Giuseppe (known as Joe in Australia) Varischetti is an Italian boy, a new migrant to an Australian mining community in Western Australia in 1907. School is tough because his English is poor and the Aussie boys are cruel. But when his father is trapped underground following a significant flooding event, Joe too must wait with incredible patience while rescuers work out a way to bring his father to the surface alive. A community must come together despite the ethnic background of the trapped man and a young boy must dig deep to maintain hope.
Written in prose poetry, this is a story based on a real event and a real rescue (although Joe is a fictional character). Imagining the difficulty of a rescue mission in 1907 is part of the interest of the story. The prose poetry format makes this a very accessible story for young readers aged 10-14, and the story is told with a tight economy of words, but a powerful emotive quality. The tension of waiting and the distress of racist attitudes is well communicated, and to hear the story told through the (fictitious) son’s perspective makes this a good story for young readers. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Mining, Rescues, Italian migration, Racism, Courage, Verse novel.
Carolyn Hull
The world we can build by Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin & Daniel Gray-Barnett
Hardie Grant, 2025. ISBN: 9781761213601. (Age:3+)
A positive story about building something that will suit people of different abilities is offered in this cheery picture book co-written by Hull and Ripping and illustrated by Gray-Barnett, with lots of practical applications and pragmatic solutions born out of the needs of the children involved.
When Sam asks Carla around to his house to see this mother, he is embarrassed when he remembers that Carla will not be able to climb the steps at the entrance. They decide to go to the park instead, but realise that the park, like the school playground does not accomodate them: one in a wheelchair and other a friend who wants to play with her. Both are excluded. Together they decide to design a more inclusive playground and set about drawing one that includes ramps, levers and springs.
So they set about making changes to their playgrounds and the illustrations takes the readers into the wider world, showing changes that can be made in the streets or in halls, apartment buildings and shops, to enable all to be included, not just some.
Children will delight in the illustrations of the changes being made recognising some that have been achieved in their school or local community, in their parks and gardens, local shops and theatres. They will be aware of the differences these make to everyone’s participation and will be able to point these out.
The detail will attract their notice as they compare the things drawn to those they see, and question why a few things are still out of bounds for some people. A page of information is given at the beginning of the book about how the book came to be written, and at the end of the story is a page of information about Eliza Hull with ideas about including different abilities in the classroom.
Themes Disability, Wheelchairs, Inclusivity, Schools, Parks and gardens, Community spaces.
Fran Knight
The colt from Old Regret by Dianne Wolfer and Erica Wagner
National Library of Australia, 2025. ISBN: 9781922507686. (Age:4+) Recommended.
The first lines from Banjo Patterson’s well known poem is printed on the page before the title page, and offered in full at the end of the book. Once known by many as The Man from Snowy River, it was a homage to the bushmen who plied their trade in the highlands of the Australian Alps. It was often recited by people before TV filled their lives, and people could quote lines, while even today, people recognise the titles, The man from Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow, and may have seen the film of the first poem.
This book offers a story taking the point of view of the colt who got away and is the reason for the man from Snowy River being there. Wolfer outlines more details about the writing of this story at the end of book, where readers will also find The man from Snowy River in full, and essays about Banjo Patterson, bush poetry and brumbies. All of these give much of the background to the poem and are well worth reading. Younger students will find this information riveting.
The colt has got away and many stockmen including the famed man from Snowy River are trying to recapture him and bring him back to the station. His sire was well known and so this colt is valuable and must be captured before he joins the wild brumbies in the high valleys. And this is what he does, avoiding the stockmen with their whips and spurs, joining a stallion and his group of mares and foals. They hide out but are eventually cornered by the men and brought back to the station yards, where they are surrounded by fences. The stallion roams the yards through the night, the colt with him until he rears and beats down a fence with this hooves and superior strength. The mares follow him as he beats a path to the hills, and the whole group survives in the high mountains, free of men.
