The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall is the first mystery in Kate Gordon’s exciting new series The Secret Detectives Club. Readers will be caught up in the unwitting charm of Table Cape Bay, a small coastal town in Tasmania where strange things are beginning to unfold.
At the heart of the story is Rocko, a quiet and thoughtful boy struggling to find his place in a world that doesn’t always feel kind. Having recently moved schools after being bullied, Rocko often feels overshadowed by his effortlessly cool older sister. His attempts to start clubs with his best friend Cosmo are more miss than hit, until the night they try to start a Scrabble club. What begins as another failed effort takes an unexpected turn when they’re joined by Mingus, a cool kid, and then encounter none other than the famous author P.D. Watson, who is visiting from out of town. When Watson reveals his temporary residence, Hindmarsh Hall, is haunted, the night becomes very intriguing.
Driven by a mix of excitement and fear, Rocko and his new club members set out to uncover the truth behind the troubling incidents that are occurring at Hinsmarsh Hall. But in true detective fashion, not everything, or everyone, is what they seem. Rocko’s nerves are tested, but he soon discovers a surprising new talent; a knack for close observation and critical thinking. As the mystery deepens, Rocko’s quiet courage begins to shine.
Gordon’s novel is filled with warmth, humour and a good dose of ghostly suspense. The atmosphere is skilfully spooky without being too scary, making it a perfect entry point for middle-grade readers who love a mix of mystery, friendship, thrills and twists.
Ultimately, The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall is a story about sleuthing, bravery, belonging and self-belief. It is a great start to The Secret Detectives Club series, and readers who love a little investigating will eagerly await Rocko’s next case.
Following the fabulous Eleanor Jones is not a murderer and Eleanor Jones can't keep a secret comes another mystery for Eleanor to solve. This time someone is starting fires in Cooinda, the first one a house fire where someone dies. When Eleanor gets a note to tell her to keep quiet, it looks like it could be murder. There are only eight people who could have left the note and she can’t resist trying to find out who it was. Then there is a spate of car thefts and burnt-out cars in the town and even though Eleanor has been warned to keep away, she still finds herself in danger.
As with the first two in the series, this is a well written, engrossing mystery. The setting in a country town is vividly described and readers get a clear picture of just how dangerous any fire can be in a town that is in drought. The theft of the cars and the car racing adds a thrilling touch and it is difficult to work out who is setting them alight.
Eleanor is feisty and inquisitive, and she must investigate the clues that keep swirling in her head. She has a group of good friends who try to help and Holly from the local police station is on hand as well. All the characters are relatable and the growing relationship between Troy and Eleanor will engage readers who like a touch of romance in their stories.
Right until the last tense moment Doak kept me in suspense wondering who the arsonist was, and I was left pondering the consequences of this unexpected denouement. I am eager to read more mysteries by Doak and I was thrilled to find in the information about her at the back of the book the news of a standalone YA mystery, What have they done to Liza McLean? due to be published in November 2025. While waiting readers might like to read Two sides to every murder by Danielle Valentine or books by Karen M. McManus or Holly Jackson.
Themes Mystery, Arson, Country life, Criminal investigation.
All of the many and varied creatures of Myth Valley rely on the Creature Clinic for medical care. Doctor Kara Orc and Doctor Tucker Wolf are first year residents under the supervision of Kara’s demanding mother Doctor Orc. Mythical creatures come in all shapes and sizes but all get the very best care including a unicorn with a broken horn, a basilisk with fang ache and a griffin needing a wing transplant. When a giant is brought unconscious into the clinic’s colossal chamber Dr Orc’s tests are inconclusive but it is clear that a human boy, stuck under the giant’s boot and transported from Fableland, has been squished. However Kara’s mother says the clinic does not treat humans, as they are the most dangerous species, bringing war and destruction on Myth Valley. Secretly Kara treats the boy who turns out to be helpful around the clinic even if he has to do it in disguise as Mitch, the emotional support elf. The colourful comic characters include Bullcowski, the two headed nurse, the Oompa Loompa like pink Hobbies who make everything happen at the clinic, and Oblong, the perpetually happy janitor who loves to clean.
