sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Hello!

I'm Sally Murphy, an Australian author of over 50 children's books. You'll find bits of me buried somewhere in every one of my books. I love reading, writing, and speaking about reading and writing and I especially love poetry and verse novels.

View my books or hire me to speak at your school, festival, or writers group.

Click here to view Sally Murphy's books

Sharing Anton’s Story

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Last week I visited Mandurah Catholic College, where I spoke to Year 7 students about the journey from an idea to a finished book.

I shared this photo of the merry go round (Riding Gallery) located in the centre of Canberra and how coming across the ride on a cold June day, and wondering about its back story led me on a research journey as I uncovered the story of Anton Weniger, the German immigrant who wanted to build Australia’s finest riding gallery, to match the ones of his childhood.

Anton’s story should have been a happy one, but opening his new ride on the foreshore in St Kilda turned from joy to fear – because, as I’ve said, he was born in Germany and when his ride opened late in 1914 Australia was at war with Germany.

It’s wonderful that Anton’s dream of making children (and adults) happy with his ride is still a reality, but of course I still feel sad about how he was treated all those years ago, which is why I find sharing his story with young readers, through The Riding Gallery,  is so important.

How lucky am I to get to share Anton’s story, and a love for reading, writing, and poetry with young people?

Incidentally, last week’s visit was my last school visit for 2026 but the ride will go on (see what I did there?) in 2027.  If you’d like me to visit your school, library or other event in 2027, contact me.

What I Read in October 2026

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As the year progresses I’m finding I am getting more reading done, thanks in part to a change in pace and supported by my reacquaintance with my local library.  In October I managed 17 books. They were:

Books for Kids

  1. Witless Protection (Mega Rich Guinea Pigs, #2): The latest book in this hilarious illustrated series from the bestselling authors of FROG SQUAD and BIN CHICKEN!Mega Rich Guinea Pigs: Witless Protection , by Kate & Jol Temple (Harper Collins, 2026). Rich guinea pigs who have it all – until  they are kidnapped by jealous humans.  The Temples are  funny, clever creators and I enjoyed dipping in to this series.
  2. The Silken ThreadThe Silken Thread, by Gabrielle Wang (Penguin Random House, 2025). I love former Australian Children’s Laureate Gabrielle Wang’s books. This one is no exception – set in 1930s Melbourne and also on Chongming Island, China, and a friendship between two children forged through a mystical silk thread.
  3. Hunt for the NighthawksHunt for the Nighthawks, by Felice Arena (Penguin Books, 2026). Really enjoyed this  ghost story involving a Roman ghost and a modern day crime.
  4. Lottie, Pog and the Runaway GhostLottie, Pog and the Runaway Ghost, by Sally Rippin (Pan Macmillan, 2026). Another ghost story – this was an accidental theme this month. Loved Lottie and her blend of family and friends.
  5. Your Next Read Silver: A Horse in a Tree A Horse in a Tree, by Peter Cheong (Affirm Press, 2026). Part of the Your Next Read imprint, which is a wonderful  series filling a much needed gap for young readers – high interest accessible stories.
  6. Bandoola: an Elephant's StoryBandoola: an Elephant’s Story, by Beverley McWilliams (UWA Press, 2026). Not sure I’ve ever read a novel narrated in first person by an elephant, but now I have – and I really enjoyed it. The story is based on a true one, set in Burma during World War 2.
  7. Somewhere You Can DreamSomewhere You Can Dream, by Janeen Brian and Hilary Jean Tapper (Allen & Unwin, 2026). What a beautiful picture book, celebrating the places where children (and adults, too) can find freedom to dream.
  8. Timeless: A story about making, losing and understanding timeTimeless, by Kelly Canby (Fremantle Press, 2025). Surprised myself when I realised I hadn’t read this one yet – I adore Kelly Canby (and her work) and  this wasn’t an exception. Clever and quirky.
  9. The Dream Keeper: A magical bedtime story of courage, kindness and adventure, for ages 3-6The Dream Keeper, by Anna Walker (Walker Books, 2026).  Loved this one too – a gentle, whimsical tale of how fear is overcome by a dream.
  10. The Girl and the GhostThe Girl and the Ghost, by Jacqueline Harvey (Penguin, 2025). And another ghost story – I didn’t set out to focus on ghost stories in October, but there was something Halloweeny in the air, I guess.
  11. More Stories from Koala Hills Primary School (Puffin Books)More Stories from Koala Hills Primary School, by Rachel Flynn, illustrated by Craig Smith (Puffin, 1992). From my reading pile – and, before that, a library discard trolley.  Love the format of the story being told by different classmates, and school newsletters, too.
  12. GeorgeGeorge, by Alex Gino (Scholastic, 2015). Again one that has been in my reading pile for far too long. I loved meeting Melissa, as she finds a way to share her true identity with the world.
  13. Ruby Jones is Totally Awkward (Ruby Jones Book #1)Ruby Jones is Totally Awkward , by Rebecca McRitchie, illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez (Scholastic, 2026).  Enjoyed this first instalment in a new series, meeting Ruby Jones as she navigates the first year of high school.
  14. Ronia the Robber's Daughter (Puffin Books)Ronia the Robber’s Daughter, by Astrid Lindgren (Puffin, 1985).  From my  long lasting to-read bookshelf. Loved it.