This is a wonderful retelling of the Australian bush, reminding us of the early pioneers and their fortitude in surviving such harsh conditions. The brumbies are well known in Australia stories, and readers will learn much about them from the poem, the story and the information given at the end of the book. The story is written against the most amazing backdrop: sweeps of highland of eucalypt trees, of fast moving horses dominate each page. Using collage and paint, Erica Wagner celebrates the Australian bush, filling her pages with images of the high country, the beauty of the skies, mountains and trees. Little evidence of man’s intervention in the mountains can be seen, and we cheer with the horses as they make their way into the hidden recesses of the alps.
This is a lively accompaniment to the original poem, enlarging its view as we see the colt flee to freedom, paralleling the bravery of the man from Snowy River, with that of the colt, each in their own way indicative of the qualities we associate with the Australian bush. The poem and the story sit well side by side, involving both men and animals in this tribute to a lifestyle of the another era. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Australian Alps, Brumbies, Australian poetry, Banjo Patterson.
Fran Knight
Nightshade by Autumn Woods
Pan Macmillan, 2025. ISBN: 9781035084005. (Age:Senior secondary) Recommended.
Nightshade by Autumn Woods is a captivating novel that drew me in with its unique intrigue and depth. From the outset, I was impressed by how it defied the typical enemies-to-lovers trope, offering unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The story follows Ophelia and Alex, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way, in a world filled with secrets and suspense. Ophelia’s ethereal presence and Alex’s rugged charm create a dynamic that is both engaging and relatable, setting the stage for a relationship that evolves beyond initial expectations. Woods’ writing is vivid and atmospheric, painting a world that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Her ability to weave themes of identity, power, and redemption throughout the narrative provided me with both entertainment and reflection. The pacing is expertly managed, building tension and excitement as the story unfolds, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
For fans of fantasy, mystery, and romance, Nightshade is must read. The book’s mystery element kept me guessing, as the identity of key figures remained elusive, inviting me to lose myself in the plot of the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Night Shade as it kept me engaged and constantly guessing, with its unexpected twists and rich character dynamics.
Charlie misses her Dad and her home in Broome, and resents having to move to Silver Gum in the Northern Territory. She’s not interested in making new friends or attending a new school. If she has to be in this place she would rather spend her time looking after the orphaned joeys she’s rescued, their mothers victims of speeding cars on Australia’s outback roads. It is a passion she shared with her father: a love of nature, and especially the wildlife.
A disgruntled TV weatherman, down on his luck, turns out to be an unlikely collaborator when his sense of responsibility, and more than a little guilt, kicks in, and the newcomer to the town finds himself drawn into Charlie’s plans to save baby kangaroos.
This is the premise of the book, and soon to be released movie, based on the story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, the man who established Alice Springs’ Kangaroo Sanctuary. It makes for a wonderful heart-warming story, and with actors including Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair and Ernie Dingo, plus lots of adorable big-eyed joeys, the film is sure to be a winner. So what better way to get young children into reading the next step up from picture books, than to provide an easy-to-read film tie-in, that allows them to imagine or re-imagine a story with strong themes of caring for wildlife, determination, perseverance and friendship, and quite a few laughs thrown in.
The Kid Who Fell Through Time is a hilariously funny, fast-paced adventure that blends laugh-out-loud humour with historical curiosity and discovery. Schoolboy Angus is your typical student who finds textbook history dull and pointless, until the night he’s accidentally whisked away to Roman Britain in the most unlikely of vehicles - a shopping trolley time machine, piloted by a cheese enthusiast from the local shop. What starts as crazy chaos soon becomes the most exciting homework opportunity in history - literally.
After returning from his first journey, Angus writes an epic history assignment that not only earns him top marks but also wins an award, making his parents beam with pride. Hooked on the thrill of success (and the rush of adventure), Angus decides to try travelling back in time to collect more first-hand “research” for school. But as anyone who’s dabbled in time travel knows, things never go quite as planned and the twists and turn that this story provides will not disappoint.
