Kids

Spotlight on recent translated books for children and young adults

In recent months there have been a number of uniquely beautiful books in translation for children and young adults. From a picture book by one of Sweden’s most beloved authors, a hilarious book about a dad trying to keep their child busy during lockdown, to a story set in Nazi Germany and more. Read on to discover these unique perspectives.

The Tale of the Tiny Man by Barbro Lindgren & Eva Nilsson (translated from the Swedish language by Julia Marshall)

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CBCA Notable Books of 2022

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Notable Books for 2022. 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.

Here are the notable books for each category:

Older Readers

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

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

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing

Only A Monster by Vanessa Len

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Possum Magic by Mem Fox

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Your School is the Best by Maggie Hutchings

The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre by Clare Povey

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills

Nature’s Treasures by Ben Hoare

Our Planet: The One Place we all call Home by Matt Whyman & Richard Jones

Adam Goodes again takes out the…

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The CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals longlists 2022

The longlists for the 2022 CILIP 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.

Here are the longlisted books for the 2022 Carnegie Medal:

October, October by Katya Balen, illustrated by Angela Harding

Musical Truth by Jeffrey Boakye…

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Our top picks of the month for kid's and YA book clubs

We have some fantastic new releases that would be excellent reads to provoke discussion amongst young people in book clubs! Read on see this month’s top picks.

Books for readers aged 5-9

Looking After Country with Fire by Victor & Sandra Steffensen

This non-fiction book uses a story narrated by Uncle Kuu to teach children about cultural burning techniques. The book includes explores understanding ecosystems, the technique of cultural burning, and respect for First Nations practices.

You can read our…

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Our books of the month, February 2022

OUR FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara

Reviewed by

This highly anticipated follow-up to 2015’s A Little Life is an epic tour de force. In fact, it’s impossible for me to praise To Paradise enough. Set in an alternative America, this is a novel of three parts, its narratives traversing a slew of human experience and emotion.

Locational echoes and characters’ names recur from one story to the next, as if they are reincarnated or reimagined…

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

The Brightest Night: The Graphic Novel by Tui Sutherland

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen McManus

Only A Monster by Vanessa Len

Friday Barnes 10: Undercover by R.A. Spratt

Rockstar Detectives by Adam Hills

Wandi by Favel Parrett

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing

Bumper Treehouse Book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

This week sees the graphic novel adaptation of Wings of

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Kids books celebrating love in all its guises

Love is not just for lovers. It comes in many forms, such as a love of family and friends, a love of animals and nature, and a love of community. Here are a few recent books that celebrate different iterations of love that will be a joy to share with the children in your life.

Love of family…

Big Love by Megan Jacobson and Bec Feiner

No matter how different our families may be, the one thing we all have…

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Rainbow family picture books

by Angela Crocombe

We’ve seen some beautiful new books recently that reflect diverse families in all their glory, whether it be two dads, two mums, a child who does not gender conform, or many other family groupings. Plus, who wouldn’t love a picture book celebrating the sheer fabulousness of drag queens?!

Here are some of our favourite rainbow family picture books as well as picture books that encourage self expression and exploring your identity. Each story celebrates curiosity, open-mindedness, and kindness, and would…

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Recommended children's books and news for February

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…

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Books to read aloud to children

by Angela Crocombe

Reading aloud to kids increases their vocabulary, helps improve their attention span, and is a great way to spend time with them. But really, the best reason to read to children is how much fun it is for everyone!

Wednesday, February 2 is World Read Aloud Day, which is now enjoyed by millions of people in 170 countries. To celebrate this special day, I have rounded up some perennial favourites that are truly magical when read aloud to children…

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

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing

The Brightest Night: The Graphic Novel by Tui Sutherland

Adam Spencer’s Maths 101 by Adam Spencer

First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell

Wandi by Favel Parrett

You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen McManus

There’s a Zoo in my Poo by Felice Jacka

Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beatty

In an Artist’s Garden by Claire Orrell

Adam Goodes continues to hold onto the…

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First Nations books to read with children

by Angela Crocombe

Stories are an accessible avenue for encouraging both curiosity and reflection. We recommend taking the time to read some of these wonderful picture books from Australian First Nations creators that focus on truth-telling and righting the wrongs of the past. These beautiful books allow us to have those important conversations with our children and move forward together.

