SUMMER RE ADING GUIDE 2018-19
BETTER READ KIDS 265 KING ST NEWTOWN NSW 2042 02 9557 8700 WWW.BETTERREAD.COM.AU KIDS@BETTERREAD.COM.AU
PICTURE BOOKS
But Not the Armadillo | Sandra Boynton | $9.99 | Little Simon | Jan’s Pick Armadillo goes where his nose leads him. He is charming, curious, independent but still needs reassurance. Join him on his travels as he picks cranberries, stops and smells the flowers, and takes a nap in the meadow. A gentle and cute read for littlies to follow the Armadillo wherever he goes.
Kahlo’s Koalas: The Great Artists Counting Book | Marcus Chown | $14.99 | Buster Books | Lillian’s Pick From Monet’s mice to Picasso’s pandas and Kandinsky’s kangaroos, this beautiful 1-10 counting book provides an imaginative learning experience for tiny tots, complete with information about each artist. Helmer’s illustrations are the highlight, providing quirky renderings of each animal in the style of their associated world-renowned artist. Overall, Kahlo’s Koalas is an alliterative, informative and innovative introduction to numbers, animals and art appreciation.
Animalphabet | Julia Donaldson & Sharon King-Chai | $24.99 | Two Hoots | Mandy’s Pick
Chomp Goes the Crocodile | Matthew Van Fleet | $29.99 | Paula Wiseman | Mandy’s Pick
Who can slither better than a rabbit? A snake of course! Cleverly cut flaps, hints and peep-through holes will amaze and delight young children, turning this picture book into an entertaining guessing game, as the bold, colourful artwork guides them through the alphabet. As always, Julia Donaldson’s rhythmic text is great fun to read aloud, inviting kids to compare one animal to another.
Little hands will be kept busy with the sturdy pull-tabs and touch-and-feels on every page as this hungry croc chomp, chomp, chomps his way through the swamp, growing bigger with each feast. Never fear — all ends well with a big surprise pop-up burp that releases all the creatures unharmed! Can you count them?
Mix-a-Mutt | Sara Ball | $26.99 | Abbeville Press | Dean’s Pick Mix-A-Mutt offers hours of fun, mixing and matching different dog bodies to create brand new dog breeds. Ever thought of a Dachshund-Labrador-Retriever-Komondor mix? Complete with exciting dog facts on each breed’s nose, legs and tail, this is the most indoor fun you will have all summer (apart from playing with your pup).
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Giraffe Problems | Jory John & Lane Smith | $24.99 | Walker Books | Jan’s Pick
All the Ways To Be Smart | Davina Bell & Allison Colpoys | $24.99 | Scribble | Jan’s Pick
Poor Edward the Giraffe just can’t understand why his neck is so long and awkward. He hides it behind the bushes, disguises it, but it still remains a ridiculous, bendy thing he just doesn’t know what to do with! But then his friend Turtle comes along and tells him he should be proud — after all, his neck would look amazing with a bow tie. A laugh-out-loud, fun story about accepting who we are.
Smart is kindness and caring, Smart is imagination and taking chances, Smart is counting to forty and knowing when you are naughty, Smart is drawing and rhyming. In this whimsical, colourful tale, we learn of the funny and wonderful qualities that make children unique. A fabulous book for nurturing confidence and reassuring children that we can all be smart in our own way.
A very hungry crow lucks upon some people dancing at a ceremony, and making a fire to cook a lovely big turtle egg. Yum! He swoops down and steals that egg, is startled by a kookaburra, drops it into a wallaby’s pouch, and watches it roll out along the grass and into the river where an old man lifts it into his canoe, paddles over to some people at a ceremony and gives it to them. Watching from a tree, that clever crow swoops down, grabs that egg and flies away! This delightful, dramatically illustrated picture book is presented in English and Djambarrpuynu, one of the many languages of the Indigenous people of north east Arnhem Land.
PICTURE BOOKS
Clever Crow | Nina Lawrence & Bronwyn Bancroft | $24.99 | Magabala Books | Mandy’s Pick
Midnight at the Library | Ursula Dubosarsky & Ron Brooks | $24.99 | National Library of Australia | Sylvia’s Pick This beautifully thoughtful book by the exceptional Ursula Dubosarsky and talented Ron Brooks (both winners of numerous awards) centres on libraries as a home for culture and story-telling. As we follow the golden book (an inhabitant of the library) and its writer, we learn about the journey of a book, from being written, printed, made, bought and sold, to being read by generation after generation. A true inspiration for booklovers young and old.
Cherries | Carrie Gallasch & Sara Acton | $24.99 | Little Hare | Sylvia’s Pick It’s summer in Australia – think sausage sangers and hammocks – and the kids are enjoying everything the season has to offer as they wait for the cherry harvest to ripen. The gentle warmth of the charming watercolour illustrations matches the tone of the story perfectly, and the build in anticipation for that first taste of ripe summer fruit is beautifully described.
The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin | Nicola O’Byrne | $24.99 | Nosy Crow | Mischa’s Pick
How To Nab A Rabbit | Claire Freedman & Monika Filipina | $24.99 | Simon & Schuster | Jan’s Pick
This is a delightful picture book about a rabbit who decides to kidnap the Dark inside a biscuit tin - but there are a lot of good things the Dark does that Rabbit isn’t aware of. Nicola O’Byrne offers a clever new perspective on the dark, and Rabbit is the perfect endearing little character to take with you to bed!
