Choose a Kids Book from a Local Author or Illustrator

Kids books are a popular choice for presents. This year, support local and buy a book from a local author or illustrator. The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region is full of talented individuals who have written or illustrated a wonderful selection of children’s books suitable for all ages.

Collaboration

Slippery, Slimy, Feathered and Furred

This book is a junior fiction anthology, aimed at 7–12-year-olds featuring fictional tales about local vulnerable native fauna. The book will raise awareness and promote action in our youngest citizens to help protect vulnerable Australian wildlife. Over the past 200 years, over 100 different species have become extinct in Australia, and more mammals have been lost in that time than any other country.

In this book, you’ll find stories written by Jess Black (author of the ‘Bindi’, ‘Animal Tales’, and ‘Little Paws’ series), Candice Lemon-Scott (author of the ‘Eco Rangers’ and ‘Jake in Space’ series), Kelli Hawkins (author of ‘The School for Talking Pets’ and ‘Other People’s Houses’), Lynn Jenkins (author of the ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, ‘What if…’ and ‘Ollie’s Treasure’), and Emily S. Smith (author of ‘Garbage Guts’ and ‘How to Hug a Cactus’). There are beautiful illustrations accompanying the stories from well-known Hunter illustrators including Kirrili Lonergan, Liz Anelli, Gwynne Jones, and Linda Lunnon. ‘Slippery, Slimy, Feathered and Furred’ is published by Hunter Writers Centre and can be purchased online from Amazon or Booktopia or ordered through any good bookstore.

Carmen Allen

Carmen Allen is a local kids books author who has written a series of chapter books about Molly Greenwood. Her latest book is Molly’s Spy Mission.

Molly’s Spy Mission

The King’s evil enemy, a team of Treasure Trickers, has invaded the Kingdom and stolen valuable treasures from the “Otherlands”.  Princess Molly is sent on a special mission to track down the Trickers and return the treasure to its rightful owners. But, time is running out. The Trickers have already overtaken three of the four “Otherlands”. Can Molly catch the Trickers before they invade the fourth land? If not, the Trickers will control all the lands, and the valuable treasures will be lost forever. A beautifully illustrated chapter book for 7-10 year olds.

For more information, visit Carmen Allen’s website.

Liz Anelli

Liz Anelli is an artist and illustrator who uses collage and printmaking as well as paint, pencils and her computer to create the vivid images that populate her picture books.

The Biscuit Maker

In Mavin Road, there’s no time for hellos or chats until a lonely and mysterious biscuit maker’s magic brings everyone together. Who is this mysterious biscuit maker? When Benedict falls ill, young Rory, the only person to know his secret, gathers the residents of Mavin Road and brings them to his door. A beautiful heart-warming book that celebrates community and human connection. Ages 3 – 7.

Maddie’s First Day

It is Maddie’s first day of school and she has everything ready – her uniform, shoes, socks and hat. But there is one special thing that Maddie can’t leave behind – her blanky! Award winners Penny Matthews and Liz Anelli team up to bring us this wonderful picture book about the excitement of going to “big” school for the first time. Ages 5+.

Grace & Katie

Grace and Katie are twins who love to draw. Grace loves everything to be organised and neat, while Katie loves everything to be bright, bold and messy. Suitable for kids 4+.

Desert Lake

The dry salt bed of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre shimmers in the desert heat. But far up north, the rains have come. Water is flooding into empty riverbeds and swirling down towards the lake. Soon everything will change. Suitable for kids 5+.

Dry to Dry

This Nature Storybook follow-up to the award-winning Desert Lake is a stunningly illustrated and extraordinary story of the yearly weather cycle and attendant changing wildlife of Kakadu National Park, from the Dry to the Wet to the Dry again. Suitable for kids 5+.

Ten Pound Pom

In the 1950s and 60s Australia welcomed thousands of British immigrants as part of the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme. Ten Pound Pom is the true story of award-winning author Carole Wilkinson’s immigration to Australia. Suitable for kids 8+.

For more information, visit Liz Anelli’s website.

