Better Read Kids 1
August Reading Guide 2 0 15 bet terreadkids.com.au
Welcome to the Better Read Kids August Reading Guide!
Better Read Kids
This August is a very exciting month in the Children’s book world. The third and final book in Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil series is out; we are so excited that we have made the entire series our kids book of the month. We have also selected Jo Witek’s heartwarming new picture book As Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage as our Picture Book of the Month.
2
As if we weren’t excited enough, on the 12th of August The 65-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffith’s and Terry Denton will be released, and we are hosting their only Sydney event and book signing! Head to our events website, www.betterreadevents.com to find out more and book a seat or five!
01 baby &
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.
04 primary
3
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
Better Read Kids
Baby & Toddler
Once I Heard a Little Wombat | Renee Treml | $14.99 | Random House What is not to love about baby Australian animals? Baby Tasmanian Devil’s, Bilby’s and sugar glider’s and other animals all feature in this beautifully illustrated book based on a classic Australian nursey rhymes. With rollicking rhythm and rhyme, this book will be a delight for parents to read and kids to enjoy.
4
“beautifully illustrated book based on a classic Australian nursey rhymes.”
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
Baby & Toddler
Steph’s Pick
Are We There Yet? I Spy | Alison Lester | $19.99 | Penguin We all know and love Alison Lester’s classic, Are We There Yet? which took us on a magical road trip around Australia. Road trips and I Spy are a classic combination, and paired perfectly in this fabulous and fun new edition! Specially adapted for younger readers, this playful lift-the-flap version of Lester’s book follows the travels of Grace and her family while engaging children in a game of I Spy.
Where’s The Pair? | Britta Teckentrup | $24.95 | Hardie Grant This stylish follow-up to The Odd One Out features witty rhyming puzzles and elegant illustrations. Can you spot two Siamese cats? Can you see a pair of fish with the same fins?! The talented Teckentrup’s latest offering will be the most beautifully presented and most contemporary search-and-find book you’ve ever seen.
“the most beautifully presented and most contemporary search-and-find book you’ve ever seen.”
Better Read Kids
“Road trips and I Spy are a classic combination, and paired perfectly in this fabulous and fun new edition.”
5
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!
6
Brave As Can Be: A Book of Courage | Jo Witek | $19.99 | Thames & Hudson We all adored Jo Witek’s In My Heart: A Book of Feeling and anxiously awaited her next book! Featuring die-cut shapes and charming illustrations, Brave as Can Be is as heart-warming and empowering as we hoped. There are a lot of things in childhood that frightened us; the dark, the neighbour’s dog, thunderstorm, but as we grow we develop a newfound confidence. In this lyrical, insightful book an older sister talks to her younger sister about all the things she used to be afraid of and gives her some helpful tips to overcome her own fears; whether a special blanket to help you fall asleep and a singing during a storm This playful portrait of fear and bravery empowers young readers to confront once-scary situations.
08 activities
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary
05 young
fiction
adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Picture Books The Marvellous Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty | Beatrice Alemagna | $27.99 | Thames & Hudson Edith is five-and-a-half and her friends call her Eddie. Her mum, dad and sister are very talented, but what can Eddie do? For example, can she find a Marvellous Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty to give as a present on Mum’s birthday? But what is an MFSIB, and where in town can you get one? The story, gorgeously illustrated, follows Eddie from local bakery to local florist and beyond as she goes in search of the elusive item.
The Princess & the Pony | Kate Beaton | $24.95 | Walker Books Princess Pinecone knows just what she wants for her birthday this year. A big horse. A strong horse. A horse fit for a Warrior Princess! But when the day arrives, she doesn’t quite get the horse of her dreams... Introducing Kate Beaton, a major new picture book talent, The Princess and the Pony is a laugh-out-loud story of brave warriors, big surprises, and falling in love with one unforgettable little pony.
Amelia’s Pick
“a laugh-out-loud story of brave warriors, big surprises, and falling in
love with one unforgettable little pony.”
Better Read Kids
“can she find a Marvellous Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty to give as a present on Mum’s birthday?”
7
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary
05 young
fiction
adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08
activities
Picture Books
Better Read Kids
How the Sun Got to Coco’s House | Bob Graham | $24.95 | Walker Books Prolific, multi-award-winning writer and illustrator Bob Graham brings us this enchanting new story which traces the journey of the sun, across countries, oceans and cities, on its way to Coco’s house. Rising behind a snowy peak, casting daylight on a polar bear, beaming through the trees of a forest and forming shadows in a little girl’s footsteps; the sun races across the world, beaming down on each character and page before bursting at last through Coco’s window. A warming, beautiful picture book.
