Better Read Kids 1
July Reading Guide 2 0 15 bet terreadkids.com.au
Welcome to the Better Read Kids July Reading Guide! It’s school holiday time again and the need for entertaining, interactive (and time consuming) books has never been greater! This month we have featured some of our favourite classic reads, a bunch of great new activity books and of course, July new releases for all ages.
Better Read Kids
Be sure to check out our books of the month, Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies; a stunningly illustrated and clever picture book which deals with a very important topic. As well as Alison’s favourite kids classic, From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler, perfect for primary ages readers.
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Of course, if you’re after specialised advice please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated children’s specialist directly at amelia@ betterread.com.au, or you can use the snazzy live chat function on our Better Read Kids website for immediate guidance.
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02 picture
toddler
books
Please click on the book images to link directly to the Better Read Kids website purchase area.
03 junior fiction
06 graphic novels
fiction
05 young adult
07 non fiction
08 activities
Better Read Kids
All our content for each category is now linked by clicking on a bubble.
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Baby & Toddler Dinoblock | Christopher Franceschelli | $19.99 | Thames & Hudson Readers will be introduced to more than 20 different dinosaurs in this hands-on, colourful board book from the author of Alphablock and Countablock. Each page is cut into the silhouette of a dinosaur, matched with a description and illuminating comparison to familiar things from a young child’s world. Dinoblock makes for an immersive, age-appropriate introduction to a favourite topic of childhood.
“ an immersive, age-appropriate introduction to a favourite topic of childhood.”
Better Read Kids
Tickle Monster | Edouard Manceau | $19.99 | Thames & Hudson
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Adams’ Pick
This is a clever and engaging picture book which prompts young children to dismantle their fears and turn them into something beautiful and peaceful. The reader is prompted to tickle various parts of a monster, deconstructing the creature as his horns become the moon, his legs and arms become trees, his nose becomes a car; building a peaceful night-time landscape. Manceau’s bold, geometric illustrations create a simple visual narrative with an important message.
“a clever and engaging picture book which prompts young children to dismantle their fears and turn them into something beautiful and peaceful.”
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Baby & Toddler
Colourful and amusing, with David Wojtowycz’s bold, bright illustrations, these simple interactive board books for the very young. In What Does Doggy Want? slide the tabs within the pages and make Doggy shake his head or wag his tail. It’s time for dinner, but what does Doggy want to eat? Does Doggy want a doughnut? No, no, no! This simple, fun board book let’s young children tell the story and they can help Doggy make up his mind. It’s time to play, but this time kids are asked what Monkey wants to do. Does Monkey want to ride a bike? No, no, no! Slide the tabs within the pages and make Monkey shake his head or swing from a tree in another interactive board book from the same series as What Does Doggy Want?. This imaginative book for babies and toddlers will keep you and your children entertained, from the award-winning illustrator of Rumble in the Jungle.
Better Read Kids
What Does Doggy Want? & What Does Monkey Want? | David Wojtowycz | $14.95 each | Walker Books
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
Picture Books
Book of the month
Better Read Kids
Everyone loves it!
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Grandad’s Island | Benji Davies | $19.99 | Simon & Schuster Featuring the stunning illustrations and lyrical text we’ve all come to love from Davies, Grandad’s Island deals with the issue of losing a grandparent in a subtle, beautiful way. With the same colour and texture that made us fall in love with On Sudden Hill and The Storm Whale, this book tells the story of Syd and his Grandad as they go on an adventure through a magic door, hop on a big boat and visit a tropical island with a colourful jungle. A thoroughly satisfying and heartfelt story which explores an important issue in a unique, clever way.
“stunning illustrations and lyrical text we’ve all come to love from Davies, Grandad’s Island deals with the issue of losing a grandparent in a subtle, beautiful way.”
08 activities
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Picture Books Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats | Alicia Potter & Brigitta Sif | $24.95 | Walker Books From acclaimed new author Alicia Potter comes a tale with many tails! This is a book filled with scaredy cats; cats terrified of mice, cats frightened of birds, cats who can’t pounce and cats who can’t purr. Miss Hazeltine takes them into her Home for Shy and Fearful Cats and teachers them how to face their fears. Stunningly illustrated by Birgitta Sif, this is a story about conquering your fears, being brave and finding your moment to shine.
