We are proud to announce the six shortlisted titles for The Readings Children's Prize 2025! The Readings Children’s Prize is presented for the best new contribution to Australian children’s literature from an emerging author.
Our staff judges for 2025 are Tamuz Ellazam (chair of judges; Readings Malvern), Bernard Caleo (Readings Carlton), Kim Gruschow (Readings St Kilda), and Celeste Perry (Readings Emporium).
You can also view our recently announced New Australian Fiction Prize and Young Adult Prize shortlists!
Big Trouble with Angry Chairs (Big Trouble, Book 1)
Lachlann Carter & Douglas Holgate (illus.)
This wacky, highly illustrated chapter book is set in the land of Dead End, where chairs get angry and rebel, chickens think they are dinosaurs, there is a City of Lost Bubbles, and only one thing is certain – mayhem will ensue. This is a hilarious trilogy of stories for ages 6+.
'Ungovernable sisters Clare and Maddie are wholly captivating as they make trouble and save the day. Fast-paced and packed with mischief, Big Trouble with Angry Chairs is for those craving stories with suspense and humour in equal measure – regardless of your age, you will be left in fits of giggles.' – Celeste Perry
The Girl Who Cried Bird (The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best, Book 2)
Katherine Collette
It’s Bird Day in Alma’s town and her family is excited. Alma reluctantly attends with her two best friends and sees a rare, purple-bellied parrot, catapulting her to instant notoriety. This is a laugh-out-loud story of small-town politics and obsessive birders for ages 8+.
'Alma T. Best is a fabulous character: an awkward, “too-tall” middle child who often gets stuck with the worst pancake. So when she gets some fame by chance, of course she defends her title against all doubters, even when it leads her to make some wonky plans. Hilarious! Funny drawings, too!' – Bernard Caleo
Brightest Wild
Tania Crampton-Larking
Alex and her mum have moved from London to Adelaide to be with her mum’s new partner. Alex’s new stepbrother and stepsister are teaching her Mirning First Nations knowledge. Alex must negotiate a new family, a new school, and a new home over one hot summer in this gentle coming-of-age tale for ages 9+.
'Alex’s unconventional blended family makes for the perfect introduction to many complicated topics. With tenderness and warmth, this story explores cultural differences, moving away, and grief. Most of all, it highlights the value of connection to Country, regardless of who you are. Brightest Wild is sweet, sensitive, and deeply enchanting.' – Celeste Perry
Hi from Outer Space
Fiona Katauskas
Alex needs inspiration for a cartoon competition and when she meets a friendly alien at the dog park, she is sure she’s found it. The alien is called ‘Hi’ and knows a lot about human life from a TV show called ‘Earthlings Do the Wackiest Things’. So begins a beautiful friendship in this hilarious, illustrated story for readers aged 8+.
'This is the alien that we would all like to meet at our local park: friendly, funny, invisible to most people, and keen to meet the Prime Minister. Also: three eyes! This light-hearted, good-natured book is full of great cartoons by the author, plus it’s informative – who knew that aliens loved shoes?' – Bernard Caleo
How to Free a Jinn
Raidah Shah Idil
Insyirah and her mother are moving back to Malaysia from Sydney to look after Insyirah’s grandmother. Her grandmother loves to tell her about the many spirits – jinn – that reside in the jungle nearby, and soon Insyirah discovers that the women in her family have a powerful connection with jinn. This is an exciting ghost story that mystery readers aged 10+ will adore.
'Full of family, faith and big feelings, Insyirah is a fish out of water, torn between her Australian upbringing and her Malaysian heritage. We loved the humour, heart and fantasy elements within a world that is so vividly realised you can almost feel the humidity (and taste the food)!' – Tamuz Ellazam
Queen of Dogs
Joe Weatherstone
Maddy doesn’t feel she belongs in her sports-obsessed home, but she absolutely loves dogs. When her beloved pug, Gusto, disappears, it sets Maddie on a journey to discovering a hidden talent: she can understand what dogs are saying! Using her talent and friendships, both doggy and human, she must solve the mystery of why all the dogs are disappearing. For ages 8+.
'This book is such a fun caper. The dogs are wonderfully entertaining, it’s well written with great pace, mystery, action and so much heart. I loved how it felt community-minded and celebrated achievements beyond academic and sporting successes. It’s an exciting read that kids will love!' – Kim Gruschow
The Readings Children's Prize Shortlist Pack
Get the six books shortlisted for the Readings Children's Prize for a special price! Normally $106.94, while stocks last you can get the pack for just $89.99.
The 2025 prize winners will be announced on Friday 14 November as part of the A Day in Carlton festival!
