Parents often delay sending kids to school due to social reasons and concerns about their physical size. It’s not about academic advantage, say researchers Penny Van Bergen, Anne McMaugh, Kay Bussey, Naomi Sweller and Rebecca Andrews If you have a child born at the start of...
Is your child gearing up for Book Week? Children’s Book Week (August 16–23, 2025). Do they love stories about farming, animals, or where their food comes from? Here’s a great opportunity to get their school, preschool or childcare centre involved in a nationwide giveaway just in...
Nominations Open for the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Children & Young Adult Category Submissions are now open for the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize, Australasia’s most prestigious literary award for historical fiction. With a total prize pool of $150,000, the Children and Young Adult (CYA)...
I’m a children’s writer – and celebrity children’s books undervalue my craft, writes Penni Russon I have been an editor and author of children’s and young adult books for over 20 years. I’ve taught writing for children and young adult fiction to hardworking and serious emerging...
Scientifically accurate children’s books on Australian animals – particularly the lesser-known species – are sorely lacking, write Euan Ritchie and Kate Umbers Few things are more wonderful than well-written and produced children’s books. They captivate kids, families and classrooms, leaving lifelong impressions. They shape our world....
‘Live in the light, but carry the dark’: John Marsden’s books are his legacy – but so is his empathy, writes Penni Russon Celebrated author and educator John Marsden, best known for his dystopian young adult Tomorrow series, has died aged 74. The bestselling author of...
We are always looking for books to ignite and encourage a love of books in kids. Our suggestions for those littlies under 7 years can give you a guide for some interesting books to read aloud. On The Hunt For Santa by Leslie Gibbes, illus. by Steven Michael...
Try these tips to help your child develop stronger literacy skills Have Them Read Aloud This encourages them to go slower, which gives them more time to process what they read and in turn improves reading comprehension. Plus, they're not only seeing the words —...
There are some myths about reading that tend to be perpetuated relentlessly. One of them: That graphic novels* don’t count as “real reading.” However, teachers and literacy experts disagree with this. Graphic novels will improve your child's reading skills like any other book would, and they are fantastic...
Maxine Clarke takes up arms against the negative stereotypes and dubious role models in fairytales and children’s nursery rhymes. As a young child, I was always highly suspicious of fairytales. Not because I knew they were fantasy but because I realised, at least on some level,...