8
Alpha | Isabelle Arsenault | $24.95 | Walker Books Aviators and firefighters are just some of the folk who make use of the NATO Phonetic alphabet system. Devised in the 1950s to make radio communications simpler, this alphabet remains the global standard. Alpha dedicates a beautiful illustration to each and every letter. From the well-known a, b, c to the lesser known “Papa” for p or o for “Oscar”, this delightful picture book covers them all.
“Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta Echo…”
Adams’ Pick
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 Pig & Pug | Lynne Berry | $24.99 | Simon & Schuster Pug is rather pugnacious; Pig is a bit pigheaded. When these two meet, bickering, chasing, and even some mud wrestling ensue. But after some creative compromises, Pig and Pug manage to settle their differences and become friends...at least for the time being. See how their similarities show up in this mischievous picture book that’s perfect for pet lovers.
In the Evening | Edwina Wyatt | $24.95 | Hardie Grant Oscar and Charlie are complete opposites; Oscar is shy and stays in whereas Charlie is bold and plays outside. Can they ever be friends? This story reflects on many anxieties about meeting new people, even if they are different to you, and is an enchanting tale of friendship that buds, falters, recovers and blossoms by emerging author Edwina Wyatt and award-winning illustrator Gaye Chapman.
“This story reflects on many anxieties
about meeting new people, even if they are different to you”
Better Read Kids
“Pug is rather pugnacious; Pig is a bit pigheaded. When these two meet, bickering, chasing, and even some mud wrestling ensue.”
9
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 Dory Fantasmagory | Abby Hanlon | $13.99 | Ingrams Youngest in the family and bursting with energy and imagination, six-year-old Dory is called Rascal by her brother and sister, who (she feels) don’t pay her enough attention! Undeterred, she has invented a host of imaginary characters—notably monsters (mostly cute)—who are definitely up for the kind of fun and mischief Dory requires. It’s often hectic and hilarious when, all under the one roof, Dory’s wildly phantasmagorical friends interact with her longsuffering and loving family.
Better Read Kids
“she has invented a host of imaginary characters—notably monsters (mostly cute)— who are definitely up for the kind of fun and mischief Dory requires”
10
Kismet & the Case of the Tassie Tiger | Frank Woodley | $9.99 | Penguin When livestock are being attacked and there are sightings of the (thought-to-be-extinct) Tasmanian tiger, it’s up to inquisitive young Gretchen, her cheeky currawong Kismet and the bumbling Detective Spencer to save the day! This story is written by the renowned Australian comedian Frank Woodley and is as charming and hilarious as you’d expect.
“written by the renowned Australian comedian Frank Woodley and is as charming and hilarious as you’d expect.”
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 Little Lunch: The Off-Limits Fence | Danny Katz | $9.95 | Walker Books What can happen in fifteen minutes?! This is the sixth instalment in the popular series that has delighted both children and their parents. This series follows the adventures of a group of friends who manage to cram more than anyone might expect into their ‘little lunch’. Melanie opens an insect hospital, scandal erupts from a game of Chinese whispers around a tree, and Rory kicks his football over the off-limits fence. This book is timed to coincide with the release of a new TV program on ABC3.
Lola’s Toy Box #2: On the Story Sea | Danny Parker | $12.95 | Hardie Grant Lola’s old toy box is a magical passageway to a world where toys come to life! Follow Lola and her trusty (but a little bit wonky) clown Buddy on their next adventure, this time as they set sail across the story sea. With its stunning illustrations and word art, this beautiful and unique series celebrates the magic and wonder of imagination and helps boost reading confidence.
“this beautiful and unique series celebrates the magic and wonder of imagination.”
Better Read Kids
“What can happen in fifteen minutes?! ”
11
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
Better Read Kids
Series of the Month
12
The School for Good and Evil Series | Soman Chainani | $14.99 each | Harper Collins I really loved The School For Good & Evil because it really makes you question the reality of what it is to be “good” or “evil”. It’s a story about friendship and how love for your friend can make even the worst witch better. I’m really really looking forward to the next book because the author has left us with a cliff hanger and I NEED to know what’s going to happen next! Ayse - aged (almost) 12
“a story about friendship and how love for your friend can make even the worst witch better.”
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
Fuzzy Mud | Louis Sachar | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin A routine walk home from Woodbridge Academy is disrupted by a bully; attempting to avoid conflict Tamaya and Marshall are thrown into bigger trouble than they ever could have imagined! Discovering a short cut home, by-passing Chad the bully through the off-limit woods, they soon get lost and incidentally uncover something that gets the authorities and US Senate involed, and might affect the future of the world. Will their next step be their last? Fuzzy Mud is a bighearted thriller by the highly praised author of Holes.
“attempting to avoid conflict Tamaya and
Marshall are thrown into bigger trouble than they ever could have imagined”
Better Read Kids
Star of Deltora: Shadows of the Master | Emily Rodda | $9.99 | Scholastic Emily Rodda has a new series coming out and it’s part of the much loved Deltora Series! With four books planned, Star of Deltora is a series which chronicles the tale of Britta who dreams of becoming a trader and sailor like her father. Her dreams seemed safe until her fathers quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Brittas ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it whatever the cost.
