Talented South Australian duo, author Kristin Martin and illustrator Lauren Mullinder, have collaborated beautifully to create Fearless Finn, a delightful and vibrant narrative. This larger than usual picture book offers young readers a heartfelt and visually engaging story that celebrates bravery and overcoming feelings of fear.
When farm boy Finn is milking Maude, a dragon destroys all the hay. She continues to cause havoc by burning trees and slightly blackening a goat. In the meantime, Finn has become Fearless Finn – a dragon fighting knight - with homemade armour, sword and shield.
Don’t worry, I am…Fearless Finn… a… dragon-fighting…knight! I’ll find that dreadful dragon And I’ll challenge her to fight.
Off Fearless Finn goes following the dragon’s trail of havoc. When Finn finds the dragon he challenges her to a fight but…all is not as it appears. Is the dragon as fiery and dangerous as Finn first thought?
The skilful rhyme is a pleasure to read aloud, perfectly complemented by softened digital?pastel illustrations that trace Finn’s journey and thoughtfully share his shifting emotions and changing expressions. The well-crafted and satisfying ending will be welcomed by young readers with the inclusion of the special recipe in the final pages - a fabulous addition and enjoyable (& edible!) extension to the narrative.
When your best friend is sinking into addiction, how do you help? Or, can you?
Two best friends in Year 10, going to a party. A couple of pills, just to boost confidence. First time for Mia, she’s cautious, but she follows Sophie’s lead. And then she gets a goodnight kiss from Lewis, the hottest guy in the school. The fragile glass beneath Mia gives way as she gets pulled further into the world Ecstasy gives her; a world where she is confident, risk-taking, everything she isn’t.
Things take a turn for the worse, and the girls’ relationship is strained. Sophie gets sexually assaulted by Lewis’s dealer, and Mia starts to Ecstasy more recklessly. Their friendship is strained, and Sophie can no longer recognize Mia, who has become a shell of her former self. But their bond brings Mia back from the edge she was unknowingly walking off.
Kate McCaffrey uses her powerful writing to build the worlds of Sophie and Mia, shown from the alternating perspectives of each girl. Her raw words carefully show a user’s decline as the story progresses through months, engaging readers. Her words are uncomplicated yet engaging, and you can relate to the simplicity of her writing. With shifting points of views, her book is about both friendship and drugs, in equal part.
The book isn’t action-driven but compelling. The story stretches across the course of several months, but the events are steady in pace and gripping in nature. Through words, it shows Mia’s first time taking Ecstasy, Sophie’s withdrawal, the girls’ splitting up and the slow recovery. While the ending isn’t absolute, it speaks of hope and renewal, with both teenagers looking forward. Sophie and Mia are both built with purpose. Their character and personality are uniquely different and creatively portrayed. McCaffrey’s writing makes them real, with their faults and flaws but the remaining, underlying good in both of them.
While it isn’t a thriller, In Ecstasy is gripping. I’d recommend this contemporary novel to anyone searching for a raw, original story that starts important discussions.
Themes: Friendship, Self-esteem, Drug addiction, Depression, Anxiety
Jahnavi B. (Student)
Don’t Let Them Leave by Mike Lucas
Penguin Random House Australia, 2026. ISBN: 9781761355462. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
If you have an older middle grade/YA reader who loves horror, gothic dark secrets, ghostly characters plus mysterious and menacing ravens, then Don’t Let Them Leave by South Australian author Mike Lucas is definitely a must-read new release. This sinister blend of supernatural menace and buried secrets will stay with you long after the last page is read.
Set in North Cornwall, this chilling and brilliantly written novel opens with a disturbing prologue from 1855, setting the scene for the fate that will later befall three young characters in 1930. Charlotte, Jack and Emily have been left orphaned after a car accident claimed the life of their beloved parents. Thrown into a bewildering situation, the children are taken from their family home and thrust into the guardianship of their never met grandmother on the remote and treacherous Black Island.