The simple message is that we should not judge by appearances, be open to new ideas and to let those you love know how you feel. At the end are notes about creating the graphic novel in seven steps, including drawing the story outline, character designs, thumbnails and script layout before turning to the computer for lettering, outlines and colour. Gavin Aung Than’s author’s note praises the work of medical staff and their dedication to making us feel better; this charming story will definitely help put a smile on your face.
Themes Graphic novel, Magical creatures, Hospital care, Tolerance.
Sue Speck
Trapped! The entombed miner of Bonnie Vale by Julia Lawrinson
Giuseppe (known as Joe in Australia) Varischetti is an Italian boy, a new migrant to an Australian mining community in Western Australia in 1907. School is tough because his English is poor and the Aussie boys are cruel. But when his father is trapped underground following a significant flooding event, Joe too must wait with incredible patience while rescuers work out a way to bring his father to the surface alive. A community must come together despite the ethnic background of the trapped man and a young boy must dig deep to maintain hope.
Written in prose poetry, this is a story based on a real event and a real rescue (although Joe is a fictional character). Imagining the difficulty of a rescue mission in 1907 is part of the interest of the story. The prose poetry format makes this a very accessible story for young readers aged 10-14, and the story is told with a tight economy of words, but a powerful emotive quality. The tension of waiting and the distress of racist attitudes is well communicated, and to hear the story told through the (fictitious) son’s perspective makes this a good story for young readers. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Mining, Rescues, Italian migration, Racism, Courage, Verse novel.
Carolyn Hull
The world we can build by Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin & Daniel Gray-Barnett
Hardie Grant, 2025. ISBN: 9781761213601. (Age:3+)
A positive story about building something that will suit people of different abilities is offered in this cheery picture book co-written by Hull and Ripping and illustrated by Gray-Barnett, with lots of practical applications and pragmatic solutions born out of the needs of the children involved.
When Sam asks Carla around to his house to see this mother, he is embarrassed when he remembers that Carla will not be able to climb the steps at the entrance. They decide to go to the park instead, but realise that the park, like the school playground does not accomodate them: one in a wheelchair and other a friend who wants to play with her. Both are excluded. Together they decide to design a more inclusive playground and set about drawing one that includes ramps, levers and springs.
So they set about making changes to their playgrounds and the illustrations takes the readers into the wider world, showing changes that can be made in the streets or in halls, apartment buildings and shops, to enable all to be included, not just some.
Children will delight in the illustrations of the changes being made recognising some that have been achieved in their school or local community, in their parks and gardens, local shops and theatres. They will be aware of the differences these make to everyone’s participation and will be able to point these out.
The detail will attract their notice as they compare the things drawn to those they see, and question why a few things are still out of bounds for some people. A page of information is given at the beginning of the book about how the book came to be written, and at the end of the story is a page of information about Eliza Hull with ideas about including different abilities in the classroom.
Themes Disability, Wheelchairs, Inclusivity, Schools, Parks and gardens, Community spaces.
Fran Knight
Nightshade by Autumn Woods
Pan Macmillan, 2025. ISBN: 9781035084005. (Age:Senior secondary) Recommended.
Nightshade by Autumn Woods is a captivating novel that drew me in with its unique intrigue and depth. From the outset, I was impressed by how it defied the typical enemies-to-lovers trope, offering unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The story follows Ophelia and Alex, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way, in a world filled with secrets and suspense. Ophelia’s ethereal presence and Alex’s rugged charm create a dynamic that is both engaging and relatable, setting the stage for a relationship that evolves beyond initial expectations. Woods’ writing is vivid and atmospheric, painting a world that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Her ability to weave themes of identity, power, and redemption throughout the narrative provided me with both entertainment and reflection. The pacing is expertly managed, building tension and excitement as the story unfolds, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
For fans of fantasy, mystery, and romance, Nightshade is must read. The book’s mystery element kept me guessing, as the identity of key figures remained elusive, inviting me to lose myself in the plot of the story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Night Shade as it kept me engaged and constantly guessing, with its unexpected twists and rich character dynamics.
