BABY BOOKS
Persuasion | Jennifer Adams | $18.99 | Hardie Grant | 1+
We loved this book, we loved the colours and the illustrations, we spent a long time looking at each page and asking ‘What’s that?’ and ‘Colour?’ and we read it at least once or twice a day. On a personal note I think it’s gorgeous and would have bought it for myself even if I didn’t have Livia.
Number Garden | Isabel Otter | $16.99 | Hardie Grant | 1+
Welcome to the Number Garden! Explore all sorts of different gardens with Marigold the Tortoise and a little group of nature lovers, and learn to count to 10 along the way. A unique counting book filled with peekthrough gatefolds and questions for curious minds.
Dinosaur Rap | John Foster | $26.99 | Peribo | 2+
Get movin’ and groovin’ with 7 dancing dinosaurs! With funky lyrics and a catchy rap performance, this rhythmic romp encourages safe and exciting creative movements that are sure to inspire pretend play. An inclusive, educational and fun addition to your singalong library.
Amid The Sand Dunes | Andrea Rowe | $19.99 | Hardie Grant | 2+
Explore the hidden spaces and sounds across the sand dunes with this beautiful board book for our smallest nature-lovers, from the CBCA award-winning creators of In the Rockpool and Jetty Jumping, Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville.
Perfect | Freya Blackwood | $18.99 | Hardie Grant | 2+
On a perfect day, the hours stretch ahead. Scribbling with chalk, running with kites, digging for shells ... paddling, climbing, dreaming. Here, the story of three children roaming a rolling beachside idyll on a perfect summer day.
Party Rhyme! | Antonia
| $19.99 | Scribble | 1+
Put on your party BAT, enjoy the LIZZIE drinks, but don’t eat too much HAIRY bread! Flip the flaps to reveal clever puns, witty rhymes, and playful language. Perfect for children’s love of birthday parties, Party Rhyme combines bold illustrations and kid-friendly jokes that will appeal to both younger and older children.
Calculus for Babies | Chris Ferrie | $18.99 | Random House | 2+
The latest instalment in Chris Ferrie’s best selling Baby University series introduces babies to the basics of calculus with fun, simple illustrations. Perfect for young mathematicians in the making (or adults in need of a calculus refresher)! - Carolina
Pesenti
Reviewed by Livia C. age 18 months + her mum
Afloat | Kirli Saunders | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+
In a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People’s knowledge, and gathering community along the way. Afloat uses weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.
Moon Mouse | Corrinne Averiss | $16.99 | Hachette | 3+
Moon Mouse lives out in space. When he spies a birthday party on Earth, he wishes he could join in with the fun. One day, a birthday balloon floats away from a birthday boy and up all the way to Moon Mouse’s garden! Will he discover what it means to make a friend?
Dear Vincent | Michael Bird | $29.99 | Thames & Hudson | 4+
This is such a lovely book. It is about a painter (Vincent Van Gogh). I think it’s cool that he is smart and moves away from the grey city to the sunny south. My favourite thing about this book is that his brother is kind to him and sends him lots of paints. And I like it because there’s flowers with him when he paints and he’s happy.
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden | Christy Mandin | $26.99 | Scholastic | 4+ Garden Glen was perfectly plain and normal, that was until Millie arrived. She soon sets to work creating her unusual yet thriving garden, despite the protests of the locals. With delightfully creepy illustrations, this book is about celebrating being unique and true to yourself, despite what others may say. It made my little spooky heart sing. Perfect reading for the spooky season. - Ruby
How We Share Cake | Kim Hyo-Eun | $27.99 | Scribble | 3+
The second oldest of five siblings describes how “we can split anything”, navigating division and connections, and above all joys and battles of sharing and compromising in a family. Pencil and watercolour texture in the illustrations; a sweet and whimsical spread.
Dalmartian | Lucy Ruth Cummins | $24.99 | Simon & Schuster | 3+
A visitor from outer space comes to Stephen’s yard one night. It may look like a Dalmatian, but it certainly doesn’t act like one. At first, Stephen and the visitor get off on the wrong paw. Will they learn to live in harmony?
I Follow The Fox | Rob Biddulph | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 3+
One night, a fox calls at the window, and a young boy decides to follow her. They go on a magical winter adventure: past snowy meadows and icy rivers! A magical tale about a boy, his teddy and a very special winter adventure.
Reviewed by Boadicea B. age 5
Reviewed by Henry T. age 11
The Dictionary Story | Oliver Jeffers | $24.99 | Walker | 4+
Dictionary wishes she could tell a story just like the other books. So one day she decides to bring her words to life. But everything gets out of control, and her characters collide causing tantrums and explosions. Can Dictionary and her friend Alphabet bring calm and order to Dictionary’s pages once again?
The Glass Horse Of Venice | Arnold Zable | $27.99 | Text Publishing | 5+
Claudia loves to look at all the glass animals sitting in the window of the glassblower’s workshop every morning on her way to school. When the glassblower gifts her a glass horse with broken wings, Claudia can’t help but be disappointed by the horse’s imperfection. But all is not as it seems. In the light of the setting sun the glass horse transforms and comes to life, whisking Claudia away through the skies of her beloved Venice. Brimming with imagination, awe, and the most stunning illustrations, The Glass Horse of Venice makes for a beautiful keepsake or gift.
- Carolina
Dragon Folding | Christopher Cheng | $24.99 | Penguin | 4+
This is a story about an old man who is sad and lonely and grumpy and won’t talk to anyone because his wife has gone away. It doesn’t say it in the book but I think she died which is why he’s so upset. Then the boy who lives next door Evan keeps going over and asking to do paper folding with him like he used to and that makes the old man happy again. I think
this is a really good book about helping people who are sad and that even if you’re a little kid you can make a difference.
