Earth speak: Boodjar Wangkiny by Sean McCann. Illus. by Jade Goodwin
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181238. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Littered with Nyoongar words, shown in a glossary at the start, this lovely book follows a family as they walk through the area that is part of their ancestry. After a long drive they arrive at their destination, donning hats and backpacks. Papa tells them to look, listen and feel their surroundings. They walk alongside the creek, watching the black cockatoos, listening to the leaves and grass, feeling the weight of the backpack. This special place, Papa tells them, was shaped by wind, water and fire.
But the wind picks up, and lightning begins to fill the sky. The group finds a cave to shelter in, waiting for the storm to pass by. They walk on, eventually arriving at the waterhole, where they settle down for a picnic. But one of the children notices smoke in the distance. Papa tells them not to be concerned as it was probably started by a lightning strike and will do some good for the environment. It burns off old wood and debris and encourages new growth, he tells them. Papa and the children let some of the earth run through their hands, feeling the closeness to Mother Earth, a special day they will always remember.
Boodjar Wangkiny’s words speak to the heart of the country, a country at the heart of all of its people, a country that needs understanding and reverence, protection and sharing. The family that visits the waterhole and waterfalls know that they have visited a special place. They listen and see, feel and listen to the heart beat. Sean McCann’s words are wonderfully reflected by the illustrations by Jade Goodwin.
A journey of learning as the children walk through an area their Papa knows well, the environment is opened to them as well as the reading audience and Papa shows them how to experience what they are seeing.
At the end of the book is information about Sean and Jade which tells the readers of their backgrounds and what impelled them to write and illustrate this book. An activity sheet and teacher's notes are available from the publisher.
Themes Aboriginal themes, Environment, Family.
Fran Knight
Catch by Sarah Brill
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761182037. (Age:15-18) Recommended.
Beth is sixteen, is struggling in year 11, and lots of things are changing in her life. Her body has just undergone transformation and she has become tall - tall enough to demand attention from those who see this as a basketball asset. Her transformation has also caught the attention of the Year 12 boy who lives across the road. Her sister, also in year 12, has created her own family disruption in a major way, but is powering forward. Beth though is unsure of herself and lacking in confidence. But it is her newly discovered awareness of the impending falls from great heights (and deliberate attempts to self-harm) that has the biggest disruption to her life. The nausea and anxiety surrounding this awareness cause her to run to the distress and catch those who fall before the worst outcome happens. Can Beth survive this incredible responsibility? Will her friends and family understand her need to run? And can she see a future with the boy-next-door?
This is a uniquely charming and challenging realistic fantasy. (Is that an oxymoron?) Nothing about the ability ‘to catch’ is real, but the reality of teen struggles, family dilemmas and new romance underpins the story. Sadly, there are also multiple stories of distress for those who ‘fall’ - some deliberately and others accidentally, but this book is not about solving the distress or giving Beth a counseling role, but it is painful to know that a young teen can ‘feel’ these potential tragedies. (NB. There may also be some readers who find these scenarios triggering.) The ‘falling into love’ aspect of the story is relatively romantic and gentle (but the sexual relationships of the teens is assumed, a teen pregnancy and physical intensity is part of this drama). This story has a coming-of-age vibe, with friendships intertwined with sport, but is primarily a fantasy. The fantasy aspect is what makes this book more than ordinary and will entrance readers aged 15-18. I was compelled to keep reading to see how the author would ‘catch us’ towards the end. Some may be disappointed, but I think the gentle subtlety she employed is admirable. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Teen romance, Suicide attempts, Teen pregnancy, Basketball, Fear, Family.
Carolyn Hull
Our dance by Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton. Illus. by Janelle Burger
Playful in both text and illustrations, Our dance encourages all readers to get up and move. In rhyming lines the text reveals a number of Australian animals, and it is their movements which are enunciated through dance. At the corroboree, the participants use ochre to daub their bodies. With a Yiddaki playing, the children shake a leg and feel the beat as the instrument’s sound leads the way. First they imagine they are snakes slithering across the ground, stretching their arms and slithering side to side. Then they emulate the kangaroo, jumping and bouncing across the land. A goanna moves across the ground, children get down low, creeping and crawling. Then an emu rushes past, running fast as he can, the readers using their hands like a tail feather as they run across the ground. Up high is an eagle soaring across the sky, opening their arms as wide as they can, the children flaring and soaring across the sky.
So by the end of this book, the children have practised all sorts of movements which emulate the animals heard about in Dreaming stories. The have crouched down low, run fast, slithered along the ground, used their hands as a tail feather, jumped, crawled and spread their arms to fly like and eagle.
