Kids

Recommended children's books and news for September

by Angela Crocombe

This month in kids books we travel to the Arctic Circle on a hot air balloon, go on a research trip to study rare sharks, reach the final story in a much loved series, and explore a magical forest as well as the tiny, magical creatures that just might live in our own backyards.

You can find our September picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by…

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Winners of the 2021 Environment Award for Children's Literature

The winners for this year’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature have been announced!

Now in its 27th year, the Wilderness Society continues to help celebrate excellence in children’s nature books. The annual awards highlight the best nature-centric works in the categories of children’s fiction, children’s non-fiction and picture books. Every year the Wilderness Society shortlists the best children’s nature books, before a panel of judges crowns a winner.

Below are the 2021 category winners.

FICTION

The Power of Positive Pranking

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Always by Morris Gleitzman

It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Exit Through the Gift Shop by Maryam Master

The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna

Harklights by Tim Tilley

Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad

My Kind by Eddie Betts

My People by Eddie Betts

Big Dog, Little Dog by Sally Rippin

Our top seller from the past week is Always, the highly anticipated seventh…

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Vale, Jill Murphy

by Angela Crocombe

I was saddened to hear of the death of British author and illustrator Jill Murphy earlier this month. She had a long, illustrious career and is probably best known for her Worst Witch series, written and illustrated when she was only a teenager and recently made into a fantastic Netflix series.

She also wrote a very popular series of books about the large Bear family, whose lives seem endlessly chaotic and fun, with good natured parents who are always looking…

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Five new books to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day

by Angela Crocombe

1 September is Indigenous Literacy Day; a day where we celebrate the culture, stories and language of our First Nations peoples.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) strives to reduce the literacy gap and get books in the hands of young people in remote communities. They also have a fantastic publishing program, showcasing young First Nations artists and writers, who often work with established storytellers. Below are five of our favourite new and recent books from the ILF and when you…

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Our children’s & YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Where’s Bluey? A Search-and-Find Book by Bluey

Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannested

Best Worst Day Ever by Sophy Henn

End of the World is Bigger than Love by Davina Bell

The Book of Australian Trees by Inga Simpson and illustrated by Alicia Robertson

_Harklights_by Tim Tilley

My Kind by Eddie Betts

My People by Eddie Betts

100 Paper Spaceships

Wild About Dads by Phillip Bunting

Our top seller from the past week is Where’s Bluey?

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The winners of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2021

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced their Book of the Year Awards winners for 2021. These Awards celebrate the best Australian books for readers in early childhood up to young adult readers.

Here are the winners for each category.

Older Readers (for ages 13-18 years)

The End of the World is Bigger Than Love by Davina Bell

Identical twin sisters Summer and Winter live alone on a remote island, sheltered from a destroyed world. They survive on…

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Recent picture books about dogs

by Angela Crocombe

We are utterly spoilt for choice with dog books at the moment! And there’s nothing more enjoyable than a picture book about a cute canine to get young people excited. These delightful recent picture books all feature fearless and fun woofers, which will have the kids squealing with delight!

Ella Farmoodle by Jill Noble

If you live in the city you might see oodles of poodles, Labradoodles, Spoodles, Cavoodles, Groodles… all kinds of Poodles. If you go for a trip…

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Picture books exploring identity and self-expression through clothes

Dress-up play and finding ways to express ourselves through what we wear are a wonderful avenue for exploring identity. Below are five picture books that celebrate the glee and contemplation of wearing clothes that feel delightfully YOU!

The Spectacular Suit by Kat Patrick & Hayley Wells

A buoyant and heartwarming celebration of individuality, identity, and dressing to suit yourself!

It’s almost Frankie’s birthday and everything is ready - except for something to wear. All of her party dresses feel wrong…

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Recommended children's books & news in August

This month in kids books we travel back to the very beginnings of life, put on a fancy suit, solve mysteries, laugh, cry and admire amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from history.

Find our August picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad & Cheryl Orsini

Mim Cohen roams the world in a travelling bookshop, with her dad and brother and a horse called Flossy. Flossy leads…

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Our children’s & YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Future Girl by Asphyxia

Rainfish by Andrew Paterson

Across the Sea (Wolf Girl, Book 5) by Anh Do

Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey

Megamonster by David Walliams

Ninja Dogs (Ninja Kid #8) by Anh Do

The Story of Australia by Don Watson

Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr. Melissa Kang

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay

Our best-seller from the past week is Future Girl by Asphyxia. This novel for young adults…

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Seven picture books to lift your spirits

by Leanne Hall

In need of a pick-me-up? These seven picture books are guaranteed to make you feel better, with humour, compassion, colourful illustrations and new perspectives.

