Kids

CBCA Notable Books of 2024

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Notable Books for 2024. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators and publishers! The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature. The CBCA Awards were first presented in 1946 and are the longest-running book awards in Australia.

See below the links to the notable collections for each category.

Book of the Year: Older Readers

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama…

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Recommended realistic middle fiction

We love realistic middle fiction for its ability to hook kids in a single, relatable thought. Reflective of their own experiences, offering a new lens on familiar situations, or exposing them to experiences completely different from their own, these stories have the power to build empathy and understanding in engaging ways. Below are some excellent realistic middle fiction stories that we recommend exploring.

Moonwalking by Zetta Elliott & Lyn Miller-Lachmann

Punk rock-loving JJ Pankowski can’t seem to fit in at…

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Junior graphic novels to keep children engaged

There's so many wonderful illustrated novels for children right now. With longstanding bestsellers like The Bad Guys, Real Pigeons and Dog Man having become household names over the last ten years, it's no wonder there's now a cornucopia of choice for young readers when it comes to illustrated works. Below, we're recommending graphic novels that we love to share with emerging readers. These volumes are packed with silliness, sensitivity and adventure.

A Friend for Dragon by Dav Pilkey

Lonely…

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Children's books to share on World Read Aloud Day

by Lian Hingee

Today (7 February) is World Read Aloud Day, and as a parent who is one bedtime story away from chucking my four-year-old's favourite book out the window I thought that I would share some of the recent picture book releases that I would happily read four times in a row instead.

Julia Donaldson's Book of Names by Julia Donaldson and Nila Aye (illus.)

As someone with an unusual, oft-mispronounced name Julia Donaldson's Book of Names is a bit of a…

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Children's books to celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a wonderful celebration of family and good fortune in the coming year. 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon with festivities beginning on 10th February and culminating with the Lantern Festival on 24th February.

Here is a selection of books to celebrate the Lunar New Year and introduce young people to this exciting festival.

Our Family Dragon by Rebecca Lim & Cai Tse (illus.)

I can't wait till the dragon gets here!

It's New Year's…

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Back to school

Whether returning to school or going to school for the first time there are a range of wonderful books to help your children on their way. From confidence building to making new friends here are some new, as well as staff favourites, to get you started.

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers (illus.)

The hilarious crayons from the number one New York Times bestseller The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to go back…

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The 100 bestselling kids & YA books of 2023

We've run the reports and crunched the numbers. Here are our 100 bestselling kids & YA books from the past year.

The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (illus.)

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy (illus.)

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia & Elisa Chavarri (illus.)

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

No Words by Maryam Master

Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice…

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Books for earth conscious kids

This selection of beautiful books – from wildlife bedtime stories and magnificent trees to amazing plants, tigers and a book inspired by David Attenborough's Planet Earth III – are perfect gifts for the earth conscious child.

Secret Stories of Nature: A Field Guide to Uncover Our Planet's Past by Saskia Gwinn & Vasilisa Romanenko (illus.)

This beautifully illustrated field guide explores the histories and mysteries hidden in the wild, just waiting to be shared. Readers are invited on a journey…

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First Nations books to gift junior and middle readers

From fast-paced adventures to an illustrated history of Songlines, there's something for every young reader within these pages.

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country by Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cecelia Edwards, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr & Gregory Crocetti

Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby's body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat)…

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Great graphic novels for middle schoolers

Graphic novels are a great way to get even the most reluctant of children reading. Here is a collection of standout graphic novels released in 2023 that include fantasy stories about witches, mythical beings, contemporary stories of navigating friendships and new schools, and at least one very cute monster! There's something for every reader aged 8-12.

Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

Nothing is going right for Nayra Mansour. There’s the constant pressure from her strict family, ruthless…

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Excellent Australian picture books to gift

We think you will all agree that books are the best kind of gift to give and receive! And there is nothing more special than gifting a picture book to a child in your life. There have been so many incredible picture books published this year in Australia, you'll have trouble only choosing one!

Penguin Oh Penguin by Gladys Milroy & Helen Milroy (illus.)

‘The Penguin song has lasted throughout the generations and has been sung to my children, grandchildren

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Middle grade fantasy that captured our imagination this year

This year we've enjoyed a plethora of brilliant fantasy and science fiction stories for readers aged 8-13. Below is a selection of our favourite books for young readers published this year. These stories are packed with adventure, friendship, magic, questing and, of course, at least one anthropomorphic cat.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather…

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Fun and thought-provoking nonfiction for curious kids

These zany and engaging works explore history, nature, art, the future and even the mischief of magic! We've included them in this list because each offers something we find uniquely compelling, that we think kids will too! So read on to discover imaginative ways to save the planet, clues to some of our greatest unsolved mysteries, how illusions work, how to break a code, and even why your backyard is the perfect place to begin studying nature.

