This selection of beautiful books – from wildlife bedtime stories and magnificent trees to amazing plants, tigers and a book inspired by David Attenborough's Planet Earth III – are perfect gifts for the earth conscious child.

Secret Stories of Nature: A Field Guide to Uncover Our Planet's Past by Saskia Gwinn & Vasilisa Romanenko (illus.)

This beautifully illustrated field guide explores the histories and mysteries hidden in the wild, just waiting to be shared. Readers are invited on a journey…

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From fast-paced adventures to an illustrated history of Songlines, there's something for every young reader within these pages.

Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country by Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cecelia Edwards, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr & Gregory Crocetti

Did you know there are four types of termite poo? Or that a warm paste made from termite mound is used to strengthen a Gurindji baby's body and spirit? Or that spinifex (which termites eat)…

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Graphic novels are a great way to get even the most reluctant of children reading. Here is a collection of standout graphic novels released in 2023 that include fantasy stories about witches, mythical beings, contemporary stories of navigating friendships and new schools, and at least one very cute monster! There's something for every reader aged 8-12.

Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

Nothing is going right for Nayra Mansour. There’s the constant pressure from her strict family, ruthless…

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We think you will all agree that books are the best kind of gift to give and receive! And there is nothing more special than gifting a picture book to a child in your life. There have been so many incredible picture books published this year in Australia, you'll have trouble only choosing one!

Penguin Oh Penguin by Gladys Milroy & Helen Milroy (illus.)

‘The Penguin song has lasted throughout the generations and has been sung to my children, grandchildren…

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This year we've enjoyed a plethora of brilliant fantasy and science fiction stories for readers aged 8-13. Below is a selection of our favourite books for young readers published this year. These stories are packed with adventure, friendship, magic, questing and, of course, at least one anthropomorphic cat.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he witnesses an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how Christopher learns that his grandfather…

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Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice Oehr

No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 18) by Jeff Kinney

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

No Words by Maryam Master

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia & Elisa Chavarri (illus.)

Kimmi: Queen of the Dingoes by Favel Parrett

The Blunders by David Walliams & Adam Stower (illus.)

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

Completely Normal (and…

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These zany and engaging works explore history, nature, art, the future and even the mischief of magic! We've included them in this list because each offers something we find uniquely compelling, that we think kids will too! So read on to discover imaginative ways to save the planet, clues to some of our greatest unsolved mysteries, how illusions work, how to break a code, and even why your backyard is the perfect place to begin studying nature.

A Miscellany of…

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It’s been a stellar year for First Nations publishing in Australia. Here are some of our favourite 2023 picture books by First Nations authors and illustrators that would make wonderful gifts or summer reading in your home.

Ask Aunty: Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews & Charmaine Ledden-Lewis (illus.)

Have you ever been excited for the first day of summer, only to be disappointed when it arrives cold and rainy? For First Nations People, the seasons don't change when the calendar…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best junior and middle grade books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Leaf-light by Trace Balla

Have you ever had a special place that was just yours? 12-year-old Miri has one, it's high up among the dappled leaf light. When she's on the ground though, she spends time with her neighbour Wingo, two joeys…

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Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best picture books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.

Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi (illus.)

Who doesn’t love Pasta? Not only does it taste delicious, but pasta names are also fun to say. Felice Arena has created a rhyming feast with his new picture book, Pasta! Paired with bold and beautiful illustrations…

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Enjoy merry – and seasonally correct – storytimes this Christmas! These picture books, a mix of new and old favourites, are perfect for storytimes this festive season or to post to friends abroad.

Christmas Wonder Down Under by Vikki Conley & Cheryl Orsini (illus.)

Cracker bang! Stars above. Christmas wonder. Peace and love.

The unique magic of an Australian Christmas is perfectly captured in this joyful celebration of love, pavlova and precious family moments.

Twelve Days of Kindness by Sophie…

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Songlines: First Knowledges for Younger Readers by Margo Neale, Lynne Kelly & Blak Douglas (illus.)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (illus.)

No Brainer (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 18) by Jeff Kinney

Write Fight Flee! by 100 Story Building

Artichoke to Zucchini by Alice Oehr

Look Who’s Talking (the Bad Guys: Episode 18) by Aaron Blabey

What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do by…

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These recently published picture books are just the thing for when days don't go to plan.

