Welcome to Miracle

Welcome to Miracle, written by Shara Curlett (Scholastic), PB RRP $18.99, ISBN 9781761524127

Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine

Welcome to Miracle is an exhilarating adventure written by Shara Curlett that sweeps you out of your comfortable book nook into a world where a magical island promises to make all your wishes come true... but also, your worst nightmares.

Juniper Mayfair lives a somewhat solitary life with her Aunt Muriel, their Newfoundland dog, Bernie, and an unusual ghost-like companion called Finnegan Frost, who no one can see, yet only Jupiter can hear. Juniper is also cursed with 'Chaos,' a classification given to children who seem to attract, or be at the centre of, unexplained phenomena that usually cause general mayhem around them, perhaps an exploding plant pot, flying utensils, or something much worse.

Juniper's world, Antasea, is home to an incredibly special island named Miracle: it is magical, and only people without 'Chaos' are allowed to visit. However, visits to Miracle are strictly managed through a ballot system, and residents are only allowed to visit if they have received an exclusive invitation called a 'Chance.'

To her shock and delight, Juniper receives a 'Chance' invitation, so she, her Aunt Muriel, Bernie and invisible Finnegan travel to the Great Wall of Miracle. Once on the island, nothing is as it seems.

For her group, Miracle is not bringing wishes to life - only nightmares. With her new friends by her side, Juniper must unearth Miracle's secrets, and by doing so, she could ultimately lead to the end of 'Chaos' for good.

But they have to survive the island’s treacherous landscape first.

Welcome to Miracle is a captivating, visually rich narrative that really engages the reader with twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the cleverly woven layers and undertones, which younger readers may miss, depending on their overall literacy level.

Themes explored include self-belief, courage, friendship, emotional regulation, teamwork, family and trust. Recommended for readers aged 8 years and older.

On a final note, some significant mysteries remain unresolved; this reader, for one, hopes a sequel is in the pipeline. 

The Tinysaurs

The Tinysaurs by Sally Odgers, illustrated by Adele K Thomas (Scholastic 2026) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781761528576

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

The Tinysaurs are the smallest dinosaurs in the land: living in tunnels, 

foraging for food and hiding out of the way of big stomping feet and swooshing tails. 

Until one day, they discover a hidden entrance to ... the enchanted forest!

From the creators of the best-selling Pearl the Magical Unicorn comes The Tinysaurs, a fantasy adventure for young children ready to graduate from picture books and to immerse themselves in longer texts.

The tinysaurs live in a dark cave because, being so small, they are in constant danger of being accidentally trodden or sat on by the huge dinosaurs. So, early each morning - before the big dinosaurs wake up - the tinysaurs go out along the tunnel with their baskets, to gather their favourite foods.

But on this particular day, they find that the door to the outside has been blocked by a big pile of rocks. They call upon Professaur, the inventor, for help. She reports that it's a cave-in - caused by a landslide - and could take a long time to clear. The tinysaurs are worried they won't be able to get outside to find food. So a plan is made. Professaur will make a rock-moving invention (the Rock-o-Matic), and the others will go back through the tunnels in hopes of finding a new entrance to the outside world.

They search for days - and after going round in circles, arriving at dead ends - and having the glow-worms in their lanterns inconveniently go on strike ...

'We've worked enough,' the glow-worms snapped ... Floomph! The glow-worms put out their lights.

 ... ‎they miraculously stumble upon another door to the outside and find the Enchanted Valley.

It's wonderful,' Ponysaur said again. 'Outside has never been as beautiful as this.'

Sally Odgers's narrative sparkles with imaginative cleverness. I love her idea of having the glow-worms go on strike - adding another level of difficulty to the moment - and another layer of comical cuteness to the story. Kids are bound to fall in love with the four main characters - Ponysaur, Spinysaur, Cheekysaur and Handysaur. (And although a lesser character, I must mention Jigsaur here because this name made me smile.)

They are a good-natured, friendly bunch, and even though there is one who loves causing mischief and playing tricks - a could-be nuisance at times (Cheekysaur) - they just roll with his antics, as they each do for one another, respectfully and in complete acceptance. Such a lovely group dynamic for children to witness and absorb as they read.

The Tinysaurs front cover is as enticing as a sweet-shop window! Its bright, cheerful colours, shiny, raised letters and mini dinosaurs give it instant appeal and will have kids reaching out to grab it. Equally, as they turn the pages, kids will appreciate the large-sized font, the rainbow-highlighted words sprinkled throughout the text, and all the 'resting places'  that Adele K Thomas's adorable illustrations provide.

