by Renee Treml
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181184. (Age:8+) Highly Recommended.
Violet has a school assignment to finish over a weekend focussed on the extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine as we discover they prefer to be called. This graphic novel is a great fun read and could almost be non-fiction as it has a lot of informative and real educational information. Renée Trell does what she does best writing fun informative and engaging graphic novels with a guest appearance by Sherlock Bones.
Violet has been working hard on her assignment and is all alone in the room except for her dog Tassie, when she is visited by the ghost of a thylacine who is determined to educate her on all things, Thylacine. In the process Violet is taken back to the past when thylacines roamed Tasmania and learns how they supported the natural world in ensuring that the populations of small marsupials were kept in balance with other flora and fauna. They then travel to a lab where they meet a scientist who discusses her work and how science is helping other endangered species.
The graphic novel follows the characters into the future before landing back in front of the computer that Violet is doing her project on. This book will appeal to children who like graphic novels and learning about the natural world. It will also appeal to students with a scientific interest in extinction with a bit of Jurassic Park thrown in the mix. This is an informative and engaging graphic novel that could be used for science and discussions around extinction, DNA extraction from fossils and taxidermy specimens, and the environmental impacts of humans.
I really enjoyed reading this and found the information to be informative and done in such a way that students would be able to engage with it particularly like when Violet says 'I want to know more but I need it in language I understand'. This is a great example for students to show that it’s okay to ask for simplified information when they don’t understand. This is a fabulous book that I can see becoming a favourite within school libraries and on home library shelves, for confident independent readers as there is a lot of information in the margins and footers.
Frog Squad: Sink or Swim is an exciting treasure hunt presented as an episode on a TV show. It is ideal for young readers 6 plus and includes engaging illustrations throughout. Expect plenty of playful puns that keep things froggy, and ‘ad breaks’ that include a humorous play on TV advertising!
Although this is the third instalment in the series, the introduction provides sufficient recap and background for it to be enjoyed as a standalone adventure. Join the Frog Squad, a team of frogs residing on a high-tech floating base called the Lily Pad, which transports them to various locations. Discover fascinating facts about different frog species and marine life – the Captain, for example, is a Green Tree Frog, while the Professor is a Titicaca Water Frog.
The Professor needs the help of the Frog Squad, which takes them on a journey to the Bermuda Triangle in search of an ancient shipwreck treasure, a priceless pearl. The Professor has invented special Frogvision goggles that allows them to see long distances, descending to the ocean floor in a special mini submarine called the Sea Pickle.
When the Professor gets lost in the Sea Pickle, it’s up to the Frog Squad to rescue them and race against time. Along the way, they encounter their rivals, the Toads, and a madcap battle ensues, complete with ping-pong balls and jelly.
The adventure also includes valuable lessons about the environmental impact of plastic in our oceans and looking after our natural environment. Young readers who enjoyed the humour of Kate Temple's The Under Dogs books and her picture book, Bin Chicken, will love this instalment of the Frog Squad series.
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761180644. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Claire Saxby’s Volcano is a captivating picture book that brings the power and wonder of underwater volcanic eruptions to life and shares factual information about their role in shaping our planet. With a vivid, informative and engaging text, along with stunning illustrations by Jess Racklyeft, this book takes young readers deep beneath the ocean’s surface to witness and explore how the underwater eruption reshapes the seabed and influences the surrounding marine and terrestrial ecosystem.
Saxby’s writing is both informative and lyrical, making complex geological processes understandable and interesting for young readers. She cleverly balances scientific facts with expressive storytelling, drawing readers into the exciting world beneath the ocean’s surface. The book not only explains how volcanoes form and erupt but also highlights the ripple effects on marine and coastal life. Readers will discover how volcanic activity creates new habitats, influences the delicate balance of nature and contribute to the Earth's ever-changing landscape; forming mountains, ridges and islands over time.
Racklyeft’s illustrations are a visual feast, filled with bright, vibrant colours and intricate details that perfectly complement the text. Each page bursts with movement and energy, helping to depict the immense power of the eruption and its impact on the underwater world. The artwork adds depth and excitement, even including a gatefold to a large volcanic eruption, ensuring extra excitement and engagement for young readers.
Perfect for curious minds, Volcano is an excellent introduction to earth science and marine ecosystems. It is ideal for classroom discussions, nature lovers and aspiring young scientists. With its blend of fascinating facts, lyrical language and breathtaking illustrations, Volcano is a must-read for children eager to explore the dynamic forces that shape our planet.
Simon & Schuster, 2025. ISBN: 9781398543249. (Age:14+) Recommended.