Big Bad Wolf is revealing some daring stunts for how to nab a rabbit to cook in your pie. You must be sly or go in disguise, and if you make a shamble of it, some vegetable stew will have to do. A fun laugh-out-loud read that will give you a zing and make you believe that vegetables are the most surprising thing.
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PICTURE BOOKS Grandma Bird | Benji Davies | $24.99 | Simon & Schuster | Steph’s Pick From my favourite contemporary picture book author Benji Davies comes Grandma Bird, a fantastic adventure story about a young boy who is just a little bit reluctant to stay with his grandmother. The fact that she lives on a tiny island with not a whole lot to do and serves him seaweed soup certainly doesn’t help… but things change when Noi and his grandma are swept up in a daring adventure. With the same wit, warmth and wonder as The Storm Whale and Grandpa’s Island, Grandma Bird is the perfect story for young readers and parents alike.
Potato Pants! | Laurie Keller | $24.99 | Henry Holt | Jan’s Pick A quirky, funny tale about Potato who is so excited that Lance Vance’s Fancy Pants Store is going to be selling potato pants. He has his eye on the stripey pair (with stripey suspenders for added stripey-ness) that are in the window. One problem though: Eggplant is in the store and they are not friends. Can they put their differences aside to become friends so Potato can purchase his fancy pants?
We Are All Equal | P. Crumble & Jonathan Bentley | $19.99 | Omnibus Books | Dean’s Pick On the anniversary of the ‘YES’ vote comes a gorgeous picture book that celebrates the richness of difference and the joy of equality. Rhyming prose and familiar animal favourites ease readers into themes of immigration, socio-economics, sexual orientation, disability, body image, and self-esteem, making this book perfect for parents wanting to discuss the concept of equality with younger children.
NEW YEAR, NEW STORY TIME! Every Thursday starting January 24 2019 we’ll be sitting down at 10am for Story Time. Each week we’ll have at least three new books to read aloud, and we’ll be more than willing to take requests if the group have a hankering for a particular story!
THURSDAYS AT 10AM BETTER READ THAN DEAD, NEWTOWN
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A collection of 100 famous and notable men and women who have broken the mould and made their dreams come true. With Dr Seuss, Andy Warhol, Bjork and so many more, this factual book will give boys and girls the confidence to know that it is okay to be different. It will encourage young people aged 9+ to resist gender stereotypes and change their thinking.
Sportopedia: An Illustrated Introduction to the World of Sport | Adam Skinner & Mark Long | $29.99 | Wide Eyed Editions | Jan’s Pick A comprehensive, illustrated guide to over 60 of the world’s best loved sports. Learn all the facts, rules and details about sports you have already heard of and those that you may not know. This is the ultimate guide for sport lovers aged 9+ and can be shared with the whole family.
NON-FICTION
Stories for Kids Who Dare To Be Different | Ben Brooks | $35 | Hachette | Jan’s Pick
The Silk Roads | Peter Frankopan & Neil Packer | $27.99 | Bloomsbury | Steph’s Pick Join Peter Frankopan on an incredible journey across the ancient world from east to west! Readers of all ages will encounter the mighty Persian Empire, the terrifying Huns, the Chinese empire, two world wars and the modern day as they explore the historic routes traversed by so many throughout time. Connecting people with trade, disease, war, religion, adventure, science and technology, the Silk Roads come to life in this beautifully illustrated new edition of Frankopan’s bestselling work for readers aged 12+.
Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations | Sara Gillingham | $34.95 | Phaidon | Mischa’s Pick This comprehensive and graphically stunning guide to the stars is the perfect introduction to the constellations for ages 9+. With 88 internationally recognised constellations, this artful compendium not only includes the necessary information to locate, name, and explain them, but also provides mythological and historical insight. Complete with star maps and a glossary, Seeing Stars is the perfect keepsake volume for those who are inquisitive about the wonders of the universe.
The Book of Trees | Piotr Socha & Wojciech Grajkowski | $35 | Thames & Hudson | Jan’s Pick
101 Small Ways to Change the World | Aubre Andrus | $19.99 | Lonely Planet Kids | Mandy’s Pick
Did you know trees are the largest living thing on Earth? In this amazing book we discover the questions and answers about the history of trees from ancient times, the role trees have played in history, the natural world and how we can make sure they survive for the future. A perfect read for anyone aged 12+ with an interest in the natural world.
Divided into three sections — caring for others, caring for the planet and caring for yourself — this book for kids aged 8+ is full of practical and creative ways to make positive changes in your world. Small actions that help the planet are important, but so is nurturing friendships, respecting yourself and being part of your community. Think big, start small!
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ACTIVITY & GIFT IDEAS
Bob the Artist Dominoes | Marion Deuchars | $16.99 | Laurence King | Mandy’s Pick Bob the Artist loves to paint but he hasn’t mastered the art of tidying just yet — in fact, he’s made quite a mess! And he needs your help! Match the colours and numbers on these 28 sturdy domino cards and you’ll be helping Bob clear up his paints. A super fun, vibrant game for two to four players, perfect for ages 3 and up.