I have a particular fondness for illustrations depicting the dark - and love the double-page spread where the tinysaurs are in the cave (the glow-worms are on strike), and you just see the whites of their eyes and their silhouettes - such a lovely contrast to all the other more vibrant illustrations. I also love how each new chapter is prefaced by a single-coloured page covered in tinysaur footprints.

Featuring an easy-to-follow story, clear, well-paced text, and an abundance of cute and colourful illustrations - The Tinysaurs delivers all the page-turning elements needed for a newly independent readership; lovable characters, challenges to be faced and overcome, gentle humour, moments of magic and mystery ... and ... an invisible cat! 

Recommended for readers around 5-8 years.

 

Running Wild! (Ninja Girl 3)

Running Wild! (Ninja Girl 3) by Anh Do, illustrated by James Hart (Scholastic) HB RRP $18.00

ISBN 9781760269067

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Niki is an ordinary girl who lives an ordinary life, except that she inherited ninja skills from her biological father. These skills come in handy, especially when taking on the evil Dr Kane, who is trying to run people out of Green Valley so that he can turn the town into a mine to search for lucrative ‘space gems’.

Niki (Ninja Kid) has an upcoming school excursion to the zoo, and her cat, Connor (Karate Kitten), is begging to go. Of course, cats aren’t permitted on excursions, so the answer is ‘no’, until…. the discovery of Mrs Gray’s ‘morph bracelet’ invention that helps turn Connor into a human.

The excursion to the zoo is not all smooth sailing. Niki experiments with the morph bracelet, which leads to some funny and embarrassing mishaps. Later, the pair realise that Dr Kane is at it again. As the sky turns grey and snow starts to fall, the animals grow into giant evil versions of themselves and break out of their enclosures to terrorise the patrons.

Running Wild! (Ninja Girl 3) is a humorous, action-packed, highly illustrated chapter book for readers aged 7 years and older. The full-colour cartoon illustrations and short text on each page would also appeal to reluctant readers. Running Wild! is recommended for audiences who enjoy fast-paced, good-versus-evil storylines.

A Dog Called Hero

 

A Dog Called Hero by Katy Birchall (Scholastic) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781761729577

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

If you’re as old as I am, you’ll probably remember the likes of Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, the Famous Five and the Hardy Boys, all adventures and mysteries with crimes to be solved. All featuring children doing the work that adults couldn’t seem to get their heads around. Some featuring canine sidekicks.

Fast-forward to 2026, and enter Haley and ex-police dog, Hero, and we have a more up-to-date version of the child sleuth ‘helping out’ when a crime unfolds.

Haley’s father was a successful detective until he was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind Haley and her mum, a caterer who employs young ex-criminals trying to reform.

Hero was forced into early retirement after his handler left the force, and Hero wouldn’t work with anyone else.

By chance, Haley meets Hero, and the pair form an instant bond – both loners who are selective about who they spend time with. In fact, Haley would much rather lose herself in her beloved mystery and crime novels than head out to parties and school fetes. When her mum agrees to adopt Hero, Haley decides to continue his training as a detective dog, and Hero shows he still has what it takes to sniff things out.

When Haley’s mum lands an important catering job – feeding an exclusive guest list at the private showing of the Whittaker Diamond – and the babysitter cancels at the last minute, Haley and Hero find themselves tagging along, somewhat reluctantly.

But then, when Amelie Whittaker goes to retrieve the diamond from the safe to show her guests one more time, she discovers the box is still in the safe – but the diamond is not.

Enter Haley and Hero.

In writing A Dog Called Hero, author Katy Birchall has tapped into the cosy crime trend – albeit for a middle-grade audience. Her characters are relatable, and the situations they find themselves in are somewhat believable (in the cosy crime world), and the story travels along at a nice pace as we find out about Haley, her mum and dad and, of course, Hero.

The promised excitement in the blurb, however, does not occur until a third of the way into the book – but the tension does ramp up from that point on with an intriguing cast of guests allowing the reader to make their own assumptions and accusations as they, along with Haley and Hero, try to discover ‘who stole the Whittaker diamond’.

Naturally, as expected in this genre, the head detective is rather incompetent, so it’s left for Haley and Hero to unravel the crime and guide the police to the truth.

