Laura Sieveking Scholastic ISBN 9781743834947 RRP $15.99 Age 9+ Date of publication May 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is the second book in the series which follows the adventures of Ella who is a student at Eden College. This book involves a mystery and some adventures but I think the book reflects school dynamics, friendships and behaviour realistically. Looking forward to the next one! Continue reading Ella at Eden. The secret journal
Heath McKenzie Scholastic ISBN 9781760158859 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is another cute and quirky book from Heath McKenzie. It features two boys who become absolutely committed to winning a colouring in competition. The theme of the book gives Heath McKenzie wonderful opportunities to show off his great skills as an illustrator. There are some pages just begging for a … Continue reading The colouring competition
Victoria Mackinlay Sofya Karmazina Scholastic ISBN 9781743834060 RRP $17.99 Age 4+ Date of publication April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This book has rhyming text, relevant themes and is well illustrated and these all add value to it. As well as the language used there are themes about friendship, selfishness and the importance of examining details to discuss. Useful to parents and teachers. Continue reading Ribbit Rabbit Robot
Meredith Costain Danielle McDonald Scholastic ISBN 9781743832318 RRP $14.99 Age 7+ Date of publication: June 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Even though there are about 18 books in the series the ideas keep coming and “Passion for Fashion” should be of great interest to many young readers. Of course the true hero of the story is Nanna Kate! Continue reading Ella diaries. Passion for fashion
Kate and Jol Temple Ronojoy Ghosh Scholastic ISBN 9781743830048 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication: May 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a great book highlighting how the ibis has adapted to living in a modern environment. It is a clever rhyming story and the illustrations and text are terrific. Despite the humour, this book gives the reader plenty to think about and discuss. Be nice to … Continue reading Bin chicken
Dan Sultan and Rhys Graham Tali Gal-on Scholastic ISBN 9781743836378 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication: April 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Dan Sultan (an ARIA-award winning singer and songwriter) and Rhys Graham (a film-maker) have collaborated with Tali Gal-on (an award winning art director) to create books about Nali. The books accompany Dan Sultan’s children’s album, “Nali and Friends”. In this story Nali meets a windy gorilla. It’s … Continue reading Nali and friends: Bwindi the windy gorilla
Laura Bunting Nicky Johnston Scholastic ISBN 9781743834602 RRP $16.99 Age 4+ Date of publication: June 2020 Reviewer Megan Stuart Gorgeous! What’s not to love about his very city Kitty who knows what she loves and loves what she knows…. Continue reading Coco Big City Kitty
Yvette Poshoglian Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760660833 RRP $16.99 (HB) Age 5+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart There’s always new readers coming along to enjoy these books. They are aimed at beginner readers and are hugely popular. Continue reading Ella and Olivia: fun friendship tales
Anh Do Jules Faber Scholastic ISBN 9781742997933 RRP $15.99 Age 6+ Date of publication September 2019 Reviewer Megan Stuart Although recommended for ages 6+ the humour in these books is such that the series has been used for teenage International students who are just learning to read and write English. The first book “Weirdo” was published in 2013. Continue reading Weirdo weirdomania 13
Jack Heath Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742761930 RRP $14.99 Date of publication December 2018 Age 10+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Jack Heath has to be recognised as an important children’s author because although his books are well marketed they are also thoroughly enjoyed and promoted by thousands of young readers. His books are full of action and the topics are relevant. “No survivors” is the second in … Continue reading Liars. No Survivors
Dave Hughes & Holly Ife Philip Bunting Scholastic Press ISBN 9781742997896 RRP $17.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart There are lots of books on the market that take advantage of the fact that small children see rumbling tummies and farts hilarious. This book is one of them however the illustrations by Philip Bunting lift it to another level. Continue reading Excuse me, Santa!