A Miscellany of

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Fantastic First Nations picture books to gift

It’s been a stellar year for First Nations publishing in Australia. Here are some of our favourite 2023 picture books by First Nations authors and illustrators that would make wonderful gifts or summer reading in your home.

Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illus.)

Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy? For First Nations People, the seasons don't change when the calendar…

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Best junior and middle grade books of 2023

Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best junior and middle grade books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Leaf-light by Trace Balla

Have you ever had a special place that was just yours? 12-year-old Miri has one, it's high up among the dappled leaf light. When she's on the ground though, she spends time with her neighbour Wingo, two joeys…

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Best picture books of 2023

Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best picture books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi (illus.)

Who doesn’t love Pasta? Not only does it taste delicious, but pasta names are also fun to say. Felice Arena has created a rhyming feast with his new picture book, Pasta! Paired with bold and beautiful illustrations…

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Picture books for Christmas set in Australia

Enjoy merry – and seasonally correct – storytimes this Christmas! These picture books, a mix of new and old favourites, are perfect for storytimes this festive season or to post to friends abroad.

Christmas Wonder Down Under by Vikki Conley & Cheryl Orsini (illus.)

Cracker bang! Stars above. Christmas wonder. Peace and love.

The unique magic of an Australian Christmas is perfectly captured in this joyful celebration of love, pavlova and precious family moments.

Twelve Days of Kindness by Sophie…

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Thoughtful picture books for tough days

These recently published picture books are just the thing for when days don't go to plan.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From children trying to master new skills to adults who had a hard week at work, we all get overwhelmed sometimes and need reassurance. And who…

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2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize winners

Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the winners of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize.

This year’s winners demonstrates the true depth of talent of historical fiction authors. The winning novels demonstrate the irresistible prose, unforgettable characters, meticulous research, and epic storytelling for which historical fiction is known.

Winner of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Adult Category

Salonika Burning by Gail Jones

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Contemporary classics to gift a new baby

by Lian Hingee

So your best friend/sibling/cousin/workmate/neighbour/casual acquaintance is having a baby. Books make the ideal keepsake gift, but before you accidentally buy them their seventh copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Where the Wild Things Are, consider one of our favourite recent release picture books that are almost guaranteed to become contemporary classics. Browse some highlights below, or drop into one of our shops and our knowledgeable booksellers will be happy to share their personal picks.

My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) by

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Recent spooky reads for children

October, and the lead-up, never fail to provide a bounty of scary, eccentric and thrilling tales for our bookshelves. Filled with doomed school camps, wandering souls, small town mysteries and, of course, a fabulous vampire – there's something for every level of spooky comfort in the below recommended reads.

Spooky Stories of the World by Wendy Shearer & Teo Georgiey (illus.)

This spine-tingling collection of spooky stories features over 20 eerie tales from across the globe. Discover bewitching retellings of…

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Eggcelent picture books starring chickens

Some chickens cheer from the sidelines and others set their sights on outer space, but all chickens know it's best to be yourself and dare to dream. Below are four new stories about some very unique, but all equally inspiring, chickens!

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From…

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Finding your inner artist through books

by Poppy, Teen Advisory Board

Art is everywhere around us, including in the books we read. To help find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life, or to unlock your own creativity, here are some personal favourites which might provide inspiration.

Prolific children’s author Peter H. Reynolds is probably already on your child’s bookshelf. But I think two of his picture books are as perfect for adults as they are for young readers. Ish shares the story of Ramon, a boy who…

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Q&A with the 2023 Readings Children's Prize shortlist authors

With the upcoming announcement of this year’s winner, our Children’s Prize shortlist authors talk about their inspiration, the creative process, their perfect reader, their favourite writing advice and what they hope readers take away from their books.

Want to know more about each shortlisted title? Explore the shortlist here.

What was the initial inspiration for your story?

Neridah McMullin (Evie and Rhino): I love reading about shipwrecks. Not only reference books, but online through the State…

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The winners of the CBCA Shadow Judging Book of the Year Awards

The winners of the 2023 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shadow Judging Book of the Year Awards have been announced. Inaugurated in 2022, the awards this year were judged by over 2000 young readers from more than 250 groups across Australia.

A vibrant network of young readers, from emerging to young adult, dive deeply into the 2023 CBCA Shortlist and express their opinions and share their responses as judges ‘shadowing’ the CBCA Judges. They use the same criteria to…

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The Readings Children's Prize shortlist 2023

Now in its 10th year, The Readings Children's Prize is presented to the best contribution to Australian children’s literature from an emerging author.

Our staff judges for the 2023 prize are Katey Bellew (chair of judges, Readings Kids), Kate McIntosh (manager of Readings Emporium) and Janine Larson (Readings Kids). We're proud to announce this year's six Children's Prize shortlist titles, and look forward to sharing our Young Adult Prize and New Australian Fiction Prize shortlists soon!