Despite being set in London (where the author resides with her own retired service dog), Australian children will relate to the setting, and certainly to Haley’s connection with Hero.

A Dog Called Hero is a perfect introduction to cosy crime for readers aged 9–12 years – particularly those who want a break from fantastical worlds and magic with something a little closer to their own life experiences and grounded in contemporary reality.

Pride Oasis (Kutopia #2)

Pride Oasis (Kutopia #2) written and illustrated by Kasey Rainbow (Scholastic) HB RRP $14.99 ISBN9781761720192

This bright, vibrantly colourful picture book is dedicated to ‘those who have felt a little different.’ Then the dedication says, ‘You are beautiful just the way you are.’

In rhyming verse, this story is set in Pride Oasis, a magical land inside the whimsical world of Kutopia! Luka the Lion wants nothing more than to fit in with his pride, so he tries very hard to hide his differences. He does this, for example, by painting mud and dirt on his fur. ‘He hid every day in fear and in fright.’

At the start of the book, he helps Echo, a chameleon, which is caught in a tree; he wishes he could do as the creature does, change himself so he can look like the rest of his pride. Echo takes Luka to a vibrant oasis where he meets Elliot, a friendly elephant and Percy a peacock. He asks the latter, ‘How do you shine without fear or fright?’ to which Percy responds, ‘When I follow my heart, there’s nothing to fear.’

And thus, it is that Luka learns from the caring critters of Kutopia that being unique is something to be proud of. ‘It’s not about ribbons or a full trophy shelf. It’s about loving others. And loving yourself.’

At the end of the book is a note for readers, that reinforces the messages that the characters Luka meets hold their own unique, ‘special sparkle’ and is ready and willing to take the reader on a journey to discover these strengths within him or herself. Below this message are conversation starters asking readers questions such as ‘What is something about yourself that makes you really proud?’ and ‘What’s one thing that makes you different from others and why do you like it?’

 With stunning illustrations from Australian author and artist Kasey Rainbow, Pride Oasis is a colourful journey of friendship, encouragement and learning to let your true self shine.

Red Flags

Red Flags by Sophie Jo (Scholastic) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN 978176172112

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Poppy knows what she wants in a boyfriend and does not settle for less. In fact, she has created a ‘dream man’ list of all the qualities she is looking for in a partner. Cam has never been in an enduring relationship as he always focuses on what isn’t working and ends relationships prematurely. 

 

Poppy and Cam’s fussy worlds collide when they are both secretly challenged by their respective friends to make their next relationship work. Despite an initial interest by both parties, neither Poppy or Cam could care less after the first date. However, as neither can be the one to end things due to their challenge, it results in a comedic conundrum.

 

Red Flags is a young adult romantic comedy written with the alternating narrative voices of Poppy and Cam. If 2003 film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You had a narrative baby… this novel would be it!

Big Dreams (Sleepover BFFs: Book 1)

Big Dreams (Sleepover BFFs: Book 1) by Fiona Harris. Scholastic 2025. Paperback Middle Grade. RRP $12.99. ISBN 9781761642265.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

Twelve-year-old Abbie and her friends Zi, Violet, and Naira love hanging out together and having weekly Saturday night sleepovers. The girls like to create a theme for each sleepover and decorate their houses according to the theme. Each girl takes a turn hosting the sleepover. The four friends also come up with food to match the theme and have a great time planning each one, not to mention the fun afterwards!

When a new girl, Mackenzie, moves into the old, deserted Majestic hotel with her family, Abbie has the perfect welcome plan in the form of a sleepover. Mackenzie is keen to join the group, and it transpires that she previously hasn’t really had any friends. She soon bonds with the others, but something is holding her back from sharing some information about her past and why the family has moved to the small town. Eventually, she tells the others her secret behind her sadness and becomes an integral part of the group.

Abbie and Zi are keen young surfers in their local coastal town of Keegan River. They plan to enter the local surfing competition, as they are now old enough to enter the twelve-to fourteen-year-old age category. Both girls would love to replace their old surfboards, but don’t have enough money. When the group comes up with an idea to set up a sleepover party business, they are excited and hope it will be a huge success. After an epic fail with the first booking, they think it’s the end of the business side of life. But things turn around.

Abbie has to compete against the local bully, Yasmin, in the surf comp. When it appears that Yasmin has won by cheating, Abbie decides to say nothing, thinking she won’t be believed. However, Yasmin is found out, disqualified, and Abbie becomes the age champion.