Greg James and Chris Smith’s witty, casual writing style makes this book an entertaining and easy read. The authors frequently ‘break the fourth wall’, talking directly to the reader with cheeky digressions that add to the fun. Scattered throughout are clever nuggets of real historical information, presented with the help of the wonderfully odd ‘Fact Pig’, a recurring character who pops up with quirky historical facts. This blend of silliness and genuine learning makes the novel both entertaining and sneakily educational.
Erica Salcedo’s amusing black-and-white illustrations perfectly captures the zany energy of the characters and adventures; adding loads of visual humour and helping to bring the madcap time-travel sequences to life.
Perfect for readers who love stories that are a fast and fun, with a bonus of some history too. A brilliant, bonkers and brainy read that will have kids laughing and learning without even realising it.
Every excuse that has ever been made is wrapped up in this funny story. Procrastination takes a bow as the theme detailing the excuses one little boy makes when he simply cannot be ready on time. But these excuses are not what’s expected. The first page has the boy responding to his mother’s ‘Time to go’ with, ‘Wait a minute, I’ve got to tie my sh …’ children will yell out ‘shoelaces’ as the page is turned, only to laugh out loud at the funny excuse the lad gives, not including the word shoelaces, but sheep!
These first two pages set the scene for the rest of the book, as excuses are given which elicit an expected response from the children, but the excuse becomes fanciful as each page is turned. So, ‘I’m going to brush my t. ..’ becomes brushing a tiger’s tail, and ‘I’ve got to find my h …’ becomes finding a hungry hippo.
Children will love working out their own excuses and changing the expected response as the book does.
A frustrated mum lists all the excuses he gives, but the boy interrupts her, saying ‘Oh wait a minute! I forgot my water b …’ The expected water bottle turns into a very funny buffalo lying in a soapy bath reading his newspaper. But then mum calls out again ‘Let’s go’, and he tells her ‘Wait a minute, You need your k …’
Instead of letting him finish with a fanciful response, she breaks in with all the things she can think of that start with k. Again readers will love calling out all the things named, offering some themselves which fits the scene. And turning the last page, gives the reminder the boy is offering his mother.
A wonderfully upside down story, in which kids will laugh at the responses the boy gives, turning the expected responses on their heads. Kids will love the fun of working out what will come after remembering the repeated lines and saying them as the story is read to them, predicting the response.
Zany illustrations cover each page, capturing the readers’ attention as they turn each page. They will love the range of animals pictured, and the positions the illustrator puts them in: the two legged sheep race, the tiger tail being brushed, the laughing llama and so on. I loved the ugg booted crab, the startled kangaroo and the hungry hippo and the last page where all the animals follow mum out the door, finally, but it has taken a lot of patience on her part.
Larrikin House is producing some very funny picture books and the inside back cover shows some of their enticing range. They are well worth seeking out.
Unless you took the time to look, few knew there was a garden on Lot 33. Most people just hurried past, too engrossed in their own lives and thoughts to notice it, but to Rosie it was a sanctuary - one that she tended daily so that Mr Dellagatti can collects seeds, Annika can play her violin, Chad can chase rainbows and even Esmeralda the chicken can scratch for worms for breakfast!
So no one really notices when the lot is sold and instead of a little community garden, another towering skyscraper swallows the space. But Rosie does - and she also sees the changes in the lives of those who enjoyed it as she did. So when she has an idea that she is determined to put to the Big Boss even if that means going all the way to the top of the building, it could be a turning point. But will the Big Boss listen? And what will their reaction be?
This is not the first story book for young readers about a child's determination to nurture their local green space - others include Orlando's Garden, Butterfly Girl, The Concrete Garden, Let's Build a Backyard, The Secret of Sapling Green, Tiny Wonders, and Harriet's Hungry Worms among others, but it is yet another one to encourage young readers that, even though they are 'just' young readers, they can make a difference. Whether it's something as simple as placing a flowering plant on a balcony so that the insects have nectar to find, or starting with a spontaneous but transient chalk drawing, with determination, perseverance and resilience even children can have an impact on the environment.