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by…

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The winners of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2023

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced their Book of the Year Awards winners for 2023. These Awards celebrate the best Australian books for readers in early childhood up to young adult readers.

Here are the winners for each category:

Older Readers (Ages 13-18 years)

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years.

Note: Books in this

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Favourites from our Magabala collection

by Angela Crocombe

During the month of July we are delighted to have a special offer on some of the best children's books from Australia’s leading First Nations publishing house, Magabala Books.

Aboriginal owned and led, Magabala Books champions the talent and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. We're highlighting some of our favourites below, but pay us a visit instore to browse the full range and purchase 3 books for the price of 2. This offer is available, while stock…

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BookPeople 2023 Book of the Year winners

The 2023 BookPeople Book of the Year winners have been announced! These awards celebrate the best books of the year, as judged by Australian book industry members. In addition to book honours, these annual awards also celebrate the wonderful work of Australian booksellers and this year our Managing Director Mark Rubbo was chosen as Bookseller of the Year!

Below are the winners titles from across the three categories.

Adult fiction book of the year

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

Adult nonfiction

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Engaging new picture books for young readers

Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson (illus.)

Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world. In this sparse yet expansive narrative, acclaimed author Mac Barnett poses twenty questions both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead – to stories.

Intriguing, richly interactive, and brought to vivid…

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Cosy graphic novels for when the weather turns frosty

by Lucie Dess

It's getting colder and if you're anything like me, there's nothing you'd rather do than snuggle up with a book. This blog is full of cosy graphic novels to help you choose what to pick up next.

For those who needs a little bit of courage...

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is…

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New and recommended children's books in May

by Angela Crocombe

We have so many delightful new Australian books to celebrate this month, beginning with our Book of the Month, the gorgeous new picture book by artist, Kat Macleod. There’s also a hilarious picture book about a sea cucumber, a stunning new Jeannie Baker, as well as new junior and middle fiction stories that are truly delightful. Read on to discover more.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Tiny Tailors by Kat McLeod

The new book by Kat Macleod, featuring the…

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Memorable mums in children's literature

by Angela Crocombe

As we look forward to another Mother’s Day, we’ve been reflecting on some of our most unique and iconic mums in children's books. Maybe they made us laugh, or made us feel safe and loved. Or perhaps they challenged us to extend ourselves and step beyond our comfort zone. Here, in no particular order, are a few memorable mums from children's literature.

A mum who never lets visitors leave hungry:

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

In…

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New junior fiction series for emerging readers

We’ve had some exciting new stories published recently by both established and fresh authors that will appeal to young minds and have them begging for the next book in the series. And let’s face it, we want kids to be desperate to read more because school readers are not always very exciting! These books are all highly illustrated with fun, engaging stories that should appeal to energetic young minds.

Ratbags Book 1: Naughty for Good by Tim Harris & Shiloh…

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BookPeople 2023 Book of the Year longlists

The 2023 BookPeople Book of the Year longlists have been announced! These awards celebrate the best books of the year, as judged by Australian book industry members.

Below are the longlisted titles from across the three categories.

Adult fiction book of the year

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au

Sunbathing by Isobel Beech

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

This Devastating Fever by Sophie Cunningham

Exiles by Jane Harper

All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien

The

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The 2023 Yoto Carnegie shortlists

The shortlists for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Carnegie Medal for Illustration* is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.*formerly known as the Kate Greenaway Medal

Below are this year's two shortlists.

The 2023 Yoto

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New middle grade historical fiction

by Angela Crocombe

Reading stories set during tumultuous historical times can be a gentle, age-appropriate way of introducing history to young readers. We currently have a swathe of brilliant new fiction for middle grade readers set during WWII in Europe, after the Chernobyl nuclear accident in the Ukraine, and in Australia last century.

Fritz and Kurt by Jeremy Dronfield

This moving story is based on the true story of the Kleinmann family, who lived in Vienna at the start of World War II…

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New and recommended children's books for March

by Angela Crocombe

It's March already – how did that happen?! Luckily, we have many exciting new children's books to distract us from the rapid passing of time. Our book of the month is an exciting horror story by Sofie Laguna & Marc McBride with a cover that takes you right back to the eighties! We also have some charming new picture books for little ones, a groundbreaking picture book written in both Braille and English, some brilliant junior fiction, and a magical…

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CBCA Notable Books of 2023

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Notable Books for 2023. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators and publishers!The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature. The CBCA Awards were first presented in 1946 and are the longest-running book awards in Australia.

See below the links to the notable books for each category.

Older Readers

Books in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and are appropriate…

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Picture books about friendship

As kids return to school and childcare, friendship is both their greatest desire and sometimes a source of confusion and hurt. Who gets to be included, what happens when a friendship has changed or what if a friend is different to everybody else? Picture books are a great resource to explore the benefits and the challenges of friendship in a gentle, reassuring way and here are some favourite recent releases on the topic.

Walter Had a Best Friend by Deborah…

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