Tinder Press, 2025. ISBN: 9781035404681. (Age:Adult, young adult)
In 1864 Wyatt Harper, once deputy surveyor for the Confederate government, left to seek opportunities across the border in Mexico after the civil war loss. Mrs. Harper, and their daughter Florence were sent to family in Baton Rouge, New Orleans with their servant, formerly enslaved, nineteen-year-old Coleman. He and his older sister, June, had been wedding presents from Mrs. Harper’s parents when they were just ten and twelve, and growing up in the house together Florence and June had been like sisters. With slavery abolished they stayed on as family servants, but June became a favourite with Mr. Harper, and when he left for Mexico he took her with him. Two years later, after having heard nothing, Amos Turlow arrives with a letter from Mr Harper resulting in Mrs Harper, Florence and Coleman, with the dog, Oliver, setting out for Mexico to be reunited, Coleman seizing the only chance he will have to find June, Florence resolved to reclaim her father. After departing from New Orleans on a steamer with Turlow as escort the women enjoy the luxury and social life on board, but it is not long before disaster strikes, changing the quest to a struggle for survival.
Through sustained, reflective storytelling Harris develops the central characters gradually revealing what drives them. The enslaved June and Coleman might have been freed but a lifetime of servitude has robbed them of the ability to control their own lives. For June, having to rise to “the obligations of the day” has given her stamina and resilience while Coleman’s gentle nature, determined innocence and love of learning make the courage he must find, facing his fear of the unknown, quite remarkable. Florence and Coleman find themselves unwilling companions, relying on each other for survival, stripped of all support, Florence’s determined pragmatism is able to push them forward at the worst of times and the dog becomes their wild card, a go between whose unconditional affection gets them out of some sticky situations without violence. The unfamiliar desert setting of the Mexican borderlands, contested, each with their own agenda, by the French, Americans, Indians, Mexicans and those escaping the fallout of enslavement, makes an interesting backdrop to a little-known aspect of history.
Themes Historical fiction, American Civil War era, Mexican borderlands, Courage, Freedom, Adventure.
Sue Speck
Emmie builds something new by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
Emmie is an inventor, one who tackles every problem head on. She lives in an attic where all the unwanted things are stored, and she cleverly fashions them into something else more useful. And she is tiny, a little mouse living amongst a pile of throwaways.
All is good until the day she sees a known shape against the curtain and cowers when a pair of very alert eyes peer through her window.
She thinks about the problem, then collects all the things she may need. She makes an inventive lion which springs into action. But it does not keep together and the cat is still there, menacing. So Emma tries again. She makes a dog like creature and they swoop upon their enemy, but again without success.
So she thinks and thinks, realising that she will have to think bigger. And this she does. A huge creations stamps, stomps and splashes its way to the cat. The cat is so scared that we only see its back end jumping off the page. But as it sits damp and scrawny beneath a chair, Emma can see it is not scary at all. She has another idea, she smooches up to the cat, making an automatic comb for its fur and a bell collar. Together they live in the attic where they are now the best of friends.
This lovely story of two enemies becoming friends will have the readers searching each page for the incredible detail.
This story about friendship and kindness, is beautifully illustrated with detailed, involved images. Each page is a study in itself, as readers follow the steps Emmie takes to develop her inventions. Each of her three animals is an absolute treat, as readers check out the rejected detritus and how it is recycled to make a ferocious creature.
A lovely story of friendship and kindness, as Emma changes her mind when she sees the helpless kitten, a far cry from the ferocious animal she spied through the curtain. Children will laugh along with Emma as she builds things to terrify the cat, and sing her praises when she takes the kitten into the attic as her friend. A disarming tale of friendship.