Being involved in this book we can all celebrate the culture, stories and music of the First Nations people.
Burger’s illustrators in earthy colours follow the text, written boldly across the bottom fo each page, allowing the illustrations to reflect what is going on. A snake motif crawls through most pages, and the animals shown on the pages, followed by the movements being made by the children to copy that animal. In this way they could make up a story to tell a tale of a group of animals, or find a Dreaming story to dance to, using the moves they have learnt.
Our dance is for all kids, encouraging them to be part of the stories they hear.
Taylor Hampton is a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man and Jacinta Daniher is an early childhood educator. Both have a passion for educating young people about Aboriginal culture. And more can be found out about the illustrator, Jacinta here.
Karen Pirie tackles two cases in the 8th book in the Inspector Karen Pirie series. A landslide on a motorway reveals a body, that of journalist Sam Nimmo who had been suspected of murdering his pregnant fiancée and fleeing from the scene. However, it appears that he, too, has been murdered. Karen and her Historic Cases Unit must uncover a trail of clues about the cases that the journalist was investigating at the time of his disappearance. What was happening that would lead to his death? Meanwhile, a grieving brother is convinced that his sibling’s death was not accidental and produces enough evidence for Karen and her team to reopen the case of Tom Jamieson's fall down slippery steps in Edinburgh. The team are faced with the question of what his death had to do with a wealthy book club to which he belonged.
McDermid is a very clever author who smoothly carries the reader along as Karen steers her team, using the skills of Daisy and Jason, the Mint, to follow clues to the two cases. Karen is a leader who recognises that Jason has the patience to research widely into backgrounds and CCTV, while Daisy is intelligent and can gather clues together. This all makes for a great police procedural for fans to enjoy.
McDermid is not shy about including complex themes into her story. The ways that the rich and famous use their wealth and power in corrupt ways are highlighted, the aftermath of a vicious rape is uncovered and the effect of the media ruining careers is also described. Silent bones will leave the reader wondering how justice is really served.
I have read one other book in this series, Past lying, which was easy to read as a standalone as is Silent bones. And fans of the TV series are likely to enjoy the book series. This is Scottish noir at its best.
Themes Murder, Detectives, Corruption.
Pat Pledger
A murder is going down by Kate Emery
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761182211. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
Kate Emery’s latest novel is another twisty teenage murder mystery with smart wise-cracking repartee to keep you entertained. It all starts in a faulty lift, stuck between floors. To quell the panic of the uptight corporate woman she is trapped with, Heidi starts telling the story of how her sister-in-law was stuck in a lift once only to find that her husband, Heidi’s brother, was murdered while a party was going on. Really? Two stories of jammed lifts? Is this a coincidence, or is there something else going on?
Emery keeps our curiosity engaged as she swaps the story between ‘Now’, the conversation between Heidi and corporate Marianne in the lift, and ‘Then’, the story of how she suspects her not-so-nice brother Felix was murdered. It’s all very funny, and puzzling, and will keep the reader guessing. A bit of potential romance between Heidi and her bother-in-law Patrick, a willing collaborator in her murder investigation, adds to the mix.
Yes, it’s another great mystery from Kate Emery and a compulsive read for fans of murder mysteries, just like her award-winning My family and other suspects (2024). Don’t miss it! Teacher's notes are available.
It always amazes me how J.D. Robb can produce a new plot in each of her mysteries in the In death series. Framed in death is the 61st in the series and I have read many of them, enjoying the characters, homicide police officers, Eve and Peabody, as well as Roarke and friends. The series is set in the future, this one in 2061, just far away to make hover cars and links sound interesting, while still giving New York a familiar feeling.
When a young woman is found dressed and posed like the famous painting, The girl with a pearl earring outside a gallery, Dallas is brought in to solve the case. It looks like there is a frustrated artist prowling the haunts of the city and picking up people who resemble those in well-known portraits, luring them to his studio and dressing them in identical costumes as he tries to replicate old masters.
As the murders continue, the team is plunged into the world of art, gallery owners, artists and models. Eve and her expert team explore where the killer could have sourced the expensive materials, fabrics, paints and brushes that were used. They gradually build up a profile of the murderer and it was fascinating to follow how this was done.
Framed in death is sure to be a best seller. Robb has authored another unique police procedural that her fans will love. It is tightly written, with likeable characters, a interesting insight into the art world and a smooth, easy to read narrative. A Q&A section with J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) at the end adds to the enjoyment of the books as she answers questions about her characters and how she writes.
Themes Police, Murder, Art, Detectives.