Teachers' notes not only help explore the story in greater depth, but help students consider the vital question of, "Now that I know this, what can I do with my new knowledge?" perhaps becoming the impetus for a local project. Even though, in many parts of Australia, cooler weather means the natural world is taking a rest, nevertheless it is the ideal time to begin planning... particularly at this time when we are surrounded by symbols and images of rebirth. Even in the southern hemisphere, Spring will be here soon.
Themes Sustainability, Environment, Community, Change, Urbanisation, Problem solving, Gardening.
Although this is a work of fiction, it reveals what life may have been like for families in The Netherlands in the final years of the occupation by German troops during WWII. From the perspective of the young teen protagonist, Anna, we see the incredible pain and struggle of life during wartime. Although the ordinary Dutch citizens were often powerless in the face of the brutality of Nazi power, each person, family and even child had to display incredible courage. Some though succumbed to lies and perpetrated their own bullying and hatred. Anna and her family were able to hide her father behind the cellar walls in order to protect him from the Nazis and German forced labour. But the consequences of the secret choices they had made impacted all their relationships. But not every person working for the Germans was as committed to the power struggle and Anna’s growing fondness for Kurt, a German translator, comes at a cost. Will the Allies arrive in time to save her family, can their secrets be kept, can she be brave enough under the pressure or will they all become more casualties of the conflict?
This family-centric story is filled with the drama of wartime. Anna’s own younger siblings must be protected from truth (so they cannot innocently share secrets), but because of her age she is given huge responsibility and sometimes her own life is under threat. Because we know the outcome of the war and the timing of its conclusion, we are always aware that the book is detailing the ‘last days’ of conflict, but the drama is still tense and dangerous, and the characters are all in peril. So, this story has a natural tension, but the author adds a few light touches to the story amidst the darkness. The difficulty of knowing who is trustworthy to carry a secret is threaded through the story, as is the incredible bravery of young and old, man and woman. War stories can be hard to read, but history’s horrors have a habit of being repeated and providing opportunities to learn empathy from the past is important for young readers. This is a book that will be read and enjoyed, even though it is heartbreaking, by young readers aged 11-15 and particularly those who have enjoyed similar war stories eg Katrina Nannestad’s We are wolves.
Themes WWII, German occupation - Netherlands, War, Fear, Truth and lies, Trust, Family, Secrets, Hunger, Resistance.
Carolyn Hull
A witch's guide to love and poison by Aamna Qureshi
Hodder, 2025. ISBN: 9781444980882. (Age:13+)
Bisma has always believed three things. The Enchanted Forest is her forever home. She would do anything to protect her sisters. And Xander Chapman is the most irritating person she’s ever met.
Bisma is a garden fairy - but not the kind that makes flower chains or tends greenhouses. She’s known for her talent with potions and poisons. She uses her magic to protect the runaways who find safety and home in their forest. If someone hurts them and just happens to fall sick afterwards, you can’t really blame her. Xander is quite the opposite, charming, heir of the local apothecary, known for creating cures and undoing her work. He’s infuriatingly good at what he does, his easy smile only makes Bisma more determined to keep her distance from him.
But when it’s her sisters that are poisoned, she’s forced to team up with him to find the culprit, and a cure. Their search takes them through the heart of the forest, uncovering secrets, dangers, and feelings. Somewhere between their bickering and their investigations, the tension shifts, and the boy she swore she couldn’t stand starts to feel a little too close.
A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a cosy, romantic fantasy full of warmth, magic and slow-burn tension. Bisma, on the outside, looks stubborn and protective, but on the inside she’s quietly vulnerable. She acts tough because that’s who she has to be. She’s the older sister, the one who holds things together. She’s smart, resourceful, and knows her way around herbs and potions better than anyone, but she’s awfully relatable, afraid of letting people close, because the moment she does, she risks getting hurt. But once she lets you know, she’d give everything to protect them.
Then there’s Xander, charming in that frustrating way that makes Bisma roll her eyes, but he also makes her smile. He’s infuriatingly confident, quick with a joke, and a little too good looking for Bisma’s peace of mind. At first, they clash like oil and water, but could they put everything else behind for the sake of her sisters?