All is not as it appears and narrator Charlotte, the eldest, tells the story of events through her eyes as the siblings try to make sense of their new life on Black Island. After a series of strange and frightening happenings, Charlotte leaves the island for a few hours and meets Barnaby whom the children befriended on the train journey from their home. It is at the estate where Barnaby works that Charlotte meets the local landowner who tells her the story of what happened 600 years ago to the children of the town. With ravens guarding the castle, a grandmother not quite what she seems along with an evil cat, the three children are thrust into a dire situation and must use their wits to escape from a place in which deep secrets are buried and where they are not allowed to leave.
Mike Lucas, author of Teen/YA novels What We All Saw and One By One They Disappear, once again captures the atmosphere of suspense, fear, and danger with meticulous prowess. His three young protagonists are strong, relatable, and resilient, each trying to navigate the terrifying situation they have found themselves in, with young Jack harbouring a devastating secret. Watching them face the challenges of their escalating and seemingly hopeless situation is a masterclass in tension and compelling storytelling.
Trickshot Harri: the Cheetah World Beater by Adam Jackson & Adrian Lloyd. Illus. by Jake A Minton
Little Book Press, 2026. ISBN: 9781923141612. (Age:5-9) Highly recommended.
Following on from Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller, the creative team behind the Animal World Cup series have added a second lively narrative, adding fresh energy with a new competition to this engaging collection.
Harri is a talented soccer player who feels that he can win the match for the team. In his first season he took the team from mid-table battlers into the top two. When his team, the Jungle FCs are up against the unbeatable Safari Stars, Harri plays a world class first half scoring four goals. It is during the half-time break that Harri’s dad reminds him that there is…’no I in TEAM.’ However, Harri has other ideas and laughs off his father’s advice.
When the second half begins, Harri has two opposition players on him and he is trapped. As the Safari Stars kick three goals in a row, Harri changes his game to defence and the whole team takes on the opposition. Will Harri find that as a team they can work well together and achieve the win?
This is a great story about teamwork and valuing each member’s role in the game. The use of bolded words, text that conveys movement, and large expressive character images adds a fast pace to the storyline. The rhyming text is a standout and will provide an enjoyable read aloud experience for young readers.
Themes Soccer, Australian Animals, Competition, Teamwork, Humour, Rhyme, Sport.
Kathryn Beilby
The last starborn seer by Venetia Constantine
Head of Zeus, 2026. ISBN: 9781035914449. (Age:14+) Recommended.
Leilani Stellarion, the last of her cursed bloodline, is shunned for her dangerous magic, which is slowly corrupting her mind. After her father arranges her marriage to her childhood rival and her mother’s health worsens, Leilani learns of a relic that could end the Sickening, a curse dividing the realms of Arcelia. She embarks on a quest with sworn enemies to fulfil an ancient prophecy, racing against a sinister foe while battling the growing darkness within her before it consumes everything she loves.
The Last Starborn Seer draws readers into a richly detailed fantasy world, but I found it hard to get into it at first. The beginning is dense, packed with heavy lore and an overuse of terms like “star” and “moon,” which often made the world feel overcomplicated. The glossary at the start of the book also put me off, making me feel like I had to study before enjoying the story. It wasn’t until after page 150 that the pacing picked up and the book became more engaging.
I didn’t feel very attached to the characters and found them quite selfish and unlikeable at times. Leilani’s character starts off as immature and occasionally irritating, but her growth as the story progressed was a positive aspect. The story is told from a dual POV, but most of the focus remains on Leilani, so the impact of switching perspectives is limited.
Even though the novel is marketed as Adult Romantasy, it reads more like Young Adult Fantasy with a romance subplot. The writing style is quite tropey and sometimes tries too hard to be ‘adult,’ creating unnecessary intricacy.
I liked some of the side characters like Tansy, Delphine, and Briar, though at times I forgot they were there. While the pacing was slow, I appreciate the effort put into building such a unique and lavish world. In the second half, I enjoyed the sense of adventure and the higher stakes much more.
Overall, I would rate The Last Starborn Seer 3.5 out of 5 stars. I’d recommend this book to readers who like in-depth fantasy and don’t mind a slower start.
Themes: Overcoming Prejudice, Parental Neglect, Power and Corruption, Found Family.
