New and recommended children's books for March
It's March already – how did that happen?! Luckily, we have many exciting new children's books to distract us from the rapid passing of time. Our book of the month is an exciting horror story by Sofie Laguna & Marc McBride with a cover that takes you right back to the eighties! We also have some charming new picture books for little ones, a groundbreaking picture book written in both Braille and English, some brilliant junior fiction, and a magical new story from middle grade author, Jessica Miller.
CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Glow by Sofie Laguna and Marc McBride (illus.)
Megan loves drawing fantastical creatures and her best friend, Li, makes up wonderful stories about them. They are different from the other kids, but when a strange sickness takes over their town, with everyone staring into their phone or vaguely into space, they are the only ones spared. So it's up to them to figure out why this is happening. Our reviewer says: 'The Glow reminded me so much of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time: the omnipresent bad guy who wants control over everyone and is ultimately destroyed by the incredible power of imagination and determination.' Read the full review here.
This is a highly engaging adventure story that's also a little bit scary at a few moments. With plenty of illustrations throughout by Marc McBride. A brilliant read for ages 8 and up.
SIX FAVOURITE BOOKS IN MARCH
Duckling Runs Away by Margaret Wild & Vivienne To (illus.)
Little duckling gets mad with mum and decides to run away. But soon it starts to get dark and she sees the puppies cuddling up to their mother, the kittens snuggling with mama cat, and the baby chicks with mother hen. Maybe she was too hasty in her decision to run away?
This is a sweet and reassuring story about a parent's unconditional love and something many precocious children decide to do at some point – run away from home! Perfect for ages 3 and up.
Parcel for Penguin by Shelley Knoll-Miller
Penguin and his friends are in for a real treat when a large package arrives in the mail one snowy day. What could it be? They all take turns guessing and when they finally open it, the package contains something none of them expected but all are delighted by. This is a very simple picture book where words and text marry perfectly and its small format makes it perfect for little hands.
Suitable for ages 2 and up.
Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark by John Dixon & Philip Bunting (illus.)
This is the first book in an exciting new series publishing stories in both Braille and English, and what a fascinating tale it is! This biography of remarkable blind surfer Matt Formston doesn't shy away from how tough it was for him, but highlights his determination. Our reviewer says: 'Matt Formston’s story about not giving up, even when his progress is affected by setbacks, is a universal one, and I can’t think of a kid (or adult!) who wouldn’t benefit from reading Surfing in the Dark when things seem a little hard.' Philip Bunting's accompanying illustrations are also delightful.
Suitable for ages 3 and up.
The Isabelle Stories Volume 1: Izzy and Belle by Jane Godwin & Robin Cowcher (illus.)
These four stories about Isabelle and her family, and the children in her classroom at school, are an utter delight. Isabelle's world is turned on its axis when she discovers there's a new girl in her class with almost exactly the same name. But Isabelle shows her around, makes her feel comfortable in class and begins a new friendship. Negotiating the challenges of life and school are at the core of these gentle stories.
With satisfying short chapters and plenty of illustrations, this stories will be loved by independent readers aged 7 looking for a step up after Billie B Brown or Hey Jack, or as a charming read-aloud for younger children.
Detective Gordon: A Case with a Bang by Ulf Nilsson & Gitte Spee (illus.)
The latest in the Detective Gordon mystery series for junior readers is a heartwarming adventure in the forest that also features lashings of cake! When Detective Buffy discovers a giant creature in the forest, she must overcome her fear and learn how to communicate with it to find out why its there. This is the final installment in this delightful series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Our reviewer says, 'With gorgeous, full-colour illustrations on almost every page, this brilliant read-aloud chapter book will entertain the whole family.'
For independent readers aged 7 and up or as a read-aloud to ages 4 and up.
The Hotel Witch by Jessica Miller
Sibyl is the apprentice witch at the Grand Mirror Hotel, but she longs to take on more responsibility and do some spells from the Book of Advanced and Dangerous Magic. But be careful what you wish for, because when her grandmother gets stuck in last Tuesday, Sibyl must take on the challenge of looking after all the hotel magic and that is ALOT of responsibility.
Suitable for ages 9 and up.