The Great Outdoors Activity Book: 365 Activities for Australian Kids | Jamie Ambrose | $24.99 | DK Australia | Mandy’s Pick Start a rock collection, draw a treasure map, keep a moon diary, plant a window box, go orienteering, have a picnic — there’s something for everyone here! Simple instructions are accompanied by photos, perfect for kids 6+ (younger kids may need an adult’s help with some of the activities). There is also space on most pages to make your own notes. Get outside and get into it!
Hidden In the Sea | Peggy Nille | $24.99 | Affirm Press | Mandy’s Pick
Elephants On Tour | Guillaume Cornet | $29.99 | Thames & Hudson | Mandy’s Pick
The luminous, vibrant illustrations by French artist Peggy Nille are just gorgeous, making this search-and-find book really special. Each page is filled with amazing details that will keep kids aged 4+ entertained and challenged. Dive in!
Meet the elephants (five of ‘em, each with their own favourite belonging), check out the map and let’s go! From London we head east on a round-the-world-tour, even visiting Sydney! Each busy, colourful doublepage spread has a few fact file boxes with information about language, population, food, culture and top things to do. But the main game is finding those adventurous elephants and their belongings amongst it all. Bon voyage and good luck! Ages 6+.
Tropical Tumble Tower | WWF | $40 | Axis Toys | Kate’s Pick Jenga with a tropical, eco-friendly twist! Stack the blocks in a tower, 3 across and 16 high, then roll the wooden die and match the animal print to the blocks. Find a matching block and try to pull it out without tumbling the whole tower! Kids have a tonne of fun while learning about balance, keeping calm and improving their hand-eye coordination. This game is made from green materials and a percentage from each purchase helps fund the WWF’s conservation work, making this both a thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining gift for ages 3-103.
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Encourage imagination and create a colourful artwork with the great ideas presented in this detailed and colourfully illustrated book. There are no art skills required, just your imagination and materials that can easily be found around the home. A fabulous way to investigate nature and experiment with different materials for children of all ages.
Aptitude Emotiblocks | Miniland Educational | $29.99 | Axis Toys | Jan’s Pick Emotiblocks is a game designed to teach children aged 2+ how to recognise facial expressions and identify them with emotional states, develop tolerance, empathy, and respect for racial diversity, and improve their vocabulary, speaking and listening skills. This game is a fun way for kids to explore their first emotions by carrying out a variety of activities that involve observing and feeling. With just six characters there are over 100 possible combinations! Plus each set comes with activity sheets and a teaching guide which means the whole family can get involved.
ACTIVITY & GIFT IDEAS
Collage Workshop for Kids: Rip, Snip, Cut, and Create with Inspiration From the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art | Shannon Merenstein | $29.99 | Quarry Books | Jan’s Pick
Rainbow Stacking Toy | Wooden Story | $75 | Axis Toys | Mandy’s Pick This gorgeous wooden stacking toy exercises young children’s senses as they play, stacking tall towers and mixing and matching the different colours and shapes. It is eco-friendly and kid-friendly, which is the perfect combination for giftgiving! It’s made of wood from FSC certified suppliers and finished with natural rainbow stains, beeswax and botanical oils, sanded perfectly smooth and soft to the touch, and it’s packed in a cardboard gift box and tied with string. The perfect little present for the perfect little person aged 3+ in your life.
Monkey Bingo & Scary Bingo | $35 & $24.99 | Laurence King | Kate’s Pick There’s nothing better than a good ol’ game of bingo and it’s even better when you can play it at home with your family and friends. This range is incredibly illustrated, extraordinarily educational and comes in two sizes — 64 tiles and 48 tiles — so young and old can get in on the fun. And on the down-low, Scary Bingo even comes with a cardboard monster head to stash your tiles in — how cool is that! Also available: Dog Bingo, Cat Bingo, Bird Bingo, Bug Bingo, Ocean Bingo, Dinosaur Bingo, Royal Bingo, Book Bingo... okay, I made that last one up but surely it’s only a matter of time!
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2018 KIDS BOOKS OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Indigo Blue | Jessica Watson | $15.99 | Lothian | Recommended by Jan Alex moves to Boreen Point, a sleepy lakeside village, to live with her aunt. Expecting to be bored in the village, Alex purchases an old sailing boat in need of repair and throws herself into restoring it. She is intelligent, strong and happy to make her own choices. When she meets Sam, an apprentice sailmaker who helps her with her boat, she feels there is something mysterious about him. This is when the fantastical features of this novel become clear, and the enjoyment and development of their relationship make this story a refreshing read for kids aged 11+.
MARCH KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Kensy and Max: Breaking News | Jacqueline Harvey | $16.99 | Random House | Recommended by Jan What would you do if you woke up in a strange place? If your whole life changed in the blink of an eye and you had no idea what was going on? Twins Kensy and Max are whisked off to London without their parents. Enrolled in a strange new school, with odd Grannies appearing on their street and adults whispering so they can’t hear, they wonder... WHAT is going on?! One thing they do know for sure is that they will uncover the truth and find out where their parents are! The start of an exciting new spy series for readers aged 8+ from powerhouse Australian children’s author Jacqueline Harvey.
