The book of disappearance by Ibtisam Azem. Trans. by Sinan Antoon
Text Publishing, 2025. ISBN: 9781923058620. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Originally written in Arabic in 2014 and translated into English in 2019, this latest edition of The book of disappearance is now available to Australian and UK readers, and was longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025. Most disturbing for readers of this novel is the realisation that the central premise of a book written over ten years ago, can today be an infamously touted slogan in the current political environment with the call by a world leader to solve all problems in the contested Middle Eastern lands by simply clearing the Palestinians out of the region. Ten years ago, author Ibtisam Azem actually explored this idea and imagined what would happen if the Arabs all just disappeared from Israel overnight.
The varied reactions are her focus; from those who suspect a devious Arab plot to strike while the Israelis are complacent, to those who think the government has secretly achieved its objective, to those who thank divine intervention. The situation is confounding: there are no refugee workers for the flower farm, buses wait for bus drivers who don’t turn up, a surgery is cancelled, a prison guard robbed of his torture victim suffers an anxiety attack. Everyone is aghast, and anxiously awaits the government’s explanation.
At the start of the novel there is a personal experience of disappearance, as Alaa joins his mother in searching for his grandmother, who has gone missing from their house. They are a Palestinian family; Alaa’s grandmother was the keeper of memories of their home, the city of Jaffa now renamed and subsumed within the greater Tel Aviv. His grandmother remembers the old city, the original places and streets, the ghosts of the past before the Nakba of 1948, the ethnic cleansing of their land and property, and suppression of their rights. Obstinately she would eat the famous Jaffa oranges, though she didn’t actually like the fruit, in memory of the past and in symbolic defiance of the current Israeli regime. Alaa holds on to those precious memories in a red covered journal.
It is Alaa’s journal that provides the framework of the novel, as Ariel, Alaa’s ‘liberal’ Jewish journalist friend reads chapters between crafting articles on the Palestinian disappearance for the newspapers. Yet even the friend, the moderate Ariel, once served in a troop that fired on a child throwing rocks, and despite his professed liberal views, he has no compunction about moving into his missing friend’s apartment, eating his food and sleeping in his bed.
There are reminders of the history, of the Palestinians displaced from their land, their homes taken, people turned out, children killed and women raped. Even after their disappearance, the regime that has been set up to control the Palestinians continues, with policing of the districts, searches of people entering buildings, and demands that everyone produce documentation of their identity. The so-called democratic nation of the Middle East is as authoritarian as ever.
This is a powerful novel, enduring in the issues it exposes, with the recurring themes of oppression and ‘disappearance’ of people. It is a novel that will stay in your mind, and provides a compelling case for dialogue about a story that is ongoing. For another outstanding literary work on this subject, read Hasib Hourani’s award-winning poem Rock flight.
Laugh in the bath by Rory H. Mather. Illus. by Brent Wilson
Little Book Press, 2025. ISBN: 9781923141483. (Age:2-6) Highly recommended.
Giraffe bathtime is lots of fun for the two main characters and will be very relatable for younger readers. The front and back endpapers showcase the pink bathroom tiles and lots of bubbles which might be a clue of what is to come.
The spirited and lively rhyming text flows easily across the pages and the addition of the bath song is a welcome and engaging addition. The bright, bold colour palette used, combined with the large character images will draw the reader’s attention to the playfulness and rambunctious antics of the giraffe family. The expressions on the faces reflect the delight the young giraffes are feeling.
In this lively household, bathtime is most definitely a fun family affair and this wonderful story, full of jokes and humour reflect this special time.
Themes Bathtime, Giraffes, Humour, Family, Rhyme.
Kathryn Beilby
Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star by Rowan Foxwood
In Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star the reader discovers that there are more deities and daemons in the world than stars in the sky but only Heartseers like Anise Star can see them because only they still believe... Anise's job is to help humans and daemons live happily together. But when the villainous Mr Babbitt tries to steal her home in the White Woods and drive the daemons out, she is forced to travel to the capital to ask the High King for help. First, though, she'll have to convince him that daemons still exist. Accompanied by loyal daemon-dog Wolf, Anise sets out on a spellbinding and treacherous journey, meeting magical musician Robin and fox god Whin, and facing the cunning Magpie Queen and a deadly poisonous ink monster. In the midst of her battles she learns that it's not just the daemons of the White Wood she must save, but all the daemons of the world.
