Trying to find the start of the problem and somewhere to lay the blame for the murder they commit, two teenage sisters consider colonialism, the splitting of India and Pakistan, the splitting of identity in their interracial family, the splitting of brown from white in the classroom and in the small rural American town, and the splitting of themselves. Georgie Ayyar and her sister Agatha Krishna have always been ‘Other’, the brown girls from somewhere else.
Nina McConigley’s novel describes a year in the lives of the two girls, but the chronological sequence is also interspersed with conversation direct to the reader dispelling predictable expectations of this story of immigrant isolation in a rural setting. They are an Indian American family, but there are no mangoes, saris, ubiquitous spicy food, wild animals, poverty, exotic religion, cows etc. but there is brownness, the Other, and what happens when people are split.
The sisters Georgie and Agatha Krishna are close, united by their shared experience growing up ‘Other’ in an unattractive part of Wyoming. Then when their mother’s much loved younger brother, Vinny Uncle, and his family come from India to live with them, their lives are disrupted. Vinny Uncle brings another kind of splitting, a secret that they are not to share with anyone, a secret that leads them to planning his murder.
McConigley deals with serious issues but she cleverly manages to bring a bit of lightheartedness and humour by including conversations with the reader, step-by-step instructions and lists, and best of all, the kind of teen magazine quizzes that everyone has been drawn into at some time: how to know if a boy likes you; how to know if you’re ready for a sexual relationship; is he bad for you; do you have what it takes to kill?
I was completely absorbed in this novel with its unusual approach to a much explored theme of sexual abuse. McConigley manages to do something completely different. She absolutely captures the turmoil of the girls’ experience, the silent cries of [Help me] and [Mayday! Mayday!] inserted in the text. The novel as a whole is an adventurous and original approach that works really well. I could easily read it all over again. Highly recommended.
Themes Colonialism, Race, Indian people, Sexual abuse, Murder, Sisters.
Helen Eddy
Crocodiles up close by Lisa McLellan
Wild Dog Books, 2026. ISBN: 9781742037073. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Young children love crocodiles and this beautifully photographed non-fiction book will be a popular one for borrowing from a school or public library. The full page colour photographs are surrounded by both large black and white text providing independent readers with some fascinating facts.
Crocodiles are found on most continents on Earth except Europe and Antarctica. They are semiaquatic but prefer mostly water in tropical climates. In Australia they are know as saltwater crocodiles that they can grow up to six metres, and freshwater crocodiles that grow up to three metres in length. On other continents they have different names. Crocodiles are covered in scales, have clawed feet and webbed toes on their back feet. There is further information about their various habitats, feeding habits, birthing of the hatchlings as well as their important cultural meaning for First Nations people.
Crocodiles in Australia are now protected and while they are feared they are a vital part of the ecosystem. In the final pages of the book is a valuable glossary of the bold capitalised words spread throughout the book.
In plenty of time for Easter, this charming new picture book by award-winning South Australian children’s author Janeen Brian, is a perfect read-aloud for young children. Full of clever and creative rhyme sharing interesting facts about bilbies, this engaging tale will be enjoyed by both young and old.
I have a whiskery sniffer-snout. It pokes out from my face. I search in scrub for seeds and grubs, or insects about the place.
There is also a simple but important environmental message coming through the narrative for young readers which may encourage further discussion.
The holes I dig for burrows in land where hot winds blow, let in the air and help prepare, so seeds that fall can grow.
The vibrant, full-page illustrations by Lucinda Gifford enrich the narrative and vividly evoke the colourful Australian ecosystem that bilbies call home. Some inquisitive birds pop up throughout the story adding warmth and gentle humour to each scene.
Are you the Easter Bunny? will be a wonderful addition to a home, school or public library. If you purchase one Easter picture book this year, I highly recommend this one. It is just delightful.
Themes Bilbies, Easter, Rhyme, Facts, Australian Environment.