Sami Bayly

Sami Bayly is a natural history illustrator based in Newcastle, who loves all things weird and wonderful. She finds the beauty and importance of all animals regardless of their appearance, and hopes to share her appreciation with others.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals

Marvel as you enter the fascinating hidden world of ugly animals in this encyclopaedia of the animal kingdom’s most unusual and beauty-challenged species. It’s time for ugly animals to shine! With more than sixty ugly animals to explore, this compendium of the unusual celebrates the beauty in ‘ugliness’. This book, Sami’s first, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals, won the Children’s Indie Book of the Year Award. Ages 7+.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals

Dangerous animals get a bad rap, but this beautifully illustrated encyclopaedia helps us appreciate the incredible features of some of our more hair-raising animal species. With more than sixty of the most deadly and dangerous animals from across the world to explore, every page of this beautifully illustrated volume is more eye-opening than the last. Ages 7+.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature

Discover 60 of the most peculiar pairs in nature and learn how plant and animal species rely on each other for their survival. Another fresh take on the animal kingdom from bestselling author and illustrator, Sami Bayly. Ages 7+.

For more information, visit Sami Bayly’s website.

Jess Black

Jess Black is an award-winning author of over forty children’s books.  Jess has written the Tales of Mr Walker series about a dog who comes to live in the fanciest hotel in town. Jess has also written the Kitty is Not a Cat series, Little Paws series and the Keeper of the Crystals series; and is co-author of the hugely successful Bindi Wildlife Adventure series, the Kaboom Kid series and the Animal Tales series.

The Colourful World of Poppy Starr Olsen

A funny and fresh novel for young readers based on the life of Australian Olympic skateboarder and creative soul Poppy Starr Olsen.

Pepper Creek Ponies

Welcome to Pepper Creek Pony Club! Here’s where you’ll meet a delightful assortment of ponies in this new series by Jess Black. There’s the majestic Thunder with his dark coat and white blaze. juniper is a lovely ride for nervous beginners. Banjo belongs to Shelley and she loves him to bits. And of course, Taco, whose round belly gives away his love of food.

Kitty is Not a Cat

Kitty is Not a Cat is a warmly funny junior-fiction series about Kitty, a little girl who believes she can be anything she dreams – even a cat. When Kitty arrives on the doorstep of a house full of music-mad felines, their lives are turned upside down as they attempt to teach her how to be human.Based on the Australian TV series that is enjoyed by kids the whole world over.

Tales of Mr Walker

The Tales of Mr Walker contains four delightful stories inspired by the real-life Mr Walker, a Guide Dog Ambassador who now calls Park Hyatt Melbourne home. Suitable for kids 6+.

Keeper of the Crystals

Keeper of the Crystals is an adventure fantasy series full of secrets and mystery. Eve and Oscar, two unlikely friends, accidentally tap into the power of crystals. This chapter book series is suitable for kids 7+.

Little Paws Series

A fun, heartwarming series about the puppies that train to become Guide Dogs and the families who help raise them. Little Paws is published in association with Guide Dogs Australia. This chapter book series is suitable for kids 7+.

Bindi’s Wildlife Adventures

Come and join Bindi Irwin on her wildlife adventures! The books are fast paced adventures that travel to destinations such as Africa, Thailand, Madagascar and of course around Australia! Suitable for kids 7+.

Animal Tales

An adventure series based around helping animals big and small, fully endorsed by the RSPCA.

For more information, visit Jess Black’s website.

Meg Blackburn

The Spotty Socked Lops

This is a story of two baby lop bunnies, Bessie & Bean, who love an adventure. The Spotty Socked Lops follows these two little bouncing bundles of fun around Newcastle, hopping between the town’s top hot spots. Though on their journey, Bessie & Bean encounter setbacks along the way in which they learn to be resilient and tackle the challenge ahead… the challenge of the global pandemic.

For more information, visit the Spotty Socked Lops website

Jenny Blackford

Jenny Blackford is an award-winning Australian writer and poet. She writes poems and stories for people of all ages, often with a tinge of magic, science, or deep time. 

The Girl in the Mirror

Two girls who sleep in the same bedroom more than a hundred years apart discover that they can talk to one another through the mirror hanging on the wall. That’s lucky, because an evil spidery force is threatening 1890s girl Clarissa’s mother and thoroughly modern Maddie’s baby brother, and the only help they’re going to get is from one another – and the ghost of Clarissa’s dead brother Bertie.

For more information, visit Jenny Blackford’s website.

