Books+Publishing

05/11/2025

“Let’s Make an Adventure is a joyful reminder that you don’t need expensive toys or excursions to have fun; the book will likely inspire readers and their caregivers to refashion household objects and create their own adventures.”
—Books+Publishing

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05/11/2025

“Heath ... moves effortlessly between the different voices and timelines to reveal glimpses of the past that slowly intertwine with the present. The result is a taut, atmospheric mystery filled with sharp twists and emotional undercurrents that fans of Heath’s previous novels will devour.”
—Books+Publishing

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05/11/2025

“Vampire Squid is a pleasant mix of tentacular thinking and humour, resulting in a brilliantly raw and honest offering that journeys from the glistening surface to the depths of Arasu’s psyche.”
—Books+Publishing

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04/11/2025

Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of news about the book industry, keeping subscribers up to date with the latest industry news, events, features, interviews, opinion, personnel changes, job advertisements and classifieds. Books+Publishing is also the only source of pre-publication reviews of Australian and New Zealand books.

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04/11/2025

Amy Doak joins Books+Publishing to show the world that

What Have They Done to Liza McLean? (Amy Doak, Penguin)

03/11/2025

Maggie Hutchings joins Books+Publishing to show the world that

(Maggie Hutchings, illus Sarah Zweck, T&H)

02/11/2025

31/10/2025

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31/10/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release picture books

The Peach King (Inga Simpson, illus Tannya Harricks, Lothian)

Nature writer Inga Simpson (The Thinning, Willowman) and award-winning artist Tannya Harricks (Mallee Sky) have created a modern classic in The Peach King – an exquisite book destined to be treasured by generations. In sparing, poetic language, Simpson transforms the devastating impact of the Black Summer bushfires into a gentle fable for children. The story centres on a single peach orchard and two trees within it: Little Peach Tree and the Peach King. Through the eyes of Little Peach Tree, readers witness a beautifully subtle exploration of generational change and survival as the tree grows from a sapling. An author’s note at the back of the book explains the story’s origin, revealing a surprising link to Simpson’s debut adult novel, Mr Wigg. Harrick’s delicate illustrations capture the seasonal patterns of nature in the Australian landscape. As drought and fire threaten life in the orchard, the words and images intensify to convey the threat to life, yet the tone remains hopeful. The focus on the resilience of nature under extreme stress provides a powerful entry point for deeper conversations about environmental crises. While written for children aged 3+, The Peach King offers underlying truths that will resonate with readers of all ages. Its timeless quality and gentle wisdom invite return visits, making it a rewarding and enduring read.

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31/10/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release picture books

Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder (Tim Winton, illus Cindy Lane, Fremantle)

Ningaloo, written by award-winning author Tim Winton and illustrated by Cindy Lane, is a beautifully designed nonfiction picture book about the Ningaloo Reef off the West Coast of Australia. Called Nyinggulu by the Baiyungu, West Thalanji and Yinigurtura peoples, Ningaloo is where the hot tropical zone of northern Australia meets the milder temperate zone of the south, creating an incredible ecosystem. Each spread in this book highlights various animal groups or habitat environments, allowing readers aged 5–9 to easily dive in and out – perfect for a learning unit at school or home. Lane’s beautifully realistic illustrations are rich with layered detail, drawing readers into the vibrant reef. The pages are filled with fascinating facts about sea creatures, diverse fauna, and stories of the First Nations peoples and their long history with the reef. Readers will enjoy prompts for conversations about biodiversity, custodianship and protection of natural resources. The book thoughtfully concludes with a list of actions to empower children as environmental caretakers, including various ways to stay informed and contribute to efforts to protect the region. Winton first shared his passion for the region in the 2022 documentary Ningaloo Nyinggulu and now brings it to the page for children, with reverence and wonder.

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31/10/2025

Unlocked reviews: New-release picture books

Naynay and the Mermaid (Tasma Walton, illus Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Scholastic)

Naynay and the Mermaid is a beautifully told and visually striking picture book by accomplished actor and author Tasma Walton, a proud Boonwurrung woman from Melbourne. Naynay is asked to keep watch for the protective spirits of the sea while diving for abalone with her family. Her imagination takes flight when she spots something mysterious – a sudden splash and the flick of a tail. This is a fresh and culturally grounded take on the idea of a child longing to meet a mermaid, inspired by the saltwater stories of the Boonwurrung people. Everyday family life is blended with the wonder of the ocean and the strength of cultural storytelling. Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, a proud Bundjalung woman and artist, provides luminous illustrations that beautifully complement the text. Boonwurrung words are embedded throughout the story, bolded for visibility and often clear in context, while a glossary offers explanations for independent readers aged 5–8. Walton’s delicate use of assonance and alliteration adds to the story’s rhythm and makes it a perfect book to read aloud. Naynay and the Mermaid is a charming story about respect for Country and Sea Country, ideal for readers who enjoyed Melissa Greenwood’s Giinagay Gaagal, Hello Ocean.

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