Adele Broadbent's Blog

Two friends sit on a stump enjoying nature around them.

With a particular love of birds, they walk through a forest listening for their favourite.

To their confusion, they cannot hear the blackbird’s song. When they do find it, it’s lying still on a path. Soon, with help from other forest creatures, they realise the truth. The blackbird has died.

This gentle hardback picture book explores the difficult subject of death and loss, and eventually a funeral on the grieving friend’s terms. The friends are in fact a mushroom and a squirrel, offering wee listeners humour as the story begins.

Finishing with a positive note (another bird begins to sing), Is it Asleep? is a comforting way to approach this difficult subject at a child’s level.

Curiosity, sadness and a goodbye are all part of the narrative, illustrated in the natural tones of the surrounding forest.

Author / Illustrator – Oliver Tallec

Picture Book

(2025, Gecko Press, NZ, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Friendship, Grief, Loss, Death, Respect, Love, Animals)

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Arkie has only just moved to the city when he makes the best friend he has ever had. Before the city, all his schooling has been long distance satellite learning, as his parent’s farm is so remote.

School with ‘in the flesh’ classmates has been a real change, but he’s enjoying the city, its great food and living with his Nan while his parents wait to sell their farm. Waiting for them to join him is the hardest part.

His new friend Dot makes the wait easier and her family’s delicious food from their takeaway is relished  by him and his Nan.

When Arkie learns that Dot has had a bike accident during her takeaway deliveries, he is keen to help. Collecting the broken bicycle reveals what caused the terrible injury to Dot’s leg, and put her in hospital. To Arkie’s country can-do-it attitude, he is perplexed as to why it happened at all? Surely someone should be fixing the obvious problem?

Another Gleitzman gem, told in his straight-forward master-storytelling style. I loved the Aussie sayings and slang, and down-to-earth characters in school and at home with family. Social media is in the mix too, having its own impact in the character’s lives.

Childish is usually used as a derogatory term, but this novel turns that on its head. Maybe being childish is the only way to see and deal to a problem?

Author – Morris Gleitzman

Age – 8+

(2025, Penguin Random House, Family, Friendship, Humour, School, Potholes, Manhole Covers, Bureaucracy, Paperwork, Councils, Utility Companies, Country, City, Responsibility, Bike Accident, Problem)

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Waking up in 2070 wasn’t part of the plan. Calico vowed to do anything to save her younger sister, Asha, but losing 50 years wasn’t in the deal.

Cryogenically frozen as a teen along with her terminally ill sister, Calico wakes in a locked down facility with four other teens who have also ‘woken’.

Desperate for news of Asha and her recovery, Calico finds many obstacles to overcome. Her doctor is cagey, the security staff violent, and the other teens are dealing with their own stuff.

Learning the truth about Asha, and a family misunderstanding that helped her make the worst decision in her life, Calico faces up to her grief, and the truth. There is even worse revelations to come, underpinning the reasons why she and Asha were frozen 50 years before.

Short chapters interspersed with poem-like dreamstate, make Things I Learned While I Was Dead, a fast-paced read. Main character Calico has a fierce and determined personality fighting for any information about her much loved terminally ill sister, Asha.

There is much to learn and reveal about life 50 years after she’s been frozen – in both the science facility she is held in and within her family.  A love interest develops between Calico and a boy named Jem who makes her question everything around her. The truth is more shocking than she ever imagined.

An insight to our possible future is interesting, and not as doom and gloom as one has come to expect in dystopian novels. Maybe there is still time for the world to come together to save not only humans but the planet we live on?

Author – Kathryn Clark

Age – 13+

(2025, Faber, Family, Dystopian, Courage, Friendship, Love, Science, Secret, Sisters, Siblings, Cryogenics, Frozen, Lies, Medical Consent, Future)

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Marie knows there’s something different about the woods near her uncle and aunt’s home. Something… not right. She’s very close to her twin, Ben, but the strangeness she feels isn’t something she can easily share. How would she explain the strange visions, or how she goes somewhere else in them?

Sarah has been raised by her mother to become a healer like herself. Using plants and the nature that surrounds them, Sarah learns as she grows. But when she is thrown out from the house they live and work in, she must mourn the loss of her mother and home, and find another. With the help of a strange blackbird, she discovers an abandoned hut in a wood. It’s not her only discovery. It’s not the only thing hiding in these woods, and Sarah can feel it’s evil presence.

