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Better Read Kids Author
Hall of Fame 2025 - 2026

Sophie Masson with her latest release The Fishmonger and the Pastry Chef. Illustrated by Cheryl Orisini

Craig Silvey signing copies of his series Runt. We are very excited for the release of the 3rd in this series Annie & Runt due November 2026

Shane Jenek aka Courtney Act with their debut picture book Confetti and the Rainbow Garden

Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove with their Worst ever series. Brand new Feet First Worst Hero Ever is coming April 26. Woo!

Aura Parker signing all 3 of her Bowerbird series at her book launch upstairs at Better Read Than Dead

Li Chen all the way from NZ signing copies of her Detective Beans graphic novel series for middle grade readers

Local author and musician Sol Rosen with his 2nd installment of the hilarious and best selling Funny Bird comic. We so enjoyed meeting him!

Kate Emery signing copies of her recent release A Murder is Going Down. Kate has been a regular feature in our

weekly top 10!

Newtown based author Cressida Gaukroger signing copies of her debut picture book Back to the Storks at the Australia Street Infants Christmas Markets

JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Book of the Month

THE WONDER

Tom Percival

When Daniel finds himself drenched by the rain that falls from a sky that shifts in various shades of dark grey, his shoes soaked through from wading through puddles, he feels that nothing is going to make him feel better and this may well be the worst day ever. Then something drifts on the air between the rain drops a wistful light and airy tune small at first, perhaps if he can follow it, Daniel might find there is something to brighten even the darkest day. From the incredibly talented, multi award winner, author, artist, musician and illustrator, Tom Percival, comes this gorgeous picture book about seeing and finding ‘The Wonder’ all around you.

Upcoming In-Store Events

January/February Highlights

Here are some new books we are excited about and want to highlight!

BETH IS DEAD

Katie Bernet

Beth March has been murdered, and all her sisters are suspects . . .

After a New Year’s Eve party, Beth is found dead.

All the March sisters wonder who could have killed their sweet little sister. And – why?

The March sisters have always been close, but will Beth’s murder bring them closer together, or tear them apart?

As each of the girls’ motives are uncovered, it becomes clear that Meg, Jo, Amy – and even Beth – might not be quite as sweet as they seem . . .

'A timely and twisty reimagining of a classic that sees the beloved March sisters embracing their flaws and taking charge of their story.' Margot McGovern, author of This Stays Between Us and Neverland.

SISTERS IN THE WIND

Angeline Boulley

From the internationally bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter comes an explosive story about seeking justice for a past that won't let you go.
Seventeen-year-old Lucy Smith is on the run. Years of hell as an Ojibwe child in foster care have taught her to be smart, cautious. But when the kind-eyed Mr. Jameson tracks her down and shows interest in her case, Lucy begins to wonder if things could be different.
Still, you can't escape the past, no matter how fast you are. Soon Lucy is under investigation with the police. She knows she can clear her name from the chaos that has followed her everywhere, but saving the people she loves could cost Lucy her life.

MEDUSA GORGON'S BAD HAIR DAY

Bethany Walker

In this hilarious book for middle-grade readers, Meddy rants about family and friendships, using her diary as a way of letting out her anger and keeping her emotions in check.
So far, so normal. You know the kind of thing: frustrations with her self-absorbed sisters; problems with idiotic classmates; disagreements with pompous teachers; and, of course, her troubles dealing with the occasional flock of owls, swarms of snakes, or even the odd many-headed dog.
And then there’s the small problem of the snake hair that appears if she doesn’t control her anger…
You see, Meddy Gordon is not actually from the twenty-first century. She is, in fact, a human from ancient Greece and she has made a powerful enemy.
Meddy G is MEDUSA and she just happens to have angered Athena, the goddess of war. And what happens when the goddess of war is on the warpath? You get a bad day. A very bad day indeed.

HUGGED BY THE NIGHT

Harold Green III & Karobo Poppy

Spoken-word poet Harold Green III's dazzling picture book is a reassuring lullaby for bedtime fears and an affirmation of the beauty and power of Black identity.