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From children trying to master new skills to adults who had a hard week at work, we all get overwhelmed sometimes and need reassurance. And who…

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Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in partnership with Australia’s leading essential building and infrastructure services provider ARA Group, is excited to announce the winners of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize.

This year’s winners demonstrates the true depth of talent of historical fiction authors. The winning novels demonstrate the irresistible prose, unforgettable characters, meticulous research, and epic storytelling for which historical fiction is known.

Winner of the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize – Adult Category

Salonika Burning by Gail Jones

…

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So your best friend/sibling/cousin/workmate/neighbour/casual acquaintance is having a baby. Books make the ideal keepsake gift, but before you accidentally buy them their seventh copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Where the Wild Things Are, consider one of our favourite recent release picture books that are almost guaranteed to become contemporary classics. Browse some highlights below, or drop into one of our shops and our knowledgeable booksellers will be happy to share their personal picks.

My Little Barlaagany (Sunshine) by…

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October, and the lead-up, never fail to provide a bounty of scary, eccentric and thrilling tales for our bookshelves. Filled with doomed school camps, wandering souls, small town mysteries and, of course, a fabulous vampire – there's something for every level of spooky comfort in the below recommended reads.

Spooky Stories of the World by Wendy Shearer & Teo Georgiey (illus.)

This spine-tingling collection of spooky stories features over 20 eerie tales from across the globe. Discover bewitching retellings of…

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Some chickens cheer from the sidelines and others set their sights on outer space, but all chickens know it's best to be yourself and dare to dream. Below are four new stories about some very unique, but all equally inspiring, chickens!

Woo Hoo! You’re Doing Great! by Sandra Boynton

Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From…

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Art is everywhere around us, including in the books we read. To help find the perfect gift for the art lover in your life, or to unlock your own creativity, here are some personal favourites which might provide inspiration.

Prolific children’s author Peter H. Reynolds is probably already on your child’s bookshelf. But I think two of his picture books are as perfect for adults as they are for young readers. Ish shares the story of Ramon, a boy who…

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The 169-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton (illus.)

Never a Hero by Vanessa Len

No Words by Maryam Master

Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

Evie and Rhino by Neridah McMullin, Astred Hicks (illus.)

This Camp is Doomed by Anna Zobel

One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor

The…

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With the upcoming announcement of this year’s winner, our Children’s Prize shortlist authors talk about their inspiration, the creative process, their perfect reader, their favourite writing advice and what they hope readers take away from their books.

Want to know more about each shortlisted title? Explore the shortlist here.

What was the initial inspiration for your story?

Neridah McMullin (Evie and Rhino): I love reading about shipwrecks. Not only reference books, but online through the State…

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One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus

Welcome to Sex! by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes

The World’s Worst Monsters by David Walliams

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

Scar Town by Tristan Bancks

Never a hero by Vanessa Len

The Skull by Jon Klassen

It’s the Sound of the Thing by Maxine Beneba Clarke

This Camp is Doomed by Anna Zobel

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment

Storm by Jane Bunn

The Detective’s…

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The winners of the 2023 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Shadow Judging Book of the Year Awards have been announced. Inaugurated in 2022, the awards this year were judged by over 2000 young readers from more than 250 groups across Australia.

A vibrant network of young readers, from emerging to young adult, dive deeply into the 2023 CBCA Shortlist and express their opinions and share their responses as judges ‘shadowing’ the CBCA Judges. They use the same criteria to…

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Now in its 10th year, The Readings Children's Prize is presented to the best contribution to Australian children’s literature from an emerging author.

Our staff judges for the 2023 prize are Katey Bellew (chair of judges, Readings Kids), Kate McIntosh (manager of Readings Emporium) and Janine Larson (Readings Kids). We're proud to announce this year's six Children's Prize shortlist titles, and look forward to sharing our Young Adult Prize and New Australian Fiction Prize shortlists soon!

The Bookseller’s Apprentice by…

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The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced their Book of the Year Awards winners for 2023. These Awards celebrate the best Australian books for readers in early childhood up to young adult readers.

Here are the winners for each category:

Older Readers (Ages 13-18 years)

Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers in their secondary years of schooling. Ages 13-18 years.