“this is a story about conquering your fears,
What This Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig | Emma J. Virgan | $14.99 | HarperCollins Pig goes on an exciting boat ride with some friends in this fun read-aloud debut. Featuring a pig in a wig, a boat in a moat with a frog, a dog and a goat on a log and a panda in a blouse, it becomes clear as the story progresses that they’ll need a bigger boat! Join pig on the boat ride as she discovers that life is more fun with friends.
Better Read Kids
being brave and finding your moment to shine.”
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“Join pig on the boat ride as she discovers that life is more fun with friends.”
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary
05 young
fiction
adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
Picture Books Everyone loves it! Mr Huff | Anna Walker | $24.99 | Penguin
Better Read Kids
Bill is having a bad day and Mr Huff won’t leave him alone. Everything seems difficult; Bill tries to get rid of Mr Huff but he just gets bigger, until he realises that being mad at Mr Huff won’t fix the problem. From award-winning and much-loved author and illustrator Anna Walker, this is a gentle, poignant and affirming picture book sure to encourage young readers to examine the clouds and sunshine in their own lives.
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The Worm Who Knew Karate! | Jill Lever & Terry Denton | $19.99 | Penguin Brian was a happy worm, living peacefully in a beautiful window box. He certainly didn’t think he’d need to learn karate… until it was announced on a billboard that ‘the early bird catches the worm’. Phenomenal children’s illustrator Terry Denton has teamed up with Jill Level to bring us this laugh-outloud picture book about a worm who learns selfdefence.
“a laugh-out-loud picture book about a worm who learns self-defence.”
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activities
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Picture Books The Very Noisy Bear | Nick Bland | $16.99 | Scholastic The Very Cranky Bear and his friends are back, and there’s music in the air at the Jingle Jangle forest! From one of Australia’s favourite children’s authors comes the next instalment in the Bear series, and this time Bear is on the hunt for the perfect musical instrument. Will he chose a trumpet? Or will he decide that the violin is perfect for him?
“The Very Cranky Bear and his friends are back, and there’s music in the air at the Jingle Jangle forest.”
Everyone in the house is sleeping, but outside, the night world is wide-awake. It’s a wonderful night to explore! Perfect for bedtime, this book from Caldecott Medalist Mordicai Gerstein celebrates the secrets of the night world and the joys of the sunrise in a beautifully illustrated and illuminating tale.
“celebrates the secrets of the night world and the joys of the sunrise”.
Adams’ Pick Better Read Kids
The Night World | Mordicai Gerstein | $26.99 | Hachette
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
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activities
Junior Fiction Samurai vs. Ninja Books 3 & 4 | Nick Falk & Tony Flowers | $9.99 each | Random House Samurai and Ninja are thrown into battle once again when a traditional festival goes horribly wrong. The ghosts of their ancestors return in the third instalment of this hilarious series for beginner readers. Power must be reclaimed from the ancestors who rule with an iron fist. The only option? A fearsome fight to end them all! And be sure to check out book four, featuring a fearsome curse Kiss your katana and chisel your chopsticks, two more epic battles are out now.
“Kiss your katana and chisel your chopsticks, two more epic battles are out now.”
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The Bad Guys: Episode 1 | Aaron Blabey | $9.99 | Scholastic
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Mr Wolf, Mr Shark, Mr Snake and Mr Piranha are bad guys; they are scary and dangerous and well… just bad. But they want to be heroes. So they set out to do good deeds, whether they are wanted or not. Buckle up for the funniest, naughtiest and coolest new series for kids from one of our all-time favourite Aussie authors.
“the funniest, naughtiest and coolest new series for kids from one of our all-time favourite Aussie authors.”
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Junior Fiction Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice | Daniel Pinkwater | $12.95 | Walker Books Four far-sighted mice get glasses and a talking cat solves a family mystery as the charmingly eccentric Mrs. Noodlekugel returns in this exciting adventure. It’s all a day in the life of Daniel Pinkwater’s whimsical characters, in this chapter book series whose comical tone and cosy illustrations are sure to keep young readers coming back for more.