13
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
Better Read Kids
Under the Egg | Laura Marx Fitzgerald | $14.99 | Penguin This is the charming story of Theodora Tenpenny’s struggle to take care of her ailing mother and hold on to her 200-year-old townhouse. All of Theo’s problems look to be solved when she discovers a Renaissance masterpiece hidden beneath one of her grandfather’s paintings, there’s just one problem: Theo’s grandfather used to be a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and she fears the painting may be stolen. Theo’s search for answers teaches her things about Manhattan – and her grandfather – that she never knew. She has to abandon her hardwon self-reliance and build a community in order to solve the mystery of the painting.
14
Steph’s Pick
Ugly: Young Readers Edition | Robert Hoge | $16.99 | Hachette We all read (and absolutely adored) Palacio’s Wonder, but something more can be said about Ugly, a true story about a boy called Robert Hoge who was born with a tumour in the middle of his face and legs that weren’t much use. Medically, Robert was one-of-a-kind, yet growing up in Brisbane his childhood was pretty ordinary. He had a mum, a dad, brothers and sisters, friends at school, days at the beach, trouble with his teachers, and doctors–lots and lots of doctors. This is an inspiring and eye-opening book, adapted from the adult biography of the same name, about overcoming your differences and getting on with your own Wonderful life.
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 Jaguar Trials | Ruth Eastham | $14.99 | Scholastic Young Ben is on a trip to South America when he stumbles across the mystery of El Dorado. Literally meaning “The Golden Man” or the “The Golden City” , El Dorado, after it’s mythic ruler who supposedly powdered himself in gold as part of an initiation, the legend of El Dorado grew to become an entire city covered in gold. But danger lurks within. Ben will need help from his newfound friends , not to mention wit and bravery, to solve the mystery and save the day.
“the third adventure of the very intelligent and well-read Friday Barnes.”
League of Seven | Alan Gratz | $19.99 | Ingrams The first in an action-packed, steampunk series; The League of Seven is set in an 1875 America where electricity is forbidden and evil lurks in the shadows. Archie Dent’s parents are members of a society in charge of protecting humanity from hideous giants. Yet Archie must assemble a team of seven young heroes to save theworld as these monsters rise and brainwash the adults in the society. A fascinating historical location combines with a fast paced fantastical plot in this exciting new series.
Better Read Kids
Friday Barnes #3: Big Trouble | R. A. Spratt | $15.99 | Random House In the third adventure of the very intelligent and well-read Friday Barnes, she must crack the case of her missing mother, reign in the new Princess at her school and solve the mystery of the school’s master thief. R.A. Spratt delivers again with a wonderfully clever and funny book.
15
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
Young Adult
Better Read Kids
Mischa’s Pick
16
The Peony Lantern | Frances Watts | $16.99 | Harper Collins Frances Watts, Queen of Australian teenage historical fiction, brings us another spellbinding saga; this time set in a samurai mansion in nineteenth-century Japan. Kasumi, having left her remote village to become a lading-in-waiting, discovers her artistic talent and falls in love with a young samurai. The idea of having to return to her simple village life terrifies her, yet her own concerns are set aside as her country faces great change, and a dangerous secret draws Kasumi deep into the conflict.
“spellbinding saga; this time set in a samurai mansion in nineteenth-century Japan.�
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
Green Valentine | Lili Wilkinson | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin Lobster Girl, otherwise known as Astrid Katy Smythe – beautiful, popular, smart – meets Shopping Trolley Boy (aka Hiro), who is the opposite of perfect. Rude and resentful, it seems fitting that Hiro meets Astrid whilst wrangling shopping trolleys in a shopping centre. United by a desire to save the world from itself, will their vast differences divide the pair? A romantic comedy and life and love and trying to make the world a better place.
Remix | Non Pratt | $16.95 | Walker Books Three days. Two best mates. One music festival. To Kaz, who has just been dumped by the love of her life, this seems like the perfect formula. To Ruby, bored of hearing about Kaz’s relationship, it’s the perfect change to change things around. From the author of Trouble comes a new novel about boys, bands and best mates, and a weekend that has Zero chance of working out.
Better Read Kids
Young Adult
17
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 Emmy & Oliver | Robin Benway | $19.99 | Simon & Schuster After Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago she hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Of course it’s not as easy as that. This is a sensitive, thoughtful, and at times sad story about relationships and Benway does a brilliant job at depicting a teenager’s relationships with her friends, family and partner.