Gone before goodbye by Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon
Century, 2025. ISBN: 9781529956887. (Age:Adult - Senior secondary)
I have enjoyed many of Harlan Coben’s novels, like Run away and Don’t let go so I couldn’t resist picking up Gone before goodbye to see what the collaboration between Witherspoon and Coben produced. It turned out to be a gripping thriller, and one that kept my interest because of the description of the role of AI in coping with grief and the dilemmas of medical ethics which are strong themes. Opening with a suspenseful chapter where Dr Marc Adams is performing heart surgery in a North African refugee camp under attack by militants, the novel then swings to a chapter where Maggie McCabe, disgraced combat surgeon, and still mourning the death of Adams, is at a ceremony to honour her mother. Maggie may have lost her licence to practise medicine, but not her passion for it, and when she is offered a job by a colleague there, treating a mega-rich Russian, Oleg Ragoravich, and his mistress, Nadia, she jumps at the chance. Not only will she be performing surgery again, but she and her sister will be free of debt. Maggie is then plunged into the world of the mega-rich, travelling on private jets, working in a palace with its own medical centre and confronting danger at every turn. Who can she trust? Is Trace her husband’s partner still alive? Why has Nadia an identical tattoo to the one that Marc had on his thigh? Why has Oleg Ragoravich disappeared?
There is pathos with Maggie’s attempt to manage her grief using a ‘griefbot’ that has been designed by Sharon her sister-in-law, and the role of cosmetic surgery in augmenting the beauty of the young women that the very rich men want is disturbing. Her father-in-law, Porkchop is an intriguing character, an old bikie with many friends, and is there to guard her when she performs an illegal heart transplantation.
As Maggie is plunged into death defying chases and escapes, the reader is swept along into the world of billionaires, with luxury apartments in Dubai, trendy night clubs and lush vineyards in Bordeaux. Then there is that stunning conclusion!
Gone Before Goodbye held my attention – it is recommended as an easy-to-read escapist thriller with thought provoking themes of medical ethics and AI.
Themes Thriller, Billionaires, Grief, Medical ethics, AI.
Pat Pledger
How to go to big school by Sarah Ayoub & Mimi Purnell
This warm and gentle look at a child going to the big school, is positive in its outlook and text, making it a wonderful book to share with younger readers. The story starts and finishes with the positive values of going to school, from getting ready in the morning to being greeted by the teacher when arriving at school. At school there will be some rules to follow: asking to go to the toilet, washing hands, picking up rubbish.
Before school a bag is to be packed, with a bottle of water to last all day, a lunchbox containing cubed fruit and vegetable pieces along with a sandwich. And a hat to wear outside.
In verse form, the stanzas are easy to read out loud, and children will be able to see all the good things about going to school. One page however talks about being wary and school possibly scary, which may prompt some children to share their trepidation at going to school.
But most of the book is positive in its attitude, asking the children to put up their hands to ask questions, be respectful and take their turn. At school they will learn lots of things and make friends who will be their friends to play with at recess and lunch. The end of the day will come around quickly, but as they return home, they will be reminded that it will all be repeated tomorrow.
Supported by warm, reassuring images, readers will identify with the smiling young girl on the cover and watch her closely as the story unfolds. They will take notice of the warm, loving family, the supportive teacher and the happy laughing groups at school.
Themes Family, School, Friendship.
Fran Knight
Ultra Violet: Escape from Uranus by Cristy Burne and Rebel Challenger
Ultra Violet: Escape from Uranus, created by Cristy Burne and Rebel Challenger, is a wildly energetic, laugh out loud second instalment in the Ultra Violet graphic novel series. Young readers will be hooked from the first panel. Fast, funny and bursting with facts, this book proves that learning and laughter make a brilliant team.
The story reunites readers with Violet Butt, her talking pet hermit crab, Leonardo Da Pinchi, and her best friend Izzy Kelly. Burne cleverly includes a recap of previous mayhem, making it easy for new readers to jump straight in, which is great because the unfinished alien problem reappears, and it needs fixing pronto!
As the trio are launched into another chaotic adventure, this time heading into space, this extremely fast pace story is relentless in the best possible way. There is always something happening, and readers will feel as though their heads are spinning as they race through panels packed with action, jokes and clever visual details.
The humour is shamelessly silly, with plenty of fart-based comedy, but it’s balanced with genuinely impressive educational content. Readers absorb fascinating facts about space, biology and chemistry almost without realising they’re learning.
