Kids

Spotlight on recent children's books in translation

by Angela Crocombe

A number of wonderful, quirky (and often hilarious) children’s books in translation have been released recently. Here are some of our recent favourites:

It’s My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake

Translated from Japanese by Sofiane Kohen

Have you ever wanted something that was just yours? It’s My Rubber Band explores how a cherished everyday object can become a catalyst for curiosity, play and a profound sense of connection. With a special object of one’s very own, the possibilities are as…

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Crash Course: Wolf Girl 7 by Anh Do

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Floof by Heidi McKinnon

Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James

The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Pig the Rebel by Aaron Blabey

Trains (See Inside) by Usborne

World of Dinosaurs (See Inside) by Usborne

Maybe by Kobi Yamada

Heartstopper 4 by Alice Oseman

Our top-selling title this week is the latest book in the bestselling…

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Recommended children's books and news for July

by Angela Crocombe

Our Book of the Month in July is a beautiful story about a unique friendship from award-winning author, Pip Harry. We are also featuring a story about two sisters adjusting to a new life in Australia, a picture book that gives a guide to some of life’s challenging moments, as well as one about a very special unicorn. We have two adventure stories from Eddie Woo that feature (of course!) exciting maths challenges, and a beloved classic story set in…

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Six bilingual picture books from First Nations creators

This year, NAIDOC week is running from 3 – 10 July and focuses the theme of Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!. This year’s theme centres on the ongoing need for sincere and tangible action. By amplifying and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, we ‘can narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome.’ We recommend reading the full explanation behind the 2022 focus (and exploring how you can become more involved this NAIDOC week) here

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Top picks for Kids and YA book clubs

by Angela Crocombe

Below are our top picks for book clubs from the recent crop of new releases for young people.

For readers aged 5-8

Open your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour

A moving account of reconnection to Country from a First Nations perspective. This picture book invites readers to reflect on the importance of place, not only for First Nations’ peoples but for everyone.

Themes include:

Country

language

identity

Explore the full teacher’s notes

What to Say When you Don’t Know

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Five sapphic must-reads for teens

by Lucie Dess

I’m back with another YA post for Pride month. This time, I’m focusing on sapphic books and I have some great ones for you! Be prepared to ‘add to cart’ after reading about these glorious titles.

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott

If you love romcoms, rollerskating and first kisses in libraries, then this adorable book is for you! Plus just look at that cover!

Alex Blackwood is a little bit headstrong, with a dash of chaos and a…

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Children's books with non-binary and trans characters

Stories for young people with non-binary and trans characters in them are gradually becoming more available and we warmly welcome every addition to our shelves. So, to celebrate Pride Month, we have put together a collection of some recent releases.

Katerina Cruickshanks by Daniel Gray-Barnett

Katerina Cruickshanks is a wild child, a trickster, and a ringleader. But when they wreak some serious chaos, their friends decide their shenanigans have gone too far and say, ‘No more!’

Brimming with humour and…

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

World’s Worst Pets by David Walliams

Heartstopper: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Zadie Ma and the Dog who Chased the Moon by Gabrielle Wang

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Loveless by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper: Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

Bad Guys 15: Open up and Say Arrrgh! by Aaron Blabey

Possum Magic by Mem Fox

At the top of our charts this…

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The Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals winners 2022

The winners of the 2022 Yoto Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

The Yoto Carnegie Medal has been awarded to Katya Balen for her second novel October, October, illustrated by Angela Harding.

October and her…

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

The Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior 1 by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Treehouse Tales by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Heartstopper: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

The Blood Traitor by Lynette Loni

World’s Worst Pets by David Walliams

Open your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour

Stunt Kids by Trent Roberts

Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

At the top of our charts after this long weekend…

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Recommended children's books and news for June

by Angela Crocombe

It’s wintertime and what is better than snuggling under the covers with a good book and reading, either together or alone. Here are some fantastic new books released just in time for the winter school holidays. Get a warm blanket and find a cosy spot for a good read.

Find our June YA round-up here.

OUR CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

Open Your Heart to Country by Jasmine Seymour

Told in English and Dharug, this is a moving account…

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Books to support children with anxiety

by Angela Crocombe

Anxiety is a common response to the challenges of the last two years, not to mention the stress of everyday life, and children are just as susceptible to it as adults. We have noticed more people asking for books to help children manage stress, anxiety and depression. While there are no easy answers, and professional help is often needed, there are some useful techniques and it can be helpful for a young person to see a character in a book…

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Recent bird books for kids

by Angela Crocombe

Books about birds are always fascinating and it seems as if, in recent times, we have appreciated the freedom and beauty of birds a great deal. With this in mind, a number of bird books have made their way to us in recent months. Both beautifully illustrated and informative, below are some of our favourites.