The second in The Squad series, following Perfect cover, is another fun read starring Toby Klein, the unlikely cheerleader, who is leading a double life as a member of the elite varsity cheer squad and a government operative. This requires a lot of balancing - learning new skills as an athletic cheerleader, surviving the glitter of makeovers, being nominated for homecoming and trying to work out what dangerous crime is about to go down in Bayport. Is it a terrorist plot? Can the Squad work out who is trying to sell a dangerous weapon? Will Toby survive the machinations of Noah her brother who is determined that she will be homecoming queen?
Once again, the snarky comments from Toby, shining a light on life at Bayport High, are hilarious. Noah produces some incredible stunts promoting Toby for homecoming queen which provide even more hilarity, and Jack Peyton proves that he is more than just the most eligible bachelor in the school. Her slow burning feelings for Jack are also fun to follow.
Toby’s hacking skills come to the fore in Killer spirit, and the action becomes tense as she finds herself in some very dangerous spots with her team members having to rescue her. This helps her gradually begin to trust the squad and get to know their backgrounds and skills.
Ideal for summer reading, Killer spirit is likely to take readers on a wonderful escape with teenage spies facing danger, cheerleaders dominating the school and homecoming events causing chaos with relationships.
Themes Mystery, Espionage, Cheer leaders.
Pat Pledger
A speedy sloth Christmas by Rebecca Young & Heath McKenzie
On Christmas Eve, the Sloth family is waiting in their brightly festooned festive tree, wrapping their presents and making gingerbread sloths to share. Spike and Dash are asleep on the treetop, when they hear a loud noise. The sleigh has crashed, Santa is asleep in the back, while an elf has been driving the sleigh, hence the accident. Spike decides to help, even though she is slow, and takes them all down to a speedboat, and from this vehicle, they race around the bay, distributing presents as they go.
Sneakers are given to the cheetah, while the giraffe is given a very long scarf, the snail is given a skateboard, and the elephant, a shiny new scooter.
The sleigh once repaired goes on its way, the crew transferring from the speedboat. All the people who helped are deeply thanked, and Santa wakes the next morning, wondering what all the fuss has been about.
A delightful story about Christmas and present giving will have wide appeal. The sloth characters will excite interest in these odd creatures, and the presents given to each animal, a cause for a time to stop and ponder the appropriateness of each gift.
Vivacious digital illustrations will entreat younger readers, as they look over the animals and how they are presented. Humour abounds in the text and the illustrations, making it a great book to read and share.
Just in time for Easter 2026, to be processed and placed on library shelves and in the hands of families and children is The first Easter, a companion book to The first Christmas by Melbourne-based author and illustrator. Fresh updates to the collections held in school and local libraries of books on Christianity are overdue and therefore Jess's book is a welcome addition to the number of books published recently on alternate world religions for the consumption of children. Having previously worked in publishing and having children of her own, it is likely that Jess saw this gap in the market. Balance and education is of importance in order to address the lack of knowledge of Australian children about Christianity.
Jess Racklyeft has been awarded for a number of CBCA Picture Books of the Year. The books, well known to schools, are the delightful, Smile cry written by Tania McCartney, Welcome baby written and illustrated by Racklyeft (2020) and Iceberg (2022) written by Claire Saxby and winning Picture book of the year. Iceberg is noted for its "detailed artwork that portrays...3D structure of icebergs." These books need to be sought out if only for their stunning illustrations. The first Easter is illustrated primarily in soft, muted watercolour. The characters appear happy and kind and the backgrounds that they move through are gently whimsical and detailed. Jess has dedicated this book to peace and kindness and she has achieved a peaceful and kind tone. Birds, animals, people and shared food are the subject of the delightful illustrations.