Nicola Bolton

Nicola Bolton is a local painter, children’s book author and illustrator. She is passionate about depicting rural and coastal Australian landscapes. Much of the inspiration for her artwork has been drawn from her experiences of the landscape at her childhood home, a rural property near Goulburn NSW.

You Can’t Catch Me

The sun is up, it’s a brand new day. Time to go outside and play …This delightful, rhythmic story is full of fun and energy. Two dogs spend their day chasing the Blackbird while she darts from tree to tree collecting mulberries to feed her babies three. Will they catch her?

You Can’t Find Me

The sun is up its a brand new day. Time to go outside and play… again! The dogs are back! This time they spend their day playing hide and seek with their new friends, the ten little frogs. This delightful, rhythmic story is full of counting, colours and fun. Will the dogs find the ten little frogs?

For more information, visit Nicola Bolton’s website.

Sharon Boyce

Once upon a time, there was a young girl who would sit at her father’s knee and listen as he read a bedtime story. As she got older, he began reading chapter books to her and her siblings and they would beg for “just one more chapter.” Once a book was finished, she would read them over and over again herself. Now that girl is a grown-up and writes bedtime stories for other kids. She hopes they are the sorts of stories that kids want to read over and over.

There’s a Shark in the Loo

Shark in the Loo is a laugh out loud story about a cheeky Shark who shows up unexpectedly in the bathroom on birthday party day. Mum, Dad and the party girl herself try all sorts of crazy ways to clear the house before the party guests arrive, and of course all their attempts are unsuccessful.

Who is at the Zoo?

Who is at the Zoo is a book that is full of surprises. When a girl wakes up to discover that zoo animals have taken over her bathroom and kitchen, it leads her on a journey of surprising discoveries. Not only are there animals in her house, they are all through the town and there’s no grown-ups anywhere. If these animals are in her town, then who is at the zoo? This amusing tale will encourage children to seek answers for their questions.

For more information, visit Sharon Boyce’s website.

Outback Jess

An ex-tour guide, Outback Jess has created a series of books for kids to use in the car to stop boredom. Spotto Books help mums and dads drive in peace and they help reduce backseat bickering! Boredom disappears in the car as families work together to SPOT animals, vehicles, iconic locations and random things. Spotto books increase the fun of holidays, and not just inside the car. Families are using Spotto Books at the campsite, beach and zoo. They also keep kids happy when eating out, talking about what they spotted that day and ticking the boxes. There are 11 books so far including Transport, Coastal, Camping and one for the Hunter region.

For more information, visit the Spotto Books website.

Valerie Gent

A local Paediatric Feeding Speech Pathologist, Valerie Gent has written a book for all parents who worry about their preschoolers and their food intake. (The gorgeous illustrations are by local illustrator Kirrili Lonergan).⁠

But I’m Not Hungry For Dinner!

Billy is a 3 year old boy who finds eating challenging. His parents continually worry about what he eats and how much he eats. They use all sorts of bribery and pressure tactics to make him eat. But their strategies don’t work. One day, his grandma has a good idea. The book is written for children aged 2-6 years and is it is perfect in helping parents and children navigate the preschool challenges of fussy/picky eating. The last page includes top tips for all parents/caregivers to put in place at home.⁠

For more information, visit the Let’s Eat Feeding Therapy website.

Jenni Goodman

Jenni is a local freelance illustrator. Her artworks are created with either a mix of watercolours and coloured pencils, or graphite pencils.  She aims to capture simple beauty and timeless characters as she focuses her art on nature, people and animals. Most of Jenni’s illustrating hours are spent creating picture books – a dream come true! She also creates pet portraits, medical illustrations and other commissioned artworks. ​

Have You Seen a Tree For Me?

Enzo the koala had grown into a big strong boy and he thought it was time to find a tree of his own. Like all koalas living in the wild, Enzo has to deal with lots of challenges in his search for a new home. Join Enzo on his journey to find ‘a tree for me’.  Enzo features on an actual koala that lives at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. He is loved by visitors and staff and is featured in the sanctuary’s Koala Experience.

A Boy and A Dog

A chance meeting, a forever friendship, between A Boy and A Dog. Written in a poetic lyrical style, this is a classic story of a lonely boy and a lonely dog who find each other and discover true friendship. A touching insight into the special bond between children and animals. Suitable for kids 3 – 8.

