Kids
The Skull by Jon Klassen
Otilla is running through the wood. We don’t quite know why, only that she has run so far that the familiar wood isn’t so recognisable anymore. Then she stumbles upon a large, old house, with only one occupant inside: a…
Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment
Treasure and the Lake was a big hit at Readings and it was shortlisted for our 2022 Readings Children’s Prize, so we were all super excited to see a new book coming from the very talented Adelaide-based author and illustrator…
I’m Your Favourite Book by Maggie Hutchings & Jess Racklyeft (illus.)
What’s your favourite book from your childhood? Do you still have it, or has it been handed along for others to enjoy? Books can be very resilient (up to a point) and forgive much rough handling. The ‘book’ in this…
The Gargoyle by Zana Fraillon & Ross Morgan (illus.)
The muted, sombre illustrations emanating from the pages of The Gargoyle beckon us into a grungy urban setting: the dirty central station of a decaying city, a graffiti covered train packed with commuters, and a tired, isolating sadness.
Eyes are…
Meet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun Plozza
Meet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun Plozza is a real treasure, and it’s one that hit me harder than I expected. Known for A Reluctant Witch’s Guide to Magic; The Boy, The Wolf and the Stars…
Starberries and Kee by Cate Whittle
This novel is described by the publisher as ‘solarpunk’ – climate fiction focused on an optimistic, not dystopian, vision of the future. The world a few generations ahead is enticingly described – small communities band together, grow their own food…
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson (illus.)
The familiarity of a repetitive refrain is very comforting to children, and Owl Babies does this so very, very well. Sarah, Percy and Bill are owl babies, huddling close together on the branch of their tree while they wait for…
Running with Ivan by Suzanne Leal
Thirteen-year-old Leo finds himself in challenging circumstances: not just those of a new school, a new home and family but, worst of all, sharing a room with a bullying stepbrother.
But when he winds up his mother’s old music box…
The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy
The new book by Colin Meloy, The Decemberists frontman and author of the Wildwood novels, is a supernatural horror story for middle grade readers.
Something is going on at the building site Archie’s dad manages. The old Langdon house is…
Dorrie by Tania McCartney
Many Australian children have grown up with the lovable creatures from the tales of Blinky Bill. Be it in the original books or via the cinema screen and TV, Blinky and his mates are iconic Australian characters. But many of…
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