Note: Books in this…

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Welcome to Sex! by Dr Melissa Kang & Yumi Stynes

Inkflower by Suzy Zail

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment

Sink or Swim (Wolf Girl, Book 9) by Anh Do

It’s the Sound of the Thing by Maxine Beneba Clarke

The Bad Guys Episode 17: Let the Games Begin! (Full Colour Edition) by Aaron Blabey

Blind Spot by Robyn Dennison

The Skull by Jon Klassen

Australia: Country of Colour by Jess Racklyeft

Hairy Maclary from…

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Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer

Wilam: A Birrarung Story by Andrew Kelly & Aunty Joy Murphy

With a Little Sprinkle of Courage by Jackie Case

Welcome To Country by Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy

The Bad Guys Episode 17: Let the Games Begin! by Aaron Blabey

The Sun and the Star (from the World of Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

Custodians (Wylah the Koorie Warrior, Book 2) by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

Exit…

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During the month of July we are delighted to have a special offer on some of the best children's books from Australia’s leading First Nations publishing house, Magabala Books.

Aboriginal owned and led, Magabala Books champions the talent and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. We're highlighting some of our favourites below, but pay us a visit instore to browse the full range and purchase 3 books for the price of 2. This offer is available, while stock…

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The 2023 BookPeople Book of the Year winners have been announced! These awards celebrate the best books of the year, as judged by Australian book industry members. In addition to book honours, these annual awards also celebrate the wonderful work of Australian booksellers and this year our Managing Director Mark Rubbo was chosen as Bookseller of the Year!

Below are the winners titles from across the three categories.

Adult fiction book of the year

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

Adult nonfiction…

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A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson

The Sun and the Star (from the World of Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer

Robodog by David Williams

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

Let the Games Begin! (the Bad Guys: Episode 17) by Aaron Blabey

With a Little Sprinkle of Courage by Jackie Case

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (The Adventures of Dog Man, Book 11) by Dav Pilkey

…

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Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson (illus.)

Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world. In this sparse yet expansive narrative, acclaimed author Mac Barnett poses twenty questions both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead – to stories.

Intriguing, richly interactive, and brought to vivid…

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It's getting colder and if you're anything like me, there's nothing you'd rather do than snuggle up with a book. This blog is full of cosy graphic novels to help you choose what to pick up next.

For those who needs a little bit of courage...

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is…

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We have so many delightful new Australian books to celebrate this month, beginning with our Book of the Month, the gorgeous new picture book by artist, Kat Macleod. There’s also a hilarious picture book about a sea cucumber, a stunning new Jeannie Baker, as well as new junior and middle fiction stories that are truly delightful. Read on to discover more.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Tiny Tailors by Kat McLeod

The new book by Kat Macleod, featuring the…

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Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (The Adventures of Dog Man, Book 11) by Dav Pilkey

Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi

The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart (illus)

Robodog by David Williams

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

The Bowerbird by Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner (illus)

The Glow by Sofie Laguna & Marc McBride (illus)

Moon Rising (Wings of Fire graphic novel 6) by…

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As we look forward to another Mother’s Day, we’ve been reflecting on some of our most unique and iconic mums in children's books. Maybe they made us laugh, or made us feel safe and loved. Or perhaps they challenged us to extend ourselves and step beyond our comfort zone. Here, in no particular order, are a few memorable mums from children's literature.

A mum who never lets visitors leave hungry:

The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

In…

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We’ve had some exciting new stories published recently by both established and fresh authors that will appeal to young minds and have them begging for the next book in the series. And let’s face it, we want kids to be desperate to read more because school readers are not always very exciting! These books are all highly illustrated with fun, engaging stories that should appeal to energetic young minds.

Ratbags Book 1: Naughty for Good by Tim Harris & Shiloh…

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The 2023 BookPeople Book of the Year longlists have been announced! These awards celebrate the best books of the year, as judged by Australian book industry members.

Below are the longlisted titles from across the three categories.

Adult fiction book of the year

Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au

Sunbathing by Isobel Beech

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

This Devastating Fever by Sophie Cunningham

Exiles by Jane Harper

All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien

The…

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The shortlists for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Carnegie Medal for Illustration* is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.*formerly known as the Kate Greenaway Medal

Below are this year's two shortlists.

