May was another big month for literary prizes. Two authors were declared Sydney Morning Herald’s Best Young Australian Novelists (notably, neither have published ‘novels’, but instead have crafted brilliant story collections), and the Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlist was revealed just a few days ago. We were delighted for all five authors, but we’re especially delighted for our St Kilda bookseller Alec Patrić, whose novel Black Rock White City is listed here. Last year, our former Head Book Buyer Martin Shaw included this book as one of his favourite Australian novels of all time and wrote: “I’ve gone on the record to say that if this is not on the Miles Franklin shortlist next year, there must be a riot!” So that’s a riot avoided, phew.

The Australian Book Industry Awards were also announced, with Magda Szubanski’s memoir, Reckoning, being named Book of the Year. We were also honoured to have won this year’s Independent Book Retailer of the Year award. You can read some words on the news from Managing Director Mark Rubbo here.

Looking to children’s and young adult books, the CBCA Book of the Year Awards shortlists were announced this month, and the Wilderness Society shared the shortlist for their Environment Award for Children’s Literature. We’ll be announcing the winner of our own Readings Children’s Book Prize at midday, Tuesday 21 June, and in the meantime, here are 30 reasons why you should read the entire shortlist from our children’s bookseller Holly Harper. And if you have a young animal lover in your life, Holly has put together a list of fantastic animal tales for ages 7 and up.

And yes, we know this is a reflection on June, but don’t forget that the Emerging Writers’ Festival kicks off in two weeks, and it looks absolutely terrific. Here are our top picks from their program. We’re pleased to be co-hosting two special events with the Festival in our shops: Let’s Talk about Literary Awards and Writing Your Second Novel.

Looking even further ahead to August, the Melbourne Writers Festival announced their Schools’ Program this month, and revealed that YA superstars Meg Rosoff, Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan will all be attending the Festival this year. Cue: squeals of approval.

This month also saw our staff making their own terrariums, with help from Clea Cregan’s gorgeous how-to guide, Miniscapes, as well as rereading childhood classics, and reflecting on how their understanding of these beloved stories had shifted.

Also on the blog this month… Author Emily Gale reflected on the importance and necessity of death in children’s and young adult literature in light of her new book, The Other Side of Summer; Digital Marketing Manager Lian Hingee wrote about ethics, sustainability and the fashion revolution in Claire Press’ non-fiction book, Wardrobe Crisis; Readings Foundation Grants Officer Leanne Hall paid a visit to the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (one of the projects being supported by the Readings Foundation this year); and Digital Content Coordinator Bronte Coates prepared a reading list for anyone mourning the end of the TV show, The Good Wife.