Gus is back with another investigative adventure. Troy Hunter’s first book Gus and the missing boy was such a winner, I am sure readers will be eager to get hold of this latest book. It’s like an Agatha Christie mystery, or a game of Cluedo. There’s a dead body, a closed circle of suspects, and the question is, who among the strange mix of characters, was in the place, had the time, the weapon, and the motive. Gus and his trusty friends Shell and Kane are thrown in the deep end when they find themselves trapped at the mysterious stone circle site, waiting out a raging storm . . . and suddenly there’s a murder to solve.
It begins with the ongoing mystery from the first book, Gus’s search for his birth mother. He loves Meg, the mother he grew up with, but still feels like a part of him is missing. When an anonymous message tells him that his birth mother can be found at ‘The Circle’, an isolated site with a strange ring of stones, Gus and his two friends decide to investigate.
The prologue launches the reader into drama, with fire, burning stones, and a hooded figure in pursuit. The chapters are short and the action fast-paced. Shell’s record of timelines keeps the investigation focussed. It’s a puzzle the trio are determined to solve.
Once again Hunter explores issues of identity and anxiety. Gus suffers from panic attacks that lead to him seeking release in self-harm, but his personal resolve and the support of his friends see him through those situations. At the same time, Shell is trying to work out whether she is asexual, and Kane is obsessed with body image. These are all themes handled sensitively by the author, building empathy and understanding. Hunter's latest book can confidently be recommended for young adult readers, with themes that will resonate, and dramatic tension to keep them engaged.
Imagination is at the heart of this picture book, Train of Thought showing us a young boy who lives in his amazing world, following trains of thought, delving into his imagination, and becoming all the things he wants to be. Andy has to be reminded about his part in the real world. He needs to shrug off his imagined world and do the things his family wants like sitting down together for tea, or wash instead of dreaming of erupting volcanoes. The real world beckons, but Andy is too involved in his imagined world to notice. What to do?
The story now takes off as an adventure as a key to the problem is sought.
Illustrations with a train at their core will delight younger readers, as they follow the train’s journey with Andy on board. The train makes its way from one imagined world to another, wonderfully imagined by Wells, and sure to enthral younger readers for whom detail is the key.
Themes Trains, Journeys, Imagination.
Fran Knight
Prank wars: Level up by Louise Park & Mo Johnson. Illus. by Jules Faber
For three generations the Vann-Wong family have been in conflict with their nemesis, the Cruelly family. In this, the second book of the Prank Wars series, we see Hannah and Jake develop their shape-shifting and inventions to counteract another series of pranks by the Cruelly family. The first of the Cruelly pranks nearly destroys Hannah’s birthday party and the second is an attack on a lovely family picnic after the Science Fair. Can Hannah and Jake use all their ‘magical’ espionage powers to turn the Cruelly bullies from their destructive path?
Hannah and Jake are both pre-teen characters in a loving family who are still investigating their rise in their strange talents and power within Wong Inc, and together with their side-kick dog Ziggy (who is also a shape-shifter), they must use a number of strange strategies to overcome the bullies. There is a hint of the development of maturity in the characters, but mostly this is just a wacky story with impossible inventions and silly, icky or smelly tricks and troubles to overcome. This is seldom logically possible, but it is not pretending to be anything other than light-hearted entertainment. It is almost cartoon-like in its storytelling and the illustrations by Faber reflect this (with the addition of onomatopoeia words and some speech bubbles). This is the kind of book for readers aged 8-10 who love the bizarre and humour mixed together with the impossible, but not for those ready for more cerebral literature!
Themes Spying, Pranks, Tricks, Shape-shifting.
Carolyn Hull
All Aboard! Submarines by Helena Harastova and Kiarmuid O Cathain
This interesting and cleverly presented hardcover board book about all things submarine-related but written with younger readers in mind, will provide an engaging read. Karl the kiwi bird is fascinated by the silvery surface of the ocean and what may lie beneath. He makes numerous attempts to work out how to stay below the surface but nothing works. He eventually decides to do some research and learns so much along the way to help him achieve his goal.
Karl’s underwater journey is accessible for all readers with the text thoughtfully positioned amongst detailed and colourful illustrations. From the very first page where Karl begins his adventure, there is so much to learn from the clearly labelled and well-presented pages: general information about the ocean, how to build a submarine, below the surface, history of submarines, human creations in the deep, zones of the ocean, life in the deep, colour (with the American spelling of color) in the ocean, icy waters, and the future.