 

Books for Adults

  1. Everything I Know About WritingEverything I Know About Writing, by John Marsden (Pan Macmillan, 1998). Have owned this for ages but not read it. Lots of good writing advice for young adults and adults, too.
  2. Bright Burning ThingsBright Burning Things, by Lisa Harding (Bloomsbury, 2021).  It’s hard to say a book about addiction and trauma is enjoyable, but I found it compelling and raw.
  3. The CartographerThe Cartographer, by Peter Twohig (Harper Collins, 2012). A lot going on here, and at times I found it hard going, but it was an intriguing story – set in Melbourne in 1959.

This brings my total for the year to date to 117.  I didn’t have a numerical goal at the start of the year but I’m hopeful now that I’ll get to 150 by the end of the year.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading.

 

What I Read in September 2026

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Another month is over, and September saw me rejoin the library (which I hadn’t done since my move a year ago) and thus took me into some excellent recent kids’ books to supplement my never ending to-read pile. I read 16 books this month, including the library haul. Here’s what I got through.

Children’s Books

  1. Speed of LightSpeed of Light, by Joy Cowley (Gecko Press, 2014).  This one had been in my to read pile for ages. Jeff loves numbers, and finds comfort in their patterns and predictability. With his family facing challenging times, that comfort is more important than ever.
  2. SalihSalih, by Inda Ahmad Zahri and Anne Ryan (Ford Street, 2021). The gentle cover art of this one  jumped out at me on a library visit. A story of how art, hope and community help refugee Salih as he and his family search for safety.   Beautiful.
  3. Big Backyard PlanThe Big Backyard Plan, by Kirsten Ealand and Laura Stitzel (Affirm Press, 2025). Another library find, with the story of four young neighbours who play and grow together, and hatch a plan to convince their families to take down their fences so they can be even closer.
  4.  Paper-flower GirlPaper-flower Girl, by Magrete Lamond and Mateja Jager (Dirt Lane Press, 2023). Yes, also from my library visit – these three made for a lovely lunchtime reading session. A story of creativity and what happens when a creative girl  is forced to produce for a selfish Giant.
  5. Staying Alive in Year 5Staying Alive in Year 5 (Pan Macmillan, 1989). Not sure how this one made it’s way into my to-read pile, but enjoyed the quick read.
  6. Sagittarius RisingSagittarius Rising by Maxine Beneba Clarke (Hardie Grant, 2026). A chaotic puppy book would always be a delight – but when it is written in verse, it’s extra delightful.  I didn’t realise this was a verse novel when I borrowed it, so that was a lovely surprise.
  7. Eighty-Nine Questions for AfterEighty-Nine Questions for After, by Ashleigh Barton (Lothian, 2026). Another library book. A mix of humour and mystery along with some really tender moments.
  8. A Light on the RocksA Light on the Rocks, by Helen Edwards (Riveted Press, 2026). Historical fiction set in two time periods – 1859, when the SS Admella is wrecked, and in 1959,  when Maxwell and his sister learn about the wreck, and experience mysterious events.
  9. The Two-Thousand-Pound Goldfish (Harper Trophy Books (Paperback))The Two-Thousand-Pound Goldfish , by Betsy Byars (Puffin, 1982). n oldie that’s been sitting in my to read pile for quite some time. I liked the mix of Warren’s daydreaming where he creates stories based on  horror movie scripts, and the real world, where he struggles with some really difficult challenges.
