Prayer for a river by Uncle Glenn Loughrey & Andrew Kelly
Wild Dog Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781742036915. (Age:3+) Recommended.
The endpapers show the fingers of a river, reaching out over the land, covering far more than the main trunk of the river itself. Tributaries take the water to Country where people tell stories, passing on information about the river, embedding it in their hearts and minds. River is water and water is life, bringing the parched brown land to life, watering the red river gums and kangaroo grass, while platypus and cockatoos drink. Water holds the stories of life: where to hunt turtles and frogs, or fish and birds and ducks. It is the basis of all things living, it weaves us altogether, linking our lives and the stories, ensuring both work together.
From the water rising up form the sea, to being blown by the wind over the land where it falls as rain, the cyclic nature of rain and river is engrained in the minds of those who rely on it.
The taut simplicity of the mantra: River is sacred, respect river and river will respect you, will speak to the readers of this book, as many examples of stories about rivers will be told, as children bring their knowledge and understanding to the group. Many Aboriginal stories are embedded in rivers and water, and a quick search in the library will enable these to be shared.
Stunning illustrations carry the images of the river from cover to cover. Going from the rain soaking the earth beneath the trees, to mountains with water cascading down their sides, to the river snaking through vistas of blue grass, the turtles swimming with the smaller creatures in the river, to the beautiful kaleidoscope of colour and movement of the river when it is thanked, each image is complete in itself, differing methods used to develop the images, making them something to be pored over and wondered at.
Hannah Backwards by Kim Rackham is a beautifully crafted, whimsical verse novel that offers young readers a relatable window into the world of a Year 4 student learning to navigate connections, change and courage. Told entirely from Hannah’s perspective, the story captures both the tenderness and turbulence of childhood as she faces two big upheavals at once: the departure of her favourite teacher and the sudden news that her best friend, Izzi, is moving far away.
Rackham’s choice to write in verse gives the story a lyrical rhythm that mirrors Hannah’s thoughts; sometimes tumbling, sometimes still, always honest. The poetry format allows readers to step right into Hannah’s heart as she tries to make sense of feelings that don’t always fit into neat sentences. This intimacy is one of the book’s greatest strengths; it encourages empathy, reflection and a deep understanding of how children process change.
One of the most poignant elements of the story is the special shell-stone Hannah carries, a gift from her grandmother. This small treasure becomes a quiet but powerful symbol of comfort and courage. When Hannah rubs the stone in her pocket, readers can almost feel its smoothness, as it anchors and supports her through challenging situations.
The novel explores its themes with warmth and emotional clarity. Hannah’s fear of new beginnings slowly shifts into a recognition that change can bring unexpected brightness. Rackham delicately balances moments of sadness with threads of humour, hope and childlike wonder. Hannah’s journey is not about avoiding difficult feelings but learning to walk through them; discovering joy on the other side.
Young independent readers, especially those experiencing transitions, will find comfort and connection in Hannah’s story. Teachers and parents will appreciate the gentle conversations the book encourages about resilience, friendship and trusting oneself.
Ultimately, Hannah Backwards is a heartfelt and uplifting read. It reminds us that even when life feels like it’s moving the wrong way, bravery, love and a spark of adventure can help us find our way forward again.
Too Big to Be a Fairy, the first instalment in Kiah Thomas’s charming new series A Little Bit Lola, is a wonderfully witty and fast-paced adventure; perfect for young readers stepping into the independent reading stage. With full-colour illustrations by Bec Kitson appearing throughout, this lively story bursts with personality, humour and heart, making it an irresistible choice for newly confident readers.
The story follows Lola, a spirited and imaginative youngest child, who longs for a set of wheels - just like everyone else in her family. But, in true Lola fashion, she has her own idea about what those wheels should be: a gloriously sparkly pair of roller skates she spots in the local op shop. Determined to buy them before someone else snaps them up, Lola launches into a series of quirky, creative and comical ideas to make her wish come true.
Deciding the best way to get her fabulous roller skates is to shrink to fairy size, Lola sets out with high hopes and dreams. Each chapter creates another layer filled with humour, imagination and heartfelt longing to her mission. This blend of desperation, innocence and unshakeable belief in the impossible makes Lola’s character especially endearing, and young readers will delight in the way her fairy fantasies intertwine with her real-world problem-solving.
Thomas’s writing is bright and engaging, capturing Lola’s voice with warmth and humour while keeping the pace brisk and exciting. Each chapter is short and accessible, supported beautifully by Kitson’s colourful, expressive illustrations that bring extra vibrancy and playfulness to the narrative. The combination of easy-to-read text, plentiful visuals and an engaging storyline makes this book an excellent steppingstone for children transitioning into chapter books.
Imaginative, funny and full of heart, Too Big to Be Fairy is a whirlwind of fun and laughter. Lola’s determination and creativity shine, offering readers a delightful adventure and a hero to cheer for. This beginning novel is sure to captivate early readers and leave them eagerly awaiting Lola’s next escapade.
My first day by Nic Naitanui. Illus. by Fátima Anaya
Albert Street Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781761182488. (Age:3+) Recommended.
