Kids books, events & news for September

This month in kids books features meaningful picture books, new fiction from Australian Children’s Laureate Morris Gleitzman and cute stories celebrating fathers.


KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH


Help Around the House by Morris Gleitzman

With his latest book, the current Australian Children’s Laureate and multi-award-winning author Morris Gleitzman delves into the rare topic (at least in children’s fiction) of federal politics. Before Ludo’s mum passed away, Ludo promised her that he would always continue to try to help people. Now that Ludo’s dad is a member of Parliament, it looks like they both might be able to keep this promise, but when Ludo becomes interested in the plight of people experiencing homelessness in Canberra, he uncovers way more than he expected.

Our reviewer Dani loved this book that shows young people holding themselves to high standards: ‘It would be easy to give up when your enemy isn’t just a person but a system, but Ludo and his friends are determined to do what’s right, at whatever cost.’ For ages 9 and up.

You can read our full review here.


KIDS BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH


Brezania by Anthony Breslin

Welcome to the magical world of Brezania, a colourful, chaotic universe populated by vibrant creatures that embark upon adventures, and invent and play in their extraordinary environment. This unique debut picture book by Melbourne artist Anthony Breslin introduces a cast of fantastical characters using jaunty verse and whirling paintings. Meet the Chief of Frolic, King Kadenza and more in this delightful, madcap self-contained world. For ages 3 and up.

You can read our review here.


Wisp by Zana Fraillon & Grahame Baker-Smith

Zana Fraillon (author of the award-winning The Bone Sparrrow) continues her concern with refugee rights in Wisp. This is the story of Idris, a young boy born into a refugee camp. The refugee camp and its residents live in darkness, without memories of the past or optimism for the future, until the ephemeral Wisp arrives. Together Idris and the Wisp, bring light and hope to the refugee camp.

Our reviewer George, says that Fraillon ‘brings her characteristic warmth and urgency to the picture book format, beautifully accompanied by moody illustrations by Grahame Baker-Smith’. For ages 3 and up.

You can read our full review here.


The Dress and the Girl by Andros Camille & Julie Morstad

This beautiful story of immigration, memory and cherished possessions starts on a Greek island with a girl, her favourite dress and the simple life they enjoy connected with sea and sky. When the girl and her family emigrate, the trunk holding the dress goes missing and the two are separated. Told with sophisticated language and evocative illustrations in a nostalgic palette, this is a sensitive and thoughtful picture book. For ages 3 and up.

You can read our review here.


Inheritance by Carole Wilkinson

When Nic’s father gets work on a cruise ship she is forced to live with her maternal grandfather on a remote homestead – not exactly dream circumstances for a young teen. When Nic searches the home for clues about her mother (who died giving birth to Nic), she discovers a shocking truth about her settler relatives and their participation in atrocities against the local Gulidjan people.

Our reviewer Natalie describes Inheritance as ‘an honourable work that helps young readers confront the wrongs of Australia’s past with honesty, humility and an open heart’. For ages 10 and up.

You can read our full review here.


The Raven’s Children by Yulia Yakovleva

Shura, Tanya, baby Bobby and their parents live in a Leningrad apartment building in 1937 – a time when Soviet citizens lived under the pressures of Stalin’s repressive regime. When Shura’s parents are arrested, suspected of being ‘enemies of the people’, their family fractures. Bobby winds up in an orphanage and seven-year-old Shura and nine-year-old Tanya must fend for themselves. When the children hear adults whispering about ‘The Raven’ they don’t understand the code name for the secret police, and instead develop the ability to talk to the local birds. Shura in particular embarks on a dangerous course of action to find The Raven and his parents.

Our reviewer Natalie found this to be compelling historical fiction, saying that ‘disturbing experiences are presented in a non-confronting way, drawing on magical realism to step gently through the story – but there is also hope’. For ages 9 and up.

You can read our full review here.


BOOKS FOR FATHER’S DAY & RECENT KIDSLIT NEWS


Don’t forget that Father’s Day is this Sunday (2 September). If you’re doing some last-minute shopping, you might like to check out our collection of picture books celebrating dads and families.

If you’re after something very silly and a bit cool, The Lost Dad’s Home has us laughing with it’s Edward Gorey style illustrations and surreal storyline. For something extremely sweet and touching – check out the nurturing, caring and cheerleading done by a great dad in Dad By My Side, from illustrator and author Soosh. Or if you’d like to celebrate families and parental figures of all kinds, with the focus on love and togetherness, take a look at Sophie Beer’s colourful and delightful Love Makes A Family.

This past month, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced their Book of the Year Awards winners for 2018. These awards celebrate the best Australian books for readers in early childhood up to young adult readers.

And finally, want to sneak some maths into your picture book reading sessions? We’ve put together some favourite picture books that make introducing maths concepts entertaining and effortless.


KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER


We’re pleased to launch three fantastic new children’s books this month – one for all of the first three Saturdays in September! The launches are all free and there’s no need to book. Just come along with the kids and enjoy the fun.

Join Gabrielle Wang at 2pm on Saturday 1 September at Readings Hawthorn for the launch of Ting Ting the Ghosthunter. A powerful magic-realist story, this novel is the sequel to Wang’s award-winning A Ghost in My Suitcase which has recently been transformed into an immersive theatre experience.

Saturday 8 September sees the launch of Anthony Breslin’s unique and zany new picture book, Brezania at 2pm at Readings Kids. Also at Readings Kids, Rachel Flynn will launch Collecting Sunshine – her gorgeous picture book celebrating the joy of imagination and the wonders of the natural world. This launch will kick off at 10.30am on Saturday 15 September.

And looking ahead to early October – we’re completely thrilled to give you the opportunity to hear much-loved artist Shaun Tan talk about his new book, Tales from the Inner City. This special event will be held at Church of All Nations at 6.30pm on Thursday 4 October. Two ticket prices are available: $35 with a copy of the book, or $5 without a book. Bookings are essential – find out more here.


Leanne Hall is a children’s and YA specialist at Readings Kids. She also writes books for children and young adults.

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Cover image for Help Around the House

Help Around the House

Morris Gleitzman

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