The Book That Can Read Your Mind | Marianna Coppo | $26.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+
This is not an ordinary book, it’s a magical one! For her next act, Lady Rabbit will read your mind! That’s right: You pick a member from the magician’s audience and this book will guess who it is! A charming, interactive game in a book.
How to Draw a Dragon | Kate Talbot | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 3+
Everybody knows what a dragon looks like, right? Dragons have wings and breathe fire. Maybe dragons wear rollerskates? And shoot marshmallows from their tails! A funny exploration of imagination, creativity and teamwork, and an inventive celebration of the art of compromise.
Not-A-Box City | Antoinette Portis | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 3+
Bunny wants nothing more in the world than to finish building her cardboard city. There’s one slight problem: Bunny wants it ALL to herself! These other pesky animals just refuse to leave her alone! But what’s the point of a cardboard city without friends? Bunny and her colourful friends will inspire imaginative kids with a love of the world of makebelieve.
- Hugh
Words That Taste Like Home | Sandhya Parappukkaran & Michelle Pereira | $26.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+
Words That Taste Like Home is a heartwarming picture book about how language can connect us to our culture and hold on to the people we love.
Mooncakes Mean Family | Benson Shum | $10.99 | Penguin | 5+
Centred around an adorable family of rabbits, Mooncakes
Mean Family follows two sisters as they prepare to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with their grandparents. They learn to make different types of mooncakes before going and playing games with their family. This is perfect for early readers, with simple text and brightly coloured illustrations. - Lexie
Zombies!: Dave Pigeon | Swapna Haddow | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin | 7+
Help! There are zombie animals in the garden! Or are those animals actually just in fancy dress? Completely daft, eye-wateringly funny and unrelentingly energetic, Dave Pigeon is the perfect series for emerging readers.
Junkyard Fairies | Edwina Wyatt | $19.99 | Walker | 6+
Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise | Adeola Sokunbi | $14.99 | Allen & Unwin | 5+
Destiny is going for her first sleepover at her best friend’s house tomorrow and even though she’s feeling excited, she can’t help but feel a little worried too. She decides to have a practice sleepover and try doodling to ease her worries. This sweet, reassuring story is a perfect early reader with its short, easy chapters and a fun drawing guide! - Carolina
Sapphire and the Monster Hunters | Scott Stuart | $16.99 | Scholastic | 6+
Sapphire Sparks wants to prove she’s a brave, clever monster hunter. There’s just one teeeeny problem ... she’s not very good at it! Can Sapphire catch an evil, scary monster? And how will she work out who are really the bad guys?
Fur, Tip and Nug live in a chipped, china teapot at the bottom of the junkyard. They are messy, bossy and never eat their vegetables. Join them as they navigate life at the bottom of the heap, making rusty magic and turning trash into treasure.
Lone Wolf Gets a Pet | Kiah Thomas & K-Fai Steele | $19.99 | Hardie Grant | 6+
Wolf is not a people person, but he is a jelly bean person. Today, the only way to get them is by winning the Best Pet Competition. First prize: jelly beans! Try as he might, Wolf can’t find a pet that will impress the judges. Wolf hatches a plan in this laugh-out-loud new series.
Sabina And The Cats Of Rome | Sophie Masson | $15.99 | Peribo | 5+
Sabina goes out into her favourite part of the garden. There, in a tree, is a very unusual cat, the only daughter of the King of the Cats of Rome. She can speak to humans and cats alike, and she needs Sabina’s help to save her father. A funny, action-packed light fantasy.
Dungeon Runners Level 1:
| Kieran Larwood & Joe Todd-Stanton | $16.99 | Nosy Crow | 7+
There’s space for a new team of heroes. This is your chance to enter the leagues and fight your way to the top. Young readers will love discovering the world of the Dungeon Runners!
FICTION
The Garden Witch | Kyle Beaudette | $29.99 | NewSouth Books | 4+
LEXIE’S PICK
The Garden Witch is doing her best. She grows vegetables and takes them to the market, but nobody wants them. She’s incredibly lonely, and makes do with three evil rats for company that boss her around and bully her. However, one day her vegetables take a little bit of a turn and all of a sudden- she has a sentient turnip named Mickey as her best friend. Will he help her take revenge on the rats? A bit Quentin Blake in illustrations and A LOT Tim Burton in content, this is a morbidly funny and dark picture books, perfect for read aloud (but maybe for those that are a little bit older) and the perfect mix of silly and feel-good, with a little bit of an edge.
KARREN’S PICK
Pearl and Her Bunch | Momoko Abe | $16.99 | Hachette | 4+
A delightful picture book that sweetly tackles the big questions of family, belonging, and identity—all through the eyes of a little grape who isn’t quite what she seems. When Pearl discovers she’s not a grape like the rest of her bunch, she sets off on a heartwarming adventure around the house, meeting fruits of all shapes and sizes. Each encounter offers a tender lesson in acceptance and inclusivity, reminding readers that families come in all forms. With charming illustrations and a clever storyline, this book is a refreshing take on the beauty of diversity and the journey of self-discovery. Fabulous picture book for young people learning to embrace who they are and the unique connections that make a family whole.
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord | Garth Nix | $17.99 | Allen & Unwin | 14+ Set in an alternative 1970s Canberra. Kim spends his days riding his bike, playing DnD with his friends and reading fantasy novels in secret after his parents go to bed. When they discover a mysterious glowing, apparently sentient, orb in the lake, Kim doesn’t have a good feeling about it. Especially when it forms a connection with his brilliant but strange younger sister Eila. This book was super fun! The kind of adventure I dreamed about as a kid and imagined myself having after watching Stranger Things for the first time. Quirky, exciting and absolutely thrilling.