For those children who enjoy factual information, this latest book in the All Aboard Series will be a wonderful addition to a home, school or public library. The sturdy presentation of the book is an added bonus and will withstand multiple readings. Other books in the series are, All Aboard! Rockets and All Aboard! Planes.
Orphan Aiz has seen suffering for too long, in her orphanage, in the streets, and has finally found a way she can end it for everyone – she just has to be brave enough to take the risk. But an error in judgement lands her in prison, where her wrath grows. No one will escape from her wrath… Sirsha, banished from her people years ago, uses her magic to track people – but stays away from her homeland. A rule of her banishment, though technically she also shouldn’t be using magic… Stuck in a bad situation, she agrees to track down a killer – a killer who is murdering children across the Martial Empire, half payment upfront, the rest when she delivers the murderer. Simple enough. Until she gets thrown in with an unexpected group… Crown prince Quil has lived away from the spotlight and his aunty, Helene, the feared ex-Mask, who is regent Empress in his place until he takes the leadership role, though he is loath to do so, wishing for a quieter life. When their lands are under attack, he seeks answers in the neighbouring land, meeting new people along the way.
Go back to the world of Laia, Elias and Helene – the Empire 20 years later, Helene’s nephew has grown up and it is his story now. Sabaa Tahir has continued the story begun in the Ember in the Ashes series with a new generation through Quil, Sirsha and Aiz. Brilliantly written, excellently paced, readers will keep up with the story, full of heartache, treachery, power, greed, battles and in true Sabaa Tahir style, loss and love. While Heir is technically a new story, the start of a duology, readers will be better off having read the Ember in the Ashes series first, as this sets the scene, and references are made to characters and events. Perfect for fans of fantasy, dystopians, and authors such as C.S. Pacat and Lynette Noni.
Themes YA, Fantasy, Loss, Love, Dystopia, Relationships, Revenge, Friendship, Family.
Melanie Pages
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fast and Slow Animals by Sami Bayly
In this strikingly illustrated book readers are introduced to sixty of the fastest and slowest creatures on Earth. This includes the Australian lungfish that take years to grow. The slow growth enables them to retain many of their ancestral traits. There is the greyhound, which can be described as the cheetah of the canine world. They have been recorded running up to 70 kmh. The koala is one of the slowest animals in the world. They not only sleep up to 22 hours a day, but they also have very little energy as it takes a lot to break down the food in their gut. The ostrich is the fastest sprinting bird and can cover three to five metres in a single stride. As well as the more familiar animals, there are some not as well known including the Margay, the Horned Sungem, the Olm, and the Ox Heart Ascidian.
Each animal is presented in detail on a double page spread with information on one half and a large colour illustration on the other. The scientific name of the animal is given plus a pronunciation guide and information under the headings of description, speed factor, conservation status, diet, location/habitat and fun facts.
Sami Bayly continues to provide both young and older readers with a fascinating look at a wide variety of creatures from the Animal Kingdom. Her meticulous research and attention to detail allows her books to be one of the most popular and engaging series for borrowing from school libraries.
Themes Fast and Slow Animals, Animal Kingdom, Wildlife Conservation, Information.
Kathryn Beilby
Ava Spark: Hello, I'm here! by Alex Field
New Frontier, 2025. ISBN: 9781923145924. (Age:7+) Highly recommended.
Ava Spark speaks in a different way but is a typical 10-year-old trying to negotiate the trials and tribulations of school, friendship, home and family. She has a twin sister called Flo, two best friends and there is a new child joining the school. Ava and her friends want to make her feel welcome and the story focusses on friendship rather than Ava’s disability.
Ava uses a communication aid, and this new series explores different ways to interact with others, and how we can include others. The story really looks at how kindness and friendship bonds develop and celebrate empathy. The way the story is told in the present tense really emphasises that whatever disability someone may be living with they are similar to everyone else in how they feel, react and think about life. They still feel embarrassment about parents, have problems with friends and sibling rivalry.
This series is well written and totally enjoyable; it is a series with interesting characters who are engaging and relatable. I loved the fact that the author uses his own experiences with his son to make Ava’s experiences believable which allows the reader to learn about how disability is perceived and experienced. This is a book that could be used as a read aloud, to encourage empathy and understanding of disability or simply as a fun read for primary aged students.