The Bush Birds by Bridget Farmer

This book consists of twelve riddles for readers to guess which Australian native bird, commonly found in open forests…

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Stunning new First Nations picture books

There are some beautiful recently released picture books to share with children (and adults) that are created by very talented First Nations authors and artists, and we don’t want you to miss out on discovering them. Here are some of our favourite recent First Nations picture books:

A Kunwinjku Counting Book by Gabriel Maralngurra

Accompanied by illustrations drawing on traditional Kunwinjku art, each of the twelve entries of this counting book showcases a different animal of West Arnhem Land. From…

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Highlights of the MWF Schools Program

The Melbourne Writers Festival is on from 1-9 September this year and their schools program encompasses incredible day-long outings for students to attend! The program includes four sessions across the day that each feature a different author and focus.

Below, we spotlight just four of the wonderful author sessions being featured this year, but you can find out more about the full program here.

Primary School Days: Thursday 1 and Friday 2 September

Gabrielle Wang

Recently crowned Children’s Laureate…

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Recommended Kid's books and news for May

There are so many exciting new releases on our shelves this May, that it’s hard to know where to begin. How about with our Book of the Month - a warmhearted story about footy, family and fashion? Or perhaps with a story about stressing out, changing family dynamics and climate change activism? In picture books we have a non-binary character in the exuberant Katerina Cruickshanks, and a luscious ode to a new baby by First Nations creator, Melissa Greenwood. We…

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Q&A with Alison Lester

by Angela Crocombe

Alison Lester is a legend of Australian children’s literature and her books have been loved by millions of children and adults over many years. A play of her beloved classic Magic Beach is being performed at Melbourne Arts Centre from May 19-22 and we caught up with Alison on the cusp of this production.

Magic Beach was published over 30 years ago, but it is still one of your most popular books and a favourite in our bookshops. How does…

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Seven graphic novels that would make great screen adaptions

by Lucie Dess

The television adaptation of the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman hit Netflix and I have already binged the entire season! Here are seven graphic novels I think would make great screen adaptions:

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

Move over Sabrina, there’s a new witch in town. This adorable graphic novel would make an even more adorable television series. Not only is it lots of fun, it also explores serious issues such as bullying, racism and sexism. And there’s a…

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Top picks for Kids and YA book clubs

Below are our top picks for book clubs for young people this month:

For readers aged 5-9

Maku by Meyne Wyatt

Maku has just started at a new school. It’s tricky fitting in, but Maku always tries his best. When his grandparents take him out on country he finds inspiration to make a superhero movie and impress his classmates.

Themes include:

First Nations culture

friendship

family

bullying

You can find teacher’s notes here.

When Granny Came to Stay by…

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Bestselling books from Clunes Booktown

by Angela Crocombe

After predictions of dire storms and a torrential downpour on the Friday night, we weren’t sure what to expect for our first post-Covid Booktown. But the sun shone brightly all weekend as thousands of book lovers descended upon the picturesque town of Clunes to hear authors speak and fossick through the many pop-up bookshops and local stores. Visiting authors came to the Readings marquee to sign their books after their talks, with the following books becoming our top sellers:

Bedtime

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Support challenged and banned books for young people

by Angela Crocombe

The recent controversy in the United States around year eight students reading Maus caused such a flurry of interest publishers ran out of stock for several months (it’s finally back in stock now).

It has gotten us thinking about other titles that have been challenged for one reason or another. Here we present a collection of some of our children’s and young adult favourites that have a history of being challenged or banned in school libraries across America.

Drama by…

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Ceremony: Welcome to our Country by Adam Goodies, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Treehouse Tales by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

Bad Guys 15: Open Up and Say Arrrgh! by Aaron Blabey

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Bluey: Baby Race by Bluey

Maku by Meyne Wyatt

Milo Finds $105 (Bored 1) by Matt Stanton

Possum Magic by Mem Fox

It’s delightful to see the beautiful…

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Recommended children's books and news for April

We are excited about a new series of chapter books for early readers that celebrate diverse Australian voices. We’re so excited about it, in fact, we made the debut title, Maku, our Book of the Month. It’s a wonderful, heartwarming story that we highly recommend.