A middle-grade story for 9-12-year-olds about friendship, the amazing fun of having sleepovers, dreaming big and working together to overcome the odds, it would probably suit those who enjoy slightly easier titles to read.

The book also comes with two BFF necklaces.

Danger Road

Danger Road by A.L. Tait. Scholastic 2025. MG paperback 266 pages. RRP $17.99. ISBN 9781761646270.

Reviewed by Debra Williams.

Alex Hawkins is thirteen; his brother Leo is fifteen months older. In their hometown, everybody knows each other or is related. The two brothers are opposites: Leo is the all-round sports star, whilst Alex is the arty type. Both boys excel in their different fields, but the two brothers constantly bicker with each other, and Mum is fed up with it.

Their mother, a local librarian, is following with deep interest a local podcast. Twenty-five years earlier, 17-year-old popular footballer Corey Armstrong was left to die by a hit-and-run driver on Danger Road. Corey’s mysterious death is now the subject of the podcast, and the series is drawing to an end. The case is still unsolved, and the podcast has not come any closer to finding out the truth.

The boys’ mother issues them with a unifying challenge to work together and try to find out exactly what happened on that fatal night to Corey. As they delve into Corey’s world, with the assistance of Alex’s close friend Harriet (Harry), they uncover much more than they could ever have imagined. Everyone is talking about Corey, but the question remains as to whether anyone really knew him deep down.

Old secrets are brought to the fore, and the boys realise that somebody in town must know something about that night. It also means that someone they know could possibly be the killer. There is a lot at stake, including their own futures, if they revive too much of the past, and the solution to the cold case could possibly prove to be fatal.

The author has woven a fast-paced, tight, attention-gripping tale, involving several families, friends and acquaintances. Of course, there is an unexpected twist toward the end, keeping the reader tuned as to what the final outcome will be.  

Set as an upper middle-grade novel, it is also suitable for the tweenage readership of 13-15 years.

Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here

Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here by Aoife Dooley (Scholastic) RRP: $18.99 ISBN 9781761721069

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

Meet the Squid Squad: there's Ollie, a vampire squid, Zing a sea bunny, Barney, their pet anemone, and their other friends who each have a cool ability and make up the cool, heroic squid squad. Well, sort of heroic -- maybe more friendly and hilarious.

This is a graphic novel with fantastically funny, bright illustrations that will draw children in and keep them giggling. The story introduces our Squid Squad, and we learn some interesting and fun facts about sea creatures. I love when a story weaves in learning in an entertaining way. For instance, did you know that vampire squids are a real kind of squid (but maybe not like the vampires that you read about in other stories)? Or that sea slugs release toxins? Or that sea anemones live a very long time? You'll have to read the book to find out how long and learn more amazing sea facts!

The book combines four stories in one and it's not a conventional superhero adventure story. This isn't about fighting huge mega sea monsters and rescuing mermaids in distress. There are some main antagonists - a sea slug, a sea snail, a shark and a flounder. The stories are comic ones about hairdo competitions, parties, burping issues and magical toilets. The sea friends quarrel but find creative answers to their problems, which often involves riding a mysterious snaky unicorn. It's crazy fun.

The sea world Dooley has created involves lots of creative sea references - there is no need to ponder too deeply the exact science of it all but just to have fun with it. A cinema or 'seanema', a bakery, a diner full of delicious sea snacks where the squad can hang out, shell phones. The book is about good friends working together and having adventures and it's a delight in such an imaginative setting. Why in the crusty barnacle would you want to hang out anywhere else?

The Most Boring Book Ever

 

The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson, illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761641787

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

The Most Boring Book Ever is a humorous picture book intended for an audience aged 4 years and older. The text is short and sweet, and yes, very boring. A single simple sentence appears on each double-page spread and includes examples such as ‘A boy sat in a chair’, ‘Next the boy looked at the clouds’, and ‘Then the boy thought about laundry’. However, the illustrations tell a different narrative. The contrasting story told through pictures depicts the boy lifted on his chair into a world of fantasy that includes fighting off people in strange flying contraptions, avoiding fire-breathing dragons, and flying over the turrets and rooftops of an old cobblestoned town.

The book cover includes a striking gold embossed title and an intriguing yellow eye peeking through a rip in the top corner which would entice young children. The cartoon-like illustrations are colourful, detailed, and action-packed and are sure to capture the imagination of an early childhood audience. This book is certainly not a great option as an audiobook as visual literacy skills and conversations between the reader and audience are required to enjoy it to its fullest potential.