I would recommend this book be included in all school libraries and encourage people to read it, and with their students and children. The series is one that will become a fast favourite with readers and their parents as Ava's stories encourage inclusivity and empathy.
Themes Friendships, Family, Disability, New and old friends, Communication.
The dark before dawn and the clouds have gathered for they have important work to do because each knows that a cloud's job is to make storms - it's fun and they love it, so each is busy being busy gathering what they need to create havoc.
All except one, that is. Little Cloud would much rather slip away to take a moment to enjoy the view of the world below. As light spread overs the land Little Cloud sees the farmer is whistling, the piglets are having a snack, the bees are buzzing, the ducks are waddling, the stream is babbling and the cows are enjoying the fresh, green grass. One even winks at him!
But Big Grey Cloud is angry with Little Cloud and so are the others - there's no time for that sort of nonsense. There are storms to create.. Until...
It seems like Little Cloud's life echoes that of many of our children today, as the adults around them always seem to be in a rush and there is no time just to be. As though taking a moment to admire what is around us is not only unworthy and wasting time but something to actually condemn. But what is actually happening while they are so busy with work, work work and everything else that fills the time? Can the readers spot the looming danger?
This is a clever book that encourages little ones to stay curious, be observant and see the little things that make up life and the clever formatting that ensures they engage with the illustrations support this. But, at the same time, they could suggest the sort of music and movement that might represent the storm clouds and Little Cloud, contrasting the two and maybe even using their bodies to make it. It could even spark an investigation into what clouds are, how storms are formed and the weather generally.
This is a wonderful example of visual storytelling where young readers can involve all their senses as they suggests words that describe what they are seeing, what they might be hearing, how Big Cloud and Little Cloud are feeling, as well as predicting what the two blank pages portray.
Masterful.
Themes Clouds, Weather, Perception.
Barbara Braxton
Lexie Moon and the Space Day disaster by Melissa Garside & Lauren Mullinder
Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster returns us to the world of Lexie and her attempts to create gadgets and inventions with hilarious results. Space day at school is approaching and Lexie builds a world first Stellascope – a device that can reveal stars during the day. Unfortunately, as Lexie lives streams a demonstration disaster strikes and it becomes clear that someone has stolen her invention and is creating chaos on a global scale. Lexie must find the Stellascope and restore everything back to normal before it’s too late.
Once again, this book is a wonderful read, I am very excited for this series as it combines humour with inventions and science. Readers will enjoy learning about topics through Lexie’s inventions and the disasters that occur when they fall into the wrong hands. Lexie, with her grandpa as a trusty colleague and support is an engaging character, the story moves along at a great pace, and this makes the reader want more.
I was thrilled to be given the chance to read the second book in this series as I loved the first book and this did not disappoint, in fact it exceeded my expectations, and I am looking forward to more in the series. The series really focusses on problem solving and inventing while also promoting kindness, family togetherness and support and sharing with others. I like how the series and characters work together to solve the disasters that the inventions and the villain create without ever losing its humour.
I would recommend this book to emerging, independent readers who are looking for a fun read. This would make a great read aloud, class novel or independent read. This is a book (and series) to add to any library or home bookshelf and is certain to become a firm favourite among readers.
Little Hare, 2025. ISBN: 9781761214653. (Age:4-10 years) Highly recommended.
Philip Bunting has once again presented a fascinating, humourous and strikingly illustrated book - this one about all manner of dinosaurs. With his trademark hint of humour, vibrant illustrations and accessible facts, this book is sure to become a favourite amongst dinosaur-loving children.
The title alone, Weirdosaurus. is a hook in itself. Paired with the vivid illustration of a variety of peculiar creatures, the reader is in for a visual and factual treat. And please check out the endpapers. They are a busy snapshot of what dinosaurs are discussed in the book. The contents page provides a list of all the creatures but before delving into this, there is a thoughtful introduction, a word about the meaning ‘terrible lizard’ plus an important page on how to use this book.
This collection is made up of creatures from the Mesozoic Era (252-66 million years ago) and covers the Triassic, the Jurassic and the Cretaceous periods. Every creature is labelled clearly with a bold heading, name translation, scientific name, habitat, diet, length, description and size comparison. This information is accompanied by a detailed and colourful illustration.