Mole in a Black and White Hole by Tereza Sediva

When Mole looks around his underground home, all he sees is the black-and-white world of his hole. Mole digs and dreams of finding something colourful, but day after day he is disappointed. One day, Mole finds a radish! They start chatting, and as Mole listens to…

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Recent escapist fantasy reads for kids

by Leanne Hall

If you love magic, quests, mythical beasts, sinister villains, alternate worlds and saving everyone from evil, then you will love these recent fantasy reads.

Rainbow Grey by Laura Ellen Anderson

Ten-year-old Ray Grey lives in the city of Celestia in the magical Weatherlands, high in the sky. Ray is surrounded by Weatherlings with astounding weather power at their fingertips … but she doesn’t have any magic! Then, after a trip to Earth, Ray’s life changes forever. She is transformed from…

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Five kids & YA reads from First Nations writers

This year, NAIDOC week is running from 4 – 11 July and focuses the theme of Heal Country. Put succinctly, Heal Country ‘calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage’; we recommend reading the full explanation behind the 2021 focus (and exploring how you can become more involved this NAIDOC week) here.

This week – and every week – we want to actively show our appreciation…

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Recommended children's books & news for July

by Leanne Hall

This month in kids books we’ve got a funny and honest verse novel, a new picture book from a master Australian storyteller, charming junior fiction about animals, a time-bending adventure and a sweeping Australian history book.

Find our July picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Are You There, Buddha? by Pip Harry

Bridget ‘Bee’ Ballentine is 12 and starting her first year of high school in the beach suburb Crescent Bay. Still reeling from the…

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A spotlight on our kids & YA books of the month, July 2021

by Leanne Hall

Our kids & YA books of the month in July include a funny verse novel from a masterful storyteller, a gorgeous love story set in Brisbane and a joyful and whimsical classic.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Are You There, Buddha? by Pip Harry

Bridget ‘Bee’ Ballentine is 12 and starting her first year of high school in the beach suburb Crescent Bay. Still reeling from the departure of her mother for an ashram in India, Bee talks to Buddha…

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Find your next graphic novel for tweens

by Lucie Dess

If you loved Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans…

…then you need to read Nightlights, a beautifully illustrated story of finding yourself.

Every night, tiny stars appear out of the darkness in Sandy’s bedroom. Sandy catches them and creates wonderful creatures to play with until she falls asleep, and in the morning brings them back to life in the whimsical drawings that cover her room. One day, a mysterious pale girl called Morfie appears at school and is fascinated by…

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Recommended children's books & news for June

by Leanne Hall

Coming into the winter months, we’ve got books about consent and bodily autonomy for all ages, books to deeply appreciate Australia’s unique natural landscape and culture, tales of furry and feathered friends, and a primary school Arts Fiasco!

Find our June picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr. Melissa Kang

Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes have written the only guide tweens and teens need to figure out…

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Animal adventures for young readers

by Leanne Hall

Animals in books can be protagonists, best friends, imaginary friends, heroes, vulnerable companions and so much more. Here are some of our favourite books for readers aged 8 -12 years that give animal characters the limelight they deserve.

Pawcasso by Remy Lai

Every Saturday, Pawcasso trots into town to buy groceries and undertake other chores for his family. One day, he passes by Jo’s house, where she’s peering out the window, bored and lonely. When Jo sets out to follow…

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Seven books for backyard explorers

What’s Inside a Flower? by Rachel Ignotofsky

Budding backyard scientists can start exploring their world with this stunning introduction to these flowery show-stoppers-from seeds to roots to blooms. Learning how flowers grow gives kids beautiful building blocks of science and inquiry. 4+

Plantastic! by Catherine Clowes & Rachel Gyan

Plantastic! presents 26 of Australia’s most unique and incredible native plants. Discover and identify native plants found in your local park, bushland, or even in your very own backyard. With its…

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Six fantasy adventure graphic novels to read this weekend

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert

As keepers of the Endless Flame, Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter Bea live a quiet and peaceful life. But all that changes one day when, while walking through the woods, Bea meets Cad, a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race thought to be long-extinct. Cad believes that if anyone can help him find his missing people, it’s the Pig Wizard. But when the two arrive home, the Pig Wizard…

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Consent in books for kids

It’s never too early to have conversations about consent and bodily autonomy with kids. Here are four books that can help you get started.

Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr. Melissa Kang

Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes have written the only guide you need to figuring out the rules of consent. Whether you’re a curious tween, teen or parent, this book is reassuring, interesting and full of the info you need! It uses first-person accounts, advice from…

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Reflecting on the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winner

by Mike Shuttleworth

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is the richest award for children’s literature. It’s worth around $800,000 – courtesy of the Swedish government – and late last month was awarded to the French writer Jean-Claude Mourlevat. Previous winners have included Maurice Sendak, Sir Philip Pullman, Sonya Hartnett, Meg Rosoff and Shaun Tan. So you might ask, Jean-Claude who?

Late last year Mourlevat’s novel for older children Jefferson (translated by Ros Schwartz) was published by the UK’s Andersen Press. I had read…

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Eight recent First Nations books for kids & teens

by Leanne Hall

Welcome, Child! by Sally Morgan

This joyous board book welcomes babies to the world with elegantly simple text and beautiful pictures of birds, hearts, stars and flowers. Full of the unconditional love felt for a newborn child, this is a sweet read-aloud to share with little ones.

For ages 0 and up.

Main Abija My Grandad by Karen Rogers

With luscious artwork and a lyrical text in Kriol and English, celebrated Ngukurr artist Karen Rogers evokes the world of her…

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Recommended children's books & news for May

by Leanne Hall

We’ve got a hilarious picture book from a master storyteller, a sporty time-slip adventure, a heartfelt tale of immigration and strange and wonderful fantasy stories.

Find our May picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Elsewhere Girls by Emily Gale & Nova Weetman

Cat has recently started at a new school on a sports scholarship, and she’s feeling a lot of pressure. Fanny loves to swim, but family chores and low expectations for girls make it…

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An interview with Ursula Dubosarsky

Ursula Dubosarsky is the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2020–2021. She is the author of over 60 books, has won many national prizes and been nominated internationally for the Hans Andersen and Astrid Lindgren awards.

In advance of their appearances during the MWF Schools, fellow author Ingrid Laguna chats with Dubosarsky about how to become a reader for life, and what books and writing have given her.

As the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2020 and 2021, your key message has been

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Recent recommended mysteries for kids

by Leanne Hall

Calling all amateur sleuths and bookish detectives! Here are some of our favourite mystery books that will test your powers of deduction and observation.

The Puzzling Pearls (Plum and Woo, Book 1) by Lisa Siberry

Hannah Plum and Patti Woo have nothing in common, but they’re stuck at the beachside Heartbreak Hotel together while Hannah’s dad and Patti’s mum are out birdwatching and - yuck! - falling in love. When a hotel guest’s beautiful pink wedding dress is stolen, fashion-obsessed…

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Penny Tangey wins the Readings Children’s Book Prize 2021

by Clare Millar

We are thrilled to share that the winner of the Readings Children’s Book Prize is As Fast As I Can by Penny Tangey! This thrilling and entertaining sporty adventure will delight readers of ages 8-12.

Ten-year-old Vivian has her life sorted already – she’s determined to go the Olympics. She just doesn’t know in which sport! She’s tried nearly everything, but now she’s found her love of cross country running. She becomes determined and trains really hard. Everything changes however…

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Recommended kids books & news for April

by Leanne Hall

We’ve got animals in disguise and fascinating paleontology this month, along with sweet tales of family, unexpected friendships, and thrilling adventures in our own world and other worlds.

Find our April picks for YA books here.

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Masters of Disguise by Marc Martin

Now you see them, now you don’t! Cloaked in a riot of colour, pattern and texture are a dozen animals - from chameleons and polar bears to Gaboon vipers and mimic octopuses…

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Which kids book should I read on the holidays?

The school holidays are a wonderful time to sink deep into reading for pleasure. Here are our suggestions of books to entertain, enthral and inspire young readers during their leisure time.

Backyard Bugs by Helen Milroy

This vibrant and colourful picture book will send pre-schoolers rushing into their own backyards to look for creepy crawlies. First Nations author and illustrator Dr. Helen Milroy presents worms, crickets, ants, spiders, butterflies and more with rhyming text and bold illustrations. As well as…

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A spotlight on Bindi by Kirli Saunders

Bindi by Kirli Saunders, and illustrated by Dub Leffler, is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize.

Here’s everything you need to know about this beautifully crafted verse novel that touches on climate, conservation, community and Country.

‘In 2019 Kirli Saunders won the inaugural Daisy Utemorrah Award for an unpublished book of children’s or YA fiction for this work, and we could immediately see why. This is a children’s verse novel and the…

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