Rebel Challenger’s illustrations are a standout feature. The bold, cartoon-style artwork is expressive and packed with visual gags. Challenger even includes side notes directly to the reader, commenting on how or why certain things have been drawn, which adds another layer of comedy and makes the reading experience feel interactive and playful.
Cristy Burne keeps the story moving at top speed, expertly juggling humour, science and adventure. There is certainly a lot going on, but it never feels overwhelming - instead, it creates a joyful sense of controlled chaos that perfectly suits the tone.
Ultra Violet: Escape from Uranus is ideal for reluctant or enthusiastic readers alike, especially those who love graphic novels, science, and humour that’s a little bit cheeky. It’s non-stop entertainment that proves books can be both smart and silly - sometimes at the same time!
The Whispering Night concludes the gripping Luminaries trilogy, following The Luminaries and The hunting moon. Winnie Wednesday is beginning to feel happier - she and Ericia Thursday are talking again, and Jay Friday is no longer being hunted as a werewolf. They join as a group, trying to collect clues about the disappearance of Winnie’s father and Erica’s late sister Jenna. Winnie is no longer ostracized, instead she is welcomed by her peer group and her romance with Jay is growing. This all falls apart when she is confronted by a formidable Diana who gives her a short deadline to perform an impossible task, one that threatens not only the people she loves but all of Hemlock Falls.
Readers are brought up to speed about events in the previous two books by Dennard with some non-intrusive background facts and the often-dark narrative is broken up with cultural references, memos about the Midnight Masquerade and fasinating illustrations of the monsters of the forest. While there is nonstop action and suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, it is Winnie’s wonderful character that kept the story alive for me. She is a nerd, curious and determined, desperately wanting to find out what happened to her father and a person who finds it hard to overcome the guilt she suffers because of the deaths in The hunting moon. Her inner monologue is often humorous and lightens some of the darker episodes as she fights age old enemies from the forest.
The trilogy is brought to a heart-stopping and satisfying conclusion with troubling questions answered and friendships renewed. I look forward to more books by Dennard, while older readers may like to try The Witchlands series by this talented author.
Themes Fantasy, Monsters, Coming of age, Friendship.
Pat Pledger
How to have the best school year ever by Jess Sanders. Illus. by Andrea Onishi
Jess Sanders, author of The Five Rules of Friendship, has once again included friendship in her latest picture book How to have the Best School Year Ever. Set to be released in time for the 2026 school year, this engaging narrative attempts to ease the anxiety many children feel when the new school year begins.
With the catchy phrase ‘Best School Year Ever’ this book explains ways that this can be achieved. School can look different for each individual child. Not everyone can connect with a friend straight way, or complete the work easily, maybe they struggle with words or numbers, or even an activity in the playground. The author believes that by setting goals, taking small steps to learn something, practising over and over again, even doing extra learning - all of these might help to enable school to be a positive experience.
Friendship is of vital importance and there are ideas to encourage this to happen: find someone with similar interests, start a conversation with a child who is left out, someone who believes in you, and it is ok to have safe disagreements. There is also the friendship you have within. The kind thoughts you have about yourself rather than the negative self-talk. In the final pages is a valuable and important opportunity for self-reflection on the school year that has passed.
The delightful illustrations throughout this text are clear and colourful and it is wonderful to see such a diverse and inclusive school yard.
Themes New School Year, Friends, Goals, Resilience, Reflection, Inclusivity, Diversity.
Kathryn Beilby
The adventures of Pongo and Stink by Lisa Nicol. Illus. by Karen Blair
Pongo and Stink are two endearing pet pigs who live in a barn owned by Farmer Nic. They both long for a better life, one that involves being fed and treated as well as the farm dog Rollo. Pongo comes up with a plan for them both to disguise themselves as dogs. To do this they need to go into town and find some dog suits. Sure enough this plan goes well, and they get the taste of a dog’s life. They successfully fool humans, including Farmer Nic. He feeds them all sorts of delicious things, and they can sleep inside by the fire. However their efforts to behave as real dogs can’t be sustained. A fox and the farm dog, Rollo, see through their pretence. And their innate pig behaviours, such as their love of food and mud, can’t be restrained and soon put an end to their life as dogs.
