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Sally Murphy, Australian author

What I Read in May 2025

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Time for an update on what I’ve been reading. I read 11 books in May, with a mix of rereads, largely for my teaching, and new to me.  I bought more books than I read, owing to attending some lovely book events, so am eager to get through the remainder in June.  Anyway, here’s what I did read;

Books for Young Readers

    1. Willy The DreamerWilly The Dreamer, by Anthony Browne (Walker Books, 2000). The last of the Anthony Browne books I purchased in March to satisfy my thirst for a deep dive into his works. I think this is also the first of his books I ever read, most likely when it was new out. Not sure what happened to that copy – probably got loved to death – so am glad to have it back in my life.
    2. The Paperbark Tree CommitteeThe Paperbark Tree Committee, by Karys McEwen (Text, 2025). A gorgeous middle grade novel about changing schools in early high school, identity, belonging and the bonds between brothers.
    3. The Truck Cat: National Simultaneous Storytime 2025The Truck Cat, by Deborah Frenkel & Danny Snell (Hardie Grant, 2024).  I bought this because I was asked to read it at the National Simultaneous Story Time Event at Curtin University (my workplace)  which meant that (lucky me!) I got to read it to my peers and my students at the same time it was being read by people all across Australia. What a beautiful book and what a joy to share it.
    4. Goodnight, JoeysGoodnight, Joeys, by Renee Treml (Puffin, 2024). Nawwwww.   This is a beautiful bed time book, which I bought and had signed for my newest grandbaby.
    5. Sir Gawain and the Green KnightSir Gawain and the Green Knight, by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman (Walker Books, 2004). A  retelling of the story of Sir Gawain, one of Arthur’s knights.
    6. Tawny TroubleTawny Trouble, by Deb Fitzpatrick (Fremantle Press, 2025). The story of a family’s trip to the southwest and what happens when they rescue a tawny frogmouth.
    7. The Colt from Old RegretThe Colt from Old Regret by Dianne Wolfer & Erica Wagner (NLA Publishing, 2025). This stunningly illustrated and a lyrical, insightful retelling of the Man from Snowy River from a different perspective – that of the colt.
    8. Bigfoot vs Yeti: A love storyBigfoot vs Yeti: A love story, by James Foley (Fremantle Press, 2025). Not ‘just’ a love story – the story of how a rift between two clans is finally mended. James Foley is very clever.
    9. OnceOnce, by Morris Gleitzman (Puffin, 2005).  It’s been quite a while since I first read this, so it felt a bit like the first time. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, this is both touching and heart wrenching.

Books for Young Adults

  1. Teen Instagram Poetry CollectionLight Filters in: Poems, by Caroline Kaufman (Harper, 2018).  A heart wrenching, insightful,  poetry collection  from an Instagram poet (@poeticpoison), exploring the many facets of her teen experiences.  I loved this and went online to check on what Kaufman is now doing, which left me a little sad, as she seems to have not posted or published for several years. That shouldn’t stop you from reading her amazing work – but I do hope she is travelling okay.

Books for Adults

  1. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and MargotThe One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, by Marianne Cronin (Penguin, 2022). I loved this even though it made me cry – or, perhaps, because it made me cry . Seventeen year old Lenni is in hospital facing the unimaginable, but, at the same time, making extraordinary friendships, including one with eighty-three year old Margot.

This brings my total for the year to date to 54. What have you been reading?

 

What I Read in April 2025

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It’s the end of another month, and time to share what I’ve been reading. I got through 15 books this month, that total helped my continuing dive into the picture books of  Anthony Browne. I also read, as usual, a fairly eclectic mix, from graphic novels, to inspirational reads, to thrillers and more. Here’s what I got through:

Books for Young Readers

  1. If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of PossibilityIf I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility, selected by Irene Latham & Charles Water, illustrated by Olivia Sua (Candlewick, 2025). Really delighted to get my hands on a copy of this, as it’s published in the USA and took some tracking down.  A large format picture book anthology with a difference – every poem starts with the same word – ‘If’.
  2. Hairy Holes: Book 2Hairy Holes: Book 2, by Brenton E. McKenna (Magabla Books, 2025).  I was lucky enough to be at the launch of this book at the Scribblers Family Fun Day in Kalgoorlie.  Although it’s Book 2, and I’d not read Book 1, I was able to pick up and follow the story and was left wanting to get my hands on Book 3, which is yet to come.
  3. My Strange Shrinking ParentsMy Strange Shrinking Parents, by Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson, 2022). I was also lucky enough in Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, to work alongside Zeno Sworder, who is so talented as author and illustrator, but also an all round wonderful, wise human. And this book, which one Picture Book of the Year in the CBCA Awards 2023, is breathtaking.
  4. My DadMy Dad, by Anthony Browne (Random House, 2000). Continuing the deep dive into Browne’s work begun last month, I read several more in April, including this funny, but also heart warming look at Dads.
  5. The Shape GameThe Shape Game, by Anthony Browne (Doubleday, 2003). It was my quest to get a copy of this book that led to my deep dive into Browne’s works. This one is a partly autobiographical story about a family visiting an art gallery and the way it shaped the narrator’s life as an artist.
  6. Little BonesLittle Bones, by Sandy Bigna (UQP, 2025). What a stunning verse novel about loss, friendship and more.
  7. Silly BillySilly Billy, by Anthony Browne (Walker Books, 2006). Another Browne book – this one about a boy who can’t stop worrying, until his grandmother introduces him to worry dolls. A lovely blend of family, wisdom and humour.
  8. My MumMy Mum, by Anthony Browne (Random House, 2005). And another Browne title, this one celebrating mums.
  9. Ernest the ElephantErnest the Elephant, by Anthony Browne (Walker, 2021). One of Browne’s more recent books, this one follows the story of a little elephant who gets lost in the jungle, and the unlikely help that comes his way.
  10. PiggybookPiggybook, by Anthony Browne (Walker Books, 1996).  A humorous take on what happens when a mother (Mrs Piggott) finds herself being overworked and unappreciated by her husband and sons.

Books for Young Adults

  1. BrontideBrontide, by Sue McPherson (Magabala Books, 2018).  I picked this up on a visit to Paperbird Books in Fremantle which has an excellent, well stocked, section for books authored by first nations authors.   The format of this one is a little unusual – it reads as if the author is interviewing real teens in the town she is visiting – and recording the  stories of the three boys.  This makes for a really accessible format, and takes us on a journey through some heart warming but also devastating moments.
  2. How to Survive 1985How to Survive 1985, by Tegan Bennett Daylight (Simon & Schuster, 2025). I bought this based just on the title – having survived 1985 when it was, in fact 1985 and I was in highschool. This is a timeslip story where Shannon and her three friends find themselves thrust back from 2025 to 1985, where they need to figure out why they are there and how to get home.

Books for Adults

    1. The Book of Delights: The life-affirming New York Times bestsellerThe Book of Delights, by Ross Gay (Coronet, 2019).  This book was recommended to me by a friend, also called Sally, and she was so very right – this is just beautiful.  A series of mini-essays as Gay finds a daily moment of delight to write about, even in the midst of hard times.
    2. We Will Rest!: The Art of EscapeWe Will Rest!: The Art of Escape, by Tricia Hersey (Little Brown, Spark, 2024). This is delightful little book to hold but that delight is nothing compared to the very important rejoinder of the book – REST. Hersey speaks directly to the reader reminding us that rest is a right, a responsibility, and an act of resistance. I’ll be rereading.
    3. The HushThe Hush, by Sara Foster (Harper Collins, 2021). I went to an event for Sara’s latest book (which I’ll read in May), but had to also buy t is one, which I’d been meaning to get for ages. Not a comfortable read, but a gripping thriller set in an undefined future where society is a tipping point and pregnant females are especially vulnerable.

That brings my total for the year to date to 43, with, of course, more to come.  I’d love to hear what books you’ve enjoyed lately.

 

What I Read in March 2025

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Another new month, another look back at what I read last month.   as you’ll see, I took another dive into the works of a favourite picture book creator,  amongst other fabulous reads, with a total of nine books for the month.

Books for Younger Readers

    1. Into the BlueInto the Blue, by Cristy Burne (Fremantle Press, 2024). I love reading books about places I know well, so a story which, in part, takes place on one of my favourite snorkelling spots, the Omeo Wreck in Coogee, WA, is a real treat. But, while snorkelling is certainly part of the story, it is also about family, honesty and doing the right thing, packaged in a very readable tale.
    2. Kelpie ChaosKelpie Chaos, by Deb Fitzpatrick (Fremantle Press, 2024). What’s not love about another book set in WA, and featuring a puppy? This one features a loveable  kelpie called Zoom, who lives up to his name and causes a few problems along the way.
    3. I Like BooksI Like Books, by Anthony Browne (Walker Books, 2003). I love the work of Anthony Browne, and a social media post from a friend and colleague sent me on a bit of a buying and reading spree, to fill some gaps in my collection. This is the first of several, and the title says it all.
    4. GorillaGorilla, by Anthony Browne (Walker Books, 1983). Another of Browne’s work, the story of a lonely girl and a gorilla.
    5. Willy the Wimp (Willy the Chimp)Willy the Wimp And another. The first Browne book I ever saw was a Willy book, so always lovely to continue to meet him in others.
    6. Willy’s Pictures, by Anthony Browne.  And a third. This one is really clever. Willy paints pictures which look very familiar – they are like famous paintings from da Vinci, Manet and more – but with Willy and his friends replacing human figures.
    7. Dragon SkinDragon Skin, by Karen Foxlee (Allen & Unwin, 2021). Not sure why I hadn’t read this before. It is stunningly moving, heart wrenching, and easy to see why it was an Honour Book in the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