APRIL KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH The Astonishing Colour of After | Emily X.R. Pan | $16.99 | Orion | Recommended by Mischa The lyrical and otherworldly style of Emily X.R. Pan’s writing style alone is enough to make this a beguiling and transportive read. Coupled with the captivating story of Leigh, a sixteen-year-old girl who is left feeling lost and guilty after her mother commits suicide whilst she was far away from home stupidly kissing her best friend Axel, this novel is a truly exquisite and poignant read. Leigh’s grief takes her on a journey of hope and magic as she follows her mother — in the form of a red bird — back to her home country in Taiwan, where she uncovers long-buried family secrets and things she never knew about her culture. An incredible novel for young adult readers 13+.
MAY KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Bob | Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead & Nicholas Gannon | $16.99 | Text | Recommended by Jan This has by far got to be the best author/illustrator collaboration ever! It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Bob — a strange little creature she finds in the wardrobe of her old room — has been awaiting her return all this time. Clue by clue, Livy and Bob unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from. A magical, endearing story about friendship, loyalty, and the power of imagination for children 9+.
JUNE KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH The Mystery of the Colour Thief | Ewa Jozefkowicz | $14.99 | HarperCollins | Recommended by Jan Izzy’s life has fallen to pieces since the car accident. Her mum is in a coma, her best friend has dumped her and the colour thief is stealing the colours from her world. Izzy blames herself for the accident and whilst trying to be brave she meets her new neighbour, Toby, who is paralysed from a skateboarding accident. They find a nest of cygnets and together make it their mission to look after Spike, the scrawny, odd looking one. A lovely story about families, friendships and hope for readers aged 9+.
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Mixed | Arree Chung | $16.99 | Pan Macmillan | Recommended by Jan Reds were the loudest, Yellows were the brightest, Blues were the coolest... When one of the colours declares that they are the best, disharmony breaks out and the colours decide to seperate and live in different parts of the city. Then, against the odds, Yellow and Blue become friends and together discover a world of different possibilities (and colours). A charming tale with vibrant illustrations that shows love and acceptance make the world a better place.
AUGUST KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH The Surface Breaks | Louise O’Neill | $19.99 | Scholastic | Recommended by Mischa The second I found out one of my favourite authors had written a YA feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid, I was so there! Hans Christian Andersen’s original version is prevalent but is given contemporary relevance, providing a voice to all the women in the traditional tale who were given none (including the sea witch!) and revealing bitter truths about the misogyny our society faces. Louise O’Neill interweaves many layers into her narrative, from scathing to poetic. Full of symbolism and scalpel-sharp observations, this visceral and unsettling novel left me feeling one part angry, and three parts empowered! Ideal for readers aged 12+.
SEPTEMBER KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Meet Me at the Intersection | Edited by Rebecca Lim & Ambelin Kwaymullina | $19.99 | Fremantle Press | Recommended by Mischa
2018 KIDS BOOKS OF THE MONTH
JULY KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
This YA collection is a much-needed celebration of Australian lives for their diversity and their unique perspectives on the world. Including short fiction, memoir and poetry from a variety of genres and written by authors who identify as Aboriginal Australians, people of colour, refugees, LGBTIQA+, or living with a disability. Kwaymullina’s eye-catching front cover artwork ‘Voices from the Intersections’ paints a hopeful picture of Australia where everyone is equal with representations of voices from all walks of life being shared and valued. Nuanced, complex, and inspiring, each story gives a voice to people and communities whose voices have been marginalised for far too long and should be read by those aged 12+.
OCTOBER KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Mini Rabbit: Not Lost | John Bond | $24.99 | HarperCollins | Recommended by Mandy Mini Rabbit is baking a cake with Mother Rabbit. Mini Rabbit LOVES cake, like, REALLY loves cake, and is devastated to find they’ve run out of berries. No berries, no cake. No way! So that determined little rabbit sets off on a quest, taking the wrong path in the woods and ending up just a little bit lost, a long way from home. In the nick of time, the smell of baking cake guides our little adventurer safely home. This debut picture book is a real charmer, absolutely delightful, and little ones will thrill to discover there are hidden berries to be found on every page.
NOVEMBER KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH Lenny’s Book of Everything | Karen Foxlee | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by Jan Lenny is small and clever. She lives with her mum and brother Davey who has a condition called gigantism which means he will not stop growing. Lenny knows that when her brother is scared he talks to his imaginary pet eagle, Timothy. The highlight of their week is when the latest issue of Burrell’s Build-It-At Home Encyclopedia arrives and they can learn and experience all the amazing wonders in the world. When Davey’s health takes a turn for the worse, Lenny realises that her world is going to change. I was deeply affected by this heartbreaking, beautiful book, and it’s sure to be enjoyed by children aged 10+.
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GIFT BOOKS
Tales from the Inner City | Shaun Tan | $35 | Allen & Unwin | Lillian’s Pick This latest Shaun Tan book has captured my heart. Through a series of breathtaking illustrations, this masterful companion to Tan’s previous Tales from Outer Suburbia presents a deep, poetic and thoughtprovoking work for both kids and adults alike. With his characteristic wit and emotion, Tan tackles urban destruction and our cohabitation with the natural environment in an imaginative and poignant way.
