On the shelf Our top book picks

on the shelf

Elvis Eager and the Golden Egg Monty’s Island 3 by Emily Rodda

Monty lives on a perfect island in the middle of a magical sea. Sometimes the sea throws up something interesting … and a golden egg might be his most amazing find yet! But when a pair of flying monsters and a mysterious explorer arrive, it seems the egg is about to hatch into a very big problem. Can Monty find a way to solve it? With a more sophisticated plot structure, a lengthier chapter book (think one chapter every evening), and simpler words, readers of Monty’s Island won’t feel daunted – they’ll feel encouraged. Ages 6-8. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $14.99

Hugo’s runaway legs by Alys Jackson and Leigh Brown

Hugo’s legs have run away, they simply didn’t want to stay at home where they just lay about. Hugo’s legs just wanted out! When Hugo Holt’s legs decide to take the bus and run away - he sets off to find a new pair of legs that are fast enough to catch them. Will he catch his runaway legs and will they agree to come back? Ages 3-9. Published by Larrikin House RRP: $24.99

Siblings by Dr Kimberley O’Brien and Rocio Bonilla

Having a sibling can be a challenge! The new title by Quirky Kid is a witty and imaginative picture book about the ups and downs of brothers and sisters. With the help of a playful design and inspiring illustrations by Rocio Bonilla, Siblings! presents two sides of the same story so sibling learns to appreciate each others qualities and quirks. Perhaps siblings aren’t so bad after all? Ages 4-10. Published by Quirky Kid. RRP $24.99

An Amazing Australian Road Trip by Jackie Hosking

Hop in for the rollicking, rhyming Australian road trip of a lifetime. We’re travelling from Melbourne on a birthday trip west, our aunty is sixty and we’re off on a quest visiting every state and territory of Australia, looking for the perfect picnic spot and experiencing all the landscapes, climates and wonders that Australia has to offer along the way. Each page has exuberant and dynamic artwork along with fun facts about the iconic locations and landmarks they visit, from Ningaloo Reef to Uluru, the Australian War Memorial to Coober Pedy and more. Ages 5+. Published by Walker Books Australia RRP $24.99

ROBOFIGHT: E-BOY 2 by Anh Do

Last week Ethan was just a teenage kid, lying in hospital with a brain tumour. Now, Ethan has the superhuman power to hack any computer system with his mind, and he’s on the hunt for Gemini, the deadly assassin. The Robofight Games might be the perfect cover. An electrifying second installment from Anh Do, who has sold 2.5 million copies across his Wolf Girl, WeirDo, Ninja Kid and Hot Dog! series. Ages 10-15. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $15.99

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes

Nine is an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman’s purse, she knocks on its tiny door and watches it grow into a huge, higgledy-piggeldy house. Inside she finds a host of magical and brilliantly funny characters, including Flabberghast – a young wizard who’s particularly competitive at hopscotch – and a hideous troll housekeeper who’s emotionally attached to his feather duster. They have been placed under an extraordinary spell, which they are desperate for Nine to break. If she can, maybe they can offer her a new life in return… Ages 8+. Published by Walker Books. RRP $14.99.

Robin Hood 2: Piracy, Paintballs & Zebras by Robert Muchamore

Robin and Marion are back! Second in the brand-new, action packed series from international bestseller Robert Muchamore. When Clare Gisborne and Little John return to school after the Locksley Riot, there’s rebellion in the air and Robin Hood’s name graffitied on every wall. Power dynamics are shifting—now, instead of being a feared bully, the daughter of Locksley’s most hated criminal finds herself shunned by classmates and pelted with yoghurt and rotting fruit. Ages 10-14. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $14.99

BE MORE VEGAN - The young person’s guide to going (a bit more) plant-based! by Niki Webster

Are your kids interested in becoming vegan? Whether you’re ready to commit to a fully plant-based lifestyle or you’d just like to add a few meatfree dishes to your weekly meal plan, this is the ideal guide. It explains the reasons behind going vegan, including environmental, health and animal welfare benefits, in clear and simple language that helps young people make up their own minds. It answers all the nagging questions about nutrition and ethics, as well as the best vegan ingredients, substitutions and food hacks. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $24.99

At Home Within by Meredith Gaston

After a particularly tumultuous year, At Home Within assists us to explore pathways to peace, balance and contentment in our daily life. Feeling at home within ourselves involves caring for ourselves in loving, thoughtful and joyous ways; noticing, honouring and meeting our unique needs. In this beautiful book, Meredith will show you how to nurture your inner world with kindness and compassion. The affirmations and inspirations in these ten chapters will assist you to create positive change within. As you change within, your perceptions of the world around you will transform in a positive way too. Published by Hardie Grant. RRP $22.99

50 Risks to Take With Your Kids by Daisy Turnbull

A guide for parents and carers to nurture resilience and independence in kids as they learn to take their own risks. For anyone who wants to combat helicopter parenting and a bubble-wrapped generation, Daisy Turnbull offers an easy-to-use framework with simple, practical challenges for children aged up to 10 years old. Peppered with Daisy’s own experiences in teaching, wellbeing and parenting, this warm and funny book is about teaching kids to recognise and assess risks themselves, and readying them to take on life and all that it brings. Published by Hardie Grant. Out Feb 17th. RRP $24.99.

The Women and the Girls by Laura Bloom

It’s 1977, and warm, bohemian Libby - stay-at-home mother, genius entertainer and gifted cook - is lonely. When she meets Carol, who has recently emigrated from London with her controlling husband and is feeling adrift, and Anna, who loves her career but not her marriage, the women form an unexpected bond. Their husbands aren’t happy about it, and neither are their daughters. Set against a backdrop of inner-city grunge and 70s glamour, far-out parties and ABBA songs, The Women and The Girls is a funny, questioning and moving novel about love, friendship, work, family, and freedom. Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $29.99

How to Raise a Man by Megan De Beyer

How can we raise boys to become good men? How can mothers, in particular, help their sons to walk through the world as considerate adults? In this era of #metoo, it’s evident that something is going wrong with the way men progress from childhood into adulthood, and few realise how critical the role of the purposeful and emotionally empowered mother is in a boy’s journey to maturity. Teenagers need centred adults to guide them. If you are confused or irritated by your pre-teen or teenage son, or feel bewildered and hurt by his behaviour, this book will guide you to a clear understanding of teenagers in general and teenage boys in particular. Published by Hachette Australia. RRP $32.99