Storm Boy

Storm Boy is the timeless story of Mike “Storm Boy” Kingley who rescues three pelican chicks after their mother is shot. One of the birds, Mr Percival, forms a very special bond with the boy which brings into focus the conflict between his lifestyle in the remote Coorong of South Australia and the external pressures of society including his schooling. The Storm Boy Illustrated story in a limited edition hardback with a jacket, telling the original story of storm boy with illustrations by Jenni Goodman.

For more information, visit Jenni Goodman’s website.

Jacqui Hicks

Jacqui has written a kids book to stop kids repeating the biggest mistake of her life. She never learnt to ride a bike as a child. In her book, she hopes to inspire some young (or older) people to start riding or discover a new way that cycling can bring joy to their life

Jill’s Joyful Ride

It’s a book about a girl who is shy but riding her bike brings out her wilder side and she gains confidence through this. The book is available to purchase at the newsagency in Hunter Street Mall, Too Cool For School in The Junction and Metro Cycles in Newcastle West and available online.

Karen Hughes

Kalika Magic Series

Looking for a mystical adventure series that both you and your children can enjoy? Check out the Kalika Magic books. This series written by Karen Hughes is a wonderful addition to children’s fantasy fiction. The Kalika Magic books are atmospheric and filled with spells, magic and ancient lore. This chapter book series is best suited to readers aged 8+.

For more information, visit the Kalika Magic website.

Deborah Kelly

Deborah has written a selection of children’s books including The Bouncing Ball, Jam for Nana, The Chalk Rainbow, Dinosaur Disco, Dugong Magic and Ruby Wishfingers chapter book series.

The Thing About Oliver

Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist, but she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. She lives in a drought- stricken town with her mum and younger brother Oliver, who is autistic. Oliver’s meltdowns are making life unbearable. He needs so many different kinds of therapy that there’s never any time—or money—left over for swimming lessons. Tilly knows Oliver’s needs have to come first, but it’s hard feeling invisible all the time. When Mum announces they are moving to the Queensland coast, Tilly is excited at the thought of finally learning to swim— even snorkel! But she is also worried. The thing about Oliver is, he can’t cope with even the tiniest of changes to his routine. This book was shortlisted for CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers.

Dugong Magic

A beautifully illustrated, lyrical and informative story about dugongs, one of our most unique endangered animals. Ideal for anyone with an interest in marine life and the environment, and an excellent teaching resource.

Dinosaur Disco

Stomp your feet at the Dinosaur Disco! Everyone is dancing at the disco. But then …The music stops. The ground shakes. Is the intruder looking for a dance …or his dinner? Twist your hips, not your tongue!

The Chalk Rainbow

The Chalk Rainbow explores difference and diversity through a family living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s also a story of unconditional love, of trust and of learning to look at the world through the eyes of others. Illustrated by local illustrator Gwynneth Jones.

Me and You

A delightful rhyming picture book that celebrates all the special relationships and fun-filled activities in a child’s life. Their special bonds with parents, grandparents, cousins, neighbours and pets, as well as all the wonderful fun-filled days they enjoy together: from beach and baking days, to cycling and footy-kicking or simply lazy days. Suitable for kids 0 – 5.  Me and You recently won Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year for kids 3 – 5.

Ruby Wishfingers Series

Ruby Wishfingers is an ordinary girl … except for her extraordinary name. One day she wakes with a strange feeling in the tips of her fingers and discovers she has inherited a marvellous gift: the power to wish for whatever she wants. Chapter book series suitable for kids 6+.

For more information, visit Deborah Kelly’s website.

Ali Larson

Ali is an aspiring author aged 13, and loves writing with all her heart. She has self-published three books including the fantasy action adventure books Deep Water and Blue Flames.

For more information, visit Ali’s page on the Blurb website.

Lynn Jenkins & Kirrili Lonergan

Lynn and Kirrili have written and illustrated a fantastic series of picture books to help kids. Written specifically by a clinical psychologist Lynn Jenkins, and illustrated by illustrator/art therapist Kirrili Lonergan, Lessons of a LAC provides children a very simple way to understand their anxious thoughts and feelings. Their books focus on kids anxiety, finding courage and developing mindfulness.

