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Grace the Amazing (Aleesah Darlison, Wombat Books)

Released May 2024

This tender middle-grade novel by well-established children’s author Aleesah Darlison (who wrote the popular junior series League of Llamas) explores friendship, coming to terms with death, and finding the courage... Read more

A Small Collection of Happinesses (Zana Fraillon, illus Stephen Michael King, Lothian)

Released May 2024

In the first pages of acclaimed author Zana Fraillon’s A Small Collection of Happinesses, Ada is ‘blown in…and dumped… right at the front gates of number 9 Hawkhurst Lane’. I... Read more

The Kindness Project (Deborah Abela, Puffin)

Released May 2024

Nicolette is unconfident and shy and feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere. However, she loves spending time with her nanna and takes comfort in her visits to her nursing... Read more

Cora Seen and Heard (Zanni Louise, Walker)

Released May 2024

When Cora’s family moves to Tasmania to renovate a decrepit theatre, Cora, 12, is thrilled at the opportunity to reinvent herself as Cora 2.0: more confident, admired, and interesting. But... Read more

The Apprentice Witnesser (Bren MacDibble, A&U Children’s)

Released May 2024

Bren MacDibble has become well-known for her unique and heartfelt adventure novels for middle-grade readers, including How to Bee, The Dog Runner and Across the Risen Sea, as well as The Raven’s... Read more

Wurrtoo (Tylissa Elisara, illus Dylan Finney, Lothian)

Released April 2024

As a Nunga woman reading to her young Nunga and Murri son, Tylissa Elisara was fed up with the lack of First Nations representation in her beloved childhood stories. Wurrtoo... Read more

Jerry’s Window (Y K Willemse, Wombat Books)

Released April 2024

In the spirit of Dennis the Menace, 10-year-old Jerry Ronden is a notorious nightmare. His parents are at a loss as he torments his school and neighbours with pranks, stink... Read more

Frog Squad: Dessert Disaster (Kate Temple & Jol Temple, illus Shiloh Gordon, HarperCollins)

Released April 2024

Prepare yourselves, Bin Chicken and Underdogs fans (among others): the unstoppable force that is Kate and Jol Temple (That Bird Has Arms) has a new series. The first book, Frog... Read more

The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist (Anders Sparring, illus Per Gustavsson, Gecko Press)

Released April 2024

Anders Sparring’s The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist is a first-in-series chapter book that ticks many boxes young primary school children love: comedy, crime, and fun family connections. Opening with... Read more

The Cave (Victor Kelleher, Eagle Books)

Released April 2024

In Victor Kelleher’s upper-middle-grade prehistoric adventure novel The Cave, young Irian—one of the few survivors after the Beast (a sabre-toothed tiger) attacks the cave where he lives—is traumatised into muteness... Read more

Roarsome (Joel Slack-Smith, illus Rebel Challenger, Scholastic)

Released April 2024

Roarsome is the first book in a new illustrated junior fiction series by TV comedy writer Joel Slack-Smith. Like many kids, Walter wants the latest tech for his birthday—a nitro-powered... Read more

Shower Land 1: Break the Curse (Nat Amoore, illus James Hart, Puffin)

Released March 2024

The first in a new junior fiction series, Shower Land 1: Break the Curse is a fun, whimsical book that will appeal to kids who enjoy fantasy and humour plots.... Read more

Outlaw Girls (Emily Gale & Nova Weetman, Text)

Released March 2024

Emily Gale and Nova Weetman deliver again with Outlaw Girls, the Kelly country time-slip follow-up to their CBCA Notable Elsewhere Girls. In 1878, Kate Kelly secretly slips supplies to her... Read more

A Room for Ryel (Emma Cameron, Wombat)

Released March 2024

Within modern shifting family dynamics, Emma Cameron’s A Room for Ryel emerges as a heartwarming tale that adeptly explores the intricacies and joys of blending families. The book seamlessly transcends... Read more

To and Fro (Anton Clifford-Motopi, A&U Children’s)

Released March 2024

To and Fro by debut author Anton Clifford-Motopi is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the complexities of growing up mixed-race in Australia. This delightful offering for readers aged 8–12... Read more

The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn (Belinda Murrell, illus Rebecca Crane, Puffin)

Released February 2024

The Daredevil Princess and the Golden Unicorn is the first in kid-lit superstar Belinda Murrell’s latest series, with a second book (The Daredevil Princess and the Goblin King) to be... Read more

Countdown to Yesterday (Shirley Marr, Puffin)

Released February 2024

Shirley Marr’s latest novel, Countdown to Yesterday, takes young readers on a heartwarming journey through time, memories, and the complexities of family and friendship. This enchanting tale is a delightful... Read more

How to Avoid Being Eaten By Sharks… and other advice (John Larkin, illus Chrissie Krebs, Walker)

Released February 2024

How do you avoid being eaten by sharks? Is the Earth flat or round? How do you translate parent-speak, pass a creative writing test, and elude alien abduction? Tongue-in-cheek, chapter-length... Read more

Andromache Between Worlds (Gabriel Bergmoser, HarperCollins)

Released February 2024

Andromache Between Worlds is the middle-grade fiction debut from prolific adult and young adult writer Gabriel Bergmoser. Andromache is the 14-year-old daughter of two celebrity adventurer journalists whose escapades have... Read more

Lani and the Universe (Victoria Carless, HarperCollins)

Released January 2024

For young readers who enjoyed Gus and the Starlight (2022) comes another heart-warming and captivating story by Victoria Carless. Lani and the Universe tells the story of Lani Scrub, who... Read more