Books for Adults

  1. What Happened to Nina?What Happened to Nina?, by Dervla McTiernan (Harper Collins, 2024). I ended last month with a couple of murder mysteries, and began the month with this one, not exactly a mystery, but certainly a thriller, with layers of complexity around relationships, families and the lengths they will go to.
  2. Virginia Lane is Not a HeroVirginia Lane is Not a Hero, by Rosalind Stopps (Harper Collins, 2024). While the front cover perhaps suggests a lighter feel, this is a read which deals with some weighty topics – grief, child abuse, terminal illness, suicide, race and more. But, at the same time, it offers hope and show what ordinary people can achieve when they come together to solve big problems.

That brings my total for the year so far to 28.  Definitely fewer books that I used to get through when I wasn’t a full time academic,  which in some ways is a shame, but does mean that I really treasure any time to read for pleasure. I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading lately.

 

What I Read in February 2025

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Last day of February means time to share what I read this month.  As always a mixed bag, including classic picture books, murder mysteries, poetry and more.  I especially enjoyed spending so much time with illustrator Ron Brooks. What a treat!  Here’s what I read:

Books for Young Readers

  1. Tellegen, T: The Day No One was AngryThe Day No One was Angry, by Toon Tellegen & Marc Boutavant (Gecko Press, 2014).  Such a delight to read, this  set of stories with a philosophical bent is  of whimsical and thought provoking in equal measure.
  2. The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever: A laugh out loud story of family Christmas chaos!The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever!, by L. D. Lapinski (Orion, 2024). This was a Christmas treat from my gorgeous colleague (and friend) Tamara – but, because of my own busyness in December I only collected it this month. But a Christmas book in February is, in my mind, perfectly acceptable, and I enjoyed this.
  3. Land of the Rainbow Gold, edited by Mildred M. Fowler (Nelson, 1967).  Not sure whether to put this one in the young readers category because, while it was initially published for primary school aged readers,  its age, and some of the sentiments expressed, including in the introduction, mean it isn’t a book I would give a child without some critical interrogation involved.
  4. This Baby ,by Julia Mclelland & Ron Brooks (Oxford, 1992). Having read Ron Brooks’ memoir (see below) I found myself chasing down some of his  backlist which I just  HAD to own. This one is just beautiful – and, as a bonus, I got a signed copy.
  5. Timothy and Gramps, by Ron Brooks (Collins, 1978). And another Ron Brooks title, which I knew of but had not read.  Beautiful.
  6. Motor Bill and the Lovely Caroline, by Jenny Wagner & Ron Brooks (Viking, 1994) And a third book illustrated by Brooks. If I had to pick a favourite of these three, this one would be it.
  7. Laughter is the Best EndingLaughter is the Best Ending, by Maryam Master, illustrated by Astred Hicks (Pan, 2024). Just listed on the Notables list for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and I can see why. Dealing with death, friendship, difference and belonging, while also being fast paced and funny, isn’t an easy mix, by Master does it well here.

Books for Young Adult Readers

  1. Game As NedGame As Ned, by Tim Pegler, Angus & Robertson, 2008) I read and reviewed this book back in 2008, but found it on my shelf and couldn’t remember it until I was well into it. That’s not a reflection of the quality – just of the number of books I read, and have read since 2008.  Well worth the reread and, if you’re interested in that review it’s here.

 

Books for Adult Readers

  1. Everyone In My Family Has Killed SomeoneEveryone In My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson (Penguin, 2022. Late to the party reading this one, which I’ve seen everywhere over the past few years, but hadn’t read. I listened to it in audio format, and found the voice excellent, as well as the mystery with a twist of comedy.
  2. Drawn from the Heart: A MemoirDrawn from the Heart: A Memoir, by Ron Brooks (Allen & Unwin, 2010). Another book which I’d read and reviewed many moons ago but which kept calling me for a reread.  Well worth the time and the tears, and the money spent ordering some Brooks’ backlist. You can see my original review here.
  3. Kill Your HusbandsKill Your Husbands, by Jack Heath (Allen & Unwin, 2023).  Another that I listened to on audio, and enjoyed.  I managed to figure out whodunnit  but there were still twists and turns and character insights aplenty.

That brings my total for the year to date to 19 books. Not a bad start to the year.  I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading.

What I Read in December 2024

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Whew. Not just another month over, but another year. How did that happen? I only managed to get through seven books In December, which surprised me, since I was on leave from the day job for most of the month., but there were some fairly lengthy books in the mix, and lots of other good stuff away from reading, with family and friends and lots of swimming.

