BABY & TODDLER
Alligator in an Anorak Counting Aussie Animals in My Backyard Bronwyn Houston HB 19.95
A charmingly personal adventure through Bronwyn Houston’s backyard, counting the animals as we go. There are any number of bugs, snakes, birds and mammals all drawn with cheerful detail and in engaging colour. Tropical and utterly familiar, this garden adventure makes a great read-aloud and a wonderful gift.
Daron Parton HB 19.99
This gorgeous, unique alphabet book sees a host of familiar animals in unlikely situations. Crab in a Caravan. Elephant in an Eggcup. Kangaroo in a Kayak. Urchin in Undies. Hilarious and entertaining, Alligator in an Anorak is a fun, fresh way to learn and play with the alphabet.
Countablock Very Cranky Bear: Five in the Bed Nick Bland BB 19.99
Join the Very Cranky Bear and friends in this fun retelling of ‘Five in the Bed’. The classic nursery rhyme comes to life as the finger puppets are moved during storytelling, and the vibrant colours and soft fabric combine to tempt interaction and stimulation. Perfect for children 0–2!
2
Christopher Franceschelli and Peskimo BB 19.99
Not just another counting book, this beautifully packaged introduction to numbers is sure to keep both toddlers and parents enthralled. Each number from one to ten is featured on a double-page spread with wonderful images and a warm humour that leaps off the page. And just when you thought the fun had ended, the numbers leapfrog all the way to 100. A great companion to last year’s Alphablock.
Axel Scheffler’s Flip Flap Safari Axel Scheffler HB 15.99
What do you get when you cross a lion and a giraffe? This funny and colourful book is full of wacky animal combinations, as well as amusing and educational rhymes about safari animals. Learn and laugh in this wonderful new creation by much-loved author and illustrator Axel Scheffler.
Mix It Up! Herve Tullet HB 19.99
The wonderful and engaging companion to Press Here brings colour to life as the reader is invited to follow the instructions and shake, mix and splatter the paint already on the page. Tullet shows again why he is one of the most innovative creators of fun and interactive books for young children.
Where is the Green Sheep (Book and Block set) Mem Fox and judy Horacek BB 24.99
This 10th Anniversary gift box edition of the best-selling Australian picture book comes with a board book and set of puzzle blocks. Turn the blocks to create six different images from the book, and mix them up for puzzling fun. The blocks make a perfect addition to this playful classic as toddlers search for the green sheep, finding plenty of other silly sheep along the way.
Noni the Pony Goes to the Beach Alison Lester HB 24.99
Noni the Pony and her farmyard friends indulge in Australia’s favourite pastime in this delightful new story. Join the rhyming shenanigans of the friendliest pony you’ll ever meet as she enjoys a sunny day on the beach.
3
picture books Bridie’s Boots Phil Cummings and Sara Acton HB 24.99
On her fifth birthday Bridie receives the best boots ever. They are perfect for twirling, splashing, daring escapades and, of course, keeping her feet dry. But when she’s six and they no longer fit, Bridie realises that it’s time for her boots to go on their own exciting adventure to the other side of the world.
Use Your Imagination Nicola O’Byrne HB 24.99
Rabbit is bored. Wolf knows how to fix that, and together they set out on a grand adventure. You may be thinking that a rabbit and a wolf are unlikely friends, and you would be right. Wolf thinks that he’s tricked Rabbit, but Wolf has taught Rabbit a very important lesson about using your imagination, and Rabbit uses his in such a clever way. You’ll never be bored if you use your imagination!
Bubble Trouble Tom Percival PB 15.99
Reuben and Felix are best friends who love to blow bubbles together. But when Reuben sets down a bubble-blowing challenge the competition becomes fierce and the bubble trouble begins. Can their friendship win the day and see them create the biggest bubble ever? A gorgeously illustrated picture book, with lift-the-flap bubbles, about friendship, competition and the value of collaboration.
Spots Helen Ward HB 16.95
Keen to fit in, a guinea fowl with no spots writes a letter and the next day a box of spots arrives. Not all spots are the same and box after box arrives of wrong spots, small spots, sparkly spots, splats, drips and blots, until a happy compromise is found. Spots is an absolutely beautiful celebration of not being exactly like everyone else.
4
Gus and Me
You Are Not Small
Keith Richards and theodora richards HB + CD 28.99
Anna Kang and christopher weyant HB 24.99
Gus & Me lovingly tells the story of Rolling Stone, Keith Richards as a boy and his unique relationship with his grandfather, from their long walks to the introduction to Keith’s first guitar. Illustrated by his daughter Theodora, this is a beautiful book that manages to play homage to a great influence in the iconic rockstar’s life without being over-sentimental.
Bright colours and engaging characters make this picture book about opposites and perspective an absolute winner! What starts as a simple argument between two critters about who is big and who is small falls apart when much smaller and MUCH bigger animals join in.
Please Mr Panda
Mine!
Steve Antony HB 24.99
Jerome Keane and Susana de Dios HB 24.99
Mr Panda has tray of delicious doughnuts. Animal after animal tells him the one they want, but it’s only when Lemur says ‘please’ politely that Panda will give any out! A witty and charming tale about manners and how far they can get you. Perfect for fans of John Klassen, this is a great introduction to the power of ‘please’.
Fox and Horse are bored. When something finally happens (a round white something), they cannot decide who should get to play with it first. While they are arguing, someone else takes the something away. A brightly coloured, funny picture book about the advantages of sharing – even when you think that it is ‘mine!’
