Category: Junior Fiction

animals, Book Industry, Books, Children's Literature, historical fiction, history, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, mythology, Picture Books, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi by Mat Tait

Ashleigh

Title: Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi Author: Mat Tait Genre: Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 24th March 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 36 Price: $29.99 Synopsis: Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa, told and illustrated by award-winning author Mat Tait. Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa!Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all… Continue reading Kupe and and the Great Octopus of Muturangi by Mat Tait

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Mikka’s Magical Surprise (Princess and Unicorn #1) by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Kyla May

Ashleigh

Title: Mikka’s Magical Surprise (Princess and Unicorn #1) Author: Zanni Louise, illustrated by Kyla May Genre: Fantasy Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 24th February 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 144 Price: $15.99 Synopsis: A series about friendship, having fun and making mischief. Plus a sprinkle of adorable magic! A sparkling new illustrated series for fans of PRINCESS IN… Continue reading Mikka’s Magical Surprise (Princess and Unicorn #1) by Zanni Louise, illustrated by Kyla May

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Mim and the Frazzled Fruit Farmer (The Travelling Bookshop #7) by Katrina Nannestad

Ashleigh

Title: Mim and the Frazzled Fruit Farmer (The Travelling Bookshop #7) Author: Katrina Nannestad Genre: Fantasy Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 24th February 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 240 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: The right book might just change your life ... Mim Cohen roams the world in a travelling bookshop, with her dad and brother and a… Continue reading Mim and the Frazzled Fruit Farmer (The Travelling Bookshop #7) by Katrina Nannestad

#AussieAuthors2026, #AussieYAChallenge, #LoveOZMG, #LoveOzYA, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, classics, Dymocks Reading Challenge, Fables, Fairytales, Fantasy, historical fiction, history, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, Publishers, R.A. Spratt, Reading, Reviews

February: Fall in Love With Stories Completed

Ashleigh

Screenshot I completed my February prompts early, as I used books I had read throughout the first few weeks to fill things in. So far, so good. 100% of the prompts complete so far, and another 30 to go, which appear each month. It’s a little different and I do miss having the prompts all… Continue reading February: Fall in Love With Stories Completed

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Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog by Lucinda Gifford

Ashleigh

Title: Valerie: Australia's Bravest Sausage Dog Author: Lucinda Gifford Genre: Creative Non-fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 10th February 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: Inspired by the amazing true story of the tiny dog who captured the heart of a nation. Join Valerie on her unforgettable journey and discover just how far… Continue reading Valerie: Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog by Lucinda Gifford

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The King’s Conservatorium by Emma Cameron

Ashleigh

Title: The King’s Conservatorium Author: Emma Cameron Genre: Fantasy/Junior Fiction Publisher: Wombat Books Australia Published: 3rd September 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 184 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: In the Kingdom of Elatha, where music and song are outlawed, orphaned brothers Garlan and Cadell flee abusive foster parents. Like many people in their world, they make their way… Continue reading The King’s Conservatorium by Emma Cameron

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January 2026 Reading Round-Up

Ashleigh

This year, I am working on balancing my review books with my other reading, so I can get through some of the books I have been wanting to read for a while. In January, I managed to read all my review books for the beginning of 2026, and some reviews are still coming, and there… Continue reading January 2026 Reading Round-Up

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Saving Shark Pup by Sharon Dalgleish, illustrated by Amandine Thomas

Ashleigh

Title: Saving Shark Pup Author: Sharon Dalgleish, illustrated by Amandine Thomas Genre: Non-fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd February 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: The true story of a great white shark pup who washed up on the beach and was rescued by the local community. When a great white shark… Continue reading Saving Shark Pup by Sharon Dalgleish, illustrated by Amandine Thomas

#AussieAuthors2026, animals, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, Children's Literature, Easter, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, Picture Books, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Pink Easter by Tanya Hennessy, illustrated by Sophie Kent

Ashleigh

Title: Pink Easter Author: Tanya Hennessy, illustrated by Sophie Kent Genre: Humour Publisher: Allen and Unwin/Albert Street Books Published: 3rd February 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: This year Easter is going to have a major glow-up! A joyous celebration of Easter, and the power of community and cooperation, from bestselling children's author… Continue reading Pink Easter by Tanya Hennessy, illustrated by Sophie Kent

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Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea by Justin Somper

Ashleigh

Title: Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea Author: Justin Somper Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd February 2026 Format: Paperback Pages:256 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: A weekend's adventure at sea turns into a terrifying test of true mettle for Jasmine, Jacoby and Neo, and the rest of the Pirate Academy crew in this fast-paced and… Continue reading Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea by Justin Somper