As darkness settles over the forest, three animals gaze up at the night sky and wonder how they can be as confident, proud, and fearless as she is. Hearing their wishes, the sky takes the animals into her arms and, with a gentle embrace, bestows upon each a powerful and transformative gift.

Harold Green III brings his vibrant poeticism to this new, richly lyrical folktale illustrated with luminous art by South African designer Karabo Poppy. EMPOWERING MODERN FOLKTALE: This mythical story is meant to soothe a real-world problem—the discomfort descendants of the African diaspora can feel being far from home.

It is also about the power of being cared for and learning to embrace the best parts of ourselves. This folktale for a new generation will speak to young people of color in particular, as well as their parents, caregivers, and loved ones.

SEE INSIDE A FAIRYTALE

Helen Mortimer & Lars van de Goor

When you step inside a fairy tale you enter a world of magic, of courage, of possibility and hope. It is the most special place to begin an adventure, so come along and step inside...
Step through a door and into the world of classic fairy tales, where best-loved stories are brought to life. With breathtaking real-world artwork by the iconic and award-winning Lars van de Goor, stunning character artwork by internationally bestselling Gabriella Barouch and text from Helen Mortimer.

Featuring retellings of eight classic fairy tales:
- Hansel & Gretel
- Cinderella
- The Frog Prince
- The Snow Queen
- Little Red Riding Hood
- Rapunzel
- Sleeping Beauty
- The Ugly Duckling

An exquisitely illustrated treasure of of classic fairy tales reimagined to delight and enchant young readers.

YOUR TRUCK

Jon Klassen

From Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen comes the first board book in the Your Things series for the youngest of children.

This is your truck.
It is yours to have.

Your truck is red, but it could be other colors too. It can carry things around, like a chair and table, a dog, or a horse. It will wait for you until you tell it to go, then it will go wherever you want, as far as you want, whenever you want. At the end of the day it will sleep, and you can sleep, too. Jon Klassen brings his minimalist’s touch to a soothing story of a simple object that a child can command and befriend, one that is there whenever the child chooses to visit it. Building on the quiet but evocative world he created in Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island, Jon Klassen invites young children to consider more things that are theirs and theirs alone, reinforcing that they have a right to things like solitude, exploration, and companionship.

Our Staff Picks

HANSEL & GRETEL

STEPHEN KING & MAURICE SENDAK

The classic, haunting tale of two brave children lost in an eerie and dangerous forest, reimagined by literary legends: Stephen King and Maurice Sendak.

Let Stephen King, global bestselling and award-winning author, and Maurice Sendak, beloved creator of the Caldecott-Medal winning Where the Wild Things Are, guide you into this most deliciously daring rendition of the traditional Grimm fairy tale. But will you find your way back out?

This beautiful book includes a personal introduction from Stephen King and has been created in close collaboration with the Maurice Sendak Foundation. A stunning, high-quality hardback with jacket, it is the perfect gift for fans of King, Sendak and dark fairy tales.

Better Read Kids Kids Reviews...

Want to be part of our Better Read Kids book review? Come into Better Read Than Dead and track down a member of our BRK team. Let us know you would like to review a book and we will rustle up a free copy of the latest in children's fiction for you to read, review and keep! Don't want your photo posted? That's OK! Just send your review and we will do the rest.

Better Read Kids Picks

KEEPER OF THE OCTOPUS

Neridah McMullin

This book is about a girl named Pippy whose mother got struck by
lightening and died. Pippy learns that she is the next in line to be
the ‘keeper of the octopus’ like her mother and all her female
ancestors. This means she has to look after the last remaining giant
octopus, Octavia, since all the other giant octopuses died generations
ago in the war with the sharks. One day, the Calamary brothers come to
their town trying to hunt Octavia. Pippy has to find different ways to
save Octavia from them. It’s definitely exciting! I give this book 5
stars because the characters are amazing. My favourite character,
Ferg, is a gross brownie who picks his earwax and makes a special
candle for Pippy. And Pippy’s Great Uncle Isaac uses crazy words like
‘thingamajig’ and ‘doodad’. This book is great for ages 7-12 and
people who like funny books and when girls take the lead. It is so
funny that I was literally laughing out loud as I was reading it!

Maxine - Age 8