It’s February already!? We are so lucky that there are some fantastic new releases to ease us into the return to routine that inevitably happens at this time of year. We’ve got some beautiful new picture books, a look inside famous artist’s gardens that is also a fun activity book, some stunning new middle fiction and more.

You can read our round-up of new Young Adult titles here.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

Your School is the Best by Maggie Hutchings & Felicita Sala

Everyone’s favourite cockroach is back, and this time he’s going to school! From show-and-tell to arts and crafts, this little stowaway can’t wait to try it at all … and maybe even become the teacher’s pet! Charming, hilarious and just a tiny bit disgusting, this is a back to school tale with a twist.

Our reviewer, Kim, says ‘This hilarious, exuberant story will certainly help to ease any butterflies for young readers returning to the classroom or those who are just starting out at school.’

You can read her review here.

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

SIX NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS THIS MONTH

Looking after Country with Fire by Victor and Sandra Steffensen

Join Uncle Kuu as he takes us out on Country and explains cultural burning. Featuring stunning artwork, this is a powerful and timely story of understanding Australia’s ecosystems through Indigenous fire management, and a respectful way forward for future generations to help manage our landscapes.

Our reviewer, Kim, says ‘it’s fantastic to have a book for young people that so clearly demonstrates, values and shares the knowledge and practices built by First Nations people over thousands of years.’

You can read her full review here.

Suitable for ages 5 and up.

In an Artist’s Garden by Claire Orrell

This gorgeous book takes young readers on a magical journey over desert plains, along windswept coastlines and into the jungle, telling the stories of each artist and their garden. Visit Claude Monet’s famous waterlily ponds, David Hockney’s bright and colourful LA garden and Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s Country, Alhalkere.

With all manner of creatures and objects to find, discover the delights of each artist’s garden and the inspiration found in nature.

Our reviewer, Alexa, says ‘I fell in love with this book the minute I saw it.’ Read her full review here.

Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills

When a priceless painting goes missing, Charley - a 12-year-old viral singing sensation - and her best friend George - camera whizz and budding comedian - are shocked to discover they’re the prime suspects.

Now Charley and George have to prove they’re not international criminals - all while nailing a stellar European tour and keeping up with their homework! But as news of high-profile heists hits the headlines wherever they go, Charley and George keep finding themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Suitable for ages 8 and up.

The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre by Clare Povey

Bastien Bonlivre is a boy with a big imagination, determined to finish the story his parents started, left to him in a red notebook.

On the other side of Paris, bestselling author Olivier Odieux is struggling to complete his latest novel. Along with his villainous brothers, he is masterminding his greatest plot yet…

What connects these two stories is a dangerous secret, a hidden mystery and an unexpected race across Paris for the truth. Can Bastien and his friends be brave enough to stop Olivier stealing the ending they deserve?

Our reviewer, Athina, says: ‘This is a homage to friendship borne of challenging circumstance and a love letter to the importance of storytelling’. Read her full review here.

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

I’ll Keep You Close by Jeska Verstegen

Jeska doesn’t know why her mother keeps the curtains drawn so tightly every day. And what exactly is she trying to drown out when she floods the house with Mozart? What are they hiding from?

When Jeska’s grandmother accidentally calls her by a stranger’s name, she seizes her first clue to uncovering her family’s past, and hopefully to all that’s gone unsaid.

I’ll Keep You Close is about what comes after disaster: how survivors move forward, what they bring with them when they do, and the promise of beginning again while always keeping the past close.

Our reviewer, Angela, writes: ‘Beautifully written and utterly heartfelt, this story of intergenerational trauma translated from the Dutch stays with the reader for a long time.’ Her review is here.

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

A Murmuration of Starlings by Franny Billingsley

Robber Girl doesn’t have a name. Or a home. But she does have a dagger. And she has Gentleman Jack. Together, they are wild.

When a heist to steal back Gentleman Jack’s gold goes wrong, Robber Girl is trapped. Instead of sleeping out in the ravine with cliffs and caves and a river, she must stay in a cottage with keys and doorknobs and a dollhouse. A cottage that threatens to tame her.

Part Western fantasy, part literary mystery and wholly unputdownable, A Murmuration of Starlings is loaded with magic, action, and intrigue, and features a character who will stay with you long after the final page.

For readers aged 10 and up.

CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

The Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell

Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, will one day be king of the brumbies. He will defend his herd from the mighty horse, the Brolga, in the most savage of struggles.

But the Brolga is not the only danger - Thowra needs all his speed and cunning to save the herd from capture by man. In a desperate chase through the mountains, it seems there is no longer anywhere for him to run to…

Our reviewer, Angela, says ‘This is an Australian classic that readers of animal or nature stories aged 10 and up will absolutely love.’ Read her full review here.

For readers aged 10 and up.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• Take a look here for some beautiful First Nations books to share with kids.
• Here are some gorgeous books to learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year.
• If you’re interested in podcasts about children’s books then this one by author Allison Tait and teacher librarian Megan Daley will give you plenty of book recommendations and One More Page is really fun and features interviews with authors and illustrators, as well as book reviews.