Recommended kids books, events & news for February
We’ve got something for every type of young reader this month in kids books! Magical adventures and alternate realities, a picture book to inspire young climate activists, a celebration of seaweed and an awesome guide to news media.
Find our February picks for YA books here.
KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH
The World Between Blinks by Ryan Graudin & Amie Kaufman
Cousins Jake and Marisol gather with their family for one last summer together at their legendary Nana’s home. Following a map Nana left behind, Jake and Marisol accidentally slip into a magical place, where all kinds of lost things (and people and buildings and cities) end up. Everywhere they turn, the cousins find real mysteries from history or myth - a fair once held on the frozen-over Thames, the lost city of Atlantis, a Tasmanian tiger. But the man who holds the key to Jake and Marisol’s journey home doesn’t want to be found…
Our reviewer Dani loved this enchanting adventure co-written by bestselling authors Amie Kaufman and Ryan Graudin, saying that it ‘conjures a world so rich and well-thought-out with detail that it’s almost a character in its own right.’ You can read her full review here.
For ages 9 and up.
SIX KIDS BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
My Spaghetti ABC by Deborah Niland
I love spaghetti with heaps of sauce and always make a mess, of course! I use my fork, my spoon, my hands. It’s so much fun to twirl the strands!
In Deborah Niland’s adorable new picture book, creativity knows no bounds when a child creates and explores a wiggly, edible alphabet…using spaghetti!
Our reviewer Alexa describes this unique alphabet book as ‘a colourful riot of saucy strands and rhyming messiness.’ You can read her full review here.
For ages 2 and up.
Stand Up! Speak Up! by Andrew Joyner
An uplifting picture book about activism, community and hope, Stand Up! Speak Up! follows a young girl who is empowered to act against climate change after attending a climate march.
From organising volunteers, to making composting bins, to hosting a clothing swap, this story serves as an important reminder that no act is too small to make a difference. Featuring Andrew Joyner’s distinctive illustrations and a great final spread that shows real-life young environmental activists.
For ages 4 and up.
Little Gem by Anna Zobel
When her spell at Witchcraft School goes wrong, Gem lands in an unfamiliar, empty cottage, outside a strange, colourful town…one hundred years in the future! Everyone in Ellsworth Pining thinks Gem is their new village witch, even when Gem tries to correct them. And Little Gem’s new friends really do need her, because there are tales of a terrifying beast in the woods. Gem might know a spell that could help - if she can get it right.
Our reviewer Kim highly recommends this ‘sweet adventure with shades of Kiki’s Delivery Service.’ You can read her full review here.
For ages 7 and up.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Amari Peters’ older brother Quinton has been missing for six months, and there are few clues about what happened to him. But then Amari receives a mysterious delivery - supposedly from Quinton himself - and she is persuaded to enter a summer program at a covert supernatural organisation, the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari tries to stay focused on finding out what happened to her brother, but soon gets swept up in the Bureau’s battle against an evil magician.
I was delighted with this exciting debut fantasy adventure with a gutsy young Black heroine at its heart. It’s ‘guaranteed to please young readers who love magic, friendship and adventure.’ You can read my full review here.
For ages 9 and up.
With a Little Kelp from Our Friends by Mathew Bate, Liz Rowland
An essential ingredient for life on Earth, seaweed has sustained animals and people for many thousands of years. From ancient history and mythology to modern uses in food, health and medicine, discover how seriously cool seaweed is, and how it can even help tackle climate change.
With a Little Kelp from Our Friends is one good-looking coffee-table-style book with a glossary, visual guide, foraging tips and stunning illustrations. Our reviewer Angela describes it as ‘an utter delight from beginning to end for children and adults alike.’ You can read our full review here.
For ages 7 and up.
Kid Reporter by Saffron Howden & Dhana Quinn
You don’t need to be an adult to break news and change the world. In this fun and easy-to-use guide, young would-be journalists can learn all the tricks of the trade: how to research, interview, produce, write, fact-check and edit, as well as how to navigate the deluge of media and misinformation in our modern age.
Between them, co-authors Saffron Howden and Dhana Quinn have worked for some of Australian’s major new organisations across radio, print and TV. If you know a young one who wants to start a school newspaper or a current affairs website or podcast, this is the resource for them!
For ages 10 and up.
KIDS CLASSIC OF THE MONTH
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin & Mac Barnett
Six apartments are rented to six families in the exclusive Sunset Towers, a building with a perfect view to the mansion of millionaire Samuel Westing. When Westing suddenly dies, they’re summoned to his mansion and told that one among them has murdered him. Whoever can solve the puzzle of his murder will become heir to his enormous estate!
This inventive mystery won the 1979 Newbery Medal in America. Our reviewer Angela re-visited this childhood favourite - and was charmed all over again with the ‘bombings and blizzards, red herrings and genuine clues, unique characters, and a race to discover who murdered Samuel Westing.’ You can read her full review here.
For ages 9 and up.
REBECCA LIM IN CONVERSATION WITH ALICE PUNG
We’re delighted to be hosting
a conversation this Thursday 11 February between acclaimed writers Rebecca Lim and Alice Pung
. They’ll chat about Lim’s new novel
- a wonderfully compelling and authentic upper middle-grade/lower YA fiction about growing up Asian in Australia.
This event is online and ticket entry is $5 per person, which is redeemable off purchase of the book when buying online from the Readings website. You can find all the details here.
NEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
We know you’re probably keen to leave 2020 behind, but in case you’re still having flashbacks, here’s some kids books that made for strangely perfect reading last year. Speaking of 2020, we tallied up our top 100 bestselling books of the year and 11 children’s books were in the mix! Here are our top 10 bestselling children’s books of 2020.
If you’re keen to focus more on the future and find out what kids books are coming out this year, we’ve rounded up our most anticipated kids and YA books of 2021.
Feel like a laugh? Pick up one of our recommended Australian kids books to brighten your summer. More in the mood for a deep conversation? We suggest eight great books that will help start interesting conversations with kids.
The American Library Association recently announced its top books for children and young adults, including the influential Caldecott, Newbery and Printz awards. You can find a full list of honorees here.
