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Australia is well-known for its myriad of contrasts and tempestuous weather. Devastating bushfires, consuming floods, and cyclonic furies can weary even the staunchest of spirits. But, seldom ones to lie down in defeat, Aussies love to rise above a challenge; plucking inspiration, hope, and incredible optimism from the deepest of floods waters. This is precisely [...]

Stand in the kids’ section of any library and you’ll soon discover what under 10 year old readers gravitate towards; pacey, riveting chapter books, starring jump-off-the-page characters with the odd quirky picture thrown in to keep it all real. This is precisely what New Frontier Publishing is delivering with their dynamite Little Rocket Series. Like [...]

The first time I met the acquaintance of Mr Darcy, I was much enamoured by his unassuming good looks, impeccable manners and sophisticated demeanour. If his reserved gentility left both Lizzy and me a little wanting and him rather lonely in the beginning, then it was only a question of time and persistence on behalf [...]

Tropical Trouble is the third book in the Totally Twins series written by Aleesah Darlison and illustrated by Serena Geddes. Persephone and Portia Pinchgut are going on holidays to Fiji with Grandma. The only problem is they have been forced to take their annoying 7 year-old neighbour, Dillon Pickleton with them. Things don’t start out [...]

Nancy Bentley, the eldest of seven children, was born in 1914 and was raised in Smith O’Brien’s cottage in the ex-penal colony of Port Arthur. In 1920, when Nancy was just 6 years old, the HMAS Sydney docked briefly in Port Arthur harbour. Playing outside and listening to the navy band with her siblings, Nancy [...]

LAST TREE IN THE CITY Last Tree in the City is Peter Carnavas at his best. It’s a poignant tale about a boy finding beauty in his overcrowded and colourless city environment. Every day, Edward rides to the end of his street to visit the last tree left in the city. Here he sits and [...]

I’ve noticed recently that there seems to be an increasing trend to attach giveaways and merchandise to picture books. Harvey the Boy who Couldn’t Fart (Walker Books) came with it’s very own fart machine and I have seen books sold with stuffed toys, jewellery and other paraphernalia. From a marketing point of view, this probably [...]

I was immediately drawn to Samuel’s Kisses and it wasn’t just because I have a son called Sam. The title and the vibrant cover illustration by Serena Geddes told me that this was going to be a happy book – something that celebrated life and captured a child’s optimism. When I opened the cover, I [...]

Karen Collum is mother to three beautiful boys, with a baby girl joining the family later this month. She’s passionate about developing optimism in children and empowering them to make a difference in the world. Karen is visiting Kids’ Book Capers on her blog tour to celebrate the release of her new picture book, Samuel’s [...]

In my mailbox recently I received two new picture books from New Frontier Publishing; The Important Things by Peter Carnavas and I Spy Mum written by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Chantal Stewart. In their own way, each book shows the importance of a parent in a child’s life, and they both struck a chord [...]