Brandon Sanderson is an American best-selling author of fantasy, science fiction, and thriller novels. Kazu Kibuishi is a Japanese-born American graphic novel author and illustrator best known for his Amulet series for middle-grade readers. 

One Word and a Bird

One Word and a Bird by Stephen Michael King (Scholastic) HB RRP $26.99

ISBN 9781761520860

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

One Word and a Bird is a multi-faceted picture book that will capture the imaginations of an audience aged 5 years and older. The narrative follows a genderless and nameless child on a solo journey ‘a long way from home.’ During their adventure, the child searches for a singular word that describes how they feel or what they are experiencing at that moment. Using their extensive vocabulary, they list a few striking synonyms, but nothing seems quite right. The child meets some animals along the way and despite the language differences they make a connection and join in the journey. Finally, his search for words and meaning ends when he returns home and finds what he is looking for.

This heart-warming tale conveys that love and kindness do not need words, they are felt with the heart. Beautiful moments and wonderful connections are happening all the time whether we have the precise words to describe them or not. What is most important is that we stay present to fully experience them.

The illustrations are created using watercolour and ink and a soft colour palette. The artwork appears as a combination of spot illustrations, single pages, and double-page spreads. The captivating endpapers and a scattering of wordless double-page spreads will encourage conversation and interpretation.

One Word and a Bird is a multi-layered narrative that is highly recommended for an audience who likes to think critically and creatively about what they read. As well as a beautiful story to read aloud, this book would be a great resource to use in the primary classroom when studying literary devices, synonyms, and tier two vocabulary.

A Door in the Dark (Waxways #1)

A Door in the Dark (Waxways #1) by Scott Reintgen (Scholastic) RRP: $22.99 ISBN 9781761642210

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

A Door in the Dark is the first in the Waxways series. It's a series set in a magic school - will that theme ever get old? It opens strongly with a scene where a group of students realise that there's one dead among them - and one of them must have done the deed. But who was it?

This opening sounds a bit like a whodunnit, but that's not what A Door in the Dark is at all. It's a dark fantasy, a survival quest of self-growth with a splash of romance. After this opening, we go back to the magic school before the events in the opening scene. We find out about the main characters and how they relate.

The protagonist is Ren, and she's a super-smart heroine. She's unfortunately not very likable but if you admire heroines who are extremely skillful over those who are thoughtful, charismatic or kind, Ren is the character you'll enjoy. Ren does have friends and there are attempts at showing she feels for them but she can be extremely callous.

Ren's braininess is an opportunity for the author to show off the well-thought- out magic system. At times it can feel like every step is over-explained, but the detail in the system is amazing.

The prose is smooth and easy enough to read. We build the "before the opening" story and reach the exciting prologue incident - which is then repeated, word-for-word. This is another example where the book has explained just a little too much for its readers.

While this is a magic schoolbook, we don't spend much time in the magic school. The story is about six students who are dragged out into the middle of nowhere and after there is the death, they spend most of the book figuring out how to get back. Ren, Avy, Timmons, Cora, Clyde and Theo. While their characters are distinct, none is as well-developed as Ren. A great deal of the story is predictable for those who've read fantasy, quests or dark books. However, if you are more interested in how the journey progresses rather than what each step is, that won't matter.

There are deaths, there is romance, there is use of magic. It's the magic system that keeps us hooked more so than the characters. The characters explore dark themes and even the romance doesn't lift the mood. Throughout, there's a feeling of emptiness and tragedy in everyone's souls. It's an eerie book that matches the haunting cover.

The book has a solid ending with a promise of more magic to come.

Willow Bright’s Secret Plot

Willow Bright’s Secret Plot (Scholastic) A.L. Tait. Middle Grade novel RRP $15.99 ISBN 9781761528361

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

A.L. Tait (Allison Tait) writes engaging books that appeal to children who enjoy mysteries with clever, brave main characters.  Her Mapmaker Chronicles (Adventure Series) is awarded and popular. Tait creates quality texts.

Willow Bright moves to the city and now lives with her Aunty and cousin Fleur who detests her. Her dad is working in the mines to try and get a new home for them after their farm had to be sold.

Tait explores the themes of identity, grief, and resilience with depth and sensitivity. In the city, Willow navigates the challenges of fitting in while uncovering a series of mysterious accidents at her school. Tait masterfully blends adventure with layered subplots that shine throughout the narrative.

