Category: Picture Books

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

challenges, check in post, Dymocks Reading Challenge, Picture Books, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Dymocks Reading Challenge February: Fall in Love With Stories

Ashleigh

New month, new set of prompts. Three new prompts that have a Valentine’s Day theme, but where I can use whatever book works for these prompts. I’ve already decided on my Meet Cute book, and just need to read it. I am hoping the other two will be filled in by some of the great… Continue reading Dymocks Reading Challenge February: Fall in Love With Stories

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

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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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

#AussieAuthors2026, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, biography, Book Industry, Books, challenges, Children's Literature, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, middle grade, non-fiction, Picture Books, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

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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Blue: Dragon of the Sea by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow

Ashleigh

Title: Blue: Dragon of the Sea Author: Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow Genre: Fiction Publisher: Wombat Books Published: 1st February 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: Meet Blue, a Dragon of the Sea!He's also known as a nudibranch or sea slug. Blue's fleet roam the ocean, gliding on the currents, and dancing… Continue reading Blue: Dragon of the Sea by Aleesah Darlison, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow

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Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

Ashleigh

Title: Red Star Rebels Author: Amie Kaufman Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 28th January 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 288 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: From the NYT bestselling co-author of Illuminae and Aurora Rising comes a high-stakes, high-chemistry sci-fi romp filled with witty banter and clever high jinks about a stowaway girl and the richest boy in the… Continue reading Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman

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2025 Reading Summary

Ashleigh

I write roundups that are broad and focused, and split them into men, women, Australian, non-Australian, children’s, young adult, adult, LGBTQIA, Disabled and co-authored books. There is also a post with everything and a summary at the end. So if people want to look at something in particular, they can. My final reading stats for… Continue reading 2025 Reading Summary

#AussieAuthors2025, #AussieYAChallenge, #LoveOZMG, #LoveOzYA, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Blog Tour, Book bingo, Book Industry, Books, Dymocks Reading Challenge, Fables, Fairytales, Fantasy, historical fiction, history, Junior Fiction, literary fiction, memoir, middle grade, non-fiction, Picture Books, plays, poetry, Publishers, Reading, Reviews, series, short stories, The Nerd Daily, Young Adult

2025 reading round up

Ashleigh

In 2025, I read 270 books across every genre, style, and author identity I came across. Reviewing and judging activities meant a lot more reading, and until the end of the year, a lot less time to read the books I wanted to get through on my shelves. It was a delicate balancing act to… Continue reading 2025 reading round up