February New Releases

The fabulous new books keep coming from our talented Author Pen Pals! Here are the February 2026 releases (along with one January title that hopped on in!)

January Release

Janeen Brian - Are you the Easter Bunny?
Illustrated by Lucinda Gifford
Published by Harper Collins
28th January, 2026

A little desert bird asks the question and it’s answered by a wonderful, but endangered Australian marsupial, the bilby!

Janeen Brian is a best-selling, internationally published and award-winning children’s author and poet with over 110 books published.

www.janeenbrian.com

​February Releases

Kate Foster - Freddie Jones: The Mystery of the Troublesome Trees
Published by Walker Books
1st February, 2026

Freddie Jones: The Mystery of the Troublesome Trees is a humorous and intriguing middle grade adventure with plenty of quirk and a whole lot of heart.

Kate Foster is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.

https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/book/9781760659998/
https://www.kfosterbooks.com/ 

Sally Barton - Something Terrible: Sam Stop Your Frowning
Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen
Published by Walker Books
1st February, 2026
When a frowny Sam Crisp is caught in the Changing Wind, the only way to get back his smile is with the help of meteorologist Dr Weatherbee, and a surprising trip to Easter Island.

Sally is a tutor and children's book writer who loves silly stories, cats, libraries, words, and did she say cats?

https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/
https://www.sallybeewrites.com/

Sharon Dalgleish - Saving Shark Pup
Illustrated by Amandine Thomas
Published by Allen and Unwin
3rd February, 2026

The true story of a great white shark pup who washed up on the beach and was rescued by the local community.
​
As a librarian and teacher for many years, Sharon Dalgleish read a lot of books — now she also gets to write them.

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Sharon-Dalgleish,-illustrated-by-Amandine-Thomas-Saving-Shark-Pup-9781761182013
https://www.sharondalgleishbooks.com/ 

Adelle Frittitta - My Nonna Loves
Illustrated by Cluadia Frittitta
Published by Hardie Grant
24th February, 2026

My Nonna Loves celebrates the quiet, everyday ways a grandmother fills a child’s world with love.

Adelle Frittitta is a Melbourne-based art teacher and children’s author who loves creating warm, heartfelt stories inspired by family, childhood memories, and everyday moments.
https://adellefrittitta.com
instagram.com/adellefrittitta

Bethany Loveridge - Genie Snail
Illustrated by Chris Kennett
Published by Little Book Press
24th February, 2026

Genie Snail is a funny tale full of clever rhymes, silly surprises and one tiny plot twist ...

Bethany Loveridge is a Queensland-based author and illustrator who creates for children of all ages and loves, 'art, books and coffee' (quote supplied by daughter).

www.bethanyloveridge.com
https://littlebookpress.com.au/products/genie-snail