Kids Summer Reading Guide 2022

You Are Loved | Liv Downing and Mel Matthews | $24.99

Allen and Unwin | 2+

warm celebration of

love

loved, no

what. Cut-outs

I Believe In Me

Emma Dodd | $16.99

important,

a whole

uplifting

Two Dogs on a Trike | Gabi Snyder and Robin Rosenthal | $13.99 | Thames and Hudson | 2+ Count up to ten and back down again in this board book starring ten traveling dogs and one very tenacious cat! One by one, each dog escapes its yard and joins the adventure in this hilarious counting story.

Mob Counting | Helen Milroy

Magabala

$16.99

Eagle, Sugr

Wombat, Kookaburra,

Reviewed by Ben T. age 5

11 Words for Love | Randa Abdel-Fattah and Maxine Beneba Clarke | $24.99 | Hachette | 3+

I love how the author Randa showed all the different, relatable ways of loving and how people found love. I also like how she translated the words of love in Arabic and showed us what they look like in its beautiful script. One of them is: the love that aches with cherished memories, of loved ones gone too soon. From my perspective, she is saying that we still love after we lose someone, and I find that very relatable. Last but not least, I love how the illustrator Maxine included beautiful pictures of different families and how they find love. An amazing book!

Meanwhile Back on Earth | Oliver Jeffers | $27.99 | Harper Collins | 3+

A father takes his two children on a thrilling out-of-this-world adventure into space and invites them to look back at Earth and the conflicts that have taken place since the beginning of time. A timely story for families everywhere.

What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking | Tina Oziewicz and Aleksandra Zajac | $24.99 | Allen and Unwin | 3+ Curiosity climbs to the highest branch of a tree. Joy bounces on a trampoline. Gratitude warms you like a woolly jumper... This is a charming and brilliantly inventive book about the feelings that live inside us, sure to provoke many fascinating conversations with any child.

All in a Day | Chihiro Takeuchi | $26.99 | Simon and Schuster | 4+

From the pizza delivery man to the young family and the baker to some surprise nighttime animal visitors, follow the inhabitants of one very busy clock tower as they go through their day. There’s so much to see and find in this upbeat, interactive story that highlights the importance of community.

Owl and Star | Helen Milroy | $24.99 | Fremantle Press | 3+

Owl loved the sparkle of the stars. He would sit out on his tree at dusk and wait for them to appear. One evening, Owl became worried. His favourite little star had not come out, so he searched far and wide. Milroy’s latest book invites readers to realise the magic of the stars.

Tjitji Lullaby | Michael Ross, Zaachariaha Fielding and Lisa Kennedy | $19.99 | Harper Collins | 2+ Tjitji, meaning child in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara languages, is a beloved lullaby to sing your little ones to sleep. The lullaby showcases our our rich and diverse animals and land, helping families transition to quiet time and bedtime.

Paradise Sands | Levi Pinfold | $29.99 | Walker Books | 5+

When a young girl and her brothers step into the ghostly Paradise Sands hotel, they fall under the rule of the mysterious Teller. She makes a deal with him to free them all from his haunting paradise. But can she hold up her side of the bargain? An enchanting tale of haunting places and mystical bargains, sumptuously illustrated by Levi Pinfold.

Reviewed by Maleekah E. S. age 12

Frank’s Red Hat | Sean Every | $25.99 | Walker Books | 3+

Frank is a penguin with terrible ideas! That’s why his fellow penguins are nervous when he shows them his strange new creation: something they’d never seen in their cold and colourless Antarctic world — a red hat. A story about never giving up on your talents; even though what you do may not be appreciated right now, it may be in time. Possibly by someone you’d least expect.

Snap! | Anna Walker | $24.99 | Scribe Publications | 2+

Snap! is about a frog who goes through all the different areas of the forest and hears the sounds of other animals! He learns that he isn’t alone and it’s a good message. I like that the book doesn’t have many words but really beautiful pictures. It makes you use your imagination and is fun to read aloud or read with someone. You can also make up stories to go with the pictures!

Colours, Colours Everywhere | Julia Donaldson | $29.99 | Pan Macmillan | 3+

Follow a little girl as she paints her own adventure with her bright blue tree frog companion. A stunning book about colours, full of gorgeous of breathtaking landscapes, with amazing flaps to lift, holes to peep through and engaging rhyming text throughout.

One and Everything | Sam Winston | $29.99 | Walker Books | 5+

It wasn’t an average story that I’m used to hearing. I found it a bit confusing but then I really, really loved it. I loved the way it put a meaning into my head I couldn’t figure out at first, but it was there and then it all became clear. I would recommend it for people who like interesting and different stories.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff | Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen | $24.99 | Scholastic | 3+

Told with pitch perfect timing and pacing, hilarious detail, and Barnett’s signature narrator voice, this is Billy Goats Gruff as never before. A brilliantly crafted, hilarious twist on this beloved classic and the first in a momentous new series!

The Best Hiding Place | Jane Godwin and Sylvia Morris | $24.99 | Hachette | 4+

Archie has found the best hiding place. But after a while, it feels too quiet. Is the game still on? Has Archie been forgotten? From bestselling author Jane Godwin and emerging illustrator Sylvia Morris comes a rich and atmospheric story that captures the highs and lows of hide-andseek, and the joy of being found.

The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds | David Almond and Laura Carlin | $27.99

| Walker Books | 3+

When Nanty Solo comes to town, she says she can turn children into birds. Soon, everyone is flying! A celebratory, lyrical story that will make your heart and imagination soar.

Reviewed by Pia H. age 8

Reviewed by Georgie T. age 6

It’s a Sign! | Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey | $22.99 | Hachette | 4+

One, Two, Kat, and Four are starting a club, and every member is good at something! Except naming clubs. If only there were some kind of sign about what their club should be called! It’s a Sign is the latest edition of the Elephant and Piggie reading series.

Diary of a Pug #1: Pug Blasts Off, #2: Pug’s Snow Day and #3 Paws for a Cause | Kyla Way | $9.99 each | Scholastic | 6+

Diary of a Pug has two books and one more coming out in December too! I like them because they are about a very cute pug and I like dogs. Baron von Bubbles the pug has a human called Bella and likes to eat peanut butter. In the first book, he helps Bella with a school project but things go really wrong - because how can a dog help with a project? And then in the second book, they go to the snow but also get a new neighbour that he doesn’t like. I am really excited to read book 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 and more and think the drawings in them are really good too!