Pat Pledger
Every spiral of fate by Tahereh Mafi
Electric Monkey, 2025. ISBN: 9780008629243. (Age:15 - Adult) Recommended.
The Woven Kingdom is an incredible series. In this, the fourth book of the series, Taherah Mafi has woven power struggles between kingdoms, the intensity of magical power tussles, the intrusion of the devil and his schemes, and the unlikely love story involving Alizeh from the Jinn clan and Cyrus, the ruler of the Tulan kingdom. Alizeh and Cyrus are an unlikely pairing, and the start of this entrancing tale has the most uncomfortable and bemusing marriage scenario (a princely suitor waits as a reserve husband, and the promised wedding nearly does not happen). A devilish plot has created a blood oath connection between the two central characters and the foretelling of an uncomfortable end to Cyrus’ life. Alizeh’s supporters are keen for her to claim her right to her magical inheritance but will Cyrus’ presence as her husband cause this hope to wither. Is he bedevilled or worthy enough for Alizeh to trust him? Can Alizeh find the promised magic that her kind heart will wield with wisdom and grace?
The uncomfortable connection between the central characters leads to sensual tension and angst. This is not a straightforward romance - it is imbued with distress as the characters try and work out how they can thwart evil and yet remain true to complex promises.There are complexities in this fantasy world that will delight readers of fantasy, but those who love romance will also be impressed.Power struggles and personality quirks are also a feature. But it is the ‘slow burn’ relationship drama that is the essence of the story. It has its own magic. Kindness is also proved as a formidable power. Readers aged 15 - adult who have already discovered the series will not be disappointed.
Themes Magic, Fantasy, Good vs evil, Power, Love and romance, Sacrifice.
Carolyn Hull
John Williamson's Koala koala by John Williamson. Illus. by Jonathan Bentley
One of the songs which featured on John Williamson’s Family Album, Koala koala reflects all of his songs replete with the theme of family and togetherness.
This book is one of a series featuring Williamson’s songs and will be eagerly taken up by kids wanting to read and look or sing along. And this particular book shows Williamson’s long devotion to the conservation of koalas and their habitat.
Based on the song from his album, this song promotes revegetation, keeping them safe from dogs, leaving water out when it is hot and helping to prevent bushfires. Each of these is a discussion point with younger readers. This utube video will take you to the original version of the song which could be sung along with the one in the book, Koala koala.
At the end of the book is a page of information about koalas, and an outline of the work by Koala Conservation Australia. Readers will love finding out more about this animal and its endangered status, working out ways they can help them survive.
Bentley’s lovely illustrations cover each page, showing the environment the koalas live in and how it is being destroyed. The attributes of the koala are clearly shown encouraging children to look at the animal and see what features it has which help it survive.
I love the way Bentley’s illustrations bring the story back to the level of kids planting trees to help the koala. It is something they can do easily, enlisting the help of councils or school boards.
The plea at the end of the book, of bringing back the forests is something which can be aimed for.
Themes Conservation, Koalas, Environment, Trees.
Fran Knight
I am not happy! by Caroline L. Perry. Illus. by Sydney Hanson
The sight of a quokka with his plump cheeks and infectious grin makes people believe him to be the happiest animal in the world. He shows us a range of his facial expressions: sad, worried, disappointed, even wanting desperately to go to the toilet face, but they all look the same - happy. But behind all these happy faces lies an ocean of worries and concerns. The other animals push him aside to get in line, and blame him for the appalling smell, simply because of his smiley face. And humans are even worse. They confuse him with a rat, and wake him up for selfies, interrupting his sleep. And all because of his smile.
Thankfully an article in the discarded paper attracts his attention, saying that quokkas are not the happiest creatures and the search is on for another. At last he is happy.
Beautifully presented with clear larger sized print the illustrations are delightful showing the quokka in all of his moods, complaining while picking up the rubbish left by humans. But complaining about the rubbish is second to complaining about his face fixed with a permanent smile.
A lovely introduction to talking about how we view others, and how to interpret facial expressions, talking about the quokka will intrigue young readers, as they think about the quokka’s smile.
Talking about Rottnest Island too will be of interest to younger readers, and the page of information at the end of the book will be eagerly read and shared.
Themes Quokkas, Western Australia, Endangered species, Humour.
The long night is an intense, horrifying thriller that kept me rivetted to the page, unable to put it down. The publisher’s blurb will give a background as I don’t want to add any spoilers to this mind-blowing novel.
Em has lived a quiet life with her complicated mother and is now looking for love and a potential escape from her small hometown. When a masked man kidnaps her in the dark of night, though, she is drawn into a terrifying world.
