Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 junior fiction books of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, CDs & DVDs of 2017 here.)

Diva and Flea: A Parisian Tale by Mo Willems & Tony DiTerlizzi

Diva and Flea live in Paris, forming a unique friendship despite their differences. Based on a true story, this is a delightfully sweet tale about being brave and having wonderful adventures. Quieter than Willems’ usual stories, it’s no less brilliant. Bravo! Excellent for beginner chapter-book readers. For ages 5+.

─ Kushla Egan

Polly and Buster Book 1: The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster by Sally Rippin

Bursting with life, Polly and Buster is an illustrated story of friendship for newly established and young readers. Polly is an anxious young witch-girl-in-training, and Buster is an outgoing, growing monster. Together, this classic odd couple will warm hearts, bring laughter and ensure that reading is always a joy.

─ Mike Shuttleworth

Good Night, Sleep Tight by Kristina Andres

I loved the hilarious and quirky bedtime shenanigans of Fox and Rabbit and their unusual friends. Enjoy the naughtiness of jumping on the bed, swinging from the light, and sleeping on top of the wardrobe! These wonderful, beautifully illustrated read-aloud stories are a delight for the whole family and independent junior readers.

─ Athina Clarke

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Ellen Favilli & Francesca Cavallo

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is both beautiful and inspiring. In simple prose, 100 brave and talented women from across the globe (and all periods of history) are profiled. There are sportswomen, scientists, leaders and activists. The illustrations are stunning, and this collection is essential to every child’s bookshelf.

─ Annie Condon

Shallow in the Deep End by Tiwi College Al AlalinguwiJarrakarlinga & Jared Thomas

Erica asks for a pet dog but instead her dad brings back a baby water buffalo! This is a delightful caper that showcases everyday life in northern Australia, and features illustrations by the students of Tiwi College AlalinguwiJarrakarlinga. Beginner readers who love mischief, hijinks and animals will adore this book.

─ Leanne Hall

Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

Dory, otherwise known as Rascal, might be the youngest in her family, but her imagination is huge. Dory has boundless energy, an utterly delightful personality and a couple of irritated older siblings. Plenty of pictures perfectly capture Dory’s antics and welcome new chapter-book readers. Dory is an absolutely hilarious and entirely lovable character.

─ Kim Gruschow

Super Moopers Book 1: Musical Markus by Fiona Harris & Scott Edgar

Musical Markus is the first book in the Super Mooper series. Each of the four books focuses on a Mooper (cute creatures from Moopertown) learning how to turn their little quirks into strengths… becoming Super Moopers! I adore these books – the simple, empathetic language pairs nicely with the wonderfully cheerful Seuss-esque illustrations.

─ Dani Solomon

Play Like a Girl Book 1: Bring It On! by Jo Stanley

Sarah is starting at a new school and it’s both scary and exciting. Sarah loves the AFL… and what better way to fit in than to join the school’s footy team! A funny and exciting new series about a girl’s footy team, just in time for the start of the 2018 women’s AFL season. For ages 7+.

─ Julia Gorman

The Adventures of Dog Man Book 2: Unleashed by Dav Pilkey

It’s no exaggeration to say the Dog Man books are among the funniest I’ve ever read. The beloved canine cop solves crimes and saves the city from evil in the most unhinged and hilarious ways. This comic book even includes flip-o-ramas and instructions on how to draw the characters. Dog Man is a hero and reading was never more fun.

─ Kim Gruschow

Ginger Green, Play Date Queen: The Cute Friend by Kim Kane

Ginger Green is cheerful, resourceful and loves having friends over to play. This is one of three new books in the series published this year, along with The Twin Friends and The Naughty Nice Friend. The books are perfect for new readers, with big print, pictures on every page and a pacy storyline. They are gently wise: about friendship and empathy, but also just great fun

─ Kathy Kozlowski