Next Monday is the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone! To mark the occasion, we asked three of our staff members to reflect on what’s changed in children’s books over the past 20 years. Here are their responses.

‘Harry Potter came along at a time when the children’s section of the bookshop I worked at was populated almost exclusively with mass-produ…

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Over the next few weeks we’re participating in a work experience program with students from high schools across Melbourne. Today, Ewen Cusworth from Fitzroy High tells us about his favourite book covers, being a judge for the Inky Awards, and more. How would you describe your taste in books?

I enjoy reading mostly fiction so stuff like romance, fantasy, sci-fi – with the exception of books on…

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For a conversation about empathy and books… The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy’s second novel takes readers on an intimate journey across the Indian subcontinent – from the cramped neighbourhoods of Old Delhi and the glittering malls of the burgeoning new metropolis, to the snowy mountains and valleys of Kashmir. Braiding richly complex lives together, this ravish…

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The winners of the 2017 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals have been announced, and we’re thrilled to see Melbourne author Zana Fraillon listed among the recipients!

The Carnegie Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of …

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Readings is looking for suitable candidates to join our new Teen Advisory Board. What is it?

The Readings Teen Advisory Board is a volunteer group that will meet once a month to chat about recent and forthcoming young adult books, write blog posts and short reviews, learn about careers in the book industry, provide feedback to Readings staff members on a range of subjects and have fun!

Who a…

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We’re so proud of Athina Clarke, our Malvern children’s and young adult book buyer, who has been named the recipient of the 2017 ABA Elizabeth Riley Fellowship for Children’s Bookselling. Congratulations Athina!

Athina has worked at our Malvern shop for five years. She was also the children’s and young adult book buyer at our Port Melbourne shop from 2002 to 2008, and then worked at Penguin Book…

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The World’s Worst Children 2 by David Walliams and Tony Ross Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster (Polly and Buster Book 1) by Sally Rippin A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee How to Bee by Bren MacDibble Family, Friends and Furry Creatures (Tom Gates Book 12) by Liz Pichon Resurrection (Skulduggery Pleasant Book 10…

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The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy The Clever Guts Diet by Michael Mosley Hunger by Roxane Gay The Long Goodbye (Quarterly Essay 66) by Anna Krien No is Not Enough by Naomi Klein Open House Melbourne Weekend: 2017 Program by Open House Melbourne (available 23 June) The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape Talking to My Country by Stan Grant Broken by Emma White Men Without Women by Har…

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Congratulations to the authors shortlisted for this year’s Miles Franklin Literary Award!

Here are the five shortlisted books:

An Isolated Incident by Emily Maguire The Last Days of Ava Langdon by Mark O’Flynn Their Brilliant Careers by Ryan O’Neill Waiting by Philip Salom Extinctions by Josephine Wilson

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, State Library of NSW Mitchell Librarian, Richar…

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Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to. Angela Crocombe is reading The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose

Earlier this week my book club met to discuss The Museum of Modern Love. I had no expectations going in – I only knew that it had won the Stella Prize, and that I had to read it very quickly.…

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