Bea and Annie are two girls who are initially polar opposites. Bea Ware was afraid of almost everything, from noises in the house, to things she could see, hear, taste and touch. There is so much that terrifies her and “ties her in knots”.
Bea watches in awe as Annie Venture shows how differently she approaches life, seemingly fearing nothing. She is willing to experience new games, foods, and activities, calmly and bravely. When Bea dares to wonder how she manages to attempt all of these things so fearlessly, Annie provides her with a whole new way of looking at the world.
I’m not fearless,’ laughed Annie, Í just tell myself to fear less. Fear less than I did yesterday. And fear less than I did the day before that.
As Bea ponders this advice, her fears slowly diminish and, overcoming her reluctance to try new things, she becomes willing to face her fears one at a time, experiencing a great deal of joy and relief as she does so.
Canby writes simple stories with strong messages. I love the fact that both Fearless and Timeless are suitable to read to very young children but have messages that are appropriate for readers of all ages. Her simple illustrations, overlaid on a background of flowing word clouds, convey the moods and attitudes of the characters perfectly. Canby includes a scattering of enormous, boldly formatted words, often interlaced in the illustration it describes. A touch of alliteration adds to the joy of the story, as do the endpapers, yet again.
This title could be used by parents in assisting children to address their fears, as well as being a great classroom resource for wellbeing lessons when discussing the ways in which different people manage new things.
Ruby’s Web, written by Ellen van Neerven, is a powerful and poignant novel that explores identity, belonging and the harsh realities of bullying in the digital age. This moving story follows a young Aboriginal girl, Ruby, as she navigates the overwhelming transition into high school while grappling with friendship breakdowns, online harassment and self-discovery.
Ruby’s world has unravelled. Her close friendship group has fragmented, and her cousin Amber suddenly distances herself for unknown reasons. At the same time, Ruby becomes the relentless target of a school bully, Zara, who not only targets her in the schoolyard but also in the unforgiving world of the internet. The cruelty that Ruby experiences feels painfully realistic, capturing the isolating and inescapable nature of modern bullying. Readers will feel empathy and heartache for Ruby as she meanders through a growing sense of confusion and loneliness.
Ruby finds writing is her refuge - a place where she can express the feelings she struggles to share aloud. However, when she is shortlisted for a writing award, what should be a moment of celebration instead intensifies her bullying and online trolling nightmare. Her success brings unwanted attention in more ways than one.
Reflecting on what she has witnessed, Ruby creates a visual web to process what is happening. All of these ongoing struggles are also taking place around the Voice referendum and her Nan’s illness. How will Ruby navigate these challenging times, and can her strong connection to Country and family help?
Van Neerven handles these themes with sensitivity and authenticity, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Ruby’s journey reminds readers of the importance of support, voice and community, even when it feels easier to face struggles alone.
Honest, thought-provoking and deeply relatable, Ruby’s Web is a meaningful read for young people navigating friendship, identity and the courage it takes to speak up. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Family, Identity, Bullying, Internet protocol, Friendship, Country, Voice referendum, High School.
The name game is Sunday Times Hampshire-based bestselling author Beth O'Leary's latest novel following the bestsellers The switch, The road trip and The no_show. These novels followed O'Leary's debut novel The flatshare which is now a major TV series. The name game is about second chances, new beginnings and love finding us in the most unexpected places - themes which play into many a romance novel that inspire and give hope and dreams to many a reader.
The name game is set on the Isle of Ormer, population 500 (before our two main characters arrive). Ormer is a fictional remote English Channel island accessible by ferry and home to a tight farming community of people who are only reluctantly and recently opening up to tourists (mostly day trippers). A map of the island marking the main features included in the story is featured in the front pages. In an Author's note, O'Leary tells us that Ormer is inspired by the Isle of Sark with La Coupee being the inspiration for Windward Ridge and the Avenue for the Rue. Like her characters, O'Leary and her husband were drawn to the island via a job ad.
