Better Read Kids Summer Reading Guide 2015

Better Read Kids

Summer Reading Guide

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Welcome to the Better Read Kids Summer Reading Guide!

It’s nearly Christmas; the time of year when letters to Santa are being sent, wishlists are being written and parents and friends are on the look out for exciting, unique books to gift over the holiday season.

Better Read Kids

This year our staff got together to hand pick and curate the Kids Summer Reading Guide. Each and every book has been recommended by one of our booksellers and many have been reviewed by them too. We’ve chosen titles that we read and loved, and aim to present a selection which features independent titles, special imports and more alternative literature. We hope that our favourite releases featured help you with your gift giving.

Be sure to visit us in store too where we will be offering complimentary gift-wrapping until Christmas.

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Please click on the book images to link directly to the Better Read Kids website purchase area.

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Better Read Kids

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Baby & Toddler How to Hug with Hugless Douglas | David Melling | $19.99 | Hachette Stretch. smile and squeeeeeeze, and join Hugless Douglas and his friends for a fun-filled hugging competition. What prize will Douglas win? With a soft and strokeable touch-and-feel cover, this gorgeous gift book is bound to endear Douglas to yet more young fans. Now everyone can give the best and biggest bear hugs!

“Join Hugless Douglas and his

friends for a fun-filled hugging competition.”

Better Read Kids

Dot Town: Where are you Blue? | Sonali Fry | $12.99 | Simon & Schuster Blue Dot is running late for dinner, and one misheard statement leads to a string of rumours about where he could be. Did he move out of town? Has he become a circus clown? Why is he delayed? Did he join a parade? It’s a classic game of telephone gone awry. A sturdy board book filled with both rhyming text and dots who are as vibrant in colour as they are in character.

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Mischa’s Favourite

“filled with both rhyming text and dots who are as vibrant in colour as they are in character.”

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Baby & Toddler Colour Dog | Matthew Van Fleet | $29.95 | Scholastic | Recommended by James A wonderfully interactive book about dogs, dogs and more dogs to help teach little ones about colours, shapes, numbers, letters, opposites and much more. Starring Matthew Van Fleet and Brian Stanton’s beloved dogs, this captivating new multi-concept book features cleverly designed tabs, scratch-and-sniffs and lift-theflap reveals that will have toddlers playing along from start to surprising finish. Bow-WOW!

Hairy Maclary and Friends: Cuddle and Play | Lynley Dodd | $19.99 | Penguin | Recommended

by Claire This gorgeously soft cloth book for babies is beautifully presented in a gift box and features rascally Hairy Maclary and his rollicking gang, as well as Slinky Malinki, the cheeky and cheerful black cat, and pittery, pattery Zachary Quack. Safe for all ages, Hairy Maclary and Friends: Cuddle and Play is the perfect item to delight and entertain a baby.

There are rhymes to read together, crinkly pages to shake and scrunch and, at nap time, babies can snuggle up to their best-loved characters.Your baby will love playing with and cuddling up to the adorable characters from the bestselling Hairy Maclary and Friends series by Lynley Dodd.

Better Read Kids

“A wonderfully interactive book about dogs, dogs and more dogs.”

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Picture Books

Gin’s Favourite

Counting Lions | Katie Cotton | $27.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Gin This is the most astonishing book to learn to count that I’ve ever seen. At once an homage to the beauty of endangered wildlife drawn in charcoal by Stephen Walton, a way to learn animal names and to count! Kids can also learn about lions, elephants, giraffes, tigers, gorillas, penguins, Ethiopian wolves, macaws, turtles and zebras. A 5% royalty will be donated to Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation. Sublime.

Better Read Kids

“the most astonishing book to learn to count that I’ve ever seen.”

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Jill & Dragon | Lesley Barnes | $24.99 | Thames & Hudson | Recommended by Fergus You will greatly enjoy leafing forward and backward through this lovely book, lingering over and exploring the big beautiful illustrations, as well as following the story in a straight line from beginning to end. Jill notices that Dragon has been the villain and scapegoat of too many traditional tales and decides to intervene and change the way the story has to go. First she tries to teach Dragon to do all her favourite things (flower arranging, fashion etc.), but each new attempt is an entertaining failure, and discouraging for poor Dragon. But it turns out that Dragon has some innate gifts (hint: firerelated) that, with Jill’s help and guidance, will be put to good and popular use!