The genre 'fantasy adventure' is described as combining "the elements of fantasy (supernatural, magical, and often imaginary worlds) with the adventure genre (epic journeys, quests, and exciting undertakings), resulting in stories with magic, danger, and exploration." Unique landscapes, societies and cultures are the background to seemingly ordinary human characters embarking on personal quests that involve action, risk and danger and usually in company or conflict with imaginary beings to quell the malicious intent of those who seek to harm them. As they seek to ensure that good triumphs over evil, often with unique and mysterious powers, they also learn much about themselves, who they are, what they stand for and what they can accomplish and achieve as regular people.
Popular since the days of Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree series when young readers transported themselves away from the horrors of World War II to lands where fairies, elves and other magical beings dwelt and life was so different to their lived reality, continued through the 50s as my generation went through the wardrobe into Narnia, then brought into the realm of the modern young reader through the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends and the making of the movies based on Tolkien's classics of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and perpetuated through any number of video and computer games, it is a firm favourite with independent readers across the ages. Those written for children not only allow the child to dwell in an alternative world that may be more appealing than the one they are in, but also enable them to become the hero with both power and powers that the real world denies them. They are in charge, they are calling the shots and making the decisions - something rare in the pre-teen's life.
Heartseer: The Tale of Anise Star fits the genre, the demand and the library collection perfectly. It features those essential elements of the fantasy adventure genre with fast-paced narrative that draws the reader into both the setting and the action, while dropping tiny but important clues along the way whose significance only becomes apparent as the climax approaches. There are elements that echo the reader's world making the transition to the imaginary one seem more seamless as they take on the role of the protagonist as they are able to relate, perhaps even empathise, with the struggles they face, yet each features a lightness of touch that makes them ideal read-alones or read-alouds. They also all seem to set themselves as the possible beginning of a new series that keen readers will seek out.
Currently, in the school library in which I volunteer, it is series like these that seem to be constantly circulating, so to be able to bring some new reads to the selections will definitely spike interest as our long winter nights approach. An activity is available.
241p. Grace off the Court is the third title in Maddy Proud’s Netball series. Given her previous books are, Grace on the Court and Grace Back on the Court, it's not hard to predict Grace's new dilemma. Grace is still in Year 9 and determined to make Netball her thing. A star player for the Lions, she is thrilled to be invited to try out for the Australian U15 team at the AIS in Canberra with Daisy - that is when not chilling with her family and Lions teamates plus her brothers and boyfriend Seb, who play in a local rockband together.
The AIS is everything Grace imagined it would be. She thrives on the deep dive into the professional life of an athlete, rigorous training sessions and mountains of food to fuel her physical and mental performances. Both Grace and Daisy impress the selectors. Tragically only Daisy is accepted because Grace is rushed to hospital for surgery on her knee, injured during tryout sessions. It's bad news and Grace is out of the running, facing weeks of rehab on crutches, which means she may not even return to play in the finals for her own club.
Her 'village' including team mates Stella, Mia, Amber and Daisy gather round to support Grace as she heals. How will she manage to be inactive and miss weeks of school, which also necessitates extra study to catch up on her missed school work. Mum and Dad, Ethan and Angus all empathize with her disappointment and restrictions, but she reverts to being overwhelmed and sends Seb mixed signals causing Grace to become jealous and the two simply break up in anger. Is the whole world against Grace? Hardly, she leads a full balanced life and her happiness is not dependent on one single part. Her family and friends provide necessary support, pushing her to attend netball practice if only to participate in assisting Coach Peters with canny strategy and team insights. Will Grace have time to feel sorry for herself? Will rehab give her time to re-evaluate so everything works out better in the end.
Like all of Maddy Proud’s books, being herself a co-captain of the NSW Swifts and in the Australian Netball squad 2022-23, the on-court commentary is authentic and high action. Her themes of loyaty, sportmanship and perseverance foster growth mindset in all Netball loving tweens. However the disproportionate boy talk amongst the girls, while never improper, is more age appropriate to 13+ readers in high school.
Hugs still feel the same by Kiralee Strong and Jenni Barrand
EK Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781922539960. (Age:4-8)
Even though once again the rain is lashing the window, the clouds hide the morning sun and paint the outside grey, things will be okay because morning hugs are still the same. And as the day progresses, the little girl is still calm and optimistic because everyone's hugs feel the same. Even when her life is turned upside down, even the hugs of strangers are reassuring because a hug can get us through so many tough times.
This story starts like the beginning of any wet day - there might be a bit of regret as plans have to be changed, but a hug from a loved one will soothe that away. But as the rain continues and the refrain is repeated, you know there is something brewing - what has gone wrong? Whose hug is going to be missing?
