Book Review: Felix and the Future Agency by Rachel Morrisroe

Felix and the Future Agency is the fabulous new middle grade fantasy novel by Rachel Morrisroe. Filled with danger, action and magical creatures it is a must read for fans of the Percy Jackson series. 

 

Rachel has used real, ancient rumours, in and around London and the subway, and expands on them using imaginary outcomes to create a world where good triumphs over evil.

 

Twelve year old Felix Green is an outcast at his school. He can predict the future and tries to warn his fellow pupils about bad events that will happen. Labelled as strange by his peers and a trouble maker by his teachers, Felix is often suspended, accused of causing the events he has warned about.

Felix feels lost and dejected until he is invited to join a new school for children just like him. The Future Agency: an underground secret society set up to save the world from disasters that are predicted by the society members.

Rachel Morrisroe's exceptional world building is easy to follow and understand. All the different classes of magic and what they do is clearly explained. I loved the addition of bonded pets, celestaurs, made from the stars.  

 

Each scene is meticulously described giving the reader a vivid image as each scene unfolds. There are also a few half page black and white sketches by Paddy Donnelly for those, like me, that appreciate an added visual prompt.

The story can be a little dark at times but there is plenty of humour throughout to lighten the overall feel. Friendship problems to resolve and a few road bumps for Felix to navigate keep the story relatable and interesting.

 

Felix and the Future Agency is an electrifying and atmospheric introduction to a fantastical new hero.

Felix and the Future Agency is the perfect read for children who love fantasy and adventure stories.

I'm eager for the next instalment!

 

content: dead parents

              ghosts

              demons   

 

My rating 5 / 5 👦👦👦👦👦

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Publication date: 18th June 2025

Genre: Fantasy / Middle Grade / Tween

Pages: 288

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti

Loon Cove Summer is a heart-felt story of loss, grieving, first crushes and the will to make a difference.

 

Since her mother's death from cancer Sarah has been trapped in her grief. The only things that keep her going is helping out at the family's campground and trying to save the loons that live on their lake.

Loons: (North American English) or divers (British / Irish English) are a group of aquatic birds found in much of North America and northern Eurasia.  

 

Loon Cove Summer is a wonderful story for tween readers 10 -14 years. It raises awareness of environmental issues as thirteen -year-old Sarah volunteers at the wild bird rehabilitation centre and also tracks the loons movements and breeding. She has a mission to save the loons in the area. This was a project she started with her mother.

 

The introduction of Theo , who is on holiday at the lake, adds a lovely friendship theme. Sarah's crush on Theo is sweet and realistic and her awkwardness, clumsiness and blushing adds humour to the story. The banter and fun ribbing between Sarah and Theo is natural and amusing. Theo has been through his own tragedy and loss however exudes an air of confidence and resilience. Talking to Theo helps Sarah understand she is not alone in her grief. I think their friendship is what I loved most about the story.

 

Loon Cove Campground has a wonderful cast of eccentric inhabitants who add wit, humour, words of wisdom and a close community feel to the story.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a story about realising your dreams for the future and working towards making them happen.

 

" Every big idea starts small with one person ... So, go - be that one person who makes a change for the better." - Loon Cove Summer

 

I adored this heartrending and heartwarming story of working out who you are after a major loss, moving on with your life and dreams. I enjoyed the environment aspect with the raptor rehabilitation centre, encouraging children to become wildlife warriors and junior conservationists.

 

Loon Cove Summer is a memorable read filled with humour, suspense, hope and reconciliation.

Donna Galanti evokes a world where love, hope and connectedness ultimately triumph.

 

Perfect for fans of: Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes. 

 

Content: dead mother

              first kiss - very sweet 

 

My rating 5 / 5  🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆 

Recommended age: 10 - 14 years

 

Publisher: Wild Trail Press

Publication date: 6th May 2025

Genre: Children's / Tween Fiction

Pages: 276 

Price: AU$9.14 (kindle) 

Source: Courtesy of Media Masters Publicity

 

 

  

Book Review: Max and the Mighty Hurricane by Chrissy Hobbs & Ben Jackson

 Max and the Mighty Hurricane is the first in a new children's series, by authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson, that explain natural disasters in a gentle and informative way to relieve the anxiety surrounding these events.