Power to the Princess | Vita Murrow & Julia Bereciartu | $24.99 | Frances Lincoln | Mischa’s Pick This book is everything I could ever ask for of fairy tale retellings! Power to the Princess is a clever and modern take on 15 well-known classics, only these princesses don’t need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. These modern princesses are kind and courageous and forge their own purpose in life. In these revamped tales (that are the perfect length for bedtime), Cinderella is Prime Minister, The Snow Queen is a winter sports coach, and Little Red Riding Hood is an environmentalist. Fantastic for ages 9+ or it could be read aloud to younger children.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard | J.K. Rowling & Chris Riddell | $45 | Bloomsbury | Lucy’s Pick Combining two of my favourite things, the world of Harry Potter and illustrations by Chris Riddell, this new adaption of The Tales of Beedle the Bard is an absolute delight. In some magical way, Riddell’s distinctive illustrations seem to be the perfect complement for Rowling’s writing and this new pairing of words and illustrations brings The Tales of Beedle the Bard to magical life. A book that all readers, those new to the world of magic as well as long-time fans, will enjoy. For ages 8+.
The Forest | Riccardo Bozzi, Violeta Lopiz & Valerio Vidali | $34.99 | NewSouth Books | Steph’s Pick You are absolutely allowed to judge this book by its cover! The Forest is a stunning picture book for children and adults alike; from its luminous vellum cover to the folded pages of bright illustrations and stark white embossed images within. The story subtly follows the birth, life and ageing of an unnamed character, however it is the paper engineering, illustration and evolution of the forest which truly defines this work, suitable for readers aged 4+.
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To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee & Fred Fordham | $35 | William Heinemann | Bridie’s Pick Fans of the original To Kill a Mockingbird will love and appreciate this graphic novel adaptation. The graphic novel format introduces this story of racial injustice and loss of innocence to a whole new audience. Unlike the original novel, which tells the story through childlike eyes, Fred Fordham’s gorgeous illustrations add an extra layer to Harper Lee’s well-loved novel! Recommended for readers 14+.
Inside Grandad’s bookshop, Ben’s imagination runs wild! One rainy afternoon, a greeneyed tiger springs out from a hidden trapdoor. The next time he visits, he climbs the stairs and finds himself in a lighthouse, and another time ends up on stage as a magician’s assistant, pulling rabbits out of a hat! A colourful, exuberant celebration of imagination and the magic of books for children aged 6+.
The Tales of Mr Walker | Jess Black & Sara Acton | $24.99 | Penguin | Jan’s Pick The Tales of Mr Walker is the story of a real-life dog who lives at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne. He was trained to be a guide dog to assist and be a companion to people with low vision but with his huge, excited personality, it was decided he would be best as an Ambassador for the Guide Dogs. With four short stories in this delightful book, children aged 6+ will grow to love Mr Walker.
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters | Andrea Beaty & David Roberts | $16.99 | Thames & Hudson | Jan’s Pick Rosie Revere the Engineer is called in to help her Aunt Rose and the Raucous Riveters to design a painting machine when June the artist breaks both of her wrists. There is huge urgency as the art contest begins very soon. After many flops Rosie almost gives up but with the help of her friends, Iggy Peck and Ada Twist, all is not lost and they manage to get the job done. The first in a new series for readers aged 7+.
Nelly the Monster Sitter: The Grerks at No. 55 | Kes Gray | $12.99 | Hodder | Kate’s Pick
BEGINNER FICTION
The Magic Bookshop | Natalie Jane Prior & Cheryl Orsini | $19.99 | ABC Books | Mandy’s Pick
‘If monsters are real, how come I’ve never seen one?’ ‘Because they never go out.’ ‘Why don’t monsters ever go out?’ ‘Because they can never get a babysitter.’ Until now, that is! Nelly isn’t afraid of monsters, in fact she’s 100% up for the challenge of babysitting them, warts and all! This is the first book in a new series for young readers from the side-splitting Kes Gray. Gobble this up and get ready for book two in May. Ages 7+
Wish for a Witch | Kaye Umansky & Ashley King | $14.99 | Simon & Schuster | Mandy’s Pick Helping out in her mum and dad’s shop, Elsie Pickles is big on customer service. Exactly what local witch Magenta Sharp needs! Her mail-order business Sharp Spells on Tap is in a state — she’s received so many customer complaints that the Magic Board is threatening to cancel her licence. In exchange for a fat purse of gold, Elsie sorts out the chaos, learning a bit of magic and subduing an unruly genie along the way. Lively black and white illustrations bring the crazy cast of characters to life for young readers aged 7+.
— NEXT IN SERIES —
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CREATIVE KIDS ACTIVITIES
SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 2019 Our Better Read Kids School Holiday Workshops have become a mainstay for local families and we’re excited to announce that our 2019 programme is going to be our biggest and best yet! We’re teaming dynamic guest authors and illustrators with our very own Carla, an experienced local teacher with an incredible imagination and boundless creativity, to offer comprehensive and specially tailored workshops in writing, illustration and design. Our Summer School Holiday Workshops commence Monday January 14 2019, with the full programme being announced in December 2018. Once the programme is live, you can book in-store or online.