Lessons of a Lac

Loppy the Lac has learned its whole life to look out for danger. Looking out for what can go wrong is all it knows – until Loppy meets Curly Calmster. Curly teaches Loppy that it doesn’t have to look out for the everyday worst-case scenarios all the time.

Brave

Have you ever needed to do something that made you nervous; even thinking about doing? Kids do all the time. Going to bed, weathering through storms, going to school, speaking in class, making a new friend and so on.Children are expected to just get on with it! What they need is to find their BRAVE! Something that is inside of them but they just can’t find. The much-loved characters of Loppy and Curly teach kids how to find their BRAVE.

Perfect Petunias

The ‘perfect’ book for kids who find it hard to make mistakes! Sometimes ‘perfect’ just means trying your best. Perfect Petunias is a book especially for those little people who find it hard to make mistakes, designed to ‘shape’ perfectionistic tendencies towards being a little more self-accepting and flexible.

Grey Glasses-itis

When Loppy takes off his grey glasses, life doesn’t look so sad! A simple way to teach kids how thoughts influence mood. The fourth book in the popular ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, Grey-glasses-itis helps children to understand the link between how they see things and how they feel. 

Tree

A gentle story of loss to help children learn how to say goodbye, process grief and commemorate a loved one’s life. The fifth book in the popular ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, Tree is a gentle story of loss that helps children to learn how to say goodbye and process grief. 

Ollie’s Treasure

Ollie’s Treasure is tale of mindfulness for young, developing minds. Ollie’s grandma sends him a treasure map that promises to lead him to ‘something that will make him happy always’.

What If

For Issy, and many more little worriers, ‘what if…’ are two small words that lead to uneasy feelings. But maybe they can be used for something a little more fun… In this colourful adventure, written by well know Australian child psychologist Lynn Jenkins, ‘what ifs’ become springboards for happiness and imagination. Why worry about monsters under the bed when you could wonder what if stars where shaped like elephants or penguins could be pets. Children will delight in this playful exploration of words and their power to change how we feel, turning anxiety into wonder.

For more information, visit the Lessons of a Lac website.

Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson is is an Aboriginal arts and education consultant and this is the first children’s book.

Guuluu Gimbairjar, a children’s book penned by Gamilaroi and Weilwun woman Cherie Johnson, features local Worrimai language to introduce kids to Aboriginal culture and storytelling. The inclusion of language was under the guidance and direction of language researcher, teacher and Worimi man Luke Russell. The book incorporates Worrimai language throughout which is the language of Birray, Guringay and Warrimay people, and is a fantastic book for young learners. This book is suited to OOSH, early childhood and primary school readers

For more information, visit the Speaking in Colour website.

Gwynneth Jones

Gwynneth’s colourful illustrations fill the pages of many great picture books including Dance With Me, Don’t Think About Purple Elephants, Patch and Ruby, The Chalk Rainbow and The Great Sock Secret.

Dance With Me

Dance with Me is a gorgeous picture book about treasured possessions and the memories they hold.

Don’t Think About Purple Elephants

Sometimes Sophie worries – not during the day when she is busy with family and friends, but at night when everything is calm and quiet. Her family all try to help, but somehow they just make her worries worse. Until her mother thinks of a new approach … that might just involve an elephant or two! Don’t Think About Purple Elephants is an excellent resource for social and emotional learning for parents and teachers.

The Great Sock Secret

Sarah’s mother is tired of finding odd socks in the laundry basket. Where do all the missing socks go? Sarah’s mother is pretty sure the puppy is responsible but Sarah knows better. And her mother simply mustn’t find out the truth! The Great Sock Secret is a wonderfully fun adventure into an imaginative world that’s home to some very cool fairies.

For more information, visit Gwynneth Jones’ website.

Damon McDonald

“Iam Awesome, Who are you?” is a book about becoming. Transforming from ordinary to extraordinary and the steps to take to make this happen. It is book one of the trilogy series “The Book of Awesome, According to Iam”. Iam Awesome is a dreamer and like his Artificial Intelligence comic book heroes, he wants to become a superhero and find out what is out there on the other side of infinity. Damon is donating 100% of eBook sales to charities that support kids! You can choose from a hard copy book as well a digital bundle.

For more information, visit the Iam Awesome website.