Jess tells the story of Easter in a simple, reliable and accessible way. She explains what Easter means to people and what ceremonies and rituals people have to celebrate it. She begins the narrative with, " A long time ago, in a country far away, a man called Jesus travelled to the big city." Perhaps she thinks that saying Jerusalem would be too much information for young children. Jess narrates the storyline chronologically beginning with Palm Sunday, The Last Supper (using the term "friends" rather than "disciples"), Jesus's crucifixion (just showing images of the crown of thorns and the Cross) and his resurrection on the third day. Jess concludes with the eggs being a symbol of new life..."And that is the story of the first Easter."
This reader agrees with other reviewers that The first Easter is perfect for families, godparents and grandparents wanting a thoughtful introductory book to faith for toddlers and young school age children. It is a good choice for church communities, schools and homes - one that can be reread seasonally. A note in the endpapers informs readers that Easter has been celebrated for over 2000 years all around the world, with slightly different rituals and symbols in different cultures. It also states that Easter celebrations have become part of secular gatherings as people come together to celebrate new life, hope and new beginnings.
The first Easter is a beautiful book with deep meaning written by a well- known, award winning illustrator and emerging young writer. It is recommended as a companion read with The first Christmas.
Each page of this wonderful book has a divided image showing the world under the sea and the world above, which will enchant, enrich and educate the readers. The animals beneath the ocean’s surface swim through each darker blue section of the page while above is seen those things wich kids will eagerly recognise: ships, icebergs, buildings, birds and people. The sea is shown in her many moods and uses.
Each page from the icebergs and polar bears to the fishing boat and singing whales, to the buildings and surfers, to the yachts, holds interest and a diverse array of things to look for. John Canty takes the readers on a journey, initially showing the pristine sea, then a boat appears in the vastness, while later the buildings take up more of the space above the sea surface, while a huge ship seems to take up two pages. When the buildings disappear, we are back looking at the vast ocean but this time with swimmers, surfers and yachts. And on the endpaper, way out at sea, a tanker can be seen on the horizon.
We all share the joys the ocean brings, and the journey readers take in this book will wrap them in a spirit of adventure, and finding out, encouraging further research. They will love looking at the detail of what can be found above and below the sea’s surface. They will ponder the different animals they can see, the buildings and boats, and human intervention.
The illustrations depict a world we all know, but seen from a different perspective, one inviting us to look at the interaction between the world above and the world below. Kids will love the look of each page with its pair of images above and below the water line, and be intrigued with the images as they flow from one page to the next, taking the eye from left to right, with one lone exception, which will encourage thoughts about why. Some of the animals are familiar, and the illustrations will encourage readers to recognise individual characteristics.
I love the way the journey takes the reader to the cities where tankers and cruise ships are common, then back to the more placid use of the sea by individual swimmers, yachts and surfers. A stark contrast.
Themes Fish, Sea, Ocean, Journeys.
Fran Knight
Scarlet morning by N.D. Stevenson
Quill Tree Books, 2025. ISBN: 9780063476165. (Age:Young adult) Recommended.
Scarlet Morning is a rambling nautical fantasy. It revolves around two teenage characters, Viola and Wilmur, who are seemingly orphans and they live in a dull seaside town called Caveat. The town is inundated with salt, the sea is polluted and it feels quite post-apocalyptic. Viola and Wilmur have promised to care for a mysterious book and never part with it. However, one wild stormy night a woman pirate called Captain Cadence Chase turns up demanding this book. Wilmur says Chase can have the book if she takes them with her. After all they are leading boring and meaningless lives. They set off with Chase and a band of pirates by ship across the Dickerson’s Sea and from then on the plot becomes quite frenzied and events grow increasingly bizarre. There is a vast array of good and evil characters and creatures. Viola and Wilmur are separated early on and search for each other. Viola tries to uncover the truth around myths which arose after a calamitous event when there was a huge massacre of pirates. Sometimes she learns these truths through dream-like experiences. The ending comes in a frantic cliff hanger which will inevitably lead to a sequel.
