With Summer holidays not too far away, now is the time to start thinking about what will be keeping kids occupied during the long, hot days. Fortunately, we've got a great range of children's nonfiction and activity books that will inspire their creativity and help the afternoon fly by!
The Story Writer's Handbook
Katrina Nannestad, illustrated by Cheryl Orsini
For kids who can spend hours with their head buried in a book, or already have notebooks filled with story ideas…
This writer's handbook from bestselling (and award winning!) author Katrina Nannestad is a great way to help bookish kids find their own creative voice.
Both playful and practical, this book is all about making writing approachable, creative and fun, focusing more on having an enjoyable process than what you end up with. In Katrina's own words: 'It will get your imagination whirring, your ideas expanding and your talents growing!'
The Wizard's Guide to Magical Experiments
A.J. Wood, illustrated by Jo Rioux
For those who love to mix up potions in the backyard…
This is a book of at-home experiments introducing kids to core scientific concepts, presented as a manual for wizards in training! It's full of small details that readers will love to pour over for hours, not to mention the beautiful, jewel-encrusted cover.
This would be an equally great gift for kids who already love doing experiments at home, or for those who are intimidated by maths and science but do have a magical imagination.
Mr Squiggle Activity Book No.1
Illustrated by Norman Hetherington
For kids who love to draw (or adults who grew up with Mr Squiggle)…
Earlier this year, the iconic Mr Squiggle came out of the archives for a special celebration and retrospective at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. To help mark the occassion, NMA have faithfully republished a selection of Mr Squiggle picture books and activity books!
These activity books are a fun and approachable way to help kids flex their creative muscles and get drawing – plus, parents will love seeing the iconic Australian character again after so many years out of the spotlight.
Anything is Possible with Ballet
Steven McRae, illustrated by Margaux Carpentier
For anyone who dreams of dancing…
This book will delight aspiring ballerinas – as well as a how-to guide on mastering the core ballet positions (plus plenty of jumps and twirls!) it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional dancer.
Steven McRae is an Australian ballet dancer and the principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in London, and as well as sharing his insights into the craft of ballet dancing he shares his own journey through the world of professional dance. Full of reminders of the importance of self-care, self-belief and resilience, this is an inspiring and uplifting book perfect for young dancers!
My Amazing Inventions Sketchbook
Lisa Regan, illustrated by Andrew Rae
For kids who like knowing how things work and coming up with inventions…
Discover some of the world's wackiest, yet surprisingly functional, inventions with My Amazing Inventions Sketchbook!
Once young readers have discovered the crazy things that have already been invented, they can get started coming up with their own cool contraptions, with lots of prompts, thought-starters and drawing activity to get the mental cogs turning.
Studio Ghibli Origami
For anyone obsessed with a Studio Ghibli movie…
With no origami experience required, and all the paper you need included, this kit truly has everything you need to create your own whimsical Ghibli characters – including beloved favourites like Totoro, Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service, Calcifer from Howl's Moving Castle and No-Face from Spirited Away.
This one is sure to delight adults with a soft spot for Totoro, as well as young Ghibli fans, and thanks to the illustrated step-by-step instructions, everyone will be able to follow along with ease!
LEGO Fun Family Challenges
For kids – and families – who love LEGO…
This isn't just a book, this is a LEGO game – one that the whole family can share and get involved with!
This kit includes fifty activities that will stretch kids' imaginations and their building skills, and the accompanying book includes lots of tips and advice to help both kids and adults level up their LEGO game.
