Alexa Dretzke
Alexa Dretzke is a children’s & YA book specialist at Readings Hawthorn
Review — 29 Mar 2016
Australia's Nightingale: Nellie Melba by Cassy Liberman
This is the first picture book about Nellie Melba and it elegantly portrays a yesteryear of privilege. It was a time when women weren’t encouraged to pursue a career or…
Review — 25 Apr 2016
Mr Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein
He’s back, but if you haven’t met him before that doesn’t matter one bit because threaded through the first chapters are the bare bones of that wonderful first adventure, Escape…
Review — 29 Feb 2016
A Beginner's Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson & David Roberts
Now, there are a few fun bear facts in this book and also a couple of practical hints about bear management if one were to encounter a bear but, really…
Review — 24 Jan 2016
Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! by Melanie Walsh
Colourful and clear, Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! explains the enigma of Asperger’s Syndrome. Isaac describes what his life and feelings are like in a positive way, even when…
Review — 24 Jan 2016
Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi
A child’s imagination is an unencumbered expanse and can entertain possibilities and wonder that as adults we have mostly disengaged from; when was the last time you really mused on…
Review — 24 Jan 2016
Confessions of an Imaginary Friend by Michelle Cuevas
Fleur and Jacques Papier are twins. Jacques loves his sister, but he’s worried by his parents lack of attention towards him. In fact, most adults are less than receptive towards…
Review — 26 Oct 2015
Moving Target by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
A centuries old spear and a 21st century girl are on a collision course that could change the future of the world. What’s the plan? Cassie has no plan when…
Review — 26 Oct 2015
The Wonder Garden by Kristjana S Williams and Jenny Broom
Big, bold and beautiful, The Wonder Garden is a spectacular exploration of five natural regions of our amazing world. These are habitats that are home to fantastic creatures and plants…
Review — 24 Sep 2015
Jill and Dragon by Lesley Barnes
Bold as can be, Jill astride a dragon triumphantly greets the reader and you just know she is a girl who gets on with things, oh yes, she does! As…
Review — 24 Sep 2015
What Do You Wish For by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker
Magic is one way to describe the collaboration between Jane Godwin and Anna Walker. From their first picture book together, Little Cat and the Big Red Bus, to this…