Katrina McKelvey

Katrina McKelvey is a children’s author, former primary school teacher, wife, and mother to two tweenagers and a cocker spaniel. She’s written many children’s picture books and educational readers. She’s highly involved in CBCA, SCBWI, literary conferences and festivals, and loves visiting schools.

Chasing Rainbows

A summer shower brings the delight of a rainbow. Is there truly magic at the end that Dad believes there is? Join Xavier and Sophie as they frolic in their backyard, creating rainbows and chaos with imaginative and experimental water play.

Isla’s Family Tree

Isla isn’t happy her family is expanding, but her mother and a clever family tree teach her to accept the changes. Isla isn’t happy that her family is changing, so her mother creates a clever family tree with Isla to teach her how to accept that families always grow. Isla’s Family Tree is the perfect book for any family needing to find a way to introduce new family members, or to show children how they belong in their own family. The book explores important issues surrounding familial change and acceptance, while also providing a glimpse into a diverse family.

Up to Something

A beautiful exploration of the father-son relationship and the satisfaction to be gained from making things ourselves. One day, Dad invites Billy into his shed to build something, but Billy soon finds out that he is only allowed to watch. As Dad becomes engrossed in his project, Billy takes Dad’s off-cuts and other items from around the yard and shed and starts to copy what his Dad is building.

No Baths Week

Ben and his best friend, Bandit have decided it’s ‘NO BATHS’ week. Mum plays along but challenges them to find other ways to get clean.  Will Ben and Bandit come up with a clever plan? And will they rediscover their love of having a bath?  This humorous story is bursting with mess, noise, and adventure. A perfect balance of fun and chaos for anyone involved in this often loved, but sometimes dreaded, daily bath routine.

Dandelions

This heart-warming picture book illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan explores the bond between a father and his daughter. One day, a little girl notices her father mowing the lawn — in the process destroying her favourite flowers: the dandelions. She rushes out to stop him, but she’s too late, they’re all gone. There’s nothing for it: she’s just going to have to sit outside and wait until they grow back! But fortunately, Dad has another idea. Suitable for kids aged 4 – 8.

For more information, visit Katrina McKelvey’s website.

Susanne Merritt

Susanne is the author of Don’t Think About Purple Elephants, Grace and Katie and The Great Sock Secret.

Don’t Think About Purple Elephants

Sometimes Sophie worries – not during the day when she is busy with family and friends, but at night when everything is calm and quiet. Her family all try to help, but somehow they just make her worries worse. Until her mother thinks of a new approach … that might just involve an elephant or two! Don’t Think About Purple Elephants is an excellent resource for social and emotional learning for parents and teachers.

Grace and Katie

Grace and Katie are twins who love to draw. Grace loves everything to be organised and neat, while Katie loves everything to be bright, bold and messy. An imaginative exploration of individuality, sisterhood, creativity and appreciating each other’s strengths.

 The Great Sock Secret

Sarah’s mother is tired of finding odd socks in the laundry basket. Where do all the missing socks go? Sarah’s mother is pretty sure the puppy is responsible but Sarah knows better. And her mother simply mustn’t find out the truth! The Great Sock Secret is a wonderfully fun adventure into an imaginative world that’s home to some very cool fairies.

Leila Rudge

An author and illustrator, Leila brings to life unique characters.

Gary

This is the story of Gary, a grounded racing pigeon, and his big adventure. It is a story of perseverance and being comfortable in your own skin, perfect for anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out.

Ted is a smart dog, with his own jumper. But he has lived at the pet store for as long as he can remember and nobody seems to notice him. Will Ted ever find the perfect place to live?

For more information, visit Leila Rudge’s website.

Paul Russell

Paul Russell has always been passionate about stories, even before he could read. Determined never to grow up and lose his imagination, he is a teacher, playwright, father, artist and author but maybe not always in that order. He is passionate about children’s literacy and in building an appetite within children for the written word.

The Incredibly Busy Mind Of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp

The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn’t fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can’t be mended the same as it was, why can’t it be mended differently? A very personal story, Bowen’s tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven’t yet found their place in life by showing them that being ‘normal’ might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences.

The Incurable Imagination

Audrey has the worst case of ‘imaginitis’ her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It’s clear that her ‘imaginitis’ is incurable.  What’s worse, her condition is contagious and soon the other kids in her class start showing symptoms of an equally incurable imagination! Ages 5+.

