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Catty Corner: #1 and #2 – Julie Murphy
I’ve been a fan of Julie Murphy’s writing since I first read Dumplin’ [wow! ten years old now!] when she gave fat girls back the power (by the way, the movie was pretty good too, if you’ve not seen it yet!). This is a new series for younger readers to MG, and again, puts the…
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Aggie Flea Steals the Show – Tania Ingram. Illustrated by A. Yi
When Tania told me that she thinks #2 Aggie is even funnier than the first, I said that’s a tough act to follow (and clearly, since it’s now a CBCA Notable, I’m not the only one to have a high opinion of #1) but I do think she could be right. Aggie is back and…
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Capital book gift
I have to say that the most outstanding result of reviewing, and the past decade of this blog, is my now wide circle of creator friends, which increases almost daily. I can count among my network the cream of Australian children’s lit creatives, and they are such warm, generous and kind people to have on…
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The Isabelle Stories Volume 1: Izzy & Belle – Jane Godwin. Illustrated by Robin Cowcher.
Hachette March 2023 Imprint: Lothian Children’s Books ISBN 9780734421593 RRP: $14.99 Whil Jane Godwin’s delightful new series for your younger readers, venturing on their independent reading journeys will, I predict, be a huge hit. These kiddos are always enthralled with stories which mirror their own doings, likes and dislikes, worries and joys, and, of course,…
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Ellie Pillai is Brown – Christine Pillainayagam
Faber & Faber July 2022 ISBN: 9780571366910ISBN-10: 0571366910RRP: $17.99 This is a debut novel of true exceptional talent IMO. I love a good romance and when it’s interwoven with self-discovery, diversity, cultural differences, regular teen relationships and issues, and music – all the better! Also, this is definitely the first YA (or indeed any book) I have…
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Dear Greta – Yvette Poshoglian
Penguin Australia March 2022 ISBN: 9781761043789 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $16.99 First of all, for their writing task, a collaborative project between library and classroom, Alice gets Greta Thunberg as her ‘significant person’ to whom she is meant to write fictional letters. Who wants to get a teen environmental activist to write to? Now a pop star, that would…
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Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables Join Forces – Tim Harris
Penguin Australia 1 March 2022 ISBN: 9781761044557 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $14.99 It seems incredible – or should I say remarkable – that is already four years since I had the pleasure of sipping Himalayan tea with the delicious Mr Bambuckle – sorry, I mean, sipping delicious Himalayan tea with Mr Bambuckle! And now everyone’s favourite teacher (up there…
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Friday Barnes #9: No Escape – R. A. Spratt
Penguin Australia February 2021 ISBN: 9781760895761 Imprint: Puffin RRP: $15.99 R. A. Spratt (aka Rachel) said to me ‘NO spoilers’ when I mentioned I was about to review this new Friday Barnes instalment and given she is both fit and feisty albeit small, I am not about to quibble! So here’s my rather ‘different’ review ;-). A) Friday…
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Tell ’em – written by Katrina Germein & Rosemary Sullivan [with the Children of Manyallaluk School] Illustrated by Karen Briggs.
Harper Collins Australia May 2020 ISBN: 9781921504921 ISBN 10: 1921504927 Imprint: Working Title Press – AU List Price: 24.99 AUD What an absolute joy this book is! I’ve had some absolutely cracking books of late featuring Indigenous/First Australian themes but this one, which gives readers an insight into the everyday life of contemporary First Australian kids living in their…
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Lottie Luna and the Twilight Party (Lottie Luna #2) – Vivian French. Illustrated by Nathan Reed.
Harper Collins Australia March 2020 ISBN: 9780008343019 ISBN 10: 0008343012 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB List Price: 12.99 AUD We all know two things for certain. Young readers love to see a reflection of their own lives: school, friendship, family and so on and that Vivian French excels in creating engaging and whimsical adventures for her audience. This is Lottie’s…
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