Reviewed by Katerina S. age 6

Hy-larious Hyena! | Nazeem Hussain | $16.99 | Scholastic | 7+

Harry is one Hy-larious hyena, with unstoppable, legendary LOL-powers... until one prank goes way too far and everyone nearly becomes lion lunch. Is it time for Harry to finally get serious? Hye-No! A brandnew hilarious series by one of our funniest comedians, illustrated throughout by Heath McKenzie.

Pugnacious & Scuttlebutt #1: Ready... Steady... Itch! | Adam Wallace and Wayne Bryant | $14.99 | NewSouth | 6+

Not another cute dog story – this book has bite! A pugnacious Pug. A butt-scuttling Greyhound. An unlikely friendship… Readers of The Bad Guys and Real Pigeons will want to race through these pages!

Duck’s Backyard | Ulrich Hub and Jörg Mühle | $17.99 | Walker Books | 7+ A very funny illustrated chapter book about courage, true friendship and our most secret wishes, in which a duck with a limp takes a blind chicken on a goose chase, as they search for adventure and answers to some big questions.

The Comic Adventures of Astrid and Stella | Sabrina and Eunice Moyle | $19.99 | Thames and Hudson | 7+

Astrid and Stella are two friends who are the main characters of this cartoon style book. They blast off to space with their space suits, robot called Bobo and a lotttttt of snacks! I like the planet Bloop because it has beaches for adventures and the planet Caturn because it’s really cuddly. I think this is going to be a series of books which is exciting because I really enjoyed reading about their time in out of space and can’t wait for more stories about Stella and Astrid. I also like the illustrations.

Reviewed by Rebecca T. age 7

GREAT GIFT IDEAS

Welcome, Little One | Sophie Beer | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 1+ Welcome, Little One is all about introducing a new baby to their little world. There’s the blanket to keep them warm, the family dog who will teach them friendship and the bedroom window as a gateway to wonder and adventure.

A Treasury of Tales for 4-Year-Olds | Gabby Dawnay | $24.99 | Allen & Unwin | 4+

I certainly recommend this book to 4 years old. It is about tales and poems for young children. This book will help in their reading skills. In Who Ate All The Sandwiches, it also helps with their maths skills. Even though I am almost 8 years old, I still like the stories in the book especially Little Bad Wolf because it combines all the fairy tales characters who think they are scary, but they are quite friendly instead.

I also like the rhyming words in ‘My Fish’.

Nice & Slow | Sarah Ayoub and Mimi Purnell | $22.99 | Harper Collins | 3+ An antidote to the busyness of our everyday lives and an ode to the joy and peace of quality time with loved ones. The perfect book for families who all need a slow day every now and then.

Gotcha! | Clotilde Perrin | $39.99 | Walker Books | 5+

An exquisite fairy tale fold-out book that’s full of humour and detail on every page. Gotcha! is the ultimate interactive story book that will captivate children and is a perfect gift for any child who enjoys fractured fairy tales.

The Real Dada Mother Goose | Jon Scieska | $37.99 | Walker Books | 6+

This is a really fun, silly book! It has lots of nursery rhymes that have been mixed up, and then explained in hilarious and ridiculous ways. The illustrations are cool too! My favourite is the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star one where it explains what a star really is and the Hey Diddle Diddle stew recipe is also smart, showing you what ingredients go in the rhyme.

To Catch a Cloud | Elena de Roo and Hannah Peck | $24.99 | Allen and Unwin | 4+

This book is about a boy who is trying to play with a cloud but the wind is blowing it out to sea. I liked how the boy was trying to convince the cloud to play with him. The words sound like a playful song and I like how the illustrations show the wind and weather on each page. I recommend it to preschoolers and people who like adventures.

Leina and the Lord of the Toadstools | Myriam Dahman | $26.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+

Leina owns the only boat in town - she ferries townsfolk over to the forest where they chop trees and hunt animals. But everyone in the town fears the forest and not everyone who goes in comes back out again. When Leina’s friend, Oren, doesn’t return, she goes on a mission to find him. A richly atmospheric gift of a book about gratitude and forgiveness, from the award-winning creators of The Wolf’s Secret.

Reviewed by Chloe G. age 8

Reviewed by Jasper C. age 8

Reviewed by Michael W. age 5

The Lost Girl King | Catherine Doyle | $14.99 | Bloomsbury | 10+

The Lost Girl King is a book that is packed with adventure and has a very fast pace. It is set in the mythical land of Tír na nÓg, completely unlike our world, in which you follow the journeys of Amy and Liam Bell. I would recommend this book to children of ages 8 - 11 years. If your preferred genres of reading are magic and adventure, then this is the book for you. The Lost Girl King was written by author Catherine Doyle who wrote the award-winning The Storm Keepers Island series.

The Ship of Doom | M. A. Bennett | $14.99 | Welbeck | 8+

The Ship of Doom is the first book of a new series called The Butterfly Club. It’s a mix of historical fiction, adventure and fantasy. The butterfly club are a group of ‘time-thieves’ who travel to the future to ‘borrow’ technology. Luna, Aidan and Konstantin go on a page turning adventure to the Titanic to get the wireless radio. But what happens when you befriend the radio’s creator and want to save lives from the impending disaster? The book explores trans and gender themes, is packed with history and clever twists. It kept me reading well past my bedtime!

Amari and the Great Game | B. B. Alston | $19.99 | Hardie Grant | 9+

Amari and the Great Game is the sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers. It is an action-packed book, with many different themes including, friendship, fantasy, and magic. I love the way every chapter ends on a cliff-hanger, and it almost seems as if you know the main character, Amari Peters. This is a great book for anyone who loves an action-fantasy themed story.

How to Be the New Person | Anna Branford | $15.99 | Walker Books | 8+

The book is about giving you the confidence to be yourself in a new environment. Hazel is someone many girls my age can identify with. I would recommend it for age 9, give it 9 out of 10 and would like to read more from this author.

Berani | Michelle Kadarusman | $16.99 | Allen and Unwin | 8+

Tilda | Sue Whiting | $17.99 | Walker Books | 5+

I like the uncommon time period the book was set in, which is the early 1900s in Australia. I also enjoyed the unique setting of Brushwood and how the description really immersed me in the story. The bonds that Matilda has with her friends Doris and Annie are nice to see; and their conversations with each other sound like real conversations too. The story flows pretty nicely, since everything makes sense and it doesn’t have loopholes. Overall the story was enjoyable.

