November 2019

Winx by Andrew Rule

Reviewed by Ian Lipke I began to read this book with great expectations. The writer, Andrew Rule, seemed well credentialled, having grown up around horses in country regions. I sat back to enjoy the read of this, to all appearances, perfectly illustrated book. Before long I was reading a stirring account of a win by

Read More »

Damascus by Christos Tsiolkas

Reviewed by Rod McLary Drawing on Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus and the subsequent founding of the Christian Church, Christos Tsiolkas has written a powerful and confronting novel which speaks of love and hate, kindness and cruelty, and the fluidity of faith.  Using the gospels and letters of St Paul [Saul] as first-hand

Read More »

Kensy and Max: Spy Journal by Jacqueline Harvey

Reviewed by Clare Brook This brilliant idea will get primary school-aged people thinking, writing and learning, all at the same time, in their very own stylish hardback journal.   The Kensy and Max:  Spy Journal complements Jacqueline Harvey’s Kensy and Max series published by Penguin Random House.  Jacqueline Harvey is an experienced educator whose career as

Read More »

Frostheart by Jamie Littler

Reviewed by Antonella Townsend Well, I tried! Donning a critique mind-set, I embarked on my maiden Frostheart voyage.  Initially, I made notes along the lines that the protagonist – an abandoned boy with special powers living in an unfriendly environment  – was a worn out trope.  But it didn’t last, critique turned to compliment.  This

Read More »

Brilliant Maps by Ian Wright

Reviewed by Wendy Lipke As expected from the title Brilliant maps, Ian Wright has compiled a book of maps, but if you want to find the usual information found in an atlas then this is not the book for you.  This publication, I believe, is more suited as a coffee table book in a home

Read More »

The CSIRO Low-Carb Diet: Quick & Easy by Professor Grant Brinkworth and Dr Pennie Taylor

Reviewed by Clare Brook The CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is renowned for its practical application of science within society and industry.  The burgeoning weight problem within Australian communities, and the dangers of the ensuing ‘fad’ diets, inspired rigorous research and clinical trials on low-carb eating.  This resulted in the first CSIRO Low-Carb Diet, published in 2017,

Read More »

No One Likes a Fart by Zoe Foster Blake

Reviewed by Antonella Townsend It’s hard to believe that farts are on-trend!  Well, in children’s books anyway.  I like to keep up with children’s literature; No One Likes a Fart is the second ‘fart’ book I’ve read this year.  The first was a pink and glitter affair regarding unicorns and younger brothers, (My Unicorn Farts

Read More »

Penny Wong – Passion and Principle by Margaret Simons

Reviewed by Ian Lipke Penny Wong has always been one of the more interesting politicians in the Australian Federal Government. She appears to be a consummate practitioner of her chosen path, holds a very responsible position in the Parliament and can demonstrate an overwhelming intelligence in demolishing her opposition. But what is she really like?

Read More »
Scroll to Top