RUBY’S PICK
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria | L.M. Wilkinson | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin | 8+
Up on the Plateau, the mouse Titch yearns for adventure, a break from the monotony of puffling herding and damson plums. However, The arrival of a strange rabbit, hounded by writhing and horrifying shadow-eels, a chain of events launches that threaten not only the peace of the Plateau, but the safety of all of Alluria. I loved Bravepaw, and particularly the character of Titch, who, despite her dreams of adventure, struggles with self-doubt, and what it actually means to be brave. Bravepaw is a fantastic new fantasy novel that promises to kick off a great series - think Redwall, but for a younger audience.
LEWIS’ PICK
Mr Impoppable | Trent Jamieson & Brent Wilson | $14.99 | Simon & Schuster | 3+
A lovely story about how kindness can create kindness. Mr Impoppable keeps on showing kindness to Gerald even though Gerald is trying to pop him. At the end Gerald has learned that friendship is worth preserving, not popping.
TUULA’S PICK
ROBERT’S
The Dog Who Danced on the Moon | John Boyne | $16.99 | Penguin | 3+
If I didn’t already have the most beautiful dog in the world, I’d want Maxwell. All Maxwell wants to do is dance, he loves to dance, he dances on tables, on bathtubs, on tile he dances to make his boy Jeremy smile. All Jeremy wants to do is to explore space but everyone says he’s too young and make fun of his dreams. Because a dog shouldn’t dance and a boy shouldn’t dream. Thankfully though Jeremy and Maxwell have each other! This is a gorgeous book about not giving up, believing in yourself, holding on to your dreams, trust and knowing that someone has your back.
MISCHA’S PICK
The Invocations | Krystal Sutherland | $24.99 | Penguin | 13+
Krystal Sutherland, author of House of Hollow, has done it again with The Invocations, a haunting murder mystery thriller crossed with the supernatural unlike any other YA I’ve read! It’s centred around the found family of three young women, one a witch, one cursed by a demon, and one investigating the occult after the brutal death of her sister. Embracing the Gothic and body horror with its visceral and grotesque descriptions of natural decay and the monsters that live within us, part of the enchantment of this novel is the atmosphere that creeps under your skin the further you go. Full of uncanny and unexpected twists and turns, The Invocations will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final word and leave you wrapped up in its tangled roots long after.
When the World Tips Over | Jandy Nelson | $22.99 | Walker | 14+
Nelson is one of my all-time favourite young adult authors - and it’s her amazing characterisation that defines her novels! When the World Tips Over is set in Californian wine country (think Parent Trap!) and follows sibling Dizzy, Miles and Wynton who could not be more different but are unified by the apperance of a mysterious rainbow-haired girl who saves them all in some way. When tragedy strikes and the curse of the family starts to unravel, the rainbow-haired girl may be more important that you think! With a whole cast of fabulous side characters, and told from multiple POVs, this was a heartwarming, heartbraking and wholesome read!
STEPH’S PICK
Angus and Mouse Go to Town | Jane Godwin & Terri Rose Baynton | $19.99 | Scholastic | 3+
Friends are the best thing in the world. Friends that are mice that can fit in your pocket and make shopping fun are even better. This adorable picture book tells the story of Angus and his best buddy, Mouse, as they go out to buy new shoes and get the most delicious cereal. It lets us know that friends can come in all shapes and sizes, and it is so important to be kind to everyone. So much fun and so very cute!
ANGUS’ PICK
Ferris | Kate DiCamillo| $19.99 | Walker | 9+
The tender story of a fourth-grader and her loving family. Ferris got her name from the place where she was born, at the base of the Ferris Wheel. She has a sister who wants to be an outlaw, a grandmother who is failing in health and who sees a ghost in their home, a close friend who plays the same tune over and over again, parents who are amazing and unusual and a teacher who constantly weeps! What more do you want in a story? Well, there is the uncle who has left his wife and is now living in the basement and wants to paint the history of the world. DiCamillo is a superb writer and this is her comfort zone. The denouement of this family story set at the end of the 20th century in small town America is full of love and kindness. You will laugh and cry your way through and wish it would go on longer!
KATE’S PICK
The Midwatch | Judith Rossell | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 9+
This book is an exciting and suspenseful adventure that made me feel quite tense. Maggie, Sofie and Nell are best friends at a special orphanage where every grade has to solve a different mystery. As First Years, they need to solve the mystery of a missing lady, Miss Fenchurch, and defeat the scary night monster that comes out in the evening and attacks people in the North Side. One of my favourite things about this book are the drawings, which are beautiful and make the story seem real. I had lots of fun reading this - I think it is one of the best books ever.
The Millicent Quibb School Of Etiquette For Young Ladies Of Mad Science | Kate McKinnon | $17.99 | Harper Collins | 9+
Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch do not belong in the snooty town of Antiquarium and its etiquette schools. They are taken in by Millicent Quibb, a scientist with worms in her hair and oysters in her bathtub, and tasked with saving their town from an evil cabal of nefarious mad scientists.
The Lost Book of Magic | Amelia Mellor | $22.99 | Affirm Press | 9+
Melbourne is in crisis, and Pearl and Vally Cole’s father is thinking of closing the grandest bookshop in the world. A ghostly visitor offers Pearl magic that could save her home, but all is not as it seems... A sweeping adventure that concludes The Grandest Bookshop in the World series.
The Hotel Balzaar | Kate Dicamillo | $24.99 | Walker | 7+
While her mother cleans rooms at the Hotel Balzaar, Marta slips down the back staircases, chats with the bellman, and dreams of her father’s return. One day, a mysterious countess checks in, promising a story. Could the secret to her father’s disappearance lie in these tales?