What makes the characters feel so real is that they don’t always say or do the perfect thing. They make mistakes, argue, and have their moments. But eventually, they open up - Bisma slowly learning to let people in, and Xander proving he’s more than just a charming face.
For fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or general slow burns, A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a must read, strong on the feels and swoons, light on the language and spice.
Themes: Family comes first, Trust, Vulnerability, First Love, Healing, Found Family.
By Hamsini C. (Student)
The amazing true story of how babies are made by Fiona Katauskas
There are tried and tested, classic books explaining how babies are made, but this one makes itself relevant with its up-to-date information, inclusive of IVF and sperm donation and other modern baby-making topics. Perfect for use with children of all ages, the book is ideal for parent use but teachers will also be able to pick out suitable sections, depending on the age of the students. It will be especially useful for body awareness, and relationship and sexual health education. In addition to providing information, this book will assist children to develop confidence in their body while encouraging an awareness and appreciation of difference - both among and between genders and age groups. Separated into sections, it starts by exploring the differences between males and females, and then uses this terminology and information to explain sex and fertilisation; it is here that information about non-traditional fertilisation is included. The book then follows the growth and birth of a baby, including paragraphs about premature babies and caesarean births. It concludes with the assertion that making babies is one of the most amazing things that human bodies do and that we are all made this way!
Colourful illustrations, humour and plain English make this an easy and embarrassment-free title for parents to use. It is comprehensive and detailed without being dreary and addresses those things young children are curious about; it explains erections, puberty and sex in a matter-of-fact and honest way. Diagrams and pictures are accurate while also being fun, and at times humorous. Everything is described in a way that even the youngest child will understand and it has a warm rather than clinical tone. The author wrote this in response to the lack of any up-to-date material to use with her own children. It fills an obvious gap and is therefore a necessary addition to every parent library.
Editor's note: A CBCA short listed book in 2016, this 10th anniversary edition has been updated. The review was first published in 2015.
“Our worlds are only as big as our perceptions of it. Reading sends us on adventures to explore both our inner and outer worlds, and in this way, expands our whole experience of life." Kimberly Brown
How Big is the Sky? is a powerful picture book asking some ‘big’ questions. Complete with a striking cover of an evening sky behind a boat and whale, this book provides a fascinating introduction for younger readers to the topic of measurement. The endpapers provide a brief snapshot of instruments used to measure things which could be used as a starting point for a discussion and includes items such as a watch, compass, weathervane and vernier caliper.
The early pages explain how a measuring tape is used to measure distance between two points. This is followed by measuring height, width, depth and circumference. This leads to the notion of distances far away and some so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Scales used for measuring mass and weight comes next with a clever image of a whale representing something that weighs a lot and a tiny image of krill which weigh very little. There is mention of an anemometer, thermometer, watch and a bucket which are used to measure wind, temperature, time and volume.
In the latter half of the book, the text takes on a deeper meaning. It asks the reader to think more profoundly about things. For example:
‘You can measure how cold it is outside, but not the warmth that laughter brings’ ‘You can measure the pressure of oxygen in your tank, but not the fizzing in your nerves.’ ‘How do you measure the height of adventure? Or how tall you’ve grown inside?’
This absorbing book challenges readers to think differently and look at the world around them from a new perspective. It may be the catalyst for many worthwhile discussions amongst young children and the adults in their lives.
Themes Big Questions, Measurement, Feelings, Thoughts.
Kathryn Beilby
How to train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell
Doom of the Darkwing, by talented author Cressida Cromwell, is the first action-packed instalment in the new How to Train Your Dragon School series. Readers are once again swept into the wildly imaginative world of dragons, danger and daring deeds. With Cowell’s trademark humour, adventure and heart, this new series will delight both fans of the original series, How to Train Your Dragon, and new readers alike.
The story begins where life on the Barbaric Archipelago has been anything but calm. Experiencing wild, unpredictable storms that are wreaking havoc across the islands, the tribe is in a state of unrest. Despite this, Hiccup is quite excited (even with the immense pressure to live up to the legacy of his formidable father) to be beginning his first day at the new Viking and Dragon Training School; his first lesson is “The Art of War.”