  10. The WaveThe Wave, by Sarah Armstrong (Hardie Grant, 2026). A new release picked up when I was in Melbourne and needed a book for the plane. Lots of action – Max is caught up in a tsunami  – along with  topics including grief, trust and courage.
  11. Twist of GoldTwist of Gold, by Michael Morpurgo (Viking, 1993). Excellent historical fiction – Morpurgo is a leader in the genre.
  12. Queen NarelleQueen Narelle, by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Simon ‘-Carrigan (Walker Books, 2023). Yes, I read my own book. This is something I do periodically to see what I did well, and maybe what I can learn from past me, to improve present and future writing. Also, I read it because I had a granddaughter ask me to read it to her, which was a delight.
  13. Silver Linings: A heartwarming Australian novel for children and winner of the 2025 NSW Premier's Prize of Children's WritingSilver Linings, by Katrina Nannestad (Harper Collins, 2023). The last of my library stack for the month, and, as with everything Nannestad writes, just a wonderful read.

Books for Young Adults

1.Work-Life Balance: Malevolent Managers and Folkloric FreelancersWork-Life Balance: Malevolent Managers and Folkloric Freelancers, by Benjamin Chee & Wayne Ree (Difference Engine, 2022). A graphic novel bought after the graphic novel panel at the AFCC earlier this year.  I bought three of the panellists’ books and this is the third one, a slightly different format because it alternates prose chapters with graphic novel ones, which I enjoyed.

2. Brocky's BananagramBrocky’s Bananagram, by David Metzenthen (Scholastic, 1994). Another one rescued from my to read pile. Think I picked it up in a op shop some time ago.

Books for Adults

  1. Nine Perfect Strangers: TV Tie-InNine Perfect Strangers, by Liane Moriarty (Pan Macmillan, 2021). Collected from a local Little Free Library, in exchange for several children’s books. Perfect read for a long plane trip.

 

 

This brings my total for the year to an even 100, with more to come.  I have a whole library to get through 🙂

Taking Bookings for 2027

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Bookweek is over for another year, and Term 3 is drawing to a close, but if you are starting to think about 2027 and are interested in having an author, poet, or speaker visit you, then you might be glad to hear that I am open for bookings for 2027 (and beyond!).

 

I can:

  • speak to audiences from early childhood to adult
  • run writing workshops and master classes
  • deliver school holiday programs
  • deliver Professional learning for teachers
  • deliver keynotes and after dinner talks
  • and more.

You can find more details about my offerings here. If you have a need that isn’t listed, I am super flexible, having lots of experience.

I can be booked directly, or through Paper Bird Books Speakers Agency.

 

 

What I Read in August 2026

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September is here, so it’s time to share what I read in August. My biggest reading month for the year so far, with 21 books finished. That total was beefed up by the fact that once I reread one of my favourite ever books, The Naming of Tishkin Silk, I was forced (forced, I tell you!) to read the other six books in the series, as I had to revisit the Kingdom of Silk.