Landovel | Emily Rodda | $39.99 | Allen & Unwin | 9+
Derry knows no other life than that of a captive on Cram’s Rock, shunned by the other young prisoners for being Cram’s poison taster. A traveller arrives, on the run from the sinister executioners; she leaves Derry with a magical notebook full of secrets. An epic ‘three parts in one’ fantasy quest.
All the Beautiful Things | Katrina Nannestad | $22.99 | Harper Collins | 10+
I love this book so much. All The Beautiful Things is just as exciting as the rest of the series so it didn’t disappoint. It has a touching story about finding friendships and facing the difficulties of living during World War 2.
I highly recommend this book, and the whole series, for everyone.
Girl, Crushed | Maggie Horne | $16.99 | Affirm Press | 9+
Noah Frye just had the Best Summer Ever, but when When she finds herself caught in a lie about having a crush of her own, she decides she’ll do anything to fit in with her friends again... A hilarious and heartwarming queer contemporary middle-grade story about self-discovery.
Reviewed
Game On | Dylan Alcott | $16.99 | Harper Collins | 9+
Dylan’s life so far has been pretty awesome: he’s got a great family, a pet legless lizard, and his friends. Now it’s time for something new - high school. Dylan has a lot of learning to do, and quickly. A funny and relatable new series!
The Fairy Tale Fan Club | Richard Ayoade | $17.99 | Walker | 8+
Was it really Happily Ever After? Read about the real lives of fairy-tale characters in this exclusive collection of letters. Only one man has the answers: C.C. Cecily, Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club.
The 113th Assistant Librarian | Stuart Wilson | $19.99 | Penguin | 9+
When Oliver’s calling takes strange turn after strange turn, he is thrust headfirst into a magical world of mystery and danger. Can he navigate his new profession? Or will the task of being 113th assistant librarian be too great? This book is full of twists and turns and I recommend this for any fantasy enjoying reader!
Thunderhead | Sophie Beer | $17.99 | Allen & Unwin | 10+
Meet Thunderhead: awkward, musicobsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower who is about to move schools! A hopeful and important story.
Fallout | Lesley Parr | $15.99 | Bloomsbury | 9+
Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas. An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties.
Opening this book is like stepping straight into an outback town — clean air, brown snakes, quad bikes, and cricket, lots of cricket! Jack is a died-in-the-wool cricket fanatic and his small-town life is upended when Ajeet shows up from across the ocean and outshines him on the pitch. Written by a legend of sports broadcasting, Spirit of the Warriors is a great story of the friends we make when cultures collide on and off the field.
- Ben
Slouch | Christina Wyman | $18.99 | Macmillan | 8+
Stevie Crumb doesn’t want to stand out. But when you’re nearly 5’10” in seventh grade, it’s kind of hard not to. All anyone wants to talk about is Stevie’s body. Stevie learns to navigate boundaries, self-esteem, friends, and family.
Visit Robert and the Better Read Kids team in-store for lots more fantastic reading recommendations, school library services and kid events and book clubs!
Spirit Of The Warriors | James Knight | $17.99 | Peribo | 10+
Reviewed by Harvey R. age 13
Bite Sized Stories Volume 1 and 2: An Anthology of Writing by Better Read Kids | $19.99 each | Better Read Publications
This is the 15th Better Read Kids Writing Competition and the theme this year was a scrumptious story! We asked our young writers to think about food, and produce for us a 300 word reflection in any style they liked; tasking them to let their imaginations run away with them and let their creativity take flight. And take flight it did; sometimes quite literally, with space-faring watermelons visiting Pluto, commando sandwich stealing ants, truffle-filled sausages and majestic fridges. The result was an incredible number of entrants totalling well over 400 entries in all; such an astounding outcome that we have had to create a two-volume set to accommodate them all.
A Really Short History of Words | Bill Bryson | $45.00 | Penguin | 9+
Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did? Why do we have so many different words for just one thing? In this beautifully illustrated journey through word and rhyme, Bill Bryson will teach you how the English language came to be.
Come Together Again | Isaiah Firebrace | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 4+
Come Together Again is the second delightful picture book from Isaiah Firebrace for children aged 5 and up. It explores First Nations culture through a celebration of music, song and dance.
Magnificent Book of Fantasy Creatures | Tom Jackson | $35.00 | Simon & Schuster | 8+
From the blood-sucking vampire and the threeheaded dog Cerberus to the beautiful unicorn and the powerful centaur, a myriad of fantasy creatures from across the globe and many different cultures are brought to life here.
Chris Mould’s War Of The Worlds | H.G. Wells & Chris Mould | $29.99 | Allen & Unwin | 10+
Across space, this earth is being watched. What seems to be a meteorite falls to earth, but from the debris unfolds a terrifying alien threat. A full-colour illustrated graphic novel adaptation of this SCI-FI classic!
Wherever You Go, My Love Will Follow | Birgitta Sif | $34.99 | Thames & Hudson | 5+
A heartfelt collection of short stories, told as letters from a parent to a child, encompassing life lessons.
Tales From Muggleswick Wood | Vicky Cowie | $39.99 | Bloomsbury | 5+
A treasury of five classic bedtime stories set in the rolling landscape of the English countryside. This is an enchanting book with glorious illustrations by Charlie Mackesy, with a wonderful sing-songy rhyming rhythm that will delight when read aloud. Perfect for lovers of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit. - Carolina
The Hidden World of Mythical Folk | Maz Evans | $32.99 | Welbeck | 7+
This is literally a magical book taking us around the world to every continent from South Africa to Northern Ireland from the lands of the Slavic peoples to the outback of Australia, a magical handbook on how to recognise mythical folk, what to look out for, how to behave with them and why not to upset them. With stunning illustrations by Robert Ingpen this would make a gorgeous gift for anyone with a heart for whimsy of any age.