This delightful fun story by Lisa Nicol is nicely illustrated by Karen Blair. Pongo is a pretentious, confident risk-taker while Stink is more stuck in his ways and nervous about Pongo’s outlandish plans. They are great friends who support each other despite their quite different personalities. The Adventures of Pongo and Stink will make a great read aloud for a family or an early years class, as well as being suitable for young independent readers. There’s plenty to laugh about with “pigs being pigs” and fart jokes in abundance. I enjoyed the many parts where the pigs realise they need to behave like dogs, such as how to wee like a dog or the need to shake after being drenched. Readers who enjoy the rural setting and feel-good qualities of this story may like to follow up with the classic The Sheep-Pig (Babe) by Dick King-Smith.
Themes Farms, Dogs, Pigs, Friendship.
Jo Marshall
Dexter Procter the 10-year-old doctor by Adam Kay. Illus. by Henry Paker
Dexter Proctor the 10-Year-Old Doctor, written by Adam Kay and illustrated by Henry Paker, is a wildly original and laugh-out-loud middle-years novel that celebrates difference, curiosity and finding where you truly belong.
Dexter Proctor is not your average child. Born with the voice, vocabulary and mannerisms of an elderly professor, Dexter absorbs facts like a living encyclopaedia and would much rather read and research than play with toy trucks and playdough. His extraordinary intellect sees him starting school at half the usual age, but while Dexter excels academically, fitting in socially proves far more challenging. His unique social etiquette sets him apart, leaving him struggling to fit in.
Everything begins to change when Dexter forms a genuine friendship with Rupi and Otto - two wonderfully distinctive characters who embrace Dexter exactly as he is. Together, the trio embrace the power of friendship, acceptance and teamwork, showing that it’s often our differences that make relationships richer.
Dexter’s true calling emerges when he begins working at the local hospital. Here, surrounded by medical equipment, complex cases and real-world problems to solve, Dexter finally feels at home. He discovers that his encyclopaedic knowledge and unique perspective can genuinely help others. However, this sense of belonging is threatened by a mean and determined archrival who is keen to remove Dexter from the hospital, forcing him to tackle setbacks, self-doubt and unfair challenges.
Adam Kay’s signature quirky humour shines throughout the novel, with plenty of funny moments woven into deeper life lessons about empathy, resilience and perseverance. Adding to the fun are Dexter’s own interjected commentary and “editorial” notes, which break the fourth wall and give readers direct insight into his brilliant, busy mind. Henry Paker’s cool black and white cartoon illustrations further enhance the story; keeping readers engaged and amplifying the comedy.
Perfect for readers who enjoy facts, clever humour and offbeat protagonists, Dexter Proctor the 10-Year-Old Doctor is an entertaining and amusing story about life challenges to finding your place in the world. With its cliff hanging conclusion, it strongly hints at future adventures and mayhem to come.
Themes Medicine, Teamwork, Friendship, School, Problem Solving.
Michelle O'Connell
No! I can't ...yet! by Eva Rivelli and Lisa Fisicchia. Illus. by Kayla Lee
Little Steps, 2025. ISBN: 9781923306158. (Age:3+) Recommended.
No! I Can't... Yet! is a very positive story that will challenge both children and adults to keep trying until a new activity is learnt. Liva is a little girl who has butterflies in her tummy, shaky legs and a heart that is beating fast whenever she tries something new. She says 'I can’t' when she is unsuccessful at kicking a football, misses a goal at netball, and doesn’t make the click clack sound when she dances. Gradually she begins to believe that everyone is better than she is and gives up trying. But one day she sees a chrysalis that is moving. Something is trying very hard to get out and after pushing and poking a beautiful butterfly emerges and learns to fly. Liva is inspired by the butterfly’s determination and decides to practise and practise until she succeeds. In a turnaround, when Mum says she can’t kick a goal it is Liva who says ‘Yet!”
The cute illustrations are appealing and young children are sure to relate to the different expressions of joy and frustration on Liva’s face. Useful Parent and carer notes at the end of the book give questions that can be discussed and a section of the importance of resilience is also included.
This is an inspiring story that will show young children the importance of not giving up and is certain to challenge the adult reader to also persevere with an activity that is difficult.
