Brenton Cullen is a talented writer for all ages, for children through to adults. When not writing, he works as a bookseller, reviewer and interviewer. His debut mid-grade and picture book stories are being published in 2026. He has recently signed with Eagle Books for a mid grade advanture to be published in April/May 2027. Brenton Cullen explained the genesis of the novel in an announcement for Eagle Press: ‘The Secret of Panther Valley is an ode to the excitement of a country childhood and the secrets the Australian bush can hold. I grew up on farms that stretched for hundreds of acres, ....imagining adventures. I was fascinated by mysteries — especially the legend of the black panther said to roam the Blue Mountains. I often wondered what hidden creatures might be out there in the bush. When I was ten, I had a dream in which I was standing at our back door, watching in shock as a sleek panther crept past in front of me. That image has stayed with me. The Secret of Panther Valley grew from my adventures and that dream.’

Brenton's works have been published in Magpies, Books + Publishing, Good Reading, Writing QLD and Reading Time and in 2026 a picture book and mid-grade novel with be published by Wombat Books and Riveted Press respectively. Brenton is the 2023 recipient of the Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship, bestowed by the May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust. He lives in Queensland, between the bush and the beach, with his partner, eight house plants, and an overflowing book collection.

See Archie Can't Sit Still, published by Larrikin House this month and illustrated by talented artist and illustrator Davilyn Lynch. The story is written by Dani Vee and James Layton.

Congratulations to Helen Edwards whose wonderful mid-grade adventure On Gallant Wings has been long-listed in the Book Links Historical Fiction awards 2026. This story sheds light on little known aspects of life in Australia during World War II - think flying boats and pigeons.

Jayne McIntyre will be speaking in May at a Moreton Bay Libraries event about her debut mid-grade fiction, The Feathers of Farwood: The Gripps Curse.

Brenton Cullen has signed with Eagle Press for a mid-grade adventure novel, The Secret of Panther Valley, to be published in April/May 2027. Publisher Sophie Masson said: 'With engaging characters, a deftly-woven mystery and a vividly-evoked setting, this is a novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats.’ 

Doris Brett has signed a deal for her second mid-grade novel to be published in 2027. More details to follow. Her debut novel for this age group, Philomella and the Impossible Forest, was published in 2023.

Watch out for media and reviews of Samantha Ross's debut work of fiction with Penguin Random House in June 2026. Possible Springs will make a big splash. Jeff Lindsay, bestselling author of DEXTER says: ‘Ross’s debut blends small-town mystery, romance and magical realism into an intoxicating, spell-binding mix. Jimny is an unforgettable character. I loved it.’

Kevin Nemeth's  charming and fun picture book Back in My Day will be published on 28 July by Affirm Press/Simon & Schuster.

Maura Pierlot's My Family Zoo will be published by Scholastic in 2026.