Kids
A River by Marc Martin
Reading A River is like being in someone else’s dream. As the languid waterway meanders through city, fields, forests and waterfalls you succumb to the rich patterns and serpentine serenity that feels almost meditative.
A child is drawing in their…
The Island of Dr Libris by Chris Grabenstein
Escape From Mr Lemoncello’s Library was one of Readings’ bestselling kids’ books for 2014. It was wonderfully puzzling and compellingly un-put-downable. The Island of Dr Libris is not a sequel but is once again a fun romp through literature.
Twelve-yearold…
Mum Goes To Work by Libby Gleeson and Leila Rudge
Originally published in 1992, Mum Goes To Work has been updated and re-illustrated for this new edition, and it’s absolutely adorable. The text is simple and engaging but the real treats here are the illustrations by Leila Rudge.
At first…
I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Emily and Sam fall for each other against the odds, despite their jarring backgrounds. At first glance this seems like a fairly stock standard romance but Sloan does not let that illusion last long.
The real focus of the story…
Home by Carson Ellis
The notion of home is beautifully and imaginatively explored in Carson Ellis’s first picture book. She isknown for her ethereal illustrations in the Wildwood novels and here her talent shines on its own.
Children will get lost in the detail…
Thunderstorm Dancing by Katrina Germein and Judy Watson
A good, robust thunderstorm is a fine thing. The world goes dark, ominous and kind of thrilling. A young girl’s holidaying family embraces the storm as it rolls in from the sea. They scurry inside and then have a wonderful…
The Story of Life by Catherine Barr, Steve Williams and Amy Husband
For some, evolution conjures up images of bones and fossils – the old, the dry and the dead. But for the creators of The Story of Life, evolution evokes a vibrant, colourful, joyous world very much alive with wonder…
My Place by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins
My Place’s importance in introducing Australian history to children has already been firmly established in the 27 years since its publication during the bicentenary, including its adaptation for television and inclusion in countless school curriculums. There is real joy though…
Dreams Of Freedom by Amnesty International
Amnesty International has produced a stunning follow-up to their bestseller on human rights, We Are All Born Free (in paperback in March). This new title, Dreams of Freedom, focuses on freedom and has quotes from inspiring figures, present and…
My Pop is a Pirate by Damon Young and Peter Carnavas
Following on from the fun and deservedly very successful My Nanna is a Ninja comes this companion volume which is just as playful and energetic. The poetry is sheer joy and the rhythm flawless, but for me the thing to…
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