Charlie misses her Dad and her home in Broome, and resents having to move to Silver Gum in the Northern Territory. She’s not interested in making new friends or attending a new school. If she has to be in this place she would rather spend her time looking after the orphaned joeys she’s rescued, their mothers victims of speeding cars on Australia’s outback roads. It is a passion she shared with her father: a love of nature, and especially the wildlife.
A disgruntled TV weatherman, down on his luck, turns out to be an unlikely collaborator when his sense of responsibility, and more than a little guilt, kicks in, and the newcomer to the town finds himself drawn into Charlie’s plans to save baby kangaroos.
This is the premise of the book, and soon to be released movie, based on the story of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, the man who established Alice Springs’ Kangaroo Sanctuary. It makes for a wonderful heart-warming story, and with actors including Deborah Mailman, Wayne Blair and Ernie Dingo, plus lots of adorable big-eyed joeys, the film is sure to be a winner. So what better way to get young children into reading the next step up from picture books, than to provide an easy-to-read film tie-in, that allows them to imagine or re-imagine a story with strong themes of caring for wildlife, determination, perseverance and friendship, and quite a few laughs thrown in.
The Kid Who Fell Through Time is a hilariously funny, fast-paced adventure that blends laugh-out-loud humour with historical curiosity and discovery. Schoolboy Angus is your typical student who finds textbook history dull and pointless, until the night he’s accidentally whisked away to Roman Britain in the most unlikely of vehicles - a shopping trolley time machine, piloted by a cheese enthusiast from the local shop. What starts as crazy chaos soon becomes the most exciting homework opportunity in history - literally.
After returning from his first journey, Angus writes an epic history assignment that not only earns him top marks but also wins an award, making his parents beam with pride. Hooked on the thrill of success (and the rush of adventure), Angus decides to try travelling back in time to collect more first-hand “research” for school. But as anyone who’s dabbled in time travel knows, things never go quite as planned and the twists and turn that this story provides will not disappoint.
Greg James and Chris Smith’s witty, casual writing style makes this book an entertaining and easy read. The authors frequently ‘break the fourth wall’, talking directly to the reader with cheeky digressions that add to the fun. Scattered throughout are clever nuggets of real historical information, presented with the help of the wonderfully odd ‘Fact Pig’, a recurring character who pops up with quirky historical facts. This blend of silliness and genuine learning makes the novel both entertaining and sneakily educational.
Erica Salcedo’s amusing black-and-white illustrations perfectly captures the zany energy of the characters and adventures; adding loads of visual humour and helping to bring the madcap time-travel sequences to life.
Perfect for readers who love stories that are a fast and fun, with a bonus of some history too. A brilliant, bonkers and brainy read that will have kids laughing and learning without even realising it.
Every excuse that has ever been made is wrapped up in this funny story. Procrastination takes a bow as the theme detailing the excuses one little boy makes when he simply cannot be ready on time. But these excuses are not what’s expected. The first page has the boy responding to his mother’s ‘Time to go’ with, ‘Wait a minute, I’ve got to tie my sh …’ children will yell out ‘shoelaces’ as the page is turned, only to laugh out loud at the funny excuse the lad gives, not including the word shoelaces, but sheep!
These first two pages set the scene for the rest of the book, as excuses are given which elicit an expected response from the children, but the excuse becomes fanciful as each page is turned. So, ‘I’m going to brush my t. ..’ becomes brushing a tiger’s tail, and ‘I’ve got to find my h …’ becomes finding a hungry hippo.
Children will love working out their own excuses and changing the expected response as the book does.
