Beaches Book Club

Book lovers, rejoice. Our local talent is on a roll, turning out new reads that prove the Beaches is full of creative firepower. Here are some titles, for young and old, to dive into next. Know a local book that deserves a spotlight? Tell us. Send in your book to Unit 1/535 Pittwater Road, Brookvale NSW 2100

Beyond His Station by Phillip Rosewarne

Beyond His Station traces the turbulent rise of John Summers, orphaned young and raised on a sheep property in the central west, always kept at arm’s length by the family meant to care for him. His grandmother is the exception, a calm, protective presence who holds a quiet secret about his past.

At eighteen, worn down and desperate, John steals from her and disappears, triggering a chain of events that will shape every part of his life. As he restores a rundown property near Cooma NSW, builds a pastoral legacy and raises a family, the guilt of that moment never quite lets go.

Phillip Rosewarne brings the story to life with an authenticity shaped by decades living and working across Australia, from the Northern Territory to Queensland cattle country. Now a Beaches local, he writes with an honest, grounded feel for landscape and character.

The result is a compelling Australian saga about ambition, regret and the choices that follow us, no matter how far we roam.

Sparky's Solar Adventure by Danielle Palmer, illustrated by Kate Mack

A heartwarming space adventure, Sparky’s Solar Adventure follows Sparky, a lively solar flare, and his friend Blaze as they blast off from the Sun and journey across the galaxy. Sparky meets a colourful cast of characters, including Mercury, the shy planet who writes love notes to Venus, and wise Mr Moon, ready
with gentle guidance.

His travels take him to rugged Mars, mighty Jupiter and through the glittering asteroid belt, where Saturn twirls its sparkling disco rings. When Sparky begins to feel lost, Halley’s Comet swoops in to guide him back toward Earth.

Blaze and the gang throw a joyful welcome party, celebrating the warmth and energy Sparky brings to the world. With playful rhymes and enchanting illustrations, this story introduces young readers to space, science and friendship.

Each page offers fascinating facts and interactive search-and-find moments, making every reading a bright little adventure.

The Koala and the Little Tree by Alissa Malnati, illustrated by
Aleksandra Szmidt

Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt, Alissa Malnati’s The Koala and The Little Tree is a story that is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Its unnamed characters stand as the only splashes of colour in a black-and-white world shaped by the aftermath of bushfire, painted in swirling watercolour shades of orange and red.

As the pair reflect on all they once had, silhouettes of vanished creatures flicker through their memories.

But the book offers gentle reassurance that “the magic is never gone,” and hope arrives as the koala and little tree gather seeds and begin replanting the forest, imagining the day it will return to its former beauty.

Gentle enough for young readers, yet real enough to convey important environmental truths, this story highlights the challenges facing Australia’s flora and fauna while inspiring readers to “do our part.”
A moving tale for all ages, it is sure to be embraced by families and classrooms alike.

Simple Dog by Allisha Waterman

Simple Dog by Allisha Waterman is a bright, heartfelt picture book that gently explores difference, resilience and the power of believing in yourself.

It follows a lovable dog who “talks funny” and struggles to fit in, capturing the emotional reality many children face when they feel a little outside the pack.

Through simple language and expressive illustrations, the story celebrates kindness and the courage it takes to keep trying, even when things feel tough. Allisha balances warmth and humour with an important message about acceptance, showing young readers that everyone has something unique to offer.

Simple Dog is the kind of book that opens conversations about inclusion without ever feeling heavy, making it an ideal read for families, classrooms and anyone wanting to encourage empathy in early readers.

It is uplifting, memorable and full of heart, leaving you cheering for its determined little hero long after the final page.