N.D. Stevenson’s terrific illustrations really saved this book for me. They add to the fantasy and succeed in creating an original vivid world. There is so much happening in this quite long novel of 428 pages, and I worked hard to keep track of so many plot details. Stevenson created some interesting but maybe superfluous diversions such as Alias Crowe’s journals. There are times when it is quite creepy and chilling, but there is also quite funny banter between the characters, such as the scene with the hilarious Captain Harricot V. Prickpost. Viola is most certainly a brave heroic female character, and it is refreshing to have women portrayed as pirate captains. Scarlet Morning is suitable for ardent readers of fantasy and graphic novels. Given the complexities, scariness and length of the story, I think it is more suitable for young adults.
Themes Bravery, Loyalty, Pirates.
Jo Marshall
Neeka and the great search by Tina Strachan. Illus. by Max Hamilton
Neeka Wilder is an 11-year-old who has grown up in the Wilder Zoo where her mother is the veterinarian. Neeka and her two friends regularly help out doing behind the scenes tasks and love the constant (occasionally messy) and intriguing jobs that help the zoo run smoothly. But when Neeka’s friends inform her that they will both be away during the school holidays and she will be on her own, she is immediately disconsolate at the news. Fortunately, an unexpected young visitor may help her feel more at ease in the absence of her regular friends. But the new girl initially struggles to fill the void, and Neeka seems to get things wrong in trying to make her fit into zoo life. An injured mother koala and her lost Joey, (after a car accident) prove that the visitor can help in many ways, but Neeka seems to make mistakes in creating a new friendship. Will Neeka be able to be more than an amateur zoo attendant and can she also be a good friend? And how many apologies is enough?
This is a great story for readers aged 9-12 who love animal stories with heart and an overlaid friendship drama. The setting at the zoo and in the veterinarian work life adds a delightful ‘behind-the-scenes’ insight into the hard work and complexities of zoo life. The complications of friendship are also apparent. The challenge of caring for injured animals or searching for a ‘lost’ animal utilising modern technologies is also intriguing for younger readers. This is definitely a book to be recommended for animal lovers and note that the friendship sagas are sweetly resolved.
Themes Zoos, Animals, Koalas, Veterinary care, Friendship, Apologies.
Carolyn Hull
Celebration Festival by Alysia Kelly & Ruth-Mary Smith
Debut South Australian author Alysia Kelly has written an engaging introductory picture book for younger readers centred around a number of diverse festivals and special events celebrated throughout the year. Evie, along with her pet dog Biscuit, has been chosen to choose her favourite festival and there are so many to choose from, which one will it be?
Cleverly set up using calendar months beginning with January, where fireworks are mentioned to start off the year, each festival chosen to appear in the book is given its title and where relevant, the country where it takes place. In January there is Pongol in South India where they celebrate the Sun, Mother Nature and farm animals for a good harvest. More quirky January celebrations include Train Your Dog Month as well as Spaghetti Day. February of course mentions Valentine’s Day and the fact that it is Chocolate Month. St Patrick’s Day features in March alongside Wildlife Day and Earth Hour. There is also Biscuit’s favourite day World Sleep Day. In December is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and of course Christmas.
As Evie and Biscuit learn about each festival the reader is transported to the colour and joy of the celebrations through the vibrant and fun-filled illustrations. Set against a white background, each image provides a glimpse of the celebration often with humour added including Shark Awareness Day in July, Book Week in August and Nachos Day in November. At the end of the book a number of festivals are mentioned including Easter and Lunar New Year which change dates each year.
Celebration Festival is a timely new release and a wonderful addition to an Early Years learning environment. In the Australian Curriculum, celebrations and cultural events are important to supporting children's learning, understanding and development. This book will be a valuable resource for a school and public library.
Themes Celebrations, Festivals, Family, Friends, Culture, Diversity, Months of the Year.
