Recommended new kids' books in July

This month sees a slew of sweet, gentle and imaginative kids’ books about dog-walking, nurturing new and old friendships, teeny-tiny angels and mythical sea-rocks. Plus one very excellent book about evil magician rabbits.

(Find our best recommendations for teen books this month here.)


NEW PICTURE BOOKS


Mini Grey’s picture books are always something to look forward to and The Bad Bunnies’ Magic Show is sure to be one of my favourites of the year. When magician Hypno is unable to perform, his rabbits Abra and Cadabra take over the stage for their own style of mischievous, possibly even dastardly, magic tricks. Each trick is revealed with a fold-out page, and there are shocked gasps a-plenty. This is a hilarious, satisfyingly naughty story with bright and breezy illustrations. For ages 3 and up.

It doesn’t get any sweeter than Baby Goes to Market from Nigerian-English author and traditional oral storyteller Atinuke. A visit to the bustling food market sees a cute little baby plied with all sorts of treats from adoring vendors. Busy Mama has no idea at all that this gifting is going on, and she worries about poor Baby’s empty tummy by the end of their shopping trip. Ages 2 and up will love this repetitive and gentle story, with vibrant illustrations, numbers and delectable snacks.

Goodnight Lab is a wonderful science-themed parody of Margaret Wise Brown’s classic, Goodnight Moon. Travel through a typical science laboratory and say goodnight to all the pieces of equipment there. For ages 4 and up.

Author Chris Ferrie has also written a series of board books explaining key physics concepts for babies. (Really, babies might be a stretch so let’s say children.)

Baby Goes to Market

The Secret of Black Rock is a richly illustrated picture book that imparts a keen sense of location and takes the reader on an imaginative journey under water. Seaside-dwelling Erin is intrigued by town legends of the treacherous Black Rock that plagues sailors. When she finally successfully stows away on her mother’s fishing boat, Erin discovers an amazing secret about the rock that will change the life of everyone in her town, and bring greater harmony. For ages 4 and up.

A little girl takes the elderly pooch Mouse on a slow and loving walk around the block in My Dog Mouse, savouring the small and simple things about sharing time with her favourite dog. The text is gentle, and the drawings pleasingly naïve; the kicker is the bittersweet moment the girl returns Mouse to his owner. For ages 3 and up.


NEW JUNIOR FICTION (AGES 5-9)


Uh, dinosaur robots? Yes, please! Dino Hunter is the first book in the new D-Bot Squad series which is packed full of technology and action. This series is perfect for reluctant readers, or for kids trying to step up from simple junior readers. No one believes dinosaur-obsessed Hunter Marks when he sees a pterodactyl outside his classroom window, but the sighting leads him to a mysterious computer game, and membership of a top-secret team… For ages 5 and up.

See You When I See You

You can read our review here.

See You When I See You is the fifth book in the charming sequence by award-winning Swedish children’s author Rose Lagercrantz.

Best friends Dani and Ella are reunited when their respective school classes pay a visit to the zoo. They’re overjoyed to see each other, but it soon becomes clear that Ella isn’t thriving at her new school. Lagercrantz’s books wonderfully describe real life challenges such as big changes, bullying, loss, sadness, resilience and friendships in a simple and uplifting way. Each page contains 3 to 4 sentences and gorgeous black and white line illustrations, making them great for newly independent readers. For ages 6 and up.

You can read our reviews of Lagercrantz’s earlier books in the sequence here and here.


NEW MIDDLE FICTION (AGES 8-12)


Marsh and Me is a gentle story about the gradual friendship that develops between sensitive Joey M Green and tree-house occupant Marsh. A wonderful air of mystery and magic hangs over this very realistic story of a tentative boy and an unknowable girl, and it has a truly satisfying ending, where music brings the two together. Young, equally sensitive readers will love the moments of humour and emotion as Joey tries to gain confidence at school and in friendships. For ages 9 and up.

You can read our full review here.

In the sweet Bigfoot, Tobin and Me, two kids unite in their search for the elusive Bigfoot. After the death of her mother, Lemonade Liberty Witt is sent to live with her grandfather in a small town. An understandably sad and angry Lem finds herself caught up in a Bigfoot chase with the somewhat infuriating Tobin, and together they make some very surprising discoveries. St Kilda children’s book buyer Kim Gruschow praised Bigfoot, Tobin and Me as ‘a warm, funny and thoughtful book about friendship and family that gently and compassionately tackles some pretty tough themes’. For ages 8 and up.

You can read Kim’s full review here.

David Almond is as quirky as ever in The Tale of Angelino Brown. Elderly Betty and Burt are living a quiet and predictable life when they are visited by a tiny angel. The angel turns out to have amazing transformative powers, and when Betty takes him to school he continues to spread good in her community. Malvern children’s book buyer Athina Clarke calls this tale, ‘a loveable, lively and entertaining story with some outrageous characters, an unpredictable plot and a wonderful silliness that children will love’.

You can read Athina’s full review here.

Bigfoot, Tobin and Me

Matt Stanton is well-known for the bestselling picture books he co-creates with his wife Beck Stanton. These include Did You Take the B from my _ook?, This is a Ball and The Red Book. So we’re pretty excited that he’s written his first middle fiction book.

As can be expected, Funny Kid for President is a riotous caper about likeable ‘funny kid’ Max Walburt who decides to run for class president at Redhill Middle School. What ensues is scatological, fast-paced and more cutthroat than a federal election. Reading Kids bookseller Dani Solomon recommends this as ‘a great read for fans of Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates and Big Nate’. For ages 8 and up.

You can read Dani’s full review here.


A ‘QUALITY THRILLER’ FOR TWEENS


Mystery of the Ghost Ship

Phillip Pullman has obviously found time while working on La Belle Sauvage (The Book of Dust, Book 1) to attend to other projects – namely the fantastic graphic novel, Mystery of the Ghost Ship.

Mystery of the Ghost Ship is a classic adventure story featuring a time-travelling ghost ship, the Mary Alice, described by St Kilda children’s book buyer Kim Gruschow as a ‘quality thriller’.

You can read Kim’s full review here.

This is the first book in a new series, The Adventures of John Blake, and features cinematic art by Fred Fordham. The story is suitable for ages 9 and up, and can be read by tweens and teens.


UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS


Calling all pint-sized journalists aged 7 – 12. We’re pleased to be hosting a special one-off workshop at 11am on Monday 10 July at Readings Kids. At this workshop, kids will learn the rules behind book reviewing and can also enter the competition to have their very own review published in Crinkling News, the only national newspaper for young Australians.

The workshop costs $5 and entry includes a copy of Crinkling News. Please book here.

Don’t forget to also plan ahead for the kidslit event of the year – Introducing the 91-Storey Treehouse. Join Andy, Terry and Jill on Tuesday 8th August, 4:30pm at Melbourne Town Hall, for the hilarious launch of The 91-Storey Treehouse.

Tickets are $25 and include a signed first edition of The 91-Storey Treehouse. Please book here.


Leanne Hall

Cover image for The Bad Bunnies' Magic Show

The Bad Bunnies’ Magic Show

Mini Grey

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