This book is an inspiring novel about a young girl, Malia, with a privileged upbringing in her home country of Indonesia. She is a passionate activist and is trying to save the orangutans. Ari, another main character, lives in his uncle’s restaurant and everyday he cleans the orangutan’s cageGinger Juice. Ari realises Ginger Juice is unhappy. Ari later connects with Malia and together they save Ginger Juice. Finally, Ginger Juice is rescued and taken to a rehabilitation centre, she is happier and is reunited with her family. I really enjoyed this book. It had an amazing storyline, which kept you interested. Overall, it was a fabulous read!

Reviewed by Aya M. age 12

Reviewed by Sophia L. age 10

Reviewed by Saskia M. age 9

Reviewed by Charlotte P. age 12

Reviewed by Amelia R. age 8

Reviewed by Matilda W. age 10

Reviewed by Aya M. age 12

CATEGORY

KIDS BOOKS OF 2022

Floof | Heidi McKinnon | $19.99 | Allen and Unwin | 3+

LEXIE’S PICK

Floof is possibly the floofiest, fluffiest, and cutest cat to ever exist. I squealed when I saw it, bought a copy for myself, and tried to read it to my cat Charlotte (she was not impressed and went straight back to sleep). Heidi McKinnon is such an incredibly talented illustrator, and with her magic we follow Floof on their very busy day. From waking up, to eating breakfast, going to work on the laptop, making some friends and then bedtime, hanging out with Floof is certainly an adventure - much like being with a real cat. Once the lights go out, the shenanigans begin, and then by the time the sun rises… It’s time for Floof to begin another day.

KARREN’S PICK

Just keep READING, just KEEP READING, JUST KEEP READING! CAPTURED! Phew, that was a lot of action. Have you got a reluctant 10-13-year-old reader at home? Stop looking, Tristan Bancks has you equipped with THE weapon. Cop and Robber will keep you hanging on the end of your cuffs. This humorous thriller explores dilemmas that surface morally and ethically. Your bystander will be able to explore complex themes of family, loyalty, honesty, love and powerful action, especially through the act of forgiveness. However, your bystander is under reading arrest, please answer this. If your mum was a cop and your dad was a criminal who needed your help to commit a crime, would you do it to save him? At what cost? Join Nash on his journey…

My Shadow is Purple | Scott Stuart | $24.99 | NewSouth | 4+ What a gorgeous, adorable story about the importance of love and acceptance! The protagonist’s dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, while their mum’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry. But the protagonist doesn’t feel blue or pink … he feels somewhere in between. This book is a perfect introduction to non-binary identities for children and is filled with wholesome rhymes and charming illustrations. A must-have for your child’s shelf!

LUCY’S PICK

A couple of kids are going to the library with their dinosaur, who hasn’t been there before. They are so excited they get pulled up by cops on the way and when they get there, the librarian denies Leilong the dinosaur entrance because he is too big and boisterous. There is heaps going on in this story: lots of visual perspectives; lots of people, creatures, buildings, vehicles - all things that kids gravitate towards as the storyline progresses and act as a visual framework for the main characters. Top work!

JANE’S PICK

An Arrow to the Moon | Emily X. R. Pan | $19.99 | Hachette | 13+

An Arrow to the Moon is an effortless fusion of mythology, first love, and Shakespeare adaptation. Putting a contemporary spin on Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann edition) and Chinese myths - such as Houyi (the archer who shot down the suns) and the Rabbit on the Moon - this is a fast-paced, lyrical exploration of love in all its forms. The storytelling is so expansive, it even includes snippets of the parents’ perspectives, giving the novel a deeper sense of realism. Coupled with fairytale otherworldliness, this book creeps up on you and makes you feel so many different emotions with a luminosity as bright as the moon!

MISCHA’S PICK

Cop and Robber | Tristan Bancks | $16.99 | Penguin | 8+

Leilong’s Too Long | Julia Liu | $16.99 | Walker Books | 3+

It Fell From the Sky | The Fan Brothers | $24.99 | Hachette | 4+ I love books by the Fan Brothers! Each one is different, and this is the best so far. On a Thursday, something falls from the sky, close to Spider’s house and all the insects marvel at it. Spider decides it is his as it fell close to his house and he starts to charge to look at it when creatures come from far and wide. When the lines get longer, the charges get higher but the visitors dwindle. A lesson on sharing and greed with superb illustrations. No spoilers as to what happens!

MATILDA’S PICK

Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom | Jackie French | $16.99 | Harper Collins | 8+ This series breaks my heart – it’s just so good! You could call the Girls Can Change The World books (the first, Ming and Flo Fight for the Future, is equally excellent) kid’s first feminism, and they work wonderfully to introduce primary-aged readers to strong, tough and resourceful women of the past, and their totally interesting lives. Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom follows Ming as she is thrust back into WWIera Berlin, where she meets a lady spy! Jackie French is a complete treasure of the Australian lit world and this special series is such a wonderful addition to the fabulous collection of books we now have for upper-primary aged girls (and boys and everyone else who wants to read them). These kids are so lucky!

The Greatest Thing | Sarah Searle Winifred | $19.99 | Allen and Unwin| 13+

A charming, quirky and tender high school story about Winifred, who is starting a new school year with none of her old friends! I first read this graphic novel in a quest to read more things like Heartstopper; and it was fairly similar in themes and tone, highlighting very difficult topics like fatphobia, eating disorders, self-harm, depression and self-acceptance, but in a proactive, helpful and optimistic way. It is a positive and enjoyable read, with a super cute subplot about the writing of a school zine - and it even features pages from the zines themselves!

STEPH’S PICK

Amma’s sari is so beautiful! Silky tones of pink and green cascade across each page, accompanied by exquisite illustrations and lyrical text that is a joy to read aloud. At home, Shreya’s mother’s sari represents love, warmth and adventure. But she feels anxious and self-conscious when they leave the house and people stare. “Will you always wear a sari?” she asks her mother. Amma’s Sari is a gorgeous story about embracing cultural heritage and all that makes us different, with a beautiful parentchild connection at its centre.