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THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON
Whale in the Bath
David Walliams and Tony Ross HB 24.99
Kylie Westaway and Tom Jellett HB 19.99
A second picture book from the author that has been proclaimed as the ‘new Roald Dahl’. Bound to be plenty of laughs, and calls from children to read this story on high rotation.
It’s Bruno’s bathtime but there’s a whale in the bath who just refuses to hurry up and finish his turn. Needless to say, the rest of Bruno’s family do not believe him and keep sending him back to the bathroom. A very funny way to get children into the bath.
Cowzat!
Ten Little Princesses
Bruce Atherton and ben redlich PB 15.99
Mike Brownlow and Simon Rickerty HB 24.99
Finally the truth behind cricket’s invention, told in rollicking verse and accompanied by zany illustrations! It began in an Australian paddock when Jenny Bramble Rose, a Jersey cow, got a cricket up her nose and sneezed. Floppy May hit the cricket with a stick, the other cows thought it looked like fun, so rules were written and the game began!
‘Ten little princesses going to the ball, Trotting on their ponies, past the castle wall.’ Children can count their way down through all their favourite fairy tale princesses in this fun rhyming adventure. Lots to look at and plenty to spot and count on every brightly coloured page.
The Great Garden Mystery
Ugly Duckling + CD
Renee Treml HB 19.99
Frank Loesser and Nathaniel Eckstrom HB + CD 24.99
Someone is stealing and eating beetroots from the garden, so the animals play detective to uncover the culprit. As each recognises a clue that eliminates them as the thief, Roo is the only suspect left. But Roo knows he’s innocent and there’s one clue they have overlooked – who does square poo? With fun rhyming text and lively illustrations this is a great picture book mystery!
This much-loved fairytale is brought to life with a combination of beautiful illustrations and a CD by the multi-talented, award-winning actor Justine Clarke, whose many fans will welcome this addition to her repertoire.
Itsy-Bitsy Teenie-Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini + CD
On Sudden Hill
Paul Vance and Kerry Argent HB + CD 19.99
Linda Sarah and Benji Davies PB 14.99
Sing along with Deborah Mailman as hippo takes a hilarious trip to the beach in her itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini. Completely infectious, and before you know it the whole family will be joining in – belting out the chorus and urging hippo to take the plunge.
Two best friends spend their days having awesome adventures on Sudden Hill. They couldn’t have more fun if they tried, but what will happen when someone new wants to join them? Is there room for one more? This is a charming story about the bonds of friendship and how three friends together are even more fun than two. A beautifully illustrated book that everyone will enjoy.
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Hug Machine Scott Campbell HB 19.99
Who doesn’t love a good hug, whether giving or receiving? Come along with ‘the hug machine’ – a little boy with extra long arms who loves to hug everything in sight, even the spikiest of hedgehogs. Absolutely charming, and a lovely story to share with someone you like to hug.
Last King of Angkor Watt Graeme Base HB 26.99
Strength, compassion, resilience and courage – the qualities of a king. Four very different animals race to the ancient Elephant Temple to vie for the kingship. Will any of them prove worthy? This gorgeous celebration of the Cambodian jungle will transport you to a different world and a time long gone.
Hello From Nowhere Raewyn Caisley and karen blair HB 24.99
Eve lives in Nowhere, population 5, in the middle of the Nullarbor plain. Here she befriends the local animals and meets travellers from around the world. But there’s one thing she truly misses about the city – her Nan. When her Nan finally comes to visit, Eve reconnects with her and shows her the wonders of Nowhere. A heartwarming story about family, connections and appreciation of people and the Australian outback.
Tim and Ed Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner HB 24.99
Tim and Ed do everything together; they play together and visit the park together. They also have two of everything – after all, they are twin koalas. This cheerfully illustrated story celebrates the connections and experiences twins have. With a rollicking rhyme, this is a great book to read aloud as Tim & Ed’s dad explains why they look the same as they discover that spending time on their own can also be fun.
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Construction / Demolition Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock HB 27.95 each
‘Hoist the wood. Hoist the wood. Chain and hook and strap. Swing it round, then lower it down. Thonk! Clonk! Clap!’ Watch a library being built piece by piece with this great rhythmic read that’s sure to become a family favourite alongside Demolition and Roadwork, both also available as board books.
Sam and Dave Dig A Hole Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen HB 24.95
One fine Monday Sam and Dave set out from under the apple tree to dig a hole. They dig and dig, looking for something spectacular; they dig up, down and around stopping for chocolate milk and animal biscuits along the way. A very funny adventure from award-winning duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.
Hooray for Hat Brian Won HB 24.99
Grumpy days don’t have to stay that way, especially after Elephant gets an extra special package in the post. All he wants to do is share it with his friends, but all of his friends are grumpy as well. Will Elephant’s special package make all his friends happy too? This entertaining story will put a smile on the grumpiest face.
Zorro Gets an Outfit Carter Goodrich PB 14.99
Zorro and his friend Mr Bud are back! This time Zorro has a new outfit which is just so embarrassing, especially when all the other dogs in the park tease him. But when another dog turns up in a dashing striped outfit Zorro realises that it can be cool to stand out in the crowd.
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Go to Sleep Jessie !
Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau
Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood HB 24.95
Andrea Beaty and david roberts HB 19.99
Nobody wants to share their room with their screaming baby sister. Mum and Dad have tried everything to put Jessie to sleep; nothing has worked. But her big sister may have found the perfect solution. This is a lovely story about the love between siblings from the talented Australian duo Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood.