Vendetta is written by the popular author of The dagger and the flame and The Twin Crown series. It was first published in 2015 and republished in 2025 with an appealing new cover – and it has stood the test of time. Sophie’s summer holidays working at her uncle’s diner are much more interesting when five handsome Italian boys come to live in the old Priestley mansion. Sparks fly when she meets Nic, but secrets about the Falcone family and Sophie’s own past mean that their Romeo and Juliet romance could be doomed. Nic is part of a Mafia clan and Sophie’s father is in prison.
This is a story that readers will want to stay up to finish, and then beg for Inferno, the next in the series. Doyle gradually builds up the tension as Sophie cannot work out why she is being warned away from the Falcone family by both her dodgy uncle and the boys in the family. Some readers will be frustrated by Sophie’s inability to work out what is happening but the truth is gradually revealed and the gripping closing section of the book makes up for her incomprehension.
Doyle’s clever narrative and plotting bring Sophie’s world to life. The themes of revenge, an eye for an eye and the beliefs of the brothers, brought up with a Mafia code, make for an intriguing story and the romance will entice readers to find the next book in the series.
Themes Murder, Romance, Thriller, Mafia.
Pat Pledger
All about the gut by Dr Liz Bannister. Illus. by Beck Feiner
All About the Gut, written by Dr Liz Bannister, a paediatric gastroenterologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, is the third book in the All About the Body non-fiction series. Gut health is of vital importance in our society today. It is reported on frequently in the media and children today are possibly more aware of how gut health plays an important role in a healthy mind and body than they were in past years.
The book begins with the description of the gut as the engine of the body and that the gut begins at the mouth and ends at the bottom. The following pages discuss digestion in detail with clear images and accessible text. Key words are highlighted and the more challenging ones are to be found in the glossary at the back of the book. The topic of nutrients follows digestion and goes into detail about how they are necessary for growth. There is information about poos and releasing gases and microbes. The connection between the gut and mind is an important section to read and focus on.
The information presented on every double page spread is in accessible font and is well-spaced. The colourful images and diagrams add appeal to the very interesting facts shared.
This is another wonderful companion to All About the Heart and All About the Brain. A treasure trove of simplified facts to encourage young children to understand how the human body works.
Themes Gut, Food, Science, Human Bodies.
Kathryn Beilby
Design & Building on Country by Alison Page and Paul Memmott. Illus. by Blak Douglas
Thames & Hudson, 2024. ISBN: 9781760763565. (Age:Primary and secondary) Recommended.
Whenever our young people hear the now familiar Welcome to Country or recite their school's Acknowledgement of Country, are they just hearing or saying words or do they have an understanding of the meaning and purpose behind them?
Ever since 1835 when NSW Governor Richard Bourke implemented the legal principle of terra nullius in Australian law as the basis for British settlement until its repeal in 1992 by the High Court's Mabo Decision that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuing connection and rights to land through Native Title, there was a legally perpetuated belief that Australia was, indeed, a "land belonging to no one", having "a complete absence of people and additionally the absence of 'civilised' people capable of land ownership" and thus, was used to justify and legitimise the dispossession, dispersal, and inhumane treatment of First Nations peoples.
But in this book, shortlisted for the CBCA 2025 Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, the authors and illustrators have provided a critical insight into the culture and history that underpins those statements and helping them better appreciate what they are hearing and saying. With easily accessible language, impactful illustrations and an appealing layout, they show that not only was the land populated by a culture that has been here for 65 000 years at least - making it the longest continuing culture in the world - but that there were amazing homes and buildings constructed, as well as incredible science, technology and design knowledge ensuring both its continuation and development.
A peek inside...
Speaking directly to the reader, they start with an explanation of the difference between 'country' and 'Country' as it forms such an integral part of who the Aboriginal person is, their heritage, beliefs, values and identity. Using their own cultural heritage as well as their professional expertise in design and development to show that this country was anything but terra nullius, readers learn about how the need for food and shelter were satisfied by the invention, development and refinement of tools and structures that were unique to the land and landscape around them as well as contributing to that deep connection to the land and their spirituality. But as well as offering the information itself, the reader is also encouraged to consider how their own environment determines and impacts how their lives are lived. While modern technology and transport might mean that our food needs and availability are fairly generic, how does my mountain landscape change my life compared to that of my brother on the Queensland coast? How does what those who have lived thousands of years before us influence how we live now?