Kathryn Beilby
Blue: Dragon of the Sea by Aleesah Darlison. Illus. by Tamlyn Teow
Blue: Dragon of the Sea is an engaging narrative non-fiction picture book that will fascinate young readers. With a touch of humour and a lot of blue, the nudibranch and friends will delight with their exploration of the ocean while providing an opportunity to learn facts about this little known sea creature.
Pronounced ‘nudi-brank’ which means naked gills, it is also known as a sea slug and comes in all shapes, colours and sizes. In fact, there are over 3000 types. The nudibranch discussed in this story is a blue glaucus which can easily camouflage in the ocean. It is also known as a Sea Swallow, Blue Angel and a Blue Dragon. They are barely three centimetres long, have boy and girl parts and do not have brains. They float belly up and glide on the current. So many new and interesting facts for children to learn and remember.
The gorgeous cheeky illustrations in coloured pencils, markers and watercolour perfectly complement the often humorous text and the movement of words through the rolling seas is beautifully crafted. As well as being full of information, the overall presentation makes this story not only a visual treat but also an enjoyable and accessible way to impart new knowledge.
Fart face is a book that perhaps could be said to appeal to a certain reader/readee relationship and not to the more dignified. For example it may be a dodgy call for a teacher to read it to a class or a grandparent or parent to read it to a child. That doesn't mean though that the book should not be readily available on the bookshelf and in the library. Fart face is more a book for children to have a good old laugh over with their friends or siblings and away from adults - though of course there are plenty of jokes and information to be shared contained within its pages. There is always a space for this type of book. It's a bit naughty. It's funny and it is mildly informative too.
Author Andrew Daddo is well known for a variety of books including picture books, chapter books, short stories and novels. Most primary years children are familiar with the Atticus Van Tasticus series and Daddo's irreverent humour. Preceding Fart face, Poo face was published in 2023 and was also illustrated by Jonathon Bentley. Fart face seems to be a natural companion book. One can only wonder what might come next! There is plenty of scope when it comes to subjects that are not discussed in polite company. Daddo has moved on from the study of poo to the study of farts and in a silly and informative way children can find out all about farts. Along with the information and the jokes is the serious matter of manners associated with farting and this is an important lesson for those children who might like to take the joke too far.
Multi- award winning writer and illustrator Jonathon Bentley has teamed with Daddo again in illustrating Fart face. His wonderful illustrations marry perfectly with Daddo's text in this large format hardback picture book. He uses a strong mix of colours and achieves a watercolour effect with regular use of hatching. He capably shows the emotions of the characters through their gestures, expressions and blushing cheeks. He creates a sense of activity and motion with quirky, funny and relatable characters in sticky and embarrassing situations. There is a little substory going on too. Look out for the dog as he appears on every page. He is a dog who copes with all the farting with a variety of hilarious reactions.
The authorial voice (belonging to an unnamed little boy) engages energetically and directly with the reader..."We all do them. Yes, I know you do! But there's a time and a place for a fart face." This narrator gives information, gives examples, describes, asks lots of questions (including What if? questions), imagines, exclaims, gives opinions and reminds the reader about manners.
Fart face is entertaining and informative. In the back inside cover amongst the jokes and the subject-appropriate onamatopoeia is a fact..."The world's oldest joke was a fart joke!" As Daddo says, " Farts have ALWAYS been funny."
The popularity of Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Inheritance Games series has ensured the reprint of some of her earlier works and Perfect cover is one of those. First published in 2008, Perfect cover is a fun, easy read that gives the reader some happy hours escaping into the world of Bayport High, where the jocks and the cheerleaders rule. Toby Klein is an outsider, a computer hacker with a black belt in karate, who is happy to take on any bully who terrorises her younger brother, Noah, and a student with no school or team spirit. She is not the usual type to be invited to join the elite varsity cheerleading squad. However the invitation makes her curious because it is written in code and she is stunned to find that the squad is a front for a highly trained group of underage government operatives. Her hacking skills and athleticism make her highly useful. Makeovers, training sessions, stakeouts and joining the school’s A-List follow.