Sadly, this is a story that is going to resonate with many of its readers, particularly children, and particularly those in coastal Queensland and northern New South Wales right now, and while its message is a positive one of resilience, the kindness and care of strangers and the power of a hug, it could be a trigger because the climax is the family having to evacuate their home as floodwaters rise, and are rescued by the SES and taken to a community shelter as they watch their home float away. (I'm disclosing the end because it could also be a trigger for the adult sharing it.)
Inspired by the author's real-life experience of the severe flooding that engulfed the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia in 2022 and being a volunteer for the recovery efforts, it was important to look for the beauty amongst the devastation and regardless of what was going on around, the comfort that a hug from a loved one was palpable. It's just sad that it's publication comes at this time, so soon after the events on the Gold Coast and Brisbane and the current events in Townsville, but then, perhaps fortuitous because it could be a timely reminder that hugs are still the same. They still offer a consoling message of a shared experience and emotion.
But even for those who haven't been through the trauma of such scary weather events, there is still a strong message for anyone who has gone through similar profound tragedy - that reaching out and physical connection between loved ones and even strangers gives so much comfort and empathy and works so well when words won't. While teachers' notes help explore the book more deeply, to me its essence is in its reassurance of family resilience, of community connection and that, no matter whether you're giving or getting them, hugs still feel the same.
Themes Floods, Love.
Barbara Braxton
Earthspeak 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.
Themes Aboriginal themes, Environment, Family.
Fran Knight
Butterflies by Mark Russell
Wild Dog Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781742037097. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
This non-fiction text has amazing photographs and information related to butterflies and their life cycle. This is a book designed for primary school readers with bite sized information complemented by photographs.
The up close and under the microscope images will enthrall the reader as they learn all about lepidoptera (butterflies). The book begins with broad information and moves into more detail focusing on the life cycle. Using simple words mixed with scientific terms makes this book accessible to all readers and allows them to learn.
Up Close: Butterflies has many interesting facts and as someone who loves seeing butterflies this book would have been an absolute favourite on my childhood bookshelf. The information varies from the life cycle to where butterflies fit in the classification of all species. The photographs are clear and brightly coloured making them appeal to the reader. This is an excellent resource for classrooms and home bookshelves and is sure to be a favourite for any reader who likes butterlies, scientific knowledge and understanding or who is interested in insects.
Themes Science, Non-fiction, Butterflies, Insects, Life cycles.
Mhairi Alcorn
Where shall we travel today? by Kristin Martin. Illus. by Nicky Johnston
Just in time for this year’s CBCA 2025 Book Week Theme: Book An Adventure, this glorious new picture book from talented SA author and poet Kristin Martin, will delight both children and adults. Beginning and ending with endpapers silhouetting childhood friends against a setting sun, this adventurous and playful story will provide reminders of those long summer holidays spent outdoors where time had no routine.
The poetic rhyming verse is skilfully constructed and floats across as the pages as the children follow their imaginations and joyfully engage with each other. The clever use of bold and larger text to place emphasis on key words provides an opportunity to introduce new concepts and vocabulary for younger readers.
The softly muted pastel illustrations by Nicky Johnston are full of life and capture beautifully the friendship and the fun the children experience. The energy and vitality that these young friends display and their creative thoughts and play will hopefully encourage other children to head outside and enjoy time outdoors.
Where Shall We Travel Today? is a wonderful read aloud and definitely deserves a place in public and primary school libraries.
Morris and the magic of stories by Didier Lévy & Lorenzo Sangió
Thames & Hudson, 2023. ISBN: 9780500653258.
Morris the cat's favourite food was mice, but he was tired of having to run around all day to hunt them. He decided it would be much better if he were to lure them to him by reading them stories, just like magic. But no matter what story he chose - sad, funny, boring - he and the mice got so involved in it that when it ended, he was no longer hungry and the mice sauntered off, safe. Just like magic.
Morris even tried writing his own story - but after many attempts at trying to make one up, he decided he wasn't a story teller at all. But when he shared his own story about a cat who tried to catch mice by reading to them and who, as usual, came to listen, he found that he couldn't eat them after all. They had all become friends through the magic of stories.
Was Morris going to starve? Or did the mice have a surprise for him?
Ever since I reviewed Wolfgang and the Magic of Music and learned of this predecessor, I've been waiting for it to arrive because it seemed to be at the very essence of what we do - share the magic of stories to anyone who will listen - and I was not disappointed because it echoes my current situation. At the start of the year, I volunteered to read to the littlies at the local preschool each week so I could leave the books with them and try to shrink the piles I have collected, but now they give me more than I give them in the form of cuddles and smiles and the inevitable shout of recognition in the supermarket aisle! Love it. The magic of stories. And it spans time and space as 2,204,658 registered participants in 16 632 locations took part in ALIA's National Simultaneous Storytime last week and already excitement is mounting as CBCA Book Week approaches. And that's just in Australia!