We’re also showcasing some beautiful picture books, a new book by funny guy, Matt Stanton, a historical fiction title about women footy players by Felica Arena, and a new fantasy story that will be…

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Clunes Booktown Festival is back!

by Angela Crocombe

We are excited to be returning to Clunes this year for the Booktown Festival on the weekend of 30 April – 1 May.

The festival celebrates books and authors, taking over the historic buildings and wide streets of this tiny town in the Goldfields, just under two hours from Melbourne.

We’ll be on hand with a large marquee featuring books from the authors appearing at the festival and hosting author signings, also selling bargain books and the latest releases, alongside…

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Our children's and YA top 10 bestsellers of the week

Treehouse Tales by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

Flames of Hope: Wings of Fire 15 by Tui T. Sutherland

Weirdo 18: Weird History by Anh Do

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Milo Finds $105 by Matt Stanton

Bluey: Baby Race by Bluey

Skydragon 4: Brave the Storm by Anh Do

Sugar by Carly Nugent

Babysitters Club Graphic Novel 11: Goodbye Stacey, Goodbye by Ann M. Martin & Gabriela Epstein

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

Rocketing to…

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CBCA Book of the Year Awards Shortlists 2022

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Book of the Year Awards shortlists for 2021. Congratulations to all the authors, illustrators, editors and publishers!

Here are the shortlists for each category:

Older Readers (for ages 13-18 years)

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough

Girls in Boys’ Cars by Felicity Castagna

How to Repaint a Life by Steven Herrick

Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix

Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim

Sugar Town Queens by Malla Nunn

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Cooking with kids

by Angela Crocombe

The weather is getting cooler and it’s time for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. What better occasion to encourage kids to get in the kitchen and do some cooking? The rewards are bountiful (never mind the mess!).

Here are some delightful stories that include recipes, as well as cookbooks that will inspire even the youngest budding chefs to get into the kitchen, have delicious, edible fun, and learn new skills!

A Sprinkle of Sadie by Lana Spasevski

Say hello…

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What we're reading: Briggs, Caro & Clarke

Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on, or the music we’re loving.

Mike Shuttleworth is reading Fungus the Bogeyman by Raymond Briggs

A recent episode of the Backlisted Podcast prompted me to dig into the shelves for a copy of Fungus the Bogeyman, the Raymond Briggs graphic novel of 1977. Briggs, a graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art, takes the reader on…

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Top picks of the month for Kids and YA book clubs

March has delivered plenty of engaging new releases that would be excellent reads to provoke discussion among young people in book clubs!

Below are our top picks for book clubs this month.

For readers aged 5-9

What Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel

Lucy and Dad move a lot, so it’s hard to make friends. Luckily she has Snail to keep her company. But when she finds somewhere she wants to stay, can she convince her dad?

Themes include:

loneliness

belonging

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Books by comedians for kids

by Angela Crocombe

In Melbourne, it’s time for the annual Comedy Festival. We all need a laugh more than ever, and who doesn’t love to hear the sound of kids laughing? Our Aussie comedians are a prolific bunch, so it’s time to celebrate books written by Australian comedians…

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…

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Vale Shirley Hughes

by Angela Crocombe

It was with great sadness that we learned beloved English children’s author and illustrator, Shirley Hughes, died recently at the age of 94. Her contribution to the world of children’s literature cannot be underestimated and her chaotic, realistic scenes of everyday family life were enjoyed by generations. She began her career as an artist and illustrator but went on to create some of the most famous character’s in children’s picture books, including Dogger, Alfie, and Lucy and Tom

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The CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals shortlists 2022

The shortlists for the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

The shortlisted books for the 2022 Carnegie Medal:

October, October by Katya Balen, illustrated by Angela Harding

Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin

When the Sky

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Recommended children's books and news for March

We have some beautiful new kids books to enjoy this month, including a debut picture book by Miles Franklin winning author, Sofie Laguna, as well as a new book by the author of the beloved The Orchard Underground, a junior fiction story featuring the art of street artist, David Booth, and a historical fiction title set in the aftermath of WWI.

You can find our round-up of this month’s recommended YA titles here.

KID’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

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International Women's Day books for kids and teens

by Angela Crocombe

Happy International Women’s Day! It’s a day to celebrate women and their achievements - past, present and future - and we are blessed with many great books that articulate the lives of remarkable women. Here are a few recent titles about amazing women to both educate and inspire young people.

Courageous Queens by Angela Buckingham

A story collection about women with power and how they used it.

These queen stories are not fairytales for small children. They are true tales…

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