“Four far-sighted mice get glasses and a talking cat solves a family mystery” When I am Happiest | Rose Lagercrantz | $15.99 | Gecko Press
“a story about sorrow and joy, and how life really is.”
The Year of Billy Miller | Kevin Henkes | $14.99 | HarperCollins When Billy Miller visits the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he has an unlucky fall and ends up with a small lump on his head. What a way to start second grade! As the year goes by Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family. A short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny tale that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums.
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Dani is very happy, it’s the last day of school, and summer is about to start. But then there’s a knock on the classroom door, and Dani is told her father has been in an accident. He’s in the hospital! How can she possibly be happy now? A warm and heartfelt story about Dani’s love for her dad and her ongoing friendship with Ella. this is a beautiful story about sorrow and joy, and how life really is.
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
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activities
Primary Fiction
Better Read Kids
Book of the month
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My Brother is a Superhero | David Solomons | $12.99 | Allen & Unwin ‘Sometimes all it takes to change the way your life turns out are four little words “I need a wee.”’ Luke Parker was just your average comic book fan until his boring, teachers-pet brother Zack got turned into a superhero. Luke cannot believe how unfair it it, but at least he can help Zack – aka Star Guy – use his newfound powers and make decisions like whether or not to wear a cape. When Star Guy gets into trouble it’s up to Luke and his neighbour Lara to save the world. This is the funniest debut we’ve read in a long time!
“Sometimes all it takes to change the way your life turns out are four little words ‘I need a wee’.”
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
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06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
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Primary Fiction The Pointless Leopard | Colas Gutman | $14.99 | Allen & Unwin
Amelia’s Pick
In this witty tale of insistent parents and talking animals, a child questions his purpose. ‘In the country, there’s nothing to do, except: admire. It’s the same as being bored, but with your eyes wide open.’ The hilarious story of grumpy city-child Leonard, forced to go for country walks with his greenery-loving mum and dad, is a wonderful reminder of what use we may be to the world. What do we know? What can we do? And is any of it of real value? A charming tale for all, about the parts we play in the lives of others.
“In this witty tale of insistent parents and talking animals, a child questions his purpose.”
Felix hoped the Nazis would be defeated, and they were. He hoped the war would be over, and it was. He hoped they would be safe, but they aren’t. Soon continues the incredibly moving story of Felix, a Jewish boy struggling to survive in the wake of the liberation of Poland at the end of World War Two. Gleitzman has done it again, delivering a heartfelt poetic novel which not only kids, but their parents and grandparents, will cherish.
“Felix hoped the war would be over, and it was. He hoped they would be safe, but they aren’t”
Better Read Kids
Soon | Morris Gleitzman | $19.99 | Penguin
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
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activities
Primary Fiction Empire of the Waves: Voyage of the Moon Child | Christopher Richardson | $16.99 | Penguin Pel Narine is on the edge of war, and Anni Tidechild is on the brink of change. Uncertain about her past and fearful of the future, Anni lives a life of evasion; avoiding both her guardian, Wavelord Filip Able, and the voice that calls to her from the sea. When she meets Duck Knifetooth, the new friends are catapulted into unforeseen danger: pirates, the last giant, a mysterious ship and ancient creatures of the deep. From an exciting new voice comes the first book in a thrilling series - an epic seafaring quest for truth and freedom.
Better Read Kids
Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars | Martine Murray | $14.99 | Text
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Molly has a strange life. Her mama collects herbs at dawn and makes potions, her father and brothers have gone away, and her house feels like a gyspy caravan. She wishes she could be more like her best friend, Ellen, who has a normal family and a normal house. When Molly’s mama makes a potion that has a wild and shocking effect, Molly looks for a way to make things right, and discovers the magic and value of her own unusual life. Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars is a delightful story about friendship and acceptance and learning to see the wonder in the world.
Zarkora: The Fyrelit Tragedy | Nicholas & Alison Lochel | $16.99 | Hachette A city lost to darkness, a ruthless enemy and two brothers on an impossible quest. Five years after the death of their parents, poor farm boys Neleik and Ervine Fyrelit witness the kidnapping of their beloved little sister, Skye. Determined to rescue her, the Fyrelit brothers set off on a journey into darkness.The Fyrelit Tragedy is the first in the four-book Zarkora series, from an Australian brother-and-sister writing team.
