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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
Sep 28, 20221 min read
Real Pigeons: Duck Trouble (#9); by Andrew McDonald & Ben Woods
Real Pigeons is a fabulously fun series about a worldwide network of pigeons that fight crime. The boys and I have been big fans since...
121 views0 comments
Sandy
Aug 7, 20221 min read
The Super Adventures of Ollie & Bea, by Renee Treml
When two new books in this fun graphic novel series for younger readers were recently released Wise Quackers and Bats What Friends Are...
44 views0 comments
Sandy
Jul 2, 20222 min read
School of Monsters: Bug's First Day and Jem's Big Idea, by Sally Rippin, art by Chris Kennett
It's no secret that we are a little bit obsessed with the School of Monsters books in our household (I have previously reviewed the...
51 views0 comments
Sandy
Jun 9, 20221 min read
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,...
40 views0 comments
Sandy
Jun 4, 20221 min read
A Sprinkle of Sadie, by Lana Spasevski, art by Joanie Stone
This super sweet junior fiction series will have you wanting to whip up a batch of cupcakes even if (like me) you aren't a baker! This...
22 views0 comments
Sandy
May 21, 20221 min read
PD McPem's Agency for Mysterious Mysteries: The Recorder Racket, by Anna Battese
Illustrations by Ruth-Mary Smith I love kids books that celebrate inter-generational relationships, and this one does so beautifully. In...
56 views0 comments
Sandy
Mar 1, 20221 min read
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...
30 views0 comments
Sandy
Feb 28, 20222 min read
What Snail Knows, by Kathryn Apel
Illustrations by Mandy Foot. This beautifully constructed verse novel for younger readers gently illuminates themes of loneliness,...
96 views0 comments
Sandy
Nov 15, 20212 min read
The Underdogs (books 1 & 2), by Kate & Jol Temple; illustrated by Shiloh Gordon
"I really like these books because they make me laugh. I like that there is a mystery to solve, it keeps me interested in the story. The...
141 views0 comments
Sandy
Nov 12, 20211 min read
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...
25 views0 comments
Sandy
Jul 16, 20212 min read
You Are the Magic, by Jordana Borensztajn; illustrated by Paul Gorn
This beautiful collection of inspiring and empowering rhymes for children will make your heart sing. Each rhyme is a sparkling...
24 views0 comments
Sandy
Jul 4, 20212 min read
Mina and the Whole Wide World
I absolutely adore verse novels and have been eagerly anticipating this new verse novel by Sherryl Clark. Mina and the Whole Wide World...
157 views0 comments
Sandy
Jun 1, 20212 min read
School of Fish: Fintastic Four, by Louis Shea
My kids love reading about underwater adventures - there is something mysterious and engaging about this whole other world that exists,...
81 views0 comments
Sandy
Apr 26, 20211 min read
Mini Book Review: Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories, by Jeff Kinney
Mr 8 loved this book and wanted to share a quick review, so here it is: "I loved this book because the author had some very creative...
39 views0 comments
Sandy
Mar 23, 20212 min read
The Nerd Herd, by Nathan Luff and Chris Kennett
Mr 6 and I loved reading this book together. Here are Mr 6's thoughts on The Nerd Herd: "This was a good story and very funny. I liked...
76 views0 comments
Sandy
Dec 22, 20202 min read
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...
28 views0 comments
Sandy
Dec 6, 20202 min read
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...
29 views0 comments
Sandy
Dec 5, 20202 min read
The Quest Diaries of Max Crack, by Jules Faber
The Quest Diaries of Max Crack bristles with energy, action and adventure. As the story opens, our young protagonist, Max Crack, has...
17 views0 comments
Sandy
Oct 18, 20202 min read
Billie B Brown & Hey Jack: The Book Buddies, by Sally Rippin, illustrated by Ari Fukuoka
Australian Reading Hour Special Edition This special edition 'Billie B Brown & Hey Jack!' book is a joy to read. We are big fans of the...
69 views0 comments
Sandy
Oct 17, 20202 min read
Wombat, Mudlark & other stories, by Helen Milroy
The enduring power of friendship, and being kind and helpful to others, are themes that link the eight stories in this book together. The...
36 views0 comments
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