Aine is devastated by the loss of her entire village and family to the swords of Roman soldiers. Now a slave and mute, she knows she must flee. But what is waiting for her in the woods? Is it worse than the Roman army’s treatment? It’s only when she sees two other girls – strangers from somewhere else in time, that she realises she is not alone in her fear of the devil spirit.

Can they work together to vanquish the terrifying spirit that haunts the woods and their dreams? Is it possible to reach across thousands of years to link together in their quest. With some help from a special blackbird, loved ones who believe in what they are seeing and an unearthly bond through time, Marie, Sarah and Aine finally discover the solution to what haunts them.

Told in three first person viewpoints from now, 1783 and 60AD, GHOST is an intriguing story of myth, beliefs, time and an evil spirit.

The three protagonists, Marie, Sarah and Aine are all interesting in their own times, giving readers not only three strong woman characters to root for, but a snapshot of the time where they live, and the contrasts between them.

The setting is a wood, not far from a beloved aunt and uncle. The same wood hundreds, and then thousands of years before that holds something evil in a hidden warren of caves and tunnels.

I enjoyed Hawkins introduction of each girl, highlighting personal losses and how they all end up in the same wood, years apart. The knitting of their stories and their connections are gradually revealed through the novel, bringing a nail-biting and fast-paced ending.

Just as thrilling and eerie as Finbar Hawkins’ previous novels, STONE and WITCH. He nails historical middle grade with a tingle-up-the-spine vibe every time.

Author – Finbar Hawkins

Age – 12+

Publisher – Bloomsbury

Out UK November 2026

(2025, Bloomsbury, Twins, Family, Spirits, Multiple viewpoints, First person, Myth, Multiple time zones, Ghost, Roman Slave, Healer, Evil, Animals. Wolf, Wolves, Historical, Grief, Loss)

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A girl sits at a cafe while her father waits in line to buy lunch.

A one-legged hungry bird searches for crumbs amongst the table legs and feet. Not finding anything to eat, it lands in front of the girl. Unfortunately, she cannot offer it anything either.

A man wanders near the cafe, stooped, scruffy and weary – looking for some kindness from passers by. A little change is all he needs.

Just like the bird – he finds nothing. But when the bird approaches him, he has something to give.

Watching both the man and bird, the girl sees the kindness between them. When her father returns to her with their lunch, she knows what they must do.

A simple but poignant story of kindness between both human and bird. An action so simple as sharing makes a profound difference to hungry beings, which in turn spreads joy among all.

The illustrations hold so many emotions and the muted backgrounds help highlight the characters and their actions. One kindness sparks another underlining the important theme – a little kindness can go a long way.

Author – Phil Cummings

Illustrator – Shane Devries

Picture Book

(2025, Scholastic, Kindness, Homelessness, Bird, Empathy, Sharing, Community)

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The three Porch sisters now reside in a basement prison chamber in The School for Failures, in Austria. This school is like any other, with tests to pass, which the Porch sisters… don’t.

Again they are saved from oblivion by the enigmatic, completely bonkers, science genius who is of course – Millicent Quibb. Whisked away from the school by Millicent in yet another travelling invention, they soon end up in another adventure. This time they are helping Millicent unravel a mystery in the Purple Pearl Hotel.

The hotel is a swanky resort for the rich, and named after a giant purple pearl found in the nearby lake. A poem tells the story of the pearl, and how it was lost once again to the depths.

Millicent and the girls are up against the KRA ( Krenetics Research Association) again, as they are after the purple pearl for themselves.

The Purple Pearl Hotel is a special place of biggest, longest, or shortest attractions. “The biggest teabag, the world’s shortest racing track, and the greenest golf course,” are just a few of these places within the hotel grounds. But unfortunately there are many places cordoned off from the guest with Caution tape. What happened there?

Why does The Purple Pearl Hotel feel familiar to Gertrude? What is Millicent Quibb hiding, and how will they stop the KRA?

Millicent Quibb and her proteges are back! Secrets of the Purple Pearl is just as bonkers as the first book in the series, but incredibly funny and clever at the same time.

For the sequel I listened to the audiobook version. Kate McKinnon narrates her book, and it is hilarious! Every character, every line and every gag is all the richer coming from Kate’s prowess in telling the story. There are many quips and comments alongside the story which add even more, and the accents for each character are seamless and funny.