Jodie has been trying to forget a troubling time in her life, pouring her trauma into her work and out of her mind. Until one night her daughter is kidnapped and Jodie is dragged back into the violence.
As Em and Jodie race into the darkness, the agony of the past rushes up to meet them. It will take all their devotion and courage to escape this night alive.
The long night is complex with twists and turns that I found difficult to work out and I was surprised with the ending when all the threads were finally joined. White’s technique of leaving chapters with cliff-hangers compelled me to continue reading in a couple of sittings. And it was easy to relate to the characters and their horrifying situations.
Not to be missed for fans of dark mysteries, The long night is a chilling and engrossing story that I could easily visualise as a fabulous TV series. Readers who haven't read other books by White could enjoy The nowhere child, winner of the Victoria Premier's Literary Awards, The wife and the widow, winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel 2020, and The ledge, Indie Book Awards shortlist 2025.
Themes Horror, Kidnapping, Art.
Pat Pledger
Claris the chicest mouse in Paris: Dazzling diamond egg by Megan Hess
Another in the series of books about Claris shows this amazing mouse and her friend, Monsieur, searching for a missing egg.
When Claris goes to Rose Bakery for her usual pastries, she is startled when a customer reads the news of a heist in Paris; the theft of a very expensive Faberge egg. A reward has been offered, and the baker remarks that getting that reward would stop him having to close down because of a rent increase.
Claris meets Monsieur and tells him that they are going to capture the jewel thief, but first she must change her outfit.
Monsieur and Claris are on the job and spy a woman acting rather suspiciously. Her stylish bag is very round and Claris spies some white fur, just like the clue the police have. They follow the woman to a rather lovely townhouse, where she gives her handbag to the maid, saying she must take it to her boudoir. Claris and Monsieur follow her but find themselves having to hide on the window ledge. They shuffle along, finding a window open and let themselves in, only to find that this is madame’s boudoir, and they spy the handbag used by her. Claris spots some more fur and follows the trail to a wardrobe, inside which is an antique safe. Inside the safe clutching the diamond egg is none other than the Cat Thief, fresh from the theft in New York. Claris reminds him of his promise, never to steal again, but he demurs, just one last theft and he is done.
But Claris will not be thwarted and takes the egg back to where it came from, accepting the reward which she presents to the baker. She assures him that his shop offers far more than pastries, and although he cannot understand her, he realises that she is talking from the heart. She and Monsieur have pride of place in this shop when they come along for their pastries each day.
A very sweet story, one in which the thief gets his just deserts and Claris and Monsieur get the thanks they deserve from the very grateful baker.
Wonderful frothy illustrations fill every page, showing the sights of Paris in the background, and revealing the cafe society it is famous for. The little cafe, with chairs and tables on the street, with a scrumptious array of pastries in the shop window, spells Paris for those who have been there, and fashionable, well dressed young women can be seen frequenting them. Readers will love Claris’ clothing changes, and look closely at the picture of the author at the end of the book, to see which outfit she is wearing.
Jess Sanders, author of The Five Rules of Friendship, has once again included friendship in her latest picture book How to have the Best School Year Ever. Set to be released in time for the 2026 school year, this engaging narrative attempts to ease the anxiety many children feel when the new school year begins.
With the catchy phrase ‘Best School Year Ever’ this book explains ways that this can be achieved. School can look different for each individual child. Not everyone can connect with a friend straight way, or complete the work easily, maybe they struggle with words or numbers, or even an activity in the playground. The author believes that by setting goals, taking small steps to learn something, practising over and over again, even doing extra learning - all of these might help to enable school to be a positive experience.
Friendship is of vital importance and there are ideas to encourage this to happen: find someone with similar interests, start a conversation with a child who is left out, someone who believes in you, and it is ok to have safe disagreements. There is also the friendship you have within. The kind thoughts you have about yourself rather than the negative self-talk. In the final pages is a valuable and important opportunity for self-reflection on the school year that has passed.
The delightful illustrations throughout this text are clear and colourful and it is wonderful to see such a diverse and inclusive school yard.
Themes New School Year, Friends, Goals, Resilience, Reflection, Inclusivity, Diversity.
Lured by the fabulous cover of Mullets, adorned with words in glitter, and with a son and grandson who occasionally have a mullet hairstyle, I couldn’t resist keeping this book to share with them. I laughed aloud as Sharratt introduced the reader to Mullet Isle, drawn in the shape of a mullet and coloured a bright green, and couldn’t wait to see just who there had special hair.