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Did you know Better Read Kids runs a quarterly creative writing competition?! Open to entrants aged 8-14, each competition has a new theme to kickstart the imagination and, at the competition’s conclusion, we publish all the entries in an anthology which is sold in-store! Plus all entrants score a free copy of the anthology so they can share their success with all their family and friends. The current theme is ‘Intersections,’ inspired by our September Kids Book of the Month Meet Me At the Intersection. This theme encourages entrants to write about their own stories or family histories in any genre or form they see fit. Entries close December 1 2018. If you’ve missed out on entering our latest writing competition, worry not! Our next one will be up and running in no time — keep your eyes peeled for an update in-store, online and on our Better Read Kids social media pages.
CREATIVE KIDS ACTIVITIES
BETTER READ KIDS WRITING COMPETITIONS
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PRIMARY FICTION
Hubert Horatio: How to Raise Your Grown-Ups | Lauren Child | $19.99 | HarperCollins | Mandy’s Pick Welcome to the world of Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent, prize-winning child genius and the only son of extravagantly rich but exceptionally irresponsible parents. Quirky, hilarious and delightfully decorated throughout by Lauren Child’s trademark illustrations, this is perfect for childen aged 7-10 who enjoy a good laugh.
The Adventures of Catvinkle | Elliot Perlman & Laura Stitzel | $19.99 | Penguin | Jan’s Pick Catvinkle is king of the castle at his owner Mr Sabatini’s house, so he is not impressed when Mr Sababitini arrives home with a beautiful white dog with black spots. What is that dog doing in her home?! She is very suspicious and is certainly not going to share her comfortable, cosy spot by the fire with a DOG! Can a cat and a dog become friends? Let’s hope so. Ages 8+
Elizabella Meets Her Match | Zoe & Georgia Norton Lodge | $14.99 | Walker Books | Jan’s Pick Elizabella loves nothing more than playing pranks on her brother Toddberry and the students at Bilby Creek Primary. She is also a keen poet and collector of unusual treasures. She is nothing like the other girls at school, being very proud of her knotted hair. A feisty new character, very much like Matilda, from a lovely local author/illustrator duo for children 8+.
A Chase in Time | Sally Nicholls | $14.99 | Nosy Crow | Mandy’s Pick Applecott House has been the Pilgrim family home for generations but now Aunt Joanna has run out of money. On a visit, Alex and Ruby fall through an antique mirror. They are sent back in time to 1912, where they help distant relatives recover the stolen Newberry Cup which may just save their House in the future, if only they can get back home.... An exciting time-slip adventure for readers 9+.
Lenny’s Book of Everything | Karen Foxlee | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | Mischa’s Pick Lenny made my heart feel so full. Raised by her single mother, Lenny is a young girl who is forced to grapple with responsibilities beyond her years as she looks after her seven-year-old brother, Davey, who has a rare form of gigantism. Karen Foxlee has the most magical touch for creating emotive prose that often moved me to tears as much as it filled me with love and warmth. The included sections of Burrell’s Build-It-at-Home Encyclopedia (the book in which Lenny and Davey are able to experience the wonders of the world vicariously) drive the novel and are used as an allegory to mark key moments in the children’s lives. Foxlee explores the complexities of grief and the many dimensions of familial love with a sensitivity and richness that reads almost like a love letter to humanity. This book taught me so much about empathy and made me feel more human for reading it. Heart-warming and transformative, Lenny’s Book of Everything is sure to be the next Wonder and is an Australian classic in the making! 10+
The Skylarks’ War | Hilary McKay | $14.99 | Pan Macmillan | Jan’s Pick Clarry and her older brother Peter love nothing more than spending their summers in Cornwall with their grandparents and cousin Rupert. When both boys go off to boarding school, Clarry is very sad and lonely being left behind with her absent father. When the war begins and Rupert goes off to fight, Clarry is fearful that summer will never be the same. A story of war, friendship, survival and family, perfect for fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s The War that Saved My Life and readers aged 9+.
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On her 14th birthday, Enola’s unconventional mother disappears, prompting a visit from her estranged older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock (yes, that Sherlock!). Alarmed at her lack of deportment, they pack her off to finishing school. Distressed at that prospect, Enola disguises herself as a grieving widow and ventures into the heart of London to track down her mum. There she unexpectedly becomes involved with kidnappers, flees murderous villains, and tries to stay one step ahead of her famous detective brother. A duo of most entertaining Victorian mysteries, ideal for readers aged 10+!
Pages & Co.: Tilly and the Bookwanderers | Anna James | $19.99 | HarperCollins | Sylvia’s Pick
The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars | Jaclyn Moriarty | $22.99 | Allen & Unwin | Mischa’s Pick
11-year old Matilda lives with her grandparents in their bookshop, Pages & Co. One day she meets a strangely familiar girl called Anne … umm, from Green Gables. Matilda discovers she has the ability to talk to her favourite characters and enter their stories – yes, there’s more to the Pages family than meets the eye! Her new talent may even help her find her mother. This gorgeous book for kids 9+ celebrates the magic of books, reading and bookshops – yay!