This series really has something deliciously silly but remarkably plotted, as three orphans try to make the best of a world that think they’re just plain weird. It’s true. They are. But their weirdness is what helps them solve the mysteries, battle with the KRA once more and bring them a little closer to who they really are.

The book version is brimming over with diagrams, illustrations and explanations for many of the creatures, scientific terminology and other conundrums in this next adventure. A PDF comes with the audiobook, which Kate McKinnon refers to when necessary. Again – hilarious.

Thanks to Harper Collins & Libro Audio for the review audio copy. Loved it.

Author – Kate McKinnon

Illustrator – Alfredo Ca´ceres

Age – 10+

Find the first book in the series here

(2025, Harper Collins, Narrator talks directly to reader, Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Historical, Humour, Mystery, Science, Secret, Series, Funny, Bonkers, Monsters, Lake Resort, Purple Pearl Hotel, Cousins, Villains, Sequel)

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Rory is quite old now, but he has lots of fun tales to tell, and his first one is all about when the circus came to town. He does admit he might just add a few not quite true bits, but they will definitely make it a better story….

Rory lives with his mum, dad, and incredibly infuriating older sister Clare, in a town called Brenwell Heath. Every year, Teddy Trent’s Circus comes to town and Rory and his family will go along to see all the acts. This year, one of the most exciting parts of the circus comes to him.

One day after being interrupted while talking in front of the class, he spies a girl at the window poking her tongue out at him. He instantly goes the colour of his fiery red hair, racing out of the room, almost forgetting that she happens to be held in the air by the trunk of an elephant!

After the entire class has followed, Rory and his classmates meet Evie, Flick and Fliss from the circus. The elephant is called Donna and as Evie’s best friend, has come to school too. An unfortunate incident that follows with the Rory’s teacher and headmistress, is the very best thing that has happened at All Saints Primary School in ages.

Life becomes even more exciting when Rory helps his best friend Guy with his odd-job idea to make more pocket money. They find themselves in the strange home of Madame Lowe, who everyone knows is a creepy old lady, responsible for at least one missing person. They cannot finish her jobs quick enough, but not before they spy something suspicious.

Relieved to survive, Guy keeps saving his money, Rory becomes increasingly irritated by his big sister, and Evie proves to him, that maybe running away to the circus isn’t such a great idea. Suddenly chaos erupts in the street in the form of a bright yellow paint-splattered cat, and the police are called!

What is going to happen next in Brenwell Heath?

From the actor best known in Australasia as Robert Crawley in Downtown Abbey and Mr Brown in the Paddington movies, Rory Sparkes is the 1st book in a new series.

Perfect for early middle-grade readers who enjoy stories about family, pranks, and mysterious neighbours – then all rolled into the wonder of a visiting circus. Main character Rory introduces himself in the beginning of the book, admitting he’s an old man now, but has a few interesting stories he’d like to share.

While Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room is definitely funny, it also touches on true friendship, the story behind a bully, and misconceptions of folk in your neighbourhood.

An entertaining read for young readers, with fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the book too.

Author – Hugh Bonneville

Age – 7+

Publisher – Bloomsbury

(2025, Bloomsbury, Direct Address, Breaking the Fourth Wall, Narrator speaks directly to reader, Humour, Animals, School, Series, Friendship, Bullies, Elderly Neighbour, Misconceptions, Circus, Sibling Rivalry, Siblings, Toilet Humour)

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Wrapping Things portrays a preschool girl named Rosie, who loves to wrap things. She knows that wrapping means a gift, so loves to draw and wrap her pictures to give away. She wraps her favourite soft toys, just as she was once wrapped as a baby, and loves to help with real presents to loved ones.

Surrounded by love at home with mum and dad, Rosie is a happy child. She loves Granny coming to stay too, but isn’t sure about her parents not being home when she wakes one night.

There is a special reason they aren’t home, and Granny is patient and loving as she explains.

It’s only when Rosie sees Mum and Dad in a hospital room, with their own specially wrapped bundle, that Rosie is truly happy again – greeting her baby sister.

A gentle story, perfectly matched with illustrations in pastel tones by Hilary Jean Tapper.

Wrapping Things would make a great addition to any family with a toddler or young child, and a baby on the way. The child can follow Rosie’s journey through common interests like drawing, soft toys and favourite baby blankets, bath and bed time.