The narrative is delivered from dual perspectives including one in the form of a diary with entries written by the female Charlie Jones and the second in serial email to himself form written by the male Charlie Jones. Through the diary and the emails, the reader gleans the innermost thoughts of both characters. The diary/email narrative follows their lives on the island from day one - Friday 25th August 2025 to Sunday 5th October 2025 and then changes to omniscient author format with a jump of five years which functions here as an authorial procedural choice for moving ahead in order to look back over a chunk of elapsed time. The initial couple of months on the island - the crucial beginning and sorting out of complexities is concluded and the reader is then treated to knowing what happened. O'Leary made the choice to give the reader an ending. She may have chosen not to but I think she is too much of a romantic to leave readers guessing.
The name game is a thoroughly contemporary novel full of contemporary dialogue, issues (including and not limited to alcohol abuse, relationship breakdown, same sex attraction and IVF) and dilemmas. Both main characters are starting new lives. Both are called Charlie Jones or are they! Both are vying for the same job as manager of the island's farm shop, both are given time to prove themselves. In one way it is stunningly predictable but there are back stories and overlapping pasts and deep secrets everywhere. Can there be a happy ever after?
The plot line with its multiple intricacies becomes very confusing. The narrative voices, to this reader, were not sufficiently individual to be easily differentiated at all times. Perhaps the book would lend itself better to an audio edition so that the male and female Charlie Jones are easily discernible. The reader must stay sharply on track to avoid confusion. A slow reveal of the inner demons of both characters (and others) progresses and attraction versus mistrust battle it out. The past is slowly revealed.
Lovers of the light, up lifting romance genre, of authors such as Rosie Walsh and Paige Toon will enjoy The name game. Ultimately it is a life affirming, comforting and inspiring love story especially for anyone who has been through relationship breakdown and/or has battled mental illness and/or addictions which have impacted their relationships. There is much common sense wisdom that can be accessed through this story.
Themes Second chance romance, Secluded island life, Stolen identity, Anxiety/depression, Alcoholism, Family, Relationships.
Oh… the power of reading! This book is an absolute gem and a heart-breaking journey into life, death, reading and friendship. The ‘Secret Society’ is a group of determined librarians who attempt to rise above patriarchal governance and hardship and maintain their aim to promote reading in every circumstance, despite war, poverty and oppression. With Dorotha sharing a brief written account of her role within Lodz in a Polish ghetto to keep reading and books alive amongst the Jewish occupants (and staying alive without enough food and warmth), and Joyce sharing her experiences providing a mobile library service during The Blitz in London, there are so many times when only the escape of a ‘story’ provides hope. With the written encouragement of their own inspiration - Virginia Woolf, they set out to prevent ignorance and hopelessness from ruling in a world addressing evil. The sadness of the Jewish experience is confronting, and yet the story should always be heard, and the experience of life during the Blitz has its own heartaches. Surprisingly, love still finds a way even in the face of the horrors of war, but there are also painful stories of loss and grief.
This historical fiction gem is based on some meticulous research and interviews by Kate Thompson and anyone who esteems reading will love her powerful story. It swaps narrative focus between Dorotha in Poland and Joyce in London but also includes other character’s storylines. Dorotha’s refugee sister has a sad twist in her ‘rescue’ as a victim of abuse in England, and there is also a strong hint of trauma that remains even after the war is over. Libraries that survive despite attack and librarians that display incredible fortitude make this a book for bibliophiles as well as those that love historical fiction. This is a book for adults, but younger readers aged 15+ who want an insight into the history of antisemitism and war impacts will also value this book. This is a book that reminds us of the power of insight through literature.
Themes War history - United Kingdom, World War II – Poland, Reading, Libraries, Librarians, World War 2 - Jewish experience, Polish Jews.
Holly by Adalyn Grace is a young adult fantasy novella that combines elements of romance, mystery and the supernatural. Set during the Christmas season, the story follows Blythe and Aris as their quiet holiday is disrupted by restless spirits, leading them into a mystery that gradually unfolds. Despite not having read the earlier books in the series, the novella remains easy to follow and does not feel confusing or overwhelming.
The characters are one of the strongest aspects of the novella. Despite the fantasy setting, they feel believable and emotionally realistic. Blythe, in particular, is mature and well-developed, and her thoughts and reactions make her easy to connect with. Her relationship with Aris adds depth to the story and contributes to the overall emotional tone.