On the opening double page spread of each of the three periods, there are all of the dinosaurs listed for that particular time with their name, pronunciation and page number. A very quick easy way to find a dinosaur of interest. For example, there is a Henodus on page 31 which is a subaqueous sucker and has a flattened square-shaped shell. On page 58 is the Fruitadens which is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered just 65cms with fast, snappy jaws. On page 91, is the Nedoceratops who is only half pictured as they only ever discovered a single fossilized skull. In the final pages is a discussion about the end of dinosaurs plus a detailed index.
This fabulous and engaging non-fiction book will be a much-loved asset for a home, school or public library.
Themes Dinosaurs, Humour, Information.
Kathryn Beilby
Ariana Treasure: The Lost Frog by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern. Illus. by Karen Erasmus
For junior primary children beginning to show more interest in reading early chapter books, this new series Ariana Treasure will provide an excellent stepping stone from classroom readers. With six novels in the series, there is an opportunity for children to become familiar with Ariana and The Treasure Chest – a thrift shop which her mother owns and manages.
In this fourth story The Lost Frog, a new delivery has a surprise in store for Ariana and her mum: a very energetic, leaping frog who decides to bounce around the thrift shop knocking things everywhere. When it is safely back in the box, mum finds a name on a shirt that belongs to Hugo Walker who Ariana knows from school. After placing the frog in a fish tank, they contact the Walkers who have no idea about the frog. It is up to Ariana, Hunter, Maya and Alex to try to solve the problem of where the frog has come from. Hugo turns up as well and tells the children how to look after the frog. Ariana suspects Hugo knows more about this frog than he is sharing and eventually the truth will come out.
The vocabulary used in this book is accessible and provides repetition. The text is large and the sentences are simple and well-spaced. The idea of using a thrift shop as a setting will provide a unique experience for some readers or a familiar one for others who visit second hand shops. This story also covers the topic of being responsible in a very clear and practical way.
Themes Thrift shops, Frogs, Friendship, Problem Solving, Responsibility.
Kathryn Beilby
Kimberley Kickers: Krstel kicks to win by Hakea Hustler & Carl Merrison with Krstel Petrevski. Illus. by Samantha Campbell
Krstel kicks to win is part of an action-packed Aussie Rules illustrated series for age 8+ called Kimberley Kickers. It is the result of a wonderful collaboration between Carl Merrison (storyteller and Krstel's coach) and Hakea Hustler (experienced teacher in remote regions). This collaboration was the result of the shared belief that stories like Krstel kicks to win (which is based on the life of a real Australian Rules footballer from the Kimberley area - Krstel Petrevski) are inspirational and will be empowering for Aboriginal children from remote communities bringing about learning and change. Recent multi-award winning collaborations between Merrison and Hustler include Black Cockatoo which was a CBCA (2019) Book of the Year Honour book and My Deadly boots.
My Deadly boots was illustrated by Mparntwe (Alice Springs) book illustrator and graphic designer Samantha Campbell. Campbell has continued in the collaboration by illustrating the Kimberley Kickers series with her warm, soft black and white illustrations and brightly coloured book covers. The illustrations dovetail beautifully with the text making the storyline very retrievable and attractively presented. The text itself was typeset by the Harper Collins Design Studio using Rotis Sans Serif Std, a choice that ensures maximum legibilty for young and reluctant readers. Important words to be stressed are highlighted in larger, bold letters and double-line spacing helps with readability. A lot of thought has gone into ensuring that this series is easy to read and visually attractive.
Krstel kicks to win is part of a project which has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council; its arts funding and advisory body. In the end papers there is a glossary of colloquial Aboriginal terms and footy words used in the book, a map of Australia highlighting Halls Creek, full page photos and bios of the authors, the illustrator and Krstel Petrevski and a page dedicated to highlighting the talent that has come from this one town - Halls Creek. An enticing glimpse of the next book in the series which highlights another Halls Creek born AFL footy player Ash Johnson (out in 2026) acts as a bookend.
Krstel kicks to win is based on the life of Krstel Petrevski. This is the story of Krstel's dreams as a young girl to play with the AFLW and the determination and grit that she had to display in achieving this goal. Intertwined with football are times spent out on country, of finding bush food and camping in the bush, of floods and of school playtime and school camps, of mustering cattle and boarding school and motor bikes, of the draft, of family and friendship.
Krstel kicks to win is a warm and uplifting story (loosely based on real-life people, places and events) about one girl's determined effort to succeed to national level with football. It is full of adventure and action packed. Stories about relatable and successful local people inspire children to be proud and to emulate the examples set by their heroes/heroines. Footy is a passion for many Australians and therefore a popular topic to choose in order to encourage reading especially (in this case) for Aboriginal children.