The author’s description of the mullet hairstyle is just wonderful:
The front’s short and choppy. The back’s long and floppy. Worn with a smile, that’s “Mullet” Style.
And the illustration of a smiling face sporting a flappy hairstyle is brilliant. Set against a black background, the face and hair are coloured grey and outlined with white highlighting the style. Turning pages the reader is confronted with vivid illustrations of a man, a woman, children, babies and animals, all with mullets and all with grins on their faces. Even the houses and flats have mullets and smiles and children will enjoy the surprise ending featuring a whale.
The narrative is smooth and the repetition and rhyme make it a good read aloud, while the illustrations are so good that those mullet hairstyles will linger in the memory of readers.
Mullets would make a perfect gift for people who like the mullet hairstyle, while children will enjoy its humour and fun.
Themes Hair styles, Humour.
Pat Pledger
A song for the king by Katrina Nannestad & Freya Blackwood
When I saw the names of these two wonderful writers, Katrina Nannestad and Freya Blackwood, on the joyful cover of A song for the king, I knew I would read a wonderful story that was likely to win awards. This is a retelling of the traditional nativity story told from the viewpoint of three animals who have a song in their hearts. Netta, a little donkey, loves to loudly sing Joy! Joy! Joy! Esther is a sheep who bleats Love! Love! Love! And Uzi the camel likes to rumble Peace! Peace! Peace! The three unite, their songs reverberating in towns and meadows. They believe they are brilliant but the townspeople’s opinion is different and they are sent to market, the songs in their hearts silenced. Netta’s new home is with Joseph and Mary, and she is the one to carry Mary to Bethlehem, where they stay in a stable. Her voice slips out, Joy! Joy! Joy! when a baby boy is born. A sheep bleats Love! Love! Love! when the shepherds come to see the children, and the wise men’s camel joins in, Peace! Peace! Peace! The trio are united in their song.
This is a heart-warming story that will gladden the hearts of those who read it or listen to it. I loved how the narrative vividly described what was happening with the animals and how enthusiastic they are about singing and how despondent they are when they are taken to market. Blackwood’s soft water colour illustrations complement the text. The three baby animals are the focus of the story and I loved their expressions, the enjoyment they had in singing and working together. The illustrations also brought the countryside, the people and the markets to life, while adding depth with tiny details like chickens flying and a gorgeous little cat curled up on the stable.
The message of the words joy, love and peace is an important one not only for the festive season but also for troubled times.
A song for the king is a stunning example of how two creative people can collaborate to share this message, while producing a wonderful read aloud, feel-good story with delightful illustrations. Highly recommended.
Text Publishing, 2025. ISBN: 9781923058613. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Intense, disturbing. Benbecula is a fictionalised account of a true crime committed on the Outer Hebrides island in 1857. Angus MacPhee bludgeoned to death his mother and father and his aunt who lived with them. Malcolm, his older brother, recounts his memory of events, now alone in the ‘Murder House’ following the departure of his other two siblings, Marion and John.
Malcolm’s description of his brother Angus’s childhood, his impulsive and uncontrollable behaviour, makes one wonder how he would be regarded today, perhaps ADHD, perhaps autistic. But his behaviour while annoying seems harmless enough, until the day he returns from working with shoemaker MacPherson. Malcolm himself had not liked working for MacPherson and had sent Angus in his place. When Angus returns he is in a violent temper, and struggling wildly. His behaviour becomes mad and unpredictable.
It is a strange family, the parents old and disinterested, and the siblings Marion and John simple and reclusive. At least that is how Malcolm describes them, but as we read on it becomes increasingly apparent that Malcolm is not a reliable narrator. His thoughts reveal him to be perhaps as callous as Angus, in the way he sabotages Marion’s hopes of marriage, and the way he disparages John. The only difference is that unlike Angus, Malcolm is secretive and disguises his impulses. He senses that he is not Angus’s opposite but his mirror image. And as his writing progresses it seems he is increasingly haunted and losing a grip on reality.
In his Afterword, Burnet’s research of the archival records reveals that there was little that could be done for a person like Angus. He is deemed to be insane. The only option is to keep him physically restrained in a lunatic asylum. There is no treatment; signs that he is becoming dull and despondent over the years are seen as an improvement.
Reading Benbecula is an immersive experience, entering the impoverished closed world of Malcolm’s family, following his thoughts and sensing his mental decline. It’s a time and place that doesn’t allow him any escape, though his sister and younger brother manage to set out for another life. For Angus and for Malcolm, there is only what they know, and sadly no positive outcome. Their story raises many questions about how to best care for people with mental health issues.
