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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