The plot is not heavily action-driven, instead focusing more on character development and the mystery itself. While this slower pace may not appeal to all readers, it allows the story to feel more meaningful and consistent. The events unfold in a way that maintains interest without relying on constant action.
The novella also explores themes such as love, loss and letting go of the past. These ideas are told throughout the narrative and are reflected in both the characters and the supernatural elements of the story. The setting of ‘Wisteria Gardens’ plays an important role in creating an atmospheric tone, blending a slightly eerie mood with the warmth of the festive season.
Grace’s writing style is descriptive and atmospheric, with moments of almost poetic language. This helps to create a strong sense of place and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, Holly is a thoughtful and engaging read, particularly for those who enjoy character-focused fantasy with a more reflective tone. While it may not suit readers looking for fast-paced action, its atmosphere and emotional depth make it a memorable novella. Recommended for ages 14+, but also depends on the reader's sense of maturity, as there is some light cursing, romantic scenes, and some dark fantasy themes.
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi is a standalone young adult fantasy romance that blends folklore and magic into a lush story with emotion and mystery. It is set in a world carved by curses, enchantments, and veritas swans, drawing readers with its dreamlike tone. This novel features a "Bachelor-style" tournament of brides, lyrical worldbuilding, and a friends-to-lovers emotional romance.
At the centre of the story is Prince Arris of the Isle of Malys, who must find true love to avoid a deadly curse caused by a poorly worded wish to a sea witch. If he fails, he risks being murdered by his bride and transformed into a sentient tree. Unlike traditional, macho fairy-tale heroes, Arris is gentle, thoughtful, and a wistful romantic who is navigating through a perilous situation of his potential wives trying to cut his heart out and inherit his throne.
Alongside him is Demelza, a descendant of the veritas swans, gifted with the ability to sing truth-revealing songs. Her character is unique, spirited, and motivated by a desire for independence. When she enters the bridal tournament, seeking protection as she escapes her father, she forms a strategic alliance with Arris.
Together, they strike a deal: she will help uncover which contestants intend to harm him, while he offers her safety. Their partnership gradually develops into something deeper, adding emotional nuance to the whimsical storyline.
This novel is slow-paced and character-driven, unfolding through a series of stepping stones, suitable for slow-burn lovers. It was spellbinding from the first line to the end. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a book woven with enchantment, particularly for readers aged 13+ due to its themes and content.
In terms of tone and style, it is reminiscent of Cruel Prince by Holy Black, Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephen Barber and The Selection series by Kiera Cass.
Cricket fans will certainly feel on the winning team with the latest book Cricket Champs from the Howzat Pat! series. This book is a fantastic read - jam packed full of energy, inspiration and authenticity. Cleverly co-written by current Australian cricket captain, Pat Cummins and Dave Hartley with awesome accompanying illustrations by Serena Geddes, this book has it all. The fourth book in the series, it combines sport, friendship, teamwork and resilience, in a way that will strongly appeal to young independent readers who love the game of cricket.
The story follows Pat and his close friends Beth and Prav as they prepare for an important cricket match and the potential to represent their state. While they are determined to play their best and enjoy the game, they need to rise above the ongoing bad sportsmanship of fellow cricketer, Levi. Can Pat and his friends not only win each game, but win over the bully who seems to enjoy antagonising them?
This is one of the book’s greatest strengths, highlighting the true spirit of sport. The story explores teamwork, perseverance, fairness and friendship. Young readers see how Pat, Beth and Prav learn to stay positive, work together and rise above mean behaviour, showing that winning with integrity is far more important than winning at any cost. This positive message makes the book both entertaining and meaningful.
Cummins and Hartley bring real-life insight into what it feels like to play the game at different levels - from club matches to bigger dreams. Also intertwining the love of Country, through Beth’s Aunty Josephine; wildlife, nature and beauty are explored.
The book’s layout thoughtfully supports developing readers. With well-spaced line width, easy-to-follow text and occasional extra-large words for emphasis, the design helps with tracking and builds reading confidence. This thoughtful presentation makes it a perfect choice for children ready to move into longer chapter books.