This excitement is short lived, however, when Hiccup breaks a rule during class and is awarded a devastating "egg level." Feeling the pain of disappointment, his feelings go from bad to worse when a cunning villain deceives his village. Hiccup tries desperately to warn his father, but is ignored and banned from leaving the island.
Seeing no other option than to risk the consequences, Hiccup and his loyal friend, Fishleg, decides to traverse the dangerous seas on their rickety boat - breaking the rules, braving the storm and hopefully saving the day! Will they have the power and skill to fight what they find in these dangerous waters?
The novel has a great format filled with lively black and white illustrations, adding an extra layer of magic and mystery, along with information to discover more about the dragon species from this wild Viking world. Dragon lovers will also love the Dragonese dictionary at the end; perfect for those wishing to speak to their dragon friends!
Doom of the Darkwing is a must-read for those who love dragons, fantasy, full on adventure and overcoming adversities - and also anyone who believes being different might just be your greatest strength.
Themes Dragons, Fantasy, Adventure, Vikings, Problem Solving, Heroism.
Michelle O'Connell
Thoughts from a quiet bench by Kes Gray and Nila Aye
Kes Gray, Author of the very popular Oi Frog books returns with a mindful picture book that celebrates the children who are happy to sit quietly on a bench during recess time at school, observing what is going on in the playground.
The child sits silently on the bench, listening to children chattering and playing. The child is happy to be alone but is also happy to have other children perch on the bench and sit quietly. Random thoughts and amazing questions flit through the child’s mind and will challenge the reader and listener to think:
What are thoughts made of? Where does the air stop being invisible and turn into blue sky? Can the wind blow in two different directions at once?
I found this book fascinating. It is easy to relate to the child who is thoughtful, observing the colours of socks and the lonely girl who is by herself. The idea of being able to sit tranquilly and not join in is likely to appeal to introspective children and could encourage the more boisterous child to stop and take a breath and let the imagination take over.
The illustrations add to the whimsical nature of the story. Soft colours are used to show the sky and clouds, and the diversity of characters adds to the book’s appeal.
Gray has written a unique story that comes highly recommended.
Themes Imagination, Thinking, Playgrounds.
Pat Pledger
Bear by Natalia Shaloshvili
Frances Lincoln Children's, 2025. ISBN: 9781836002604. (Age:3+)
When Bear sits on a bench in the meadow, he thinks
"I love being a bear. I love my cookie. I love my book. I love my balloon. And I love sitting on my bench all by myself."
But then Fox wants a spot on the bench, Wolf asks for a bite of cookie, Rabbit wants a turn with the book. And Elephant would really like the balloon... Bear's day is not what he expected but will he share? Or will he explode?
From the get-go, our little ones are taught to share their things, but what happens when you have given away all you have? Do you speak up and risk the wrath of those around you, accused of being selfish? Or do you learn the art of saying "no" without hurting feelings or feeling guilty? Do you really have to give away some of the things you hold dear? Are you ever allowed to just let your frustration go?
While Bear's words say one thing, his expression and the clever use of font say another, giving the reader the opportunity to consider his body language and speculate on what he is really thinking, offering yet more lessons in how to "read the room", particularly if the adult sharing the book begins a conversation about these sorts of non-verbal cues and clues.
While this is primarily aimed at the preschool child who is learning about operating in the world of family and friends, it also has implications for those a bit older as they also learn to develop respectful relationships and that it is not only okay to say no, but sometimes it is essential.
Navigating the world of relationships, especially in this time of political correctness and social politeness where there is always someone who will take offence, is tricky for the most mature of us, and so retreating to Bear's isolated world of a bench, a book and a balloon seems to be idyllic but because, as John Donne said. "No man is an island", we must learn to map and walk our path carefully. even though sometimes we want to, can and do scream AAAAAARGH! (Or words to that effect and who cares about the consequences!).