A tale of fashion, friendship and adventure from two of wonderful picture book creators! When Madame Chapeau – hat-maker extraordinaire – loses her prized birthday hat, everyone offers her their own to replace it. Sadly, Madame Chapeau wants a hat made from the heart and when a young girl comes and offers her a special bobbly knitted hat Madame is delighted.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
Sticks & Stones: Animal Homes
Jo Witek HB 19.99
Tai Snaith HB 24.99
Sometimes our hearts feel happy, sometimes they feel hopeful, silly or mad. They can make us feel like a big shiny star or like a tall plant reaching for the sky. The simple and direct language will help young children learn to identify and articulate their emotions. Attractively presented, with a gorgeous die-cut heart though each spread.
Take a trip around the world and discover the cubby houses and burrows of fifteen animals. From Australia’s Bilbies and Bowerbirds to Orangutans and Polar Bears these beautifully illustrated rhymes will introduce the very young to the animal homes around the world. There are two excellent pages of additional information about habitats and endangered status.
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older
s
k boo re u t c pi
The Princess Who Has No Fortune
Once Upon An Alphabet
Ursula Jones and Sarah Gibb HB 24.99
Oliver Jeffers HB 29.99
Meet a princess who’s different from most princesses – the princess who had no fortune. She lives in a castle with no gardener or cook and she has absolutely no interest in princes in shining armour. But one day a mysterious man arrives offering to help her in any way he can. A witty tale of love and mistaken identity.
In inimitable Oliver Jeffers style comes an alphabet book like no other! Short, illustrated vignettes introduce each letter in Jeffers’ own quirky way. There’s Danger Delilah who laughs at Death but fears being in trouble from her dad, and an Owl and an Octopus ocean rescue team, who are called to help a sinking cucumber at letter S. Hilarious and wacky, this is Jeffers at his best.
A World of Your Own
LindbergH: Tale of a Flying Mouse
Laura Carlin HB 24.99
Torsten Kuhlmann HB 27.99
A beautiful picture book for children 5+ taking the reader on a journey through Laura Carlin’s own colourful and imaginative visual world. Combining Laura’s observations, drawings and tasks, and with blank spaces for the child’s own drawings and responses, this is an ode to creativity.
A tiny mouse wishes to flee his predator-infested home for the dream of New York. When he is thwarted trying to board a ship, he decides to fly. As he works to perfect his flying machine the cats close in, threatening the entire venture. This is a charming story of bravery, adventure and the pursuit of dreams.
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junior fiction The Royal Babysitters Clemente Beauvais PB 12.99
Sisters Anna and Holly need to earn some money. They sign up to be the Royal Babysitters for just one day only to discover that there are six babies, not one, a disruptive older prince and a neighbouring king who chooses this day to invade the kingdom. What follows is a hilarious romp with the sisters finding ingenious solutions to save the day.
Regal Beagle Vijay Khurana & Simon Greiner PB 14.99
Lucy is a loyal beagle in this charming and funny adventure. When Lucy inherits the role of queen of a small kingdom not everyone is happy especially Lord Runcible who plans to claim the throne as his own. It is up to a determined Lucy to overcome a flea infestation and dog napping and derail Lord Runcible’s plans!
Glenn Maxwell: Lucky Break Glenn Maxwell 2: Academy All-Stars Patrick Loughlin PB 14.99 each
After scoring the winning six runs in his local club grand final, Will is selected to attend a T20 cricket clinic with Glenn Maxwell as a coach and mentor. Being the best in your team is all well and good but when you’re training with other stand-out kids (including girls) and the star pace bowler takes a serious disliking to you, playing cricket can be a funny old game. Good fun for cricket fans. Also available, Glenn Maxwell 2: Academy All-Stars.
Hubble Bubble: The Super Spooky Fright Night Tracey Corderoy PB 11.99
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If your granny were a little bit different from other grannies, would you want to change her – or would you end up thinking you love her just the way she is? In these three stories of magical mayhem, Pandora has to deal with a mad birthday trip to a build-yourown-bear factory, escaped penguins and the most magical Halloween party ever!
Cleo Stories: The Necklace and the Present Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood HB 16.99
From the award-winning author/illustrator collaboration of Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood come two delightful stories about Cleo. In one story she is desperate to have a necklace, and in the other she must find exactly the right present for her mum. Both of these problems she solves in her own ingenious and creative ways. This beautifully presented, charming book will make a lovely gift.
Tashi and the Wicked Magician and Other Stories Anna Feinberg, Barbara Feinberg and Kim Gamble HB 19.99
Join Tashi on four new adventures involving a wicked magician, a haunted house, a quest and a fire-breathing dragon. With colour illustrations this is a lovely addition to the enchanting world of Tashi and Jack.
Wheelnuts 1: Desert Dust Up Wheelnuts 2: Spooky Showdown Knife and Packer PB 12.99 each
Buckle up for the craziest race on earth. Six kooky cars, five extreme courses and only one winner! Brimming with colour, action and crazy vehicles such as The Flying Nappy and the Supersonic Sparkle, this series offers plenty of fun for younger readers ready to tackle their first chapter books.
Silver Shoes 1: And All That Jazz Silver Shoes 2: Hit the Streets Bella, age 7
Samantha-Ellen Bound PB 14.99
Silver shoes is an amazing and fascinating chapter book about girls who love to dance. And I love to dance! They enter a dance competition and have to perform on stage. My favourite part was Ellie learning that it’s good to feel good for Jasmine, and when her friend Paige says ‘Just dance like you always did and you’ll be great.’ I HIGHLY recommend this book.
13
WeirDo: The Weird Collection
The Princess in Black
Anh Do Box Set 39.99
Shannon and Dean Hale hb 19.95
Weir Do, the boy with a family as embarrassing as his name, is the new kid at school. Fitting in isn’t easy. Whether he’s on an excursion, at a birthday party, or trying out for the soccer team, Weir always seems to find himself in mortifying situations. Weir’s hilarious antics come in this slipcase collection and as three separate titles.
Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black! Can Magnolia save the day and not be caught by the snooping busybody Duchess? Shannon Hale once again subverts the pretty pink princess cliché – this time for younger readers.
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IN SER JUNIOR FICTION: NEXT
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Clementine Rose and the Famous Friend
EJ Spy School: Hide and Peek
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot 4: The Mechamonkeys from Mars
Jacqueline Harvey PB 12.99
Susannah McFarlane PB 7.99
Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat PB 10.99
Clementine Rose is back to delight us with her next adventure. A very special guest has come to stay, someone who doesn’t like children and wants to be left alone to write, and not be bothered by a well-meaning little girl – but she has never met Clementine.
Christmas can be full of surprises, especially if you go to Spy School! Go on a Christmas adventure with Emma Jacks, code name EJ10. Join in with EJ’s next spy lesson in this wonderful early reader with a Christmas twist.
From the creator of Captain Underpants comes a newly illustrated series! Little Ricky Ricotta has a problem: the bullies at school pick on him all the time. Until one day, he saves the life of a mighty robot. This series has just the right amount of humour and sillines needed to engage younger readers.
ion t c i f middle
Nightmares! Jason Segal and kirsten miller PB 16.99
Nightmares is the first book in a funny and terrifying new series about a young boy named Charlie who has a bit of trouble sleeping. Charlie has always suffered nightmares, but when the things from his dreams start to escape into the waking world he has to literally face his fears and save the day! Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and R.L Stine.
Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor Jon Scieszka PB 17.99
Jon Scieszka makes science exciting in this hilarious, illustrated story about Frank Einstein, young scientist and inventor. When Frank accidentally creates self-assembling, artificial intelligence robots, they help him construct an antimatter motor which is sure to win him the Midville Science Prize and save his grandfather’s repair shop. But his evil nemesis T. Edison has other ideas.
David, age
Withering—By-Sea Judith Rossell HB 19.99
Eleven-year-old Stella dreams of a more exciting life, but gets more than she bargained for when she witnesses a crime and finds herself caught up in a world of magic and adventure in this wonderfully evocative read. Set by the sea in Victorian-era England, this has all the hallmarks of a classic mystery, with a feisty female heroine.
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Race to the End of the World: The Mapmaker Chronicles A L Tait PB 14.99
This was a really engaging book. Just when you thought everything was going right, something went wrong. I really liked the hero, Quinn, and thought his extraordinary memory was a really offbeat idea. My favourite part was Quinn getting really angry with Zain for not getting angry at Ajax for stealing the special map. I can’t wait for the next book.
15
Awful Auntie
Girl Who Walked on Air
David Walliams PB 19.99
Emma Carroll HB 19.99
Stella Saxby is the sole heir to Saxby Hall. But awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl will stop at nothing to get it from her. Luckily Stella has a secret – and slightly spooky – weapon up her sleeve… Another rollicking read from this master storyteller that is sure to have readers shrieking in horror and laughing with joy in equal measure.
Chipchase’s Travelling Circus has been Louie’s home ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when a rival circus offers her the opportunity to become a ‘Showstopper’ on the tightrope, she leaps at the chance not knowing that she must overcome great danger begotten of the secrets of her past.
quinn, age 12
Stuff Happens: Michael Stuff Happens: Sean Philliip Gwynne and Will Kostakis PB 9.99
The series Stuff Happens is a humorous collection which is written by several well known Australian writers. In the book a kid called Sean has moved to a different part of Australia and has to get used to a new school and the absence of his friends. There are three other books in this series: Ned, Jack and Michael. They all deal with everyday kids with everyday problems.
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The Imaginary A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett HB 19.99
Rudger is Amanda’s imaginary friend. They do everything together. But when the sinister Mr Bunting, a man with a ghostly imaginary friend of his own starts hunting Rudger, the friends become separated and Rudger is in danger of being forgotten! Can other lonely imaginaries help him avoid Mr Bunting and find Amanda in time? The Imaginary is funny, scary and heartwarming, with lavish illustrations by Emily Gravett.
Plenty
Jumble Cat
Ananda Braxton-Smith PB 17.99
Archie Kimpton PB 12.95
Maddy’s family has taken her away from everything she has ever known. The country town of Plenty is nothing like her home in the city and Maddy feels displaced, with her anger helping to distract her from her loneliness. Here she meets Grace, a girl from Sudan who started her life in a refugee camp and understands homesickness and longing. A wonderful, heartwarming read – sophisticated and yet uncomplicated.
This is a humorous book about a boy, Billy Slipper, and what happens when Billy finds a grumpy cat after a cheesy incident. Billy is a boy who doesn’t really like anything apart from visits to Tumbledown Hill & his ‘Collectabiilya’, but this may change when he meets a cat who talks, eats too many biscuits and whose features are all jumbled up!
Poppy’s Garden Izzy’s River
Friday Barnes Girl Detective Friday Barnes 2: Under Suspicion
Timmy Failure 3: We Meet Again
Holly Webb PB 11.99
R. A. Spratt PB 15.99
Stephan Pastis HB 17.95
How do you save the planet when your parents can’t live without their private jet? What if you love bacon sandwiches but really want to be a vegetarian? Luckily, if you’re like Maya, Poppy, Izzy and Emily you’ve got your best friends to help you figure it out! A great new series for young girls from about friendship in an environmentally challenged world!
When 11-year-old detective Friday Barnes decides to go to boarding school she gets more than she bargained for! With a Swamp Monster mystery, missing homework and an arch-enemy, she has her hands full. But how will Friday get herself out of being arrested? These are charming and quirky mystery stories in the style of Sherlock Holmes.