Looking after Country with Fire by Victor Steffensen

A picture book that demonstrates respect for Indigenous knowledge, following the success of Victor Steffensen’s…

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Activity bundle ideas for kids during COVID isolation

Our shops have been getting a lot of requests for activities for kids to do while their family needs to isolate. So, with this in mind, our Kids Shop manager, Dani Solomon, has put together some handy ideas for activity bundles to help occupy young minds and help out frazzled parents during this challenging time. These self-directed activity books and puzzles, as recommended by Dani, will keep kids busy for hours.

Below, you’ll find Dani’s suggestions for activity books to…

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Children's books to celebrate Lunar New Year

by Angela Crocombe

Lunar New Year is a wonderful celebration of family and good fortune in the coming year. This year, as we move from the Year of the Ox into the Year of Tiger, the festivities begin on February 1 and culminate in the Lantern Festival on February 15.

Here are some gorgeous books to introduce young people to the celebrations of Lunar New Year.

Maisy’s Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins

Maisy’s friend Tiger is coming home especially for Chinese New…

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

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes & Ellie Laing

Your School is the Best! by Maggie Hutchings

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Adam Spencer’s Maths 101 by Adam Spencer

The Bumper Treehouse Fun Book by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Cat Kid Comic Club 2 by Dav Pilkey

First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell & Alison Colpoys

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths &amp…

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Back to School books

It’s that time of year when we inevitably start thinking about the start of the school year and easing the kids back into the school routine. For some children it can be a terrifying prospect, especially if they are starting prep, switching to a new school, or perhaps recommencing home schooling. Here are a few books we love that demystify the whole experience and comfort them with what to expect, often with a great deal of humour.

Your School is

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

You’ll be the Death of Me by Karen McManus

Cat Kid Comic Club 2 by Dav Pilkey

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Wolf Girl 6: Animal Train by Anh Do

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell & Alison Colpoys

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Wandi by Favel Parrett

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again by David Walliams

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by…

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10 Favourite Middle Grade titles in 2021

Many amazing books have been published for young readers aged between nine and twelve in 2021. We’ve been privileged to read some brilliant stories, both local and international, funny and serious, thrilling real life adventures and those set in fantasy lands. Here are ten of Readings’ staff favourites:

The Detective’s Guide to Ocean Travel by Nicki Greenberg

This book is a classic whodunnit mystery set aboard a grand ocean liner in the 1920s.

With first-class glitz and glamour and a…

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Best Junior Fiction in 2021

We’ve seen a number of wonderful stories for early readers this year. Below are ten of our favourites, which can be read by independent readers or enjoyed as a read-aloud by a parent or carer. So many delightful books for young people beginning their reading journey!

Mim and the Baffling Bully by Katrina Nannestad

Mim Cohen roams the world in a travelling bookshop, with her dad and brother and a horse called Flossy. Flossy leads them where she will, to…

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

Nature’s Treasures by Ben Hoare

You’ll be the Death of Me by Karen McManus

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell & Alison Colpoys

Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty & David Roberts

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

Cat Kid Comic Club 2 by Dav Pilkey

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again by David Walliams

Bluey Sleepytime by Bluey

The beautiful…

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10 Favourite First Nations books for kids in 2021

So many amazing stories were published this year by First Nations storytellers. These ten beautiful books include: an introduction to the lie of ‘Terra Nullius’ conveyed in a simple, rhythmic picture book; a story about the importance of sharing; a First Nations perspective on Invasion Day; a guide to native flora and fauna in Kakadu; and biographical stories of remarkable First Nations leaders, scientists and innovators.