Fergus’ Favourite

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Picture Books The 5 Misfits | Beatrice Alemanga | $24.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Scott Five misfits - one holey, one folded up like an envelope, one floppy and boneless, one topseyturvey, and one that can only be described as a total catastrophe - are perfectly content living in their ramshackle house until one day Mr Perfect, replete with bright pink knickerbockers and fluorescent hair, arrives.This quirky and allegorical picture book is filled with humorous and poignant moments, brought to life beautiful contemporary artwork from Alemange; the acclaimed author of A Lion in Paris.

Numerical Street | Antonia Pesenti & Hilary Bell | $24.99 | New South | Recommended by Amelia From the creators of bestselling Alphabetical Sydney comes a walk up busy Numerical Street, past its laundromats, cake shops, panel beaters and hair salons. A fresh look at familiar shops and businesses and a clever learn to count book, the vibrant illustrations and playful verse of Numerical Street celebrate the jostle and chaos of suburban streetscapes. and awardwinning illustrator Matt Ottley.

“celebrate the jostle and chaos

of suburban streetscapes.”

Better Read Kids

Scott’s Favourite

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Picture Books One Thing | Lauren Child | $24.95 | Hachette | Recommended by Amelia In her first book in five years, Child introduces children to the joys of counting. Lola is allowed “one thing” when she goes to the shops. Her older brother is as well. That makes “two things”. The story writes itself from there. Told with Child’s trademark wit and visual panache, One Thing is another triumph for this muchloved author.

Better Read Kids

“In her first book in five years, Child introduces children to the joys of counting.”

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Imaginary Fred | Eoin Colfer & Oliver Jeffers | $27.99 | Harper Collins | Recommended by Steph An extraordinary collaboration between Irish Children’s Laureate Eoin Colfer and picture book superstar Oliver Jeffers! Sometimes, with a little electricity or luck, or even magic, an imaginary friend might appear when you need one—an imaginary friend like Fred, who floated like a feather in the wind until a lonely little boy wished for him and found a friendship like no other. The perfect chemistry between text and artwork makes for a dazzlingly original colour gift book.

“perfect chemistry between text and artwork.”

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Picture Books I’ll Wait Mr Panda | Steve Antony | $24.99 | Hachette | Recommended by Karma In this witty picture book primer on patience, Mr. Panda is making a big surprise. What is it? The other animals must wait and see. But waiting is BORING. Only one little penguin has the patience and politeness to stick around. Will he be rewarded? Once again, Steve Antony’s unforgettable Panda provides an hilarious lesson in good manners.

On a perfect day, the hours stretch endlessly ahead.

Scribbling with chalk, running with kites, digging for shells ... paddling, climbing, dreaming. Hour unfolds upon hour, with reassuring comfort and sleep beckoning at the end. Danny Parker captures the simplicity, spontaneity and freedom of an idyllic childhood. Kate Greenaway and multiple CBCA winner Freya Blackwood’s paintings of three children roaming a rolling beachside idyll capture the light—and even the smell and feel—of a perfect summer day.

I Need a Hug | Aaron Blabey | $16.99 | Scholastic | Recommended by Alison All this little porcupine wants is a hug. But with such prickly spikes, will she ever get the cuddle she craves?

Aaron Blabey, creator of Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn has once again delivered a a truly charming tale packed full of his signature wit and illustrated throughout with his vibrant, signature pictures.

Better Read Kids

Perfect | Danny Parker & Freya Blackwood | $24.99 | Hardie Grant | Recommended by Amelia

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Junior Fiction Mango & Bambang: The Not-a-Pig | Polly Faber | $17.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Liz Mango & Bambang is a collection of four stories about an unlikely friendship between Mango, a girl, and Bambang, an Asian tapir that is lost in the big city. These two become fast friends, filling their days with adventures and delightful treats. The delightful collection of four stories is the perfect length for bedtime reading for 4-6 year olds. A feast for the eyes, Clara Vulliamy has charmingly illustrated the book in purple, black and white. Fans of Violet Mackerel and Paddington will love this book.