In this enchanting and whimsical standalone prequel to The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone, a war has broken out in the town of Spindrift and the powerful Whisperers have been stealing children. In true Jaclyn Moriarty style, this is another spellbinding and unforgettable tale woven with complexity, magic, and a touch of darkness for readers 10+.
PRIMARY FICTION
Enola Holmes Mysteries: The Case of the Missing Marquess and the Case of the Left-Handed Lady | Nancy Springer | $14.99 each | Allen & Unwin | Mandy’s Pick
The Mapmaker’s Race | Eirlys Hunter | $24.99 | Gecko | Sylvia’s Pick When the Santandar children lose track of their mum, they must enter a mapmaking race to discover a new railway route across the mountains all on their own. They soon meet Beckett, who wants the railway to go through his hometown; together they battle devious competitors and learn to survive in the wilderness. I loved this tale of ingenuity, exploration and nature; the kids sometimes make mistakes, but they always support each other. Go kids! 9+
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KIDS BOOK CLUBS
BETTER READ KIDS BOOK CLUBS THE MYSTERIOUS BOOK SOCIETY The Mysterious Book Society is named after one of our all-time favourite children’s series, The Mysterious Benedict Society. This book club is for children in primary years 3-6. FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH COMMENCING AT 4PM UPSTAIRS AT BETTER READ THAN DEAD, NEWTOWN
THE MYSTERIOUS BOOK SOCIETY’S FAVOURITE READS OF 2018
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The Mulberry Tree | Allison Rushby | $17.99 | Walker Books
Sky Song | Abi Elphinstone | $16.99 | Simon & Schuster
Mysterious and creepy — “Do naught wrong the Mulberry Tree or she’ll take your daughters 1, 2, 3!” Malicious and menacing in plot, and fragile and delicate in words, we loved everything about The Mulberry Tree! We would definitely reread this book again and again and again!
Sky Song is an action-packed adventure about the magic of the wilderness. Erkenwald is a land of mountains, forests and glaciers, home to polar bears, eagles, whales and wolves, as well as to the Fur, Feather and Tusk tribes. This is such a captivating story of mythology and fairy-tale with two very brave, resourceful children. It has all of the ingredients to become the next Northern Lights!
MISS PEREGRINE’S YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB This club for high school-aged book fanatics is dedicated to discovering the newest and juiciest young adult reads. Named after our YA specialist and host Mischa’s favourite series, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
KIDS BOOK CLUBS
BETTER READ KIDS BOOK CLUBS
SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH COMMENCING AT 4:30PM UPSTAIRS AT BETTER READ THAN DEAD, NEWTOWN
MISS PEREGRINE’S YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB’S FAVOURITE READS OF 2018
Small Spaces | Sarah Epstein | $19.99 | Walker Books
Between Us | Clare Atkins | $19.99 | Black Inc
The struggle with reading this book was that we didn’t want to read some parts of it alone at night, but we also HAD to stay up into the early hours of the morning to finish it! Small Spaces is part-mystery and part-psychological thriller. Sarah Epstein has created a taut, suspenseful, and eerie thriller that will have you guessing (and second-guessing) until the very end!
This book was so incredible that some of us even read it twice! We have never read anything like this book and it is important and necessary. We loved how the complex issue of Asylum Seekers was depicted with such simplicity, but also with great insight. Told half in verse and half in prose, the story of Ana and Jono is gripping and emotional. The ending is heartbreaking, but also hopeful!
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YOUNG ADULT
Dry | Neal & Jarrod Shusterman | $16.99 | Walker Books | Mischa’s Pick
A Very Large Expanse of Sea | Tahereh Mafi | $19.99 | Egmont | Mischa’s Pick This book is a stand-out of 2018! Tahereh Mafi deftly depicts the violence, hate, and isolation of growing up as a Muslim girl in a post-9/11 America. Beautiful, raw, and honest, 16-year-old Shirin’s story is engrossing and transformative, and is a journey through a roller-coaster of emotions. An important and impactful YA novel that is up there with The Hate U Give. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a powerful and heart-wrenching love story that will change the way you see the world. 14+
From the author of Scythe, this new stand-alone dystopia explores the notion that the true monster during a disaster is not the natural world, but humanity itself. The writing is vivid and all-consuming, the plot plays out like a film; this is a dark and disturbingly believable future world filled with suspense, mystery, and the battle for survival. 13+
What If It’s Us | Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera | $16.99 | Simon & Schuster | Mischa’s Pick Yes, the authors of Love, Simon and They Both Die at the End have teamed up to write a boy-meetsboy romance, creating a charming and sweet-natured love story that is diverse, geeky, and humorous. Their writing blends seamlessly together, executing the perfect combination of heart-warming and heartbreaking. The feel-good YA romance of the year! 14+
What the Woods Keep | Katya de Becerra | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin | Mischa’s Pick A plot-driven page-turner with multimedia scattered throughout in the style of Illuminae so that you, as the reader, feel like you’re piecing the mystery together alongside Hayden. This is a love letter to contemporary urban fantasy, unbreakable female friendships, and the different ways people perceive the world. A spooky and spellbinding read with echoes of Stephen King! 15+
The Rift | Rachael Craw | $19.99 | Walker Books | Mischa’s Pick A heart-pounding fantasy based on Greek mythology, the intoxicating action and romance of The Rift will have you caught between its claws in the vein of Sarah J. Maas. Craw is a masterful storyteller whose beautifully crafted prose takes the reader on an atmospheric journey through the landscape of her complex and mysterious world. Thrilling and compulsively readable! 15+
Broken Things | Lauren Oliver | $19.99 | Hachette | Mischa’s Pick A chilling and addictive mystery that centres on the events surrounding the murder of a teenage girl, her two friends who are suspected of being the killers, and the book that is the key to it all. Lauren Oliver seamlessly blends fantasy with thriller in this darkly twisted tale of lies and obsession. With echoes of Pretty Little Liars and numerous red-herrings, Broken Things kept me guessing until its haunting reveal. 14+
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Inheritance | Carole Wilkinson | $17.99 | Black Dog | Jan’s Pick
It’s been five years since 10-year-old Livy visited her grandma in Australia and the last thing she expects is to find is Bob, a small green creature wearing a chicken suit, waiting for her in the closet. Written from two perspectives, peeling away layers of memory, this is an endearing tale of loyalty and hope, forgetting and remembering, childhood friendships and change. Perfect for thoughtful readers aged 9+.
