Discover the new kids books our booksellers are excited about this month!
Picture Books
Hello Cocky: A Stickybeak at the Cockatoo
Hilary Bell, illustrated by Antonia Pesenti
Cockatoos are smart and beautiful birds with boundless personality and vocalisations. This excellent new picture book perfectly captures the unique character of the cockatoo. It’s a wonderful rhyming story that is a complete joy to read aloud.
Antonia Pesenti is well-known for her stylish, bold and fun illustrations. She has done a great job of showcasing the cheeky habits of cockatoos, as well as celebrating their striking looks. Pages that feature cockatoos sneaking a hot chip or two are sure to provoke lots of giggles and maybe even a few shrieks.
This is another top-tier picture book, produced to the highest standard by Melbourne-based publisher Scribble, and everyone aged 2+ will have a great time sharing this book.
Reviewed by Kim Gruschow.
Middle Grade
The Wicked Ship (Oceanforged, Book 1)
Amelia Mellor
The Wicked Ship is the first book in Oceanforged, a new series by Amelia Mellor, author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World. It follows the story of Cori, a young orphan girl who unwittingly becomes a pirate on a ship with a horrendous captain, crew and reputation. During one village pillage, she is sent into a decrepit, booby-trapped vault to find a weapon. It turns out this weapon is the Oceanforged Gauntlet: an instrument that belonged to long-forgotten champions who used to rule Cori’s world with fairness and strength. Much to her captain’s chagrin, the gauntlet has chosen Cori to be its champion – and so the fun begins!
Cori must find the other pieces of armour before the captain does, with only the ragtag crew she pulls together to help – which I assume will be the genesis of the remaining books in the series. The sentences are short, the pace is quick, and the scene is set beautifully, making this a good read-alone or a fun read-along.
My eight-year-old was meant to review this book, and while he isn’t on the payroll, I think he gets enough perks (free books), however, when asked to put pen to paper he said, enthusiastically:
‘Five stars.’
‘Great,’ I said, ‘and …?’
‘And what?’
‘You need to give the people more than that!’
‘It’s good, and they should read it.’
I tried to pull more out of him for three weeks and this is what I got: ‘Fun, interesting, entertaining; I want to read the whole series, when is the next book coming out? Where is Oceanforged? I want to read it again.’
The verdict is in!
Reviewed by Rosalind McClintock with contributing Readling reviewer: Hubert, age 8
I liked this story very much and am looking forward to Book Two. Cori and her friends are adventurous and brave. The story is filled with detail, excitement and suspense. Some younger readers might get a little bit scared at times, but not too scared to stop you reading.
Readers of the Rainbow Magic series may like this series because the characters also try to find things and make friends along the way.
Contributing Readling reviewer: Imogen, age 8
Two-Faced Tales: A Book of Stunning Survival and Brilliant Betrayal
100 Story Building
This anthology of stories with the theme of survival and betrayal takes readers on a journey to the dark side. Written, edited and illustrated by young people, with 13 stories chosen by a collection of young editors aged 10–12, this book is a testament to their creativity, talent and hard work.
With stories, quizzes, recipes, poems and even a cat-focused search-and-find amongst these pages, there is something for every reader. Author Alice Pung has also contributed a spine-tingling story to the collection.
As each terrifying story is accompanied by illustrations on every page, this anthology is sure to entertain kids on a boring day and also inspire them to be creative themselves. Buying a copy will help support 100 Story Building, a social enterprise based in Footscray, which develops literacy and creativity in young people. These suspenseful stories are a delight for readers aged 9–12.
Reviewed by Angela Crocombe.
Run
Sarah Armstrong
When Cas runs off into the bush after a family disagreement, he soon finds himself lost and must do his best to survive on his own. When he meets two girls and their dog, he expects that his ordeal has ended, and they will lead him back to civilisation, but instead he learns that he’s not alone in running away at all.
This is a fast-paced survival story that also manages to thoughtfully address themes of family and forgiveness. Set in the bush, it’s an exciting read filled with strong, memorable characters. The plot is gripping, yet written with sensitivity and an inclusive approach.
Survival stories (and survival television shows!) tend to focus on someone overcoming difficult conditions alone. This book offers a unique perspective, as characters grapple with relationships to other people, and prove to be just as challenging as the wilderness. Run is an exciting read for ages 9+.
Reviewed by Kim Gruschow.
A Gift from the Birds
Caroline Stills
Despite her mum’s worrying illness, Millie’s 10th birthday party is perfect: lots of friends, cake, music, games and the best present of all – a silver heart necklace. But when her mum suddenly collapses, it’s clear that something is really, seriously wrong. Overnight, their lives suddenly revolve around hospital visits filled with fear, confusion, and endless (occasionally horrible) casseroles.
Mum isn’t getting better, and Millie wants to tell her about some mysterious crows that keep visiting, but she can’t seem to find the right time. When Millie feeds the crows, they leave her a little present, yet for all their cleverness and kindness, they can’t make her mum better, and neither can the doctors. When Millie loses almost everything, can her feathered friends help her find her way back to family, art and hope?
A Gift from the Birds is a raw and tender exploration of grief, friendship and the healing power of nature, for children aged 8+.
Reviewed by Tamuz Ellazam.
Kids Classic of the Month
Madeline
Ludwig Bemelmans
Some books are so familiar, so sturdy and welcoming, reading them feels like arriving home. Rereading Madeline for the first time in years felt like entering a time machine, brimming with nostalgia. As I read, I could only hear the words in my mother’s bedtime-story voice, which I hadn’t known I remembered.
Only Ludwig Bemelmans could pack so much into so few words that have continued to resonate for over 85 years. Twelve little girls, two straight lines, our bold and irreverent protagonist, and a medical emergency, all sealed with the universal adolescent experience of comically misplaced jealousy.
This book had such an impact on me because of its simple but expressive illustrations and the steady beat of its prose. The image of a rabbit-shaped crack in a hospital ceiling lives in a permanent spot in my mind.
Equal parts precious and mischievous, it is easy to see why Madeline is a classic that has stood the test of time. If it’s been a while since you’ve read it, I’d highly recommend refreshing your memory. For ages 2+.
Reviewed by Celeste Perry.