“a sensitive, thoughtful, and at times sad story about relationships”
Better Read Kids
Adrift | Paul Griffin | $19.99 | Text Publishing Adrift is a fast paced novel about five very different teens who get lost at sea. Best friends Matt and John get caught up with Driana, JoJo and Stef on their holiday in Montauk and find themselves heading out to the Atlantic at midnight on a stolen boat. Temptation rivals sensibility in this riveting new novel, leaving you on edge wondering how (and whether) they’ll get back alive.
18
Running Girl | Simon Mason | $19.99 | Bertams Running Girl is a riveting crime novel full of fast-paced, intense drama and intensity that’s sure to keep teens reading to the end. The protagonist is a teenage boy named Garvie Smith, who is super smart but unmotivated. Garvie used to date the girl who has been murdered and decides to take it upon himself to find out who murdered her. Clever twist and turns will keep you guessing until the end.
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Steve Jobs: Insanely Great |Jessie Hartland | $19.99 | Random House Hartland presents the life of this legendary figure in a accessible graphic format. This is more than just a biography; it’s a uniquely stylish presentation on the life of the tastemaker and icon that’s both even-handed and motivational and inspirational. Hartland shows us both sides of Job’s persona, the ambitious perfectionist, determined to succeed, but also the philanthropist and leader who brought things into our lives that now we could not do without.
Baba Yaga’s Assistant | Marika McCoola | $24.95 | Walker Baba Yaga is one of my favorite fairy tale characters! Often portrayed as a wicked witch who lives in the forest on a house with giant chicken legs for stilts, Baba Yaga can also be a funny and misunderstood character. Some versions of the story even cast the local children as the wicked ones, not the other way around! This version has young Masha going to serve as Baba Yaga’s apprentice. Expect magic and wicked trickery in abundance.
Better Read Kids
Graphic Novels
19
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
Better Read Kids
Non-Fiction
20
The School of Art | Daniel Frost | $29.99 | Allen & Unwin This handsome book covers a host of art and design fundamentals in forty accessible lessons. Things like color, line, composition, and perspective are covered in exercises as fun as they are informative. One of the authors is a teacher and lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London and the illustrator is a Royal College of Art graduate, resulting in a solidly researched book with good looks to boot. A great introduction (or reminder) of the essentials.
“Things like color, line, composition, and perspective are covered in exercises as fun as they are informative.�
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
Non-Fiction The Amazing Human Body Detectives | Maggie Li | $19.99 | Harper Collins From the series which included Bug Detective comes an interactive, illustrated book about understanding and exploring the body. No nook and cranny is left undiscovered, no goosebump left unexplored. Hidden elements can be searched for and found on every page, making the reading experience not only informative, but fun and humorous too! Facts, myths and quirks of our bodies will all be uncovered.
White Mouse: The Story of Nancy Wake | | $26.99 | Scholastic The Gestapo called her The White Mouse - and they wanted her, dead or alive. Nancy Wake was an Australian who joined the French Resistance during World War II and became the most wanted woman in France. Parachuting behind enemy lines, blowing up bridges and smuggling refugees across borders, Nancy fought fiercely against the enemy and became the most decorated Australian woman in any war.
“joined the French Resistance during World War II and became the most
Better Read Kids
“No nook and cranny is left undiscovered, no goosebump left unexplored.”
21
01 baby & toddler
02 picture books
03 junior fiction
04 primary fiction
05 young adult
06 graphic novels
07 non fiction
08 activities
Activities Trains A Complete History | Philip Steele | $27.99 | Thames & Hudson An icon of the Industrial Revolution, railroads were essential to the progress of the 19th and 20th centuries. Today’s trains travel at speeds up to 268 miles per hour and continue to push the limits. Trains: A Complete History provides an excellent overview of the train models that were groundbreaking in their respective eras. Complete with a detachable collection of press-out model train pieces, Trains: A Complete History is the twoin-one book that will have train enthusiasts tooting their horns and yelling “All aboard!”
Better Read Kids
“overview of the train models that were groundbreaking in their respective eras”
22
Fill Me In | Moose Allain | $19.95 | Hardie Grant There’s inspiration for any and all ages in this delightful activity book. Draw, doodle and colour your way through the wonderful world of Moose, whose playfully half-constructed scenes are full of spaces for creative collaboration and elaboration. Outer-space-scapes, insectscapes, cityscapes, seascapes… There’s some charming wordplay in the headings and captions, too. Silly or serious, simple or complex, reckless or meticulous— whatever your contribution’s style, it’ll look great!
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
Special Events Better Read Kids regularly hosts author visits and signings. To keep alerted to these exciting events make sure you sign up to our mailing list!
Winter Trading Hours Monday-Sunday
9 am - 9 pm
Stay Up-to-Date Better Read Kids @BetterReadKids
Better Read Kids 265 King Street Newtown NSW 2042 E books@betterread.com.au P (+61 2) 9557 8700 F (+61 2) 9557 8560 W betterreadkids.com.au
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!
23