Liz’s Favourite

Better Read Kids

“an unlikely friendship between Mango, a girl, and Bambang, an Asian tapir.”

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The Story of Diva and Flea | Mo Willems | $27.99 | Disney Hyperion | Recommended by Steph Diva, a small yet brave dog owned by a wealthy family, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat with no fixed address, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery. When Flea passed Diva’s courtyard one day, their lives were forever changed. Together, Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds, as only true friends can do. A delightful tale of friends from very different backgrounds, enhanced by its beautiful illustrations and charming Parisian setting.

“Diva and Flea explore and share their very different worlds”

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Junior Fiction

Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party | Shannon & Dean Hale | $19.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Steph Princess Magnolia wants everything perfect for her birthday party. But just as the guests arrive…

Brring! Brring! —the monster alarm! She runs to the broom closet, ditches her frilly clothes and becomes the Princess in Black. She rushes to the goat pasture, defeats the monster and returns to the castle before the guests discover her double-identity secret. A refreshing, fun story, enhanced by colour cartoon images, in which a princess sheds her pretty pink and proper life and saves the day!

Better Read Kids

Pugs of the Frozen North | Philip Reeve & Sarah Mcintyre | $24.95 | Hardie Grant | Recommended by Amelia The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart’s desire. Shen and Sika can’t resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce. The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis. But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don’t have. Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact. This beautifully illustrated story by the award-winning team of Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre will enchant fans of their previous books, ‘Oliver and the Seawigs’ and ‘Cakes in Space’.

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Better Read Kids

Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head | Lauren Oliver | $19.99 | Hachette | Recommended by Mischa As I am a massive Lauren Oliver fan, I was beyond excited to hear about the release of this book for middle grade readers. The Shrunken Head is the first in the Curiosity House series and bears resemblance to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children with charismatic language that takes on a life of its own when read aloud! For Philippa, Sam, Max and Thomas – orphans blessed with extraordinary abilities – growing up in Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders is a curious and adventurous business.

Loveable and quirky and a little bit creepy, Oliver has created another original and bewitching read perfect for ages 8+. I cannot recommend this book (plus anything else Lauren Oliver has written) enough!

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Mischa’s Favourite

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour | Anne Michaels | $19.99 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by Mischa This book encompasses a few of my favourite things: fancy French pastries, bookshops, and cats! Full of radiant word plays and associations that are both humorous and educational, Anne Michaels has created magical adventures akin to those of Mary Poppins and Miss Pamplemousse (although instead of an umbrella Miss Petitfour uses a ballooning tea party tablecloth!)

Accompanied by Emma Block’s beautiful illustrations, Miss Petitfour and her seventeen charismatic cats are bound to charm many 6 to 9-year-olds (and adults) with their stunning and whimsical adventures from a search for marmalade to competing in the village’s annual Festooning Festival. This book made mundane days seem a whole lot lighter and more magical!

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Primary Fiction

Karma’s Favourite

The Wolf Wilder | Katherine Rundell | $19.95 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by Karma In the Russian woods Feo and her mother have been wilding, or making wild, tamed wolves that have been domesticated. Feo develops such a rapport with the wolves that she doesn’t much trust humans. A General in the Tsar’s army wants to separate her and her mother from the wolves and they refuse. From there it’s an adventure to reconnect the bonds between humans and animals and to rebel against those who wish to break up the affinities between them. Lovely illustrations accompany a charming and wonderful tale.

The Marvels | Brian Selznick | $34.99 | Scholastic | Recommended by Steph A new Brian Selznick title is always a cause for excitement and in no way does The Marvels disappoint. This brilliant journey through time told in words and pictures is set in two very different Londons: 1776 and 1990. The two complex and apparentely unconnected stories deftly woven together through gorgeous art and writing – this is a powerhouse of a book.

Nelson’s Favourite

The River and the Book | Alison Croggan | $16.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Alison I loved this magical story about the effects of greed. Simbala’s village has two treasures, the river which is their lifeline and the book that is their history. And Simbala is the latest in the long line of women who can read the magical book to help the village find the answers to all their questions. When a writer from outside visits, everything changes and the treasures are destroyed. Accessible and beautifully written, Croggon’s tale is a profound and challenging metaphorical story of Western colonisation and development for ages 10+ that is endorsed by Amnesty International.