 

 illustrated by Tanya Zeinlova

 

Publisher: Indie Publishing Group

Publication date: 1st May 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Source: eBook courtesy of the authors

 

The first in a fabulous new series of stories to weather the storms of life, building resilience and courage in young children.

 

Max lived by the sea and reports of expected hurricanes made him anxious. His mother and father knew what to do and taught Max how to be prepared, showing him the printed checklist they have on hand so nothing is forgotten in an emergency. His parents also explain how different families may have different checklists and needs.

 

This wonderful story goes step by step through the stages of being prepared for a weather event to actually leaving the house being at a shelter and then returning to the devastation.

 

I loved how Max's parents were always upbeat and showed Max resilience by example.

Max's house is damaged and the yard is full of mud. His parents put on a bright face and get Max to help redecorate his room and all the neighbours pitch in and help each other.

 

Max and the Mighty Hurricane is beautifully illustrated by Tanya Zeinlova in bright, realistic double page spreads. These expressive illustrations pair perfectly with the meaningful text making the book visually appealing as well as informative.

 

Sharing Max and the Mighty Hurricane between children and caregivers provides ample opportunity for discussion of events that may cause children fear and anxiety.

 

This gentle and sensitive picture book encourages confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🌪🌪🌪🌪🌪 

 

 

Book Review: Is It OK to Be Quiet? by Michael Brisciana

Is It OK to Be Quiet? is a gentle book that can be read by a child themself but would be of extra benefit if read together with a parent or carer.

 

 Illustrated by James Cook James

 

Publisher: Trust Publishing

Publication date: 2nd June 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

Price: AU$10.88 (Kindle)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Danny is a quiet child preferring to sit quietly, sometimes talking to a friend and sometimes just sitting. When he is questioned by another student why he is always so quiet he starts to feel like this is a negative thing.

He talks this over with his mother and together they discuss his day and come to the conclusion that while being quiet he often notices other things around him and can offer help to his classmates.  Danny decides that quiet is okay. While it's also okay to be talkative you can still have fun while being quiet. 

 

Is It OK to Be Quiet? is the first in a planned series for introverted children - quiet children.

Brisciana conveys to his readers that a quiet nature can help you be more aware and supportive of other people around you. 

 

Is It OK to Be Quiet? provides a good opportunity to talk about different personalities and that being your true self is always okay.

 

James Cook James sweet, heartwarming cartoon style illustrations are presented in soft pastel colours that perfectly reflect the theme of the story.

 

Is It OK to Be Quiet? would be a valuable teacher resource for Kindy to Year 2.

 

My rating 5 / 5   😊😊😊😊😊

Recommended for ages 5 - 8 years 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Goodnight Sheep by Sally Barton

 The cover of Goodnight Sheep says it all! That sheep doesn't look like it is planning to go to sleep.

 

 

 Illustrated by Cherie Dignan

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publlication date: 1st April 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Lily can't sleep and her mum suggests counting sheep to calm her to sleep but Lily's sheep just won't behave. They jump, galavant and make a mess in Lily's room as she counts them one to ten. Will Lily  be able to get the sheep under control and go to sleep?

 

Narrated through rhyming verse with an easy cadence which starts off calm moves to lively and back to calm. Delightfully fun double-page colour spreads by Cherie Dignan. I love Lily's room, it is pink, pink and more pink!! The room changes to blue soothing tones when the lights go out. 

 

Goodnight Sheep is a fun bedtime story that will be enjoyed over and over. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

Recommended for ages 0 - 5 years

 

 

Book Review: Dungzilla by James Foley

Dungzilla is the second book in James Foley's S. Tinker Inc series. Re-released in all new fabulous full colour.

 

This action packed story follows eleven-year-old Sally Tinker, a young inventor.

 

When Sally's best friend Charli Stevenson's pet dung beetle accidentally gets in the way of Sally's latest invention, the Resizenator, and is enlarged 300 times, what ensues is an action-packed, STEM powered romp featuring science and humour.

 

How can Sally, Charli, Gran Tinker and baby Joe stop the giant dung beetle from destroying the town.

