A review by Emma Streeton What do you call your grandpa? is beautifully illustrated. It pays tribute to the special bond between children and their …
Demelza and the Spectre Detectors by Holly Rivers
A review by Emma Streeton Demelza loves science – she loves it so much that she’s been known to stay up late to work on …
Normal programming to resume soon… we’re doing our best
Apologies for the lack of new posts and the tardiness of an explanation. As you might know if you follow me on social media, I …
Nit Boy by Tristan Bancks and Heath McKenzie
A review by Emma Streeton Meet Lewis Snow. He has the worst case of nits in world history. Everyone wants him to shave his head …
The Phone Box at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
A review by Emma Streeton Set in Japan the story follows Yui and Takeshi, both of whom have lost people close to them. Yui’s mother …
Hodgepodge: How To Make A Pet Monster by Lili Wilkinson
A review by Emma Streeton Artie is 11 years old. He does not believe in ghosts, or monsters. He believes in science. So when he …
Gumboots and a bottle pouring an ocean: thank you Tabitha Bird
Tabitha Bird’s gumboots (would you believe her book featuring gumboots?) contributed to the Authors For Fireys fundraiser in January 2020. This mammoth undertaking was organised …
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
A review by Nalini Haynes We all know people obsessed with status and wealth. Four years ago, my husband and I sat down to lunch …
Lost Soul Atlas by Zana Fraillon
A review by Nalini Haynes Forget John Dies At The End. Twig dies at the beginning. The Afterlife is a treacherous place where gods eat …
Peta Lyre’s Rating Normal by Anna Whateley
A review by Nalini Haynes Peta Lyre is 16 and has “alphabet soup” diagnoses including ADHD and is on the autism spectrum. Over a period …
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
A review by Emma Streeton When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes …
When Grace Went Away by Meredith Appleyard
A review by Emma Streeton ‘Everything had ended, and started, the day her youngest brother had died.’ But that was not when Grace went away. …
Thea Stilton and the Treasure Seekers #2: The Compass Of The Stars
A review by Emma Streeton Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters as their adventure to find the seven secret treasures continues. In this incredible …
Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
A review by Emma Streeton The Jane Austen Society takes place in 1940s England. A group of vastly different people are brought together by their …
Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
A Hunger Games Novel A review by Emma Streeton Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes begins on the morning of the reaping that will kick off …