TAHLIA’S PICK

The Love That Grew | Sarah Ayoub | $19.99 | Harper Collins | 3+

A book that showcases how love grows in a family, it had me straight from the title. Sarah Ayoub’s words, coupled with Mimi Purnell’s illustrations, beautifully describe the variety of ways that love is limitless within a mother’s heart and within a family. This is the kind of book that any child that’s awaiting the arrival of a new sibling would enjoy, a sweet reminder that there is always love surrounding them and nothing can get in the way of that.

REEM’S PICK

Amma’s Sari | Sandhya Parappukkaran and Michelle Pereira | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 3+

Which Way to Anywhere | Cressida Cowell | $22.99 | Hachette | 8+

Which Way to Anywhere was an interesting and fun book to read. I liked how the characters are from two families that have different personalities and need to figure out how to get along. The most exciting scene was when one of the characters drew an Alternative Atlas for the first time and my favourite character was Izzabird because she’s very different from everyone else and I liked that. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading adventure stories.

Koori Princess | Anita Heiss | $16.99 | Magabala Books | 7+

Teish is a sassy, soon-to-be 7-yearold and the apple of her dad’s eye. She believes more than anything, that she is a Disney princess. With the help of boisterous, irreverent cousins and friends, Teish teaches her family that she can be a princess and remain true to herself.

Runt | Craig Silvey | $22.99 | Allen & Unwin | 7+

Annie Shearer likes to fix things. She lives in the country town of Upson Downs with her best friend, an adopted stray dog called Runt. The two share a very special bond. A heart-warming, funny, beautifully told story for readers of all ages from the bestselling author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee.

A Girl Called Corpse | Reece Carter | $16.99 | Allen and Unwin

This is a book about a girl named Corpse. She lives on a little rock island as a ghost living her best death. My favourite character is Flip. Because whenever I hear the word/name Flip, I think of thongs. I love it when Reece wrote about the dinghy attack and there is nothing I dislike about this book.

Always, Clementine | Carlie Sorosiak | $14.99 | Bloomsbury | 8+

I think this is a really good book! It uses a lot of emotive language and adjectives, and is good for an age group like mine. It’s about a mouse called Rosie and she’s the smartest mouse in history. She is trapped in a mailbox and writes letters about her life. It’s a fun book to read!

Dusty in the Outwilds | Rhiannon Williams | $22.99 | Hardie Grant

Bursting with fantastical creatures and starring a bold young girl determined to uncover the truth, this thrilling fantasy-adventure is destined to be a modern classic. This stand-alone hardback features stunning illustrations by Martina Heiduczek.

The Bookseller’s Apprentice | Amelia Mellor | $17.99 | Affirm Press | 9+

The Bookseller’s Apprentice is a quirky mix of fantasy and historical fiction. It’s the fabulous prequel to The Grandest Bookshop in the World about before Mr Cole owned his famous bookshop. Set in the chaos of the Paddy’s markets, Kezia and Billy are can’t be trusted to stay out of trouble. They race against time to defeat a sinister mastermind, the Obscurosmith, with his pigeon spies – what could possibly go wrong?! Can they solve the mysterious puzzle cube in time or will they fall short (literally)? A great book for kids who like riddles and stories of courageous friends.

Reviewed by Amelia R. age 8

Reviewed by Hamzah A. age 9

Reviewed by Matilda W. age 10

Reviewed by Aria B. age 8

The Book That No One Wanted to Read | Richard Ayoade | $24.99 | Walker Books | 8+

What is it that makes YOU want to read a book?

Ayoade’s children’s debut gives you all the answers in a way that’s silly, funny, and thoroughly beguiling. A book that everyone will want to read.

The Last Cuentista | Donna Barba Higuera | $16.99 |

Allen & Unwin | 10+

There lived a girl named Petra, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita. But Petra must journey to a new planet. An unforgettable journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human.

The Raven’s Song | Bren MacDibble & Zana Fraillon | $16.99

| Allen and Unwin | 9+

I really enjoyed The Raven’s Song. I loved the way each chapter ended with a cliffhanger that always left me wanting to read as quickly as possible so I could discover the ending. The two main characters were interesting and believable and I liked the story’s main message, which is that we need to try our best to preserve the world we have. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery or adventure stories. It has lots of surprises and great pacing but also some moments that might be too sad for younger readers.

Waiting for the Storks | Katrina Nannestad | $19.99 | Harper Collins | 10+

A breathtaking adventure story that will hook you in on every word and likely bring a tear to your eye. It tells the story of an eight-year-old Polish girl called Zofia Ulinski. Zofia is taken from her family, leaving everything behind, and adopted by a wealthy German family who are kind and loving to her. She forgets her past until a Polish boy shows up and her future changes.

On a breathtaking journey across the sea, Leila rediscovers herself and the mother she thought she’d lost, with help from a determined little fox. Based on the true story of an Arctic fox who walked from Norway to Canada, this is a compelling, emotional and beautifully illustrated story.

Tiny Tales | Better Read Kids | $20.00

Our 13th kids writing anthology features 310 tiny tales - short stories of 300 words or less! Written by entrants aged 6-17, these stories are compelling, unique and show so much young talent.

This is an eclectic, fast-paced adventure book that always keeps you interested and entertained. It is about a young girl named Trilby Moffat who goes to stay at Nowhere Else Pier with her mother Arwen, after she has been diagnosed with “dream sickness.” She goes on wacky and dangerous adventures with the strange children she meets!

My favourite character is Mr Colin as he brings the action. I liked the chapter “Working with Others” starring Mr Colin and about “all the dangerous things you shouldn’t do at work such as swimming in lava” as it made me laugh and I like silly humour. I recommend you read this story with an adult to help unravel the clues.

Leila and the Blue Fox | Kiran Millwood Hargrave | $26.99 | Hachette | 9+

The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat | Kate Temple | $16.99 | Hachette | 9+

Reviewed by Isla Potter, age 9 and Isla Poutney, age 10

Reviewed by Dash B. age 11

Reviewed by Audrey G. age 10

OUR KIDS BOOKS OF THE MONTH

FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH

Go Home, Cat! | Sonya Hartnett and Lucia Masciullo | $24.99 | Penguin | Dean’s Review | 3+

A warm and wonderful story about the importance and value of friendship. Illustrated using a soft and gentle colour palette which warms the spirit, gorgeous Cat expresses qualities of loyalty, playfulness and love (such fine qualities for a friend) in each and every picture. Nicholas our central character has hand drawn a map of the town on the end-pages which you then travel through in each glorious illustration- remember to study each carefully for delightful details such as the sign that says no trumpet playing, reflections in the puddles (my favourite illustration), shadows and hilarious pigeon play. The perfect pictured book to curl up with a young one and encourage visual literacy learning.