 

This graphic novel is a perfect mix of adventure and science. It introduces scientific facts in an hilarious magical realism concept. The storyline is rich in laugh-out-loud moments and lots of toilet humour.

 

This newest edition also includes a bonus story that features a stolen cloned pachyderm and a trip to Mars in Sally's latest invention.

 

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years

 My rating 5 / 5 🪲🪲🪲🪲🪲 

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press.

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/dungzilla-now-in-colour/

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Series: S. Tinker Inc #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Graphic Novel 

Pages: 120

RRP: AU$17.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Sunny & Shadow by Helen Milroy

Sunny & Shadow is an entertaining story that delivers a First Nations dreamtime story with a message of caring for our native dingoes. 

 

When danger comes to the dingoes home ChiChi, a young dingo pup, is separated from his family. Lost and alone he needs to draw on all his courage to stay strong.

ChiChi hides in a cave and when he exits he finds himself in another time.

A young girl named Sunny befriends him, and names him Shadow, together they work to save the dingoes.

 

Sunny & Shadow is an engaging story that combines cultural elements with magical realism.

Helen Milroy shows how lessons on the wonder of connection to Mother Nature are passed down through generations by dreamtime stories.

 

Sunny & Shadow is a story that highlights the importance of knowledge, courage, culture and family.

 

Sunny & Shadow will be enjoyed by children that like animal stories and stories about nature and the land.

 

My rating 5 / 5  🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

Recommended age: 6 - 9 years

 

Teaching notes can be found at Fremantle Press

https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/sunny-and-shadow/ 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Children's / Junior Fiction 

Pages: 96

RRP: AU$14.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

 

Book Review: Bush Bubs by Helen Milroy

Bush Bubs is the latest book in the Backyard and Bush series by bestselling First Nations author Helen Milroy.

 

This is a gorgeous picture book for our littlest book lovers and a delightful introduction to the babies of the Australian bush; numbat, bilby, wombat, platypus, koala, echidna, sugar glider, kangaroo, dingo and tassie devil.

 

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: February 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: courtesy of the publisher 

Bush Bubs features iconic Australian baby animals and is ideal for reading together and learning about the unique animals of Australia.

 

Each double spread feature has one page with a simple two line text with a solid colour background and the facing page has a beautiful bush baby illustration by author and artist Helen Milroy. Helen's bold earthy tones come straight from the land.

 

The catchy rhyming verse adds an element of fun to the reading. 

This gorgeous book with its message to look after our precious bush bubs is sure to become a favourite bedtime read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🦘🦘🦘🦘🦘

Recommended age: 2 - 5 years

 

Teaching notes and activities can be found at Fremantle Press

 https://fremantlepress.com.au/books/bush-bubs/

 

 

 

Book Review: The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners by Reece Carter

 The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners is the third and final book in Reece Carter's Elston-Fright series. 

 Corpse, Girl and Flip are back again, with Simon the giant huntsman spider, in another thrilling adventure. Today is the day the trio are going to prove to the townsfolk that they share their home with ghosts and magic. However when the gathering is disrupted by a wraith everything they had planned goes terribly wrong and Corpse and Girl must flee.

 

Although not as exciting and action packed as the first two books A Girl Called Corpse  and  The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright  The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners is still bursting with danger with new enemies to battle and an old foe, Worst Witch, back for revenge.

 

Told through the alternating narration of Corpse and Girl, Carter includes themes of greed, bullying and the fear of change.

 

"What you did was horrible, and just because you're hurt doesn't make it okay to hurt other people ... "

 

" Stuff changes all the time, and you can never quite know how those changes will go or what will be on the other side of them. That's okay, though. Because I know that whatever comes next, even if I can't know yet what it might be, it's nothing to Worry about. It'll be all right. And maybe - just maybe - it might even be great."

The Lost Notes of the Soul Spinners is an excellent wrap-up of the series. All the questions, and the mystery, surrounding Corpse and Girl are satisfactorily answered.

Content: witches, stolen children , talk of death.

