2 minute read
The Gift of Reading
BY JESSICA SANFORD
Enchanting and inspiring Children’s books to fill Christmas stockings this year.
In the early 90s Jimmy Baxter and his mum arrive in a country town in rural NSW. When Jimmy’s mum struggles with her depression, Jimmy must find ways to survive. Being Jimmy Baxter, by Fiona Lloyd is a gently funny yet powerful coming–of–age middle grade novel about surviving the odds, unlikely friendships and the magical music of Elvis
My Epic Dad! Takes us Fishing! is the third hilarious picture book by Dani Vee about an enthusiastic dad who loves taking his kids on adventures, but things never seem to go as planned. Despite the calamities, everyone always has fun in the end!
Harley and the Stars, by Angela Molony, is a simple story to help children and their families say goodbye to their pets. Beautifully illustrated, the book is the sweet story of Harley’s full and happy life as he changes and grows old.
A Stockingful of Sadie, by Lana Spasevski, includes three Christmas stories. In each one, Sadie bakes festive treats to share, but when the outcomes are not what she bargained for, Sadie must find ways to save the day!
Can You Find Santa? By Axel Scheffler, is a colourful lift–the–flap board book. It’s Christmas Eve and Reindeer can’t find Santa! Little ones can raise the easy–to–grip felt and delight in the pictures they uncover as they help with the search.
Filled with 60 family–friendly recipes and fun activities, My Family Kitchen, by Tommy Pham, is a cookbook the whole family will love. Ask your youngsters to join you in the kitchen to discover the joy of cooking and sharing food with family.
[ONE FOR THE GROWN–UPS]
Now you’ve got the kids sorted, stretch out with this entertaining cosy mystery.
Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun, by Philippa Kaye. It’s 1984. Hairstyles are big, skirts are short, and Birdie Mealing just wants to have fun. Then her uncle disappears, and Birdie goes from music teacher to amateur sleuth, dealing with suspect politicians and a mob boss, on her hunt for the truth.
Jessica Sanford is a writer living on the Central Coast. She has a passion for literature and writes fiction and non–fiction. Jessica was the winner of the Wyong Writers’ 2021 Short Story Competition and has also been longlisted for the Furious Fiction prize. She’s currently working on a novel set in rural NSW. https://jessicasanford.com