Johnny Marks Louis Shea Scholastic ISBN 9781742993638 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication October 2018 Reviewer Megan Stuart Johnny Marks composed Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer in 1949 and it is still a great favourite with children aged 3+. This version has beautiful illustrations by Louis Shea and Penny McNamee sings the song on the accompanying CD. It’s a favourite with children. Continue reading Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer +CD
Ed Allen Nicky Johnston Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781742765426 RRP $17.99 Date of publication August 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart With Fathers Day in September it is a good time to think about Grandfathers too. This is a gentle book with soft colours, humour and family fun. A book to share. Continue reading Hide and seek with grandpa
Anna Pignataro Scholastic ISBN 9781743817629 RRP $24.99 Publication date August 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a love story full of hope, magic and wonder. It is written and beautifully illustrated by Anna Pignataro. We join the whale on his journey and realise the importance of this majestic animal and his song in the oceans. Continue reading The heart of a whale
Sally Odgers Lisa Stewart Scholastic ISBN 9781742769110 RRP $24.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 3+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Ocean Lullaby is a really lovely publication. Rhyming song-like text gently moves beneath the waves with a variety of sea life. Page colours and illustrations are soft and dreamlike. The themes of babies and parents and silently moving sea animals and plants is very restful. A perfect … Continue reading Ocean Lullaby
Meredith Costain Danielle McDonald Scholastic ISBN 9781760277079 RRP $9.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 6+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Well Ella’s little sister Olivia continues to entertain readers (6+) with a story about her puppy called Bob. The book is in the familiar chatty diary style with plenty of highlighted words and purple illustrations. This book will easily find a following. Continue reading Olivia’s secret scribbles. My (almost) perfect puppy.
Aaron Blabey Scholastic ISBN 9781760279493 RRP $14.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 7+ Reviewer Megan Stuart Who would have thought the Bad Guys would reach The New York Times best seller list? Well they have. Catch the latest Episode 7 which features dinosaurs and more illustrations than text. A good book for early readers. Continue reading The bad guys #7 Do-you-think-he-saurus?
Sally Sutton Kirsten Richards Scholastic ISBN 9781775434863 RRP $14.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 7+ Reviewer Megan Stuart The fourth book in the popular Miniwings series is here for readers reintroducing the tiny winged toy horses that only come to life when adults are not watching. These books bring likeable characters, colourful illustrations and a good strong plot together. A great series. Continue reading Miniwings Firestorm’s musical muck-up
Kirli Saunders Matt Ottley Scholastic ISBN 9781760275228 RRP $24.99 Publication date May 2018 Age 4+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This beautiful picture book by Kirli Saunders and Matt Ottley examines the idea of being free. It looks at the obstacles which can get in the way of that freedom and prevent us exploring and breaking through imposed boundaries. Carefully worded, cleverly and colourfully illustrated this book … Continue reading The incredible freedom machines
Tania Lacy Danielle McDonald Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760275969 RRP $14.99 Publication date November 2017 Age 10+ Reviewer Megan Stuart It’s great to welcome Tracy Lacy back. In this volume Tracy is at her critical best in the secondary school setting. No matter how exaggerated the problems Tracy does triumph and show humility in the process. There are definitely laughs along the way! Continue reading Tracy Lacy for Classy Captain
Anh Do Dan McGuiness Scholastic ISBN 9781760279028 RRP $12.99 Date of publication November 2017 Age 5+ Reviewer Megan Stuart This is a great book for children who learn to read early or who struggle to find a book to suit their reading age. The text, illustrations and jokes will appeal to a wide audience. Enjoy the work of Anh Do in this Hog Dog series. Continue reading Hotdog!#3 Circus Time!
John Field Tull Suwannakit Scholastic ISBN 9781743815892 RRP $19.99 Age 4+ Publication date September 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart Here’s a book you don’t even have to read! The CD included really rocks along and will have children up and dancing… and a great way to introduce the trumpet and the drums too. It also reminds us that if we can’t quite make it in some … Continue reading Stanley’s playing the trumpet
P Crumble Kim Dale Scholastic Australia ISBN 9781760276331 RRP $19.99 Age 3+ Date of publication September 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart This is such a sweet little book and although it is recommended for children 3+ I think younger children will love it too. How affirming to have a book read to you before going to sleep about love, warmth, security and permanence. The illustrations and … Continue reading Lullaby and Goodnight + CD
Aaron Blabey Scholastic ISBN 9781760279486 RRP $14.99 Age 7+ Date of publication October 2017 Reviewer Megan Stuart Lots of children will be very happy to see the 6th book in this series.The books are very popular for children aged 7+ and even younger.The Bad Guys can’t be all bad when they have so many children reading! Continue reading The bad guys episode 6
Bug in a Book 
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