20 voices of 2020

on the shelf

Roary the Lion by Rory H. Mather

All Lions roar, right? Not Roary and he’s supposed to be the King of the Jungle! Try as he might, poor Roary has trouble finding his voice. Can his friends help him find his bellow or will he be left with a tiny squeak? Roary the Lion is a fun and interactive story for noise makers that explores themes of resilience, friendship and determination and encourages a ‘never give up’ attitude and problem solving skills. Filled with bright and colourful illustrations of jungle animals by Patrick Corrigan. Published by Larrikin House. RRP $24.99 RRP

Where’s my dinosaur? by Aisling Kwok

Daddy told me I’m getting a new playmate. I am so excited! I hope it’s a puppy. Or even a little chick. Ooh, it might even be a bunny. But most of all I hope it’s a dinosaur — I love dinosaurs! Young readers will enter the mind of an imaginative child as she anticipates the arrival of a new sibling. Where’s My Dinosaur? perfectly captures the intensity of childhood curiosity and obsessions and is a wonderful gift for a child whose family are expecting a new baby. Published by Yellow Brick Books. RRP $26.95.

The spectacular suit by Kat Patrick

A gorgeous picture book about the nervous joy of expressing yourself through clothing and the strength that comes with family support. Finding the perfect look (especially one with such strong Bowie vibes) for your own party can be incredibly empowering, and The Spectacular Suit also plays with gender in the same, delightful way that children do. While this story is a great one for sharing with children from the age of three, when the desire to choose your own outfit really begins to take hold, it could be perfect for those well into primary school, when individuality and identity begin to take on more significance. Published by Scribe publishing. RRP $24.99.

Backyard Birdies by Andy Geppert

This is a common pigeon. Common because it’s almost identical to every other pigeon. You’ll sometimes see a white one. That’s because it’s just had a bath. I made that last bit up. If you would like to learn more VERY REAL facts like this about some of Australia’s most common backyard birds, this is the book for you. A handy first field guide packed full of fascinating facts (some of them are even true) about Australia’s most common backyard birds. Published by Lothian Children’s Books. RRP $19.95.

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee

Pip never wants to go home. She likes to sit at the waterhole at dusk and remember Mika, her best friend. At home her mother’s not the same since her boyfriend Matt moved in. They don’t laugh anymore and Pip has to disappear into her bedroom and pretend she doesn’t exist. When she finds a half-dead baby dragon at the waterhole, everything changes. She knows she has to save this small creature and return it to where it

comes from. But how? Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $19.99.

Know Your Rights and Claim Them: A Guide For Youth by Angelina Jolie, Amnesty International, and Geraldine Van Bueren

If you are aged under 18 you have your own set of human rights. Know Your Rights and Claim Them celebrates the difference young activists have made in every corner of the world, and shows you how to challenge injustice wherever you may find it. It presents expert advice on peaceful protest, raising awareness at school and in your community, starting your own campaign and getting those in power to listen, plus vital guidance on protecting your safety, digital security and mental health. Published by Andersen Press. RRP $18.99.

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

A fantasy-adventure graphic novel about two best friends and their discovery of a mysterious village, perfect for fans of Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet or Raina Telgemeier’s Ghost. Grand adventures often begin where you least expect. Iris knows this because she’s read them all. But when she and her best friend, Sam, stumble upon an unusually dry riverbed on the outskirts of town, they make a discovery beyond anything Iris has read about: a hidden city, lost in time and shrouded in mystery. Storm clouds gather as secrets begin to surface. Can Iris and Sam uncover the truth in time to keep their friendship afloat, or will history repeat itself and pull them apart forever? Published by Allen and Unwin. 6-10 years old. RRP $16.99.

Shadowghast by Thomas Taylor

On the eve of Ghastly Night, a hypnotic stage magician, Caliastra, checks in to Eerie-on-Sea’s Grand Nautilus Hotel. She’s arrived with her entourage to put on a show – and she claims to be related to Herbert Lemon. Caliastra’s act is so shadowy and strange that Herbie’s friend Violet wonders if dark forces are at work, but Herbie won’t hear a word said against his new relation. Meanwhile, folk are disappearing from the town, and no one knows why. There is an Eerie legend that goes back to the dawn of time, about a creature made of darkness that devours the shadows of the living. Could the Shadowghast have really returned? Published by Walker Books. RRP $17.99.