Originally published as a book for adults in the First Knowledges series edited by Margo Neale which include: Astronomy, Country, Innovation, Plants, Health, Songlines. Design and Law, this is the second from that series that has been developed for young readers, the first being Songlines, itself a CBCA Notable Book for the Eve Pownall Award in 2024. Both, and any future adaptations deserve a prominent place in any primary or secondary school collection supporting First Nations studies.
Januaries: Stories of love, magic & betrayal by Olivie Blake
Tor Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781035039586. (Age:17+) Highly recommended.
This ‘mix tape’ of 14 short stories spans the gamut of human experiences; love, betrayal, revenge, motherhood, power and death, and invites reflection on life’s big questions.
The styles are as varied as the themes; adult fairy tales, wedding vows, absurdist verse, reimagined Greek myths, magical realism, romantic noir, speculative fiction and fantasy.
Blake’s world-building is impressive as she creates a magical/mythical/speculative universe for each, populated with characters that variously include fairies, demons, witches, vampires, gods and demigods and medieval lovers, as well as contemporary young adults visited by these creatures. All the stories are infused with both humour and tragedy…
The guardian of a magical bridge grants wishes each month.
A futuristic Life Audit program loans young people their life earnings, on the condition that later in life they work to pay it back.
A young orphan joins a Victorian witch family as their servant but over time becomes something much more.
Two vengeful Medieval lovers take turns to kill each other before returning with various magical powers.
Wedding vows envisage a changing future together.
A boxer, foretold of his death in a year, is challenged by a disgraced demigod to do better.
A shaman is resurrected to help concoct potions.
A mother confronts the conflicting emotions of her post-natal depression.
A poet writes to the village witch.
In a humorous satire a young man dies prematurely and is sent to Hell because of the way he would have lived his life.
A poor American Filipino student takes a job cooking for a series of hungry demons. Can she keep them at bay?
A young woman is lured by a handsome stranger into his night castle where she confronts truth, her future, wishes and fear.
An assassin crosses multiple universes to ensure that parallel histories are kept on track.
A banished pixie shares a house with a depressed young woman; as she asks questions to better understand human behaviour, they both learn more about themselves.
Three of these pieces were previously published in Fairytales of the Macabre, but in this collection, there is sure to be something for everyone who is open to the weird and wonderful.
Themes Relationships, Love, Magic.
Margaret Crohn
The first sunrise by Vanessa Stevens. Illus. by Paul Seden
The First Sunrise is a beautifully retold Aboriginal story by Vanessa Stevens, passed down from her father, Alec Stevens. Set on Mbabaram Country in Far North Queensland, this tale shares the origins of the boomerang and the first sunrise, and the vital role played by Kangaroo and Emu, who are entrusted with a significant task by Mulungh, the great creator.
Stevens’ storytelling is both lyrical and engaging, honouring the tradition of passing down knowledge through oral storytelling. The narrative carries deep cultural significance, offering insights into lore, respect for the environment and the importance of preserving history for future generations. Through Kangaroo and Emu’s journey, young readers learn the origin of the boomerang and how the sun became. Their actions bringing light, time and the four directions; shaping the world as we know it.
Paul Seden’s enchanting illustrations bring the story to life, depicting the natural world with rich, earthy tones that reflect the landscape and spirit of Country. The complementing illustrations attract the audience and bring this story truly to life.
Adding further enhancement are the fascinating scientific facts that will enrich young minds. The book includes technical illustrations and information that explores how the sun has long been used for timekeeping and navigation, showing how shadows change throughout the day and how the sun’s position helps determine direction. It also includes the aerodynamics of boomerangs, including their shape and essential throwing technique tips. These elements make the book not just a cultural treasure but also an educational resource, blending Indigenous knowledge with science in an accessible way.
The First Sunrise is a valuable resource for classrooms and families alike, fostering an appreciation for Aboriginal culture and the wisdom embedded in Dreaming Stories. It encourages reflection on the natural world and our place within it. This book is a timeless tale that will captivate young readers and inspire them to listen, learn and share stories that are meant to be remembered forever. Teacher's notes are available.
The Greedy Wolf by Timothy Knapman and Jean Jullian
Walker Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781406385175.
There was once a greedy wolf. He was so greedy that every day he would eat enough food for TEN birthday parties and still be hungry for more...
But his favourite food was young goats so when he comes across Mother Goat heading off to buy food, leaving her seven kids alone he believes all his dreams have come true. So, disguising himself as a postman he rings the doorbell....
But the little goats are not fooled and refuse to open the door, even though the wolf tries other disguises. But then, when he says he is "a talking rosebush with a flowerpot on his head", they relent and...
