What a month July was. I read 21 books this month and reviewed as many of them as possible, and others were read for fun. I also didn’t have time to review everything. And what I did read was chosen for various purposes to fit in with reviewing and challenges. Some books were longer or… Continue reading July 2026 Reading Round Up
Tag: Australia
Aidan versus the Ocean by Dannika Patterson, illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith
Title: Aidan versus the Ocean Author: Dannika Patterson, illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith Genre: Contemporary Publisher: Wombat Books Published: 1st August 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 130 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: All Aidan thought he'd have to survive during the summer school holidays was yet another game of Fortnite with his mates. But his plans are suddenly… Continue reading Aidan versus the Ocean by Dannika Patterson, illustrated by Heidi Cooper Smith
The Lost Island by Samantha Wheeler, illustrated by Anke Noack
Title: The Lost Island Author: Samantha Wheeler, illustrated by Anke Noack Genre: Fantasy Publisher: UQP Published: 4th August 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 224 Price: $17.99 Synopsis: Bestselling and award-winning Australian author Samantha Wheeler returns with this thrilling desert island survival story full of action, mystery and adventure.Theo thinks there’s nothing worse than being stuck on… Continue reading The Lost Island by Samantha Wheeler, illustrated by Anke Noack
The Festival of Ice and Snow by Angie Cui, Anna Wilson
Title: The Festival of Ice and Snow Author: Angie Cui, Anna Wilson Genre: Non-Fiction Publisher: UQP Published: 4th August 2026 Format: Hardcover Pages: 40 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: Based on the author’s treasured childhood memories of attending the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, this bilingual picture book is a spectacular celebration of family, cultural… Continue reading The Festival of Ice and Snow by Angie Cui, Anna Wilson
Miles Thorne and the Forbidden Magic by Rebecca Ahola
Title: Miles Thorne and the Forbidden Magic Author: Rebecca Ahola Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Wombat Australia Published: 1st August 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 238 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: Miles Thorne was kicked out of his last school, the prestigious Nox Wizarding Academy, because he’s a wizard with almost no magic. At his new school, he meets Eric,… Continue reading Miles Thorne and the Forbidden Magic by Rebecca Ahola
The Nardi Puzzle by Gabriella Page
Title: The Nardi Puzzle Author: Gabriella Page Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: Wombat Books Published: 1st August 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 242 Price: $18.99 Synopsis: Thirteen players. Thirteen hours. One extraordinary prize. When 12-year-old Sebastian Walker is invited to legendary game-maker Elisabetta Nardi’s mansion in Sardinia, he thinks he can finally leave his troubles behind. Instead,… Continue reading The Nardi Puzzle by Gabriella Page
Fair Day Fun (Amira Swift #2) by Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill
Title: Fair Day Fun (Amira Swift #2) Author: Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill Genre: Contemporary Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 28th July 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 128 Price: $15.99 Synopsis: Amira Swift is a chatty, energetic 7-year-old who loves to dance. A series celebrating friendship, family and Lebanese-Australian culture with highly appealing stories for all… Continue reading Fair Day Fun (Amira Swift #2) by Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill
Josie Mack and the Mega Division by Bethany Loveridge, illustrated by Jade Goodwin
Title: Josie Mack and the Mega Division Author: Bethany Loveridge, illustrated by Jade Goodwin Genre: Contemporary Publisher: Wombat Books Published: 3rd June 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 106 Price: $14.99 Synopsis: One night, a wombat knocks at Josie's window. She thinks her lifelong wish for a pet has come true! But Ursula the wombat is on… Continue reading Josie Mack and the Mega Division by Bethany Loveridge, illustrated by Jade Goodwin
A River I Must Be by Kate Foster
Title: A River I Must Be Author: Kate Foster Genre: Contemporary Verse Novel Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 28th July 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 272 Price: $18.99 Synopsis: A compelling and moving verse novel by award-winning author, Kate Foster, who combines her heart-felt writing with an authentic view of autism and the pressure of masking. And… Continue reading A River I Must Be by Kate Foster
Talent Show (Amira Swift #1) by Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill
Title: Talent Show (Amira Swift #1) Author: Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill Genre: Contemporary Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 28th July 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 128 Price: $15.99 Synopsis: Amira Swift is a chatty, energetic 7-year-old who loves to dance. A series celebrating friendship, family and Lebanese-Australian culture with highly appealing stories for all to… Continue reading Talent Show (Amira Swift #1) by Sarah Ayoub, illustrated by Niña Nill
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