Sandy
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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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
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....
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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
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...
75 views0 comments
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...
28 views0 comments
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...
86 views0 comments
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...
65 views0 comments
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...
29 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...
27 views0 comments
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...
30 views0 comments
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...
129 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...
33 views0 comments
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
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
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...
75 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...
36 views0 comments
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