Nic lives on a remote property called Yaratgil with her grandfather. Yaratgil is very hot with no mobile reception and there is very little to do. Exploring the 30 rooms in the house, Nic finds a letter hidden in a copy of Pride and Prejudice, which sets off a chain of events that will lead Nic to discover a dark family secret and turn her life upside down. An intriguing, historical, time-slip novel based on true events for children aged 9+.
The Astonishing Colour of After | Emily X.R. Pan | $16.99 | Orion | Mischa’s Pick
The Storm Keeper’s Island | Catherine Doyle | $14.99 | Bloomsbury | Sylvia’s Pick
If this young adult novel were a colour, it would be “every colour in the world, alight.” The second I began reading this book I knew it was going to be something special. The Astonishing Colour of After painted my world with a kaleidoscope of emotions and has embedded itself in my heart forever. This story of grief, hope and magic is bound to enchant readers aged 13+.
When 11-year old Fionn steps onto Arranmore to visit his grandfather, the island comes alive. Little does he know that his grandad is the island’s Storm Keeper — part historian, part magic-manager. Who will be the next Keeper? What is the dark magic brewing beneath the island? Right up there with Nevermoor, this magical adventure story will completely sweep readers aged 8+ off their feet.
Oi Duck-billed Platypus! | Kes Gray & Jim Field | $24.99 | Hachette | Dean’s Pick
Fabio the World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective | Laura James & Emily Fox | $12.99 | Bloomsbury | Kate’s Pick
Gray and Field offer the most superb humour that tickles readers aged 3-5 and parents alike. The latest in this series is the absolute best! Gray has raised the bar. Moving on from the hilarious rhyming of animals to objects he comes unstuck… What rhymes with duck-billed platypus? Me and my four-year-old read this every night and I haven’t got bored of it yet — not even a little bit!
OUR FAVOURITE KIDS BOOKS OF 2018
Bob | Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead & Nicholas Gannon | $16.99 | Text | Mandy’s Pick
Fabio is a pink Poirot in this fun illustrated mystery, perfect for kids 6+ starting to read independently. Along with his associate Gilbert the giraffe (who tries and hilariously bungles the art of disguise) and his enraptured reader, Fabio uncovers the mystery behind the case of the missing jazz-singing hippo. Book two is out in February 2019 and I cannot wait to read it.
Cicada | Shaun Tan | $26.99 | Lothian | Lucy’s Pick Scan the QR code to see Lucy’s review. She’s gone hightech! Or high-tok...
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INTRODUCING...
DEREK THE DRAGON! There’s nothing in this world Derek the Dragon loves more than books, and he cannot wait to see what you’re planning on reading these holidays! Use this page to record your must-read titles, and make sure you pick up a special Better Read Kids bookmark from Better Read Than Dead — there’s a reading challenge on the back with a juicy reward Derek would love to sink his teeth into!
Summer Trading Hours
Better Read Kids 265 King Street Newtown NSW 2042 E kids@betterread.com.au P (+61 2) 9557 8700 W www.betterread.com.au @betterreadkids
Sunday - Thursday Friday - Saturday
9:30am-9:00pm 9:30am-10:00pm
Holiday Trading Hours December 3 - 13 December 14 - 16 December 17 - 20 December 21 - 23
9:00am-10:00pm 9:00am-11:00pm 9:00am-10:00pm 9:00am-11:00pm
Christmas Eve 9:00am-6:00pm Boxing Day 9:30am-9:00pm New Years Eve 9:30am-5:30pm New Years Day 12:00pm-8:00pm Please note that we are closed on Christmas Day
The books featured in the Better Read Kids Summer Reading Guide have all be hand-selected and reviewed by our Better Read Kids and Better Read Than Dead booksellers. Price and information are correct at time of print. The illustrations featured on the front cover, back cover and within the guide have been created by our bookseller and talented artist Sally Ann Conwell. They are reproduced here with her permission. To see more of her work, visit www.sallyannconwell.com