- Robert
If I Had a Dragon | Gabby Dawnay & Alex Barrow | $24.99 | Thames & Hudson | 3+
Miss Cat: The Gnome’s Nightmare | Jean-Luc Fromental | $19.99 | Thames & Hudson | 6+
Class Party Volume 2: School of Monsters | Sally Rippin | $27.99 | Hardie Grant | 6+
Unicorn Time Machine: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure | Dana Simpson | $27.99 | Hardie Grant | 9+
Spookytime: Funny Kid Book 13 | Matt Stanton | $16.99 | Harper Collins | 8+
Millie Mak the Mender | Alice Pung | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 9+
The Case Of The Polar Poachers: Einstein the Penguin | Iona Rangeley | $16.99 | Harper Collins | 6+
Power Up: Real Pigeons Book 12 | Andrew McDonald | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 8+
Celestial Monsters: The Sunbearer Trials Book 2 | Aiden Thomas | $22.99 | Macmillan | 13+
The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe | Shannon Hale & Dean Hale | $19.99 | Walker | 6+
Hot Mess: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 19 | Jeff Kinney | $14.99 | Penguin | 8+
Antoine De-SaintExupéry: Little People Big Dreams | Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 4+
FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH
Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking | Adam Stower | $15.99 | Harper Collins | Ally’s Review | 8+
I am already in love with Murray and Bun and this is only the beginning of their adventures together! Murray is a cat and Bun is…you guessed it, a bunny. In an amazing turn of events, the duo discover that Murray’s cat flap is enchanted and walking through it means winding up somewhere you never thought you’d be! This time, the cat flap leads Murray and Bun to a land of Vikings, where they are given a super important mission: to rescue a Viking from the depths of Troll Island. What follows is a funny, sweet and laugh-out-loud tale. This book is perfect for newly independent readers who are looking for a segue into the world of chapter books and I can’t wait to see what else Murray and Bun get up to in the future!
MARCH BOOK OF THE MONTH
Outlaw Girls | Emily Gale and Nova Weetman | $16.99 | Text Publishing | Ally’s Review | 10+
From the fabulous duo that brought us Elsewhere Girls comes another captivating time-travel novel. Kate and Ruby live in Victoria, 145 years apart. One of them (Ruby) is living a modern life, riding horses and helping out on her family farm. The other (Kate) is the sister of Ned Kelly, secretly taking supplies to her brother as he hides from the police. When Kate is transported into the future, she crosses paths with Ruby and so begins an adventure that teaches both characters about family, friendship, loyalty and betrayal. This is an awesome story for young readers interested in historical fiction, or anyone who loves a bit of action and intrigue in their literature!
APRIL BOOK OF THE MONTH
Ferris | Kate DiCamillo | $19.99 | Walker | Leona’s Review | 9+
DiCamillo has a clever habit of writing stories that seem unassuming or even small, but actually are funny and far-reaching and full of heart. Ferris is her latest offering that tackles the big questions with tenderly chosen answers. Ferris, our protagonist, has to reckon with complications at home, with her six-year-old sister Pinky vowing to become an outlaw, her grandmother Charisse feeling poorly, and, topping it all off, starting to see a ghost in her room. Is it an alarming omen, or an exciting opportunity? And how is Ferris going to come to grips with it all? As a reader, meeting Ferris felt special and truthful and fun, and I’m thrilled to be able to introduce her to you.
MAY BOOK OF THE MONTH
Listen, Hippo! | Gabriel Evans | $19.99 | Penguin | Ruby’s’ Review | 3+
Hippo just wants to make his friend Billy happy and he thinks he knows just what to do! Playing dress-up? Dancing? Pirate adventures? Maybe Hippo should listen to what Billy has to say first… Listen, Hippo! is all about learning the importance of listening and that we don’t always know what’s best to help people until they tell us themselves. A fun, humorous and important story!
JUNE BOOK OF THE MONTH
| Carolina’s Review | 14+
I’m a sucker for a YA dystopian fantasy with a strong heroine. With rich worldbuilding inspired by First Nations culture, Liar’s Test ticks all the boxes and then some. Bell Silverleaf – the heroine in question – has been held captive by the sun priests and moon sisters of the Risen since she was eleven. Survival hasn’t been easy for Bell or the other Treesingers after their home was invaded by the Risen and their gods over a century ago. Now, after years in captivity, Bell has been selected to compete in the deadly Queen’s Test to decide who rules for the next twenty-five years. With the crown comes the power to secure the freedom of the Treesingers, yet all is not as it seems. The ensuing narrative is epic, fast-paced, and laced with many twists and turns. Plus, it ticks the romance box which doesn’t hurt!
Liar’s Test | Ambelin Kwaymullina | $24.99 | Text Publishing
JULY BOOK OF THE MONTH
Arabella | Carmel Bird & Jace Rogers | $25.00 | Peribo | Robert’s Review | 4+
I absolutely loved this book from first sight. The beautiful whimsy of Jace Rogers’ ink and brush illustrations work so joyously with Carmel Bird’s prose as they guide the reader on tip-toe following the words like stepping stones as we watch the timid and shy Arabella awaken to something new with the arrival of the bodacious and charming George. There maybe a little Arabella in all of us awaiting to embrace the world by listening to that part of us that is pure George.
AUGUST BOOK OF THE MONTH
Puppet | David Almond | $24.99 | Walker | Robert’s Review | 8+
Silvester is a celebrated puppet master, who in his twilight years, sad and alone, decides to make one last puppet; but Puppet is very different, when Silvester speaks to him Puppet speaks back. What follows is the most heartwarming, soul stirring retelling of a Pinocchio story I have ever read. Compassion and creativity are threaded with humour and light unlining Almond’s writing which is wistful, full of poetry, passion and heart.
SEPTEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody | Patrick Ness | $16.99 | Walker | Lexie’s Review | 9+
Life is a bit tough for Zeke. He’s just been made hall monitor (possibly because he’s a monitor lizard), Pelicarnassus has it out for him, and due to an unfortunate family instance a century or two ago…. France is located on his knee.Zeke and his fellow monitor lizards/hall monitors must band together with Miel the Hawk to overthrow Pelicarnassus (current school bully and supervillain in the making) to both save their school from being destroyed and stop other animals from calling each other mean names. Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody was wonderfully illustrated, delightfully funny, and had me googling different types of hawks- Miel is definitely the standout character. I absolutely loved it, and hope that there is a sequel to find out what happens next.
OCTOBER BOOK OF THE MONTH
Kitten Ninja | Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen & Ellen Stubbings | $17.99 | Hardie Grant | Steph’s Review | 5+
Kitten Ninja takes on some very, very dangerous foe in this graphic novel for young readers - the first in an adorable new series! In three action-packed chapters (although, lets be honest, Kitten Ninja spends more time napping than anything else), he takes on a spot of light, a ball of yarn and the dreaded snow. Perfect for newly independent young readers or for reading together, you can enjoy this series then advance to Cat Ninja when you’re a little bit older. With bright, bold images, simple text and the cutest protagonist ever, Kitten Ninja has captured our hearts!
NOVEMBER
BOOK OF THE MONTH
6+
Come and meet Hazel who’s nine, Poky who is a feelings echidna, (which means he changes colour depending how Hazel is feeling), Odette a pademelon, Walter a grumpy wombat and Tiny a honey possum, so tiny she travels by pocket. This delightful band of friends all live together in a Treehouse and this is their first book. Each chapter is a day in the life of Hazel and her friends and each has something to solve or something to share, like if you’re feeling in the clums? Why not write a list of 15 cheery things. I have been a fan of Zanni Louise for sometime and this, paired with the gorgeous illustrations of Judy Watson is a future classic and must have for any small person’s library. It is quintessentially Australian but infused with Winnie the Pooh and Gumnut vibes.
Hazel’s Treehouse | Zanni Louise | $19.99 | Walker | Robert’s Review |
Astrophysics for Supervillains | Matthew
Bothwell | $16.99 | Penguin | 9+
The title of this book makes it sound like it should be science fiction but it’s actually all real facts done in a funny way as if the kids who are reading it are reading a textbook from a school for supervillains. I thought it was interesting and funny and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in science and funfacts.
A World of Flavour | Tania Jiminez & Habrielle Langholtz | $49.95 | Phaidon | 10+
This innovative cookbook invites children to explore more than forty countries through the universal language of food. Featuring fun facts and fascinating information celebrating unique ingredients and culinary customs across all five continents, and authentic, kidfriendly recipes ranging from Vietnamese pho and Mexican salsa verde cruda to Italian focaccia and Nigerian jollof rice.
Costa’s Garden: Flowers | Costa Georgiadis | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 4+
Flowers are the part of a plant that smiles. Flowers make us smile too! There are so many different kinds of flowers – all the colours of the rainbow. Join Costa, Australia’s favourite garden gnome, as he shares the magic and wonder of the natural world with young readers.
Flight | David Long | $39.99 | Allen & Unwin| 8+
The Lift-the-Flap Encylcopaedia of Oceans | Jiatong Liu | $29.99 | Thames & Hudson | 5+
This is a jam-packed ocean book! Each of the interactive spreads includes several huge flaps, which reveal even more flaps underneath - perfect for little fingers to lift and learn. Every spread explores a different aspect of the waters of our world.
In his latest book, award-winning children’s nonfiction writer and historian David Long chronicles the history of flight from the 11th century all the way up to the present day. From hot air balloons to spaceships, Long introduces readers to the remarkable accomplishments of the likes of Da Vinci whilst also highlighting the often overlooked contributions of people like Bessie Coleman and the Attagirls. Perfect for history and science lovers! - Carolina
Cleopatra | Alexandra Stewart | $32.99 | Allen & Unwin | 9+
I found this book fascinating and very informative. I liked how the author made it easy to understand what and who Queen Cleoptra was and all she had to do as a Queen and the ruler of her country which she had to do from a very young age. I think the pictures are really good and they really help with telling the story. If you like learning about history and about famous people from history this is a great book!
Wild Australia: Marine and National Parks | Brentos | $24.99 | Affirm Press | 3+
These are Australia’s natural environments as you’ve never seen them before: a dreamy pastelpopping testimony to the importance of conservation and biodiversity protection. Fly with Galahs above Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, dive with dolphins off Lord Howe Island, and find ShortBeaked Echidnas in the Daintree Rainforest.
Reviewed by Nicco M. age 14
Reviewed by Kathryn H. age 12
Earthlings | Ewa Solarz | $29.99 | Allen & Unwin | 7+
I thought this was a really interesting way of talking about the Earth and how it’s made up and how it all fits together. I like how the author has written it as if it were written by aliens who had been to earth and studied everything and then written a report. There is a lot of very good information about science, space geography and humans. This would be really good for someone who likes reading about fun facts and likes learning new things about our planet.
Marina Abramovic Turned Herself Into Art And Wasn’t Sorry | Fausto Gilberti | $24.95 | Phaidon | 4+
This celebration of Abramovic’s work for young readers features striking black-and-white and red illustrations, together with a reproduction of the artist’s work and a brief biography at the back of the book.