This is one for all ages. Little ones will just love it for the story itself while those who are older can share their own stories of stories that have significance for them for whatever reason, and maybe create a display of the titles to encourage their friends to read more widely. There is the opportunity to introduce genre as they share sad, funny and boring stories, particularly in the build-up to the Book Week theme - or just celebrate the magic of the printed word that can be revisited over and over or lead you to new places altogether.
Barbara Braxton
Wolfgang and the magic of music by Didier Lévy & Lorenzo Sangio
When Wolfgang posts a notice on a big tree in the forest about wanting to start a band, he is very disappointed that no one comes to join until, just as he gives up and decides to take it down, a rabbit appears and asks to audition. Even though Wolfgang has more culinary ideas about the rabbit than musical, nevertheless he listens and rather than seeing Rex as a tasty snack, Wolfgang sees him as the perfect partner. The Big Bads group is born. They are an immediate hit, and their fans come to listen from all over the forest. And even though sometimes Wolfgang's tummy rumbles, all it takes is for Rex to start playing and the music overwhelms them.
This is a story about how the most unlikely of friendships can be formed through the shared love of something common like music or sport, that offers much food for thought for those wanting to look beyond the storyline and charming illustrations. So while little ones will enjoy identifying some of their favourite fairytale characters who make up the audience, perhaps even listening and moving to the sort of music that some of the newly-formed bands create, older readers could delve a little deeper. Why might Wolfgang have struggled to find band members? Could there be more to the Big Bad Wolf than his reputation? After all, even Little Red Riding Hood comes to listen to The Big Bads Play. Are characters, or even real people, one-dimensional? What is the meaning of "stereotype"? What can we learn about characterisation from this story that we can apply to our own?
While building connections through the universal language of music is not an uncommon theme in children's literature, and those focusing on unusual friendships even more so, stories that readily enable young writers to focus on their own storycraft are rarer and that is the real appeal of this one for me. Now I am keen to get my hands on its predecessor, Morris and the Magic of Stories.
Mark Greenwood calls himself a 'history hunter'. His author bio says he "enjoys searching for lost explorers and glittering treasure, delving into baffling mysteries and investigating famous cold cases".
He has now completed a 4-book History Hunter series which started in 2024 with The dragon's treasure and The vanishing. The final two books in this series are The wonder horse and The deadly diamond, both released in June 2025.
The History Hunter series is fabulous for middle grade readers, especially those who love a juicy story about true events!
This one is all about the famous racehorse, Phar Lap, and draws readers in immediately, as it starts with a chapter called The End, detailing the horse's tragic death at just 5 and a half years old.
Phar Lap grew from an unwanted, lanky and clumsy yearling into an inspiring success - winning 37 of his 51 races over 4 seasons. It was the Great Depression, and the people loved their new equine hero. But amid the success and love for this winning horse there were also dangers lurking, with some people prepared to go to extreme lengths to stop Phar Lap from winning.
The way this book is written is completely captivating from start to finish (yes, even for those who have no interest in horses or horse racing!). It is written in a conversational style which engages instantly, while also maintaining historical accuracy. It shares the full story behind the headlines, and includes fascinating tidbits of information, such as the superstition that resulted in Phar Lap's naming.
The final few pages of this book include extra resources: Phar Lap statistics, and a list of 'more to explore' including 12 books, 2 films, a podcast and 4 websites. There is also a sneak peek chapter of The deadly diamond - all about the Hope Diamond.
A day in this girl’s life is vividly recreated by author/illustrator, Jillian Packer, reflecting her own childhood, when she lived on a farm near Port Lincoln in South Australia. Each page exudes the warmth of the family as the girl says good morning to all the people and animals that make up her day. She must do chores with the family, helping milk the cows, collecting eggs, helping Gran with picking the fruit, and so on, until she is chore free and able to go down to the beach. What a wonderful world is here before her. She and her dog, Maggie explore the beach and the small rocks nearby, they collect shells and seaweed, say hello to the little yellow fish that swim by, acknowledge the sea anemone, pretend they are dining together and dance in the shallows. As the sun begins to disappear, and a sea breeze cools the air around, she knows it is time to return home. She retraces her steps, saying good night to all the things she saw in the morning. In the warm kitchen, tea is ready and the family sits together, talking of their day, marvelling at the little treasures the girl has brought back from the beach. The day is done, and they sit on the front veranda looking out over the sea, then off to bed, lulled by the sound of the sea nearby.