Better Read Kids

“set in two very different Londons: 1776 and 1990.”

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Primary Fiction Molly & Pim and the Millions of Stars | Martine Murray | $14.99 | Text Publishing | Recommended

by Alison “We’re all like little stars, shining as hard as we can, with our own particular kind of light.”

Alison’s Favourite

Better Read Kids

Sometimes it’s hard to feel different from all the other kids around you, and hard to feel misunderstood.

Sometimes you might wish that your parents would stop being so strange! Molly wishes her life was different, but when one of her mother’s potion creations has a shocking affect she must find a way to make it right. With the help of the odd, but friendly Pim, Molly discovers the wonders of her life. This book has so much heart, adventure and all the feels!

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The Thing about Jellyfish | Ali Benjamin | $16.99 | Macmillan | Recommended by Steph In middle school, where “Worst Thing” can mean anything from a pimple to public humiliation, Suzy “Zu” Swanson really has a reason to be in crisis: her former best friend has died unexpectedly, and the seventhgrader is literally silenced by grief and confusion. A science project investigating the Jellyfish that may have taken her friend’s life allows Zu to examine and analyse her friend’s death as well as provide much needed relief from her haunting loss. Painful and powerful; this is an extraordinary novel.

“Painful and powerful; this is an extraordinary novel.”

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Primary Fiction

George | Alex Gino | $24.99 | Scholastic | Recommended by Amelia When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl. George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Perfect for fans of Wonder!

The Doldrums | Nicholas Gannon | $24.99 | Harper Collins | Recommended by Amelia Archer B. Helmsley wants an adventure. His grandparents were famous explorers, until they got stuck on an iceberg. Now Archer’s mother barely lets him out of the house. As if that would stop a true Helmsley. Archer enlists Adelaide—the girl who, according to rumor, lost her leg to a crocodile—and Oliver—the boy next door—to help him rescue his grandparents. The Doldrums whisks us off on an adventure full of sly humor, incredible detail, and enormous heart.

Lavishly illustrated in full color, The Doldrums is an extraordinary debut about friendship, imagination, and the yearning for adventure.

Better Read Kids

The Glass Sentence | S E Grove | $19.99 | Penguin | Recommended by Amelia In this special volume, Paul has personally selected 30 tales from his entire collection to mark the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his first book. You’ll find a girl made of ice, a dog who digs holes in the cemetery, a see-through boy, magic lipstick, a haunted toilet, a lie detector at school, two musical spirits who try to save a lighthouse – and lots, lots more. Unbelievable, unmentionable and uncanny, these classic stories will surprise you, leave you tongue-tied, spook you, make you cry and have you laughing out loud.

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Young Adult

Better Read Kids

Mischa’s Favourite

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These Shallow Graves | Jennifer Donnelly | $19.99 | Five Mile | Recommended by Mischa As I am a fan of anything Jennifer Donnelly writes, I was beyond excited to hear that she was going to tackle historical fiction for young adults again, this time set in 1890s New York.

Donnelly does a fantastic job of engaging you into life as it might have been then with meticulous attention to detail; all the while keeping up the suspense and unexpected revelations surrounding the murder of Charles Montfort – wealthy father of the beautiful (yet secretly unconventional) Jo – and the sizzling romance plot. Complex, gritty, and a down right page turner, Donnelly has created yet another enthralling feast for the emotions.

Newt’s Emerald | Garth Nix | $18.99 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by Mischa The moment I heard the words Regency and magic placed together in a sentence I wanted to know who was responsible! Garth Nix opens up to a whole new market with this engrossing and witty adaptation of the Regency romance novel, with a little bit of magic thrown in. Paying homage to the beguiling Regency novels of Heyer and Austen, I revelled in both the nostalgia Newt’s Emerald conjured and in its new sense of enthrallment! Having heroine Lady Truthful disguise herself as a man to solve the mysterious case of the missing Newington Emerald was just the icing on the cake.

