Tag: Indigenous characters

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Picture Books Read in 2025

Ashleigh

I read 57 picture books in 2025 for review purposes on my own blog, and for Good Reading Magazine. I covered lots of different stories, non-fiction books and many different themes that showcased emotions, different aspects of Australian history and culture, and celebrations of life in general. Every book had its own charms, which is… Continue reading Picture Books Read in 2025

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Indigenous Authors Read

Ashleigh

Every year, I try to read as many Indigenous authors as possible, and these are often Australian First Nations authors and books, primarily because this is what I have access to. This year, it has been focused on what has come my way for review, and I am enjoying seeing how these authors work in… Continue reading Indigenous Authors Read

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Readings Book Bingo Completed-ish

Ashleigh

 One final challenge I took part in this year was the Readings book bingo. I managed to tick every prompt apart from the cookbook prompt off, which probably had more to do with time than anything else. 2024 Prize Winner:  A Gift from the Birds by Caroline Stills (Text Prize 2024) A debut author: Earth… Continue reading Readings Book Bingo Completed-ish

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Wilderness Awards  2025

Ashleigh

The 2025 Karajia and Environment Award Winners, stories that connect kids to Country and nature have been announced. They were announced at 11am on the 11th of October on Love Your Bookshop Day, which is also the start of Nature Books Week. These awards celebrate authors and illustrators who have written and created stories to… Continue reading Wilderness Awards  2025

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Earth Speak: Boodjar Wangkiny by Sean McCann, illustrated by Jade Goodwin

Ashleigh

Title: Earth Speak: Boodjar Wangkiny Author: Sean McCann, illustrated by Jade Goodwin Genre: Fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 3rd June 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: A joyful story celebrating the natural world, the sharing of culture through Noongar language and the awe that comes from seeing, hearing and feeling how elemental… Continue reading Earth Speak: Boodjar Wangkiny by Sean McCann, illustrated by Jade Goodwin

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Naynay and the Mermaid by Tasma Walton, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

Ashleigh

Title: Naynay and the Mermaid Author: Tasma Walton, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Scholastic Australia Published: 1st October 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 24 Price: $19.99 Synopsis: 'With long tendrils of seagrass for hair, her body is blue green like the sea, and her tail sparkles with iridescent scales ...' Naynay and her family… Continue reading Naynay and the Mermaid by Tasma Walton, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

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How Big Is Love? by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, illustrated by Jade Goodwin

Ashleigh

Title: How Big Is Love? Author: Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, illustrated by Jade Goodwin Genre: Fiction Publisher: Hachette/Lothian Published: 26th August 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: The love between two family members takes us on a journey from their small backyard, across Country, to the end of time - because sometimes… Continue reading How Big Is Love? by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, illustrated by Jade Goodwin

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July 2025 Reading Round Up

Ashleigh

In July, I read 22 books, and am keeping on track with maintaining reading mostly Australian authors, and reading as diversely as I can between what I have already and what I am being sent for review. I’m also focused on certain styles and genres, so there might be some that are, say, translated, that… Continue reading July 2025 Reading Round Up

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#KT Book Bingo 2025 Completed

Ashleigh

Another #KTBookBingo completed! This was a tricky one at first, and one I thought would take me much longer to complete. But some books just worked so well in each category, and at times I had multiple choices. I got there in the end though, and can now focus on the rest of my reading… Continue reading #KT Book Bingo 2025 Completed

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Moonlight and Dust by Jasmin McGaughey

Ashleigh

Title: Moonlight and Dust Author: Jasmin McGaughey Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Allen and Un win Published: 1st July 2025 Format: Paperback Pages: 320 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: An intriguing, fast-paced debut YA fantasy novel, featuring sixteen-year-old Torres Strait Islander Zillah, who is caught up in the world of exclusive high school parties after her sister has a… Continue reading Moonlight and Dust by Jasmin McGaughey