Flora | Tania McCartney | $29.99 | National Library of Australia | 7+
When it comes to flora, Australia is a land of diversity. From rainforests to deserts, mountains to the seashore, 90 percent of our plant life is unique to this ancient land. This gorgeous compendium explores our most curious and iconic plants.
Ask Aunty: Bush Survival Skills | Aunty Munya Andrews | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | 6+
Aboriginal People have lived in the bush for a long, long time. They love and look after Country like it’s family, and in return, Country looks after the people. A delightful and educational introduction to bush knowledge.
Off to the Nursery | Alice Oehr | $24.99 | Scribble | 4+
Spring is here, and it’s time to plant the garden. We’re planning to grow tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs - and maybe even add some worms! Learn all about gardens in this engaging tour through a plant nursery - with practical ideas and stunning illustrations.
Cloud Atlas | Sarah Zambello | $34.99 | Thames & Hudson | 10+
Come on an expedition across the sky to discover why clouds have always fascinated us. Enjoy blazing sunsets, raging storms, bright blue skies and inky nights while learning the different types of clouds and what kind of weather you can expect.
Human Body: A Children’s Encyclopedia | DK | $42.99 | Penguin | 7+
Did you know that you are made up of 100 trillion cells? From your head to your toes, this encyclopedia for children takes you on a tour of the human body and explains how each part works.
Reviewed by Marcus A.
Halfway There | Christine Mari | $29.99 | Hachette | 13+
Christine has been living in America since she was 5 years old, her mother is Japanese and her father is white American. Now she is turning 19 she is going back to Tokyo Japan to study Japanese and hopefully find a balance to her life. I found this story very moving and made me think really hard about what it would be like to be, always the outsider and how that would make you feel. I really like how this book is based on the author Christine Mari’s real life, she also did the illustrations which are so so good. I think a lot of people would relate to this book especially if you’ve ever had to start in a new school, town or city.
Pablo and Splash | Sheena Dempsey | $17.99 | Bloomsbury | 6+
Pablo and Splash go to visit Professor O’Brain in her lab, only to find that their friend has been left behind in the Ice Age by a misbehaving time machine. The brave penguin buddies set out on a rescue mission destination 68,000 years ago! A race against time several times over!
Thief of the Heights | Son M. & Robin Yao | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 13+
Enter the world of Muqadas, where the climb to the top of this vertically stacked city—away from disease-ridden waters of the lower levels—is paved with betrayal, secrets, and rebellion in this debut graphic novel from Son M. and artist Robin Yao.
The Pirate Princess | Luca Frigerio | $24.99 | Simon & Schuster | 13+
Julie has two goals in life: to make things explode and to become the best pirate who has ever existed! She joins the crew of the Golden Dolphin to find her father, uncover mysteries of her family, and her own place in the world.
Revenge of the Toxic Space Potato | First Dog on the Moon | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 10+
Letitia, Binky and Worried Norman are no ordinary teens. They are the superheroes better known as the Indefatigable EnviroTeens! Unluckily they have been space snorkelled - sucked up by giant tubes, stripped of their powers and squeezed out on ... Mars?! An intergalactic quest filled with friends, fiends
Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus | Leila Boukarim | $16.99 | Hardie Grant | 6+
Zips and Eeloo are two aliens who think they are experts in all things human, like making hummus! But they aren’t exactly the experts they claim to be. Will Zips and Eeloo have hummus after all, or just a big mess? Great for readers who are beginning their graphic novel journey.
Enter The Roo: Kung Fu Roo #1 | Anh Do | $17.99 | Allen & Unwin | 6+
A rip roaring, action-packed adventure with animals aplenty! Anh Do’s latest series follows three teens whose train is tragically hit by a meteor… but worry not! It gives them secret animal transformation powers, and, balancing their normal lives and super-animal duties, they must stop the evil Crocka Gang. It’s fun, funny and quirky – and not to be missed. - Angus
Reviewed by Maddie S. age 16
My Family and Other Suspects
| Kate Emery | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | Ages 13+
Who says a cosy murder mystery shouldn’t be authentically Aussie and who says the hero detective shouldn’t be fourteen and extremely funny? My Family and Other Suspects will hook you grab you from the get-go when the perfectly awkward Ruth, stuck in a house with her dorky family, piles of Agatha Christies and Arthur Conan Doyles, a rogue snake, her kind-of crush and dead body, puts her Enola Holmes fantasies into action. The results are hilarious. - Ben
I’m Not Really Here | Gary Lonesborough | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | 13+
A wonderful comingof-age queer romance!
Jonah is the new kid in a country town. When he joins the local footy team to be closer to his crush, Harley, it feels like a fresh start – but he still has to navigate new friendships, an unresolved past, and the same body image issues he’s always had.
Heir | Sabaa Tahir | $24.99 | Hachette | 13+
An orphan; an outcast; a prince; and a killer who will bring an empire to its knees. Sabaa Tahir masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. A dark and breathless journey.
Don’t Let the Forest In | CG Drews | $19.99 | Hachette | 14+
It’s back to school at the elite Wickwood Academy but something has changed, something is creeping, something is waiting in the shadows in the dark forest. Andrew is an outsider, who writes dark and ominous fairytales and it seems that these stories and their illustrations are coming to life. This story is haunting, deliciously, velvety, darkly silky and violently haunting.
Immortal Dark | Tigest Girma | $24.99 | Hachette | 14+
The Three Binds are the only thing that protect humans from vampires, or “dranaics.” Kidan Adane will do anything for her sister June, even kill. But when June is kidnapped by a dranaic, Kidan must venture into Uxlay, where dranaics and powerful houses form alliances. Immortal Dark entangles murder, romance, and power struggles in a stunning debut novel, and blends Ethiopian culture with dark academia and fantasy, leaving you eager for more.