This is a beautiful homage to the power of the beach, giving a child’s view of what she finds and how she spends her day. Reflective and mesmerising, the child fills her day unaware of time passing by. She measures her time by the sun, and when it begins to disappear she knows it is time to go home. An unhurried and treasure filled day is passed by the girl and her dog.
The illustrations are wonderfully peaceful and involving. Filled with detail, kids will love picking out the things they might find at the beach and pore over the endpapers to list the things she finds.
Themes Beach, Farms, Family, Relationships, Farm animals.
Fran Knight
A loo of one's own by Eleri Harris
Allen & Unwin, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181832. (Age:5-10) Recommended.
This narrative non-fiction book is a light-hearted yet interesting look at the history of women in Australia's Federal Parliament. It is told mostly in highly illustrated comic-strip fashion, including pops of juvenile humour which younger readers will appreciate.
Author/illustrator Eleri Harris describes herself on her website as "journalist, cartoonist, lady". She was inspired to write and illustrate this book after being told the tale during a walk with She Shapes History - a group whose mission is to "create more respect for women today by recognising their contributions in the past" (source: https://sheshapeshistory.com.au/about-us/)
The first two women ever to be elected to Federal Parliament commenced in 1943. They quickly found that there was no allocated ladies' toilet, so they developed a 'secret code' of leaving their shoes outside the men's toilets as a signal that there was a woman in there.
Almost unbelievably the 'code' continued for over 30 years, as the first ladies' toilet was not installed in Parliament House until 1974!
At the conclusion of this story is an extra few pages of excellent information, which lends itself well to a short information report for students in Years 2-4. These pages include a summarised history of the first two women - Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney, including their contributions to Australian democracy, as well as details of their personal lives before and after politics.
There is also a fabulous double-page spread showing a detailed timeline of women in politics in Australia, from 1856 (first woman in Australia to vote) to 2013 (first Indigenous woman elected to Australia's Federal Parliament). And finally, there's a description of Old Parliament House from 1927 to 1974, covering the building itself as well as all the jobs undertaken by women in that timeframe.
Themes Equality, Accessibility, Women, Politics.
Kylie Grant
Book your ticket to adventure by Sarah and Emily. Illus. by Dan Nav
Sarah and Emily Authors, 2025. ISBN: 9781763534377.
There is a quote attributed to Mason Cooley that pretty much sums up this book as well as the 2025 CBCA Book Week theme - "Book an Adventure".
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.
Using jaunty rhyme and bright illustrations, it celebrates the different places and times that a reader can visit when they pick up a book to read, making it is the ideal companion to spark reading adventures not just for this year, but whenever an escape is needed. Whether it's back in history to the battle fields of Gallipoli or forward to the future of life on other planets, or maybe somewhere in the Australian Outback or mysterious canyons in faraway places, there are adventures to be had, mysteries to solve and laughter to be shared.
It can serve as an introduction to the various genres found in primary school library collections with students encouraged to read more widely, identify the common elements of each genre and perhaps build a display of suggestions for their friends to read, but mostly it just celebrates the joy of reading and that regardless of your preferences, you will find something in the library that appeals and offers you a ticket beyond the four walls enclosing you. And even better, the ticket is free, readily available and never expires.
Barbara Braxton
How to survive 1985 by Tegan Bennett Daylight
Simon & Schuster, 2025. ISBN: 9781761429712. (Age:12+)
Written by Tegan Bennett Daylight, How To Survive 1985 is a must-read to acknowledge and appreciate how much we Australians have evolved. The book follows Shannon and her friends as they are transported back in time to 1985. The diverse group tackles issues like racism and homophobia as they search for a way to get back home. And what happens when Shannon seeks out her mum? Will she be appreciative of her future daughter’s identity? Or is the battle against conservative ideologies a long and hard one?
The book is written simply and captures how young people think and act and the values they hold close effectively. It raises awareness on present-day issues like global warming and presents the idea of unity in diversity through the various characters of different genders, backgrounds and abilities, making it suitable for young readers aged 12 and above. The use of Gen-Z slang and references to 80s pop culture also make it an endearing read for all age groups.
Readers accustomed to fast-paced, action-packed books may find the book to drag out needlessly. Several parts of the book simply exhaust the word count without adding to the plot. However, the themes and ideas conveyed by the book make it a memorable read, one that prompts reflection on how far we've come - and how far we still have to go. How To Survive 1985 is not just a time-travel tale; it’s a reminder of the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and the courage to challenge outdated norms.