A frustrated mum lists all the excuses he gives, but the boy interrupts her, saying ‘Oh wait a minute! I forgot my water b …’ The expected water bottle turns into a very funny buffalo lying in a soapy bath reading his newspaper. But then mum calls out again ‘Let’s go’, and he tells her ‘Wait a minute, You need your k …’
Instead of letting him finish with a fanciful response, she breaks in with all the things she can think of that start with k. Again readers will love calling out all the things named, offering some themselves which fits the scene. And turning the last page, gives the reminder the boy is offering his mother.
A wonderfully upside down story, in which kids will laugh at the responses the boy gives, turning the expected responses on their heads. Kids will love the fun of working out what will come after remembering the repeated lines and saying them as the story is read to them, predicting the response.
Zany illustrations cover each page, capturing the readers’ attention as they turn each page. They will love the range of animals pictured, and the positions the illustrator puts them in: the two legged sheep race, the tiger tail being brushed, the laughing llama and so on. I loved the ugg booted crab, the startled kangaroo and the hungry hippo and the last page where all the animals follow mum out the door, finally, but it has taken a lot of patience on her part.
Larrikin House is producing some very funny picture books and the inside back cover shows some of their enticing range. They are well worth seeking out.
Unless you took the time to look, few knew there was a garden on Lot 33. Most people just hurried past, too engrossed in their own lives and thoughts to notice it, but to Rosie it was a sanctuary - one that she tended daily so that Mr Dellagatti can collects seeds, Annika can play her violin, Chad can chase rainbows and even Esmeralda the chicken can scratch for worms for breakfast!
So no one really notices when the lot is sold and instead of a little community garden, another towering skyscraper swallows the space. But Rosie does - and she also sees the changes in the lives of those who enjoyed it as she did. So when she has an idea that she is determined to put to the Big Boss even if that means going all the way to the top of the building, it could be a turning point. But will the Big Boss listen? And what will their reaction be?
This is not the first story book for young readers about a child's determination to nurture their local green space - others include Orlando's Garden, Butterfly Girl, The Concrete Garden, Let's Build a Backyard, The Secret of Sapling Green, Tiny Wonders, and Harriet's Hungry Worms among others, but it is yet another one to encourage young readers that, even though they are 'just' young readers, they can make a difference. Whether it's something as simple as placing a flowering plant on a balcony so that the insects have nectar to find, or starting with a spontaneous but transient chalk drawing, with determination, perseverance and resilience even children can have an impact on the environment.
Teachers' notes not only help explore the story in greater depth, but help students consider the vital question of, "Now that I know this, what can I do with my new knowledge?" perhaps becoming the impetus for a local project. Even though, in many parts of Australia, cooler weather means the natural world is taking a rest, nevertheless it is the ideal time to begin planning... particularly at this time when we are surrounded by symbols and images of rebirth. Even in the southern hemisphere, Spring will be here soon.
Themes Sustainability, Environment, Community, Change, Urbanisation, Problem solving, Gardening.
Although this is a work of fiction, it reveals what life may have been like for families in The Netherlands in the final years of the occupation by German troops during WWII. From the perspective of the young teen protagonist, Anna, we see the incredible pain and struggle of life during wartime. Although the ordinary Dutch citizens were often powerless in the face of the brutality of Nazi power, each person, family and even child had to display incredible courage. Some though succumbed to lies and perpetrated their own bullying and hatred. Anna and her family were able to hide her father behind the cellar walls in order to protect him from the Nazis and German forced labour. But the consequences of the secret choices they had made impacted all their relationships. But not every person working for the Germans was as committed to the power struggle and Anna’s growing fondness for Kurt, a German translator, comes at a cost. Will the Allies arrive in time to save her family, can their secrets be kept, can she be brave enough under the pressure or will they all become more casualties of the conflict?