When Nic wakes up, Mum reminds him that today is his first day at school. There are new friends to meet and new games to play. But Nic is reluctant to get out of bed, he feels a little unsure. Even eating breakfast he asks his mother about the strangeness of this new place. She reminds him that they are very different from each other, they may look the same, but one likes to get up early, one likes to sleep in, one likes to cook and the other likes to eat. In the classroom, the teacher asks the children to tell Nic what they like doing. One likes to dance, one to grow things, one has a per fish, one a puppy. The teacher asks them what language they speak other than English, and there is a wide range again: French, Farsi, Malay, signing, and one just yells.
At lunchtime, the children share three lunches. And after play together. Back in the classroom, they illustrate the things they want to do when they are bigger. Again a whole range of things are chosen, underlining the differences between us all.
At the end of the day, the teacher ask them to sit down quietly and close their eyes, with everyone calm she thanks them for being patient and kind during the day. Outside parents are waiting for their children, and they all go home, Nic looking forward to the next day, sleeping very well that night.
This is a charming story about a child’s first day at school, modelling the behaviour of mum in being encouraging, and of the teacher being inclusive and the students being calm, helpful and patient.
The rhyming lines encourage readers to predict the rhyming word, and the short stanzas are easy to listen to. A good read aloud story, children will eagerly identify with Nic, remembering their own first times, and sharing their concerns at the coming first day at school.
The bright full page illustrations will have wide appeal, showing a home, school and suburbs that are identifiable and known. These give a warmth to the story that is about a young person’s concerns, showing that the concerns are a minor part of a safe, happy, known environment. I love the small details: the very cute stuffed toy on Nic’s chest of drawers, the breakfast nook, the patterns on the rug, the range of people taking their children to school, the range of food being eaten and shared at lunchtime, the quiet time at the end of the day.
Themes Diversity, First day at school, School, Family.
Fran Knight
The seven rings by Nora Roberts
Little, Brown Book Group, 2025. ISBN: 9780349437569. (Age:Adult) Recommended for Roberts' fans.
Following Inheritance and The Mirror, The seven rings, the final in The lost bride trilogy, is another book that will engage fans of the hugely popular Nora Roberts. Sonya Mactavish is living in the mansion that Arthur Poole had built generations ago, a house that is haunted with the ghosts of seven brides who have been murdered, and their gold wedding rings stolen. Hester Dobbs needs the rings to keep her grip on the house and Sonya knows she must find them all to break the curse that has been put on the house. Together with boyfriend Trey, her best friend Cleo and cousin Owen, she searches the mansion for all the portraits of the brides and tries to puzzle out how banish the evil witch.
The story has all the elements for enjoyable escapism. Who wouldn’t want to live in a mansion where friendly ghosts do all the housework and gardening, as well as playing with the dog? These ghosts provide a break from the suspense as Hobbs uses her power to try and terrorise Sonya into leaving the house. But Sonya is a determined young woman who refuses to give into fear and gradually with the help of her friends begins to find clues to the mystery that surrounds the house. As usual in Roberts' paranormal books, she builds up the suspense with some frightening episodes but then ties all the threads together in a satisfying conclusion.
While the Prologue to The seven rings introduces the trilogy, it is best to read the three books in strict order to understand the events and history of the house. Fans of Nora Roberts books will enjoy the ghost story as well as the emphasis on friendship and family and may want to pursue her Eve Dallas mysteries written under her pen name of J.D. Robb.
Pan Macmillan, 2025. ISBN: 9781761773976. (Age:2+)
Two colouring books in this series, Beach babies and Candy pop are offered to the younger readers who loves colouring in. And some older people may like to use them as well.
Each book contains 40 single page illustrations to colour with the added bonus of learning a few things along the way. Candy pop, the second book, offers 40 pages of illustrations about sweet food. Kids will drool over the range of sweets offered: cupcakes, sorbets, cakes, boiled sweets, donuts, sweet drinks, candy canes and ice cream. Kids will love colouring them in, and look for the Australian animals on the pages. A relaxing way to spend some time, perhaps with a meditative aspect for older people with a coloured pencil in their hands.
Lots of pinks, purples and pastels will cover these pages as they are coloured in, and kids will love naming them and the things they contain. Older people with a coloured pencil will find colouring in meditative.
Michi Mochi ís a Melbourne based designer and illustrator with a deep fondness for anything Japanese resulting in 12 books about that country.
Themes Colouring in book.
Fran Knight
Tom the Truck Driver by Jess Carrigan. Illus. by Glen Singleton
Little Steps, 2025. ISBN: 9781922833013. (Age:3-6 years)
Debut author Jess Carrigan lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia and with her husband runs an agricultural-based trucking company. Her knowledge of truck, truckies and what their work involves is evident in this soft cover picture book.
Tom is a likeable character who drives a large B Double truck and warmly shares his story with young readers. He is ready to collect a number of calves and cattle from a farmer and take them to market. It is a long journey and on the way Tom talks about his day, what he sees on his journey and how others help him at different times.
The full page illustrations are colourful and show detail. The accessible text is spread thoughtfully throughout and for those children who are fascinated by trucks and farming life, this will be an enjoyable read.
Themes Trucks, Road Trains, Country Life, Jobs, Cattle, Farms, Australia.
Kathryn Beilby
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.
