Lorena has created some wonderful activities for readers of Leaf Letters, which she’s made available for free download on her website. Have fun with Morse codes, anagrams and treasure hunts! You can access and download the activities here. You can also download great Teachers’ Notes here ..read more

In its very first week of publication, two lovely new reviews have appeared for Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous Leaf Letters. One’s in Read Plus; the other in Reading Time. Here are extracts from the reviews: Leaf Letters is a small book, but a thoughtful and evocative one, with pathways to uncover codes and secrets….. Written and illustrated by Lorena Carrington, this interactive story for young readers told in words and pictures, has coded messages to decipher the mysteries. ‘Warning. Answers ahead.’ These words are at the back of the book, so there are answers if you can’t find them. I co ..read more

We are thrilled to announce that today is the publication day for Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous illustrated junior novel, Leaf Letters! This is the first novel Lorena has both written and illustrated for young readers and we are proud to be publishing this unique, beautiful book by one of Australia’s most original and gifted creators. We know readers are going to love it as much as we do, and in fact, already there have been two lovely advance reviews of the book, see here and here. And after the lovely pic of Lorena with her book, below, you can also see a young reader very much absorbed in it ..read more

Leaf Letters, author-illustrator Lorena Carrington’s first junior novel, is a gorgeous treat of a book which includes a fabulous story, wonderful photographs and illustrations, puzzles to work out and codes to crack. In anticipation of the book’s publication on Monday, and its launch on Wednesday, Lorena’s made this great little video introducing Leaf Letters, reading from and talking about it. Enjoy ..read more

Our new title, Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous junior novel, Leaf Letters, which she has both written and illustrated, will be out on July 1, and today we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at it out in the wild–literally! Photos are by Lorena. We’re very excited to be publishing this beautiful, unique book which we think many many readers will take to their hearts ..read more

We’re delighted to see, in Books +Publishing, a great advance review, by Erin Wamala, for Lorena Carrington’s gorgeous Leaf Letters, which we are publishing in July. Here’s a short extract: Lorena Carrington’s Leaf Letters is a delightful and warm novel for younger readers aged 7-9 who enjoyed Peter Carnavas’ the Elephant. Using text, illustrations and photographs makes it a great confidence builder for newly independent readers, who will also enjoy the interactive element ..read more

It’s publication day today for our latest title, Lucy Newton Messy Magic, by Phoebe McArthur, available now in bookshops across Australia! Lucy Newton Messy Magic is the third title in the popular Lucy Newton chapterbook series, about a loveable little witch and her unusual friends, and we are absolutely delighted to bring another Lucy Newton adventure to young readers. Big congratulations to amazing author-illustrator Phoebe McArthur on another fabulous read! About the book: Lucy has to clean her room—without using magic. Only, every time Lucy returned from a well-earned break from cleaning ..read more

In our tenth year, it’s wonderful both to look forward and back to our beautiful range of books, by wonderful Australian writers and illustrators–and how better to do that than through our fabulous new catalogue, which highlights this year’s books, looks forward to next year’s, and looks back at our fantastic backlist! We hope you enjoy looking through it! christmas-press-2023-catalogueDownload ..read more

Here’s a wonderful tenth anniversary tribute from the fabulous author Rebecca Fung, whose two chapterbooks (Princess Hayley’s Comet, illustrated by Kathy Creamer, and A Very Special Moon Mission, illustrated by David Allan) we have published. Happy 10th anniversary, Christmas Press! I still remember the rush of excitement when Christmas Press first selected to my short story to be published in a Christmas anthology alongside many other Australian authors. The book was beautifully presented and is a real treasure. Later, Sophie chose my story, Princess Hayley’s Comet, to launch the chapterbook ..read more

Another great review of the Key to Rome has just been published. It’s by Sue Warren, and published on her Just So Stories blog. Here’s a short extract: There’s nothing quite like a good ancient Roman historical fiction, and this one full of drama, deceit and death will appeal to many middle grade readers who relish an exciting and suspense-filled adventure. You can read the whole review here ..read more