Themes Persistence, Determination, Resilience.
Pat Pledger
Last one out by Jane Harper
Pan Macmillan, 2025. ISBN: 9781760783969. (Age:Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dry and The lost man comes a thought-provoking novel set in Carralon Ridge a country town that is slowly dying as the coal mine operators take over more of the land. Ro Crowley has suffered the trauma of her son Sam never returning home for his 21st birthday dinner. He has disappeared; the only reminder of his presence were footprints left in the dust of three abandoned houses. Extensive searches revealed no more clues and his distraught family is left to mourn. Ro thought she would stay in the town, but with her marriage broken, returns only for the annual memorial of Sam’s disappearance. Can she finally get an answer about the events leading up to her son’s disappearance from the few people who are left in the ghost town?
Harper is a talented author who deftly portrays the characters of the people who are left behind in the town and the grim reality of encroachment and privilege that the coal mine brings. The pub is open only occasionally by Sylvie, Anne Marie haunts the abandoned home she once lived in, Ro’s husband is grimly holding on to his job as fire warden and the young men and boys who are left with their families long to leave. It is easy to relate to Ro an intelligent woman who desperately wants answers.
In Last one out, Harper reveals the trauma that a family goes through when someone goes missing, and the repercussions that it has on the small community. It is not a detective story like The dry but focuses on characters driven by grief and the effects of a dying town on its community. I became so engaged with the relationships and fate of the townspeople squeezed by the mine that it was a surprise for me when Ro began to join the dots and solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance.
An engrossing, well written story, Last one out will appeal to readers who enjoy character driven novels. Those who like mysteries about missing people may enjoy Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin, Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French and What happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan.
Children will be immediately drawn to the idea of using a magical magnifying glass to find hidden creatures and objects in the park, garden, city, farm, zoo, jungle, water, and finally in Australia. The red magnifying glass can be pushed out of the first page of the book, leaving the rest of the pages intact. It can be used to hover over the drawings to find the objects hidden in each of the scenes, which are printed in two pantone colours. On the pages opposite, Tee has listed what can be found, with little drawings of each of the things hiding so that reader can check whether they have found everything or the adult reading along can help them look for a certain drawing.
The board book and the magnifying glass are very study and will withstand many readings of the book. As well as having lots of fun finding the objects, children will also learn some basic counting skills and could predict what sorts of activities and animals can be found in each of the intricate illustrations.
This is a different type of activity book and will appeal to the curious child who would enjoy finding familiar objects in the park and garden, while learning about marine life underwater and animals that roam the Savanna and lurk in the jungle. Adults like me will probably also find it fascinating!
Wow! What a gripping thriller. Katie and her cousin Aster are facing a 49-mile-long hike in the Utah desert, hoping to restore the strong friendship that they had before Katie survived a terrible night at a party the year before. They set off alone to cross the desert, facing injuries, scorpions and a freak storm that leaves flash floods threatening their paths. When they meet Riley and Finn who offer them extra supplies, Katie’s antenna for danger flares and she believes Finn is trouble. Her instincts appear to be correct when they witness Riley fleeing into the night with Finn in pursuit. When morning comes, the camp is deserted and Katie is certain that Riley is in danger. Will they be able to save her or will the desert conditions prove too difficult ?
49 Miles Alone is told in alternative chapters in the voices of Aster and Katie, with a mysterious third voice adding suspense to the story. It is a survival story and could easily be read quickly for the thrill of following the pair hiking alone in the desert, facing rattlesnakes, scorpions, death defying climbs and loss of supplies, while knowing that there is a dangerous man on the trail. However the story is not just about surviving in the deadly desert, but of Katie’s attempts to maintain her mental sanity after trauma, and Aster’s finding a way to renew a friendship when it is difficult to know what to say to a survivor.
Winner of the Edgar Award 2025, 49 Miles Alone is a gripping thriller that looks at some serious issues. Richards maintains a high level of suspense as the reader wonders whether Katie and Aster will be able to reach safety and rescue the missing girl and whether they will be able to regain their trusting relationship. Readers may also enjoy We won't all survive by Kate Alice Marshall, The surface trials by H.M. Waugh and Wandering wild by Lynette Noni.
