Books+Publishing newsletter

27 June 2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release picture books

The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane
Mike Lucas, illus Sofya Karmazina, Little Hare, June 2025, reviewed by Jess Lomas

The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane by Mike Lucas (What We All Saw, Let’s Build a Backyard) is a charming story about the comfort of familiar places and the emotions... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

A Farm by the Sea
Jillian Packer, Berbay, June 2025, reviewed by Karys McEwen

Fans of Alison Lester, Freya Blackwood and Trace Balla will be captivated by A Farm by the Sea by debut author and illustrator Jillian Packer. This new picture book invites young readers... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

The Girl in the Painting
Dee White, illus Sarah Anthony, Walker, June 2025, reviewed by Jess Lomas

The Girl in the Painting is a beautifully told narrative nonfiction picture book that gives voice to a quiet figure in one of Australia’s most iconic artworks. Based on the... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Gone
Michel Streich, T&H, June 2025, reviewed by Karys McEwen

Writer and illustrator Michel Streich tackles the sensitive subject of loss and the mysteries surrounding death in his accessible and poignant picture book, Gone. The story centres on a child who... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

A Lemon for Safiya
Jemima Shafei-Ongu, illus Nisaluk Chantanakom, Lothian, June 2025, reviewed by Merril Darling

A Lemon for Safiya is a gentle and respectful story about a family’s compassionate response to a disoriented older woman whose ‘eyes held a sadness as deep as the ocean’.... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Lucky's Star: The Story of a Meteorite
Mark Greenwood, illus by Lucia Masciullo, CSIRO Publishing, June 2025, reviewed by Merril Darling

Children are naturally fascinated by the night sky, and Lucky’s Star will surely delight primary-aged students with its clever combination of storytelling and facts. Based on the real-life 1969 Murchison... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

My Name Is Jemima
Olivia Muscat, illus by Allison Colpoys, Scribble, June 2025, reviewed by Jess Lomas

My Name Is Jemima is a heartwarming and informative picture book that introduces young readers to the life and work of guide dogs and teaches children about disability, independence and... Read more

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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