Highly reminiscent of the original tale by the Brothers Grimm, but with significant, modern twists, this is a story that also has elements of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs that young readers may recognise, setting it up for some interesting compare-and-contrast discussions as they look for the similarities and differences. Older students could even investigate the concept of plagiarism to understand how much an original piece has to be changed to be considered new and unique as this is - they can't just copy and paste and change a few words to call something their own.
Bold text and bold illustrations, along with the kids' innovative way of saving themselves not only make this an engaging read but may also open up doors to read the original and other variations while also being a golden opportunity to talk about stranger danger and keeping themselves safe.
Barbara Braxton
Peppermint and Popcorn Days: A book of verse for children by Anna Myra Notley. Illus. by Anna Falconer
Imagine you are a child and have been told to shut your eyes and listen to these words...
Key to a Kingdom Elven homes and fairy dens sandy stony sweeps and bends overhangs and underworlds rusty reddy streaks and curls a kingdom in one liquid rock here's the key now try the lock...
Where have your mind-pictures taken you? What magical world is unfolding for you to create in your own words or pictures? What adventure have you booked in your imagination?
This is just one of the poems in this outstanding collection for young readers that invite them to listen, imagine and dream and savour the language as so few words tell so much.
Accompanied by bright, detailed illustrations that enrich the experience for those whose imaginations might not be as mature yet, these poems are ideal for sharing the rhythms, rhymes and magic of our language as it rolls off the tongue and sparks imagery, memories and might-bes. Full of the whimsy and wonder and words that take little ones on the private journeys that the ready-made images of the screen prevent, each offers something special that inspires or intrigues or just makes you LOL- like when Jim finds himself in a jam because his elephant has sat on him!!
But as well as being a delight for young listeners exploring the marvels of language, each poem also offers older readers the opportunity to explore language devices such as alliteration, assonance, metaphors, similes and all those other technical terms that they are expected to know. There are teachers' notes available that detail the focus of each particular poem which will help students enrich their own writing, whether poetry or prose, but for little ones, just the flow of the language will enchant.
A black&write fellowship winner, Lisa Fuller’s novel presents a warm and loving family, sisters Bella and Cienna, their mother and Gran, and two younger siblings. The language is so natural, you can hear the voices, and recognise that this is a caring Aboriginal family very much in tune with the natural world. A visit to their favourite place, the Washpool, sees the two girls dive deep into the water, and then magically enter a strangely coloured other world full of mystery and adventure.
The book becomes a fantasy adventure, a quest to unite warring factions, save a stolen dragon’s egg, and then eventually find their way back home again. Within this world there are lessons to be learned, about courage, working together, and respect for different ways of doing things.
Bella and Cienna are two very different personalities. Cienna is strong and forthright, whilst Bella is quieter and thoughtful. Each of them learns from the other about how to handle bullying and conflict, whilst still maintaining their individuality.
Entering the magical world that Fuller creates becomes a subtle way for young readers to learn about relationships and collaboration with others. The lessons are never intrusive, it is just such a fun and enjoyable reading experience. I know that readers will be reluctant to leave the world of Muse; fortunately there is a hint that there may be a sequel to come.
Embark on a laugh out loud journey with bestselling author Nick Bland, the creative mind behind The Very Cranky Bear series.
Meet Bling Jollygood: a charming character that is part penguin, part canary, and a full-time undercover reporter. Bling Jollygood is captured by General Doodle-Doo and forced to undertake a special mission. Doodle-Doo has been stealing rare and expensive seeds and storing them in a silo storage facility. Through a giant telescope, Doodle-Doo shows Bling the giant egg-shaped comet hurtling towards earth, straight for their home and the precious stolen seeds.
Bling is forced to quickly assemble an eclectic crew to take a spaceship and blow up the comet and save the planet. In a hilariously named shuttle called Dodo, the crew of Bling Jollygood, a robot rabbit, a tortoise with rockets built into its shell and a bloodhound, set about on their mission. Whether they are creating zany gadgets or devising ways to stop the comet, their adventure is filled with excitement, laughter, and surprising turns. Every character they meet along the way proves to be incredibly helpful - but perhaps a bit too helpful…
Bland is a masterful illustrator, the artwork in Bling Jollygood(The Fairly Secret Files) adds an extra layer of hilarity to the story, capturing all the action and fun. This book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud, as Bland’s trademark humour shines through in every chapter, with a delightful mix of slapstick comedy and clever wordplay. The outrageous situations that Bling and her team face lead to a whirlwind of trouble, creating the perfect combination of silliness and cleverness that will keep readers captivated and entertained.