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and David Hardy

For thousands and thousands…

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

You’ll be the Death of Me by Karen McManus

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell & Alison Colpoys

Animal Train: Wolf Girl 6 by Anh Do

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

Bluey Sleepytime by Bluey

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again by David Walliams

Cat Kid Comic Club 2 by Dav Pilkey

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Future Girl by Asphyxia

The new Karen McManus…

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Kids book buyers' favourites of 2021

by Angela Crocombe

Book buyers at each of the stores of Readings come across thousands of books each year and have to make decisions about which ones to stock, which ones to feature and how many to order. It’s an enviable job and one of the highlights (and challenges!) is reflecting on some of our top picks of the year. But we’ve managed it! Below are the Children’s Buyers favourite reads of 2021 that come very highly recommend.

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate…

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10 Kids Graphic Novel Favourites of 2021

by Angela Crocombe

It was such a fantastic year for graphic novels, with many beautiful new books coming out from both Australian and international authors and artists. Here are ten of our favourites (in reading age order) for children that were published in 2021.

The Super Adventures of Ollie & Bea: It’s Owl Good

by Renee Treml

Come with Ollie and Bea on a HARE-raising adventure with a HOPPY ending!

Ollie is an owl who wears glasses. And Bea is a bunny with…

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

by Angela Crocombe

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Wandi by Favel Parrett

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

Nature’s Treasures by Ben Hoare

Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 16 by Jeff Kinney

Our Planet: The One Place we all call Home by Matt Whyman & Richard Jones

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad

Pony by R.J. Palacio

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day by Davina Bell

As…

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

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Plume: World Explorer by Tania McCartney

Wandi by Favel Parrett

First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 16 by Jeff Kinney

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

The Story of Australia by Don Watson

Pony by R.J. Palacio

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

In another busy week in the shops and online, the new picture

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Recent picture books about cats

by Angela Crocombe

A little while ago I wrote a blog post focusing on picture books about dogs, which was great for dog lovers, but the cat lovers were very scratchy about it! Where were all the picture books about cats, they miaowed loudly?!

Well, cat lovers this is your moment, because we have some stunning, hilarious and even educational picture books about cats to share with you today. Read on for some fabulous books about the lords of our lounge rooms…

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Recommended children's books and news for November

There are so many fantastic new books this month as we zoom to the end of the year. Our Book of the Month is a delightful picture book about a penguin who loves to explore the world. We also have a graphic novel about a flying pig, a story about voices missing from the history books, and a beautiful re-imagining of the Snow Queen. In non-fiction, we have a picture book autobiography by Australia’s sprint queen, Cathy Freeman, and Tim…

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

Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 16 by Jeff Kinney

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Wandi by Favel Parrett

Aurora’s End by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Pony by R.J. Palacio

First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

We have our two biggest middle fiction titles…

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New (and favourite) Christmas books for children

by Angela Crocombe

It’s nearly Christmas again (where has the year in lockdown gone!?) and it’s time to start sharing with children our beloved seasonal stories. They’re fun, they’re festive and this year we have a plethora of new ones to choose from, as well as some classic favourites.

Santa Loves Australia by Collette Dinnigan & illustrated by Luke Sciberras

Travel with Santa over one magical Christmas Eve as he visits iconic landmarks, meets unique animals and delights in the beauty of the…

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Classic WWII stories for children

by Angela Crocombe

War stories have a perennial fascination for children, perhaps because even when life is challenging, a story about a child overcoming adversity in wartime shows that a happy ending is always possible. With the release of Katrina Nannestad’s latest World War II story, it seems like a good time to also revisit some of our most beloved stories set during that time, both contemporary and classic.

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad

The reader is transported to Russia and…

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

Aurora’s End by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 16 by Jeff Kinney

Wandi by Favel Parrett

Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing & David Hardy

Bluey Sleepytime by Bluey

Bluey: Christmas Swim by Bluey

The Bad Guys: Episode 14 by Aaron Blabey

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Katrina Nannestad

Rocketing to the top spot…

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

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Big Shot: Diary of a Wimpy Kid 14 by Jeff Kinney

Wandi by Favel Parrett

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Always by Morris Gleitzman

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

Pony by R.J. Palacio

If Not Us by Mark Smith

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs by Sami Bayly

For the second week in a row our top spot goes…

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Children's books for big thinkers

by Angela Crocombe

The release of the extraordinary new book by Brian Selznick got us thinking about books that defy easy categorization and are suitable for readers who like to question everything, consider the big philosophical questions of life, and formulate their own conclusions - or even realise that there are no simple answers to many of our most challenging questions.