MARCH BOOK OF THE MONTH

Ming’s history teacher sucks. He insists on only teaching about men, and when Ming questions him says that women haven’t contributed to history because they were at home having babies. But when his sister Herstory turns up, Ming is transported back to colonial Australia. Here, she is turned into Flo Watson, and finally has the chance to see how women changed history. Ming learns that Australia wasn’t only inhabited by the British, and that women truly can change the world.

APRIL BOOK OF THE MONTH

It’s My Rubber Band! | Shinsuke Yoshitake | $21.99 | Thames and Hudson | Reem’s Review | 4+ Have you ever wanted to own something that just belongs to you and no one else? Do you come from a family with older brothers and sisters and always wind up getting their hand-me-downs? If this sounds familiar then this book is for you. This adorable picture book had me laughing out loud as it took me on a journey of excitement and imagination whilst discovering all the things you can do with a rubber band, especially one that belongs to you and no one else.

MAY BOOK OF THE MONTH

Bitter is a coming of age story with bite. We follow our protagonist as she navigates social uprising and protest while developing her creativity and trying to find where she belongs. Written in Emezi’s signature no-nonsense and assured style, this novel places you directly in the action from page one. This piece of speculative fiction asks us what it takes to create a more liveable world when generations before you have left a damaging legacy. A novel made for every teenager and young adult today.

JUNE BOOK OF THE MONTH

There’s nothing better than spending a day with your dog walking in your favourite park. Meeting friends old and new, stopping for a chat, a game of chess or just enjoying the beauty around you. These two Old Fellows, a man and his dog, take us with them, showing us the importance of neighbours and community whilst beautifully portraying companionship and love. A tribute to Camperdown Memorial Park and the love of dogs, a perfect combination!

Ming and Flo Fight for the Future | Jackie French | $16.99 | Harper Collins | Lexie’s

Bitter | Akwaeke Emezi | $16.99 | Allen and Unwin | Jimmy’s Review | 14+

Old Fellow | Christopher Cheng and Liz Anelli | $25.99 | Walker Books | Reem’s

BOOK OF THE MONTH

This is a lyrical and beautifully rendered story about the Tea and Sugar train, which provided essential supplies and services to people building the TransAtlantic Railway and living in remote communities from 1915.Filled with beautiful muted drawings of the Australian landscape and historical families, this is a wholesome and stylish children’s book that will entertain while also providing some historical context for Australia’s past. Written by Josie Wowolla Boyle, a Wonghi storyteller, singer and artist, and illustrated by Paul Seden, a descendent from the Wuthathi and Muralag people of North Queensland.

AUGUST BOOK OF THE MONTH

Wow! Wow, wow! Sheppard’s latest YA novel has achieved so much! It’s a captivating, true to life story of a group of teenagers on a schoolies (or leavers) trip; it’s a compelling commentary on Aussie masculinity and queer identity; it’s a murder mystery and Lord of the Flies and Survivor - it’s just a really good book. The Brink follows three central characters whose stories will grip you from the get go, when we learn of a dead body, and keep you enthralled as these dynamic high school graduates face the world beyond the school gates (so far beyond that they wind up on a pretty remote island where chaos ensues).

Well, this is just the most divine picture book I have read in a long while. Sworder is a true artist, and this book is a piece of art that will no doubt be coveted by parents and people who love to put beautiful things on their children’s (and their own) bookshelves. The story of a young boy’s parents who work so hard to give him the life they believe he deserves that they literally shrink themselves in the process, Sworder’s simple, starkly beautiful language and his utterly breathtaking artwork will draw you into this story that grabs hold of you and gobbles you up. A poignant and very special read.

OCTOBER BOOK OF THE MONTH

Come Over to My House | Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin and Daniel Gray-Barnett | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | Jane’s Review | 3+

What a gently insightful picture book. We WANT to see inside these different family homes and the people who live there. I whipped through the pages as it had a great pace and then did it on repeat to see everyone inside all again. Different houses, different family structures, different abilities. It radiates happiness and a glow of being welcome. Love the individual character bios at the end of the story and also the commentary by Hull and Rippin. It lends itself to many uses: a great picture book on its own, a learning device and a teacher’s aid. Brilliant!

NOVEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH

Clyde the Greyhound | Beck and Robin Feiner | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | Lexie’s Review | 3+

Clyde the Greyhound is a book that made me melt. Done in the Feiners’ trademark stunning illustrations, we learn about how people race greyhounds, but when they are lucky, they get to come to a new home. Touching on serious topics in a light hearted way and sensitive way, we follow Clyde as he adjusts to his new life and gets a makeover, but teaches his new owner Lucy about the power of friendship and how we can’t always leave our old lives (and names) behind.

The Shop Train | Josie Wowolla Boyle and Paul Seden | $24.99 | Magabala Books | Lucy’s Review | 3+

My Strange Shrinking Parents | Zeno Sworder | $25.99 | Thames and Hudson | Matilda’s Review | 5+

SEPTEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Brink | Holden Shepherd | $24.99 | Text Publishing | Steph’s Review | 14+

CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION

A is for Bee | Ellen Heck | $24.99 | Allen & Unwin | 5+

This book is all about language but also animals! It has different words like Bee in English and shows how it starts with an A in other languages like Anū in Igbo and Aamoo in Ojibwe. There are lots of languages I didn’t know about like Telugu, Luxembourgish and Basque so it was informative and made me want to find out more about the world! It’s a picture book but definitely for older kids.

Amazing Animal Journeys | Jennifer Cossins | $26.99 | Hachette | 7+

Did you know that Arctic terns have the longest migration of all birds? Or that the wildebeest migration in east Africa is so vast it can be seen from outer space? A beautifully illustrated title chock-full of fascinating animal facts that focuses on 25 animal species from Australia and around the world with intriguing migration journeys.