Willow Bright is a strong, brave, and independent character, it’s impossible not to care about her. Her voice is authentic, and readers experience her journey of learning a new way of living, often feeling alone and vulnerable. This authenticity stems from Tait’s personal connection to the story. Drawing on her own childhood move to a small coastal town and her research into a farm that was transformed into a wildlife sanctuary - the inspiration in this story. Tait brings depth and realism to Willow’s world.

The secondary characters are varied, unique and well-developed. Willow’s voice is captivating, and her internal world is explored just as richly as her external one. Fleur is unwilling to help Willow in any way. She resents having to give up space in her room and feels that Willow has invaded both her home and school. No one asks Willow how she’s feeling, assuming she’s strong and capable. As a result, she feels unheard, until she finds friendship in Mr. B, Cos, and River. Her plan to return to the farm and visit her mum’s resting place is her deepest secret, something she shares with no one.

Fleur has felt alone for what seems like forever, and life is incredibly tough. This story doesn't shy away from the confusion and emotional weight that life can bring. Many kids and adults too will relate to these feelings. The strength of this novel lies in its powerful connections to reality and the emotional truth of its characters.

Willow Bright’s Secret Plot is an uplifting middle grade book that showcases the importance of belonging, resilience and staying true to yourself. It’s a story that will appeal to children, parents, teachers, and librarians alike. Suitable for ten years and up, this book is a rewarding, empowering read for any child.

 

Tag, You’re Dead

Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield (Scholastic), RRP $19.99 Young Adult ISBN 9-781761-642326

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

One hundred teenage competitors in a virtual reality game of tag have taken to the streets of London after dark, vying for £100,000 and the coveted honour of joining the inner circle of the game master – social media superstar and multi-millionaire, Anton Fraser. Fans of his games adore him, but Anton hasn’t been seen in public for over a year. He went underground after the suspicious death of his beautiful accomplice Rose at one of his alcohol and drug-fuelled house parties. Now he’s back on the social media scene and this game of tag has been hyped as his relaunch. Unbeknownst to him, three of the competitors he’s allowed into the game – Erin, Charlotte and Grayson – are playing for more than just the money and a prospective job. But when the ghost of Rose takes control of the game, they’re all playing for their lives.

Told in sequence from the points of view of Erin, Charlotte and Grayson, Tag, You’re Dead had me hooked from the start. It’s a classic whodunit thriller/mystery meets The Hunger Games set in the world of online gaming. Ultimately, as the reader we want to find out who killed Rose. Was it her pathetic ex-boyfriend, Grayson, who is still obsessing over her after having been dumped for Anton months ago? But Grayson has no connection to Anton and had certainly never been invited to Anton’s house nor one of his parties.

Was it Charlotte, the younger stepsister of one of Anton’s remaining accomplices? Charlotte is an online blogger who fantasizes about being Anton’s girlfriend and she hated Rose with a passion. She was at the party that fateful night and when Anton passed out drunk on her shoulder, she willingly provided him with an alibi, even though she couldn’t account for him at the time of the murder.

Or was it Erin, the online influencer who’s desperate for the prize money to be able to break free of her possessive, gambling-addicted mother? Nude photos of Erin that she’d sold to pay her mother’s debts had made their way into Rose’s possession and the two had argued shortly before Rose’s death. Or was Rose’s murderer one of the remaining inner-circle accomplices of Anton who have been helping him run the tag competition and have been equally blindsided by the ghost of Rose?

Overall, the narrative from the three points of view keeps the story face-paced and exciting. Often the point of view switch happens mid-action scene, and occasionally I had to re-read parts to remember who was doing what. But the character motivations are well setup and the plot kept me guessing to the end. I highly recommend to anyone from 13 years and up as your next page-turner.

Cat on the Run- Episode 3: Hidden Layers

Cat on the Run- Episode 3: Hidden Layers by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic 2025. Paperback JF graphic novel 189 pages. RRP $16.99. ISBN 9781761294549.

Reviewed by Debra Williams

‘From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Guys comes another hilarious illustrated series starring a pampered cat who is way tougher than anyone realizes.’ (Amazon)

Brains washed! Internet wiped! Villains unmasked! Who knew being the World’s #1 Cat Video Star could be so dangerous? This is it! Princess Beautiful has had enough! It’s time to clean out the litter tray. It’s time for CAT ON THE RUN- EPISODE THREE!

