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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Solomon Macaroni and the Cousin Catastrophe; by Ashleigh Barton

Sandy

Aug 13, 20222 min read

Solomon Macaroni and the Cousin Catastrophe; by Ashleigh Barton

I adored this fabulously funny and delightfully creepy story about family, old magic, and courage. Solomon Macaroni is not like other...

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Sandy

Jun 24, 20222 min read

Big Magic, by Sarah Armstrong

If you love a circus setting and magic and a strong female protagonist, then this middlegrade novel might just be the story for you....

129 views0 comments

Moth in a Fancy Cardigan, by Charlotte Lance; art by David Booth

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,...

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Sandy

May 11, 20222 min read

The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon

This stunning verse novel for middlegrade readers is such a joy to read - lyrical, moving and unique. The story is told from the...

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The Calling of Jackdaw Hollow, by Kate Gordon

Sandy

Apr 30, 20222 min read

The Calling of Jackdaw Hollow, by Kate Gordon

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the first two books in this beautifully lyrical series (The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn and The...

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Ming & Flo Fight for the Future, by Jackie French

Sandy

Apr 14, 20222 min read

Ming & Flo Fight for the Future, by Jackie French

This story for middlegrade readers is empowering and captivating, showing young readers that girls can do anything! The author, Jackie...

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Amma's Sari, by Sandhya Parappukkaran; Illustrated by Michele Pereira

Sandy

Apr 4, 20222 min read

Amma's Sari, by Sandhya Parappukkaran; Illustrated by Michele Pereira

This gorgeous picture book about parent-child connection, culture and identity, and learning to take pride in who you are, is just...

112 views0 comments

Sandy

Apr 1, 20223 min read

The Bravest Word, by Kate Foster

This is such a beautifully written and powerful read which shines a light on mental health in kids (particularly young boys). As the...

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Wednesday Weeks series, by Cristy Burne & Denis Knight

Sandy

Mar 12, 20221 min read

Wednesday Weeks series, by Cristy Burne & Denis Knight

Magic meets science in this wildly entertaining and gripping series from Cristy Burne and Denis Knight. Wednesday Weeks doesn't mean to...

34 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

Feb 15, 20221 min read

Pawcasso, by Remi Lai

Pawcasso is a heartwarming graphic novel about the bond between humans and animals, loneliness and belonging, new friendships and family...

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Courageous Queens, by Angela Buckingham, Illustrations by Debora Islas

Sandy

Dec 24, 20212 min read

Courageous Queens, by Angela Buckingham, Illustrations by Debora Islas

Courageous Queens brings us ten previously untold stories of fearless, resilient and clever women throughout history who have held...

23 views0 comments

Sandy

Dec 22, 20212 min read

Dragon Skin, by Karen Foxlee

This middlegrade novel by multi-award-winning author Karen Foxlee is a work of art - from the stunning textured cover, to the...

31 views0 comments

Worst Week Ever! Monday, by Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove

Sandy

Dec 2, 20212 min read

Worst Week Ever! Monday, by Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove

Monday is not a popular day of the week for any of us. But for Justin Chase, the narrator of this book, this particular Monday is shaping...

134 views0 comments

Sandy

Nov 24, 20212 min read

Paws, by Kate Foster

The doggy star of this heartwarming and gently humorous book is Kevin, a sweet-natured cockapoo. Kevin belongs to Alex, the...

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Bailey Finch Takes a Stand, by Ingrid Laguna

Sandy

Nov 19, 20212 min read

Bailey Finch Takes a Stand, by Ingrid Laguna

This heartfelt and moving book for middle grade readers is a story of family and friendship and loss and caring for the environment. It...

16 views0 comments

Sass and Traz Save the Library, by Michelle Worthington; illustrated by Naomi Greaves

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...

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The Book for Happy Hearts, by Maggie Hutchings; illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Sandy

Nov 9, 20212 min read

The Book for Happy Hearts, by Maggie Hutchings; illustrated by Jess Racklyeft

Warning: I am going to rave about this book a little bit because it's just so beautiful, and I highly recommend you buy multiple copies...

89 views0 comments

Sandy

Nov 2, 20212 min read

Are You There Buddha? by Pip Harry

Did you read Judy Blume books when you were a teen? I sure did - and I loved 'Are You there God? It's me Margaret,' which was one of the...

37 views0 comments

Aussie Kids Books

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