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
Tag: Indigenous history
Indigenous Authors Read
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
Readings Book Bingo Completed-ish
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
Naynay and the Mermaid by Tasma Walton, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis
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
Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track by Uncle Bud Marshall and Yandaarra, illustrated by Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady
Title: Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track Author: Uncle Bud Marshall and Yandaarra, illustrated by Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady Genre: Non-fiction Publisher: Allen and Unwin Published: 29th April 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 48 Price: $29.99 Synopsis: Featuring art and photographs from Nambucca Heads in the beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country, this stunning picture book tells stories of Gumbaynggirr… Continue reading Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track by Uncle Bud Marshall and Yandaarra, illustrated by Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady
Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History
Title: Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History Author: Melissa-Jane Fogarty, illustrated by Dylan Finney Genre: History Publisher: Lothian Published: 26th March 2025 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $24.99 Synopsis: A fascinating and inclusive history of one of Australia's greatest landmarks, the Sydney Opera House, and the land on which it is built.This is the story… Continue reading Tubowgule: A Sydney Opera House History
Indigenous Authors 2024
During 2024, I also tried to read more Indigenous authors, and the ones that came my way had a lot to do with books I was aware of and books I was able to get or had on my shelf. There are many more Indigenous authors, of course, and some may not write in a… Continue reading Indigenous Authors 2024
The Wonder of Little Things by Vince Copley with Leah McInerny
Title: The Wonder of Little Things Author: Vince Copley with Leah McInerney Genre: Biography Publisher: ABC Books Published: 31st January 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 288 Price: $22.99 Synopsis: A First Nations Elder shares his extraordinary story of finding kindness in the midst of prejudice, and joy in living life to the full. Welcome to my… Continue reading The Wonder of Little Things by Vince Copley with Leah McInerny
The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu by Victor Steffensen, illustrated by Sandra Steffenson
Title: The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu Author: Victor Steffensen, illustrated by Sandra Steffenson Genre: Non-fiction Publisher: Hardie Grant Australia Published: 13th December 2023 Format: Hardcover Pages: 32 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: Take a walk with Uncle Kuu in The Trees, a picture book about caring for Country and respect for Indigenous knowledge.Looking after the trees… Continue reading The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu by Victor Steffensen, illustrated by Sandra Steffenson
2023 NSW Premier’s History Awards
Announcement of the NSW Premier's History Award - the below is a quote from the State Library of NSW website. Statement from the State Library about the announcement: Announcing the shortlists for the 2023 NSW Premier's History Awards The Premier of NSW, The Hon. Chris Minns MP, has announced the shortlists for the 2023 NSW… Continue reading 2023 NSW Premier’s History Awards