The Rules of Royalty | Cale Dietrich | $19.99 | Hachette | 14+
Jamie expected a cake, not a crown, for his 17th birthday, but when he finds out he is the prince, life will never be the same. Erik, the spare heir of a neighbouring country, is feeling stifled as his golden-boy brother prepares to get married. The Princess Diaries meets Red, White and Royal Blue.
- Robert
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Comes the Night | Isobelle Carmody | $24.99 | Allen & Unwin | 12+
Will lives in a future domed Canberra where citizens are safe from extreme weather events, dangerous solar radiation, and civil unrest. The recurrence of an old nightmare propels him on a dangerous quest, and Will discovers his dreams hold clues. A compelling new tale from Carmody!
Growing up in tropical Darwin, Emma’s just trying to survive. But with her mum having died, her autism diagnosis, her Dad’s work and her best friend Summer moving, she’s struggling. Change is not something you can escape but that doesn’t make it easy. I found this book both nostalgic and relatable, and it incredibly easy to fall into the world of the story through the grounded and evocative writing. - Ruby
Reviewed byHarperK.
age 15
White Noise | Raelke Grimmer | $26.99 | UWAP | 13+
Mini Architects | Joséphine Seblon | $29.99 | Thames & Hudson | 4+
Designed to engage young children with architecture, Mini Architects takes inspiration from some of the most famous architectural wonders. Choose from a variety of easy-to-make projects using simple materials and featuring a range of interesting techniques, ideal for teaching new motor skills.
Miffy the Artist: Jigsaw Puzzle Book | Dick Bruna | $21.99 | Thames & Hudson | 1+
Miffy visits the gallery and sees lots of beautiful works of art, then decides to make her own! The six jigsaw puzzles in the book increase in difficulty, from four to nine pieces.
Colours Of Things! | Pippa Goodhart | $14.99 | Macmillan | 3+
A stylish preschool picture book which will encourage children to practise choosing, categorising and spotting familiar everyday objects. With an engaging, rhyming text and gorgeous rainbow illustrations. Little ones will love searching the colourful scenes over and over again.
The Big Belly of the Whale | Yuval Zommer | $29.99 | Thames & Hudson | 6+
Have you ever wondered what might be inside a whale’s belly? Piece together this whale-shaped puzzle before peeking into its belly to spot plankton, fish, squid, octopus, and whatever else this whale had for lunch, and learn more about the incredible ocean.
Museum In A Book | Herve Tullet | $37.99 | Hardie Grant | 5+
“I love it, I love it, I love it. The activities in the back are so fun.”
Four bold colours, a brush, sheets of paper, and a pair of scissors create art that can be used to fill a huge space, or be squeezed into a matchbox. Here, an interactive marvel that readers will arrange and rearrange in a dazzling display of shapes, colours, and patterns.
Deadly Dangerous Dinosaurs | Kit Elliott | $29.99 | Affirm Press | 6+
Get into science and discover dinosaurs and other incredible reptiles with this fact-packed STEM book and model kit. Build your own original 72-centimetrelong model of the largest dinosaur to ever roam Earth and dive into the accompanying book to uncover facts!
Dream Big Bingo! (Little People, BIG DREAMS) | Maria Isabel Sanchez
Vegara | $35.00 | Allen & Unwin | 5+
An easy-to-learn bingo game: family fun with simple gameplay for 2-6 players. Discover inspiring role models from the popular children’s book series Little People, BIG DREAMS and learn as you play!
Reviewed by Lily S. age 3
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! | Mo Willems | $19.99 | Walker | 3+
The pigeon sneaked up on Santa and got into the sleigh. And then the Pigeon got into the sleigh! I was really happy that the pigeon got smelled out. The reindeer’s nose was smelly and he faced his butt to it. I was surprised the pigeon could climb up into the sleigh. It was so funny that it got stinked out! I loved it.
Socks | JD McPherson | $19.99 | Walker | 3+
It’s the dawn of Christmas morning, and this child can no longer wait, tiptoeing straight to the unlit Christmas tree. There lies a festive box, brightly wrapped, with their name on it. But what do you do when the gift is socks?! A funny Christmas tale.
Make My Wish Come True | Rachael Lippincott | $22.99 | Simon & Schuster | 14+
Hollywood teen actor Arden James’ messy reputation is interfering with her career. So, she and her publicist make up a lie – that her childhood best friend, Caroline, is her longterm girlfriend. A sapphic Christmas romance!
Santa Bilby | Miranda Birthisel | $19.99 | Scholastic | 3+
When Santa needs help delivering Christmas presents, he calls his friend the Easter Bilby! Can Bilby deliver everything in time, or will her wild approach to gift delivery create Christmas Eve chaos? A charming Christmas tale which a fun nod to Australian Christmas.
Baby’s First Christmas | Cheryl Orsini | $19.99 | Hardie Grant | 2+
The bells ring out, today is Christmas Day! Baubles drip rainbows in the morning light. Share in the delight of baby’s very first Christmas in this gorgeous board book, capturing all of the magic of the day for brand new readers.
The Story Orchestra: I Can Play The Nutcracker | Jessica Courtney Tickle | $35.00 | Allen & Unwin | 4+
With a keyboard that plays the sound of a piano, enchanting illustrations from The Nutcracker story book, and colour- and shape-coded instruction, I Can Play The Nutcrackershows young musicians how to play 8 famous classical tunes from the famous ballet.
When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree | Jackie Hosking | $24.99 | Harper Collins | 3+
It’s very funny, I liked when Santa’s pants fell down. I love the emu and owl the best, and I love all the pictures.
Reviewed by Olive L. age 2 1/2
Reviewed by Emelia L. age 5