My rating 4 / 5  👻👻👻👻

Recommended age: 8 - 12 years 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Series: Elston-Fright #3

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 352

RRP: AU$18.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Other books in this series:

A Girl Called Corpse

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright 

 

  

 

 
 

Book Review: Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire by L. M. Wilkinson

Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is book two in L. M. Wilkinson's endearing A Tail of Adventure series.

 

In book one, Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria, Titch and friends acquire the Heartstone staff and are on their way to heal the heart of Alluria. However they soon find there is more to this quest, and more to the prophecy, than they first thought. 

Titch, Huckleberry and the very cute little Dollop are back again in this rip roaring adventure as they fight a giant bog monster, save a village of brainwashed squirrels and become one step closer to unleashing the power of the Heartstone staff and healing the heart of Alluria.

 

With themes of being brave, believing in yourself and working together combined with lashing of action, adventure and danger Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is sure to delight and entrance middle-grade readers keeping them enthralled from the very first page. 

Wilkinson champions cleverness, courage and friendship in this delightful addition to the Bravepaw series.

 

Together with their new friend, a fearless red squirrel named Briar, the group head off on their next quest.

 

Large print, wonderfully descriptive prose and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.

Content: mild battle scenes

               not so scary monsters

 

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐭🐭🐭🐭🐭

Recommended age: 5 -12

Publisher recommended: 7-11

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 25th February 2025

Series: Bravepaw #2

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

Pages: 192

RRP: AU$16.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Other books in this series:

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Jo and the No by Kyle Mewburn

 Jo has come across a NO. No matter how hard Jo tries to get under, over, through or around it, the NO won't let them pass.

 

 

illustrated by Judy Watson

 

Publisher: Westwords Limited

Imprint: Dirt Lane Press

Publication date: March 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 40

RRP: AU$28.95 (hardback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Jo and the No is a gentle story that encourages children to overcome resistance to the unknown.

Jo is being held back by the No. They let it rule their life leading to exclusion from the things that make them happy. When Jo faces the No and overcomes the hurdle of resistance their life is filled with colour and friendship.

 

While children are taught not to be afraid to say no in certain situation to keep them safe, there are also times when no is holding them back from being their true selves and enjoying a fulfilling life. Many children are too shy to say yes to new friendships or try new adventures, Jo and the No encourages children to have the courage to push the no aside, even though at times it seems the no has taken over.

 

My rating 5 / 5 😊😊😊😊😊

recommended age: 4+ 

 

 

Book Review: Searching for Treasure by Johanna Bell

Follow along for a day at the beach as a young child collects a multitude of treasures they find on the sand. What will they do with all these treasures? There is a glorious, surprising finale.

 

 illustrated by Emma Long

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Searching for Treasure has large, glorious double page spreads filled with vibrant illustrations of on shore treasures.

 

"Searching for treasure on the high tide line

one step two steps, what can you find?"

 

I loved that Searching for Treasure has two ways it can be read; large simple text is a prompt to look at the picture and point things out, plus there is small text between the treasures, educational facts winding between the illustrations. These were like hidden treasures in themselves.

 

Large cut out flaps lift to find more shoreline treasures.

 

Searching for Treasure is a beautiful, bright and bold story book perfect to be read before, or after, a trip to the beach. This book would also make a great bedtime story to remember a treasured family holiday.

 

With educational facts scattered throughout, Searching for Treasure is a book that will grow with your child.

 

recommended age: 3 - 6 years

My rating 5 / 5 🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚 

 

Book Review: Chickenpox by Remy Lai

Set in the 1990's Chickenpox is a fabulously funny graphic novel narrated by the eldest of five siblings, twelve-year-old Abby Lai. 

Abby tries to get away from her siblings any chance she gets. She'd rather spend time with her friends far away from her annoying brothers and sisters. But when they all come down with chickenpox Abby is trapped inside, for two whole weeks.

 

I found Chickenpox to be outrageously funny. You don't need to have had chickenpox to imagine what it would be like trapped inside with your younger siblings.

Plenty of hijinks and antics abound as Abby not only tries to entertain her siblings but also has to navigate friendships by phone whilst always wondering what is going on at school in her absence.  