This family-centric story is filled with the drama of wartime. Anna’s own younger siblings must be protected from truth (so they cannot innocently share secrets), but because of her age she is given huge responsibility and sometimes her own life is under threat. Because we know the outcome of the war and the timing of its conclusion, we are always aware that the book is detailing the ‘last days’ of conflict, but the drama is still tense and dangerous, and the characters are all in peril. So, this story has a natural tension, but the author adds a few light touches to the story amidst the darkness. The difficulty of knowing who is trustworthy to carry a secret is threaded through the story, as is the incredible bravery of young and old, man and woman. War stories can be hard to read, but history’s horrors have a habit of being repeated and providing opportunities to learn empathy from the past is important for young readers. This is a book that will be read and enjoyed, even though it is heartbreaking, by young readers aged 11-15 and particularly those who have enjoyed similar war stories eg Katrina Nannestad’s We are wolves.
Themes WWII, German occupation - Netherlands, War, Fear, Truth and lies, Trust, Family, Secrets, Hunger, Resistance.
Carolyn Hull
A witch's guide to love and poison by Aamna Qureshi
Hodder, 2025. ISBN: 9781444980882. (Age:13+)
Bisma has always believed three things. The Enchanted Forest is her forever home. She would do anything to protect her sisters. And Xander Chapman is the most irritating person she’s ever met.
Bisma is a garden fairy - but not the kind that makes flower chains or tends greenhouses. She’s known for her talent with potions and poisons. She uses her magic to protect the runaways who find safety and home in their forest. If someone hurts them and just happens to fall sick afterwards, you can’t really blame her. Xander is quite the opposite, charming, heir of the local apothecary, known for creating cures and undoing her work. He’s infuriatingly good at what he does, his easy smile only makes Bisma more determined to keep her distance from him.
But when it’s her sisters that are poisoned, she’s forced to team up with him to find the culprit, and a cure. Their search takes them through the heart of the forest, uncovering secrets, dangers, and feelings. Somewhere between their bickering and their investigations, the tension shifts, and the boy she swore she couldn’t stand starts to feel a little too close.
A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a cosy, romantic fantasy full of warmth, magic and slow-burn tension. Bisma, on the outside, looks stubborn and protective, but on the inside she’s quietly vulnerable. She acts tough because that’s who she has to be. She’s the older sister, the one who holds things together. She’s smart, resourceful, and knows her way around herbs and potions better than anyone, but she’s awfully relatable, afraid of letting people close, because the moment she does, she risks getting hurt. But once she lets you know, she’d give everything to protect them.
Then there’s Xander, charming in that frustrating way that makes Bisma roll her eyes, but he also makes her smile. He’s infuriatingly confident, quick with a joke, and a little too good looking for Bisma’s peace of mind. At first, they clash like oil and water, but could they put everything else behind for the sake of her sisters?
What makes the characters feel so real is that they don’t always say or do the perfect thing. They make mistakes, argue, and have their moments. But eventually, they open up - Bisma slowly learning to let people in, and Xander proving he’s more than just a charming face.
For fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or general slow burns, A Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison is a must read, strong on the feels and swoons, light on the language and spice.
Themes: Family comes first, Trust, Vulnerability, First Love, Healing, Found Family.
By Hamsini C. (Student)
The amazing true story of how babies are made by Fiona Katauskas
There are tried and tested, classic books explaining how babies are made, but this one makes itself relevant with its up-to-date information, inclusive of IVF and sperm donation and other modern baby-making topics. Perfect for use with children of all ages, the book is ideal for parent use but teachers will also be able to pick out suitable sections, depending on the age of the students. It will be especially useful for body awareness, and relationship and sexual health education. In addition to providing information, this book will assist children to develop confidence in their body while encouraging an awareness and appreciation of difference - both among and between genders and age groups. Separated into sections, it starts by exploring the differences between males and females, and then uses this terminology and information to explain sex and fertilisation; it is here that information about non-traditional fertilisation is included. The book then follows the growth and birth of a baby, including paragraphs about premature babies and caesarean births. It concludes with the assertion that making babies is one of the most amazing things that human bodies do and that we are all made this way!