My Storee

An inspiring picture book that provides hope and encouragement to dyslexic kids, and shows the power of good teachers. A young boy has a mind full of wonderful stories but when he writes them down, day after day, they come back covered in red pen after his teachers have corrected his spelling. It seems his dyslexia will always hold him back from sharing his creativity the way he longs to. Then a new teacher arrives at the school. Mr Watson tells magical stories and draws wonderful pictures. He makes his students feel safe. He inspires them to be themselves. Ages 6+.

Grandma Forgets

Paul is the author of Grandma Forgets. It’s a heartwarming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma’s dementia. This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care. Ages 5+.

Emily S. Smith

Garbage Guts

In the North Pacific Ocean lives a monster made of trash — a hungry, greedy meanie with a handlebar moustache. And though his name is Garbage Guts, he’s often called Big G. He blobs about destroying all the oceans and the seas. Garbage Guts is determined to have the ocean all for himself, and will do just about anything to get his way. How on Earth will this beast be stopped? This action-packed story explores the impact of our waste on the environment, and ways we can help save our planet. Ages 3 – 9.

There’s a Shark at My School

Annie’s pet shark Seymour is bored in the backyard pool. He wants to go to school with Annie, and she thinks it’s a brilliant idea. He promises to do everything she says, but will he follow through on that promise?Canteen raids, sandcastle building and turning on all the hoses is just some of the mischief Seymour gets up to in his latest action-packed, fun-filled adventure.

Kora Kerplunk’s Travelling Tongue

Kora Kerplunk is a real wild child who likes to lick disgusting stuff. One day, her poor tongue gets fed up and runs away. It travels all around the world, tasting delicious cuisines and trying brand new flavours, while Kora struggles with her new tongue-free life. Will Kora be able to change her gross ways and convince her tongue to come back home?

How To Hug a Cactus

‘How do you hug a cactus? I’d really like to know. You see, I love my cactus, And my hugs will help it grow.’ A young girl explores the possibilities of hugging her most favourite plant, a cactus. With a little help from her family members and a gardening guru, she tries a number of solutions to help solve her prickly problem, all with varying degrees of success. A tale of persistence and resilience explored in humorous ways, How to Hug a Cactus is a story that will ‘stick’ with many readers.

For more information, visit Emily S. Smith’s website.

Jared Styan

The Boy Who Ran Up A Volcano

The boy who ran up a volcano, is a heart-warming story based on true events. It will inspire young children, teachers, and parents to be more courageous and explore the wonderful world around them! With endearing and poetic writing by Jared Styan complimented by bold, colourful and epic illustrations by Albina Rayma… this book is perfect for any young reader looking for inspiration about travel, the power of curiosity, courage and a true heart.

For more information, visit Jared Styan’s website.

Lillian Webb

Alfie Happy to be Himself

Lillian is the author and illustrator of Alfie Happy to be Himself“, a book with a strong message about self-esteem and the environment for kids aged 4 to 8.

Turkish Charlie Ryan: Canakkale’s Anzac Hero

Turkish Charlie Ryan: Canakkale’s Anzac Hero written by John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher and illustrated by local illustrator Lillian Webb is a book worth getting. The story of Charlie Ryan was discovered through interactions between students at Thornton Public School and students at the Turkish school TED Mersin College. The Turkish students asked the Australian students if they knew about Charlie Ryan, an Australian medic from country Victoria. This inspired local authors and historians John Gillam and Yvonne Fletcher to research the remarkable story of Charlie Ryan. RRP $28. Ages 9+

For more information, visit Lillian Webb’s website.

Claire Wheeler

Claire Wheeler is a local author who has been inspired to venture into the kids fiction space by her three young sons. Power Kids is a super fun read packed with adventures, giggles and exciting illustrations.

Power Kids: When Virtual Becomes Reality

Alex and his brothers are ultimate gamers who love nothing better than battling baddies on the big screen. But when a freak storm hits their town, everything goes haywire. Virtual and reality get mixed up, and the brothers find themselves battling real dragons, witches and more Will they be able to use their video game skills in real life? Will they save their town? Will Rowan ever stop picking his nose? Come join in the fun with the Power Kids!

For more information, visit Amazon website.

Hopefully, this list of books will inspire you to choose a kids book from one of the many talented authors and illustrators that call the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region home. #SupportLocal