The Big Book of Exhibits | Marita Bullock and Joan-Maree Hargreaves | $29.99 | Hachette | 9+

My favourite exhibitions in this book were the Egyptomania exhibition, Galileo’s revolutionary telescopes and stolen treasures! I love everything to do with Ancient Egyptian history, outer space and treasure.

Africana | Kim Chakanetsa | $35.00 | Allen & Unwin | 10+

Discover the incredible history and diversity of the African continent in all its splendour with this beautifully illustrated and fact-filled encyclopedia. Learn about the astonishing history of the continent, as the birthplace of humanity up to the development of the cities of the modern day.

An Invitation to the Ballet Theatre | Charlotte Guillain and Helen Shoesmith | $29.99 | Allen & Unwin | 8+

Here is your very own invitation to the ballet theatre, asking you to take a tour and peek behind the scenes to see what goes on between performances. Enter a wonderful, theatrical world!

Unstoppable Us | Yuval Noah Harari | $39.99 | Penguin | 8+

An incredible new story of the human race! With full-colour illustrations showing the relentless rise and rise of the human race, this is history like you’ve never experienced it before.

Every Word Tells a Story | Tom Read Wilson | $24.99 | Allen and Unwin | 8+

A rip-roaring tour through some of our most astonishing and amusing words. Full of funny stories and fascinating facts, see how English evolved in this extraordinary exploration of the origins of words.

Come Together | Isaiah Firebrace | $26.99 | Hardie Grant | 5+

A heart-warming debut picture book from pop artist Isaiah Firebrace, inspired by his petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom and covering 20 key topics!

Reviewed by Jaspar Z. age 8

Reviewed by Aly E. S. age 10

An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms | Emily Hawkins | $35.00 | Hachette | 10+

On this quest around the world, you will discover lost kingdoms, phantom islands and even legendary continents once sought by explorers but now believed to be mythical. This lavish volume will fire the imaginations of young adventurers everywhere.

The Big Book of Mysteries | Tom Adams and Yas Imamura | $29.99 | Nosy Crow | 8+

Get ready to be amazed as you uncover the world’s greatest mysteries, from Bigfoot to the Bermuda Triangle. Including alien abductions, haunted houses, mind-blowing natural phenomena and much more.

How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures | Sami Bayly | $19.99 | Hachette | 9+

This is an interesting and informative book about sea creatures and how they evolved over thousands of years to live in the ocean and sea! It explains how all of the evolutionary traits of the animals came to be and why they adapted like they did. The pictures make you feel like you are underwater and goes through all the 5 zones of the ocean, from sunlight zone to the deep dark bottom called the trenches. Sami Bayly also includes facts on each page in bubbles. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals and nature!

Wonders Under the Sun | Emily Hawkins | $29.99 | Hachette | 10+

Snaith categorises over 270 of her favourite diurnal (the opposite of nocturnal) animals from around the world. Wonders Under the Sun is a delightfully illustrated field guide for all the aspiring explorers, artists, environmentalist and taxonomists.

Off to the Market | Alice Oehr | $24.99 | Scribe Publications | 3+

Learn all about produce in this delightful child’s tour of a food market, full of fun facts, delicious new discoveries, and charming characters. A loving ode to the people who bring food to our table and connection to our community.

Luminous | Julia Kuo | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 5+

When it’s dark out, we need light to see. But what if your body could make its own light? From fungi to glow worms to deep-sea fish, Kuo shines a light on the wondrous natural phenomenon that is bioluminescence.

Foldout Anatomy | Jana Albrechtova and Radka Piro | $29.99 | NewSouth | 6+

Humans and animals: are we similar? Different? Uncover the secrets inside animals and humans with 14 full-length foldouts, over 50 animals, and over 160 colour illustrations!

Reviewed by Isabella S. age 12

Neverlanders | Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva | $22.99 | Penguin | 11+

I really like graphic novels and this one is very awesome - but probably for older kids! It takes place during a war and a group of teenagers who are called Runaways are led by Bee and joined by Paco. It has Peter Pan in it too, because Paco is a lost boy from Neverland and Tinkerbell is also in the story, but is called Tink and is very different. She leads the fairy army. I like Tink and Bee because they are strong female characters and this story is really well illustrated and unique!

Lumberjackula | Mat Heagerty and Sam Owen | $19.99 | Simon & Schuster | 8+

This hilarious story follows a half-vampire, half-lumberjack boy who feels torn between his parents and just wants to be a dancer. Jack must summon the confidence to pursue his dreams.

Scientists Are Saving the World! | Saskia Gwinn and Ana Albero | $29.99 | Walker | 8+ Get ready to meet more than 20 inspiring, real-life scientists, and discover how they started asking questions. A graphic celebration of science now, starring some of its best-loved heroes.

Slip | Marika McCoola and Aatmaja Pandya| $22.99 | Hardie Grant | 14+

Jade finds herself torn between her summer art program where she is flourishing and her best friend, who is going through a very difficult time. An emotional coming-of-age graphic novel.

Demon in the Wood | Leigh Bardugo and Dani Pendergast | $34.99 | Hachette | 13+

Before he led Ravka’s Second Army, before he created the Fold, and long before he became the Darkling, Eryk was just a lonely boy burdened by an extraordinary power. Discover the start of a grand and sinister destiny in this must-have graphic novel prequel to the bestselling series Shadow and Bone!

Oxygen Mask | Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 12+

Oxygen Mask by Reynolds & Griffin is about the year 2020, the lockdowns, looking for a breath of fresh air and realising it’s been with you the whole time. I liked how artistic it was with all the pictures. It was easy to read and able to say a lot in not too many words. I recommend it for older children, teens and adults that enjoy engaging visual content. This book was relatable as a person that was affected by the Covid lockdowns and might be for others too.

Cat’s Cradle: The Golden Twine | Jo Rioux | $24.99 | Macmillan | 8+ Centuries ago, a rift was opened that let monsters into the world of Galatea. Suri loves monsters-studying their lore, telling stories about them, and - she hopes - one day taming them. The first in a new fantasy-adventure graphic novel trilogy, with book two - The Mole King’s Laircoming out in 2023!

Reviewed by Claudia T. age 10

Reviewed by Ember H. age 13

Unnecessary Drama | Nina Kenwood | $24.99 | Text Publishing | 14+

The book was hilarious but also had hidden sad aspects that I certainly wasn’t expecting. Unnecessary Drama was about an 18-yearold uni student finding out she is roommates with her high school enemy. Brooke faces struggles with her family as well as trying to make new friends in a different environment. I really enjoyed reading this book!