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Young Adult

The Letter for the King | Tonke Dragt | $17.99 | Pushkin | Recommended by Steph A young messenger. A secret mission. A kingdom in peril. The Letter for the King is classic fantasy at its best. A mysterious quest lies at the heart of the gripping plot, as Tiuri, a knight-in-training, must deliver a letter to King Unauwen. This is a classic tale of courage, companionship and perseverance in an absolutely enchanting world. With cinematic visual detail and Dragt’s compelling storytelling, the first scene had me engrossed.

Translated from Dutch for the first time, this 1962 bestseller is sure to become as much of a classic here as it is in the Netherlands.

Running Girl | Simon Mason | $16.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Amelia Meet Garvie Smith. Highest IQ ever recorded at Marsh Academy. Lowest ever grades.

And then Chloe Dow’s body is pulled from a pond. DI Singh is already on the case.

Ambitious, uptight, methodical - he’s determined to solve the mystery and get promoted. He doesn’t need any ‘assistance’ from notorious slacker, Smith. Or does he?

Running girl is a riveting crime novel full of fast-paced drama and clever twists and turns that will keep you guessing right till the end.

Better Read Kids

Amelia’s Favourite

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Young Adult

Better Read Kids

Amelia’s Favourite

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One | Sarah Crossan | $16.99 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by Amelia From the author of Apple and Rain comes this somewhat unconventional, yet highly emotional and engaging read. Sixteen year olds Tippi and Grace share everything – clothes, friends, even their body from the stomach down. Starting at Hornbeacon High after being home-schooled all their lives changes everything. Will they find real friends? What about love? And now their body is beginning to fight against them, will they be able to face the impossible choice of whether or not to risk dangerous separation surgery? Writing in free verse, Sarah Crossan tells the sensitive and moving story of conjoined twin sisters, which will find fans in readers of Gayle Forman and Jandy Nelson.

Cloudwish | Fiona Wood | $19.99 | Macmillan | Recommended by Mischa Jane Eyre obsessed Vân Uoc doesn’t believe in fairies, zombies, vampires, Father Christmas or magic wishes. She believes in keeping a low profile: real life will start when school finishes.

After losing her creative writing class prompt, a glass vial with the word ‘wish’ trapped inside and attracting the attention of Billy Gardiner she finds herself in an unwelcome spotlight.

Not even Jane Eyre can help her now. Wood has written another genuine and beautiful novel about the experiences of a VietnameseAustralian teenager to stand alongside Six Impossible Things and Wildlife.

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Young Adult

Inbetween Days | Vikki Wakefield | $19.99 | Text Publishing | Recommended by Steph From the author of Friday Brown comes another startling and beautiful novel about coming to terms with growing up. At seventeen, Jacklin Bates has dropped out of school and is living with her runaway sister, Trudy, and she’s in secret, obsessive love with Luke, who doesn’t love her back. But when a stranger sets up camp in the macabre suicide forest, the boy next door returns, Jack’s father moves into the shed, and her mother steps up her campaign to punish Jack for leaving, Jack begins to lose everything including her mind.

Full of intelligent insights into the human mind, this is a stunning and memorable read.

Zeroes | Simon Mason | $16.95 | Walker Books | Recommended by Amelia Three briliant Aussie YA authors have teamed up together to write the first in a trilogy about six teenage who have superpowers.

Zeroes has taken the old, worn out concept of superheroes and put their own twist on it. Effortlessly jumping between the six different characters building an even bigger perspective on the events going on; each character has their own flaws and the way the characters are written make you feel for each and every one of them throughout the course of the book. Westerfeld, Lanagan and Biancotti have created an intense, humourous world to remind the reader that everything comes with a price, even superpowers.

Better Read Kids

Claire’s Favourite

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Graphic Novels

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Roller Girl | Victoria Jamieson | $26.99 | Dial Books | Recommended by Amelia For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid’s life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. In her graphic novel debut, reallife derby girl Victoria Jamieson has created an inspiring coming-of-age story perfectfor fans of Telgemeier’s Smile!

Human Body Theatre | Maris Wicks | $32.99 | First Second | Recommended

by Liz If you’ve ever wanted to see a hand, nose, eyeball and ear - all with a set of legs - perform on-stage while describing their functions and relation to the body as a whole, then we have the book for you.

Maris Wicks delivers all this and more in this hilarious and informative graphic novel.

“A non-fiction revue with singing, dancing body parts.”