The best detective agency in the city is run by none other than Timmy Failure, and he is on the case to find the Miracle Report. He is not the only one looking for it and you won’t believe who has it in the end! In the meantime he and his classmates must survive a night at Camp Monkeychuck and a giant flying Chihuahua. Such a fun read!
17
Archie Greene and the Magician’s Secret
The Alice Stories (our australian girl)
D.D. Everest HB 16.99
Davina Bell HB 24.99
For 400 years a book has been waiting to be delivered to 12-year-old Archie Green. The book takes him to Oxford, and the Museum of Magical Miscellany. But this strange new magical world is full of danger and deception and Archie must discover who – and what – he can trust. A wonderfully imagined, exciting adventure into the heart of books and magic!
Now presented in a beautiful hardback edition are the four titles recounting the experiences of Alice, an aspiring ballerina. It’s 1918 and Alice strives to keep her family together and her dreams of a ballet career alive as the realities of WWI come closer to home. A heartwarming read, perfect for history enthusiasts and lovers of dance.
My Dog Doesn’t Like Me Elizabeth Fensham PB 14.95
This is a funny trip into child and animal psychology. Eric really wants a dog and he gets one for his eighth birthday, but much to his disappointment it doesn’t seem to like him very much. Eric can’t work out why and tries to win Ugly (the dog) over. Luckily, Eric has Grandad to help teach him to be Ugly’s friend and save him from being returned to the pound.
The Impossible Quest: Escape From Wolfhaven Castle Kate Forsyth PB 7.99
The adventures of Tom, Elanor, Sebastian and Quinn will captivate readers from the start as they escape the capture of Wolfhaven Castle. They escape dangers, battles & beasts in their Quest to save their home. With a magical mix of fantasy and action with delightful characters, readers will long for the next adventure.
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in ser ext n : n io t ic f middle
The 52-Storey Treehouse Diary
The 52-Storey Treehouse Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton PB 12.99
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton HB 12.99
Andy and Terry’s incredible, ever-expanding treehouse has 13 new storeys, including a watermelonsmashing level, a wave machine, a life-size snakes and ladders game (with real ladders and real snakes), a rocket-powered carrot-launcher, a Ninja Snail Training Academy and a high-tech detective agency with all the latest high-tech detective technology, which is lucky because they have a BIG mystery to solve – where is Mr Big Nose???
As there are 52 weeks in the year, it’s definitely the time for The 52-Storey Treehouse Diary 2015. With each week of the year corresponding to a level of the treehouse (Week 1, Level 1 etc), this diary is guaranteed to excite all treehouse fans who can now explore each crazy layer of Andy and Terry’s treehouse as they plot their way through the new year.
The 13-Storey Treehouse: Treeouse Trivia Cards
The 13-Storey Treehouse T-shirt Pack
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton Cards 9.99
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton Book + T-shirt 19.99
The perfect Xmas gift for all Treehouse fans: the bestselling book packaged with a t-shirt featuring a new illustration from Terry Denton.
Test yourself, and your family and friends, with questions about The 13-Storey Treehouse, such as ‘How do Andy and Terry get rid of vegetables?’ and ‘What do you call a cat that has been turned into a canary?’
clare, age 8
Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns
Land of Stories: A Grimm WarNING
chris colfer PB 12.99
chris colfer PB 14.99
chris colfer HB 24.99
I like the Land of Stories books because of all the adventures and all the characters are familiar from fairy tales. They are very creative and help me to use my imagination. I think the author has done a great job!
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ion
crossover fict Young Bond: Shoot to Kill Steve Cole PB 21.99
Lights. Camera. Murder. Young Bond, James Bond, is back. And this time he is in Hollywood. Something sinister is happening in Tinseltown and only Bond can sort it out. Just the right mix of plot twists, suspense and historical information to make the perfect page-turner for adventureloving readers.
Knightley and Son & Knightley and Son: K-9 Rohan Gavin PB 14.99
Are there werewolves in London? Police around the city are falling victim to mysterious and deadly canine attacks. Knightley and Son are on the case, but it is proving tricky. As the full moon approaches, can Darkus solve this deadly mystery? The enthralling sequel to Knightley & Son, this spine-chilling thriller will keep you guessing till the end.
Magisterium: The Iron Trial Holly Black and Cassandra Clare PB 22.99
rory, age 11
Callum Hunt has had a dark past. Despite his father’s best efforts, he is selected to go to Magisterium, a school for young magicians. At Magisterium, Callum has to fight for his life and unravel his hidden past. I liked it because it was full of surprising twists and turns. Anyone who enjoys fantasy would love this.
Pathfinder Angie Sage PB 15.99
louis, age 11
20
Alice Todhunter Moon is an ordinary girl in an ordinary Pathfinder village, but she has her whole world change on her twelfth birthday. After the Mid Summer Night Circle she must set off to find her Magyk and fulfill her mother’s final wish. I liked this book because of the surprising characters and the adventures they have. I would recommend it for fantasy fans.
The Thickety: A Path Begins
Apple and Rain Sarah Crossan PB 16.99
J. A. White HB 19.99
Apple’s life is turned upside down when her mother, an aspiring actress, returns after many years’ absence. A bittersweet coming-of-age tale, which explores with sensitivity and honesty themes such as friendship, family relationships, the importance of second chances and the power of poetry to unlock emotion and transform lives.