Toby’s snarky attitude and snide comments give a humorous edge to the story. The description of changing from a girl who only wore black to being made over by two sparkly cheerleaders is hilarious as is the reaction of the school body to her appointment to the elite group, with absurd rumours abounding. Short, interesting chapters kept the momentum going as Toby learns the skills of being a cheerleader as well as the dangers of tracking a notorious group of lawyers.
Fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books or The Gallagher girls series by Ally Carter are likely to enjoy this light, fast paced story.
Themes Mystery, Espionage, Cheer leaders.
Pat Pledger
The little refugee by Ahn Do and Suzanne Do. Illus. by Bruce Whatley.
Allen & Unwin, 2011. ISBN: 9781742378329. (Age:6+) Recommended.
Subtitled The inspiring true story of Australia's happiest refugee, Ahn Do's story of his early life in Australia comes hot on the heels of his memoir, The happiest refugee (Allen and Unwin, 2010). His memoir is an amazing story of his life from being born in Vietnam, to the family's escape on a fishing boat, coming to Australia, then his life as a school boy, uni student, finally becoming a standup comedian, marrying and becoming a father. This memoir, told in his own unflappable, dry style, is recreated here in a a picture book format, with stunning illustrations by Bruce Whatley. The story is shortened to the family's time in Vietnam and their boat trip across the seas to Australia, then finding their feet in this new country. It is a story of courage and hope, of tenacity and family, and will have wide appeal, particularly as the debate about refugees continues.
But it is more than story about refugees, Ahn's tenacity is very obviously a trait that was passed down from his parents. The group on their boat survived storms and heat spells, lack of food and water, pirates who wanted to kill one of the children, and stole anything of value on the boat. When in Australia, they survived the theft of their sewing machines, bought to sew clothing to make a living. Ahn and his brother wore hand me down clothing from a charity, his brother being given girls' clothing to wear. They survived school, Ahn being made year 5 captain, making his parents very proud.
It is a story about hope, about keeping faith with the future, of knowing that the future is in the hands of the children, and offering them a solid start. Whatley's illustrations are fascinating, beginning in brown sepia tones of the time in Vietnam and on the boat, then adding more colour as they settle into life in Australia. I was particularly struck by the illustrations of the group on the boat, the despair on their faces is awful to see, and the picture of the little boat being tossed about in the ocean, made me feel icily cold, although I could not see the logic in the wide eyed faces in much of the book. Students will have much to discuss when looking at life in Vietnam, or life on the boat, or the illustrations showing the Vietnam War, or the pirate coming aboard. Each offers a great deal of detail to discuss and think about.
Fran Knight
My story, Our Country by Ryhia Dank
Harper by Design, 2025. ISBN: 9781460765531. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
“Our most important book is our Country. Our stories live in the land, which is why our lands are sacred.”
Gudanji/Wakaja artist and author Ryhia Dank has created a vibrant and engaging picture book of First Nations history and culture by reflecting and sharing her own family story. The bright blue cover with the depiction of a river flowing through, references the big songline and importance of water for the Gudanji family. This river image continues throughout the book but there are also contemporary influences in the artwork alluding to the present day and in the words of Ryhia Dank… “It’s a way of showing that our stories are ongoing and still alive.”
The narrative of this gentle book flows smoothly beginning with the meaning of stories and how in the old days when there was no paper or books, First Nations people used ceremony, rock carvings, drew patterns in the sand, painted cave walls and sheets of bark to pass on their stories. For Ryhia and her family, living with Country and how it is taken care and what can be learnt from it, is of vital importance. While many stories are shared of past times, the book also talks about the present and how to look after Country for the future.
My Story, Our Country is a significant book to share with younger students about First Nations history and culture. A valuable resource for a school or public library.