Themes Hiking, Utah, Deserts, Rape, Thriller.
Pat Pledger
The fishmonger and the pastry chef by Sophie Masson and Cheryl Orsini
Little Hare, 2025. ISBN: 9781761211225. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
A wonderful story of love and friendship, told within the enticing framework of a small French seaside town which has a pastry chef, Lucas’ aunt Violette, and Cyprien the fishmonger at the local market. Lucas loves visiting his two friends, the pastry shop where he can indulge his love of cakes and pastries, and the fish market stall where he sometimes helps with cleaning and mopping. But both of his friends have sad eyes. They are always pleased to see Lucas but behind the welcome, Lucas senses a tinge of sadness.
Cyprien visits Violette’s shop each Saturday to buy a pastry to take home. One day as Violette and Lucas are talking, he asks her to relay her happiest memory. She tells him of a time spent at the beach when building a sandcastle, a boy handed her a starfish to add to the castle. He asks Cyprien the same question and he tells him of a day at the beach when there was a huge storm and people feared for the boats coming home. A girl gave him a spoon in the shape of a shell when the boats came safely to the harbour. Both adults recall a time when they were happy.
Lucas plans to get both of them to the beach again, to rekindle the time when they were children. At the picnic, Violette builds a sandcastle, while Lucas watches out for the late Cyprien. Finally he arrives, and seeing the sandcastle, makes the link to the silver spoon and Violette. Cyprian has brought along blankets so the group stays on the beach telling stories about their lives since meeting all those years ago.
A friendship is rekindled.
This disarming story will be loved by its readers, sure of the facts that old friendships can be resurrected, knowing that love and friendship is never lost.
The beautiful portraits of Violette and Cyprien will stay with readers as they turn each page showing their current lives, and see some of their past. Lucas succeeds in his aim to making their lives happier, and the soft warm pastel colours used throughout the book underline the companionship felt by all three characters. The delectable pastries and cakes shown in Violette’s shop will certainly grab the attention of the readers, as will the array of fish shown in Cyprien’s window. The seaside town is beautifully shown with the terraces, the walks to the sea shore, and the range of boats that come into harbour. Kids will love spotting the array of things to do at the beach, and plan along with Lucas, a picnic for the pairing of his two friends.
Astute readers will notice instances of French culture show in the book, and all will love the repetition of lines, and the detail shown in the illustrations. I love the view of Violette’s saucepans on the wall, and the array of fish on the fishmongers stand, the view of the little French seaside town from the beach and the boats in the harbour.
Themes France, Patisserie, Fish, Harbours, Friendship, Romance, Humour.
Fran Knight
Rita the muster pup by Jane Kinnon. Illus. by Emily Humble
Little Steps, 2025. ISBN: 9781923306240. (Age:3+) Recommended for dog lovers.
Fans of the TV series, Muster Dogs, will be charmed with this story about Rita, a cheeky little border collie pup that Grandad is training with the rest of his collie puppies to work on his farm. Rita is a pup that loves to get into mischief. Instead of listening to the command 'Stay' she spots a cow and races after it. She has trouble hanging onto the back of Grandad’s bike and naps when she should be rounding up the sheep with the rest of her litter. When the puppies are in the water for a swim she disappears out of sight. And naughty Rita chases a cat up a tree and a fowl around the yard.
Rita the muster pup is told in simple rhyme and rhythm that makes it an enjoyable read aloud for younger children who will be keen to predict what Rita will do next. Older children just beginning to read will love the repetition and rhyming words. The attractive illustrations by Emily Humble show readers the training that the puppies go through, learning to stay, jump on the back of a quad bike, round up sheep, sit, and stay still to be washed. Each of the puppies is an individual with different white and black patches and Rita is the cutest of all! Brown, green and yellow tones bring to life the farm’s background and Granddad in his big bushman’s hat and denim blue shirt and jeans is portrayed as a quiet and patient character.
Dog lovers, especially those interested in muster dogs, are sure to enjoy the antics of this lovely little border collie.