Kara Westfall is 6 years old when she sees her mother hanged for being a witch. Years later, in a world where magic is banned, Kara finds herself with powers she must keep hidden and a brother she must keep safe. But there is a darkness that comes with the everencroaching forest, the Thickety, and pure evil in the most unlikely places. Kara may be the only one with any ability to fight back. A gripping, breathtaking fantasy that will leave you clamouring for more.
crossover FICT
ION: NEXT IN serie
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Lockwood and Co: The Whispering Skull
Mortality Doctrine: The Rule of Thoughts
Sunker’s Deep: Hidden Series 2
Jonathan Stroud PB 22.99
James Dashner PB 17.99
Lian Tanner PB 18.99
Lockwood & Co must race against time and their business rivals to recover a dangerous relic stolen from a mysterious coffin.
From the pen that brought you the Maze Runner comes another explosive, edge-of-your seat sci-fi thriller. Set in a world of incredibly advanced technology, crime is committed mostly online and gaming is now on a whole other level. It’s hacker vs hacker and, for Michael, the game has just begun.
In a world against technology, Petrel and her friends are protecting the amazing mechanical child under their care. Surrounded by enemies, in this thrilling sequel to Hidden, the children will have to risk all to bring hope to a hopeless world.
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young adult The Protected Claire Zorn PB 19.95
Hannah has been horribly bullied at school. Her older sister, Katie, was one of the ‘in’ crowd until she was killed in a car crash. Now Hannah is no longer bullied, mostly she is avoided. This is a heartbreaking, honest and at times humorous story about isolation, grief and new beginnings. Claire Zorn’s first novel was on the notable list for the CBCA awards and this one is certain to be shortlisted next year.
Endgame: The Calling James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton PB 24.99
For millennia, each of the twelve ancient races have trained their youth for the Endgame. But for twelve youths, the commencement of Endgame is the beginning of a life and death struggle to win the salvation of the winner’s entire race – and the demise of all others. Thrilling and brutal, Endgame will have you on the edge of your seat. And, if you want a challenge, hidden within the book is a real world, international puzzle quest. Enjoy and good luck!
The Perfectionists Sara Shepard PB 16.95
Five girls really want Nolan Hotchkiss dead, but they’re willing to settle for Internet humiliation. However, on the evening they bring their plan to fruition, Nolan is killed, in exactly the manner they discussed. They are innocent but become the prime suspects. With a deliciously mysterious, enthralling plot that thickens with every turn of the page, Sara Shepard will keep you guessing.
The Rapunzel Dilemma Jennifer Kloester PB 16.99
22
Jennifer Kloester’s depiction of a dilemma involves a manipulative father and grandmother, a mysterious boy with an equally mysterious background, an ultimatum and a young girl’s intense desire to become an actor. Lily has the privilege to attend the London Drama Academy but by the end of the year she has to decide whether it will be she or her older sister give up their dreams to pursue their father’s business. Who will it be? To find out read The Rapunzel Dilemma.
molly, age 14
Afterworlds Scott Westerfeld PB 19.99
An extraordinary feat of writing! Telling two simultaneous stories: that of Darcy – soon-to-be published author – and, in alternate chapters, the story that is going to make her famous. Somehow Westerfeld manages to perfectly balance a contemporary realistic coming of age story and unique, extraordinary science fiction novel perfectly. At times terrifying, heartbreaking and often very very funny, this novel is not to be missed.
Laurinda Alice Pung PB 19.99
Laurinda is about what happens when a scholarship girl arrives at an exclusive girls school. Lucy Lam is a scholarship student and when she encounters The Cabinet, the rich and entitled girls who rule the school, Lucy is forced to question her integrity and identity and ultimately discovers what is important to her and her family.
remy, age
15
Talon
The Summer of Kicks
Julie Kagawa PB 19.99
Dave Hackett PB 19.95
Imagine a world where dragons roam the streets disguised as humans and where a mysterious agency hunts them down. Ember, a young dragon, wants to experience one summer as a normal teenager. As malicious forces close in around her, she will have to choose between what she has always believed to be right and what her heart is telling her. An eagerly awaited new series from this popular author.
Starrphyre wants to attract the attention of the unobtainable Candace McAllistair. He figures the best way to do this is by being in a band. While attempting to recruit Scene for lead-guitar, Starr finds himself working for a cool inner city record bar and meeting Ellie. Starr finds himself kissing Candace at a party, just when he seems to be getting somewhere with Ellie. Good read for Aussie teens.
23
The Jewel
Hope in a Ballet Shoe
Amy Ewing PB 17.95
Michaela DePrince and Elaine DePrince PB 19.99
In a world in which only a handful of females can carry children to term, Violet is about to be auctioned as a surrogate. She will lose her identity and serve a family rich enough to afford a child. This young adult novel introduces readers to the sort of dystopia usually restricted to the domain of adult writers but perfectly pitched to this younger audience. A page-turner and the first of a new trilogy.
In this inspirational biography, Michaela DePrince recounts her path to ballet stardom. Her journey begins in a Sierra Leone orphanage, where a photograph in a magazine inspires her to become a ballerina. Adopted by an American family she is able to take lessons but must overcome racism, injuries and the haunting memories of her past to achieve her dreams.
young adult: NEXT IN
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SERIES
Crash: Twinmaker 2
Heir of Fire
The Mission (Boy Nobody 2)
Sean Williams pb 18.99
Sarah J. Maas PB 15.99
Allen Zadoff PB 14.99
The gripping second instalment of this series about teleporting teens. As a result of the D-Mat network being down, the world has ground to a halt and Claire must now decide where her loyalties lie. Briliant sci-fi for teens 13+.
The most hotly anticipated continuation of the Throne of Glass series sees Celaena realising her heritage and confronting unimaginable evil, and emotionally tortured Chaol determining where his loyalties lie – to the love he sent away, or to his country. Wow, this series really delivers!!
