michelle kadarusman | Lost in a Good Book

Top Five of 2025

Either my criteria for stars are getting harder, or I’m not coming across the fantastic books like I used to. I only had eleven five-star books in 2025: seven were a series reread, two were the last two books of another series, and the other two were a kids book and a YA. How is someone supposed to work with stats like that? I didn’t even get five picture books!

In light of that, I am taking a leaf out of my own book and picking books that had a lasting impact, five stars or not, or something that was near close to perfect but didn’t quite hit the mark. Otherwise the only offering you’ll get is me having to pick my favourite Thursday Next books and one YA mystery.

Since this is an unconventional selection, I have taken out the series and picked from my 4.5 star and above pile (the suitable five star choices being included as well). I could easily include The Eyre Affair (or the whole series really) in my Top Five, but it was included in the 2012 lot so it’s already been highlighted.

So with that weird situation in mind, these are my Top Five reads of 2025.

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus I have always enjoyed McManus’ books and her ability to create a story that is about people and the choices they make. This one is such a great story that draws you in, and gives you the expected twists except the twists you get are not expected at all. It was an incredible way to play with the reader and the story. It plays into the old style of the classic mysteries but also has a great modern approach as well.

Impossible Music by Sean Williams

Impossible Music by Sean Williams This is a relatively short book but one that managed to really get to the heart of people and their lives, and how the smallest thing can derail their expectations. The exploration of the Deaf community from someone coming into it through trauma was amazing and I loved how Williams doesn’t shy away from the stubbornness and the anger something like this brings.

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde It took me ages to read this because I thought it sounded a bit boring, but once you realise you should trust Fforde knows what he’s doing, you see he’s made an intriguing alternate reality where anthropomorphised rabbits are integrated into modern society. It’s a wonderful non subtle metaphor of xenophobia and tolerance with the intricate alternate world building Fforde is a master at.

Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden

Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden This book is perfect if you want to see the full, messy, teenage life on display. Madden brings a chaotic character and a pinnacle life choice to a head and then puts it all on a boat with red flags, family drama, and the high seas and intense friendships.

Because of You by Pip Harry

So much of this book broke my heart but it’s why Aussie YA is sublime. Harry’s characters are deep and rich and you can’t help but feel like they are real flesh and blood out in the world. It’s a beautiful story and shows off a side of society people often like to sweep under the rug or shy away from. The duel narrators is a great coin flip of life experiences and it’s a gorgeous story about expectations and compassion.

Honourable Mentions

Tin Heart by Shivaun Plozza

Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Top Picture Books

A is for A Rabbit’s Tale by Jackie Hosking

A Is for ... a Rabbit's Tale by Jackie Hosking

Flubby will NOT go to Sleep by J.E. Morris

Flubby Will Not Go to Sleep by Jennifer E. Morris

Flubby is NOT a Good Pet by J. E. Morris

Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! by J. E. Morris

Honourable Mentions

Room for More by Michelle Kadarusman

Room for More by Michelle Kadarusman

Published: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Pajama Press
Illustrator: Maggie Zeng
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

Two wombats, two wallabies, a koala, and a tiger snake humorously squeeze into one burrow—and reveal important truths about environmental disasters and the importance of welcoming refugees.

When afire sweeps through the Australian bush, wombats Dig and Scratch are glad to have a cool, damp burrow to keep them safe. But Dig notices that other animals are not so lucky. When Dig invites a wallaby mother and her joey to shelter with them, Scratch grumbles. When Dig beckons to a koala, Scratch complains. And when Dig welcomes in a tiger snake, Scratch is fit to be tied—but Dig is sure there’s always room for more. And when the rains come to douse the fire and bring a new threat of flooding, a crowd of creatures may turn out to be just what the wombats need.

Inspired by stories of animals sheltering in wombat burrows when her homeland of Australia experienced devastating fires, award-winning author Michelle Kadarusman gets young readers up close and personal with Australian wildlife. Illustrator Maggie Zeng brings the creatures to life with a generous dose of personality as they squeeze together in the burrow and work together aboveground. Extensive back matter includes information about wildfires, a glossary of animals, and age-appropriate context about environmental disasters and the work that is being done—including a renewal of Indigenous land practices—to prevent them.

Unlike the other book which covered this topic, which was sweet but fell a smidge short because it came from a USA perspective, this one is more natural and keeps the animals in their native environments. It also comes from someone who knows what this country goes through with bushfires.

I liked that Scratch and Dig covered two perspectives: one to help, and one to be wary of room and danger. It doesn’t idolise the risks involved but it also helps show that while these are factors, it is still the right thing to do.

The illustrations are gorgeous. The subdued but earthy and natural tones really make this story feel like it’s set in the bushland, especially with the red orange glow of the impending bushfire. Zeng’s art style is full of emotion but still keeps the animals animals. The details on the landscape is subtle but beautifully detailed too. The natural setting really helps bring home what these fires were like and how it impacted on the environment.

The story is one of the many that came out of the Black Summer bushfires and it’s still really hard to read about all these years later. But stories like this give a little light in the tragedy that the previous actions of some animals could help save lives. The authors note acknowledges these burrows may not have been active at the time, but it’s a little light of joy to think there was a wombat or two who tolerated sharing their space.

You can purchase Room for More via the following

QBD | Dymocks | Blackwell’s

Fishpond | Amazon | Amazon Aust