Meet our Children's Specialists
Did you know the kids titles in each of our shops are thoughtfully selected by our Children's Specialists? They're talented booksellers with a passion for helping young readers find amazing books.
Now you can get to know the children's specialist for your local shop!
Meet Kim!
Which shop do you buy for?
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
I love to see high quality, thoughtful publishing that is unique. Books that are relevant in subject and genuine in humour, with writing that respects younger readers as the discerning, imaginative and insightful people they are.
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
While content should of course be considered with sensitivity, I have a strong belief that books should not be constrained to age ranges, and that the finest literature, even if very brief and in picture book form, can be relevant, entertaining and deeply moving for readers of all ages. I truly adore picture books and graphic novels but many of my favourite books are found in the middle fiction section. It’s a broad category that is filled with adventure and demands excellence in plot and pace.
See Kim's recommendations here.
Meet Celeste!
Which shop do you buy for?
I’m the children’s specialist at our Emporium store, and I love it.
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
When it fills a niche that I’ve already been asked about. I love when a customer gives a challenging request – like a specific topic or theme, the more obscure the better. When a new book comes in that answers a question that stumped me, that’s what really gets me exited.
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
As a Storytime host I do utterly love picture books – but when buying or hand-selling it has to be middle fiction, for the challenge! At ages 8-12 kids are often decided whether books are ‘for them’ or not. Teaching kids that there’s a book for everyone, you just haven’t found the right one, is so rewarding.
I think people without exposure to middle fiction books can be totally unaware of the high quality - I find myself entirely absorbed by them more often than not. Every parent should pick up their middle-grade child’s favourite book, I think you’ll be surprised by just how brilliant they are.
See Celeste's recommendations here.
Meet Alexa!
Which shop do you buy for?
I buy for Hawthorn & also order Malvern’s new releases.
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
Something that is different! And for picture books, illustrations that are not computer generated.
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
After picture books, I like middle fiction (ages approx 9-12). I find middle fiction is more original and doesn't follow publishing trends as much.
See Alexa's recommendations here.
Meet Claire!
Which shop do you buy for?
Readings State Library Victoria – or as we call it, Readings SLV
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
Beautiful imagery and clever language, anything that will get the little folk in our lives excited and wanting to connect with books.
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
This is a tricky one, I really enjoy a silly hilarious picture book with bright colourful illustrations. But on a different day a clever intriguing YA can absorb me totally.
So it really is a range, each age group has it's challenges and rewards!
See Claire's recommendations here.
Meet Harvey!
Which shop do you buy for?
I buy for the Doncaster shop.
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
The most exciting part of a new book is finding those titles that capture something inexpressible about being a kid, growing up, and entering the world. When a book explores a niche I haven't seen before, or represent a facet of life we don't focus on, you know it's special.
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
My favourite age group is a hard one! I really love middle grade, because that's when kids really start reading for themselves and discovering their own tastes independent of what their parents think they should be reading. It's so awesome to watch kids realise what they like!! But I also have a massive soft spot for picture books, because they can be deceptively nuanced and touching—Shaun Tan is one of my favourite picture book authors for this exact reason.
Meet Aurelia!
All the booksellers at our Kids shop are specialists in Children's books, so here's a sample of the team's expertise from the lovely Aurelia.
Which shop do work at?
Readings Kids in Carlton
As a Children’s Specialist, what gets you most excited about a new book?
I definitely love coming to work and seeing all the beautiful artwork on the covers of new releases, especially since children's books are often more playful and imaginative with colour and lighting than with adult books. I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but you just can't resist, right?
What’s your favourite age group to read or buy for and why?
I personally love recommending Young Adult books for teenagers and helping customers find the right book for them. As a teenager, all of my pocket money went on books (99% of which were all from Readings) and so I always enjoy seeing the newest YA releases and playing a part in cultivating a teenager's love of reading.