A Scatter of Light | Malinda Lo | $22.99 | Hachette | 14+

Aria West thought she’d be spending one last summer on Martha’s Vineyard with her friends before starting uni. But after topless photos of her are posted online, things spiral... And them chemistry grows between Aria and Steph. A tender exploration of sexuality, identity, art, and young love.

The Whispering Dark | Kelly Andrew | $22.99 | Hachette | 13+

Delaney is tired of being seen as fragile just because she’s Deaf. So, when she’s accepted into a prestigious program at Godbole University that trains students to slip between parallel worlds, she’s excited to prove herself. A dark academia debut with lyrical prose, twisting revelations and a mystery to boot!

If You Could See the Sun | Ann Liang | $19.99 | Harper Collins | 14+

An engaging novel that follows the story of Alice Sun as she teams up with Henry Li to use her newfound invisibility powers to earn money to pay off her tuition fees. I admire Alice Sun’s empowering character for her dedication to getting things done, and I can sympathise with her. The story realistically explores financial class differences and the struggle of finding a place to fit in. Ann Liang wrote this book splendidly and I highly recommend this to teens who feel like they’re unseen.

Strike the Zither | Joan He | $24.99 | Text Publishing | 13+

The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty and chaos abounds in this compelling, actionpacked fantasy about found family, rivals and identity, which reimagines Three Kingdoms, a classic from Chinese literature, with new female agency.

As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow | Zoulfa Katouh | $16.99 | Bloomsbury | 13+

This book is a heartwarming romance story set amongst the violence of the Syrian Revolution. The plotline interweaves the harsh reality of the lives of Syrian people with an overarching theme of joy and love and hope, which brings the novel’s characters to life. This story, accompanied by the realistic portrayal of the sacrifices made by refugees, builds masterful suspense and sparks thoughts that stick with the reader long after they finish the book

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is probably the most beautiful book I have ever read. This story is about a girl facing the war in Syria. The opening is the perfect start to a perfect book, specifically through Zoulfa’s writing style. The book has the saddest plot twist. Expect to be crying by the end of it. If you love sad books with romance, thisis the perfect book for you!

Dancing Barefoot | Alice Boyle | $24.99 | Text Publishing | 14+ Patch is out of place at Mountford College! Dancing Barefoot is a feel-good romance about growing up queer, figuring out your place in the world, staying true to yourself and your friends, finding love, and learning to embrace the obstacles life throws in your path.

Reviewed by Amelia I. age 13 and Sabine B. age 16

Reviewed by Sabine B. age 16

The Ultimate Football Heroes Joke Book and Colouring Book | Matt & Tom Oldfield and Saaleh Patel | $11.99 and $14.99 | Allen & Unwin | 7+

The Ultimate Football Heroes series is the perfect gift for the young football fan in your life! The joke book features 112 pages of hilarious jokes, and the colouring book has 80 superstars to fill in.

Story Orchestra: I Can Play | Jessica Courtney Tickle | $29.99 | Allen & Unwin | 4+

A beautifully illustrated first piano sound book! Press the keys to learn 8 famous classical tunes from the story books, including The Nutcracker, The Four Seasons and Swan Lake. The perfect first keyboard to introduce children to classical music.

Tricked | Cosentino | $29.99 | Hardie Grant | 14+

Learn some of Cosentino’s most thrilling acts – from floating rings to self-levitation – and wow your audience with mind-bending skills. With step-by-step illustrations and tips from Cosentino the illustionist, Tricked is the complete guide to performing magic with confidence.

The Drawing Lesson and The Comic Book Lesson | Mark Crilley | $32.99 each | Random House | 10+

Learn to draw and make comic books, by reading a comic book - it’s an idea within an idea! These graphic novels teach you skills through a story, with different characters instructing you on different parts of making a comic book in The Comic Book Lesson and with Becky and David showing you how to draw different stuff in The Drawing Lesson. They really motivated me to try to be creative and also to do some reading at the same time.

Find My Behind: An Animal Memory Game | Daniel Frost | $35.00 | Hachette | 3+

These mixed-up animals have misplaced their bottoms! Match up the front and back of each creature to win this hilarious memory game for all the family. Creative kids will love making their own mix-andmatch combinations.

Deep Sea Discovery | Laurence King Publishing | $29.99 | Hachette | 6+

The perfect rainy day family game - learn as you play! How deep will you go? Dive into the ocean and return 50 incredible sea creatures to their correct depths. A fun and easy-to-play game for children and families, suitable for 2-6 players.

Story House | Kristen Balouch | $29.99 | Hardie Grant | 3+

It’s a story! It’s a house! Move the characters and words around in this interactive book that’s also a standalone playhouse, complete with two sheets of reusable stickers of adorable characters.

Reviewed by Isaac T. age 11

Katharine & Elizabeth Corr | $19.99 | Bonnier | 12+

Deina is imprisoned in Iolkos and forced to serve Hades as a soul severer, permanently guiding souls into the Underworld. But when the tyrant Orpheus requests soul-severers to embark on a perilous quest, Deina seizes the opportunity. The mission, retrieve his wife, Eurydice’s soul, from the underworld. The risk, death. The reward, freedom and plentiful riches.

Daughter of Darkness is a gripping page-turner that has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The first instalment in this mythological duology is packed full of gods, blood hunters and the perfect dash of horror. It is the ultimate read for those over 12 who love suspense.

Evie and Rhino | Neridah McMullin and Astrid Hicks | $18.99 | Walker Books | 9+

In Breamlea, 1891, golden-haired Evie lives in Lunar House with her grandpa and Cook. One morning, she stumbles across a rhino that had come from a sunken ship and belonged to a zoo in Melbourne. After Grandpa sends telegrams to the zoo in Melbourne, George Henley arrives to send the rhino back to the zoo. Evie has to use all the courage she has to say goodbye to Rhino. I really like how the book tells the story of a relationship between a person and an animal.

All the Best Liars | Amelia Kahaney | $19.99 | Walker Books | 14+

A dark psychological thriller set in a unique backdrop with welldeveloped characters. The novel follows three girls: Sydney, Rain, and Brianna as they dream to leave their small, rural desert town called Termico. Eventually, they will all leave but not in the way any of them expects. With twists and turns that will leave you hanging onto every last word, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys modern thrillers.

