Shortlisted CBCA Book display

We have recently completed the CBCA Book Week display that showcases the Australian authors who have entered and achieved the shortlist.

The 2026 Children’s Book Week theme is ‘Symphony of Stories’.

Talented illustrator, the fabulous Briony Stewart, award-winning author-illustrator of ‘Gymnastica Fantastica’ and other children’s books designed the theme art. Just wait until you meet all the wild characters she’s created.

‘I decided to try and show what stepping into a symphony of stories might be like. A huge colourful collection of characters bursting out of a book representing their different stories with weird and wonderful instruments.’ – Briony Stewart

Our display aims to link music and literacy, and this will flow through to Book Week in August when we celebrate the winners for 2026 with some music themed games and competitions. Come in to select one of the shortlisted books to read for yourself!

Book Review

Mariana E, one of our fabulous Library Captains has taken on a personal mission (and what a mission it is!) to read her way through the shortlisted Children’s Book Week books that we have here in the library. She is planning to review each book as she goes as well. Here is this week’s review, thanks Mariana!

This Stays Between Us – Author Margot McGovern

Shelly is the new girl with a dark force controlling her and an even darker secret.

Priya is the “pretty and dumb girl”, undeniably pretty, but is she really that dumb?

Mack the Mischievous, made a mistake in kissing her best friend. (But I mean, Queer Romance!)

And Raffi is a witch-in-training with a bubbly attitude.

The combination of these alternate personalities and the promise of Smiling Jack, This Stays Between Us is a suspenseful masterpiece. A horrific, action-packed work of fiction, I was on the edge of my seat every time I read this.

A quick warning for those who are sensitive: Mature and detailed adult themed scenes, Gruesome Scenes and Gore. Nothing intense or offensive, but it is important to me that the people who plan to read this are aware of what it entails. But believe me, you would love this if you like slasher horror movies, gothic fiction and/or supernatural horror. Recommended 14 +

By Mariana E

Minecraft Comp

Our library assistants have placed the Minecraft competition on hold for another couple of weeks as Library Captain Seth H is absent and the games are hosted on his computer. Keep your eyes peeled for updates via Compass!

Feeling Creative? Love the Library? Become a Library Assistant

Mrs Ford in the library is seeking some new library assistants to help with displays and organisation. If library is your place and you’re interested in decorating and being creative, then this is the role for you!

Come in to see Mrs Ford for a chat if you love the sound of this!

New Display

Term 2 stresses? Then come to the library and select from our extensive range of funny books tucked away in the Humour section of the Fiction collection. Our newest display will bring a smile to your dial and help relieve the stresses of upcoming CATs and SACs.

Heathmont Gazette

Curiosity, Compassion, Community

Issue 8 · 29 May 2026

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