As well as the stunning Selznick, here are some other wonderfully inspiring recommendations for deep thinkers of all ages.

Kaledeidoscope by Brian…

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Recent children's books in translation

by Angela Crocombe

Translated children’s books are a wonderful opportunity and a pleasure for children to experience very different perspectives on the world. We are blessed with a number of absolutely stunning translated picture books, including the winner of a prestigious World Illustration Award. Here are a few of our recent favourites:

I Am the Subway by Hyo Eun-Kim, translated by Deborah Smith

Winner at the World Illustration Awards 2021

A cinematic journey through the Seoul subway that masterfully portrays the many unique…

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

The 143-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs by Sami Bayly

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

The First Scientists by Corey Tutt

Wandi by Favel Parrett

Pony by R.J. Palacio

If Not Us by Mark Smith

Always by Morris Gleitzman

The Gilded Cage by Lynette Noni

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Racing to the top spot this week is the latest in the hilariously brilliant Treehouse series

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Spooky reads for Halloween

by Angela Crocombe

October is traditionally the month for spooky stories, decorating pumpkins and dressing up in wacky costumes. While the trick or treating may be a little more socially distanced this year, there are still plenty of terrifyingly fun stories to read … if you dare!

There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

A captivating new picture book with interactive transparent pages, from world-renowned artist Oliver Jeffers.

A young girl lives in a haunted house, but has never seen a…

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Recommended children's books and news for October

by Angela Crocombe

This month we have a moving story written from the perspective of a wild dingo, a humorous horror story perfect for Halloween, the latest Kate DiCamillo (always an event in itself!), a beautiful cookbook focused on seasonal produce, and stunning picture books from two award winners, Zana Fraillon and Oliver Jeffers. What a wealth of riches!

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

KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

Wandi by Favel Parrett

A young cub…

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Animal rescue stories for junior and middle fiction readers

by Angela Crocombe

When I was a kid, the stories I loved most were about animals, and I was particularly fascinated with animal rescue narratives. Well, it turns out this love is perennial and there is a whole new wave of charming books about rescuing animals of all shapes and sizes to inspire and comfort young animal lovers. Here are a few of my recent favourites…

Polly Pecorino: The Girl Who Rescues Animals by Emma Chichester Clark

Polly Pecorino rescues animals, and she…

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

Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat

The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna

Wandi by Favel Parrett

It’s Not You, It’s Me by Gabrielle Williams

Bluey: Giant Activity Pad by Bluey

The Curiosities by Zana Fraillon

Big Dog, Little Dog by Sally Rippin

The Tiny Explorers by Kat Macleod

Seasons in the City by Megan McKean

Squirrel Do Bad by Stephen Pastis

Rocketing to the number one spot this week is the brand new debut YA novel by bestselling fantasy…

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Great graphic novels for middle schoolers

Graphic novels are such a fantastic way for young people to explore complex emotional themes while developing their visual literacy. They’re a wonderful option for voracious and reluctant readers alike who are not quite ready for young adult fiction, but are already pushing away from more junior stories. These graphic novels offer more relatable plots and themes for those 10+ who are beginning to search for greater complexity in their stories.

The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow by Emma…

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Best truck books for toddlers

by Angela Crocombe

Toddlers and trucks just seem to go together like cheese and tomato, chocolate and ice cream. Playing in the sandpit, driving your truck around the house, vroom vroom, what could be better?

Here are some of our all-time favourite truck books to keep that truck love going strong.

Trucks by Maria Brzozowska

A fun, visual miscellany for younger children who love anything related to cars and wheels!

Each double-page spread features a different group of fascinating vehicles to pore over…

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New indestructible books for babies

by Angela Crocombe

It’s important to introduce books to babies from birth to stimulate learning. They will soon get into the routine of handling books and even learn to turn the pages from a young age. But there’s no doubt they will also chew, slobber, and maybe even throw them, so its good to have books that are washable, safe and sturdy.

Here are a few of our favourite recent, non-toxic, extremely durable baby books.

Today’s Sun by Gregg Dreise

Raise a reader…

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