One More Mountain | Deborah Ellis | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin | 10+

This book is set in 2021 when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. Parvana and Shauzia help a girl called Damsa who was forced into marriage by her father. After an explosion at the airport, they have no way of getting out the country. So, they have to travel by foot into the mountains in search for safety. This book is based on real events and is perfect for people who like a bit of fiction and non-fiction.

The Marvellers | Dhonielle Clayton

| $17.99 | Harper Collins | 10+

A fantastic book about a girl named Ella who has special abilities. She leaves home to attend the ‘Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors’ in the sky. I really liked all the amazing details in the book such as unique creatures, food that can do interesting things and a villain who has escaped. I thought the story was very unique unlike any other story I had read before. All the small details kept me reading to the end.

Princess of Souls | Alexandra Christo | $19.99 | Bonnier | 13+

A light, enjoyable read for young readers interested in the fantasy genre. The protagonists, Selestra and Nox, find their fates irrevocably interwoven, and know that they must defeat the immortal king to escape otherwise certain death. Along the journey to recover the mythical sword that is promised to be a weapon against the king, Selestra must discover herself and draw the line between what she wants, and what others want of her. The characters are witty and charming, drawing you into their adventure. I enjoyed the magical aspects of Christo’s world.

Daughter of Darkness

Reviewed by Jesseka F. age 12

Reviewed by Zaria S. age 11

Reviewed by Shreena B. age 14

Reviewed by Harper K. age 13

Reviewed by Natalie M. age 14

Reviewed by Ines L. age 11

FOR CHRISTMAS

Santa’s Trip | Mia Cassany | $14.99 | Allen & Unwin | 2+

This fold-out story book allows you and your child to discover what goes on during the most magical night of the year! It transforms itself into a mat where you can see Santa’s workshop, all the toys being wrapped up and how the elves and reindeers get to help Santa.

We’re Going on a Sleigh Ride

| Martha Mumford | $14.99 | Bloomsbury | 6+

Climb aboard Santa’s sleigh and join the fun as four bunnies set off on a thrilling festive adventure. With ten presents to find hidden under the flaps, it’s an actionpacked treasure hunt! But you’ll need to watch out for the obstacles along the way.

Murray Christmas | E. G. Keller | $24.99 | Thames and Hudson | 6+

In this laugh-out-loud and charming holiday tale, lovable “patrol dog” Murray is put on high alert when some random guy in a red suit keeps showing up everywhere. Can he learn to embrace the festivities, or will Murray’s misguided attempts to protect his family ruin Christmas?

The Reindeer and the Submarine | Beverley M. Williams | $16.99 | Bloomsbury | 10+

This book is about an orphaned reindeer without antlers, Pollyanna, who is adopted by Igor during WW2 when her mum gets eaten by a pack of wolves. Sadly, Igor has to go off to war but Pollyanna doesn’t want him to go so she sneakily follows him. Eventually Igor finds her but the Admiral does not allow her to come, so Igor leaves without her. She finds another owner, Jim who looks after her and when he also goes off to war, she follows him on a submarine called the HMS Trident. The book was adventurous, and I liked how Pollyanna explored the submarine and made new friends.

Colin the Christmas (Meat) Pie | Colin Buchanan and Carla Martell | $17.99 | Scholastic | 3+

It’s Christmas Eve, and nobody needs a meat pie. Or do they? It’s up to Colin the Meat Pie to save Christmas for Santa and the elves! A funny story about a chunky lunchtime winner.

Bin Chicken and the Christmas Turkey | Kate and Jol Temple | $17.99 | Scholastic | 3+

The city is buzzing, shoppers run this way and that, there’s carols and lights and a red hat, but Ibis is in a flap and can’t find any trash. Bush Turkey knows exactly where to find a feast to gobble!

Zola and the Christmas Lights | Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson | $19.99 | Penguin | 4+

This year, Zola and Alessandro are going to decorate the street with Nonno Nino’s lights. Celebrate community, kindness, hope and all the wonder of the festive season in this heartwarming book!

Reviewed by Zehraan R. age 9

We’re Going on a Present Hunt | Goldie Hawk and Angie Rozelaar | $14.99 | Nosy Crow | 2+

The kids go on a present hunt at Christmas time in the snow but the present at the end is something NO ONE would expect! A fun story with lots of suprises and a really nice story to read with your parent at Christmas time (or even before like I did for this review)!

Jim’s Spectacular Christmas | Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler | $29.99 | Penguin | 5+

The story of Jim: a very lucky, very special, very grubby dog, who lives, improbably, in the Victoria and Albert Museum. A new Christmas classic from a magical pairing: Dame Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler.

The Twelve Cats of Christmas | Feather Flores and Carrie Liao | $32.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+

I love cats and I love Christmasand this book has 12 cats and a whole lot of Christmas. The book is bascially the Christmas carol we all know about 12 days of Christmas but with different cat things, and my favourite cat is the cheeky kitten who climbs the tree but they are all really silly!

The Return of the Christmas Witch | Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza | $32.99 | Penguin | 6+

The story of the all but forgotten twin sister of Santa Claus and her quest to restore Christmas (and get revenge). A beautifully illustrated story of the true spirit of Christmas with a modern and wonderfully witchy twist.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Island | Teresa Lagrange | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 3+

This version of the much-loved Christmas song celebrates the unique birds that live on the wild and remote Christmas Island from the bright-red plumage of the Frigatebird to the iridescent green of the Emerald Dove.

Wombat Divine | Mem Fox and Kerry Argent | $19.99 | Scholastic | 3+

Wombat loved Christmas. He loved the carols and the candles, the presents and the pudding, but most of all he loved the Nativity Play and needs to find the perfect role for him. A new edition of a much-loved classic.

The Chaos Before Christmas | Sarina Dickson and Lily Emo | $15.99 | Hachette | 4+ The Chaos Before Christmas is just like the poem The Night Before Christmas and it has a rhyme all the way through. Elroy McChristmas is an elf, and he and his friends are at Elf School and have to pass a test to work for Santa. The problem is that the classroom is total CHAOS! They have to figure out what to do and it’s really easy to picture because the illustrations are good and the rhyme tells the story.

Reviewed by Jack M. age 7

Reviewed by Mara R. age 4

Reviewed by Louay Q. age 6