This is the promotional paragraph on the Scholastic website. Those familiar with the first two books will no doubt pick up on this latest storyline, where the President of the World-Thaddeus Cash (a large cat who, strangely, has a hairstyle and clothing the same as a current world leader), is trying to brainwash the world at large into believing in him. Princess Beautiful is out to stop him. Thaddeus tries to force Princess into an engagement with his son, Catrick. But she has other ideas, especially after Thaddeus wipes video interviews from the internet. Princess foils his plans and ends up as Madam President.

This graphic novel has a lot of cartoon-style action illustrations with minimal dialogue. It is aimed at the 7-10-years of age readership.

Resist: A Story of D-Day

Resist: A Story of D-Day by Alan Gratz (Scholastic) RRP: $12.99 ISBN 9781761649172

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

Alan Gratz has written many stories for younger readers with war as a theme, including the novel Allies. Resist: A Story of D-Day is a short, bonus book that expands on the character Samira Zidane, who was introduced in Allies; however, the book can also be enjoyed as a standalone adventure.

Samira lives in Nazi-occupied France in World War II. She and her mother are spies. When Samira's mother goes missing, Samira tries to rescue her with a dog, Cyrano, as her companion. During her rescue attempt, she discovers an interesting secret about the Allies' strategies in the war.

This short book plunges us immediately into the action. The pace doesn't let up; there's no wasting words or diversion into unnecessary subplots. Gratz keeps the language and story on point, which suits this thrilling adventure.

I don't know how historically accurate the description of strategies and behaviours by both the Allies and Nazis are, but they make for a compelling read. A younger audience would undoubtedly be fascinated by details such as the scenes involving the paratroopers in the war. Samira's role as a spy makes her a character who takes initiative. She demonstrates strength, self-sufficiency, and quick thinking, and she is a fantastic character for a children's story. As she searches for her mother, children will relate to her feeling of anxiety and admire her courage and resourcefulness.

The story is careful not to be too explicitly violent and to ensure the "good guys" are portrayed as having a strong ethical framework without being overly preachy.

With a brief book of this kind, Gratz cannot provide much information about World War II generally. Some knowledge is taken for granted. However, the snapshot it gives of a girl acting bravely in the war would appeal to many children.

Moreover, the doggy companion, Cyrano, assisting along the way, adds to the story's charm.

This is a quick historical adventure that won't bore readers.

Bin Chicken Goes for Gold

Bin Chicken Goes for Gold by Kate and Jol Temple, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh (Scholastic) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781760268275

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera 

Ibis follows a bus full of kids to a sports ground, where an athletics carnival is about to start. She sees her cousins, and is almost struck by a shot put. Then she flies off to a sandpit, where a long jumper nearly lands on her. Finally, she crashes into a heap after bouncing off the high-jump mattress. Tasty goodies at the canteen soon draw her attention, and Ibis runs away with a boy’s baguette. The race is on – Ibis passes the bread baton to her cousins to avoid the boy’s outstretched hand. Team Ibis wins the contest, but the prize isn’t a medal – it’s ‘sharing a meal with new friends and old’.

Fans of Kate and Jol Temple’s Bin Chicken series will love this action-packed book with humour. Rhyming couplets spring easily off the tongue, while a cheeky little mouse tosses up some pun-tastic comments that deserve a place on the wordplay podium. Although the book is aimed at three- to seven-year-olds who might not have had much experience with traditional sports days, the slapstick in the scenes will keep them laughing from spread to spread.

Ronojoy Ghosh’s bright illustrations reflect the fun of the text, while the subtle use of vectors keeps the pace going at full pelt from page to page. Small eyes will enjoy seeking out all of the amusing details, from Ibis’s tuna-can hat to the mouse riding on a discus like it’s a flying saucer, and later firing a joke starting pistol.

A feathery frolic from beginning to end, Bin Chicken Goes for Gold is sure to be read again and again. There are no prizes for guessing what youngsters will yell each time: ‘Ibis, Ibis, Ibis! Oi, Oi, Oi!’

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave (Scholastic) Alex Latimer & Phillip Cullen PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761721052

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Alex Latimer is a South African author and illustrator renowned for his engaging and humorous picture books for children. His works have been translated into numerous languages and published globally

Phillip Cullen is an Irish illustrator known for his vibrant and expressive illustrations in children's books. He enjoys drawing expressive characters and anything fun, cute, or weird. While he works mostly digitally, his process starts traditionally on the page, often using a pen, pencil, or crayon.