Colourful illustrations, humour and plain English make this an easy and embarrassment-free title for parents to use. It is comprehensive and detailed without being dreary and addresses those things young children are curious about; it explains erections, puberty and sex in a matter-of-fact and honest way. Diagrams and pictures are accurate while also being fun, and at times humorous. Everything is described in a way that even the youngest child will understand and it has a warm rather than clinical tone. The author wrote this in response to the lack of any up-to-date material to use with her own children. It fills an obvious gap and is therefore a necessary addition to every parent library.
Editor's note: A CBCA short listed book in 2016, this 10th anniversary edition has been updated. The review was first published in 2015.
“Our worlds are only as big as our perceptions of it. Reading sends us on adventures to explore both our inner and outer worlds, and in this way, expands our whole experience of life." Kimberly Brown
How Big is the Sky? is a powerful picture book asking some ‘big’ questions. Complete with a striking cover of an evening sky behind a boat and whale, this book provides a fascinating introduction for younger readers to the topic of measurement. The endpapers provide a brief snapshot of instruments used to measure things which could be used as a starting point for a discussion and includes items such as a watch, compass, weathervane and vernier caliper.
The early pages explain how a measuring tape is used to measure distance between two points. This is followed by measuring height, width, depth and circumference. This leads to the notion of distances far away and some so small they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Scales used for measuring mass and weight comes next with a clever image of a whale representing something that weighs a lot and a tiny image of krill which weigh very little. There is mention of an anemometer, thermometer, watch and a bucket which are used to measure wind, temperature, time and volume.
In the latter half of the book, the text takes on a deeper meaning. It asks the reader to think more profoundly about things. For example:
‘You can measure how cold it is outside, but not the warmth that laughter brings’ ‘You can measure the pressure of oxygen in your tank, but not the fizzing in your nerves.’ ‘How do you measure the height of adventure? Or how tall you’ve grown inside?’
This absorbing book challenges readers to think differently and look at the world around them from a new perspective. It may be the catalyst for many worthwhile discussions amongst young children and the adults in their lives.
Themes Big Questions, Measurement, Feelings, Thoughts.
Kathryn Beilby
How to train your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell
Doom of the Darkwing, by talented author Cressida Cromwell, is the first action-packed instalment in the new How to Train Your Dragon School series. Readers are once again swept into the wildly imaginative world of dragons, danger and daring deeds. With Cowell’s trademark humour, adventure and heart, this new series will delight both fans of the original series, How to Train Your Dragon, and new readers alike.
The story begins where life on the Barbaric Archipelago has been anything but calm. Experiencing wild, unpredictable storms that are wreaking havoc across the islands, the tribe is in a state of unrest. Despite this, Hiccup is quite excited (even with the immense pressure to live up to the legacy of his formidable father) to be beginning his first day at the new Viking and Dragon Training School; his first lesson is “The Art of War.”
This excitement is short lived, however, when Hiccup breaks a rule during class and is awarded a devastating "egg level." Feeling the pain of disappointment, his feelings go from bad to worse when a cunning villain deceives his village. Hiccup tries desperately to warn his father, but is ignored and banned from leaving the island.
Seeing no other option than to risk the consequences, Hiccup and his loyal friend, Fishleg, decides to traverse the dangerous seas on their rickety boat - breaking the rules, braving the storm and hopefully saving the day! Will they have the power and skill to fight what they find in these dangerous waters?
The novel has a great format filled with lively black and white illustrations, adding an extra layer of magic and mystery, along with information to discover more about the dragon species from this wild Viking world. Dragon lovers will also love the Dragonese dictionary at the end; perfect for those wishing to speak to their dragon friends!
Doom of the Darkwing is a must-read for those who love dragons, fantasy, full on adventure and overcoming adversities - and also anyone who believes being different might just be your greatest strength.
Themes Dragons, Fantasy, Adventure, Vikings, Problem Solving, Heroism.