Boy Nobody has received his next mission and it appears to be impossible. Dare I say that this book was even better than the first? Packed with so much action and intrigue that you never know what is going to happen next. You won’t be able to put it down!
read the
ie
ov m e h t ee k, s
boo
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
the Paddington Treasury for the Very Young
Judith Viorst and ray cruz PB 14.99
Michael Bond HB 34.99
Alexander really is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, and it keeps getting worse and worse. This is the kind of day that can’t even be fixed by moving to Timbuktu. This beloved children’s book has been a favourite for years and it will quickly become one of your family’s too.
In celebration of everyone’s favourite bear from Peru, this treasury brings together six classic picture books in the one beautifully presented hardcover volume. Join the marmalade-loving Paddington as he visits Buckingham Palace, the zoo and Hampton Court Palace, and as he discovers new hobbies such as gardening and painting.
If I Stay
The Giver (Film Tie-In Edition)
Gayle Forman PB 19.99
Lois Lowry PB 14.99
One morning Mia wakes up to snow on the ground. School is cancelled and Mia’s family decides to visit some friends. Whilst on the road there is an accident and Mia’s life changes forever. This is a story of tender hope and choices as Mia hovers between recollections of her past, her family and friends and the present.
When an older book is adapted as a film it can bring a whole new audience to a pre-existing classic. It is December, the annual celebrations for reaching the next year’s milestones and because Jonas is becoming a twelve this means learning what his life’s work will be. He finds that he is to be ‘The Receiver of Memories’. An amazing sci-fi well worth the revisit.
25
stuff to do
26
Children’s Book of Magic
Scratch & Stencil: Outer Space Scratch & Stencil: Best Friends
HB 29.99
PB 12.99
Follow these step-by-step instructions and amaze your friends and family by performing incredible magic tricks like a true professional. You will have your audience gasping in delight with your sleight of hand, but you might have trouble getting a volunteer for being cut in half! Also includes lots of interesting facts about the history of magic from around the world.
Everything you need for hours of doodling, stenciling and crafting can be found in these convenient, on-the-go kits. Each kit includes seven sheets of scratch paper and a wooden stylus, which together can be used to create artwork in fun, bold colours such as a super-cool space station or a picture-perfect photo frame.
Chop, Sizzle, Wow: The Silver Spoon Comic Cookbook
How to Write A Story
Rampazzo Adriano HB 22.95
Simon Cheshire PB 9.99
From the Silver Spoon kitchen comes a cool and easyto-use graphic cookbook. Packed with traditional Italian recipes for all your favourite meals, from pasta with pesto and pizza margharita to more complex chicken cacciatori. There are also lots of delicious cakes and desserts. A must-have for any budding chef.
Packed full of amazing activities, this book is sure to get your creative juices flowing! From coming up with crazy character names, creating the perfect plot and acting out your characters, How to Write a Story will have you writing exciting page turning stories that your friends and family won’t be able to put down!
Sew It! Make 17 Projects with Yummy Precut Fabric Allison Nicoll PB 24.99
In Sew It!, using precut fabric, such as fat quarters, kids will learn quilt-making basics, allowing them to complete a variety of projects, from an earphone pouch, to a sleepover set. With basic sewing machine skills these fun projects, for a variety of skill levels, are intended to be easy enough to complete without adult assistance, producing fabulous results.
Tom Gates: Absolutely Brilliant Big Book of Fun Stuff Liz Pichon HB 14.99
A must-have for all Tom Gates fans. Packed with drawing guides, fun games, brilliant puzzles and perfect pranks to play on older sisters this is the annual everyone will want!
Around Australia with Jacky Winter
Two Player Big Fun Book
The Art of Making Shadows
The Jacky Winter Group PB 24.95
Lydia Crook PB 19.99
Sophie Collins PB 15.99
An activity book with a very Aussie theme. This book is chock full of doodles, colouring, connect the dots and spot the difference. It is also packed with fun facts and quirky drawings. Take it on your travels or enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
This is a fantastic collection of games, activities and puzzles for two. Compete with each other or complete together. This could be the new family favourite for rainy days or long family trips.
The lost art of shadow puppets is having a revival and most people can make a flapping hand bird or maybe even a rabbit. This neat little book will help you to master everything from a crab to a stag and many more in between. What are you waiting for? All you need is a torch and your hands.
27
information The Green Sea Turtle Isabel Muller HB 24.99
Gorgeous illustrations accompany Isabel Muller’s informative and important account of sea turtles, and the environment in which they live. With engaging facts and pictures about their history and other marine life, this book is an essential discovery for those intrigued by the creatures who have inhabited the oceans for millions of years.
Field Guide to Birds Field Guide to Ocean Animals HB 19.95 EACH
Join the adventure of a lifetime as you explore the Great Barrier Reef to discover the world’s most mysterious and colourful sea creatures, or journey from New Zealand to India and discover eight of the world’s most fascinating birds! These beautifully illustrated books also include pieces to assemble your own models, and you can create your own museum-ready display with the removable diorama!
jacob, age 8
28
True or False?
Colour Illusions
HB 24.99
HB 29.99
I like the book because it has lots of information and facts that I did not know, like that we share 96% monkey DNA. I knew this was true but I did not know mosquitoes kill more people than crocodiles, hippos and other dangerous big animals because in the book it said mosquitoes kill two million people each year. That’s crazy!
Stuffed full of interactive flaps, pull-out tabs and amazing pop-ups, this book will keep kids enthralled for hours. All they need to do is put on the included 3D glasses and be immersed in a world of amazing illusions. They can even learn about how it all works – that’s if their eyes aren’t playing tricks on them!