Dragon Dave is stuck in a storybook with an ending he doesn’t like. He wants out—until Prince George shows him that story words can be rewritten. Now Dave has a new superpower… but is he brave enough to use it?

Alex Latimer’s Dragon Dave The Not So Brave delivers an empowering message: we can all rewrite our own stories. With humour that resonates with young readers, Latimer creates lovable characters—Dragon Dave and Prince George—who model teamwork and show that it’s okay to ask for help. Set in a familiar fairytale world, the story begins with an enticing line: “For as long as Dave could remember, he had been trapped in the book…” The text invites young readers to explore how words shape identity and how changing them can change everything. The moment Prince George climbs a tree and pulls down the word “mean” is both clever and symbolic. Kids instantly understand its emotional weight, and the act of replacing it reinforces self-empowerment. Questions like “Are you allowed to do that?” spark curiosity and encourage readers to challenge the status quo.

Latimer subtly teaches story structure while inviting readers to reimagine characters and expectations. Funny touches—like a bath full of bubbles and rubber duckies—lighten the tone and bring a child’s world to the text. The ending, featuring a cheeky frog, wraps up the message with charm and wit.

Phillip Cullen’s bold use of colour instantly captures the eye and embraces the fairytale theme. The striking red cover, with a green dragon and a curious squirrel peeking from a torn corner, sets a playful tone. Forest green endpapers and a bright yellow title page add to the visual appeal. Cullen’s characterisation is joyful and expressive—each figure is warm, distinctive, and full of personality. Varying sizes, facial expressions, and movements highlight their individuality, while hidden characters in the illustrations invite close exploration. His creative use of angles and visual storytelling enhances the narrative, with clever character interactions that enrich the text. Even the back cover dares to be different, echoing the book’s empowering message for young readers.

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave is a positive picture book about daring to be different. I can see this book appealing to kids, parents, teachers and librarians. This book focuses on helping children, but it is wrapped in fun and has great story appeal. This book is suitable for children in both preschool and primary school.

 

Diary of a Future Billionaire

 

Diary of a Future Billionaire by Pamela Buchart, illustrated by Motto, (Scholastic) PB ISBN 978176147741

Ben plans to become the world’s youngest billionaire – and he’s only ten years old. He lives with Mum, Dad, and baby Angel in a rented home, and things are grim. Dad has lost the family’s life savings by buying a mongoose farm, which turned out to be a scam, and Mum, who is writing a novel, is ropeable. Ben takes it on himself to make money to help pay the rent as the family is threatened with eviction if a thousand pounds are not paid by the end of the month.

With the help of his friends Bilal and April May, Ben starts selling cheap pizzas, first at school and then at other venues, including at an auction house. Throughout his business dealings, he is inspired and assisted by ‘The Tank,’ a television personality who is a billionaire who has written a book about how to succeed in becoming wealthy.

This 215-page book for middle-grade readers is fast-paced. It has cartoon black-and-white illustrations on every page (sometimes as many as three illustrations). Words are frequently highlighted in bold to make the book look child-friendly.

Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune

Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune by Chris Judge (Scholastic) PB RRP $18.99 ISBN 9781761644580

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Many moons ago, Evil Duck got his hands on the elusive ‘feather of fortune’, the most dangerous object in the solar system. The power-obsessed villain had grand plans to conquer the world; however, he was stopped in his tracks by his nemesis, Fearless Frank Duck.

Today, fifty years after Evil Duck’s capture, ducklings Flo and Eddie stay with Grandad Frank. One evening, when the ducklings go snooping in Grandad’s attic, not only do they discover Evil Duck frozen in a large glass pod, but they come to realise that ‘boring’ Grandad was actually ‘Fearless Frank Duck’ back in his younger years.

Despite being warned to stay away from the pod, Eddie’s intrigue and lack of self-control make him push the ‘red button’, releasing Evil Duck! Frank’s problems of decades ago haunt him as Evil Duck escapes and threatens to find the feather of fortune again. However, now that Frank is much older, he cannot catch Evil Duck on his own, so he recruits the help of Flo and Eddie as his trusty sidekicks.

Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune is a full-colour graphic novel for middle-grade readers. It would appeal to readers 8 years and older who enjoy humour, weird and wacky adventures, and good vs evil storylines.