Overall, Cricket Champs is a fun, motivating and accessible read that celebrates friendship, resilience and the joy of playing fair. Young readers will finish the book cheering - and potentially dreaming of their own cricketing adventures.
‘This is where we say goodbye’ aches with the sorrow and confusion of losing a loved one. Maud spends her 21st birthday hiding in a library toilet, rather than go home to the birthday celebration prepared by her housemate, because how can you celebrate a birthday when the next day you are going to the funeral for your favourite brother? Even worse, how can you have a party, when you are grappling with understanding how your brother took a leap off a bridge? As long as the police divers have not found a body, maybe there can be some kind of pretence that he is still alive somewhere.
The story is told in Maud’s voice as though talking to the reader. She says ‘I honestly don’t know where the frig to start, guys’. And what follows are bizarre thoughts and memories of all kinds of strange scenarios that mix hilarity with desperation. It is comedy and tragedy at the same time. Maud’s manic imagination conjures all kinds of weird excuses rather than face the loss that is eating away at her heart. It is an account of just twenty-four hours, but so much spins out in those hours that it feels like a whirlwind rushing towards the final reckoning with self acceptance.
Howard McKenzie-Murray’s debut novel was one of four shortlisted for the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award 2024. It shows his experience as a playwright bringing voices to the stage. The characters are vivid, endearing, and funny, and will keep you intrigued to read to the end.
Themes Mental health, Grief, Suicide, Love.
Helen Eddy
Annie and Maeve are definitely not friends by Olivia Muscat
Annie and Maeve are Definitely Not Friends is about two girls, Annie and Maeve, who are both blind. Maeve has been blind her whole life, whereas Annie just recently became blind. The book depicts both girls’ challenges and obstacles but also their persistence. Despite their similarities, they believe they do not have much in common. Annie has just moved to a new school, and she gets paired with Maeve, which she isn’t so happy about. The story is set in Australia and is a great representation of disabled identities from blind author and disability activist Olivia Muscat.
This book may be a slow one at first, but trust me, it gets better. I was keen to know whether the girls persist, and will there be events that blossom a friendship? I found this book realistic to the way Australian schools run, which made it more relatable.
Three girls. Three fates. Three interwoven stories.
The stories of Miri and Aleita, set one hundred years apart, interwoven with the ‘fairytale’ of Sylvie, contain various strands which bind them together. Sharing a passion for knowledge, talented at handicrafts including knitting and weaving, and having a love of textiles, all three characters bear strong similarities. Their desire to discover the truth, fight for equality and justice for women, build community, and campaign for the environment are important priorities of all three.
Studying Year 12 in 2025, eighteen-year-old Miri is a keen and capable student with definite plans for her future. When she becomes pregnant to her boyfriend Jonah, these plans are thrown into disarray. How will her future look if she decides to have her baby? Is their relationship strong enough to withstand such a major change? With her dysfunctional family, who will be there to support her? Will she be able to fulfill her dreams, whilst also allowing Jonah to achieve his?
In 2125, digital implants, artificial intelligence or the Consciousness Cluster (CC) not only harvest but also control the thoughts and movements of the bulk of the population. The only place in which one is free from ‘neural jolts’ is the library. Bots and holograms are part of life.
Sixteen-year-old Aleita, eager to support the work of her late grandmother, becomes involved in a project designed to ostensibly observe her impulses when ‘jolted’ by a third party. Initially, she believes she is furthering scientific and neural research. Is EveNet an ethical company, or is it going beyond what is reasonable in terms of personal freedom?
Sylvie’s tale appears in snippets between the stories of the other two young women, with its mystical nature transcending time and space. The timeless quality of her story leaves the reader questioning its origin or author.
Having personally spent thirty years working in teacher librarian roles, my love of libraries and literature is in synch with the views Comer expresses in her dedication. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed her first title, I feel her writing has gone from strength to strength. Given that her previous book, Grace Notes, has already won a CBCA award I would be surprised if this title isn’t shortlisted in future too.
