StoryLinks Reviews - Connecting everyone to the world of story

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

The World From Here 🌍️

Written by Cassy Polimeni
Illustrated by Mel Armstrong - Illustrator
Published by CSIRO Publishing

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Check out the full review here ➡️ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/06/06/the-world-from-here/

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

The Escape Game 🎮️

Written by Marissa Meyer, YA Author & Tamara Moss
Published by Penguin Teen

Reviewed by Byron Bibliotherapy

Check out the full review here ➡️ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/06/04/the-escape-game/

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

Somewhere You Can Dream 💭

Author: Janeen Brian Author
Illustrator: Hilary Jean Tapper
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Books
Reviewer: Margarite Igras

Check out the full review here ➡️ https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/06/04/somewhere-you-can-dream/

StoryLinks Weekly Wrap - Up 💫

This week, our reviewers have read books from a variety of genres for a range of age groups.

1. Young Adult
'In Ecstasy' by Kate McCaffrey, reviewed by Alison McCaffrey - Author

2. Picture Books
'Archie Can't Sit Still' by Davilyn LYNCH, Dani Vee Books - Words and Nerds Podcast & James Layton reviewed by Margarite Igras

3. Children's Non-fiction
'Cities Gone Wild - to Save the Planet 🌏️ by Catherinebarrbooks and Christine Engel, reviewed by Annaleise Byrd - Children's Author

4. Middle Grade
'Hafsa's Way' by Aisha Saeed reviewed by Zewlan Moor

Meet the 2026 Shortlist for Book Links - The Centre for Children's Literature Children’s Historical Fiction Award 🏆️

'The Mushroom in the Sky' by Jackie French
Judges’ Comments: An exceptional and thought-provoking story revealing little-known aspects of WW2 through instantly relatable characters. French delivers a passionate, original, and at all times gripping account of living and surviving in dangerous and changing times. Read StoryLinks review.

'Trapped! The Entombed Miner of Bonnie Vale' by Julia Lawrinson Writer
Judges’ comments: A little-known event in Australia’s history is brought vividly to life by Lawrinson’s insightful language. Real characters come to life on the page, revealing issues and concerns just as important now as they were then. Clever pacing and suspense build tension to culminate in a heartfelt finish that is immediately satisfying. Careful research informs the sensitive writing, which immediately engrosses the reader. Read StoryLinks review.

'The Year We Escaped' by Suzanne Leal
Judges’ comments: Sensitive writing details the devastating changes brought about by war. Informed by thorough research, the characters are brought vividly to life, perfect advocates for peace, tolerance and acceptance, themes that resonate today as much as ever. Read StoryLinks review.

Congratulations to all three writers 👏

The winner will be announced on August 1, 2026

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

Anne and Maeve are Definitely Not Friends 🙅‍♀️

Author: Olivia Muscat
Publisher: Fremantle Press
Reviewer: Melissa Salisbury

Check out the full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/05/28/annie-and-maeve-are-definitely-not-friends/

MEET THE AUTHOR ✍️

✨ PETER CARNAVAS ✨

Peter Carnavas Author/Illustrator writes and illustrates wonderful stories for children. He has created over twenty books, many of which have been shortlisted or won prestigious awards, including 'My Brother Ben', 'Leo and Ralph' and 'The Elephant.'

StoryLinks spoke with Peter about his latest book, 'KID' 🐐.
An animal adventure story of a goat who leaves his comfortable, safe farm to explore the nearby mountain for his long-lost family.

Read the full interview on the StoryLinks website - Or click the link in our bio

https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/05/28/meet-the-author-of-kid-peter-carnavas/

Representation is vital in children's Literature for building a sense of identity, connection and self-worth, especially in marginalised communities.
Storylinks has reviewed many wonderful children's books written by First Nations authors.

Here are just some of the books available that provide insight into the culture and offer understanding of what it means to be an Indigenous Australian 🖤 💛 ❤️

Washpool by Lisa Fuller
Brightest Wild by Tania Crampton-Larking
Good Young Men by Gary Lonesborough
I Love Me by Sally Morgan
The Drover's Son by Leah Purcell Official
Kep Barna by Jayden Boundry
Turbo Turtle by Gregg Dreise

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

To Activate Space Portal Lift Here 🚀 by Antoinette Portis

Author/Illustrator: Portis
Publisher: Scallywag Press
Reviewer: Mia Macrossan

Check out the full review here: https://storylinks.booklinks.org.au/2026/05/21/to-activate-space-portal-lift-here/