Anyway, here’s what I read:

Books for Children
  1. The Naming of Tishkin Silk (The Kingdom of Silk)The Naming of Tishkin Silk , by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Caroline Magerl (ABC Books, 2003). When I’m asked what my favourite book is, I’m sometimes challenged to stick to just one, because ‘favourite’ depends on what I’ve lately read, and how I’m feeling today and, why should have I to choose one favourite anyway?   But, among my answers, very consistently, is this beautiful book which I like to reread every now and then to remind myself just how perfect a children’s books can be at dealing with really tough stuff.
  2. TreeshapeTreeshape, by Trace Balla (Allen & Unwin, 2026). A beautiful graphic novel/memoir, sharing Balla’s connection with tress and the natural environment from childhood to the present.
  3. Pick and Mix Poetry: Children's verse chosen by Julia Donaldson: A stunning gift collection, perfect for every bookshelfPick and Mix Poetry: Children’s verse chosen by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Becky Thorns (Pan Macmillan, 2024). I read this over a couple of months, leaving next to my chair and reading a bit whenever I needed a pick me up. Such a visual feast, with richly detailed and diverse illustrations, as well, of course, as the wonders of lots and lots of poems for children, from well loves classics to lots that were new to me.
  4. Dordenup Boodja Wongki: Stories from Bibulmun and Wardandi Country, (Batchelor Press, 2013). This book was given to me by a university colleague who thought, quite rightly, that I would like to read  local stories from the owners of the land I live on in the South West of Western Australia. The stories were sourced from recordings at the Battye Library and are told using both Noongar language and English translations.
  5. Unbound: A Novel in VerseUnbound: A Novel in Verse, by Ann E. Burg (Scholastic, 2018). From the US, this verse novel caught my eye when looking for something else, and of course I had to have it. Set in America’s south, it tells the story of young Grace who is taken to work in the Big House, away from her family. A tough topic, but well crafted and important.
  6. Book Uncle and MeBook Uncle and Me, by Uma Krishnaswami (Scholastic 2013). Picked this up because of its intriguing title, and really enjoyed it. It’s the story of nine-year-old Yasmin and her friends who fight to help Book Uncle, the kindly man who runs a free street library and is being forced to close by the council.
  7. Layla, Queen of Hearts (The Kingdom of Silk)Layla, Queen of Hearts , by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2006). Once I’d reread The Naming of Tishkin Silk (see above) it was inevitable I’d want to reread the rest of the series. Still just as beautifully poignant as last time I read it.
  8. Perry Angel's SuitcasePerry Angel’s Suitcase, by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2008). And the third in the series. Perry Angel has my heart. Such a beautiful story.
  9. DerekDerek, by Anne Donaldson & Matt Shanks (Hardie Grant, 2025). Ohhh. What a lovely (and humorous)  little picture book! about a lonely goldfish.
  10. All the Colours of Paradise (Kingdom of Silk The)All the Colours of Paradise, by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2009). The fourth book in the Kingdom of Silk series, with more Perry Angel gorgeousness.
  11. Plum Puddings and Paper Moons (The Kingdom of Silk)Plum Puddings and Paper Moons ), by  Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2010). And the fifth book. Lovely to get to know one of the Silk sisters, Scarlet, who wants the world to be at peace.
  12. My Nonno LovesMy Nonno Loves by Adelle Frittitta and Claudia Frittitta (Hardie Grant, 2025). A gorgeous picture book celebration of family, and especially of grandparents and Italian culture.
  13. The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk: The Kingdom of Silk Book #6 (The Kingdom of Silk)The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk,by  Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2012). The sixth book in the series and, again, we get to know one of the Silk sisters (aka the Rainbow Girls), Saffron, as she navigates some frightening times.
  14. Frogs Are Our Friends (Our Friends in the Garden)Frogs Are Our Friends (Our Friends in the Garden)by Toni D’Alia and Madeline White (Bright Light Books, 2025). A lovely rhyming picture book about one little frog at night in the garden – and a reminder of the importance of frogs to ecosystems.
  15. Nell's Festival of Crisp Winter Glories (The Kingdom of Silk)Nell’s Festival of Crisp Winter Glories , by by  Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (ABC Books, 2013). The seventh and final book in the series. As you can see I binged the whole series this month – in fact over about five days – which was a delight. Sad to reach the end, but also beautiful to see a story focussing on grandmother Nell, and the ending such a much loved character deserves.
Books for Young Adults
  1. Afterlife: The Boy Next RealmAfterlife: The Boy Next Realm, by Gina Chew & Nadhir Nor (Difference Engine, 2023). I don’t read a lot graphic novels but after I attended a session at the AFCC in May, I found myself buying not one but three of the panellists’ books, inspired by their processes and their messages. This one is, as the title suggests, an adventure into the afterlife as Kyra seeks to rescue her little brother from Death.
  2. Tiger GirlsTiger Girls, by Felicia Low Jiminez & Claire Low (Difference Engine, 2025). The second book I bought after the AFCC panel. This one is fantasy but draws on Chinese superstition that girls born in the Year of the Tiger bring bad fortune to their families.
  3. The Good DaughterThe Good Daughter, by Amra Pajalic (Text Publishing, 2009). I’m not sure how I acquired this, or how long it has been in my stupidly large to read pile (which I am making some inroads into this year). Exploring the challenges of trying to fit in both with a strict Bosnian Muslim community and her new high school, while also navigating impacts of her mother’s mental illness, and her friends’ betrayal.
Books for Adults
  1. Where the Light Gets In: Simple, playful and profound perspective shifts to change your life, now a #1 Australian bestsellerWhere the Light Gets In: Simple, playful and profound perspective shifts to change your life, by Ben Crowe (Harper Collins, 2026). ben Crowe is a mindset coach with a really impressive client list. His book is easy to read with lots of understandings and guidance  on building the mindset to navigate life.
  2. Nothing PersonalNothing Personal, by Alex Dook (Echo Publishing, 2026). I received an uncorrected proof of this, and although I don’t read a lot of crime thrillers, enjoyed it. Fast paced and set in Perth.
  3. Mr Chen's Emporium, by Deborah O’Brien (Bantam, 2012). Set in a fictional Australian gold rush town in 1872 and contemporary times, as two very different women navigate their new lives in the town.

