Hatman
By Adam Wallace – Illustrations by James Hart
Hold onto your hats, it’s Hatman!
For readers who enjoy superheroes, cheeky humour and graphic novels bursting with energy, then strap in because Hatman delivers a musical adventure. The tale drops you straight into the mayhem of Coughin’ City, a town crawling with crooks, nasty felines and the shady Mr Big Wig.
At the centre of it all is the clumsy, hat-mad underdog Harvey. The real charm of this book lies in how it blends traditional chapter-book writing with comic-style panels and a soundtrack. Yes, a soundtrack! Scattered throughout the book are QR codes linking to original, hilarious songs that leap off the page in a way you rarely see in kids’ fiction. It’s an inventive twist that makes it a perfect match for kids aged 8 to 13.
Beyond his books, Adam Wallace also brings his stories to life through school visits, where he runs engaging, high-energy sessions designed to spark creativity and a love of reading and writing in kids. His visits combine humour, drawing, and storytelling, making him a favourite with students and teachers alike. It’s easy to see why he’s such a hit in classrooms around the world.
Review by Lena Yiallouros
Glyph
By Ali Smith
$39.99
Ali Smith delivers a standalone novel which explores similar subject matter to 2024’s Gliff, but feels even more on-the-pulse of current events. While her previous novel took a speculative approach to the power of language and resistance through the perspective of two siblings, Glyph is more grounded in the present day. The story centres around the relationship between sisters Patch and Petra. When they hear a story about a man killed in World War 2 protecting a blind horse, they bring him back to life in their shared imagination to cope with the horrors of war. This shared imagination follows them into adulthood, when Petra finds a blind horse has appeared in her house.
Throughout the book, resistance is shown through hope and connection, as the estranged sisters find their way back to each other in a time of global turmoil. Smith has always been keen-eyed in assessing the current political moment, and Glyph is no exception. Smith’s spare prose is packed with profundity and emotion. Unashamedly hopeful, Glyph is an excellent suggestion as to how we can navigate trying times.
Reviews by the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com
This Book Made Me Think of You
By Libby Page
This book felt so cosy and warm. It is a romantic and heartfelt story. It made me smile and cry at the same time, but in a good way. Some parts were soft and gentle, and some parts were very emotional. I just wanted to hug the book while I was reading it.
The idea of receiving twelve books from someone you love is so beautiful. Each book felt like a small step of healing. It showed how love can still stay with us, even after loss. I also liked the quiet moments in the bookshop. It made the story feel calm, safe, and full of hope.
This is a feel-good book, even though it talks about grief. It reminds me that it’s okay to feel sad, and also okay to find joy again – a very gentle, comforting, and lovely read.
Between Sisters
By Kristin Hannah
It is an easy book to read, but it is also very emotional. The story is about two sisters, Meghann and Claire, who have been hurt by the past and no longer feel close to each other.
I liked how the book showed both sisters’ feelings and why they acted the way they did. Meghann seems cold and distant, but deep down, she is carrying a lot of pain. Claire is kinder and softer, but she is also hurt by the way Meghann treats her.
The story is not full of action, but it is full of feelings, family problems, love, and forgiveness. Some parts made me sad, especially when the sisters remembered their past. This book is a simple read, but it is surprisingly emotional. Prepare tissues because it may make you cry.
Reviews by Aryani Siti
