Kids books, events & news for April
We have some truly gorgeous picture books for you this month, along with a wacky junior graphic novel and a nail-biting survival adventure.
Find our April picks for YA books here.
KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
Wilam: A Birrarung Story by Aunty Joy Murphy, Lisa Kennedy & Andrew Kelly
Indigenous creators Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy collaborated on the Readings favourite, Welcome to Country, so we’ve been greatly anticipating their next picture book collaboration, Wilam: A Birrarung Story. Wilam means home in Woiwurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people, and this stunning story depicts the many creatures who call Birrarung (the Yarra River) home, as it slowly winds from the mountains to the bay. Joining up with Yarra River keeper Andrew Kelly, this picture book explores wildlife, Woiwurrung language and the importance of the river to animals and humans.
Our reviewer Angela describes Wilam: A Birrarung Story as ‘absolutely stunning’ and ‘a must-have for every school, library and home in Victoria.’ For ages 4+.
You can read our full review here.
RECOMMENDED KIDS BOOKS THIS MONTH
Little Bird’s Day by Sally Morgan & Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr
Follow a day in the life of Little Bird as she wakes up and sings with Sun, plays with Cloud, Rain, and Wind, and nestles up with Moon. Renowned author Sally Morgan conjures up beauty and simplicity with her words, which have been brought to life by the gorgeously rendered illustrations of Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, the inaugural Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award winner. Our reviewer Claire loved this ‘enchanting and tender’ tale. For ages 3+.
You can read our full review here.
A Quiet Girl by Peter Carnavas
Australian author and illustrator Peter Carnavas is known for his thoughtful, insightful and empathetic works for young children. In A Quiet Girl, he champions kids who are quiet and unassuming.
Mary is a quiet appreciator of the small and beautiful things in life. She’s so quiet that her noisy family don’t really seem to notice that she’s there. When she tries to tell them what she’s observed, they don’t listen. Overlooked, Mary withdraws even more and when her family finally stops and listens, they realise what they’ve been missing out on. Our reviewer Alexa relished this ‘lovely book that encourages us to stop, look and listen’. For ages 3+.
You can read our full review here.
The Ultimate Animal Counting Book by Jennifer Cossins
Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins’ book teaches how to count from 1 to 101 by taking readers on a journey through fascinating animal facts. Starting with 1 blue whale, the book runs through numerous elephants, giraffes, sharks, colossal squids and so on, until the reader has met a hundred species of animals. Each page features bright illustrations, as well as a series of great snippets for the fact-bank: learn why a tapir’s nose is shaped the way it is, what colour a zebra’s skin is underneath its stripes, what cranes are best known for and so much more. For ages 2+
You can read our review here.
Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery by Renée Treml
Sherlock Bones is a very talkative tawny frogmouth skeleton! His best friend, Watts, is a taxidermied parrot! And together they are going to solve the mystery of the stolen blue diamond. Picture book author Renée Treml’s first junior graphic novel takes place entirely inside a natural history museum, and involves a suspicious raccoon, beetles, dinosaurs, facts about the natural world and plenty of laughs. Our reviewer Kim described it as ‘an offbeat, fun mystery that is absolutely perfect for readers who have enjoyed The Bad Guys, the Real Pigeons or the Mr Penguin books.’ For ages 7+.
You can read our full review here.
Swimming Against the Storm by Jess Butterworth
Sisters Eliza and Avery have grown up in a small fishing village in southern Louisiana, around turtles, porpoises, alligators and pelicans. When rising sea levels threaten to sweep their home away, they must team up with two friends and venture deep into the swampland on a secret mission to save their community. Avery becomes lost in the humid and mysterious depths of the swamp, and as a hurricane moves towards the coast, the group must fight for their survival.
Our reviewer Athina highly recommends this nail-biting adventure: ‘Brimming with mystery and suspense, this captivating survival-against-the-odds adventure is both a celebration of sisterly love and a saga of friendship and courage.’ For ages 9+.
You can read our full review here.
DISCOVER A CLASSIC
The Witch in the Cherry Tree by Margaret Mahy & Jenny Williams
Our Readings St Kilda children’s buyer, Kim, revisited this family read-and-bake favourite, which was first published in 1974. David and his mother are baking on a gloomy day when the delicious smells bring a greedy witch to their garden. The witch uses every magic trick she knows to steal their fresh-baked goods, but David is a tough kid to outsmart. Kim still loves this funny and cosy picture book by Kiwi children’s literature icon Margaret Mahy, saying ‘like all of her books this one is filled with wit and magic.’ For ages 3+.
You can read our full review here.
AWARDS & OTHER NEWS
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Book of the Year shortlists for 2019. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators, editors and publishers!
We need empathy more than ever in our current world, and we think books are one of the best tools for understanding another person’s perspective! We’ve put together a list of book recommendations, focusing on fostering empathy in kids and teens.
Our graphic novel sections have grown enormously in recent years, and graphic novels are more popular than ever with young readers. We’ve gathered some of our favourite graphic novels that have been translated into English, or are set in far-flung places, so you can take a trip around the globe.
KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN APRIL
Join us for the launch of Kids Who Did: Real Kids Who Ruled, Rebelled, Survived and Thrived_ by Kirsty Murray, on Thursday 11 April, 6:30pm at Readings State Library. It’s an astonishing collection of true stories about courageous kids who changed history. Free, no booking required.
We are delighted to invite you to Squishy Taylor’s special send-off party on Wednesday 17 April, 10:30am at Readings Kids! Squishy Taylor and the Secret Envelope is the tenth and very last book in the series – so it’s time to celebrate all that is Squishy! Join author Ailsa Wild for a book reading and a hilarious group story-writing adventure.Tickets are $15 per child and include a copy of Squishy Taylor and the Secret Envelope. This event is suitable for children aged 6–11 years old, and will run from 10.30am to 11:30am. Bookings are essential and can be made here.
Prepare for Mother’s Day by joining Jess Racklyeft, author of There’s Only One Mum Like You, in a sweet card-making workshop suitable for any child under ten years old on Saturday 27 April, 10:30am at Readings Kids. Jess’ book is a heart-warming tribute to the magic of mums, and she will not only read this beautiful book, but also assist in making unique personal tributes. Tickets are $20 per child and include a copy of There’s Only One Mum Like You. This event is suitable for 5- to 10-year-olds, and will run from 10:30 am to 11:15am. Bookings are essential, and can be made here.