This brings my total for the year to 84, with the thought that I should get past 100 for the year. Although I didn’t start with a title, I am loving that I am getting a little more time for reading of late, so here’s hoping that continues.

What have you been reading?

Love a Library: Australian School Library Day 2026

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Today is Australian School Library Day and, in the midst of Children’s Book Week, it’s vital to consider the role that school libraries play in getting books into the hands (and hearts!) of Australian children.

At a time when literacy figures, educators, governments, policy makers and parents are all worried about declining literacy levels and recognising that reading for pleasure is a key part of the literacy puzzle, it is sad that the role of the school library, and the school librarian, is not seen as vital.

In Western Australia, while most schools have a school library, few (especially in the government school sector) have a qualified teacher librarian on staff,  with staffing hours allocated elsewhere, and the budget for book purchases, book promotion and more pushed elsewhere.

While the presence of a library is always a good thing, without a dedicated librarian, curating the collection, putting the right books into the right hands and running programs which incite young readers to read for pleasure, the library is not meeting its potential as a key part of the literacy puzzle.  Research by ACER shows that the presence of a trained school library leads to better literacy outcomes.  There is lots more research that shows the value of school libraries, here and elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in a school with a school librarian, take a moment today to thank them for the work they do. And, if you are not, or your children are not, take a moment today to ask why not.  If you have a social media account you can share the tile above and/or use the hashtag #ASLD2026 and, every day #studentsneedschoollibraries

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