School librarians and teachers are encouraged to recommend this series especially to reluctant readers who are into sport and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Themes Aussie Rules football, The Kimberley's Outback station life, Girls in sport, Following dreams, Aboriginal communities.
Wendy Jeffrey
All aboard! Discovering Sydney's Central Station by Jackie French. Illus. by Martina Heiduczek
New Frontier, 2025. ISBN: 9781923145382. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
Renowned Australian author Jackie French spent many hours on trains travelling between Brisbane and Sydney. She has created this very clever and engaging publication about the history of Sydney’s Central Train Station using a large format board book with lift-the-flap sections. While this book is perfectly suited for young school aged children it is also a treasure trove of historical information for adults.
The story begins with the First Nations people using a network of paths to traverse their Country. Once the growing population of white settlers took off and especially in the time of the Gold Rush, it became obvious that Australia needed a more efficient way of travelling great distances. At that time steam trains were considered to be the fastest and most reliable. Then came the issue of where to place a train station in the Sydney, the fastest growing city. The first Central Station was built in 1855 but with the ever growing population a Grand Central Station was built in the early 1900’s, opening in 1906.
Over a number of years, underground tracks, World Wars, addition of more platforms and the development of electric trains changed the way people travelled to and from Sydney. Across Australia train travel became the way to move around from city to city. In 2018 work began on upgrading the Grand Central Station as over 250,000 people travelled by train daily.
This is a fascinating book with so much rich history shared in an accessible and entertaining way. The colourful illustrations are full of detail and the lift-the-flap sections provide important snapshots of facts that add to the back story.
Themes Large Format Board Book, Sydney, Central Train Station, History, Travel, Lift-the-flap sections.
Kathryn Beilby
The new kid by Jennifer Bain and Deborah Brown
Woodslane, 2023. ISBN: 9781922800374. (Age:5+)
When the students of Burraroo Public School skipped through their dusty red playground and into class, they saw a new student sitting at a desk. But this wasn't another kid to join in their fun and games, but a bunyip!
They're okay with that but Barry doesn't really fit in well - he had chosen Kit's desk to sit at and he's a bit too fat for it and from there the day and the week just go downhill with accident after accident. But rather than shun him, together with their teacher the class works on ways that Barry's special talents can be used.
Fitting in and finding your place at a new school can be daunting but this takes it to an extreme, offering the opportunity for conversations about how we can make newcomers feel welcome. Readers can have fun imagining the positives of having a bunyip come to their school, while others might want to investigate this legendary creature building a display that includes information gathered from their research and other books such as the classic The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek by Jenny Wagner and the Alexander Bunyip series by Michael Salmon. Standing outside the Gungahlin Library in Canberra is a statue of Alexander so they could also imagine they were the sculptor invited to create it and submit their ideas using what they have learned about its appearance, habitat, behaviour and origins.
A is for Alexander B is for Bunyip C is for Canberra.
Themes Bunyips, School.
Barbara Braxton
All about Antarctica by Marc Martin
Penguin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761047411. (Age:5-12 to adult) Highly recommended.
Award-winning Australian creative Marc Martin has written and illustrated a striking non-fiction picture book about one of the coldest places on Earth, Antarctica. This book is an incredible visual journey of adventure and learning, while travelling through this mysterious and stunning continent. With everything covered from general information about Antarctica, to clothing and accessories required, research stations and scientific research, transportation, ice, icebergs and glaciers, relaxation and recreation, field work, food and waste, marine life, penguins, birdlife, extraordinary species, natural wonders, Antarctic explorers, fossils, forests and meteorites, climate change and the introduction and removal of animals from the area, this book is a treasure trove of facts for all readers to enjoy. For example, if you are out in the field, you need to carry a pee bottle as there is no peeing in the snow! And continuing with the human waste theme, pee and poo are treated on larger stations with wastewater treatment plants, which pump treated water back into the ocean and ship waste off the continent. This is to keep the Antarctic environment pristine.
The appealing and tactile front cover is a hook for all with the back endpapers providing a humorous touch. The colourful illustrations are clearly labelled with snapshots of information easily accessible for young readers spread amongst them on every page. There is so much to learn about Antarctica and this fascinating book would be a wonderful gift for a budding young scientist or child with a thirst for adventure. Perfect for adults too!
