Kids
Bleakboy and Hunter Stand Out in the Rain by Steven Herrick
This school-based novel is a story of many contrasts: from the excellently bold cover and the whimsical title, to the two main characters – thoughtful Bleakboy and school bully Hunter – who share the narrative, as well as the central…
Infinity Drake: the Sons of Scarlatti by John McNally
Those who love serious action will enjoy this story about Finn (short for Infinity), who is co-opted into trying to save the world from a terrifying mastermind. When Finn is inadvertently shrunk to the size of an insect it makes…
Toy Stories by Gabriele Galimberti
Everybody has a favourite toy; some of us still have them. As adults, they are a link to our childhood, imbued with the emotion and nostalgia of the past. Photographer and journalist Gabriele Galimberti travelled to over 50 countries to…
My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrantz & Eva Eriksson
My Heart is Laughing is irresistible and just like in its predecessor, My Happy Life, there’s so much for children to experience within this realistic depiction of being a kid. The story explores how the irrepressible Dani navigates the…
The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock & Mary GrandPré
In a pleasing way for children, this delightful picture book tells the story of abstract artist Vasily Kandinsky.
As a child, Kandinsky’s strict Russian parents enforce studying, formal dinners and quiet reading. But when his aunt gives him a paint…
Well, Really, Mr Twiddle! by Enid Blyton
I would say it has been at least 40 years since I laid eyes on this book. Looking at my copy of Well Really, Mr Twiddle! from when I was a kid, with its missing hardback cover and tattered edges…
Smooch and Rose by Samantha Wheeler
When Rose and her Gran find a hurt koala on their property, they never imagine the series of events that will unfold. Rose helps the local wildlife carer look after the baby koala (Smooch) as it grows up and practises…
Andy Flegg's Survival Guide by Mark Pardoe
I’m not embarrassed to say that I love Andy Flegg! We are allowed to read his diary, which he has to write for 130 days if he wants an X-Box, because his horrible ex-teacher told his parents he’s a…
Here in the Garden by Briony Stewart
As a young boy tends to his garden through the seasons he reminisces about the wonderful times he shared with his rabbit. Briony Stewart evokes a benevolent and simple world of nature and a child’s appreciation and rapport with it…
The Bushranger’s Boys by Alison Lloyd
The Do You Dare? series is the new companion to the highly successful Our Australian Girl books. Judging by the first story, it’s going to be every bit as popular. These books are sure to attract boys, but girls as…
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