Luckily we now have a vaccine available for chickenpox so readers of Remy Lai's novel may not know the constant itch and isolation but I am sure their parents can remember and have some stories to tell.  

Reading Chickenpox took me back to when my five children had the virus and we were stuck at home for 5 weeks as they seemed to get it one after the other. There was much hijinks and mayhem back then too.

 

Content: I would just like to highlight this sentence from the book, if buying for younger readers.

"When I was little and still believed in Santa and unicorns" 

You should always believe in Santa and unicorns! 🎅🦄

 

My rating 5 / 5  🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Graphic Novel / Middle Grade

Pages: 240

RRP: AU$19.99 (paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles by Corey Tutt

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is the ultimate children's science book by DeadlyScience founder Corey Tutt, best selling author of The First Scientists. 

 

illustrated by Ben Williams

 

 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 4th February 2025

Genre: Non Fiction / Picture Book

Pages: 140

RRP: AU$32.99 (Hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is an amazing book filled with cool facts and vibrant, real to life illustrations that will entrance and enthrall all reptile enthusiasts big and small.

 

With over 60 reptiles and information on what they look like, what makes it deadly, favourite feeds, predators and prey and how they breed.

For each reptile you will also discover its First Nations name and where it can be found in Australia.

 

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles is a fantastic hardcover book that will become a treasured reference guide to children interested in reptiles, conservation and the environment.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐍🦎🐢🐊🐍

Recommended age: 8 - 14 years

 

 

 

Spotlight: Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend by Janet Hayward

 I've reviewed Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend over on The Burgeoning Bookshelf however I wanted to highlight it here as well as it is a fabulous little book for tweens.

 

 As more and more young girls are spending their pocket money on overpriced serums at Sephora and Mecca it is refreshing to see a book being written offering girls inexpensive and natural alternatives.

 

See my full review on The Burgeoning Bookshelf Lemons are a Girl's Best Friend Review. 

 

Published by Simon & Schuster on 30th October 2024

 

My rating 5 / 5  🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

Book Review: Karma is Three Cats by Bella Montgomery

 LIFE ACCORDING TO TAYLOR SWIFT'S KITTY BEST FRIENDS

Join Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button, Taylor Swift's feline best friends, as they explore, play and spend time with Taylor.

illustrated by Carolina Marando

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children

Imprint: Albert Street Books

Publication date: 14th January 2025

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

 

Karma is Three Cats is the perfect story for young readers, Swifties and cat lovers alike.

 

Written from the point of view of Taylor's cats, this delightful story book is filled with fun moments, feline antics and loads of love. Celebrating the joy pets bring into our lives.

 

Charmingly illustrated by Carolina Marando with bright, colourful double page spread illustrations showing Taylor at home with her kitties and out and about going about their daily lives.

 

The author and illustrator have cleverly added little Easter eggs for Swiftie fans to find throughout the story. How many can you find?

 

Karma is Three Cats is a lovely story about cats for the 3 - 8 age group and a fun keepsake for Taylor Swift fans of all ages.

 

My rating 5 / 5  🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈 

Publisher recommended age: 4 - 10 years

 

 

Book Review: Shadows and Secrets (Wolf Girl #12) by Anh Do

 Shadows and Secrets is book 12 in Anh Do's smash hit Wolf Girl series and he has delivered another riveting story filled with danger and suspense.

 

Following straight on from book 11, Gwen has left behind her new friends at Simpson Mall and continues her search for her parents.

The Braxons are right on her heels which makes for some nerve wracking moments as Gwen and the dogs battle through some life or death situations as they navigate dark caves, booby traps and raging rivers. Gwen's canine friends add plenty of humour to the narrative which lightens up the story.

 

Each new book doesn't progress far but there is lots of action that will keep the reader invested. Kids will love it!

 

Extensively illustrated throughout, by Jeremy Ley, with half and full page black and white sketches, which add an extra element of comprehension to the story. 

 

The book ends on a super cliff-hanger that will have kids eager for the next installment.  Anh Do knows how to keep his readers hooked!

 

Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is very little backstory included.

 

My rating 5 / 5 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children

Publication date: 3rd December 2024

Genre: Middle Grade

Pages: 232

RRP: AU$16.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher