Author visits are always such a joy
So happy to welcome Susanne Gervay in-store to talk about her new middle grade novel Parrot Palace. A story of friendship, inclusion and the multi-hued beauty of multiculturalism.
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The talented Caroline Magerl popped in to sign her gorgeously illustrated picture book Tomato Sandwich. A wonderful non-word book to help stimulate and initiate interactive storytelling with you and your child.
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Please note the following conditions.
To be considered all entrants must be between the ages of 6 - 17 years old and must supply the following.
Your name (First and Last), Your age, your school and the contact number of a parent or guardian.
This competition is open to all kids in all territories, states and countries.
Good luck entries are open now.
June Book of the Month
The Great Phoenix of London by Lindsay Galvin
Our story begins in December of 1664 and 9 year old Gilbert is gathered with his family to witness a comet streaking through the skies above London. Is it a sign, an ill-omen and what of the mysterious round stone that falls from its tail to smash at their feet, glowing slightly then fading, cooling and inert.
Over the next two years tragedy will be visited upon Gilbert and his family accumulating in September 1666 when London is ablaze with a raging firestorm that will ravage the city for days. This story is so fast paced and exciting that I was frantic to get to the next page and discover the next exhilarating episode.
You will find yourself literally racing alongside Gilbert, thrilling with each new discovery twist and turn.
Seeded with great historical fact, Linsay Galvin has gifted us a story wonderfully woven together with a fascinating cast of genuinely likable heroes and hiss worthy villains. Brilliant. 9+
- Robert
June Highlights
It's hard to pick, but here are six books we thought deserved highlighting this month. Something special can be found in each of our picks, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Learn the traditional place names of lots of familiar places in this bright, vibrant picture book from Gudanji/Wakaja artist Ryhia Dank. From Borroloola in the NT to Naarm (Melbourne), follow a journey across Country with First Nations words, English story and stunning images, symbols and plenty of adorable animals. Learning Country is truly a picture book for all ages.
- Steph
Kenneth Oppel’s Best of All Worlds is a wild YA sci-fi ride that keeps you hooked from the start. Xavier Oaks isn’t thrilled about a week in the woods with his dad and stepmom, but things take a turn for the bizarre when their cabin suddenly isn’t where it’s supposed to be. Trapped inside a mysterious dome with no way out, survival becomes their new reality. Then, years later, another family shows up, questioning the deep emotional and philosophical conflicts that arise when survival is uncertain! Best of All Worlds would appeal to fans of books like The Maze
- Eveie
Seeing a yummy egg, bear believes he’s in for a delicious breakfast. But, oh wait! It hatches into a baby goose! Sadly for bear, the little Goose is CONVINCED that he is his dad! Follow bear as he reluctantly adopts Goose and takes care of him in this funny and dangerous world. An endearing, heartwarming and funny tale from the classic author of The Gruffalo.
- Angus
Meet Jemima - a golden labrador with a very important job. It is undoubtedly important to educate young minds on disability awareness, and ‘My Name is Jemima’ is one of too few titles that does it well. Looking for authenticity? Guaranteed! This book is proudly written by blind disability activist and guide dog user Olivia Muscat, and here’s a treat; each copy includes an audio edition narrated by Muscat herself! I think the best aspect of ‘My Name is Jemima’ is its subtle way of teaching young ones how to respectfully interact with guide dogs - something you won’t find anywhere else! Super-packed with vibrant illustrations that evoke mega cuteness overload, you'll be beaming from ear-to-ear from all the doggy awesomeness!
-Adina
Bunny and Clyde are tired of playing by the rules. After all, everyone knows that baddies have the most fun. But can two reformed rule-abiding friends really master the art of bad deeds? The book is thoughtfully paced with short, snappy sentences, contained chapters, and clever illustrative page breaks. With its tongue-in-cheek banter and hilarious illustrations, this first in a new series is a great introduction to chapter books for budding young readers.
- Carolina
Get ready for some crayon chaos!! Duncan’s colourful crew are back and already off exploring, but this time with some new friends. After adventuring all the way outside of their crayon box and bravely befriending some new objects in Duncan’s playroom, they have reported back with some seriously funny stories. Every letter filled with colour and fun, will the crayons stay or will they move on? This picture book is a blast!
- Francessca
Our Classic Pick
Bastian Balthazar Bux (Bastian), is a little boy who just doesn’t quite seem to fit into the world. After the death of his mother, his father has become distant and neglected, lost in his own grief.
Bastian is lonely, shunned and bullied at school with only his imagination for company.
One while escaping the pursuit of some bullies, Bastian takes refuge in an antique bookstore and comes across a copy of ‘The Neverending Story’ bewitched, intrigued and unable to resist, he steals the book and secludes himself away to read it.
Within its pages Bastian is transported to a magical mystical land ‘Fantastica’ and a cast of beautiful, whimsical, extraordinary, brave, humorous and dangerous characters, like the mysterious Childlike Empress, the boy warrior Atreyu, a Luckdragon called Falkor, Morla an ancient giant turtle and the dark and malevolent force known as the Nothing.
This still one of my all-time favourites, like when you realise, that as Bastian is reading, he starts to realise that characters in the book are become aware of him. Still gives me goosebumps.
It truely is ‘The Neverending Story’ you’ll want to share it with others and ref it together and back to it again and again.
-Robert
Glebe Public School Reviews...
Better Read Kids and Glebe Public School have connected!
Each week students from years 1-6 will review a book they've been reading and loving!
Little Bones by Sandy Bigna is a verse novel that captures acceptance of loss, the importance of friendship and LGBTQIA+ themes.
In Little Bones we follow Bones and her new friend Tenny as Bones accidentally resurrects the skeleton of a baby bird. The book includes three main and many other beautifully described characters.
The positives of this book are; the development of characters over time and the valued lessons of loss and selfishness. I found the lack of chapters challenging because it was very different to a chapter book but this book without doubt is possibly the best children's fiction book I've read in a long time. 4 out of 5.
- Francis, Aged 10
Staff Pick This Week
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest.
by Aubrey Hartman.
A delightfully grim tale about and undead Fox whose lonely existence is turned upside down when he learns his job; that of Usher of wandering souls, guiding them into the afterlife, is under threat, when a disturbing mystery threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
A heartwarming exploration of moving on, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton
- Robert + 8
This Weeks Top Ten