The 2023 Yoto…

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Reading stories set during tumultuous historical times can be a gentle, age-appropriate way of introducing history to young readers. We currently have a swathe of brilliant new fiction for middle grade readers set during WWII in Europe, after the Chernobyl nuclear accident in the Ukraine, and in Australia last century.

Fritz and Kurt by Jeremy Dronfield

This moving story is based on the true story of the Kleinmann family, who lived in Vienna at the start of World War II…

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It's March already – how did that happen?! Luckily, we have many exciting new children's books to distract us from the rapid passing of time. Our book of the month is an exciting horror story by Sofie Laguna & Marc McBride with a cover that takes you right back to the eighties! We also have some charming new picture books for little ones, a groundbreaking picture book written in both Braille and English, some brilliant junior fiction, and a magical…

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The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has announced its Notable Books for 2023. 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.

See below the links to the notable books for each category.

Older Readers

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

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As kids return to school and childcare, friendship is both their greatest desire and sometimes a source of confusion and hurt. Who gets to be included, what happens when a friendship has changed or what if a friend is different to everybody else? Picture books are a great resource to explore the benefits and the challenges of friendship in a gentle, reassuring way and here are some favourite recent releases on the topic.

Walter Had a Best Friend by Deborah…

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The longlists for the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration have been announced!

The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. The Carnegie Medal for Illustration* is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

*formerly known as the Kate Greenaway Medal

Below are this year's two longlists.

The 2023 Yoto…

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2023 begins with a bang with many exciting new titles, including a time-slip story by Kate Constable, a beautiful new picture book about hope (the cover of which graces this month's Readings Monthly), a picture book about the creator of Blinky Bill, and a new middle grade novel by the author of beloved middle grade novel, Wildwood.

FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH

Tumbleglass by Kate Constable

When 13 year-old Rowan discovers a ring and puts it on, she…

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We’ve run the reports and done the maths. Here are our 100 bestselling kids & YA books from the past year.

The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman

Guardians: Wylah the Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Maybe by Kobi Yamada & Gabriella Barouch

Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape

Where is…

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Cat Kid Comic Club 4: Collaborations by Dav Pilkey

Off to the Market by Alice Oehr

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

Australian Animals by Matt Chun

Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape

Freedom Day by Thomas Mayo, Rosie Smiler & Samantha Campbell

Diper Överlöde: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

The 156-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

…

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Our Readings Kids shop manager, Dani Solomon, picks her favourite funny books of the year. This is an eclectic collection of titles, ranging from picture books all the way through to fantasy, with plenty of manga in between, and (of course) lots of laughs throughout!

My Parents Won't Stop Talking by Emma Hunsinger & Tillie Walden

This book made me laugh out loud. Molly and her family are going to the park - how exciting! Unfortunately, her parents bump into…

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Barefoot Kids by Scott Pape

The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold

Runt by Craig Silvey

A Tiny Light by Alison Lester

Off to the Market by Alice Oehr

The Bookseller's Apprentice by Amelia Mellor

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg

Colours, Colours Everywhere by Julia Donaldson & Sharon King-Chai

Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid should know about the First Peoples by Isaiah Firebrace & Jaelyn Biumaiwai

Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas by…

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It can be difficult keeping the kids busy over summer. You need something for them to dive into and become devoted to over the long, lazy days. Here are the first books in some absolutely guaranteed, tried and tested series' for readers aged from 6 to 12 that will have kids (and adults) utterly addicted.

Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood

This addictive early reader series about a crack team of crime fighting pigeons is a…

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We have some beautiful picture books that celebrate authentic self expression, families in all their guises, and inclusive communities. Collected here are a mix of new favourites, as well as, contemporary classics that we just can't resist. Explore our ongoing collection for even more wonderful stories.

All the Colours of the Rainbow by Daniel Gray-Barnett

March through the rainbow in this glorious celebration of pride! Children will delight in this stunning board book where every page reveals a colourful ribbon…

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Everyone loves a good detective story. In addition to the popular detectives of yesteryear – Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon and the Hardy Boys – we now have some brilliant contemporary equivalents who crack codes, solve mysteries, and catch the criminals while the grown-ups miss all the clues! Here are some of our favourite contemporary detective stories for ages 7-12.

Friday Barnes: Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt

Friday Barnes is a genius codebreaker and when she catches some bank robbers, she…

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