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
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.
Treeshape, 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.
Pick 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.
- 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.
Unbound: 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.
Book 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.
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.
Perry 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.
Derek, by Anne Donaldson & Matt Shanks (Hardie Grant, 2025). Ohhh. What a lovely (and humorous) little picture book! about a lonely goldfish.
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.
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.
My 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.
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.
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.
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
Afterlife: 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.
Tiger 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.
The 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
Where 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.
Nothing 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.
, 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?