“A city lost to darkness, a ruthless enemy and two brothers on an impossible quest.”
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Primary Fiction Nooks & Crannies | Jessica Lawson | $22.99 | Simon & Schuster Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents doesn’t have a friend in the world—except for her pet mouse, Pemberley, whom she loves dearly. But one day she, along with five other random children, receives an invitation to the country estate of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss. Upon their arrival at the sprawling, possibly haunted mansion, it turns out the countess has a very big secret; one that will change the children’s lives forever. Then the children beginning disappearing, one by one. Tabitha takes a cue from her favourite detective novels and, with Pemberley by her side, attempts to solve the case and rescue the other children. Nooks and Crannies is a humorous mystery with heart.
“a humorous mystery with heart.”
This is the story of Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings and all weekend knocking down wrestlers. He’s the Demolition Man, and Jake couldn’t be prouder. But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don’t quite turn out the way he expected. This is Dahl’s Danny the Champion of the World in Spandex; a hilarious, warm-hearted story from a talented writer.
“This is Dahl’s Danny the Champion of the World in Spandex; a hilarious, warm-hearted story.”
Better Read Kids
Demolition Dad | Phil Earle | $14.99 | Hachette
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Young Adult
Better Read Kids
Alison’s Pick
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Freedom Ride | Sue Lawson | $17.95 | Walker There was a time when things were different in Walgaree – a time when there was clear rules about who you can talk to and where you can go. But things are changing in 1965, and Robbie isn’t sure how to feel about it. At the uncomfortable age of questions and rebellion, Robbie comes into contact with an Aboriginal person and everything he thought he knew is thrown into question. As tensions mount, Robbie must face his own fears and prejudices, as well as the towns. This is a gritty and real drama based on true events, depicting the tensions between White and Aboriginal Australians in rural communities of the 1960s.
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly | Stephanie Oakes | $19.99 | HarperCollins The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, and her ability to trust. And when Minnow rebelled, they took away her hands. Now the Kevinian Prophet has been murdered and the camp set aflame; it’s clear Minnow knows something. But she’s not talking. As she adjusts to a life behind bars in juvenile detention, Minnow struggles to make sense of all she has been taught to believe. Powerful and compelling, this remarkable and brave debut novel reveals the terrible dangers of blind faith. And the importance of having faith in yourself.
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
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Young Adult The Accident Season | Moira Fowley-Doyle | $17.99 | Random House It’s the accident season, the same time every year. Bones break, skin tears, bruises bloom. The accident season has been part of seventeen-year-old Cara’s life for as long as she can remember. Towards the end of October, foreshadowed by the deaths of many relatives before them, Cara’s family becomes inexplicably accident-prone. They banish knives to locked drawers, cover sharp table edges with padding, switch off electrical items - but injuries follow wherever they go, and The Accident Season becomes an ever-growing obsession and fear. A bewitching, dark and beautiful debut novel about a girl living in the shadow of a mysterious curse.
Ollie and Moritz are best friends, but they can never meet. Ollie has a life-threatening allergy to electricity, and Moritz’s weak heart requires a pacemaker. Living as recluses from society, the boys develop a fierce bond through letters that become a lifeline during dark times. While Ollie loses his only friend, Liz, to the normalcy of high school, Moritz deals with a bully set on destroying him. Narrated in letter form, this story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances blends elements of science fiction with coming of age themes, in a humorous, dark, and ultimately inspiring tale that is completely unforgettable.
Frankie and Joely | Nova Weetman | $19.95 | Penguin Frankie and Joely are best friends. It’s summer and, together, the girls are escaping the city and their mums for a week of freedom in the country. But when Joely introduces Frankie to her country cousins, Thommo and Mack, it soon becomes clear that something other than the heat is getting under their skin. As the temperature rises, local boy Rory stirs things up even more and secrets start to blister. Will they still be ‘Frankie and Joely’ by the end of their holiday? This is a quiet but powerful novel about friendship and the things that can make or break them.