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Non-Fiction 101 Movies to See Before You Grow Up | Suzette Valle | $17.99 | Allen & Unwin | Recommended by James This is fantastic catalogue of movies to watch with the whole family over the summer holidays. Valle’s guide is a great way to get kids excited about watching movies, and has an interactive section for each one to help them start thinking more about them too. The list contains lots of movies that are just plain fun, but also many that will bring up important questions.

“movies to watch with the whole family over the summer holidays.”

Diary of a Time Traveller | David Long | $29.99 | Wide Eyed Editions | Recommended by Steph Light the first fire, meet the boy Pharaoh, walk the Great Wall and make music with Mozart as you travel with Augustus and his history class through time. Over one hundred of history’s most interesing and influencial people make an appearance, including Australia’s very own Nancy-Bird Walton.

Packed with interesting facts, awesome illustrations and even a timeline of events, this diary makes a million years of history accessible at a glance.

“travel with Augustus and his history class through time.”

Steph’s Favourite

Better Read Kids

James’ Favourite

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Non-Fiction The Wonder Garden | Jenny Broom | $35.00 | Wide Eyed Editions | Recommended by Amelia Celebrate the diversity of life on Earth with a parade of rare and unexpected creatures, collected in one, exotic garden. Discover extraordinary animals from all corners of the globe that have evolved to survive the harshest environments, outlive predators, or find a new mate, with the vivid engravings of Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams that make real-life seem more fantastic than fantasy.

Better Read Kids

“Wander through the world’s wildest habitats and discover more than 80 amazing animals.”

City Atlas | Martin Haake | $35.00 | Wide Eyed Editions | Recommended by Steph Take a tour of Toronto, look around Lisbon or hotfoot it to Helsinki with this global adventure in a book! 30 best-loved cities from around the world are brought to life with illustrations by Martin Haake, which show in fabulous detail key landmarks, famous people, iconic buildings and cultural icons for all the family to enjoy.

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“Discover the personality of the world’s best-loved cities in this illustrated book of maps.”

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Non-Fiction

Strange but True! | DK | $29.99 | Penguin | Recommended by Alison Strange But True! is an eye-popping compendium of weird, bizarre and extreme animals, places and phenomena. Did you know that there’s a plant that eats mice, that you can dip your toe into a rainbowcoloured river or peer into the ‘Doorway to Hell’?

Discover the what, where, why and how in Strange But True! Ideal for young folk fascinated by things peculiar and exceptional, Strange But True! delivers the goods via jaw-dropping illustration and clear scientific explanation.

“Discover the what, where, why and how in Strange But True!”

Better Read Kids

Senseational Illusions | DK | $35.00 | Penguin | Recommended by Nelson Senseational Illusions is packed with tricks, challenges and illusions that put your five sense to the test, in ways you’ve never seen, heard, smelled, felt or tasted before. See how optical illusions trick your eyes, feel your way around tactile mazes and test your hand-eye co-ordination with a 3D ballbearing maze. Plus try out lots of other tricks, experiments and illusions. The newest book in the award-winning Illusions series, including Optical Illusions and Mindbenders, packed with graphics, fact-boxes and interactive tricks and experiments to engage even the most reluctant kids.

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Activities

Better Read Kids

Enourmous Book of Numbers | Adam Spencer | $19.99 | Xoum Publishing | Recommended by Amelia Adam Spencer’s Enormous Book of Numbers is jam-packed with stuff to make, decode, deduce, descramble, dewrite and decipher! Counting has never been so cool. For close to 20 years Adam has been entertaining us. On triple j and ABC radio and television, he’s established himself as Australia’s funniest and most famous mathematician. Following on from the enormous success of 2014’s Big Book of Numbers, this activity book is the perfect Christmas gift for readers aged 8 to 12.

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Slot Together Dolls House | Anna Milbourne | $44.99 | Usborne | Recommended by Karma Build a historically accurate Victorian doll’s house, complete with furniture, home accessories and a family of dolls. Press out the sturdy, foamboard pieces, slot together following the simple instructions and you’re ready to play. Includes book about life in a grand Victorian house, providing an insight into the social history of the period.

“complete with furniture, home accessories and a family of dolls.”