StoryLinks Reviews - Connecting everyone to the world of story

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

The Smuggler's Curse 🏴‍☠️ by Norman Jorgensen - Author
Published by Fremantle Press
Reviewed by Helen Gearing - Writer
Suitable for ages 10 +

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/16/the-smugglers-curse/

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

🐍 Rise of the Empress by Julie Dao

Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Reviewer: Alison McCaffrey - Author

🔸 YA novel suitable for 14 years and up.

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/16/rise-of-the-empress/

Double Book Review 👯

Grandpas, Piranhas and Other Stories 🐟️ (Top)

Are You Bored? Minimoni? 😴 (Bottom)

Both books are written and illustrated by Rocio Bonilla

Publisher: Albatros Books (English version)
Reviewer: Lara Cain Gray Writes
*Children's picture books suitable for ages 3 +

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/17/are-you-bored-minimoni/
https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/20/grandpas-piranhas-and-other-stories/

Picture Book Reviews 🎉

This week, StoryLinks has reviewed picture books that celebrate different cultures.
All books are suitable for ages 4 +

1. Tākapu the Lone Hunter by Ned Barraud
3. Published by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa NZ
4. Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/03/takapu-the-lone-hunter/

1. Greedy Frog by Greg Driese
3. Published by Magabala Books
4. Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/07/greedy-frog/

1. In the Kelp Forest by Aunty Patsy Cameron & Reena Balding
2. Illustrated by Belinda Casey - Artist
3. Published by Magabala Books
4. Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/13/in-the-kelp-forest/

1. The Festival of Ice and Snow by Angie Cui
2. Illustrated by Anna Wilson
3. Published by UQP
4. Reviewed by Lara Cain Gray Writes

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/12/the-festival-of-ice-and-snow/

Books About Chooks 🐔

1. Cockadoodle Moo?!
Written by Tanya Hennessy
Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon
Published by Albert Street Books
Suitable for ages 3 +
Read the full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/09/cockadoodle-moo/

2. There's a Chicken in the House
Written by Sonya Hartnett
Illustrated by Illustrations by Lucia Masciullo
Published by Puffin Books
Suitable for ages 2 +
Read the full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/09/theres-a-chicken-in-the-house/

Congratulations to Karen Foxlee for being shortlisted on the Prime Minister's Literary Awards Children's Literature for The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2025/11/29/the-wondrous-tale-of-lavender-wolfe/, one of the most original, innovative, exciting and touching books for children written this century.

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe Reviewing the latest children's and young adult books

Ever wondered what it takes to be a StoryLinks reviewer? ✍️

Meet Alison McCaffrey - Author StoryLinks resident YA reviewer.
Alison has just finished reviewing the six titles shortlisted in the CBCA 2026 Book of the Year in the Older Readers category 😅
Alison's witty reviews are notable for their engaging plot summaries and insightful comments on the writer’s themes and style.

Full interview here ⬇️ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/07/what-makes-a-reviewer-alison-mccaffrey-hotchkis-talks-books-and-reviews/

Alison's latest review of the YA novel Darkest Night Brightest Star 💫 by Barry Jonsberg can be found here ⬇️ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/08/06/darkest-night-brightest-star/

✨ BOOK REVIEWS ✨

For Middle-Grade Readers

1. Nanny Tobins and the Midnight Plan
Written by Lucie Stevens
Published by HarperCollins
Reviewed by Sandy Driessens

Full Review: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/07/29/nanny-tobbins-and-the-midnight-plan-nanny-tobbins-2/

2. Amira Swift Series
Talent Show and Fair Day Fun
Written by __sarahayoub__
Illustrated by Ninanill
Published by HarperCollins

Full review: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/07/31/talent-show-amira-swift-1-fair-day-fun-amira-swift-2/

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

Serendipity 💕
A graphic novel written and illustrated by Gabbie Benda
Published by Penguin Kids Australia
Reviewed by Byron Bibliotherapy

Full Review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/07/29/serendipity/

✨ Non-Fiction Book Reviews ✨

1. The Not So Quiet Life of Marcel Marceau 🎩
Written by Jenn Bailey and Sherry Bushue
Illustrated by Sacredbee
Published by Allen & Unwin Books
Reviewed by Byron Bibliotherapy

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/07/29/the-not-so-quiet-life-of-marcel-marceau/

2. History Hunter: The Crystal Skulls 💀
Written by Mark Greenwood - Author
Published by Fremantle Press
Reviewed by Helen Gearing - Writer

Full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/07/29/history-hunter-the-crystal-skulls/