The story then moves onto a grandmother coming to stay before the birth of the new baby and the changes a young child may see and feel. Mum and Dad away, a visit to a big building (hospital), and finding mum in a bed and dad sleeping in a chair beside her.

The wariness, curiosity and joy of Rosie meeting her new baby sister is gorgeous on the page.

Author – Linda Burgess

Illustrator – Hilary Jean Tapper

Publisher – Allen & Unwin

Picture Book

(2025. Allen & Unwin, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Family, New Baby, Parcels, Wrapping, Gifts, Presents, New Sibling)

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Nate isn’t happy moving away from his school, friends and life in Singapore. It doesn’t help watching his mum in constant pain after a back injury. His Dad is still in Singapore, but vows to join them soon. But soon is too far away for Nate.

Luna tries to connect with the new boy next door, but he blows her off. Maybe he’s seen the video too. The video from that party that has been shared 1000’s of times, bringing stares and whispers wherever she goes.

The bees arrive on mass from out of nowhere. Suddenly they’ve taken up residence in a wall in Nate’s new home. A local beekeeper tells them he can help, but they can’t rush it. Nate’s mum wants to call the pest control people, but he convinces her not to kill the creatures that help provide so much food in the world.

Luna helps Nate on the first day back at school. He’s missed three terms of their year, and feels completely lost. She enjoys having someone to talk to, after being ignored or whispered about since the video.

Together, along with a surfing beekeeper, his girlfriend, and 20,000 bees, they begin to put their lives back together, discovering the courage they need in each other to move on.

It’s far from smooth, with more than one betrayal that seem insurmountable. Time, love and new people in their lives help heal the hurts and rebuild their confidence.

This verse novel is so full of love. Pip Harry has captured so many different types of relationships beautifully in Drift. Bees (and their honey) are the catalyst that kick off the novel and bring this wonderful group of characters together.

Issues of environment, cyber bullying, mental health and the healing power of running and swimming, are woven together sweetly in an authentically portrayed Real Life novel.

When you’ve finished reading, Drift feels like a warm hug.

Author – Pip Harry

Age – 12+

(2025, Lothian Books, Hachette, Verse Novel, First Person, New Boy at School, High School, Australia, Missing Friends, Back Injury, Cyber Bullying, Video, Loss, Mental Health, Bee Keeper, Family, Friendship, Betrayal, School, Peer Pressure, Running, Swimming, Sports)

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Eli takes his training very seriously, even concentrating on his running form as he runs along the road. Technique is everything, and just one of the ways to prepare for the AFL draft he’s been working towards for years. But it’s not his entire focus. He loves to draw, and is very talented. Wanting to do something with this skill along with football, he feels he’s got a better chance at a good university through the draft.

Zac and Fletcher have been mates since daycare. Both train hard towards the draft, but they both know Zac’s name will be in the first 5 names announced when it’s their turn. They try not to focus on it, playing basketball in their downtime, but the draft is a constant shining beacon in their thoughts.

Mason is shorter than most on the field, and he’s been told for years that his height isn’t good for AFL. But he’s determined to prove them wrong, focussing on other skills required in the sport. His dad is right behind him, helping him train in the back yard, when he’s not with his team.

Dane loves the attention he gets as he grows and bulks up with all the time he spends weight training. He’s been with his girlfriend Beth since the first year of high school, but other girls are taking notice of him now. His warm smile and football status at school are a winning combination and sure to give him a place in the next AFL draft.

Beth has watched Dane’s training and games every season, but she’s beginning to wonder if Dane working towards This Season’s Draft has taken up too much of her own life?

A year in the life of six Australian teenagers all over the country, and the effect This Season’s Draft has upon their lives. And just like the football recruiters tell the players – AFL is not just when you’re wearing a team’s uniform or working hard in training. It’s so much more.

Perfect for AFL fans, and any budding athlete with dreams, doubts or thoughts in their chosen sport. 

Author – Jason Gent

Age – 13+

(2025, Allen & Unwin, Multiple Viewpoints, First Person & Third Person, Family, Real Life, Friendship, Humour, Popularity, School, Australian Sport, AFL, Aussie Rules, Australian Football League, Footy, Sport, Competition, Training, Practise, Weight Training, Verse Novel, Relationships, Anticipation)

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