Better Read Kids
Because You’ll Never Meet Me | Leah Thomas | $15.99 | Allen & Unwin
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Better Read Kids
Graphic Novels
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Travels of an Extraordinary Hamster | Astrid Desbordes | $18.99 | Gecko Press Hamster lives in the clearing among his friends, Mole, Snail, Hedgehog and Rabbit. They are very accepting of Hamster, who is unapologetically selfish but somehow endearing. Hamster is determined to visit his cousins on the moon. He knows they must be eager to meet him. But his friends decide to go to the North Pole instead. A funny full-colour early chapter book told entirely in pictures and speech bubbles. Full of quirks, humour and ideas to discuss.
Oddly Normal | Otis Frampton | $21.99 | Ingrams Meet Oddly Normal, a ten-year-old girl with pointed ears and green hair - a half-witch who will be the first to tell you that having a mother from a magical land called Fignation and a father from Earth doesn’t make it easy to make friends at school! On her tenth birthday, she blows out her cake’s candles and makes a disastrous wish. Now, Oddly must travel to Fignation to uncover the mystery of her parents’ disappearance. An uplifting adventure about embracing your differences.
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Non-Fiction The Silly Book of Weird and Wacky Words | Andy Seed | $14.99 | Allen & Unwin Do you know what ‘park your jam on the frog’ means? Fancy some ognib? What rhymes with ‘circus’? The Silly Book of Weird and Wonderful Words answers all these questions as well as showing you many more amazing things you never knew about words. Have hours of fun wixing up your murds with this hilarious book, packed full of rhymes, puns, games, jokes, gibberish and more.
“showing you many amazing things you never
Time Traveler: Inventions & Prehistory | Oldrich Ruzicka | $22.99 | Allen & Unwin A fun new format including a time traveller’s dial allows kids to explore some of the greatest inventions in history. This interactive book format invites children to go through different time periods, learning about the invention of the bicycle, the first telephone, the airplane and many more. The cover mechanism enables them to dial into and learn about a specific period in history through colorful and inviting illustrations and facts. This entertaining reference tool is a great resource and addition to a home library. Be sure to check out Prehistory as well, which goes through a timeline of evolution.
“A fun new format including a time traveller’s dial allows kids to explore some of the greatest inventions in history.”
Better Read Kids
knew about words.”
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01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Activities The Superhero Comic Kit | Jason Ford | $27.99 | Thames & Hudson Draw, colour and sticker your very own superhero comic books! Make superheroes or even yourself the stars of each super adventure! The book contains 10 exciting 8-page comics to draw, colour and complete. Each adventure has super story prompts to start you off and the rest is up to you! You can even pull them out, put them together and give them to your friends to read. Also includes sections on how to create and draw your superheroes and super villains, and over 100 fantastic stickers to add to your stories.
“Draw, colour and sticker your very own superhero comic books!”
Better Read Kids
Write Your Own Adventure Stories | Paul Dowsell | $19.99 | Usborne This is a handy write-in book which will allow children to pen their very own adventure story. With lots of hints and tips on how to create characters, plan plots, write dialogue and stage all-important action scenes, this book will start budding writers off with simple exercises, and build them up until they are racing through their own short stories. A sure-fire way to keep children busy these school holidays.
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“a handy write-in book which will allow children to pen their very own adventure story.”
Better Read Kid’s Individualised Services Specialised Recommendations for All! • Do you have a voracious reader you just can’t keep up with? We can show you the latest and best new releases that they’re sure to love. • Looking for a book on a specific topic or theme to match your child’s interests? We’ve got them covered, from dinosaurs to Frozen! • Are you struggling to get your child enthusiastic about reading and are on the hunt for inspiration? Let us help you find the one that might turn it all around. • Sort of remember the vague colour and shape of a book you saw that one time and hoping to find it? Test our memory! You may be surprised. Complimentary Gift-Wrapping with Purchase We use beautiful, Australian-made wrapping paper suitable for any celebration. Only $6.95 for standard shipping via Australia Post. Gift Vouchers Available in any amount and valid for a whole year! Book Clubs
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Better Read Kids
We currently run numerous book clubs for kids out of our store most Saturdays in which Amelia and various groups of amazing kids aged 7-16 get together and dissect a book that we selected the previous month. Anyone is welcome to join!
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