Riveted Press

31/08/2026

Fun Book Week shenanigans at Yanderra Public School with Lexie Moon and Melissa Garside Author!

29/08/2026

'...a warm, fresh, funny and nuanced middle-grade mystery'

Big thanks to Paul Macdonald for this wonderful review of The Adventures of Squidape by John Stanton - author!

Paul’s Book Trail 2026 No. 120
Congratulations to debut middle grade Aussie author John Stanton . ‘The Adventures of Squidape’ is a quirky tale about a boy and ‘a crew of elderly collectors’ who set out to solve a seaside smuggling ring. This is a warm, fresh, funny and nuanced middle-grade mystery. Congrats to John- author and illustrator- and always brilliant to see the publishing list for smaller publishers such as Riveted Press . Looking forward to your next book, John!
‘Roland Bickering-Jones likes facts, lists, and things that make sense. He likes them a lot. Which is tricky, because ever since his mum died, nothing makes sense at all. He also has a passion for an obscure comic book series. In “The Adventures of Squidape,” the hero, a half-squid, half-ape character, always outsmarts the villains and Roland dreams of being as brave.
His dad, Digby, runs a second-hand shop, and the best part of the day is when Roland gets to spend time with his favourite customers: a quirky group of elderly people known as The Collectors. When Roland spirals into magical thinking, trying to rationalise the loss of his mother by imagining she is on a secret mission, one of their elderly friends suggest Digby take him to Yumpy for a beachfront holiday.
But the quiet seaside town is hiding a big secret…’
Bethany Macdonald Tucker Paul Macdonald Sculpture LoveOzMG

28/08/2026

Hitting the headlines with John Stanton - author :)

The Adventures of Squidape made it to the front page of the local paper!!

https://walchatelecottage.com.au/apsley-advocate

23/08/2026

We love seeing kids connecting with our books :) Have a great Book Week everyone!

20/08/2026

On Gallant Wings is Highly Commended in the NSW History Awards. Huge congratulations to Dr Helen Edwards! Here's what the judges had to say:

"On Gallant Wings introduces young readers to a rich story of Australian wartime experiences that combines a flair for storytelling with rigorous historical research. The book takes the refreshing step of beginning its narrative in Darwin, detailing the bombing of the city and elucidating the impact that this had, especially on children. The young protagonist Ava is evacuated to the countryside down south to live with relatives and other caregivers for their safety. Another delightful and novel element is the book’s focus on the Australian Corps of Signals Pigeon Service, a pairing of humans and birds that reminds young readers that war touches all living things.

The author, Helen Edwards, skilfully weaves in the realities of war’s impact on individuals and the depth of human relationships, such as traumatic flashbacks and children’s friendships across racialised barriers, and fictional devices that lure the reader, including fiercely guarded secrets, daring escapes and barely (just) readable redacted letters. The result is a compelling story of dedication and friendship amid adversity that opens a new vista for young readers curious about the country’s wartime past."

You can find the shortlisted and highly commended titles here: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/nsw-history-awards/young-peoples-history-prize

18/08/2026

A brilliant event with Dr Helen Edwards about her historical fiction book, A Light on the Rocks.

18/08/2026

Now that's what you call a great Book Club!

18/08/2026

A 5 STAR review from Losang Zopa (Sue Warren - Just So Stories) for The Adventures of Squidape by John Stanton - author. Check out the full review via the link in the comments.

"John’s characterisations – or should I say caricatures – are just wonderful, whether it’s the primary characters or those on the periphery. And do I suspect room for a sequel with an eventual romance between Roland’s dad and police officer, Danni?

There are equally fun illos throughout from John (clearly multi-talented) which will add to the reader’s interest. It’s rather like a Shakespeare & Hathaway episode in a cartoonish style – and I loved it."