Animal Antics HB 19.99
Animals can do the strangest things, and their incredible antics are showcased in this fascinating book. There is plenty to inform and entertain, including snowball throwing monkeys, tree climbing goats, pom-pom waving crabs and a bobcat sitting on a cactus. The photography is a highlight, bringing a close and personal view of these remarkable creatures.
Animalium
Maps
Katie Scott and Jenny Broom Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski HB 39.95 HB 39.95
Travel the world without leaving the comfort of your lounge room. Maps will make will make everyone, children and adults alike, want to pack their bags and explore every corner of the world. Turning the pages of Animalium is like visiting the Natural History Museum, there is so much to see and learn. Kids will spend hours pouring over these gorgeous books.
How to be a Space Explorer
The Lonely Planet Kids Amazing World Atlas
Adventures in Busy / cold / wild Places
Mark Brake HB 24.99
PB 29.99
PB 14.99 each
This Lonely Planet atlas made just for kids is a great way to introduce young explorers to the people, places and cultures of the world around them. Lots of interesting facts and figures on every continent, from the ancient to the very modern. Did you know that the Sphinx is over 4,500 years old and that Egyptians own the most the mobile phones in North Africa? Travel the world without leaving your chair!
A new sticker and activity series which introduces younger children to the sights and wonders of planet earth. Little hands can choose where to put stickers to bring the bustling streets of Delhi to life, explore the many attractions of New York’s Central Park and colour in the underwater world of Sydney Harbour. Hours of entertainment!
Calling all space explorers! Everything you could need to know for touring the planets, from who discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter to the all-important question of how to pee in a spacesuit. Lots of cool real-life photos. A great gift for any budding astronaut.
29
s fairy tale
retold
The Sleeper and The Spindle Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell HB 19.99
Award-winning author Neil Gaiman breathes new life and wonder into the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. He reimagines the tale with another fairytale princess as the sword-wielding heroine who wakes the kingdom from sleep. But the golden-haired sleeping beauty might not be all that legend has promised. With extraordinary illustrations from Chris Riddell, this is a truly spectacular addition to the oeuvre of fairytale retellings.
Hansel and Gretel Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti HB 19.99
In 2007 Lorenzo Mattotti created a series of illustrations based on the Grimm Brothers’ Hansel and Gretel. These illustrations, in turn, inspired Neil Gaiman to retell the story. One of the darkest of the Grimms’ tales, it tells of siblings abandoned by their parents in the woods and captured by a bloodthirsty witch. Here it is magnificently presented, with stunning, haunting artwork, befitting the true nature of the tale, and accompanied by Gaiman’s lyrical prose.
Russell Brand’s Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin Russell Brand and Chris Riddell HB 19.95
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Reminiscent of Neil Gaiman blended with Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes; this is a delightfully wicked retelling of the classic tale by funny man Russell Brand. His acerbic words are perfectly matched by Chris Riddell’s illustrations. This is not a story for the very young, more a naughty book for older readers that features ‘pi-rats’ versus horrible snotty children.
Little red riding hood Illustrated by Anna Pignataro
puss in boots Illustrated by Cecile Becq HB 12.95 each
Traditional tales brought to life with stunning illustrations by awardwinning artists. The perfect gift for any time of year, especially at this price.
A Bean, A Stalk and A Boy Named Jack William Joyce and Kenny Callicutt HB 14.99
There’s a drought in the kingdom where Jack lives that turns out to be caused by ‘a smallish giant kid named Don’. A contemporary take on a traditional tale that still reminds us that even the small can bring about big change. Fast paced, lots of laughs and a real visual delight.
To celebrate National Bookshop Day 2015, the Australian Booksellers Association ran a competition to find Australia's 50 Favourite Kids' Books – voted by the general public. For the full list see www.booksellers.org.au
1
Possum Magic Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
The 39-Storey Treehouse
2
Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone
The Magic Faraway Tree
J.K. Rowling
3
4
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle
The Fault In Our Stars
5
John Green
Where Is The Green Sheep?
Mem Fox and Judy Horacek
6 7
8
Andy Griffiths Enid Blyton
Where The Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak
Diary Of A Wombat
9
Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
The Gruffalo
10 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
“We need to teach kids to be book hunters: not just where to find books, but how to ‘taste’ them to find the ‘magic book’, the one they love so much they reach for another, and another, till they too know the joy and the power a book can bring.” Jackie French 2014–2015 Australian National Children’s Laureate
The Australian Booksellers Association supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The Foundation aims to to make a positive difference in the lives of indigenous children living in remote communities by putting books and literacy resources into the hands of children and families. To find out more and see how you can make a difference visit: www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au
BOLINDA AUDIOBOOKS Baby Magic
Sounds like the perfect gift
Mem Fox CD 29.95 MP3 24.95
The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas David Almond CD 29.95 MP3 24.95
George Speaks
Classic Magic
Toby Alone
Grimm’s Fairy Stories
Dick King-Smith CD 19.95 MP3 14.95
Mem Fox CD 29.95 MP3 24.95
Timothee De Fombelle and Francois Place MP3 29.95
Brothers Grimm CD 19.95 MP3 14.95
The books in this guide have been chosen and reviewed by members of the ABA, booksellers who use their expertise to encourage and support reading for all ages. DISCLAIMER: Price and information are correct at the time of print. Some bookstores may not be able to hold stock of every book in this guide. Speak to your bookseller about special orders. Cover and illustrations and various internal illustrations and inspiration have been taken from The 52-Storey Treehouse (Pan Macmillan) and is reproduced with permission.