Anyway, here’s what I read in December:

Books for Children

    1. Bicycling to the MoonBicycling to the Moon, by Timo Parvela, illustrated by Virpi Talvitie (Gecko Press, 2016). A cute and quirky collection of stories featuring an unlikely pair of housemates – Barker the dog and Purdy the cat.
    2. Water Boatman,by William Mayne (GazelleBooks,1964). Rescued from a discard pile a while back and sitting in my to read cupboard until now. A cute, though dated, early chapter book from 1964.

Books for Young Adults

  1. Will Grayson, Will GraysonWill Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green & David Levithan (Text Publishing, 2010).  Very late to the party reading this one – which, I suspect, may even have been in my to-read pile since it came out. I’ve heard a lot about it, so no reason not to read it. Anyway, I have now, and liked it.

Books for Adults

  1. Father of the Lost BoysFather of the Lost Boys, by Yuot A. Alaak (Fremantle Press, 2024). This is a stunning memoir of the lives of South Sudanese boys during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The author was not only one of those boys, but his father, Mecak Ajang Alaak, was the man who took it on himself to lead and protect those boys.
  2. The Yield: Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin AwardThe Yield: Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Award, by Tara June Winch (Penguin, 2021).
  3. The Lost BookshopThe Lost Bookshop, by Evie Woods (One More Chapter, 2024). Listened to this one on audio, thinking it would be lighter than it was – but really enjoyed it nonetheless. Magical realism about a bookshop that changes lives across generations.
  4. The Power: WINNER OF THE 2017 BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTIONThe Power, by Naomi Alderman (Penguin Books, 2017). This book found me – or I found it, perhaps – on a ferry, where it was sitting on the window ledge next to my seat when I boarded.  I had planned to leave it there, but by the time we’d reached the mainland, I’d decided I was meant to read it. An intriguing interpretation of what might happen if women suddenly had all the power.

This brings my total for 2024 to 115.  I didn’t set a target number for the year, because I wanted to slow down and enjoy the quality rather than the quantity, and I think I achieved that. My goal for 2025 is to do the same.

Here’s to another year of reading.

 

What I Read in November 2024

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Hard to believe it is December already, but my calendar says so, so I guess it’s true. And, as always, a new month means time to post what I read last month. A bit of an eclectic mix – eight books in all. Here’s what they were:

Books for Children

  1. TweetTweet, by Morris Gleitzman (Penguin, 2024). I was lucky enough to be on the same festival line up as Morris Gleitzman at the Scribblers Festival, and of course had to buy his latest book at the festival bookstore.  A fun story even while also dealing with big issues around  human impact on the environment, as well as grief and loss.
  2. Encyclopedia Brown Carries On, by Donald J. Sobol (Scholastic, 1980). One of the many books from my to-read cupboard which were rescued from a discard trolley years ago. I’m gradually getting through them. Can imagine young readers trying to solve the mysteries along with the main character.
  3. The Best Train Set Ever, by Pat Hutchins (Bodley Head, 1979). And another from the discard trolley. I loved Pat Hutchins’  Titch books but hadn’t come across this little offering which includes three sweet family stories.
  4. Too Many Babies, by Rose Impey & Shoo Rayner (Orchard Books, 1993). A third from the discard trolley (I do seem to read them in batches) featuring a family of tenrecs (Madagascan shrews), as their parents battle to raise their very large littler of babies.
  5. Blabber MouthBlabber Mouth, by Morris Gleitzman (Pan Macmillan, 1992). Also a book I rescued from somewhere a while back and had in my to-read pile, this caught my eye because I’d been reading Tweet (above) and thought it was time I read this older Gleitzman. He has a knack for mixing humour with difficult concepts.

Books for Young Adults

  1. My Family and Other SuspectsMy Family and Other Suspects, by Kate Emery (Allen & Unwin, 2024). A witty, entertaining murder mystery set in the WA’s Southwest.  Ruth, the narrator, is obsessed with murder mysteries, but she doesn’t expect to have one to solve at the family holiday house – but when her step Grandmother dies suddenly, the whole family becomes suspects.

Books for Adults

  1. It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colorful LifeIt All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colorful Life, by Meredith Carder (Hay House, 2024). I came across this one in  a bookshop and am glad I did, because it’s one of the best books on ADHD I’ve read – very accessible, good examples and some helpful strategies.
  2. Selected Verse, by Colin Thiele (Rigby, 1970).  I didn’t actually read all of this in November – I have been reading a few poems at a time for several months. I know Thiele best as an author for young people, but this poetry is definitely for adults, dealing with a range of topics from the everyday to the truly confronting.

 

That brings my total for the year so far to 108. Hoping for a little extra reading time in December as my work year is winding down a little. Currently reading two books – fiction on audio and nonfiction in hard copy, so off to a good start.  I’m also hoping to get through more from my to-read cupboard, to free up some storage space.

What are you reading?

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